I just received a copy of family history notes made by my Great Aunt Sarah Hunzinger Schuler. Included in these notes was new, to me, information on the family group of my Third Great Grandfather Jacob Hunzinger's famly group. Maybe someone recognizes something that futher help my research. In advance, my thanks, Wayne Busby POB 1000 Lucerne, CA 95458 email: waynejay@dnai.com --------- Descendants of Jacob Hunzinger, Sr. 1 Jacob Hunzinger, Sr. d: February 19, 1883 . +Magnolinea Unknown m: in Alsace, France d: February 07, 1883 or Magdalena 2 Magdalena Hunzinger AKA Lena Lived in Emporia, Lyon, KS .... +Unknown Fix 2 Jacob Hunzinger, Jr. b: Abt. 1836 d: January 25, 1877 Lived near El Paso, Woodford, IL Died at the age of 41 on his farm southwest of El Paso. .... +Elizabeth Fix b: October 24, 1835 in Baden d: March 01 Came to Illinois Februrary 07, 1860 from Ohio. 2 Elizabeth Hunzinger AKA Lizzie Owned land near Hunzinger farms (1893 plat map). .... +Adam Zeiger Lived near Secor, Woodford, IL Owned land near Hunzinger farms (1893 plat map) Also a Henry Zeiger owned land nearby. 2 John Hunzinger Lived near Secor, Woodford, IL 2 Frank Hunzinger b: April 03, 1842 in Alsace, France d: December 02, 1926 in Roanoke Twp, Woodford, IL Buried Secor Cemetery, Secor, Woodford, IL AKA Hunsinger Emmigrated from Alsace at age 16 (abt. 1858) Departed Le Havre, France. New York City, NY was port of entry. Lived 2.5 miles south of Roanoke, Woodford, IL .... +Carolina Kuhl b: December 16, 1850 in Spring Bay, Woodford, IL m: June 08, 1867 in Metamora, Woodford, IL d: January 22, 1926 in Metamora, Woodford, IL

There is an 1870 Census Index for Illinois on CD-ROM. It is available from Heritage Quest. www.heritagequest.com or 1-800-760-2455. Cost is $39.95 plus $1.00 for shipping. [ONLY PCs not MACs] Peggy

Hello, Does anyone know if a local genealogical society or someone has indexed the 1870 Census for Woodford County? This might save me having to read through the entire list. Thanks. Peggy Cacciamatta

