Jane Ann Carlton 57-year-old McLeansboro resident, Jane Ann Carlton, died at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, June 7 at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi. She was a Community Care Worker. Surviving are her mother, Bette Carlton of McLeansboro; one sister, June Accord of Carmi; and one nephew, Cliff Accord of Carmi. Funeral services for Jane Ann Carlton will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McLeansboro. Visitation will be from noon Sunday, June 10 until the time of service at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Memorials may be made to Wabash Christian Retirement Center Ministry, and will be accepted at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

MCLEANSBORO -- Elsie A. Shepherd, 58, of Camden, Tenn., formerly of McLeansboro, died at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2012, in Cam-den Health Care. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery near McLeansboro. Visi-tation will be at noon Friday at the funeral home. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on June 7, 2012

Elsie Alene Shepherd 58-year-old former McLeansboro resident, Elsie Alene Shepherd of Camden TN died at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 5 at Camden Health Care in Camden, TN. Services for Elsie Alene Shepherd are pending at the Gholson Funeral Home

Elizabeth Ann Marks 72-year-old Eldorado resident, Elizabeth Ann Marks died at 4:26 p.m. Monday, June 4 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. She was a nurses aide. Survivors include six daughters, Vicki Bond of Herrin, Katie Lenard of McLeansboro, Sandra Cueva of Eldorado, Rosemary Mitchell of Carmi, Daisy Ritchie of Toledo, OH and Delta Marks of Eldorado; three sisters, Betty Drew of McLeansboro, Alice Springer of Pawnee,IL and Sue Tedford of McLeansboro; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A private family burial of ashes will be conducted at a later date. There will be no public visitation. The Harre Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of all the arrangements Elizabeth Ann Marks 72-year-old Eldorado resident, Elizabeth Ann Marks died at 4:26 p.m. Monday, June 4 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. She was a nurses aide. Survivors include six daughters, Vicki Bond of Herrin, Katie Lenard of McLeansboro, Sandra Cueva of Eldorado, Rosemary Mitchell of Carmi, Daisy Ritchie of Toledo, OH and Delta Marks of Eldorado; three sisters, Betty Drew of McLeansboro, Alice Springer of Pawnee,IL and Sue Tedford of McLeansboro; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A private family burial of ashes will be conducted at a later date. There will be no public visitation. The Harre Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of all the arrangements

MT. VERNON — — On June 2, 2012, Mrs. Peggy Smith Barr left her temporary home in McLeansboro. She was 81 years of age. She had made a happy home for her loving husband, Donald Barr for sixty-three years. They were married in McLeansboro on Aug. 29, 1948. Peggy had just graduated from McLeansboro High School. Their home was blessed with two daughters, Joyce (Gordon) Jones and Mrs. Donna Schlag. Donna met her mom at Heaven’s golden gates. In addition, Peggy was met by her parents, Ralph and Dorothy Smith and her brother, Paul Smith. Peggy was a homemaker most of her life; however, after the girls were on their own, she chose to work some for the public. She worked for a couple of local department stores and she was a substitute cook for the Hamilton County schools. She seemed to find more enjoyment doing volunteer work, including 4-H, Homemaker Club and helping special needs children. Her favorite was for her church, Delafield Baptist Church. During her lifetime, she has served as the church secretary, treasurer, vacation Bible School and classroom teacher and custodian. Outside of her church work, she found time to hold several offices for the Order of the Eastern Star and beco me a lifelong member of the Weight Watcher Organization. She also found time to start college and graduated from Rend Lake College and started attending Southern Illinois University. Her love for education continued throughout her life. Peggy’s love for children of all ages made her a loving, caring grandmother. She was a wonderful grandmother to Joshua (Brandy), Joyce Dawnnette (Matt), Jannelle, Jeanna and Jaynna. She was also very close to her only sister, Betty Gordon. The visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro and the funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Delafield Baptist Church. Memorials can be made to the Delafield Baptist Church or Middle Creek Cemetery Mon Jun 04, 2012, 07:00 AM CDT

Peggy J. Barr 81-year-old McLeansboro resident, Peggy J. Barr, died at 5:39 a.m. Saturday, June 2 at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi. Funeral arrang Home in McLeansboro.

