1910 Federal Census, No. 190, Carmi Twp, White Co, IL
Tombstone
[Obituary] - Thursday, February 19, 1914 - Julia A. Cushman - Death of a Member of a Pioneer Family
Mrs. Julia A. Cushman died at her home in Carmi Monday morning, February 16, 1914, and funeral services were held at the Methodist church in this city Wednesday morning, conducted by Rev. F. M. Van Treese. The burial was at West Union Cemetery.
Mrs. Julia Ann Cushman was the daughter of Jonathan and Rachel Downs, who were among the early settlers in the county. She was born on the farm near Stokes station October 20, 1821. All her life had been spent in the county.
She was married to Calvin Cushman October 25, 1842 at her father's old homestead. To this union six children were born, four of whom have passed on before. Only two survive her, one son Albert S. Cushman of Springerton and Miss Vesta Cushman of Carmi, who has been the companion of her mother all her life and had constantly looked after her care and wishes during all the years of her debility and suffering. They moved to Carmi about sixteen years ago, but Mrs. Cushman had been an invalid for ten or twelve years, most of the time confined to her home, during which time she had been a great sufferer. There was no medical aid for her and she patiently waited for her Master to call her. She remained conscious until just a short time before her death.
She united with the Methodist church soon after her marriage, and her name appears on the oldest church record in the county. Ministers of all denominations were always made welcome at her home, and many times in the earlier days church services were held at her house.
Her husband was a native of the State of Maine, and died about thirty years ago.
For many years they lived on a farm, the village of Trumbull being located on their land. Here they owned at one time a half section of land. Her father's home, and her own home had been one of open handed hospitality. Anyone was always made welcome, and could stay as long as they wanted. One who had known her many years and was present at her wedding speaks of the kindness of her heart and her Christian charity, and summed it all up by saying "She was a good neighbor."
The Lord blessed her with length of days. During the span of her life, she had seen the county develop from almost a wilderness to its present state of advancement. She remembered the time when wolves prowled around and it was necessary to guard against them, when deer and wild turkeys were plentiful. When she was born White County had a population of 4828. During her lifetime twenty-one Presidents have occupied the White House. Mrs. Cushman although an invalid, retained her mental faculties, and her mind and memory were clear and accurate.
Her friends delighted to meet and converse with her.