Unknown newspaper - February, 1934

James Thomas Blackburn, son of John and Margaret Blackburn, was born Jan. 2, 1853, in Adair county, Kentucky. He came with his parents to Illinois when quite young and has since been a resident of Scott county, living near Winchester where he is well known.

He quietly passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 1934, at 2 p.m., at his home, four and one-half miles southwest of Winchester, aged 80 years, eight months and one day. Thus closes the life story of one more of our number. "We spend our year as a tale that is told."

"Uncle Jim" as we knew him was always a hard working man until his health failed, several years ago, a good farmer, and a good friend, to those in need. A man deeply devoted to his home and family.

He was united in marriage with Mary Margaret Evans, Sept. 28, 1879, and unto them were born nine children, seven of whom still live, two having gone on before. Mrs. Minnie Brown, the oldest daughter passed away in 1914. One son, Richard, died in infancy. Those left behind to mourn the loss of a devoted father are Mrs. Geo. Yelm, Mrs. Monroe Pyle, Mrs. Edward Gregory, Mrs. Lola Adams, Fred, Lincoln and Arthur Blackburn, all of Winchester.

He was of a family of seven children, four brothers and three sisters, all of them have preceded him in death except one sister, Mrs. Susan Hamilton, a well known resident of Winchester. Thus this lone sister, seven children, 34 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and his faithful companion, who walked with him through 53 years of wedded life, remain to mourn his loss, with a great number of near relatives and friends.

I had a friend in days gone by,
Both loyal, kind and true,
Who shared my sorrows and my joys,
Kind friend I long for you.
We would not ask you to return dear friend
To this vain world of sorrow;
You�ve paid the price we too must pay,
Farewell, until tomorrow.
And when our bark has reached the shore
Of Yonder happy land,
We�ll leave our sorrows all behind,
And friend shall meet with friend.

Unknown newspaper - 1953

Arthur A. (John) Flynn, a life-time resident of Winchester and for about 40 years a valued employee of the Winchester Times, died unexpectedly about 10:30 o�clock at his home here Thursday morning. Mrs. Flynn had been working in the home and found Mr. Flynn had passed away while she was in another part of the residence. The decedent had been in ailing health for a number of years.

He followed the trade of a printer for 40 years starting the trade in the old Herald office under Johnson and David. For 38 years he was employed by P. R. Nelson and the Country Press.

John as he was familiarly known to his many friends in Winchester was a printer in acts and devotedly. Quiet and unassuming he went about his work but always got his work done. Even when his health began to fail he had a optimistic outlook on the world and always greeted his friends with a ready smile. The Times joins with members of his family in expressing sincere regrets having lost a friend.

Mr. Flynn was born June 22, 1881, the son of Armstrong and Alice J. Lewis Flynn, in Winchester. On Dec. 22, 1909 he was married to Edna L. French. Two children were born to them, Imogene, wife of Bernard Chipman and French Flynn of Jacksonville, who with his wife survive. He also leaves two grandsons and other relatives and many friends to mourn his passing. He was a member of the Winchester Methodist church and the M.W.A.

The body was taken to the Cunningham Funeral Home, where services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o�clock in charge of Rev. Roy Goodell. Burial will be in Winchester cemetery. The family will meet friends this evening from 7 to 10 o�clock.

************************************

Funeral services for Arthur A. Flynn were held Saturday afternoon at the Cunningham Funeral Home with Rev. Roy G. Goodell minister of the Methodist church, officiating. Two vocal selections "Going Home" and "Going Down the Valley" were sung by Mrs. Maxine Coultas and Mrs. Evelyn Haggard, accompanied by Mrs. Anne Cunningham.

Pall bearers were Warren Wallace, Paul Stehman, Harry Montgomery, Ray Nelson, Clayton Batley and Herman Flynn. The flowers were cared for by Mrs. Louise Montgomery, Mrs. Thelma Batley, Mrs. Neil Wallace and Mrs. Ruth Stehman. Burial was in the Winchester cemetery.

John, as Mr. Flynn was best known to his friends, passed away at his home Thursday, July 16, at the age of 72. He spent his entire life in Scott county and had many friends who knew him for his worth. He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, sharing the sorrows and rejoicing in the success of the undertakings of his children.

He was a man who never looked for the faults of his neighbors but rather believed all men had a large share of goodness. He was a printer by profession and for 40 years helped to chronical the life, the coming and going of the community.

