Obituary of Noah M. EDWARDS, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Cemetery Reading
Ancestor of Juli Claussen
Name of Deceased: EDWARDS, Noah M.
Name of Newspaper:
Date of Obituary:
Obituary: Noah EDWARDS was born Jan. 14, 1846, in the state of Iowa, and moved to Illinois in his boyhood days with his parents. He was the oldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth EDWARDS. He lived in different counties for some years, finally settling on a farm in Morgan County. He was raised by good religious parents and early in life was he impressed of the need of his soul’s salvation, and professed a hope in Christ. At the age of 16 he became a member of the Mr. Zion Baptist church. He was ordained a deacon in 1872, and always tried to do the will of his Master. He afterward moved his membership to the Youngblood Baptist church, of which he was a faithful member until the last.
He was married to Avia ARNOLD, Dec. 11, 1870. To this union was born eight children, namely: Mary KITCHEN, Everette S., Ella, Frank, Jesse, Leona, Agnes, William EDWARDS, all of whom survive him except Agnes, who died in 1893. He died Feb. 1, 1905, at his home one mile west of Nortonville. The funeral was held Feb. 3, 1995, at the Youngblood church conducted by Bro. A.M. STAMPER of Girard, Ill., and Bro. George HART of Franklin.
He was laid to rest in the Youngblood Cemetery.
He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and seven children, and seven brothers and sisters, Austin EDWARDS of Garland, Kan., and Daniel EDWARDS of Jacksonville, Robert EDWARDS of Upper Alton, Mary VANBEBBER and Lizzie ARNOLD of Scottville, Nancy LEAK of Logan, Kans., and Martha SPENCER of Redoubt, Okla., and a host of relatives and friends. The pall bearers were Abe CALHOUN, John BRIGHTENSTEIN, Eddie SPENCER, Orlean KEEMER, Henry WHITLOCK and John HURST.
Contributor’s notes: Noah EDWARDS was born at Marshalltown, IO, and married in Macoupin County by his wife’s relative, Rev. J.C. CAUDLE. His mother’s maiden name was Elizabeth Holiday MCCOLLOM. He was a farmer and carpenter. His death was from pneumonia. Siblings that predeceased him were Sarah Jane (John) Henry, and Caroline E. (Elisha) LEAK. His brother Francis M. EDWARDS (spouse Rachel HENRY), was living at the time of Noah’s death, but omitted from the obituary.
Obituary of Avia EDWARDS (ARNOLD), Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Cemetery Reading
Ancestor of Juli Claussen
Name of Deceased: EDWARDS, Avia (ARNOLD)
Name of Newspaper:
Date of Obituary:
Obituary: LONG TIME RESIDENT OF COUNTY IS DEAD
Mrs. Avia EDWARDS Passed Away Thursday Afternoon at Home Near Murrayville—Funeral to Be Held Sunday.
Murrayville, Feb. 9, 1922—The death of Mrs. Avia EDWARDS came at about 5:20 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the family home six miles east of Murrayville. The deceased had been ill for several months
and her condition in recent weeks had been deemed serious, so that her death was not unexpected.
The deceased was born in Macoupin county northwest of Scottville sixty-nine years ago. Her marriage to Noah EDWARDS took place on Dec. 11, 1870, Mr. EDWARDS passing away in 1905. Seven children survive their mother, one daughter, Agnes, passing away a number of years since. The surviving children are Mrs. Mary KITCHEN, residing near Asbury; Everett EDWARDS, of Jerseyville; Mrs. Ella HENRY, residing east of Murrayville; Frank EDWARDS and Jesse EDWARDS, of Alta, Iowa; Mrs. Leona WATERS, of Athensville; and William EDWARDS, residing at home. One brother also survives, James ARNOLD, who resides on the old home farm in Macoupin county.
For forty-six years Mrs. EDWARDS had been a resident of the Murrayville neighborhood and she was one of the best known of the older residents of the county. She was a member of the Youngblood Baptist church and her life was ever one which fully accorded with the teachings of that denomination.
Funeral services will be held at 11 o’clock Sunday morning at the Youngblood Baptist church, and interment will be made in the cemetery near by.
