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JACK, EUGENIUS ALEXANDER SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 19, 1911
One of the Few Survivors of the Battle of the Merrimac and the Monitor
Eugenius Alexander Jack Sr., of Portsmouth, Virginia, born July 17, 1840, who has been visiting his son, Eugenius A. Jack Jr., of 217 East College Avenue in Alton, died Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock from heart failure. He had come here two weeks before to visit his son, in the hope of being benefited in health by the change. He had been suffering from water around the heart. Mr. Jack was a retired army officer, having served as a Lieutenant of Engineering Corps. He had been retired for eleven years, since he was 60 years of age. Mr. Jack leaves his wife and four sons, E. A. Jack Jr. of Alton, Laurence Jack of Portsmouth, Virginia, Kenneth Jack of Newport News, Virginia, and Raymond Jack, a Lieutenant of the U. S. Marine Corps. Mr. and Mrs. Jack left this morning with the body for Portsmouth, Virginia, where burial will take place. Mr. Jack served as a Confederate soldier, afterward engaging in the Engineering Corps service. His son, E. A. Jack Jr., is head of the claims department of the St. Louis Terminal Association.

NOTES:
Eugenius Alexander Jack was born July 17, 1840 in Portsmouth, Virginia. After his education, he received an apprenticeship in the Department of Steam Engineering at the Gosport Navy Yard, where he learned the machinist trade. When the Civil War broke out, Captain Charles McCauley, Commander of the Gosport yard, ordered an evacuation and destruction of the shipyard. After the removal of as many ships and equipment as possible, the yard was put to the torch. However, the attempt to destroy was botched, and a wealth of supplies, arms and munitions were salvaged and used by the Confederacy. The U.S.S. Merrimack was set afire and burned to her water line.

Eugenius A. Jack volunteered for duty with the old Dominion Guard, which became Company K, 9th Virginia Regiment of the Confederacy. The regiment was sent to the Naval Hospital and Pinners Point for guard duty. The daily routine of camp life was boring to a young man such as Eugenius Jack, until he was sent to the Gosport yard where he was assigned to the same shop before the war. By now, the U.S.S. Merrimack had been raised and placed in dry dock, where she was being rebuilt to become the iron clad, C.S.S. Virginia. Jack applied for duty aboard the ship, and reported for duty as the Third Assistant Engineer.

The C.S.S. Virginia was ready to cast off on March 8, 1862. Jack was amazed as he gazed out the porthole at the multitudes of people who stood on the shoreline, wharfs and rooftops to cheer and wish them good luck. Soon the 268-foot Virginia reached her top speed of six knots. From his station deep in the hull of the ship, Jack could hear the sounds and feel the slight vibrations of the cannon exchanges between his ship and her opponents. Captain Buchanan ordered the Virginia to ram the U.S.S. Cumberland. As a result, the Virginia punched a large hole in the starboard side of her foe, sending her to the bottom. The impact was so great it threw Jack from the bucket he was sitting on and sent him grabbing for anything he could hold on to. The ship then turned its attention to the U.S.S. Congress, sinking her. Captain Buchanan had been wounded and removed from the ship. Lt. Catasby Jones, the executive officer, was now in charge. The next morning, March 9, 1862, the C.S.S. Virginia (formerly the Merrimac) met the iron clad U.S.S. Monitor, and engaged in a four-hour battle, which was the world’s first battle between ships made of iron. After four hours, the two retreated in a draw, leaving neither victorious. In May 1862, the Confederate Navy was forced to abandon the Gosport Yard and move to the James River just below Richmond. On May 11, 1862, Captain Josiah Tattnall, the third and last commander of the C.S.S. Virginia, gave Jack order to ready the ship for destruction. Jack set about the place turpentine rags and powder in various compartments of the ship. She sailed up the Elizabeth River and ran aground. After the ship was set on fire, the crew made their way to shore. Jack took a moment to observe his ship slowly being ingulfed by flames. He was placed in charge of one of several groups organized to take a defensive posture in case they were attacked by the Union from the rear. They marched all night and boarded a train for Richmond. Jack received orders to report to Memphis where he would be assigned to the C.S.S. Livingston. However, he served time aboard the C.S.S. Arkansas, an iron-clad built in Memphis. The ship traveled up the Mississippi, receiving sniper fire from the shoreline. On July 15, 1862, the Arkansas was attacked by the U.S.S. Essex, but survived. In August, the Arkansas was called to assist the Confederate Army at Baton Rouge. When the ship came within sight of her objective, the engines failed. She was steered to the bank and tied off. The order was given to destroy the ship, and the men marched through the countryside, making their escape.

Jack later served aboard the Tallahasse, and took part in many raids on Union merchant ships. Next, he served aboard the Columbia, which was accidentally ran around. Now transferred to the C.S.S. Palmetto State as Chief Engineer, he served until the Union occupation. He was ordered to destroy the ship to keep it from being captured by the Union forces. He tried to join with General Lee’s Army, and traveling by foot, he was captured by a Union Cavalry officer. He was marched 50 miles to City Pont with 4,000 Confederate prisoners. The men were herded like cattle to a stockade. The next morning, he was placed on a transport for Washington D. C., where he was placed in the old capital prison. He was offered liberty if he would take the oath, but Jack replied, “not as long as the Confederate flag is carried in the field.” He was informed that Lee and Johnson had surrendered, that only Kirby Smith, west of the Mississippi, was left to be conquered. Jack replied, “Then with them I will be faithful and unconquered too.” Jack was transferred to Johnson Island prison, located on Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie. On June 18, 1865, he was released from captivity, and he took a train to Baltimore, then on to Portsmouth, where he had a joyous reunion with his mother, father, and siblings. He volunteered to serve as a mercenary in Columbia in her war with Spain, and later returned to Portsmouth to settle down and marry. He took employment with the U.S. Revenue-Cutter Service as Lieutenant and Chief Engineer for approximately 25 years. He died at his son’s home in Alton, and was taken to Portsmouth, Virginia, for burial.

E. A. Jack Jr., of College Avenue in Upper Alton (next to the Baptist church), was head of the claims department of the St. Louis Terminal Association, and also raised poultry and sold chickens and eggs. In 1916, E. A. Jack Jr. and his family moved to Bluff Street in Alton, and joined the Christian Science Church. They later moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 

JACKSON, A./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 11, 1882
The funeral of Mrs. A. Jackson took place yesterday afternoon from the Union Baptist Church with a large attendance.

 

JACKSON, ALBERT MATTHEWS (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1919
Head of Western Military Academy Dies
Colonel Albert M. Jackson, president of the Western Military Academy, died Thursday night at 11 o'clock very unexpectedly from a malady that had been troubling him for a long time. He had been in delicate health for several years, and had been obliged to be very careful to avoid over-exertion. He had not shown any signs of approaching death, and on Thursday he was able to be out as usual. There was no hint to his family of impending collapse at the time he went to bed. He was showing some signs of nervousness, and the family conferred with Dr. Pfeiffenberger by telephone. Before the conversation with the doctor had terminated, Colonel Jackson had shown indications of a change for the worse, and within a very short time he had fallen into unconsciousness from which he did not rally. Colonel Jackson's failing health had caused him to withdraw more and more from the active control of the school of which he was the head, and last September he retired completely and moved away from the school property.

Albert Matthews Jackson was born November 12, 1860, at West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, and was in his fifty-ninth year. He was educated in the common schools of Middlesex, and it was there at the age of 17 he began his career as a teacher in the public schools. He took up his preparatory college work in the state normal at Edinboro, Pennsylvania, where he studied from 1878 to 1880, and in the Fall of 1880, he entered the freshman class of Westminster College at New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He completed his course of Princeton University, graduating there in 1884. Three years later he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Princeton. In 1884, he was elected instructor of mathematics at Blair Academy at Blairstown, New Jersey, where he served for two years. During that period, he married Miss Jennie B. Simons of Edinboro, Pennsylvania. He resigned at Blair Academy to move to Alton to take a position under Edward Wyman, then conducting Wyman Institute, which was the forerunner of Western Military Academy. In those days, the school had about thirty boys in it. He had served two years under Professor Wyman when the latter died in 1888, and then he became its principal. From that time the school had a steady increase in patronage. The change of name from Wyman Institute to Western Military Academy was made in 1892, at which time he was commissioned as Colonel in the Illinois National Guard. In 1896, the school passed under the control of Colonel Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel George D. Eaton, and the two men remained in the school from that time and saw it grow and prosper wonderfully. Colonel Jackson was the superintendent.

Colonel Jackson leaves his wife and three children, Major Ralph Jackson, who has been connected with the school and is now its commandant; Miss Grace Jackson, who also is connected with the school; and Mrs. Rex Knight Latham of Lexington, Missouri.

The death of Colonel Jackson removes one of the most enterprising business men of Alton. He had unwavering confidence in the future of the Western Military Academy. Once, when fire of incendiary origin destroyed the administration building, at a time when the owners of the school could ill afford to have the loss, they showed their confidence by plunging deep into debt to build a school that would be the equal of any military academy in the country. Colonel Jackson lived long enough to know his confidence in the future of Western was not faulty.

The explanation of Colonel Jackson's comparatively early collapse from arterial hardening attributes it to the hard mental labors he performed in his younger days, and the difficulties he was obliged to surmount in making a great success of his school. He had the school on his mind night and day, and the strain told on his physique, making an early showing of old age at a time when most men are enjoying the best years of their career. As an educator, he had a wide reputation. He was always dignified, courteous and hospitable. He made many friends who admired him for his wonderful ability as an educator, as well as his many graceful social attributes. To the young men who have passed under his instruction, his death will cause sadness, as he was beloved by all who had known him in their school life. As a citizen, he was one of the very best that Alton had. He had confidence in the future of Alton, and he confided his investments largely to real estate in the vicinity of Western Military Academy. He owns many nice houses, which are of a character that make his tenants envied by others. He did much for the upbuilding of Alton physically, always favored public improvements and was a leader in the improvement thought in the city. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the home. Reverends Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, and William Thompson Hanzsche, pastor of the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, will officiate.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1919
Many friends, together with patrons and former students of the Western Military Academy, gathered this afternoon at four o'clock to pay their last respects to Colonel Albert M. Jackson, whose funeral was held from his late residence on Seminary Street. Impressive, but simple, were the funeral services which were conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and by Rev. William Thompson Hanzsche, pastor of the Upper Alton Presbyterian church. There were no musical selections. Burial was in Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. A blanket of beautiful floral offerings covered the grave.

 

JACKSON, ANDREW/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 22, 1884
Andrew, child of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson, died Saturday morning of whooping cough, at the age of nine months. The funeral took place Sunday. Four young girls, Tazzie Thomas, Nettie Walker, Claudia McDudle, and Lille Jones acted as pallbearers.

 

JACKSON, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 6, 1901
Man Fatally Mangled in Cellar of Illinois Box Works
Andrew Jackson, colored, machine foreman of the Illinois Box Company, was killed this morning shortly before 10 o'clock by becoming caught in a belt on a pulley in the cellar of the box factory. Jackson was an old and experienced workman about box factories, and his skill and experience were highly esteemed by his employers. He was a careful man at all times, and it is believed that the accident that caused his death was due to his clothing or a finger becoming caught as he was trying to shift a belt to a rapidly revolving pulley. William Zimmerman, Ned Hanlin, Bert Page and H. Sudbrook witnessed the accident. The belt had been shortened up as it had become loose, and with the four men Jackson was trying to put the belt on the pulley again, while the machinery was running. The pulley is about 22 inches from a 14x10 beam above and 30 inches from the ground. Jackson was suddenly caught by the belt, which had caught on the pulley and started running. He was drawn against the shaft, his arm and shoulder passing between the belt and pulley. His clothing caught on the shaft and was wound tightly, drawing his body against the revolving steel also, and throwing Jackson around and around with each revolution. Jackson's legs struck the beam above the pulley every time he was carried around with the revolutions of the shaft, and his legs were torn off near the knee. One arm was torn off, and it is believed every bone in his body was broken. When the horrified men saw the fate of their fellow workman, they gave the alarm by means of an electric bell that is used in such cases. The thumps of the body of Jackson against the floor were plainly audible over the entire factory, and all the workmen knew something serious had happened. The machinery was stopped, but it was fully two minutes before Jackson's body was taken from the shaft. His clothes were stripped from his body and cast in every direction during the time the man was on the shaft. The force running the belts may be estimated, when it is considered that a steel countershaft carrying the other pulley that revolved the belt was broken and the hangers were torn loose. Jackson was one of the most highly esteemed of his people, and the Illinois Box Company had unlimited confidence in him. The employers and workmen alike held him in high regard, and there is general regret over his sad death. He leaves his widow and five children. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning from the family home at 10 o'clock to the Union Baptist church. [Funeral was from his home on Bluff street. Burial was in City Cemetery]

 

JACKSON, AUGUSTUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9, 1901
Augustus Jackson, a negro preacher familiarly known as "Brother" Jackson, died Sunday morning at the home of Mrs. Chappel on Union street, aged 54. The funeral will take place Tuesday morning from the Chappel home.

 

JACKSON, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1907
Clarence Jackson, son of George Jackson, died at Moro this morning, aged 25. His wife survives him. He will be buried on Saturday at the M. E. church.

 

JACKSON, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1902
David Jackson, aged 24, died Sunday morning at the family home, 1138 East Third street, after a long illness from lung troubles and a complication of diseases. He was a glassblower, and had planned to go to Denver to work at his trade, but his health failed before the time for his departure. He was the son of William Jackson, a well-known glassblower, and he was very popular in a large circle of friends. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock and services will be conducted in St. Patrick's church.

 

JACKSON, ELIZA WRIGHT/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 9, 1890
Mrs. Eliza Jackson, a well-know, respectable, and industrious colored woman, died Friday night at her home on Seventh Street, between State and Belle Streets. The deceased was known to many persons in Alton and vicinity as Mrs. Wright, the name which she received from her first husband. Her second husband and a large family of children survive her. Mrs. Jackson gave birth to a child about a week ago, and death was caused by symptoms that were developed by that confinement.

 

JACKSON, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6, 1918
Soldier Makes Supreme Sacrifice
News reached Alton today that Fred Jackson, formerly a machinist at the plant of the Western Cartridge Company, had been killed in France on September 29. The information came to Miss Mae Grisham of 410 West Fourth street, from Jackson's mother, Mrs. Minnie Jackson, at Bardwell, Kentucky. Mrs. Jackson received the information in a telegram from the War Department. The message, however, did not state at what point in France Jackson had lost his life. Jackson was a member of Co. G, 119th Infantry. He went from Bardwell, Kentucky, and had been in France several months. While working at the Western Cartridge Company, Jackson and his mother lived at 608 East Eighth street. Besides his mother, Jackson leaves two sisters and two brothers, Ray and Jerry, both of whom are in the service of their country. Jerry at present is overseas in Co. A, 1st Pioneer Infantry.

In a letter to his mother written two days before his death, Jackson wrote: "I am living a clean life and if I never get back home, I expect to meet you all in heaven." Another interesting feature with the news of the supreme sacrifice that Jackson has made for his country, is the fact that Miss Grisham has received a letter from him, dated five days before his death, but post marked at Bordeaux, France, October 4. In his letter Jackson says: "I have been in the trenches several times and have been on No Man's Land on some very dark nights. I have had some experiences in the great war. I am at present several miles from any civilians or stores or anything. About all I see are soldiers of several nationalities. I can hear the artillery guns firing now most all the time." Jackson wrote that he hoped the war would be over soon and that he would be able to get back home and enjoy some of the comforts of home life. "You folks must not grumble about eating a little corn bread," writes Jackson, "for I eat hard tack lots of times and think it is fine, but we usually have bread twice a day. But I have not seen a piece of pie or any ice cream since I have been in France. We can't buy it anywhere, but that is a very small part of a soldier's life in France. But that is all right, we are all willing to make sacrifices and they are only small ones."

 

JACKSON, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. Helen Jackson, wife of Albert Jackson, who died Wednesday morning at her residence, 615 West Division street, will be held from the house Sunday morning, June 15, at 10 o'clock.

 

JACKSON, HERBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13, 1921
Five-Year-Old Son of Major Ralph Jackson Run Over by Car
The accidental injury of Herbert, the five year old son of Major and Mrs. Ralph Jackson of Western Military Academy proved fatal. The little boy died less than four hours after he was run over by the seven-passenger touring car from which he fell as the car was being driven away from where it had been parked near Washington and College Avenue intersection. His death occurred at 3:25 o'clock, and at no time after the accident did he regain consciousness. Mrs. Jackson, who was driving the car that fatally crushed her older son, was unable to give a very clear account of what happened, and neither could any of the spectators, though it is believed that the rear wheel must have run over the head of the child and crushed the skull. Following the accident, emergency treatment was given the boy near the scene of the accident, and afterward he was taken home to the Western Military Academy where he died. The death of the boy is felt a personal loss to every member of the faculty and every cadet at the Western Military Academy. He had attracted much attention because of the highly developed intelligence and because of her personality, which was remarkable for a child of his years. "Little Albert" was the idol of all the boys attending the school, in which his father was the commandant, and the fatal accident was the cause of great mourning among all those who had known him. It is the first break in the happy little family of Major and Mrs. Jackson. The mother bore up with remarkable fortitude in the terrible affliction that has befallen the family. She believes that the car door must have been unloosened by the two children at play in the car while she was doing some shopping in a store. When she started the car, the boy, who was on the opposite side of the car, became over-balanced and fell out, tumbling first to the running board and then to the pavement where the big wheel of the heavy car ran over him as he was crushed to the curbing. As a matter of form to comply with the law, Deputy Coroner Streeper was taking evidence in a quiet way today in the fatal accident that occurred on College avenue yesterday noon. Mr. Streeper called on those who saw the accident and took their testimony, as he did not want to cause the mother of the child any further anguish by having to testify before a coroner's jury. Testimony of three witnesses was taken. Miss Marjorie Dietiker of the J. T. King store, and Miss Lillian Cell of the Taggart coal office, saw the accident. W. A. Clark, who was in the Barnard Drug Store, took the boy out of Mrs. Jackson's arms when she ran into the store carrying him. The coroner took the testimony of the two girls who saw the accident and of Mr. Clark. Neither of the girls could say whether or not the wheel of the car ran over the child. The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon from the family home, Rev. E. L. Gibson officiating.

 

JACKSON, IDELL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1899
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Chappell of 708 Union Street have been sorely afflicted by the death of their nine years old adopted daughter, Idell Jackson, after an illness of only a few months with lung fever. The little girl was a bright child that everyone noticed, and her foster parents have the sympathy of a very large circle of friends in their bereavement. The funeral will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the A. M. E. Church.

 

JACKSON, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1902
Jane Jackson, a colored woman who had lived at Fosterburg many years and had nearly rounded out the century mark of her life, died yesterday at 1 o'clock at her home at Fosterburg, aged 98. She will be buried Saturday afternoon.

 

JACKSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 05, 1899
Formerly Enslaved
John Jackson, an old colored citizen of unknown age, died at his home on Bloomfield Street Saturday, and was buried Sunday at Milton Cemetery. He had lived in Alton since his emancipation from slavery.

 

JACKSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 10, 1919
Killed During Quarrel
John Jackson, a negro, was shot and killed yesterday by Isaiah Vandenburg, another negro, following a quarrel in the home of Henrietta Williams, also colored, at 1900 Market street. Following the shooting, Vandenburg gave himself up to the police. Vandenburg told the police that he was calling on the woman when Jackson entered the house and declared she owed him $18. A quarrel ensued during which Jackson, according to Vandenberg, placed his hand near his hip pocket as if to reach for a gun. It was then that Vandenberg fired, he said. Jackson's body is being held by Deputy Coroner Bauer, who will conduct an inquest. Deputy Coroner Bauer held an inquest today over the dead man, and held Vandenberg to the grand jury without bail. A jury of negroes with Rev. G. W. Brewer as foreman, found the verdict. The testimony showed that the dead man had gone to the home of Mattie Williams to collect a bill for $16 he claimed she owed. She was packing up to move to Litchfield, where Vandenberg had been working. When Jackson came into the house to collect the money, Vandenberg interfered and Jackson told him it was none of his affair, whereupon Vandenberg drew a revolver and shot Jackson through the heart. It was said that the revolver used to do the killing was lying on a dresser in the room where the killing was done. Across the street where the dead man had resided a big revolver was on the dresser, apparently ready for immediate use if its owner needed it. He had no weapon on him when killed, notwithstanding the statement of the slayer that the killing was done in self defense. Deputy Coroner Bauer took the slayer to the county jail at Edwardsville.

 

JACKSON, KATIE (SISTER ROBERTA)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1905
Sister Roberta, who was Miss Katie Jackson, daughter of David Jackson, died Christmas night at 5:45 o'clock at the Ursuline convent, aged 18 years and two months. She was the youngest sister ever admitted to the Ursuline order in Alton. While attending the convent and before she graduated she became filled with an earnest desire to become one of the sisters, and to take upon herself the vows of the order. Although she was 17 years of age at the time, she took the vows of a novitiate in the convent, and just before her death she became a member of the order. She was most consecrated in her work for the church, and by her complete devotion she won the love and respect of the older and more experienced sisters of the Ursulines. Her disposition was kindly and loving. She was a sufferer from consumption, and during the last week she was in a dying condition. A brother, Robert, died at Buffalo, N. Y. from consumption while studying for the priesthood. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from the convent chapel.

 

JACKSON, LILLIE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 25, 1892
The funeral of Miss Lillie Jackson will take place tomorrow from the family residence, 619 Division Street.

 

JACKSON, MAGGIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15, 1902
Mrs. Maggie Jackson, wife of William Jackson, died last evening at 6 o'clock after an illness with pneumonia, at the family home, 1118 East Third street. Mrs. Jackson was 43 years of age and was well known in the East End. Her husband is a prominent glassblower. Mrs. Jackson leaves her husband and three children. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be conducted in St. Patrick's church by Rev. Fr. P. J. O'Reilly. Burial will be at Greenwood.

 

JACKSON, MARGARET ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 23, 1903
North Alton News - The funeral of Mrs. Margaret Ellen Jackson, wife of the well known horticulturalist William Jackson, took place Thursday afternoon from the home to the Godfrey cemetery, and was attended by a very large number of friends and neighbors who had known and esteemed the deceased lady and sympathized sincerely with her in her long period of intense suffering. Rev. J. Alworth of the Godfrey Congregational church conducted the services.

 

JACKSON, NANCY E. (nee McPHERSON)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14, 1922
Just a little more than one hour following the date of the thirty-ninth anniversary of her marriage, Mrs. Nancy Jackson, wife of George H. Jackson of Bethalto, died this morning at 1:15 o'clock at the family home in Bethalto. Her death was due to an illness of one year from complication of diseases. She was 71 years of age. Mrs. Jackson was born in Logan County, Ky., September 21, 1851. She came to Madison County in 1873 and immediately after her arrival here became the bride of George H. Jackson. The couple continued to reside in this county all the time. The marriage took place at Bethalto. The husband and three children survive her. The children are Mrs. Gertrude Starkey of Alton, Mrs. Cora McCalley and Arthur W. Jackson of Bethalto. There are six grandchildren, Etta and Nancy Starkey, Leo and Harold McCalley, Thomas and Donald Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was one of the most devoted members of the Methodist Church at Bethalto and the funeral will be held from that church Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.

 

JACKSON, NELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3, 1913
Mrs. Nellie Jackson, widow of the late Albert Jackson, died at her home this morning after a three days' illness. She was 67 years of age and very well known about Alton. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

JACKSON, ROBERT SR./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 07, 1898
Mr. Robert Jackson Sr., of Coshockton, Ohio, died Friday at the residence of his son, William A. Jackson, 1118 East Third Street, Alton. The deceased was 75 years of age. On June 05, he came from his home in Coshockton to Alton, in hope that his health would be benefited. He was born in Durham, England, June 09, 1822. Besides his son in Alton, his wife, aged 75, resides in Coshockton, and his daughter, Mrs. John T. Kiger of Wheeling, West Virginia, survive him. The funeral took place Sunday from St. Patrick’s Church.

 

JACKSON, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 9, 1880
Mrs. Samuel Jackson of North Alton, a native of London, England, died last night at 7 o’clock of typhoid pneumonia at the age of 27 years. Deceased leaves a husband and three children to mourn her death.

 

JACKSON, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 22, 1892
An infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson, colored, died yesterday morning, and will be interred tomorrow afternoon.

 

JACKSON, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1897
Mrs. Richard Jackson of Godfrey died Friday at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she had submitted to an operation several days ago, removing a tumor. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon from the hospital to the Godfrey Cemetery.

 

JACKSON, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 24, 1898
The funeral of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Jackson was held today from the family home, 1118 Third Street. Interment was in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

JACKSON, WILLIAM "UNCLE BILLY"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1908
Prominent Horticulturist Dies
William Jackson, aged 88, died Tuesday evening at 9 o'clock at his home in Godfrey Township after a brief illness. Old age and heat prostration were the causes of his death. "Uncle Billy," as he was affectionately known to a very large circle of friends, fell into his last sleep as peacefully as a child. It was as he had wished it, that there be little warning and no suffering when the well-made old machine ran down. Surrounded by his children, and with a host of friends grieving over his departure, he slept away without even a chance to say the farewells that would be so difficult to say to those he loved.

The death of Mr. Jackson came as a surprise to many of his friends who did not even know he was ill. On Monday he was out in the field at his home doing some work, and it is supposed that he was affected by the heat so that he could not rally as he had often done before. He went to his home and there he was given every attention he seemed to require Monday night and early Tuesday morning a physician was summoned. When he arrived, he found the old man in a state of collapse. At 8 o'clock in the morning he fell into a deep sleep and he never awoke to recognize any of his family or his friends who had learned of his condition and called to see him.

Mr. Jackson was one of the best-known men in the vicinity of Alton. For years he was considered an eminent authority on horticulture. Probably next to this he was best known in the Masonic fraternity. His love for that institution continued until the very last. He was actively engaged in the work of the order, always being in attendance at the meetings of the various bodies when he was able. A few years ago, he was elected to the post of Eminent Commander of Belvidere Commandery, Knights Templar, and at that time was said to be the oldest eminent commander in the order in Illinois. He had filled all the offices in all the Masonic bodies, and at the time of his death had a very important position in Alton Council, R. & S. M., where it will be very difficult to fill his place. Among the members of the fraternity, he was loved and venerated and there is general grief over his departure, even though the end came when he was beginning to weaken under the weight of years but was still able to do his best. He was born in Durham, England and came to this country about the year 1853. He settled in what was North Alton about 44 years ago, where he followed the occupation of coal miner. He engaged in the horticultural profession sometime later and achieved eminence in that line that made him an authority on many subjects pertaining to his profession.

Mr. Jackson leaves six children, John R. H. and Will Jackson, Mrs. Martha Murphy, Mrs. Margaret Flood and Mrs. Mary Hagerman. His wife died five year ago at the age of 76. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and services will be conducted in the grove of forest trees, owing to the limited space in the house. Rev. H. A. cotton of the Godfrey Congregational church will officiate. At the Godfrey cemetery the services will be under the auspices of Piasa lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Alton.

 

JACKSON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16, 1916
Two Die in Still Blast at Wood River Refinery
Two men, Charles Grissom and William Jackson, were killed instantly by the explosion of still 14 of battery 2, at the Wood River refinery, early Saturday morning. Another man, Urick Bailes, was slightly burned, and Louis Hoffman, who was within a few feet of the explosion, had a narrow escape but was not injured. The explosion occurred Saturday at 2:30 a.m. The cause of it is said to have been an unusual pressure in the still due to firing too strong. Grissom, formerly a barber in Alton, was an assistant to the still tender. Jackson was a laborer. Both men were standing close to the still, sheltered by the warmth from the cold blasts of the near zero night, when the still exploded. The head of the still was blow out, drenching the two men with oil. Grissom was doubtless instantly killed as the top of his skull was knocked off. Jackson's death must have been very quick. Grissom has a family living at Wood River, and Jackson has a family living on Belle street in Alton. The explosion caused a general alarm of fire at Wood River, and the refinery hands were called from their warm beds to man the lines of hose and play streams of water on the fire to prevent the fire communicating to other tanks of oil in the vicinity. By energetic work the fireman succeeded in getting the flames under control and no damage was done to other property....The men killed had been employed at the plant for six years and were regarded as good, faithful men. Grissom began working for the plant January 4, 1911. Jackson began working February 16 the same year. Grissom lived in Wood River with his family. He is about 35 years of age and has two children. A third child died two weeks ago, shortly after birth, and Mrs. Grissom has not been in the best of health on that account. The shock makes matters worse. Grissom's mother, known as "Grandma" Grissom, aged 89, has been confined to her bed by the shock and is in a serious condition. Jackson lived in Alton at 618 Belle street with his wife and two children. He was 40 years of age. The inquest was held this afternoon over the bodies of the two men. A white jury was sworn in and took charge of the Grissom case, and a colored jury took charge of the colored case. The inquest was held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the Bauer undertaking rooms. The funeral of Charles Grissom will be held on Monday morning at 11 o'clock from the Baptist Tabernacle in Wood River. The services will be conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny and the Odd Fellows, and the burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton. The funeral of William Jackson will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from home at 618 Belle street.

 

JACKSON, WILLIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13, 1904
Willis Jackson, the East Alton man struck by a Big Four train near the C. and A. cut-off crossing a few days ago, died at 8 o'clock this morning at his home in East Alton. He was 54 years of age, and is survived only by his wife, who was prostrated by shock on learning of her husband's mishap and whose bad condition has been aggravated by her husband's death. Mrs. Jackson is very ill.

 

JACKSON, WILLIS HERBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 5, 1895
From Bethalto – Died, November 30, 1895, Mr. Willis Herbert Jackson, aged 21 years, _ months, and 10 days. The deceased was born two miles east of Bethalto, August 20, 1874, and ever since resided there. This young man was a model character in every sense of the term. He was conscientious, kind, and obliging, and was universally beloved. He was just such a young man as the youth of any community might wisely pattern after. Our young friend, Willis, was carefully reared by a Christian father (George Jackson) and mother, and being naturally of a religious turn of mind, united early in life with the Methodist Church in Bethalto. He ever lived a consistent and helpful member of the same. He received a good common school education, and at the time of his taking sick was a very promising student of McKendree College. He was fitting himself for the ministry, and was at college pursuing his studies when he was taken sick with typhoid fever, and was removed to his father’s home. He lingered in the clutches of the dread malady for many weeks, and during all this time bore his sufferings with that meek Christian fortitude which characterized his every act in life, and just before the end came, those dear ones who had so tenderly watched over him through it all, noticed those pale lips quiver, and listening heard their dear dying boy faintly singing, “Nearer, My God to Thee.” He was happy; and oh, it does seem that the dying moments of a true Christian, such as he, lack but one thing of being entirely happy – he must leave his dear ones behind.

The funeral services were conducted in the Methodist Church, the Rev. J. A. Large officiating. The church was fittingly draped. The seat he usually occupied and the Sunday School library, of which he was librarian, were hung with emblems of mourning. The words of the pastor were very touching, and the songs sung were those known to be his favorites. The casket was covered with the rarest of flowers which were so truly emblematic of the purity of the departed soul. The interment took place in the Bethalto United Methodist Church Cemetery. The following were the pallbearers: Rev. Guthrie, Charles Uzzell, Edward Eubanks, Lee Starkey, Henry Frenz, and George Lawrence.

The deceased leaves father and mother, sisters and brothers, who have the sympathy of the community in this sad bereavement. May they ever be consoled with the thought that the departed son and brother fought a good fight, and is reaping the reward of a Christian life. Mrs. Albert Jackson of Mendon, Missouri, attended the funeral of her nephew.

 

JACOBI, W. W./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 13, 1894
Killed by Train
An unknown man was run over by a Chicago & Alton train either last night or at an early hour this morning, near Wood River, and was cut to pieces. The Chicago & Alton agents of Alton were notified, and the crew of the train were instructed to take the remains to Edwardsville Crossing [Hartford area]. It was impossible to identify him in any way. He was literally cut to shreds, and probably more than one train passed over him. It is thought by some that the man lay out over night, died, and was run over after he died. No light so far has been thrown upon the tragedy.

Later – The man killed by the Chicago & Alton yesterday morning was identified at the coroner’s inquest as W. W. Jacobi of Lemont, Illinois. The verdict was accidental death. Papers on his person showed him to be a discharged member of the Odd Fellows. He will be buried tomorrow. [Find A Grave states his initials were “W. C.” He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

JACOBS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30, 1909
Seven Year Old Killed by Street Car When Sledding Down Hill
The effect of the killing of seven year old Anna Jacobs, daughter of John Jacobs, colored, residing at 16th and Piasa streets, by being run over by an A. J. & P. street car at the foot of Fourth of July hill at Fourteenth and Belle street at 1:30 o'clock today will be to stop all the coasting in dangerous places on the hills in Alton, according to orders issued by the police. The little girl was riding on a single sled with two other companions, Eva Hughes and Gertrude Blodget, and as she neared the track the streets car approached from the direction of the Thornton store. Al Fulliger, motorman, tried to stop the car but failed. He slowed up the car enough to permit her to pass in front of the car and almost beyond, but the wheel on the opposite side caught her lower limbs and crushed them on the rail. In her excitement to get out of the way she probably slipped from her sled, leaving it on the Fourth of July hillside while she slipped on over the smooth surface of the ground. She was picked up and carried into a nearby house where she died several minutes afterward. The two companions who were with her stopped their sleds before reaching the car and ran away too frightened to wait and see what was the result of the accident. The girl leaves a father and mother and three brothers and sisters. The father said that he had often cautioned his daughter to stop coasting on the hill. Coroner C. N. Streeper was notified to take the body.

 

JACOBS, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1902
Mrs. Catherine Jacobs, aged 88, died at the Ursulne convent today where she was visiting her daughter, an inmate of the convent. Death was due to senile debility. The funeral will be Tuesday morning and services will be held in the Ursuline chapel.

 

JACOBS, R. E./Source: Troy Weekly Call, October 19, 1907 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Death claimed another well known resident of this vicinity yesterday morning in the person of R. E. Jacobs, a highly esteemed farmer residing two miles east of this city. Mr. Jacobs' death was due to a short but severe illness following a stroke of heart failure. His condition Thursday was somewhat improved but a second attack occurred early yesterday morning and he passed away. His son, Elmer, and daughter, Mrs. Ed Bardsley of Collinsville, were at the bedside when the end came. The funeral arrangements are made for Monday, pending the arrival of a son, Ben W. Jacobs, from Thompson Falls, Mont. The latter was advised Wednesday of his father's serious illness and wired a reply that he would come at once. His arrival is expected tonight or tomorrow at the latest. The funeral as arranged will take place Monday at 12 o'clock from the family residence to the M. E. church. Rev. N. D. Sweeney will conduct the funeral service and the interment will be in the Gilead cemetery east of this city on the St. Jacob road.

 

JACOBS, REUBEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1904
Reuben Jacobs, aged 27, died this morning from heart trouble at the family home, 1657 Alby street. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 9 o'clock from the A. M. E. church, and burial will be at Rocky Fork cemetery.

 

JACOBY, LOUIS J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1910
Former Alton Business Man Dies in Virden
Alton relatives were notified Wednesday of the death of Louis J. Jacoby, a former Alton business man, at his home in Virden, after a lingering illness. Since last April Mr. Jacoby has been very sick and submitted to three or four surgical operations for the relief of a malady which attacked the jawbone first and spread afterwards. The trouble was of a cancerous nature, and most of the jawbone had been removed at different times without avail. Mr. Jacoby has hundreds of friends in Alton who will regret sincerely to hear of his death, and whose sympathy will go out to the widow and three children. Mrs. Jacoby was Miss Nellie McPherson, daughter of Contractor and Mrs. James McPherson, and a sister of Mrs. E. C. Paul. Funeral services will be held Thursday at the home in Virden, and the body will be taken to Bunker Hill, where burial will take place Friday morning. The parents of the deceased young man live in Chesterfield. C. J. Jacoby is an uncle and Louis J. Jacoby was affiliated with him in the East Second street furniture business.

