OBITUARIES FOR SURNAMES
BEGINNING WITH "D"




  DALY, Mrs. Sarah E.

MRS. SARAH E. DALY DIES AT HER HOME

Mrs. Sarah E. Daly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dayton Dunham, passed away at 4:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon at her home, 1177 West Main Street. She was born Jan 19, 1840, and was united in marriage with William Daly on Sept. 5, 1860. Mr. Daly died May 26, 1880.

To this union, ten children were born, three preceeding the mother in death. Surviving are: George Daly, Elwood, Kansas, Hugh Daly, Plymouth, Mich., Mrs. Rilla Grant, Mrs. Ada Gring, Mrs. Effie Gardner, all of Decatur; Mrs. Ada Bunker, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mrs. Eliza Fowler, Miami, Fla., one brother, Henry Dunham, one sister, Mrs. Caroline Bullard, eleven grand children and ten great grandchildren also survive.

Mrs. Daly had been an invalid for a number of years, but being of sweet disposition, she always had a ready smile for everone.

She was the sister of Amos Dunham in whose honor the Dunham Post 141 G.A.R. was named, and had been an active worker in the W.R.C. She had united in membership of the Methodist church in her early years.

Funeral services will be held at the home, the date to be announced later. The family requests no flowers.

Decatur Review, Sunday, Feb. 12, 1928





  DALY,Mrs. Jane

GRANDMA DALY DEAD

Mrs. Jane Daly, who has resided in this county for over forty years died of old age, at her home, four miles west of Decatur last Friday, age 89 years. The funeral services were held at the residence Sunday, Rev. Father Crissey, of this city, officiating, after which the remains were laid to rest to the Batchelder cemetery, near Harristown. Mrs. Daly leaves four children, nineteen grand children had thirteen great grand children to grieve over her departure. Mrs.W. Usrey, of Decatur, is a daughter of the deceased.

Decatur Review, Tuesday Oct 11, 1881





  DAMERY, Harry A.

MAN DIES ON 24th BIRTHDAY

Harry A. Damery, died on his 24th birthday, Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock. He ahd been iill for a short time. He died in his home one and one-half miles from Blacklands. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Damery and was born on Jan. 10, 1904. On Feb 4, 1922 he married Helen Gemmer. He leaves his father, his wife, and three children. He also leaves four brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Madison Presbyterian church. Burial will be in Bethel cemetery. The body was prepared for burial by Leon Monson.

Decatur Evening Herald, Friday, 11 Jan 1929, pg. 3





  DAMERY, James Thomas
LAST RITES OVER JAMES T. DAMERY

Blue Mound, Jan. 21 - The funeral of James T. Damery was held at the Bethel church three miles northeast of here at _ p.m. Sunday conducted by Rev. G.N. Walkerson.

James Thomas, son of Richard and Mary Damery, was born Oct. 28, 1855 at Waverly, Morgan county, Ill. He came with his parents to this vicinity when but a boy.

In Oct 2, 1879, he was united in marriage to Naomi Nicholls. To this unions were born seven children, the oldest dying in infancy. Those surviving are Ethel, Maude, John, Mary, Earl and Carl. Besides his wife he leaves two sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Martha Hadden, Mrs. Nelle Thurston, Will and Ed of near Blue Mound and Robert of Assumption. Several years ago he was attacked with paralysis, which slowly crept over his body. He was in his usual health until last Wednesday. He contracted a severe cold. A physician was called and pronounced it pneumonia. He died Friday morning, Jan. 16, aged fifty-seven years, two months nineteen days.

The Daily Review, 21 Jan 1913





  DAMERY, Naomi Elizabeth

Mrs. Naomi Damery, Blue Mound, died suddenly in the home of her son, Earl Damry, Assumption, Sunday noon after suffering a heart attack. Mrs. Damery had gone to the home of her son for Suday and was sitting at the dinner table when her death occurred.

She was born in Ohio on June 20, 1858, and was 70 years old. She was married to J.T. Damery in Blue Mound and they had lived in the same house near that town since their marriage over 50 years ago. She was a member of Bethel church near Blue Mound.

She leaves her husband and the following children: Earle, John, Carl Damery, Mrs. Maude Cunningham, Mrs. Mary Gabreil and Mrs. Ethel Rice, all of near Decatur. She also has 12 grandchildren.

The body will be left in the home palce until Tuesday afternoon when the funeral services will be held in Bethel church at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will be in Bethel cemetery.

Decatur Herald, 13 Aug 1928






  DAMERY, Rachel

Funeral Services Will Be Held Saturday Afternoon at 2:00 in the Church.

BLUE MOUND, May 12 -- Mrs. Rachel Damery, 74, died Thursday morning in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Morgan Thurston, north of town. She was a member of Bethel church and is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Thurston and Mrs. Charles Moomey, one son, Ed Damery, all of Blue Mound, and two step- sons, William G. Damery, of Boody, and Robert Damery of Assumption.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Methodist church near Blue Mound.

Decatur Herald, Decatur, IL, Friday, May 12, 1916





  DAMERY, Richard

Richard Damery, aged 65 years, died of pneumonia at his residence, one and a half miles northeast of Blue Mound, at 2 o'clock, January 28. Deceased was born in Ireland in the year 1825, and when a boy came with his parents to this county, who settled in the state of Connecticut. Arriving at manhood Richard and his brother George came to this state, stopping near Chapin, Morgan county, where they remained a few years and then, in 1857, came to Macon county and settled on adjoining farms. Deceased was a hard-working man and a good manager, and starting with 80 acres of raw prairie, and in debt for that, he had by good management become the owner of several hundred acres of well improved land, unemcumbered. He was a member of the Methodist church, in good standing, and will be sadly missed by the church and community. Deceased was twice married, and was the father of seven children - two by his last wife. He was a brother of George Damery, of Blue Mound, and James Damery, of New York City.

The funeral services will take place at the residence at 2 o'clock Thursday.

Decatur Daily Republican, Wednesday, 29 Jan 1890, pg. 3





  DAMERY, William J.

William J. Damery, a farmer near Blacklands, died at 12:30 o'clock on Thursday morning. His death was caused by influenza and pneumonia. He was born Jan. 24, 1864. He leaves the following children; Mrs. N.O. Jacobs, Mrs. Earl Camery, Mrs. B.H. Warnick, Mrs. A.C. Usinger, Joseph James, Elmer and Mervil Damery. One son, Harry Damery, died about a week before. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon in Madison church. Burial will be in Bethel church.

Decatur Evening Herald, Sunday, 20 Jan 1929, pg. 3





  DANIELS, William L.

WABASH WORKER DIES OF INJURIES - W.L. DANIELS OF CLARKSDALE EXPIRES IN DECATUR

William L. Daniels, of Clarksdale, died at 3 o'closk Tuesday morning at Wabash Hospital from injuries sustained Monday when he strained himself while unloading steel from a car. The accident happened at Clarksdale. Mr. Daniels was placed on a train and hurried to the hospital and operated on Monday night, but it was impossible to save him.

Mr. Daniels was 56 years old. He is survived by his wife and 3 sons, Virgil, Ray, and Leroy Daniels. He also leaves a brother, Wallace Daniels of Clarksdale, and 5 half brothers, George, James, Dell, John, and Nick Munhenke and there are two half sisters, Miss Ethel Munenke and Mrs. Ida Beatty, both of Morrisonville.

The body was removed to Moran undertaking establishment and prepared for burial, and Coroner L.A. Monson held the inquest there Tuesday forenoon. The body was taken to Clarksdale and the funeral will be held there.

Decatur Review, Tues, Mar 13, 1917, p. 6





  DANZEISEN, George J.

HEAD OF PACKING COMPANY DIES

G.J. Danzeisen Succumbs at Age of 85

HAD ACTIVE LIFE

In Meat Business In Decatur Since 1871

G.J. Danzeisen, one of Decatur's oldest and most active business men, died at 6 o'clock Friday eveing in the family residence, 340 West Wood street. He was eighty-five years old and was president of the Danzeisen Packing company. About six months ago he fell and broke a hip and had been confined to his home ever since.

Mr. Danzeisen came to Decatur in 1871, and ever since then he had been active in the business life of the city, first as a retailer and later as packer and wholesaler, and he was successful from the start.

BORN IN 1831

Mr. Danzeisen was born in Baden, Germany, Oct. 21, 1831. After serving an apprenticeship with a butcher in his home community he came to the United States when he was only seventten years old. He could not speak English and there was little opportunity in this country then for him to work at his trade as a butcher so he worked as a common laborer. He traveled around over the country a good deal and studied the language and the habits of the people. He was an apt student. He soon learned to understand and speak English.

After he had been here a few years he went to St. Louis and entered the employ of a steamboat supply company that had contracts for provisioning packets carrying freight and passengers on the Mississippi river, which was then the principal h_ of travel between the north and south parts of the country. He studied that business from the ground up while he worked, and he mastered it so well that when the superintendant of the operating department became ill Mr. Danzeisen was named to serve temporarily as superintendant.

CAME TO DECATUR

After a little while he was made permanent superintendant and told he could retain the position as long as he wanted it. He served that company for fifteen years. He and Adam Blenz were warm friends, and in 1871, (Mr.) Blenz induced Mr. Danzeisen to come to Decatur and join him in opening a retail meat market. That partnership continued for 12 years and was successful from the start. In 1882 they dissolved partnership and Mr. Danzeisen opened a retail market on Merchant street, with his oldest son, will Danzeisen, as partner. Later Oscar J. Danzeisen and Alfred J. Danzeisen were taken into the firm and for 25 years the firm of G.J. Danzeisen & Sons had one of the most popular markets in the city.

START PACKING PLANT

In the meantime they opened a packing plant on South Main street. It was considered a good sized plant when it was built, but it is now about _ times the size of the original plant. The retail business was continued until about ten years ago when fire destroyed their retail store along with other holdings on Merchant and East Main streets and a few on Water street. Since then the firm has been engaged wholly in packing and wholesaling meats. When Mr. Danzeisen came to Decatur no fresh pork was offered in the markets during the hot weather. Butchers never thought that it would be _ profitable. Mr. Danzeisen thought differently and he offered fresh pork for sale. The people were glad to get it. It proved to be a popular move and he was soon getting a fair share of the trade.

MARRIED IN ST. LOUIS

Mr. Danzeisen and Mary Bircher were married in St. Louis in 1860. For over 40 years their home has been in the house in which Mr. Danzeisen died Friday. During all his active business life in Decatur Mr. Danzeisen was steady as a clock. He was always early at his place of business, and he enjoyed looking after the details. He was there every day, doing a man's share of the work, in spite of his advanced years, up to the time last fall when he met with the accident.

He was in the hospital for four months, but two months ago he insisted on being taken home. At that time he believed that he would get well, and all during the spring he was impatient to get out and put in a garden. Toward the last he seemed to realize that he could not get well, that his days on earth were numbered, and he said he was ready to go. He was unconscious until Thursday night, and when he went to sleep it was never to awaken.

