BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 9 March 2022
Katherine Florence Smith was born on Wednesday, 23 Sep 1896 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Her parents were Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline (Ziegler). She had 6 siblings; Gerd Janssen Jr, Lena Marie (m. Rotramel), David John, William Charles, Elizabeth Christine (m. Keck), and Eula May (m. Walker). An unknown sibling passed away on 10 Feb 1905. She was affectionately called "Tot". Her highest grade completed was the 8th grade. She was a housewife early in marriage. She worked on Chanute Air Field during WWII. In the 1950's she worked for the "White House" Chicken Restaurant. Later in life she worked as the night clerk at the Thomasboro Inn.
In her early years, she lived with her parents in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Jun 1900, she lived on the family farm in Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 3 years old and lived with her parents Garret *Gerd Smith (33) and Elizabeth (26) and her 2 siblings; Gerd Jr (7) and Lena (2). By 1910, it appears they moved off the farm and into town. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Apr 1910, they owned a home in Thomasboro in Rantoul Township, Champaign, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 13 years old and lived with her parents Gerd Smith (42) and Lizzie *Elizabeth (38) and her 5 siblings; Gerd Jr (17), Lena (12), David J (9), William G (5) and Elizabeth (10 mos).
Katherine was 17 years old when she and 28-year-old Alfred Oren Black, son of David Ira Black and Louisa Marie Reed, applied for a marriage license on 27 Nov 1913 in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. On the license, Katherine stated she was 18 rather than her actual age of 17 presumably so she wouldn't need to obtain an "Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of Minor" from her parents. They were married by a Justice and Police Magistrate the same day in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. Alfred's sister Ora Vanhorn and his brother-in-law Samuel Vanhorn were witnesses to the marriage. It is interesting why they would travel 70 miles north to Kankakee County to get married when they both reportedly lived in Champaign County. I'm assuming it may be related to her age, but it is unknown at this time. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. Katherine never remarried.
After her marriage to Alfred in 1913, it appears they stayed in the Thomasboro area. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they lived in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois where they rented a house on Commercial Ave. At the time, Katherine Black was 23 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred Black (35) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still living in in Thomasboro. At the time, Katherine F Black was 33 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred (45) and their 6 children; Evelyn R (11), Helen A (9), Doris N (7), David G (5), Esther E (2) and Jack (10 mos). At that time the houses on that street, and most of the village, did not have any house numbers and was just known simply as the "Black" house. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. She never remarried. After the death of her husband, it appears she stayed in the area with her family. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1940, she was still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine F Black was 43 years old and lived with her 5 children; Doris N (17), David G (15), Esther E (13) and Jack (10) and Margaret (8). At some point she moved about 5 miles north to Rantoul, Illinois where she lived until her death in 1985.
Alfred and Katherine had 7 children; Evelyn Ruth (m. Lilly), Helen Audrey (m. Warner/Gerdts), Doris Nell (m. Kohl), David Gerd, Eunice Esther (m. Faulkner), Jack Lloyd, and Margaret Jane (m. Eiskamp). They are as follows:
Evelyn Ruth Black was born 26 May 1918 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She She was 19 years old when she married 30 year old Oliver "Wimpie" Wilburn Lilly, son of Albert Lilly and Sarah Mae Brown, on 20 Nov 1937 in Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. She passed away at the age of 63 as a result of a heart attack at 4:20 P.M. on Thursday, 15 Apr 1982 at the James Archer Smith Hospital while visiting in Homestead, Florida in Dade County. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, 21 Apr 1982 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A1 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Helen Audrey Black was born 23 Nov 1920 in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was 19 years old when she married the 21-year-old Leroy Arthur Warner, son of David E. Warner and Mary B Reigert, on 5 Dec 1939 in Fountain County, Indiana. However, they divorced on 21 May 1943 in Champaign County, Illinois. Helen was 32 years old when she and the 33-year-old Erich Gerdts, son of Peter Heinrich Gerdts and Ella Helena Pepperkorn, applied for a marriage license on 23 Jan 1953 at the Champaign County Courthouse, Illinois. They were married on Erich's birthday on 2 Feb 1953 in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. Helen and Leroy had one daughter, Mary Margaret. She had a daughter, Linda Lou with Robert Ulmonte Jacobs, but they never married. She had one daughter, Theresa Joyce, with Doyle Finley Lacy, but they never married. Helen and Erich had one daughter, Nancy Diane. Helen passed away at the age of 60 from Uterine Cancer at 2:06 A.M. on Saturday, 31 Oct 1981 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 33, Sp B4 in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois in Champaign County.
