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Obituary of Bertha VAGEN, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by: Click for Cemetery Reading

Name of Deceased: VAGEN, Bertha
Name of Newspaper: Waverly Journal Date of Obituary: February 27, 1902

Obituary: Bertha VAGEN was born in Franklin, Sept. 12, 1875. When 3 years of age she came with her parents to this city, where she has since made her home. In January 1895 she connected herself with the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, and on March 14, 1897, became a member of the Congregational church of this city and has been true always to the pledge she then made to her Master. After about three years of quiet, patient suffering, thoughtful through all of those dear to her, she died at the Passavant hospital, Jacksonville, on Monday, February 24, 1902, at the age of 26 years, 5 months and 11 days.

The death of Bertha VAGEN created a profound sorrow when the sad intelligence reached this city last Monday morning. When she was taken to Jacksonville for treatment there was a universal hope that she might shortly return to her home and friends fully restored to health. Her trouble had been of long standing, but it was not until a few weeks ago that alarming symptoms began to develop, and it was then deemed necessary that an operation be performed. Accompanied by her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. CLAWSON, she was taken to the Passavant hospital a week ago last Wednesday, where she underwent an operation last Saturday evening. To all appearances she stood the ordeal finely, and those around her were encouraged with hope that the worst danger had passed. Sunday night she began to sink, and despite the efforts of the attending physician she continued growing weaker until death claimed her at 3:20 a.m. Monday. Her mother had been summoned to her bedside a few hours before her death, but owing to the hours of train service she did not reach there until after her daughter had passed away. Bertha was a young lady possessed of lovable nature and a quiet and modest disposition, traits that endeared her to all with whom she came in daily contact. No greater testimonial of love and affection can be shown than was manifested by the many expressions of grief and sorrow, and the many words of sympathy given to the heart-broken mother and sorrowing sisters and brother. Their sorrow is shared alike by all. The remains were brought to this city Monday evening and taken to the family residence, on West Prairie street. Funeral services were held at the family residence at 3 p.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. W. S. BUGBEY, her pastor, assisted by the Rev. W. J. BATTENFIELD, of the Christian church.

Interment was had in East cemetery, in the presence of a large concourse of sympathizing friends. The pall-bearers were Will HODGERSON, Walter MILLER, Jud EPLING, Robert COE, John SMETTERS and Dan. HART. Deceased leaves a mother, Mrs. Martha VAGEN, of this city; three sisters, Mrs. Minnie WILLIAMSON, of Auburn, and Mrs. J. B. CLAWSON and Louis, and one brother, Louis, all of this city.

Obituary of W. Alonzo VANCIL, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by: Click for Cemetery Reading

Name of Deceased: VANCIL, W. Alonzo
Name of Newspaper: Waverly Enterprise Date of Obituary: April 15, 1899

Obituary: Death of W. A. VANCIL Our community was shocked Tuesday morning when the word was passed from lip to lip that Mr. W. A. VANCIL was dead. The sad event had been expected by his family and a few intimate friends, but to the community at large it was unexpected. It was generally known he had been in poor health for the past two years, but few realized his ailment was of a dangerous character, and hoped by careful treatment that his always vigorous constitution might conquer the disease. His death was die to bronchial troubles, from which he sought the aid of the best practitioners, and with this end in view he spent the last three weeks of his life at El Paso, Texas, hoping the climate in that section might bring the desired relief. Getting no better he returned home, arriving here last Monday morning, and gradually passed away, the end coming Tuesday morning April 11, at 5 o’clock.

W. Alonzo VANCIL was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, seven miles south of Waverly, Nov. 25, 1833, and was the youngest son of Edmond and Mary VANCIL. He was married to Lucy SEATON in 1863. Two children were born to them - Edna, who grew to womanhood in this city, and died Oct. 23, 1890, and Libby Myrtle, who died in childhood. Mr. VANCIL first settled in the northern part of Macoupin county, and in 1868 moved to Sangamon county, where he was a successful farmer. In 1881 he moved to Waverly with his family, where he has since lived a retired life.