CHARTER MEMBER

Mr. Danzeisen was a charter member of St. Pauls' Lutheran church. He was always prompt and regular in attendance at church and attended all of the services until he met with his accident. Besides his wife, Mr. Danzeisen leaves three sons, William Danzeisen, Oscar J. Danzeisen and Alfred J. Danzeisen.

FUNERAL SUNDAY

The funeral will be helf at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at St. Paul's Lutheran church. The services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Lohrman.

Decatur Review, 31 May 1918

The funeral of George J. Danzeisen will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at St. Paul's Lutheran church. The services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Lohrman. The interment will be in Greenwood.

Decatur Review, 1 Jun 1919





  DANZEISEN, Maria

MRS. DANZEISEN DIES ON SUNDAY

Native of Switzerland Came to Decatur From St. Louis in 1870

Mrs. Maria Danzeisen, 87, 340 West Wood street widow of the late G.J. Danzeisen, died in her home about 7:30 Sunday night. Death was caused by complications due to old age. She had been confined to her bed for five months prior to her death. Mrs. Danzeisen was born in Aurar, Switzerland, on April 14, 1842. Her maiden name was Maria Burcher. With her parents she came to the United States in 1840, and settled with them in St. Louis.

HUSBAND FOUNDED PLANT

She was married to G.J. Danzeisen in St. Louis in 1860, and they moved to Decatur in 1870, where Mr. Danzeisen engaged in the meat business and founded the Danzeisen Packing company. For the first five years in Decatur they lived in a frame dwelling in the 300 block North Main street, on the site now occupied by the Starr building. In 1875 they moved to 340 West Wood, where they lived for almost 55 years. G.J. Danzeisen died on May 30, 1919.

Mrs. Danzeisen is survived by three sons, Oscar, Alfred and Will Danzeisen, all of Decatur, and by one brother, John Burcher of St. Louis. She also leaves three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran church, and was active in church and charitable work until advancing age forced her to restrict her activities.

The body was taken to the Monson funeral home to be prepared for burial. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, in the Monson chapel, and burial will be in Greenwood. The family requests that no flowers be sent.

Decatur Evening Herald, 23 Sep 1929





  DANZEISEN, Martha (Bland)

MRS. O. DANZEISEN DIES IN HOSPTIAL

Was Active in Club and Church Work

Mrs. Martha B. Danzeisen, wife of Oscar J. Danzeisen, 814 West Wood street, died at 10 o'clock Friday night at the Decatur and Macon County hospital. She had been ill for one week. She submitted to a serious operation. The immediate cause of her dath was heart failure.

Mrs. Danzeisen's maiden name was Martha B. Bland. She was born in Shelby county and she and Oscar J. Danzeisen of Decatur were married there thirty-three years ago. Ever since then they have made their home at 814 West Wood street.

ACTIVE CLUBWOMAN

Mrs. Danzeisen was a member of the First Presbyterian church and of the Decatur Woman's club. She was always interested in the work of the church and of the club. She served as chairman of the Art and Literature decision of the club. She had a bright, cheerful disposition that endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. She is survived by her husband and one son, Eugene B. Danzeisen, who graduated from the University of Illinois in 1928 and is now holding a position in a bank in New York City. She also leaves her mother, Mrs. N(ancy).E. Bland of Findlay, Ill., and her sisters and brothers, Mrs. Ada Wallace of Champaign, Mrs. Harry Foster of Shelbyville, W.H. Bland of Champaign and Eugene Bland of Shelbyville. The body was taken to Dawson & Wikoff, funeral directors.

Decatur Review, 1 Jun 1929

Burial was at Fairlawn Cemetery, Decatur, IL.





  DAUBENSPEAK, Mrs. Lizzie

Mrs. Lizzie Daubenspeak, wife of Morton Daubenspeak, died of consumption at 1 a.m. Sunday January 24, at the home of her brother John Wallet, No. 638 East Wood street, aged 30 years. She leaves a husband and three children, nine, seven and five years old. The funeral was held this afternoon from the residence. THe services were conducted by Rev. W. Bedford Jones and the burial was at Greenwood cemetery.

Daily Republican (Decatur), 26 January 1897





  DAVENPORT, Horace    

Horace Davenport died at 10:30 Thursday night at his home, 921 North Clayton street. Mr. Davenport had not been in rugged health for over a year, though he was able to be about town and meet his old friends up to within a short time of his death. He served as doorkeeper for the grand jury during the October term of the circuit court.

Horace Davenport, was well known in Decatur. He had resided here for many years and was for a long time on the regular police force. Later he served as special policeman and as night watchman. He was born at Locust Point, O., Sept. 4, 1835. He was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in 1862 in company H. of the One Hundredth Ohio Volunteers. He was a member of Dunham post 141. G.A.R. He is survived by a wife and one daughter, Mrs. C.E, Zimmerman of St. Louis and one granddaughter, Miss Marguerite Zimmerman.

The funeral will be held from the family residence at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

The Daily Review, Decatur IL, 27 Jan 1905





  DAVES, William :  

William Daves, an old and well respected citizen, died at his home on Tuesday evening, Jan. 18 at 7 oclock. His last illness was brief, although he had been confined to his bed several times during the winter. He lived to the good old age of 79 years, 5 month and 24 days. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. L. Bankson of Blue Mound, assisted by Rev. Mr. Forbes of Lincoln. The sermon was one of the grandest tributes to the dead who die in Christ that the people of Cisco ever had the privilege of listening to. Mr. Daves was converted to God in 1849 and lived a beautiful Christian life ever since. He was united in marriage to Sarah J. Watson in 1843, to whom were born nine children two of whom died in infancy. The rest survive him. Four boys and three girls and his aged widow are left to mourn him. He served through the war with Rev. Mr. Baker as his captain. He was buried at the Cumberland.

The Daily Review, Decatur Illinois, 23 Jan 1896

The funeral of Uncle Billy Daves, who died near Cisco, took place today. He was past 80 years of age and was personally known to many Decatur people.

Daily Republican, Decatur, Illinois, Thursday, 16 Jan 1896, pg. 3

Note: The Cumberland is Friends Creek Cemetery. He was inducted at age 46, on Sept. 6, 1862. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war from July 22, 1864 to March of 1865. Was mustered out after the war ended.





  DAVIDSON, Alexander   

Alexander Davidson died at 4:35 a.m. Wednesday at the residence of his niece, Mrs. Frank Jones, 1712 East Main Street. Consumption was the cause of death. Mr. Davidson was an old soldier and retired farmer and had suffered for several years past from a complication of diseases.

He was born in Macon County in 1838 and had lived here all of his life. He was the last of the old Davidson family. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army and served three years as a member of Company C, 116th Illinois Infantry. He was a member of Dunham Post 141, G.A.R., and the members of that organization will have charge of the burial.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 oclock this morning from the Long Creek Church. Rev. N. M. Baker will officiate and the burial will be at the Long Creek cemetery.

Decatur Herald, Decatur Illinois, 6 May 1904





  DAVIDSON, Edna

The funeral of Mrs. L.M. Davidson was held at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon from the Cumberland Presbyterian church. The services were very largely attended and there was a profusion of beautiful floral tributes. There were several old friends from the vicinity of her old home near Cerro Gordo present. Reb. A.W. Hawkins conducted the services. Appropriate music was rendered by the regular choir of the church. The pall bearers were Jerry Turpin, John Miller, John Ward, John Bell, Lafayette Logan, and Will Cox. The interment was at Mt. Gilead cemetery.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 3 Aug 1898





  DAVIDSON, Martin L.   

Martin L. Davidson, veteran of the Spanish-American war, died at 1:30 o'clock Sunday morning at his home, 155 East Sheridan Street. He would have been, sixty-nine years old in October. His death was due to complication of diseases with which he had suffered for over a year. He had been confined to his bed for the last three weeks.

Mr. Davidson was born in Macon County Oct. 20, 1857. All his life had been spent here with the exception of nine years spent in the army. He served throughout the Spanish-American war. He and Miss Judith Meeks were married in 1911. He is survived by his wife and one daughter; Mine Mary Davidson. He also leaves a brother, Edgar A. Davidson of Casper, Wyo., and four sisters, Mrs. Frances L. McDonald, Casner; Mrs. Louise King and Mrs. Mary L. Siehr of Decatur, and Mrs. Eva L. Meyers of Texas. The body was removed to the Moran & Sons undertaking establishment and prepared for burial. Friends may call there until time for the funeral, which will fee held there at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday Afternoon. The burial will be in the Mt Zion cemetery.

Decatur Daily Review, Decatur, Illinois, Monday, 30 Aug 1926, pg. 7





  DAVIS, Frank O.   

Frank O. Davis, 1235 East Logan street, died at 2:30 o’clock Monday morning in the Edward Hines Jr. government hospital at Maywood following an illness of long duration which arose from complications of diseases incurred during the World war.

He was born in Maroa, April 2, 1901. On March 2, 1924, he was married to Miss Laura Hopt, Decatur. He is survived by his wife and one son, Paul Davis, aged two years, his mother, Mrs. John Stubbs, Detroit, five sisters, Mrs. James Griffin, Maroa; Mrs. Edward Barnett, Blue Mound, Mrs. H. Malone, Decatur, Mrs. Charles Whitmere, Marathon, Iowa; Mrs. William F. Gross, Jr. Hitchcock, South Dakota, and one brother Velmar Davis, Maroa.

Mr. Davis was a member of the Christian church, Maroa, a member of Castle Williams Post 125, American Legion, member of Disabled Veterans, Chicago and of Decatur chapter of Modern Woodman No. 144. He served in the motor transport division in the World war.

The body will be brought to Decatur Tuesday morning and taken to the Monson funeral home, 239 West Prairie avenue, where friends may call. Services will be held in the Monson chapel at 2 :30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon under the auspices of the American Legion. Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.

Decatur Evening Herald, Decatur IL, 11 July 1927





  DAVIS, David

DAVID DAVIS DEAD

The Eminent Jurist and Statesman Peacefully Passes Away Surrounded by His Family

The announcement of the death of ex-Vice-President Davis will carry with it no surprise, but the sad news will be received with regret by all citizens of Illinois and the United States. The people expected his death, having been prepared for it several days ago by the statements of his physicians. The end came yesterday morning at 6 o'clock, while the distinguished man was surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Bloomington. He was unconscious to the last, recognizing no one and being in no apparent pain. About May 1st Judge Davis was attacked by a carbuncle, but his case progressed favorably until two weeks ago, when his ailment, coupled with erysipelas and diabetes, caused him to sink rapidly, and it became evident that he could not survive. Judge Davis was in his seventy-second year, and leaves an estate to be divided between his wife and two children, which is valued at two million dollars. Some of his land is situated in Macon county. The funeral will take place on Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock.