Doris Nell Black was born on 19 Feb 1923 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Doris was 18 years old when she and 22-year-old Leroy Peter Kohl, son of Edward C Kohl and Isabella Graf, applied for a marriage license on 4 Oct 1941 in Pike County, Louisiana. They married the same day on 4 Oct 1941 in Louisiana, Pike County, Louisiana. However, 15 years later, they divorced. The final divorce decree was issued on 16 Mar 1956 for by Robt Dykeman Deputy Clerk of Pierce County, Washington State. They did not have any children, but officially adopted David Allen Kohl on 8 May 1950 from Hampton, Virginia. She passed away at the age of 50 of an apparent heart attack at 8:00 P.M. on Monday, 18 Jun 1973 at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 21 Jun 1973 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A4 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois. She was affectionately called "Tootsie"
David Gerd Black was born 27 Feb 1925 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was 26 years old when he and 19-year-old Annetta Johanne Knospe, daughter of George Eilers and Trientje "Tina" Gerdes Knospe, obtained a marriage license issued on 28 Dec 1951 in Champaign County, Illinois. They were married a day later on 29 Dec 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. They had 5 Children; Sheila Ann, Jack Leroy, Sharon Kay, Richard A, and Gary D. David passed away at the age of 55 at 9:20 P.M. on Thursday, 28 Feb 1980 at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 2 Mar 1980 in the vicinity of section 80 (Back Right) in Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Eunice Esther Black was born 16 Jun 1927 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Marriage Eunice was 20 years old when she and 18-year-old Harold Leroy "Pete" Faulkner, son of Harold Leroy Faulkner and Louse Evelyn Purdy, applied for a marriage license on 28 June 1947 in Champaign County, Illinois. They married a few days later on 30 Jun 1947 on Chanute Airfield in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois by Rev Hanks, Chaplain of the Army.
Eunice and Pete had 2 Children; Geraldine Eunice and Loise Evelyn. She passed away at the age of 80 at 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, 14 Jul 2007 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 16 Jul 2007 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery near Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was affectionately called "Teenie".
Jack Lloyd Black was born 30 Jun 1929 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Jack was 23 years old when he and 18-year-old Ernestine Sinclair, daughter of Arch Earnest Sinclair and Hattie Mae Gannon, were married on 7 May 1953 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California. They divorced sometime between 1957- 1963. It appears, Jack, now 34 years old, married Betty Jane Bartell (29) on 1 Feb 1964 in Clark County, Nevada presumably Las Vegas. However, they divorced soon after. Jack and Ernestine had two sons; Daniel and Jeffrey Allen. Jack and Betty had one daughter, Michelle Anne. Jack passed away at the age of 69 from lung cancer at 2:30 A.M. on Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998 at Provena Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 8 Oct 1998 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Margaret Jane "Mickey" Black was born on 3 Aug 1932 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Margaret was 19 years old when she and 26 year old Arnold Lowell Eiskamp, son of Fritz D Eiskamp and Maria Loschen, applied for a marriage license and were married the same day on 14 Sep 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. He preceded her in death on 10 Feb 1979. She never remarried. Margaret and Arnold had 2 Children; Gloria Jean and Michael Lowell. She passed away at the age of 80 at 5:25 a.m. on Saturday 6 July 2013 at Heartland Health Care in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She was affectionately known as "Mickey".