 

JACOBY, OSCAR LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 10, 1905
Oscar Jacoby, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Jacoby, aged about 20 years, died Wednesday afternoon at the home of his parents, 515 east Eleventh street, after an illness beginning last Saturday afternoon. The cause of death was peritonitis, which was super induced probably by appendicitis. Twice before, it is said, the young man suffered with symptoms of appendicitis but recovered rapidly in both instances, and a surgical operation was never performed. He was a bright, studious young man, very companionable and a general favorite with all who knew him, young or old. He returned from Warrenton, Missouri college, which he has been attending, in July, and expected to take a position in one of the stores of his father and uncle. The body will be taken to Bunker Hill tomorrow morning, leaving Alton on the 7:20 Big Four train. The funeral services will be conducted in Bunker Hill at 9 a.m. and burial will be in the Jacoby family lot. A quartet consisting of Misses Lucile, Nellie and May Paul and Mr. Harry Paul will render vocal selections. The Rev. W. F. Isler and F. W. Elger and Prof. Chas Stueckeman of Central Wesleyan college at Warrenton, Mo. will give addresses. The interment will be at the Bunker Hill Cemetery where two sisters and one brother lie buried. The body will lie in state at his home in Alton from 2:10 p.m. on Thursday. Oscar Louis Jacoby, son of Casper J., Annie D. Jacoby, and brother of Clara, Effie, Edwin, Verneda, Casper, Annie and Phillip, was born in Bunker Hill, Ill., on Feb. 3, 1885. In 1903 he graduated from the public high school at Bunker Hill with honors, having been chosen the valedictorian, and last year he attended the Central Wesleyan college at Warrenton. It was his plan to prepare in a very thorough way for business, and had intended to attend some business college in the near future. Oscar was a thoroughly religious boy. At the age of 12 he found peace with God and consecrated his life to his service, and became a member of the German Methodist church at Bunker Hill, Illinois. He took sick suddenly on Saturday August 5, with peritonitis. When it became known to him that he must die, he spoke very freely to his folks about his hope for a future life. He said: "I would so much like to live a little longer, for I am so young yet and could not do much for my parents so far, but God's will be done and I am satisfied." To his brothers and sisters he spoke kind words asking them to be good and obey their parents. For fully 30 minutes he prayed aloud asking God to bless his parents, brothers and sisters and all his friends, and then asked God to be merciful to him and prepare his soul for heaven. On Wednesday, August 9, at 4:20 p.m., God sent his messenger to relieve him from his suffering, surrounded by his entire family, uncles and aunts, cousins and friends, with great peace at the age of 20 years, 6 months and 6 days.

 

JACOBY, REBECCA (nee APPEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 19, 1896
Mrs. Rebecca Appel, wife of Mr. A. H. Jacoby, died of consumption Sunday afternoon at her home on Tenth Street, after a lingering illness. Mrs. Jacoby was 42 years of age, and was born in Upper Alton, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Appel. She was married in 1873 to Mr. Jacoby, and has been a loving and faithful wife and mother. Besides a husband, six children, a sister, four brothers, and a half-brother, of her immediate relatives, survive her.

The funeral services of Mrs. Rebecca Jacoby took place yesterday at the German Methodist Church. Rev. Charles Emig, pastor, officiated, and the services were attended by a large number of friends of the family. The body was taken to Brighton for interment in the family burying ground there.

 

JACOBY, ROSA/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1883
Mr. and Mrs. A. Jacoby were deeply afflicted by the death, Wednesday, of their little daughter, Rosa, at the age of two years and three months, after an illness of over two weeks, caused by measles. Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby have the heartfelt sympathy of their neighbors and friends. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning from the family residence on Tenth Street. The burial will take place at the Brighton Cemetery.

 

JAEGER, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 7, 1897
The funeral of Andrew Jaeger will take place Thursday afternoon from the family home on Court Street. The services will be under the auspices of Western Star Lodge and Fleur de Lys Lodge, and the Cigarmakers Union will attend in a body.

 

JAGGERS, VICTOR O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 25, 1918
Victor O. Jaggers, aged 60 years, died Saturday night at his home at 930 East Fourth street with influenza and pneumonia. A widow, one son, Arthur Jaggers, and a daughter, Mrs. John Harris of Alton, with four grandchildren, survive. Jaggers was employed at the East Alton plant of the Western Cartridge Company. The funeral will be held at Edwardsville, the former home, but the arrangements will not be completed until the arrival of the son, who is at Camp Lewis, Washington.

 

JAGGERS, ORLANDO FILMORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1918
The funeral of Orlando Filmore Jaggers, who died last Saturday, will be held tomorrow from the home, 980 East Fourth street, and at 1:30 the body will be taken to Edwardsville for interment. The funeral arrangements were completed upon the arrival here of a son, Arthur, who was stationed in Washington state.

 

JAMES, CHARLES GOULD/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 1, 1840
Died, at Upper Alton, on the 21st of January, Charles Gould, aged 18 months, son of John James, M. D.

 

JAMES, EDWARD C. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1902
Former Upper Alton Physician
Dr. Edward C. James, formerly a prominent practicing physician of Upper Alton, died suddenly last evening while on his way home from the post office. His dead body was found by his two sons, Clarence and Charles, who stumbled over the body of their father as it lay near the stable where he fell. Dr. James had not been in robust health for some time, and twenty years ago he gave up the active duties of a practicing physician. He was 67 years of age and had lived in Upper Alton 65 years, having gone to the village at the age of two years. E. C. James was born in Albany, New York in 1835, and went to Upper Alton with his father in 1837, and has lived there ever since. Thirty-five years ago he was married to Miss Susan Knostman of Brighton, who survives him with her children: E. C. James, J. K. James of Upper Alton; Mrs. M. F. Greeding of St. Louis; C. A. and C. N. James; and Miss Susan James. Dr. James was a member of the Presbyterian church, and on the evening of their Christmas entertainment he received a handsome Bible for his regular attendance at Sunday school for the past 30 years, in that time having never missed a Sunday. Dr. James had been in failing health for some months, but yesterday seemed brighter than usual. Funeral arrangements have not been completed, but it is probably the service will not be held until Monday, as some relatives are expected to come from a distance.

 

JAMES, ORVILLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19, 1918
Orville James, aged 29, son of C. H. James, superintendent of the Union Tank line in Wood River, died this morning at 8:30 at the home in Wood River, after an illness of two months. He was employed with the Union Tank line with his father before his illness. He is survived by his parents, a brother, Arthur James, and two sisters, Mrs. Eva Shoemaker and Miss Cleo James. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home. The burial will be in Oakwood cemetery in Upper Alton.

 

JAMES, SUSAN K./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 2, 1915
Mrs. Susan K. James, aged 69, died Thursday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. A. Greding, on Edwards street, after an illness of six weeks. Mrs. James was the wife of Dr. E. C. James, who died December 26, 1902. She was born in Upper Alton and had lived there practically all her life. Her maiden name was Krostmann....[unreadable].

 

JAMESON, MELVIN (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 24, 1922
Rev. Melvin Jameson, in his eighty-seventh year, passed away at his residence, 2704 College avenue, after a long period of disability. His death occurred at 5 a.m. today. For a long time the aged clergyman had been watching the gradual approach of the end. His mentality was preserved to the last and until a week before his death he had been able to read. Not since last March had he been dressed, but he was able to be up occasionally and around some in his home. The close of his life was characterized by the fine Christian manifestations that had been exemplified by him through all his career. He knew that the end was approaching fast and that the time could not be much longer, and he passed his closing days in manifestations of the faith that had been the mainspring of his life. It led him to far corners of the world, it had caused him to take up difficult tasks, and his faith had never failed him. He closed his life as he had lived it, with an unchanged devotion to the cause he had labored in for so many years. Attended by his wife and members of his family, he passed away this morning just as the day was beginning to break, closing a life of love for his fellow man. He was a true Christian gentleman. In the passing of Rev. Mr. Jameson there has gone out a man who was rich in experiences, and a life has been closed that was full of good works. It was a life that was known for its beauty of character, its self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of the religion he had pledged his undying allegiance to, and the happiness of his home relations. His best-known work in Alton was as the pastor of the First Baptist church and of the Cherry Street Baptist church, which he had in charge at the time the church was founded. He was deeply interested in foreign missionary work, and doubtless it was largely his influence that made the mission spirit so strong in the First Baptist church, that it has the highest record of any church in Alton for sending mission workers to foreign and home mission fields. He himself went to Burmah, India, where he served as a missionary for a long period and he had a record of high efficiency in that chosen work. He never ceased to advocate the cause of missions after his return to this country to stay. A fine, manly figure, the aged clergyman was in great demand to fill posts where there was special need, and it mattered not to him that the recompense financially would be small. He always had faith that the Master he served would see that he was adequately provided for, and he was. He lived his home life highly respected and dies mourned not only by his wife and children, but by a very large circle of friends who feel that they owe much to the self-denying services of this venerable man of God. While his membership was retained in the First Baptist church, the latter years of his life were spent in communion with the College Avenue Baptist church members. It was the people of that part of the city who remember him best, and because of this fact, and the further fact that the pastor of his own church, Rev. M. W. Twing, is out of the city, the funeral services will be held in the College Avenue Baptist church, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The following brief account of his career was furnished to the Telegraph: Rev. Melvin Jameson was born in Lyons, N. Y., March 3, 1836. He was the son of Hugh and Maria Melvin Jameson. Several children were born to this couple, but only three sons grew to manhood, Hugh, the oldest, who always resided in his home town, Melvin, the subject of this sketch, and William, who survives him, and is now living in Phelps, N. Y. His ancestry on his father's side were Scotch-Irish from the North of Ireland. On his mother's side the name of Elder John Leland is conspicuous in Baptist annals, in the early part of the last century, on the Atlantic seaboard from Maine to Virginia. This pioneer preacher was an uncle of Mrs. Maria Melvin Jameson. Mr. Jameson prepared for College in the Lyons Union School, and always regard it as an especially favoring providence that he had for teacher John T. Clark, a man much esteemed and honored in that locality at that time. He entered the Sophomore class of Rochester University in 1856, and graduated in due course. He took his theological study at Rochester Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1859. He had in the seminary as classmates the late Dr. Augustus H. Strong, for forty years President of the seminary, and also Prof. Wilkinson, of the University of Chicago. The closest friendship existed between the three, and a regular correspondence was kept up between them until the passing of the other two. He came to Alton as pastor of the First Baptist church, and was ordained April 19, 1860. He remained as pastor of this church until July 1869. From 1869 to 1889 he was a missionary to the Burmans, of Bassein, Burma. During this time he had one furlough, from 1880-1883. For one year of this furlough, he was the pastor of the First Baptist church of Ogdensburg, N. Y. The remainder of the time he was going among the churches, telling of his work. His work in Burma was mainly evangelistic, going from village to village in a boat, preaching to the people in their homes. One of his associate missionaries who knew of his indefatigable and persistent labor said of it, "The whole Bassein District was saturated with the Gospel." At one time in an emergency, he was called by his missionary brethren to Rangoon, to help put a new edition of the Burman Bible through the Press, and was engaged in this work for several months. Mr. Jameson was twice married. His first wife was Miss Julia Allen of Fiskdale, Massachusetts. She was a distant relative of the late Dr. Marsh, and spent several years in his family, attending the city schools, and afterwards taught in one of the grades previous to her marriage. She died in 1875, leaving three sons, Allen Marsh, for many years a resident of Upper Alton; Hugh, Y. M. C. A. Gen. Secretary, Cadillac, Mich.; and Melvin Waldo, a resident of Cleveland, O. In 1878 he married Miss Mary E. Walling, a missionary to the Karens of Bassein, whose home in America was Gouverneur, N. Y., who survives him.

 

JANETT, CHRISTIAN/Source: Troy Weekly Call, January 24, 1913 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Christian Janett., the oldest resident of Highland and Madison county and one of the oldest persons in Illinois, passed away on his 101st birthday on Thursday of last week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Appel, at Highland. The death of Mr. Janett was not unexpected. He had been an invalid for over a year, the result of a hard fall. Gradually his bodily (sic) ran down like a clock and became weaker until at last, only the heart and lungs performed their functions alone for some time until the dissolution. He was surrounded in his last hours by his children and other relatives but he knew them not. Christian Janett was a native of Switzerland and born January 16, 1812. As a youth he learned the cabinetmaker's trade at which he worked for many years. His marriage was in 1839, and in 1866 Mrs. Janett died. Mr. Janett and five children set sail for America in December of the same year and upon arriving in this country located at Highland where they remained ever since. Mr. Janett is survived by three sons and two daughters as follows: John Janett, of Highland, aged 73; Valentine Janett, of Steger, Ill., aged 60; Jacob Janett, of Highland, aged 53; Mrs. C. Buchter, of Highland, aged 63, and Mrs. Charles Appel, of Highland, aged 58. There are also 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. The funeral took place at Highland, last Sunday afternoon and was attended by practically every citizen of the city besides many from surrounding towns. The interment was in the City Cemetery.

 

JANSEN, TAMME/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 03, 1897
Mr. Tamme Jansen died last night at his home on East Third Street, after a lingering illness with kidney troubles. The deceased was a native of Germany, but came to America in 1861, settling near Gillespie, Illinois, on a farm, where he lived until eighteen months ago, when he removed to Alton to reside, purchasing Mr. Charles Stelzel’s residence near Third and George Streets. He was 61 years of age, and leaves a wife and brother in Germany, but no children. Mr. Jansen, by frugality and economy, had acquired considerable of this world’s goods. The funeral will probably take place on Tuesday morning.

 

JANSSEN, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1920
Four Men Killed When Car Strikes Auto At Crossing
Edward Janssen, 55, a farmer and assessor, a school director and former tax collector of Chouteau township, and three unknown farm hands, were instantly killed at 6 o'clock this morning when Janssen's automobile, in which they were riding was struck by an Alton, Granite and St. Louis Traction Co. car at Maryville Crossing, one mile east of Mitchell. The body of Janssen, whose neck was broken, was seated at the wheel of the machine after the accident. The body of one of the men was beside the track, while two were under the demolished automobile. Joseph Hackethal, fifth occupant of the car, jumped before the crash and escaped with slight bruises. It is believed that two of the farm hands were from Rolla, Mo., while the third is believed to have come from Omaha, Neb. Hackethal and Janssen have been shipping wheat together this year, and went to the Hackethal farm to see how much had been thrashed and was ready for shipment. On their way to the wheat field, they encountered the three farm hands who entered the machine. Hackethal and Janssen sat in the front of the car and the three young men in the back seat. The men had gone to the field and were making the return trip when struck by the car. The car was enroute from Granite City to Alton, and was to have left here at 7 o'clock as a special limited. The car was in charge of Motorman Koch and Conductor Curry. As the machine was crossing the track, it was struck by the car. Hackethal said he did not see the car, and it is not believed that any of the other occupants of the machine saw it. This is regarded as strange as the crossing is a straight track crossing. One farm hand in the vicinity of the accident scene said he heard one sharp blast of the car whistle, but did not hear the crossing whistle. Another farm hand said he heard the car whistle and then heard the crash. This led to the belief that the car sounded a warning before hitting the auto, was said that crossing whistle was not sounded but no statement was secured from the car crew regarding this. Deputy Coroner Tate of Granite City took charge of the bodies. No arrangements for holding an inquest have been made. So far as is known there were no witnesses to the accident. Janssen, one of the best known and most popular of farmers in that section, was married, and is survived by his widow, his third wife. He leaves also seven children. He was born in the Mitchell neighborhood and spent his entire life there. He was assessor of the township and a member of the school board of directors, and was at one time tax collector of the township. He has been regarded as a leader in that section, and his tragic death causes general mourning there. His funeral will be Thursday, but arrangements have not been completed. The bodies of the three young men will be held pending receipt of word from relatives. According to Deputy Coroner Tate, the three young men who were killed with Janssen are believed to have come from Rolla, Mo., and it is believed from the appearance of their clothing and bodies that they might have been students from the University of Missouri, School of Mines, working here and there on farms during the summer months. Tate stated that they did not look like farmers. They were clean shaven, wore good clothes, and their hair and fingernails seemed to have been well kept. They appeared to the Deputy Coroner to be between the ages of 23 and 26. Tate said that he would wire to the Chief of Police of Rolla today in an effort to learn the identity of the young men. The belief that they came from Rolla is founded on the fact that they mentioned something about being from Rolla to the farm hands with whom they had been working, although they apparently did not dis......... _as said to have come originally from Omaha, Neb. Tate describes one man as being about five feet six inches in height, having brown eyes, brown hair, and two gold front teeth, another as being about six feet in height, and having sandy hair and gray eyes. The third was described as being five feet, six inches tall and having red hair and grey eyes.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1920
[According to the newspaper above, the three unknown farm hands were: Frank Craig, 17, Harry Stroud, 20, and Noah S. Clark, 21, all of Lenox, Missouri.]

 

JANNSEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18, 1901
John Jannson, aged 70, died Sunday morning at his home on Alby street after a long illness. He had lived on Alby street near the corporation line between Alton and North Alton many years, and he was known as a good neighbor and a sturdy upright man. He followed the carpenter trade during his life in Alton. The funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be held in the Evangelical church.

 

JANNSEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14, 1902
John Jannsen, a prominent young farmer of East Alton vicinity, died this morning at his home after a two years illness with chronic malaria. He was 32 years of age, and was one of the thrifty prosperous young men of the community. He leaves a wife and two young children. He was known to everyone near East Alton, and very highly esteemed by all who knew him. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted in the East Alton Baptist church by Rev. Theodore Oberheilman of Alton.

 

JANNSEN, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER OF JOHN AND LIZZIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1903
The 2-year daughter of Mrs. Lizzie Jannsen, widow of the late John Jannsen, died last night at the Jannsen home below East Alton, after a short illness with brain trouble. The funeral will be held Monday morning and services will be conducted at the church. [Burial was in Vaughn Graveyard]

 

JARBOU, MINNIE (nee ANTHONY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1901
The funeral of Mrs. Minnie Jarbou, nee Anthony, wife of A. Jarbou, took place Sunday afternoon at 5 o'clock from the home of Allen Jameson on Alby street. The funeral was long delayed by the delay in the arrival of a sister of Mrs. Jarbou, Mrs. Joseph Berner of Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. Berner were returning home from a southern trip and did not learn of Mrs. Jarbou's death until they arrived in St. Louis at Union Station, Sunday noon, where they were informed of the death by a friend. The sister was sadly shocked by the news and hastened to Alton to attend the funeral. The services were conducted by Rev. H. K. Sanborn of the Presbyterian church, and burial was in City Cemetery.

 

JARMAN, CY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17, 1901
Thomas Scoggin and John Burns, who are under indictment in the Circuit Court and are in the county jail awaiting trial for the murder of Cy Jarman of Mitchell, will be given a trial next Monday. Thirty-four witnesses have been summoned for the case. Jarman was killed in Alton near the corner of Second [Broadway] and Piasa streets, and a large Saturday night crowd saw the murderers stabbing the man to death without realizing that the affair was anything more than a drunken fight. States Attorney Brown says he has a good case against the men. They will endeavor to prove that Jarman was a dangerous character when drunk, and that they killed him in self-defense. Jarman was thrown over an ash barrel by the two murderers, and while Burns held the prostrated man, Scoggins plied a long-bladed knife in and out of Jarman's back.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 25, 1901
Thomas F. Scoggin received a life term of imprisonment in the penitentiary for the murder of Cy Jarman in this city [Alton]. Scoggin was guilty of one of the most cold-blooded murders that was ever perpetrated, and it is a striking commentary on the juries in Madison county courts that the extreme penalty was not meted out to him. Scoggin was fortunate that he was not found guilty of murder in the first degree, and the penalty fixed at hanging. Thomas Burns, who helped commit the murder, was found guilty of manslaughter.

 

JARMAN, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 26, 1912
George Harman, a son of the late William Jarman, died Saturday morning at the family home on Piasa street, aged 46. He had been sick only a few days with pneumonia. He was a life-long resident of Alton, and was known for his industry and as a good citizen. He was engaged in the cattle buying business. He leaves two sisters, Miss Lucetta Jarman and Mrs. Fred Stumberg, both of Alton. Mr. Jarman was born and lived all his life in the house where he died, 1609 Piasa street, and was always a resident of Alton. The funeral will be Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and Rev. M. W. Twing will conduct the funeral services.

 

JARMAN, SYLVESTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1900
Stabbed to Death With Pocket Knife by Thomas F. Scoggen
Thomas F. Scoggen and John Burns are being held in the county jail on the charge of having brutally murdered Sylvester Jarman, Saturday night, on Second Street [Broadway] near Piasa. Jarman was killed with a pocket knife in the hands of Scoggen, and according to the testimony of Charles Miller and John Gleason before the coroner's jury, John Burns held Jarman prostrate over a garbage barrel while Scoggen cut him again and again. Jarman was helplessly drunk, and according to the testimony of witnesses to the quarrel and to the killing, there was no real provocation for the killing. Jarman was a large man employed on the Bluff Line section at Oldenburg, having a family at Mitchell, and boarded at the Empire House. Scoggen lives near Ninth and Piasa. Scoggen had a sore hand and was unable to do full justice to Jarman for the insult he alleges to have received from the drunk man, and when the two met later, Scoggen had been re-enforced by John Burns, a laborer, who had been employed unloading wheat from a barge on the levee, and together they attacked their man. There were but a few witnesses to the beginning of the quarrel in front of Charles Miller's saloon. The first quarrel started in front of the Empire House, when the men met for the first time in their lives. Jarman called Scoggen "Bluff Line," which the latter interpreted to mean railroad bum, and he resented it. When next he met Jarman, Scoggen had an open knife in his pocket and he lost no time in attacking his man when an opportunity offered. Jarman was helplessly drunk and could not defend himself. Witnesses testified at the inquest that while Scoggen was striking Jarman with his fists, Burns would prevent the drunk man's blows from taking effect on his antagonist, the two fighting one. At last Scoggen drew his knife and stabbed Jarman in the neck, and then as the wounded man staggered over a garbage barrel, Burns held him prostrate while Scoggen plied the knife in and out of Jarman's back and side. As Jarman fell to the sidewalk after the assault, Scoggen plunged the knife blade into his victim's left side and touched his heart. Forty-five minutes later, while being carried into the hospital, Jarman died. Dr. Wilkinson performed a post mortem and found seven wounds in Jarman, several of which would have been fatal. While the fight was in progress, a crowd gathered but no one saw the use of the knife, and William Wies, who separated the men, thought it was merely a drunken man's scuffle. The serious nature of the fight was not realized until Jarman arose, hunted for his hat and fell in a heap, with a geyser of blood gushing from his side. Scoggen ran to the Citizens' Bank corner and there stood until a friend warned him to flee. He hastened home, secured another hat and wandered back to the scene of the killing, where he was arrested by Officer Young. In the meantime, Capt. Fitzgibbons had caught John Burns fleeing toward the levee and arrested him as a witness. It afterward proved to be a good catch, as Burns had a prominent part in the affair. Another man was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory, but was not held by the Coroner's jury. The Coroner's inquest was held Sunday morning and a verdict holding Scoggen guilty of murder and Burns as an accessory was found. Coroner Bailey issued a mittimus [court-ordered warrant directing the county sheriff to arrest a convicted person], and the two men were taken to Edwardsville this morning. Both claim the stabbing was done in self defense by Scoggen, and that Jarman was the aggressor. Mrs. Jarman came up from Mitchell yesterday to learn the details of the killing. She was unmoved at hearing of her husband's death and seemed to have no feeling for him. She stated to a Telegraph representative that her husband had not lived with her for four months, and that he was a hard drinker. When drunk she said he was quarrelsome and made life miserable at home. She believed he probably was at fault in the killing because of his uncontrollable temper when intoxicated. She said she caused his body to be buried here. Mrs. Jarman says her husband was 42 years old. She has three children and appears to be a hard working woman.

 

JARMAN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22, 1911
Old Civil War Soldier Dies - Marched with Sherman Through Georgia
William Jarman, an aged resident of Alton, died at his home, 1609 Piasa street, Monday afternoon after a long illness. He was an old soldier and a longtime resident of Alton. Mr. Jarman was a frugal, hardworking man, and during his long period of residence in Alton he saved a competence, and at his death owned real estate. It is recalled by old employees around the Telegraph office that Mr. Jarman was connected with the Telegraph many years ago. The present Senator Edmond Beall furnished the motive power which operated the press, the power being generated by a pair of strong young arms, and when he was promoted after long service, he was succeeded by Mr. Jarman. That was in the days before electric or water motors were in general use. Mr. Jarman was a strong, tireless man who could turn a heavy piece of machinery all day long and still be ready to continue working when the day job was done. Mr. Jarman was known as a quiet, law abiding man, and in the neighborhood where he lived, he was always highly esteemed. He served with credit during the Civil war as a soldier. He raised a family of children, although he lost his wife many years ago. Mr. Jarman had lived in the one house for 57 years. He was born in Devonshire, England, May 14, 1822, and was past 89 years of age. He came to Alton on Christmas day, 1850. He served in the 10th Illinois regiment during the Civil War, saw service in the hardest campaigns of the war, was at the battles of Nashville, Knoxville, Lookout Mountain, and marched with Sherman through Georgia. He is survived by one brother, Robert Jarman, 87 years old, who arrived from Atwater, Ill. just one hour before the old man died. He leaves also one son, George Jarman, and two daughters, Miss Etta Jarman, who always remained with her father, and Mrs. Fannie Stumberg. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m., and services at the home will be conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing.

 

JARRETT, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 22, 1889
The funeral of Mr. Joseph Jarrett took place yesterday afternoon from the family residence, 430 East Second Street [Broadway], with a large attendance. The sad and impressive services were performed by Dr. A. A. Kendrick, President of Shurtleff College.

 

JARRETT, SADIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1908
Miss Sadie Jarrett, a native of Alton and daughter of Mrs. Addie Jarrett, died last night at her home, 712 Bayard avenue, from pneumonia. She was born in Alton September 10, 1868, and lived here most of her life. She was a very popular young lady, and her death will be regretted by all who knew her. She is survived by her mother and seven brothers, Wallace, William, Samuel, Harry, Clarence, Clement and Lorenzo. Funeral arrangements have not been made, but the body will probably be brought to Alton Sunday.

 

JARRETT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23, 1915
William Jarrett, son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Jarrett of Central Avenue, died at the home of his parents this morning at ten o'clock after a six weeks illness with tuberculosis. Mr. Jarrett was nineteen years of age, and is survived by his parents and three brothers, Bert(?), Harry and Morvis Jarrett, and one sister, Miss Bertie Jarrett. For the past four years the deceased has been employed at the Western Cartridge Company at East Alton, and was highly thought of by both his employers and his co-workers, on account of his quiet ways and close application to business, and will be greatly missed by his friends as well as by his sorrowing family. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from the family residence on Central avenue, and burial will take place in the City cemetery.

 

JARVIS, ELLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 4, 1846
Died at Troy, Madison County, Illinois, on the 25th of November, Mrs. Ellen Jarvis, wife of Mr. John G. Jarvis of that place, and daughter of Major William G. and Mrs. Martha Brown of St. Clair County. Mrs. Jarvis was born on the 29th of May 1818, and united in marriage to Mr. Jarvis on the 19th April, 1838. She professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in February 18??, and continued an acceptable member of the same to the time of her death. She has left an afflicted husband, three children, and a large circle of relations and friends to mourn their loss, but they sorrow not as those that are without hope.

 

JARVIS, GEORGE H./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 12, 1894
Mr. George H. Jarvis, of North Alton, died in Belleville Thursday. The body will be brought here for interment, reaching the Union Depot Saturday afternoon. The funeral cortege will proceed from the depot to the cemetery. Friends are invited to attend from the depot. Mr. Jarvis was 77 years, 10 months, and 10 days old. He left no children, but the following grandchildren survive: Mr. Nelson Reagan, Milwaukee; Mrs. J. E. Betts, Belleville; Mrs. Annie Pauncis, St. Louis; Mrs. John W. Tonsor and Mrs. William McCollum, Alton; Oswald and George Crowson, Alton. Mr. Charles Crowson of Alton is Mr. Jarvis’ son-in-law.

 

JARVIS, JOHN GILLHAM (HON.)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 17, 1881
Hon. J. G. Jarvis of Troy died yesterday morning, aged 70 years. Mr. Jarvis was a prominent citizen and a native of the township which bears his name. The funeral takes place at two o’clock this afternoon.

Notes:
John Gillham Jarvis was born April 29, 1810, in Madison County, Illinois. He married in 1838 to Eleanor Brown. They had two children – Henry C. Jarvis (1840-1846) and John F. Jarvis (1845-1863). Eleanor died in 1845. He then married in 1847 to Emily M. Brown Rice, and they had four children – Martha E. Jarvis (1848-1850); Richard W. Jarvis (1854-1914); Emma Caroline Jarvis Powell (1856-1922); and Florence A. Jarvis (1866-1877). John G. Jarvis died March 16, 1881, and was buried in the Troy City Cemetery.

 

JARVIS, ORPHA B./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 30, 1870
Died on the 25th instant, Orpha B., infant daughter of William W. and Sarah E. Jarvis, of Troy, aged 6 months and 2 days. "A little flower of love, That blossomed but to die; Transplanted now above, To bloom with God on high."

 

JARVIS, WESLEY WESTON/Source: The Troy Weekly Call, January 2, 1909
Crushed by 600-pound Slate
Donk’s No. 3 mine at Troy added another to its long list of victims Monday, in the person of Wesley Weston Jarvis, a well-known young man of Troy, who was killed by a fall of slate while at work in the mind. The accident occurred about 9:30 a.m., and was first discovered by Charles Elliott, a driver who went into the room where Jarvis worked alone, to take out the coal he had loaded. Elliott saw the body under a fall of slate, and hurried to adjoining rooms to summon help. It required the strength of four men to remove the huge clod, which it is estimated weighed about 600 pounds. Life was seen to be extinct, the head having been crushed, and the end must have been instantaneous. The body of Jarvis was then taken from the mind and removed to his home nearby.

Deputy Coroner R. E. Low of Edwardsville was at once notified, and arrived the same evening to hold the inquest. Coroner C. N. Streeper of Alton happened to be at Edwardsville, and accompanied the Deputy to Troy, it being the latter’s first inquest since his appointment last week. The inquest was held at the Miners’ Hall, with a jury composed of J. E. Hindmarch, Stanley Ritcher, James McCormick, James Rawson, Walter Wilkinson, and H. C. Kersey. The evidence in the main was in accordance with the facts already stated, but it also developed that the room in which Jarvis worked was known as “bad.” It had been marked as such, but the mark had become erased. Other evidence was to the effect that Jarvis went to work on Thursday of last week, but remained in his room only an hour because of a feeling of unsafety. The jury, however, did not hold the company responsible for the accident, as has been reported, and the full text of its verdict was as follows:

“We the jury find that Wesley Jarvis came to his death from a fall of slate in room No. 6, 4th stub, 4th west, north side, in Donk Bros. Mine No. 3 at Troy, Illinois on Monday, December 28, 1908.”

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the family residence in the west end, to the Presbyterian Church, and was very largely attended, including the members of the Miners’ Union in a body. Rev. N. D. Sweeny, pastor of the M. E. Church, and a boyhood friend of the deceased, preached an eloquent and fitting funeral sermon. Rev. B. L. Stuart of the Presbyterian Church also assisted in the services. The casket bore a large number of beautiful floral tributes, and the pallbearers were: Charles Wandling, Herbert Horsley, Walter Wilkinson, Fred Richold, John Deimling, and John Riggin. The interment was in the Troy Cemetery.

Wesley Weston Jarvis was born in Troy on July 27, 1870. He was the oldest son of John F. and Nancy J. Jarvis, and his is the first death in the immediate family. His earlier life was spent in the schools and on the farm at this place, and later he took up the occupation of a miner. After working here for a time, he went to the lead mines at Joplin, Missouri, and later to the coal mines in Indiana. Ten years ago he went west, and after spending eight years in North Dakota and other states in mining and on ranches, returned here about two years ago, where he has since resided and has engaged in mining. He was never married.

 

JARVIS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19, 1915
William Jarvis, aged 32 years, of Troy, dropped dead at the home of Edward Geldes where he was visiting at 6 o'clock last night. Ten minutes before he dropped dead he had drank a glass of iced tea. He had been an invalid fourteen years, and it is not decided whether the iced tea hastened his death. An inquest will be held this evening. The deceased is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jarvis, and is a member of one of the old time families of Troy.

 

JARVIS, WILLIAM WESLEY/Source: Troy Call, April 22, 1927
Former Banker Ends His Own Life
On April 19, 1927, William Wesley Jarvis ended his own life by shooting himself. The tragedy occurred in the summer kitchen of the Jarvis home. He rose early in the morning, and when other family members rose he was missed, and a search was made. He was found by Frank A. Collins, lying dead on an old couch in the summer kitchen. A bullet wound was in the left temple, and an old 32-caliber revolver lay on the floor nearby. Advancing age and the fear of infirmities which would render him helpless was believed to be the cause of the act. Recently, he had suffered from lack of sleep and depression, repeatedly expressing a wish to die.

William Wesley Jarvis was the fourth child of five children of Wesley and Mary A. Jarvis. He was born in Troy on March 11, 1842, making his age 85 years, 1 month, and 8 days. His parents were natives of Troy, and members of a pioneer family, his father having been born in Troy and his mother between Troy and Edwardsville. William’s early life was spent on a farm west of Troy. When the Civil War broke out, he was 19 years old. He was one of the first Troy men to enlist for 90-day service, and was assigned to Company I of the Ninth Illinois Regiment. After the 90 days were over, he re-enlisted for three years, and served throughout the war. He was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, and again at Fort Donnelson, and was twice taken prisoner. The second time he was held in the famous Libby prison at Richmond. He became a personal friend of General William T. Sherman, and after the war William hosted the General as a guest at his home in Troy.

Following the war, Mr. Jarvis returned home and took up farming. He then studied law, and later launched in mercantile pursuits. His first business venture was with Julius A. Barnsback, when they opened the first lumberyard in Troy. He purchased Barnsback’s interest in 1869, and continued in the business until 1876, when he sold out to engage in the commission business at the National Stockyards in East St. Louis, where he remained until 1885. In 1885, he partnered with H. H. Paden in establishing the Troy Exchange Bank. After two years, Paden sold his interest, and Mr. Jarvis continued until May 1, 1926, when he retired. Jarvis was also a large land owner.

On December 24, 1867, Jarvis married Miss Sarah E. Barnsback, a member of another pioneer family. Nine children were born, five of whom died in infancy. Sarah Barnsback Jarvis died July 12, 1915. Surviving were four daughters: Dollie Genevieve Jarvis (1873-1945); Sarah Jarvis Seele (1875-1944; wife of Fred W. Seele; Mabel Jarvis Seele (1883-1961; wife of William C. Seele); and Bessie Jarvis Keller (1879-1966; wife of Robert Maurice Keller of Ardmore, Oklahoma).The funeral of William W. Jarvis was held at the family home. He was buried in the Troy City Cemetery.

 

JAYNE, MALINDA J./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1836
Died, on the 19th inst., Malinda J., in the tenth month of her age, infant daughter of Dr. Z. Jayne. Her disease in the sequel was that of diarrhea, which immediately succeeded a violent attack of measles.

 

JAYNES, SUSAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1903
Mrs. Susan Jaynes, 74, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Emma Layton, Indiana avenue, after a long illness Sunday night. The funeral was held this morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church. She leaves two children, Mrs. Layton and George Jaynes.

 

JEANS, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1901
Elmer Jeans, a young man well known in the city and with many friends, died this morning at 11:20 at the home of his mother, corner of Staunton and Common streets, after a long illness with consumption. This is the second one of the family to go with the same disease within a year, and the afflicted mother has the sympathy of all. Elmer was 27 years of age, and leaves a mother, three brothers - David, Newton and Harry, and two sisters - Mrs. Lizzie Wayman and Mrs. Eva Henderson, to mourn his death. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Congregational church.

 

JEANS, EVALINE S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1920
The funeral of Mrs. Evaline S. Jeans, the aged resident of Alton, who died Wednesday morning, was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Congregational church in which she had held membership for many years. The services were conducted by Rev. C. C. Smith, the pastor, who had been on a trip in behalf of the Inter-church movement, and had a series of appointments to visit several other cities when he was called back home by word of the death of this aged member of his congregation. There were many old friends of Mrs. Jeans, and a large number of members of the church at the service. Burial was in City cemetery.

 

JEANS, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1902
Harry Jeans died at 2:30 o'clock Monday morning after a long illness, aged 24. He had been a sufferer from consumption for many months. A few days ago he returned from Clarksville, Mo., where he had been staying in hope that his health would be benefitted. He was very weak when he returned, and his condition grew worse rapidly. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and will be under the auspices of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

 

JEANS, JEFFERSON DAVIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10, 1905
The funeral of Jefferson Davis Jeans was held Monday afternoon from the home on Staunton street, where services were conducted by Rev. E. T. McFarland of St. Louis, pastor of the Alton Christian church which Mr. Jeans had labored so hard and long to organize. There was a large attendance of friends and neighbors, and many beautiful floral offerings. Members of Robin Hood Camp Modern Woodmen attended the funeral in a body.

