Girton Family

In November 1950, the John and Barbara Girton family moved to Oakwood from Metropolis, Illinois, purchasing the Smith Mason home. The move followed John’s job transfer to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division of the U.S. Treasury Department, overseeing a 26-county region in East Central Illinois.

Family Background

  • John Girton was born March 11, 1911 in Harmony, Indiana

  • Barbara Girton was born November 14, 1913 in Bowling Green, Indiana

  • Children at the time of the move:

    • Lance (age 8)

    • Jerald (age 6)

    • Janis (age 1)

  • John E. Girton was born August 21, 1953 in Danville, Illinois

Both John and Barbara were active in the Oakwood Methodist Church and local scouting. Barbara began teaching 5th grade at Oakwood Grade School in 1955, later teaching 1st and 4th grades. John served on the Oakwood Grade School Board.

Barbara earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Indiana State University, having previously completed a two-year teaching degree.

Career Highlights

  • John Girton:

    • Retired from the IRS in 1966

    • Joined Danville Junior College in 1967, developing and teaching the Police Science Program

    • Named Outstanding Educator in 1973, listed in Who’s Who in Education

    • Passed away in July 1975

  • Barbara Girton:

    • Taught at Fairchild, Tilton, and Cannon Schools in Danville

    • Retired in 1973

    • Owned Knit, Kit, and Yarn Shop for 10 years

    • Passed away October 4, 1990, age 76

Children and Grandchildren

  • Lance Girton:

    • Married Martha Elizabeth “Betsy” Johnson in 1962

    • Children:

      • Derek (b. August 6, 1963)

      • Lance Alan (b. May 21, 1965)

    • BA from Southern Illinois University (1964), MA/PhD in Economics from University of Chicago (1967/1976)

    • Professor of Economics, University of Utah since 1978

    • Consultant to CityCorp, World Bank, Congressional Budget Office

    • Married to Kathy Marlock, lives in Salt Lake City

  • Jerald Girton:

    • Married Jackie Denhart (Ogden) on March 23, 1971

    • Navy veteran, bachelor’s from SIU (1971)

    • Trustee on Oakwood Town Board, works at ICI Seeds in Muncie

    • Lives in Oakwood

  • Janis Girton:

    • Married Ray Dunn (Rockford) on August 13, 1972

    • Lives in family home since 1991

    • BA from SIU (1971), M.Ed. from University of Illinois

    • 1st grade teacher at Catlin Grade School since 1971

    • Member of Oakwood United Methodist Church, Library Board, and Handbell Choir

  • John E. Girton:

    • Married Jill Dunham (Westville) in June 1974

    • Daughter: Alicia Claire, born July 23, 1979

    • Attended Baylor University, now lives in Murray, Utah, employed as a steel salesman

Grandchildren

  • Derek Girton:

    • Married Laura Gizoli (Erie, PA) on July 29, 1989

    • Graduated from Penn State (1988), JD from Ohio Northern Law School (1993)

    • Employed by Acton & Snyder Attorneys, Danville

    • Legal counsel for Oakwood Village Board, member of Oakwood Men’s Club

    • Son: Zachary L., born June 29, 1994

    • Laura teaches 1st grade in Bismarck

  • Lance Alan Girton:

    • Attended University of Utah

    • Works in construction staging in Salt Lake City

  • Alicia Claire Girton:

    • Lives with her mother and stepfather in Downingtown, PA

    • High school sophomore

Greer Family

On May 12, 1944, Claudis Greer and his friend Gene Dukes left for military service. Within the next six months, Goldie Greer (Claudis’s wife) and their young son, Claudis Jr., moved into a house on West Collett Street in Oakwood, assisted by Claudis’s brothers, Royce and Levy Greer.

Claudis returned from service in November 1944. The Greers lived in Oakwood for three and a half years. During that time, their second son, Donald Joe, was born on November 27, 1946.

Goldie was a homemaker, and Claudis worked various jobs including:

  • Truck driver for O.B. Burke

  • Laborer at the Haydite Plant in Danville

  • Mechanic at Greer’s Garage in Danville

The family later moved north of Andy’s Pay Lake, where their third son, Larry Eugene, was born on October 31, 1948. Their daughter, Vicki Lynn, was born August 24, 1950, while they lived on Batestown Road near Diamond School.

In July 1955, the family settled at South Griffin Street in Danville, where the children lived until they married. In November 1974, Claudis and Goldie moved to Murray Clark Road in Danville, where they still reside.

Vicki Lynn married Merv Johnson, and they have lived in Oakwood for over 22 years.

 

Goble Family

Howard H. Goble was born on October 6, 1938. He married Shirley L. Thomas on March 19, 1969.

Shirley was born on April 23, 1942, the daughter of Omer and Lucille Thomas. Omer and Lucille were married in 1934.

  • Omer passed away on March 19, 1977

  • Lucille passed away on April 13, 1992
    They moved to Oakwood in 1974, residing at 424 Seymour Street.