Katherine passed away at the age of 88 from Pancreatic Cancer at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 21 Jan 1985 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 Jan 1985 at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. The Rev. Marvin Remmers officiated over the services. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66A, Space 3 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (#47507774) - Great Grandson
Katherine Florence Smith was born on Wednesday, 23 Sep 1896 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Her parents were Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline (Ziegler). She had 6 siblings; Gerd Janssen Jr, Lena Marie (m. Rotramel), David John, William Charles, Elizabeth Christine (m. Keck), and Eula May (m. Walker). An unknown sibling passed away on 10 Feb 1905. She was affectionately called "Tot". Her highest grade completed was the 8th grade. She was a housewife early in marriage. She worked on Chanute Air Field during WWII. In the 1950's she worked for the "White House" Chicken Restaurant. Later in life she worked as the night clerk at the Thomasboro Inn.
In her early years, she lived with her parents in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Jun 1900, she lived on the family farm in Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 3 years old and lived with her parents Garret *Gerd Smith (33) and Elizabeth (26) and her 2 siblings; Gerd Jr (7) and Lena (2). By 1910, it appears they moved off the farm and into town. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Apr 1910, they owned a home in Thomasboro in Rantoul Township, Champaign, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 13 years old and lived with her parents Gerd Smith (42) and Lizzie *Elizabeth (38) and her 5 siblings; Gerd Jr (17), Lena (12), David J (9), William G (5) and Elizabeth (10 mos).
Katherine was 17 years old when she and 28-year-old Alfred Oren Black, son of David Ira Black and Louisa Marie Reed, applied for a marriage license on 27 Nov 1913 in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. On the license, Katherine stated she was 18 rather than her actual age of 17 presumably so she wouldn't need to obtain an "Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of Minor" from her parents. They were married by a Justice and Police Magistrate the same day in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. Alfred's sister Ora Vanhorn and his brother-in-law Samuel Vanhorn were witnesses to the marriage. It is interesting why they would travel 70 miles north to Kankakee County to get married when they both reportedly lived in Champaign County. I'm assuming it may be related to her age, but it is unknown at this time. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. Katherine never remarried.
After her marriage to Alfred in 1913, it appears they stayed in the Thomasboro area. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they lived in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois where they rented a house on Commercial Ave. At the time, Katherine Black was 23 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred Black (35) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still living in in Thomasboro. At the time, Katherine F Black was 33 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred (45) and their 6 children; Evelyn R (11), Helen A (9), Doris N (7), David G (5), Esther E (2) and Jack (10 mos). At that time the houses on that street, and most of the village, did not have any house numbers and was just known simply as the "Black" house. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. She never remarried. After the death of her husband, it appears she stayed in the area with her family. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1940, she was still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine F Black was 43 years old and lived with her 5 children; Doris N (17), David G (15), Esther E (13) and Jack (10) and Margaret (8). At some point she moved about 5 miles north to Rantoul, Illinois where she lived until her death in 1985.
Alfred and Katherine had 7 children; Evelyn Ruth (m. Lilly), Helen Audrey (m. Warner/Gerdts), Doris Nell (m. Kohl), David Gerd, Eunice Esther (m. Faulkner), Jack Lloyd, and Margaret Jane (m. Eiskamp). They are as follows:
Evelyn Ruth Black was born 26 May 1918 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She She was 19 years old when she married 30 year old Oliver "Wimpie" Wilburn Lilly, son of Albert Lilly and Sarah Mae Brown, on 20 Nov 1937 in Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. She passed away at the age of 63 as a result of a heart attack at 4:20 P.M. on Thursday, 15 Apr 1982 at the James Archer Smith Hospital while visiting in Homestead, Florida in Dade County. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, 21 Apr 1982 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A1 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Helen Audrey Black was born 23 Nov 1920 in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was 19 years old when she married the 21-year-old Leroy Arthur Warner, son of David E. Warner and Mary B Reigert, on 5 Dec 1939 in Fountain County, Indiana. However, they divorced on 21 May 1943 in Champaign County, Illinois. Helen was 32 years old when she and the 33-year-old Erich Gerdts, son of Peter Heinrich Gerdts and Ella Helena Pepperkorn, applied for a marriage license on 23 Jan 1953 at the Champaign County Courthouse, Illinois. They were married on Erich's birthday on 2 Feb 1953 in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. Helen and Leroy had one daughter, Mary Margaret. She had a daughter, Linda Lou with Robert Ulmonte Jacobs, but they never married. She had one daughter, Theresa Joyce, with Doyle Finley Lacy, but they never married. Helen and Erich had one daughter, Nancy Diane. Helen passed away at the age of 60 from Uterine Cancer at 2:06 A.M. on Saturday, 31 Oct 1981 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 33, Sp B4 in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois in Champaign County.