 
JEANS, MARION F./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1898
Marion F. Jeans died Saturday after a long illness at his home, 615 North Street, with consumption. He was 20 years and 5 months of age, and had lived in Alton all his life. He was the son of Mrs. Evelyn Jeans, and beside his mother, leaves five brothers and two sisters. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon. The services were in the Congregational Church, conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing, in the absence of the pastor. Interment was in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

JEFFREY, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 5, 1850
Died on Tuesday, the 31st inst., Mrs. Mary Jeffrey, wife of John Jeffrey of Alton.

 

JEHLE, AGNES (nee BRESSNER)/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7, 1889
Suicide in Highland
Mrs. Agnes Jehle, a highly respected lady, 68 years of age, and a resident of Madison County since 1853, committed suicide last night. She left the rest of the family about 8:30 o’clock to retire, in apparent good spirits and happy, and nothing wrong was apprehended until her son was awakened in an adjoining room by a mysterious cough. Upon entering her room, she at once said she had taken “Rough on Rats,” and her son seeing the empty box on a washstand, immediately summoned a physician, but she refused to take medicine and died in a few moments. No cause for her act is known. She had, however, previously asked if Rough on Rats would do deadly work on human beings.

NOTES:
Agnes Bressner Jehle was born December 18, 1820, in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. She married Joseph Jehle, who died in 1886. They had two children – August Jehle (1851-1933) and Emma Jehle Streiff (1853-1881). Agnes was buried in the Highland Cemetery, Highland, Illinois.

 

JEHLE, JOHANES “JOHN”/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 18, 1891
The funeral of Mr. John Jehle took place Friday afternoon. Large numbers of the business friends and acquaintances of deceased gathered at his residence, and at two o’clock the long line of carriages moved to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where the services were held, conducted by Father Peters. The attendance at the church was large, and there were many rare floral tokens, all showing the high regard in which Mr. Jehle was held. After the services, the cortege again took up its way to St. Mary’s Cemetery, where all that was mortal of Mr. Jehle was laid. Expressions of grief were made on all hands for the widow and children in their bereavements. The pallbearers were D. Busse, E. Aswege, V. Bruch, H. Brueggemann, Anton Reck, and Frank Pieper.

NOTES:
Mr. Jehle was born in 1851, and was about 39-40 years of age at the time of his death. He was buried in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton. Surviving was his wife, Caroline Wiegand Jehle (1853-1947), and his children: Johanna Jehle Dreisoerner (?-1928); Lena T. Jehle (?-1933); John J. Jehle (?-1950); Julia Jehle (1879-1883); M. Immaculata Jehle (1881-1902); and Anton Jehle (1884-1942).

 

JEHLE, JULIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 3, 1883
Died in Alton on April 30, of convulsions, Julia, daughter of John and Lena Jehle, aged 3 years, 6 months, and 24 days. The funeral took place yesterday from the family residence on Belle Street. The pallbearers were six girls dressed in white.

 

JENKINS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 4, 1918
Requiem high mass was sung this morning at St. Patrick's Catholic Church for Mrs. Catherine Jenkins, the funeral being attended by a very large gathering of friends and relatives of the well known Alton woman. Rev. Francis B. Kehoe sang the requiem. Six of Mrs. Jenkins' sons were pallbearers. The body was shipped at 9:20 to Muncie, Ind., where the family has a lot. A large party of relatives accompanied the remains.

 

JENKINS, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 16, 1891
Civil War Soldier
Mr. and Mrs. John McKissock went to Springfield Tuesday by the Chicago & Alton No. 3, in response to a telegram announcing the probably speedy dissolution of their brother-in-law, Mr. David Jenkins. Mr. Thomas Hyndman yesterday received a telegram announcing the death. Mr. Jenkins has been ill for more than six months, and his death has been almost daily expected for a month or two.

David Jenkins was raised at the Coal Branch [near North Alton], a miner by trade, and lived there until he enlisted in the army. He was a member of Company D, Tenth Illinois Volunteers, and was a grave and gallant soldier, esteemed and admired by his comrades for his genial disposition. At the close of the Civil War, Mr. Jenkins came to Alton to reside, where he remained until he received an appointment at the State House in Springfield, several years ago. Mr. Jenkins’ hosts of friends in Alton will deeply regret his death, as he was one of those men who made friends everywhere.

Mr. Jenkins was an honored member of Western Star Lodge No. 1, I.O.O.F. of Alton, and during his long illness, the members have had a constant interest in his welfare. The funeral took place at Springfield today, and was attended by Mr. Thomas Hyndman and others from Alton. To his old soldier comrades in Company D, of whom there are still a few living in this vicinity, it will be a sad blow, causing them to feel how steadily and rapidly their numbers are lessening. No truer soldier of the Union ever wore the blue than David Jenkins.

“On fields where strife held riot
And slaughter red his hounds,
Where came no sense of quiet
Nor any gentle sounds
He made his rounds.

We wrought without repining,
Till weary watches o’er,
He passed the bounds confining
Our green familiar shore
Forever more.”

The Funeral
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 23, 1891
From the Springfield Journal, July 16 – The funeral of the late David Jenkins took place yesterday from his late residence, 1057 South College Street, and was very largely attended by relatives, friends, and the State House employees. The local lodges of I.O.O.F., and Ancient Order of United Workmen attended in bodies. The services were conducted by Rev. C. C. Otis, pastor of the First Congregational Church. He gave a fitting address on the life and character of the deceased, whom he said was not merely a brave soldier, but had given evidence of great faith in God during his illness. The floral offerings were beautiful, there being a number of exquisite designs. The pallbearers were D. W. Millen, D. W. Savage, Archie Neilson, and David Harm of the Odd Fellows; E. W. Mason and George Simmons of the A.O.U.W., and Joseph Birt and James M. Brewer of Stephenson Post. A number of relatives and friends were present from abroad, among them John McKissick and family; William Jones and Thomas and William Hindman of Alton; Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davis and son; Herbert and David Adams and family of Bloomington; Mrs. Richard Jenkins of Shannon City, Iowa; Mrs. David English and daughter, Miss Hannah, of Godfrey; and Mrs. D. R. Jones and children of Chicago.

NOTES:
David Jenkins was born in Aberdorh, Lamorganshire, South Wales. He came to America when 9 years old. He was the son of John Jenkins, who died when David was quite young. His mother remarried to William Jones, and she died in 1885. David enlisted in the army from Madison County, Illinois, and served until the close of the Civil War. He lived in Alton, where he opened a grocery store. He married Rebecca English on September 14, 1870. In 1884 they moved to Springfield, where he was employed as a janitor and messenger at the Secretary of State’s office, until the time of his death. He was survived by five daughters: Misses Sadie, May, Kittie, Phoebe, and Ruth; and son, John; his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Jenkins; and sister Mrs. Gweny R. Jones in Chicago. Mr. Jenkins was buried in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.

 

JENKINS, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10, 1922
Killed in Collision with Train
Elmer Jenkins, aged 19, was killed, and Wyman Schwartz, aged 22, was dangerously hurt Sunday morning about 12:20 o'clock when they were in collision at the Mitchell state road crossing, with a Chicago & Eastern Illinois train. Jenkins was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jenkins, and Schwartz the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schwartz of East Alton, by Deputy Coroner Streeper. Schwartz was taken to the hospital at Granite City. He has internal injuries and was said to be in a serious condition. The automobile in which they were riding was reduced to scrap iron. Details of the accident were hard to get, but it was supposed from the appearance of the wreck that the two young men drove their Ford car into the side of the train on the crossing. It was a bright moonlight night, with a straight road reaching far away to the south. One reason why the young men may not have known of the near approach of the train is that it is said the engine headlight was not burning, due to some defect which could not be remedied because of the shop men's strike. When the train and automobile came together, the auto was hurled against a post at the crossing and snapped the post, then was catapulted against a telephone post beside the track and lodge there. Jenkins was instantly killed, his head being crushed.

 

JENKINS, HENRY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1902
Henry E., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jenkins, died this morning after a brief illness from spasms. The child was taken unexpectedly and the death is a sad blow to the parents. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The child was one of twins.

 

JENKINS, RICHARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 4, 1886
Mr. Richard Jenkins, one of our old and well-known citizens, died at his residence Tuesday, of congestion of the stomach, aged about 45 years. He had been unwell for several days, but was not confined to his bed until last Sunday. He was a native of Wales. He came to Alton about the year 1854, and has resided here ever since. He leaves a widow and one daughter; a sister, Mrs. David R. Jones; and a brother, Mr. David Jenkins.

 

JENKINSON, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 10, 1898
From Fosterburg – Thomas Jenkinson, one of our old residents, died and was buried last Thursday. Rev. John Jones officiated. Interment in the Short Cemetery.

 

JENKS, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 31, 1844
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 27th inst., at the residence of Mr. J. S. Hutton, Mr. David Jenks, a native of Jefferson County, New York, and recently a resident of Marion, Linn County, Iowa, aged 30 years.

 

JENNINGS, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 6, 1913
James Jennings, still foreman at the Wood River refinery of the Standard Oil Co., died at his home in Wood River this afternoon after a week's illness from pneumonia. Mr. Jennings was 50 years of age and beside his wife he leaves two sons, John and Walter. The sons were at home at the time of his death. Mr. Jennings was one of the most valued employees of the Standard in the Wood River refinery, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He had been employed at the refinery ever since the plant was started.

 

JENNINGS, NELLIE (nee COLLINS)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 22, 1897
The home of Mr. Michael Jennings on North Street was invaded by death Wednesday, and claimed the wife of but one year, after an illness of fifteen days. Mrs. Jennings was formerly Miss Nellie Collins of Brighton, and resigned her position as school teacher there about one year ago to become a wife. She was 32 years of age. The body was taken to Brighton Thursday, and the funeral took place from the home of her parents there.

 

JENNINGS, ROBERT C. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1840
Died, at Troy, Illinois, on the 8th instant, Dr. Robert C. Jennings, aged 44 years.

 

JENNISON, CHARLIE H./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 4, 1868
Died in Alton, November 28, 1868, Charlie H., only child of Henry J. and Annie M. Jennison.

 

JERMAN, ESTHER/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 11, 1882
Thursday morning, Esther, wife of William Jerman, in the fifty-second year of her age, died. She was a native of Manchester, England, and came to Alton in 1851, where she has since resided. She leaves a husband and seven children to mourn her loss. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon from the family residence on Piasa Street, between Sixteenth and Seventeenth, to the City Cemetery.

 

JERMAN, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 2, 1888
Mr. William Jerman of Alton received a dilspatch today announcing that his son, John Jerman, was killed on the railroad this morning at East St. Louis. He was in the employ of the Bridge Co. The dispatch did not state the nature of the accident, but said that several others were seriously injured. Mr. Jerman took the noon train for East St. Louis in response to the summons. Mr. John Jerman was about thirty years of age, an upright and esteemed young man. His untimely death will be a great shock to his relatives and friends.

 

JERMAN, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 16, 1885
Thursday, July 9, Samuel Jerman, son of Mr. William Jerman, died of heart disease at the age of 27 years. The funeral took place Friday afternoon from the family residence on Piasa, between Sixteenth and Seventeenth Streets.

 

JEROME, OLIVE/Source: Alton Telegraph, Oct 1, 1847
Suddenly departed this life at about 10 o'clock p.m. at Monticello [Godfrey], on the 28th instant, Mrs. Olive Jerome, my dear companion. She had taken cold and just before retiring to rest, took some tea, which produced spasms in the stomach, and directly the whole system became convulsed, so that in about one hour she breathed her last. Although the nature of the disease was such she could not express her feelings, yet her Christian life, her untiring devotion, her great anxiety and uncommon exceptions to promote the welfare of religion during almost thirty years, give ample evidence to all who knew her that the loss her family has sustained in her death is her great and eternal gain. May this sudden, unexpected and as far as the world is concerned, irreparable loss, be sanctified to the good of the surviving relatives and friends. Signed by William Jerome.

 

JERREAD, WILLIAM J./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7, 1889
Died in Alton on January 30 of malarial fever, William J. Jerread, aged 22 years.

 

JERVIS, PHYLLYS/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1895
From Edwardsville – Phyllys, the 4-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Jervis, died Sunday, and was interred in Cavalry Cemetery Wednesday.

 

JESTER, HAZEL/Source: Collinsville Herald, April 30, 1920
Hazel Jester, age 19 years, 3 months old, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Jester of Maple Street, died Wednesday morning, April 28, after an illness of a year. The funeral is to be conducted on Friday afternoon from the home to Glenwood Cemetery. Services by Rev. T. B. Sowers. She is survived by her parents and 1 brother, Everett, and 4 sisters: Mrs. Thomas Forbes, Mrs. Oscar Hartmann, and Maude and Enola Jester.

 

JETT, LOUISE (nee MONAGHAN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 20, 1899
Mrs. Louise Jett, wife of Richard Jett of Great Bend, Kansas, died Sunday morning at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Monaghan, in the Monaghan Hotel. She had been ill four months with Brights Disease, and came to the home of her parents in the hope of being benefited by the change. She was born at Bethalto, and was only 28 years of age. She was a wife of only a few years, and leaves a husband, Richard Jett, to mourn her death. Mrs. Jett was well known in Alton and at Bethalto, and leaves many friends to regret her untimely death. The funeral will be Tuesday. Services will be at St. Patrick’s Church, and interment at Bethalto.

 

JETT, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 5, 1878
Mr. Samuel Jett, for several years driver of Messrs. Daniels, Bayle & Co.’s delivery wagon, died at his home in Upper Alton, Wednesday evening, after a short illness of pneumonia. Mr. Jett was an industrious man and good citizen, and his death will be regretted by his many friends, and will be a heavy loss to his family, which consists of a wife and three small children. It is one of those sad dispensations which seems so difficult to account for. The funeral took place Friday afternoon from the Methodist Episcopal Church in Upper Alton.

 

JILES, ISABEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10, 1908
Mrs. Isabel Jiles, aged 58, an inmate of the Woman's Home, died Sunday morning after an illness of three years. She had been an inmate of the Old Ladies' Home since last October. She leaves two brothers and two sisters, E. B. Pierce of Alton, W. A. Pierce of Virden, Mrs. Abbie Reguiss of South Bend, Ind., and Mrs. Annie Ruckman of Godfrey. The funeral was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock, and services were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing of the First Baptist church.

 

JINKINSON, RICHARD E./ Source: Alton Telegraph, April 24, 1879
Fosterburg Farmer and Justice of the Peace
We are pained to record the death of Richard Jinkinson, Esq., of Fosterburg, which occurred last Saturday evening. Deceased was the school treasurer of Foster Township, and also Justice of the Peace. He was an old resident of Fosterburg, a valued citizen, and estimable man. His death will be widely and sincerely regretted.

NOTES:
Richard Jinkinson was born in England on February 28, 1819. He came to America when quite young, and his father entered lands later owned by his son, John B. Jinkinson. Richard received a land grant in 1835 in Macoupin County, Illinois, signed by President Andrew Jackson.

Richard was a successful farmer in Foster Township, Madison County, living on section 15, west of the town of Fosterburg. He also served as a Justice of the Peace. He was married twice, his first wife being Elizabeth Young (1825-1858); and his second wife was Rosaviva “Rosa” Foster (1825-1911), daughter of Oliver Foster, namesake of Fosterburg. Richard was buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery.

 

JINKINSON, ROSAVIVA (nee FOSTER)Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1911
Daughter of Oliver Foster of Fosterburg
Mrs. Rosaviva “Rosa” Jinkinson, wife of the late Richard Jinkinson of Fosterburg, and mother of Mrs. Hugh T. McCrea, died on Saturday morning at 8:40 o'clock at her daughter's home. She was born on a farm one mile north of Fosterburg, August 19, 1825. She was probably the oldest native-born resident of Madison County, being in her 85th year. Her parents, Oliver Foster and Hannah Eldred Foster, lived and were married in Plymouth, Massachusetts, but a few years after marriage they moved to what was then the district of Maine, residing at Dicksfield, where Mr. Foster went into the milling business. About the year 1818, Oliver concluded to move to the Illinois Country, coming west with a team of horses and a Dearborne carriage, visiting relatives in New York and Pennsylvania. Arriving at Pittsburg, he purchased a flat boat and floated down the Ohio River, landing about New Year's Day, 1819, at Shawneetown, Illinois. The family came overland to Edwardsville and Alton, arriving at these places February 22, 1819. They resided in Upper Alton until 1825, then moved to Smooth Prairie, a tract of government land a mile north of what is now Fosterburg.

Mrs. Jinkinson was a woman of good business qualifications, and was an active worker in church matters for many years, being a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and afterwards of the Fosterburg Methodist Church. In 1843 she was married to Ranson Chandler, and from this union there was three children: Mrs. Gilbert Allen, who now resides at Tina, Missouri; Mrs. Hugh T. McCrea of Alton; and Latha R. Chandler of Foss, Oklahoma. Afterwards she married Richard Jinkinson. Of this union there is only one child living, John B. Jinkinson of Ft. Russell Township.

For the past 10 years Mrs. Jinkinson has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Thompson McCrea, of Alton. The burial will take place Monday. The church services will be held from the Fosterburg Baptist Church at 1:30 p.m. The funeral will leave the home of Hugh T. McCrea on Monday morning.

NOTES:
Rosaviva Foster was the daughter of Oliver and Hannah Eldred Foster. Oliver was a native of New Hampshire and a veteran of the War of 1812. Oliver and Hannah immigrated to Madison County from Massachusetts in 1819. After living for a short time in Upper Alton, in 1825 they moved to a tract of land given to him by the government on Smooth Prairie, which was the name first given to what was later the Fosterburg area. Oliver was a skilled mechanic, and erected the Foster Tavern – the finest residence in the township – which was located on the “Springfield Road” (Fosterburg Road), which was the regular stage route from Alton to Springfield. Foster Tavern was used as a relay station, where new teams of horses were procured for the journey to Springfield.

Rosa was born August 19, 1825, on the Foster farm, one mile north of the village of Fosterburg. Her siblings were: Emira Freeman Foster, Oliver Perry Foster, Alonzo Foster, James Monroe Foster, Eldred J. Foster, Lenora Foster, and Micah Foster. Oliver Foster, her father, died March 1, 1855, and her mother, Hannah, died in 1866. They are both buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery.

In 1857, the son of Oliver and Hannah Foster - Oliver Perry Foster - platted the village of Fosterburg. The village was originally named “Foster,” after his father, but since there was another town by that name in Illinois already, “burg” was added.

Rosa Foster married Ranson Chandler, who with his father, Martin Chandler, immigrated to Fosterburg and erected the first residence in the village. Ranson and Rosa had four children – Hannah Leonora (married Hugh Thompson McCrea), Jane, Elizabeth, and Martin B. Chandler. Ransom died in 1857 at the age of 34, and is buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery. Rosa then married Richard Jinkinson, who died in Fosterburg in April 1879 at the age of 52. At the time of his death, he was the School Treasurer of Foster Township, and the Justice of the Peace. He is buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery. Rosa and Richard Jinkinson had at least two children – Thomas Jinkinson (married Mary Anne Sherfy of Fosterburg) and John Boyles Jinkinson (married Anna E. Heeren).

Rosa lived with her daughter, Hannah McCrea, in the last 10 years of her life. She died April 29, 1911, and is buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery.

 

JOB, AMANDA FITZ (nee MONTGOMERY)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1897
Wife of Zephania B. Job
Mrs. Zephaniah B. Job was thrown from her buggy at Second [Broadway] and Market Streets Wednesday, during a runaway, and striking her head on the pavement, suffered injuries that are very dangerous. After the accident, she was picked up and taken to her home on Henry Street.

The horse attached to the buggy started to run away from Union Depot while Mrs. Job was in the act of stepping into the buggy, and had one foot on the step. The animal became frightened at an engine passing on the Bluff Line tracks, and as no one was in the buggy or had hold of the reins, had full power to do as it pleased in its mad flight. Mrs. Job clung to the handles of the buggy, but was unable to get into the seat, and from exhaustion fell at Second and Market Streets. She struck on her head and was unconscious when picked up. Her driver, who was behind the buggy at the time the horse started, made ineffectual attempts to stop the horse and was badly hurt.

Mrs. Job’s injuries were found to be a fracture of the skull and concussion of the brain. Dr. Gregory of St. Louis was sent for, and came up at noon to consult with the attending physician. The doctors say there are some hopes of her recovery, but she is still unconscious.

Sunday, Mrs. Zephania B. Job passed away without regaining consciousness. For ninety-nine hours, Mrs. Job lay in a condition entirely unconscious of her surroundings, since her terrible experience of Wednesday evening. She never really showed signs of regaining consciousness, but her anxious watchers, who waited round her bed, looked for the least encouraging evidence of recognition, and were prone to hope against fate that she was beginning to know what was around. But all hopes were in vain. She lay in a condition entirely oblivious of her surroundings until death came to her relief. From the beginning, her family had no favorable hopes, and the attending physicians could give none.

Amanda F. Montgomery was born in Madison County on the farm of her father, William Montgomery, six miles east of Alton, and was at her death 66 years and 6 months of age. Forty-six years ago, on august 5 last, she was united in marriage with her now venerable husband, who survives her. During her entire life, she was a fit companion for her partner, and to her family she was in the true sense of the word a mother. One of the dark spots in her life was the death of her youngest son, Murray, and for him she never ceased to grieve. She was by nature of a most sunny disposition, and her friends were true friends, and were all who knew her. She leaves a husband and a devoted family: Mrs. J. J. bowman; Miss Alice Job; and Mr. Zephaniah B. Job Jr. of Alton; and Mr. Fred W. Job of Chicago, who will sincerely mourn her death. The bereavement is a severe blow to Mr. Job, as he is at the time of life when he needs most the loving care of the wife, and the venerable gentleman will have a large share of true sympathy from his many friends. Miss Alice Job will arrive tomorrow from Boston, having spent the summer and winter in the East.

The death of Mrs. Job brings to mind a singular fatality which has followed her family for many years. Her’s is the sixth death that has occurred from runaway accidents caused by horses. Her three brothers, John, Thomas, and Nelson Montgomery, lost their lives just as Mrs. Job has done. Nelson Montgomery lived near Edwardsville, and only about a year ago met death from a runaway horse. A little daughter of Mrs. Job’s, many years ago, was the victim of a run-away, and its life paid the penalty. Murray Job, a son of the deceased, was kicked by a horse in the leg and died after suffering for weeks with blood-poisoning caused by the kick. Mrs. Job, some ten years ago, was thrown from her carriage and seriously wounded. Her life was then almost despaired of. One of her now-living sons was thrown from a vehicle and dragged quite a distance, but without serious results.

There was a sorrowful gathering at the Job home on Henry Street yesterday afternoon, when the family friends assembled to pay the last mark of respect to the memory of the one whom tragic death has taken from the rolls of the living. The spacious parlors where the funeral services were held were filled to overflowing. There were few eyes that were dry, and no hearts that were not burdened with grief at the earthly parting, and for words that could not express feelings, the mourners placed flowers on the bier. Many and beautiful were the floral offerings, and if these tokens mean anything, then certainly was Mrs. Job an estimable woman, highly prized as a friend by those who knew her as such.

Rev. W. M. Backus of the Unitarian Church conducted the services at the house and the grave, and his remarks were touchingly appropriate. Her life and her good deeds were the subject of the glowing eulogy that struck a responsive chord in the hearts of all who had known of her acts of kindness. At the conclusion of the services, the pallbearers, Messrs. H. R. Phinney, Lucas Pfeiffenberger, A. R. McKinney, A. W. Hope, H. B. Sparks, and R. H. Levis, bore the handsome black casket to the hearse. From the house to the cemetery, a long cortege followed the body and saw it laid to rest for its last long sleep.

NOTES:
Amanda Fitz Allen Montgomery Job was born on June 11, 1830, on her father’s farm in Madison County, Illinois. She was the daughter of William Montgomery (1786-1849) and Sarah “Sally” Rattan Montgomery (1799-1847). Amanda married in 1851 to Zephaniah Beall Job Sr. (1817-1907), and they had the following children: Virginia Job Bowman (1854-1939); Alice Emma Job (1859-1945); Frederick William Job (1862-1935); Infant Job (1864-1864); Zephaniah Bowman “Dick” Job Jr. (1866-1910); and Jacob Murray Job (1876-1895). Amanda was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

JOB, HENRY LEE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 6, 1874
Died in Alton on July 29, Henry Lee, infant son of Zephaniah B. and A. F. Job; aged 14 months and 12 days.

 

JOB, JACOB MURRAY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1895
Son of Hon. Zephaniah Beall Job
After an illness of several months’ duration, Mr. Jacob Murray Job, youngest son of Hon. Zephaniah Beall Job (1817-1907) and Amanda Fitz Allen Montgomery Job (1830-1897), breathed his last on Saturday. Some time ago, while out hunting, he injured his knee while climbing over a fence. At first it caused him but little trouble, but some weeks after an abscess formed. Several operations were performed, but he grew no better, and Friday evening the anxious family had about given up all hope, blood poisoning having set in, and he died at the age of 19 years, and ten months. His untimely demise, while in the prime of young manhood, is sad indeed, and a severe blow to the family. He was a very popular young man, with a host of friends in Alton, where he was born and raised.

The immense concourse of sympathizing friends that gathered Sunday afternoon at the home of Hon. Z. B. Job, as the last sad rites were performed for the dead, was a fitting tribute and mark of the respect and admiration in which the late Murray Job was held by his large circle of friends.

Rev. W. M. Backus of the Unitarian Church conducted the beautiful and impressive service at the house, after which all were given an opportunity to take a last look at one whose face would be seen no more in life. A long cortege followed the body to the grave, where with a prayer the casket containing the remains were consigned to their last resting place. The pallbearers were John Drummond, Ralph Root, William Joesting, Charles Yager, Harold Hewitt, and George Pfeiffenberger. After the simple services at the grave, it was covered with beautiful flowers and floral designed.

 

JOB, JEREMIAH/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, April 16, 1857
Died yesterday morning, Jeremiah, son of Zephaniah B. Job of Alton; aged about 8 months. The friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral from the residence of the father on Henry Street, this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock.

 

JOB, MARY ELLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5, 1889
Miss Job, sister to Mrs. Mary Harrison, died yesterday morning after a lifetime’s affliction, at the age of 64 years. The funeral took place from the family residence, near the corner of Ninth and Henry Street. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOB, MEDORA B./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 21, 1873
Died on November 13 in Alton, Medora B., daughter of Zephaniah B. and A. F. Job; in the 27th year of her age.

 

JOB, ZEPHANIAH BEALL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1907
A Legend in Madison County
Zephaniah Beall Job, in his ninety-first year, died shortly after midnight Wednesday morning at his residence, 907 Henry Street, from weakness of great age. His death had been expected for several weeks and members of his family had been almost constantly in attendance upon him. His faculties, which were in perfect condition until a few years ago, failed until Mr. Job had become almost helpless and he could hear with the greatest difficulty, and could scarcely see.

Mr. Job was born March 13, 1817, near Winchester, Virginia. His parents were Jacob Job (1770-1841) and Mary G. Beall Job (1786-1856). Jacob was born in Pennsylvania, and moved to Virginia in 1814, where Zephaniah was born. When 16 years of age, Zephaniah came West with his father, Jacob, riding horseback all the way through the wilderness. As Mr. Job used to say he landed in Alton "the year the stars fell" - 1833. Jacob bought land in the American Bottoms, and farmed for the remainder of his life. By his first marriage, Jacob had five children – John, Jacob Jr., George, Moses, and Mary Job. By his second wife, Mary Beall Job, he had three children – Zephaniah B., Jeremiah, and Mary E. Job. Jacob Job died in 1841, and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Granite City.

Zephaniah remained in Madison County a short time and went on up to Clarksville. After three years there, he came back to Madison County, and lived here ever since. An interesting fact about his life is that he probably owned more land in Madison County than any other man in it, his holdings at one time aggregating 5,000 acres, and beside this he held extensive land interests in Dakota. Mr. Job used to say that he was land poor, before the now valuable farming lands and town sites rose to their present estate, but he held on to it, looking forward to the time when it would be worth more.

In 1844, during the flood following a six weeks' rain, Mr. Job moved to Alton and lived in the city all the remainder of his life. He led an eventful life, filled with incidents which indicate that he was proof against illness and misfortune's worst efforts. He claimed that he was immune to contagious disease, having exposed himself both to yellow fever and smallpox during epidemics, and took full care of patients dying with both diseases, yet he was not affected by them. He started to California in 1849. He left from St. Louis on a steamboat to go up the Missouri River to St. Joseph, but on the way the boat sank and he lost everything but the wagon and the mules. There he bought enough coffee and salt pork, and some specially prepared hard bread, to last all the way to California. The hard bread, as Mr. Job used to say, use useless as it was too hard to be eaten. He was 84 days on the way to the Pacific coast. An interesting incident was his wearing a pair of buckskin trousers for six weeks without taking them off. The trousers shrunk from being wet, and he could not get them off without destroying their usefulness, so he kept them on until he got to California and then cut them off. At Sacramento he sold the buckskin for $125, and it was used for making purses to hold gold dust. At Sacramento he was exposed to a cholera epidemic, and it was through his suggestions that the epidemic was abated. He always claimed to have cured cholera by making the men drink water and pine tar, and eat mustard. He also induced the people to make huge bonfires of tar barrels. In coming back from the West his boat was sinking, but he managed to stop the leaks until Acapulco was reached, and from there he crossed the isthmus of Panama.

In 1851, Zephaniah married Amanda Fitz Allen Montgomery (1830-1897), daughter of William Montgomery. They had ten children, nine of whom are: Medora B. Job (?-1873); Virginia Job Bowman (1854-1939); Jeremiah Job (1856-1857); Alice Emma Job (1859-1945); Frederick William Job (1862-1935; a leading lawyer of Chicago); Unknown infant (1864-1864); Zephaniah Bowman Job (1866-1910); Henry Lee Job (1873-1874); and Jacob Murray Job (1876-1895). In 1854, he erected a residence for his family at 907 Henry Street, at the northeast corner of Henry and Ninth Streets in Alton, where he lived for 50 years. In 1861, he established a mill for the manufacture of lumber, and carried on this business for years. Coal mining was another business interest of his.

In 1856, Job was elected Sheriff of the county, and it was in this capacity that he officiated at the hanging of some men who had killed a German peddler near Troy, in Madison County. There was intense excitement at the time, and an effort was made to lynch the prisoners. Sheriff Job could get no one to guard the jail except three men, Josh Dunnegan, John Wheeler and Nelson Montgomery. These three men were posted with the Sheriff where they could command the approach to the jail and had instructions to shoot to kill, when the mob made the attack. The demand was made for the prisoners, and Sheriff Job defied the crowd. As the aged gentleman told of this story of the past, the strong heart of older days which had not quailed was no longer so strong, and the tears which came not in the olden time when the incident occurred flowed freely, showing the shadow of the emotion of an event fifty years gone by, which was then concealed, but through a half century reached out its influence and touched the old man keenly. By a trick Sheriff Job got a delay from the mob and managed to get a company of militia from Alton, who defended the prisoner. When it came time to hang the prisoners, Sheriff Job refused to permit anyone else to do the work. One of the prisoner's sentence was commuted to imprisonment, and he was afterward pardoned.

Mr. Job often likened himself to his namesake, Job, the Bible patriarch. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he had an affliction of boils once in his life. He likewise had all his possessions in lands and livestock. He claimed that he had cut more railroad ties in Madison County than any other man. He was the lessee of the State prison at Joliet at one time, and indeed, as Mr. Job asked his interviewer last May when the facts of this story were obtained from him, "What haven't I done?" He never would allow any person to trespass on what he thought was his rights, and as he said himself, he seemed to be in the unfortunate position of having been trespassed upon almost all his life. According to his own statement, he was not out of a lawsuit but six months of his life, from the time he was 21 until a few years ago. He was probably the best patron of the Madison County courts.

Mr. Job is survived by two sons and two daughters: Mrs. Horatio J. Bowman and Miss Alice Job; Zephaniah Bowman Job, and Fred W. Job of Chicago. The funeral of Mr. Job will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence on Henry street. [Burial was in Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOB, ZEPHANIAN B. JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8, 1910
Contractor/Quarry Owner Dies
Z. B. Job, who was a well known contractor and quarry owner in Alton, and one of Alton's well know young men, is dead at Flint, Michigan, where he has been the past two years in the hope of benefiting his health. He was born April 6, 1865. Mr. Job was next to the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Z. B. Job, and a member of one of Alton's best known families. He was a graduate of the public schools and later entered the contracting business and opened a quarry on his property above the water works station. Under the firm name of Patterson & Job, Mr. Job put in the city hall square paving and later while in the business by himself put in the Eighth street paving from Alby to Langdon streets. He married Miss Mary Drummond, the youngest daughter of the late John N. and Mrs. Drummond, and is survived by his wife and daughter, Miss Elizabeth. Besides he leaves two sisters, Mrs. H. J. Bowman of Alton and Miss Alice Job, who resides in the east, also one brother, Hon. Frederick W. Job of Chicago. The remains will be brought to Alton in the morning it is expected, and the funeral will occur sometime Thursday, these arrangements to be made later.

 

JOEHL, JOSEPHINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 20, 1912
Wife of Founder of Walnut Grove Dairy Dies
Mrs. Josephine Joehl, widow of Casper Joehl, died at the Nazareth Home at 6:30 o'clock this morning, aged 82. Mrs. Joehl leaves a large family of descendants, consisting of six children, 40 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was born in Switzerland, July 14, 1830, and was married there. She came to America with her husband in 1850, and went to St. Louis, after eight years moving to Alton. Her husband founded the Walnut Grove Dairy, taking up the business he had known well in Switzerland, and some of his children have continued in the dairy business. She suffered a stroke of paralysis last Sunday, and had been very low ever since. Her children are Mrs. J. C. Misegades, Mrs. Joseph Budde, Mrs. Charles Schenck, Mrs. Christ Eckhard, Messrs. Minard and Louis Joehl. The time of the funeral has not been fixed.

 

JOEL, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5, 1918
Frank Joel, wire chief of the Kinloch Telephone Co., died this morning at 2:30 o'clock at the home of his mother, with whom he lived, 612 1/2 East Third street. He was 29 years of age. He had been sick but a short time.

 

JOERGER, KATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 15, 1910
Mrs. Katherine Joerger, widow of August Joerger, died Sunday night after a six weeks illness at the home of her son, Frank Joerger, 603 east Twelfth street. She had been very sick for two or three weeks, and her death was expected. She was 78 years old and had lived sixty years or more in Alton. Her husband died twenty-five years ago. She is survived by her son, Frank, member of the painting firm of Joerger & Hanpid, and two grandchildren. She was a kindly, charitable woman and made many warm friends during her life, all of whom now sincerely regret her taking off. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning from St. Mary's church, and burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.

 

JOESTING, ALEXANDER M./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 2, 1890
Musician in the Standard Band
The body of Alexander Joesting was brought here from Denver, Colorado, Tuesday, and the funeral occurred in the afternoon from the family homestead on Washington Avenue. Rev. Dr. Bulkley of Upper Alton officiated, in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. The Standard Band attended as a mark of respect to a deceased fellow musician, and performed slow music at intervals. Among the floral pieces was a harp, a tribute from the members of the band. [Alexander was born on May 20, 1860, in Illinois. He was the son of Friedrich Wilhelm Joesting (1810-1883). Alexander was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOESTING, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2, 1912
Former City Marshall and Business Man Dies at His Residence
Charles Joesting, aged 71, died Sunday afternoon at his residence, 437 East Ninth street, after a long illness with kidney trouble. Mr. Joesting had been in a bad way for a long time, and his death was no surprise. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. H. H. Unterbrink and Mrs. Hugh L. Black; and three sons, George, Charles, and Louis Joesting. Mr. Joesting was one of the best known of the older residents of Alton. He was at one time City Marshal of Alton, and for many years he was engaged in the baking and candy making business. He was an expert in both lines, and of the older residents of the city there are many who remember back to the days when they purchased their childhood sweetmeats from Mr. Joesting's store. He did not lose his skill in his old age, and for a number of years he had made a practice of taking orders from old time customers and delivering some of his choicest work to them. He was the friend of childhood and more than one little boy or girl looked forward to his annual visits with boxes of candy. He was engaged as a carpenter part of the time. Mr. Joesting was one of the most devoted hunters in Alton. Annually he would go for outings in the woods, was known as a good camp cook, a skillful woodsman, and a good entertainer around the campfire. He had planned to make his annual outing this year with M. H. Boals, but his illness forbade his making the trip, and the other members of the party were greatly disappointed. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Congregational church.

