These abstracts contain not only births, marriages, and deaths, but also information from "gossip" columns that would be helpful in searching for ancestors. This includes "visits" that include a relationship or a different surname that includes the relationship, that is "… Mrs. John Smith of Buffalo, NY, is visiting her daughter, Mrs. John Brown, in Hinsdale", "Mr. John Brown has moved to Los Angeles", etc. Some listings are abstracts, others in which the articles were very short include the full text. The date at the end of the listing is the date of the issue of the newspaper. The volume and number are shown at the first listing for the date. When the same information was reported in several issues, for example "Mrs. John Smith of Buffalo has returned home after visiting …", I have only included the information once. The ¶ symbol in an abstract indicates the information following was in a separate article in the same issue. The newspapers are available on microfilm at Hinsdale Public Library but will not be loaned on interlibrary from there.

[Volume II, Number 14, January 2, 1897 issue was missing from microfilm]

Miss Nellie Linsley of Marion, Ohio, is visiting T. H. Linsley. Volume II Number 15, Saturday, January 9, 1897

Hinsdale’s greatest real estate promoter, O. J. Stough, had a narrow escape from a runaway team … demolished carriage … is now confined to his house in Los Angeles, California. January 9, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. C. Y. Moore of Minneapolis, formerly of Hinsdale, are rejoicing at the birth of a boy. January 9, 1897

Mrs. C. A. Brophy departed for Seattle, Wash., where she will visit her daughter, Mrs. Clarke Nettleton. January 9, 1897

On New Year’s Eve, Misses Bertha and Zoe Johnson attended the wedding reception of friend Miss Alice Hawthorne of 235 Dearborn Av [Chicago] and Mr. George Farnsworth. January 9, 1897

Miss F. C. Duryea of Nyack, NY, has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Chas. D. Irwin. January 9, 1897

Mrs. McDonald of Chicago has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Walter Davidson. January 9, 1897

Mrs. William Benton of Aurora was called to Hinsdale Wednesday by the illness of her daughter, Mrs. F. L. Raymond. Volume II, Number 16, Saturday, January 16, 1897

Mr. Charles Skeels and Miss Anna Shulz were married in Chicago last Monday. Both are well known young people here. They will make their home in Hinsdale. January 16, 1897

George Pollack to leave Friday for visit to old home in Burlington, Iowa. January 16, 1897.

Miss Louise Washburn departed Wednesday for Montreal where her home is. She has been visiting her brother, Mr. Charles Washburn. January 16, 1897

Master Ansell Stowe returned from visiting relatives in Ottawa and Moline, Kan. Volume II, Number 17, Saturday, January 23, 1897

Executors Notice: Estate of David Fuller dec’d, Charlotte E. Fuller, Executrix. January 23, 1897

Died – On Monday last the little daughter of Henry Leibunguth, aged 6 months, at residence of parents south of Hinsdale. Burial was in Cass Cemetery on Wednesday. January 23, 1897

Mrs. Joseph Weaver has gone to St. Joseph, Missouri, to visit her daughter, Mrs. C. Fox. January 23, 1897

Born - On Monday, a son to Mr. and Mrs. S. Thorson. January 23, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Isbel of Chicago spent Sunday with Mrs. Isbel’s mother, Mrs. Wallace [sic]. January 23, 1897

F. P. Hunt who has been here since his father’s death, returned to his home in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Wednesday. January 23, 1897

Amil Kolzow, the six year old son of Fred Kolzow [has scarlet fever.] January 23, 1897

Born – A son to Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Hawkins on Thursday. January 23, 1897

Mrs. J. D. Skeels visited her daughter Mrs. D. J. Miley at Downers Grove last Thursday. Volume II number 18, January 30, 1897

Mrs. O. P. Bassett [died] at seven o’clock last Saturday. … The funeral was held at two o’clock Monday afternoon from the family residence on Sixth street. … burial at Oak Forest … Rev. C. F. Elliott conducted the services. A husband and daughter, Mrs. Chas. Washburn, survive. Mrs. Betsy M. Bassett was … born in Syracuse, N.Y., April 15, 1836. … came west with her parents … settled in DeKalb county, near Sandwich. She then removed to Lockport, Ill., where she married O. P. Bassett, … [moved] to Chicago in 1867, … until they moved to Hinsdale in 1887. [very lengthy obituary]. ¶ Mr. and Mrs. Adams of Sandwich Ill. were in attendance at the funeral of Mrs. O. P. Bassett Monday. January 30, 1897

Mrs. H. M. Singer of Pasadena California visited this week at the home of C. B. Kimbell. …. ¶ Trustee C. B. Kimbell arrived home a week ago from Pasadena Calif. where he has been settling up the H. M. Singer estate. January 30, 1897

