Madison County, ILGenWeb                                        

Obituaries

Please submit your obituaries here!  

In order to comply with copyright laws, please submit only obituaries published before 1934.

Those names in bold, red lettering were well-known or of importance in Madison County.

A     B     C     D     E     F     G     H     I -J     K     L     M     N     O     P     Q-R     S     T     U-V     W     X-Z

SURNAMES Q and R

QUEEN, MARION R. "BERT"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31, 1922         Dies in Hopper at Glass Plant

Marion R. Queen, aged 46, butter known as "Bert," was smothered to death this morning at the plant of the Illinois Glass Co., by falling into a coal hopper above an automatic stoker. Workmen who responded to his cry for help as he fell into the coal hopper got to the top of the hopper just in time to see one of his hands, the last visible sign of him, sinking in the finely powdered coal that is fed into the automatic stoking machines which fire the boilers. It was not until the coal had been taken out of the hopper that Queen's dead body could be removed. An effort to get it out at the bottom caused a blocking of the orifice at that part of the hopper, and it was impossible to remove him. The time required to get the body of Mr. Queen out of the hopper was not far from two hours. The circumstances attending the accident are not quite certain. Mr. Queen was foreman in charge of loading coal into the hoppers, which fed the automatic stokers, and getting away the ashes from the furnaces. The hopper was being filled from a pit where a system of buckets takes the coal to the top of the hopper and dumps it. The hoppers feed the coal on down to the moving grate bars of the automatic stoker. Something happened which stopped the feeding of the coal to the moving bars, and it was supposed that the coal had arched over it. Mr. Queen went to the top to attempt jarring the jam loose so the coal would resume feeding. In his efforts to break the arch, it is supposed he fell over into the hopper. His weight may have broken the arch and there was a cave in on top of him, all the accumulation of fuel crowding him down into the funnel at the bottom. He shouted as he fell, and the men below rushed up to render any help they could. As stated, they saw only his hand waving over the top of the sliding coal and immediately it was swallowed up. The pipe from which the coal comes was broken at the bottom after the stoker was shut off. The machine which was dumping coal at the top was shut down too. Queen's body appeared immediately where the pipe was broken, but it was impossible to get it through the opening. The next resort was to get all of the coal out of the hopper and thus took time. It is supposed that Queen lived but a short time after he was covered by the fine coal. He was covered to a depth of five or six feet. Mr. Queen leaves his wife and two sons, Wilford and Reynold. He was a man of excellent character and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was regarded as one of the most faithful employees of the Illinois Glass Co. He was a member of the College Avenue Baptist church. He had resided in Alton seventeen years, part of that time in the North Side. Besides his wife and two sons, he leaves a family of brothers and sisters, Mrs. John Thompson of Alton, George of San Francisco, James of Blackfoot, Ore., Albert of Baker City, Ore., Mrs. Effie May of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Ida Hart, formerly of Blackfoot, Ore., now of Jerseyville. Six years ago a man went through a similar accident at one of the quarries at Alton. He fell into a bin filled with crushed rock, and went through the rock, coming out at the bottom, and he was almost unhurt. An undertaker, who had been summoned, was waiting for him, and great was the surprise of everybody in that case when it was found that the man hardly needed the attention of a doctor.

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

QUIGLEY, JOHN/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, July 13, 1854

We are pained to record the death of Mr. John Quigley, an old and much esteemed citizen of Alton. His loss will be felt in the business circle and in the church of which he was a consistent member.

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

Back to the Top

RADCLIFF, OVID H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 7, 1921           Soldiers' Body Brought Home From France

The funeral of Ovid Radcliff, the Alton boy who died overseas on November 8, 1918, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Melville church. The body arrived in Alton this morning and was taken to the home of Mrs. L. Spiess, a sister. The funeral party will leave the Spiess home Sunday at one o'clock for Melville. Radcliff is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Radcliff, six brothers, Zan, Robert, Fred, George Jr., Earl and Bernard; and by two sisters, Mrs. L. Spiess and Miss Electa Radcliff. He was born May 28, 1888. He entered the service of his country during the World War, and was a member of Co. M, 129th Infantry. He died in a hospital and was buried in a cemetery at Nievre, France. After the signing of the armistice, his family made arrangements to have the body brought home and interred permanently in the Melville cemetery.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30, 1919

Memorial exercises for Ovid H. Radcliffe, a former well known Godfrey township boy who died in France, November 8, will be held at Summerfield school house on the Grafton road, Tuesday, May 6, at three o'clock under the direction of Miss Katherine O'Donnell, teacher, and the Godfrey township committee. Some time ago a hard maple tree was planted in the school yard and on Tuesday will be dedicated to Radcliffe's memory. A silver plate with Radcliffe's name and the date of his death will be placed on the tree. During the evening, Attorney Gilson Brown of Alton will deliver an address, and the Western Military band will furnish music. A squad of W. M. A. boys will accompany the band. All patriotic friends, who are owners of machines are asked to loan their automobiles to the school for the transportation of the cadets from Upper Alton to Summerfield School. Those who will lend their machines are asked to drop a card to Miss Katherine O'Donnell or Walter Sloan, of Godfrey, Ill. Ovid H. Radcliffe was the son of George Radcliffe of the Grafton road, and was a former well known young man of the neighborhood. He died on November 8, following being severely gassed. Friends are invited to attend the memorial exercises.

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

RAFFERTHY, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 28, 1893

John Rafferthy, a caisson [structure used in underwater work] workman, was stricken with the bends or caisson paralysis last night, shortly after he quit work. He died at an early hour this morning. Mr. Rafferthy, in company with another man, was working at a considerable depth in the caisson. He complained of being threatened with the bends and was warned to leave immediately, which he did. The compressed air, however, did its deadly work and Rafferthy paid the penalty with his life. He had been afflicted several times before and was warned not to again undertake caisson work. He has relatives in Des Moines, Iowa, and a number of friends in this city.

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

RAIN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1921                  Slain By His Own Brother, Chris Rain     [this article was hard to read - some words missing]
The turbulent life of Chris Rain came to a climax this morning when he murdered his brother, John Rain, at the home of the latter in Wood River. It was the culmination of a persistent effort of the older brother, John, to break up a companionship between Chris Rain and a woman named Viola Bishop. The beginning of the events that ended in the murder of John Rain was when Christ took Viola Bishop to a dance hall in East End Place in the rear of Jim Riley's soft drink establishment. Incidentally, John Rain accompanied Mrs. Chris Rain to the dance hall for the purpose of inducing Chris to leave and go home with his wife, Chris assaulted his wife, John interfered and therein has born a grudge which resulted in Chris calling his brother to his own door in Wood River about 1 o'clock in the morning and shooting him in cold blood. Local justice courts and the city court have had numerous cases of _____ involving Chris Rain. Part of the troubles involved the Bishop woman. At one trial it was testified by John Rain that he had tried effe__ally to break up the associating of his brother and the woman, as he desired Chris to devote his attention and his affections on the wife and six little children at home. Mrs. Rain had left her husband once, and he had used every endeavor to persuade her to come back and she did return. Once, John testified at a trial before Justice Lessner, he had _______ Mrs. Chris Rain, and finding the Bishop woman had overseen Mrs. Rain horsewhip the Bishop woman. Again, Mrs. Chris Rain, seeing her husband riding with the Bishop woman in Jerseyville, had fired a shot at the woman, the bullet lodging in the ____ of the automobile. The story of the killing of John Rain indicates that John had been ______ earnest in trying to save his brother, Chris, from bad company. Thursday evening when Mrs. Chris Rain told her brother-in-law that she wanted to go to the resort and get her husband, John agreed to accompany her. Driving her there in the automobile, John waited outside while Mrs. Chris Rain sought her husband. When Chris met his wife, he attacked her and began choking her, whereupon John Rain interfered and separated them. Then John telephoned the police department, asking to have his brother arrested for assault. After Chris went home, some officers were sent to the Chris Rain home, 2601 State street to arrest him. They had no warrant, and when Chris defied them to take him without a warrant, they went away. Chris telephoned to _____ Charles Davis of the night police later, that he intended to "get" his brother, John. Thereupon Chris _____ a service car and ordered the _____ to take him to Wood River. Arriving at the home of John Rain, Chris went to the front door, rang the bell, and when Mrs. Rain rose from her bed to answer the alarm, Chris asked to see his brother, John. When John was called to the door, he was in his night clothes. Without any argument, Chris pulled a revolver and fired three times, one bullet entering the breast of John and causing almost instant death. Chris Rain then came back to his home and about 5 o'clock in the morning was arrested there by a squad of police officers, headed by Deputy Sheriff ____ Hermann, and including Officers Dempsey, Stuckey, Neeley and ______. With them were John Tisius, the brother-in-law of John Rain, and _____ Streeper. When arrested by the police, Chris Rain was laying across his bed, fully clothed, his hand on the handle of a revolver which was in his pocket. He made no attempt to resist and appeared to be asleep, but the officers were not certain that he was asleep. The ____ said that he was full of _____ and had every appearance of having been engaged in a hard spree. _____ taken to police headquarters ______ up in a cell..... brought him in found a rope in the house which, he said, he was told, Chris had attempted to use, after killing his brother, in hanging his own oldest daughter. Yesterday Chris Rain was conferring with a lawyer in an effort to collect some insurance on an automobile he had lost by fire within the last week. Some time ago he was tried and acquitted on a charge of conspiracy to defraud an insurance company. It had been testified at that trial by a witness that Chris Rain had hired him, under threats, to destroy a car which had been insured and afterward Chris Rain collected the insurance. The jury acquitted Chris Rain. He had also been indicted on a charge of bootlegging, and was acquitted by a jury. John Rain, the victim of the murderous mania of his own brother, had made long continued efforts to induce Chris to abandon his bad companions and take care of his wife and children. He had interfered several times in behalf of his sister-in-law to save her from brutal treatment by her husband and had resorted to strenuous measures to break up the relationship between Chris and Viola Bishop. John Rain, for a number of years conducted a grocery store in the North Side, but for a long time has been working for the Roxana Petroleum Co. at their refinery. He was regarded as a steady, reliable man by his employers and was highly esteemed. Beside his wife, he leaves one little child. The slayer and the slain are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rain of the North Side. George Rain, a brother of the prisoner, confirmed the story that his brother, Chris, had made an attempt to hang his oldest daughter, Laverne, on his return home and that he had used a little skipping rope. The outcries of the other children dissuaded the father from executing his own daughter. In his cell Chris Rain agreed to waive a preliminary examination and he was held to the grand jury without bond, and was taken to the county jail this afternoon. Coroner Streeper was uncertain as to when the inquest would be held. The funeral of John Rain will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rain, at Elm and State streets. Burial will be at Godfrey. There was a report out that a claim of self defense would be made by Chris Rain and that John Rain had fired a shot at his brother first. This was disputed this afternoon by Coroner Streeper, who secured the revolver owned by John Rain, the only weapon in the house where the killing occurred, and there was no empty cartridge nor any indication of recent discharge of the revolver.

