Sunday's Obituary: William C. Foley

Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield, IL)
8 March 1902

FOLEY -- Died at 4:15 o'clock, Friday morning, March 7, 1902, at the family residence, 625 South Seventh Street, after an illness of two days, William C. Foley, aged 93 years, 9 months and 22 days.

Mr. Foley had been in good health until two days ago.  He then became ill, but at the time he was not thought to be more than slightly indisposed.  When serious symptoms developed the family became alarmed, and every effort was made to save his life, but he failed to rally.

Mr. Foley was born in Mt. Atlas, Prince William county, Virginia, in the year 1808.  Virginia offered few inducements to a boy with ambition, and when a young man he decided to come to Illinois and make the great state his home.  When thirty years of age he arrived in Springfield, settled down here to live and had since made the capital his home.

Miss Elizabeth E. Hutchinson became his wife June 16, 1840, the anniversary of his birth, and the second year of his residence in Springfield.  Seven children were born of the union, all of whom survive.  They are: John W. Foley, Pleasant Plains; William C. and Thomas E. Foley of this city; Anna V. Foley; Mrs. A. B. Mars; Misses Elizabeth C. and Flora F. Foley, all residing in Springfield.

Mr. Foley had been a familiar figure in Springfield for many years.  He had witnessed the growth of the city from a mere village to its present proportions; had seen the early struggles of its pioneers and was familiar with the stirring events of the last half century of the state's growth.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the family residence and the service will be private.  It is requested that no flowers be sent.  The burial will be made in Oak Ridge Cemetery.