Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (Great Grandson)
BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 24 Sep 23
Alfred Oren Black was born on 30 Dec 1884 in Greenup, Cumberland County, Illinois. However, throughout the years, numerous inconsistences exist in sources and evidence with regards to his birth date. Early census records are consistent with 1884, but later census records indicate a birth year of 1885; however, all census dates were taken before his birthday in Dec, which would indicate an actual birth year of 1884. His obituaries are full of errors and have discounted those dates. All death records indicate 1884, but marriage records range from 1886-1887. Based on the preponderance of evidence, I am assessing 1884 is the correct date until other evidence is obtained to prove otherwise.
His parents were David Ira Black and Louisa Marie (Reed). He had at least 12 siblings and half-siblings. He had 8 full siblings Ora Jiles (m. Van Horn/Nowlin), Emma Ellen (m. Connors), Ruella (m. Rubow), Serepta (Died in infancy), John Andrew, William (died as a child), Eletha Muriel (m. Rowland), and Mary Mabel (m. Hire/Hart). He also had 3 half-brothers from his father's first marriage to Sarah; James Marion, Thomas McClellan and Charles W and a half-sister Mollie Reed (m. Hill) from his mother's previous relationship with an unknown man.
He sometimes went by the nickname "Doc". According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian where local residents used to call upon him to look at their horses and livestock. Reportedly, that is where he earned his nickname of "Doc". According to WWI draft registration cards in Sep 1918, he was tall and had a medium build. He also had blue eyes and brown hair. He was educated and could read and write. As far as occupations went, according to census records in 1910, he worked on the Clarence Tinsman family farm as a hired man and lived at their residence in the next township over from where he grew up. It is unknown how long he worked there, however, he married in 1913 and settled elsewhere. At the time of his marriage, he was listed as a Farmer. According to WWI Draft Registration Records in Sep 1918, he was listed as a laborer at the local grain elevator, probably the one still located in Thomasboro, Illinois today. A few census records and children's birth certificates indicate he was a house carpenter later in life. According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian.
In his early years, he lived with his parents in Union Township in Cumberland County, Illinois. Since their servicing post office was Diona (located in the upper portion of Union Township near Coles County), I assume they lived close to that location, but exact location is unknown. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 11 Jun 1900, the family was living in Union Township in Cumberland County Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 15 years old and lived with his parents David (58) and Louisa M (44) and his 5 siblings; Ora J (19), Emma E (13), Ruella (11), John A (9), and Aleatha M (3). By 1910, it appears he left his parent's house and moved out on his own. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 21 Apr 1910, he was living in Cottonwood Township also in Cumberland County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 26 years old and was living as a live in laborer and hired man on the Clarence Tinsman farm.
Alfred was 28 years old when he and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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.
At the age of 28, Alfred and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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 and Katherine would have 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".
After his marriage to Katherine in 1913 it appears they settled about 70 miles north in Champaign County. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they rented a home on Commercial Ave in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 35 years old and lived with his spouse Catherine (23) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township in Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 45 years old and lived with Spouse Katherine F (33) 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. It appears he lived at this address until his death in 1936.
Alfred passed away from Cirrhosis of the Liver at the age of 51 at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was battling the illness for over a year and had been bedfast for the last month before passing. Funeral services were conducted at his home at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 May 1936 with Rev. Star, a former Thomasboro pastor, officiating over the services. He was laid to rest in the vicinity of section 17 (Front Right) at Beckman Cemetery just outside of Thomasboro in Champaign County, Illinois. Originally, he was buried in an unmarked grave, but later was given a small marker indicating his final location.
BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 24 Sep 23
Alfred Oren Black was born on 30 Dec 1884 in Greenup, Cumberland County, Illinois. However, throughout the years, numerous inconsistences exist in sources and evidence with regards to his birth date. Early census records are consistent with 1884, but later census records indicate a birth year of 1885; however, all census dates were taken before his birthday in Dec, which would indicate an actual birth year of 1884. His obituaries are full of errors and have discounted those dates. All death records indicate 1884, but marriage records range from 1886-1887. Based on the preponderance of evidence, I am assessing 1884 is the correct date until other evidence is obtained to prove otherwise.
His parents were David Ira Black and Louisa Marie (Reed). He had at least 12 siblings and half-siblings. He had 8 full siblings Ora Jiles (m. Van Horn/Nowlin), Emma Ellen (m. Connors), Ruella (m. Rubow), Serepta (Died in infancy), John Andrew, William (died as a child), Eletha Muriel (m. Rowland), and Mary Mabel (m. Hire/Hart). He also had 3 half-brothers from his father's first marriage to Sarah; James Marion, Thomas McClellan and Charles W and a half-sister Mollie Reed (m. Hill) from his mother's previous relationship with an unknown man.