Contributor’s notes: Avia ARNOLD EDWARDS was the daughter of John Record ARNOLD and Polly (RUYLE) ARNOLD. She died of stomach cancer. Her son William EDWARDS and his wife Edith KEHL EDWARDS cared for her during her long illness. Siblings who predeceased her were: Elizabeth (D.W.) BUCK of Hepler, KA; William (Spouse Fetney FROGUE/FROGG), Lucretia Jane, Henry, and John of Macoupin County.
Obituary of Francis Marion EDWARDS, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Cemetery Reading
Ancestor of Juli Claussen
Name of Deceased: EDWARDS, Francis Marion
Name of Newspaper:
Date of Obituary:
Obituary: Francis Marion EDWARDS, son of Daniel W. and Elizabeth H. MCCOLLOM EDWARDS.
F. M. EDWARDS was born in Iowa July 24, 1847. He came to Illinois when a child and was married to Rachel E. HENRY Jan. 21, 1868. To this union were born fourteen children, four of whom died in infancy and ten survive: Susan COX, Hettie COX, Lula B. WOOD, Minnie COX, Greenup H., Alfred M., John W., Sarah A., Elora F. and Paul A.
All were present except Lula of Erie, Kansas.
Brother EDWARDS professed a hope in Christ and united with the Mt. Zion Baptist church in Macoupin County at the age of 13 and afterward moved his membership to Youngblood church of which he was a member at time of his death Oct. 27, 1904. He lived a consistent Christian life trusting in the God that loves and cares for them that follow him.
He leaves to mourn his death, a loving wife, ten children, four brothers and four sisters.
Funeral services at Youngblood church by Eld. Geo. HART.
Obituary of Webster Leland EDWARDS, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Ancestor of Juli Claussen
Name of Deceased: EDWARDS, Webster Leland
Name of Newspaper:
Date of Obituary:
Obituary: Obituary of Webster Leland EDWARDS, son of blacksmith Noah Francis “Frank” and Laura Bell TAYLOR EDWARDS of rural Murrayville/Nortonville.
Webster Leland EDWARDS, eldest son of Frank and Laura Taylor EDWARDS, was born in Murrayville, Jan. 1, 1910, and departed this life Nov. 26, 1925, at the age of 15 years, 10 months, and 18 days.
He attended school in the various places in which he lived, having completed the eighth grade in April, 1925. His school work was a source of pleasure to him and he took great pride in trying to do his work
well, and in living up to such sayings as were given by him:
“Those who are accompanied by noble thoughts are never alone.”
In September he entered Jacksonville High school, having attended but a few weeks when he became critically ill and found relief only by an operation for appendicitis. After an illness of seven weeks,
apparently on the way to recovery, he suffered a relapse and grew gradually worse until God chose to take him home.
Throughout his illness Leland bore his suffering with great patience, hoping that his health might be restored that he might resume his school work which he so dearly loved. One of his teachers gives
the following poems which illustrates his attitude toward his playmates:
“Don’t be foolish and get sore
When things don’t come your way,
Don’t be a pampered baby and
Declare, “Now I won’t play.”
Just go grinnin’ on and bear it,
Have your hear aches millions share it,
If you earn a crown, you’ll wear it,
“keep sweet”.
During the tabernacle meetings conducted by Evangelist HARPER in the late winter he was converted, though not uniting with any church but attended Baptist Sunday school regularly.
His departure is a great loss felt by loved ones and friends.
He leaves to mourn for him his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Delbert, Eugene, Viola, Hazel and Velma, and a host of other relatives. (Inserted here in pencil: “Margaret not yet born”.)
Those who knew Leland best found him to be cheerful at all times, ever ready to help others, and delighted in the friendship of both young and old, and the following lines may be fitting to him:
“Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of man goes by;
The men who are good and the men who are bad
As bad and as good as I.
I would not sit in the scorner’s seat
Nor hurl the cynic’s ban;
Let me live in the house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.”
Obituary of Elizabeth BROWN EDWARDS (AUSMUS), Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Ancestor of Cathie Cox
(See BROWN Obits)
Name of Deceased: EDWARDS, Elizabeth BROWN (AUSMUS)
Name of Newspaper: Jacksonville (Illinois) Daily Journal
Date of Obituary: 4 Nov 1921
Obituary: Mrs. Elizabeth EDWARDS, one of Morgan county’s oldest citizens,passed away at the home of her son, George BROWN, 996 East Collegeavenue, yesterday morning at 6:40 o’clock at the age of 94 years and six days.
