The condition of G. W. Fairchild, who was seriously injured when his team ran away Sunday afternoon, is reported slightly improved. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild were coming to Waltonville to attend the funeral of Mrs. Stoddard when the accident occured near the home of Cleo Dycus, northwest of town.

After Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild were thrown from their buggy the team ran for a considerable distance and collided with Arthur Baldridge's buggy which was occupied by Mr. Baldridge and Fred Von Holt.

It is considered very fortunate that Mrs. Fairchild and Messrs. Baldridge and Von Holt did not receive serious injuries also. The many relatives and friends of Mr. Fairchild, who is one of the leading citizens of this community hope for his speedy recovery. Mr. Fairchild is at the home of his niece, Mrs. Cleo Dycus, his injuries being too serious to allow him to be removed to his home.

This community was shocked Thursday to learn that Mr. and Mrs. Chas. B. Gilbert had received a message stating that their only daughter, Mrs. Opal Stoddard, wife of Rev. George W. Stoddard of Decatur, was near death. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert accompanied by their son, Alva Gilbert and wife, Departed immediately for Decatur.

The death of Mrs. Stoddard occurred at 6 p.m. Friday.

Mrs. Stoddard grew to young womanhood here. While attending Ewing College, where she specialized in music, she met Rev. Stoddard, who wsa preparing for the ministry.

Since their marriage Rev. and Mrs. Stoddard have resided in northern and central Illinois.

Mrs. Stoddard was held in deepest affection by all who knew her. The beautiful christian life which she lived was a worthy example for all to imitate.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. George W. Stoddard, one son, Gilbert Wells Stoddard, and one daughter, Miss Selma Stoddard of Decatur, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Gilbert and one brother, Alva S. Gilbert of Waltonville, also two nieces, Mrs. Julius Baker of Mt. Vernon and Mrs. Julius Baker of Mt. Vernon and Mrs. Maxey Holloway of Waltonville and a large circle of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the Waltonville M. E. church Sunday afternoon by Rev. W. B. Morris, pastor of that First Baptist church of Mt. Vernon, who is a close friend of the Stoddard family. The entire service was very impressive.

Beautiful musical numbers were furnished by Ray Chambers, W. ?. Foreman, Mrs. D. E. Hicks and Mrs. McConnell Hirons with Mrs. C. E. Gilliland, accompanist. the floral tributes were profuse and very beautiful.

Internment occurred in Knob Prairie cemetery.

Submitted by: Cindy Ford