Daniel Wakenight - Mt. Morris Times March 15, 1923

Died on a Tuesday morning 3-6-1923 reaching the age of 92 yrs 5 mths and 18 days, Mr. Wakenight, being of a family of 7. He spent most of his boyhood out in Washington Co., MD. When he reached young manhood, he gained a desire to move out to the western frontier, so he, with others moved as far west as Clark Co. OH. Here he met Lydia Kerns, with whom in 1855 he was united in marriage. After their marriage they decided to move further west. Together with others they started with horses and wagons, coming to Ogle Co., IL, settling in what is now called Pine Creek Twp., IL. In the year 1865, both Mr. and Mrs. Wakenight joined the United Brethren Church, where he held his membership until the time of his death. After having lived near Pine Creek for a period of time they then moved to the old homestead, where he and Mrs. Wakenight shared the joys and sorrows of life together.

In moving to this community Mr. and Mrs. Wakenight made the church their place of worship, attending very faithfully. Their happy union was blessed with four children, John, Jacob, Cora, and Anna, of whom Jacob and Cora have preceded their father in death. Mrs. Wakenight departed this life on 1-29-1909. His funeral was held on Thursday, 3-8-1923 at the North Grove Evangelical Church, the Rev. Sienvisen of Forreston, preaching the funeral sermon.

Thus we find that neighbor Wakenight leaves to mourn his loss, his Son John, his Daughter Mrs. Anna Mayer, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. His pall bearers were his six nephews: George A. Gaffin, John D. Croft, Edward Potter, Ernest and Elmer Wolf, and Frederick Gaffin, who peacefully laid him to rest beside his wife in the cemetery adjoining the church.

Contributed by Sharon Strow

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