Mrs. EDWARDS was born at Versailles, Ill., October 27, 1827 and had always resided in Illinois. Her home had been in Jacksonville for more than fifty years. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip AUSMUS, who were among the earliest Illinois pioneers.
Her first marriage was to James BROWN, who died in 1868. In 1892 she was united in marriage with Hardin EDWARDS, whose death occurred in the year mentioned.
Surviving are three children, George BROWN of this city; James Brown of Arkansas and Mrs. Ella ATKINS of Vincennes, Ind. Also ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The remains were removed to the …ham Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 2:30 o’clock Saturday afternoon in charge of Rev. C. D. ROBERTSON of Centenary M. E. church. Burial will be made in Diamond Grove cemetery.
Born: 27 Oct 1827; Versailles, Brown, Illinois
Married: 18 Jan 1849 to James BROWN; Brown Co., Illinois
Married: 28 Sep 1890 to Hardin EDWARDS; Morgan Co., Illinois
Died: 3 Nov 1921; Jacksonville, Morgan, Illinois
Buried: 5 Nov 1921; Diamond Grove Cem., Jacksonville, Morgan, Illinois
Obituary of Elmer Franklin ELDRIDGE, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Cemetery Reading
Name of Deceased: ELDRIDGE, Elmer Franklin
Name of Newspaper: Waverly Journal
Date of Obituary: July 9, 1920
Obituary: Boy Instantly Killed By Lightning
Meets Death While in Field. Team of Horses Also Killed.
Elmer ELDRIDGE, fourteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank ELDRIDGE, living about five miles south of Waverly, was struck by lightning last Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock and almost instantly killed, together with a team of horses which he was holding. The father and another son, Loran, and a team of horses standing nearby, were also struck by the same bolt and stunned for several minutes.
The boy had been plowing corn and during a thunder storm which came up took his team over to where his father and brother were. While standing there holding the horses’ heads the bolt struck killing the boy and the horses instantly.
Coroner ROSE was notified and came to Waverly Sunday and held an inquest. A jury was empaneled consisting of S. H. WATTS, foreman; J. B. KEPLINGER, J. F. WYLDER, August ROULAND and S. B. SEYMOUR. After hearing the evidence the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts above stated.
Elmer Franklin ELDRIDGE, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank ELDRIDGE was born February 23, 1906, near Waverly, and departed this life Saturday, July 3, 1920, being 14 years, 4 months and 17 days of age. His short life was spent in the vicinity of Waverly. He was always of a cheerful disposition, and was a loving son and brother.
He is survived by his parents, two brothers and one sister, namely, Loran Yates, Alvah Curtis and Clara Belle.
Funeral services were conducted at the residence Sunday afternoon, July 4, at 3 o’clock, Rev. Francis E. SMITH, pastor of the First M. E. church officiating. Interment was in East cemetery. The pall bearers were: Everett TINSLEY, Jesse BAKER, Reid WATTS, Floyd DOSSETT, Lester WATTS and George BAKER, all being schoolmates of the deceased.
Obituary of Hon. David EPLER, Morgan Co Illinois ©2012 Submitted by: Robert Webb
Name of Deceased: EPLER, David, Hon.
Name of Newspaper: Signs of the Times, taken from the Jacksonville Journal
Date of Obituary:
Obituary: “Funeral of Hon. David EPLER.
The country residence of Mr. J. Milton EPLER, of Cass County, was the scene yesterday of the last sad ceremonies in memory of one who had one been an honored fellow-citizens, Hon. David EPLER.