Doris Nell Black was born on 19 Feb 1923 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Doris was 18 years old when she and 22-year-old Leroy Peter Kohl, son of Edward C Kohl and Isabella Graf, applied for a marriage license on 4 Oct 1941 in Pike County, Louisiana. They married the same day on 4 Oct 1941 in Louisiana, Pike County, Louisiana. However, 15 years later, they divorced. The final divorce decree was issued on 16 Mar 1956 for by Robt Dykeman Deputy Clerk of Pierce County, Washington State. They did not have any children, but officially adopted David Allen Kohl on 8 May 1950 from Hampton, Virginia. She passed away at the age of 50 of an apparent heart attack at 8:00 P.M. on Monday, 18 Jun 1973 at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 21 Jun 1973 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A4 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois. She was affectionately called "Tootsie"
David Gerd Black was born 27 Feb 1925 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was 26 years old when he and 19-year-old Annetta Johanne Knospe, daughter of George Eilers and Trientje "Tina" Gerdes Knospe, obtained a marriage license issued on 28 Dec 1951 in Champaign County, Illinois. They were married a day later on 29 Dec 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. They had 5 Children; Sheila Ann, Jack Leroy, Sharon Kay, Richard A, and Gary D. David passed away at the age of 55 at 9:20 P.M. on Thursday, 28 Feb 1980 at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 2 Mar 1980 in the vicinity of section 80 (Back Right) in Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Eunice Esther Black was born 16 Jun 1927 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Marriage Eunice was 20 years old when she and 18-year-old Harold Leroy "Pete" Faulkner, son of Harold Leroy Faulkner and Louse Evelyn Purdy, applied for a marriage license on 28 June 1947 in Champaign County, Illinois. They married a few days later on 30 Jun 1947 on Chanute Airfield in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois by Rev Hanks, Chaplain of the Army.
Eunice and Pete had 2 Children; Geraldine Eunice and Loise Evelyn. She passed away at the age of 80 at 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, 14 Jul 2007 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 16 Jul 2007 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery near Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was affectionately called "Teenie".
Jack Lloyd Black was born 30 Jun 1929 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Jack was 23 years old when he and 18-year-old Ernestine Sinclair, daughter of Arch Earnest Sinclair and Hattie Mae Gannon, were married on 7 May 1953 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California. They divorced sometime between 1957- 1963. It appears, Jack, now 34 years old, married Betty Jane Bartell (29) on 1 Feb 1964 in Clark County, Nevada presumably Las Vegas. However, they divorced soon after. Jack and Ernestine had two sons; Daniel and Jeffrey Allen. Jack and Betty had one daughter, Michelle Anne. Jack passed away at the age of 69 from lung cancer at 2:30 A.M. on Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998 at Provena Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 8 Oct 1998 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Margaret Jane "Mickey" Black was born on 3 Aug 1932 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Margaret was 19 years old when she and 26 year old Arnold Lowell Eiskamp, son of Fritz D Eiskamp and Maria Loschen, applied for a marriage license and were married the same day on 14 Sep 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. He preceded her in death on 10 Feb 1979. She never remarried. Margaret and Arnold had 2 Children; Gloria Jean and Michael Lowell. She passed away at the age of 80 at 5:25 a.m. on Saturday 6 July 2013 at Heartland Health Care in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She was affectionately known as "Mickey".
Katherine passed away at the age of 88 from Pancreatic Cancer at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 21 Jan 1985 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 Jan 1985 at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. The Rev. Marvin Remmers officiated over the services. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66A, Space 3 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (#47507774) - Great Grandson
BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 9 March 2022
Katherine Florence Smith was born on Wednesday, 23 Sep 1896 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Her parents were Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline (Ziegler). She had 6 siblings; Gerd Janssen Jr, Lena Marie (m. Rotramel), David John, William Charles, Elizabeth Christine (m. Keck), and Eula May (m. Walker). An unknown sibling passed away on 10 Feb 1905. She was affectionately called "Tot". Her highest grade completed was the 8th grade. She was a housewife early in marriage. She worked on Chanute Air Field during WWII. In the 1950's she worked for the "White House" Chicken Restaurant. Later in life she worked as the night clerk at the Thomasboro Inn.
