Alice Sophia Guild
from the Stockton Herald News


" Alice Sophia Guild, daughter and only child of Seber A. and Margaret F. Guild was born June 8, 1861 in Pleasant Valley Twp, JoDaviess co., IL and left this life, after many years of suffering and invalidism, on May 10, 1920 at the age of 58 years, 11 months, 2 days.

On March 13, 1878 she was united in marriage to William Z. Whitson, who survives her. to this union were born seven children, three sons and four daughters, two sons having preceded her to the last long sleep. The children are: Estella L. Clay, of Zion, IL; Nettie A. Ortmeier, of Freeport, IL; Velma H. Bowden, of Stockton, IL; Margaret W. Althafer and Walter A. at home; Seber A. dying in infancy and William R. aged 18 years, preceding her 8 months ago.

About nine years ago the deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis and for a short time seemed to recover and seemed quite well again, but as time went on she gradually failed and has been an invalid for about four years, her youngest daughter nursing her since the death of her mother, Mrs. S.A. Guild, Dec.30, 1917. On Sept. 18, 1919 she was taken to her bed and was unable to leave it only to be lifted from bed to a wheel chair. All that loving hands and kind hearts could do was done but to no avail. She was a patient sufferer and was never heard to complain and often said she had no pain. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, five children, fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends. She has left us and we miss her presence and the constant care, but we realize she is at rest and sleeping peacefully in the arms of Jesus waiting His return to earth.

The funeral was held Wednesday, May 12, from the Evangelical church, interment in the Ladies Union Cemetery. those from a distance who attended were: M/M J.Remington VanDelinder of Chicago; M/M Lloyd W. Parker of Chicago; Hiram Whitson of Walker, IA; M/M Robert Whitson, of Elizabeth; M/M Gus Long of Elizabeth; M/M George Ortmeier of Freeport."


Submitted by Nancy Meyers