Posted on: Hancock Co. Il Obituaries Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Il/HancockObits/431 Surname: Bales, Boston, Davis, Mosley, Mourning, Porter ------------------------- EDMUND GUIN PORTER A well-known farmer and trader, passed away at the family residence in St. Mary's township, one mile east of Middle Creek, at half-past two o'clock, Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 25, 1903. Death resulted from sarcoma after a confinement of thirty days. An autopsy conducted by Dr. Littlefield, the family physician, and Dr. McDaniels, of Plymouth, confirmed the diagnosis previously made by Dr. Littlefield. Mr. Porter's health had been gradually declining for the past three years, but, as he had worked hard the greater part of his life, his failing health was attributed more to over-work than to the possible existance of any fatal malady. His abandoning work, however, failed to bring about the recuperation hoped for, and he declined so rapidly during the summer that he had since been under constant medical treatment until death relieved his suffering. The subject of this sketch was born at Hillsgrove, McDonough Co., Sept. 6, 1843, hence, on day of death, had reached the age of 60 years, 2 months and 19 days. He went west when about 18 years of age, and, to gratify a roaming disposition which seemed to possess him in early manhood, he traveled quite extensively over the mountain and Pacific slope states for seven years when he returned to the land of his nativity better equipped by reason of his western travels to battle with those rougher elements and obstacles of life which a man of an active nature and pronounced personality by sheer persistence provokes to rise up against them. His father and mother died some 25 years ago, leaving seven children of whom John N., of Carthage, Ill.; Mrs. Lydia Bales, of Lake City, Mo., and Mrs. Mary Mourning, of Tennessee, Ill. are the only survivors. On September 27, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Francis Mosley, of Middle Creek. To this union were born seven children: Mrs. Minnie Davis, Lealie, Mrs. Musa Boston, Miner C., Merrill D., Blake and Josie. Lealie and Blake died in infancy. The three eldest surviving children--Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Boston and Miner--reside at their own homes not far from the parental roof, leaving Merrill just entered upon the estate of manhood, and Miss Josie, 16 years of age, by their mother's side to aid and comfort her in this sad hour of bereavement. Mr. Porter united with the Christian church at Oak Grove about 25 years ago, with which church he retained his membership until the day of his death. On Friday, Nov. 27, after an able and appropriate funeral discourse at Elm Tree M. E. Church by the Rev. Sherman Hill, pastor of the Christran church at Carthage, the remains were born to the Holland cemetery and laid to rest by the side of "Lealie" and "Blake" under the auspices of Plymouth lodge of the Masonic fraternity, into which order Mr. Porter was initiated some 30 years ago. A large concourse of sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends witnessed with tear-dimmed eyes, the sad and impressive rites conducted by his brother Masons. After marriage, by force of will power assisted by the material aid and wise counsel and encouragement of a frugal, devoted wife, who to him was a help-meet indeed. Guin abandoned his roving habits, and directed those masterful energies characteristic of the man to the acquisition of a home and its comforts--none of which he possessed when he entered upon life's unequal warfare. In this he was more than successful for by perseverance, good judgment and attention to business, he gained quite a handsome competency. A stern, unyielding, yet conservative individuality stamped his every act and undertaking. Rainbow chasing was not one of his weaknesses. For him visionary or get-rich quick schemes had no facination. He took no time to build air-castles, but laid his plans for future action with deliberation and discretion. "It is not ease, but effort--not faculty, but difficulty that makes men"--in this we find his cardinal rule of action. In the death of Edmund Guin Porter, his loving wife has lost a faithful, devoted husband; his children an indulgent father; the community, a good neighbor, constant friend, and valued citizen. The Carthage Republican Carthage, Illinois Wednesday December 2, 1903 Page 5 Column 5 Link: Bryant Genealogy Web Page URL: <http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=bryant>