Rushville Times, 22 Aug 1928:

William Hoelscher, eldest son of Frederick and Dora (Rodewald) Hoelscher, was born October 30, 1857, near Rushville, Ill, and departed this life at the Bacon Clinic at Macomb, Ill, Aug 17th, aged 70 years, 9 months and 17 days.

When he was four years of age the family removed to a farm near Brooklyn where he has since resided.

William was an obedient and faithful son and a man of sterling qualities. He was converted in his youth and joined the Presbyterian church later attending the Methodist Sunday school with his family but still retaining membership in his former church.

He was united in marriage on September 1, 1886, to Melissa, only child of Edward P and Mary (Sellars) King. To this union were born four daughters and six sons namely Viola, Hansel and Florian at home, Mrs. J. A. Jones of Beardstown, Ill, Ed, Fred and Mrs. Everette Ayers of Brooklyn, Ill, Harland and Mell of Macomb, Ill and Mansel, deceased.

His wife preceded him to the Great Beyond on June 21, 1917 also one son, Mansel on Jan 8, 1919, at the age of twenty years.

Mr. Hoelscher seldom left his home except on business, but always read his daily paper and up to the time of his death was actively engaged in farming. He took great pride in raising good livestock of all kinds. He worked six days of every week and if the weather prevented outdoor work he was found in his workshop.

He always enjoyed good health until this spring when he suffered an attack of flu which left him in a weakened condition. A second goiter developed quickly, which, with heart trouble caused his death suddenly in the presence of his daughters Viola and Esther, and two doctors who applied restoratives immediately but of no avail, life being extinct.

William Hoelscher was always willing to help with his share in any community enterprise in all that was good for the community and his passing will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Here we might add that no one ever became really well acquainted with him except his wife he being of a very quiet and reserved nature. Those left to mourn his death are his children, eleven grandchildren, two sisters and one brother: Miss Melinda and Chris of Brooklyn and Mrs. WG Lyon of Santa Cruz, Calif. His parents, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.