 

JOESTING, CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1916
The death of Mrs. Christina Joesting, widow of Charles L. Joesting, occurred at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning at the family home, 437 east Fifth street. She was 71 years of age. Mrs. Joesting had a fall a few weeks ago at her home and she sustained very bad injuries which undoubtedly hastened her end. She had been suffering from the effects of advancing age for some time and the shock of the fall hastened her final collapse. For five days she had been very low and her family had given up all hope of her recovery on Saturday. She came to Alton when she was nine years of age and spent all the remainder of her life here, raising a large family of children. Her husband, former City Marshal Charles L. Joesting, died several years ago after a long illness. Mrs. Joesting, up to the time of her fall, had been in good health. In the neighborhood where she lived Mrs. Joesting was beloved by all, and her illness and her death is the cause of much sadness to those who knew her best. She leaves five children, Mrs. H. H. Unterbrink, Mrs. Hugh Black, George, Charles and Louis Joesting, all of Alton. She leaves also three brothers, William H., Charles and George Paul of Fosterburg. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the German Evangelical church, and services will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller.

 

JOESTING, ERNA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 24, 1892
Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Joesting have the deepest sympathy of the community in the loss of their infant daughter, Erna, who died yesterday evening after an illness of about a week of diphtheria. The funeral took place today from the family residence, 804 Henry Street, to the City Cemetery. Music was furnished at the grave by the Alton Maennerchor.

 

JOESTING, FRIEDRICH WILHELM/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 27, 1883
Baker; Musician
Mr. Friedrich Wilhelm Joesting, a native of Venne, near Osnabrueck, Germany, died Monday eve of a pulmonary complaint, after an illness of two or three weeks, at the age of almost 73 years. Deceased had lived in Alton since 1837, and was greatly esteemed and highly respected by all who knew him. He had been engaged in business until 1863 or 1864, and acquired a large property by industry, economy, and the most unswerving rectitude. He was devoted to music, and took a great interest in the art in all its branches, and was an accomplished performer on several instruments. He left a wife and seven children: Mrs. Louisa Auguste Joesting Elble (1839-1890); Mr. Charles Ludwig Joesting (1841-1912), our present City Marshal; Ottilia L. Joesting (1862-1928); Ida Joesting Temple (1864-1932); Theresa A. Joesting Smith (1869-1946); Edward Bernard Joesting (1857-1923); and Alexander M. Joesting (?-1889), besides other relatives and friends to mourn his death. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the family residence on the Upper Alton road [Washington Avenue], north of Bozzatown.

NOTES:
Fredrich Wilhelm Joesting was born November 5, 1810 in Germany, and was the son of Anton Deiderick Joesting, a schoolmaster. Fredrich learned the baker’s trade in the old country, and came to America in 1834, locating first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1837, he came to Alton, and in 1838 married Otitia Sack. She died in 1846. On December 11, 1856, he married Ida Alwine Marie Phillippine Holzmueller (1830-1889), and they had seven children. The family home was located off on Washington Avenue in Alton, just north of Broadway. Today, Joesting Avenue and Joesting Terrace in Alton bear the family name.

From the time he came to Alton until 1864 when he retired, he carried on the baking industry, except during three years when he tried his hand at farming. In 1844, the high water from the flooding Mississippi drove him from his place of business in downtown Alton. He swam to his ovens and put his pans on top of the house to keep them dry. He traveled by boat from State to Piasa Street, so high was the water.

Mr. Joesting was a natural musician, playing equally well the violin, piano, and flute. While watching his baking, he would be found playing the flute or violin. Music brought him great joy.

Sound judgment, hard work, and determination made Joesting a successful businessman. He acquired a large amount of property, and was able to save money to retire in ease. Joesting died in Alton in September 1883, almost reaching his 73rd birthday. He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

JOESTING, GUSTAVE A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31, 1918
Alton Banker Dies
Gustave A. Joesting, a banker for many years in the city of Alton, died very suddenly shortly after midnight, Thursday morning, at his residence. Heart trouble was the cause of Mr. Joesting's death. He had been failing in strength and energy for several years, but the advance of age had been a gentle one and one which had not caused any of the distressing symptoms so often seen in folks who are "growing old." He had been able to continue at his post of duty up to the very last. He had even been able to enjoy an automobile ride during the evening, and he was very happy. It was just as he could have wished the end to come, with no trouble for anyone, no anxious moments before the last breath came, and himself still very useful and able to discharge the duties of the highly responsible position he held. The first warning that anything was wrong came about a half hour before the end. He was taken sick, went to the bath room, and realizing he was in a bad way he informed members of his household. It was realized at once that he was in a bad way, and it was not surprising to those about him, though very shocking, that in a half hour's time he had breathed his last. His son, Dr. F. C. Joesting, said that his father died from angina pectoris. The death of Mr. Joesting was a sad shock to a very large circle of friends. As a banker he was one of the best known men in Alton. He had served as cashier in the Alton Savings Bank for many years prior to going to the Citizens National bank about fourteen years ago. His personality commanded confidence and respect. He had a very large clientele who insisted upon having dealings with him. His presence in any bank was regarded as an asset to the bank. His death, the third within a few months in the one bank, caused profound regret there. He had been preceded by his assistant, Robert S. Cousley, who died last February, and by the chairman of the board of directors, Lucas Pfeiffenberger, whose end was not preceded by much warning. Mr. Joesting was a man who enjoyed the social side of life. His companionship was much sought among social clubs in the city, He was an enthusiastic member of some of the organizations meeting at Turner Hall. Mr. Joesting would have been 71 years of age the 18th of July. He was born in Osnabrueck, Germany. When sixteen years of age he came to Alton. He was first in the old First National bank. He went into the Alton Savings bank when it was organized and fourteen years ago resigned to take a post of the same kind, cashier, in the Citizens National. He leaves his wife, three daughters and two sons, Miss Clara Joesting, Mrs. Louis Berner of Alton; Mrs. George Hoyt of St. Louis; Dr. F. C. Joesting and Emil Joesting, of Alton. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock from his late residence, 621 East Sixteenth street.

 

JOESTING, HENRIETTA MARY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1904
Mrs. Henrietta Mary E. Joesting, widow of Frederick C. Joesting, died Friday morning at 5 o'clock after an illness of three weeks at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Minnie Ernst, on East Third street. Mrs. Joesting was 84 years of age and had lived in Alton since 1868. After the death of her husband in 1867, she decided to leave her native land and accompanying her son, Mr. G. A. Joesting, who went to Germany for her, she came to Alton to make her home and to pass the remainder of her life. She was born in Osnabrueck, Germany. Three weeks ago Mrs. Joesting was taken ill with what appeared to be a malarial trouble, and her advanced age made it impossible for her to survive the rigors of the malady. She leaves five children, Messrs. G. A. and Adolph Joesting. Mrs. John Koch, Mrs. Minnie Ernst and Miss Mary Joesting, all resident of Alton. Her son, F. W. Joesting, and daughter, Mrs. Ellis Barnard, died a short time ago, and their deaths were a sad blow to the aged mother. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Minnie Ernst, and Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann will conduct the service.

 

JOESTING, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1889
Mr. Henry Joesting, formerly a resident of Alton, died July 8 at Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 49 years. The funeral took place there Tuesday, and was attended by Mr. G. A. Joesting of Alton, a brother of the deceased. Henry Joesting was a member of the 9th Illinois Regiment during the first three months of the War of the Rebellion [Civil War], and afterwards joined the 82nd Illinois, and received a wound at the Battle of the Wilderness that caused lameness during the rest of his life. He went from Alton to Kansas City about 20 years ago.

 

JOESTING, IDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 30, 1889
Mrs. Ida, widow of the late F. W. Joesting, died Thursday at the family residence on Washington Avenue, in the 64th year of her age, after a protracted illness. The deceased was an old resident of Alton, a lady held in high esteem by a large circle of relatives and friends. She leaves five children: Alexander Joesting of Denver, Colorado; and Edward, Otelie, Ida, and Therese Joesting of Alton; also two stepchildren, Mr. C. L. Joesting and Mrs. Louisa Elble of Alton. The funeral took place from the family residence on Washington Avenue.

 

JOESTING, WALTER H./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 13, 1890
Died in Alton this morning, Walter H., son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Joesting; aged 6 years and 6 months.

 

JOHN, SAM/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 5, 1887
Farmer Suicides
From Highland, August 4 – Sam John, aged 57 years, a farmer living about three miles north of Highland, committed suicide this evening by throwing himself under the New York Express train, severing his head from his body. The Coroner’s inquest returned a verdict of suicide. His nephew testified at the inquest that he had been intoxicated and was tired of life, and bade him goodbye. He leaves a wife and five children. Family trouble is attributed as the cause.

 

JOHNDROW(E), WILBUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26, 1921
Two Little Boys Drown in Calame Pond at Melville
Two little boys, playmates, were drowned in the Calame pond at Melville this morning by reason of a frail raft on which they were playing, sinking under them. The boys were Wilbur Johndrowe, the 9 year old son of Mrs. Minnie Johndrowe, and Robert Loft, the 11 year old son of Henry Loft. The Johndrowe boy's father is dead, and the Loft boy's mother is dead. The Loft boy had been reared by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Loft. With the two boys who lost their lives was Wesley Calame, a 12 year old son of Harvey Calame. He alone was saved, swimming ashore. It is supposed that the frail raft, consisting of two logs with some boards nailed on it, was overburdened by the weight of the boys and sinking caused the boys to leave it in terror. The Johndrowe boy and the Loft boy went down together. When the Calame boy got ashore he ran to his home and told his father and help was summoned, the pond dragged and the boys' bodies taken out. Every effort was made to revive them, but it was too late. Dr. G. Worden was summoned from Alton to supervise the effects at resuscitation. The Calame pond where the drowning occurred is not a large one, and had the boys been expert swimmers and not become terrified, they could doubtless have made their way to the shore as the Calame boy did. After the men arrived to help get the bodies of the two boys out of the water, the raft that had been the cause of the double tragedy was floating on the surface of the water, it having come back to the surface after it was relieved of the weight of the three boys. No definite arrangements for the funerals had been made this afternoon, but it is expected that a double funeral will take place Monday at 11 o'clock at Melville.

 

JOHNISEE, LENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 4, 1907
Lena Johnisee, aged 14, died at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Johnisee, on Coppinger road, last evening from typhoid fever. Short services were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing. The body will be taken to Kane, Jersey county, for interment on Thursday.

 

JOHNS, HULDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, September 17, 1891 - Submitted by John Caskey
Mrs. Hulda Johns died at 5:30 o'clock Tuesday evening, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. John Haley, 411 Henry street, after an illness of several months, of paralysis. Mrs. Johns had been a resident of Alton since 1835, in which year she came here with her parents from Indiana. She was the mother of five children, only two of whom, Mrs. John Haley, of this city, and Mrs. Emma Fox, of Cairo, Ill., survive her. The funeral services will take place from the residence of Mr. Haley at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Interment at the City Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, A. SYDNEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 3, 1872
Whereas, our Heavenly Father, in His Divine wisdom, has seen fit to remove from our midst our late beloved brother, A. Sydney Johnson, and whereas this lodge has lost one of its most worthy and useful members, and society an honorable and Christian man. Therefore, be it

Resolved, That we receive with deep regret the announcement of the death our beloved brother, A. Sydney Johnson, late a member of this lodge.

Resolved, That as a testimony of respect for the memory of the deceased, the members of this lodge will wear the usual badge of mourning.

Resolved, That we sympathize with his bereaved widow, in this, her great affliction, and irreparable loss.

Revolved, That the proceedings of this lodge be communicated to the family of the deceased, and a copy of these resolutions be printed in the city paper. Signed W. H. Ellsworth, W. M.; and Benjamin Moseby, Secretary. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOHNSON, AGNES/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 17, 1873
Died on October 15, in Alton, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Agnes, wife of Robert Johnson, in the 41st year of her age.

 

JOHNSON, ALICE/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 6, 1881
Miss Alice Johnson, aged about 16 years, one of twin sisters, died Friday, September 30, of typhoid fever. The funeral took place from the Union Baptist Church on Saturday, with a large attendance of mourning relatives and friends.

 

JOHNSON, AMANDA O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 2, 1915
Mrs. Amanda O. Johnson, wife of James L. Johnson, died last evening at the residence, 2608 College avenue. Her death was expected at any hour during the day Friday, and the end came late in the evening. Mrs. Johnson was born in New York City on December 6, 1836, and was in her 79th year. She had been a resident of Upper Alton over fifty years. Mrs. Johnson had been in failing health the last few years, but she was able to be out at times up to three weeks ago when her final sickness commenced. During the past week it was known that she could not recover. The death of Mrs. Johnson removes one of the old residents of Alton, and especially one of the old members of the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church. She was one of the pillars of the church. When she came to Alton in 1864 to make her home on College avenue - the same spot where her death occurred last night - opposite the church, she united with the church, and since that time she was an active worker and a substantial support of the church. For fifty years Mrs. Johnson had charge of the communion set and she always prepared and made ready for the communion services in the church. Her residence being close to the church it was very convenient, and when time came for serving the Lord's Supper it was always left to Mrs. Johnson to have the communion elements ready. For more than thirty years Mrs. Johnson had charge of the music in the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church. She was a musician of much talent and was a good singer in her younger days. For many years when the church had a small reed organ and no choir at all, Mrs. Johnson played the organ at all services and led the singing at the same time. The reed organ, in use now at this church and which has been a long number of years, was selected and purchased by Mrs. Johnson for the church. It is quite a coincidence that the organ, which Mrs. Johnson selected, will in the next month be replaced by the new pipe organ that the church has bought. Her organ served its time and it proved that her judgment in buying it was sound and good and the instrument served the church up until her death. Mrs. Johnson was married to James L. Johnson on October 1, 1879, the ceremony being performed by the late Rev. Dr. Samuel J. Nichols, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, and the wedding was in his residence in that city. Her death occurred on the anniversary of her marriage to Mr. Johnson. She and her husband were in business in Upper Alton a long number of years, but when a fire completely destroyed their business building which stood upon the site of their present residence, they built their residence upon the former business location and retired from business. Her death takes away one of the old substantial residents of Alton, and one who will be sadly missed. She leaves besides her husband, James L. Johnson, one daughter, Miss Nellie B. Hovey. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at the family residence, and will be private. The remains will lie in state at the Johnson home Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5 o'clock, and her friends will have an opportunity during that time to call at the home. It is requested that friends omit flowers. The services Monday morning will be conducted by Rev. C. N. McManis, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, ANNA S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1910
Death was busy in Upper Alton Friday night and Saturday morning. Three aged residents of the village were called away. One of them, Mrs. Anna Johnson, is said to be the second oldest person in the village, Mrs. Tarbell, her son's mother-in-law, being the oldest. Mrs. Anna S. Johnson, a resident of Upper Alton for 77 years, and a member of the Upper Alton Methodist church all that time, died Saturday morning at 1 o'clock at her home, from the effects of a fall she suffered six weeks ago. Mrs. Johnson had been in reasonable good health, notwithstanding her more than ninety years of life. She struck her hip when she fell and she was not able to be out again. The injury combined with the hot weather proved fatal. Mrs. Johnson came to Alton 77 years ago in a wagon, and when her family went to Upper Alton there were only a few houses and none the family could rent, so they camped out for awhile. She grew up there, and married and raised her family. Her husband, James L. Johnson, died forty-five years ago. She was the mother of eleven children, but only two of them survive her, C. B. and James L. Johnson. Many of her children lived to manhood and womanhood, and she lived to see almost all her family go before her. She was known as one of the most conscientious, religious members of the Methodist church, and during her whole period of residence in Upper Alton she was known for her unfailing kindliness and neighborliness to those who needed any kind of help or sympathy. The funeral will be Monday morning at 10 o'clock from her home, Rev. M. B. Baker officiating.

 

JOHNSON, BEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1911
Engineer of Steamer Spread Eagle for 18 Years
Ben Johnson, aged 40, engineer on the steamer Spread Eagle for eighteen years, died at the United States Marine Hospital in St. Louis, Friday evening at 8:30 o'clock, after a long illness with lung troubles. He was scalded four years ago while on duty, making a trip down the river and he contracted a cold which developed into lung troubles. He remained at his post of duty on the Spread Eagle until the close of navigation last fall, then went south for the winter. He returned to his home, then went to the Marine hospital knowing that his malady would prove fatal. He was not again able to reassume his duties on the Spread Eagle. He belonged to a family which lived in Alton formerly. He was born at Clarksville, Mo. His wife is a daughter of James Fingleton, and she survives him. The body will be brought to Alton for burial Monday morning, and the funeral services will be from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral at 9:30 o'clock, and burial will be at Greenwood cemetery. Ben Johnson was known to many of the young men in Alton. He was possessed of a friendly nature and made many warm friends.

 

JOHNSON, BENJAMIN R./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1897
Civil War Veteran
From Edwardsville – Benjamin R. Johnson, the old soldier who arrived in town in a wagon Thursday with his family, died Sunday morning. The family was in destitute circumstances, and camped by the Springfield bridge over Cahokia Creek. The Grand Army Post provided them with food and medical attention, but the old man gradually sank and died Sunday morning. The funeral took place Monday afternoon to Woodlawn Cemetery.

NOTES:
Mr. Johnson served in Company A, 16th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War.

 

JOHNSON, CALVIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 11, 1908
Calvin Johnson died at 12 o'clock today at his home, 1017 Liberty street, after a long illness. He was 64 years of age, and had spent much of his life as a resident of Alton. The funeral arrangements have not been made. He was the son of old "Scotch" Johnson, the negro who buried Lovejoy in 1837. The grave of Lovejoy was known only to the man who buried him for many years, and it was pointed out by him at a time when man had begun to view Lovejoy in a different light from when he was killed. Calvin Johnson was for many years a cleaner of Pullman cars at St. Louis.

 

JOHNSON, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 29, 1912
Charles A. Johnson, aged 45, of 1201 Norton Street, died at St. Joseph's Hospital yesterday evening from the effects of injuries he sustained when the Bluff Line pile driver overturned Thursday near Belltrees, dropping him to the creek bed with the machine a distance of 50 feet. Johnson's injuries from the first appeared to be of a fatal character, and the surgeons could hold out but little hope that there would be any improvement in his condition. He is survived by his wife and six children, some of the children being grown. A jury was sworn in by Magistrate Lessner, at the instance of Coroner Streeper, and an inquest will be held Wednesday evening.

 

JOHNSON or JOHNSTON, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1, 1916
The funeral of Miss Caroline Johnson was held this afternoon from the home on Alby street where services were conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller, pastor of the German Evangelical Church, in the presence of many friends and neighbors of deceased. Floral offerings were numerous and beautiful.

 

JOHNSON, CECILE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 13, 1905
Cecile Johnson, four years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, died yesterday morning at the home in State street after an illness with diptheria. Another child in the family is very ill with the same malady. The body was taken to Elsah this morning for burial. The Johnson family moved here recently from a farm in the vicinity of Delhi.

 

JOHNSON, CHAMP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7, 1920
Youth Crushed at Powder Mill Dies in Hospital
Champ Johnson, 19 years old, of East Alton, died at St. Joseph's hospital Wednesday evening, several hours after he had been dragged into a crushing machine and mashed between its rollers at the plant of the Equitable Powder Company at East Alton. According to authorities at the plant, Johnson, with Adolph Rhodes, was at work feeding lumps of powder into the crusher to be ground up. His feet became caught in the rollers, which are set about an inch apart, and he was drawn into the machine. The rollers are set to allow for an expansion of three and one-half inches under pressure, and Johnson's body was pulled into the opening up to his thighs. Johnson is one of seven children of John Johnson, with whom he lived at East Alton.

 

JOHNSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 28, 1911
Takes Fatal Nap on Tracks Near Edwardsville Crossing
Charles Johnson, aged 35 years, claiming to be a glassworker and claiming Granite City as his home, was killed at Edwardsville Crossing Sunday morning. Johnson missed the electric car and laid down on a switch spur to take a nap. He placed some grass on one of the rails to soften the head rest and went to sleep. Several hours later a C. & A. train was switched onto the spur, and Johnson's head was severed from the body as neatly as if he had been guillotined. Coroner Streeper took charge of the body. Johnson had been drinking hard and was under the influence of liquor when he laid down on the railroad track. Up to late this afternoon, Coroner Streeper had not received any positive assurance that the man is Johnson - no one from Granite City or this city knowing him. Many have viewed the remains but none could identify the man.

 

JOHNSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1913
Charles Johnson, aged 70, died at the St. Joseph Hospital at 1 o'clock this morning following injuries sustained in a fall down the steps at the Pickett Boarding house on Front street two weeks ago. According to the story given out by the people at the boarding house when the accident occurred, Johnson had been drinking for about a week prior to the time of the accident, and had fallen down a number of times. Finally he fell down the steps at the hotel and the police were called. After taking him to the police station, it was found that his condition was serious enough to have him taken to the hospital. Johnson was unable to talk English, and during his stay at the hospital little was learned concerning his relations and only one man ever visited him while there. The doctors report that when he was taken to the hospital he had a number of old bruises which must have been sustained before he fell down the steps. No arrangements for the funeral have been made. An inquest was held over Johnson this afternoon.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1913
The coroner's jury found yesterday that the death of Charles Johnson was due to alcoholism. Johnson, aged 70, died at the St. Joseph's hospital yesterday morning following his falling down stairs at the Pickett hotel two weeks ago. The jury decided that his being intoxicated continually had more to do with his death than his fall, and that the shock of his inquiries caused alcoholism to develop.

 

JOHNSON, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 24, 1912
Charles A. Johnson, aged 45, of 1201 Norton street, died at St. Joseph's hospital yesterday evening from the effects of injuries he sustained when the Bluff Line pile driver overturned Thursday near Belletrees, dropping him to the creek bed with the machine, a distance of 50 feet. Johnson's injuries from the first appeared to be of a fatal character, and the surgeons could hold out but little hope that there would be any improvement in his condition. He is survived by his wife and six children, some of the children being grown. A jury was sworn in by Magistrate Lessner, at the instance of Coroner Streeper, and an inquest will be held Wednesday evening. The body will be taken to Elsah tomorrow morning, and the funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock in the Methodist church at Elsah.

 

JOHNSON, CHARLES RUFUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1880
Died in Alton, Friday morning, April 9, Charles Rufus, infant son of Francis M. and Mary C. Johnson.

 

JOHNSON, CLINTON M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9, 1906
The funeral of Clinton M. Johnson was held Saturday afternoon from the home on Belle street, and was attended by many friends of the family. Burial was in City Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, D. J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19, 1903
D. J. Johnson, aged 69, died at his home on a farm in Godfrey township on the Coal Branch road last night, after an illness with stomach troubles. He was a native of Germany but lived in this vicinity since his 28th year. He leaves four children, Annie, Fred and Henry, who are at home, and Tena, who lives in Seattle, Wash. Funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home to the Evangelical church, Alton, where services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann.

 

JOHNSON, EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7, 1889
Killed in Altercation at Bush’s Corner
From Edwardsville, February 3 – This afternoon, Will Gillham, living near Comstock, walked into the office of Jailer William H. Cotter, and said he had killed Ed Johnson, a 15-year-old negro boy. His story is that he and Johnson got into an altercation over a jug of cider. Johnson attacked Gillham with a knife, cutting his clothes and inflicting a slight gash in his breast. Gillham drew a revolver and fired at Johnson, killing him instantly. He then saddled a horse and rode to Edwardsville and gave himself up.

 

JOHNSON, EMILY A. (nee FISHER)/Source: Collinsville Herald, November 6, 1914
Emily A. (Fisher) Johnson passed away at the family residence at Hesperin Street on the first of November after a brief illness. She was born near Waterloo, Ill. January 6, 1811. She married J. W. Johnson on the 19th of June 1861. She became a resident of Collinsville shortly afterwards. She is survived by her aged husband, one sister, Mrs. Josephine Allen of Mt. Vernon; one brother, John Fisher of Nebraska; and 5 children: Edward, Clarence and Jesse Johnson, and Mrs. David Killerger, all of this city, and Mrs. Mary Phillips of East St. Louis, sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. H. Ford of the First M. E. church with interment at Glenwood Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, EMMA CATHERINE and THEODORE FRANZ/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 20, 1888
From Moro, Sept. 18, 1888 - Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Johnson have been deeply afflicted by the death of two children from diphtheria.

 

JOHNSON, ENOS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12, 1911
Enos Johnson of Upper Alton, died at his residence Thursday evening at 6 o'clock after a long period of disability from paralysis. Mr. Johnson's death had been expected since he was stricken Monday evening. He was in the act of winding up his business affairs, as he realized that he must go away or be subject to a fatal attack of a malady which had been troubling him since February 1908. At that time he had suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, and later he had been taking life easy, but had been giving attention to his banking business in Upper Alton and decided to give up everything and devote all his time to getting well if possible, and nursing his weakened strength along. He never regained consciousness after the fatal stroke of Monday night. His children were summoned to attend him and his son, Hermon Johnson, who was in the Navy, obtained a furlough to be with his father at the end. Mr. Johnson was born near Medora, Ill., March 16, 1855. He was engaged at farming until he moved from there to Upper Alton in 1893, and he then took up real estate and insurance business. He established a branch of an Alton bank in Upper Alton, and carried on that business as a side line. He was prominent in the Masonic order, having filled all the offices in the Medora lodge and later when he moved to Upper Alton he became Master of that lodge and was later appointed a grand lecturer and subsequently was district deputy grand master, resigning the last post recently because of ill health. He was a long time member of the Baptist church and was a deacon in the Upper Alton church. He is survived by his wife and three children, Hermon W. Johnson, Mrs. A. J. Edwards of Paris, and Ray Johnson. The funeral will be tomorrow morning, and brief services will be held at the home, conducted by Rev. W. M. Rhoads and Rev. M. H. Day. The body will be taken on the C. B. & Q. train to Medora, where it will be buried with Masonic honors in Oakland cemetery near Medora. Dr. H. T. Burnap will conduct the Masonic burial service at the grave.

 

JOHNSON, ETHEL MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 4, 1908
Ethel May, the 18 months' old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Johnson of 1204 Belle street, died last evening at 9:30 o'clock at the family home after an illness of ten days from stomach and bowel trouble. During the child's illness everything was done that could be done by the parents and friends to save her life, but it proved ineffective. In their deep affliction the family has the sympathy of all their friends. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from the family home.

 

JOHNSON, EUGENIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20, 1850
Died on the morning of the 17th inst., Eugenia, only daughter of Mr. James I. and Mrs. Zelda Johnson of Alton, aged 18 months and two days.

 

JOHNSON, EVANS/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 8 & 15, 1894; March 01, 1894
Interesting Historical Figure
Mr. Evans Johnson of Missouri Point, St. Charles County, will be 90 years old next May, and in an interview with a reporter of the St. Charles Cosmos, speaks entertainingly of early days around Alton, Illinois:

“Ninety years is but a brief span in the history of the older countries of the world, but in these United States, it covers the greater part of our national life. Think of it, a man living next door to you, who was born but a few months after the purchase of this magnificent valley from Napoleon, during the first administration of Jefferson, the third president of our country, one who has lived through the administrations of twenty-four presidents, who was eight years old when Jackson whipped Peckanham before New Orleans, and was twenty-eight when he shouldered his rifle in the Black Hawk War. Mr. Johnson was born in 1804, and came to the Point when he was a year old. His father came from Tennessee when he was a famous scout and Indian fighter. By the way, he tells me that “Old Hickory” [President Andrew Jackson] got his first taste of Indian fighting under his father, who was a Lieutenant under Colonel Jack Gordon in Tennessee. Jackson was then quite a young man, and had never seen any military service. He was anxious to have a brush with the Indians, and rather doubtingly inquired of Gordon if he expected to meet any. Gordon declared emphatically they would not return until they found them, and so Jackson started off with the rest, marching through the wilderness in a thin pair of pumps that were ill adapted to such work. Ultimately, they captured an Indian village, and many of the Indians were slain. Jackson was by this time barefoot. He searched around among the slaughtered braves until he found a fellow with fine new leggings and moccasins, which he deemed would fit him. “To the victors belong the spoils” was Jackson’s motto many years afterwards in the White House. It was certainly true in this case, for he was speedily parading in the poor Indian’s finery, much to his apparent satisfaction.

Mr. Johnson showed me the rifle which his father carried in Tennessee, and which he, himself, afterwards carried in the Black Hawk War. The bore is not large, and the barrel is about five feet long. The stock was broken in the Black Hawk War during a stampede of horses. Mr. Johnson repaired it himself, and won many a shooting contest with it since here in the Bottom.

Mr. Johnson’s father, when he came here, purchased 30 acres of land from one LeBohm, for $1 an acre. His nearest neighbor was one Griffith, who lived two miles hearer Portage [des Sioux]. All below was a dense wilderness.

Portage then rivaled St. Charles and St. Louis. There was not a house where Alton now stands until many years later. Mr. Johnson’s father died in 1844, at the age of 74 years, and left three girls and three boys. All are dead now, except a sister, who is 88 years old and lives in California.

With the aid of glasses he still reads, and his hearing is scarcely affected. Some years ago, he got what he called his second sight, and discarded the spectacles, doing a long time without them. In early life he chewed, but at the age of thirty gave it up. He has smoked for 60 years. He is naturally getting a little stiff and feeble, but only quite recently astonished a neighboring lady, who expressed some doubts as to his agility, by dancing “Jim Crow” in the old pioneer style.”

Source: Alton Telegraph, February 15, 1894
Continuing story of Evans Johnson – Mr. Johnson lives in a neat commodious house, one end of which is of wood, and the other of brick. The brick end was built in 1812 by Mr. Seely. He made the brick and burned them on the premises. The excavation is still to be seen. Nine pounds of nails were all that could be obtained in St. Louis, and they were shingle nails. Larger ones had to be made by a blacksmith. The large nails in the old brick house today were so obtained.

The woods were then full of Indians – Sacs and Foxes – and game was abundant. There were deer, wolves, wild cats, foxes, coons, opossums, and wild turkeys.

In the fall, after corn husking was over, he and other young fellows would go a few miles further down the Point, and put up a hunter’s hut and spend three or four weeks hunting. The Indians, as a rule, behaved themselves, but occasionally committed deeds of violence. One Jack Piper was killed and scalped near Portage, and the grandfather and grandmother of Mr. Johnson’s present wife, Burkleo, were shot while in their house, on the site now occupied by Morris Stonebraker. Mrs. Burkleo lived for a short time, and Mr. Burkleo recovered.

During the earthquake disturbances of 1811-12, Mr. Johnson’s family received a great scare. They were awakened one night by the swaying and creaking of the house. Dishes were thrown from their places and broke. The house at that time was a log structure, and rested on high blocks. Mr. Johnson’s father instantly concluded it was the Indians, and that with levers they were endeavoring to overturn the house. Hastily seizing his rifle, he partially opened the door and came pretty near shooting one of his darkies, who, alarmed at the unaccountable disturbances, had left his quarters to seek shelter with the white men.

Mr. Smeltzer, after whom the neighboring lake is named, some years later, established himself at the mouth of the slough, on the Mississippi, between Dresser Island and the mainland. Here, he erected a brick house. Henry the name Brick House Slough. He ran a skiff ferry, and had a flatboat, in which a team could be transferred. Mr. Sloan started a ferry at about the same place where Captain Starr now runs, and Smeltzer went away. Not a vestige of the old brick house remains, except a slight depression in the ground where it once stood.

Mr. Johnson remembers a treaty made with the Indians at Portage des Sioux in 1812. He recollects the great number of wigwams along the bank of the Mississippi, the canoes on the river and display of Indian finery.

The Griffiths, who were originally from New York, went home on a visit. When he returned the following summer, of course, he had great news to tell of the outer world. Among his other stories, he told seeing boats run without the aid of oars or sails. His listeners sat that down as a Munchauson creation. But the very next summer, the Johnson family heard a most singular sound on the river, which is right in front of their house. The view was then unobstructed, though trees have since grown up there, and the channel was then close upon the bank. They all rushed breathlessly down to the river to see what this strange monster might be. A monster, indeed, it was. It was the Dolphin, the first steamboat to ascend the Missouri River. She was built, I think, at Cincinnati. She went up the Missouri River some distance, and then came to St. Louis, where she shortly afterwards sank. Her bow was built in the semblance of a huge snake. The eyes shone plainly, the mouth was wide open and disclosed rows of sharp teeth. Through the mouth the steam escaped. The Dolphin was, indeed, a terrible-looking monstrosity in the eyes of the children who ran, crying with fright from the bank of the river, and never stopped till they reached the house.

Mr. Johnson has seen nine very high overflows of the rivers in this Bottom. The highest of all was in 1844. The river at that time was in his house, and one end of the brick house was entirely destroyed, and the other end very much damaged. It was by actual measurement, 4 feet 7 inches higher then in 1892.

Recollections of a Pioneer
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 01, 1894
From the St. Charles newspaper – “The farmers of those times, 70 or 80 years ago, said the old gentleman didn’t aim to produce much more than was likely to be consumed. In this section of the country, at least, there was absolutely no demand for any surplus. Money was scarce, but then there was no need of it. Wheat, corn, potatoes, and other vegetables, sufficient for the needs of the family and stock, were cultivated. But one team was kept at home and cared for. The remainder of the stock, together with the hogs, roamed at will through the woods. They wintered there, and came out fat in the spring. Luxuries, of course, were few, but never having been known, they were not missed. Tea was hardly ever seen, and coffee was such a rarity that I remember, when a little boy, mother keeping a small sack of it hanging up on the wall to be brought down and used only on very high and important occasions. Sometimes a neighbor – a few miles away – whom mother wished to treat with extraordinary respect, would call, and I was summoned to climb up after the little bag of coffee. That’s how I remember it so well.

We had no salt codfish, nor mackerel, nor canned lobsters, nor salmon, but the old Missouri River on one side, and the Mississippi River on the other, were just loaded with fish, and the cats, the bass, the pickerel, and the croppies just begged one to come and catch them. Venison was common, wild turkeys ran gobbling through the woods, coons, ‘possum, squirrel – why there was no end to the game, and if you longed for sweetness, the wild bees would supply you. What more could one desire?

Cornbread was a steady diet – cornbread and honey – but remember it was cornbread made by a sooty-colored old aunty. We had as many as 11 darkies at one time, and the older ones were very loathe to leave us when they gained their liberty. I wonder what was the secret of making cornbread possessed by these old aunties. And think of ‘possum baked in a dutch oven with big “yaller” yams and served up with coon gravy!

After all, I don’t know but that the pioneers had more luxuries then their descendants can boast of. What we call table luxuries, they would consider “trifling fixins.” As to clothes: sheep were kept and flax was grown, and so was cotton. Every house had cards, spinning wheels, and looms. If the homespun wasn’t very elegant, it was certainly warm and serviceable, and all wool – something pretty hard to gety in the stores these days. Along with the homespun cloth, of course was made lots of flannel, and from the flax we made our linen.

I remember a little anecdote about two of my sisters that may cause the young belles of the present day to smile. Like all young ladies – my experience of 90 years forces me in saying all – they thirsted after finery. The means of gratifying such a longing, in this place, at that time, were to express it mildly, rather limited. But there was one thing they had set their hearts on, that they dreamed about, that they must and would have white dresses. You know, “when a woman wills, she will, you may depend on’t,” and the girls down in the Point were built on pretty much the same pattern as in Shakespeare’s time. So they sowed some cotton, tended it, picked, cleaned, carded, spun, and wove it, and then made their dresses. All the work was performed very carefully, for they were smart girls, and the garments were perhaps much finer than you would suppose. At any rate, the Johnson girls were accounted the belles, henceforth, at all social gatherings.

The tableware was mostly of pewter, and I remember how interested I used to be watching mother polish up the pieces, dotting them here and there for show, and ranging them on the old-fashioned dresser.”

Death of Evans Johnson
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 01, 1894
Mr. Evans Johnson, the interesting story of whose life has been published in the Telegraph recently, died Sunday night at his home on Missouri Point. He was 90 years of age, and 89 of these years were spent on the home farm near Bellefontaine. He was attacked by the grip lately, and his old age and enfeebled condition consequent thereon prevented recovery. The funeral occurred Tuesday at Portage des Sioux, and that good, genial, old gentleman has at last penetrated the mystery of the “dividing veil” between time and eternity. His death caused considerable sincere sorrow, and his funeral attracted large numbers of people. May he rest in peace.