In her early years, she lived with her parents in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Jun 1900, she lived on the family farm in Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 3 years old and lived with her parents Garret *Gerd Smith (33) and Elizabeth (26) and her 2 siblings; Gerd Jr (7) and Lena (2). By 1910, it appears they moved off the farm and into town. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Apr 1910, they owned a home in Thomasboro in Rantoul Township, Champaign, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 13 years old and lived with her parents Gerd Smith (42) and Lizzie *Elizabeth (38) and her 5 siblings; Gerd Jr (17), Lena (12), David J (9), William G (5) and Elizabeth (10 mos).
Katherine was 17 years old when she and 28-year-old Alfred Oren Black, son of David Ira Black and Louisa Marie Reed, applied for a marriage license on 27 Nov 1913 in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. On the license, Katherine stated she was 18 rather than her actual age of 17 presumably so she wouldn't need to obtain an "Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of Minor" from her parents. They were married by a Justice and Police Magistrate the same day in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. Alfred's sister Ora Vanhorn and his brother-in-law Samuel Vanhorn were witnesses to the marriage. It is interesting why they would travel 70 miles north to Kankakee County to get married when they both reportedly lived in Champaign County. I'm assuming it may be related to her age, but it is unknown at this time. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. Katherine never remarried.
After her marriage to Alfred in 1913, it appears they stayed in the Thomasboro area. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they lived in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois where they rented a house on Commercial Ave. At the time, Katherine Black was 23 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred Black (35) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still living in in Thomasboro. At the time, Katherine F Black was 33 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred (45) and their 6 children; Evelyn R (11), Helen A (9), Doris N (7), David G (5), Esther E (2) and Jack (10 mos). At that time the houses on that street, and most of the village, did not have any house numbers and was just known simply as the "Black" house. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. She never remarried. After the death of her husband, it appears she stayed in the area with her family. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1940, she was still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine F Black was 43 years old and lived with her 5 children; Doris N (17), David G (15), Esther E (13) and Jack (10) and Margaret (8). At some point she moved about 5 miles north to Rantoul, Illinois where she lived until her death in 1985.
Alfred and Katherine had 7 children; Evelyn Ruth (m. Lilly), Helen Audrey (m. Warner/Gerdts), Doris Nell (m. Kohl), David Gerd, Eunice Esther (m. Faulkner), Jack Lloyd, and Margaret Jane (m. Eiskamp). They are as follows:
Evelyn Ruth Black was born 26 May 1918 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She She was 19 years old when she married 30 year old Oliver "Wimpie" Wilburn Lilly, son of Albert Lilly and Sarah Mae Brown, on 20 Nov 1937 in Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. She passed away at the age of 63 as a result of a heart attack at 4:20 P.M. on Thursday, 15 Apr 1982 at the James Archer Smith Hospital while visiting in Homestead, Florida in Dade County. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, 21 Apr 1982 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A1 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Helen Audrey Black was born 23 Nov 1920 in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was 19 years old when she married the 21-year-old Leroy Arthur Warner, son of David E. Warner and Mary B Reigert, on 5 Dec 1939 in Fountain County, Indiana. However, they divorced on 21 May 1943 in Champaign County, Illinois. Helen was 32 years old when she and the 33-year-old Erich Gerdts, son of Peter Heinrich Gerdts and Ella Helena Pepperkorn, applied for a marriage license on 23 Jan 1953 at the Champaign County Courthouse, Illinois. They were married on Erich's birthday on 2 Feb 1953 in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. Helen and Leroy had one daughter, Mary Margaret. She had a daughter, Linda Lou with Robert Ulmonte Jacobs, but they never married. She had one daughter, Theresa Joyce, with Doyle Finley Lacy, but they never married. Helen and Erich had one daughter, Nancy Diane. Helen passed away at the age of 60 from Uterine Cancer at 2:06 A.M. on Saturday, 31 Oct 1981 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 33, Sp B4 in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois in Champaign County.