What a GREAT family story, Sandra!! Kay In a message dated 6/2/2012 3:00:46 P.M. Central Daylight Time, brandt@apex.net writes: I am a Voliva Descendent and I met Leslie and her daughter Joan at a Voliva Family Reunion in Brown Co. Ind. several years ago. Leslie's mother, Florence "Ada" Voliva was my Grandmother, Nancy "Clara" Voliva's sister. Leslie was a very bright, interesting, intelligent lady who I am proud to have as a relative. She told us the story as to why she was named Leslie. Her mother was pregnant and was visited by her nephew, John Leslie Voliva, who was soon heading off to WWI as a young Marine. Before he left he asked his Aunt Ada to "Name the baby after me!". John Leslie was killed in the Battle of the Argonne Forest and was buried there in France. The baby was born and Florence Ada named her new baby, Leslie Lee. After the war ended-John Leslie's Grandmother/my Gr-grandmother, Elizabeth Bond Voliva asked her husband, Joab Hill Voliva-(his Grandparents had raised him after his mother died in childbirth and his father, Charles, was unable to handle the responsibility of two children-a whole nother story) to bring John Leslie home. I have pictures of the funeral that was held in Dahlgren IL when John Leslie's casket was brought home. Joab Voliva, was asked to identify his grandson's body remains and-hard as that might have been, Joab said " that's him-that's his red hair". John Leslie Voliva is buried in the Dahlgren IOOF Cemetery next to his Grandparents, Joab and Elizabeth Voliva. I send my most sincere condolences to the entire Newsome and extended Voliva family-we have lost a beloved member. I would very much like to re-connect with Joan Newsome if possible. Sandra Brandt Phoenix, Az. -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Sue Armstrong Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 7:18 AM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: [ILHAMILT] obit: Leslie (Knapp) Hughes In Journal Star of Peoria, Illinois on May 29, 2012 LESLIE HUGHES *PEORIA *- Mrs. Leslie Lee Knapp Hughes, 94, of Shelby, N.C., formerly of Peoria, died Friday, May 25, 2012, at Kings Mountain Hospice in Cleveland County. She was born March 27, 1918, in Hamilton County, Ill., a daughter to the late Florence Ada Voliva Knapp and George Grover Knapp. She was the last surviving of 14 children and the matriarch of her family. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence M. Hughes. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Newsome; a grandson, Michael Newsome and his wife, Kristen; and their two sons, Parker and Riley Newsome, all of Shelby. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150. Lutz-Austell Funeral Home is serving the family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

James "Jim" E. Robinson, 65, of West Frankfort passed away at 7:09 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton. He was born January 14, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to James C. Robinson and Marie (Whitecotton) Robinson. He married Maxine (Garrison) Robinson on August 9, 1987. Survivors include his wife, Maxine Robinson of West Frankfort; two daughters, Nadine Robinson of Mt. Vernon and Christine (Eric) Bohne of Elgin; two sons, James Brandon Robinson of McLeansboro and Jeff (Samantha) Mendenhall of West Frankfort; 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren; six brothers, Denny (Shirley) Robinson, Kenny (Pam) Robinson, David (Linda) Robinson, Bob (Karen) Robinson and Steve (Trisha) Robinson all of Mt. Vernon, Rick (Lori) Robinson Benton, Ky. a sister, Candy (Dennis) Pedigo of Benton; He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cheryl Ann Robinson and a brother, John Michael Robinson. Jim was a carpenter. He had a passion for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, he loved to read, hunt and fish and be outdoors. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Noon Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Parker - Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be after 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the guest register visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com