I am also interested in a list of cemeteries in or around Spring Bay area. I have just found that my Mackeys and Smiths moved to Spring Bay and have no idea how to start reaching the area. I have the one film I could find of Woodford Co. Deaths, Births, and Marriage on indefinite loan at our local FHC. In there I did find a reference to a William and Margaret Mackey under deaths, but I'm not positive that this is my William and Margaret. I do believe they died while living there as did their son-in-law James L. Smith. Both James and William were listed in the 1900 census as gardeners. James L. and Malinda J. (Mackey) Smith had 16 children, 11 living at the time of the 1910 census. William and Margaret P. (Atwood) Mackey had 7 children, 6 living in the 1900 census. If any one knows anything about these families, I would really like to hear from you. Thanks, Ardean in AZ ----- Original Message ----- From: George Reamer <greamer@netmonger.net> To: <ILWOODFO-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, September 06, 1999 2:29 PM Subject: [ILWOODFO] Beerhalter > Seeking information on death of Henry Beerhalter who died 12 APR 1859 > (probably in the Springbay area). > > On June 11, 1857 Philip Hirsch conveyed lot 10 in block 31 to Henry > Beerhalter, which deed appears recorded in Deed record J page 607. > > On the same day, Henry and Margaret C. Beerhalter gave a mortgage to Peter > Gerber, which appears recorded in Mtg. record C, page 421. > > On June 13, 1857 Henry and Margaret C. Beerhalter gave another mortgage to > Jacob Hauser, which appears recorded in Mtg. Record C, page 395. > > On May 11, 1867 W. M. Bullock, the then acting Sheriff sold for taxes this > same property to Joseph Belsley, which deed appears recorded in deed record > W at page 458. > > That is the last time the Beerhalter name appears on records for that area. > > A bible entry, written around 1880, by a daughter of Henry and Margaret > Beerhalter, living in Lock Haven, PA indicates that her father, Henry > passed away in Illinois on 12 Apr. 1859. > > I have never found his grave, or any record of his death. Perhaps someone > on this list has some resources in this area. Does anyone know a list of > cemeteries in the Springbay area? Regards, George Reamer, great great > grandson. mailto:greamer@netmonger.net > > > ==== ILWOODFO Mailing List ==== > To Unsubscribe from MAIL MODE: Send an email to ILWOODFO-L-Request@rootsweb.com containing only the word "unsubscribe" (DO NOT INCLUDE THE QUOTATION MARKS.) If your request is accepted, you will receive a confirmation that you have been unsubbed from the list. ----- Original Message ----- From: George Reamer <greamer@netmonger.net> To: <ILWOODFO-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, September 06, 1999 2:29 PM Subject: [ILWOODFO] Beerhalter > Seeking information on death of Henry Beerhalter who died 12 APR 1859 > (probably in the Springbay area). > > On June 11, 1857 Philip Hirsch conveyed lot 10 in block 31 to Henry > Beerhalter, which deed appears recorded in Deed record J page 607. > > On the same day, Henry and Margaret C. Beerhalter gave a mortgage to Peter > Gerber, which appears recorded in Mtg. record C, page 421. > > On June 13, 1857 Henry and Margaret C. Beerhalter gave another mortgage to > Jacob Hauser, which appears recorded in Mtg. Record C, page 395. > > On May 11, 1867 W. M. Bullock, the then acting Sheriff sold for taxes this > same property to Joseph Belsley, which deed appears recorded in deed record > W at page 458. > > That is the last time the Beerhalter name appears on records for that area. > > A bible entry, written around 1880, by a daughter of Henry and Margaret > Beerhalter, living in Lock Haven, PA indicates that her father, Henry > passed away in Illinois on 12 Apr. 1859. > > I have never found his grave, or any record of his death. Perhaps someone > on this list has some resources in this area. Does anyone know a list of > cemeteries in the Springbay area? Regards, George Reamer, great great > grandson. mailto:greamer@netmonger.net > > > ==== ILWOODFO Mailing List ==== > To Unsubscribe from MAIL MODE: Send an email to ILWOODFO-L-Request@rootsweb.com containing only the word "unsubscribe" (DO NOT INCLUDE THE QUOTATION MARKS.) If your request is accepted, you will receive a confirmation that you have been unsubbed from the list. > >

Seeking information on death of Henry Beerhalter who died 12 APR 1859 (probably in the Springbay area). On June 11, 1857 Philip Hirsch conveyed lot 10 in block 31 to Henry Beerhalter, which deed appears recorded in Deed record J page 607. On the same day, Henry and Margaret C. Beerhalter gave a mortgage to Peter Gerber, which appears recorded in Mtg. record C, page 421. On June 13, 1857 Henry and Margaret C. Beerhalter gave another mortgage to Jacob Hauser, which appears recorded in Mtg. Record C, page 395. On May 11, 1867 W. M. Bullock, the then acting Sheriff sold for taxes this same property to Joseph Belsley, which deed appears recorded in deed record W at page 458. That is the last time the Beerhalter name appears on records for that area. A bible entry, written around 1880, by a daughter of Henry and Margaret Beerhalter, living in Lock Haven, PA indicates that her father, Henry passed away in Illinois on 12 Apr. 1859. I have never found his grave, or any record of his death. Perhaps someone on this list has some resources in this area. Does anyone know a list of cemeteries in the Springbay area? Regards, George Reamer, great great grandson. mailto:greamer@netmonger.net