Doris Nell Black was born on 19 Feb 1923 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Doris was 18 years old when she and 22-year-old Leroy Peter Kohl, son of Edward C Kohl and Isabella Graf, applied for a marriage license on 4 Oct 1941 in Pike County, Louisiana. They married the same day on 4 Oct 1941 in Louisiana, Pike County, Louisiana. However, 15 years later, they divorced. The final divorce decree was issued on 16 Mar 1956 for by Robt Dykeman Deputy Clerk of Pierce County, Washington State. They did not have any children, but officially adopted David Allen Kohl on 8 May 1950 from Hampton, Virginia. She passed away at the age of 50 of an apparent heart attack at 8:00 P.M. on Monday, 18 Jun 1973 at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 21 Jun 1973 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A4 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois. She was affectionately called "Tootsie"
David Gerd Black was born 27 Feb 1925 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was 26 years old when he and 19-year-old Annetta Johanne Knospe, daughter of George Eilers and Trientje "Tina" Gerdes Knospe, obtained a marriage license issued on 28 Dec 1951 in Champaign County, Illinois. They were married a day later on 29 Dec 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. They had 5 Children; Sheila Ann, Jack Leroy, Sharon Kay, Richard A, and Gary D. David passed away at the age of 55 at 9:20 P.M. on Thursday, 28 Feb 1980 at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 2 Mar 1980 in the vicinity of section 80 (Back Right) in Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Eunice Esther Black was born 16 Jun 1927 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Marriage Eunice was 20 years old when she and 18-year-old Harold Leroy "Pete" Faulkner, son of Harold Leroy Faulkner and Louse Evelyn Purdy, applied for a marriage license on 28 June 1947 in Champaign County, Illinois. They married a few days later on 30 Jun 1947 on Chanute Airfield in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois by Rev Hanks, Chaplain of the Army.
Eunice and Pete had 2 Children; Geraldine Eunice and Loise Evelyn. She passed away at the age of 80 at 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, 14 Jul 2007 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 16 Jul 2007 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery near Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was affectionately called "Teenie".
Jack Lloyd Black was born 30 Jun 1929 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Jack was 23 years old when he and 18-year-old Ernestine Sinclair, daughter of Arch Earnest Sinclair and Hattie Mae Gannon, were married on 7 May 1953 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California. They divorced sometime between 1957- 1963. It appears, Jack, now 34 years old, married Betty Jane Bartell (29) on 1 Feb 1964 in Clark County, Nevada presumably Las Vegas. However, they divorced soon after. Jack and Ernestine had two sons; Daniel and Jeffrey Allen. Jack and Betty had one daughter, Michelle Anne. Jack passed away at the age of 69 from lung cancer at 2:30 A.M. on Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998 at Provena Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 8 Oct 1998 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Margaret Jane "Mickey" Black was born on 3 Aug 1932 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Margaret was 19 years old when she and 26 year old Arnold Lowell Eiskamp, son of Fritz D Eiskamp and Maria Loschen, applied for a marriage license and were married the same day on 14 Sep 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. He preceded her in death on 10 Feb 1979. She never remarried. Margaret and Arnold had 2 Children; Gloria Jean and Michael Lowell. She passed away at the age of 80 at 5:25 a.m. on Saturday 6 July 2013 at Heartland Health Care in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She was affectionately known as "Mickey".
Katherine passed away at the age of 88 from Pancreatic Cancer at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 21 Jan 1985 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 Jan 1985 at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. The Rev. Marvin Remmers officiated over the services. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66A, Space 3 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (#47507774) - Great Grandson
Katherine Florence Smith was born on Wednesday, 23 Sep 1896 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Her parents were Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline (Ziegler). She had 6 siblings; Gerd Janssen Jr, Lena Marie (m. Rotramel), David John, William Charles, Elizabeth Christine (m. Keck), and Eula May (m. Walker). An unknown sibling passed away on 10 Feb 1905. She was affectionately called "Tot". Her highest grade completed was the 8th grade. She was a housewife early in marriage. She worked on Chanute Air Field during WWII. In the 1950's she worked for the "White House" Chicken Restaurant. Later in life she worked as the night clerk at the Thomasboro Inn.
