McDonough ILGenWeb

Macomb Journal
        Melissa Sellers died Sept. 2, 1901 at about 2:30 a.m. at the home of her son, M. A, Sellers (note-his full name was Miles Albert Sellers who married Elizabeth A. Strickland 10/25/1874) of Emmet township with whom she lived for a number of years. Her ailment was general disability. Her age was 87 years, 7 months and 25 days.  Melissa Pennington was born June 6, 1814 in Barren county, Kentucky. When about 4 years old she moved with her parents to Crawford county, Indiana. About four years later they moved to Franklin county, Illinois and when 11 years of age moved to Schuyler county and in 1870 came to McDonough county. She was united in marriage to Thomas Sellers Dec. 23, 1833 (error-they married 12/23/1832). To this union 12 children were born, of whom only three survive: Leroy Sellers of near Rushville, Schuyler county; M. A. Sellers of Emmit township, this county, Melissa Belle Schroeder of Huntley, Neb. Her husband died 46 years ago. She had three sons in the Civil war--John A., Co. B, 84th Reg., Ill. Vol., who was killed at the battle of Stone River; Andrew T. and Leroy were members of Co. A, 10th Mo.  Andrew T., after serving three years with his regiment, was mustered out and started home on a vessel called the General Lyon. The vessel and all onboard were lost. Leroy being the only person who lived to return home.
        She was one of the earliest settlers in Schuyler County. When she crossed the Illinois river there were only about 14 families then in that county. She was a sister to Joel Pennington, the first sheriff of Schuyler county (error-Joel was the second sheriff).
        Mrs. Sellers joined the Methodist church in Schuyler county about 50 years ago, in which faith she had lived ever since.
        Funeral services were held at the Guy church Monday afternoon by Rev. T. Brown; internment in the Walker cemetery.
Note: Melissa's mother was Ann Osborn(e) and her father was Moses Pennington.

Contributed by Glen Ayers