John Franklin Gritton
1842 - 1924 (81 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 2
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. John Franklin Gritton was born on 6 Jul 1842 in Illinois; died on 1 Jul 1924 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- _MILT: Civil War
- Census: 1870, Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1880, Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; 11 1/2 N. Washington, rented upstairs son Lewis Gritton's household
- Census: 1920, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; 11 N. Jefferson, rented house next door to son Lewis Gritton's household
Notes:
US Civil War Draft Registration Records. Blount Township. Jess Gritten. Age 28. White. Farmer. Married. Born in Illinois.
In same record, just above Jess's entry are entries for his cousins (sons of Milo B. Gritton and Jane Burton):
Merriman Gritten. Age 24. White. Farmer, Married. Born in Illinois.
a few lines below is: John Gritten. Age 20. White, Farmer, Married. Born in Illinois.
LKH note:
Have not yet found any record that John Gritten served in the army.
1870 US census, enumerated 16 August 1870
Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
John F. Gritton, age 28, farm laborer
Sarah Gritton, age 27, keeping house
Catharine Cline, ag 78, at home
Not far away are the households of William Gritton, age 44, and of John R. Gritton, age 62. John R. Gritton was the father of the late Jesse Gritton, Sarah's first husband, and in his household are Jesse and Sarah's two sons, John age 8 and Charles age 6.
1870 US agricultural census:
John F. Gritton
Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Improved land - 10 acres
Unimproved land - 200 acres
Horses - 2
Milch cows - 1
Other cattle - 1
Swine - 2
Value of livestock #335
Winter wheat - 33 bushels
Indian corn - 150 bushels
Estimated value of all farm production - $108
1880 US census, enumerated 20 June 1880
Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
John F. Gritton, age 36, farmer
Catharine, age 35, keeping house
Cora B., age 10, at home
Lewis A., age 10 months, at home
Benjamin Milliner, age 22, boarder, farm laborer.
Cora is listed as can not read or write.
1910 US census, enumerated 18 April 1910
Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
112 North Washington Street
John F. Gritton, age 66, laborer in grain mill
Sarah, age 65
Next door is the household of their son, Lewis A. Gritton, age 30.
1920 US census, enumerated 5 January 1920
Danville, Ward 2, Vermilion County, Illinois
1920 N. Jefferson Street
John F. Gritton, age 77
Sarah K., age 76
They live next door to the household of their son Lewis Gritton who is a motorman for the street car.
John F. Gritton was the first appointed postmaster in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois He served from 21 March 1894 until 30 Jun 1898. National Archives, Record of Appointment of Postmasters. Vermilion County, Illinois, v.87, page 609.
Aged couple given a pleasant surprise
Mr. and Mrs. John Gritton were reminded Sunday of golden wedding anniversary.
(Special to the Morning Press)
Fairmount, Ill., Aug. 14 - Mr. and Mrs. John Gritton were given a very pleasant surprise last Sunday afternoon at their home in Jefferson street, south side, by the children and grandchildren coming in to help them celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served and all enjoyed a most delightful time. About thirty enjoyed this event. The out of town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gritton, of Odell, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hedges, of Chrisman, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Yeazel, of Homer, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hedges, Jamaica, and Mrs. Lula Dinnick and daughter, of Bloomington, Ill, from Danville were: Mr. and Mrs. Lew Gritton and family and Miss Wilma Hall, of Chicago, Mrs. Mary Wisler and daughter, Mrs. Berry and Ernest Gritton. Mr. Gritton was 7y the 6th of July and Mrs. Gritton was 75 the 5th of June. Both are enjoying good health and their many friends and relatives wish for them the best of life's blessings the remaining years of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gritton were born in Illinois and are among one of the many prominent pioneer families of this county.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Allison-Gritton-Casat Reunion.
One of the most pleasant and largest family reunions held in this dity this season was that of the Allison, Gritton and Cosat families, held at Lincoln park Sunday Sept. 2 when 100 or more were present. Owing to the inclement weather the crowd was not as large as it would have been if the rain had not kept many away who would otherwise have been present and who missed a most enjoyable day. Out of town guests were: Marion Shumate and wife of Conway, Ark., which is the first visit here of Mr. Shumate in 30 years, he being a former resident of Blount township, also George Gritton and family of Spencer, Ind. Found state were represented namely: Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas and Iowa.
Everybody had a good time and were glad that they were present all agreeing on holding the reunion of 1924 on the first Sunday in September at Lincoln park, in this city.