I am a Voliva Descendent and I met Leslie and her daughter Joan at a Voliva Family Reunion in Brown Co. Ind. several years ago. Leslie's mother, Florence "Ada" Voliva was my Grandmother, Nancy "Clara" Voliva's sister. Leslie was a very bright, interesting, intelligent lady who I am proud to have as a relative. She told us the story as to why she was named Leslie. Her mother was pregnant and was visited by her nephew, John Leslie Voliva, who was soon heading off to WWI as a young Marine. Before he left he asked his Aunt Ada to "Name the baby after me!". John Leslie was killed in the Battle of the Argonne Forest and was buried there in France. The baby was born and Florence Ada named her new baby, Leslie Lee. After the war ended-John Leslie's Grandmother/my Gr-grandmother, Elizabeth Bond Voliva asked her husband, Joab Hill Voliva-(his Grandparents had raised him after his mother died in childbirth and his father, Charles, was unable to handle the responsibility of two children-a whole nother story) to bring John Leslie home. I have pictures of the funeral that was held in Dahlgren IL when John Leslie's casket was brought home. Joab Voliva, was asked to identify his grandson's body remains and-hard as that might have been, Joab said " that's him-that's his red hair". John Leslie Voliva is buried in the Dahlgren IOOF Cemetery next to his Grandparents, Joab and Elizabeth Voliva. I send my most sincere condolences to the entire Newsome and extended Voliva family-we have lost a beloved member. I would very much like to re-connect with Joan Newsome if possible. Sandra Brandt Phoenix, Az. -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Sue Armstrong Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 7:18 AM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: [ILHAMILT] obit: Leslie (Knapp) Hughes In Journal Star of Peoria, Illinois on May 29, 2012 LESLIE HUGHES *PEORIA *- Mrs. Leslie Lee Knapp Hughes, 94, of Shelby, N.C., formerly of Peoria, died Friday, May 25, 2012, at Kings Mountain Hospice in Cleveland County. She was born March 27, 1918, in Hamilton County, Ill., a daughter to the late Florence Ada Voliva Knapp and George Grover Knapp. She was the last surviving of 14 children and the matriarch of her family. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence M. Hughes. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Newsome; a grandson, Michael Newsome and his wife, Kristen; and their two sons, Parker and Riley Newsome, all of Shelby. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150. Lutz-Austell Funeral Home is serving the family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Never mind...I already have a copy...thought it was something new...my bad!!!!!!!!! richard -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of BLS Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 2:20 PM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY Yes -----Original Message----- From: Richard Hardesty Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 12:45 PM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY Was this an article from the McLeansboro newspaper?????? Richard Hardesty sends -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of BLS Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:25 PM To: Hamilton County Subject: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY SEFFNER, Fla. — A Hamilton County soldier participated in one of the more famous military strategies of the Civil War, according to a great-great-grandson of the war veteran. Christopher “Kit” Hardesty, who was born in Broughton, served with the 6th Illinois Cavalry, Company K, during the Civil War, says great-great-grandson Richard Hardesty of Seffner, Fla. “He participated in the famous Grierson’s Raid in 1863, as they drove down through the heart of Mississippi, wreaking havoc on the Confederate forces and providing diversionary action for Gen. Sherman’s forces, who were waiting to attack Vicksburg, Miss.,” Richard said. He said his father was born in McLeansboro in 1909 but his grandfather — Isaac Hardesty — moved from Southern Illinois around 1920. Kit Hardesty, who died in 1886, and TJ Hardesty, who died in 1936, are each buried in Hamilton County cemeteries, Big Hill and Gholson, respectively, Richard said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/5036 - Release Date: 05/31/12 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/5038 - Release Date: 06/01/12

Can somebody send me a copy of the paper...wondering if it had photos>? -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of BLS Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 2:20 PM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY Yes -----Original Message----- From: Richard Hardesty Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 12:45 PM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY Was this an article from the McLeansboro newspaper?????? Richard Hardesty sends -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of BLS Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:25 PM To: Hamilton County Subject: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY SEFFNER, Fla. — A Hamilton County soldier participated in one of the more famous military strategies of the Civil War, according to a great-great-grandson of the war veteran. Christopher “Kit” Hardesty, who was born in Broughton, served with the 6th Illinois Cavalry, Company K, during the Civil War, says great-great-grandson Richard Hardesty of Seffner, Fla. “He participated in the famous Grierson’s Raid in 1863, as they drove down through the heart of Mississippi, wreaking havoc on the Confederate forces and providing diversionary action for Gen. Sherman’s forces, who were waiting to attack Vicksburg, Miss.,” Richard said. He said his father was born in McLeansboro in 1909 but his grandfather — Isaac Hardesty — moved from Southern Illinois around 1920. Kit Hardesty, who died in 1886, and TJ Hardesty, who died in 1936, are each buried in Hamilton County cemeteries, Big Hill and Gholson, respectively, Richard said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/5036 - Release Date: 05/31/12 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/5038 - Release Date: 06/01/12