Edward F. Jourdan [died] … at half past five Monday afternoon, in the Presbyterian hospital … tuberculosis. … eight years resident of Hinsdale … remains to his parents’ home in Galion, Ohio, … member of the America Council. [February 13 issue contains a letter to the editor regarding this death from parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Jourdan, and children of Galion, Ohio.] Volume II, number 19, February 6, 1897

Mrs. Convis left last evening for a visit in Burlington Iowa at the home of her sister Mrs. Perkins. February 6, 1897

Born on Monday to Mr. and Mrs. George Noble, a daughter. February 6, 1897

Chris Bush is the proud father of twins both boys born last Sunday. February 6, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. Robbins and son Willie, left Phoenix, Arizona, this weeks for California to spend the winter. February 6, 1897

Born on Saturday last, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Allen, Jr., of LaGrange. February 6, 1897

Paul Holingrin the five year old son of A. Holingrin died at one o’clock Wednesday morning of diphtheria … The remains laid away in Oak Forest Cemetery Wednesday afternoon. February 6, 1897

Mr. John Campbell who has been visiting his grand daughter, Mrs. Dalton, has returned to his home in Peoria. Volume II, Number 20, February 13, 1897

Mrs. Fannie Burton, wife of John Burton, died yesterday afternoon, …. burial will be Sunday. Leaves a husband, four daughters, three sons [unnamed] ... active in every philanthropic and educational movement. February 13, 1897 [February 20, 1897, issue: Lucie Burton, wife of John Burton buried Roseland Cemetery, survivors include her aged mother, husband, four sons [sic] and four daughters. lengthy article] [February 27, 1897, issue: Mrs. Burton came from Bradford England when 10 years old, was married at age 21, son Harry, buried Graceland [sic]. lengthy article] Although these articles contain conflicting information (given name, number of sons, cemetery) they appear to be the same person. All three articles state she returned Friday afternoon from Chicago on the afternoon train, had a heart attack soon after arriving home, had suffered from heart disease for many years, and was very active in many organizations.

Miss Emeline Benton of Aurora is visiting for a few days with her sister, Mrs. F. L. RAYMOND. February 13, 1897

Miss Katherine Horan of Chicago was a guest this week of her sister, Mrs. B. G. MERRILL. February 13, 1897

Mrs. Faircloe of Sycamore is spending a few days at the home of C. F. Davis and other Hinsdale relatives. February 13, 1897

Mrs. C. B. Kimbell returned Saturday from Marengo, where she with her sister, Mrs. Ingalls, spent a week visiting a brother and sister who reside at that place. February 13, 1897

Died – the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. George Noble on Tuesday. The funeral service occurred Thursday afternoon and the remains were buried in Oak Forest Cemetery. Volume II, Number 21, February 20, 1897

Born – a son to Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Mohr on Thursday of this week. February 20, 1897

Miss Myrtle Mahana of Des Moines, Iowa, is visiting her cousin, Miss Lena Miller. February 20, 1897

Miss Ella Haskell is spending a few weeks with her sister, Mrs. Parsons, at Pontiac, Ill. February 20, 1897

Miss Hazel Thayer of Chicago is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Carl Thayer. February 20, 1897

Little Walter Liefer aged three died of diphtheria on Monday of this week. Henry Liefer, an older brother, is also ill with the same disease. February 20, 1897

Born – on Saturday a son to Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Anderson. February 20, 1897

Miss Francis Donojan of the city is visiting her sister Mrs. Phelps of Third street. February 20, 1897

Mr. Harry Cook of Kansas City was in Hinsdale on Saturday last … at the home of his brother G. C. Cooke on Walnut street. February 20, 1897

Rev. and Mrs. Preston attended the wedding anniversary celebration of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Cook at Oak Park Monday. Mr. Preston officiated at the wedding of the couple some thirty years ago. February 20, 1897

Mrs. E. L. Snow entertained her niece, Miss Bailey, this week. Volume II, Number 22, February 27, 1897

Mr. W. S. Sheldon of Grand Haven Michigan visited Thursday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Edwards. February 27, 1897

Miss Birdena Farwell spent Thursday night at the home of her uncle J. C. ROSS. February 27, 1897

Mr. J. W. Kirk of Nashville Tenn. formerly a well known Hinsdale man [visited Hinsdale]. Volume II, Number 23, March 6, 1897

Funeral of Mrs. Mellendorf, who died at her home in Fullersburg of consumption, occurred Sunday afternoon … in the German Lutheran church and Rev. Molthan spoke … March 6, 1897

Georgie Fleming three years old of Fourth street died from burns [lengthy description of incident]. March 6, 1897

Married – Mr. Oliver Weinholt to Miss Barbara Gable on Tuesday morning of this week. March 6, 1897

Mrs. Cable left Thursday with her two children, Gladys and Dorothy, for a month south. March 6, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Ross left Friday with their daughter, Alice, [on a trip]. March 6, 1897

Mr. Wilce whose death has recently been reported in the Chicago papers, is a brother in law of Mr. Robert Carlysle [sic]. March 6, 1897

