Person Page 4,318

Biography -- (Findagrave.com):

Private WILLIAM HENRY WISENBURG, Co. K, 86th Illinois

William Henry Wisenburg was born on January 7, 1842, probably in Knox County, the only child born to Louis Wydenbarger & Elizabeth Rebecca (Smith) Wydenbarger. Louis Wydenbarger was born in the early 1800's. He and Elizabeth Rebecca Smith were married on December 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. William Henry was born in 1842. The story in the family is that sometime before 1850, Louis went west and was never heard from again. So whether Louis and Elizabeth were divorced, or whether he abandoned her and their young son, or whether he went west intending to come back for them and just never returned is not known. In any case, by 1850, Elizabeth and William Henry are on their own in Knox County.

Elizabeth Rebecca Smith was the daughter of Conrad Smith and Barbary (Knaus) Smith. She was born about November 2, 18__ in York County, Pennsylvania. The Smith family came west, settling in Illinois in Knox County in 1836. There Louis and Elizabeth were married in 1840. Elizabeth's name is sometimes listed as Whisenburcher or Wisenberger, but the name, at least in William Henry's case was eventually settled on as Wisenburg. Elizabeth was married to Carlos Alford on August 9, 1851 in Knox County and three children, Sarah E. Alford, Roswell J. Alford and Charles Alford, were born to them. Elizabeth's mother, Barbary, died on Sept. 5, 1852. Elizabeth's father, Conrad, died on July 12, 1863 and Elizabeth died in 1885. All are believed to be buried in the Smith Cemetery (also known as the Etherly Cemetery) in Victoria Township in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, William Henry Wisenburg is found residing in Princeville Township with his mother and step-father, Carlos Alford. They are farming for a living.

On August 7, 1862, at the age of 20, William was one of the very first to volunteer to serve in a company of men which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois for service in the Union Army by Princeville School Teacher, John F. French.

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT

Name WISENBERG, WILLIAM H

Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics

Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 20 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK

Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER

Nativity FULTON CO, IL

Service Record

Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL

Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS

Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL

Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A

Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A

Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY APR 7, 1865 AT QUNCY ILL

When French had about 100 volunteers, he led the Princeville Company to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into the service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th Illinois, which was also organized at Camp Lyon, and 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, to the railroad depot. There they boarded trains headed for Jeffersonville, Indiana and Camp Joe Holt, which were located across the river from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the 85th and 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Colonel Daniel McCook's Brigade chasing Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, just six weeks after they had been mustered into the service, the men of the 86th Illinois were engaged with those Confederate troops, suffering their first casualties. There would be many more during the next two and a half years.

During the next year and a half, William served faithfully in Co. K, participating in and witnessing some of the most brutal and bloody fighting in the Western Theatre of the war. This included the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; and Rome, Georgia. William was most likely in the ranks of Co. K on the morning of June 27, 1864, when the 86th as part of McCook's Brigade made the bloody assault on what would become known as the "Dead Angle" on Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. During this 30 minute assault, the 86th Illinois would suffer more than 100 casualties and McCook's Brigade would suffer more than 500 casualties, all in less than 30 minutes. Several days later, the Confederates were forced to give up Kennesaw and the drive for Atlanta, Georgia continued. On July 19th, the men of McCook's Brigade were heavily engaged with the enemy during the Battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia. On the 28th of July, the Battle of Ezra Church was fought. The following day, July 29, 1864, as the Campaign for Atlanta continued, as the men of McCook's Brigade were moving into line of battle, Private William Henry Wisenburg was severely wounded in the left arm and was sent to the rear to a Field Hospital. William would spend the remainder of the war in Army Hospitals. Much of this time was spent in the Army Hospital at Quincy, Illinois. Finally, on April 7, 1865, after spending more than 8 months in hospitals, Private William Henry Wisenburg was discharged from the service at Quincy, Illinois and he returned to his home and family in Princeville.