Education and Careers

  • Howard Goble attended school in Catlin, Illinois, and operated the Goble Packing Plant until 1973. He is currently a livestock dealer.

  • Shirley Goble attended school in Mattoon, Illinois, and graduated from Danville Beauty School. She owns and operates Shirley’s Beauty Salon at 303 Seymour Street in Oakwood.

Children

  • Thomas M. Goble, born May 28, 1966, attended Oakwood schools and Danville Area Community College (DACC). He is employed at UPS.

Community Involvement

The family are members of the Oakwood United Methodist Church.
Howard and Thomas are also members of the Masonic Lodge.

 

 

Goodrich Family

John J. Goodrich was born in Wurdenburg, Germany and passed away in 1911. He married Ellen Steinbaugh (1844–1875), and together they had three children:

  1.  George Goodrich (1870–1939)

    • Born in Ottawa, Kansas

    • Married Katherine Illk (1873–1933), daughter of Abraham Illk (1835–1916) and Katherine Voth (1834–1916)

    • Children:

      • Ralph J. Goodrich (b. 1903)

      • Catherine Helena Goodrich Dalbey (1907–1933), who tragically died in childbirth along with her baby

  2. Charles E. Goodrich

    • Died in World War I

  3. Mattie Goodrich (1875–1910)

    • Married Frank Illk

Related Families

  • Ralph Goodrich later married Amelia Wilson

  • John J. Goodrich, Mary Ellen Steinbaugh, Ralph & Amelia Goodrich, and Abraham & Katherine Illk are foundational figures in this branch of the Goodrich family

 

 

 

Green Family

Early Generations

Wilbert G. Green was born January 27, 1868, near Columbus, Ohio, the son of David and Augusta (Haynes) Green. The family moved to Illinois in 1870, settling on a farm near Gibson City. In 1894, David sold the Gibson City farm and purchased 200 acres near Oakwood, where he lived until his death on August 3, 1897.

Wilbert had four brothers and three sisters:

  • Herbert – farm owner in Gibson City (500 acres)

  • John – served the U.S. Government in Cuba

  • Lincoln H. – died January 14, 1906

  • Emmet H. – foreman at Kegan & Moore’s addition in Danville

  • Melvina – widow of Jacob Carr of Carthage, Missouri

  • Victoria – married C.F. Baxter of Winfield, Kansas

  • Emma – married J.T. Carpenter of Vermilion County

Wilbert worked on the family farm until age 21, then rented land for three years before purchasing 125 acres from Hon. Joseph G. Cannon. Over time, he expanded his holdings to 300 acres northwest of Oakwood. He relocated the original farmhouse and constructed a new brick home, known today as the Montgomery residence. His farm was notable for its sectioned concrete silo, an early innovation.

Wilbert and Lucy Green

On December 24, 1891, Wilbert married Lucy Cranston, daughter of Julius and Artemissa (Atwood) Cranston. Julius was from Ohio and Artemissa from Vermont. The Cranstons settled in Champaign County after their marriage in 1858. Lucy’s sister, Mary Cranston, married Wilbert’s brother Lincoln Green, and also lived in Vermilion County.

Wilbert and Lucy were active in the Oakwood Methodist Church. Wilbert served the community as:

  • Mayor of Oakwood

  • Village Trustee

  • School Board Member

Both Wilbert and Lucy had taught school in their early years. Lucy was also a talented musician, a gift shared by several of their daughters.

Children of Wilbert and Lucy Green:

  • Eulalie (Haag)

  • Gladys (Jennings)

  • Winifred (Burnell)

  • Clara (Robinson)

Lincoln and Mary Green

In 1891, both Wilbert and Lucy and Lincoln and Mary Green moved to Oakwood Township and acquired land west of Oakwood. Lincoln and Mary established a farm and built a home still remembered today. Wilbert and Lucy also built a home within the village of Oakwood, now a recognizable landmark.

Lincoln and Mary had seven children:

  • Roy

  • Esther

  • Alta

  • Richard

  • Ruth

  • Vivian

  • Martin

All attended University of Illinois, and several graduated from Oakwood Township High School.

Roy and Della Green

Roy Green married Della Reichard in 1913 and remained on the family farm. They had three children:

  • Robert

  • Roberta

  • Gail

Roy died in 1962, Della in 1971, and Mary C. Green passed away in 1968 at age 99. The family were active in the Lake Shore Church and later at the Oakwood United Methodist Church. Mary Green loved roses, maintained a formal rose garden before 1900, and arranged flowers for church services, funerals, and school graduations. The farm was affectionately named Rose Haven Farm.

Della Green often sang at church and community events.