NOTES:
Evans Johnson was born May 30, 1804 in Tennessee. His father, a famous scout and Indian fighter, brought the family to the Missouri Point in 1805. His father died in 1844, at the age of 74 years. Evans Johnson died February 25, 1894, shortly after speaking to the reporter of the St. Charles Cosmos. He was buried in the Saint Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Portage des Sioux, St. Charles County, Missouri. Evans had married in 1834 to Angelique LeFevre (1814-1861). There were two known children: Mary Anna Johnson Valentine (1848-1904) and Stephan Evans Lee Johnson (1867-1901).

 

JOHNSON, FRANCIS MARION/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29, 1912
School Historian and Soldier Dies
Francis Marion Johnson, aged 67, a native of Alton, died at 11:30 o'clock Wednesday at his home, 1120 Wallace street in Alton. He had lived in Alton all his life and was one of the best known men in Alton. His death followed an illness of about two weeks from which he seemed to have recovered. He was taken down again a few days ago, and was very ill the remainder of the time until his death occurred. Francis Marion Johnson was a man of unusual ability. All his life he had been a hard worker, but he had cultivated his mentality until he was recognized as a man who was unusually well informed, and his memory was wonderful. As a historian of the old No. 2 school building, a number of years ago he appealed to the old-time residents of Alton by recalling graphically many incidents of his school days, which were very interesting. When a young man he enlisted in the 22nd Illinois regiment and served with credit during the war. At every Memorial Day parade, his heart and step still young, he would march with the old soldiers and he would beat the old drum which he had carried with Sherman through Georgia. He would organize one new drum corps after another, as the old ones would lose interest, and no parade was complete without his drum. He was a man who fairly oozed patriotism at every pore of his skin and any call for assistance in any patriotic enterprise was sure to enlist the services of Mr. Johnson. He is survived by his wife, two sons, William and Frank Jr., and three daughters, Fanny May Johnson, Mrs. Foreline and Mrs. Grace Layton. He leaves also a brother, Rufus, and a sister, Mrs. Emma Murphy. He was a long standing member of the G. A. R. at Alton and the funeral will be under auspices of that organization. The funeral will be at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon from the home.

 

JOHNSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 02, 1899
From Moro - George Johnson died at his home on the 25th of January after an illness of only six days. Few men in Moro Township were better known or more highly respected than Mr. Johnson. He was born at Friedeburg, Ostriesland, Germany, in January 1832, and came to America with his father's family in 1853, and has ever since been a resident of Madison County. He was married to Wuebke Frerichs February 24, 1859, who with two daughters, seven sons, and seven grandsons survive him. Mr. Johnson was a man of rare ability, and he was justly honored by all who knew him. He had served as commissioner, trustee and school director a number of terms, and his record is one that anyone might be proud to leave. He was a prominent member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Dorsey, having been one of its organizers some thirty years ago, during all of which time he was one of the elders. He represented his congregation at several meetings of the Illinois district of the Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states. The funeral services were held Friday afternoon. His pastor, Rev. H. P. Kuehn, assisted by Rev. P. N. Fedderson of Bethalto, conducting the services. Mr. Johnson was for many years a subscriber and constant reader of the Telegraph. His pastor adds these words: "He proved to be a sincere Christian, loving the Word of God. He liberally contributed to the support of the congregation, and always looked to the best of it. But what is above all, he never sought salvation in his own Christian deeds, but only in his Savior Jesus Christ, whom he considered as his righteousness before God; his works being witnesses only of his faith."

 

JOHNSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9, 1918
George Johnson, aged ___ [either 83 or 33], died yesterday at the family home at 1621 Alby street. The funeral will be held Wednesday, interment being in the City Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, GEORGE R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1904
George R. Johnson, one of the best-known residents of Upper Alton, died Sunday morning at 6:10 o'clock at his home in that place after being ill four months. Mr. Johnson's illness commenced in the fore part of last winter by an attack of the grip. Later, it developed into rheumatism and ended in a gradual paralytic stroke. George R. Johnson was born in Upper Alton February 6, 1844, consequently he was 60 years old, and had lived there all his life. He was well known throughout this vicinity. For many years he conducted a transfer business between Alton and Upper Alton, but of late he had a clerical position in the office of the Secretary of States in Springfield. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, one son, and three daughters: Edward Johnson of San Francisco, Cal., and Mrs. Lee Ellis of the same place; Misses Anna and Maud Johnson of Upper Alton. Also his mother and three brothers: James L., John B., and Charles B. Johnson. G. R. Johnson was married to Miss Delia Parker in Marion, Arkansas, and she survives him. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home to Oakwood Cemetery. Rev. G. W. Waggoner, assisted by Rev. W. H. Ganneway, will conduct the services.

 

JOHNSON, GUSTAVE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1917
Killed in Blast at Cartridge Plant
Gustave Johnson, aged 28, fulminate mixer at the plant of the Western Cartridge Co., was killed this morning in the explosion of a quantity of fulminate he was working with. The building in which he was working was blown to pieces, and the body of Johnson was horribly mangled. The job on which he was working is regarded as an extremely dangerous one, requiring great skill and care. Accidents occur there occasionally, and it always means a fatality, but by care and caution the danger has been reduced to the minimum. Johnson, according to the practice observed at the plant, worked alone in the little building where the fulminite mixture is made. The mixture is used as the explosive in the caps which set off the cartridge shells. What caused the explosion will never be known. Mr. Johnson had been working as a fulminite mixer for several years. He had lived about two years at 1225 East Fifth street. Besides his wife, he leaves a little child about one year old. The body was turned over to Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauser, who will conduct an inquest. The time of the funeral had not been set as relatives at distant points had not been heard from. The official statement issued from the Western Cartridge Co. office today stated as follows: "The cause of the explosion has not, at the present time, been ascertained, on account of the nature of the materials which was involved in the explosion. Mr. Johnson has been in the employ of the company, in the mixing department, over three years, and was known to be a very careful man. The department in which the explosion occurred is isolated from the remainder of the plant on account of the nature of the material handled, and no one is permitted to visit this department except the persons employed in the mixing of the material. The explosion will not in any way interfere with the operation of the remainder of the plant." The funeral will be held at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home on East Fifth street to the City Cemetery. The services will be conducted at the home by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier, who will have charge of the services.

 

JOHNSON, HANNAH (nee ARMSTRONG)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 7, 1911
Mrs. Hannah Armstrong Johnson, wife of Harrison Johnson, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O. G. Norris, on Market street at noon Tuesday. Her death was due to a general breaking down from old age. She was a native of Alton and except for nine years of her life, she had been a constant resident of Alton. It was 77 years ago that her father, George J. Armstrong, moved into the home, 1244 Main street, where the family made their home, and it was only six months ago that Mrs. Johnson, beginning to break in her health, went to live with her daughter, Mrs. NOrris. Mrs. Elizabeth Soule, her sister with whom the family had made their home, left the house six weeks ago to stay at St. Joseph's hospital, and this was the first time in 77 years the house had not been occupied by a member of the Armstrong family. Mrs. Johnson was taken to her bed a week ago last Monday, and last Friday she became unconscious and her life slipped away as she lay apparently in a peaceful slumber. She was born in the house that was, until recently, her home, and was married there January 27, 1867 to Harrison Johnson. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Soule and Miss Katherine Armstrong, formerly an instructor at Monticello Seminary. Her two brothers, John Armstrong and William Armstrong, died before her. She leaves beside her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Orrin G. Norris, and two sons, Thomas A., and Fred D. Johnson. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church for many years. During her whole life she was known for a kindly, gentle disposition, and in her home she was an excellent wife and mother. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from St. Paul's Episcopal church, and burial in City Cemetery will be private.

 

JOHNSON, HARRIET/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 31, 1890
From Upper Alton – Mrs. Harriet Johnson died on Saturday evening at her residence on Brown Street, after an illness of a few days from a calculous affection; aged 53 years. Mrs. Johnson’s life has been passed in Upper Alton, and she possessed a large circle of acquaintances and friends. For some years she has been a professional nurse, and her skillful ministrations have endeared her in many families. She was a half-sister of Mr. D. M. Kittinger.

 

JOHNSON, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1909
Killed In Explosion at Wood River Refinery
A very bad explosion occurred Tuesday morning in still No. 1, at the Wood River Refinery, by which Henry Johnson, whose home was 1208 Main street in Alton, was instantly killed and his body almost burned up, and three other men, James Green, George Lang, and Thomas Manning, had narrow escapes but were not injured. Johnston [sic] was about 36 years of age, and leaves a wife and one child, aged 7 months. The accident is not explained satisfactorily by anyone, and it is said to be a very unusual one and that it like was not known in any of the refineries of the Standard Oil Co. The men were engaged in "plating" a still about 3:15 a.m., after it had been cleaned and was being refilled with crude oil. Manning was on one side and Johnson on the other. Green was close by and George Lang was on top of the still. Without any warning there was a sudden explosion of the gases in the still, which blew the heavy iron plate out and probably instantly killed Johnson, who was knocked against the concrete wall. A stream of fire poured from the hole in the still and played upon the head and shoulders of Johnson like a giant blow torch, which consumed the man's flesh and bones. Green and Manning were blown against the sides of the building and were stunned, and when they regained consciousness they made their escape. Lang was lifted off the top of the still and dropped over into a "condenser" in which there was a sufficient depth of water to extinguish the fire in his clothing. Each of the men was blown about 30 feet by the explosion. The shock of the explosion shattered all the window panes in the buildings close to it and shook up the whole plant. A general fire alarm was turned in and the fire was extinguished. It could do no damage as the building was concrete and iron, and the still ir iron. The still was completely wrecked and will be disabled for some time. Coroner Streeper was summoned to take charge of the body, and he removed it to his place in Upper Alton. The witnesses of the accident were ordered to remain there until after the inquest. It was stated to the brother of Mr. Johnson for one hour after the explosion fire was fought in the still house, and when the fire was out the roll was called and Johnson was found missing. When his body was found it was charred almost beyond recognition, and it was still burning. The victim of the explosion leaves one brother, Fred Johnson, and two sisters, Miss Annie Johnson of Alton, and Miss Tenie Johnson of Seattle, Washington. The body will be taken to the home, 1208 Main street, which Mr. Johnson had built and furnished. The inquest will be held at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. A. Neermann of Fourth and Langdon streets saw the flash of fire and felt the jar of the explosion at his home in Alton. Mr. Neermann said he had been awake a few minutes and was looking out of the window at his bedside, toward the Wood River refinery. He saw a flash of fire rise in the air and then disappear, and a few minutes later, or as long as it took for the concussion to travel seven miles, he felt the jarring of his room and the rattle of his windows.

 

JOHNSON, IDA AND INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4, 1902
Ida Johnson, colored, aged 18, died Monday night after a long illness at the home of her father, Horace Hobson, on Fletcher street. Her four months old child died a few hours before her. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday at the Union Baptist church.

 

JOHNSON, J. P. (REV.)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 28, 1889
The funeral of Rev. J. P. Johnson took place Monday from the Salem Church. The attendance was the largest ever seen in that part of the county. Deceased left a mother, four sisters, three brothers, and a host of friends to mourn his death.

Rev. Johnson was long a prominent minister of the colored Baptist Church. He died at his home near Wood’s Station in Foster Township. He had been suffering from indisposition for about a week, but it was not thought that his condition was at all dangerous. In the afternoon, however, he was taken with a profuse hemorrhage, which proved fatal in a short time. He left a number of relations and friends to mourn his sudden death. His age was 50 years. He preached at Piasa, Jerseyville, and Wood River.

 

JOHNSON, J. P. or W. T. TURNER?/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 02, 1897
The man who gave his name as J. P. Johnson, and was struck by a Bluff Line train August 12 near Oldenburg, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital Friday morning from his injuries. He was badly injured by the train about the body and head, and had his leg broken. He claimed Springfield, Illinois, as his home, and said that he was a discharged Cavalry man. Coroner Bailey went to the hospital and impaneled a jury to hold an inquest over the body.

A fellow inmate of the hospital, whose cot was next to that of Johnson, says that the latter told him his name was not J. P. Johnson, but W. T. Turner, and that his home is Greenfield, Illinois, where he was well acquainted. He also said he had a son, G. W. turner, who owns a tea store in St. Louis on Walnut Street, between Third and Fourth. He had $15,000 insurance on his life, and was also a member of the St. Louis Merchants Exchange.

 

JOHNSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 09, 1899
Killed by Train
James Johnson, a tramp, was imstantly killed Thursday night, three miles north of Godfrey, by a freight train on the Kansas City branch. With Johnson was his partner, R. S. Rumby, who had a narrow escape with his life. The two men were sitting on the ends of the ties on the track asleep, with their heads leaning on their hands. Rumby waked in time to roll off the track and barely escaped being crushed under the wheels. Johnson was struck on the back, and thrown into the ditch beside the track, being instantly killed. Coroner Bailey was summoned and held an inquest. The man’s spine was broken by the blow from the engine. Undertaker Bauer took charge of the body and will bury it at Milton Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, JAMES EDWARD/Source: Collinsville Herald, August 9, 1919
James Edward Johnson, 40 years, 6 months, and 18 days old, died Monday morning at the home of his sister, Mrs. E. Watson, after an illness of several months. Mr. Johnson was born in Collinsville November 27, 1878, and has lived here most of his life except for the last several years. His trade was as a painter. He was never married. Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon from the residence of Mrs. Watson. His nephews acted as pallbearers: Edward, John Albert and Elmer Phillips and Lester and David Killinger. Rev. Daniel Breese officiated and interment was in Glenwood Cemetery. Mr. Johnson is survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Watson of this city and Mrs. Mary Phillips of East St. Louis, and 2 brothers, Jesse and Clarence Johnson of this city.

 

JOHNSON, JENNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22, 1877
Died in Alton, February 16, Mrs. Jennie Johnson, of pulmonary consumption.

 

JOHNSON, JENNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 26, 1910
Mrs. Jennie Johnson died last evening at 8 o'clock at her home on College avenue in Upper Alton. The news of her death came as a shock to her friends, as few of them were aware that her illness had become serious. Mrs. Johnson was sick just eight days. She was first taken with chills and fever, but Monday pneumonia developed. It became evident Tuesday morning that her illness was serious, and she continued to grow worse all day until death came in the evening. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Willard. Mrs. Johnson was the widow of the late John Johnson, a native of Upper Alton. She was born in the state of Oregon on March 12, 1849, and came with her family to Illinois when six months of age, and has been a resident of the state ever since. She was the youngest of her family of four brothers and sisters, all of whom are dead. She was married to John Johnson at Gillespie in 1868, and they lived there until fifteen years ago when they moved to Upper Alton and made their home here until death. Mrs. Johnson was a devoted member of the Upper Alton Methodist church, and she leaves a large circle of friends who are deeply grieved on account of her sudden taking away. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church. The casket will be open at the family home from 4:30 o'clock this afternoon until 1 o'clock tomorrow, but will not be opened at the church. Rev. H. Baker will conduct the service and burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 21, 1885
From Moro – Mr. John Johnson, an old and respected citizen, died on May 2, after a lingering illness. He had been a resident of Moro Township for 32 years.

 

JOHNSON, JOHN B. G./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 7, 1888
Killed at Plow Works
This afternoon, an accident occurred in the grinding room at the Plow Works, by which John Johnson, a German, was almost instantly killed. While using an emery wheel, the stone burst and fragments struck the unfortunate man, crushing the left side of his head and face, severing the carotid artery, resulting fatally almost instantly. Drs. Haskell and Fiegenbaum were called, but their services were not needed.

Deceased was about 45 years of age, and leaves a wife, Mary H. Johnson, and children to mourn his tragical ending. He had a narrow escape eight or nine months ago by a similar accident. Although a number of other workmen were engaged in the same department, none of them were injured by the explosion. It is thought that the unfortunate man was running his wheel too rapidly, and that this caused the catastrophe, as no defect has been found in the wheel. An inquest will be held to determine the facts.

 

JOHNSON, JOHN PETER/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 9, 1881
Mr. John Peter Johnson, an estimable young man, a native of Upsala, Sweden, died at the residence of Mr. John Uebelhack, corner of Third and Langdon Streets, on Wednesday morning, after an illness of several weeks, caused by throat consumption. Deceased had lived here about eight years, and left a large circle of friends to mourn his death. The funeral took place Thursday from Mr. Uebelhack’s residence. He was 30 years and 10 months old.

 

JOHNSON, JONAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1886
Jonas Johnson Killed by Stepson in Defense of His Mother
A terrible domestic tragedy took place last evening, about two miles east of town on the road to Wood River, resulting in the death of Jonas Johnson, at the hands of his stepson, Charles Carr, the deed being done in defense of Mrs. Johnson, the young man’s mother. Johnson was formerly a hired hand working on the farm of Charles Carr Sr. After the death of Mr. Carr, he remained on the place in the employ of the widow, and finally married her. Their domestic life was not a happy one. Johnson, according to reports, was a hard drinker and of a quarrelsome disposition when intoxicated. He is said to have abused his family frequently. The couple separated at one time, and Johnson went east, but returned about a year ago. He had, it is said, repeatedly driven young Carr away from home, who of late has been working for a man named William Stromberg. Last evening Carr went home and found Johnson and his wife disputing about some property. Johnson was violent and abusive in his language, when young Carr interfered in defense of his mother, and a quarrel ensued between the men. Carr got possession of a shotgun, and told Johnson that the abuse of his mother had gone far enough and must be stopped. Johnson thereupon, so the report runs, attempted to assault his stepson. Carr ordered him back and snapped a cap on the gun to intimidate him. Johnson still came towards him, when Carr ran out of the house and Johnson followed. In the yard, Carr again warned him back, but Johnson still pursued, and the young man fired. The charge entered Johnson’s abdomen, inflicting a ghastly wound, which resulted in his death about one o’clock this morning. Carr made no attempt to escape, but gave himself up to the Deputy Sheriff, and was lodged in jail. He is about twenty years old, of a quiet disposition, and has always borne a good character.

Immediately after the shooting, which took place about 6 p.m., Jonas Johnson, the wounded man, who walked about 30 yards after he was shot, called to Williiam Sims to run for a doctor, and Dr. Yerkes was summoned. On arrival, the doctor saw at once that the man would die, and as soon as possible sent Policemen Sauerwein for Deputy Sheriff Volbracht. Mr. Volbracht received the notification about 11:30 p.m., and considering that the man Carr would have made off by that time if he intended to run, did not go down until 4 o’clock this morning. He found Carr at Hamilton’s place, about one fourth of a mile below the house. Carr readily gave himself up, remarking that he expected the officer, and admitting doing the shooting, saying that there had been bad blood between Johnson and himself for a long time. Deputy Sheriff Volbracht then arrested Carr, brought him to Alton and lodged him in jail. Coroner P. J. Melling received notice this morning, and about 10 o’clock proceeded to the scene of the tragedy as did also States Attorney George F. McNulty. Hon. A. W. Hope, who has been retained for the defense, also went down.

The scene of the shooting is at the back of a one story and a half brick dwelling, which is situated on rising ground, about one quarter of a mile this side of the Wood River bridge, just off the main road. The house is on a farm of 19 acres belonging to the Carr estate. At the house this morning, there were a number of men about and a few women, and Coroner Melling had no difficulty in empaneling a jury, who at once proceeded to view the body, which was lying in a small room. The deceased was a well-built man of above the middle height, with dark hair, and wearing a moustache and goatee of a sandy color. The features were composed. On lifting the sheet covering the corpse, a ghastly gunshot wound was disclosed in the abdomen under the breast bone. The aperture was large enough for the bowels to protrude. Death resulted in seven hours from the loss of blood. In a few minutes, the jury returned to the kitchen and heard the evidence of the widow, Mary C. Johnson, and that of William Sims, the latter being an eyewitness of the shooting. Their sworn testimony appears in full below. The widow appeared quite calm and collected, and gave her testimony in an unembarrassed manner. The deceased appears to have been an amiable sort of a man when not in liquor. There were no blows struck prior to the shooting, nor any very decided threats made, except that Jonas was determined to have some plowing done whether his wife wanted it so or not, and he was angry at his stepson’s interference. The shooting took place a few feet back of the kitchen door, and the men were only about eight feet apart. The weapon used was a double-barreled shotgun. Carr first snapped the cap on the one barrel, which misfired, and he then discharged the contents of the other barrel full into Johnson’s abdomen, with the result stated. The body of Mr. Johnson lies at the house, in charge of the relatives, and will, it is understood, be interred tomorrow. The proceedings of the jury did not take more than an hour from the time the members were sworn.

Evidence of the Widow
Mary C. Johnson, sworn and deposed:
“I reside in Wood River Township. I am the wife of the deceased, and have been married seven years ago in July. My husband had me in a corner and threatened what he would do to me. Carr said, ‘stand back or I will shoot.’ My husband made his way towards him. My son will be 20 years old in April. My son shot him. It was about six o’clock in the evening of Monday, March 1, 1886. My husband was making threats and said he would plow up a piece of meadow even if it took six horses instead of two. He made motions at me with his hand. My husband said to Carr not to interfere, and started towards him saying to my son, ‘What have you got to say about it?’ I did not see the shooting. I did not see my husband strike my son. My husband was sober, and had only been drinking hard cider. I believe my husband would have struck my son if he had reached him. Two years ago, Jonas made threats against my son. He was not quite sober at the time, but knew what he was about. The gun was in a shed at the back of the house. The shooting took place almost at once after the men left the house.”
Signed with her mark, Mary C. Johnson. Witness: P. J. Melling

Evidence of William Sims
William Sims, sworn and deposed:
“I reside in Upper Alton. Am a farmer. I have known the deceased about six years. I was in the shed, and heard the snap of the cap. I started for the door. Just as I ggot to the door, Charley said, ‘Stay back or I will shoot you.’ There were no words said but these. I saw the shot fired. It was about 10 minutes after 6, Monday evening, March 1. I was standing in the old shed door about 30 feet from them. Jonas was crowding Charley. The gun was setting just inside the kitchen door. When I heard the snap of the cap, I started out of the shed. I did not hear Jonas threatening his wife. After Jonas was shot, he followed Charley about 30 yards saying, ‘I will kill you if I get hold of you.’ I went for the doctor. The name of accused is Charley Carr. I never heard any words between them before. I have been pretty intimate with them. Charley was a quiet, peaceable fellow, and I thought him a big coward. Mr. Johnson told me to go for the doctor. Jonas died from the wound at two minutes to 1 o’clock this morning, Tuesday, March 2. I know Jonas would have beat Charley if he had got hold of him. I never heard any dispute between them before.”
Signed, William Sims

Preliminary Examination of Charles Carr
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 11, 1886
The examination was held in the Council Chamber before Justice Quarton, and a very large crowd assembled at and about the city hall. When the doors were thrown open, the spectators rushed in, completely filling the body of the hall. The prisoner, accompanied by his mother, sister, brother, and guardian, was brought in promptly at the hour for trial. The widow and daughter were dressed in mourning. The manner of the prisoner was calm and self-possessed.

The prosecuting attorney opened the case by calling the widow, Mrs. C. Johnson, who being sworn, deposed: “I am the widow of Jonas Johnson, and live at Wood River. I gave evidence before a Coroner’s jury as to the cause of the death of my husband. Late in the afternoon of the shooting, I saw my son, Charles Carr. On the day of the death I went to town to get some money in order to pay taxes. I had some words with my husband about plowing a meadow, and he said he did not care for Carr or myself, and abused Carr as hard as he could. Jonas threatened to hit me. He was sober, having only drank a little cider. He started after my son. He said he would kill every one of us if we interfered with his plans. He was passing his hand before me as I stood in the corner of the kitchen, and used violent language. I did not say at the coroner’s inquest that Jonas threatened to kill every one of us. I did not see the shooting, that took place outside the house. The farm belongs to myself and my children. Jonas had in other years plowed the meadow. The land belongs to the Carr heirs. Deceased was my second husband. The talk between Jonas and myself took place about 5 p.m. on Monday Charley came in after hearing the dispute and interfered. Jonas said the dispute was none of his business. Charley then left the house and Jonas followed. I heard Charley say outside the door, ‘Stand back or I will shoot.’”

Charles Carr was sworn in and said,”I am the party who shot Jonas Johnson. On the day of the shooting, I came from Burger’s, and got to the house about 6 p.m. I heard Jonas talking in a loud tone just before I entered the kitchen. In the kitchen there were Jonas, my mother, and sister. Jonas abused us all, and I went to the summer kitchen for my gun to defend myself. Jonas kept coming towards me, and I told him to stand back. I snapped a cap, and then fired the gun. I was in fear of bodily harm. Jonas had threatened to strike my mother. When I interfered, he called me a ____ ____. I knew where the gun was because it was always kept in the kitchen. Jonas was two steps from the kitchen when I snapped the first cap, and 25 feet when I snapped the second and shot him. Jonas beat me about two years ago, and a year ago he choked me to make me mind him. I was not laid up from the choking. Prior to the shooting, Jonas threatened to sink mother, my sister, and myself in the sea. Jonas was of bad disposition, drunk or sober. I was four feet from Jonas when I shot him. He made a grab for the gun.”

Johnny Carr was sworn in and said, “I was at the house when Charley came home on the mule. I put up the mule and came to the house, and saw Charley come out of the kitchen door, and Jonas after him. Charley ran and got the gun. Jonas went after him, Charley snapped a cap at him. Then Charley said ‘Stand back or I will shoot you.’ He then fired and shot Jones. I was at the corner of the house when the shooting took place. I did not see Jonas have any weapon in his hands.”

Hon. Charles A. Herb handed in a plan of the premises where the shooting took place, and said, “I am the guardian of the defendant and the minor children. The land belongs to the Carr heirs, and not to Jonas. Jonas was a man who would do anything for a friend, but he would be a dangerous enemy.”

The States’ Attorney rose, and stated that he would proceed no further with the case, and the prisoner was discharged. He was of the opinion that no jury could readily be found to convict the prisoner, and acted accordingly.

The Jury’s Verdict
“In the matter of the inquisition on the body of Jonas Johnson, deceased, held at Wood River, on the 2nd day of March 1886. We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire of the death of Jonas Johnson, on oath, do find that he came to his death by a gunshot wound at the hands of Charles Carr, in Wood River Township, on the first day of March, 1886.”
Signed J. M. Gearing, Foreman; James Fallen, Joseph McKenzie, John Chessen, J. Kleinschnitzer, and H. A. Niederkern.

Immediately after the inquest, Coroner Melling returned to town and issued a formal warrant for the detention of Carr, when a preliminary examination will take place Thursday, in a Justice’s court.

 

JOHNSON, J. WESLEY/Source: The Advertiser, April 1, 1916
J. Wesley Johnson, aged 76 years and 1 month, died at his family home. He had been in failing health this past winter and died on Tuesday. He had heart trouble with complications. Mr. Johnson was a carpenter by trade and followed that trade until last summer. His wife died about 14 months previous. Three sons and two daughters survive him, all of which live in this city with the exception of one daughter, who lives in East St. Louis. They are as follows: Ed, Clarence and Jesse Johnson and Mrs. David Killinger, all of Collinsville, and Mrs. Mary Phillips of East St. Louis. The services were held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Killinger, at 304 Short Street, and conducted by Rev. P. G. Spangler of the Baptist church with interment at Glenwood Cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1907
Imprisoned at Libby Prison During Civil War - But Not A Soldier - Was Cattle Driver
John Johnson, in his 67th year, died Tuesday afternoon at his residence in Upper Alton from paralysis. He was stricken Sunday evening while alone in his home, and was found unconscious when his wife and daughter returned from attending church services. He did not regain consciousness. Mr. Johnson was said to be the oldest native resident of Upper Alton, being born in the village 67 years ago next July. The last four years of his life were spent in total blindness. Neuralgia attacks which settled in his eyes caused the loss of his sight, and about six months ago he was granted a special pension for blindness through the efforts of Congressman Rodenberg. He was not an enlisted soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, but was engaged as a cattle driver and was captured and confined as a prisoner in Libby prison for eight months. It was on his prison experience that he was given the pension. He leaves his wife and one daughter, Miss Nellie Johnson. He leaves also two brothers, Charles B. Johnson and James L. Johnson, both of Upper Alton. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, Rev. C. C. Hall of the Methodist church officiating.

 

JOHNSON, JOHN G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1902
Bethalto News - John G. Johnson, a highly respected and retired farmer, died Tuesday at 11 o'clock from consumption and dropsy. Mr. Johnson came to this place four years ago from Lizard, Iowa, and soon afterward married Mrs. H. Miller. He was 64 years of age. The funeral took place from the German church, Rev. Fedderson conducting the services. Besides a wife, he leaves two sisters and several grown children to mourn his demise.

 

JOHNSON, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4, 1921
Miss Kate Johnson, one of the best-known women in Upper Alton, and a lifelong resident of that section of the city, died this morning at 5:30 o'clock at the Johnson homestead, corner of Brown and Spaulding streets. Miss Johnson's illness, which began over a year ago, was well known to her many friends and her case was watched closely by a very large number of people. Just a year ago yesterday, Miss Johnson submitted to the first surgical operation for the relief of the trouble from which she suffered. She was benefitted temporarily by that operation, but later on she submitted to other operations. About two months ago she wanted to return to St. Louis for treatment in a hospital, and she was taken to the city. After being in the hospital a short time, she wanted to come home and she was brought back. She continued to decline rapidly from that time on, and her death this morning was expected. Miss Johnson was 60 years old and she lived all of her life in the Johnson homestead, where she was born. She leaves her one sister, Miss Doll Johnson, who is the last member of the family. The brother, H. E. Johnson, a former well known politician and for several years an official of Wood River Township, died about seven years ago. For many years the brother and the two sisters made their home together, and after his death the two sisters continued to live in the old home place. The death of Miss Johnson this morning leaves the remaining sister to occupy the home place alone. Miss Johnson leaves two aunts, Mrs. Ellen Harting and Mrs. Emma V. Heskett of Alton, and one uncle D. M. Kittinger, who is in Florida. Mrs. Harting said this afternoon that she had telegraphed to the brother, Dan Kittinger, announcing the death of his niece this morning, but she had not received any reply so far. The funeral arrangements will not be made until Mr. Kittinger is heard from.

 

JOHNSON, KATE C./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 28, 1877
Died in Alton, June 25, of cholera infantum, Kate C., youngest daughter of Harrison and Hannah Johnson.

 

JOHNSON, L./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1883
Mr. L. Johnson died at his residence on Third Street, east of Henry Street, Saturday, leaving a widow and two children. He was an employee at the Hapgood Plow Factory. Disease – consumption.

 

JOHNSON, LAYMAN L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1913
Dies From Fractured Skull
Layman L. Johnson of 2079 Alby street died at St. Joseph's hospital Monday morning from accidental injuries he sustained in a fall Sunday afternoon. He was 57 years of age and had worked for the C. & A. railroad since he was a boy. He had never done anything but section hand work, having refused to accept promotion offered to him. His only work was to make the railroad track solid and keep it safe for the big trains on which he was never to have a ride, and he did his work well. Johnson had passed through many a dangerous experience in the forty years he had worked for the Chicago & Alton as a section hand, but he always escaped with slight injuries. Sunday afternoon he sustained fatal injuries while going about his work. He was ascending an incline leading to the ice house of the C. & A. just north of the freight depot, when he missed his footing and fell ten feet, striking on his head. He was hurried to the hospital for surgical treatment, but never regained consciousness. His death occurred at 7:10 a. m. Monday. Johnson, it will be remembered as having been published a few weeks ago, had declined promotion whenever it was offered. General Roadmaster Maurice Donahue of the Alton was given a position on Johnson's recommendation, when Johnson declined the job that subsequently led Donahue to the highest position in the road department. Johnson would watch the fine cars go rolling by and whenever he saw the official car, he would think that he might have been in one of those cars, had he cared to accept promotion, but he preferred to look after the spikes in the track, see that the rails were in condition to carry those trains, and the ballast was solid under the ties. He worked always for the road, and when expenses were reduced, Johnson always stayed. The reason he did not wish to take advancement was that he had his aged parents in Alton, and when they died he had his sister. He was a man of good habits, faithful conscientious and a first class workman. He lived in his little home on Alby street with his sisters, and what money he did not spend on his home he saved. He was a fixture on the C. & A. railroad. High officers who rode in the official cars, the men known by Johnson as the "big bugs," came and went, but Johnson had gone on working for the C. & A. forever...He leaves two sisters, Mrs. Fred Tusscher of Springfield, and Miss Caroline Johnson of Alby street.

 

JOHNSON, LOUIS Albert/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 16, 1918
Louis A. Johnson, aged 35, died this morning at 8:15 o'clock at the family home at 1209 Norton street after an illness with influenza. He is survived by four brothers, two of whom are in France, also by two sisters, and his wife, Ethel. The brothers are William and Lacy, with the American Expeditionary Forces in France; Clifford and Fred of Alton; the sisters are Mrs. E. Murphy and Miss Nellie Johnson of this city. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 11 o'clock from the home, and will be private.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18, 1918
Lewis Albert Johnson was born in Elsah, Jersey county, July 2nd, 1888, and died November 16th. He was 35 years, three months, and 16 days of age. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ethel Johnson; father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. The brothers, John L. and William, who are serving their country in France, and Clifford Johnson and Fred Johnson of Alton. The sisters are Mrs. Edith Murphy and Miss Nellie Johnson. He died happy in the Lord. The services were conducted by Rev. A. W. Kortkamp at 11 o'clock this morning. Interment was in City Cemetery. The pallbearers were Walter Bost, Robert Troesten, John Williams, John Janni, Albert Shartel and James Thurston.

 

JOHNSON, LOUISA (nee WILLRODT)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19, 1904
The funeral of Mrs. Edward Johnson, nee Louisa Willrodt, of Mitchell, was held Thursday at Nameoki, and Rev. G. Plassman of the Evangelical church conducted the funeral service. Mrs. Johnson was 21 years of age. Her funeral was the largest ever known in the American Bottoms, and the cortege was several miles long as it wound along the road from Mitchell to the Nameoki church. Mrs. Johnson's death followed the birth of a child, which was born two weeks ago. By a strange coincidence, Mr. Johnson's first wife's death, which occurred two years ago, resulted from a similar cause. Mr. Johnson is Republican central committeeman at Mitchell.

 

JOHNSON, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 19, 1890
From Upper Alton – Rev. and Mrs. F. M. Johnson have been sorely bereaved in the death of a daughter, a bright girl of seven years of age. They have much sympathy from their many friends in Upper Alton. The child was buried at their former home in Greene County.

NOTES:
Mary Johnson was born December 20, 1882. She was buried in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Wrights, Greene County, Illinois. 

 

JOHNSON, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 4, 1893
Mrs. Mary Johnson, the aged resident of Upper Alton, whose sudden death was chronicled last Saturday, was supposed to be very poor by her neighbors, dependent upon charity to a certain extent. Since her death, however, a search of the house resulted in finding one pocket book containing about $150, and another hunt unearthed a book containing $100. Mr. M. Lowe put the money in a valise, which he gave to Mrs. Johnson’s son, a not overly bright person, with instructions to meet the former at Alton, and together they would go to a bank and deposit the cash. Mr. Lowe got to Alton and found Johnson, but the latter had no valise, and finally remembered that he had left it on the counter of a State Street saloon. The valise was found where it had been left, and the money placed where it will be safe. Further search of the Johnson house may reveal more money, and if it does, a conservator should be appointed for the son.

