Winchester Times, April 1885

The sad and sudden death of Mr. Frank Switzer occurred last Monday at noon while he was engaged in log-rolling on the hill just west of his home and near John H. Taylor's farm west of Winchester. Frank was assisted by Kirt Hankins and Charles Hambleton in his work. Frank was in front of a log which is reckoned to measure two feet through by 20 feet long, trying to chock it. Kirt saw that the chain had broken and hallowed to Frank, but not in time to save him from a sudden and shocking death, the log had the advantage and started to roll. Before Kirt and Charles could could get to it the log was upon Frank and the boys hadn`t the power to save him. The log passed over Frank's entire body and caused his death almost instantly, living only a few minutes. Kirt rode hurriedly to a neighbors and secured help and took Frank's remains to his home. There were bruises on his head near the left temple, one on his left elbow and lower limbs, and when our re- porter saw him (about 3 p.m.) he was bleeding at the temple, showing that the log had crushed him inwardly, no bones being broken so far as known. Drs. Brengle and Curry were passing and stopped in. It was their opinion that Frank's injuries were internal. Coroner Ellis was notified and held an inquest. The facts elicited were as given above. The remains were interred in Winchester cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The wife loses a affectionate husband, the children a kind father, and the community a worthy citizen. The relatives have the profound sympathy of all.

Winchester Times, August 1931

Mary E. Switzer was born March 2, 1845 in Lisbon, Pa. She was the daughter of Abraham and Katie Switzer, and came to Winchester, Ill., when a small child with her parents, and was educated in the Winchester schools. She had spent her entire life since coming here, in this community, except about two years, when she lived in Jacksonville, Ill. On July 2, 1862, she was united in marriage to Charles A. Taylor and to this union three children were born, Mrs. C.A. Hazelrigg, Mrs. E.S. Hornbeek and one son Oliver, who passed away at the age of three years. She also leaves four grandchildren and one brother, William Switzer, who lives in Colorado Springs,Colo., to mourn their loss. Mrs. Taylor had been in failing health about four months, becoming seriously ill last Saturday morning and passed peacefully away to rest, Thursday, August 6, 1931, at four a.m. at the age of 86 years, four months and three days.

She united with the Primitive Baptist church at Friendship in 1887, and was baptized by the pastor, Elder G.W. Murray, and ever remained faithful and true to its teachings, filling her place in all the services at the church when her health would permit.

Funeral services were conducted from the Baptist church Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock Elder G.W. Murray officiating.

Music was furnished by Mrs. W.H. Kinison and Miss Martha Higgins with Mrs. J.B.Bean as organist.

The flowers were cared for by Mrs. Fred Hazelrigg, Misses Lucille, Nellie and Carmaleta Hazelrigg.

Interment was in the Winchester cemetery, the pall bearers being Milton, Herbert, Frank and Fred Hazelrigg, Alva Switzer and Ed Campbell.