The Forreston Journal_
Wednesday, January 3, 1923
Page 8
*
"CYRUS BILLIG*

"Mr. Cyrus Billig was born near West Grove, Ill, on September 24, 1840 and died at his home here in Forreston Monday morning December 25, 1922 at 1:30 a.m. at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 1 day.

"His parents came to this part of Illinois in the year of 1837 and located in one of the first settlements near Adeline, Ill. Shortly after they moved to West Grove, where their son, Cyrus was born, at which place he spent all his boyhood days. After reaching young manhood he began to teach school, teaching in a number of the schools of this county. He was much interested in his profession, and his services as a teacher were in great demand.

"Later he began to farm, but because of his ability to teach, one of the members of the school board induced him [the bottom line of the first column was cut off; it picks up at the top of the next column as follows] in that way he carried on his work both as a teacher and a farmer. In this connection it is interesting to know that Mr. Billig was the school master of all of his older children.

"After caring (sic) on this work for some time, he moved to Forreston, and then engaged in varified business interests until the time when he retired from active work.

"Mr. Billig was married to Miss Kathryn Klock on January 26, 1865. To them were born six children. Ulysis (sic), Mary, Francis, George, Bertha and Grace. Three of these children, Ulysis (sic), Mary and Grace also his wife, Kathryn Billig preceeded (sic) Mr. Billig in death. Then on December 23, 1886 Mr. Billig married a second time to Miss Martha Ellen Stover. To them was born one son, Harrison, who died in infancy.

"Mr. Billig was always a very active and energetic man, up to the time of his paralytic stroke, about five years ago. Since that time he gradually began to fail until the time of the end. He was always interested in the progressive movements of his community, and for many years served as Justice of the Peace, carrying on his work in a very able way. Not only was he interested in the civic affairs of his community, but he was interested in the affairs of his Church as well. For several years he was actively engaged in the work of the Sunday School.

"Acting as S. S. Supt. in the Haldane U. B. Sunday School for some time, also teaching in a clas for many years (sic--incomplete sentence). Then on March 23, 1902, during the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Schwab, he united with the Evangelical Church of this town, and remained a member of it until the time of his death.

"Thus is the death of this loved one, we as a Church and we as a community can join hands and say, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful in a few things enter thou into the joys of the Lord.'

"Mr. Billig leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Martha Ellen Billig, two sons, Francis of Forreston and Dr. George, a physician who has his practice in Chicago, one daughter, Mrs. Bertha Bodiger, Polo, Ill. Three brothers, John and Jerry of Forreston and Wm. of California. Seven grandchildren, with many other relatives and a host of friends
(sic--incomplete sentence).

"Funeral services was (sic) held at Bishop's Evangelical Church Wednesday afternoon December 27, 1922 at 2:00 o'clock p.m. conducted by Rev. H. F. Siemsen. Interment was made at White Oak Cemetery."

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