The same officers of last year were re-elected with C. W. Cosat as president; and Oakie Allison, secretary.
John Gritton and wife, ages 82 and 81 respectively were the oldest guests present. They are residents of Danville and live on the South Side.
Rev. Norton and Rev. H.O. Wilson, each gave interesting talks. A find dinner was the feature of the day and during the afternoon, ices and cakes were served, making up a most pleasant day for all.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Gritton family holds reunion.
The first annual reunion of the Gritton family, descendants of early settlers of Vermilion County, was held Sunday at Lincoln park and was well attended by representatives from far and near. A fine dinner was enjoyed at the noon hour by nearly 200 members. Mac Lee, of San Francisco, who came the farthest distance to attend the reunion, has been absent from this county almost 30 years. Uncle John Gritton, of the South Side, was the oldest member of the family present. He is almost 90. The afternoon was spent in renewing old ties. The members looked forward with pleasurable anticipations to the reunion to be held at the same place some time in August, 1921.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
J.F. Gritton pioneer dies at age of 84.
Farmer and Danville merchange dies in South Danville home.
John Franklin Gritton, retired farmer and former owner of feed yards, and who would have been 84 years old had he lived five days more, died at his home, 11 North Jefferson street, South Danville at 1:40 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Gritton was a lifelong resident of Vermilion county and since coming to Danville a quarter of a century ago has made his home in South Town.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the residence.
Mr. Gritton was born in Blount township, July 6, 1842, the son of pioneer stock and one of three children, a brother M.L. Gritton, who formerly lived in South Danville, and a sister, Mrs. Belle Hensley, preceding him in death. During Mr. Gritton's life he resided near Fairmount on a farm and 25 years ago moved to Danville where he owned feed yards, first on walnut street and later on Hazel street, part of the time, operating both places. He retired 15 years ago.
He was married to Miss Sarah K. Cline on Aug. 9, 1869, and to this union five children were born, two of whom, Mrs. George Hedges of Fairmount and Lewis A. Gritton, a motorman on the Ridgefarm-Georgetown line, survive. Two sons, Franklin M. and Everett M. Gritton died when they were 7 and 5 years old, when they were given an overdose of medicine by mistake. The two brothers were buried in the same casket. A daughter, Grace May, died in infancy. Besides the son and daughter, Mr. Gritton is survived by the widow, Mrs. Sarah Gritton.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
John F. Gritton, pioneer, is dead.
Well-known resident of South Danville succumbs to paralysis.
John F. Gritton, 82, died at his home, 11 North Jefferson street, South Side, Tuesday afternoon. He was stricken with paralysis Monday, June 23, the entire right side being affected. Death, which came at 1:40 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, had been expected for several days.
Funeral services will be held at the family residence at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, and the interment will be in the family lot at Springhill cemetery.
John Franklin Gritton was born in Blount township, northwest of Danville, July 6, 1842 and came of pioneer stock. His father died when he was eight years of age and much of the work of keeping the family fell upon his shoulders. His mother died a few years later, leaving him largely dependent on his own resources.
Aug. 9, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah K. Cline, who survives. To this union, five children were born, two, Mrs. George Hedges and Lewis A. Gritton, a motorman on the interurban railway between this city and Ridgefarm surviving.
Mr. Gritton about 1882, became a tenant on the farm of Dr. H. W. Morehouse, of this city, near the town of Jamaica and after remaining there for nine years removed to the Will Carrigan farm about a mile distant, where he remained for eight years. Then he retired and removed to this city.
Danville Commercial News Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No date available.
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79513334/john-franklin-grittonJohn married Sarah Catherine Cline on 9 Aug 1869 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Sarah (daughter of Andrew Jackson Cline and Eliza Ann Milliner) was born on 5 Jun 1843 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 18 Dec 1929 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 21 Dec 1929 in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 2. Cora Belle Gritton
was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 16 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. - 3. Franklin M. Gritton was born on 26 Jan 1873 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 12 Mar 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 4. Everett M. Gritton was born on 6 Oct 1876 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 12 Mar 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 5. Lewis Adolphus Gritton was born on 29 Jul 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 23 Aug 1962 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 6. Grace M. Gritton was born on 12 Aug 1885 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Dec 1885 in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Generation: 2
2. 
Cora Belle Gritton (1.John1) was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 16 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Friends gave her a surprise
(Press-Democrat Special.)