The house is commodious, but was crowded full at 10 o’clock a. m., the hour appointed for the funeral. The services began with reading of several appropriate selections of scripture, and a fervant prayer by Eld. I. N. VANMETER, of Macomb, Ill., and a familiar hymn was sung, beginning, “Why do we mourn departing friends?” The following biographical sketch was then read by the speaker: David, son of Abraham EPLER, was born in Clark County, Ind., near the city of Jeffersonville, Oct. 23, 1804. He first married Miss Elizabeth SPANGLER, who left one son, and soon after died. This son, David, has been absent many years, and the family do not know whether he is living or dead. In the same state the deceased was married on the 3d day of March, 1831, to Miss Rachel R. JOHNSON. In September of the year he located in Cass County, Ill., it then being part of Morgan County. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was one of the pioneers of the country, growing with its growth, and being identified with its interests and improvements. His sterling integrity, honesty and industry, soon brought him into favor with his fellow-citizens, and in the fall of 1842 he was elected a member of the General Assembly, receiving a larger vote in his county, at that general election, than any man that was before the people. As a member he gave general satisfaction to his constituents. By his industry and economy he accumalated an ample living, and in 1871 he disposed of his lands and located in the city of Jacksonville, and engaged in the banking business, and has ever since been recognized as among the prominent business men, and honorable citizens of the place. Recently he and his beloved companion visited their children in Cass County, and at the house of his son-in-law, John M. EPLER, he was attacked with typhoid pneumonia, which terminated in his death at 6:10 a. m., March 5, 1877, in his 73d year. The decease sustained the character of an unblemished reputation and of sterling worth in the entire community, and his general intelligence, ripe judgment, gentlemanly deportment and social qualities made friends of all who knew him. In his death the community has lost one of her most valued and honorable citizens. But his decease has fallen with the most crashing power upon his beloved companion, the wife of his bosom, and upon his highly respected children, three sons and two daughters of whom are known to survive their affectionate father. He met his death calmly, saying, ‘I am ready.’ The bereaved ones have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.
After reading the above, Mr. VANMETER preached a short discourse from the text, ‘And God shall wipe away all tears,’ & c.–Rev. xxi. 4. At the conclusion of the services at the house, the remains were conveyed to the cemetery of the Union Church, some 3 1/2 miles north of Arcadia, and there interred.” I will only add that the bereaved widow, sister Rachel R. EPLER, has long been a faithful and uncompromising Baptist, and a constant subscriber and an occasional correspondent of the SIGNS, from Jacksonville, Ill., and she and her deceased husband have often fed large crowds of brethern and friends at their annual meetings, and it is believed by those who knew him best, that the deceased was a subject of saving grace.
May the sustaining grace of the widow’s God be more than a match for her severe trials.
Affectionately yours,
I. N. VANMETER
Macomb, Ill
Obituary of Elizabeth EPLING (SWEET), Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by:
Cemetery Reading
Name of Deceased: EPLING, Elizabeth (SWEET)
Name of Newspaper: Waverly Journal
Date of Obituary: March 3, 1916
Obituary: Mrs. Floyd EPLING died suddenly about seven o’clock Wednesday evening, death resulting from cerebral hemorrhage. She had suffered a similar attach December 26 but after a few days was again able to take up the work of her household duties. During the morning Wednesday she complained of not being well but in the afternoon felt better
Elizabeth SWEET was born in Loami township May 19, 1851, and died at her home in Waverly, March 1, 1916, aged 64 years, 10 months and 12 days. She was the daughter of A. J. and Abigail SWEET, and was reared in Waverly. She was married July 1, 1869 to Floyd EPLING and they resided in Auburn for a time, later moving to Waverly.
Mrs. EPLING was a member of the Congregational church, with which organization she placed her membership during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. HOBBS who was pastor from 1881 to 1888.
Mrs. EPLING is survived by her husband; four daughters, Mrs. I. W. MILLER of Springfield, Mrs. C. A. HALL of Middletown, Miss Adeline EPLING of Waukegan and Miss Altia EPLING of Waverly; and two sons, A. J. EPLING of Redondo Beach, Calif. And Cyrus F. EPLING of Terre Haute, Indiana; two children died in infancy. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. O. H. BROWN of Kansas City, Mo.; four half sisters, Mrs. W. O. MANSON of San Francisco, Calif., Mrs. A. L. CHURCH of Chicago, Mrs. Helen CLARK of Los Aneles, Calif. And Mrs. L. H. WELLS of Paolo, Kansas; four grandchildren, Carl EPLING of Los Angeles, Calif., Chalmers MILLER of Springfield, and Margaret and Dorothy Deane HALL of Middletown. The following step brothers and sisters are deceased: Homer CHURCH, Charles E. CHURCH, Ben F. CHURCH, Mrs. Esther TRACY and Mrs. Julia HUTCHISON.