The following gentlemen have been invited to act as honorary pall bearers: Judge Walter S. Gresham, Judge Lawrence Weldon, Hon. Leonared Swett, Governor Oglesby, Hon. Joseph E. McDonald, Judge John M. Scott, Hon. Clifton H. Moore, Co. R.B. Latham, Hon. Jesse W. Fell, Hon. John Wentworth, Judge Oliver L. Davis, Judge Thomas Drummond, Hon. D.W. Voorhees, H.H. Treat and W.D. Griswold.

The following have been invited as acting pall bearers: Hon. Robert T. Lincoln, Hon. A.E. Stevenson, James S. Ewing, Lyman Burr, Frank D. Orme, Duncan M. Fink, Henry W. Bishop, Lucius G. Fisher.

JUDGE DAVIS'S CAREER

David Davis was born in Cecil county, Maryland, March 9, 1815. He was educated at Kenyon collete, Ohio, studied law with Judge Biship, of Lenox, Massachusetts, and also at the law school of New Haven, Connecticut. Upon attaining his majority he settled at Bloomington in 1836, and has since resided there. In 1844 he was elected to the lower house of the legislature and was a member of the constitutional convention in 1847. In 1848 he was elected judge oin the eighth judicial circuit and re-elected in 1855 and 1861. During the last term President Lincoln appointed him to the bench of the United States Supreme court. In 1872 he was nominated as the presidential candidate of the labor reform party and in 1877 was elected to the United States Senate, where he presided as vice president for one session. His term of office expired March 3rd 1883 nad since then he has been living in retirement at Bloomington.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 27 Jun 1886

Read more about Judge David Davis.





  DAVIS, Melissa (Gullett)

Mrs. Melissa Jane Davis, wife of Daniel R. Davis, 262 East Condit street, died Saturday afternoon at St. Mary's hospital. She was sixty years old. She had been ill for two weeks, suffering from liver and stomach trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were married in 1881. They resided at Maroa until 1891, when they moved to a farm four miles sourthwest of Weldon, Ill. There they resided until the spring of 1915 when the family moved to Decatur and Mrs. Davis has made her home here every since.

Mrs. Davis is survived by the following children: Mrs. Ora L. Roetzel, Oscar Davis, Hugh Davis and Mrs. Glenn Stewart, all of Decatur, Mrs. Effa M. Hendricks of Bloomington, Earl Davis of Alta, Ia., and Roy Davis of Aurelia, Ia. She is also survived by the following brothers and sister: C.C. Gullett of Decatur; Marion Gullett of Minonk, Ill., and Mrs. Lizzie Baker of St. Louis, Mo. The body was removed to the Dawson & Wikoff chapel on West William street and prepared for burial. Arrangements for the funeral will be announced later.

Decatur Review, 2 Nov 1919





  DAVIS, Mrs. Phillip



  DAVIS, Randall

In Long Creek township, on June 24, 1882, at 1 a.m., of measles, Randall Davis, son of James C. Davis, aged 16 years.

Saturday Herald (Decatur) , 1 Jul 1882





  DAVIS, Samuel M.C.

Samuel M.C. Davis died Wednesday at 3 a.m. at his home in Long Creek township, after an illness of three weeks of the grip, aged 44 years. A widow and four children survive him. The children are Mrs. Cora Gustin, Roscoe Nellie and a little daughter. Deceased was a son of Randall Davis and a brother of John W. Davis, of Casner, George C. Davis and James C. Davis, both of Decatur. There is a sister, Mrs. Kesler, residing in Missouri. He was a cousin of Supervisor S.C. Davis, of Long Creek and H.W. Davis of Decatur. He was a member of the Christian church at Antioch. The funeral was held Thursday at 1 p.m. from the church at Long Creek.

Herald Despatch, 17 Feb 1894





  DAVIS, Sarah J. (Nicholson)



  DAVIS, Sylvester

The funeral of Sylvester Davis will be held at 11 o'clock Tuesday forenoon at the North Fork church. The services will be conducted by Rev. M.C. Cockrum. The casket will not be opened at the church. The interment will be at North Fork cemetery.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 2 Jan 1911

The funeral of Sylvester Davis was held at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning at North Fork church, east of Decatur. The services were conducted by Rev. M.C. Cockrum, assited by Rev. N.M. Baker. The music was furnished by a quartet composed of Miss Iva Lourash, Miss Lizzie Lourash, Joseph Myers and Roscoe Davis. Their selections were "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "Rock of Ages," and "Abide With Me." The pallbeareres were James Logan, Jock Rucker, John Roberts, William Coombs, Hayden Veech and L. Perry. The interment was at North Fork cemetery.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 3 Jan 1911





  DAVIS, William M.



  DAWSON, Jacob M.

Mr. Jacob M. Dawson died at his residence, two doors north of the Baptist church, this morning. His disease was inflammation of the bowels, from which he had been suffering some days. Mr. Dawson lived in this county many years, and was widely known. The funeral services will take place from Long Creek Church to-morrow (Friday) at 4 o'clock, P.M., Rev. Ira Emerson officiating.

Daily Republican (Decatur), 3 Sep 1874





  DAWSON, Robert E.

BRIGHT LITTLE BOY IS DEAD

Robert Dawson Dies At Hospital

He was Bright and Manly Little Lad

Robert Dawson, little son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Dawson, 252 Franklin street, died 2 o'clock Sunday morning at St. Mary's hospital, following removal of an abcess of the brain. He was 11 years old and was Mr. and Mrs. Dawson's only child.

The little fellow had been ill for 10 days, and Saturday his condition was such that a surgical operatoin offered the only possibility of saving his life. Immediately after the operation he seemed much improved and it wsa thought that he had a chance for recovery, but the improvement was only temporary and death came at 2 o'clock.

WAS BRIGHT CHILD

Robert was a bright, manly little fellow, always cheerful and happy and always wanting to do something for others. He was a great lover of music. He took up the study of the violin some time ago and was making fine progress when he was taken ill. He was born July 3, 1907. He was well advanced in his studies at school. He was a member of the First Methodist church and also of the Sunday school, and knew nearly every member of the congregation. He was popular with all, and when his death was announced in the Sunday school many of the women were so saddened by the news that they went home before the exercises were over.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the First Methodist church. The services will be conducted by Rev. Freeman A. Havighurst. The interment will be in Fairlawn cemetery. Friends may call at the residence, 252 North Franklin street, up to 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The casket will not be opened at the church.

Decatur Review, 5 August 1918





  DAY, Samuel

The following obituary was submitted by Rebel L. Kreklow. It was sent to him many years ago and he doesn't know in what newspaper it appeared.

November 23, 1941

Samuel Day, 82, Retired Farmer, Dies

Samuel Day, 82, of 1104 South Jasper, a retired farmer, died at 5 p.m. Sunday in St. Mary's hospital after an illness of two years.

Day was born on August 15, 1859 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was married on November 27, 1883 to Miss Emma Dyke of near Sangamon and Decatur and was a farmer for many years. He retired nearly 20 years ago. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

He leaves his wife; six daughters, Mrs. Nellie Mentro of Topeka, Kansas, Mrs. Bessie Straunk, Mrs. Louella McCollum and Mrs. Viola Chepan, all of Decatur, and Mrs. Lela Shaw and Mrs. Goldie Macke, both of Decatur; one son, Samuel, Jr. of Decatur; 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Moran & Son's funeral home. Friends may call at the funeral after 3 p.m. today.





  DELAHUNTY, Arthur O.

A. Delahunty, Conductor on Wabash, Dies

Arthur O. Delahunty, 65 of 1520 East North St., a conductor on the Blue Bird for many years, and one of the best known employees of the Wabash Railroad, died early yesterday at Wabash Employees hospital after a long illness.

Mr. Delahunty had lived in Decatur all his life. Next April he would have completed 50 years with the Wabash, and he was still on the active list, up to the day of his death. He was known in railroad circle for the good will he generated in patrons of the railroad. Commenting on this, Trains magazine of November 1954 ended a long circle about Mr. Delahunty by saying he was one of the best advertisements the Wabash had.

The article described his technique of talking to passengers as he punched their tickets. He could reassure the inexperienced traveler. It was his habit to make certain that the bewildered were informed of arrival and departure times of connecting trains. His appearance at the front of the car to begin his tour down the aisle was the beginning of a pleasant performance that lasted until the door closed behind him.

Friends remember many stories about him. Several years ago he stopped his train, as it left the St. Louis yards on the report that a man was lying in the snow by the track with both legs severed. Mr. Delahunty backed up the train to render assistance. He knelt and prayed by the victim until doctors arrived. Then he put the man aboard the train and backed it into the station where an ambulance was waiting. The man, an employee of another railroad, is alive today, and Mr. Delahunty sometimes called on him when in St. Louis, the family said last night.

Mr. Delahunty was born here Sept. 4, 1888, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Delahunty. He attended St. Patrick's parochial school, and on graduation became an apprentice in the Wabash shops. On April 25, 1911, he was married to Edith Cunningham. Surviving are his wife; a son, James A.; two granddaughters and two grandsons; a sister, Mrs C. J. Cowgill; and brother, Lawrence, all of Decatur.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, the Order of Railroad Conductors No 74, and the veterans organization of the Wabash, the Decatur Council No 577, Knights of Columbus.

Funeral arrangements are in charge if J.J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today. The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 8 p.m. tomorrow at the funeral home, followed at 8:30 by a similar service by the Catholic Daughters of America. Services will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, with solemn high requiem mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Decatur Review, Monday, 2 Aug 1954, pg. 3

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELAHUNTY, Catherine (Stafford)
Mrs. Catherine Delahunty, wife of Patrick Delahunty, died at 4:30 Thursday morning at St. Mary's hospital. Her death was caused by dropsy. She had been in poor health for a number of years, but had been confined to her bed for about a month. She was 48 years old and is survived by her husband, three sons and two daughters. The children are Lawrence, Willie and Arthur Delahunty and Miss Margaret and Mary Delahunty. Mrs Delahunty was member of St. Patrick's Catholic church and was widely known. She was held in high esteem by all.

The funeral will be held Saturday morning from St. Patrick's church. The interment will be at Calvary.

The Decatur Review, Thursday Evening, 24 May 1906, pg. 12

Note: There is a second notice of death in the Decatur Review, Saturday Evening, 26 May 1906, pg. 8





  DELAHUNTY, Edith May (Cunningham)
Mrs. Delahunty Dies
Rites Thursday for Widow of Wabash Conductor

Mrs Edith May Delahunty, 69, of 1350 N. Edward St., died at 11:04 p.m. Monday in St. Mary's Hospital. She had been ill about a year. She was born in Peru, Ind., May 2, 1890, a daughter of Marion and Malissa Glasburn Cunningham. She moved to Decatur in 1911. Mrs Delahunty married Arthur O. Delahunty, April 25, 1911 in Decatur Her husband who was a Wabash conductor, died Aug 1, 1954. She leaves a son, James of Decatur; a brother Plennty Cunningham of Hammond, Ind., and four grandchildren.