Fairmount, Ill., Sept. 2. - One of the most delightful entertainments of the season was the birthday surprise on Mrs. Geo. Hedges last Sunday, at her home northeast of the village. The event was planned and executed by her husband and daughters. While Mrs. Hedges was busily engaged in serving dinner to some friends who had accompanied her home from Sunday school and church, her friends to the number of seventy-five or more slipped into the front rooms of her home and came marching out to the dining room with her mother in the lead, which, by the way, was a great surprise, the latter having come out from Danville.
The afternoon was spent in a social and religious way. About 4 o'clock the crowd repaired to the front yard where some fifteen or twenty minutes was devoted to song and prayer, and the breaking of bread, which was presided over by Rev. Scott, of Danville, after which the remainder of the evening was spent in song, and social conversation, and the eating of cream, cake and candy and fruit, and a general good time was enjoyed by all. One singular feature connected with their gathering was that the hostess was surprised on her 18th birthday in 1888, in the same house where she now lives. Mrs. Hedges was the recipient of many beautiful pieces of china.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Mrs. Cora Hedge of Fairmount has been visiting the family of Frank Gritton on East Park street this week.
The Champaign County News, Champaign, Illinois. Saturday, 27 May 1893, page 1.
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801438/cora-b-hedgesCora married George Fielden Hedges on 15 Jun 1891 in Vermilion County, Illinois. George was born on 29 Dec 1856 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 19 Jan 1950 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 7. Sophia Cordella Hedges was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- 8. Ralph Jewell Hedges was born on 27 May 1894 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 22 Jun 1969 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 9. Grace Gertrude Hedges was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 7. Sophia Cordella Hedges
3. 
Franklin M. Gritton (1.John1) was born on 26 Jan 1873 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 12 Mar 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
LKH note:
Franklin and his brother Everett died on the same night when the doctor who came to attend them accidently poisoned them.
Franklin and Everett are mentioned in their father's obituary:
Two sons, Franklin M. and Everett M. Gritton died when they were 7 and 5 years old, when they were given an overdose of medicine by mistake. The two brothers were buried in the same casket. A daughter, Grace May, died in infancy. Besides the son and daughter, Mr. Gritton is survived by the widow, Mrs. Sarah Gritton.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
LKH note:
Family historian, Marjorie (Fox) Block) said that family lore suggested that the brothers, Franklin and Everett, were buried in Gordon Cemetery north of Danville. So far we have found not documentation to confirm this.
4. Everett M. Gritton (1.John1) was born on 6 Oct 1876 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 12 Mar 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
LKH note:
Everett and his brother Franklin died on the same night when the doctor who came to attend them accidently poisoned them.
Everett and Franklin are mentioned in their father's obituary:
Two sons, Franklin M. and Everett M. Gritton died when they were 7 and 5 years old, when they were given an overdose of medicine by mistake. The two brothers were buried in the smae casket. A daughter, Grace May, died in infancy. Besides the son and daughter, Mr. Gritton is survived by the widow, Mrs. Sarah Gritton.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
LKH note:
Family historian, Marjorie (Fox) Block) said that family lore suggested that the brothers, Franklin and Everett, were buried in Gordon Cemetery north of Danville. So far we have found not documentation to confirm this.
5. 
Lewis Adolphus Gritton (1.John1) was born on 29 Jul 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 23 Aug 1962 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Census: 1910, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; 11 N. Washington. Owned home. His parents, John & Sarah, rented and lived upstairs.
- Census: 1920, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; 9 N. Jefferson, owned home
- Census: 1930, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
1910 US census, enumerated 18 April 1910
Danville, War 2, Vermilion County, Illinois
11 North Washington Street
Lewis A. Gritton, age 30, motorman on street railway
Ethel, age 26
Hester, age 5
His parents, John and Sarah Gritton, live upstairs
1920 US census, enumerated 5 January 1920
Danville, Ward 2, Vermilion County, Illinois
9 North Jefferson Street
Lewis Gritton, age 40, motorman on street car
Ethel, age 38
Hester, ag 14, attended school
Edith, age 9, attended school
Helen, age 6, attended school
next door to his parents, John and Sarah Gritton
1930 US census, enumerated 8 April 1930
Danville, Ward 2, Vermilion County, Illinois
31 North Main Street
Lewis Gritton, age 48, operator on electric railroad
Ethel, age 47
Helen, age 17
owned home, valued at $2500
They have a radio
1940 US census, enumerated 2 April 1940
Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
115 South Gilbert Street
Lewis A. Gritton, age 60, not employed
Ethel, age 58
own home, value $4000
Lewis is noted to be in hospital
1950 US census, enumberated 10 April 1950
Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
129 South Gilbert Street
Lewis A. Gritton, age 70
Ethel A., age 68
Word was received by Mrs. Hester Wood, of the death of her father, Mr. Lewis A. Gritton, 86, in Danville, Ill. on Wednesday evening. Mrs. Wood is employed by Brown's Marina and she left immediately for Danville to complete arrangements for the funeral. Mrs. Wood's mother, died in 1959.
