SANDERS, Rev. Minnie HOLLINGSWORTH
From the Georgetown Newspaper, Tuesday, February 16, 1965
Obituary of Rev. Minnie Sanders
(1893-1965)
Rev. Minnie Sanders, Georgetown Minister, Passes Away at Home
Maybe it was because she always remembered your name.
Born in the backwoods of West Virginia, left motherless at two and lacking formal education after the age of 15, Minnie seemed indeed an unlikely prospect for doing great work for the Master, However, when she was converted, she knew that she had to preach.
She had come to Georgetown in 1911 to care for a sister who was ill.  She stayed on here and married Lawrence Hollingsworth.  Now she was a married woman, not very well educated and she would attempt to preach in an age when women preachers were looked down on and considered fanatics.  Three years later, when she presented herself to the authorities at Presbytery and asked for license to preach, a man in the congregation audibly sniffed:  "Ain't that pitiful?"
Minnie was called a short time later to West York, Illinois to preach one sermon in the absence of the regular minister.  She was to be the recipient of a "free-will" offering which turned out to be fifty cents.  When the services were over, a church member took her in his buggy to the station to catch a train back to Georgetown.  The good Deacon never inquired about her financial state and the fare home was $2.00.  Minnie had only .50 cents.  She walked back and forth on the platform in the dark balmy Sunday night and wondered what to do.  Finally, as she heard the whistle, she decided that she'd ask the conductor to take her as far as the 50 cents would let her ride and she'd walk the track the rest of the way home.
As the train steamed to a stop, she heard a man come whistling around the corner of the station.  "Minnie," he said, "I have some tithe money that I got to thinking maybe you could use," and he pressed $2.00 into her hand.
When she arrived at home the night was deep and the chill air had settled down--but she was locked out. Women preachers were frowned upon--and home was no exception.  Two hounddogs were members of the family, so Minnie aroused them and took them to the wood shed where she lay down between the two of them for warmth and slept until morning.  Not allowed to have light on after a certain time of the evening, she spent many hours by the window reading her Bible by moonlight.
It wasn't long until people found that this odd woman-preacher would go anywhere at anytime to help people (a cup of cold water).  More and more she was called upon to officiate at funerals.  She passed the 5000 mark in funerals some time ago.  Of weddings, she lost track after 3500.
Once, in a deep February snow, the grave-digger had cleared only a small place in the snow around the burial site, with a tiny space at the head of the casket for the preacher to stand.  A pall-bearer, who didn't like women preachers and who had been fortifying himself for sometime with alcohol, guided the others of his party to swing the casket around in such a manner as to knock Minnie over backward into the mound of snow.
Such indignities hurt but never swerved her from her purpose of serving mankind, whom she considered essentially good.  Called upon once to preside at the funeral of a young girl suicide, she was much criticized by members of the girl's faith who would not permit the girl to be buried in their cemetery because of the questionable circumstances of her death.  Bearing the outside of criticism with courtly dignity, Minnie walked up the steps of her own church to be met by a woman member who demanded "What are you going to preach about "that" girl?"  Stung by this Phariseeical judgement, Minnie replied:  "I will neither preach her to high Heaven nor consign her to the lower regions.  She is in the hand of God.  I'll just preach to sinners like you!"  Whereupon she took her text from Jesus' own words "Neither do I condemn thee--go thou, and sin no more!"
Reflecting the love that she preached about, Minnie recognized neither social classes nor color lines.  Many times she was called upon to preach in the local churches which are comprised totally of Negro people.  Despite the fact that she was reared south of the Mason-Dixon, she fellowshipped with all Christian people regardless of their race or color.