 

JOHNSON, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1914
Girl Dies on Dance Floor - Cause Not Known
Mrs. Mary Johnson, aged about 35, died suddenly Tuesday evening at the Kitzmiller dance hall, where she had been attending a dance. She was formerly a waitress at the Lafayette restaurant, and she continued to keep a room at that place. She had gotten to the dance to spend the evening, and she complained suddenly of feeling unwell and she exclaimed to a friend, "I feel like I was going to die." She had hardly uttered the words before she collapsed in what was supposed to be a faint, and restoratives were given in vain. She was then taken in a buggy to the Lafayette hotel on Piasa street, and there she was placed in a chair just within the doorway at the foot of the stairs leading to the second floor, and Dr. D. F. Duggan was called. He arrived soon afterward and pronounced her dead. The body was turned over to John Berner, coroner's undertaker. Mrs. Johnson danced one set and a half, a period of over twenty minutes, when she exclaimed "I'm choking." She began coughing, and asked for water. The water did not stop the cough and Link Drew was asked to secure a buggy and take her from the Kitzmiller hall to the Lafayette restaurant where she was head housekeeper. She went to the dance with Lillian Fox and Blanche Miller. She has been at the Lafayette hotel for a year. She came from Clarksville, Ill., where she has a father, one brother, and two sisters. She was married but separated from her husband for the past four years. Employees of the hotel say that she had a bad cold and was frequently seized with coughing spells. Her death was thought to have been aided by exhaustion, as she had a weak heart. The inquest was started this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

 

JOHNSON, MARY C./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 30, 1890
Mrs. Johnson, wife of Mr. Frank M. Johnson, died Sunday evening at the family home, 1121 Salu Street. Her death was caused by consumption, from which the deceased had long been a sufferer. Her husband, five children, and a large circle of friends and relatives are left to mourn her loss. [She was born in 1849. Burial was in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]

 

JOHNSON, MARY J./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February 17, 1892
Miss Mary J. Johnson died at the county farm Tuesday night (Feb. 16). The subject might be dismissed with this mere statement of a fact, had not circumstances developed after her death that shroud her career and life in mystery. She died, while depending on charity for maintenance. Her funeral robes and her burial were such as only people of wealth can afford. She was brought to the county farm on the 3rd inst., by Marshal Seaborn Miller, of Venice. She was the mother of a child which was one month old on the 12th inst. Her age was given at 23 years. Her appearance indicated that she was no older, if as old. She was a pretty woman in appearance, bright intellectually and showed natural refinement. She had an innocent, honest expression. She had relatives near Venice, it is stated a brother and a sister. They were notified of her death, Wednesday morning. In the evening M. J. Walsh, an undertaker of East St. Louis, arrived on the 9 o'clock Wabash, and embalmed the body. On Thursday morning arrived a handsome casket and expensive robes and furnishings. The body, which had been taken to the depot in an ordinary coffin, was transferred to the casket, and forwarded on the 9:25 train to Venice. The remains were met there by a hearse and four carriages. The funeral took place under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society of Venice. The body rests in the Lutheran cemetery at Nameoki. The funeral expenses amounted to not less than $250 or $300. The undertaker was reticent about giving any information whatever, stating merely that the money to pay him was just as good as if deposited in a bank. The dead woman left a paid up insurance policy for $500, payable to her sister, but the pay for the funeral does not come from that source. Poor people do not ordinarily have such expensive funerals. Conscience and wealth are not always neighbors.

 

JOHNSON, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7, 1901
Mrs. Mary J. Johnson died at her residence, 923 East Third street, today at 11:40 a.m., after a week's illness. Mrs. Johnson was born in Arnt, Ouright, Germany, December 3, 1830. She came to Alton in 1844, and has resided here or in this vicinity ever since. Three sons and three daughters survive her, viz: John, William and Fred Meinecke, by her first husband, the first two in Oklahoma and the last in Bunker Hill, and Mrs. A. C. Young of Alton, Mrs. Martha Meyers of Bethalto, and Mrs. H. B. Carpenter of Jackson, Mississippi. The funeral will take place on Monday, December 9, at 2 p.m. from the Evangelical church.

 

JOHNSON, MARY LOUISE/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 29, 1898
Mrs. Mary Louise Johnson, wife of Rev. G. J. Johnson, died Sunday at her home in St. Louis. The funeral took place this morning, and a number of relatives and friends of the family attended from Alton. Mrs. Johnson, with her husband, lived in Alton many years ago. Dr. Johnson was financial agent of Shurtleff College, and he it was who raised the $100,000 centennial endowment fund. Some years ago the family moved to St. Louis, but there are still in Alton many of their old friends who remember them. Dr. Johnson is over eighty years of age, but is still in good health.

 

JOHNSON, MILDRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10, 1908
The funeral of Miss Mildred Johnson was held this afternoon at the Washington M. E. church. The burial was in the City cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, NATHAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 1, 1880
Proprietor of the Piasa Foundry in Alton
Mr. Nathan Johnson, an old and respected citizen of Virden, a former resident of Alton, died Saturday morning at the age of 71 years. Mr. Johnson, while in Alton, was engaged in the foundry business for several years, first under the firm name of Stigleman, Johnson & Co., at the Piasa Foundry, corner of Piasa and Fourth Streets, and afterwards on Belle Street, at the building now used as the Alton Woolen Mills, the firm name being Johnson & Emerson.

 

JOHNSON, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1880
Superintendent of Alton Gas Works
Mr. Robert Johnson, an old, highly esteemed citizen of Alton, died at his residence on Belle Street, Sunday morning, at the age of 52 years, after an illness lasting several days, caused by lead poisoning, which induced partial paralysis. Mr. Johnson, in his business of fitter of gas and water pipes, used white lead in fastening the joints. In handling this material, it is supposed that his system gradually absorbed so much as to cause death at the time mentioned. Mr. Johnson was for many years Superintendent of the Alton Gas Works, but about two years ago went into business as a plumber. Deceased was born at Manchester, England, where his father yet lives, and came to Alton about 25 years ago. He leaves, besides his father, three daughters – Mrs. George Walter, Misses Mary and Mattie; and three sons – James, Richard, and Charles, to mourn his death. The funeral took place from the Episcopal Church, under the auspices of Piasa Lodge No. 27, F. and A. M., of which deceased was a member. The services we4re conducted by Rev. Mr. Dresser of Carlinville, who read the 39th and 90th Psalms and 1st Cor. 15, and offered a prayer, besides giving a brief sketch of the life of the deceased. The bearers were J. H. Koehne, M. H. Boals, D. Miller, S. F. Connor, William Rodemeyer, Walter Rutledge. A large procession, including the Masons in regalia, under the direction of Col. Cooper as Marshal, also Alton Lodge I.O.O.F., with which deceased was likewise connected, attended the remains to the cemetery.

 

JOHNSON, ROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 2, 1912
Negro Loses Both of His Legs - Injuries Fatal
Roy Johnson, a negro, who had been arrested Tuesday evening about 8:20 o'clock for insulting Mrs. Ed Lonie on Piasa street between Second and Third street, lost both of his feet in an effort to get on board a freight train that was passing, just as Office Link Drew had him at Second and Piasa streets. He died four hours later. Johnson had seized Mrs. Lonie by the arm and addressed some bad language to her as she was waiting for his husband, who was in the Bauer barber shop. Officer Drew was notified and he rounded up the negro and had him on the way to police headquarters. Near the Citizens bank corner, the negro made a break to get away, struck Drew and ran for the freight train. He slipped in trying to get aboard the train, fell with both feet across the rail, and they were severed by the car wheels. Johnson came into public notice some time ago by being mixed up in a cutting affray on Union street last summer, in which he was carved up so badly the doctors said he would not get well, but he was out of the hospital in a very short time. Tuesday night, after the accident, according to eye witnesses, it was fully 25 minutes before a vehicle was procured to take Johnson to the hospital. At first a buggy was sent to convey him to the hospital, and it was seen to be impossible to get him there in that way, so a spring wagon was sent instead of an ambulance. A big crowd was gathered around the maimed negro as he lay on the brick paving, bleeding away his life. Johnson died at the hospital at midnight from the effects of shock and loss of blood. According to those who were trying to get the negro arrested, efforts to find a policeman were unavailing until a search had been made for one. It was said that for fifteen minutes before Johnson was arrested, Mrs. Lonie and others watching him as he lingered around, while her husband went in search and finally found private watchman Link Drew, who made the arrest.

 

JOHNSON, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 25, 1915
Killed by Train
Samuel Johnson, known as "Sam Boots," was fatally injured Saturday evening by a C. B. & Q. train near the glass works gates, as he was going home from work. The train, it was said, was going at a high rate of speed when it hit Johnson. He was picked up and hurried to the hospital where he died a few minutes after arriving there. Some difficulty was being experienced in finding relatives of the dead man. The inquest was not held Sunday. Johnson lived at 1715 East Second street. Coroner's Undertaker John Bauer received word today from Woodburn, where he was trying to locate the father of Sam Johnson, that the father would have nothing to do with his son's body. It was told to the coroner that the father had not seen his son since the child was two years of age, had no interest in him, and would not come here to attend the funeral nor to look at his son. Under the circumstances the coroner's undertaker looked no further for relatives to take charge of the body.

 

JOHNSON, SARAH KELLER (ENSMINGER)/Source: Troy Weekly Call, July 1, 1905
Wife of Caleb Johnson; Troy Hotel Proprietor
After a life of more than four score years and seven, most of which was spent in Troy, Mrs. Sarah K. Johnson, relict of the late Caleb Johnson, and one of the oldest residents of Troy, passed peacefully away at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday morning at the home of M. F. Auwarter. Her age was exactly 87 years, 6 months, and 8 days. The death of the venerable old lady, although fully expected during the last few days of her illness, occurred in a manner of suddenness, and was a surprise to many of her friends. A little over a week ago she was able to be about in her customary health and made some calls on friends. She was stricken on Tuesday of last week with what was diagnosed as inflammatory rheumatism, and was immediately confined to her bed. Her condition grew rapidly worse until the end came Wednesday, when she was surrounded by members of the family and friends. She suffered great pain and remained conscious until the evening before her death. The funeral of Mrs. Johnson took place yesterday morning at 9 o’clock from her late home to the Presbyterian Church, and was attended by a large concourse of people, among whom were many from out of town. The Rev. H. W. Marshall preached a very appropriate funeral sermon, and the selections by the choir were likewise befitting. The casket bore many beautiful floral tributes, and was borne by A. R. Snodgrass, William Rawson, John F. Deimling, Charles Seligman, August Droll, and P. M. Davidson. The honorary pallbearers were T. H. Bell, W. W. Jarvis, C. F. Edwards, Thomas McAdoo, William J. Vetter, and E. S. Donoho. Interment was made on the family plot in the Troy Cemetery. Among those from out of town in attendance at the funeral were: Mrs. George Schott of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. Kate Evans of Mulberry Grove; Mesdames J. A. Vance and Jake Barnsback of Edwardsville; and Mr. and Mrs. James Geers, Mr. and Mrs. John Black, John Miller, and John Ensminger of St. Jacob. [Burial was in the Troy City Cemetery.]

Mrs. Sarah Keller Johnson, whose maiden name was Ensminger, was born in Ross County, Virginia, on December 20, 1817, and moved to Chillicothe, Ohio in 1825. She was married to Caleb Johnson on April 16, 1832, and they came to Troy in 1833. At that time Troy was a mere village. Mr. Johnson opened a shoe shop on the spot now occupied by J. H. Steinhans’ furniture store, and afterwards bought a tract of land east of town in later years owned by the Rev. T. W. B. Dawson. In 1861, Mr. Johnson was appointed postmaster of Troy under President Lincoln, and in 1870 he built the brick house on Market Street now owned by Dr. F. W. Braner. The post office was removed to a small building on the corner of these premises, and Mr. Johnson remained postmaster until his death in 1875, when his daughter, Miss Mattie, received the appointment which she held until her death in 1880. Thus the Troy post office remained in the Johnson family for a period of 27 years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born two sons and two daughters, viz: John, who was thrown from a horse and killed at 18 years of age; Sydney, who died in mature years; Mattie [Martha A. Johnson], who was former postmaster and died in 1888; and Adda [Mary Adalaid Johnson], who died in 1887 and was the former wife of Martin Frederick Auwarter. Mrs. Johnson was a sister of John and Joshua Ensminger. A sister, Mrs. Casing, resides in Portland, Oregon, and is now in her 76th year. She is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Johnson kept a hotel known as the “Johnson House,” and her place for many years was widely known among the traveling fraternity for its desirable accommodations and comforts of home.

About five years ago in February, Mrs. Johnson sustained a severe fall at her home, causing an injury to one of her limbs, and although she regained her health, she never fully recovered from its effects, and was since confined to the constant use of a _____. Shortly after her accident, ….. [unreadable] to make her home with her son-in-law, with whom she has since resided.

“Grandma” Johnson, as she was in late years known and spoken of, was a woman who possessed the true Christian spirit, and many other endearing qualities. As a wife and mother, she was true and devoted and her friends were legion. A marked characteristic of her motherly spirit was shown in her devotion to her grandchildren, and they added much to her joy and comfort in her declining years.

Mrs. Johnson united with the Troy Presbyterian Church 40 years ago, and remained a faithful and consistent member to the day of her death. She gave freely of her time and means to the furtherance and church work, and was one of the organizers of the Troy Cemetery Mite Society, upon which she was highly complimented on Memorial Day by the Rev. Stephen Catt of Jerseyville, who was the orator of the day at the celebration in this city. With the recollection of her many endearing qualities and the wide and esteemed friendship she has long enjoyed, Mrs. Johnson will be missed both in and out of her home, and her death is one which is generally regretted.

 

JOHNSON, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19, 1901
The funeral of Theodore, the 5 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Johnson of Illinois street, who died Thursday evening of spinal meningitis, was buried today.

 

JOHNSON, TILLIE JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9, 1902
Mrs. Tillie Jane Johnson, one of the oldest residents of Wood River township, died this morning at 5 o'clock at her home on College avenue in Upper Alton. Mrs. Johnson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 26, 1825, making her 77 years old at the time of her death. She came to Upper Alton in 1844, and has lived there ever since. She was the mother of thirteen children, of which only three are living. They are John Johnson of Alton, Mrs. John Depry and Ruben Johnson. She also leaves fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Arrangements for the funeral have not been made, but will take place as soon as her two children, who live in the northern part of the state, arrive here.

 

JOHNSON, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 27, 1879
Mrs. Johnson, a colored woman, an old resident of Alton, died at her home on Ninth Street, between Belle and Piasa Streets, last week at the age of about fifty years. The disease of which she died was dropsy.

 

JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. Edward Johnson of Oldenburg will be held Saturday morning at Oldenburg, and service will be conducted by Rev. G. Plassman, pastor of the Evangelical church there. Mrs. Johnson was 26 years of age, and she leaves her husband and two children.

 

JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 28, 1921
Mrs. George Johnson, one of the oldest residents of Dorsey, died at her home in that town yesterday. She was 81 years old. She is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The children are Mrs. William Oldenettle of Bunker Hill, and Fred, John, William, Herman, Otto and Miss Johnson, all of Dorsey; and Edward Johnson of Alton. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon in the Dorsey Lutheran Church and interment will be in the Lutheran cemetery there.

 

JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1879
Possible Suicide
From Bethalto – The quiet of our village was disturbed between 12 and 1 o’clock Friday night, by one of those sad occurrences for which the mind philosophers have found no solution. Mrs. John G. B. Johnson left her bed, apparently to go to the well for a drink. As she did not return, Mr. Johnson went to see what was the matter. To his sorrow, he found his wife in the well. He raised the alarm, and two or three neighbors responded in a very few minutes. But before anyone could be let down to her, she ceased struggling. When the body was brought to the top, Dr. J. C. Martin took the case in hand, but it was past all medical skill – life was extinct. Whether she accidentally fell into the well, or deliberately jumped in is a question. The way the well is enclosed nearly blots out all possibility of an accident. Why she should commit suicide is a mystery. To the world, hers was a happy home, surrounded by a respected family and many friends, and provided with all the necessaries of life. The evening before, she and Mr. Johnson visited at a neighbor’s until 10 o’clock, and nothing out of the way could be noticed with her. Coroner Youree held an inquest Saturday evening. The jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning. The funeral took place Sunday from the C. P. Church. The remains were followed to the cemetery by a large number of friends who sympathize with her husband and three children.

 

JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 11, 1903
Mrs. William Johnson died at the home of Albert Wilde this morning on the eastern border of Upper Alton, after a long illness with consumption. Mrs. Johnson leaves besides her husband, three small children and her mother, who lives at Grafton, and was 31 years old. The Johnson family formerly lived in the East End place, but were driven from their home by the flood and they went to the home of Mrs. Wilde to stay until the water went down. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Washington street M. E. church, and Rev. O. L. Peterson will conduct the services.

 

JOHNSON, UNKNOWN YOUNG MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 4, 1871
A young man by the name of Johnson, living some eight miles from Edwardsville, was lately killed by his team running away. Johnson was recently married, and his untimely death leaves a destitute wife.

 

JOHNSON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9, 1910
The funeral of William Johnson was held this morning from the home of his brother, Frank, in Riverview, and after services the body accompanied by a funeral party was taken to Elsah for burial.

 

JOHNSON, WILLIAM C./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 9, 1868
Died at his residence at Wanda, on September 30, William C. Johnson, in the 59th year of his age.

 

JOHNSON, WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON 'HARRY JOHNSON'/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 15, 1911
William Henry Harrison Johnson, aged 72, died Thursday evening at 6:30 o'clock at Beverly farm, where he had been staying for over a year. His death was due to arterial hardening, but the end was hastened by a paralytic stroke which disabled him recently. His only daughter, Mrs. O. G. Norris, who was a daily attendant at his bedside, had left him just a short time before his death, and it was not believed at that time the end would come so soon, as his pulse was strong and he was conscious. He collapsed immediately after eating a light supper. Mr. Johnson was known to everybody as Harry Johnson. For over thirty years he was in the ice business at Alton, and many a boy, now a grown man, remembers how kind he was to the boys and how, by his generosity to them, he encouraged them to hang around his ice wagon in summer time. He always was the friend of the boys, and at the place where he spent his last days he was kind to the young people. He was born February 8, 1839, at Canastota, N. Y. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Johnson. His parents died when he was twelve years old, and he came to Alton when he was nineteen, making his home with his uncle, Leander Hamlin, a prominent resident of Alton. He was a carpenter by trade, and while he followed that trade he helped build many of the old houses in the city. For a while he was in the castor oil business at Nashville, Ill. He married Miss Hannah Armstrong in 1867. She died six months ago. He was the father of four children, three of whom are living, Mrs. O. G. Norris, Thomas and Fred Johnson. He leaves also a granddaughter, the daughter of Mrs. Norris. He was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Mary Armstrong, whose funeral took place the first of this week. He was the last of his father's family. The funeral will be from St. Paul's Episcopal church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, and friends of the family are invited. Burial will be in City cemetery and will be private.

 

JOHNSTON, AGNES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24, 1919
Word was received in Alton today that Mrs. Agnes Cousley Johnston, widow of David Johnston, died at 8 o'clock this morning at the home of her son, J. F. Johnston, at Muskogee, Okla. She was 85 years old last February. Mrs. Johnston had been in failing health for six years. She had made her home for a number of years in Alton with her brothers, Robert C. and John A. Cousely, and at the time of her breakdown she was at the home of the latter, about six years ago. She was taken to the home of her son, W. C. Johnston, in St. Louis, and later to the home of her other son, J. F. Johnston in Muskogee, where she spent the remainder of her life. To her friends and relatives, she was affectionately known as "Aunt Nancy," and she had a large number of friends in Alton who loved and admired her. The death of Mrs. Johnston was very sudden, and was due to a stroke of paralysis, the culmination of her long period of invalidism. She was the last of a large family of children which came to Alton with their widowed mother from Ireland in 1850. One after another of the brothers and sisters died before her until her death completes the passing of that family circle. She is survived by only two sons, and by three grandchildren, Dr. Meredith Johnston, who has just returned from service in France; Miss Doris Johnston, who was serving her country too; and William Johnston, who was recently discharged from the army. Mrs. Johnston for many years conducted a millinery store on Third street in the building west of the Commercial building. The body will be brought to Alton for burial, probably Saturday afternoon. It is expected the funeral services will be held in City cemetery Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock after the arrival of the body from Muskogee.

 

JOHNSTON, DAVID/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 13, 1888
Mr. David Johnston, a native of Scotland, for about 35 years a resident of Alton, died yesterday at the age of 54 years. Deceased left a wife, Nancy Cousley Johnston, and two sons and other relatives in Alton and Chicago. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon from the residence of his son, Mr. W. C. Johnston, on Belle Street.

 

JOHNSTON, ELIZABETH J./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1897
Miss Elizabeth J. Johnston died Friday, December 18, at her home, 3532 Pine Street, St. Louis. Miss Johnston was a daughter of the late James Johnston, who during his life was one of Alton’s most highly respected citizens. For many years, she made her home in Alton, but removed to St. Louis eight or ten years ago, where she has since resided. She was a niece of Mr. J. A. Ryrie and Mrs. James Forbes, and a cousin of Mr. J. A. Ryrie of Alton. One brother, Mr. George Johnston of St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Helen Dodge of Chicago, survive. The funeral took place Monday. The body arrived in Alton from St. Louis, and from the depot was followed to the Alton City Cemetery by relatives and friends of St. Louis and Alton. Rev. M. Jameson conducted short services at the grave.

 

JOHNSTON, EVA EDNA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 12, 1887
Died in Alton, August 11, 1887, Eva Edna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Johnston; aged 1 year, 11 months, and 16 days. Her death was caused by drinking lye. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the family residence on Alby Street, near Sixteenth.

 

JOHNSTON, HUGH KIRKWOOD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9, 1923
Civil War Veteran
First Superintendent of the Alton Water Works
Owner of H. K. Johnston Hardware, Alton
Hugh K. Johnston, retired business man, died Sunday afternoon [July 8] at his home, 315 East Fourth Street, in his eightieth year. The death of Mr. Johnston was not unexpected, though it did follow a collapse which was sudden. He had been confined to his home for a year, bedfast for ten weeks, and has been very weak for some time, but was showing no indication of any immediate closing of his life. His daughter, Mrs. J. E. Duffield, who had been here with him, had gone to her home in Chicago, where her presence was required. When the sudden breakdown came, she was telegraphed for, but the end came several hours before she could reach her father’s bedside. In his long illness, Mr. Johnston had the most devoted attention of his wife and his daughter, Miss Mary, and his son, Harry. Mrs. Duffield was here part of the time with him.

Mr. Johnston’s death was due to the weakness of age. He had been a strong, healthy man all of his life, and he was the last of his immediate family. He was a member of a family which came to Alton from Dalry, Scotland, before the Civil War. He was born at Dalry on May 22, 1844. Mr. Johnston first made his home in Alton, then he went to Bunker Hill to live, and afterward came to Alton to remain the rest of his life. He served in the Civil War as a member of Company A, 97th Illinois Regiment, and he served with credit.

After the close of the war, he went back to Bunker Hill and stayed there a while, then came to Alton in 1876 to take the position of first superintendent of the Alton Water Works. He held that position a few years, and in 1880, he embarked in business and the small business he started grew into the H. K. Johnston Hardware Company, with the largest floor space of any retail business house in the city. He was known as a first-class salesman. He had a personality that was magnetic. He drew buyers to his place of business, and he held them, all of them regarding him as a personal friend. He was a jovial man, and he had a wide reputation as an entertainer. His storytelling powers made it possible for him to earn a reputation for having something interesting to tell. Possessed of many qualities which went for making of popularity, it was no wonder that Mr. Johnston was one of the most popular business men in this part of the country.

About ten years ago, he found it necessary to drop some of the burden of business, and he turned them over to others. His daughter, Miss Mary, had been associated with her father a long time, and she took them over until her brother, Harry, was ready to assume responsibilities, which he did after his return from service overseas in the army.

Mr. Johnston’s health began to show signs of failing about a year ago, and he was forced to suspend his usual practice of making trips downtown. It was his custom to come downtown with his wife, and the couple were one of the most devoted pairs one could find. When it became necessary for him to remain in his home, Mrs. Johnston took up her duty of looking after his comfort, and making as happy as possible the time when he was disabled.

The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon from the family home, Rev. Edward L. Gibson officiating. Burial will be in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.

NOTES:
Hugh Johnston married Ann Pringle Richards [1849-1929] in 1873. They had the following children: Mary K. Johnston (1874-1969]; Hugh F. Johnston [1882-1883]; Rutherford A. Johnston [1889-1889]; Mrs. Bessie H. Johnston Duffield, wife of J. E. Duffield of Chicago; Henry “Harry” Johnston; and Infant Son Johnston [1893-1893].

 

JOHNSTON, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 8, 1886
Mr. James Johnston, one of the patriarchs of Alton, died at his residence on George Street last Saturday evening, at the good old age of 86 years. Deceased was a native of Scotland, and came to this city about the year 1849, where he has since resided. He was of a retiring disposition, but highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Of late years, the infirmities of age have kept him confined to the house the greater part of the time. Mr. Johnston was a brother-in-law of Mr. J. A. Ryrie, and leaves a large circle of relatives, besides his own family. His wife, Mariam Ryrie Johnston, died in 1880. His children are: Miss Lizzie Johnston of Alton; Mr. George A. Johnston of St. Louis; Mr. J. S. Johnston and Mrs. A. P. Dodge, of Chicago.

 

JOHNSTON, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 14, 1896
Mr. James Johnston died at his home in Chicago Tuesday, after an illness of nearly a year from paralysis. Mr. Johnston was engineer of the Watson Stone Company in Chicago, and it is thought that the shock of the burning of the company’s works a year ago was the result of his ill health, which resulted in complete paralysis, both of body and mind. He was for a number of years, while the plant was owned by Mr. H. Watson, Superintendent of the Alton Water Works. He was a fine mechanic, and always gave the greatest satisfaction to his employers. He was born in Scotland, but came with his father’s family to Alton while quite young. Alton has been his home during most of his life. Besides a wife and three children, daughters, living in Chicago, a brother, Mr. Hugh K. Johnston, and a sister, Mrs. Henry Watson of Alton, and another sister, Mrs. H. Graham of Chicago, survive him. He was about 46 years of age. The funeral took place this morning from the residence of Mr. Henry Watson, corner of Seventh and Alby Streets.

Source: Alton Telegraph, May 21, 1896
The body of Mr. James Johnston, accompanied by the family of the deceased and other relatives, arrived by train from Chicago Thursday morning, and was taken at once to the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Henry Watson, corner of Seventh and Alby Streets. Services were held and were conducted by Rev. G. W. Smith, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. The services, while brief, were impressive. The music was rendered by the choir of the Presbyterian Church. At the close of the service, the body was borne to the hearse by the pallbearers, and a large cortage followed to the Alton City Cemetery, where the interment took place. The pallbearers were: Messrs. A. L. Daniels, S. F. Connor, Robert Curdie, J. M. Ryrie, O. S. Stowell, and James Duncan.

The widow and her daughter, Miss Nellie, and Mrs. Robson Graham, sister of the deceased, accompanied the body from Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Loudon and son, Allen, of Bloomington, were also of the party from the latter city. Mr. William Morris, a nephew of the deceased, and Mr. D. H. Johnston, a cousin from Bunker Hill, were also present at the funeral.

 

JOHNSTON, LILLIAN D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1907
Lillian D. Johnston, wife of Edward Johnston, died this morning at 6:30 o'clock at the family home, 1241 Pearl street, after a long illness. Her death was due to pneumonia, but she had been a victim of nervous troubles for eight years. She was 27 years of age and leaves her husband and two children. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon from the Washington street Methodist church. Rev. W. A. Cross, assisted by Rev. C. Koehler, the former pastor, will officiate. The Mutual Protective League will have charge of the services at the grave.

 

JOHNSTON, MARIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 8, 1880
The friends of this noble Christian woman will regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Mariam Johnston, which took place last Sunday afternoon. Although she had been feeble for some time, her death was sudden – so unexpected, in fact, that there was not time to summon all of her children to her bedside. Mrs. Johnston was the wife of Mr. James Johnston, and the sister of Mr. John A. and the late Daniel D. Ryrie. She had resided in Alton since 1837, and was, therefore, one of our oldest citizens. Her life was devoted to the welfare of her family and to works of charity and benevolence. Hers was a practical Christianity which was ever watching for an opportunity of doing good to all about her. Her charity, kindness, and devotion to the best interests of all with whom she came in contact will long keep her memory green among relatives and friends, while the poor and needy, who were never turned away empty from her door, will miss alike her assistance and her kindly counsel. Besides her husband, Mrs. Johnston leaves four children, all of adult years. She was 59 years of age. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOHNSTON, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 22, 1883
Son of H. K. Johnston
Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Johnston have been sadly afflicted in the loss of an infant son, aged about six months, who died at Bunker Hill Friday, where Mrs. Johnston was visiting. The bereaved parents will have the sympathy of all.

 

JOHNSTON, WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 30, 1843
Died, in this city [Alton], on Saturday last, at the residence of Mr. William Hooth, Walter Johnston, after a lingering illness - aged about 30. The deceased was a native of Scotland. [Related to William "Scotch" Johnston?]

 

JOHNSTON, WILLIAM “SCOTCH”/Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch, July 10 & 16, 1885
The Scotsman Who Buried Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy
William Johnston (also spelled Johnson in various accounts), an estimable, intelligent colored man with quite an interesting history, died at his home in Alton last night, having long been in feeble health, at the age of about 80 years. He was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and was a Freemason there. While a very young man, he was the confidential attendant of a Scotch nobleman, Lord Aberdeen, and in that capacity traveled extensively in Europe. He saw Lord Byron, and heard him make a speech in Aberdeen, Scotland, in acknowledgement of a reception given him when he succeeded to the title.

Johnston came to America more than 50 years ago, landing first at New Orleans, where he got into trouble on account of his color, the laws then being very strict in requiring passports of all freemen of his race. He afterwards came to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade as stone mason for some time. He laid the last stones on the tower of the old cathedral on Walnut Street, and used to say that when his work was done, Bishop Rosatti gave him a glass of wine and $5 in gold. While walling a well in St. Louis, he was buried by the caving earth, and released with difficulty after many hours’ interment, losing the sight of one eye by the terrible ordeal.

When Elijah P. Lovejoy was killed in 1837 by a pro-slavery mob, Johnston was living in Alton, and without fee or reward, dug the grave of the first anti-slavery martyr. He stated that he painted Lovejoy’s coffin red with pokeberry juice. He performed, on the same terms, the same office twenty years later, when the remains were removed to another part of the Alton Cemetery. If all men did their duty as well as William Johnston did his, the world would be a much more desirable place to live in.

Johnston was an interesting talker, and could entertain all listeners with an account of his hair-breadth escapes and thrilling adventures. He was connected with the underground railway before the [Civil] War, and assisted many fugitive slaves to escape. He leaves several children to mourn his death. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOHNSTONE, ALFRED B./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 20, 1887
Son of Arthur H. Johnstone
A few days ago, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Johnstone were called to Kansas City, and took with them their infant son. On Saturday evening, Mrs. Johnstone started on her return with the child, her husband being detailed by business. The child had not been well, but was not thought to be seriously ill, but was taken suddenly worse and died on the train several hours before its arrival in Alton. The conductor telegraphed to Mr. Howell, who met the bereaved mother at the depot. Mr. Johnstone has been notified of the sad event, and will arrive home this evening. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning from the residence of Mr. John Johnstone, State Street. The stricken parents have the sympathy of all in their distressing bereavement.

 

JOHNSTONE, ELIZABETH A. (nee HESLOP)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1884
The many friends of Mrs. Elizabeth H., wife of Mr. John Johnstone, will regret to hear of her death, which took place early Friday morning after a brief illness. She was taken ill last Sunday with a severe headache, to which she was subject, but had not been considered in a dangerous condition until two days before her death, which was caused by an affection of the brain. Mrs. Johnstone was a native of England, born at New Castle On Tyne, and came to Alton in 1844 with her parents, and has resided here ever since. Prior to her marriage to Mr. Johnstone, she was successfully engaged in teaching a private school. She was a graduate of Monticello Seminary, and a lady of scholarly tastes and unusual literary attainments. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor, and interested in every good work. She will be deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, who will also warmly sympathize with the stricken family, who have met with the greatest of bereavements. She leaves a husband and four children: Mary, Arthur, Ralph, and Grace Johnstone. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JOHNSTONE, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 23, 1879
From January 16 – We announce today the death of Mr. James Johnstone, in the 73rd year of his age – one of our oldest citizens. His disease was bronchitis, from which he had suffered a number of years. Mr. Johnstone was a native of Scotland, emigrating to America about 25 years ago with a large family of children, his wife having died shortly before leaving his native land. He settled in Alton after his arrival, where he has lived most of the time since. He was for several years engaged with Mr. John Mellen in the pork packing business near Henry Street, but latterly he has been acting as Superintendent of Mr. Watson’s quarries, until his health compelled him to desist.

He has three children living in Alton, the youngest of whom is Mrs. Watson; one in Chicago; and one in Ohio. Two daughters have preceded him in the journey that falls to the lot of all. Mr. Johnstone was an industrious and upright man, respected by all who knew him, and will be sincerely mourned by his relatives and many friends.

 

JOHNSTONE, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 5, 1892
Many of our citizens were surprised to hear of the death of John Johnstone today, which occurred at his residence on State Street after a few days’ illness of peritonitis. Mr. Johnstone has been a resident of Alton for fifty years, and during all that time has been most highly respected as one of Alton’s most reputable citizens. For a number of years Mr. Johnstone has lived a very quiet life, having retired from business ten or fifteen years ago. He was born in New Gretna, Scotland, February 15, 1814, and was, therefore, in his 79th year. He came to Alton in 1842, and has lived here since. He married Miss Elizabeth Heslop, who died eight years ago. He is the last of his family. Four children survive him – Mrs. A. J. Howell; Messrs. Arthur and Ralph Johnstone; and Miss Grace Johnstone, all of Alton.

Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 7, 1892
The funeral of John Johnstone took place this afternoon from his late residence, corner of Seventh and State Streets. There was a large attendance of old friends and neighbors of deceased. Many of Alton’s oldest residents were present to pay tribute to one whom they had known and highly respected so long, and was one of the few who had lived in Alton for fifty years. The interment took place in the family burying ground in the City Cemetery.

 

JOHNSTONE, JOHN E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 27, 1915
John Edward Johnstone, aged 52(?), died at 12:50 o'clock this morning following an illness of ten months. He is survived by one daughter, who has been living with him at his home, 2_29 College avenue. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home to Oakwood Cemetery.

 

JOHNSTONE, RUTHERFORD/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 2, 1890
Son of H. K. Johnstone, Alton merchant
Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Johnstone were bereaved by the death Sunday of their infant son, Rutherford, who passed away after an illness of several weeks at the age of 10 months. The funeral took place this afternoon from the family residence. The burial will occur tomorrow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery.

 

JOINER, W. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 29, 1911
W. H. Joiner, colored, died at his home on Hampton street today.

 

JONES, AMOS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1922
Old Hoss Trader Dies
Amos Jones, for many years a well-known character in Madison, Jersey, and Macoupin counties, died at the Dunkard's home at Girard Monday night, after being in ill health for a long time. Jones had lived at Brighton and his burial was at that place. The death of Jones removes a picturesque character from this vicinity. He was one of the last of the old-fashioned horse traders, and he had lived to a time when the horse had so far disappeared as a trading medium that he was about put out of business. Aaron Allred, another old-time horse trader, died recently and his death occurred at a time when Amos Jones was in a bad way and it was evident that his life would not be much longer. Trading was the chief occupation for Jones. When horse trades became scarce, Jones took up trading in real estate, and his methods of realty trading were characteristic of his horse trading. He became involved in numerous suits against persons he claimed were his clients. Some time ago he appealed to Joseph Hermann, overseer of the poor, to send him to the hospital. Finally, his brother, Sidney Jones of Brighton, took him in charge and had him put in the Dunkard's home at Girard where he declined rapidly. In the olden days, there was hardly a man, woman or child in the country round Alton not acquainted with "Ame" Jones. The body was taken to Brighton this morning and passed through Alton on the way there for burial.

 

JONES, ANN R. JENKINS/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 15, 1885
Mrs. Ann R. Jones, an estimable lady, died last Friday morning at the family residence in North Alton, after an illness of 13 weeks. Mrs. Jones was born at Llauguke, Glaumorganshire, South Walves, December 19, 1808, and was consequently a little over 76 years old. She came to Philadelphia in 1851, and to North Alton in 1853, and has resided there ever since, except two years at Otterville. She was a consistent Christian, from her youth a member of the Presbyterian denomination. She left a husband, Mr. William R. Jones, and three children by a former marriage: Mrs. David R. Jones; Messrs. Richard and David Jenkins.

 

JONES, AUSTIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 2, 1891
Bethalto Village Marshal; Grandson of Major Solomon Preuitt
Civil War Veteran
From Bethalto, March 31 – Village Marshal Austin Jones died Sunday night at his residence on Railroad Street. His sickness was inflammation of the brain, and of very short duration, being confined to his bed only about three days. He had been ailing for some little time previous to his taking down. He was 48 years of age, and a member of the G. A. R. Post of Bethalto, which took charge of the funeral today. He was appointed Marshal by President Flick of the Village Board last May, and has filled the office with credit. He was much respected by all who knew him. The funeral took place Tuesday morning from the family residence, and was largely attended. Being the grandson of Major Solomon Preuitt, the remains were interred in the family graveyard on Supervisor Preuitt’s farm, just south of town. [Burial was in the Preuitt Cemetery.]

 

JONES, BESSIE M./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 19, 1875
Died in Alton on August 17, Bessie M., only child of Richard C. and Lizzie P. L. Jones; aged thirteen months and twenty-five days.

