Thomas Wakelin

Thomas Wakelin died Thursday evening, January 30th, at 10 o'clock, after an illness of several weeks. He was born in Bulkington, Warwickshire, England, Jan. 1, 1816. He came to the United States in ???? and settled with his family at El Paso, Ill., where he lived until 1867. He moved to Fairbury in that year and from there to Roberts in 1872. He moved into the village about fourteen years ago, keeping house with his aged wife until her death, since which time he has lived with his son Walter. He was an early riser and could be seen on our streets nearly every morning, walking, to partake of God's invigorating, fresh air. He was a member of the M. E. church and, as the minister said, has been one of its main stays. His funeral services were held in the M. E. church last Saturday, Rev. Bird, assisted by Rev. North, officiating. Rev. North read part of the 15th chapter of I Cor., after which Rev. Bird preached a sermon from the text found in Job 10:25. After a few remarks by Rev. North, the remains were taken to the silent city of the dead.

--Paxton Record.  6 February 1896.