There was always a depth to her sermons which were flavored with homespun but deadly accurate observations.  "A Christian," she would say, "just can't run with the hounds."  Or, refusing at any point to rest on her laurels she would exclaim:  "You wash your face today and again tomorrow."  Her sermons were apt to be unorthodox but pithy.  She preached a funeral service using the example of Elijah's miracle in making the ax float and then stood behind the pulpit of her own church and left an indelible memory with her listeners on the subject of "More than Much," the story of the Widow's Mite.  After this she was "as empty as an old tin bucket which has been turned over and drained dry."
"For them that honor me I will honour."  (I Sam. 2:30).
In spite of the indignities and troubles, life was not all difficult.  Widowed in 1942, Minnie was married again, this time to Russell Sanders in 1947.  In 1961 she received a gold plaque from the Alumni Association of Georgetown High School for "Distinguished service to the community."  This plaque has occupied an honored place in her living-room from the day she received it.
So universally loved was she that while in Carle Clinic a nurse was one day moved to ask "Why would an old woman like that receive so many baskets of mail?"  That mail came from people like the young man who had, 4 years before, called her from a tavern to tell her that he was going to take his life.  Hastily calling a friend to take her to the place (she could not drive an automobile) she found the young man and after talking to him for a long time, he committed himself to psychiatric treatment and today he lives happily--free from such mental compulsions as self-destruction.
In spite of the honors, Minnie never lost her humility.  A short time ago, the local funeral director who has worked with her countless times, asked her in jest:  "Do you think you've done any good in this world, Minnie?"  She answered in all seriousness, "Just a smatterin', Raymon, "Just a smatterin."
The secret of her all-encompassing personality was locked in one word--"Love".
When she announced to her church that she would have to have surgery for a malignant condition, she called her people around the altar and prayed a prayer of commital to the will of God.  She then asked for the recitation of this poem which summed up her philosophy of life and gave her last instructions to her people:
When I'm through with this Old Clay House of mine
When no more guid-lights through its windows shine
Just box it up and lay it away
With the other clay houses of yesterday.
And with it, my friends, do try, if you can
To bury the wrong since first I began.
Just look in this house, very deep and forget
For I want to be square and out of your debt.
When I meet the Grand Architect, Supreme,
Face to face, I want to be clean.
Of course, I know its too late to men
A badly--built house when you come to the end.
But to you who are building--just look over mine
Then make your alterations
While yet there is time.
Just study this house--no tears should be shed.
Its like any clay house when the tenant has fled.
Don't midunderstand me--this old world's Divine
With love, birds and flowers
And glorious sunshine.
Its a wonderful place and a wonderful plan
And a wonderful, wonderful gift to man.
But somehow, we feel, when the cycle's complete
There are dear ones across that we're anxious to meet.
So open the books and check up the past.
No more forced balances, this is the last.
Each item is checked. Each page must be clean.
Thats the passport we carry
To the Builder Supreme.
So when I am through with this old house of clay
Just lock it up tightly and lay it away.
For the Builder has promised, when this house is spent
To have one all ready with the timber I sent.
You ask what material is best to select?
'Twas told you long since by the Great Architect.
"A new commandment I give unto you
That ye love one another as I have loved you."
So the finest material to send up above
Is clear, straight-grained timber
of Brotherly Love.
Survivors are her husband, Russell Sanders; three step-daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Patten of New Port Richey, Fla.; Mrs. Mary Jane Bishop of Kansas, Ill., and Mrs. Hazel Hegedus of Westville, Ill.; a half-sister, Mrs. Edna Lewis of Indianaola; three half-brothers, Fred James of Daniels, W. Va., Preston James of Robson, W. Va., and Leonard James of Liberty, W. Va.; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Two sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held at the Georgetown Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Stanton Lawyer of Charleston officiating assisted by the Rev. Roy McMahon of Potomac. Ministers of Foster Presbytery served as honorary pall-bearers.  Interment was in the Forest Park Cemetery, Georgetown, with the Houghton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