[Note: According to the Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9, 1921, Chris Rain was acquitted of murder.]
**************************************

RAMMES, MARIA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1922            Woman Dies on Farm Where She Spent All Life

Mrs. Maria Rammes, wife of Henry Rammes, well known residents of Fosterburg, died last evening about 6 o'clock at the home place, which is located a quarter of a mile north of Fosterburg. The news of the death of Mrs. Rammes came as a great surprise to the residents of that locality, although she had been a sufferer from asthma a large part of the time for several years. Mrs. Rammes had been under the care of a physician several weeks ago, and she had improved to such an extent that she was really better than she had been in a long time, and she and members of her family were rejoicing because of her improvement. She was up and about her home, attending to her usual duties. Sunday she complained of feeling bad and her physician was called from Alton and visited her. She improved at once, and her condition was believed to be about the same as she had been during the majority of the time, and on Monday morning she lapsed into unconsciousness and never rallied, the end coming about 6 o'clock in the evening. When Mrs. Rammes became unconscious, word was sent out to her relatives and friends, and several of them arrived at the home just a short time before the end came. Mrs. Rammes was 66 years old the day before Christmas, December 24. Her maiden name was Maria Ashlock, and she was a daughter of the late Captain Richard Ashlock, one of the old timers of Fosterburg. He was a prominent man in that neighborhood during the Civil War. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rammes was the Ashlock homestead, and she was born there and lived on the farm all her life. Her death occurred on the home place where she was born. Mrs. Rammes leaves, beside her husband, two sisters and two daughters. The daughters are Mrs. Frank E. Culp of the Fosterburg-Bethalto neighborhood, and Mrs. Ollie Reeker of Upper Alton. The two sisters are Mrs. Milinda Voiles and Mrs. Mary Foster, the latter being a resident of Kansas. Mrs. Rammes was a large woman who carried a great deal of flesh, and the years she suffered from asthma are believed to have weakened her heart. Her death resulted from heart failure, which was brought on by an attack of asthma. She was a member of the Baptist church and had been an earnest worker in the church during the time her health permitted her to do so. She was a most highly esteemed woman in her neighborhood where she had spent her lifetime. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the Baptist church in Fosterburg, and an effort was being made today to get word to Rev. Fredrick Webber, the former pastor of the church, of Mrs. Rammes' death. He will conduct the services Thursday at the church.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19, 1922

The funeral of Mrs. Henry Rammes was held this afternoon at one o'clock from the Memorial House in Fosterburg, thence to the Fosterburg cemetery where the body was laid to rest.

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

RANDLE, JUDGE IRVIN B./Source: Albany, New York Evening Journal, September 30, 1893

Alton - Judge Irvin B. Randle, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of this county, died yesterday, aged [unreadable]. He was a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and was first to carry him the news of his nomination in 1861.

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

RAWSON, JENNIE/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February 19, 1897

Miss Jennie Rawson died last night at 12:15 o'clock at her home at Troy. She had been a teacher of the schools for eighteen years among her charges being rooms at Troy and Bethalto. She was 38 years old and leaves surviving her mother, and a brother, Sam W., of Collinsville. She was known to many here, and her death is sincerely regretted by them.

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

RAWSON, WILLIAM/Source: Troy Star, March 28, 1895

The funeral of William Rawson, a former resident of this city, occurred here Tuesday, March 26, at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Rawson and wife and one child arrived here from their native land about 1872. Shortly after their arrival here, the death of their child occurred. Mr. Rawson followed his trade, that of plasterer, for about 5 years, when he and his family removed to Highland, where he has been a resident since. His death occurred at the latter place on Sunday, March 24, 1895. He was a member of the Knights of Honor, which body conducted the ceremony. He leaves a wife and four children: two boys and two girls; also three brothers, Sam and Andrew of St. Louis; and James, of whom nothing has been heard for years, and the supposition is that he is dead. A host of friends followed the remains to their last resting place.

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

RAYBORN, RUSSELL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 11, 1923                 Victim of Explosion at Western Cartridge Co., East Alton, 1923

Russell Rayborn, 17, was a son of Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Rayborn, 324 Harriet street, and is survived by his parents and two sisters and a brother. He had been employed at the Western plant more than a year. His funeral will be from the Pentecostal church, with interment in the City cemetery. The time has not been set.

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

REAGEN, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 9, 1917

The funeral of Mrs. Catherine Reagen was held this morning from St. Patrick's Church, where a requiem mass was said by Rev. Bernard Manning. Deceased had lived in Alton more than 60 years and many of her neighbors and acquaintances attention the obsequies. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery, beneath a coverlet of flowers, the offerings of friends. The pallbearers were S. Bernes, Charles Hammelmann, John Watsker, Jerry Callaghan, Henry Uhle and John Boyce.

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

RECK, ANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26, 1922         Head of Reck Brewery Dies

Anton Reck, head of the Anton Reck Brewery, died yesterday at 2:30 p.m. at his home at 227 East Fifteenth street, following an illness of three months. He was 80 years old. Mr. Reck was born in Hund, Germany, on February 5, 1842. He was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Reck. He came to America in 1865 and located first at Newark, N. J. In 1867 he moved to St. Louis, and inaugurated the business career, which eventually brought him to Alton. He became affiliated with several breweries at different times in St. Louis, and finally became general manager of the Schilling and Schneider Brewery. This brewery was absorbed in 1889 by an English syndicate. In 1890 Mr. Reck decided to enter business, and after visiting several cities for a suitable location, purchased the Alton Brewery here, and removed with his family to this city. The experience gained in his St. Louis connections stood Mr. Reck in good stead, and this, combined with his business ability, enabled him to successfully conduct the local enterprise. He worked diligently for the success of his business, and it was not long until his product became well-known in that trade. Mr. Reck was married in 1877 to Miss Augusta Woeckel, at St. Louis. Four children survive - Louise, Bertha, Amelia and Herman. He also leaves a brother, who lives in Germany. Mrs. Reck died nine years ago. Mr. Reck was a man of winning personality and genial disposition, who made friends rapidly. In his business career here, he built up a reputation for sagacity and honest dealing. His friends were many and his death will be the cause for sorrow to those who knew him. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. tomorrow, at the home by the Rev. H. M. Chittenden, former rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Interment will be in the City cemetery.

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

REDEKER, ELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20, 1921

Mrs. Ella Redeker, wife of Julius Redecker, of 721 Royal street, died this afternoon at 2:15 at St. Joseph's Hospital where she was taken for treatment seven weeks ago. She has been ill for over eighteen months. She was 61 years of age. Mrs. Redecker was born in Lebanon, Ill., and for some time resided at Marine, Ill.  She came to Alton 23 years ago. She leaves her husband, Julius Redecker; two sons, Fred and William Noblitt, and two grandchildren, Celestine and Helen Noblitt. Her maiden name was Geers. She was a prominent lodge woman and at the time of her death was Secretary of the Mystic Workers. She was well known and her long illness has been watched with interest by her many friends. No funeral arrangement were completed this afternoon, but will be announced Thursday.

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

REDMON, EVERETT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14, 1921

Everett Redmon, residing at 1512 Maupin avenue in this city, died Friday in a St. Louis hospital where he was undergoing treatment. Deceased had been ailing for about ten months prior to his death. He was 44 years of age and is survived by his wife and one daughter, Louise. Other survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Ford of this city and Mrs. Park of St. Louis; also two brothers, James Redmon of this city and Luther Redmon of St. Louis. The remains will be brought to this city for burial and the funeral is to take place Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the A. M. E. church on Fourth street. Interment will be in the City cemetery.

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

REED, ANDERSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871 (review of 1870)

On February 22, 1870, Anderson Reed, a colored man charged with murder, was forcibly taken from Constable Lammert by a mob, between Venice and Edwardsville, and killed by being riddled with bullets.

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

REINHARDT, ANNA MARIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1921

Anna Marie Reinhardt, aged 25 years, passed away this morning at the family home at 2301 College avenue after a lingering illness. She is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Antone Reinhardt and is survived by one brother, Adolph Reinhardt. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock, interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.

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

REININGER, CLARA MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14, 1921

Mrs. Clara May Reininger, wife of Frank Reininger, died at her home on the Grafton road very suddenly this morning from a malady that had been causing her trouble for a long time. Mrs. Reininger leaves one daughter, Mae Barton, and one son, Edward L. Maupin.

