Zua McQueen Cutsinger, 78, passed away on June 16, 1945, at her brother’s home in Douglas County, Illinois. Her funeral was held at the Christian Church in Newman, with interment in Newman Cemetery. Born on March 3, 1867, in Clifford, Indiana, she was the daughter of William R. T. and Ellen McQueen. Zua is survived by three children, three brothers, and one sister. She married W. E. Cutsinger in 1891, who predeceased her seven years prior.
Mrs. Minnie O. Moore, aged 68, passed away at her home on Wednesday morning after enduring a prolonged illness that included six paralytic strokes over thirteen years. Born on July 26, 1875, in Douglas County, Illinois, she spent most of her life in Shelby County, marrying Otis Moore in 1893. She is survived by her husband, two children, four brothers, and two grandchildren. A member of the Blue River Baptist Church, her funeral service will take place at their residence on Friday afternoon.
James H. Wright, born on February 6, 1827, in Trumbull County, Ohio, is a prominent grain buyer in Arthur. He hails from a Scotch-Irish family, with his father, Rev. James Wright, being a Presbyterian minister. After relocating west in 1857, Wright engaged in farming before starting a grain business in Hindsboro in 1873, later moving to Arthur in 1886. Married to Sarah E. Rogers, they have seven children. An active community member, he has been an Odd Fellow since 1852 and served as president of Arthur’s town board.
William A. Wiseman, born on January 1, 1853, in Waterloo, Ohio, is a prominent physician in Camargo with a successful practice. He pursued education at DePauw University before studying medicine at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1886. Dr. Wiseman specialized in skin diseases and gynecology, gaining experience at the Philadelphia Lying-in Hospital before settling in Camargo. A Prohibitionist, he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen and Court of Honor. He married Emma C. Carrel in 1875 and they have three children.
Charles W. Wilson, born on February 15, 1856, in Indiana, became a prominent figure in Tuscola as the editor and proprietor of the Tuscola Review. His career in journalism began in 1872 as an office boy, progressing through various roles in local newspapers. He acquired the Review in 1892, significantly revitalizing it and doubling its circulation within a year. Known for his self-education and adept writing, Wilson’s Democratic-leaning newspaper gained popularity even among Republican readers, marking a significant chapter in Tuscola’s journalistic history.
James A. Williams, born in August 1862 in Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, achieved notable success despite limited formal education. After his mother’s death at age thirteen, he sought opportunities in the West, ultimately settling in Tuscola Township, Illinois. Through hard work, he acquired 240 acres of land and engaged in store ownership. Married to Amy McGrath, he has three children and remains active in farm management. Williams is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of Camargo and identifies as a Republican.
George White, born August 18, 1842, near Glasgow, Kentucky, became a prominent implement dealer and auctioneer in Newman, Illinois, starting his business around 1874. Over the years, he achieved significant success, with annual sales between $25,000 and $35,000. Married to Della Clark, they have two sons, Henry W. and Fred. White served in the Civil War and held various positions, including township supervisor. He is also active in several organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic.
W. L. Watson was born on December 22, 1837, in Vermilion County, Illinois. The son of itinerant preacher William D. Watson and Mary Low, he grew up primarily in Douglas County. After his father’s death in 1858, W. L. managed the family farm until enlisting in the Fifth Missouri Cavalry in 1862. He later re-enlisted in the Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, serving until January 1866. Post-war, he returned to farming on the homestead, continuing the family legacy.
Albert W. Wallace, president of the First National Bank of Tuscola, has been a prominent figure in central Illinois banking since he took office in 1898. Born to a Scottish lineage, his family moved from Pennsylvania to Indiana and eventually to Coles County, where Wallace played a key role in founding Tuscola. He served as justice of the peace and the first circuit clerk, significantly contributing to community development. A devoted Methodist, Wallace was instrumental in establishing the local church and served in various civic roles, reflecting his commitment to public service.
T. W. Swigart, born on July 3, 1831, in Maryland, was a prominent harness dealer and businessman in Newman and Douglas County. He honed his skills as a harness maker in Ohio before relocating to various states, ultimately settling in Newman in 1873. A well-respected figure, Swigart served as president of the town board and held various community positions. Known for his straightforwardness and integrity, he significantly contributed to the local economy while building a successful business and gaining the respect of the community.