SHAW, Mrs. Emma
From Unknown paper abt 19 February 1912
William and T. J. Ather visited their sister, Mrs. Emma Shaw at Palestine last week. She died Saturday and was buried yesterday at Palestine.

SHEETS, Francis M.
Contributed to usgenweb by Ron Cornwell (recornwell4@charter.net) and Cindy McCachern (mccachern@att.net).  We have many Clark County connections, please contact us for more information.
Marshall Herald
10-March-1909
Francis M.Sheets was born in Ft. Harrison, Vigo County, Indiana, March 7, 1843 and died at his home in Walnut Prairie, March 2, 1909.   He was the youngest child of a family of 14 children, all of whom have passed on before. At the opening of the civil war, he enlisted as a drummer boy where he served until May 5, 1864, when he enlisted in company C, 133rd Regiment  Indiana Volunteers, served 100 days and re-enlisted on Oct 4, 1864 in the 18th Indiana Light Artillery serving until the close of the war. He then located in Paris where he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Dailey in the fall 1866.   To this union were born four children of who still survive, Mrs. John Mopps of Paris and W.T. Sheets of Mulberry Grove. After the death of his wife, he moved to Clark County where he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Chambers on March 31, 1881, whose death occurred Feb 21, 1902. To this union were born seven children. Besides his children, he leaves eleven grandchildren and one great grandson. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Coleman at his home Thursday, March 4. Interment in Brick Cemetery.

SMITH, Albert
Clark County Herald
24-Feb-1897
Albert Smith was born July 28, 1827, in Benninghausen, Bursheit, Prussia, and died at his residence four miles South of Marshall, Feb 15, 1897, at 10:30 PM, aged 69 years, 6 months and 28 days.   He came to America in 1852 and in 1854 married Miss Minnie Nonnenbroech. They lived together one year and a half when she was called away to a better home.   She left him a child 6 months old, when he was called away.
Mr. Smith lived as a widower five years and in 1861 married Miss Lena Strohm.   This union was blessed with five children, four daughters and one son. The son died as an infant. At the early age of 14, Mr. Smith joined the Lutheran Church and always tried to live up to the proverb “do right and you will find right.”
In the death of Mr. Smith the community suffers a severe loss, not only in his relationship as a faithful, kind and affectionate husband and father, but as a citizen of this township.   He was beloved and respected by all who knew him.   He was kind to the poor, obliging to his neighbors, honorable in all his business transactions and ever ready to support that which he believed to be right.
He was in feeble health for about eight years with heart trouble and the 25th of last October he was afflicted with dropsy, from which he suffered until death came.   He took his bed on Saturday, Feb 6, and died the ninth day after.   He always said when he had to take to his bed once he never would get up again and so it proved. When asked if he suffered or had any pain of any kind he always answered, no, no pain at all. Every thing was done for him that loving hands could do, but his time had come to die.
He leaves a wife, four daughters, Emma (Mrs. Charles Berner) Rosa, Mary (Mrs. Hugo Lahmer) and Sarah and seven grandchildren to mourn his loss.
On Thursday, Feb 18, the funeral was conducted by Rev. C. Harms and the remains were followed by a large concourse of friends and neighbors to their resting place in the Zeigler Cemetery.

SMITH, Martha Ellen HOSKINSON
Wife of Floyd Smith. B: 29 Aug 1908 in Melrose Twp., Clark Co., Illinois D: 6 Feb. 1998 in Robinson, Illinois Buried: Bailiff Cemetery, Melrose Twp, Clark Co., Illinois Parents: Isaac and May Drake Hoskinson

SPIVEY, Lucy Catherine CORNWELL
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
Hutsonville (IL) Herald, Friday, Nov. 23, 1934--Lucy Catherine, daughter of Christopher and Amanda Cornwell, was born Dec. 18, 1853 in Oblong township, Crawford Co, IL, and passed out of this life Nov. 17 at the home of her grandson, Deline Leonard near Hutsonville.  She was aged 80 years, 10 months and 20 days.
On Feb. 15th, 1871, she was united in marriage to Axtiom Spivey of Melrose.  Tho this union was born the following children, Wilbert, Abigail Amanda, Henry Wilkens, Electa Jane, Bertha Ann, Nora D., Ideana, Ernest, Lottie, Callie Vernie and four dying in infancy.
She spent the greater part of her life in Crawford and Clark Counties where she was well and favorable known by a large circle of friends and relatives.  She was a kind and indulgent wife and mother and her chief interests were in her home and in her devotions to her God. At an early age, she united with the Church of God at Melrose, living a consistent christian life, attending the services and entering into the activities of her church whenever possible.
She leaves to mourn her loss, two brothers, Wheeler Cornwell of Bushong, Kansas, Christopher Cornwell and two sisters, Caroline Belt of St. Louis, Jane Roberts of Pueblo, Colo., five children, twenty-two grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. Her husband and companion preceded her in death on May 2nd, 1934.  The last few years of her life she spent living among her children by whom she will be greatly missed.
The funeral service was held at the M. E. Church Monday afternoon with Rev. H. Murray of Robinson in charge.  Burial was made in the Bradbury Cemetery.

