WINCHESTER - JOHN WILLIAM SUMMERS, 63 years 11 months 21 days, passed away on July 26, 1889 at his home from complications of a stroke suffered two years earlier. He was born August 5, 1825 in Logan County Kentucky to William and Jane Ross Summers. He was brother to Joseph, Elvira, Polly and Jane. On September 21, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann Peek his loving wife of 41 years. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents and sons Joseph L and Samuel P. He is survived by ten children. They are, Jane Lawson, Flora Ellen Howard, Charles H (Elizabeth), Thomas (Laura), George L (Ida), William (Lillie), Alice Headrick, Lottie Todd , Frank (Nicholina) and Ludella Seymour.
Mr. Summers was a member of Pioneer Lodge, No. 70, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and abided always in the principles of friendship, love and truth. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was honest, correct and fair in his dealings with his fellow man. He taught two terms of school at Harts (Sandy precinct). During one of these terms the Mexican war broke out. He left his school and went forth at his country's call, a volunteer, and served faithfully through the struggle. He received an honorable discharge (which is still preserved as a memento by the family) came back and finished teaching his term of school. In 1875 Mr. Summers was elected a member of the board of county commissioners. He served two terms. Mr. Summers was considered one of the best financiers ever in charge of the county's affairs. He also served as magistrate at Winchester for twelve years. Mr. Summers was a business man and farmer in and around the Winchester area.
John will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church with burial in the family plot at the Winchester cemetery
*This is a composite obituary created from several different documents located in the Scott County Illinois archives.*
Winchester Times - January 6, 1930
Charles was born on December 28, 1853 in rural Winchester. He was the eldest son of John W. and Sarah Ann Summers. Charles died January 6, 1930 in the early morning hours at his Manchester home. He had been sick for sometime but only abed for a week.
He is survived by his wife of fifty six years, Sarah Ann. They were married on November 26, 1873. He is also survived by 11 children; John Edward (Ollie Grace) and Cyrus William (Elizabeth) of Peoria; Sarah Anna (Paul) Bentley of Wisconsin; Lucian B. (Nellie Mae) of Manchester; Flora (Harry) McCarty and Carl D. (Anna Lois) of Winchester; Norma Belle (William) Crow of Pueblo, Colorado; Edythe (Forest) Waters of Cambridge, Minnesota; Verna May (Samuel) Rockwood of Springfield; Lulu Fay (William) Hundley of Woodson; Iva Alice (John) Parker of Groveland.
He is also survived by four brothers; Thomas H. of Granite City; George Levi (Ida) of Manchester; John William (Lillie) of White Hall; Frank E. of Rushville and one sister Ludella (Arthur) Seymour of Murrayville.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Orville Earnest and Orville Reese; and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be conducted from the M. E. church, Manchester, Wednesday morning, January 8, 1930, at 10:30 o'clock, Rev. Symons officiating. Friends of the family are invited to attend.
Interment will be in the Winchester City Cemetery.
Submitted by: Dale Summers