John PeoplesPosted by Jean Crowl 8 June, 2009

Nov. 15, 1899

John Peoples was born in Ireland in 1812 and is one of a family of five sons and two daughters, whose parents were Hans and Rebecca Peoples. Mr. Peoples received but a limited education in Ireland yet in the competitions of life the commercial instinct sharpened and developed and he held his own quite beyond the average. In 1842 he resoved to seek a home and furtune in America, and after a voyage of eight weeks, landed at Philadelphia, "the city of brotherly love." There he worked at general labor until 1856 when he came to Illinois and settled on the farm where the remaining years of his life were spent. On the 3rd of Jan. 1852 Mr. Peoples was joined in marriage with Miss Mary Barresford. To them were born seven children, John A., Hans who lives at Hermon, Neb.; Isabella, wife of A. S. Kenner of Smithshire; Daniel who lives at Raritan; Martha, wife of Lincoln Robbins of Reed; Thomas H. deceased; and William who still lives at home. Mr. Peoples when in Philadelphia with his wife made a profeession of the Christian faith under the labors of Rev. Blackwood, and united with the Presbyterian church. He was a strictly honest man in his dealings with men, industrious and a good neighbor. To those who sought aid at his hands he never said nay. He came to this country a poor man, but with diligence, hard work and the practice of economy he had acquired a good farm and a comfortable home. He lived beyond the allotted time of three score years and ten by five years, death found him well down the western hill side of life where the shadows a little longer grow. He died Friday morning Nov. 10, 1899. The funeral services which were very largely attended were held in the Reed M. E. Church Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12 conducted by Rev. T. C. Moots of Oquawka, Illl. The remains were laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery by the church.
Fiend after friend departs;
Who has not lost a friend?
There is no union here of hearts
That finds not here an end;
Were this frail world our only seat
Living or dying none were blest.