Mrs. Delahunty was member of St. Thomas Catholic Church; vice president of Stella Division 153 of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Order of Railroad Conductors and Trainmen; Catholic Daughters of America; Oren L. Davis Post 99 Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Starlight Rebekah Lodge 767.

Services will be at 9 a.m. Thursday in St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at the J.J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home at 8 p.m. by members of the church and the Catholic Daughters of America. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Decatur Review, 22 Jun 1959, pg. ??



  DELAHUNTY, James A.   

James A. Delahunty, 84, of Decatur died 9:40 a.m. Saturday June 27, 1998 in his residence. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Holy Family Church. Visitation will be after 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in Brintlinger's Funeral Home with vigil prayer service at 6:15 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Delahunty was born Oct. 29, 1913, in Peru, Ind., a son of Arthur O. and Edith Cunningham Delahunty. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and had been a volunteer at both hospitals in Decatur. He retired from the Wabash Railroad after 34 years of service and was a World War II Army veteran. He married J. Louise Stork of Stonington on December 27, 1941, in Decatur. Surviving are his wife; children, James F. Delahunty and wife Connie of Cullman, Ala.; Kathleen Delahunty of Mount Zion; Michael C. Delahunty and wife Julie of Decatur; Christine Nickles and husband Harry of Rochester; grand-children, Joshua, Nicholas, Patrick, Lindsey, Derek and Amy Wagoner and husband Jerry; great-granddaughters, Mackenzie and Cameron Wagoner. His parents and one brother preceded him in death.

Decatur Review, 30 Jun 1998, pg. #A13

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty





  DELAHUNTY, Katie

Katie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Delahunty, died at the family home 460 East Orchard street yesterday morning at 2 o'clock, of lung fever. The child was 1 year and 9 months old. The funeral will be held from St. Patrick's Catholic Church this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Decatur Review, Thursday, 21 Dec 1893, pg. #3

Funeral Held

Father O'Boyle conducted the funeral services over the body of Katie Delahunty yesterday at 2 o'clock p. m. at St Patrick's Catholic Church. The burial was at the Catholic burying ground.

Decatur Review, Friday, 22 Dec 1893, pg. #2

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELAHUNTY, Lawrence J.

Lawrence Delahunty, Contractor, Dies

Lawrence J. Delahunty, 76, of 3910 E. Marietta St., was pronounced dead on arrival at 7:45 a.m. today in St. Mary's hospital from and apparent heart attack. He was a retired paint contractor and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was born in Springfield on April 10, 1881, a son of Patrick and Margaret Delahunty. He lived in Decatur for 75 years. Mr. Delahunty married Mary Belle Newell in Ct. Charles, Mo., on July 23, 1921. He leaves his wife and a sister, Mrs. Mary Cowgill, Decatur. The body is in the Brintlinger Funeral Home. Arrangements are incomplete.

The Decatur Review, Thursday, 15 Sep 1960, pg. 46

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELAHUNTY, Mary Belle (Newell)

Mrs. Lawrence (Mary Newell) Delahunty, 88 of 2530 N. Monroe St. died 9:55 p.m. Sunday (Feb 25, 1979) in Illini House.

Prayer services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday in Brintlinger's Pershing Funeral Home. No visitation. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery. Mrs Delahunty was born in Decatur, daughter of Granville and Belle Newell. She was a member of St.Thomas Catholic Church. She married Lawrence Delahunty in 1921. He died in 1960. One brother and one sister preceded her in death.

Decatur Herald, Tuesday, 27 Feb 1979, pg. 20





  DELAHUNTY, Patrick

Patrick Delahunty Ill One Day, Dies

Had resided in Decatur for about Forty Years

Patrick Delahunty of 2036 North Monroe street died at 9:55 o'clock Tuesday night at St. Mary's hospital. He was sixty- six years old last July. His death was caused by a complication of diseases. Mr. Delahunty's health had been gradually falling for more than a year, but he never would admit that he was really ill. He was confined to his bed only since last Saturday; and had been in the hospital only one day when death came.

Patrick Delahunty was born in Ireland, July 12, 1855. He had resided in Decatur for about forty years and was widely known. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic church and had many friends.

When the late P.H. Hunt was actively engaged in public works Mr. Delahunty was his foreman for many years. He is said to have had less trouble with the men under him than any other foreman that ever handled a public contract. The men all liked him and they would not shirk. After the retirement of Mr. Hunt from contracting field Mr. Delahunty became a contractor and continued in that line of work as long as his health permitted.

Mr. Delahunty is survived by three children: Lawrence J. Delahunty, Arthur O. Delahunty, and Miss Mary Delahunty, all of Decatur. He also leaves a brother, William Delahunty, in Ireland and a brother and sister in Decatur. Thomas Delahunty and Mrs. David Vail. There are three grandchildren, James Delahunty and Katherine and James Cowgill.

The body was removed to the Moran & Sons undertaking establishment and prepared for burial and was Wednesday taken to the home of Arthur O. Delahunty, 1520 East North Street. The funeral will probably be held Friday morning.

The Decatur Review, Wednesday, 8 Feb 1922, pg. 8

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELAHUNTY, Robert William

Robert William Delahunty, two month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Delahunty, died at 5:10 o'clock Friday morning in the home, 450 East Orchard street, after an illness of one day of stomach trouble. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Burial will be in Calvary.

Decatur Daily Herald, 26 Oct 1912, pg. 2

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELAHUNTY, Thomas

T. Delahunty Found Dead: Funeral Tuesday

Funeral services for Thomas Delahunty of 525 Orchard street will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow in St Patrick's Catholic church, with burial in Calvary cemetery. Friends may call at Moran & Sons funeral home. Mr. Delahunty, 73 years old, was found dead in the basement of the home of his sister, Mrs Mary Vail, at 646 East Orchard street. He had been firing the furnace and apparently suffered a stroke. Formerly associated with Tuttle Bros. and P.H. Hunt, Mr. Delahunty was retired contracting assistant.

Mr. Delahunty leaves, besides his sister, one brother, William, living in Ireland. He was never married. He was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, and came to Decatur in 1886. He was a member of St Patrick's Catholic church.

Decatur Review, 9 Mar 1940, p. ?

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELAHUNTY, William

WILLIAM DELAHUNTY DIES IN CLINTON

Decatur Man Ill Short Time With Pneumonia

William Delahunty of Decatur died at Clinton Thursday, after a short illness of pneumonia. He was a son of Patrick Delahunty of Decatur. He was born and reared in Decatur and graduated from St. Theresa's academy. He learned the machinists trade in the Wabash roundhouse here and about four years ago went to Clinton to work under Jacob Schilling, general foreman for the Illinois Central there.

He was twenty-four years old and unmarried. Besides his father he is survived by two brothers and two sisters, Wabash Conductor Arthur O. Delahunty of Decatur, Lawrence Delahunty, of Elkhart, III., Mrs. C. J.Cowglll and Miss Mary Delahunty, both of Decatur. His father and brothers were with him when he died. He was warden of council No. 1023, Knights of Columbus at Clinton, and also a member of the Eagles there and of the Machinists' union. Committees from all three of the organizations accompanied the body to Decatur at 9:18 Friday morning. The body was removed to Morans undertaking establishment, and later taken to the home of his father, Patrick Delahunty, 460 East Orchard street. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Calvary.

The Daily Review, Decatur, Illinois, Friday, 20 Jan 1911, pg. 12

Kindly submitted by Michael Delahunty.





  DELBRIDGE, John F.

John F. Delbridge died at 8 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the family residence one mile south of Boody. His death was caused by heart failure. He was born in Germany, but had resided in Illinois since 1854. His age was 71 years.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Anna Wise, three step daughters, Mrs. Minnie Weigand, Mrs. Louisa Eckhardt, and Mrs. Emma Wise; one stepson, Henry Afterhite; two grandsons, Orville F. Wise and Everett C. Wise.

The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the German M.E. church at Boody. The services will be conducted by Rev. Slater. The interment will be at the cemetery near the church.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 18 May 1898





  DEMERY, Son

The year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Demery died Sunday morning at its parents' home in Blue Mound township. It was buried yesterday afternoon at Bethlehem church.

Decatur Morning Review, 5 Aug 1890





  DeMICHAEL, Florian

STONINGTON -- Florian J. " Flindy" DeMichael, 76, of Stonington died 8:40 a.m. Monday (July 21, 1986) in St John's Hospital, Springfield. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Stonington. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Connelly-McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville, with an 8 p.m. wake service. Burial will be in Old Stonington Cemetery. Memorials: Stonington Athletics Booster Program or World Vision International.

Mr. DeMichael was born in Domegge, Italy, son of Anthony and Marietta DeMichael. He was a retired schoolteacher and athletic coach from Stonington. He had taken many grade school teams to state tournaments. He married Teresa Stork in 1933. She died in 1984.

Surviving are his son, Joseph of Columbia S. C.; daughters, MRS Donald (Mary) Blakeman, Mrs Michael (Rita) Staton and Teresa DeMichael, all of Stonington; Ann Reeves and Martha DeMichael, both of Springfield; brother, T.W. of Stonington; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.





  DeMICHAEL, Theresa M. (Stork)

STONINTON --- Mrs. Florian (Theresa M. Stork) DeMichael, 72 of Stonington died 3 p.m. Friday (Nov 23, 1984) in her home.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Stonington. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Connolly Funeral Home, Taylorville, with 7 p.m. wake service. Burial will be in Old Stonington Cemetery, Stonington. Memorials: World Vision International or Right to Life.

Mrs. DeMichael was born in Stonington Township, daughter of Frank J. and Mary Agnes Stork. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She married Florian DeMichael in 1933. Surviving are her husband; son Joseph of Columbia, S. C.; daughters, Mrs. Donald (Mary) Blakeman and Rita Stanton, both of Springfield; Ann Reeves, Theresa DeMichael, Eddy Martha Leyva, all of Springfield; sisters, Mrs Kelsey (Mary) Dillman of Pocahontas; Mrs James (Louise) Delahunty of Decatur; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Three brothers and one sister preceded her in death.





  DEMPSEY, George   

George Dempsey, an old resident of the city and a member of the firm of Dempsey & Giblin, contractors, died at 11:35 a.m. Friday, at his home, 245 West North street, aged 76 years.

Mr. Dempsey had always been in good health until last January, when he suffered an attack of grip and never entirely recovered. The grip was followed by bronchial troubles and general debility. For the past six weeks he had been confined to his bed and his death was not unexpected as the family realized that he could not recover.

George Dempsey was born Feb. 10, 1825, at Chillicothe, Ohio. He came to Decatur in April 1854 and made his home here ever since. For the past forty years he resided in the house where he died.

In his early days in Decatur, Mr. Dempsey followed the business of building contactor. During the Civil war he served in the Sixteenth Illinois volunteers.