Death has written "30" for him but he leaves to his wife, his son and daughter the memory of a life of devotion and sacrifice and having done what he could.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ike Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Logan Crabtree and daughter, of Springfield; H. R. French and wife of Shipman, Geo. Drew and wife of Jerseyville, Mrs. Minnie Servas, Mr. and Mrs. Rob�t Patterson and son, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Strawn, Mrs. Ethel Farrar, Jacksonville; Mrs. Geraldine Addcock and Donald Chipman, of Rushville, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Smith, Rock Island.

Unknown newspaper - June, 1949

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the Danner Funeral Home in Winchester for Otis Gilman. The Rev. Dillman Hildstad of Quincy officiated.

Music was presented by a vocal quartet. The casket bearers were Cecil Reichert, Harold Reichert, Ed Hoots, Albert Goff, Donald Bunch, and Everett Howell. The flowers were cared for by Mrs. Bruce Burrows, Miss Leona Brown, Mrs. Beatrice Davis and Betty Ryan.

Graveside rites were in charge of the Julian Wells Post of the American Legion was held at the Winchester cemetery.

Otis Vernon Gilman, son of Bessie Gilman, was born on Sept. 25, 1920, and was killed in action on April 22, 1945. Otis� childhood and youth was spent in the Bluffs and Winchester community until 1939. He then went to Denver, Colo., and was employed at The Gates Rubber Co. He was inducted into the army on May 5, 1944, from Denver, Colo, taking his basic training at Camp Hood, Texas, and went overseas in October, 1944.

He was wounded on Jan. 10, 1945, and was hospitalized in France for five weeks. Returning to duty, he was again wounded on Feb. 18, was hospitalized in France for seven weeks. He had been back in action about 10 days when he was killed.

He is survived by his mother, Bessie Gilman, and a daughter Verna Lee, of Denver, Colo., besides a large number of relatives and friends.

Unknown newspaper - July, 1949

Fred Markillie, life-long resident of Winchester passed away at his home in Winchester Thursday morning, July 28 at four o�clock. Mr. Markillie was born in 1870. Mr. Markillie was engaged here in the contracting business.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Effie Canatsey Markillie and one brother, Edward Markillie of this city. The body is at the Danner Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o�clock in charge of Rev. James Williams. Burial will be in the Winchester cemetery. [Rest of article missing.]

Unknown newspaper - September, 1937

Henrietta Smithson, daughter of Mary Frances and Soloman Kemp, was born near Winchester, Ill., March 3, 1857. Her childhood and married life was spent in this vicinity. After the death of her husband, Sept. 11, 1916, she lived with her sons on a farm near Winchester.

Here, after a long illness, she passed away on Friday morning, Sept. 24, 1937, making her stay on earth 80 years, six months and 21 days.

Henrietta was united in marriage to Robert E. Smithson, April 1, 1875. To this union were born four sons and one daughter: Thomas E., and Harvey A. Smithson, deceased; Leo and Fritz Smithson, of Winchester; and Lillian Thomas of Jacksonville. She also leaves one sister, Sarah Reynolds, of Winchester, one half sister, Kate Pollock, of Kansas City, Mo.; three half brothers, Lafayette Six and Edward Six of Bluffs, and Emanual Six of Exeter, Ill., nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mrs. Smithson was of a quiet, retiring disposition; a kind and devoted wife and mother; and a thoughtful neighbor and friend. She never united with any church, but when she was able she attended the Primitive Baptist services. She kept an abiding and hopeful faith in the teachings of her Lord.

Funeral services were conducted from the Dieterle funeral home Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, 1937, at two o�clock, in charge of Rev. Baxter Hale. The singers were Mrs. Robert Brackett and Mrs. Wendell Brackett of Exeter with Mrs. Elmer Stuart as pianist.

The flower girls were the granddaughters: Mrs. Carl Thomas, Mrs. Clement Thomas, Mrs. Kenneth Barton and Mrs. Tracy Johnson. The casket bearers were the grandsons, Carl Thomas, Clement Thomas, Jack Thomas, Harold Smithson, Richard Smithson and Kenneth Barton. Interment was in the Winchester cemetery.

Unknown Newspaper - April, 1948

J. Karl Campbell, youngest son of the late Charles and Elizabeth Campbell, was born July 8, 1894, at Browning, Ill. He was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Markillie, October 7, 1916. To this union one daughter, Cora Lucinda, was born but preceded him in death at the age of six months.