I finally got it together and made an index page to tie together many different homepage genealogy projects. If you notice any possible connections please drop me a line. I'm always happy to share my research. Wayne http://www.dnai.com/~waynejay/gen/genlinks/genlinks.htm

I visited this link yesterday. It's one of the best online local history efforts I've seen to date. I'm not subscribed anymore to the McLean list so if someone could post the link to that link I think they'd be appreciative. Wayne Here's the link: http://www.elpaso.net/~bank/elpasohistory/index.htm

At 04:13 PM 8/25/99 EDT, Tammy wrote: >In a message dated 8/25/99 12:54:52 PM Central Daylight Time, >dlsteffn@elpaso.net writes: > ><< <snip> El Paso, IL > history. >> > >Could you send me the page address? I tried search engines. This must be to >new to be registered with them yet. > >Tammy >Woodford County coordinator > Duoh! I knew I was forgetting something... http://www.elpaso.net/~bank/elpasohistory/index.htm Sorry about that. Dan

The _El Paso Times-Journal_ carries an article this week about a new webpage sponsored by the Woodford County Bank dealing with El Paso, IL history. I haven't had an opporunity to look it over thoroughly yet, but it purports to contain the following: On-line version of _The El Paso Story_, the centennial book first published in 1954 and updated in 1979. The original book contained quite a bit of genealogical info on early residents of the city, and to some extent, the surrounding area, which I assume is here as well. Collection of 90 historical postcards dating back to the early 1900's. Cemetery listings for: Evergreen Cemetery St. Mary's Cemetery St. Joseph's Cemetery Dan Steffen El Paso, IL

Looking for any information on Margarete BRIDE, census reports she was born in France in 1835. She married Michael SOMERS 12 April 1852 in Woodford County, ILL. They had 8 children: Frank, Margaret, George, Peter, Michael Anthony, Mary Helen, Barbara, and Nellie. The family moved to Champaign Co., ILL about 1871. Margarete died 8 January 1884 and is buried in Champaign Co. Does anyone know if Frank Bride and Theresa Bride are her siblings. Thanks for any help. Beth in Indiana bethaf@aol.com

If anyone has an 1870 Census for Woodford County, would you please check for a Peter BECHEL, probably in El Paso? Thank you for any help! Sue Fritz Trinity400@aol.com

Hello again, Some additional messages were apparently sent to me in error. I hope they are attached, I know you are trying to help these people. All I did was try to subscribe per instructions... R Hanneman ----- Original Message ----- From: <ILWOODFO-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <ILWOODFO-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 1:47 AM Subject: ILWOODFO-D Digest V99 #54

Hello, some messages were sent to me for someone else, I hope they are still attached here. R Hanneman ----- Original Message ----- From: <ILWOODFO-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <ILWOODFO-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, August 08, 1999 5:17 AM Subject: ILWOODFO-D Digest V99 #53

Sorry for the double posting!!!! >>>>Below is a short story regarding the history of one of the Churches in Minnesota ... a good portion of the people mentioned come from places in Illinois. >>>>> Ken Gerdes ken@guardianmfg.com Melbourne, FL