In her early years, she lived with her parents in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Jun 1900, she lived on the family farm in Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 3 years old and lived with her parents Garret *Gerd Smith (33) and Elizabeth (26) and her 2 siblings; Gerd Jr (7) and Lena (2). By 1910, it appears they moved off the farm and into town. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Apr 1910, they owned a home in Thomasboro in Rantoul Township, Champaign, Illinois. At the time, Katherine was 13 years old and lived with her parents Gerd Smith (42) and Lizzie *Elizabeth (38) and her 5 siblings; Gerd Jr (17), Lena (12), David J (9), William G (5) and Elizabeth (10 mos).
Katherine was 17 years old when she and 28-year-old Alfred Oren Black, son of David Ira Black and Louisa Marie Reed, applied for a marriage license on 27 Nov 1913 in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. On the license, Katherine stated she was 18 rather than her actual age of 17 presumably so she wouldn't need to obtain an "Affidavit of Consent for Marriage of Minor" from her parents. They were married by a Justice and Police Magistrate the same day in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. Alfred's sister Ora Vanhorn and his brother-in-law Samuel Vanhorn were witnesses to the marriage. It is interesting why they would travel 70 miles north to Kankakee County to get married when they both reportedly lived in Champaign County. I'm assuming it may be related to her age, but it is unknown at this time. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. Katherine never remarried.
After her marriage to Alfred in 1913, it appears they stayed in the Thomasboro area. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they lived in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois where they rented a house on Commercial Ave. At the time, Katherine Black was 23 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred Black (35) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still living in in Thomasboro. At the time, Katherine F Black was 33 years old and lived with her spouse Alfred (45) and their 6 children; Evelyn R (11), Helen A (9), Doris N (7), David G (5), Esther E (2) and Jack (10 mos). At that time the houses on that street, and most of the village, did not have any house numbers and was just known simply as the "Black" house. Alfred passed away at the age of 51 at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois as a result of an extended illness that he had been battling for over a year. She never remarried. After the death of her husband, it appears she stayed in the area with her family. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1940, she was still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Katherine F Black was 43 years old and lived with her 5 children; Doris N (17), David G (15), Esther E (13) and Jack (10) and Margaret (8). At some point she moved about 5 miles north to Rantoul, Illinois where she lived until her death in 1985.
Alfred and Katherine had 7 children; Evelyn Ruth (m. Lilly), Helen Audrey (m. Warner/Gerdts), Doris Nell (m. Kohl), David Gerd, Eunice Esther (m. Faulkner), Jack Lloyd, and Margaret Jane (m. Eiskamp). They are as follows:
Evelyn Ruth Black was born 26 May 1918 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She She was 19 years old when she married 30 year old Oliver "Wimpie" Wilburn Lilly, son of Albert Lilly and Sarah Mae Brown, on 20 Nov 1937 in Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. She passed away at the age of 63 as a result of a heart attack at 4:20 P.M. on Thursday, 15 Apr 1982 at the James Archer Smith Hospital while visiting in Homestead, Florida in Dade County. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, 21 Apr 1982 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A1 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Helen Audrey Black was born 23 Nov 1920 in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was 19 years old when she married the 21-year-old Leroy Arthur Warner, son of David E. Warner and Mary B Reigert, on 5 Dec 1939 in Fountain County, Indiana. However, they divorced on 21 May 1943 in Champaign County, Illinois. Helen was 32 years old when she and the 33-year-old Erich Gerdts, son of Peter Heinrich Gerdts and Ella Helena Pepperkorn, applied for a marriage license on 23 Jan 1953 at the Champaign County Courthouse, Illinois. They were married on Erich's birthday on 2 Feb 1953 in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. Helen and Leroy had one daughter, Mary Margaret. She had a daughter, Linda Lou with Robert Ulmonte Jacobs, but they never married. She had one daughter, Theresa Joyce, with Doyle Finley Lacy, but they never married. Helen and Erich had one daughter, Nancy Diane. Helen passed away at the age of 60 from Uterine Cancer at 2:06 A.M. on Saturday, 31 Oct 1981 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 33, Sp B4 in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois in Champaign County.