 

JONES, C. F. or C. S./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 12, 1841
In the discharge of my official duties, I was yesterday called upon to hold an inquest over the remains of a man found dead, about ten rods from the road leading from Alton to St. Louis, on land owned by Mills and others, adjoining the town of Madison, and about eighty rods from the residence of Thomas Elliot. The individual's name is supposed to be C. F. Jones. In justice to the inhabitants of the town and vicinity, we think it proper to detail, as nigh as may be, all the facts and circumstances as they came before the jury in evidence.

Robert R. Stanley, being sworn, testified that the deceased came to Thomas Ellitt's on the night of Friday, the 21st of May, about eleven or twelve o'clock in the night; that he remained there the next day; and purchased some articles of clothing of Stanley Elliott's storekeeper. His conduct on Saturday appeared to indicate partial derangement; staid at Elliott's on Saturday night; stated next morning that he wished to go down to Squire's; had stated several times previous to this that he wished to take a boat to go up the river; talked of going to Alton; borrowed a razor of Stanley on Sunday morning. The last time witness saw him, he was going up the road towards Alton. Witness also stated that he had not drank anything while he had been there, but probably one dram.

David Adams, being sworn, testified that on the 2d day of June, he was out in the direction where the body was found; that he heard dogs fighting; that he proceeded to the place and there found the remains of the body, supposed to be the same individual; the same razor he had borrowed lying open, about six feet from where the principal part of the body lay. The body was found in a dreadfully mutilated situation; entirely destitute of flesh, except a little on the hands and feet; the upper part of the head separated from the under jaw; the backbone in one place, the bones of the legs and thighs, and one arm, in another, the bones of one arm and hand in another; and the clothes entirely torn to pieces. In one of the vest pockets were found forty-four dollars and twenty-five cents, together with a bill of goods purchased of David Tatum, St. Louis; form of the bill "C. S. Jones to David Tatum, Dr." I think the bill was receipted the amount for fifty odd dollars. There was also found a small slip of paper, apparently torn from a larger one, on which were these words: "My last words are that ---." The prevailing opinion was that the deceased cut his throat; but such as the mutilated state of the body, that the fact could not be ascertained. You are at liberty to publish all, or as much of this communication as you may think the interest of all concerned may require. Signed by H. C. Caswell, Coroner, Madison County.

 

JONES, CHARLES/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 5, 1887
Mr. Charles Jones, an estimable colored man, formerly engaged at the National Mills, since the opening of navigation a fireman on the Spread Eagle, was drowned a little after 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon. He was engaged in cleaning the wheel of the boat of the masses of ice, which obstructed its action, when a turn of the wheel made him lose his balance and he fell into the icy current. The wheel from which he fell was nearest the shore, a distance of only about 20 feet, and it is supposed that had he swam toward the landing, he could have been saved. He struggled manfully, but floated down with the current, and was 40 or 50 yards below the boat when he finally sank. Unfortunately, no skiff or other craft was available, else he might have been saved. Steps were immediately taken to recover the body by dragging.

The body was found just before dark, near the place where the drowning man disappeared, and taken to the residence of Mrs. Hutchinson on Sixth Street, the deceased’s boarding place. Coroner Melling held an inquest before the body was removed from the levee, and a verdict of accidental drowning was returned. Deceased was about 38 years of age, and was a member of the A. Y. M Order, and of the United Brothers of Friendship. He was the bass player of Hunter’s Cornet Band. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the Union Baptist Church. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JONES, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1917
Aged Grocer Passes Away
David Jones, aged 82, died this afternoon at 3:20 o'clock at his home on Belle street after a week's illness. Mr. Jones was one of the oldest grocers, if not the oldest, in the city of Alton. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Emily Jones, and four children. Mrs. Florence White, Mrs. M. J. Sullivan of Alton, Ellsworth and Osborne Jones of Chicago. All the children were here when their father died. He came to Alton when he was about 17 years of age and had lived here ever since. A number of years ago while in a drowsy condition, he stepped off a moving train at Seventh and Piasa streets and sustained injuries which caused the loss of one leg. He was a member of Piasa Lodge A. F. & A. M., and also of Alton Post G. A. R. He leaves eight grandchildren. Mr. Jones was a man who was most highly respected by all who knew him. He was honorable in his dealing, a quiet, estimable gentleman.

 

JONES, DAVID R./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 18, 1888
Founder of Jones Grocery and Hotel in Coal Branch
Mr. David R. Jones, an old and well-known resident of Coal Branch, a brother of William R. Jones, died at his residence there last night, at 10:25 o'clock, aged 61 years and 8 months. He was a native of South Wales, born in Jontardain, Glamorganshire, on February 27, 1827. The funeral will take place at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon at his late residence. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

NOTES:
David R. Jones was one of the pioneering settlers of Coal Branch, a small community located at Elm and Alby Streets near North Alton. Those who lived there were mostly coal miners, who worked the mines along Coal Branch Creek in Godfrey Township, just north of Homer Adams Parkway. There was a church and school at Coal Branch.

David R. Jones came to America from Wales in 1851, and settled in Pennsylvania. He married Gwenifred Jenkins, who was born in 1835 in Aberdare, Wales. The couple came west, and settled in the Coal Branch area in 1853, where they opened a grocery store, hotel, and hall at Elm and Alby Streets. They were both central figures in the development of the Coal Branch area. They had six daughters – Catherine Jones Cunningham; Mary A. Jones Williams; Swenne Jones; Jennie Jones Williams; Rachel Jones Gallagher; and Bessie Jones Spaningberg; and one son, Reece D. Jones. David Jones died on October 17, 1888, and his wife died in 1902. Both are buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.

The Funeral
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 20, 1888
Mr. David R. Jones’ funeral took place at the family residence, North Alton, yesterday, with Rev. J. W. Caldwell officiating. Deceased was a native of Glanmorganshire, South Wales, came to this country in 1851, came to Alton in 1853, and has resided here ever since.

 

JONES, DAVID R. JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1875
Died at Coal Branch on December 20, David R. Jr., infant son of David R. and Winifred Jones; aged 19 months.

 

JONES, EDNA BELLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 19, 1918
Mrs. Edna Belle Jones, aged 27, died this morning at the family home, 465 Ethel avenue, after a short illness with influenza. She was the wife of Perry Jones. Besides her husband, Mrs. Jones leaves a family of little children. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

 

JONES, EDNA GERNIGIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Edna Gernigin Jones was held at Kane, Ill. on Thursday, where the body was taken. Mrs. Jones died in Alton where she was residing, but she was born and raised in Kane. Mrs. Jones was born on Nov. 15th, 1891, and died on Nov. 19th, last Tuesday, at the age of 27. She was married on Jan. 10th, 1900, to Perry Jones, and besides her husband she is survived by her two children, Carl Victor, aged 8 years, and Perry Leroy, 8 months.

 

JONES, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15, 1912
Edward Jones, a well known Ft. Russell township farmer, fell dead upon a street in Bethalto at 9 o'clock this morning while in Bethalto on business. Mr. Jones has stated to a friend an hour before that he had a pain in his heart, and that if he did not feel better within another hour he would see a doctor. A few minutes later, while walking along the street with Henry Lawrence, he dropped to the ground and expired at once. Mr. Jones leaves a wife and three sons and three daughters. He was 65 years of age, and well known in the Bethalto district.

 

JONES, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 18, 1892
The funeral service of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones will take place from the M. E. Church tomorrow afternoon. Friends of the family are invited.

 

JONES, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22, 1904
Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, who had reached the ripe old age of 98 years, 6 months and 23 days, died Saturday night at 9:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Nixon, in Upper Alton. Notwithstanding her great age, Mrs. Jones had maintained her faculties almost unimpaired, to the last, and her physical health had been excellent until the last month. Recently she had gone back to her childhood days as a first indication of her dissolution, and finally on Saturday night, she died while she slept, peacefully and without a sign of pain. The body was taken to Sharpsburg, Pa., Monday morning for burial, and was accompanied by the daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Nixon, where it will be buried beside the body of her husband who died 25 years ago, after a married life of fifty years. Mrs. Jones leaves another daughter, Mrs. Almira Hiss, of Allegheny City, Pa. The funeral services were held Sunday evening at the Nixon home, and were conducted by Rev. L. M. Waterman of the Baptist church. Mrs. Jones had been a member of the Baptist church 77 years and was a devoted Christian all her life. Mrs. Jones was born in Hookertown, now included in Boston. When a young girl she moved westward with her family to Lafayette, Ind., and subsequently she lived in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. Fifteen years ago she came to Upper Alton to make her home when her daughter's family came here. It was interesting to her friends to listen to the aged lady recount tales of the early days. Her memory was perfect until recently, and as she had seen many interesting events in her life and had met many interesting people, her company was sought by many people to hear her talk. Her husband died in 1879 after a married life of 50 years, lacking a few months.

 

JONES, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1920
Mrs. Emma Jones, widow of David Jones, died Friday afternoon at 3:35 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. J. Sullivan, 617 Belle street, after a long illness. She had been bedfast for ten weeks. Mrs. Jones had passed her 75th birthday the week preceding her death. She was born in England and came to this country when nine years of age. She was married in Alton to David Jones, who for years, was a coal miner in the North Side and later was the owner of a little grocery store he conducted on Belle street near Seventh street. Mrs. Jones leaves four children: Mrs. Sulivan and Mrs. Florence White of Alton; and Osborn and Ellsworth Jones both of Chicago. She was possessed of a large number of friends, most of whom had passed on before her, and there were few remaining of the people she had known in her younger days in Alton, and had been her good friends. She was highly esteemed in the neighborhood where she lived. Besides her sons and daughters, Mrs. Jones leaves seven grandchildren. The funeral will be held from the Sullivan home on Monday at 2 o'clock. Rev. Edward L. Gibson, of the First Presbyterian church will conduct the services.

 

JONES, EVANS/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 12, 1875
Friday forenoon, two young men paid a visit to a disreputable place, kept on a boat about two miles above Alton, by a man named Jennet, and one of them, Evans Jones, went in swimming with his clothes on and was drowned. His companion and the man Jennet came to Alton and reported the above story to Marshal Dawson. The father of the deceased, who lives at the Coal Branch, went up to the place this afternoon to search for the body. It seems that young Jones returned on the Andy Johnson this morning from Rock Island, and soon after went to the place mentioned. There are suspicious circumstances attending this affair, and the statements of the parties present do not appear as clear as they might be. Before expressing any opinion on the subject, we shall wait for further information.

There is a queer story afloat in connection with the finding of the body of Jones. All efforts to recover his body were unavailing. At last, a colored man living near Buck Inn, went to Mr. William R. Jones, the father of the deceased, and told him that if his directions were followed, the body could be recovered. His directions were that a garment should be thrown into the river at a point above where young Jones was drowned, and that a loop of straw should be thrown into the stream directly afterward. The colored man stated that the garment would float down to where the body was lying and then sink, and that the straw would circle around over the same spot. Accordingly, Mr. Jones went to the scene of the drowning with several friends carrying with him a shirt and loop of straw. The garment was thrown into the water and floated down with the current about 150 yards, when it sank as suddenly as a stone. The loop of straw was also thrown into the stream and floated down to the same spot, where it circled round and round over the spot where the garment sank. The men who were watching let down the grappling irons at the spot indicated, and brought up the body, and also the shirt which had been set afloat above. The body was towed to town, and an inquest held as related elsewhere. This story sounds utterly foolish and incredible, but the facts are substantially as related above, and can be proven by a number of creditable persons who saw the experiment tried. The incident has caused a decided sensation in Alton, and many theories are promulgated to account for the strange fulfillment of the old African’s superstitious belief.

 

JONES, EYNON/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20, 1890
From North Alton – The funeral of Eynon Jones occurred Sunday afternoon from his late residence in North Alton. The services were conducted by Rev. Warner of the Congregational Church, after which the body was taken to the Godfrey Cemetery, where it was interred with the rites of the Odd Fellows, of which he was a member.

 

JONES, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 29, 1874
Mr. A. S. Bretz informs us of a sad and fatal accident to an employee of the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad. As a freight train was going west, about one-fourth mile from Bethalto early last evening, Mr. Frank Jones, a brakeman, in attempting to uncouple a flatcar from the train while in motion, lost his balance, fell between the cars, and was run over by the remainder of the train, some twelve or fifteen cars. His right side was terribly crushed, his right leg mangled almost to a jelly, and his left leg nearly severed below the knee. He was picked up and taken back to Bethalto by the railroad employees, and Coroner Griepenburg summoned, who called in consultation Dr. Graves. But upon making an examination, the physicians decided that he was injured so badly internally that he could not live. Everything possible was done to relieve his sufferings. He lingered in great suffering until about 8:30 p.m.

The unfortunate young man had been in the employ of the company about three weeks. His parents reside in Leicester, Livingston County, New York, and were immediately telegraphed to. He was 21 years of age and unmarried. The accident was solely attributable to the present wretched and dangerous system of coupling freight cars. Mr. Bretz wrote down the last wishes of the dying man, and will see that they are faithfully executed.

 

JONES, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 17, 1872
Mr. George Jones died on May 12, 1872, at his residence near Brighton. He was an old resident of this locality, having settled at his late home in 1832. He was a native of Virginia.

 

JONES, GWENNEFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1902
Death Takes One of the Original Coal Branch Settlers
North Alton News - Just fifty-one years ago, Mrs. Gwennefred Jones came here as a bride from Pottsville, Pa., with her husband, the late D. R. Jones, and she has lived on the "coal branch" continuously since, with the exception of the times she has been in Chicago visiting her children. She was born in South Wales and came to America in 1851 when she was about 16 years of age. Six months after her arrival in Pottsville, she was united in marriage to Mr. D. R. Jones, and they came west. The name of Jones is prominently and inseparably connected with the history of the Coal Branch. Mr. Jones was identified in an active way with the development of the "branch," and for years both himself and his wife, who was a help-meet in face, as well as name, were central figures in almost every social and industrial movement out here. Mrs. Jones was taken ill last Easter, and since then has been an acute sufferer until death came Friday evening. Her sufferings she bore bravely and resignedly, and faced the coming of the inevitable with calmness and without fear. She was a devoted mother and a kind hearted, charitable neighbor, who was ever ready, forgetful of self, to assist in every way possible to alleviate sufferings of others and assuage their sorrows. She leaves behind a memory of her goodness and the hope is strong with everyone that all is well with her now. She leaves six daughters: Mesdames Catherine Cunningham, Mary A. Williams, Gwenne Jones, Jennie Williams of Chicago; Mrs. Rachel Gallagher of St. Louis; and Mrs. Bessie Spaningberg of North Alton; and one son, Reece D. Jones, a prominent electrician of Chicago, all of whom are here. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be in Godfrey cemetery, and services will be conducted by Rev. Walter H. Bradley.

 

JONES, HANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1909
Mrs. Hannah Jones, aged 78, died very unexpectedly this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna Golike, after an illness of a few days. She had been troubled with asthma, and a few days ago went to visit her daughter, hoping to be benefited. She was taken with fainting spells yesterday and was obliged to go to bed. This morning she had a worse fainting spell and afterwards fell asleep. She died in her sleep. The body was taken to the Jones place in Wood river township, 3 1/2 miles northeast of Upper Alton, and the funeral will be held there. The time is not set.

 

JONES, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 10, 1896
Born in Madison County - 1817
From Bethalto - James Jones was born in Madison County, Illinois, on July 30, 1817, in the block house erected on Section 18 of Fort Russell Township [south of Bethalto], for protection of the earlier settlers against the Indians, and had resided on the same section of land ever since. He was twice married. On February 02, 1843, he was married to Miss Lucinda Rossen, who died in August 1853. He married his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Gum File [1825-1915], in June 1857, who survives him. He was the father of seven children, five by his first marriage, and two by his second. Five of his children are still living.

Mr. Jones was of Welsh descent, his forefathers numbering among the first colonists and participated in the American struggle for national independence. He embraced the Baptist faith early in life, and became an earnest worker for his master. For over forty years he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was first a member of Franklin Lodge No. 25, Upper Alton, but affiliated with Bethalto Lodge No. 406 on December 27, 1866. He departed this life on September 4, 1896, having lived to the age of 79 years, 1 month, and 4 days. And we feel certain, when he knocks at the pearly gates for admission, the Master will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.” The remains were interred in the Montgomery Cemetery near the old homestead. The funeral was held at the family residence, Dr. Justus Bulkley of Upper Alton officiating.

Following are the resolutions adopted by the Bethalto Lodge, A.F. and A.M. - Hall of Bethalto Lodge, No. 406, A.F. and A.M., in emergent communication assembled, adopted the following resolutions:

Whereas, The Almighty Ruler of the universe has seen fit in His infinite wisdom to remove from our midst our beloved brother, James Jones, and

Whereas, Bethalto Lodge has lost a true and faithful brother Mason, an earnest and faithful member, thereof, be it

Resolved: That in the death of Brother James Jones, this lodge laments the loss of him who was always prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, whose every effort has been for the prosperity of our noble order. As a friend, he was true and faithful, and true to the principles set down in that Great Book of Nature and Revelation, mourning with us in sorrow, and rejoicing with us in prosperity. And we rejoice to know that through the walk of life, he has been a living example of the excellent tenets of Masonry. As a citizen, he was respected and trusted by all. As a husband and father, he was indulgent, seeking their comfort and enjoying their society.

Resolved: That our charter and lodge room be draped for thirty days as an indication of our grief, and that the lodge extend its sympathy to the family of our deceased Brother, in this their sore trial and affliction; and commend them for consolation to Him who orders all things for the best, and whose chastisements are meant for mercy.

Resolved: That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the lodge, and that a copy be sent to the bereaved family, one copy to two of our county papers, and a copy to the Illinois Freemason. Signed, D. W. Stoeckel, J. G. Klein, J. J. Maxwell, Committee.

 

JONES, JAMES FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 5, 1918
Bethalto Soldier Succumbs to Spanish Influenza
Mrs. Louisa Jones of Bethalto received a telegram today stating that her son, James Fred Jones, had died this morning from an attack of Spanish influenza at Camp Eustis, Virginia. Jones was not known to be sick with the epidemic. It is not known when the body will arrive home, but the funeral services and burial will be in Bethalto. Young Jones departed in the Alton contingent of June 28. He was 26 years old. He was a member of the 47th Coast Artillery and was in the medical department, detailed to assist in waiting on the sick, at the time he succumbed to the disease. Arthur Jones, a brother, 18 years old, is stationed at Camp Sevier. S. C. Jones enlisted as a volunteer on April 9, last. The two are the only sons of Mrs. Jones.

 

JONES, JAMES G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 14, 1903
James G. Jones, one of the oldest and best-known residents of Madison county, died at his home near Fosterburg last evening after a short illness. Mr. Jones was in his 85th year and had been suffering from stomach and heart trouble for some time. He leaves ten children, all grown, living in various parts of the country. He is a brother of William Jones of Upper Alton. Mr. Jones was born in Tennessee, but came to these parts when a boy. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 11 o'clock from the family home to Mt. Olive Cemetery.

 

JONES, JOHN (HONORABLE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 29, 1879
Aided Thousands of Slaves in Escaping to Canada
The Hon. John Jones, ex-County Commissioner of Cook County, died at 12:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon at his residence, 43 Ray Street, Chicago, aged about 62 years. His youthful days were spent in Memphis. He moved to Alton while quite young, having been free born, and resided in Alton until 1845, when with his newly wedded wife, he started for Chicago in a wagon. During their journey in those “good old times,” they were looked upon as fleeing slaves, and on several occasions narrowly escaped arrest and detention on suspicion. They arrived in Chicago with $3.50. Mr. Jones’ life was devoted to his race, and he aided thousands of fugitives in escaping to Canada. He was a man of considerable wealth. Click here to read more on John Jones.

 

JONES, JOHN D./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1890
Decoration Day at Wanda is nearly always observed on the Sunday after May 30. Sunday last, 300 persons from Edwardsville went down on an excursion train to the Wanda Cemetery, and took part in the exercises there. It is said that the crowd on that day was the largest that ever assembled there to do honor to the fallen heroes. A sad event occurred to remind the veterans that their comrades were departing daily to be enrolled with the “silent majority.” Just before the procession was formed, John D. Jones, a former resident of Alton, was taken sick and died almost immediately. He was buried yesterday afternoon.

 

JONES, LUCY B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 27, 1909
Mrs. Lucy B. Jones, aged ___, died at her residence, __17 State street, at 5 o'clock this morning from the effects of a fracture of her hip resulting from a fall six weeks ago. Mrs. Jones had been bedfast since her accident, and her life was despaired of from the first. Her strong vitality was shown by the persistency with which it held out during her long period of suffering. She had resided in Alton sixty years, and lived all that time in one neighborhood. Forty years she spent in one house. Fifty-eight years ago she was a school teacher in the Alton schools, and many of her school children are still living here. Three children survive her, George, Miss Lucy B. Jones and Mrs. Laura Russell. She was born in Collinsville. William Jones, the husband, died here in March 1872. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from her late home.

 

JONES, MARGARET “PEGGY”/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1881
From Edwardsville - The numerous friends and acquaintances of Aunt Peggy Jones, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed ladies in our county, are pained to hear of her death, which took place last week at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Josiah P. Owens. The deceased was among the first settlers of this county, and her deceased husbands, Martin and William Jones (she having first become the widow of one, and then married the other), were both soldiers in the War of 1812, upon account of the latter of whom she was in receipt of a survivor’s pension at the time of her death. Only a few more of these old landmarks survive.

NOTES:
Margaret “Peggy” Jones was born June 19, 1798. She first married Martin Jones (1791-1845), and then married William Jones, who is possibly Martin’s brother. Martin and Margaret had a son, Franklin Jones (1842-1929). Martin was the son of William Jones Sr., and is buried in the Vaughn Cemetery in East Alton, Illinois. Margaret is also buried in the Vaughn Cemetery.

 

JONES, MARTIN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 25, 1882
The many friends of Mr. Martin Jones of New Douglas will regret to learn of his death on Friday, January 13. Mr. Jones was born in this county near Bethalto, fifty-nine years ago, having spent the greater portion of his life here. He moved to the eastern part of the county twenty years ago, where he lived up to the time of his death. He was a kind father and a loving husband, and much esteemed by all who knew him.

 

JONES, MATHILDA (nee GEBBART)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 20, 1918
The body of Mrs. Mathilda Jones arrived in Alton this noon at one o'clock, and was taken to the City Cemetery where interment was held. Services were held at the cemetery by Rev. Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Mrs. Jones died on her 54th birthday, last Sunday, February 17th. Mrs. Jones has resided in St. Louis, but is well known in Alton after having been born and resided in the north end of the city. She was raised by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eberhardt Kortkamp, and was before her marriage Miss Mathilda Gebbart. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Robert Curdie of Alton, and Mrs. Hoover of St. Louis.

 

JONES, MELVIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1879
Saturday afternoon, about 5 o’clock, while Thomas Sabin was driving his team for a load of coal to Kortkamp’s pit, Melvin Jones, 10 years of age, got into the wagon, and while driving around the platform, the hind wheel came in contact with the structure, upset the wagon, and all fell on young Jones, who was fatally injured and died about 8 o’clock p.m. Thomas Sabin was slightly bruised on the legs. Drs. Haskell and Halliburton were called, but could do nothing to save the injured boy. The family have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.

 

JONES, MERRIWETHER/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1883
Died July 23, Mr. Merriwether Jones, one of the oldest citizens of Godfrey Township. The funeral took place this afternoon.

 

JONES, REBECCA/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4, 1851
Died in Sempletown on the 30th ult., after a short illness, Mrs. Rebecca Jones, wife of Mr. Paul Jones, aged 42. The deceased was a native of Maryland, but for many years a resident of Alton. She died a consistent member of the Methodist E. Church, and has left a husband and several children to mourn her departure.

 

JONES, SAM I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1916
Sam I. Jones, aged 62, died at the St. Joseph's Hospital at 7 o'clock last evening following his collapse on the Union street car yesterday morning while he was going to his home on Long avenue. Jones went to the office of an Alton physician yesterday morning seriously ill. The doctor wanted him to get the ambulance to make the trip to his home but he believed that he was strong enough to make the trip on the street car. He boarded the Union street car and before he got to the corner of Central and Union street he collapsed. The city ambulance was called and he was taken to the St. Joseph's Hospital where he died last evening. Jones was a farmhand and worked near West Alton. He is survived by a wife and four children. The funeral will be held at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home, 1134 Long avenue, and the services will be conducted by Rev. Boyd.

 

JONES, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 18, 1889
Mrs. Sarah Jones died at her residence of her son, William Jones, Monday evening; aged 63 years and three days. The funeral took place Tuesday from the family residence, 409 Bluff Street.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1899
From North Alton – The funeral of Mrs. Sarah Jones was held this morning from the home on Elm Street.

 

JONES, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 15, 1883
From Bethalto – Mr. Thomas Jones, another one of our old citizens, died at his residence, one and a half miles east of Bethalto, last Friday morning, of catarrh of the bladder, a disease that had troubled him for many years. He was 72 years of age, an Englishman by birth, and had lived at the farm on which he died for over thirty years. The funeral took place from the family residence Friday afternoon, and was well attended. The remains were interred on the farm.

 

JONES, THOMAS "TOMMY"/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1897
From Bethalto – Tommy Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones, died Monday morning at the age of 16 years of scarlet fever. This is a severe blow to the family, as Tommy practically took charge of the farm. Being a bright lad, his presence will be missed at the Sunday School. He was interred at the Bethalto Cemetery.

 

JONES, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 9, 1905
Thomas Jones died at the St. Joseph's Hospital Sunday night at 5 o'clock from a bronchial affliction. He was 37 years of age and has been a resident of Alton for six years. He leaves a mother and two brothers in Clayton, N. J., and the remains were shipped to that point last night. The deceased was a glass worker, and was well known and liked among his fellows.

 

JONES, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 10, 1910
Tom Jones, a negro, whose right name was Thomas Raphier, died at St. Joseph's hospital Tuesday night from tuberculosis. Jones was engaged at the occupation of bootblack for many years and was about 38 years of age. He had been ill several months.

 

JONES, THOMAS H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12, 1895
Mr. Thomas H. Jones died this morning. He leaves a wife and four children. He was a brother of William H. Jones, Newton Jones, and Mrs. John Slater of Alton; John Jones of St. Louis; and George Jones of Scott County, Illinois. The funeral will be conducted by the Salvation Army from the residence of William H. Jones on Dry Street, and from the Slavation Army hall on Second Street [Broadway].

 

JONES, TRUMAN ASHLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12, 1903
Truman Ashley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Newton Jones, aged 4 months and 11 days, died Wednesday night at the family home, 1710 Belle street, after an illness with pneumonia. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home.

 

JONES, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 2, 1890
From Bethalto – A little child of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Jones died Tuesday morning, from the effects of that dread disease, diphtheria. The stricken parents have the sympathy of all, and though there are many willing hands, few will venture to assist them, for fear of spreading the terrible disease. We trust we will not be called upon to report another case.

 

JONES, UNKNOWN SON OF GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 12, 1871
We are indebted to Mr. E. Frost of Godfrey for the particulars of a sad and fatal accident which took place on Monday, on the farm of Mr. George Jones on the Piasa, about eight miles from Alton. A son of Mr. Jones, aged about fourteen years, was engaged in driving a span of horses attached to a roller, over a plowed field. The driver’s seat was not well secured, and the horses becoming frightened from some cause, started on a run, throwing the unfortunate boy from his seat directly in front of the roller, which passed over him, inflicting such terrible injuries that he died in a few moments. A physician was instantly summoned, but before his arrival the boy had expired. This terrible accident is a sad affliction to the family and friends of the deceased. They have the sympathies of the entire community in which they live.

 

JONES, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1922
Drowned Trying to Save the Life of Friend
Walter Jones, aged 18, a printer's apprentice working at the office of the Alton Daily Times, was drowned yesterday afternoon while trying to save the life of Mrs. Jesse Reader, who had gotten into deep water while swimming in a hole at Skinny Island. It was the gallant effort of Jones in behalf of Mrs. Reeder that caused his own life to be lost. Mrs. Reeder was saved. A party of four, including Mr. and Mrs. Reeder, Dallas Medhurst, and Jones, had gone for a swim. Mr. Reeder and Medhurst were closer to shore. Jones and Mrs. Reeder were out in deeper water when Mrs. Reeder got into trouble and began to flounder. Jones tried to reach her and in so doing became entangled in the arms of the frightened woman. He managed to escape her and again tried to rescue her. In the meantime, Mrs. Reeder was saved by her husband pushing a railroad tie to her and she was drawn ashore. In some way Jones lost his presence of mind and he began to drown. His life was lost before anything could be done for him. The death of Jones is one of unusual sadness. The family are orphans. He leaves a little sister, Grace, aged 11, who had been under his care and whose sole support he was. The two had been living with their sister, Mrs. Dallas Medhurst, who died seven months ago. The death of the sister was a hard blow to the brother and little sister, and the brother undertook to carry on for the sake of his sister. He was a boy devoted to his work in the newspaper where he was employed, and he had the unbounded admiration of all who knew of his manly purpose of looking after his little sister. He had two brothers, one Clyde, aged 17, living at Joliet, and the other Russell, an inmate of an orphanage at Normal. On Saturday, Walter Jones had sent his little sister for a visit in Jacksonville, where they formerly lived, and she was planning to make a nice visit there. Her visit was rudely interrupted by news of the death of her brother and chief reliance. Speaking to a reporter for the Telegraph, this morning, Jesse Reeder, who saved the life of his wife, gave the following version of the drowning. We, including myself, my wife and children, had gone to Skinny Island to take a swim, this was early Sunday afternoon. After being in the water for some time, we came out, making preparations to go home. As we were doing so, Walter Jones came up with his bathing suit and we all decided to take another swim. Dallas Medhurst and I were only a few feet from the shore, but Mrs. Reeder had gone about 100 feet from the land, when I noticed her asking for help. While I swam to her assistance, Jones, who was near her at the time, also swam toward Mrs. Reeder to save her. He succeeded in reaching her, but was unable to do anything when she held on to him. By this time I had reached the two helpless persons. I made a grab for my wife, and Jones and her both held on to me. I finally managed to get loose from Jones, taking my wife with me. After I had taken her near shore, my children pushed a railroad tie out to her and she managed to keep from sinking by holding on to it. In the meantime, Jones had gone under, before my assistance could be given him. Mr. Reeder this morning said that he is lucky to be here, as his wife and the Jones boy holding on to him under the water several times. He said that his wife had the death hold on him, grabbing him around the neck and by the hair. The hole where the two drowned is the only deep place near where the swimming was taking place. The hole is said to be about 15 feet across and 20 feet deep. Both Mrs. Reeder and Jones knew of the hole, but it was not until Mrs. Reeder had gone down three times that assistance reached her. The body of Jones was found at 9:15 this morning in about 10 feet of water. The rescuing party had been searching for the body late last evening and early this morning. The men who found the body said that it was standing up in the water, and they were unable to recognize it for a long time. Finally one of the men could see what he supposed was the hair of the drowned lad, and with assistance they managed to get the body out of the water. Deputy Coroner Streeper came and got the body, and the inquest will be held at No. 3 fire department this evening at 7:30.

 

JONES, WILLIAM (REVEREND)
Madison County Pioneer; Legislator
Reverend William Jones was born in Virginia on September 12, 1771. He moved to Kentucky and then to Tennessee, and came to Illinois in about 1807, locating on Sand Ridge near Alton Junction (East Alton). A few years later, he bought out Major Ferguson and moved to that claim in Fort Russell Township. At that time, the claim consisted of a small clearing of ten acres and a cabin. Jones’ family consisted of his wife, Elizabeth (nee Finley, whom he married in 1804) and four children – Martin, Lavina, Letitia, and William. Seven other children were born after coming to Illinois, including Finley John Jones (1807-1884); James Jones; and Mary Jones Starkey (1809-1877), wife of David Starkey. By 1882, only one remained in Madison County – James, who later lived on his father’s homestead.

Rev. Jones was a prominent man in his day. The first Baptist Church in Madison County was organized in Wood River Township on May 3, 1807, by Rev. David Badgley and Rev. William Jones. It was one of five churches that formed the first Baptist association, called the “Illinois Union.” In 1809, the association met with the Wood River church. The first Saturday in July 1816, the church purchased 1 ½ acres of land, where the meeting house and cemetery were located, from Joseph Vaughn, for $7.50, and Vaughn donated ½ acre and twenty rods. This is where the victims of the Wood River Massacre were buried, and is still known as the Vaughn Cemetery.

Rev. Jones served as Captain of a company of Rangers in 1812. John Springer was Lieutenant of the company, and Thomas Finley, ensign. Rev. Jones conducted a school in 1818, in the blockhouse in section 18.

Jones served as County Commissioner in 1820, and later served as a member of both the Territorial and State Legislature. He died at the old homestead, January 2, 1845, at 73 years of age. Mrs. Jones died in 1810. Both are buried in the Vaughn Cemetery in Wood River Township.

 

JONES, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 27, 1879
Mr. William Jones, a resident of Alton for more than thirty years, died at his home on Belle Street Sunday, November 23, at the age of 62 years. He was an engineer by profession, and acted in that capacity for several years in the press room of the Alton Courier, and afterwards at the Cracker Factory, until incapacitated through disease from active exertion. He has lately been keeping a store on Belle Street. He was a native of Wales, but of English parentage, and was a man much esteemed by all his acquaintances. The funeral took place from the family residence on Tuesday afternoon.

 

JONES, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 14, 1882
Mr. William Jones died at the residence of his son, Mr. Jonathan Jones, living two miles north of Bethalto, last Friday, of consumption, aged sixty-six years. The remains were taken to New Douglas for burial.

 

JONES, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 28, 1916
Victim of Murderous Assault
William Jones, aged 30, died at his home on Semple street, Wednesday morning, from the effects of injuries inflicted upon him by two rum sodden men about last Thanksgiving day. Jones was beaten and wounded and never recovered from the effects of that experience. He continued to develop slowly paralysis, and recently in an effort to save his life he was induced to submit to a surgical operation for relieving pressure on his brain. From a strong man physically, he had dwindled to a helpless wreck. The operation gave some relief, but bad symptoms appeared again and his decline was rapid. Members of his family said today that last Thanksgiving Jones was in a saloon formerly conducted on Belle street, and while there was accosted by a pair of men who wanted him to buy them drinks. Jones refused and the two men began an attack on him. The mother of Jones, Mrs. Eliza Jones, happened along, and she undertook to help her son. The two men followed him and they renewed their assault upon him and Mrs. Jones was wounded on the arm in her efforts to assist in bating off her son's assailants. That night Ike Rose was arrested on a charge of beating up Jones, but there was no very serious attempt made at prosecuting them. Rose was given a fine in Justice Nathan's Court, and he paid it and later he left the city. Rose, is was charged, was the chief attacker on Jones. It was uncertain today whether or not a coroner's inquest would be held. One of the doctors who attended him and participated in the surgical operation gave it as his unhesitating opinion that Jones died from the effects of the injuries he received in the fight. Another doctor said, that pneumonia complications caused death, but that it was brought on by the injuries which Jones had received in the fight. The surgeons said that a fracture of the skull was caused by the blow on the head inflicted by Rose and that Jones gradually lost the power of speech and motion.

 

JONES, WILLIAM “BILLY”/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 14, 1895
The old familiar figure of Billy Jones, as he was known, will be seen no more on the streets. Mr. Jones died at noon Friday at St. Joseph’s Hospital, from general debility. Some time ago he was taken sick on the street, and had to be sent to the hospital, where he has since been taken care of by the Sisters. He was 75 years of age, and has had a varied career. He was one of the best known characters about Alton, having been a resident of North Alton and Alton for many years. A few months ago he went to Kansas with the intention of spending the remainder of his life with a sister, but he was soon back again in Alton, where he remained until his death. Mr. Jones has filled the office of Highway Commissioner of this township for several years. He was a native of Wales, but had lived in this vicinity the greater part of his life.

 

JONES, WILLIAM G. T./Source: Collinsville Advertiser, November 23, 1918
Painter at Miners Institute Falls to his Death
William G. T. Jones, a painter employed at the new Miners Institute building in Collinsville, fell to his death Monday when a board on a scaffold on which he was working broke, and let him fall to the granitoid floor, almost forty feet below. Jones’ skull was fractured, and he died a few minutes after the fall. He was 53 years of age, and resided at 1482a Burd Avenue, St. Louis, and was married, being survived by the widow. An inquest was conducted by Justice Thomas, and the other workmen in the building told of their attention being attracted by the noise of the falling man, and of their seeing him strike the pavement. A physician was called, and the man carried to the hospital, where he expired in a few moments. The jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the above facts. [Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.]