Below is a short story regarding the history of one of the Churches in Minnesota ... a good portion of the people mentioned come from places in Illinois. Hope this helps someone ..... no sure of the spellings it does seem to be poorly written or transcribed. Ken Gerdes ken@guardianmfg.com Melbourne, FL ================================ Kurze (Brief) Geshiehte (story) der (of the) Evangelical Lutheran Immanuels congregation of Clara City, Minnesota. It was in the years 1887-88 that the first pioneers settled in this region, they were mostly German Lutherans, mostly from Illinois and Iowa, they were in hopes of finding in these prairie lands a peaceful living for themselves with the help of God. The hardships and severe problems these early pioneers had to endure is hard to put into words, they realized that far and wide there was no Lutheran church to be found, or for that matter no place to worship or hear and learn Gods word and share the sac-raments. So one of the first settlers, his name Herman Zuehlke from Watertown, Wis-consin, wrote a letter to his friend of former years, a pastor, H. Hoerig, telling of the conditions and needs of the people in this area who were anxious to start a Lutheran church, and asked for his help. Now it was this letter that started the negotiations, the message was sent on to the President of the Northeran District of the Lutheran church, Iowa Synod. So two pastors prepared to make the long journey to this area. These two pastors were for four years professors at Wartburg College in Clinton, Iowa. Pastor W. Nolting at that time from Harmony, Fillmore, Co., Minn., but at this writing is deceased. Pastor G. Blessin from Eldorado, Iowa who at this writing is still living, our heartfelt thanks for them sincerely. Now it is spring time of the year 1889, through the efforts and organizations of these two pastors and the people that the Immanuel Lutheran got started. It was May 19, 1889 that in the house of Hermann Zuehlke in Section 3, Stoneham Township, that the follow-ing people gathered together and under the direction of the Rev. Pastor G. Blessin organized and promised to support the Immanuel Lutheran congregation. There are 17 names listed in the church directory: Ksjen Hayenga, Georg Tuengel, B.A. Behrends, Behrend Beekman, Berend Warrings, Herman Zuehlke, Julius Spieker, Theo Reinhold, Ed Barbknecht, Luitjen Beuke, August Warmbold, Lammert Kleene, Arnd Mueller, Wilh. Bougs, Geo Behrends, Luecken Beckman, Heinrich Kramer. Detailed negotiations for the formation of a congregation began with -- as officers of the church these men were elected. Voted in for Elder or Deacons: H. Zuehlke, Sec.,Geo Tuengel, B. Beckman, and as Trustee: A. Warmbold, K. Heyenda, B.A. Behrends. A list of contributors to the pastors salary was brought to the attention of the above at the May 19,1889 meeting, which amounted to somewhat more that $100.00. Pastor .Blessin assured us of the assistance of the Synod to support the innermission treasury faithfully forwarded to us until the year 1897. It should also be noted that on that day May 19, 1889 twelve children were here and ,there baptized in their homes. On record, Hinrich Detje, Guske Ahlfs, Trientje, En-geline Dietje, Sarah Mueller, Elisabeth Beekman, Luecken Harms, Elske Beuke and Rabrand Jacobs. So now the beginning was made and they all agreed that they wanted a pastor of their own. So for the summer months the Synod sent a young student of theology, Arnold Janssen. Under his ambitious efforts the work progressed. They held regular services in an elevator of the Hollandish Land company. He also got a second group started in July at Raymond. It was named St. Johannes, which until the year 1903 was served from here as a sister congregation. They held services together. In August Pastor Edward Schroeder (now in Texas) arrived at Clara City. Under his supervision the congregation acquired their own property. The property for the church and parsonage was a gift from the Land company. They later bought more property in the area. Now is the time to build a church but where is the money to come from? The parishioners were all very poor and had great needs to survive in these prairie lands. So again the dear Pastor G. Blessin found advice and help. He got in touch