William Henry Wisenburg was married to Nancy Jane Carroll on Oct 20, 1866 in Peoria County. Nancy Jane was born on October 18, 1848 at ____________, Connecticut, the daughter of Job Carroll and Hannah (_____________) Carroll. Job was born in Rhode Island about 1802, while Hannah was born about 1820 in Connecticut. The Carroll family came west where they settled in Princeville Township sometime after 1850, and probably after 1860. Four children are known to have been born to William and Nancy, They are;

1. Emma Jane Wisenburg; born Sept. 17, 1867

2. Willie (William) Eugene Wisenburg, born May 17, 1869

3. Louis Albert Wisenburg, born January 20, 1872

4. Mabel Almira Wisenburg, born June 19, 1879

William and Nancy resided in Princeville Township the rest of their lives, farming the land. In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion in Peoria on the 25th anniversary of their being mustered into the service, August 27, 1887. William was one of 9 Co. K men to attend that first reunion. As the reunions continued, always being held in Peoria during the week of August 27th, William was one of about ten Co. K men who were almost always there, rairly missing a reunion. The last reunion that William was able to attend was the reunion of 1908. Private William Henry Wisenburg died the following spring on May 12, 1909. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Nancy Jane (Carroll) Wisenburg died on January 15, 1912. Her earthly remains were laid beside those of her husband of over 42 years in the Princeville Township Cemetery.

by Baxter B. Fite III.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

NANCY JANE WISENBURG

Nancy Jane Carroll was born in Wilmantle, Connecticut, on October 28th 1847, and died near Princeville, Ill., on January 15th 1912, aged 64 years and nearly 3 months. She came with her parents to this vicinity in 1864, and has lived here ever since.

On October 26th 1866, she was married to Wm. H. Wisenburg, with whom she lived nearly forty-three years, until he died in May, 1909. To them were born two sons and two daughters, of whom Mabel, the youngest, died when 15 years of age. The surviving children are: Mrs. John Shipley, William E., and Louis A. Wisenburg, all of whom reside in this community. She is also survived by one brother, Charles Carroll of Duncan, Ill., and six grand children.

Mr. and Mrs. Wisenburg united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Princeville during the revival meetings conducted by Rev. Merrill in January, 1886, and they continued faithful members until their death and are now united with Church Triumphant.

The funeral service was conducted from the Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon by the pastor, Rev. James W. Pruen, and the interment was in the Princeville cemetery.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

PRINCEVILLE -- Thelma V. McDaniel, 90, of Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Chillicothe, formerly of Princeville, died at 2:20 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2000, at the nursing home. Born Aug. 28, 1909, in Princeville, to George and Maude Dustin Potts, she married Earl Wisenburg in 1933. He died Sept. 12, 1969, in Peoria. She married Robert M. McDaniel on April 19, 1980, in Peoria. He died June 19, 1988, in Chillicothe. Also preceding her in death were one grandson, three brothers and one sister. Surviving are two daughters, Betty (and Harold) Davis of Peoria and Earline (and Arnel) Medearis of Princeville; three grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; and 16 greatgreat-grandchildren.

She was a cook for Bergner's Tea Room in Peoria for 22 years before retiring.

She was a member of the Princeville Senior Citizens Group and the First Presbyterian Church in Princeville.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home. The Rev. Harry Losey will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Princeville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Akron/Princeville Ambulance Service.

Peoria Journal Star (Peoria, IL) - Sunday, January 16, 2000.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

PRINCEVILLE -- Arnel E. "Zeke" Medearis, 66, of Princeville died at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. Born June 22, 1934, in Wyoming, Ill., to Arnel and Irma Smith Medearis, he married Earline Wisenburg on Sept. 5, 1953, in Sparland. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Pam (and Tim) Snyder of Princeville and Betty Jo (and Denny) Broadway of Edelstein; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean (and Everett) Schaefer of Chillicothe and Lucille (and Arlin) Shofner of Henry; three brothers, Russ (and Linda) of Sparland, Charles (and Marilyn) and Lawrence (and Mary), both of Henry; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother.

He worked for Long Rock Stone Co. for 18 years, retiring in 1983. Prior to that, he worked for the Illinois Highway Department for several years. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

He was of the Presbyterian faith.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hammitt Hott Funeral Home. The Rev. Harry Losey will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Princeville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Akron-Princeville Ambulance Service or Akron-Princeville Fire & Rescue Department.

Peoria Journal Star (Peoria, IL) - Thursday, June 21, 2001.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

SHELLSBURG: Ione M. Wilt, age 92, died Thursday, July 6, 2006 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at Oak Grove Christian Church near Shellsburg with Pastor Larry Rodgers officiating. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery near Shellsburg. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. 6th Street, in Vinton from 5 to 7 PM on Monday. A memorial fund has been established.

Ione was born June 27, 1914 at Roswell, SD to Rad Coover and Rilda Mae (Hutson) Boyer. Her family later moved to a farm in Shellsburg and she graduated from the Shellsburg High School in 1931. On February 6, 1935 she married Glenn M. Wilt at Cedar Rapids. Glenn and Ione farmed and raised their family in Shellsburg. Glenn preceded his wife in death on May 20, 1988.