STANFIELD, Bertina NIDEY
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
Friday, 4 February 1972, Hutsonville (IL) Herald, column 3 and Lawrence Co. News, Feb 2, 1972
Mrs. Bertina Stanfield, 90, former West York resident, died early Friday morning at St. Francisville.  Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Opal Ammon of St. Francisville, with whom she made her home, two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the West York Methodist Church with burial in the Bradbury cemetery.
Funeral rites for Mrs. Bertina Stansfield were held at 2:00 Sunday afternoon from the United Methodist Church in West York.  Interment was in Bradberry Cemetery.
Mrs. Stansfield, a 90-year-old former West York resident, died in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Pat Ammon of St. Francisville, about 1:00 o'clock Friday morning.  She had made her home with the daughter for nine years.
Born July 22, 1881 in Hutsonville, Ill, she was a daughter of John and Caroline McDonald Nidey.  She was married to Ellis Stanfield, who died in 1963.
Besides the daughter, she is survived by two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Stanfield was a member of the West York United Methodist Church.

STANFIELD, Ellis
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
Friday, 6 October 1961, Hutsonville Herald, Column 5 Ellis Stanfield, 83, of West Yor, died at his home early Friday morning.  He was a veteran of the Spanish American War.  He is survived by his wife Bertina, one daughter, Mrs. Opal Ammon of St. Francisville, two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Prust Hosch Funeral Chapel in West Union with Rev. D. W. Mickler officiating.
Burial was in the Bradbury Cemetery with American Legion Post No. 1130 of West Union in charge of the graveside rites.

STANFIELD, Leah M. BAKER
Wife of Ova Stanfield B: 21 Nov 1893 in Chicago, Cook Co., Illinois M: 11 Mar 1916 D: 7 Feb 1970 Buried: Martinsville Cemetery, Martinsville, Clark, Illinois

STANFIELD, Levi
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
27 September 1960, Vandalia (IL) Union
Levi Stanfield passed away last Saturday, Sept. 23 at Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia at the age of 85.  He was born May 5, 1875 in Clark County, Ill., the son of Jesse and Hester Reed Stanfield.  He is survived by his wife, Janey, a daughter, Mrs. Rose Hawkins of Ramsey; a step-daughter, Mrs. Clara Sadler of Anderson, Calif; a step-son, Dallas Leonard of Sullivan.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Sturgell Funeral Home with burial in the Ramsey Cemetery, the Rev. Ed Brown, officiant.

