Descendants of Samuel Luther Hopkins
and Stella Jane Perfect

Luther and Stella Hopkins and their children

I'm indebted to several of my Hopkins cousins for much of the information on this page. In particular I'd like to thank my cousins Alice, Alonna, Grace, Jane, John, Jesse, and Lynn.

Samuel Luther Hopkins was the fifth child of Barclay Brown Hopkins and Mary Ann Dailey, and one of the more outgoing by nature. He was born on 2 Aug 1874 in Jay County, Indiana, and died on 21 Aug 1946 in Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois. He married Stella Jane Perfect on 9 Sep 1896. They had seven children. A register report for the family is given below.

Like all the rest of the children of Barclay and Mary Ann Hopkins, Luther worked in the oil fields most of his life. After starting in the oil fields around Jay and Wells counties, Indiana, he worked the fields in Lawrence county as a foreman and pumper. (According to his parents' obituaries, he was living near Roll, Blackford County, Indiana in 1914, and in Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois in 1927.) He died at the age of 72 of stomach cancer. There is a copy of his obituary below.

Descndants of Samuel and Stella Hopkins

I've prepared a register report in pdf format showing their ancestors. This report shows the descendants through the fourth generation.

Ancestors of Stella Perfect

A genealogical report on the ancestors of Stella Perfect is available in pdf format. This report goes back three generations. Please click on this link to view the report.

Obituaries

Memorial Obituary of Samuel Luther Hopkins
Sumner Press, Sumner IL
About 21 Aug 1946

Samuel Luther, Son of Barclay Brown and Mary Ann Hopkins, was born in Jay County, Indiana August 2, 1874. He lived with his parents until his marriage to Stella Jane Perfect September 9, 1896. To this union God gave seven children, all of whom survive. The sons are Wilmer Everett of East St. Louis, Ill., Theodore Edward of Hamden, Mo. The daughters are Mrs. Viola Myrtle Gowen of Sumner, Ill., Mrs. Mary Ellen Waldrop of Lawrenceville, Ill., Mrs. Hester Alice Tewalt of Vincennes, Ind., Mrs. Grace Winifred Thrall of Hammond, Ind., Miss Amy Marie Hopkins of Mt. Vernon, Ind. One Grandaughter whom he reared, Mrs. Hazel Martin of Mt. Vernon, Ind. Also eighteen other grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mr. Hopkins leaves besides the wife, children, grandchildren four brothers, Ed Hopkins of Whiting, Ind., J. W. Hopkins of Hammond, Ind., Art Hopkins of Montpelier, Ind., and Charlie Hopkins of Berryville, Ark. Also two sisters, Mrs. Alice Stephens of Prairie, Texas and Mrs. Emma Gossett of Wichita, Kansas.

Mr. Hopkins moved from Indiana in 1915 and settled at Applegate, Ill., where he was employed by the Ohio Oil Co., retiring in 1940. He was converted in Indiana when a boy. When he moved to Illinois he united with the Pleasant Hill class. When he moved close to the Union Chapel he united there until his death. He was a faithful member. He was Superintendent of Pleasant Hill Sunday School and served in almost all of the offices of the Church. His Christian life was a credit to any Church or community. He was a loving husband and devoted father and was honored by all the grandchildren. Not only by the family was he loved and honored, but by all who knew him.

Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me
And may there be not moaning of the Bar
Where I put out to sea

For though from out our borne of time and place
The flood may bear me far
I hope to see my pilot face to face
When I have crossed the Bar.

Mr. Hopkins crossed the Bar August 21, 1946 age 72 years and 18 days.
Death was from stomach cancer.

[Luther and Stella are laid to rest in the Sumner Illinois cemetery.]

A TRIBUTE
published in the pages of
THE NEWS DEMOCRAT
Belleville, IL
Jan 21, 1982

Memorial Obituary

Entered Into Eternal Rest
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1982

Wilmer Hopkins

Wilmer E. Hopkins, 83, of Belleville, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, at St. Pauls Home in Belleville.

He was a retired clothing salesman. He was a member of the Montpelier Lodge No. 600 AF & AM of Montpelier, Ind., the Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine and a Veteran of World War I.

He is survived by his wife, the former Lorraine A. Dehler; two daughters, Mrs. Ken (Carolyn) Miller of St. Louis, Mo., and Mrs. Harold (Alonna) Harding of Appleton, Wi.; a brother, Theodore Hopkins of Mo.; five sisters, Mrs. Jess (Viola) Gowin of Flat Rock, Ill., Mrs. Mary Waldrup of Lawrenceville, Ill., Mrs. Hester Tewalt of Vincennes, Ind., Amy Hanes of New Harmony, Ind. and Mrs. Elmer (Grace) Thrall of Hammond, Ind., and four grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville. Rev. C. V. Tolley will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at the funeral home.