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

RENFRO, ARMINDA C. (nee HARNSBERGER)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February 1, 1893

Mrs. Arminda C. Renfro, wife of W. P. Renfro of Troy, died yesterday morning at 5:30 o'clock. The funeral took place today. She was born in Old Ripley, Bond county in 1852. She married W. P. Renfro and moved to this county nine years ago. She leaves surviving her husband, one son and one daughter; also, her mother, Mrs. C. E. Cheney of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; one sister, Virginia Renfro, wife of A. T. Renfro of Wayne county; one brother, John Harnsberger, and a half brother D. W. Cheney of Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

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

RHOADS, JOHNSON BARNEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1922       Struck by Car

Johnson Barney Rhoads, a carpenter who came to Alton about a week ago to work at his trade, was fatally injured, dying Sunday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital from the effects of the injuries he sustained Friday evening when he was hit by a Ford car at Yager Park. Rhoads is the victim of unknown persons who were driving a Ford car on the state road and, it is said, sent their car off the road and on to the walk beside the road where Rhoades happened to be. The car hit him with great violence, breaking ribs on both sides of his body. The ribs were forced into his lungs, and death was due to a form of pneumonia caused by the lacerations in the lungs produced by the broken ribs. Rhoads was boarding with Mrs. Rosie Laird in Sering Place. After the accident, he was able to tell where he belonged and the car which hit him was used to haul him to his boarding place. The two men in the car assisted him to the house and turned him over to the woman who had been his boarding mistress. They left no names and there was neither license tag nor light on the Ford which had so cruelly crushed the man. On Saturday it became evident that Rhoads was in a bad condition and he was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital. There he lingered until Sunday morning, when death resulted from pneumonia. Rhoads was 45 years of age. So far as known he had two brothers and one sister. Deputy Coroner Streeper is being assisted in his search for information as to the identity of the drivers of the Ford car which was the cause of the death of Rhoads. It is said that the man was an Odd Fellow, and that the members of that order are assisting in the hunt for information. The deputy coroner said today that the identity of the car would be established.

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

RHOADS, WILLIAM M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19, 1920      Local Minister and former Trustee of Shurtleff College Dies on Third Anniversary of Wife's Death

Rev. William M. Rhoads died this morning at his residence in Upper Alton, following a stroke of paralysis, aged 74. It was on the third anniversary of the death of his wife, whose passing the aged clergyman had mourned deeply. He had been in bad health for some time, but there was no indication that the end was near. Thursday he received word of the death of his brother, Robert Rhoads, at Madelia, Minn., the brother having been both blind and totally deaf for a quarter of a century. With emotions mixed, grateful that the end of his unfortunate brother had come and that his troubles were over, and with heart filled with sadness on the eve of the anniversary of the death of his wife, the aged minister had no thought that his own death would follow so soon that of his brother. This morning, shortly after he had eaten his breakfast, Rev. Rhoads was stricken with paralysis and died soon afterward. It was just the way his brother had died. Members of the family say that on the evening before his death he was in a contemplative mood and was giving members of his family messages which he wanted delivered to friends of his who had been interested in the news of the death of his brother. Rev. Rhoads was a man of a kindly, loveable disposition. He was forever considering the welfare and comfort of others. Kindly, dignified, courteous always, and a sincere believer in the cause in which he had spent his life, that of giving his best efforts to the cause of salvation of souls, the aged minister will be sincerely mourned by thousands. He was the supply pastor for many years in churches in Macoupin, Green and Jersey counties, and he had given service to Alton churches, too. He was supply pastor of the Cherry Street Baptist Church while Rev. Samuel D. McKenny was in the Y. M. C. A. service overseas. He had married hundreds of couples, had buried many hundreds of persons more, and was constantly subject to call in many hundreds of homes when there was any need for the services of a clergyman. Many of the little churches he served were without a pastor much of the time. He would conduct great spiritual revival meetings and the number of his baptisms runs into the thousands. The death of Rev. Rhoads came as he had wished. He was injured last summer by an automobile which struck him at the crossing of Broadway and Piasa street. He never fully recovered. Arterial hardening had been causing him much inconvenience too. A few days before his death he was conversing with an old friend to whom he said that if he was never to get any better, he would prefer that he would be stricken with paralysis and avoid a long period of weakening down. That was exactly the way the end came. He was born at what is now Medora, then Rhoads Point, about a mile and a half from the present village. He would have been 75 years of age April 15. Fifty-one years ago he was ordained as a Baptist minister, but had been preaching a few years before that. Recently he said that he had seen upward of 2,000 people, of which he had kept count, profess conversion in meetings he had conducted. Of the men who attended his ordination, Rev. T. N. Marsh is the only one still alive. His last preaching service was two weeks ago last Sunday, when he filled the pulpit of the Elm Street Presbyterian Church. The week before, he had conducted a funeral service at Rockbridge over an old friend. Mr. Rhoads is survived by his two children, three grandchildren, also two brothers, P. B. Rhoads of Minneapolis; B. F. Rhoads of Madelia Minn.; Miss Elizabeth Rhoads of Madelia; Mrs. Laura McDonald of the Pacific Coast; and Mrs. Margaret Willson of Point Rock. N. Y. For twenty-nine years he was a trustee of Shurtleff College and was the last of the "old guard" of trustees of that institution, remaining in service. He was a member of Franklin Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was also a Knight Templar. The burial service at the Rockbridge Cemetery will be under Masonic auspices. The funeral services at the home will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The body will be taken to Rockbridge Monday morning and services will be held there in the Baptist Church at 10:30 o'clock. According to a request of Rev. Mr. Rhoads there will be no funeral sermon. He had told Rev. Henry Dixon, an old friend, that when he died he wanted a spontaneous symposium of remarks by preachers with whom he had been associated in the work of religion for so long. It is expected there will be a large attendance at this service, and that clergymen for miles around will attend.

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

RHOADS, VIOLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 27, 1921

Miss Viola Rhoads, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Rhoads, died this morning at 4 o'clock at the family home on Watalee avenue in the east end. She was 18 years of age, last Saturday. Her death followed a short illness with pneumonia. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home, and Rev. S. D. Kenny will probably have charge of the services.

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

RHYNE, GEORGE H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1923

George H. Rhyne, war veteran, who died Sunday, was buried this afternoon. Rhyne, who was born on February 14, 1890, was gassed in action in France during the war and contracted a lung ailment as a result, from which he never recovered. He went to France in 1916. He is survived by his wife, a son, Wesley Harrison, and a sister, Mrs. Gus Bailey of East St. Louis. He had resided in Alton for several years, and during that time had made many friends who are grieved at his death. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

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

RICHARDS, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 23, 1922         Father Dies With Child in His Arms - Sacrifices His Life to Save His Son From Train

Thomas R. Richards, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Richards, of 2429 Sanford avenue, was killed last night in a crossing accident at the foot of Main street by a C. & A. train. Richards, when he realized that it was impossible to avoid a crash at the crossing, thought only of his two children with him in the automobile. With him also was his brother, James, aged 18, who leaped in time to escape injury. According to the story told by James Richards, the father tried to save his two little boys, Harold and Charles Edward, the latter 5 and the former 3 years of age. When the father noticed the nearness of the train he exclaimed, "Oh, my children," and seizing the younger by the arm he tossed him to the ground in a place of safety and gathered the other child in his arms and tried to leap from the car, but was too late. Instead he was hurled from the car by the impact to the pilot of the locomotive, and there he was found after the train had been stopped, his son still held in his arms, and the child comparatively unhurt. The father was dying, having given his own life to shield that of his offspring. The child the father had in his arms sustained an arm fracture and a shoulder break, but was otherwise unhurt. It was taken to the hospital. The child thrown to the ground escaped with very slight injuries. Bystanders said that the automobile, a Dodge, was carried a long distance by the train after the crash and was destroyed. The train was traveling at high speed when the wreck occurred. James Richards said that his brother, who was employed at the Schuessler Foundry, had been called back to the foundry, had been called back tonight to get a key that he should have had with him. He took his brother James and the two little boys with him. They were on their way back home and were nearing the C. & A. track on the lane leading out from the foundry to the state road. Traveling ahead of them was a Ford car which had slackened its speed to make the ascent of the grade at the crossing and this forced the car carrying the Richards party to slow down also. This fact undoubtedly cost the life of Richards as, had he been going normal speed, he would have gone over in safety. The Ford car got over the track all right, and Richards drove up on the track, noticing the close approach of the train when it was too late. Then followed the tragic sacrifice of the life of the father to save the lives of the two babies. He was careless of his own safety in his desperate efforts to put his little ones out of harm's way, according to the brother, who was riding in the seat behind. The brother is under the impression that Thomas, after throwing out the first child, must have leaped with the second squarely onto the pilot of the fast approaching train. The victim of the tragedy was 28 years of age and had been married eight years. Beside his wife, he leaves four children, the eldest 7 years old, Francis; and the youngest six months old. Mr. Richards had been living with his parents of late, and his wife had been living in their own home. Members of the family are recalling that a year ago the two brothers in the accident last night were in a dangerous experience. They had been canoeing and the canoe overturned. James Richards, the survivor of the tragedy last night, was drowning, and his brother, Thomas, went to his rescue and saved his life.

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

RICHMOND, EVA (nee WEISS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 7, 1920

Mrs. Eva Richmond died Friday night at 10 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lee Turner of 1642 Main street. Mrs. Richmond, who was the widow of William Richmond, who died in 1908, celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of her birthday on February 5, the day before her death. Mrs. Richmond has been a sufferer from rheumatism for many years but was able to be up and around. She was taken ill with an attack of heart trouble Friday night and death resulted twenty minutes later. She was born and raised in Brighton, coming to Alton as a bride in 1888 to reside. Since her marriage she has made her home in this city. Her maiden name was Eva Weiss. Mrs. Richmond is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lee Turner, and one grandchild. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Emma Kolk of Alton, and Mrs. Robert Paddock of Benld, and two brothers, John Weiss of Romona, Kansas, and William Weiss of Brighton. She was an active member of the Washington Avenue Methodist church and Rev. Frederick Sielzeriede of the church will have charge of the funeral services. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the family home. Interment will be in City cemetery.