STANFIELD, Nellie HALL
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
3 August 1950, Ramsey (IL) News Journal--Nellie Stanfield (nee Hall)
born October 18, 1881 in Clark County, Illinois, passed away July 27, 1950 at her home in Ramsey, Illinois.
Mrs. Stanfield was the wife of Lee Stanfield and on April 25, 1947 had together celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  To this union were born three daughters, Nina, deceased; Reba of Chicago, and Rosa of Anderson, Indiana.
Mrs. Stanfield had been a resident of Ramsey 42 years, a member of the Ramsey Baptist church for the same period of time.  She had been an active worker in her church and community until last December, since that time was confined to her home.
She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, Lee, daughters Rosa and Reba, three grandchildren, Austin Whitten of Safford, Ariz; Rebecca Beck of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Billie Hawkins of Longview,
Wash. and seven great grandchildren, Austin, Vernon Lee and Daisy Lynn Whitten, Raymond and Barbara Jean Beck; Larry Bill and Rosa Ann Hawkins.
Besides one half-brother, Fred Morgan and seven half-sisters, Edna Nightlinger, Golda Sykes, Nettie McGlandon, Mary Kramer, Elizabeth Morgan, Ruth Smith and Virginia Gatewood.  Several nieces and nephews will also mourn the loss of their Aunt Nell.
She will be sadly missed in her home and community.
Funeral services were entirely arranged by Mrs. Stanfield some time before her death.  They were conducted from the Ramsey Baptist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Hargett funeral home in charge.  Officiating minister was Eld. Clarence Cearlock, Assisted by Eld. Ora Brown.  Music was furnished by Mrs. S. C. Morrison, pianist and Robert J. Mueller, vocalist.
There were large numbers of flowers and were in charge of Mrs. Van Spires, Mrs. Chas. Staff, Mrs. Cal Lippert, Mrs. Straud Evans, and Mrs. Wm. Murphy and Stella Washburn.
Burial was made in Ramsey cemetery.  Pallbearers were H. A. Fromm, Hughie Hayes, Geo. Holtcamp, Willie Murphy, Van Spires, and Lester Tedrick.
Card of Thanks
Words are not adequate to express our appreciation for the kindness and thoughtfulness of our dear friends and neighbors shown us during the illness and death of our beloved wife and mother.--Lee Stanfield, Rosa Hawkins, Reba Neher.

STANFIELD, Ova R.
Husband of Leah M Baker Stanfield B: 9 Apr 1895 Clark Co., Illinois M: 11 Mar 1916 D: 21 July 1975  Buried: Martinsville Cemetery, Martinsville, Clark, Illinois Parents: Otto and Effie Rose Cornwell Stanfield

STEWART, Mrs. C. P.
Clark County Herald, October 20, 1885
Mrs. C. P. Stewart died, Sunday afternoon about four o'clock, at the St. James Hotel, her home. She had been ill for about seven weeks, with typhoid fever. She was much better, Saturday, and was able to go to the dinner table, but was taken with congestion of the brain that afternoon, and grew rapidly worse until death came to her relief. She and her husband took charge of the St. James somewhere near two years ago, coming here from Terre Haute. She was a highly respected lady, one whose death we are sorry to have to chronicle. Her remains were taken to Terre Haute for interment, today.

STEWART, Ellen SPENCER
abt 2 January 1916
Ellen (Spencer) Stewart was born Aug. 17, 1836; died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. martha Shoyer, in West Union, Jan. 2, 1916.  She was married to Alfred Stewart in 1854.  To them were born nine children, of whom five preceded her in death.  The husband died in 1903.  She united with the Methodist church some 20 years ago, and left to those who were with her the evidence that all was well.  She leaves four children--Eliza Haddix, of Paris; Ida Dix, James Stewart and Martha Shoyer of West Union; three sisters--Hannah Layton of York; Deborah Canaday, of Hutsonville; Betsy Buckner of West York; and three grandchildren and other relatives.  Funeral services were held in the Baptist church in West Union Monday, conducted by Eld. T. J. Wheeler.  The body was taken to the Ziegler cemetery for interment.

STOVER, Benjamin Franklin
Submitted by: Mike Stover
Born 30 July 1814 York Pa. Died 8 Aug 1891 in Marshall Il. Married Mary Austin 15 Mar. 1842 Had 6 Clildren Barbara Stover English, Charlotte Stover, Jacob Stover, Benjamin Franklin Stover, Relly Stover, Alfred Austin Stover, Benjamin Stover's wife Mary died 7 Jan. 1857. Benjamin Franklin Stover married Eunice Safford on 28 Oct 1860. this marriage begot four children, Daniel Stover, Charles Franklin Stover, Anna Stover Troxel, Lymon Stover.