Mr. Campbell was called to serve his country during later part of World War One, having been encamped at Camp Grant when the war closed.

"Schuyler," as he was more familiarly known, came to Winchester in 1915, and has resided here for the most part, since that time, only living elsewhere when his work called him. He was a member of the Methodist church, Winchester, Ill.

He has been in ill health for some time, and passed away at the Veterans� hospital, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Friday morning, April 30, 1948, at 8 o�clock. He is survived by his wife Ruth, one brother John, of LeRoy, Ill., many nieces and nephews and a host of friends through central Illinois.

Funeral services were conducted from the Danner Funeral Home, Sunday afternoon, May 2, 1948, at 3:300 o�clock, Rev. H. Ray Funk officiating.

Selections were sung by Mrs. Mazy Smith, accompanied by Mrs. Elmer Stuart. The flowers were in charge of Mrs. Geo. Drew, Miss Leah Cowper, Mrs. Warren Kelley and Mrs. P. E. Markillie.

Interment was in the Winchester cemetery, the casket bearers being Geo. Drew, Ernest Jameson, Berry Cowhick, Harry Montgomery, Warren Kelley and Elmer Stuart.

Graveside service was conducted by members of the Julian Wells Post No. 442 of the American Legion. James Miner served as sergeant-at-arms, and the color guards included Joe Grey, David Corson, Raymond Slagle and Ralph Hawk. Members of the firing squad were Phillip McDade, Robert Lawrence, Henry De Sherlia, Eddie King, Donald Dugan and John Carlton. Taps were blown by James Saffer and echo was sounded by Elma Clark. Those attending from a distance were Mrs. Tim Campbell and son Charles, Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Campbell and sons Junior and Bobbie, from Bushnell, Ill., and Mrs. Mary Bollinger, Colchester, Ill.

Unknown Newspaper - April, 1933

John Francis Fitzgerald, lovingly called "Jack," by his family and many friends, was born in Minneapolis, Minn., June 23, 1918, and died at Our Saviour�s hospital in Jacksonville, at 3:50 p.m., on Tuesday, April 25, 1933, at the age of 14 years, 10 months and two days, a victim of typhoid fever. He was the only child of Frank and Mary McNary Fitzgerald. His babyhood was spent at Ruthven in northwest Iowa.

He came with his parents to Winchester on Sept. 21, 1921, at the age of three years and three months. Here it was that he began his school life, omitting the 4th grade and graduating from the grade school in the spring of 1931. At this time he went with his parents to Centralia, Ill., where he entered high school, in September, 1931, but later returned to Winchester and joined his former class in April, 1932. His school life continued uninterrupted until he was overtaken by his fatal illness. His last day at school was on March 30. Although he felt ill he attended Sunday school on the following Sunday morning, as he was striving to continue his perfect attendance record which he had maintained during the year to that date. After a week�s severe illness at home he was removed the following Sunday afternoon, April 9, to Our Saviour�s hospital, where the loving devotion of his parents and the skill and training of physician and nurses gave all that was in human power to combat the disease, but to no avail. With his passing, his friends and classmates are filled with sorrow, and his parents are left desolate.

He seemed to love everybody. His friendliness and helpfulness were a joy to everyone. His clean young boyhood and youthful enthusiasm were inspiring to those with whom he came in contact. He was a devoted and adoring son and enjoyed a rare companionship with his parents. He loved his school teachers, and he in turn was a great favorite with them.

He was a great lover of nature and had spent two summers in the Rocky Mountains in Utah with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Manthe--, had made several trips to Minnesota, where he loved to fish and camp with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Messer. He was taken to Florida two winters by his mother and lived there with the same uncle and aunts.

He stood definitely for the right always. He was ever honest and true. From babyhood he has been identified with church activities. He has always been a faithful attendant at Sunday school and Epworth League, never missing a meeting of the latter since he became a member. He was a Little Light Bearer in his earlier years during his mother�s superintendence of that organization. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Winchester in 1931, during the pastorate of Rev. E. T. Palmer, and remained true to the teachings which he received in his home and church.

He was a Sophomore in school and showed a keen interest in his studies as well as extra activities. His interest and ability in music and dramatic activities displayed a fine example of school spirit. How sad yet comforting it is to recall that some of his last words concerned his school and the Christ he loved. While the Glee clubs of which he was a member were singing "Goin� Home," our Jack was really going home - home to his Father in Heaven.

