Undertakers, Mortuaries, Funeral Homes, etc.

Paul E. Danforth bought the Funeral Business from Mr. John C. Zahn on May 15, 1939.  Mr. Zahn had been in the Funeral business approximately 40 years at that time.  He had two previous partners Mr. Samuel Ebert, a brother-in-law and Mr. Sam Zahn, his brother. When these partnerships were dissolved is not known.
Burnus and Paul Danforth operated a Mortuary at the corner of Green and Main Street in Roberts for the first eleven years.  In 1950 they purchased the home of Tenjus Havener at the corner of Walnut and Weldon Street.  The Funeral Home is still operating at that location.  In 1961 they remodeled the second time, enlarging the Chapel.
The first eleven years most of our Funerals were held in Church or home of the deceased.  As the years went on more Funerals were held in the Funeral Home.  In the early days, bodies were prepared in the home with two days visitation and also the Funeral.  During our 38 years in Roberts, we had Ambulance Service for our Communities.
On January 1, 1977, we sold our Funeral Home to Eldon Sprau.  He and his wife operated it until January 1, 1982 at which time he sold the business to Knapp Homes, Inc.  Wayne D. Knapp, President, the present owners.  The Managers of the Funeral Home are Mr. and Mrs. John Holiday.

--History of Ford County, Illinois.  1984.  Page 77-78.

 

--Roberts Area Centennial.  100 Years of Plowing Planting Progressing.  1872-1972.