During her life, Ione enjoyed gardening, crocheting and being a spectator as sporting events. She also loved fishing, and writing and reciting poetry. Ione has been a resident of Virginia Gay Annex the past 8 years.

She is survived by her children, John W. Wilt of Shellsburg, Beverly (Marshal) White of Shellsburg, Belva (Jim) Bell of Davenport, and Marlys (Jim) Ross of Goodyear, AZ ; her daughter-in-law, Glenna Wilt of Vinton; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Dean (Doris) Boyer of Shellsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Warren Wilt; her grandson, Chad Everett; her sister, Arlene Fish; and four brothers, Ray, Merle, Guy and Wayne Boyer.

submitted by Sheryl Reynolds.

80th Birthday - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Sunday, 26 Jun 1994; Page 91; (Newspapers.com):

Ione Wilt of Shellsburg

Will celebrate her 80th birthday today with an open house from 2-4 p.m. at Shellsburg American Legion Hall.

Her children and spouses invite all relatives and friends to attend: Warren and Glenna Wilt, Vinton; Marshal and Beverly White, Shellsburg; Jim and Belva Bell, Davenport; John Wilt, Shellsburg; and Marlys and Jim Ross, Cedar Rapids. Your presence is the only gift desired.

Ione (Boyer) Wilt was born June 27, 191, in Roswell, S.D., and has resided in the Shellsburg community most of her life.

90th Birthday - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Sunday, 20 Jun 2004; Page 105; (Newspapers.com):

Ione Wilt Celebrates 90th

Ione M. Wilt will be honored on June 27th with an open house to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Friends and relatives are invited to stop by from 1-3 p.m. at the Virginia Gay Annex Nursing Home in Vinton. No gifts, only your presence is appreciated.

Ione Boyer was born June 27, 1914, in South Dakota. She married Glenn Wilt in Shellsburg, Iowa, Feb. 6, 1935. He died in 1988. She is mother to Warren (deceased) and Glenna Wilt, Beverly and Marshall White, Belva and Jim Bell, John Wilt and Marlys and Jim Ross. Ione has 13 grandchildren and one deceased; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Love, your family.

Obituary -- The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Monday, 13 MAR 2000, p.9 (Newspapers.com):

Warren W. Wilt, 64, died Saturday, March 11, 2000, in St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, after a brief Illness. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Vinton Presbyterian Church, by Dr. Dennis Morey and the Rev. Patrick Sheahan. Burial: Maplewood Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Phillips Funeral Home, Vinton.

Survivors include his wife, Glenna; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Debbie Wilt of Orono, Minn.; his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Daniel Irish of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Jennifer, Karissa and Andrea Wilt, Heather and Heidi Leisten and Megan, Mallory and Michael Irish; a great-granddaughter, Alyssa Leisten; his mother, Ione Wilt of Vinton; brother, John Wilt of Shellsburg; and sisters, Beverly White of Shellsburg, Belva Bell of Davenport and Marlys Ross of Cedar Rapids.

The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Sunday, 11 March 1956; Page 32; (Newspapers.com):

SHELLSBURG -- A May wedding in the Oak Grove Church near here is being planned by Miss Beverly Ann Wilt and Marshall White.

The wedding date is May 12.

Miss Wilt, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Wilt, is employed by the Cedar Rapids Coca Cola Bottling Co. Her fiancé is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern White. He is an employee of the Collins Radio Co., Cedar Rapids.

The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Wednesday, 16 May 1956; Page 26; (Newspapers.com):

Beverly Ann Wilt and Marshall E. White Wed

SHELLSBURG--Wedding vows were exchanged Sunday in the Oak Grove Christian church here by Beverly Ann Wilt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn M. Wilt and Marshall E. White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern White.

The Rev. Warren Bloyer read the 3 p.m. double-ring candlelight ceremony. Snapdragons, palms and gladiolus decorated the alter. Ward McCulley, vocal soloist, was accompanied by Miss Martha Petro, organist.

The bride's ballerina-length gown of lace over satin was styled with a fitted bodice, tapered sleeves, high neckline and a pleated tulle panel in front. She wore a fingertip veil and carried white roses.

Buloa (sic) Wilt, her sister's maid of honor, was gowned in yellow and carried yellow and white roses. The junior bridesmaids, sisters of the couple, Marlys Wilt and Margaret Sue White wore light blue frosted nylon gowns.

Fred Fletcher, Jr., was best man, and? ? Marlyn White and Duane Wilt ushers.

A reception was given in the church basement following the wedding.

