Walter Philp, one of Jefferson county's best known and most highly respected farmers, died at his home southwest of Waltonville at 4:45 p.m. Saturday at the age of 74 years, 11 months, and 18 days. Although Mr. Philp had not been in good health for several years his death occurred very suddenly and unexpectedly and comes as a severe shock to his many relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church in Waltonville at 11 a.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. G. A. Phelps. Burial will be in Knob Prairie cemetery in Blissville township.

His grandfather, Thomas Philp, member of a prominent English family, emigrated to America about 1820 and with his family settled on Knob Prairie near the present site of Waltonville in 1839.

Mr. Philp was born in Bald Hill township October 8, 1867, the second son of the late James W. Philp and Augusta Kinne Philp.

With the exception of a year in Colorado during young manhood his entire lifetime was spent in the immediate vicinity of his birthplace.

On November 23, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Linnie E. Gilbert, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Gilbert. To this union a daughter and son were born, Marie, wife of John P. Carson, and Merritt Philp, both of Waltonville.

Besides his wife and two children, Mr. Philp is survived by two grandchildren, one brother, Charles T. Philp of Grover, Colo., and two sisters, Mrs. W. N. Dodds of Mt. Vernon and Mrs. George M. McMeen of Beverly Hills, Calif.

His parents and three sisters, Elizabeth and Mary Philp and Mrs. Ida E. Newell of Waltonville and one brother Dr. Harry Philp of Benton, Ill., preceded him in death.

Mr. and Mrs. Philp and family were eagerly looking forward to the celebration of their Golden Wedding anniversary November 23.

As a farmer Mr. Philp achieved marked success. His associates frequently sought his advice in business matters. His sincerity and honesty were unquestioned. His friendliness and many admirable traits of character endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. Those who knew him best loved him most. The hundreds of friends he had made and retained during a life span of three quarters of a century unanimously acclaim his sterling character. His death creates a vacancy in the community which will be keenly felt for a long time. During a long period of impaired health he was always cheerful and uncomplaining. He derived great pleasure from his home and association with his family and friends.

In youth he attended the old Normal school at Carbondale.

For many yeats he was president of the Waltonville State Bank, and in the period of his active life had an important part in the affairs of his community. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and a life long member of the Waltonville Methodist church.

Mr. Philp had been subject to heart attacks and fell dead suddenly in the house. Coroner Ben Roeder conducted an inquiry at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, returning a finding that death was due to angina pectoris.

The body was removed from the Hawkins Funeral home to the family residence at 6 p.m. Sunday to lie in state until the funeral hour.

Source: Unknown newspaper clipping
Date: Sept. 1942
Submitted by: Rosemary Newell Atkins