After the war, Mr. Dempsey returned to Decatur and was given the position of street commissioner. He served in that office for ten or twelve years and then went into the street paving business, forming a partnership with John Giblin, the firm being known as Dempsey & Giblin. When there was street paving work to be done the firm made contracts but in the past two years Mr. Dempseys health began to fall and he was not able to follow any active business life.

On September 2, 1846, Mr. Demsey married Mary J. Lowry at Chillicothe, Ohio. The widow and five children survive. The latter are Charles C., Andrew G. and H. C. Dempsey, Miss Ella Dempsey and Mrs. John Pealwell, all of Decatur.

Mr. Dempsey was a member of Dunham Post, No. 141 G.A.R, and had been a member of Macon Lodge No 8 A.F. & A.M. ever since he came to Decatur to live.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, from the residence. The Masons will be in charge. The burial will be at Greenwood cemetery.

The Daily Review, Decatur IL, 19 Apr 1901





  DENERLING, Prof.

Prof. Denerling, the well-known musician, died at his residence on Sunday. He had been sick for several months, his disease being consumption. He was a most accomplished musician, performing admirably upon the piano, organ, violin, cornet, etc. He was also the author of a great many pieces of music, one of which - a dirge written for the occasion of Col. George Ryan's funeral - was a most charming production, and was performed by the Decatur Cornet Band at his own funeral on Tuesday. Prof. Denerling leaves a widow and three children.

Decatur Review, 1 Dec 1870





  DENNING, George R.

George R. "Bob" Denning, 80, of Decatur passed away 7pm, Thursday (Jun 27, 2002) in his home. Graveside services will be 10 am Tuesday in Graceland Cemetery with Pastor Dan Spruell officiating and military rites by the Macon County Honor Guard. There will be no visitation. Gracelan/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: to the family.

Mr. Denning was born April 30, 1922 in Argenta, the son of George W. and Rella B. Lace Denning. He served his country in the Army during World War II. He retired from Mueller Co. after 38 years. He married Helen L. Denning on April 9, 1945 in Evansville, Ind. Surviving are his wife of 57 years; son, Charles R, Denning of Detroit, Mich.; daughters, Linda Carol Denning and Susan Victoria Henry, both of Decatur; sisters, Geneva trent of Rodent Park, Calif.; Mary Terneus and husband Walter of Harristown; grandchildren, Chawn, Chad and wife Stephanie, Joshua, Casey and Kelsey. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother, William Denning and grandson, Shane.





 DENZ, Edward   

Edward Denz was found dead in his room over 245 East Main street about 10 o’clock Tuesday night. Mrs. August Scholz, who with her family lives in the same building, last saw Mr. Denz about the middle of the afternoon. He lived alone at that number.

He came to his room and asked Mrs. Scholz to give him some coffee, and soup. Mrs. Scholz complied with the request and did not hear anything more of Denz until about 10 o’clock at night, when she heard him cry for help. Mrs. Scholz called her son who broke open the door and found Denz on the bed dead. He had on part of his clothing and appeared to have struggled to get up and dress but to have failed in the attempt.

He was dead when the door was broken open. The bed was pushed out a little ways from the wall and the body was laying diagonally across the bed. The cry for help heard by Mrs. Scholz is supposed to have been the man’s last breath.

Captain Lawrence was notified and he called Deputy Coroner Roy Bendure and the body was taken to Wikoff & Moran’s undertaking rooms and Denz’s room was locked and his possessions taken charge of by the deputy coroner until an administrator is appointed.

Denz had been drinking heavily and the effect of the liquor together with the heat probably caused his death. The windows and door of the room were closed and the place was excessively hot and was not ventilated.

Mr. Denz was a tailor. He had lived in Decatur many years. He was 61 years old. He was a member of the Turner society, Decatur lodge No 45, I.O.O.F., and Coeur de Leon lodge, No 17, K of P. He leaves two children, E.A. Denz and Miss Amelia Denz.

The funeral of Edward Denz will take place from the residence of his son, Edward Denz, Jr. 448 Ewing avenue at 9 o’clock Thursday morning. The ritual of the Odd Fellows will be used at the grave.

The Daily Review, Decatur IL, 22 Aug 1900, pg. 2





  DENZ, William    

William Denz died of cancer at 6:40 oclock this morning at his home, No. 669 South Broadway, aged 71 years. He leaves a wife and two sons, William and Otto Denz. The deceased was a member of the German Aid society and the Turner society and was a veteran of the late war. The time of the funeral will be announced later.

Daily Republican, Decatur Illinois, 21 Jan 1897





  DEPEW, H. Clay    

H. Clay Depew, the well known traveling salesman, died at his home at the corner of North Edward and Green streets on Saturday evening, May 22, at 8:10 oclock after an illness of less than ten days, due to an acute attack of Brights disease. Mr. Depew was not regarded as dangerously ill until Thursday evening, although he had been feeling poorly. He had not been in his usual good health for over a year. For many months he had been confined to his home as the result of an accident by which a kneecap was fractured. The mishap occurred on March 26, 1895, caused by being thrown from a buggy. He recovered and was able to resume his duties as a salesman. Then came the illness of his eldest son, Fred Depew, who died nearly two months ago. The death of the young man had a very depressing effect upon Mr. Depew who was devoted to his wife and children. Mr. Depew had an extended acquaintance with business and professional men. He had been in the employ of the Race Clothing Manufacturing company for a period of twenty years, and had traveled over a wide extent of territory. His many friends will be surprised and shocked to learn of his death.

The deceased was born at Rockville, Ind., Sept 24, 1846 and was in the 51st year of his age. He came to Illinois about thirty years ago and for several years engaged in the retail shoe business at Chicago. Later he was in the grain business with his brother at Casey, Ill. He has lived in Decatur over twenty years. He was married to Miss Nettie Barnett, at Bloomington, June 19, 1876, and she with three children survive him. They are Carl, aged 18 years, Edna, aged 15 years and Harry aged 9 years. Mr. Depew was a veteran of the late war. He enlisted in 1863 with the 135 Indiana infantry and served one year, being honorably discharged in 1864 on account of sickness. The deceased was a member of the Baptist church, of Macon lodge No. 8 A.F. and A.M., of Dunham Post G.A.R., and of the T.P.A. of Des Moines, Iowa. He has one brother, J. F. Depew at Denver and one sister, Mrs. M. D. Larsh of Coffeeville, Ind. She arrived Saturday night a few minutes before the death of her brother.

The funeral is in progress this afternoon from the residence, conducted by Rev. D. F. Howe of the First M. E. church assisted by Rev. Mr. MacGregor of the Baptist Church. Mr. Howe and Mr. Depew were personal friends. They became acquainted when the clergyman was a telegraph operator at Casey.

Decatur Weekly Republican, Decatur Illinois, 27 May 1897





  DeSPAIN, Minnie M. (Myers)

Death of Mrs. DeSpain, From the Daily of Monday

Mrs. James DeSpain, a sister of Mrs. Bert McCane and a niece of Mrs. G. J. Nitchie of this city, died at her home at St. Louis yesterday. The remains will be brought to Decatur tomorrow morning and from here will be taken to the home of Mrs. DeSpain's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Meyers of Mt Zion for burial. The funeral services will be held at the church at Mt. Zion tomorrow afternoon. Mrs. M. DeSpain is survived by her parents, two sisters and a brother, Harry; also a husband and two small children.

Decatur Weekly Republican (Decatur, Illinois), 16 June 1898

Submitted by Merry Keith.





  DICKERSON, Christiana (Chenoweth)




  DICKINSON, Fayette A. (Jessup)

Mrs. F.A. Dickinson died at 10:40 Saturday night at her home, 950 South Traver street, of paralysis and old age. She had a stroke of paralysis last Tuesday night and has been low since. She was 67 years old.

Henry Dickinson her husband, died about 6 years ago. She leaves three daughters and four sons. They are Mrs. L.A. Ralston, Mayme, Ella, Willard, Charles, Ralph and John. She has one sister in California. She lived in Decatur thirteen years coming here from Douglas county. No arrangements for the funeral have yet been made.

The Daily Review, Decatur, 19 Jul 1903

Funeral Service Over Body of Mrs. Dickinson Tuesday

The funeral of Mrs. Henry Dickinson, who died Saturday, occurred Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from her home at 950 South Traver. The interment was at Greenwood cemetery. Rev. W.J. Davidson, pastor of the First M.E. church perfomed the funeral services.

The pall beareres were D.A. Maffit, Ed Shasteen, John Tyler, J.E. Smith, E.S. McDonald and M. Brooks. The music for the funeral was furnished by Mrs. F.P. Howard and Miss Amy Hovey, A.E. Lindamood and D.L. Bunn.

Fayette A. Jessup, the deceased, was born at Marshall, Ills., April 15, 1836. She was married at Worthington, Ind., Aug. 28, 1856 to Henry Dickinson who died in 1897. She moved to Macon county in 1879, but did not come to Decatur till 1890.

Mrs. Dickinson had one living brother, John R. Jessup of Bakersfield, Cal., and one sister Mrs. C.A. Storley(?) of Terre Haute, Ind. She had seven children, Mrs. Lillian Ralston, Ella, Charles Ralph and John Dickinson; also one adopted daughter, Mrs. Eugene Myers of Lake Charles, La.

The Daily Review, Decatur, 21 Jul 1903





  DICKINSON, Henry

Henry Dickinson died at 10 o'clock last night at his home at 950 South Traver street of grip, after an illness of four weeks.

Mr. Dickinson was born in Owen county, Ind., and was 64 years of age. He is survived by a wife and four sons and three daughters, all of whom were with him when he died. The sons are Charles, Ralph, John and Willard Dickinson, and the daughters, Mrs. S.M. Ralston, Ella and Mame Dickinson.

Mr. Dickinson had been a resident of Decatur for eighteen years and was well known as a man of upright character and was held in high esteem by all with whom he came in contact. He had a wide acquaintance throughout the county, having formerly been engaged in farming, south of the city. He has not been actively engaged in farming for several years, but led a retired life with his family.

The Daily Review, Decatur, 14 Apr 1897

The funeral of Henry Dickinson will be held at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon from the family residence, 950 South Traver street. The services will be conducted by Rev. D.F. Howe of the First M.E. church and the interment will be at Greenwood.

The Daily Review, Decatur, 15 Apr 1897





  DICKSON, Joseph C.   

Last night Joseph C. Dickson, who served in the late war as a private soldier in Co. A, 88th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, died at the family residence on West Decatur street, in the 60th year of his age. He had lived in Decatur since the close of the war, and during the past two years had been receiving $72 per month as a pension from the government. He was afflicted with rheumatism and was not helpless until about a year ago. Last summer he fell down the stairway leading to Harvey Pascos office, and was so badly injured that he had to be taken home in a vehicle. About three weeks ago he had another fall down the same stairway, and it is believed the internal injuries he received that day caused his death. The deceased was also a Mexican War veteran. He will be buried tomorrow afternoon at 2 oclock with military honors by the Macon County Veterans Association.