with Herrn Friedrich Schack in Eldorado, Iowa. He loaned the congregation $1000.00. So now they could build a church 30 x 36, and 14 ft high on their property. On Reformation fest they dedicated it. So now the congregation had a beautiful place where they could worship undisturbed. Now Pastor Edward Schroeder is called away after approximately 1 year. With great sorrow they bid him farewell. Then in the fall of 1890 Pastor Heinrich Hafermann came and served for 2 years. Slowly but surely the number of parishioners grew. By now they have 34 memberships. They now buy 2 acres, 1/2 mile east of Clara City for a cemetery, also at this time they bid farewell to their Pastor Hafermann. In the fall of 1892 he received a call to Chippewa Fall, Wisconsin, later moved to Champaign, Ill. Now the congregation calls Arnold Janssen, who had been among them as a student. His sincere enthusiasm and hard work was deeply appreciated, but after approximately a half year became ill and had to resign. He moved to Talmage, Nebraska. After about a half year of vacancy they called candidate M. Haferman, who had just arrived from Germany. On Dec. 10, 1893 he was ordained and installed in this congregation by his brother, Pastor H. Haferman. He is at this time still their pastor. The very next summer a parsonage was build, 18 x 28 for $600.00 about 20 years ago now. The debt in the congregation was now $1400.00, this was a heavy load for the parishioners. They, were very grateful and thankful to Herrn F. Schack for his patience until they were able to pay off the big debt, when the loan payment dur in Oct., often was not paid until Easter, of the next year. Those bad times that were mentioned and the large indebtedness kept many people from joining. Because of this situation the membership dropped to 30 families. So in the year 1898 a great effort was made and at their annual meeting they decided to try their best to pay the debt, every one put forth a real sincere effort and found they had the full amount, plus $35.00 extra when the money was all in, so they could im-prove the parsonage somewhat. >From then on the congregation had it easier, also 25 more families joined the church. So in 1902 they made improvements in the church, such as a clock, better doors, also inside remodeling, all this at a cost of $2400.00. Then several years later they pur-chased land from the town and built the school house. And 4 years later the parsonage was completely remodeled for $1100.00. In the last year $800.00 more was spent inside the church building. During all this time the membership increase, they now have 113 families with 297 communioncant members, 526 souls - most gratefully express our sincere thanks to Almighty God that as a whole we have had peace in the congregation, only once there was a serious problem, but safely the storm passed over. This is how the membership stands at this writing, many of the 17 charter members are still among us. Baptized - 537 Confirmed - 280 Marries - 95 couples Buried 106 Some of the records are only our guess. Of the 17 charter families in this congregation are: B.A. Behrends, Bhr. Beekman, Benrend Warrings, Luitzen Beuke, Lammert Kleene, Geo Behrends, the widow of Heinrich Kramer. The rest have already passed for some years. Many have moved away, some married and joined elsewhere. Three families joined the Raymond St. Johannes congregation, Julius Spieker, Wilh. Bougs, Ed. Barbknecht. Some from these families passed on. The present Elders and Deacons are in office: John Gerdes, Jacob Steffens, Eibe Thelen, Trustees: Lammert Gerdes, W.F. Reiners, Cashier: Henry Klenke Sec. They all served faithfully and well for a long time. Also for the past 2 years they organized a ladies group. 29 are members at this time. They are a great blessing and helpful in many ways. Also make new improvements. The collections toward the Synod approximately since the year 1898 is $3879.38 (before this time no accurate records were kept) was given as a Thankoffering to our Lord God. Now as I conclude this history of the first 25 years I will mention once again our heartfelt thanks to Almighty God and now I pray in thy name Oh Lord, Bless and grant peace and goodwill toward us always. (This was submitted for the 25th anniversary of the church)

