Dear Friends, I was wondering if SKS might have obits for Frederick (d. 1891-04-14) & Lotta (d. 1864) RATHJE, of Peotone, IL or others of RATHJE Family. I have Henry A., RATHJE, but would appreciate you e-mailing info on Willhelmina, or 2d wife, Katherine (Koenecke) (b. ?, Hanover Germany, to US. in 1884) or any of the children, including Paul William (d. 1969-02-18). In advance, Many Thanx, Walter God Bless America Walter (Joan) X. McElligott P. O. B. 452, Beecher, Illinois 60401-0452 (42 mi S. of Chicago's Loop) PS. What newspapers covered Will Co., IL betw. 1820-1900?

For Walter, Will county wasn't formed until mid 1830's from Cook county and several others. Therefore, newspapers didn't exist for will county before then. Earliest newspapers would be at Joliet Public Library(downtown)reference department and date from mid 1840's. You could also check with illinois state library to see what newspapers they have. There are local newspapers within will county with various start dates. Wilmington library has newspapers that start mid 1860's Manhattan library has a local newspaper starts after 1900-1920 Crete library has some Braidwood (Fossil Ridge)Library has some Frankfort Library has one starts ?mid 1900's published from Mokena. Probate records in will county are your best bet for early genealogy info-they start in will county in about 1837. For earlier ones,check the counties that will was formed from(except cook-those were destroyed in the 1871 chicago fire). Probate records are located in the county courthouse-clerk of the circuit court. Probate records of German ancestors are usually quite good with providing proof of heirship and letters of administration which give lots of genealogy info. There are death certs available for the following RATHJA Fred A.age 55yr4mo died 24jan1882 Peotone buried wilton twp RATHKE Catherine age 42yrs died 20dec1892 florence twp buried same place Margaret age 72yr4mo1day died 24jan1906 Peotone buried Peotone twp. cem. The followng are from a privately published source RATHJE Hulda 3oct1893-18jul1921 Esther 24jul1900-20jul1921 Mrs. Herman O.----12feb1920(see elizabeth below) Frederick 30 dec1824-14arp1891 Margarette 22sep1833-24jan1906 Regina M.S. 17feb1875-5may1875 Edward 28jul1877-10feb1923 Anna 4aug1879-4oct1910 Wilhelmina 8nov1852-8feb1884 Elizabeth(nee Satuffenberg) 12feb1920(mrs. herman o. above) Henry A. 28mar1853-25mar1931 Emma 12mar1886-14nov1931 Mrs. Henry 16sep1861-17dec1942 Clara 29nov1879-29nov1945 Irene 12dec1895-8dec1952 Otto L. 22apr1889-5jul1961 Paul W.12feb1895-18feb1969 Good Hunting Walter Kathy

If anyone is able to visit this cemetery to take photos of three gravestones would you please contact me privately to discuss arrangements, please. The cemetery is located in Jackson Township. Thank you, Bernadette