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

RIGGS, RAYMOND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 18, 1922           13 Year Old Boy Crushed to Death While in Chicago

Raymond Riggs, 13 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Riggs of Wood River, was instantly killed yesterday afternoon in Chicago, where with his parents, he was enjoying a vacation. According to a brief message received at the Riggs' Drug Store in Wood River this morning, the boy was riding in a machine, seated on the lap of an uncle. As the machine was traveling along, it went over a bump and [the] jar knocked the child out and threw it in the path of a truck. The truck passed over the body, killing the boy. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs and Raymond, an only child, went to Chicago to visit a couple of weeks ago and planned to return home last Wednesday. However, at the pleading of the little boy to extend their vacation, Mr. and Mrs. Riggs decided to remain over until the last of the week. Little Raymond was a bright and studious lad, and was much beloved by friends of the family and of the patrons to the Ratz and Riggs Drug Store in Wood River. The news of the death of the child was the cause of much sadness in Wood River this morning. A message received later in the day stated that the body will not be brought to Wood River, but that the funeral would take place in Chicago Monday afternoon.

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

RILEY, MATHILDA E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 19, 1921

Mrs. Mathilda E. Riley, wife of Dr. C. M. Riley of 2329 Central avenue, died Sunday afternoon at the family home. Mrs. Riley, who was about 73 years of age, has been ill for the past two years, and since last September her condition has been serious. Dr. and Mrs. Riley came to Alton 22 years ago and purchased a home on Central avenue. Dr. Riley was a former college professor but recently he retired. Besides her husband, Mrs. Riley leaves one sister, Mrs. L. E. Minton. The funeral will be held from the residence at 1 o'clock Tuesday.

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

RILL, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 18, 1923       Dies in Auto Accident

Edward Rill, an employee at the Roxana refinery, was fatally injured in an auto accident two miles south of Mitchell Sunday morning. Two other occupants of the Ford touring car in which Rill was riding, William Puckett and Jacob Eaton, escaped with slight injuries. The fatal accident as the result of a rear end collision brought on by glaring headlights on a car approaching in the opposite direction. The three young men were out riding and were following a car belonging to E. McDonald of Madison, Ill., when there approached in the opposite direction a big car with glaring lights. McDonald checked his speed until he could get past the glaring lights. William Puckett, who was driving the following car, was completely blinded and said he did not notice that McDonald was a rear end collision, Puckett's car hitting McDonald's Ford coupe with great violence. Puckett and Eaton were slightly hurt, but in the collision a stave in the top of the Puckett car was broken and it struck Rill a violent blow on the temple. The big car with the glaring headlights sped on regardless of what had occurred. Puckett's car was disabled by the collision. Pucket said that after the accident a passerby gave them a lift as far as Mitchell, and there Ernest Larsh came along with his car and offered to give them a lift on to East Alton. Rill was able to climb into the Larsh car, but immediately after getting in and sitting down he slouched down in the seat, became unconscious and never revived. He was taken to the office of Dr. Moore at East Alton and given treatment. It was found that the skull had been crushed in by the blow of the stave of the auto top. The father of Rill arrived yesterday to look after his son. Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper took charge of the body and will hold an inquest. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning, June 19th, leaving the C. N. Streeper Undertaking Parlors at eight o'clock and proceeding to St. Agnes' church at Bunker Hill. The young man was single and is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Rill, one sister, Mrs. Louise Jackson of Alton, and four brothers, Philip Rill of Hillsboro, Joseph and Mike Rill of Granite City and James Rill of Bunker Hill.

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

RINGERING, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 24, 1920           Scarlet Fever Claims Second in Ringering Family

Lucy, the three year old child of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ringering, died at noon today from scarlet fever. This was the second death from the disease in the family, and there were five members, including the father, who were down with the disease. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock, and will be private. Interment in City Cemetery.

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

RINGERING, WILBUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11, 1920            Third Victim in One Family to Succumb to Fatal Complications Following Scarlet Fever

Wilbur Ringering, ten year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ringering, residing near Wood River, died at 5 o'clock this morning from complications following an attack of scarlet fever. The child was thought to be recuperating from the disease, but after his attack it was feared he would lose his sight and hearing, however these fears were dispelled when his condition seemed better. Complications set in and a relapse followed resulting in his death today, which marks the demise of the third child in the Ringering family dying after an attack of scarlet fever. There are three other children in the family, however none have been affected with the disease, but at the present time the father, Albert Ringering, is in a serious condition from the same plague. The boy will be buried this afternoon, Rev. O. W. Heggemeier officiating at the funeral services, to be at 1 o'clock.

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

RITCHER, AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 7, 1923

August Ritcher, 89, died this morning at 3 o'clock at his home in Troy. He was the father of George C. Ritcher, supervisor of manual training in the public schools. Mr. Ritcher was born in Bohemia, now Czecho-Slavia, and came to America when 21. He served with the 117th Illinois Infantry, Company F, three years during the Civil War. He was a resident of Illinois since coming to America. He is survived by his widow, three sons and a daughter. The sons are George C. of Alton, Charles E. of Omaha, Henry A. of Rutland, Ill., and the daughter is Mrs. Adda Matthews of Troy. Funeral services will be at the Methodist church in Troy at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. Interment will be in the Troy city cemetery.

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

RITTER, HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, December 1, 1870/Submitted by Jane Denny

"Two Old Citizens Gone. – It is our painful duty to record the death of two of our oldest citizens—Henry Ritter and Louis Klingel. They are associated with our earliest recollections and were men of standing and influence before Edwardsville assumed to be a city. Mr. Klingel, for a number of years, has carried on the brewing business, but on account of so much competition, he did not meet with success more than enough to defray the expenses of carrying on the business. Mr. Ritter, at the time of his death, was making preparations for building seven or eight frame cottages on Hillsboro street, besides the three now nearly completed. Mr. Ritter was very eccentric in his habits ... in his business relations he was scrupulously exact and straightforward. He was always building in some shape or other, and has done more in that line for the advancement of the town of Edwardsville than any other living man. His death is to be much regretted on that account. His funeral took place on Tuesday. The Turners, of which order Mr. Ritter was a member, followed him to the grave in full regalia.  Mr. Klingel was a worthy member of Edwardsville Lodge No. 46, I.O.O.F., and at his request he was buried in accordance with the rites peculiar to that order. His funeral was one of the largest that has ever taken place in Edwardsville. He was a good citizen and was beloved and respected by all."
****************************************

RITTER, HENRY JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1921           Wealthy Land Owner Dies at Age of 77 Years

Henry Ritter, well known in Alton, and making his home at Liberty Prairie, died at midnight Thursday, after an illness extending over a period of about three years, with gangrene responsible in part for his death. The deceased was 77 years of age, and resided in or near Edwardsville for some 70 years. He was the son of Henry Ritter, who was the discoverer of coal near Edwardsville over a half century ago, and later became a coal operator accumulating considerable wealth, and who died a number of years ago. The late Mr. Ritter had retired from active life some time ago and spent the greater part of his time looking after his extensive holdings. Henry Ritter is survived by his wife and one daughter. The funeral will be held at Edwardsville on Monday.

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

RITTER, WILLIAM J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 26, 1922

William J. Ritter, aged 80, died last night at 7 o'clock at his home, 614 East Third street. Ritter has been in poor health for a number of years and for five years was blind and bedfast. His fatal illness began one week ago. Ritter was born in St. Louis on November 7, 1841. After residing in St. Louis for some time, he came to Illinois, and 20 years ago moved to Alton from Bunker Hill. He was well known throughout the city. He has been a very patient sufferer, bearing his blindness and ill health with much fortitude. He was an excellent husband and father, a kind neighbor and friend. He is survived by his wife, two sons and five daughters. The sons are William and Leonard Ritter of Alton, and the daughters, Mrs. Oscar Kellar, Mrs. William Meyer and Mrs. John Berner Jr., of Alton; Mrs. William Lewis of Belleville and Mrs. James McKelvey of St. Louis. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9:30 from St. Mary's church, Requiem Mass to be sung by Rev. J. J. Meckel. Interment in the City cemetery.

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

ROBERTS, LEROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 18, 1922           Fell 60 Feet to Ground, Flaming on Fire as He Fell

Tragedy shifted yesterday from one home to another, one home first being prostrated with grief, then lifted to heights of ??. In the other home, where compassion was being felt for the folks in the first one, the tragic pall suddenly dropped as if lifted from the other. Little LeRoy Roberts, 13 year old son of Richard Roberts of 626 East Fifth street, was instantly killed by connecting up with a high tension wire on the steel tower of the power transmission line, at the foot of Central avenue. He fell about 60 feet to the ground, flaming as he fell, and parts of his body were burned to a crisp. At first it was thought the boy was Evanal Collins of 448 East Broadway, son of Mrs. Georgia Collins. When the lad fell, someone thought he was the Collins boy, and sent word to the mother. The Collins boy was not at home, but had been a short time before the accident, and the mother hurried to the scene of the tragedy. There, she was not permitted to look at the body, owing to its condition, and she, accepting the story as correct, believed it was her son. She went back home, weeping and mourning her boy. Fifteen minutes later, into the house walked the son, alive and well. He had heard on the street he was dead, and he hastened home to cheer his mourning parent. His sister, Mary, fainted when she saw her brother walk in alive. Then Deputy Coroner Streeper told that the identification was false, got busy on the telephone. He spread the tidings all over the city that the boy had not been identified and sought information as to any boy who had failed to return home to supper. The Roberts family had such a boy and investigation revealed he was the victim of the tragedy. According to men who saw the boy fall from a distance, there were two of them who had climbed to the first deck wires, about 60 feet from the ground. One of the boys must have touched one of the wires carrying about 16,000 volts. There was a sudden flash of fire, and the boy was seen to plunge to the ground. The other lad did not fall. He climbed down the tower, and reaching the ground he fled as fast as he could go. Efforts were made last night and this morning to ascertain who he was. When the flash came which killed the boy, set fire to his clothing and hurled him to the ground, the short circuiting of the high tension current caused trouble at the power house, so workmen there reported. Mrs. F. A. Voorhees was sitting in the office at the H. Winters planing mill, and she saw the boy fall from the tower in flames. She it was who reported another boy being there with him. It was learned today that the boy who was with the Roberts boy at the time of the accident was Evanal Collins, the boy who was reported killed. He did not make this known until today. The funeral of the Roberts boy will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.