Below is a short story regarding the history of one of the Churches in Minnesota. Hope this helps someone ..... no sure of the spellings it does seem to be poorly written or transcribed. Ken Gerdes ken@guardianmfg.com Melbourne, FL ================================ Kurze (Brief) Geshiehte (story) der (of the) Evangelical Lutheran Immanuels congregation of Clara City, Minnesota. It was in the years 1887-88 that the first pioneers settled in this region, they were mostly German Lutherans, mostly from Illinois and Iowa, they were in hopes of finding in these prairie lands a peaceful living for themselves with the help of God. The hardships and severe problems these early pioneers had to endure is hard to put into words, they realized that far and wide there was no Lutheran church to be found, or for that matter no place to worship or hear and learn Gods word and share the sac-raments. So one of the first settlers, his name Herman Zuehlke from Watertown, Wis-consin, wrote a letter to his friend of former years, a pastor, H. Hoerig, telling of the conditions and needs of the people in this area who were anxious to start a Lutheran church, and asked for his help. Now it was this letter that started the negotiations, the message was sent on to the President of the Northeran District of the Lutheran church, Iowa Synod. So two pastors prepared to make the long journey to this area. These two pastors were for four years professors at Wartburg College in Clinton, Iowa. Pastor W. Nolting at that time from Harmony, Fillmore, Co., Minn., but at this writing is deceased. Pastor G. Blessin from Eldorado, Iowa who at this writing is still living, our heartfelt thanks for them sincerely. Now it is spring time of the year 1889, through the efforts and organizations of these two pastors and the people that the Immanuel Lutheran got started. It was May 19, 1889 that in the house of Hermann Zuehlke in Section 3, Stoneham Township, that the follow-ing people gathered together and under the direction of the Rev. Pastor G. Blessin organized and promised to support the Immanuel Lutheran congregation. There are 17 names listed in the church directory: Ksjen Hayenga, Georg Tuengel, B.A. Behrends, Behrend Beekman, Berend Warrings, Herman Zuehlke, Julius Spieker, Theo Reinhold, Ed Barbknecht, Luitjen Beuke, August Warmbold, Lammert Kleene, Arnd Mueller, Wilh. Bougs, Geo Behrends, Luecken Beckman, Heinrich Kramer. Detailed negotiations for the formation of a congregation began with -- as officers of the church these men were elected. Voted in for Elder or Deacons: H. Zuehlke, Sec.,Geo Tuengel, B. Beckman, and as Trustee: A. Warmbold, K. Heyenda, B.A. Behrends. A list of contributors to the pastors salary was brought to the attention of the above at the May 19,1889 meeting, which amounted to somewhat more that $100.00. Pastor .Blessin assured us of the assistance of the Synod to support the innermission treasury faithfully forwarded to us until the year 1897. It should also be noted that on that day May 19, 1889 twelve children were here and ,there baptized in their homes. On record, Hinrich Detje, Guske Ahlfs, Trientje, En-geline Dietje, Sarah Mueller, Elisabeth Beekman, Luecken Harms, Elske Beuke and Rabrand Jacobs. So now the beginning was made and they all agreed that they wanted a pastor of their own. So for the summer months the Synod sent a young student of theology, Arnold Janssen. Under his ambitious efforts the work progressed. They held regular services in an elevator of the Hollandish Land company. He also got a second group started in July at Raymond. It was named St. Johannes, which until the year 1903 was served from here as a sister congregation. They held services together. In August Pastor Edward Schroeder (now in Texas) arrived at Clara City. Under his supervision the congregation acquired their own property. The property for the church and parsonage was a gift from the Land company. They later bought more property in the area. Now is the time to build a church but where is the money to come from? The parishioners were all very poor and had great needs to survive in these prairie lands. So again the dear Pastor G. Blessin found advice and help. He got in touch with Herrn Friedrich Schack in Eldorado, Iowa. He loaned the congregation $1000.00. So now they could build a church 30 x 36, and 14 ft high on their property. On Reformation fest they dedicated it. So now the congregation had a beautiful place where they could worship undisturbed. Now Pastor Edward Schroeder is called away after approximately 1 year. With great sorrow they bid him farewell. Then in the fall of 1890 Pastor Heinrich Hafermann came and served for 2 years. Slowly but surely the number of parishioners grew. By now they have 34 memberships. They now buy 2 acres, 1/2 mile east of Clara City for a cemetery, also at this time they bid farewell to their Pastor Hafermann. In the fall of 1892 he received a call to Chippewa Fall, Wisconsin, later moved to Champaign, Ill. Now the congregation calls Arnold Janssen, who had been among them as a student. His sincere enthusiasm and hard work was deeply appreciated, but after approximately a half year became ill and had to resign. He moved to Talmage, Nebraska. After about a half year of vacancy they called candidate M. Haferman, who had just arrived from Germany. On Dec. 10, 1893 he was ordained and installed in this congregation by his brother, Pastor H. Haferman. He is at this time still their pastor. The very next summer a parsonage was build, 18 x 28 for $600.00 about 20 years ago now. The debt in the congregation was now $1400.00, this was a heavy load for the parishioners. They, were very grateful and thankful to Herrn F. Schack for his patience until they were able to pay off the big debt, when the loan payment dur in Oct., often was not paid until Easter, of the next year. Those bad times that were mentioned and the large indebtedness kept many people from joining. Because of this situation the membership dropped to 30 families. So in the year 1898 a great effort was made and at their annual meeting they decided to try their best to pay the debt, every one put forth a real sincere effort and found they had the full amount, plus $35.00 extra when the money was all in, so they could im-prove the parsonage somewhat. >From then on the congregation had it easier, also 25 more families joined the church. So in 1902 they made improvements in the church, such as a clock, better doors, also inside remodeling, all this at a cost of $2400.00. Then several years later they pur-chased land from the town and built the school house. And 4 years later the parsonage was completely remodeled for $1100.00. In the last year $800.00 more was spent inside the church building. During all this time the membership increase, they now have 113 families with 297 communioncant members, 526 souls - most gratefully express our sincere thanks to Almighty God that as a whole we have had peace in the congregation, only once there was a serious problem, but safely the storm passed over. This is how the membership stands at this writing, many of the 17 charter members are still among us. Baptized - 537 Confirmed - 280 Marries - 95 couples Buried 106 Some of the records are only our guess. Of the 17 charter families in this congregation are: B.A. Behrends, Bhr. Beekman, Benrend Warrings, Luitzen Beuke, Lammert Kleene, Geo Behrends, the widow of Heinrich Kramer. The rest have already passed for some years. Many have moved away, some married and joined elsewhere. Three families joined the Raymond St. Johannes congregation, Julius Spieker, Wilh. Bougs, Ed. Barbknecht. Some from these families passed on. The present Elders and Deacons are in office: John Gerdes, Jacob Steffens, Eibe Thelen, Trustees: Lammert Gerdes, W.F. Reiners, Cashier: Henry Klenke Sec. They all served faithfully and well for a long time. Also for the past 2 years they organized a ladies group. 29 are members at this time. They are a great blessing and helpful in many ways. Also make new improvements. The collections toward the Synod approximately since the year 1898 is $3879.38 (before this time no accurate records were kept) was given as a Thankoffering to our Lord God. Now as I conclude this history of the first 25 years I will mention once again our heartfelt thanks to Almighty God and now I pray in thy name Oh Lord, Bless and grant peace and goodwill toward us always. (This was submitted for the 25th anniversary of the church)