Gail and Dolores Green

Gail Green married Dolores Poynter in 1945, and they lived on the original Green family farm, expanding its acreage over time. They had two children:

  • Kevin Green – Married Sue Getsay (Arizona) in 1979

    • Children: Travis and Shannon

    • Kevin and Sue now manage Rose Haven Farm

  • Kristina Green – Married Lloyd McVey Jr. in 1978

    • Kristina earned her MBA and lives on the family farm in a home they built

Legacy

In 1991, Rose Haven Farm was officially recognized as an Illinois Centennial Farm for remaining in the family for over 100 years. The Green family held a celebration attended by relatives and friends to commemorate the milestone.

The Green family has long been rooted in the Oakwood community—supporting the local church, school district, and civic organizations. Their story reflects generations of commitment to faith, education, agriculture, and community service.

Would you like a version of this entry with a family tree diagram or printable PDF layout?

 

Hack Family

David and Janice Hack moved to Oakwood in November 1967, settling at 210 S. Oakwood Street, their longtime home. The house was built in the early 1900s for “Grandma Davidson”, mother of Nellie Fox, the wife of Mont Fox, longtime president of the Oakwood Bank.

Family Background

  • David Hack was born in Lawrence, Kansas, and moved to Danville, Illinois, in 1951.

  • He married Janice (Neff) Hack on October 10, 1964.

  • Janice was born and raised in Newtown, Illinois, daughter of Clarence (Joe) Neff and Carol (Wilder) Neff.

    • Janice’s grandparents, Leonard (Len) and Bertha (Lee) Neff, were owners of the Newtown Store, which has since been moved to the Kennekuk County Park Historical Village for restoration.

Community Involvement

  • David Hack has served on the Oakwood Village Board for 17 years, and currently holds the position of Village President.

    • He has worked at Danville Metal Stamping for 34 years, where he serves as Engineering Manager.

  • Janice Hack was a homemaker for 14 years, active in many community groups:

    • Served as an officer in both the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Women’s Club

    • In 1979, began working at Oakwood State Bank, where she remained for 10 years

    • She is now self-employed as a hair stylist, working from home

Children of David and Janice Hack

  1. Joseph Hack

    • Age: 29

    • Resides in rural Oakwood

    • Graduated from Oakwood High School in 1983

    • Earned a degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1987

    • Works as an engineer at Danville Metal Stamping, with 7 years of experience

  2. Andrea “Andi” (Hack) Rowe

    • Age: 26

    • Graduated from Oakwood High School in 1986

    • Graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1991

    • Married Shane Rowe (Danville) on June 8, 1991

      • Shane is a University of Illinois College of Business graduate

    • Andi is an elementary school teacher in District #118

    • The couple resides in Danville

  3. Melinda “Mendy” Hack

    • Age: 20

    • Graduated from Oakwood High School in 1992

    • Currently a student at Illinois State University in Normal

    • Majoring in Business Education

 

Henry H. Gunn (1816–1910)

“Active in the ministry for 75 years”

Although few today recognize his name, Reverend Henry H. Gunn was one of Oakwood’s most well-known citizens around the turn of the 20th century.

Born in Indiana in 1816, Henry Gunn preached his first sermon at the age of 21 and spent the rest of his life in dedicated ministry. He moved to Vermilion County, Illinois, in the 1840s, where he worked as both a farmer and a minister. Like many preachers of his time, he labored by day and served his congregation evenings and Sundays. He became successful in both fields.

Marriages and Family

Henry’s first wife was named Lovice. Later, he married Emma Martin on January 21, 1867, in Vermilion County. It is not known whether he had biological children, though he may have had stepchildren from his first marriage.

Community Service

  • Justice of the Peace, Middlefork Township, around 1870

  • Organizer of multiple churches:

    • A congregation at Central School House in 1874

    • A new congregation in Bismarck in 1879

Faith and Ministry

Reverend Gunn was a “Newlight”, a follower of Barton W. Stone of Kentucky and part of a branch of the Christian Church. While many Newlights migrated west to Kansas in the 1870s–1880s, Reverend Gunn remained in Illinois and was among the last pioneer preachers of that movement.

He was known for traveling by horseback, carrying the “Good Book” in his saddlebags, ministering across the countryside. At about age 75, he moved into the village of Oakwood, planning to retire—but the local churches had other plans.

Oakwood had:

  • A Christian Church

  • A Methodist Church

  • A United Brethren Church at Lakeshore

All were often in need of fill-in preachers, and Reverend Gunn continued to serve as long as he was able.

A Final Act of Faith

At age 85, he was called upon to preach the funeral of Daisy Elda, the infant daughter of Wyman and Sarah J. Rouse, who had passed away at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Wainwright. According to a Danville newspaper dated September 12, 1901, although Gunn’s body was frail, his mind remained sharp, and “he preached a splendid sermon.”

Legacy

Reverend Gunn continued preaching until shortly before his death in 1910, at the remarkable age of 94. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, where his gravestone reads:

“Active in the ministry for 75 years.”

 

HAMMON

William “Tuck” and Iota Hammon purchased the home of Ada Saylor at the corner of Olmstead and Finley Streets and moved to Oakwood in November 1965 with their daughters Marsha, Kathy, and Billie. Tuck worked at the Vermilion Illinois Power Company Station.