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

ROBINSON, SIDNEY Z./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February 15, 1893

Sidney Z. Robinson died at his home in Liberty Prairie, at 4:15 o'clock p.m. Sunday [Feb. 12], after a lingering illness. The funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon by Rev. James Lafferty, of this city, assisted by Rev. Allison Hunter of Liberty Prairie. The pallbearers were: John Hays, C. E. Arbuthnot, C. M. Belk, W. W. Head, Andrew Patterson and D. C. Scheer. Among relatives who attended the funeral were: B. W. Trabue and C. E. Edwards of Dorchester; O. C. Denny and wife of Sorento; C. A. Quick and wife of Bunker Hill; and Thomas W. Springer of Edwardsville. Deceased was born May 19, 1834, at the home in which he died. He was 58 years, 8 months and 23 days old. In early manhood he entered Shurtleff College, Upper Alton. He afterwards went to Plattville, Wis., and engaged in business. In August 1862, he enlisted in the service of his country, being mustered in as orderly sergeant of Company D., 117 Ill. Vol.  He served three years, and was mustered out August 9, 1865. He returned home, and on December 12th, 1866 was married to Miss Isabel Harlan of Bunker Hill. He leaves a wife and two daughters, Anna and Margaret, to mourn the loss of a kind father and loving husband. He was one of five sons of the late W. S. B. Robinson, only two of whom survive, W. J., a twin brother to the decveased, who resides in Kansas City, Mo., and Joseph A., who lives at Baldwin, Kansas. For a number of years he has been ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of this city. He was a member of Edwardsville Post No. 461, G.A.R.

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

RODGERS, ANDREW FULLER (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1922       Hero of Two Wars Dies at Home Here

The adventuresome career of one of Madison County's most picturesque pioneers came to an end when Col. Andrew Fuller Rodgers, veteran of two wars and prominent in civic life, in Alton, died this morning at 7:20 o'clock at his home on College avenue, after an illness of about two weeks. His death due to a physical breakdown from old age. He would have been 95 years of age next October 13. Col. Rodger's life was one singularly full of stirring adventure. It was a life remarkable for a connecting up of the past with the present. The fact that he was fortunate enough to live to an old age, blessed with bodily and mental vigor, interested in all that went on about him, made it possible for Col. Rodgers to connect threads that were broken off in his early life, and he found the ends later on. Numerous incidents can be related of the strange linking together of old time events of his younger day experiences he had in his later years. His breakdown was recognized as the probably beginning of the end. The fact that he was content to remain in bed was the most discouraging fact about this old soldier and adventurer, who had never in his long life confessed his inability to combat physical weakness. That he was not going to rally was a foregone conclusion when he showed no inclination to be up and about. Up to the time he broke down two weeks ago, about the only sign of failure was the loss of his eyesight. That had taken effect a few years ago, but beside that he was in good condition. The aged wife, from whom he had been separated but a few times since he married her back when both were young, is prostrated. She has been anticipating such an end as came this morning to her aged partner in life, but the crisis found her unprepared, and she has since been confined to her bed. Col. Rodgers did not know that his last brother, Reynold Rodgers, was buried the afternoon before his own end came. He was not told of the death of his brother.

That type of American immortalized in song, story and history, he blazed the trail of progress, participated as a leader in the great movements of his time. Resourceful, energetic, enterprising, courageous, upright, his experiences included service in two wars - in one of which he was a prisoner for more than a year - participation in the gold rush of '49, shipwreck with 250 others on an island in the Pacific, service in the State Legislature. No task was too great, no duty too tedious for this man, who was a living example of that American of which the world is so envious, and unable to completely fathom. Of indomitable will, he accomplished what he set out to do. Nothing seemed impossible to him, no situation too trying. Whatever the circumstances, however great the chances against him, Col. Rodgers did that which always seemed right, and did it well.

Col. Rodgers was born in Howard County, Missouri, on October 13, 1827. He was the son of a pioneer Baptist minister, the Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers. The Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers was born in England and came to America in 1818, locating at Louisville, Ky.. In 1819 he accompanied Cyrus Edwards to a new home in Howard County. Mr. Edwards was prominently identified with the early history of Alton. In 1834 the Rev. Mr. Rodgers moved to Upper Alton and located on a farm of 40 acres, since included in the limits of Upper Alton. He was one of the founders of Shurtleff College, and one of its early trustees. In 1823 he married Permelia Jackson, of a family that settled in Howard County in 1818. Col. Rodgers was one of twelve children.

Col. Rodgers was one of the early students of Shurtleff College. In 1844 he became a clerk in a St. Louis hardware establishment, but returned to Upper Alton before the beginning of the war with Mexico. When the war with the southern republic broke out, Col. Rodgers became a member of Col. Bissell's Second Illinois Infantry under Captain Lott in Company E. It was in the Mexican War that the career of adventure of Col. Rodgers dawned. Brave and possessing that fire and determination so necessary, he was the ideal soldier. He gave distinguished service with his regiment in a number of engagements, the chief of which was at Buena Vista. After the war he returned home. But farm life was without the excitement and thrills sought by this conquering American. He joined the gold rush to California in 1849. A year at the mines was followed by service more suitable to young Rodgers. He served as a deputy sheriff of Sacramento County, and was a member of the famed Sutter Rifle Company. He returned home for a visit, and on his return voyage to California added to his adventures that of being shipwrecked. His vessel was wrecked in the Pacific in 1853 with the loss of 250 passengers. Col. Rodgers, with a few other survivors, was cast on Margueretta Island. At that time he saved the life of a girl passenger. Fifty years later he learned that the girl he saved was living in St. Louis, the mother of a clergyman of the Episcopal Church. The survivors were finally picked up by a whaling vessel, which landed them at San Francisco. Col. Rodgers again served as a deputy sheriff and lived in Sacramento County until 1853, when he went to the mines. The following year his father died, and he returned to Alton in July 1854. He was married on May 31, 1860, to Jane E. Delaplain, a member of one of Madison County's oldest families. Young Rodgers continued at home, tending the farm and sawmill, until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862 he entered the service as Captain of Company B of the Eightieth Illinois Infantry, and when the troops were mustered in on August 25 of the same year, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. His service in the Civil War was arduous, eventful and of a distinguished order. He was carried from the field of battle at Perryville, Ky., wounded. In April 1863, having recovered, he commanded his regiment in a raid against Bragg's army.  His audacious leadership won for his regiment many victories. The resourcefulness of the young commander made of the outfit an efficient, able fighting force. In 1863 his force was captured at Rome, Ga. He and his fellow officers were made prisoners and kept at Danville. Later, they were transferred to the notorious Libby prison. Col. Rodgers spent 12 months there. He was afterward transferred to the prison at Macon, and finally to Charleston. At Charleston, Col. Rodgers and his fellow officers were placed in a cell directly in line with the enemy's fire, and in this perilous position remained for six weeks, until released by exchange. While in the Southern prisons, Lieut. Col. Rodgers was commissioned Colonel, a title he had fully earned, by his service in the field and exposure in the prisons. Upon his return to the North, he recruited 500 men for the 144th Illinois regiment, at the request of Governor Yates and General Rosecrans. He resigned from the army on November 25, 1864.

When his regiment was captured at Rose, a sword given Col. Rodgers by Alton friends upon his departure from home, was stolen. On the handle of the sword were a Masonic emblem and the name of the owner. Fifty years later, Col. Rodgers was informed by the adjutant general of Illinois that a man in Texas was seeking an officer by name of A. F. Rodgers. The sword was returned to the Alton officer by a brother of the man who led the Southern troops which captured Col. Rodger's force. The sword had been used in a Texas Masonic lodge as the tyler sword.