He sometimes went by the nickname "Doc". According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian where local residents used to call upon him to look at their horses and livestock. Reportedly, that is where he earned his nickname of "Doc". According to WWI draft registration cards in Sep 1918, he was tall and had a medium build. He also had blue eyes and brown hair. He was educated and could read and write. As far as occupations went, according to census records in 1910, he worked on the Clarence Tinsman family farm as a hired man and lived at their residence in the next township over from where he grew up. It is unknown how long he worked there, however, he married in 1913 and settled elsewhere. At the time of his marriage, he was listed as a Farmer. According to WWI Draft Registration Records in Sep 1918, he was listed as a laborer at the local grain elevator, probably the one still located in Thomasboro, Illinois today. A few census records and children's birth certificates indicate he was a house carpenter later in life. According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian.
In his early years, he lived with his parents in Union Township in Cumberland County, Illinois. Since their servicing post office was Diona (located in the upper portion of Union Township near Coles County), I assume they lived close to that location, but exact location is unknown. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 11 Jun 1900, the family was living in Union Township in Cumberland County Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 15 years old and lived with his parents David (58) and Louisa M (44) and his 5 siblings; Ora J (19), Emma E (13), Ruella (11), John A (9), and Aleatha M (3). By 1910, it appears he left his parent's house and moved out on his own. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 21 Apr 1910, he was living in Cottonwood Township also in Cumberland County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 26 years old and was living as a live in laborer and hired man on the Clarence Tinsman farm.
Alfred was 28 years old when he and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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.
At the age of 28, Alfred and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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 and Katherine would have 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".
After his marriage to Katherine in 1913 it appears they settled about 70 miles north in Champaign County. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they rented a home on Commercial Ave in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 35 years old and lived with his spouse Catherine (23) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township in Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 45 years old and lived with Spouse Katherine F (33) 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. It appears he lived at this address until his death in 1936.
Alfred passed away from Cirrhosis of the Liver at the age of 51 at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was battling the illness for over a year and had been bedfast for the last month before passing. Funeral services were conducted at his home at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 May 1936 with Rev. Star, a former Thomasboro pastor, officiating over the services. He was laid to rest in the vicinity of section 17 (Front Right) at Beckman Cemetery just outside of Thomasboro in Champaign County, Illinois. Originally, he was buried in an unmarked grave, but later was given a small marker indicating his final location.
Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (Great Grandson)
BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 24 Sep 23
Alfred Oren Black was born on 30 Dec 1884 in Greenup, Cumberland County, Illinois. However, throughout the years, numerous inconsistences exist in sources and evidence with regards to his birth date. Early census records are consistent with 1884, but later census records indicate a birth year of 1885; however, all census dates were taken before his birthday in Dec, which would indicate an actual birth year of 1884. His obituaries are full of errors and have discounted those dates. All death records indicate 1884, but marriage records range from 1886-1887. Based on the preponderance of evidence, I am assessing 1884 is the correct date until other evidence is obtained to prove otherwise.
His parents were David Ira Black and Louisa Marie (Reed). He had at least 12 siblings and half-siblings. He had 8 full siblings Ora Jiles (m. Van Horn/Nowlin), Emma Ellen (m. Connors), Ruella (m. Rubow), Serepta (Died in infancy), John Andrew, William (died as a child), Eletha Muriel (m. Rowland), and Mary Mabel (m. Hire/Hart). He also had 3 half-brothers from his father's first marriage to Sarah; James Marion, Thomas McClellan and Charles W and a half-sister Mollie Reed (m. Hill) from his mother's previous relationship with an unknown man.
He sometimes went by the nickname "Doc". According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian where local residents used to call upon him to look at their horses and livestock. Reportedly, that is where he earned his nickname of "Doc". According to WWI draft registration cards in Sep 1918, he was tall and had a medium build. He also had blue eyes and brown hair. He was educated and could read and write. As far as occupations went, according to census records in 1910, he worked on the Clarence Tinsman family farm as a hired man and lived at their residence in the next township over from where he grew up. It is unknown how long he worked there, however, he married in 1913 and settled elsewhere. At the time of his marriage, he was listed as a Farmer. According to WWI Draft Registration Records in Sep 1918, he was listed as a laborer at the local grain elevator, probably the one still located in Thomasboro, Illinois today. A few census records and children's birth certificates indicate he was a house carpenter later in life. According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian.
In his early years, he lived with his parents in Union Township in Cumberland County, Illinois. Since their servicing post office was Diona (located in the upper portion of Union Township near Coles County), I assume they lived close to that location, but exact location is unknown. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 11 Jun 1900, the family was living in Union Township in Cumberland County Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 15 years old and lived with his parents David (58) and Louisa M (44) and his 5 siblings; Ora J (19), Emma E (13), Ruella (11), John A (9), and Aleatha M (3). By 1910, it appears he left his parent's house and moved out on his own. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 21 Apr 1910, he was living in Cottonwood Township also in Cumberland County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 26 years old and was living as a live in laborer and hired man on the Clarence Tinsman farm.
Alfred was 28 years old when he and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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.