Jacque Leigh was born November 26, 1957, at Lake View Hospital in Danville. Iota was a dedicated homemaker and actively involved over the years as a Girl Scout, Brownie, 4-H leader, PTA president, Sunday School teacher, Bible school worker, Christian Church deaconess, and board member.

“Tuck” built “Tuck’s Drive-In,” located behind Bridgman’s Garage, and operated it until 1966. He later partnered with Ronnie Lee and purchased the business in 1967. The miniature golf course adjoining the drive-in was built in 1964 and dismantled in 1967.

All four daughters attended Oakwood Grade and High Schools and graduated. Marsha and Billie served as varsity cheerleaders.

  • Marsha graduated in 1965 and married Steve Meade. They had three sons: Mac Alan (1965), Shane (1966), and Scott (1970). Ryan Ronk was born in 1975. Marsha now lives in Catlin with her husband Tim Walton, works at State Farm Insurance in Urbana, and Tim works in construction.

  • Kathy graduated in 1966 and married Gary Henk the same year. Gary served in Vietnam and works for Illinois Bell Company. They live on Henning Road, Rural Route #1, Danville, IL, with their children Rodney (1970) and Lori (1972). Kathy is a homemaker.

  • Billie graduated in 1970, attended Parkland College, and earned her Dental Hygienist Degree in 1972. She married Daniel Severns in 1971, moved to Muscatine, Iowa, and works as a hygienist. They have two children: Benjamin (1975) and Hayley (1977). Dan works in business management.

  • Jacque graduated from Newtown Grade School and Oakwood High School in January 1976. She married William Moody the same year. They have five children: Jeremiah (1977), LaShaunna (1978), Joshua (1979), Melissa (1981), and Jessica (1983). The family moved to Chico, California, in 1984. William is a supervisor for Lumus in Sacramento, and Jacque is a homemaker.

In 1970, Tuck and Iota sold the Saylor home to William Custer and built a new home on Glenburn Hill. Tuck retired from Illinois Power in March 1986, sold the country home, and bought a residence at 418 Seymour Street in Oakwood in 1987. They spend winters in Zapata, Texas, and summers in Ray, Minnesota, enjoying a nomadic lifestyle.

HARGAN

Earl and Martha Hargan moved to Oakwood in February 1966 from Chillicothe, Ohio. They initially rented from Robert Green at 401 South Scott Street before purchasing the property formerly known as the old Andrews property. At the time, they had four daughters: Glenda Jane (12, seventh grade), Tara Lynn (10, fourth grade), Kathleen (11, third grade), and Marilee (6, first grade). Their fifth daughter, Rosalie, was born in Oakwood in 1968.

The family, Methodist by faith, joined the Oakwood Methodist Church and were active participants, often filling entire pews on Sundays.

Earl served 38 years in the U.S. Navy, including World War II. He attended Grant School, Garfield Grade, and Danville High School and was a member of the Anchor Masonic Lodge and the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite.

Earl was the son of Glen G. and Vera A. (Case) Hargan of South Danville, grandson of James and Nora E. (Cannon) Hargan, and great-grandson of James and Mary Catherine Granthan.

Martha was the daughter of William T. and Mary Helen (Schecter) Owen of Catlin, Illinois. She graduated from Georgetown schools and Lakeview Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She was actively involved in school, church, and youth activities and retired from the VA Medical Center after working for the Health Department and Lakeview Hospital.

The Hargans maintained a large garden northeast of Mr. Bridgeman’s property every year and kept Glenda’s horse in a pasture now located on the west side of Oakwood Cemetery. In October 1982, they sold their home and moved to Martha’s family homestead east of Riola, near Georgetown.

HARRISON

William C. Harrison was born near Lodoga, Indiana, on March 25th (year not specified). He married Nancy Ann Graybill, born August 22, 1841, in Indiana. They moved to Vermilion County, Illinois, in 1862, settling half a mile south of Oakwood Station. They initially bought 50 acres, eventually expanding to 272 acres.

William was a member of the Republican Central Committee and conducted himself with reliability and promptness in business. He sold land to the railroad for the southern half of Oakwood Station. At one time, it was considered that the town might be named Harrison or Harrisonville, but those names were already taken.

William was active in Finley Chapel, which surrounded his property. He died on February 23, 1879, of a severe cold followed by lung fever and was buried in Makemson Cemetery north of Oakwood with two of his sons. Nancy died on March 28, 1909, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

William and Nancy had eight children: James H., John K., Robert I., Charles B., Sarah E., Thomas S., William Scott, and Clark E.

James H. Harrison was born in 1862 on a farm now part of Oakwood. He attended the one-room Finley school and married Mary Ann (born 1859) around 1882. James farmed before becoming a merchant in Oakwood. Both were active members of the Oakwood Christian Church. James died in 1936 and Mary Ann in 1935. Their children were Nettie May (1883–1970), who married Walter D. Rogers; Mabel (1889–1955), who married Fred Vinson; James; and Goldie.

