Dear list members; I have just joined to see if anyone can tell me more on Mary KOEPKE SCHLOTTMANN BLOCK. What I know; b 1841 Germany, siblings Christian and Doretta, emigrated 1853 with parents , John KOEPKE and Doretta RANDT. Married 1st, Christian SCHLOTTMANN before 1865 in IL., date and place unknown. He died 1871, age 47. They had children Henry, Christ, Lena and George, plus 1 other dau who drowned as a small child. This occurred in Green Garden Township. Married 2nd John BLOCK, date unknown, and had children William and Charles. Mary was murdered at age 45 in 1886, apparently in a murder/suicide. This occurred in Green Garden Township. What I want; Was there any newspaper that might have any mention of the baby's death and/or most particularly the murder of Mary? Would any obituaries be available for any of these people? I have checked cemetery records, and also wrote to the (now) churches in the area without getting any reply. If there was any newspaper back then, has it been indexed, or could anyone check for Mary's death? Any further info on Mary, her parents, her husbands or children would be most welcome. I do have the Will County History book of 1878. My husband is descended from Mary and Christian Schlottmann through their son George. Thank you all for any help on this. Ida RODRICK WIESE-Minnesota