Mr. VANCIL was quiet and unobtrusive in his everyday life, rarely taking part in local matters. He had many friends and to them he was always courteous and agreeable. He had traits of character that won for him the respect of all. He was generous to a fault, and his deeds of charity were performed without display or boast, and always to a class from whom he could expect no favor in return. His nature abhorred hypocrisy in any shape or form, and whatever may be said of him, he was no hypocrite. With him his word was as binding as his bond, and no dishonest act can be laid at his door. He was a good citizen, and his death will be sorely felt. Besides his faithful wife, he leaves several relatives, among them a sister, Mrs. A. E. MOFFETT, living south of this city, who is well known to all our citizens.

Funeral services were held at the family residence at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, conducted by Rev. O. E. MOFFETT, of Augusta, Wis., a nephew of the deceased. Interment in the family vault at East cemetery.

Obituary of Elizabeth VANWINKLE (GIBSON), Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by: Click for Cemetery Reading

Name of Deceased: VANWINKLE, Elizabeth (GIBSON)
Name of Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Date of Obituary: May 10, 1908

Obituary: Mrs. Elizabeth VANWINKLE passed away Friday morning at 8:30 o’clock at the family residence, 812 West North street. She had been in failing health for about a year, but was not confined to her bed until only several days ago. Her death was due mainly to Bright’s disease. Deceased was the daughter of John M. and Mary GIBSON and was born near Nortonville Feb. 8, 1849. She received her education in the country schools and the Jacksonville public schools. Mrs. VANWINKLE was a devout Christian, having at an early age become a member of the Methodist church of the Durbin neighborhood. She enjoyed the ??

She leaves to mourn her loss her mother, Mrs. Mary GIBSON, three sons, Charles of Modesto, State’s Attorney Bert A. VANWINKLE, and Chester of this city; also three sisters, Mrs. W. P. SIX and Mrs. Oscar MANSFIELD of Franklin, and Mrs. J. W. MOON of this city, and four brothers, G. C. GIBSON of this city, J. W. of Murrayville, A. D. of Franklin, and R. Y. residing south of the city. Her husband, J. H. VANWINKLE preceded her in death July 5, 1901.

Brief funeral services will be held at 10 o’clock this morning at the residence, in charge of Rev. Joseph C. NATE, pastor of Grace M. E. church. The remains will then be taken to the Providence Methodist church, southwest of Franklin, where more extended services will be held, in charge of Rev. A. H. FLAGGE, pastor of Franklin, M. E. church. Interment will take place in the family lot in the cemetery adjoining the church.

Obituary of Bert A. VANWINKLE, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by: Click for Cemetery Reading

Name of Deceased: VANWINKLE, Bert A.
Name of Newspaper: Franklin Times Date of Obituary: March 6, 1919

Obituary: The remains of former State’s Attorney Bert A. VANWINKLE, who died last week at a national home for volunteer soldiers of the Spanish-American war at Hot Springs, S.D., arrived in Jacksonville Saturday morning. Funeral services were conducted from the GILLHAM undertaking parlors in that city Sunday afternoon, in charge of Dr. MADDEN, pastor of Grace M. E. church. Mrs. H. C. WOLTMAN sang two solos, and the funeral service of the Knights of Pythias was conducted by members of Jacksonville Lodge, No. 152.

The remains were brought here on the early train Monday and taken to Providence for interment in the family lot, Rev. Harry WILLARD conducting brief services at the grave, where Mrs. Wm. KIRBY and Miss Lila SEYMOUR furnished music. The bearers at the cemetery were W. M. REES, Scott TRANBARGER, John BLAND, Eugene WOOD, James H. ROBERTS and Chas. HANKINS.

Obituary of John VANWINKLE, Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by: Click for Cemetery Reading

Name of Deceased: VANWINKLE, John
Name of Newspaper: Waverly Journal Date of Obituary: January 1882

Obituary: John VANWINKLE,
Father of Richard VANWINKLE of This City
Was Pioneer Morgan County Citizen.

John VANWINKLE was born in the state of Georgia, March 24, 1800, and moved to Kentucky when three years old. His wife, Levisa Pemberton, was born in Virginia, July 20, 1801, and moved to Kentucky when but three weeks old, and was married to John VANWINKLE December 20, 1822. In the fall of 1826, with two children (Abner and Mary) they came to Illinois and settled on the north fork of the Mauvaisterre, in Morgan Co., where they remained one year, then moved to the middle fork, on what is known as the HOLMES farm, and in 1831 to the place of his death, where they lived over fifty years. They lived together for more than sixty years, and raised a large family of children, two of whom are dead, Abner and Mary, the former dying in the army.