HART

Deloris Crawford Hart was born March 2, 1916, in a small house on South Olmstead Street in Oakwood, the first daughter of Robert and Ona Crawford. She had four older brothers: Harold (Hezzy), Lowell, Kenneth, and Arlyn. At age two, the family moved to South Oakwood Street, where Deloris’s only sister, Meredith, was born.

Deloris began school at five, often pulled in a wagon by her older brother. On her sixth birthday, the family moved to a brick house on Scott Street across from Oakwood Grade School. All six children graduated from Oakwood Grade and High School. They lived in this home until their father passed away in 1945.

Earl Hart was born in Jamaica Township, son of Roy and Myra Hart. He graduated from Fairmount High School and Utterback Business College. Earl and Deloris began dating at seventeen and married April 7, 1937. They initially lived with Earl’s parents in Fairmount, while Deloris stayed frequently with her own parents.

During World War II, Deloris lived with her parents and worked at Block and Kuhl, later War Hemp Industries. Earl served four years in the military, discharged in December 1944.

The couple bought their home on East North Main Street in 1948. Earl passed away on June 24, 1993.

Their children:

  • Anita, married to Harold (Buddy) Wright, works as a pharmacy technician at Osco Drug in Oakwood. They have three children—Julie, Janet, and David—five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter, representing five generations of first daughters in the family. Many of her descendants graduated from Oakwood schools.

  • Bob, their son, graduated from Barber College and currently works at Material Service in Fairmount. He has one daughter, Angela, and one grandson, living in Covington, Indiana.

  • Beth, the youngest daughter, is married to Michael Gutterridge and works as a cashier at Danville High School. She graduated from Oakwood Township High School. Beth and Michael own and operate Gutterridge Harley Davidson Motorcycle Shop in Tilton. They have two sons: Troy, a Danville High and Southern Illinois University graduate working at Harley Davidson in Milwaukee, and Roger, who served four years in the U.S. Navy and now works at the family motorcycle shop.

Deloris retired from Borden’s, and Earl from the University of Illinois. She expresses gratitude for spending her life in the wonderful community of Oakwood.

HAWKER

Georgia Willett Hawker is the daughter of Dolly Bales and George Willett. She married Lawrence Hawker, and they have four children: Jerry, Garry, Kathy, and an adopted son, Gene. Georgia lives in Oakwood.

Dolly and George also had another daughter, Jeanne, who married Kenny Dunbar and had four sons: Kenny George, Harold Lee, Danny Allan, and Joseph Wayne (Joe). Jeanne resides in Oakwood.

Dolly’s parents were Alma Brunham and Turner Bales. Turner died in 1931 and Alma on January 5, 1947. Their children were Homer, Harvey, Kelvie, Lester, Jimmie, Ernie, Rosie, and Dolly I., born May 5, 1905, in Catlin.

Dolly married George Willett on October 3, 1922. George died July 19, 1965. Dolly remarried Oscar Elwell on June 27, 1970; Oscar died June 30, 1986. Dolly now lives at 1317 McKinley in Danville.

Several of Dolly’s siblings married locally: Kelvie to Mary Lawrence, Rosie to Harry Walton (who died tragically in a mine accident involving black damp).

The Bales family lived on Missionfield Road during the 1920s and 1930s.

HERSH

William M. Hersh Sr. graduated from South Omaha High School in Nebraska. A United States Air Force veteran, he retired from Swift and Company.

Margaret Hersh (née Richter) was born December 17, 1918, daughter of Wesley and Mildred (Eldridge) Richter. She attended Lake Shore Grade School, Oakwood High School, and Danville Area Community College. Margaret married Joe Brothers on December 25, 1944. They had two children: Joellen Day and Judith Millis. Joe died in a tragic farm accident on December 2, 1966.

Margaret married William Hersh on November 11, 1976. She works for the City of Danville and is active in the Oakwood Methodist Church, Business & Professional Women’s Club, Executive Club, American Business Women’s Club, and the Elks Club.

HILL

Naomi Fern Schnorr was born April 19, 1911, northeast of Oakwood, daughter of Henry and Ida (Richter) Schnorr. She had five older brothers: Chris, Oscar, Arnold, Wilbur, and Abraham Leroy.

Henry Schnorr (1864–1949) emigrated from Germany at age 16, settled near Oakwood after a brief stop in Pennsylvania, and married Ida (Richter) Schnorr (1866–1954), daughter of Jacob and Mary Richter. They lived in the Lake Shore neighborhood southwest of Oakwood.

Henry worked in the mines, farmed, and acquired land locally. Naomi recalls attending Webster School, a one-room schoolhouse heated by a coal furnace and without electricity, walking to school and carrying lunches.

Naomi described “Belgium Row,” a cluster of about 10–12 houses near a local mine where many, including her father, worked. Her family shopped at a small store operated by Olie VanAllen at the bottom of Glenburn Hill. Horse and buggy were the family’s mode of transportation before automobiles.