For traveling, the bride wore a dark brown print dress. She has been employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Cedar Rapids, and the bridegroom is employed by the Green Giant Canning Company of Vinton. They will live near Shellsburg.

The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Sunday, 14 May 2006; Page 101; (Newspapers.com):

White

SHELLSBURG --? ? Marshall and Beverly White of Shellsburg will observe their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at a local restaurant.

The former Beverly Wilt and Marshall White exchanged marriage vows on May 13, 1956, at the Oak Grove Christian Church near Shellsburg.

The couple's children are Alan, Laurie, Lynda and Janine. The Rev. Warren Bloyer officiated.

The couple's children are Alan White, Laurie Mayhew, Lynda Ollinger and Janine Rowden. They have 10 grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to: P.O. Box 271, Shellsburg, IA 52332.

Obituary – The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Sunday, 31 MAY 2020, page P6 (Newspapers.com):

BEVERLY A. (WILT) WHITE

Shellsburg

Beverly A. (Wilt) White, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at her rural Shellsburg home.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Oak Grove Church in rural Shellsburg, with the Rev. Matt Magee officiating.

Funeral ceremonies are currently permitted as a spiritual or religious gathering. However, vulnerable, or high-risk folks should use discretion in attendance. Social distancing should still be practiced as well.

Beverly was born March 29, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Glenn and Ione (Boyer) Wilt. She graduated from Shellsburg High School, with the Class of 1954. Beverly was united in marriage to Marshal White on May 13, 1956, at the Oak Grove Church.

Beverly worked in school administration before her retirement. She was an active member at Oak Grove Church, where she served as an organist and also as the church bookkeeper for many hears. Beverly loved flowers and gardening and enjoyed all sports. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

She is survived by her husband, Marshal; daughters, Laurie (John) Mayhew of Vinton, Lynda (Ruben) Ollinger Gonzalez of Cedar Rapids and Janine (Gale) Rowden of Shellsburg; nine grandchildren, Brooke (Jason) Harmening of Mable (sic), Minn., J.D. (Leslie) White of Burr Oak, Iowa, Stacy (Reed) Williams of Decorah, Drew (Jackie) White of Madison, Wis., Hilary (Mike) Kastner of Cedar Rapids, Hanna (Mike) Thuesen of Cedar Falls, Matt (Morgan) Ollinger of Garrison, Whitney Stout of Lisbon and Charitey (Daniel) Robar of Bothel, Wash.; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, John Wilt of Brandon; sisters, Belva Bell of Davenport and Marlys Ross of Goodyear, Ariz.; and her sister-in-law, Glenna Wilt of Vinton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Alan (Deb) White; granddaughter, Stephanie Ollinger-Harry; and brother, Warren Wilt.

Online condolences www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

obit donated by Martha Long

Marguerite Neve, age 96, died early Monday morning, April 10, 2006 at Virginia Gay Hospital following a sudden illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. , Thursday, April 13, 2006 at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton with Dr. Dennis Morey officiating. Interment will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Vinton. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday. A Memorial Fund has been established.

Marguerite was born October 3, 1909 at Dallas, South Dakota to John E. and Ora ( Kearns ) Johnson. Her family later moved to Vinton and she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1928. After receiving Teacher Normal Training, she taught in country schools for a few years.

On June 3, 1931 she married Harold W. Neve at the Presbyterian Manse in Hudson , Iowa . The couple farmed in Taylor Township on the Neve Family Farm until moving to Vinton in 1958. They spent their winter months in Florida . Harold preceded her in death October 15, 2003 .

Marguerite was a long time member of the Presbyterian Church in Vinton and had served as a Deacon. She excelled in her home making skills especially cooking and sewing. Marguerite enjoyed membership in the Taylor Friendly Club, and served as a 4-H Leader and a Red Cross Volunteer.

She is survived by her children, Wayne (Rosie) Neve of Vinton, Glenna Wilt of Vinton, John (Jane) Neve of Tucson, AZ, and Cheryl (David) Duncklee of Waukon; twelve grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents her husband, her daughter, Virginia Erickson; two grandsons, Denny Neve and Mike Duncklee; her son-in-law, Warren Wilt; two brothers, Vernon and Roy Johnson and one sister, Thelma Johnson.

The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Sunday, 09 Aug 1964; Page 43; (Newspapers.com):

Belva Wilt Is Engaged To T. James Bell, Jr.

SHELLSBURG -- Mr. and Mrs. Glenn M. Wilt announce the engagement of their daughter, Belva Nadean to T. James Bell, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. T. James Bell of 2524 C avenue NE, Cedar Rapids.