There will be a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Jesse Singleton Gowin

Jesse Singleton Gowin, son of Samuel and Mariah Kimmell Gowin, was born Aug. 9th, 1903 in the vicinity known as Klondike, Lawrence Co., Illinois, and passed away Dec. 14th, 1962 at the Lawrenceville Memorial Hospital. His age was 59 years, 4 mo. and 5 days.

The most of his life was spent in the neighborhood in which he was born. At the time of his death he was engaged in farming and in working for the Twp. Highway Department.

He was married on June 10th, 1923 to Miss Viola Hopkins of Lawrence Co., Ill. Eight children were born of this union, three of whom passed away in infancy. Those left to mourn his leaving are his faithful wife, Viola, three daughters, Mrs. Virginia Holley, Imperial, Mo., Mrs. Fern Miller, Collinsville, Ill., Mrs. Grace Cafin, Palestine, Ill. Two sons Eugene Gowin and Walter Gowin at home. He also leaves his aged father, Samuel Gowin. Two sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Lewis, Sumner, Ill., Mrs. Bessie Knight, E. St. Louis, Ill., two brothers Roscoe Gowin, Sumner, R. 3, Lester Gowin presently residing in Florida. His mother and two sisters are deceased, Mrs. Zilphia Miller and Violet who passed away at the age of five years. There are fifteen grandchildren and one great grandson.

Jesse was a good neighbor and friend and will be greatly missed in the community, but most of all in the home he has left.

He was affiliated with the Bethany Christian Church.

When the light of life burns gently out,
And Those in Darkness left
Seek solace from the One above
Who comforts the bereft.
May he in all His tenderness,
Give you both Peace and Light
And lead you to a brighter Home
Where there shall be no night.

BRIDGEPORT - Viola Gowin, 93, Bridgeport, died about 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, in Lawrence Community Healthcare, Bridgeport.

Born Nov. 7, 1903, in Montpelier, Ind., she was a daughter of Samuel Luther Hopkins and Stella Perfect Hopkins. She was a homemaker and member of Bethany Christian Church.

She was married to Jesse Gowin and he preceded her in death Dec. 12, 1962. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, three daughters, two brothers and three sister.

Survivors include two sons, Jesse Eugene Gowin, rural Flat Rock, and Walter Gowin, Dundas; two daughters, Grace Cafin, Duncanville, and Fern Miller, Collinsville; a sister, Grace Thrall, Hammond, Ind.; 16 grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 12 at Sivert-Macey Funeral Home, Sumner, with interment in Whitehouse Cemetery.

Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Virginia Holly, 50

Local residents' sister dies.
[March 1974]

Mrs. Virginia Gowin Holly, 50, Potosi, Mo., died unexpectedly early Friday morning in that city.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Holly, five sons, five daughters, 12 grandchildren, her mother, Mrs. Viola Gowin, Sumner Rte. 3; two sisters, Mrs. Grace Cafin, Palestine; and Mrs. Fern Miller, Collinsville; and two brothers, Eugene Gowin, Flat Rock; and Walter Gowin, Bridgeport.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Sivert Funeral Home in Sumner with Kenneth Thomas officiating. Burial will be in the Whitehouse Cemetery in Sumner.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 5 p.m. Sunday.

In Memory of
HESTER A. TEWALT

Born - September 3, 1911
Blackford County, Indiana

Passed Away - August 2, 1986
Vincennes, Indiana

Services Held
Gardner Chapel
Vincennes, Indiana
Tuesday, August 5, 1986
2:00 P.M.

Clergyman - Reverend Kenneth Wells
Organist - Judy Deuel

Final Resting Place
Memorial Park Cemetery
Vincennes, Indiana

PALLBEARERS

In Loving Memory of
AMY MARIE HANES

Born
April 20, 1920

Entered Into Life Eternal
March 24, 1991
Age: 70 yrs 11 mos 4 days

Funeral Services Held
2:00 P.M. Wednesday
March 27, 1991
Werry Funeral Home
New Harmony, Indiana

Services Conducted By
Rev. Harry Wheatcroft

Interment
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Wadesville, Indiana

In Loving Memory of
Raymond Wade Hanes

Born
November 17, 1906

Entered Into Life Eternal
February 18, 1996
Age
89 years, 3 months, 1 days

Funeral Services
2:00 PM Wednesday
February 21, 1996
Werry Funeral Home
New Harmony, Indiana

Services Conducted By
Rev. Harry Wheatcroft

Interment
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Wadesville, Indiana

Clinton "Cal" Cafin

Clinton "Cal" Cafin, 403 N. Jackson, Palestine, died unexpectedly at 3:52 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, 1982, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Ind. Funeral Services were held at Goodwine Funeral Home, Saturday, August 21, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Don DeJarnett officiating. Burial was held in the Palestine Cemetery with military rites.