Decatur Daily Republican, Decatur Illinois, 9 May 1882

There is an additional obituary published in the same newspaper the next day. According to the second obituary, Joseph Dickson was interred in Greenwood cemetery on the afternoon of the 10 May 1882. The deceased left a widow and two grown children.





  DILL, Ada Florence (Rucker)




  DILL, William

DEATH FROM BICYCLE RIDING

Father of Charles Dill Dropped Dead in Highway Near Maroa

Shortly after 1 oclock Sunday afternoon the lifeless body of Wm. DILL, father of Charles Dill, of this city, was found lying in the public highway near the residence of Wm. Davis, in the southwest part of DeWitt county. A bicycle was lying underneath the body, and it is supposed that death came while the old gentleman was riding. He made his home with his daughter, four miles west of Maroa, in Macon county. Mr. Dill was aged nearly 65 years, and just learned to ride a wheel this summer, but said to a friend that it was the hardest work he ever attempted. Deceased was in apparently good health, and ate a hearty dinner between 12 and 1 oclock Sunday. After dinner he started north on his wheel and crossed the line into DeWitt county about one-half a mile when he was stricken with death. His body had not been there a great length of time, for he was found about 15 minutes past 1 oclock . Deputy coroner Emery and deceaseds son, at Clinton, were notified and proceeded to the scene. Dan Stivers and Dr. D. B. Pelton, of this city, were on the coroners jury, which returned a verdict of death from a blood clot. Mr. Dill is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Wycoff, and his five sons. They are Charles Dill, of Clinton; William and Argo Dill, of Rossville; James Dill, of Terre Haute; and Harry Dill, who recently went to Brand, New Mexico.

Clinton Public, DeWitt Co., IL, Friday, 22 Sep 1899





  DILLINGER, C.M.

C.M. Dillinger, of Warrensburg, died there this morning at the age of 65 years. He leaves a widow, and of a family of nine children, seven survive him, all grown.

About 2 years ago a small blister appeared on one of his toes, which resulted in a sore, on account of which, a year ago last February, about half his foot was amputated. After the amputation the wound healed except a small space which continued to suppurate until about three or four weeks ago, when it healed. Blood poisoning followed and caused his death.

Mr. Dillinger was a leading citizen of this county, respected by all who knew him. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., May 9, 1826; moved to Iowa in 1850 and to Illinois, near where he died, in 1868 where, with the exception of 2 years, about 1883 and 1884, when he lived in Decatur, he has lived ever since.

The funeral services will take place tomorrow at his late residence in Warrensburg and the interment will be at Boiling Springs.

Decatur Daily Republican, 3 September 1891





  DILLINGER, John

Extracted from theDecatur Daily Review, 3 January 1928





  DILLINGER, John

Extracted from the Decatur Evening Herald, 10 Feb 1930





  DILLINGER, Mary (Landis)

Died At Age 76 Years

Mrs. Mary Dillinger, An Old Resident of Warrensburg Passed Away

Mrs. Mary Dillinger died at Warrensburg at 8 o'clock Monday night (18 June) as a result of a complication of diseases, principally a kidney infection. She was 76 years old.

The funeral will be held at the Bethel church in Warrensburg Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock and the services will be conducted by Rev. Kruzan of that village, assisted by Rev. Walls of Bearsdale, and Rev. Mackey of Decatur. The pall bearers will be selected from among the grandsons of the decedent.

Mrs. Dillinger is survived by six children, four sons and two daughters, as follows: John and A.J. Dillinger and Mrs. Belle Berman of Warrensburg; Mrs. Sally Kelley of Decatur; Gilbert and William D., living in the west.

Mrs. Dillinger has been a resident of Warrensburg since 1875 and was widely known there and highly respected.

Decatur Herald, 22 June 1906)





  DILLMAN, Mary Johanna (Stork)

POCAHONTAS: -- Mrs. Kelsey J. (Mary Johanna Stork) Dillman. 82, of Pocahontas died 6:25 a.m. Tuesday (July 7, 1987) in Utlaut Memorial Hospital, Greenville.

Services will be 9:30 a.m. Friday in st Nicholas Catholic Church, Pocahontas. Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Dewey-Schildknecht Funeral Home, Greenville, with 8 p.m. prayer service. Burial will be in Robinson Cemetery, Pocahontas. Memorials: St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Pocahontas, or St Lawrence Catholic Church, Greenville.

Mrs. Kelsey was born in Stonington, daughter of Frank and Mary Stork. She was a retired schoolteacher for Pocahontas Public Schools, a member of St Nicholas Catholic Church and the Alter Society.

(Note: OBIT incomplete. Last part missing)





  DILLNER, Sarah

The funeral of Mrs. Sarah Dillner was held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at Moran's chapel and was the first funeral held in the new chapel. The services were conducted by Rev. O.W. Lawrence, pastor of the Central Church of Christ, and Rev. J.C. Willits, pastor of the First Methodist church.

There was a large attendance, many of the old residents who knew Mrs. Dillner before her removal to Kansas twenty years ago, being present. The music was furnished by Miss Eva Coberly, Mrs. J.E. Patterson and C.H. Bennett. The flowers were in charge of Miss Grace Foster, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Day and Mrs. Wendell. The pallbearers were Daniel Moore, James F. Steele, Frederick Schwab and W.P. Butt, members of Dunham post, 141, G.A.R. The interment was at Boiling Springs cemetery.

Decatur Review, 5 Dec 1910





  DILNER, Daughters

Last evening two little girls, children of Mrs. Dilner, a widow residing on North College street, while playing around the stove, upset a boiler of boiling coffee, throwing the scaliding fluid upon both. The eldest, aged about four years, was scalded in the face and her her shouder and breast; the younger, aged two years, was scalded on both legs. Dr. W.B. Hostetler was called, and everything done for the little sufferers that was possible, but it is thought that the older one cannot survive her injuries. The younger one seems to be getting along well. At the time of the accident the mother of the children, who is a hard-working woman, was working for Mr. T.C. Sterrett, near Warrensburg, having left the house in the care of a young girl and her step-son. She arrived on the train about nine o'clock, to find the children burned and scalded almost to death. In her terrible affliction she will have the warm sympathy of all our people.

Daily Republican, Decatur, IL, 8 Jan 1873

In yesterday's paper we spoke of the scaling of two children of Mrs. Dilner, a widow residing on College street. The eldest was so severely scalded about the head and face that death ensued yesterday afternoon at about three o'clock. We learn that Mrs. Dilner is a hard working woman and is a worthy object of charity.

Daily Republican, Decatur, IL, 9 Jan 1873

The youngest child of Mrs. Dilner, which was scalded Wednesday is not expected to live.

Daily Republican, Decatur, IL, 10 Jan 1873

The youngest child of Mrs. Dilner which was scalded last Tuesday, died yesterday, and was buried in the same grave with her sister.

Daily Republican, Decatur, IL, 11 Jan 1873





  DILLS, Dorsey

At the family residence, 1 1/2 miles south of Decatur at 1 a.m. Wednesday Feb 25, of lung fever, Forsey Dills, son of H.B. and Olive V. Dills, aged 1 year, 9 months and 3 days. The funeral will be held at the house at 10 a.m., March 1. Burial at Mt. Gilead.

Decatur Daily Republican, 28 Feb 1894





  DINGER, Samuel

Samuel Dinger, an old resident of Argenta, died at his home west of there Friday. He was seventy-two years old. His death was due to apoplexy.

Mr. Dinger was a member of the Argenta Odd Fellows lodge for thirty years. He is survived by his wife and four children, Mrs. Amy Rannenbarger of Cisco, Harry Dinger of Kansas City, Kan., Miss Gladys Dinger and Charles Dinger of Argenta.

Arrangements were made to have the funeral Saturday afternoon at the United Brethren church in Argenta and the interment in Friends Creek cemetery.

Decatur Review, 1 July 1922





  DINGMAN, Ray   

Ray Dingman died at ? o’clock Saturday night at the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. John Dingman three miles southwest of Niantic. Death was caused by cancer from which he had suffered a long time. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the Long Point church, conducted by Rev A.L. Gepford of Shelbyville. Interment was in Long Point cemetery.

Mr. Dingman was born in August, 1897, on the place where he died. He leaves his parents, his wife, Mrs. Ada Dingman, three children four brothers, George, John, Harley and Dorell Dingman, and four sisters, Mrs. Iva Bernard, Mrs. Grace Bernard, Mrs. Fern Elder, and Ruth Dingman.

Decatur Review, Decatur IL, 26 April 1926





  DIPPER, Fred G.
Fred G. Dipper and Capt. Peter Schlosser Pass Away Same Day

TWO PROMINENT RESIDENTS DEAD

Latter A Veteran of War

Both Recognized as Among Decatur's Best German Citizens

Capt. Schlosser succumbed to cancer at 4 o'clock in the morning in St. Mary's hospital. He was 75 years old. For the past two months he had been confined to the hospital. Ten months ago he became afflicted and since that time he had steadily declined until death brought relief yesterday.

Capt. Schlosser, also, was recognized as one of Decatur's best known Germans. Like Mr. Dipper he had spent the best part of his life in Decatur, having lived here for 42 years.

He was born in St. Julian, Germany, and came to this country when he was 17 years old. He married Miss Clara Minich in Decatur in 1866.

From Private to Captain.

When the call for soldiers was issued at the time of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Regiment as a private. His military training in Germany stood him in good stead and he soon became a captain, the office he held when he was mustered out of service. He was a good soldier and fought in many of the hardest battles of the war. For many years the family has lived at 1004 East Wood street. The deceased leaves a widow and a niece, Mrs. Augusta Schlosser, who lives in the state of Washington. The body was taken to Moran's undertaking establishment and prepared for burial. Tonight the remains will be removed to the home of Mrs. Augustus Harpstrite, corner Broadway and East Prairie street, from where the funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Harpstrite is a sister of Mrs. Schlosser. The services will be held under the auspices of Dunham Post No. 144, G.A.R., of which the deceased was a member. Interment will be made in Greenwood cemetery.

Decatur Daily Herald, Decatur, IL, October 26, 1908

Submitted by: Eric Taylor, Seattle, WA




  DISBROW, Ellen C.

AGED WARRENSBURG RESIDENT SUCCUMBS

Mrs. Ellen C. Disbrow died in her home near Warrensburg Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Disbrow was 82 years old.

She was born in Chillocothe, O, March 10, 1849. She was married to Alonzo Disbrow in Warrensburg on Feb. 22, 1875. She ahd come to Illinois as a young woman and lived for 60 years in and near Warrensburg. She was prominent in work of the Warrensburg Methodist church.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Disbrow leaves the following children; Lewis W. Disbrow, Warrensburg, Mrs. S.A. Cattlerbuck, Sioux City, Ia., E.B. Disbrow, Warrensburg and a foster daughter Nellie Schoernock, Port Huron, Mich. A sister, Mrs. Bartie Bean, Iowa Point, Kan., also is left.

The body was taken to the Dawson & Wikoff funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Methodist church, Warrensburg. Rev. Donald Gibbs will preach the funeral sermon.