Isaac Skinner was born on January 5, 1829, in Vermillion County, Indiana. He worked on his father’s farm until adulthood and became a farmer himself, acquiring 160 acres by 1853. Skinner was married three times and fathered five children. Initially a Whig, he later aligned with the Republican party. A member of the Methodist Church since 1858, he is recognized for his contributions to his community and has retired from active farming, owning 320 acres near Newman.
Stephen Redden, born on April 14, 1818, in Bracken County, Kentucky, migrated west with his family at age four. They settled in Indiana and later moved to Illinois, where he grew up working the land. Redden, who had no formal education, was married twice, first to Vashti Winkler, with whom he had no children, and later to Mary A. Tinkle. Known for his honesty, Redden died on April 17, 1897, at the age of seventy-nine, leaving a legacy of hard work and resilience.
James L. Reat, M. D., born on January 26, 1824, in Ohio, became a notable physician and surgeon in Illinois. His lineage traces back to Scottish ancestors who settled in America during the Revolutionary War. After his family relocated to Illinois, Dr. Reat received a collegiate education and graduated from Medical College in Cincinnati and Rush Medical College in Chicago. He served as a surgeon during the Civil War and later practiced in Tuscola, where he was active in community and educational initiatives. He married Sallie C. Callaway and had three children.
J. W. Phillips, a prominent Tuscola businessman, established a successful poultry, produce, and ice venture in 1896. He quickly rebuilt after a fire, expanding his facilities to create one of the state’s largest poultry businesses, employing about twenty-five workers. Born on April 18, 1861, in Clay County, Tennessee, Phillips moved to Hawkins County during his youth. He married Nellie M. Fitch in 1881, and they have four children. Phillips is also a member of the Woodmen and Redmen organizations.
W. W. Pepper was born on May 24, 1866, on a farm near Newman, Illinois, as the eldest of seven children. He received his early education in Oakland and pursued higher studies at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, graduating in law in 1893. After moving to Newman in 1894, he quickly gained popularity, serving as city attorney amid a flourishing legal practice. Known for his determination and hard work, Pepper built a successful career based on his deep understanding of the law.
William H. Newport, born on February 9, 1840, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, has become a prominent farmer in Douglas County, residing on his land for thirteen years. Married to Fannie Mishler in 1862, the couple has five children: Charley, Israel, Eli, Otis, and Grover. Newport actively contributes to his community as a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity and serves as a road commissioner, demonstrating his commitment to local improvement and benevolence.
Ira M. Mulliken, born December 17, 1865, in Champaign County, Illinois, was a prominent business figure in Newman. After training in carpentry and embalming, he joined Mike, Miller & Co. in Charleston until 1896. He then partnered with James Barr, managing a hardware and undertaking business. Mulliken was actively involved in the community as a member of the I.O.O.F., Masonic fraternity, and served as clerk of the school board. He married Ida A. Allison and had one daughter, Frances Marie.
George H. Moser, a notable homeopathic physician from Arcola, Pennsylvania, was born on December 19, 1859. He graduated with honors from the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri in 1890 and began practicing in Belleville, Illinois, before moving to Bond County and then Arcola in 1895. Known for his diagnostic skills and friendly demeanor, Dr. Moser quickly established a successful practice in Arcola. He married on December 10, 1881, and has three daughters: Lola, Viola, and Hattie.
Jacob R. Moore, a respected farmer and long-time resident of Douglas County, Illinois, lived his entire life on the farm where he was born. Moore, who passed away on June 2, 1899, at the age of sixty-two, witnessed the transformation of the surrounding land from wilderness into fertile farmland. A devoted husband and father of seven, he contributed significantly to the community, including serving on the First National Bank’s board and helping establish Bethel Church. His character and dedication made him a valued neighbor and citizen.
P. H. Monahan, born on February 19, 1837, in County Galway, Ireland, emigrated to America at thirteen, settling in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, before moving to Arcola. He significantly contributed to the broom corn industry and served in the town council. Monahan married Hannah Quirk and had four children, including current mayor Thomas. A respected figure in Arcola for nearly fifty years, he is remembered as an influential and esteemed citizen, despite losing his parents early in life.