The Peninsular News, Marblehead, Ohio. Friday, 24 August 1962.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79513375/lewis-adolphus-grittonFamily/Spouse: Ethel Alice Hall. Ethel (daughter of Henry James Hall and Maria Collison) was born on 12 Jul 1881 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 16 Aug 1959; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 10. Hester Gritton was born on 27 Apr 1905 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 20 Feb 1998 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio; was buried in Mansfield Memorial Park, Ontario, Richland County, Ohio.
- 11. Edith Lucille Gritton was born on 10 Jan 1910 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 10 Jun 1921 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 13 Jun 1921 in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 12. Helen Gritton was born on 21 Jan 1913 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died in Aug 1983.
6. Grace M. Gritton (1.John1) was born on 12 Aug 1885 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Dec 1885 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Grace died during a winter trip by sleigh during which she had been bundled to keep her warm.
Generation: 3
7. 
Sophia Cordella Hedges (2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Notes:
Sophia C. Yeazel, 81, of Fairmount died at 10:24 a.m. Thursday (September 19, 1974) in Lake View Hospital, Danville, where she was admitted Wednesday night.
Mrs. Yeazel was born November 10, 1892, east of Jamaica, a daughter of George and Cora B. Gritton Hedges. She was married to C. Rollie Yeazel Oct. 15, 1915, in her parent's home.
Mrs. Yeazel leaves her husband, sons, Harold R. of Marion, Ind., and Howard B. of Catlin, three grandsons, one granddaughter, four great-grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Willis Fox of Fairmount. A brother preceded her in death.
Mrs. Yeazel spent all her life in the Fairmount-Homer area. She was a member of Catlin Church of Christ and in Berean Class.
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More photos of Sophie at her page on the Hedges site, along with links to her father's ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I92&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774647/sophia-c_-yeazel
Block 16, Lot 34, Space 2Sophia married Chester Rolla "Rollie" Yeazel on 24 Oct 1915 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois. Chester (son of Adam Wallace Yeazel and Sarah Amelia Cessna) was born on 11 Sep 1893 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 21 Jun 1979 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 13. Harold Ralph Yeazel was born on 6 Mar 1918 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 15 Nov 1988 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried on 18 Nov 1988 in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- 14. Howard B. Yeazel was born on 21 Nov 1920 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 29 Aug 2011 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 13. Harold Ralph Yeazel
8. 
Ralph Jewell Hedges (2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 27 May 1894 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 22 Jun 1969 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1920, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Young America, Edgar County, Illinois
Notes:
1920 US census. Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Ralph Hedges, age 26, farmer, and Eva age 22.
1930 US census Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois. Ralph J. Hedges, age 35, farmer, Eva L. age 32, and Donald R. age 8. Farm is rented.
1940 US census. Young America, Edgar County, Illinois. Ralph Hedges, age 45, farmer, Eva age 42, and Donald age 18. Farm is rented.
Name:
More photos of Ralph on his page on the Hedges site along with his Hedges ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I94&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/138310682/ralph-j-hedgesRalph married Eva Lee Robinson on 23 Sep 1916 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Eva was born on 1 Nov 1898 in Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky; died on 5 Nov 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 15. Donald Ralph Hedges was born on 25 Jun 1921 in Edgar County, Illinois; died on 26 Jun 1996 in Walworth County, Wisconsin; was buried in Mount Philip Cemetery, Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin.
9. 
Grace Gertrude Hedges (2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More photos of Grace at her page on the Hedges site, along with links to her father's ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I96&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88035339/grace-foxGrace married Willis Benton Fox on 10 Oct 1925 in Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois. Willis (son of Josiah Jermiah Fox and Ella Wann) was born on 12 Oct 1891 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 15 Nov 1982; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 16. Marion Fielden Fox was born in Jul 1925 in Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 13 Jan 2023 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was buried in Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek, Macon County, Illinois.
- 17. Joseph Benton Fox was born on 21 Jan 1929 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 31 Oct 2020 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 16. Marion Fielden Fox
10. 