Father VANWINKLE professed religion at the early age of 18 years, and ever after led a consistent christian life. I feel that I am unable to do justice to the memory of this good man, but he deserves more than a passing notice. I first knew Uncle John - as all liked to call him -at a camp meeting at Franklin, where he and his brother Jason went every year to camp and worship God, and where their hospitality was dispensed to the ministers, their friends and to strangers, who were never turned. There Father VANWINKLE is buried on almost the very spot where he camped. There is where I sought the Lord and found him precious to me and to five of my brothers. That is a spot most dear to me. There is where my mother and many other dear ones to me are laid. Though Father VANWINKLE is dead his influence will live. One son has gone before, who was trying to live the life of Christ. He was the oldest, born in 1823; the youngest was born in 1846. There are other children who are not professors of religion, and I hope in this their hour of bereavement they will heed his death bed request to become better men and women. Although he suffered a great deal he bore it as a christian. Father VANWINKLE was a faithful husband, a kind father, and was always glad to have his children and grandchildren around him. His house was a house of enjoyment to all. When he moved to Apple Creek his house was the place for circuit preaching. Father VANWINKLE was always on hand at camp meetings to help. I have known him to harvest all day, and at night go to Little York or Appalonia to meeting. He had as few faults as most men. May the Lord bless the aged mother and her children, and I feel confident that our loss is his gain. I have frequently heard him remark that he was waiting the Lord’s will. In concluding this imperfect sketch I will add, he was a temperance man, and never used tobacco in any way.

“Asleep in Jesus, Oh, how sweet. Father VANWINKLE is the last of the family; peace be to his ashes. May the Lord help us all to be ready to leave this world as Father VANWINKLE was.

Obituary of Sarah VANWINKLE (CROW), Morgan Co Illinois ©2006 Submitted by: Click for Cemetery Reading

Name of Deceased: VANWINKLE, Sarah (CROW)
Name of Newspaper: Waverly Journal Date of Obituary: January 20, 1905

Obituary: Mrs. Sarah VANWINKLE, died at her home 2 miles northeast of town, Tuesday morning at 2:30 o’clock, aged 89 years and 23 days, after being ill for several weeks. Sarah CROW was born in Mercer Co., Kentucky, December 18, 1815. Her father died when she was 7 years old, and her mother was left a widow with three daughters and two sons. Later their house was destroyed by fire and they moved to another section of the state where some of their relatives lived. Here at the age of 14, she made a profession of religion and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

In the fall of 1830, with other relatives, the family moved overland to Pike county, Missouri. They were three weeks on the trip. That was the winter of what old settlers today refer to as “the deep snow.” On November 28, 1832, the deceased was married to N. B. VANWINKLE, and traveled to Illinois with her husband on horseback, arriving here on Dec. 2 of that year. The house in which they took up their home was a story and a half log one which was unfinished, and disappeared a few years since. On coming to Illinois Mrs. VANWINKLE united with the M. E. church at Franklin and remained a consistent member of the same until her death.

Eleven children were born to this couple, three of whom died in infancy. Eight lived to manhood and womanhood. Martha died in 1860, Benjamin, who was a private in Co. H 101 Illinois volunteers in the Civil war, died at Mound city while in the service, in 1862. Jacob E. died in 1886 and the surviving ones are Mary E., living at home, Micajah, living in Sangamon county, Mrs. Rhoda MCCORMICK, living near Waverly, and Martin and Henry, living near the home of their boyhood. Deceased is also survived by one brother, Martin CROW, of Bowling Green, who was three years her junior, and by seven grandchildren - Lela, Cora, Eunice, Arthur, Maude, Bertha and Otis VANWINKLE. Besides raising her immediate family, a niece made her home with her for five years a nephew for several years, and another lad made his home there for some time. The funeral was conducted from the M.E. Church Wednesday afternoon, and was in charge of Rev. F. L. BUCK. The funeral text was taken from Romans 8,18. In spite of the cold and stormy weather many who had known the deceased were present to pay a last tribute of honor and respect to her memory. At the conclusion of the service the remains were interred in the village cemetery.