His untimely death is a crushing blow to his parents to whom he was an inspiration, their pride and joy. His life though brief was beautiful, and those of his home, his church, and his school will miss the sunny disposition and winning ways of the fair-haried, blue-eyed lad who had such a warm place in their hearts. The years he spent among us will ever be cherished in loving remembrance. One of his classmates has thus beautifully paid tribute to Jack�s memory.

Unknown Newspaper - August, 1947

Sarah Jane Evans Jackson, the daughter of the late William and Mary Ann Evans, was born Sept. 12, 1869, and passed away Aug. 23, 1947, at 9:10 a.m., at the home of her son Kenneth Richard Jackson, in Winchester, Ill., at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 10 days.

She was a member of the Bloomfield Baptist church for 40 years or more. She was united in marriage to Wiley Jackson in 1890, at Glasgow, Ill., who preceded her in death eight years ago. To this union were born nine children, four of whom have preceded their mother in death.

Those who survive are, namely: William, Chester, Kenneth and Ray of Winchester, John of Jacksonville. She also leaves two grandsons, one great grandson, seven step grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Pearl Hoots, of Winchester, three brothers, John Wesley, Edward and Doctor Randolph Evans, all of Winchester, also a host of friends.

Only resting for a season
From the wearing hopes and fears;
From the burdens and the sorrows
That have gathered with the years.

Only resting in the twilight
Till the shadows flee away;
Only waiting for the dawning
Of a better, brighter day.

No more waiting - only resting;
For life�s harvest time is past;
All it�s golden grain is garnered,
All it�s sheaves safe at last.

Hands that toiled for others helping,
Now are folded ever more.
Close beside the shining shore.
And the treasureship is anchored.

Funeral services were conducted from the Assembly of God church Monday afternoon, Aug. 25, 1947, at two o�clock, Rev. Otis Modlin officiating. The music was by Mrs. Modlin and daughter.

The flowers were in charge of Mrs. Myrtle McDade, Mrs. Bessie Evans, Mrs. Eva Cummings, Mrs. Polly Witwer, Mrs. Rose Hoots and Mrs. Almeta Eddinger. Interment was in the Winchester cemetery, the casket bearers being Clyde and Albert Hoots, Roy, Raymond, Jack and Ralph Evans.

Unknown newspaper - February, 1934

Mrs. Sarah E. Thomas, who has been in failing health for several months, due to infirmities of old age, passed away at the home of her son, Ralph, in the northeast part of Winchester, Saturday night, Feb. 3, 1934, aged 90 years, five months and 10 days.

Sarah Ellen, daughter of Major J. B. and Linda H. Young, was born August 24, 1843, at what is now known as the J. Y. Peak home. There she grew to womanhood and was there united in marriage in 1864 to Wm. Henry Thomas, who died in 1878. To this union were born six children, Harry Y., the eldest passed away Feb. 14, 1917, at his home in Vallejo, California.

She united with the Baptist church in 1859, under the pastorate of Rev. Perry Bennett, and was a teacher in Sunday school from 1881, until ill health prevented her from attending.

She leaves the following children to mourn her going, Frank H., of Los Angeles, Cal., Claude of Winchester, Mrs. C. R. Thomas of Roodhouse, Ill., George E. and Ralph of Winchester, with other relatives and a host of friends.

The members of Mrs. Thomas� class offered the following tribute, which was read at the funeral:

As members of Mrs. S. E. Thomas� Sunday school class, we look back over the many years of her teaching service with loving gratitude for the untiring zeal, the conscientious leadership, the intimate friendliness of this splendid woman.

Today we bring a few flowers, and these few words, to say the last good bye; but the real tribute to our beloved teacher, to her sincerity, her truth, her devotion to the ideals of the kingdom, has been constantly expressed by every flower, and word, and token that love could bestow--and this homage was given royally by all the class while Mrs. Thomas was with us, and able to enjoy the fragrance of our heart�s offerings. Now she has gone home to her reward.

May we consecrate the love we bore her, our dear teacher, into new channels for a more devoted ministry in His name--and do this in memory of her. Mrs. S. E. Thomas�
Sunday School Class

Funeral services were conducted from the Baptist church, Monday afternoon, Feb. 5, 1934, at 1:30 o�clock, Rev. F. V. Wright officiating. The members of Mrs. Thomas� Sunday school class attended in a body.