This is especially for Jodi and several others who are particularly interested in the Clemens family. While going through all of the stuff that I have accumulated I found a hand-written copy of John Clemens obituary from my great-aunt Tessie Clemens (wife of Arthur). She has it labeled Obituary of John Clemens, Peter's youngest brother. The obituary reads: John Clemens, one of the oldest and best known residents of Cobden, was buried in St Joseph's Church Cemetery at 9 am Monday, Aug. 8th (1938). Rev. John J. Laux of Covington, Kentucky, a nephew of the deceased celebrated the Requirum Mass and recited the prayers at the grave in St Joseph's Cemetery. The Pall bearers were Lee Stadlebach, John Bigler, Hugh Lamer, Robert Basler, Howard DuBois and Herbert Hardin. John Clemens was born in Whalen Rhineland, Germany on Jan 25, 1861. The youngest of 8 children, he outlived all his brothers and sisters. With a party of relatives and friends, he left his native land in 1881 and settled in Cobden, Illinois where his uncle Mathias Clemens had made his home since 1854. Shortly after his arrival he married Barbara Glesar, one of his fellow immigrants who bore him 9 children. Mrs. Clemens died in 1921. For awhile Mr. Clemens plied his trade as a stone mason. He helped build the second track of the Illinois Central Railroad through Cobden and erected several public buildings, including the post office and the Congregational Church. In 1887 he acquired 17 acres in the present city limits. He built a handsome home and became an expert fruit grower, specializing in tomatoes for the Chicago market. Mr. Clemens was a hard working man whose startling character left him a host of friends who remained true to him till death. Mr. Clemens is survived by one son, Fred H. Clemens, a Ford Dealer in Morris, Illinois, and his four daughters: Mrs Mollie Tweedy of Cobden, Mrs. Harry P. Stout (Tillie), Mrs B.C. Nelson (Francis), and Mrs. J. W. Broadway (Margaret), all of Chicago, and five grandchildren. His ancestors also fought in the Napoleon Wars, but no documents exist to prove this thus far have been discovered. This sure clears up a few of my questions, and of course brings up that many more. Cheryl (Ray) Strahm **************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489