The following August 19, 1954, Lowell Tribune article was found on page
5, column 4:
Ernie Van Alstine of Grant Park, Ill., was a birthday celebrant on
August 7, making his 88th anniversary. A dinner at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Phebus honored him on the occasion.
The following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
Masons Honor E.E. Van Alstine
Edgar Ernest* Van Alstine, 88, marked 50 years as a Mason and was the recipient of the Award of Gold on November 16th, in an impressive ceremonial held at the Lowell Masonic Temple, No. 378. Fifty-one members were present to honor him on the occasion.
Worthy Master William Whiters introduced Worthy Brother Richard Carter, who was authorized by the Grand Lodge of F and AM of Indiana to present the 50 year award to Brother Van Alstine.
After the ceremony a luncheon was enjoyed by the honoree and lodge members.
* NOTE -- In this article, Mrs. Van Alstine's middle and first names appear in reverse order from the other articles.
The following August 24, 1961, Lowell Tribune article was found on page
1, column 2. Note that one of the son's names is spelled wrong in this article (Oaks rather than Oakes):
Memorial Rites Held for E.E. Van Alstine, 95
Ernest Edgar Van Alstine, 95, passed away at his farm home on state line
road. Born in that community August 7, 1866, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Van Alstine, he married Cora Pulver of Lowell, and she preceded
him in death September 1935. Two sons, Oaks and Elton, and a daughter
Mary are also deceased.
He was a member of the Lake Prairie Presbyterian church, Lowell, and
several years ago he was honored as a 50-year member of Lowell Masonic
Colfax lodge.
Ernie and his father established the electrical plant at Monticello,
Indiana, and later he farmed in Ohio. He returned to his home here in
1920 and continued to reside on his farm, although retired.
He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Frank Phebus, two grandchildren and
four great grandchildren.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, in the Sheets
funeral home with the Rev. William Stephenson officiating, and he was
laid to rest beside his wife in Sanders cemetery, Lowell.
The Sanders Cemetery records at the Lowell Public Library show that Ernest E.VanAlstine (1866-1961) was buried at site R18.