Cal was born in West Union, July 13, 1920, son of Rollie and Grace Cafin.

He was a veteran of W.W.II and recently retired from Robinson Elks Club. Prior to that he was a farm hand in and around Palestine for over 25 years.

He is survived by his wife Grace, a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Rosetta Cafin, all of Palestine; two daughters, Mrs. Wendell (Linda) Watts, Duncanville, and Mrs. Glen (Carrol) Gosnell, Hardinville; five grandchildren, Brad, Brain and Julie Watts, and Kimberly and Amanda Cafin; six brothers, Dean and Albert Cafin, Palestine, Bob and Byrl Cafin, Portage, Ind., Roy Cafin, Monon, Ind., and Larry Joe Cafin, Gary, Ind; four sisters, May Robbins, Vincennes, Ind., Agnes Tincher, Sandoval, Mary Cleo Johns, Francisville, Ind., and Annabelle Patton, Hobart, Ind; his mother-in-law, Viola Gowin, Flat Rock; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Grace in 1960 and his father Rollie in 1970.

CARD OF THANKS

We would like to thank all our friends, neighbors, and relatives for the love and concern shown us during the loss of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Clinton "Cal" Cafin. Special thanks to Dr. Bill Schmidt, Mercy Ambulance, Good Samaritan Hospital, Flat Rock American Legion, and Robinson Elks Club.

Grace Cafin
Mr. and Mrs. Larry (Rose) Cafin and family
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell (Linda) Watts and family
Mr. and Mrs. Glen (Carrol) Gosnell
Brothers and sisters

Grace W. Thrall

Grace W. Thrall, 85, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999, at her Greenwood residence. She was formerly a resident of Hammond.

She was born July 15, 1914, in Blackford County. Her parents were Samuel and Stella Jean (Perfect) Hopkins. She married Elmer E. Thrall on Aug. 22, 1936, in Illinois. He survives. Other survivors include a son, John E. Thrall of Munster; two daughters, Jane E. Knorr of Greenwood and Julia A. Brammer of Mississippi; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

She was a homemaker. She was a member of Fair Meadow Community Church of the Nazarene in Munster.

The Rev. Ann Case will conduct a funeral at 11:30 a.m. today at Greenwood United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today prior to the service at the church. Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel is handling the arrangements. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood United Methodist Church, Youth Group, 525 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142.

(Johnson County [IN] Journal)

Elmer E. Thrall

Elmer E. Thrall, 95, died Saturday, March 5, 2006, at Regency Place in Greenwood. He was a resident of Greenwood and a former resident of Hammond.

He was born Nov. 25, 1909, in New Hope, Ill. His parents were Aaron and Olive (Bratton) Thrall. He married Grace W. (Hopkins) Thrall on Aug. 22, 1936. She preceded him in death. Survivors include a son, John E. Thrall of Munster; two daughters, Jane E. Knorr of Greenwood and Julia A. Brammer of Pass Christian, Miss.; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

He was a machinist for Blaw Knox in East Chicago, retiring in 1974.

He was a member of the Nazarene Church for more than 50 years.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed bowling and oil painting.

The Rev. Ann Case will conduct a service at 11:30 a.m. today at Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Ave. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

(Johnson County [IN] Journal, March 7, 2005, p. A5)

Some Family Photos

Amy Hopkins	Wilmer, Hazel and Theodore Hopkins
Jesse Singleton Gowin, Viola Myrtle Hopkins Gowin holding Virginia Alice Gowin, Mary Ellen Hopkins, Samuel Luther Hopkins	Alice Faye Tewalt, Charles Ray Tewalt, Susan Kaye Tewalt, Patricia L. Tewalt, Charles Tewalt, Hester Alice Hopkins Tewalt
Grace Gowin Cafin and Viola Hopkins Gowin	Nora Hamdon and Theodore Edward Hopkins
	(Rear) Grace Hopkins Thrall & Elmer Thrall (Front) John Thrall, Jane Thrall Knorr & Julia Thrall Brammer

This file was last updated on 4/18/2012.