H.J. B. Willoughby, one of Collinsville’s highly respected citizens, entered into rest at the home of his son, Irl, Wednesday evening, November 4 at 7:30 at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 2 days. Although Mr. Willoughby had been ailing for two years, his death came as a great shock to his relatives and friends.

John Henry Benson Willoughby was born in Collinsville January 2, 1844. He was the son of Thomas O. and Sally Ann Willoughby. His father died when he was three years old, and his mother when he was seven. He was reared by his uncle, Richard Willoughby, near Troy. As a young man he learned the harness making trade and established himself in this city. He has continued in this business the remainder of his life, his son, Irl, however, handling most of the business in the last ten years.

He was married to Margaret Isbel Purviance January 28, 1874 and two children were born to them, Nellie, who died in infancy, and Wilbur Irl, who survives his father, and with whom he has been making his home since 1912.

He enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry at the beginning of the Civil War and served for over three years.

He was a member of the Collinsville Lodge No. 712, A.F. and A.M. having petitioned for the degrees March 15, 1881, been elected April 12, 1881, initiated April 16, 1881, passed May 4, 1881, raised June 21, 1881. He was Master of the Lodge in 1889 and was treasurer for a number of years. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

He is survived by his son, Irl, and one grandson, Wilbur.

The funeral was largely attended and was held from the Masonic Temple Friday afternoon, November 6, at 2 p.m.

After the service at the temple the remains were interred in the Glenwood cemetery.

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Updated January 13, 2008
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