Featured During the 2023 Cemetery Walk!
Catherine Wilhelmina Stolp (1814-1889) was a resilient woman whose life journey traversed the landscapes of both joy and sorrow, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Big Woods area in Illinois and beyond.
Born in 1814 in Wayne County, New York, Catherine embarked on the adventure of marriage at the tender age of 17, uniting with David Crane in Cayuga County, New York. Together, they embarked on the journey of parenthood, welcoming their first son, Frederick Stolp Crane, in 1833, before relocating to Eola, Illinois, where their daughter Francis Maria Crane was born in 1836.
The Stolp family’s migration to Illinois in 1834 marked the beginning of Catherine’s deep connection to the Big Woods community. Joined by her cousin John Stolp the following year, Catherine and her family settled in the fertile lands of the area, where they built a life rooted in hard work and perseverance.
Yet, amidst the joys of motherhood and the blessings of family, Catherine faced profound loss. The graves of her daughters, Jenette Wilhelmina Crane and Anna Crane, in the Big Woods Cemetery stand as silent witnesses to the heartache that punctuated her life. With courage and resilience, Catherine navigated the trials of widowhood when David passed away prematurely in 1849, leaving her to raise their 12 children alone.
In a testament to her strength, Catherine returned to Wayne County, New York, seeking solace and support from her family. There, she found love once more, marrying Reverend Edgar M. Galloway in 1857. However, despite the passage of time and the companionship of marriage, Catherine endured the pain of being laid to rest alone when she passed away in 1889 at the age of 75.
Her tombstone bears witness to the chapters of her life, a testament to her resilience and the profound impact she left on those who knew her. Catherine’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love amidst life’s trials and tribulations.