Hancock County Historical Society to feature stories on doctor, baseball player on Saturday

CARTHAGE Ill. — The annual meeting of the Hancock County Historical Society will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Carthage Community Center, 301 Main.

Tracy Knight will share “Everyday Awe: Reflections of a Country Doctor,” from Dr. James Coeur’s recorded memories, which is a sampling of his entries that demonstrated the life experiences that impressed and moved Knight.

Bill Knight is an award-winning journalist who started covering and writing Carthage High School games in 1966 for the Hancock County Journal. His presentation is titled “Remembering Rip: An Overlooked Carthage Native.”

Rip Williams was an American League catcher and first baseman who played seven seasons. He returned to Hancock County, where he died at the age of 51, and is buried in Moss Ridge Cemetery.  Some history of the sport, including 19th-century teams from Hancock County, will lead to details about Williams and his career in the game. Other major league baseball players from around Hancock County are Paul and Rick Reuschel, Hamilton’s John Brock and Bushnell’s Earl Sheehy.

There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be served.