The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois

October 3, 1918 - Wednesday, pg 6 

MARY ELIZABETH  (Besse)  PADDOCK 

Funeral Services of Mrs. M. E. Paddock Yesterday Morning 

Mrs. Mary E. Paddock of Prophetstown, who was stricken with paralysis some ten days ago and remained unconscious until her death Sunday forenoon, was buried Tuesday, October 15, in Riverside Cemetery, Rev. W. H. Woodfin of the Congregational Church presiding.  The ceremony was held from the home and many of the relatives were present to pay a last tribute to one who in life was of such a character as to win the esteem of many, her friends being numerous.  She was of a retiring nature and thought much of her home and family. 

Mary Elizabeth Besse, daughter of Norman and Sophia (Crandall) Besse, was born in Orleans County, N.Y., Oct 3, 1839, and died in Prophetstown Sunday, Oct. 13, 1918.  She came to Illinois with her parents in 1853 and two years later was married to John C. Paddock. To them were born three children, Fred of St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Nellie Voigtsburger of this place, and J. Q. Paddock of Rock Island. 

Mrs. Paddock resided in the vicinity of Prophetstown and in the town until 1903 when she and her husband moved to Lakeville, Minn., where they resided until the death of Mr. Paddock in January 1918, when she came to Prophetstown again and has since found a home with her daughter, Mrs. Voigtsburger, who did all she could to make her happy under the circumstances, she being badly crippled and in poor health. 

Thus passes one of the early and honored citizens of the county to her heavenly home which is assured the righteous.