Decatur Herald, 12 Jan 1931





  DISBROW, Mary Elizabeth (Allsup)

MRS. DISBROW DIES IN BROTHER'S HOME

Was Ill a Long Time At Maroa

Maroa, Feb. 12 - Mary Elizabeth Disbrow died Suday, Feb. 10, at the home of her brother, Warner O. Allsup, following an illness of many years. The immediate cause of death was dropsy, but she had been afflicted with rheumatism and had been an invalid and almost helpless for months. Mrs. Disbrow's home was at Wichita, Kan., but she canse here last May to make her home with her brother.

Prior to her marriage Mrs. Disbrow was Miss Mary Elizabeth Allsup, and she was a daughter of the late Washington and Margaret Allsup. She was born on a farm in Dewitt county, Ill., Aug 22, 1849, being seventy-four years, five months and eighteen days old. She was united in marriage to Arthur C. Disbrow of Maroa when she was about twenty years of age. Mr. Disbrow was at one time engaged in the restaurant business here. Mr. and Mrs. Disbrow moved to Wichita in 1879, where they have since resided. Mrs. Disbrow is survived by her husband, and on account of the condition of his health he will be unable to attend the funeral. No children were born to the couple.

Mrs. Disbrow is survived by one brother and the following nieces and nephew; Mrs. George Butler, Orville Allsup, Mrs. B.F. Caplinger, and Mrs. George T. Smart. All resided in Maroa except Mr. Allsup, who recently moved from here to Memphis, Tenn. A brother, Minor Allsup, died four years ago.

Mrs. Disbrow became a member of the Christian church when she was a young girl. Funeral services will be held from the church here at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H.H. Jenner. Burial will be in the Maroa cemetery.

Decatur Review, 12 Feb 1924





  DISNEY, Mary Ellen (Fulk)



 DOANE, Charles H.   

Charles H. Doane, of Elkhorn, Wis., died at 2:15 o’clock Wednesday morning at St. Mary’s hospital. He was seventy-eight years old last January. His death was caused by paralysis.

He and his wife were both in poor health when they came to Decatur five months ago to be with her relatives. He was born in Indiana Jan, 3, 1849. He and Maude Brockway were married in Chicago March 12, 1902. He was a member of the G.A.R. post in Elkhorn. He is survived only by his wife.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 o’clock Friday morning at the Dawson & Wikoff chapel. The burial will be in Fairlawn cemetery.

Decatur Review, Decatur IL, 13 Apr 1927, pg. 2





  DOBENSPECK, Nancy

Mrs. Nancy Dobenspeck died at 10:10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the family residence, 798 South Colfax street. She was 75 years old. She is survived by her husband Wesley Dobenspeck, and eight children, besides a brother, William Lukin, of Chestnut, Ills. The children are Mrs. W.L. Howard, Mrs. J.J. Miller, Mrs. W.H. Mils, Mrs. John Wallett and Mrs. John Glasgow, all of Decatur, Mrs. A.J. Poole of Joliet, Mrs. Daniel Zink of La Place and Martin Dobenspeck of St. Louis.

The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning from the residence, and the interment will be at Mt. Gilead cemetery. Rev. W.F. Gillmore will conduct the services.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 4 Nov 1898





  DODSON, Benjamin F.

BEN DODSON, OLD SHOWMAN, DEAD

Was Formerly with Barnum and Bailey's

ALL OVER THE WORLD

Had Narrow Escape When Arcade Hotel Burned.

Ben F. Dodson, for years a widely known resident of Decatur, and an old showman and theatrical man of varied experiences and travels, died at the Decatur and Macon county hospital at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. He had been in poor health for the past two years.

Dodson was formerly with the Barnum and Bailey circus and was advance man for years for some of America's foremost actors and actresses. He had traveled all over this country and had been through Europe, Africa and Australia.

NARROW ESCAPE

At the time the Arcade and Decatur hotels burned in Decatur about two years ago, Dodson barely escaped from the conflagration with his life. His heart showed much weakness at that time, and he nearly died then. He was on the seventh floor of the Arcade when the fire broke out.

The lights went out and he lost his way in the dense smoke. He was barely conscious when one or two young men found him in the hallway and piloted him to the street below.

REQUIRE VOLUMES

Many people knew Dodson, had talked with him and learned parts of his history but perhaps no one knew the whole connected life. In fact it would have required several volumes to tell of all the things that had happened during his lifetime. Practically all of his life was spent in the show business and he was quite a friend of C.G. Powers, but even the latter cannot give many definite points about Dodson's life.

64 YEARS OLD

"I don't know where Ben was born," said Mr. Powers, "but I think he was about sixty-four and sixty-five. He was twice married, his first wife having died. His second wife and a daughter reside in Indianapolis. He also claimed to have a son in New Orleans but we were never able to locate him.

"He always claimed Decatur as his home but most of his years were spent in travel with shows. He had been around the world several times, had been before many of the crowned heads of Europe, had had all sorts of exciting experiences. He finally settled down in Decatur, I think about fifteen years ago. Since then, he has performed odd jobs around.

BASEBALL FAN

Dodson was night watchman on the new Powers building when it was built and one season took care of the Three-T ball part here. He was a thirty-third degree ball fan and seldom missed a game. He knew all the big circus and theatrical people and could tell incidents about nearly all of them. In September, 1915, he appeared before the local Drama league and made perhaps the most interesting talk the members had ever heard.

He was quite a large and fleshy man until a few yesars ago when he began to lose flesh and had dropped off considerably at the time of his death. As far as can be learned, no one in Decatur is related to him.

TOLD OF TRAVELS

To Miss Cleland and the nurses at the hospital, he had told stories of his travel and said that he had a son and daughter living in South Africa. He carried on correspondence with no one. He had been at the hospital five times. On previous visits, after he would improve, he would leave and stay down town but each time he did this, he became ill again. While his death had been momentarily expected for several days, he did not seem to realize that death was coming.

Another who knew Dodson to a certain extent, said that at one time he owned a neat sum of money, that his mother resided on North Water street in Decatur until her death some years ago, and that he has some nephew here.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 27 Feb 1917





  DODSON, William

Passed Away Last Night at 10 O'Clock

WAS A FIRE COMMISSIONER

And for Years Was in the Employ of the Illinois Central Railroad -
Held in High Respect in Community.

William Dodson, one of the well known citizens of Decatur and a member of the board of fire commissioners, died last night at 8 o'clock at his home, No. 975 East Eldorado street, aged 67 years. Death was caused by a hardening of the liver, a complaint with which Mr. Dodson has been suffering for a number of years. Within the past year he has been rapidly failing and has been confined to the house most of the winter. His friends and relatives realized that he could never recover and during the past few weeks Mr. Dodson's condition has been such that his death was expected at any time.

William Dodson was of English nativity, having been born on March 14, 1831, in Swanesey, near Cambridge, England. He came to the United States in his boyhood with his father, William Dodson, Sr. The family made their home at Lockport and Batavia, New York, until 1852, when they came west to Decatur. Mr. Dodson began driving a team for the Illinois Central road and was brakeman on the first construction train going out of Decatur. He then had charge of baggage at Sondoval, Ill., and held that posiiton for six months. In 1855 he became a baggage master at the Union depot at Decatur and held that position for 27 years. Under President Pierce's administration he was appointed mail messenger, carrying the mail from the depot to the postoffice. From that time he served continuously as mail messenger and transfer clerk for the government until President Cleveland's administration, when he was relieved of his duties as mail messenger, but continued to serve as transfer clerk, holding that position until 1893. He was the only transfer clerk stationed at this place up to that time and handled all the mail that went in and out of the city.

On October 28, 1856, Mr. Dodson was married to Miss Mary E. White of Decatur. He is survived by his wife and two children, George R. Dodson of Spokane, Wash., who is now in the city, and Miss Daisy Dodson of Decatur. He leaves two cousins, Mrs. Henry Lunn of this city and Phillip Dodson of Boesman, Montana. These are his only relatives in this country. He also leaves a brother and a sister in England.

Mr. Dodson was in the employ of the railroad longer than any man in the city. On account of this fact he had made many friends and was a man who was held in the highest esteem by those who knew him. Mr. Dodson was a solid, substantial man, and a person who always commanded respect. Years ago he was chief of the fire department and during the past three years he has been serving on the board of fire commissioner, having been appointed to that position under Mayor Conklin and reappointed by Mayor Taylor. In the office of commissioner Mr. Dodson was a valuable man and carried out plans along that line of work which were of great benefit to the city. He was quite popular with the members of the fire department. Mr. Dodson was also a member of the Volunteer Firemen of Decatur and was a member of Celestial Lodge, Mo. 186, I.O.O.F., having been identified with that organization for the past 36 years.

In his early years, Mr. Dodson was a supporter of the Democratic party and cast his first vote for President Buchanan. In 1860 he supported Abraham Lincoln and since then he has been a staunch Republican.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from the residence. The services will be conducted by Rev. W.F. Gillmore and the burial will be at Greenwood cemetery. The member of the Volunteer Firemen, the Odd Fellows and some of the members of the city fire department will attend the funeral in a body.

Daily Republican, 11 Apr 1898





  DONAHUE, Patrick W.

P.W. DONAHUE, AGED 52, DIES (31 July 1915)

Former Member of Police Department

P.W. Donahue of 545 North Jackson street, died at 2:50 Saturday afternoon at St. Mary's hospital. He was 52 years old. He had been in steadily failing health for over a year, suffering from a complication of diseases. The immediate cause of death was uraemic poisoning.

Mr. Donahue had lived in Decatur thirty years, coming here from Grand Rapids, Mich., where his aged mother still resides. He was a member of the police department for a number of years and was later in business for himself until his health began to fail. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church. He was always good hearted and charitable and he had many friends.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Joseph F. Donahue, Thomas Donahue, and James Donahue, all of Decatur.

The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock Monday morning at St. Patrick's church. High mass wil be celebrated by Rev. Father Murphy. THe interment will be at Calvary.

Daily Review (Decatur), 1 August 1915


The funeral of P.W. Donahue was held at 9 o'clock Monday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic church. There was a large attendance, the church almost filled with friends. Many beautiful floral tributes were sent. The services were conducted by Rev. Father J. Murphy. The music was furnished by Mrs. Margaret Muleady and Ed Haynes. The flowers were in charge of Miss Isabelle McGinty, Miss Isabelle Sullivan and Mrs. James J. Moran. The pallbearers were Dan Dineen, Thomas McGowan, P.W. Finn, Dan Sullivan, Joe Halpin and Edward Dunn. The interment was in Calvary.

Daily Review (Decatur), 2 August 1915





  DONOVAN, Murray Francis

Date Of Death: 12 January 1922 Macon County, IL

Murray F. Donovan who is attending Notre Dame university, will arrive home Wednesday to spend the holidays with his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William Donovan, 255 Park Place.