Was this an article from the McLeansboro newspaper?????? Richard Hardesty sends -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of BLS Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:25 PM To: Hamilton County Subject: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY SEFFNER, Fla. — A Hamilton County soldier participated in one of the more famous military strategies of the Civil War, according to a great-great-grandson of the war veteran. Christopher “Kit” Hardesty, who was born in Broughton, served with the 6th Illinois Cavalry, Company K, during the Civil War, says great-great-grandson Richard Hardesty of Seffner, Fla. “He participated in the famous Grierson’s Raid in 1863, as they drove down through the heart of Mississippi, wreaking havoc on the Confederate forces and providing diversionary action for Gen. Sherman’s forces, who were waiting to attack Vicksburg, Miss.,” Richard said. He said his father was born in McLeansboro in 1909 but his grandfather — Isaac Hardesty — moved from Southern Illinois around 1920. Kit Hardesty, who died in 1886, and TJ Hardesty, who died in 1936, are each buried in Hamilton County cemeteries, Big Hill and Gholson, respectively, Richard said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/5036 - Release Date: 05/31/12

Yes -----Original Message----- From: Richard Hardesty Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 12:45 PM To: ilhamilt@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY Was this an article from the McLeansboro newspaper?????? Richard Hardesty sends -----Original Message----- From: ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilhamilt-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of BLS Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:25 PM To: Hamilton County Subject: [ILHAMILT] HARDESTY SEFFNER, Fla. — A Hamilton County soldier participated in one of the more famous military strategies of the Civil War, according to a great-great-grandson of the war veteran. Christopher “Kit” Hardesty, who was born in Broughton, served with the 6th Illinois Cavalry, Company K, during the Civil War, says great-great-grandson Richard Hardesty of Seffner, Fla. “He participated in the famous Grierson’s Raid in 1863, as they drove down through the heart of Mississippi, wreaking havoc on the Confederate forces and providing diversionary action for Gen. Sherman’s forces, who were waiting to attack Vicksburg, Miss.,” Richard said. He said his father was born in McLeansboro in 1909 but his grandfather — Isaac Hardesty — moved from Southern Illinois around 1920. Kit Hardesty, who died in 1886, and TJ Hardesty, who died in 1936, are each buried in Hamilton County cemeteries, Big Hill and Gholson, respectively, Richard said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/5036 - Release Date: 05/31/12 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List admin: ilhamilt-admin@rootsweb.com Info/Archives: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/usa/IL/hamilton.html USGenWeb site: http://hamilton.ilgw.org ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILHAMILT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

SEFFNER, Fla. — A Hamilton County soldier participated in one of the more famous military strategies of the Civil War, according to a great-great-grandson of the war veteran. Christopher “Kit” Hardesty, who was born in Broughton, served with the 6th Illinois Cavalry, Company K, during the Civil War, says great-great-grandson Richard Hardesty of Seffner, Fla. “He participated in the famous Grierson’s Raid in 1863, as they drove down through the heart of Mississippi, wreaking havoc on the Confederate forces and providing diversionary action for Gen. Sherman’s forces, who were waiting to attack Vicksburg, Miss.,” Richard said. He said his father was born in McLeansboro in 1909 but his grandfather — Isaac Hardesty — moved from Southern Illinois around 1920. Kit Hardesty, who died in 1886, and TJ Hardesty, who died in 1936, are each buried in Hamilton County cemeteries, Big Hill and Gholson, respectively, Richard said.

McLEANSBORO — Steve and Linda Becker and David and Connie Welch announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Sarah Lynn and Jacob Don. Sarah is a 2012 graduate of the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and an associate’s in physical therapist assistance. Jake graduated with a civil engineering degree in 2011 from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and is currently employed by White Oak Resources. The couple will be married June 2, 2012, at Christian Chapel in McLeansboro. A reception will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in McLeansboro. Formal invitations have been sent, but all family and friends are invited to attend.McLEANSBORO — Steve and Linda Becker and David and Connie Welch announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Sarah Lynn and Jacob Don. Sarah is a 2012 graduate of the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and an associate’s in physical therapist assistance. Jake graduated with a civil engineering degree in 2011 from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and is currently employed by White Oak Resources. The couple will be married June 2, 2012, at Christian Chapel in McLeansboro. A reception will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in McLeansboro. Formal invitations have been sent, but all family and friends are invited to attend.

