The Gazette newspapers are archived at the Sterling Library on micro-film. They are also available via inter-library loan.

I notice he was listed as disabled on the 1880 census - could that have any significance?

Sterling Public Library
102 West Third Street
Sterling, Illinois 61081
Phone: 815-625-1370
Fax: 815-625-7037
Genealogy: genealogy@sterlingpubliclibrary.org
INDEX TO STERLING GAZETTE ON LINE: http://207.63.0.101/Gazette%20Web/gaz01a.asp

Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society, 1005 E. Third Street
P.O. Box 65, Sterling, IL 61081 - Telephone: (815) 622-6215
Hours: Tues-Thur-Sat 10 a.m.-12 noon & 1-4 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m. http://www.svonline.net/~srfhs/

May 10, 1917
Former Resident at Rest
The funeral services of the late Elijah CUMMINGS were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 oclock [sic} at the home in Rock Falls. Rev. SIMESTER of the Rock Falls M.E. Church had charges of the service and gave a good talk on the heroism of the old soldiers and the honor of their work. A number of old soldiers were in attendance and Mrs. Fanny KELSEY and Mr. Grant LANDIS sang two beautiful duets. Interment was in the Rock Falls cemetery. Mr. CUMMINGS will be remembered by many of the older residents of Tampico and Yorktown, having lived in both communities for years. He was a brother of the late Hiram CUMMINGS and the last of a family of thirteen children, passing away at the age of nearly 74. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years in the 4th Michigan Vol. Cavalry, and often expressed a wish that he was younger and in good health that he might again offer his life for his country’s honor. He carried a bullet near the lungs until his death, a memento of his services in the war and which no doubt shortened his life as his death was due to tubercular trouble. He was married in 1875 to Samantha WINCHELL and lived the greater part of his life in Rock falls. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, one daughter, Mrs. John CASTLE and five grandchildren.

Now...
Who was Mrs. John CASTLE?
Where was Samantha nee WINCHELL buried?
Who were the parents of Elijah and Hiram CUMMINGS?