Doris Nell Black was born on 19 Feb 1923 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Doris was 18 years old when she and 22-year-old Leroy Peter Kohl, son of Edward C Kohl and Isabella Graf, applied for a marriage license on 4 Oct 1941 in Pike County, Louisiana. They married the same day on 4 Oct 1941 in Louisiana, Pike County, Louisiana. However, 15 years later, they divorced. The final divorce decree was issued on 16 Mar 1956 for by Robt Dykeman Deputy Clerk of Pierce County, Washington State. They did not have any children, but officially adopted David Allen Kohl on 8 May 1950 from Hampton, Virginia. She passed away at the age of 50 of an apparent heart attack at 8:00 P.M. on Monday, 18 Jun 1973 at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 21 Jun 1973 in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66, Sp A4 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Illinois. She was affectionately called "Tootsie"
David Gerd Black was born 27 Feb 1925 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was 26 years old when he and 19-year-old Annetta Johanne Knospe, daughter of George Eilers and Trientje "Tina" Gerdes Knospe, obtained a marriage license issued on 28 Dec 1951 in Champaign County, Illinois. They were married a day later on 29 Dec 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. They had 5 Children; Sheila Ann, Jack Leroy, Sharon Kay, Richard A, and Gary D. David passed away at the age of 55 at 9:20 P.M. on Thursday, 28 Feb 1980 at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 2 Mar 1980 in the vicinity of section 80 (Back Right) in Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Eunice Esther Black was born 16 Jun 1927 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Marriage Eunice was 20 years old when she and 18-year-old Harold Leroy "Pete" Faulkner, son of Harold Leroy Faulkner and Louse Evelyn Purdy, applied for a marriage license on 28 June 1947 in Champaign County, Illinois. They married a few days later on 30 Jun 1947 on Chanute Airfield in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois by Rev Hanks, Chaplain of the Army.
Eunice and Pete had 2 Children; Geraldine Eunice and Loise Evelyn. She passed away at the age of 80 at 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, 14 Jul 2007 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest on 16 Jul 2007 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery near Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County. She was affectionately called "Teenie".
Jack Lloyd Black was born 30 Jun 1929 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Jack was 23 years old when he and 18-year-old Ernestine Sinclair, daughter of Arch Earnest Sinclair and Hattie Mae Gannon, were married on 7 May 1953 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California. They divorced sometime between 1957- 1963. It appears, Jack, now 34 years old, married Betty Jane Bartell (29) on 1 Feb 1964 in Clark County, Nevada presumably Las Vegas. However, they divorced soon after. Jack and Ernestine had two sons; Daniel and Jeffrey Allen. Jack and Betty had one daughter, Michelle Anne. Jack passed away at the age of 69 from lung cancer at 2:30 A.M. on Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998 at Provena Medical Center in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on 8 Oct 1998 in the vicinity of Section 80 (Back Right) of Beckman Cemetery in Thomasboro, Illinois in Champaign County.
Margaret Jane "Mickey" Black was born on 3 Aug 1932 in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. Margaret was 19 years old when she and 26 year old Arnold Lowell Eiskamp, son of Fritz D Eiskamp and Maria Loschen, applied for a marriage license and were married the same day on 14 Sep 1951 in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. He preceded her in death on 10 Feb 1979. She never remarried. Margaret and Arnold had 2 Children; Gloria Jean and Michael Lowell. She passed away at the age of 80 at 5:25 a.m. on Saturday 6 July 2013 at Heartland Health Care in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois. She was laid to rest in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. She was affectionately known as "Mickey".
Katherine passed away at the age of 88 from Pancreatic Cancer at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 21 Jan 1985 at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois in Champaign County. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 Jan 1985 at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave in Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois. The Rev. Marvin Remmers officiated over the services. She was laid to rest in the Garden of Christus, Lot 66A, Space 3 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois.
Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (#47507774) - Great Grandson
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