Col. Rodgers was a leader in civic affairs. His energy and ability were in demand when a public movement was projected. In politics, he was a staunch Democrat, and in his earlier years was devoted to Stephen A. Douglas. He was frequently a delegate to district and state conventions and in 1870 was elected to the state legislature. He was prominent in Masonic circles, and was the oldest Knight Templar in the city. He was made a Mason in Upper Alton in 1852.  Following his retirement from the army, Col. Rodgers lived on his estate near Upper Alton. Col. Rodgers was one of Alton's most picturesque characters. Many anecdotes are told of him. One of them is that he attached a small bell to his fishing pole when fishing, so that he might be warned when fish were biting. Mr. Rodgers' surviving children are John B., Catherine, William, Sarah H., and Henry F. Colonel Rodgers engaged in two wars, and lived during four of the nation's six important wars. A veteran of the Mexican and Civil Wars, he lived during the Spanish-American and Great wars. After having fought in two, he had sons and grandsons in the other two. Colonel Rodgers' death was the first in his own immediate family, all his children and grandchildren being alive. On the other hand, he was the last of his father's children, the funeral of his brother taking place the day before his death. Describing the meeting with the girl he saved in the shipwreck in the Pacific, in "Reminiscences," as prepared from Col. Rodgers' story by a daughter, the colonel said:  "A few years ago (the Reminiscences were collected in 1910) the Rev. Henry Watson Minzer, of St. Louis, read an account of a gathering of the few remaining Mexican soldiers in Alton. Later, when here, he asked to be taken to see them, as he wished to know if they remembered his father who was at Buena Vista with the same regiment. I happened to be chosen. At college and in the Mexican war I knew his father well, and immediately asked if it was true that he had married Ella Watson. Strange to say, the answer was 'Yes,' and I could scarcely realize that before me stood the son of the beautiful young girl I last saw during the wreck of the 'Independence.' Several months later, when Mrs. Ella Watson Mizner was visiting her son, they stopped at Alton, and although after a lapse of 55 years, we were immediately taken back to our last meeting on the burning 'Independence.'"  The reminiscences of Col. Rodgers are concluded with: "With all the children away, we are alone again, just as we started our journey together, 50 years ago."

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

RODGERS, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 26, 1920         Founder of Alton Brick Co., Farmer, Upper Alton Businessman

Edward Rodgers, in his eighty-second year, died in his room at the Illini Hotel today from old age. Since Sunday night he had been unconscious. His death had been expected for some time. His strength had been failing for years, but he had an indomitable will that kept him up. Last summer he insisted on making a trip to Alaska. He started with Mrs. Rodgers, and they got to Vancouver, B. C., where they were forced to delay on account of difficulty in getting passage on a steamer, and there Mr. Rodgers was stricken. It was not believed at first that he would be able to get back home, and most men would not have survived the trip, but he did. He wanted to come back to Alton and after further delay the trip was begun and he arrived here safely. He was never able to be out any more after his return. His condition became weaker and weaker day by day, and this morning he passed out peacefully. In the passing of Edward Rodgers there went a man who had all his life been deeply engaged in successful business. He was the founder of the Alton Brick Co. During the 28 years of its existence, up to the time of his death, he remained its president. He was also president of the El Paso Brick Co., and was interested in the Fernholtz Brick Machine Co. Though he has been known in recent years to have been heavily interested in the manufacture of brick, it is interesting as a fact that Mr. Rodgers did not engage in the manufacturing business until he was 54 years of age. He had been a farmer, and he farmed on the place which was sold to the state as part of the hospital site. He was a highly successful farmer too, and not only was he able to make satisfactory sales of his own products, but he was engaged for a long time in marketing the products of the other farmers in his neighborhood. He was filled with business ability and his judgment was relied upon by all the farmers who lived in his vicinity. In 1871 he built the homestead that was afterward sold to the state of Illinois. He built it for his fiancee, who was Miss Ella Hewitt, and the next year the couple were married. There they lived until just before the property was sold to the state. Mr. Rodgers was born in Madison County, August 18, 1839, and lived in the county all his life. His birthplace was in Upper Alton, and at no time in his long life counted any other place as his home. He was a great traveler and frequently made long trips. In the later years of his life he spent his winters in El Paso, a city he had seen grow to fine proportions from a group of adobe houses. In his birthplace he had great interest. He always wanted to see the city improve go ahead, and pay more attention to beautifying itself. He could always be counted on for a liberal subscription to any cause for the public good. One of the latest benefactions in his life was the providing of a handsome gateway and brick wall for Oakwood cemetery, where he had planned to be laid away when his end came. He paid for the work that was done there and it will be a fine monument to his memory. Even when he was weakening rapidly in the last week of his life, he was interested in planning to do things of a similar character. His family say that he never allowed them to know he realized his end was near. He was planning, he told them, to go to El Paso for the winter, even up to the last, though the family knew that he must understand that the end was very near. Mr. Rodgers is described by one who knew him well as a man who was always sure of himself. He knew what he wanted to do, and he had unbounded confidence in his ability to make a successful conclusion of any enterprise he started. His enthusiasm carried others along with him, and his energy seemed to be tireless and inexhaustible. Illustrative of his clearness of head, even in his old age, he insisted on driving his automobile and one night last spring, when he got into a jam and a street car struck his auto, he calmly laughed at the evidences of anxiety on the part of others around and he extricated his car from the jam and drove away chuckling over the thought that others considered him unable to drive the car. His mind remained keen and perfect to the time he became unconscious and sank into his last sleep. Mr. Rodgers comes of a family that has been very prominent in Madison county. He leaves two brothers, Colonel A. F. Rodgers, who is 93, and Rynold, who is 78 and lives at El Paso, but has been here attending his dying brother. Mr. Rodgers also leaves his wife and three children, Eben of Alton; Hewitt of El Paso, Tex.; and Mrs. Mather Pfeiffenberger of Alton. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon from the home of Eben Rodgers, 531 Summit street, and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery, the place he had helped by liberal gifts to make beautiful.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28, 1920

The funeral of Edward Rodgers was held at 3 o'clock this afternoon from the home of his son, Eben Rodgers, where funeral services were conducted by President George M. Potter of Shurtleff college, the selection of the officiating clergyman being made because of the interest of Mr. Rodgers in the college during his lifetime. There was a large attendance of friends, relatives and old business associates of Mr. Rodgers at the funeral. The floral offerings from friends and organizations in which Mr. Rodgers was interested were numerous and unusually fine. The pallbearers were William, John, F_____, and Clark Rodgers, all nephews of the deceased, and Edward Watson and Harry Meyers. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

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

RODGERS, REYNOLD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 16, 1922          Only Surviving Brother of Col. A. F. Rodgers

Reynold Rodgers, aged 79, died this morning at 8 o'clock at El Paso, Tex., after undergoing a surgical operation in a hospital there. He was the only member of the family of Rodgers surviving, except Col. A. F. Rodgers, who is confined to his bed at his home on College avenue by a serious illness. Reynold Rodgers was the treasurer of the El Paso Brick Co. For many years he was connected with the Alton Brick Co., and was employed in the company's office. He left Alton to take the position with the El Paso Brick Co. He was born on the Rodgers farm, east of Alton, now the site of the Alton State Hospital. He never married. He was here for the last time at the time of the last sickness and just preceding the death of his brother, Edward Rodgers. He had been sick only a few days. He had sustained a rupture of the gall bladder and underwent an operation for its relief last Friday. His death followed the operation three days. The body will be brought to Alton for burial and will be accompanied home by his nephew, Hewitt Rodgers. It is expected they will arrive here by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The body will be taken to the home of his niece, Mrs. D. A. Wyckoff, and the funeral services will be from there. The time of the funeral will be announced later. Mr. Rodgers was a quiet unobtrusive man, and not so well known in Alton as other members of the family. Much of the time he made his home with his sister, Mrs. E. C. Lemen, and after her death he made his home with his niece, Mrs. Wyckoff. He leaves many relatives, friends and acquaintances here. The death of his only brother is being kept from Col. Rodgers, who is believed to be not strong enough to withstand the shock such information might cause him.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 18, 1922

The body of Reynold Rodgers, who died at El Paso, Texas, is expected to reach Alton at 9:40 a.m. tomorrow. Funeral services will be at three o'clock at the home of Mrs. D. A. Wyckoff in Washington avenue, and interment in the Upper Alton cemetery.

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

ROHAN, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1919

Daniel Rohan, aged 71 years, a long time resident of Alton, died Saturday after an illness with a combination of diseases. He is survived by one daughter and two sons, his wife having preceded him to the grave. The funeral was held this morning from the Cathedral, where a requiem mass was said in the presence of many friends of the deceased and of the family, by Rev. Fr. Costello. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery, and short services were conducted at the graveside by Father Costello.

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

ROLOFF, MRS. JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871 (review of 1870)

On January 14, 1870, Mrs. John Roloff, of Upper Alton, was burned to death by the explosion of a coal oil lamp.

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

ROLOFF, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1893

Mr. John Roloff, veteran of the late war and a resident of Upper Alton for the past 36 years, died Thursday morning at 11 o'clock of lung complications. Mr. Roloff was widely known and greatly respected for his many sterling qualities of mind and heart. A native of Germany and a plasterer by trade, he had actively followed his chosen vocation until about a year ago, when failing health compelled him to desist. Besides his widow, he leaves two sons, John and William, and four daughters, Mrs. McIntosh and Mrs. Henry Hesnauer, of Upper Alton.  Mrs. Eaton Barnard of St. Louis and an unmarried daughter, Annie, who resides at home. He was about 64 years of age and leaves numerous friends to mourn his death. He will be buried Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with Masonic honors. This sad bereavement follows swift upon the terrible Wann disaster, of which Mr. Roloff's son, George, was a victim.

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

ROPER, JOHN S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 22, 1920        Prominent Citizen and Quarry Operator Dies - Civil War Veteran

John S. Roper, in his seventy-ninth year, died at 10 o'clock Tuesday evening at his residence, Fourth and George Streets, following an attack which prostrated him less than a week before his death. Mr. Roper had not been in the best of health for some time, advancing years having caused him to fail somewhat in strength. However, he was able to be up and around until the day he was stricken with what appeared to be a paralytic stroke. He was able to recognize his family and make known his wants. He was very low all of Monday and Tuesday, and the end was expected. Mr. Roper was born in Ligonier, Pa., January 10, 1842. He went to Springfield, Ill., _t Olive in about 1856. During the Civil War he served as a commissary clerk in the army, most of the time with Gen. Thomas in Kentucky and Tennessee. He witnessed the battle of Missionary Ridge and was with Gen. Sherman's army in the "March to the Sea." After the war he settled at Elsah, Ill., and on November 2, 1867 he married Adelaide T. Benner, at the residence of his sister, the late Mrs. Charlotte A. Pickard, the ceremony taking place in the room next adjoining that in which he died. He moved to Alton in 1872 and in 1881 into the house which has since been the family residence. Since early in the 70s he was secretary of the Grafton Quarry Co., and until recently he maintained an office in St. Louis. For many years he was superintendent of the Unitarian Sunday school. He served as a member of the city council and was for many years deeply interested in municipal affairs. He was known as a public spirited citizen, a good friend and neighbor and he had a large circle of friends, both among young and old, who deeply regret his passing. Mr. Roper is survived by his wife, his daughter, Jessie A. Roper, his son, Denny W. Roper of Chicago, and one brother, Joseph D. Roper of Springfield. The funeral services tomorrow afternoon will be private. Friends are requested to omit flowers.