I've written those folks eons ago. Never heard a word. On the other hand I've dealt with the Mclean County Genealogical Society several times buying some of their books. Good folks.

There is a Celia Sowards, age 22, Spring Bay Twp, milliner, b. IL, dwelling#1550, family#1551. She's living with Marlan Clifton and Clay Clifton, this is from Volume 2 of the 1860 Federal Census transcription by the McLean Genealogical Society. There's also a Sowders family. There's a John Soward age 26 in Worth Twp. (2294/2296) Vol.3, p75 Are these any of your family? There were a lot of Hodges listed in Volume 3, 1 family in Vol. 1, 2 families in Volume 2. Email me privately if you'd like me to look further into the Hodge families. Wayne

Interested in finding information on the marriage of Jeremiah Hodge and Olive Soward. They were married in Woodford Co on October 20, 1841. It is possible that Olive was the widow of an unknown Soward, who was the father of Owen Soward of Woodford, Tazwell and Marshall Counties. Any help would be appreciated. Bob Butler

Hi there, Thanks for the tips Larry, on the book and library in Eureka. Bob, if you send me your e-mail and s-mail addresses, I will put something together for you on Hester's ancestors, and what I have on the Truitt's. Most of what I have on the Truitt's is what I got from my cousin Pat Brooks. I will have to get it together then send it to you when I get your address, or maybe I can put it in a "Word" type document and send it e-mail. Thanks for the help, mine are, Tom Loveless tloveless@worldnet.att.net 2201 Tower Drive Little Rock, AR 72206