Lester Warren Calkins
16 Jul 1844 – 12 Jan 1910
Lester Warren Calkins was born at Albany, N.Y. July 16, 1844, departed this life at his home in Momence, Jan. 12, 1910, aged 65 years, 5 months and 27 days. When but a child his parents moved to this state settling on a farm not far from Minonk.
Mr. Calkins was married at St. Anne to Miss Mary Gumphrey, Oct. 18, 1862. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are still living.
He came to Momence in 1864 and from that time until his death was no small factor in the business life of the place. For many years he was a contractor and builder, having learned his trade under Mr. James Lloyd. In the year of 1888 he built the Keyser-Calkins block, and in 1889, the Hoag, Buntain, Ruger, Spry block on Front Street. In 1901 he built the splendid hay palace. For some time he was the superintendent of the Momence Creamery Co. In the year of 1880, on a small scale, he went into the furniture and undertaking business, occupying a small room on River Street. In 1884 he removed to Front Street, increasing his stock, and in 1886 added groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes. In 1888 he moved his stock into the store which he, himself had built, and in which the business of L. W. Calkins & Son is still carried on.
In 1890 Mr. Calkins built the Electric Light Plant, and for eighteen years conducted it, when it burned.
Mrs. Calkins died May 13, 1893.
On April 13, 1897, he was married to Mrs. Mary Lucinda Wilson, of Fort Wayne, Ind. His widow, five children, three sons, S.W. and O.L. of Momence, and Frank of Chicago; two daughters, Mrs. Frank Brown of Lowell and Mrs. Arthur Beyerlein of Momence. He also leaves eight grandchildren, three brothers and one sister to mourn.
In 1869 our brother was converted to God and united with the M.E. Church of this place. From that time until the day of his death, in all the affairs of the church he had a large place. For many years he was superintendent of the Sabbath School. He was a very efficient steward and was a member of the Board of Trustees and at the time of his death its president. In his religious life he was quiet, not much given to the expression of his inner life. He believed he could best honor the Church and the Churchs Master by a just and kindly life.
The funeral was held at the church where he had worshiped for so many years, on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 10:30 a.m. under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. lodge, of which he was an honored member. The pall bearers were members of the lodge.
Rev. Connor, was assisted by Rev John Wilkinson, of Grant Park, and Rev. Shaffer of Milford. Mr. Connor delivered a short sermon, and spoke eloquently of the departed brother. Rev. Shaffer delivered an eulogy on the life of Mr. Calkins, which was realized to be a true statement, by the friends of the deceased.
Burial took place at Momence Cemetery.
Lovingly submitted by Michael and Cheryl J Smith Hess
Lester Warren Calkins
16 Jul 1844 – 12 Jan 1910
Lester Warren Calkins was born at Albany, N.Y. July 16, 1844, departed this life at his home in Momence, Jan. 12, 1910, aged 65 years, 5 months and 27 days. When but a child his parents moved to this state settling on a farm not far from Minonk.
Mr. Calkins was married at St. Anne to Miss Mary Gumphrey, Oct. 18, 1862. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are still living.
He came to Momence in 1864 and from that time until his death was no small factor in the business life of the place. For many years he was a contractor and builder, having learned his trade under Mr. James Lloyd. In the year of 1888 he built the Keyser-Calkins block, and in 1889, the Hoag, Buntain, Ruger, Spry block on Front Street. In 1901 he built the splendid hay palace. For some time he was the superintendent of the Momence Creamery Co. In the year of 1880, on a small scale, he went into the furniture and undertaking business, occupying a small room on River Street. In 1884 he removed to Front Street, increasing his stock, and in 1886 added groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes. In 1888 he moved his stock into the store which he, himself had built, and in which the business of L. W. Calkins & Son is still carried on.
In 1890 Mr. Calkins built the Electric Light Plant, and for eighteen years conducted it, when it burned.
Mrs. Calkins died May 13, 1893.
On April 13, 1897, he was married to Mrs. Mary Lucinda Wilson, of Fort Wayne, Ind. His widow, five children, three sons, S.W. and O.L. of Momence, and Frank of Chicago; two daughters, Mrs. Frank Brown of Lowell and Mrs. Arthur Beyerlein of Momence. He also leaves eight grandchildren, three brothers and one sister to mourn.
In 1869 our brother was converted to God and united with the M.E. Church of this place. From that time until the day of his death, in all the affairs of the church he had a large place. For many years he was superintendent of the Sabbath School. He was a very efficient steward and was a member of the Board of Trustees and at the time of his death its president. In his religious life he was quiet, not much given to the expression of his inner life. He believed he could best honor the Church and the Churchs Master by a just and kindly life.
The funeral was held at the church where he had worshiped for so many years, on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 10:30 a.m. under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. lodge, of which he was an honored member. The pall bearers were members of the lodge.
Rev. Connor, was assisted by Rev John Wilkinson, of Grant Park, and Rev. Shaffer of Milford. Mr. Connor delivered a short sermon, and spoke eloquently of the departed brother. Rev. Shaffer delivered an eulogy on the life of Mr. Calkins, which was realized to be a true statement, by the friends of the deceased.
Burial took place at Momence Cemetery.
Lovingly submitted by Michael and Cheryl J Smith Hess
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