Decatur Review, 18 December 1921

Murray S.(sic) Donovan, who has been spending the Christmas holidays with his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William Donovan, 255 Park Place, was operated on for appendicitis at St. Mary's hospital Wednesday morning.

Decatur Review, 4 January 1922

MURRAY F. DONOVAN DIES IN HOSPITAL

Became Ill of Appendicitis on Vacation

Murray Francis Donovan, died at St. Mary's hospital at 6:50 o'clock Thursday morning. He was twenty-two years old December 16. Mr. Donovan, who had been attending the law department at Notre Dame university, Notre Dame, Ind., came home to spend the holidays with his parents. After reaching home he became ill and was taken to St. Mary's hospital, where he was operated on for appendicitis. Complications developed, causing his death Thursday morning.

WAS WELL KNOWN

Mr. Donovan was well known among the young people of Decatur. He was born and reared in this city, attended the public schools and graduated from the Decatur High school. He then entered Notre Dame university and was taking the second year of the law course. He was an unusually bright student and his credits were always good. Among his fellow students he was held in high esteem and here in Decatur he leaves a host of friends.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers and two sisters, William E. Donovan of Boston Mass., teacher of piano in the New England Conservation of Music; Sister Mary Agnes of the Ursuline Order in Decatur and Ruth Donovan and John Donovan, at home.

The body was removed to the Moran & Sons undertaking establishment. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic church. The services will be conducted by Rev. Father J. Murphy. The interment will be in Calvary cemetery.

Decatur Review, 12 January 1922

The funeral of Murray Francis Donovan, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Donovan, will be held at 9 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic church. The interment will be in Calvary cemetery.

Decatur Review, 13 January 1922

The funeral of Murray Francis Donovan, son of Mr. & Mrs. WIlliam Donovan was held at 9 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic church. A great many friends attended the services and many beautiful floral tributes were sent. Solemn requiem mass was celebrated, with Rev. Father J. Murphy as celebrant, Rev. Father Charles Meagher as deacon and Rev. Father Ryan as sub-deacon.

The music was furnished by Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hayes, Miss Anna Doran and Miss Agnes Muleady. Professor William Nees was the accompanist. The flowers were in charge of Miss Mae Hoben, Miss Katherine Hoben, Miss Azalea Cook, Miss Marguerite Dooley, Miss Margaret Burke and Miss Mary Frank.

The pallbearers were Frank Myer, Jr., Arthur Delahunty, Robert Russell, Jack Crinnzigan, James Nolan, Raymond Dunn, Leo Stengle and William Fahay, all members of the Knights of Columbus. The interment was in Calvary cemetery. Postmaster Jake Hill, Former Postmaster W.M. Bering and employees of the Decatur post office attended the services in a body.

Decatur Review, 14 January 1922





  DOOLIN, Charles B.

Charles B. Doolin, for a number of years a motorman for the Illinois Traction system, died at 2:30 o'clock Sunday morning at his home, 2115 North Monroe street. He was fifty-one years old last March. His death was caused by paralysis and heart trouble.

Mr. Doolin was born in Bement March 2, 1870. He had resided in Decatur about thirty years. After serving as a motoman on the interurban lines for a number of years he took a position as forman in the shops of the same company. He had to retire about two years ago after suffering a stroke of paralysis. He was well known and had many friends. He was a member of the Church of St. Thomas, the Apostle. He is survived by his wife and five children, Mrs. Dorothy Garrison, Miss Margaret Doolin, Charles Doolin, Jr., Miss Helen Doolin and Donald Doolin, all of Decatur. He also leaves the following brothers and sisters: J.S. Doolin, Patrick Doolin, Thomas Doolin, Gus Doolin, Mrs. Ellen Hill and Johanna Doolin, all of Decatur, Nicholas Doolin of Detroit and Mrs. Mary Madison of Chicago.

The body was taken to Moran & Sons, funeral directors, and prepared for burial, and later taken to the home of the brother, 1264 North College street. The funeral was held Monday morning at St. Thomas' church. The burial was in Calvary cemetery.

Decatur Review, 21 Nov 1927





  DOUGLASS, Tracy W.

FINAL SUMMONS

Came to Tracy W. Douglass Sunday Night as a Result of Paralysis

WAS A WIDELY KNOWN MAN

Funeral Services This Morning - Burial At Peoria

Tacey W. Douglass, who by reason of his position as stationmaster of the Wabash was one of the most widely known men of the city, died at his apartments in the Isaac Harkrader home on Sunday night at 8:30 o'clock. His death was not unexpected. Last Thursday Mr. Douglass experienced a slight stroke of paralysis and had to leave his duties and return to his home. He resumed his work on Friday, not thinking that the attack was a serious one, but he was again stricken that day and again taken to his home.It was not until Friday night that his condition became alarming. At that time his wife was reading to him and afterward he took the book and read himself, but he suddenly dropped it, his body became limp and he lapsed into unconsciousness. From that time he was unable to recognize anyone, and the family and friends realized that it was merely a question of time until the end. The two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Douglass, Mrs. W.V. Tefft and Mrs. L.R. Turner, came from their home in Peoria and were with their father when the end came. Mr. Douglass was unconscious when the final summons came.

The decedent was a native of West Chazy, Clinton county, N.Y., where he was born on August 24, 1845. He was descended from Scotch ancestry and lived with his parents on a farm until 15 years of age, when he went to Odgensburg, N.Y. It was there that Mr. Douglass entered upon his career as a railroad man. He had a year's service in that section and when the war broke out he enlisted in the 106th New York Volunteers and served with that regiment throughout the war.

When the war was over he returned to Ogdensburg and took a position on the Odgensburg & Lake Champlain railroad, which he held until 1875, and a year later he came west and took a position as passenger conductor on the T.,P. & W., making his home in Peoria. He held that position until he came to this city in 1885, where he has since made his home. Mr. Douglass was married to Miss Luthera J. Armstrong, who with her two daughters survive him. Mr. Douglass was a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, Division 79, and also of Dunham post 141.

His Life Here

In 1885 when E.N. Armstrong took charge of the middle dicision of the Wabash, he brought Mr. Douglass to this city and he was made station master of the new depot. He worked for all the railway companies then and proved to be a valuable man in the position, owing to his knowledge of railroading gained during the long course of years he was a passenger conductor on the T.P. & W.

When the new Wabash station was built Mr. Douglass was made station master, which positions he held until his death. He had hosts of friends among the railroad men of the country and his position brought him in contact with the public of Decatur and the traveling public as well, so that his acquaintance became a wide one. He was ever attentive to his duties and carefully looked after the interests of the company and of the people. His experience in handling the crowds and directing passengers to the trains made him a valuable man. During recent years his health has not been robust, but he was faithful to the duties of his position and the company that employed him.

The funeral will be held at the residence this morning at 9 o'clock,a nd the services will be conducted by Reb. S.H. Bowyer of the Baptist church. The remains will be taken to Peoria for burial. Members of Dunham post G.A.R. will attend the services.

Decatur Herald, 26 Jan 1904





  DOWLING, Mary

Mrs. Mary Dowling, widow, died at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at he home, 205 South Main street, of pneumonia, aged 53 years. She is survived by five daughters, Miss Mollie of Chicago, Mrs. Will Lindsay, Mrs. Ed Oden, Misses Kate and Ella of Decatur. Funeral announcement later.

Decatur Review, 30 Dec 1901





  DOWNEY, Cyrus   

Cyrus Downey died at 8:45 yesterday morning, at his home, 1535 North Calhoun street. He was 68 years old. He leaves a wife, six children and a brother. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, and was converted in 1852, when he joined the United Brethren church. He was also a veteran in the late war. Mr. Downey was a sincere and earnest Christian, for whom death had no terrors. Up to the last his mind was peaceful, and he was contented to die. At all times he was cheerful, comforting those around him, singing psalms and praises. His death was like the setting of a summers sun in a cloudless sky. The funeral will be held at 1 oclock Thursday afternoon at the U. B. church.

The Daily Review, Decatur Illinois, 15 Feb 1893

According to another obituary published in the Decatur Daily Republican, Cyrus Downey had been a resident for nine years. Details of Mr. Downeys funeral were published in The Daily Review, Decatur Illinois on 17 Feb 1893.





  DOWNING, Harvey W.
DOWNING FUNERAL TUESDAY AFTERNOON

H.W. Downing Was Member of Volunteer Fire Department

The body of Harvery W. Downing was brought to Decatur Sonday morning from Jacksonville and was removed to the Moran undertaking establishment and prepared for burial and later taken to the family residence, 346 East Washington street, where the funeral will be held at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The interment will be at Greenwood.

WORKED IN HATFIELD MILL

Harvey W. Downing was born at Circleville, Ohio, in 1854. He came with his parents to Decatur when he was six years old. He attended private school and later the public schools and when he grew to manhood he took a position at the Hatfield mill, where he was employed for many years.

He later engaged in the saloon business on South Park street, the firm being Downing & Clarkson. While in this business he was shot by a drunken man names John Thomas, in the saloon. The bullet broke his jaw and lodged in the back of his neck.

A year later to the day he was out hunting with Fred and Phil Mueller when his gun was accidentally discharged,shooting away two of his fingers.

FAST SPRINTER

Mr. Downing was always an athlete. In the days of the Volunteer fire department he was one of the fastest runners. He had a number of medals won in foot races, and also a number won in walking matches. He was the champion pedestrian of Illinois for several years.

Mr. Downing was sent to Jacksonville three years ago last January. The bullet was never removed from his neck, and the physicians at Jacksonville said that his trouble was doubtless due to the pressing of the bullet on his spine., and that he probably would have suffered no ill effects had the bullet been removed at once. Thomas, who shot him, was sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary.

THREE BROTHERS

Mrs. Downing went to Jacksonville last week, and his daughter Mrs. Tom McDermott, and son, Kenneth, and Ponytelle Downing also went Saturday and were with him when he died. He is survived by three brothers, Will and Wayne Downing of Decatur and John Downing of Dayton, O., and one sister, Mrs. M.V. Brigham of Sioux City, Ia.

Decatur Review, 9 Aug 1909, pg. 10





  DOWNING, Margaret A.

The mortal remains of the late Mrs. Margaret A. Downing were consigned to the grave in Greenwood cemetery on Sunday afternoon in the presence of a large number of friends. The funeral was hedl at the home of the son of the deceased, Harvey W. Downing, at 622 West Wood street, Rev. W.H. Prestley, of the Presbyterian church, officiating. Music was furnished by R.W. Chilson, Music was furnished by R.W. Chilson, A.B. Alexander, Miss Lizzie Knieper and Miss Ruth Hammer. The pall-bearers were W.L. Hammer, R.N. Newell, N.L. Krone, J.L. Peake, A.C. Stevens and J.W. Butman. The members of the family desire to extend their grateful thanks for the kindness and sympathy extended during the illness and death of the aged lady.

Decatur Daily Republican, 7 Jan 1889





  DRAPER, Abraham L.