Her parents attended Oakwood United Methodist Church, where her father taught a men’s Sunday School class.

On October 23, 1932, Naomi married Martin Hill, son of Sam and Emma (Lenover) Hill, who worked for the railroad and farmed. They had three daughters—Norma, Marilyn, and Wilma—who attended Webster School and later Lake Shore School.

Naomi fondly remembers outdoor free movies in Oakwood, where people could watch from their cars or bring chairs.

Their daughters graduated from Oakwood Township High School:

  • Norma married Robert Hible of Danville; they have two daughters, Kelly (Missouri) and Sandy (married to Daren Prather of Rossville). Sandy and Daren have two sons, Jacob Robert and Lucas Preston.

  • Marilyn married Al Stefani and had three children: Janet, Julie, and Steven. Janet married Jon Albert and has a daughter, Jullian Elise. Julie married Patrick Essig and has three children: Zackery Martin, Joshua Marshal, and Jennifer Lynn. Steven married Linda and has three children: Natalie Lynn, Andrew Michael, and Kristen Marie. Marilyn later married Arlen Teeters.

  • Wilma married William Hannah and lives in Danville with their two sons, William and Erik. William married Cindy Payton and has two daughters, Katherine and Leslie. Erik married Kelli Richardson and has a son, Scott Charles.

 

 

Martin, Naomi Fern (Schnorr)

Children: Norma (Hill) Hible, Marilyn (Hill) Teeters, Wilma (Hill) Hannah.

HISE

Joseph Curtis Hise was born August 10, 1905, and graduated from Oakwood Township High School in 1923. He worked as a prospector in uranium mines out west and also in mines in Kentucky. Joe never married and was known for his deep knowledge of philosophy. He holds a significant place in weightlifting history for transforming the squat exercise from a simple movement to one recognized for stimulating the entire body’s growth mechanisms. He authored training articles in bodybuilding magazines, and his ideas are reflected in Randall’s book SUPER SQUATS.

Joseph Curtis Hise died of natural causes on September 26, 1972, while traveling across the U.S. to say goodbye to friends. He was found in his pickup truck outside Poplar Bluff, Missouri—likely resting when he passed.

Article supplied by Joe Roark, St. Joseph, Illinois, IFBB Men’s Historian.

HOCKETT

Williford A. Hockett and Marilyn Carroll (Myatt) Hockett were born in Bond County, Illinois, and graduated from Greenville High School. Will attended Greenville Free Methodist College for three years before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he graduated in 1952 with a degree from the College of Agriculture.

In the summer of 1952, Will enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. He was then stationed at Gunter AFB, Montgomery, Alabama, teaching in the School of Aviation Medicine for most of his four-year service.

Will and Marilyn married December 23, 1953, in Greenville and lived at 2012 Capitol Ave., Montgomery. Their oldest daughter, Karen Diane, was born at Maxwell AFB hospital on September 29, 1954.

After Will’s discharge on July 15, 1956, he accepted a teaching position at Oakwood High School as an agriculture teacher. The family moved to Oakwood Labor Day weekend 1956 with daughter Karen and infant son Steven Williford, born August 14, 1956, in Highland, Illinois. They rented a house at 501 Olmstead, which they purchased in 1962. Their daughters Nola Kathryn (Kay) and Kimberly Lee were born in 1957 and 1962, respectively.

Marilyn earned an Associate of Science degree from Danville Junior College in 1973 and worked as a teacher aide at Oakwood Grade School until retiring in May 1992.

Will taught at Oakwood High School for ten years before joining Danville Junior College’s faculty in Applied Mechanics in 1966. He taught there for 26 years until retiring in May 1992.

The Hockett children grew up, graduated from Oakwood High, attended college, married, and raised families:

  • Kay married Kevin Atchison in 1982. A registered nurse with a BS from Eastern Illinois University, she works as a clinical coordinator at United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. They have two sons, Chet (b. 1987) and Collin (b. 1990).

  • Steven graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Illinois. He works for Midwestern and Tennessee Gas Co., married Jenny Carol Dulin in 1983, and they have three children: Stacy Marie (1984), Matthew Steven (1986), and Emily Carol (1990). They reside near Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Kimberly earned an Elementary Education degree in 1988 and married Brad Alan Jones of Covington, Indiana. They have three sons: Ryan Alan (1989), Eric Wayne (1990), and Greg Thomas (1993). They live in Lafayette, Indiana.

  • Karen graduated from Danville Junior College and Greenville Free Methodist College. She works at First Financial Savings and Loan in Greenville and married Lonnie Kessinger in 1985.

The Hocketts have witnessed Oakwood grow from pastures to neighborhoods and appreciate it as a wonderful place to raise a family.

