HOLD LAST RITES FOR C.F. RICHARDSON

Charles F. Richardson of Athens died at 1:40 a.m. Thursday, June 29, 1967 at Memorial Hospital, Springfield. Mr. Richardson, who was 79, had been in ill health for some time.

He was born at Petersburg on July 26, 1887, son of John E. and Sarah Wiseman Richardson. He married Miss Mary I. Hart of rural Salisbury on October 25, 1911. The Richardson's spent most of their married years in the Tallula and Athens area.

Funeral services were held at the Mott and Son Funeral home in Athens at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1, with Rev. Charles Embree officiating. Burial was in West Cemetery, Athens.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; six daughters, Mrs. Alma Jenkins, Mrs, Helen Woodrum, and Mrs. Marian Messersmith, all of Athens, Mrs. Alta Hamm of Chapin, Mrs. Esther Fitschen of Cantrall, Mrs. Beulah Boeker of Petersburg; six sons, John, Charles, Melvin and Albert of Athens, Louis of St, Louis, and Elvin of Sibley ;three sisters, Mrs. Ona Unsbee of Springfield, Mrs. Pearl Miller of Decatur and Mrs. Effie Broyles of Clinton; three brothers, Floyd of Petersburg, George A. of Rochester and Estill of Fairbury; 30 grandchildren and 13 grgrandchildren.

A son, Melvin Richardson, is sports editor of the Petersburg Observer and Athens Free Press.

17 June 1988-Richardson, Jared J.M.

Jared James Michael Richardson, infant son of David and Pamela Foley Richardson of Athens, died at 1:09 a.m. Wednesday, June 15 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Surviving, in addition to his parents are grandparents, John and Marilyn Richardson, and John and Carolyn Foley, all of Athens; great-grandparents Lue Grise of Decatur, John M. Foley of Carmi and Mr. and Mrs. James Pierceall of California; great-great-grandparents, Eleanor Hurgett of Springfield and Blanche Pierceall of Athens; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Private family graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 17 in West Cemetery, Athens.

MRS. OTIS YOAKUM

Lydia Anna Yoakum was born near Petersburg, Illinois on December 9, 1874 and died a the family residence west of Athens at 3:30 a.m. Sunday April 13, 1924 a the age of 39 years 4 months and 4 days. She was the daughter of William and Susan Jackson Neff.

She spent practically all her life in the Damascus community where she got her education, while yet a girl in her teens she united with the Free Methodist congregation at Athens.

Deceased was married to Otis Yoakum on March 31, 1907 near Tice. To this union seven children were born; a son Robert and a daughter Mildred died during the epidemic of flu a few years ago. Surviving are: husband, one son, Allen Jr., and four daughters, Lois, Velda, Willetta and Betty Jane, who will be a month old on the 19th inst.; her father, William Neff of Petersburg; four sisters, Mrs. Lillie Pittman of Petersburg, Mrs. Gertrude Shafer of Upland, Nebraska; Mrs. Maggie Yoakum of this city and Miss Ruth Neff of Hayes, Kansas and one brother, William Neff of Pekin. Funeral services were held at the Free Methodist Church at 2 P.M. Tuesday afternoon; Rev. Elmer McKay of Springfield, officiating. Interment in the West Cemetery. All the near relatives were present at the funeral.

3 January 1919 - Yoakum, Mildred

Mildred, daughter of Mrs. And Mrs. Otis Yoakum, died at the homes west of this city, Sunday afternoon, December 29, 1918, after a short from pneumonia following an attack of influenza. Mildred was born April 1, 1915 and was aged 3 years, 9 months and 29 days.

This was the second visit of the death messenger at the Yoakum home in less than two days. The folks were returning from the funeral of her brother, Robert, had just reached the home when Mildred passed over to that better shore where sickness, sorrow and death are unknown. The stricken family has been sincerest sympathy of the entire community in this sad affliction. Surviving are her parents, two sisters, Lois and Velda, one brother Allen Jr, and a large number of relatives and many friends.

Short funeral services were held at the grave last Monday afternoon December 30, at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Mary Taylor officiating. Interment was made in the West Cemetery.

AFP- 23 May 1930

Otis Yoakum was stricken with a heart attack while at work in the Barr mine last Friday morning and died before workmen could bring him to the top. He had been taking medical treatment for heart trouble for some time, but he appeared to be in his usual health when he entered the mine that morning. After working for some time he began to complain of not feeling well and it was thought best to bring him out of the mine. He was placed on a stretcher and started for the top. He died while the cage was coming up.

Otis, son of Robert and Victoria Yoakum, was born at Athens, September 28, 1883, and died Mary 18, 1930, aged 46 years, 7 months and 16 days.

On March 2, 1907, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Neff. To this union seven children were born, His wife preceded him in death six years ago. He was then united in marriage to Miss Edith Ferguson. To this union two children were born.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Victoria Yoakum, who resides west of this city; three brothers, Allen, Alfred and Thomas Yoakum all of Athens, one sister, Mrs. Mary Ferguson of Athens; his wife, three sons, Kenneth, Jackie and Allen and three daughters Velda, Willetta and Betty Yoakum at home, and one daughter Mrs. Lester Cantrall, of Petersburg.

Funeral services were held at the residence in West Athens, Sunday afternoon, May 18, at 2 o'clock, Rev. Paul J. DuBois, pastor of the Athens Methodist church officiating. Interment was made in the West Cemetery.

AFP January 3, 1919

Robert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Yoakum, died a the home west of town Sunday morning, December 28, 1918 after a short illness from pneumonia following an attack of influenza. Deceased was born March 22, 1910 and at the time of his death was aged 8 years, 9 months and 6 days.

He was a boy of unusual promise, a great favorite with his schoolmates and was held in high esteem by his teachers. His illness was of short duration and everything possible was done for him but all the tender ministrations were of no avail and he passed away early Sunday morning. He is survived by his parents, three sisters, Lois, Velda and Mildred and one brother Allen Jr. besides many friends and relatives.

Short funeral services were held at the grave last Sunday afternoon, December 29 at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Mary Taylor officiating. Interment was in the West Cemetery.

AFP January 15, 1932

Thomas, little son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Yoakum, died at the family residence in Road District #6 Tuesday morning, Jan. 12, 1932 after an illness of some time at the age of 6 years, 5 months and 12 days. Death having occurred before the arrival of the physician it was necessary to hold an inquest. Coroner H. S. Wilkens of Petersburg held the inquest Tuesday afternoon and the jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Yoakum, three sisters, Bernice, Dorothy, Winifred and one brother, Jasper.

Funeral services were held at Mott Funeral home Wednesday at 2 o'clock. Rev. L. O. Unger officiating. Interment at the West Cemetery.