DAHLGREN — Paul Everett and Wilma Alice Cross of Dahlgren will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary June 1. They were married in Dahlgren by the Rev. Kenneth Holland on June 1, 1962. They are the parents of four children, Edward (Michele) Cross of Silver Lake, Kan., Lisa (Mike) Maher of Wheaton, Bryan (Andrea) Cross of Mt. Vernon and Laban (Lisa) Cross of Bloomington. They have seven grandchildren: Rachel, 20, attending Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.; Noah Cross, 15; Jack Maher, 13; Will Maher, 12; Allyson Maher, 9; Grady Cross, 4; and August Cross, 10 months. The couple celebrated with a cruise on the Grand Princess cruise ship in the Eastern Caribbean in March. Both are retired teachers, having served a total of 71 years between them in Hamilton and Jefferson County schools. Their children and grandchildren will host a reception at the Dahlgren Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 2. All friends and relatives are invited

McLEANSBORO — Wilma Rose Smith of McLeansboro will celebrate her 95th birthday June 1, 2012. She and her husband, the late Lewis E. Smith, have one son, Jesse (Patricia) Smith; three grandchildren, Rick (Teresa) Smith, Darlene (CR) Sloan and Deanna (Don) Case; and five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, Krystal (Andy) Kelly, Jake and Kait Sloan, Dacia and Dalin Case and Kadyn and Bradyn Kelly. Cards may be sent to Wilma at Route 5, Box 108, McLeansboro, IL, 62859McLEANSBORO — Wilma Rose Smith of McLeansboro will celebrate her 95th birthday June 1, 2012. She and her husband, the late Lewis E. Smith, have one son, Jesse (Patricia) Smith; three grandchildren, Rick (Teresa) Smith, Darlene (CR) Sloan and Deanna (Don) Case; and five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, Krystal (Andy) Kelly, Jake and Kait Sloan, Dacia and Dalin Case and Kadyn and Bradyn Kelly. Cards may be sent to Wilma at Route 5, Box 108, McLeansboro, IL, 62859

McLEANSBORO — Mr. and Mrs. Justin Webb of McLeansboro announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Kaitlin Justine Webb, to Kell Allen Ragan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vince Ragan, also of McLeansboro. The future bride graduated from Hamilton County Senior High in 2009 and Rend Lake College in 2011. She is currently a senior at Indiana State University, majoring in social studies education. The future groom graduated from Hamilton County Senior High in 2005 and attended Rend Lake College. He is currently employed as a lineman for Duke Energy in Terre Haute, Ind. The couple will reside in Terre Haute. The wedding is planned for June 9, 2012, at First Christian Church in McLeansboro, with a reception to follow at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.

Robert and Anna Miller of McLeansboro and John and Carol Mehalek of Dahlgren announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Bryanna Nicole and Eddie Dean Johnson. Bryanna is a 2011 graduate of Rend Lake College with an associate’s degree in nursing. She is currently employed as a registered nurse at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro. Eddie is a 2005 graduate of Hamilton County Senior High School. He is currently employed at Walgreens Distribution Center in Mt. Vernon. The couple will be married at 4 p.m. June 23, 2012, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in McLeansboro. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. at the McLeansboro Elks Lodge. Formal invitations have been sent, but all family and friends are invited to attend

Together with their parents, Dianna Hatfield and Michael Wilson announce their engagement. Dianna, daughter of Rich and Paula Hatfield of Dahlgren, graduated from Wayne City High School in 2007. She graduated from Rend Lake College in 2008 and obtained her bachelor's degree in agricultural business at Murray State University in 2010. She is currently employed at 4R Equipment in McLeansboro. Michael, son of Bob and Sharon Wilson of McLeansboro, is a 2001 graduate of McLeansboro High School. He obtained his bachelor's degree in agriculture business at Murray State University in 2005. He is currently employed at M-Class Mining in Akin. Dianna and Michael plan to marry June 30, 2012, at St. John the Baptist Church in Piopolis. Formal invitations will be sent.