HOSKINS

Kathryn Roger Hoskins and her brother Charles Rogers lived in Oakwood for twenty years. Their parents were Esther (Fox) Rogers and Ernest Rogers. Esther was a correspondent for the Commercial News for fifteen years, and Ernest worked on the Interurban and Big Four Railroads. Their grandfather, Charles Fox, worked in the coal mines and served as Oakwood’s justice of the peace, famously marrying couples in his living room.

Kathryn recalls the annual “Toby Show,” a highly anticipated community event, and the Busy Bee 4-H Club, where she and friends once made strawberry jam. Entertainment included roller skating, radio, and free Saturday night movies.

They were members of the Methodist Church, where Kathryn fondly remembers the large sandbox and teacher Gertrude Davis. Her aunt Virginia Anderson played piano, and she cared for Charles Hewitt, a blind neighbor known for his playful spirit.

Kathryn’s brother Charles, as a child, famously borrowed her doll buggy to charge bread and eggs at Harrison Rogers’ store—returning safely with both.

Charles is now moving back to the family home in Oakwood with his wife Linda. Kathryn is married to John Hoskins and lives on a farm south of Potomac. They have four grown children, seven grandchildren, and twin great-grandsons.

HOWARD

Hollis H. Howard was born in Oakwood on January 28, 1891, to George C. Howard and Estelle Mason. He married Ada E. Gray on February 15, 1912, at the Oakwood Methodist Church. They moved north of Muncie, where Hollis taught school, later returning to Oakwood.

Hollis farmed until 1932, then worked for Vermilion Service Company for thirty years. He served as tax assessor from 1962 to 1972. A 47-year Farm Bureau member, Hollis was also active in the Oakwood-Catlin Masonic Lodge and Danville Scottish Rite.

Ada, born March 6, 1890, in Leroy, Illinois, was the daughter of George P. and Mary Craig Gray. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star for 60 years. Hollis died March 21, 1979, aged 88; Ada passed March 4, 1981, at 90.

Their son George married and had two sons. After his first wife died, George married Berniece N. Moore Chaplin in 1970. Berniece was born in Bondville, Illinois, and raised five children before being widowed in 1957.

HUDDLESON

Betty R. Huddleson, daughter of Clarence and Sylvia Huddleson, attended Oakwood schools, the University of Illinois, and Bradley University. She married Elmer “Red” Grimes Jr. on July 4, 1943, in San Diego, California. “Red” served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked at the VA Hospital in Danville until his death in 1952. He also served on the Oakwood School Board.

Betty and Red had four children: Stephen J. (b. 1946), Michael L. (b. 1947), David A. (b. 1949), and JoAnn (b. 1952). Michael and David both served in the U.S. Army.

Betty remarried Gene Hart of Fithian in 1956. Gene, an Oakwood High and University of Illinois graduate, served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and worked domestically and overseas. The family has been active in the American Legion, Home Bureau, and Farm Bureau.

Betty cherishes the Oakwood community for its kindness after “Red”’s passing left her with four young children.

Clarence and Sylvia Huddleson married in 1922. Clarence taught at Oakwood Grade School for 30 years and was the first president of the Oakwood Lions Club. Sylvia worked at the Danville VA Hospital and was active in several community organizations. They lived many years at 521 South Olmstead. Sylvia is now 93 and resides in a retirement home in Springfield.

HUGHES, HOLYCROSS, YOUHAS

Oliver A. Hughes was born February 8, 1845, in Jefferson County, Indiana. He married Mary Elizabeth Lemasters on June 4, 1865. Oliver served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1864 in Company F of the 6th Indiana Volunteers. A farmer and coal miner, he lived part of his later years in Oakwood with his sister Amy Woodard. He died June 4, 1926, and is buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Oakwood.

Mary Elizabeth died February 21, 1904, likely buried nearby. Their children included:

  • John David Hughes (grandfather of Janice Youhas), born 1866, died 1934, married Rosa Belle Brown.

  • Lucinda Frances Hughes, married Joseph Leonard Lovelace.

  • Mary Molly Hughes, married William Boyer, died during the 1918 flu epidemic.

  • Emma Hughes, died young.

  • Gilford F. Hughes, married Lula Mae Allison.

  • James B. Hughes, married Maggie, died in Iowa under suspicious circumstances.

  • Amy Hughes, married Charles Woodard.

  • Joseph Hughes, served in WWI.

Gilford and Lula had three children: Hattie, John Gilford, and Ardith Lavonne. Amy and Charles had one child, Cleo.

John David and Rosa had several children, including Fred Clarence, Bert Edward, Gertrude Ellen, John David Jr., Lula Myrtle, Nellie Hazel (mother of Janice Youhas), Oscar Rawleigh, Benjamin Warren, and James Richard Hughes.

Janice Youhas’ family includes Linda Sue Youhas Katcher, Michael Robert Youhas, Debora Kay Youhas, James Andrew Youhas, and David Anthony Youhas.