STOVER, Eunice
Submitted by: Mike Stover
Clark County Herald
24-Feb-1897
Mrs. Eunice Stover died at the residence of her son-in-law, N. F. Troxel, Thursday morning at half past nine. She was taken with dropsy in June, 1896, and had suffered intensely all these weary months.   The funeral was held at the M.E. Church Friday at 2 o’clock P.M.  Rev. Murray officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Marshall Cemetery.
Mrs. Stover’s maiden name was Safford.   She was a native of Vermont and came to Illinois with her parents as a girl.
Oct 28, 1860, she became the wife of Benjamin Stover, to whom she was ever a faithful, conscientious help mate. To them nine children were born, only three of whom, Daniel, Charles and Mrs. Anna Troxel, now survive.
When quite young she united with the Methodist church and remained faithful to the conviction of her youth all through her life. She was sixty eight years, seven months and six days old.   In the days of her health and activity, she was a kind neighbor and true friend and her memory will be cherished by many who have shared her hospitality and kind care.

STUARD, Sarah
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
Sarah Stuard was born in Johnson Co, Ind., Sept. 15, 1846; died at her home in Dolson township Nove. 12, 1916.  She came with her parents to Clark county in 1849, and had resided here ever since.  She joined the M. E. church in Dolson Chapel in 1871, and remained a consistent member until death. She was married to Joseph L. Nicholson april 5, 1874.  To them were born four children, only one of whom, Mrs. Mary Hurst, survives.  She had been in failing health for several years.  She leaves her aged husband, one daughter, four grand children, four sisters, Mrs. Lucy Snyder, Mrs.Catherine Maggart, Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes and Mrs. Emily Snyder; and one brother, W. H. Stuard, of Dudley, Mo.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. G. Canine, and interment in Dolson cemetery.

STUCK, Josephine
Submitted by Cindy McCachern
Robinson (IL) Constitution, 17 December 1903
Josephine Stuck was born in Clark County, Ill, Oct 19, 1844, died at her home near Oblong, Ill., Nov. 18, 1909, aged 64 years, 29 days.  She was married to Charles Bailiff August 22, 1877.  To this union were born two children, Larence and Charley.  She professed in Christ and united with the Cumberland Presbytian church early in life and lived a Christian life, dying in the full triumph of a living faith in Christ.  A few days before her death she told her friends she was just waiting for the Master to call her home; to the husband, we would find consolation in the same Christ she did; to the children, pillow your heads upon the bosom of Him who is able to still the grief-lashed soul and look beyond this and parting to the time of that reunion above.  She is gone from us for awhile but her memory shall ever be cherished.  The funeral was preached by Rev. Wm. Chamness at the Bailiff church after which the body was placed in the Bailiff cemtery to await the resurection morn.
A Friend.
George Shaffner, born 12 March 1916, died 29 October 1976.  Funeral held Tuesday, November 2, 1976, burial at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Theo Millis Shaffner, born 1 October 1910, died 20 June 1985.  Funeral held Monday, June 24, 1985, burial at Ridgelawn Cemetery.  Daughter of Charles and Emma Kemp Millia. Ruby Slusser, wife of George, born 17 January 1909, died 12 February 1980. Funeral held Friday February 15, 1980, burial at Wesley Chapel. Jesse Spaugh, born 27 December 1884, died 6 Mar 1981.  Funeral held Monday, March 9, 1981, burial at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Kelly Spittler, born 8 October 1911, died 2 May 1983.  Funeral held Wednesday, May 4, 1983, burial at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Delno N. Stanfield, son of Dick and Alice Stanfield, born 14 July 1891, died 20 January 1987.  Funeral held Thursday, January 22, 1987, burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Edith M. Brown Stanfield, born 20 October 1890, died 15 August 1995. Funeral held Thursday, August 17, 1995, burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Kenneth Gene Stanfield, born 20 April 1934 in McPherson, Kansas, died 5 September 1994 in Paris, Illinois.  Funeral held Thursday, September 8, 1994 burial at Bailiff Cemetery, Melrose Twp., Clark County, Illinois.


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