At the age of 28, Alfred and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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 and Katherine would have 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".
After his marriage to Katherine in 1913 it appears they settled about 70 miles north in Champaign County. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they rented a home on Commercial Ave in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 35 years old and lived with his spouse Catherine (23) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township in Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 45 years old and lived with Spouse Katherine F (33) 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. It appears he lived at this address until his death in 1936.
Alfred passed away from Cirrhosis of the Liver at the age of 51 at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was battling the illness for over a year and had been bedfast for the last month before passing. Funeral services were conducted at his home at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 May 1936 with Rev. Star, a former Thomasboro pastor, officiating over the services. He was laid to rest in the vicinity of section 17 (Front Right) at Beckman Cemetery just outside of Thomasboro in Champaign County, Illinois. Originally, he was buried in an unmarked grave, but later was given a small marker indicating his final location.
BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 24 Sep 23
Alfred Oren Black was born on 30 Dec 1884 in Greenup, Cumberland County, Illinois. However, throughout the years, numerous inconsistences exist in sources and evidence with regards to his birth date. Early census records are consistent with 1884, but later census records indicate a birth year of 1885; however, all census dates were taken before his birthday in Dec, which would indicate an actual birth year of 1884. His obituaries are full of errors and have discounted those dates. All death records indicate 1884, but marriage records range from 1886-1887. Based on the preponderance of evidence, I am assessing 1884 is the correct date until other evidence is obtained to prove otherwise.
His parents were David Ira Black and Louisa Marie (Reed). He had at least 12 siblings and half-siblings. He had 8 full siblings Ora Jiles (m. Van Horn/Nowlin), Emma Ellen (m. Connors), Ruella (m. Rubow), Serepta (Died in infancy), John Andrew, William (died as a child), Eletha Muriel (m. Rowland), and Mary Mabel (m. Hire/Hart). He also had 3 half-brothers from his father's first marriage to Sarah; James Marion, Thomas McClellan and Charles W and a half-sister Mollie Reed (m. Hill) from his mother's previous relationship with an unknown man.
He sometimes went by the nickname "Doc". According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian where local residents used to call upon him to look at their horses and livestock. Reportedly, that is where he earned his nickname of "Doc". According to WWI draft registration cards in Sep 1918, he was tall and had a medium build. He also had blue eyes and brown hair. He was educated and could read and write. As far as occupations went, according to census records in 1910, he worked on the Clarence Tinsman family farm as a hired man and lived at their residence in the next township over from where he grew up. It is unknown how long he worked there, however, he married in 1913 and settled elsewhere. At the time of his marriage, he was listed as a Farmer. According to WWI Draft Registration Records in Sep 1918, he was listed as a laborer at the local grain elevator, probably the one still located in Thomasboro, Illinois today. A few census records and children's birth certificates indicate he was a house carpenter later in life. According to family member interviews, he was considered an amateur veterinarian.
In his early years, he lived with his parents in Union Township in Cumberland County, Illinois. Since their servicing post office was Diona (located in the upper portion of Union Township near Coles County), I assume they lived close to that location, but exact location is unknown. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 11 Jun 1900, the family was living in Union Township in Cumberland County Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 15 years old and lived with his parents David (58) and Louisa M (44) and his 5 siblings; Ora J (19), Emma E (13), Ruella (11), John A (9), and Aleatha M (3). By 1910, it appears he left his parent's house and moved out on his own. According to the 1910 United States Federal Census taken on 21 Apr 1910, he was living in Cottonwood Township also in Cumberland County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 26 years old and was living as a live in laborer and hired man on the Clarence Tinsman farm.
Alfred was 28 years old when he and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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.
At the age of 28, Alfred and 17-year-old Katherine Florence Smith, daughter of Gerd Janssen Smith and Elizabeth Caroline Ziegler, 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 and Katherine would have 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".
After his marriage to Katherine in 1913 it appears they settled about 70 miles north in Champaign County. According to the 1920 United States Federal Census taken on 23 Jan 1920, they rented a home on Commercial Ave in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township, Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 35 years old and lived with his spouse Catherine (23) and their daughter Evelyn R (1). According to the 1930 United States Federal Census taken on 17 Apr 1930, they were still renting a house in Thomasboro, Rantoul Township in Champaign County, Illinois. At the time, Alfred was 45 years old and lived with Spouse Katherine F (33) 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. It appears he lived at this address until his death in 1936.
Alfred passed away from Cirrhosis of the Liver at the age of 51 at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, 17 May 1936 at his home in Thomasboro, Champaign County, Illinois. He was battling the illness for over a year and had been bedfast for the last month before passing. Funeral services were conducted at his home at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 May 1936 with Rev. Star, a former Thomasboro pastor, officiating over the services. He was laid to rest in the vicinity of section 17 (Front Right) at Beckman Cemetery just outside of Thomasboro in Champaign County, Illinois. Originally, he was buried in an unmarked grave, but later was given a small marker indicating his final location.
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