DEATH: OBIT OF JOHN published in the Henry IL, paper. Certificate in the Marshall County courthouse in Lacon, IL. 1896.
John Anderson -- One of the largest funerals ever held in Putnam was that of John Anderson at the Christian church, Friday morning. The deceased has lived in the vicinity of Putnam for a period of nearly a half century, and was loved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was born in Green Co, PA. Nov 1835, and at the time of his death Nov. 18, 1896, was 61 years and 5 days old. He was removed with his father's family from the place of his birth and settled at Lone Tree, IL, in 1851; was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Pettit, on April 12, 1857. This proved to be a most happy and felicitous union, and their voyage together down life's stream for a period of 49 (39) years was full of sunshine and joy. They could every look back with blessed memory to the day when the current of their lives united thus widening and deepening life's joys and beauties. To them were born 11 children, six of whom preceded the father to the higher life and were waiting in series of glory to welcome their pilgrim father home. There yet linger on the shores of time, the mother and widow and five children, Alvin Anderson of Chillicothe, Jessie, Charlie, Mary and Alfarata, wife of Mr. C. Duncan of Plattsburg, MO. Mr anderson was a man of industry and strict business principles. He succeeded in acquiring quite a large estate, being the owner of three good farms at the time of his decease; one farm of 240 acres is located near Tiskilwa, in Bureau Co; one four miles west of Putnam of 160 acres, and one of 205 acres adjoining the village of Putnam. In addition to his farms, he owns a large town property in Putnam. He moved with his family to Putnam 36 years ago and built the first house in the village on the lot now occupied by the residence of Matt Drake. A few years later this burnt down, and he built the capacious residence in which he has resided with his family ever since, 29 years ago. This house is built upon the summit of the bluffs, which bound the village on the west and affords a grand view of the surrounding country for miles. He united with the Christian church in 1856 and for 40 years remained a loyal member of this body, an earnest advocate of its doctrines and a substantial contributor to its interests. In a large degree he fulfilled the measure of true discipleship, observing the highest laws of the church in love, burden-bearing and hospitality. He was preeminent in his love and devotion to his family, and with the greatest diligence did he minister to their every want and relieve their every care. It was a joy to mingle with his family where peace seemed to dwell and happiness reign supreme. He was a member of the school board of this place, and with earnest care did he look after the interests of the community in this respect. and withal, let it be truly said, he was a great, kind hearted, goodly man. In his home a royal monarch, in the community a princely neighbor, in the sick room a ministering spirit, a noble christian, but like the best of his brethren not a perfect one, and a benefactor to that portion of the human race so fortunate as to come within the circle of his life. He was sick but a short time, and his death was entirely unexpected until within a few days of the end. He suffered from blood poisoning which seemed to be occasioned by a fall from the top of a crib which resulted in a bruised ankle and a sprained shoulder. These did not seem to be all that serious to begin with, but in a few days he was compelled to take his bed, from which he was soon to be bourn away to his final resting place. On last Wednesday moring, the 18 inst, surrounded by his friends and loved ones, who had done everything in their powers for his relief, he quietly and peacefully passed away. He leaves besides his noble and devoted wife and children, three brothers and three sisters, and a large number of near relatives. These together with a large circle of friends and acquaintences mourn deeply their great loss in his untimeley death. But the record which he has written in the deeds of his life will ever live in their minds and hearts to move them on to higher and nobler living, until they like he, shall ascend to the Judge of all the earth to receive a reward which shall be in each case according as their labors have been. The funeral was in charge of Rev. L.R. Thomas, pasture of the Christian church of Putnam. A very earnest sermon was preached from the text, "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have commited unto him against that day." 1 Tim. 1, 12. Although the discourse was somewhat lengthy, it was listened to with wrapped attention by the large and sympathising friends and has been spoken of in terms of high praise by a number of near relatives and friends. Thus closes the pages of the timely history of this good man. May his body sleep in peace and his spirit delight itself in the presence of them whom to know aright is life eternal. And may the blessing of the highest be upon those who mourn, and may his living presence give to them peace and the hope and joy which heaven alone can bestow.
Contributor: Ann R