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

ROSS, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 11, 1921

Frank W. Ross, aged 80, died this morning at his home, 1825 Evergreen Avenue in Upper Alton, from old age. Mr. Ross was a retired farmer. He had lived in the Delhi neighborhood for many years and he gave up farming fourteen years ago and moved to Alton where he has lived ever since. He began to show the effects of advancing age last July when he complained of suffering from neuralgic pains of the heart and he had been in a bad way most of the time since then. He leaves his wife, three daughters and one son, Mrs. Emma Craig, Mrs. Fred Breitweiser, Mrs. Dixon Mundle and Edward Ross. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from the family home and services will be conducted by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier of the Evangelical church. Burial will be in the Marston cemetery on the Jerseyville road, about ten miles out of Alton. Mr. Ross was highly respected in Alton where he had passed the declining years of his life. He was a highly esteemed man in the neighborhood where he spent the greater part of his life near Delhi.

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

ROSS, WEBB/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, January 26, 1893                Engineer of train at Wann disaster

The funeral of Webb Ross, the veteran engineer who was burned to death in the wreck of the Big Four limited at Alton Junction Saturday morning, took place in Mattoon, Illinois yesterday from the Methodist church. Mr. Ross was 62 years old, second oldest engineer on the Big Four road and an active member of the Methodist church. Nothing but words of praise can be said of him by all who knew him. Hale and hearty he was one of the most trusted engineers of the road. The church was crowded with friends from far and near and the occasion was a sad one. Members of the Brotherhood of Engineers acted as pallbearers among, then, being Patrick Vaughn, the oldest engineer on the road. The people turned out in one accord and fairly enveloped the casket of their fellow citizen with flowers. An enormous funeral procession followed the remains to the cemetery. Among the number was Mr. George W. Cutter of this city [Alton], one of the oldest engineer's on the C. & A. [Railroad].

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

ROTH, MRS. WENZEL/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, January 18, 1893

Mrs. Wenzel Roth, of Ft. Russell Township, died yesterday morning of old age and bronchial troubles. She was in her 72nd year. She was an old resident of the county. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon. She leaves one son and one daughter, Louis Roth and Mrs. Adam Fuhrman.

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

RUCKER, RANSOM/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, February 9, 1893

Ransom Rucker, aged 72 years, died Saturday at 12:30 p.m.  Mr. Rucker is the father of George Rucker, who died a short time ago from injuries received in the oil explosion.

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

RUCKMAN, LEROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5, 1919          Worried Over Debts Man Kills Self By Slashing His Own Throat

Worry over debts and money due on a Liberty Bond, which he thought he would never be able to pay, and the fear of being sent to prison, are thought to have been the cause of Leroy Ruckman taking his own life this morning. Ruckman slashed his throat with a razor at 10:30 this morning, and died a half an hour later before a physician reached him. He lived on Fourteenth street. Ruckman was 33 years old and married. His wife, who is at the home of Mrs. Arthur Thomas, 401 East Fourteenth street, said today that her husband had been worrying for some time over debts he owed and the money due on the Liberty Bond. He often expressed the fear of being sent to prison, she said. He frequently grew very discouraged, Mrs. Ruckman said, and was heard to say, "I haven't a friend in the world." Mrs. Ruckman said she believed her husband was greatly in debt, and to many people, though he seldom told her of his affairs. Ruckman was an oiler at the plant of the Sparks Milling Co., and worked last night. He complained this morning, his wife said, of being tired. The family had prepared to move, and Ruckman had loaded several sacks of coal. Ruckman leaves his widow, Mrs. Carrie Ruckman, and two children, James, four years old, and Bertha May, 14 months old. She came here from St. Charles, Mo. Ruckman was born at Hardin and has been living in Alton about 25 years. He leaves a brother who resides .. The body was taken in charge by Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer, who ...... [unreadable] Ruckman lived in a house he purchased from Yager on the building and loan plan. He had been unable to meet the payments and grew discouraged. Yager took the house back from him some time ago, and yesterday suggested that Ruckman move from the house, which, Yager said, was in dangerous condition and liable to collapse at any time. Mr. Yager planned to make repairs. Ruckman refused to move, even when Yager offered to find another house for him and stand part of the expense of moving, saying his stay longer would be at his own risk. Preparations for moving had been completed this morning, Mrs. Ruckman said, before her husband ended his life.

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

RUDD, ALFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11, 1919                  Soldier Dies From Tuberculosis

Alfred Rudd, aged 33, one of the men who was sent into the army from Alton, died at Mt. St. Rose Sanitarium in St. Louis at 4 o'clock this morning from tuberculosis. He was sent home disabled and given his discharge because of the malady from which he suffered. The body will be brought to Alton tomorrow and the funeral will be Friday morning from the home of his sister, Mrs. Joshua Craig, to the Cathedral. An infant child of Rudd died June 13, and the father came home eight days after the burial of the babe, and had been sick ever since.

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

RUE, FRANK J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1923

Frank J. Rue, a resident of Alton for 30 years, died last night at his home, 814 Grove street, from heart trouble, after an illness that had its beginning four years ago. He was in failing health all that time, but not until late Saturday night was he taken seriously ill. All day Sunday and yesterday it was realized he was sinking fast and the end came at 10:30 o'clock Monday night. For 25 years Mr. Rue conducted a grocery store on Central avenue, north of Grove street. He was a well known business man. About ten years ago he disposed of his store and retired from the grocery business to look after his real estate interests, which were large. He devoted most of his time to that, but since his health became impaired he had put in much of his time in travel. Mr. Rue was born in Delhi, Ill., and was 73 years of age. He leaves his wife and three children, Mrs. E. A. Haight of Flagstaff, Ariz., Mrs. Jewett Smith and Dr. A. W. Rue of Alton. Mrs. Haight is now on her way here to attend the funeral, having been notified of the serious condition of her father when he took the sudden change for the worse. He leaves also two sisters, Mrs. George Herdman of Jerseyville, Mrs. Spencer Wyckoff of Pasadena, Cal., and one brother, Will Parrish of Alton. Mr. Rue was a member of the Twelfth street Presbyterian church for many years, having joined that church soon after he moved to Alton. Before coming here he had owned and conducted a farm in Godfrey township, where he had been very successful. In business in Alton he was likewise successful. He was well thought of by all who knew him. His death caused general surprise among his friends who did not realize that he was in such bad condition. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the residence. The services will be conducted by Rev. A. J. Niebruegge of the Twelfth street Presbyterian church.

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

RUNDELL, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 19, 1922          Crushed Under Train

Frank Rundell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rundell, was killed yesterday afternoon on the Big Four tracks near the plant of the Equitable Powder Co. by the train due to arrive at East Alton at 4:20 p.m. Rundell's home was at 522 Shelly street. He had been married two years, and is survived by his wife. Members of the family said that he had been out of work for a few days, and that he was searching for a job with the construction gang building an electric circuit from East Alton to Bethalto. He was formerly a lineman and wanted to take up his old work. He inquired of the men in the gang about the chances of getting a job, and was directed down the track to where the foreman was to inquire of him. That walk down the track proved fatal to him as he was overtaken by the Big Four passenger train and run down. Evidently he did not hear the approaching train in time to get off the track in safety. In addition to the wife and parents, the deceased leaves four sisters, Mrs. Harry Raymond, Earl Coatney, Clara and Millicent Rundell, and four brothers, Walter, Harry, John and Carl Rundell.

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

RUPPRECHT, MAGGIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday, March 6, 1899

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rupprecht on Alby street has been bereaved by the death of their two years old daughter, Maggie Rupprecht. Death was due to spinal meningitis. The funeral was at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the family home and services were conducted by Rev. William Hackman.

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

RUPPRECHT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1921             Alton Soldier Killed In France

Word was received today that the body of William Rupprecht would be sent to Alton for burial. He was killed overseas while performing a volunteer mission. His parents are dead and the other members of his family have departed from Alton. A sister residing at Nokomis has been notified of the shipment of the body here and has asked undertaker William Bauer to receive and hold it until members of the family can arrive.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30, 1921

Funeral services for William Rupprecht, a former Alton soldier, who was killed in France, will be held on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the German Evangelical church with Rev. Heggemeier officiating. Alton post of the American Legion will have charge of the services and the Legionnaires are asked to assemble at City Hall Square at two o'clock Sunday afternoon to accompany the remains from the Bauer Undertaking establishment to the church, and following the services, from the church to the City cemetery where interment will be made. The Legion firing squad composed of the same members who served in previous funerals will serve at the Rupprecht funeral on Sunday, and all members of the Legion are urged to turn out for this funeral. Pallbearers will be selected from among the soldiers who served in the same company with the deceased.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1921

Funeral services over the remains of William Rupprecht, a former Alton boy who met his death while serving with the American Expeditionary forces overseas, were held here Sunday afternoon under the direction of Alton post American Legion. The Legionnaires congregated in City hall square and accompanied the remains from the Bauer undertaking establishment to the Evangelical church where Rev. Heggemeier conducted a funeral service in the presence of many friends of the deceased. The funeral procession then went to the City Cemetery, where Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger, commander of Alton post American Legion, carried out the Legion burial ritual with the assistance of a firing squad. Pallbearers were chosen from among friends of the deceased who served with him overseas. They were: Warren Ash, Jack Kinney, Tom Dugan, May Campbell, Elza McCann. Legionnaires in the funeral procession were commenting today upon respect shown the Flag when the cortege was enroute to the church Sunday afternoon, and thence to the cemetery. It was observed that on one street where a large number of men were passed, only one individual removed his hat at the passing of the colors.