 

JONES, WILLIAM GREEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 21, 1889
From Bethalto – We regret to announce the death of Mr. W. G. Jones, which took place at his residence in Fort Russell, two miles south of this place, on Saturday evening last. He was 43 years of age, a useful citizen, a good neighbor, a loving and indulgent husband and father. He was noted for his honesty and upright dealing with his fellow man. His demise furnishes features of unusual sadness, and the heart-broken wife and three little children have the tenderest sympathy of all. His sickness was typhoid pneumonia, and of short duration, being only six days. The funeral took place on Monday from the residence of his father, Mr. James Jones, where the remains were taken after death. The Bethalto Lodge, No. 735, I.O.O.F., of which he was an honored member, took charge of the body at the request of the family. The lodge was out in full force, and paid their last respects to one who was dearly loved by every member of his lodge. The remains were deposited in the Montgomery graveyard, two miles south of town. [Wife was Sarah E. Lawrence Green.]

 

JONES, WILLIAM M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6, 1919
Civil War Veteran Dies - Lost Arm in Sherman's March to the Sea
William M. Jones, 83, a native of this vicinity and a Civil War veteran, died Friday evening at 6:45 o'clock at his residence, corner Main and Judson streets in Upper Alton. Mr. Jones lost his left arm when a very young man while making General Sherman's famous march to the sea in the Civil War. Mr. Jones had been in failing health several years, but he continued to get about town until last spring. His strength commenced to fail rapidly and he was confined to his home all summer. His decline was gradual but steady, and the end came peacefully last evening just before 7 o'clock. William Jones was a native of the Alton - Fosterburg neighborhood, having been born on a farm near Fosterburg. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted at Alton and went to war form here. He continued in the service of the government until the close of the war, even though he had lost his arm. Returning from the army at the close of the war, Mr. Jones served some time carrying the mail between Alton and Edwardsville. Later he bought a farm at Gillespie and he resided there until about 20 years ago, when he retired from farming and moved to Alton. The family occupied the Lemon cottage on Washington avenue several years until they built their present home on Main street at Judson avenue. Mr. Jones spent the last years of his life there. He leaves his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Mable Pettingill of Upper Alton, and Mrs. Daisy Jones Elwell of Tacoma, Washington. A message was sent to Mrs. Elwell announcing the death of her father, and she signified her intention to come to Alton for the funeral. Arrangements for the funeral will be made after the arrival of Mrs. Elwell.

 

JONES, WILSON/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 13, 1887
Mr. Wilson Jones died yesterday afternoon at the age of about 50 years. He left a wife and two children. The remains were buried today at the Montgomery Cemetery, Wood River Township.

 

JONES, WINIFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 4, 1921
Mrs. Winifred Jones died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Kay, in Godfrey, at 2:05 this morning, at the age of 87 years. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Frank Kay and Mrs. Fred Graner; one son, Edwin Roberts, two grandsons, and two granddaughters, several nieces and nephews. She was born in Denbigh, Wales, and came to this country in 1872. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:30 from the Methodist church at Godfrey, Rev. Calvert officiating. Burial will be in Godfrey cemetery.

 

JOSEPH, FRANCES E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 15, 1909
Mrs. Frances E. Joseph, aged 65, died this morning at the home of Dr. George E. Wilkinson on Second street, after an illness of many years. Mrs. Joseph has been an invalid for about ten years, and during that time Mrs. Wilkinson, her only daughter, was her constant attendant. When her daughter became the bride of Dr. Wilkinson last summer, the mother came to Alton to stay here, as soon as the couple were settled down in their home. Last Friday Mrs. Joseph went into a state of coma, and she did not regain consciousness. Her death was expected at any time since Friday, and her son, Charles Joseph, arrived here Monday to attend his mother. She was a native of Virginia, but had been living at Potwin, Kansas before coming to Alton, and her body will be buried there. Her son, Charles Joseph, and her daughter, Mrs. Wilkinson, left this afternoon with their mother's body. Mrs. Joseph's husband is dead. She leaves five sons and the one daughter.

 

JOVROPEDOFF, OBEDIAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 3, 1918
Obediah Jovropedoff, aged 21, a Russian Armenian, died in Wood River Sunday from influenza and double pneumonia. Funeral will be tomorrow. Burial in City cemetery.

 

JOYCE, CATHERINE (nee DOWNES)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 28, 1901
After several days suffering, Mrs. Catherine, wife of John Joyce, died at 11 o'clock Saturday morning at her home on State and Fourth streets. She was a daughter of the late Thomas Downes. She leaves numerous relatives in Alton, besides her two sisters, Miss Maggie Downes and Mrs. William Maher. She was about 33 years of age and not quite a year ago was united in marriage with John Joyce of St. Louis, and he with a two weeks old son survive her. The funeral will be Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.

 

JUDD, EMILY HODGEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1900
Mrs. Emily Hodgen Judd, wife of the late Dr. Homer Judd, died at her residence in Upper Alton this morning at 11:30 o'clock, aged 68 years, 2 months and 8 days. Mrs. Judd had been in failing health for the past three years, but her last illness began April 18, ending in her death June 30, 1900 of paralysis of the stomach. Emily Hodgen was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, April 22, 1832. She came with her parents to Pittsfield, Ill., while she was yet a child. On March 8, 1853, she was married to Dr. Homer Judd. Fifteen years ago they came to Upper Alton, and have lived there ever since. Seven years ago Dr. Judd died. Mrs. Judd was the mother of three children; two, Mrs. Emily Judd Smith of Chicago and Miss Ida May Judd of the W. M. A. faculty, survive her. Mrs. Judd was a member of the Congregational church in Alton, but for some time has been in the habit of attending the Presbyterian Church in Upper Alton. The funeral arrangements have not been completed, but the funeral party will probably leave on Monday morning, July 2, for Pittsfield, where she will be buried beside her husband and son. Of a large family of brothers and sisters, only one, Mrs. Mary W. Seeley of Upper Alton, survives her. Services will be at the home Sunday at 4 p.m.

 

JUDD, HOMER (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 22, 1890
Physician; Dentist; Founder of Missouri Dental College
Homer Judd, M. D., D.D.S., an honored citizen of Upper Alton for the past eight years, died at his home Tuesday, after a lingering and painful illness. He was born March 29, 1820, at West Otis, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. He graduated at the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Medical School in 1847, and in 1853 came west, and practiced medicine, and later dentistry, at Pittsfield and Warsaw, Illinois and at St. Louis, Missouri. While at Pittsfield, Illinois, Dr. Judd married Miss Emily T. Hodgen, a sister of the late Dr. J. T. Hodgen of St. Louis, who survives him. In 1868, Dr. Judd moved to St. Louis and founded the Missouri Dental College, of which he was Dean for several years. He has always stood in the front rank of progressive thought on professional matters, having been Vice-President and President of the National Dental Association, and occupying official position in the State Associations where he has resided, being at his death a member of the Illinois State Board of Dental Examiners. Of late years, he has been largely interested in silver mining in Colorado, spending his summers in that State. He was the head of the Judd Mining Co., which owns valuable property near Ouray. In 1882, Dr. Judd came to Upper Alton, establishing a dental office at his residence and practicing that part of his profession exclusively. He has won and retained the highest respect of all who knew him. He was not a man to have many intimate friends, but to know him at all was to recognize his sterling qualities. He will be greatly missed in the community which has watched the progress of his disease with keen solicitude, and now extends its sympathies to the afflicted widow and daughters. Funeral services will be held at the family residence tomorrow. The remains will be taken the same evening via the C. B. & Q. Railroad to Pittsfield, Illinois, for burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Pittsfield.

 

JUDY, DAMARIS (nee YOWELL)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 19, 1882
Wife of Thomas Judy Frightened to Death
The death of Mrs. Thomas Judy Sr., of Edwardsville, of which we made mention yesterday as having taken place Wednesday afternoon from an accident, was a very singular occurrence. It appears that Mrs. Judy was not at all injured by the accident. She was riding in a buggy with a married daughter, Mrs. R. Barnett, and her child, when the horse shied, and Mrs. Judy, who was advanced in years, sprang out. The horse started to run, but soon collided with a stump, throwing out the two remaining occupants of the buggy. The old lady had followed the buggy, and when she saw her daughter and grandchild thrown out, she fell prostrate with fright, and when taken up, life was extinct. As far as could be ascertained, she had received no injury, and her sudden death was caused simply and solely by fright at sight of the peril of her loved ones. Mrs. Barnett and her child suffered little or no injury.

NOTES:
Mrs. Judy was born July 13, 1817, in Shelby County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of James Hurt Yowell (1776-1842) and Mary S. Walker Yowell (1786-1856). Damaris first married George Barnsback, May 7, 1839, in Macoupin County. He died soon after, the same year. From that union was born one son, George W. Barnsback (1839-1840). She then married Thomas Judy on January 8, 1845, in Madison County. From this union was born two children – Thomas Jefferson Judy (1846-1897) and Mary Lois Judy Burroughs (1850-1940). Damaris Judy was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.

 

JUDY, REUBEN “OLD RUBE”/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 24, 1884
Fatal Railway Accident - Former Judy Slave
About 9 o’clock Monday morning, “Old Rube,” a colored man who has long been engaged around the city gathering rags, old iron and paper, was the victim of a railway accident attended with fatal results. The old man, at the time mentioned, was on the Chicago & Alton main track on Piasa Street, near the freight depot, engaged in his usual occupation, when Engine No. 7, with a car attached, was backing down the track. Mr. John Dow, who was passing at the time, saw the danger to which the old man was exposed, and warned him, telling him to get off the track. For some reason he did not hear or heed the warning, and was thrown down and run over by the trucks of the car and tender, those on the engine not at the time being aware of his presence, hence no blame attached to them. Mr. Dow says when he called the second time, the old man, who was apparently searching for something between the rails, looked up, saw that the car was almost on him, caught hold of the bumper with one hand and tried in vain to save himself, still clinging to the sack used in his work. Both thighs and one foot were crushed to such an extent, that the poor victim breathed his last in a few minutes, having first been removed on a stretcher to a room of the depot. The old man had been complaining of illness, but a short time before the accident, and had been kindly furnished with some medicine by Mr. Joseph Crowe, who had frequently supplied his wants.

It is thought by those best qualified to judge that “Old Rube” was a centenarian. He had been a resident of Alton for 50 years, and was long a familiar object about the streets. It is said that he was a slave in the early part of the century, belonging to the Judy family, residing in the vicinity of Edwardsville. We are informed that the members of the family to which the old man formerly belonged, often desired to help him and offered to give him a home, but he preferred to depend on his own exertions. After a long and checkered life, a slave, freeman, and citizen of the republic, he rests at last.

Coroner Youree arrived on a Chicago & Alton engine, and proceeded to hold an inquest, Captain H. Brueggeman as foreman of the jury. The witnesses examined were engineer Price of No. 7, Charles Cheney, fireman, and Yard Master William White. The facts developed were as have already been stated. The verdict was to the effect that the deceased, Reuben Judy, came to his death by being run over by a Chicago & Alton railway car, attached to Engine No. 7. After the inquest, the remains were taken in charge by undertaker, W. L. Klunk, for the purpose of burial. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

JUDY, SAMUEL (COLONEL)
January 12, 1838
Samuel Judy was born August 19 or 20, 1773, in Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland. He was the only son of Jacob Judy (original spelling of last name was Tshudi), a gunsmith, and Maria Catherina Judy, who settled first in Kentucky, and then in Kaskaskia, Illinois, in 1788. Jacob and Samuel resided at Kaskaskia four years, and then moved to New Design settlement in Monroe County, Illinois. Jacob had a very early mill, which was patronized by local settlers. Jacob died at his mill seat in 1807.

Samuel Judy came with his father to the Illinois Territory at the age of 15 and became a hardy pioneer. In his youth, he entered into any campaign against the Indians, and it was said by Governor Reynolds that he was the “bravest of the brave.” During the War of 1812 against the Indians, he was actively employed in the service. He was in command of a company of spies under Governor Edwards, and in the year following he was Captain of a company under General Howard.

Colonel Samuel Judy received a military grant for 100 acres of land near the base of the bluffs, just north of Judy’s Creek near what is today Glen Carbon. He became the first permanent settler of Madison County. The area became known as the Goshen Settlement, and was centered on the Judy property at the junction of Judy Creek and present-day Rt. 157. In 1808, the Goshen Road trail was built as a wagon road from the Goshen Settlement to the Ohio salt works. The trail crossed the state diagonally, following a route from Peter’s Station to the north, and west of Glen Carbon, east to Troy, and then in a southeasterly direction, eventually ending at Shawneetown on the Ohio River. The existing Goshen Road, running from Rt 159 to the intersection of Rt 143, is part of the original trail.

Colonel Judy was an energetic man, and improved a large farm and became wealthy. He manufactured the first brick in the area, and in 1808, erected the first brick house in what would become Madison County. The two-story home, made of sun-dried brick, with walls two feet thick and wood trim of walnut, was located just within the northern limits of Collinsville Township, on the line dividing sections 5 and 6. The house was damaged by the New Madrid earthquakes in 1811. The walls were cracked, but were repaired. It was said that a servant, seated near the fireplace, was killed. The home was razed in 1934.

Colonel Judy married Margaret Whiteside, sister of General Samuel Whiteside, and reared a large family. Their children were:

Jacob, who married Elizabeth, a daughter of William B. Whiteside. Jacob became the Register of the Land Office at Edwardsville, and died May 15, 1850 in Weston, Missouri.

Sarah Judy, who was born August 21, 1800, and married Ambrose Nix. She died January 14, 1852.

Samuel Judy Jr., who was born September 1801, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Stephen Whiteside. They settled in Greene County, Illinois, and he died there in 1864.

Thomas Judy, who was born December 19, 1804. He became a Colonel, and died October 4, 1879 in Hamel. He married Nancy Hayes in 1833. Nancy died in 1844. Thomas then married Damaris Yowell in 1845.

Nancy Judy, who was married to Moses Whiteside, son of William B. Whiteside. She next married John Owens. Her third husband was Thomas Grant. She died in 1887.

Elizabeth Ann “Margaret” Judy, who first married John McGaughey, and then Moses Barber.

Mary Judy, who married Elias Rice. She died in 1898.

Neomy Judy, who died in 1849 at the age of 20 or 21.

Martha Judy, who died in 1849 at the age of 19.

A territorial government was formed in 1812, and Colonel Samuel Judy was elected to serve in the first legislature, which convened at Kaskaskia. After Madison County was organized in 1812, Judy was one of the first County Commissioners. Goshen Township was established soon after Madison County, and Samuel Judy and Henry Cook were appointed overseers of the township in 1818.

After a long and useful life, Colonel Judy died January 12, 1838. He is buried in the Nix-Judy Pioneer Cemetery in Glen Carbon, on Rt. 157, just north of Interstate 270.

 

JUDY, THOMAS J. (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 16, 1879
Son of Colonel Samuel Judy; Farmer; Legislator,
Another good man has gone to his rest, and been gathered to his Fathers. It is not mete that a good man, a characteristic man, and a representative man, should go unheralded to the grave. It is due to the dead, it is due to the living, that their works should follow them. The example of such men should be held up as a beacon light to guide those who survive or come after them. Thomas Judy was pre-eminently such a man, one whose example led always in the right direction, and which if followed, would not fail to form a character worthy of acceptance amongst men. The practice of paying a tribute to the memories of the illustrious dead seems to have attained a more solid footing with, and been more highly appreciated by, that greatest of all the nations of antiquity, the old Roman, than amongst any other people. Funeral orations afforded them the opportunity which the press is capable of lending to us. It is difficult, however, in the brief space of a few newspaper paragraphs, to speak commensurately of such a man as Thomas Judy, and I shall be obliged to confine myself to what I feel will be but a feeble delineation of his character, in the walks of private life. His public record has passed into history, and is treasured up in the hearts of the people. It would have been almost impossible for Colonel Judy to be anything but what he was, a patriot. Nothing but patriotic blood coursed through his veins. His father was one of the best Indian fighters that graced the annals of pioneer life in Illinois. His name is always found in the front ranks, in the most perilous expeditions against the Indians during the early settlement of the country.

The mother of Thomas Judy was a Whitesides, one of a family of peerless Indian fighters. No family can show a brighter record for fearless devotion to home and country than the Whitesides. The only reason why old Samuel Judy and the Whitesides are now comparatively unknown to fame, is that they battled in the profoundest depths of the western wilds, with no historian to chronicle their deeds.

Thomas Judy inherited a character remarkable for firmness and enterprise. He succeeded in everything he undertook, and although not wedded to money, his business capacity and steadfastness of purpose made him rich, almost in spite of himself. He was a model farmer and stock raiser. He promptly adopted the best labor-saving appliances, and most highly improved breeds of animals, and he spared no pains or expense to add to their value and good qualities.

Thomas was the liberal patron of every public improvement, which he thought would benefit the country. He was an admirable judge of mankind, and was seldom, if ever, mistaken in his estimate of individual. In his business relations, his integrity and honor were proverbial. His word was equal to his bond, wherever he was known. At one period of his life, he was engaged extensively in the cattle trade, which brought him into business relations with a vast number of men, and in his multitudinous and complicated transactions, it may be safely said he never had a difficulty. He was frequently selected as arbiter to settle disputes between his neighbors, and his determinations were invariably respected by the disputants. After Colonel Judy had made up his mind, his opinions were as inflexible as the decrees of fate. Yet he never acted until after he had reflected, and so strong was his sense of justice, and so solid his judgment, that he was seldom wrong. He was bred a farmer, and had great love for his calling. He was firmly persuaded that the day was not far distant, when the following of that avocation would require a wider range of thought and more diversified knowledge than belonged to any other pursuit in industrial life. He was fully impressed with the dignity of labor, and regarded true nobility as consisting in love to country, and in the exercise of diligence, integrity, and honor, in business and good will and universal kindness in the social relations.

In his domestic affairs, no man was more felicitous. He loved his family circle with an intensity that knew no bounds. His whole soul was devoted to their reputation and welfare, and the sentiment was duly reciprocated. He was an unostentatious, but exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, during a greater portion of his life, and died in the full assurance of a blissful immortality, surrounded by sorrowing family and friends. He had lived a long, useful and honorable life, and left behind him a widow and offspring well to do in the world, and of good repute and promise, who bid fair to walk in the footsteps of their worthy and honored sire.

To leave the world thus, would seem to be all that ought to be desired. Yet the void cannot be filled. We shall no more behold the presence, or be guided by the counsel of one we loved so dearly and admired so much. But such is the inevitable lot of all, and we must bow with submission to the universal law of nature. Peace to his ashes, and respect to his memory, is the sincere prayer of one who knew the departed intimately for nearly sixty years. Signed J. G.

NOTES:
The Judy family was among the early pioneers of Illinois, and some of the earliest settlers of Madison County. Samuel Judy (original spelling of the name was Tshudi) was born in 1773 in Basel, Switzerland. He immigrated to American in 1777 with his father, and settled first in Maryland. In 1787, Samuel came west to Kaskaskia, Illinois, and in 1800 settled in Madison County. Samuel fought in the campaign against the Indians, and was said by Governor Reynolds that he was “the bravest of the brave.” During the War of 1812, he was in command of a company of spies under Governor Edwards. Samuel Judy received a grant for 100 acres of land in 1800 near what is today Glen Carbon. He married Margaret Whiteside, and reared a large family. In the Fall of 1812, Samuel was elected to the Legislative Council of the Illinois Territory, holding that position for four years. He was elected as County Commissioner, and improved his large farm and became wealthy. He manufactured the first brick, and erected the first brick house in Madison County in 1808, in Collinsville Township. Samuel died in 1838, and is buried in the Nix-Judy Pioneer Cemetery in Glen Carbon.

Colonel Thomas Judy was born in in the old Judy homestead in the Goshen Settlement on December 19, 1804. He was the son of Colonel Samuel Judy (1773-1838) and Margaret Whiteside Judy (1780-1816). Thomas first married on March 23, 1826, to Lavisa Snyder, daughter of Jacob Snyder, one of the early settlers of Madison County. The children of this union all died young, except Margaret (1828-1850), who became of wife of James L. McCorkell. Thomas married again in 1833 to Nancy Hayes. She died in 1844. There were two daughters by this union – Eliza Ann (1840-1925), wife of Rufus C. Barnett, and Sarah Elizabeth (1843-1888), wife of Isaac C. Davis. Thomas married for a third time in 1845 to Mrs. Damaris Yowell Barnsback, widow of George Barnsback. By this union were several children, including Thomas Jefferson Judy (1846-1897); William S. Judy (1848-?); and Mary Lois Judy (1850-1940), wife of Benjamin R. Burroughs.

Thomas Judy continued living in the American Bottom until 1849, where he worked his large farm. In 1850, he moved to Hamel Township, again farming on an extensive scale. In 1852 and 1853, he represented his county in the Legislature. He was a man of great physical strength and undoubted courage, and served his country during the Indian wars. Thomas Judy died October 4, 1879, at the age of 74 years.

 

JUDY, THOMAS JEFFERSON/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Friday, February 12, 1897
Thomas Jefferson Judy passed away at his home in Pin Oak Township, Wednesday morning [Feb. 10] at two o'clock, after an illness of nearly two years. He has been a sufferer from Bright's disease, and frequently has been on the verge of death, hence the end, while it came with suddenness, was not unexpected. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon. The body will be taken from the family residence at one o'clock to St. John's M. E. church, where at half past two o'clock services will be conducted. The funeral will be in charge of Edwardsville Lodge No. 99, A. F. & A. M. Members are requested to meet at the lodge room at one o'clock for the purpose of attending the funeral. The interment will be in Woodlawn. Thomas Jefferson Judy was a son of the late Colonel Thomas Judy, who was born in Madison county in 1804 and was an active participant in all the affairs of pioneer days. Thomas J. was born May 15, 1846, and was married to Nancy M., daughter of Robert and Nancy McKee, March 17, 1870. They have resided on the old Judy homestead. To the union was born six children, the oldest Robert, aged 22, and the youngest, Frances, aged 8, who together with the wife and mother survive. He also leaves one brother, William S. Judy of Decatur, and two sisters, Mary, wife of Judge B. R. Burroughs, and Eliza, wife of R. C. Barnett, both of this city. Mr. Judy was an extensive farmer and stockman and for many years the product of his stables was widely known. He was an ardent democrat and filled various township offices among them supervisor, collector and assessor, discharging the duties of all with fidelity and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was esteemed by neighbors and friends and will be missed in the wide circle of his acquaintances.

 

JULIAN, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2, 1901
James Julian, the Italian laborer who fell down a flight of stairs Friday morning at the Model restaurant while suffering from a severe illness and was delirious, died this morning at St. Joseph's hospital. Julian did not recover from the effect of his fall, concussion of the brain resulting. He was unconscious until the time of his death.

 

JUN, ALFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 15, 1906
The funeral of Alfred, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Jun, was held Sunday afternoon from St. Mary's church where services were conducted by Rev. Joseph Meckel, and was attended by many sympathizing friends of the parents. Burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery.

 

JUN, ALOYSIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1902
Aloysius, the three-and-a-half-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jun, died at 4:30 Wednesday afternoon at the home, 1027 Diamond street, of scarlet fever. The funeral took place this morning at 11 o'clock to St. Joseph's cemetery, where services were conducted by Rev. Fr. Meckel. The afflicted parents have another child critically ill with the same disease.

 

JUN, APHLONIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21, 1916
Wife of East Broadway Grocer First of Thirteen To Die
Mrs. Aphlonia Jun, aged 34, wife of Joseph Jun, East Broadway grocer, died at the St. Joseph's hospital shortly before six o'clock last evening as the result of a minor operation she underwent at the hospital several days ago. Her condition was not considered in the least serious until yesterday afternoon when she suffered a relapse and died a short time afterwards. Mrs. Jun had been planning to have the operation performed for some time. Before leaving her home for the hospital, she made all preparations for Easter Sunday, as she expected to be home by that time. She walked from the home to the hospital on Tuesday evening in the best of spirits. The operation was performed Wednesday morning, and was considered of such little consequence that some of her relatives had not been informed it was to be performed. She seemed to be improving steadily until yesterday at noon when the relapse occurred. Mrs. Jun was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and was also an active worker in the Ladies Auxiliary to the Eagles. She was an active member of the St. Mary's church. This is the first death in the ranks of the Daughters of Isabella, an organization which was started in Alton three years ago. She was the youngest member of a family of thirteen children, and is the first death in the family with the exception of two children who died when they were infants. Her aged father, William Manns, is still alive. She is survived by seven sisters, Mrs. John Vieth of Edwardsville; Mrs. Mary Vonnahmen of Bethalto; Mrs. Louis Joehl of Godfrey; Mrs. Louis Luecker; Mrs. William Klasner; Mrs. Fred Schultz; and Mrs. Chris Budde of Alton; and five brothers, Conrad Manns of Edwardsville; William Manns of Bethalto; John, August and Frank Manns of Alton. Mrs. Jun was born in Alton and was married here to Joseph Jun about fourteen years ago. She is survived also by her husband and two children, Dorothy Jun aged 12, and Joseph Jr. aged 11. The funeral will be held from the St. Mary's church on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. The interment will be in the St. Joseph's Cemetery.

 

JUN, ELINOR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16, 1920
The funeral of Miss Elinor Jun, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Jun, who died from pneumonia Saturday noon, was held today from the family home, 611 East Fifth street, and was private. Services were conducted by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier of the Evangelical church. She had been a deeply interested worker in the Sunday school of that church and had taken such an active part in the Sunday school that her death is depriving that organization of one of its most valuable workers. Sunday afternoon a large company of the Sunday school members went to the Jun home and there the body of the young woman was lying in the casket close to a window through which the visitors could view it. Miss Jun's death a few days after the date she was to have been married to Earl Wilhelm, had an added note of tragedy. The young couple had arranged for a house, had selected their furniture, and were to have gone to housekeeping in Wood River.

 

JUN, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26, 1910
Jacob Jun, a well known resident of Alton, died Saturday morning at his home, 818 Union street, from pneumonia, after an illness which began last Monday. He was 68 years of age and had lived in Alton since 1858. His wife died a quarter of a century ago, and he is survived by five children, three daughters, Mrs. F. A. Wegener, Mrs. H. C. Hellrung, and Mrs. Anthony Stolze; and two sons, J. T. Jun the grocer, and John M. Jun. Twelve grandchildren survive and four sisters and one brother. He was a charter member of St. Boniface branch of the Western Catholic Union and a member of St. Joseph's society of that church and of the Alton coopers union. The funeral will be Tuesday morning from St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock.

 

JUN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1902
Joseph, the 10 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jun, died at the family home on Diamond street, Monday afternoon, of brain fever. The funeral was this afternoon from the home to St. Joseph's cemetery, where services were conducted by Rev. Fr. Meckel of St. Mary's church. Only a few days ago the afflicted parents lost their other son, Aloysius, scarlet fever being the agent of death, and their cup of sorrow is filled to overflowing. They have the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew them.

 

JUN, MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1902
The funeral of May Jun, 7 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Jun, took place Sunday afternoon from St. Mary's church to St. Joseph's cemetery, and was attended by a large number of sympathizing friends of the sorrowing parents.

 

JUN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1902
Thomas Jun, special night watchman in the business district, died this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock after a week's illness with pneumonia. His illness was dangerous from the beginning, and the last two days all hope was abandoned by his family. He was 59 years of age and had lived in Alton since he was a young man. He leaves a widow, seven sons and one daughter. The funeral will be held Saturday morning from the family home on Fourth street, between Henry and Ridge streets, and services will be held in St. Mary's church. Mr. Jun served on the police force two years and was recently appointed by Mayor Young to succeed the late Capt. Fred Schuelle.

 

JUNCKER, H. D. (BISHOP)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 9, 1868
At six o’clock last evening, Rt. Rev. H. D. Juncker, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Alton, breathed his last at his residence in Alton. For more than two months, the Bishop had been suffering from a severe complication of disorders induced by over exertion in discharging the duties of his extensive Dioces. During the whole of his protracted illness, he was provided with the best medical skill of this city and St. Louis, but all efforts were unavailing to arrest the progress of the disease.

Bishop Juncker had been a resident of this city ever since it was created a Bishopric, and has discharged the duties of his high position in a manner highly acceptable to the clergy of his denomination. His death will be a cause of sincere grief to Catholics throughout the West.

 

JUNETTE, JESSE JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Sept. 23, 1902 & Mar. 2, 1903
Old River Man - Uncle of the "James Boys" Dies
Jesse James Named After Him
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 23, 1902
North Alton News - Jesse James Junette is very feeble and quite ill at his home in Godfrey Township near here. He is 92 years of age and has lived in Alton and vicinity since 1832. He is an uncle of the "James Boys," and Jesse James was named after him. Jesse James' father was a half-brother of Mr. Junette, and they were greatly attached to each other. The old gentleman is unable to help himself now in anyway, and must be cared for like a child. His wife is still living, but she is younger than he and is stronger and more healthful. Both are living with a son.

Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1903
Jesse James Junette, who was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1810, was buried this afternoon in Oakwood cemetery, Upper Alton. Although 93 years of age, Mr. Junette, up to a year ago, was fairly active and in possession of his mental faculties, but he has been failing for months and the end came quietly Friday at his home in the northeastern part of Godfrey township where he resided the past four years. He leaves a widow and ten children: Joseph T., John, James and Mrs. William Sullivan of this vicinity; Mrs. Gus Blumerstein of Brighton; Oliver Amidee of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Rowens Allison; and the Misses Augustina, Iona and Senora Junette of St. Louis. Funeral services were conducted at the home Monday morning by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of the Episcopal church, and all the children and several of the thirteen grandchildren, as well as numerous friends and acquaintances, were present. When a boy, Mr. Junette left Tennessee for Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he became an expert machinist and river engineer, and he followed the river until 1867. He first visited Alton on a boat in 1832, and located here in 1843. He was chief engineer at different times of the "Luella" and the "Time and Tide," two of the steamers belonging to the Mitchells engaged in the St. Louis-Alton trade. He served as engineer on transports during the war for the government, and was well known on the Ohio, Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers among river men and shippers, and is believed to have been about the last one of the old-time river men. He quit the river in 1867 and retired to a farm near Bunker Hill. This farm he sold about four years ago and purchased another in Godfrey Township, where the end came. His wife is 15 years younger than he was, and is still in good health. [Jesse Junette is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. His wife, Nancy Ann, died in 1912, and is buried by his side.]

 

JUNETTE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1920
Civil War Veteran; Sportsman
Cousin to Jesse James
Joseph Junette, aged 75, sportsman, fighting man, old soldier, was found dead in his chair on his home place in Godfrey Township, Saturday evening. His little grandson had been sent over to the house where Mr. Junette lived alone, to carry him a copy of the evening newspaper. The grandson had failed to arouse anyone about the place, and returned home to make report of his failure. Investigation was made and the old soldier was found dead, sitting in the rocking chair in which he passed many nights since breathing had become difficult.

The passing of Joe Junette closes the career of an interesting character. His chief interest was centered in a flock of fighting cocks he owned, and in Airedale dogs. With his game chickens and his Airedales, he was content to live a life of what other people might have considered loneliness. In other days, Joe Junette never missed a chicken fight, and he was known far and wide as a breeder of the only pure-bred poultry stock in the world, the game chicken. When one saw Joe Junette faring forth with a sack filled with animated freight on his back, it was a safe guess that there was going to be a cock fight somewhere. He had among his chickens some old timers he had kept for years because of their victories or their especially good fighting qualities. Some of these chickens were patiently waiting Saturday evening for the coming of their master to feed them. It was not believed he had been dead very long. He had been seen about the place in the morning.

Joe Junette had been a resident of the vicinity of Alton most of his life. He had served with honor in the Union army during the war. As a fighting man, he had a wide reputation. He was always interested in the art of self-defense, and it was generally known that if anyone attempted to impose on him, Junette was not the kind to come out second best. He was a true sportsman, interested in contests of skill and strength. The funeral was held this afternoon under the auspices of the G. A. R. and the services were conducted by Rev. Frederick D. Butler of St. Paul's Episcopal church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

NOTES:
Joseph Junette was born in about 1845. He was the son of Jesse James Junette (1810-1903) and Nancy Ann Junette (1824-1912). Joseph was a farmer (known for raising the best watermelons in the county), and in 1907 served as the Deputy Game Warden. In 1905 it was reported that he was training Blue Jays to hunt squirrels and other game which hide in trees. Junette rented or leased land from Mr. A. T. Hawley, who lived near Rocky Fork in Godfrey Township. He also farmed in the Hop Hollow area of Alton.

Joseph served honorably during the Civil War, and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1902, Joseph was appointed an aide de camp on the staff of the Illinois Department Commander, and attended the national encampment in Washington D.C.

Joseph’s father, Jesse James Junette, was an uncle to the James boys of Missouri, and the famous Jesse James was named after him. Jesse James’ father was Robert S. James, a half-brother of Jesse James Junette. Jesse James Junette lived in Godfrey, Illinois, and died there in 1903 at the age of 92 years. Both Joseph Junette and Jesse James Junette were buried in the Upper Alton Cemetery.

The children of Joseph and Nancy Junette were: John H. Junette (1851-1920); James Junette (1862-1953); and Jessie Junette (1898-1968).

 

JUNGBLUT, FREDERICK “FRED” JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 31, 1890
The Drowning of Fred Jungblut and Noel Heide
The death by drowning of Fred Jungblut and Noel Heide was one of the saddest events that ever happened in Alton. The boys had gone fishing, and tiring of this they went in swimming. They proceeded out into the water along the bar, just opposite the Glass Works. Each had hold of the other’s hand, and when far from shore, stepped into a hole, which a sand ______ had dug several years ago, and was never filled up. As they held hands, one must have pulled the other in after him, as he lost his balance, and neither of them being able to swim, they were drowned. Two men who were fishing down the river saw them, but they had disappeared before the men reached the spot where the boys went in. They immediately called an alarm, and a large crowd soon collected on the shore and several men commenced to look for the bodies. Mr. Malsom, who had a ______ and a large boat, worked until 6pm, when the body of Fred Jungbluf was found about 50 feet from the place of drowning. The body of Noel ____ was washed over the reef into deep water, and carried down the river by the current as far as Maple Island, where it was discovered this morning.

Coroner Bonner held an inquest on the body of Fred Jungblut last night, and returned the verdict usual in such cases. The inquest on Noel Heide will occur today sometime.

The two boys were relatives, Noel being the uncle of Fred. They were _____ and raised in the same house, and have been inseparable companions through life. Fred was 12 years, ____ months, and 21 days old, and Noel was 12 years, 7 months, and 24 days old at the time of death. Both the boys were of excellent character. They were member of the German M. E. Sunday School. The boys’ friends, as well as all others who knew them intimately, speak in the highest terms of them. It is sad and a severe shock to the afflicted families. So far as human sympathy can avail, the parents of each of the young lads will have it extended them to the fullest measure.

The funeral of Fred Jungblut and Noel Heide, who were drowned last Thursday, took place Saturday afternoon. Preliminary exercises occurred at the respective homes of the boys. A joint service was held at the German M. E. Church. The house was crowded, and the yard was filled with people who came to attest their sympathy with the afflicted families. Rev. Mr. Feigenbaum preached in German, and Rev. Mr. Warner in English. The church was handsomely decorated with flowers. There were many elegant specimens of bouquets, wreaths, etc., tokens of regard from relatives and friends. At the conclusion of the services, the caskets were taken up by the bearers and borne to the hearses in waiting, and then one of the largest, as well as one of the most solemn funeral processions ever seen in Alton wended its way to the silent city of the departed.

NOTES:
Fred Jungblut was born in 1878 in Alton, and was the son of Frederick William Jungblut (1843-1895) and Anna Heide Jungblut (1854-1937). He had five siblings. Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

JUNGEBLUT, WILLIAM F./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1895
The many acquaintances of Mr. William F. Jungeblut were shocked Wednesday to hear of his death, which occurred at 8 o’clock, from typhoid fever. Mr. Jungeblut was taken sick about a week ago with that dread disease, and was unconscious almost from the start, expiring that morning at the age of 52 years. He had suffered an attack from the fever several years ago, from which he never fully recovered, and his constitution was, therefore, unable to withstand a second visitation of the disease.

Mr. Jungeblut was a native of Germany, but came to this country early in life and settled in Alton, where he has resided for almost 30 years. He was a member of the German M. E. Church. For some years, Mr. Jungeblut has been in the employ of Mr. J. H. Booth, and was known and respected for his honest and fair business dealings. He leaves besides many other relatives, a wife and five children.

Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1895
The funeral of Mr. William F. Jungeblut took place Friday from his late residence on Spring Street to the German M. E. Church on Henry Street. The services were attended by a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. Charles Emig, pastor of the church, who spoke of the many sterling qualities of the deceased. A long cortege followed the body to the Alton City Cemetery, where it was interred.