Hester Gritton (5.Lewis2, 1.John1) was born on 27 Apr 1905 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 20 Feb 1998 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio; was buried in Mansfield Memorial Park, Ontario, Richland County, Ohio. Notes:
Hester L. Wood
April 27, 1905-Feb. 20, 1998
Columbus - Hester L. Wood, 92, formerly of Port Clinton, died Friday at the Yorkshire Health Care Center, Colubmus.
She was born in Danville, Ill., the daughter of Lewis A. Gritton and Ethel A. Hall. She married Roscoe Wood in May 1948. He died in 1960. She was also preceded in death by two sisters and her parents.
Surviving are a niece, Connie Anderson of Danville, Ill.; a great niece and nephew; and four great-great nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Wood worked for Illinois Bell in Danville during World War II and was recruited by the U.S. Government to work on the Manhattan project in Hanford, Wash. She was assigned to "supervise" to the switchboard area for all incoming and outgoing calls, her contact being General Groves. At the end of the war she was summoned to Washington, D.C., and received the medal of honor from President Truman for service to her country.
She was active in Playmakers Civic Theatre in Port Clinton and appeared as Grandma Goody in a series of children's shows on PBS out of Toledo, Ohio, promoting "say no to drugs." She was very active in the Eastern Star and was Past Worthy Matron of the Ruth Chapter #7 in Mansfield. She was an avid musician and played for many functions in Port Clinton and Mansfield. She also enjoyed writing and had written many poems and stories. She was a very independent and private person.
A memorial service has been held at the Mansfield Memorial Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio.
Memorial may be sent to the Playmakers Civic Theatre in Port Clinton.
News Herald, Port Clinton, Ohio. Tuesday - 24 February 1998.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142560600/hester-l_-woodFamily/Spouse: Roscoe Elliott Wood. Roscoe was born on 30 Mar 1897 in Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio; died on 12 Feb 1960 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Mansfield Memorial Park, Ontario, Richland County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
11. 
Edith Lucille Gritton (5.Lewis2, 1.John1) was born on 10 Jan 1910 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 10 Jun 1921 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 13 Jun 1921 in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: student
Notes:
Edith L. Gritton
Edith Lucille Gritton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gritton, 9 North Jefferson street, South Side, died at the home of the parents, Friday morning at 6:05 o'clock. Her death was due to heart trouble, with which she had been afflicted for several weeks.
The little girl was born Aug. 1, 1910, in the house in which her death occurred, and was the second of the three daughters of Louis and Ethel Hall Gritton. She attended the Grant school, and was a favorite among her schoolmates and her teachers. The parents and two sisters, Helen and Esther Gritton, survive her. Henry J. Hall, pioneer justice of the peace, of Danville, is the grandfather of the little child.
Funeral services will be held at the home Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Sheldon Harris, pastor of the South Side Congregational church, will have charge of the services, and the burial will in Springhill cemetery.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Clark (Near Homer).
Mr. and Mrs. George Hedges and daughter Grace of Fairmount and Edith Gritton of Danville took supper Friday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Yeazel.
The Urbana Daily Courier, Urbana, Illinois. Saturday, 26 August 1916, page 3.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/138871734/edith-l_-gritton12. Helen Gritton (5.Lewis2, 1.John1) was born on 21 Jan 1913 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died in Aug 1983. Family/Spouse: Chester Sloan Hoffman. Chester was born on 6 Aug 1910 in Talbot, Benton County, Indiana; died on 25 Apr 1995. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Generation: 4
13. 
Harold Ralph Yeazel (7.Sophia3, 2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 6 Mar 1918 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 15 Nov 1988 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried on 18 Nov 1988 in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: chiropractor
Notes:
Fairmount – Harold R. Yeazel, 70, of Marion, Ind., formerly of Fairmount, died at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 15, 1988) at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Carrington Funeral Home, Fairmount, the Rev. Ed Brown officiating. Burial will be in the GAR Cemetery, Homer. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. EST Saturday at the Social Brethren Church, Marion, Ind. Visitation will be from 6 to 8:30 tonight at the funeral home.
