Wreck Lantern returned to Chatsworth.

From FacebooK-2019;

The Chatsworth Train Wreck occurred just east of Chatsworth in 1887. Approximately 85 people were killed and 372 injured. It still ranks as the 7th worst American train wreck in terms of the number of fatalities. In 1939, a citizen in Chatsworth loaned a lantern from the train wreck to the Livingston County Historical Society. Back in 1939, the Society had one of the few museums in the county. In recent years, this lantern has been on display in the old County Courthouse in Pontiac. With the recent completion of the Bluebird Hall in Chatsworth, Richard Runyon, Mayor of Chatsworth requested the Society return the old lantern so it could be displayed in Bluebird Hall. On July 25th, Dale C. Maley, President of the Livingston County Historical Society, returned the 132 year-old lantern to Mayor Richard Runyon, as shown in the attached photo, after it was on loan to the society for 80 years

Obit of Lyman "Max" Moore

Lyman “Max” Moore, 80, of Chatsworth passed away at 6:45 am Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the United Methodist Church, Chatsworth with the Rev. Lynette Barnett officiating. Burial will be in the West Lawn Cemetery, Cullom. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the United Methodist Church. The family suggests memorials be directed to the United Methodist Church or OSF Hospice. Max was born November 20, 1938 in Marion, Indiana the son of Lyman and Ruth Stroup Moore. He married Linda Allen of Cullom, (mother of his children) on August 30,1959. She passed away May 7, 1991. He was remarried to Vicky Sorey on December 2, 1995. She survives. He is survived by a daughter Leanne Moore Tampa, Fl, a son Steve (Tammy) Moore Chatsworth, a stepson Gene (Robin) Sorey, Rice Lake WI, a brother Jack (Shirley) Moore Mattoon, IL, six grandchildren Dani (Danielle) Moore Australia, Shawn (Shana) Moore Chenoa, Brad Moore Chatsworth, Linda (Frank) Turner Chenoa, Jesse Moore Waverly, TN and Sam Moore Chatsworth, two step-grandchildren Gavin Sorey San Diego, CA and Garin (Katie) Sorey Rice Lake, WI and five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Phyllis (Skip) Karcher. Max graduated from Forrest Strawn Wing High School in 1956. Max proudly served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1956-1961. Max was a building contractor for many years, building farm buildings and several homes. He also owned a garage during many of those years. He worked nearly 10 years at Chanute AFB as a civilian employee painting the museum Air Force planes. He owned the Moore Hardware store in Chatsworth from 1995-2010. He previously worked at Honeggers’ in Fairbury, Diller Tile clay tile factory in Chatsworth and also drove a truck for several years. Max was an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving a lay speaker as well as ushering and singing. He helped build the new church building. He participated in several Emmaus walks and their prison ministry. Max was the 2009 recipient of the Noble Pearson Award. He was a member of the American Legion and previous member of the Lions Club and the Chatsworth library board. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, watching the Bulls and the Bears and listening to and singing gospel music.

Obit of Linda "Shoe" (Shoemaker) Martin

Linda L. “Shoe” Martin, 72, of Forrest, IL passed away at 12:41 pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Private family graveside services will be held at Forrest Township Cemetery. According to her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest is handling arrangements for the family. Linda was born October 21, 1946 in Mattoon, IL, a daughter of Lois and Ruth Cleone (Myers) Shoemaker. She married Charles Martin on April 23, 1977 in Chatsworth, IL. He survives. Also surviving are their two sons: Michael (Mandy) Martin of Lexington, IL and Mark (Amanda) Martin of Farmer City, IL; six grandchildren; and one brother: Charlie (Kay) Shoemaker of Chatsworth, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother: Jim Shoemaker. Linda was educated in the Chatsworth schools graduating from High School as a Bluebird. She worked for Pittsburg Tube (PTC Alliance) in Fairbury for 20 years. She was a school bus driver for Prairie Central and Tri Point schools for 15 years before retiring. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite past time was cheering on her Cubs with her beloved husband. Linda was a loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed.

Obit of Jeanetta (Durham) Galloway

Jeanetta J. Durham Galloway, 64, of Chatsworth, Illinois, passed away at 6:06 a.m. on Monday July 8th, 2019 at her home in Chatsworth. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday July 12th, 2019 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth, Illinois. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. following visitation. According to the family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chatsworth fire and EMS. Jeanetta was born July 19th, 1954 in Fairbury, Illinois, a daughter of Johnny and Betty (Barnes) Durham. She married Ronald Galloway on December 3rd, 1977 in Chatsworth, Illinois. He survives in Chatsworth, Illinois. She is also survived by her children: Shawna (Rich) Carver of Minonk, IL, Ronnie (Mary) Galloway of Chatsworth, IL and Brandon (Nikki) Galloway of Pontiac, IL ; her eight grandchildren; her one greatgrandchild on-the-way; her three siblings: Debbie Durham of Carbondale, IL, Georgia Durham and Duane Durham both of Chatsworth, IL; and her mother-in-law: Annetta Galloway of Chatsworth, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister: Denise Durham; one step mother: Shirley Durham; and one father-in-law: Berdell Galloway. Jeanetta was educated in the Chatsworth schools. Her and Jenise owned and operated J&J Café for nearly six years before retiring. She served on the Heritage Days committee for a number of years. She loved life. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she loved to give an excessive amount of gifts to her family. Jeanetta spoiled her family any chance she could. They were her life. She enjoyed camping, golf cart rides and attending events with them. A memorable event in her life was her first tattoo, which she received at age 64 with family. Jeanetta was a loving wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed.

Obit of Richard E. Kafer

Richard was owner and operator of "Dick's Supermarkert in Chatsworth for many years.

Richard E. “Dick” Kafer, 78, Fairbury, died at 9:34 pm Saturday, July 20, 2019 at OSF St. James-John Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac. Visitation will be 3:30 to 6:15 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury followed by a memorial service at 6:30 pm. Inurnment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury at a later date. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements. Dick was born February 3, 1941 in Weston, IL the son of Ben and Elsie Neth Kafer. He married Jeanne Smith on April 8, 1960 in Fairbury. She survives. Other survivors include his children, John Kafer, Dwight, Leanne (Tim) Kopischke, Savoy, Josh (Dana) Kafer, Fairbury, three grandchildren, Kristin (Caleb) Dietrich, Taylor and Gavin Kafer, one great granddaughter, Raegan Dietrich, two sisters, Eleanor (Jim) Mott, Carol (Jerry) McGivern, both of Bloomington, one brother, Kenneth (Gail) Kafer, Fairbury. He is preceded in death by a son, Tom, two brothers and two sisters. Dick was a 1959 graduate of Fairbury-Cropsey High School and received his teacher’s degree from Illinois State Normal University. The family suggests memorials be given to the First Presbyterian Church or Dominy Memorial Library, both in Fairbury