Mrs. H. C. Irish and her daughter, Mrs. Fred Van Inwagen, are … visiting in St. Charles with a sister of Mrs. Irish. March 6, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Gray and children … attended the wedding of Miss Anna Gray [in Highland Park] … Miss Gray [was] the organist at the Congregational church [here]. March 6, 1897

Born on Wednesday, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Roth. Volume II, Number 24, March 13, 1897

Mr. E. H. Bailey is enjoying a visit his brother of Kenosha Wisc.[sic] March 13, 1897

Mrs. Conover was surprised this week by a visit from her father and mother of Madison, Wis. March 13, 1897

Cutler(?) Robbins entertained several little friends at luncheon Friday, the occasion being his birthday. March 13, 1897

Mrs. G. W. Munson is enjoying a long visit from her sister and nephew. Mrs. C. I./L. Kellog will return home with her daughter in a few weeks. [sic, these sentences were written together.] March 13, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Fetterman entertained Mr. Fetterman’s brother, Charles, of Germantown, Neb. March 13, 1897

Mrs. Chas. Fox gave a luncheon March 4th it being the 36th anniversary of [her marriage]. March 13, 1897

The marriage of Miss Bertha Bergen and Mr. Ed. Johnson was celebrated last Wednesday at noon at the home of Mrs. Johnson on Grant street. March 13, 1897

Mrs. Waite of Sandwich Ill. visited her son Mr. W. W. Waite this week. March 13, 1897

Mrs. T. R. Swezey spent last week visiting in Chicago at the home of her mother, Mrs. A. Davies. March 13, 1897

Miss Minnie Carlisle is in Chicago visiting her aunt Mrs. Thomas Wilce. March 13, 1897

Rev. C. F. Moore returned to his home in Savannah Ill. on Thursday … visited his mother and brother here… expected to spend time in Kentucky in company of his brother Samuel [but didn’t – reason illegible.] March 13, 1897

Baptized at the Congregational Church last Sunday Emma H. and Edith S. Cook, and two infants, Charlotte Barr daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Barr, and Katheryn Munson daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Munson. March 13, 1897

S. L. Hough, a one time member of Knights of Pythias here, was arrested in Gainesville, Fla., March 14th for swindling other Knight of Pythias members. Volume II, Number 25, March 20, 1897

Mrs. H. C. Irish returned Monday from St. Charles, Ill., where she has been visiting her sister. March 20, 1897

Mrs. C. A. Brophy [returned Tuesday] from a visit with her daughter in Seattle, Wash. March 20, 1897

Mrs. Wm. Clarke and children of Western Springs are spending several days in Hinsdale at the home of her father, Dr. L. P. Haskell. March 20, 1897

A pleasant reunion of relatives [was held] at the home of Mrs. S. T. Kimbell on Pine street … attended by seven Mrs. Kimbells, three Misses Kimbells, Mrs. Rystrom of Rockford, Mrs. Lindberg of Chicago, Mrs. Ingalls and Mrs. Peale of Joliet, Mrs. R. B. Moore of Cambridge, Ohio, and Mrs. L. M. Rea…. Grandfather C. B. Kimbell the oldest living of the name … and Charles Rea Kimbell and Martin N. Kimbell 4th being nine and ten months old respectively,[and] Mrs. A. H. Owen of Marengo, aunt of Mrs. C. R. Kimbell, in her eighty seventh year. March 20, 1897

Born – On Friday of last week, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Gus Hoffman. March 20, 1897

Miss Perla Gilbert received a visit from her cousin, Mr. Hurd. March 20, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. Will Hervey, formerly of Hinsdale, [had] another daughter, Elizabeth. March 20, 1897

Mrs. E. P. Orr went to Waterman, Ill., Wednesday due to serious illness of his brother in law who is a prominent citizen of that place. Vol. II, Number 26, March 27, 1897

Mrs. Hipple of Chicago is visiting her daughter Mrs. J. M. Frost. March 27, 1897

Fred Warren [is visiting] his father in Hinsdale. He will return to Oshkosh. March 27, 1897

Miss Victoria Treat who is studying at Knox College [visited] her sister, Mrs. A. E. Walker. March 27, 1897

Miss Anne Swezey [visited] her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Swezey of Chicago. March 27, 1897

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Needham of Chicago [visited] at home of his parents on Lincoln street. March 27, 1897

Born – On Sunday last to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gardner, a daughter. March 27, 1897

Mrs. M. M. Tiffany is visiting relatives in Oswego, Kan. March 27, 1897

Mrs. A. J. Hoffmeyer visited with her sister, Mrs. McKey of Chicago. March 27, 1897

Miss Lydia Carpenter and Mr. John Mindsor both of LaGrange [were] married there at half past six last Thursday … followed by the largest wedding reception ever given in LaGrange. Mr. Carpenter is president of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad and the wedding journey … will be a tour of the United States in a private car. March 27, 1897