Mr. Yeazel was born March 6, 1918, near Fairmount, a son of Rollie and Sophia Hedges Yeazel. He married Verniece Sylvester in 1940. He later married Mildred Stewart. Survivors include two sons, H. Gene Yeazel of Sidney and Robert A. Yeazel of St. Joseph; six grandchildren; a brother, Howard Yeazel of Catlin; a niece; and a nephew. Mr. Yeazel farmed in the Fairmount area until 1954. He then operated a construction and drainage business. For the past 25 years he was a chiropractor at Marion, Ind. He was a member of the Social Brethren Church at Marion, Ind., the Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Police Benevolent Association. Memorial contributions may be made to the GAR Cemetery Association or the Social Brethren Church of Marion Ind. (transcribed by Homer Historical Society)
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/105457778/harold-r-yeazel
Block 16, Lot 34, Space 1Harold married Verniece Sylvester on 20 Aug 1940 in Kankakee County, Illinois, and was divorced before 1963. Verniece was born on 28 Nov 1918 in Illinois; died on 7 Jan 2015; was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 18. Harold Gene Yeazel was born on 15 Apr 1943 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 28 Feb 2017 in Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana; was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney, Champaign County, Illinois.
Family/Spouse: Mildred Faye Steward. Mildred was born on 8 Nov 1923 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; died on 8 Dec 2011 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried in Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
14. 
Howard B. Yeazel (7.Sophia3, 2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 21 Nov 1920 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 29 Aug 2011 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Howard B. Yeazel, 90, of Catlin passed away at 7:30 a.m. Monday (Aug. 29, 2011) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He was born Nov. 21, 1920 in Fairmount to Chester Rollie and Sophia Hedges Yeazel. He married Betty Keller Nov. 15, 1942. She passed away March 9, 1999. He was also preceded in death by one brother and one grandchild.
He is survived by one son, Kenneth L. (Sandy) Yeazel; one daughter, Donna L. (Ronald) Merriott; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774342/howard-b_-yeazelFamily/Spouse: Betty L. Keller. Betty (daughter of Dallas Keller and Lola Witsman) was born on 7 May 1922 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Mar 1999 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 19. Donna Lea Yeazel was born on 1 Jan 1944 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 11 Sep 2018 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.
- 19. Donna Lea Yeazel
15. 
Donald Ralph Hedges (8.Ralph3, 2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 25 Jun 1921 in Edgar County, Illinois; died on 26 Jun 1996 in Walworth County, Wisconsin; was buried in Mount Philip Cemetery, Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin. Other Events:
- _MILT: World War II
Notes:
_MILT:
Name: Donald R Hedges
Birth Year: 1921
Race: White, citizen (White)
State of Residence: Illinois
County or City: Vermilion
Enlistment Date: 29 Sep 1942
Enlistment State: Illinois
Enlistment City: Chicago
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Semiskilled asbestos and insulation workers
Marital status: Single, without dependents
Height: 72
Weight: 166
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49945188/donald-r_-hedgesFamily/Spouse: Lucille Irene McKeown. Lucille was born on 19 Mar 1922 in Yarmouth, Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 30 Mar 2013 in Dousman, Waukesha County, Wisconsin; was buried in Darien Cemetery, Darien, Walworth County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
16. 
Marion Fielden Fox (9.Grace3, 2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born in Jul 1925 in Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 13 Jan 2023 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was buried in Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek, Macon County, Illinois. Other Events:
- _MILT: World War II. US Navy.
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More photos of Marion at his page on the Hedges site, along with links to his Hedges ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I5349&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/248914734/marion-fieldon-foxFamily/Spouse: Jean Ray. Jean was born on 29 Jun 1926 in Saint Louis, Saint Louis County, Missouri; died on 8 Feb 2008 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois ; was buried in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Family/Spouse: Sadie Rose Trim. Sadie was born on 12 Mar 1928 in Greenville, Washington County, Mississippi; died on 15 Sep 2021 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was buried in Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek, Macon County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
17. 
Joseph Benton Fox (9.Grace3, 2.Cora2, 1.John1) was born on 21 Jan 1929 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 31 Oct 2020 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Joseph Benton Fox, 91, of Danville, Illinois, passed away Saturday (Oct. 31, 2020) at home.
Joseph was born on Jan. 21, 1929 in Fairmount, Illinois, the son of Willis B. Fox and Grace Hedges Fox. He married Patricia Ann Dowers on July 10, 1954. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Diana (Bob) Kmetz of Edwardsville and Teresa (Mark) Steinbaugh of Bismarck, one brother, Marion Fox of Decatur; one sister, Marjorie Block of Sanford, North Carolina, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More photos of Joe at his page on the Hedges site, along with links to his Hedges grandfather's ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I5290&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/217981723/joseph-benton-fox