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

RUSSELL, FRANK G./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 29, 1880

Mr. Frank G. Russell died at his mother's residence on State street at 2:40 o'clock this morning, of consumption, after a lingering illness of over two years. Deceased was a most worthy and estimable young man, a favorite with all who knew him, and warmly beloved by the relatives and intimate friends who were best acquainted with his high character and many noble and generous qualities. During his long illness he was watched over and cared for by his relations with the most assiduous care and devotion, and every means that human skill could apply, or tender affection suggest to arrest the progress of his disease was employed, but the most that could be done for the sufferer was to smooth his pathway to the grave. Something over a year ago he spent the winter in San Antonio, but the genial climate, which has helped so many invalids, brought no healing to him, and he returned only to linger out days of pain and nights of waking. He bore all his sufferings with patience and fortitude4, and peacefully awaited the inevitable end. His widowed mother, brothers and sisters have the sympathy of all their neighbors and friends in this affliction. Mr. Russell was a native of Alton, where he spent his brief life. For several years he was a compositor in this office, always faithful, prompt and efficient. The funeral will take place from the family residence at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning. The remains will be taken to St. Louis for interment in Bellefontaine cemetery.

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

RUST, JAMES W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1922

James W. Rust, aged 33, died this morning at 11:30 o'clock at his home, 1506 Clawson street, after an illness of four months. Mr. Rust had been near death a long time. All hope of his recovery was abandoned some time ago and then he began to show signs of improvement and again hopes were held that he would get well. His attending physician expressed the belief that it was only the strong will power of the man that tided him over at one period when he was in the worst condition. The number of friends Mr. Rust had manifested in his long illness by the large number of visitors who called or inquired for him, manifesting a deep interest in his condition. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and the encampment, also the Rebekahs, and also of the First Presbyterian Church. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the First Presbyterian church, Rev. Edward L. Gibson, officiating. The body will be taken to Perry, Ill., for burial, Tuesday morning. Mr. Rust leaves his wife and one daughter, Harriet, aged 9. He was employed at the plant of the Illinois Glass Company at the time he was taken sick. The struggle of Mr. Rust to conquer the malady which had attacked him attracted much attention. Conflicting reports as to his condition were abroad, and in all cases they were justified, as when he seemed the worst he would take a sudden turn for the better and it appeared that he might have a chance to get well. It was these changes in his condition that attracted so much attention.

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

RUTLEDGE, MARIE ENO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1922               Was Nearing Sixty-Fifth Anniversary of Her Marriage

Mrs. Marie Eno Rutledge, wife of Walton Rutledge, died this morning at 8 o'clock at the family home, Fourth and Market streets, from the effects of pneumonia. She had been suffering from the disease nearly a month. With her at the time of her illness, for most of the time, were all the members of her family. Her aged husband, Walton Rutledge, who has been suffering from arterial hardening, is in a very bad condition, and the death of his wife has added to the gravity of his case. Mrs. Rutledge was married in Alton nearly sixty five years ago. She was only 15 years of age when she was married in Alton, and the observance of the sixtieth anniversary about four and a half years ago, was a big event with the family. They were looking forward to the sixty-fifth anniversary, which would have fallen the 4th of next December, and planned to make it a notable occasion, as there are few couples who live to celebrate that anniversary. Mrs. Rutledge was born in Boston, England, March 27, 1842, passing her eightieth birthday last March. She came to America with her parents when very young, going first to Winona, Minn., and afterward coming to Alton at the age of 10. She was married at Edwardsville, December 4, 1857. Since girlhood, she had been a member of the First Baptist church and her religious interests centered there. In her home she was a good mother and wife, and in her closing hours her devoted family of children were around her. She leaves her aged husband, Walton Rutledge, and six children, William A. of St. Louis, Elmer E. of Alton, Ella S. of Alton, John J. of Urbana, Mrs. Zeb Lapelle and Herbert Rutledge of Washington, D. C.

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

RUTLEDGE, WALTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1922           Former Alderman, City Engineer, State & County Mine Inspector and County Engineer

Walton Rutledge, one of the best known residents of Alton, and for many years prominent in public life, died this morning at his home on Fourth and Market streets, after a long period of physical disability. His death follows closely that of his wife, and at the time of her death Mr. Rutledge, who had suffered a collapse, did not realize that his partner of nearly 65 years of married life had passed over. His death was not unexpected, and was a happy release from suffering. He was born in Haswell, Durham county, England, April 18, 1836, and came to the United States when he was nineteen years of age. Mr. Rutledge was in his early days a coal miner in the old mines on the coal branch, at North Alton, and it was there he acquired the experience which fitted him for valuable public service to the state in the years to come, in various capacities, all of them connected with the mining industry. He served as county mine inspector for several years and he also held the position of county surveyor of Madison county, for twelve years. For five years he was city engineer of the city of Alton and he rendered capable service in that time. Two years he served as a member of the Alton city council. For more than thirty years Mr. Rutledge served the state of Illinois in the capacity of a state mine inspector. He was retained in the service under one governor after another, and he did not give up his state work until old age made it necessary for him to do so. During the Civil War he served in two regiments, first in the 132nd and next in the 144th, in both instances being a first lieutenant. He had a prominent part in the framing and passing of the mining laws of Illinois which formed the basis of mining legislation in other states. He was an honorary member of the Mine Inspectors Institute of America, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. For many years he had been a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Piasa lodge at Alton, and he was also a member of Belvidere commandery, Knights Templar. He was the first president of the board of trustees of the village of North Alton, now a part of Alton. Mr. Rutledge was a good musician, and was especially skillful in playing the violin. Old timers recall that in the olden days there would seldom be a social gathering in the North Side that would be without some musical background furnished by Walton Rutledge. He was a kindly, courteous, friendly man, and he was known as a good citizen, an upright man in every particular, and he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. The children surviving are William A. Rutledge of St. Louis, E. E. Rutledge and Miss Ella Rutledge of Alton, J. J. Rutledge of Urbana, Ill., Mrs. Zeb Lapelle and Herbert W. Rutledge of Washington, D. C. The funeral of Walton Rutledge will be held Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock from the home. The distant members of the family are expected to be here.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1922

The funeral of Walton Rutledge was held this morning at 9:30 o'clock from his late residence, Fourth and Market streets. There was a good attendance of old friends and relatives at the services, which were conducted by Rev. D. T. McGill of the College Avenue Baptist Church. The burial service in the City Cemetery was under the auspices of the Masonic order. Mr. Rutledge having held membership many years in Piasa lodge. The Knights Templar furnished an escort of honor for the deceased. There were many floral offerings from those who had know Mr. Rutledge in his long career in public life. The pallbearers were J. W. Beall, George T. Davis, J. D. Broome, P. B. Cousley, H. T. McCrea, J. T. McClure.

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

RYAN, ALICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1920

Mrs. Alice Ryan, a resident of North Alton for more than sixty years, died last night after a lingering illness caused by old age infirmities, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ignatius Walter, on Elm street. Mrs. Ryan would have been 80 years old March 17 next, and most of her life was spent in Alton. She was a kindly, charitable woman, and made and retained friends because of her lovable characteristics, and her death will be regretted by all who knew her. She is survived by three sons and four daughters, and all the children but one, who lives in Oregon, were with her before she passed away, peacefully as if sleeping. The children are John T. Ryan and Mrs. Ignatius Walter of Alton; Mrs. Charles Lyle of Malavoh, Oregan; Mrs. W. H. Staley of Sioux City, Iowa; Miss Katherine Ryan of St. Louis; James Ryan of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Thomas Ryan of Wichita Falls, Texas. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral, and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

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

RYAN, JOHN T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 6, 1922

John T. Ryan, aged 45 years, a life long resident of North Alton, passed away Monday morning at 15 minutes to eight o'clock after a lingering sickness that began two years ago. Everything that could be done or tried to give him relief was done by his family, but all was in vain. Specialists were able to afford only temporary relief and for several months he has been bedfast, and death came to him as a relief. He was a fine young man, genial and charitable in word and deed, and his friends are limited only by the number of those acquainted with him. There will be genuine regret in all parts of the city to learn the outcome of his long, brave fight against disease. He is survived by his wife, two brothers, Tom and John of Texas and Oklahoma respectively, and four sisters, Miss Kate of St. Louis, Mrs. Ignatius Walter of North Alton, Mrs. Lizzie Staley of Iowa and Mrs. Charles Lyle of Oregon. He also leaves a stepdaughter, Mrs. Ada Roller, who with her husband lives at the Ryan home, and two stepsons, Raymond and Will Leonard, both of here. Funeral arrangements have not been made, awaiting the arrival of the brothers and the Iowa sister. Mrs. Lyle will hardly be able to come from Oregon to attend the obsequies.

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

RYDER, NELSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1921

Several Alton people went to Edwardsville yesterday to attend the funeral services of Nelson Ryder, attorney. Burial was at Marine. Mr. Ryder had some good friends in Alton who regretted to hear of his death. A memorial service for him is set for October 20 in the Circuit court. At the services yesterday Rev. Thos. Dyke officiated.

Back to the top

Copyright Bev Bauser.  All rights reserved.