 

 

ILLK

Glen Frederick Illk (b. May 14, 1906 – d. September 4, 1993) was married to Gladys Opal Seyfert (b. November 1, 1906). Gladys was the fourth child of Joseph Shank Seyfert (b. November 23, 1869 – d. July 4, 1945) and Clara Druzilla DeMoss (b. March 26, 1878 – d. October 7, 1940). Joseph and Clara married on November 7, 1897.

Glen and Gladys worked in farming and livestock, often traveling to Iowa and Nebraska to purchase Black Angus cattle. They lived on a farm originally owned by Glen’s mother, Mary Illk, which had belonged to Mary’s parents, Frank and Kate (Woble) Watson. Mary died in 1976, and Glen and Gladys inherited the farm. Glen served two terms as Oakwood Township Road Commissioner.

Glen and Gladys had two children, Lois Elaine and Marilyn Ann. Elaine married Harold Long and resides north of Fithian on one of the family farms. They have three children: Sue Ellen, Roger Lee (married to Cindy), and Lori Ann (married to Leon Schluter), as well as grandchildren Hannah and Adam Schluter.

Marilyn married Edward Garrison and lives in Indianapolis. They have two sons: David (married to Pam), an attorney in Los Angeles, and Doug (married to Jill), a commercial artist living in Indianapolis. Marilyn and Ed both retired from Eli Lilly Co. in Indianapolis.

ILLG / ILLK FAMILY HISTORY

J. Gottlieb Illg was born October 2, 1839, in Grunbach, Württemberg, Germany, and died October 10, 1916, in Vermilion County, Illinois. The family surname was changed from Illg to Illk a few years after arriving in the United States.

Gottlieb’s wife, Dorothy E., was born February 3, 1846, and died October 30, 1916, just 20 days after her husband. They are buried together in Oakwood Cemetery, marked by a beautiful tombstone.

They had ten children:

  • Christiana F. (d. October 19, 1918, Vermilion County, IL)

  • Carl Fredrik (October 7, 1869 – April 29, 1906)

  • Christian J. (b. 1870 – d. August 2, 1923)

  • J. Gottlieb (d. December 30, 1938)

  • Lydia (d. September 6, 1939)

  • William Frederick

  • Louise (1871–1951)

  • Lena E. (January 27, 1882 – May 19, 1960)

  • Anna D. (Portland, Oregon)

  • John Daniel (1885–1952)

Notable marriages and descendants:

  • Christiana married Elisha Fithian of Du Quoin, Illinois. They had three children: George Fithian (Du Quoin), Robert Fithian (Farmington, Iowa), and Anna Fithian (Littell, Chicago).

  • Lydia married Otto Balbach; their children were Ottmar, Hilda (Pate), Elmer, and Gertrude (Rasmussen).

  • William Frederick married Mary Watson; they had two children: Glenn Illk (Muncie, IL) and Ethel Illk (Oakwood, IL).

  • Louise married Charlie Udstuen (1863–1949) of Muncie, IL. Their daughter, Inga L. (Finnane), married William D. Finnane.

  • Lena Elizabeth married Rufus Raymond Dalbey (1881–1975) in Danville, IL. Their children: Raymond Carl Dalbey and Dorothy Ellen Dalbey Stallard.

  • Anna D. married Quince Miller of Portland, Oregon.

  • John Daniel married Cora F. Furitop (1889–1968).

INGALSBE

Vern C. Ingalsbe and Kathryn Bernice Redman were married on July 21, 1951.

Vern, son of Ira and Emily Craig Ingalsbe, attended East Peoria Grade and High Schools, then graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for thirty years in the Engineering Department at the Central Foundry Division of General Motors in Tilton before retiring in June 1980. He was also a partner in WRIB Manufacturing Company from 1969 to 1990.

Kathryn, daughter of Vernice and Golda Clapp Redman, was born July 3, 1926, and attended school in Oakwood. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1948 with a degree in Commercial Teaching and taught high school in Arlington Heights, Illinois for three years before marrying Vern.

Kathryn’s father, Vernice Redman, operated the Redman Funeral Home, originally started by his father John Redman in 1890.

Vern and Kathryn had two children:

  • Karla Kay, born March 22, 1955, graduated from Danville High School and Illinois Wesleyan University with a nursing degree. She married Merle Jehle and lives in Cullom, Illinois. They have a son, Evan (b. July 22, 1991).

  • Steven Craig, born May 22, 1958, graduated from Danville High School, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Southern Illinois Medical School. He is a family practice doctor in El Paso, Illinois. He married Karrie Hitchery on June 28, 1986, and has a son, Daniel (b. August 22, 1991).

Vern and Kathryn currently reside in Danville, Illinois.

JENNINGS

Robert E. and Nancy Jennings live with their daughter Kelly at 204 Green Street in Oakwood. Nancy was appointed Postmaster of the Oakwood Post Office on July 18, 1987. The family moved to Oakwood from DeLand, Illinois on March 11, 1988, when Kelly was in third grade.

Bob worked at DeLand-Weldon School until June 1994, then retired from education and now works at AGA in Danville.

 

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