Miss Wilt is a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan college. She has taught in the Traer and Linn - Mar school? ? districts. Mr. Bell is an Upper Iowa university graduate and is employed by the Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Co., in Davenport. A September wedding is planned.

The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Tuesday, 22 Sep 1964; Page 8; Newspapers.com):

Miss Belva Wilt Becomes Bride Of James Bell, Jr.

In a ceremony Saturday in Kenwood Presbyterian church, Miss Belva Nadean Wilt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Wilt of Shellsburg, became the bride of T. James Bell, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. T. James Bell of 2524 C. avenue NE.

The ceremony at 8 was performed by the Rev. Donald Jafvert. A reception for 250 took place in the church parlors.

The bride's gown of Alencon lace and net was fashioned with a mandarin collar and long, tapered sleeves. A matching crown held her circular double-tiered elbow-length veil, and she carried a cascade arrangement of orchids and roses.

Two sisters of the bride were her attendants: Mrs. Marshall White, matron of honor, and Miss Marlys Wilt, both of Shellsburg, They ware waltz-length bronze peau de soie dresses styled with scoop necklines and large bows at the back waistlines. Their flowers were bronze mums.

Dick Blessing served as best man. Bill Stevens was groomsman. Ushers were Lee Taylor of Davenport, Bill Marsh, Mr. White and Warren Wilt of Shellsburg.

Following the reception a smorgasbord was served at the home of the bridegroom's parents for the bridal party and relatives. The Bells also were hosts at a rehearsal dinner Friday at the Embassy club.

The newlyweds will be at home in Davenport. The bride, a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan college, teaches at Orion, Ill. Mr. Bell, an alumnus of Upper Iowa university, is employed by the Iowa Illinois Gas Co.

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

Thomas J. "Jim" Bell

Thomas J. "Jim" Bell, 80, of Davenport passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10:00AM Tuesday at St. Marks Lutheran Church, Davenport. Visitation will be Monday 4-7PM at the Runge Mortuary. Burial will be at the National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Memorials may be made to the Scott County Humane Society (Trippa Fund or Golden Companion Fund) or St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Davenport.

Jim was born October 2, 1932 in Cedar Rapids, IA to Thomas James & Lillian (Jacobson) Bell. He graduated from Upper Iowa College (sic) with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. During college, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1953 to 1955. On September 19, 1964 he was united in marriage to Belva Wilt in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They moved to Davenport in 1964 where Jim worked for 40 years at Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric Company as a pipe fitter before retiring.

Jim was a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Freemason for many years. In earlier years, Jim enjoyed playing and watching a variety of sports with his wife & children. Jim was an avid reader, master of word puzzles, and a lover of dogs.

Survivors include his wife Belva, Davenport; Children & spouses Janet (Robert) Blanchetta, Naperville, IL, and Michael (Stephanie) Bell, Davenport; grandchildren Ryan Moser & Hunter Bell, Davenport; and great-grandson Easton Mosher, Davenport.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa); Sunday, 11 Aug 1974; Page 32; (Newspapers.com):

Berry Wine Tops High-Quality Show

T. James Bell, 20 Birchwood Court, Davenport, won the best of show award Saturday in the second annual Amateur Vintners Show at the Great Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport.

Bell's berry wine scored 56 out of a possible 60 points to be declared by six judges as the best of 166entries in the greatly expanded show.

.............................................'

Article - "Entries Squeeze Fair's Wine Judges," Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa); Monday, 16 Aug 1976; Page 3; (Newspapers.com):

[T. James Bell, Davenport, third place Concord and wild grape dry.].

Obituary -- The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Thursday, 28 MAY 2009, p.8 (Newspapers.com):

James R. Ross, 74, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away May 18, 2009, after a courageous battle of several health issues. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be today at Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival, Goodyear, Ariz. Arrangements by Allen Funeral Hoem, Peoria, Ariz.

He is survived by his wife, Marlys; son, David, St. Paul, Minn., and Daniel, Kansas City, Mo.; daughter, Ann McGuffy; stepson, Cameron Everett; 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Stella Ross; five brothers and one sister.

Jim was born in Walker, Iowa, and moved to Cedar Rapids, where he lived until 2004, when he and his wife moved to Goodyear, Ariz. Jim was a self-employed buisinessman. He owned L. W. Ross Refrigeration for 36 years and Papa Juan's Mexican Restaurant.

Memorials can be made to Christ Presbyterian Church in Jim's name.