Dear readers, we are researching some of the first Lithuanian families in Springfield for a future blog post and seek information from the descendants of the following late-19th Century immigrants. Please email sandybaksys@gmail.com if you can help with info or photos. Thank you!
Viliumas [William] Kasper and wife, Martha Tonila [Tunila]. He came to the U.S. in 1888. They had Kate (born 1887) and William, Jr. (born 1898).
Motiejus [Matthew] Patkus (Petkus). He emigrated in 1889 and seems to have married a non-Lithuanian (Agnes Reid). Their kids were Ralph (died 2009), George (died 1982), Matt (died 2007), and Mary (died 1983).
Ignatius [Enos] Kasper emigrated in 1890. He married Marcella Tonila (maybe brothers marrying sisters?)
Thank you for any help you can give!
Lithuanians in Springfield, Illinois 
Ron Yanor said:
Al Casper [Casperavich?] was a cousin to my father – Joe Yanor. Not sure on exact relationship. He bought Lauriks Tavern from my mothers aunt Antosia Laurik who alter remarried Joe Poder. All three were born in Lithuania. The Tavern was renamed Caspers. All was an uncle I believe to Phyllis Burge on her mother’s side.
sandyb52 said:
Thanks for the info, Ron! Do you know if Al was a descendant of any of the Kaspers mentioned in this post, who immigrated in the late 1800s?
Jami Winchester said:
Good morning all. My name is Jami Winchester. My maiden name is Patkus. Ralph Patkus was my grandfather. His siblings were Matthew Patkus, George Patkus and Mary.
Elaine Alane said:
Hi Sandy. The following is a page from that document/minutes you sent me I believe in 2022. The minutes from the card club. I am just about finished recreating this booklet.
I think that Julia Gedman wrote this: IN MEMORY OF MR. E. CASPER
“Every joy has its sorrow” and as each member of the Card Club wishes to share in all the joys of our friends, we wish to share also in their sorrows.
Therefore, be it resolved, that we, the members of the Card Club, wish to extend to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Casper, our sincere sympathy in the passing of Bill’s father on march 14th, 1929.
The Card Club have also sent a Mass Card of condolence to the family, and Mass will be said for Mr. Casper on April 9, 1929.
If any word that we could speak would
make your sorrow lighter
If any act that we could do would make
your sky look brighter
How gladly we would do that act or speak
that word so true
And thus express in simple way our
sympathy for you.
This is the information I found on him:
“James Enoch Casper was born February 2, 1873 in Lithuania and was 56 when he died. He worked as a coal miner in Springfield, IL
He married Marcella Tonilla.
They had 6 sons, John, William, Walter, Joseph, Michael, Russell, Leon and 5 daughters, Mary, Martha, Agnes, Eva and Veronica. William “Bill” married Anna M. Adomaitis. Bill was born in Springfield August 29, 1900 and died in Royal Oak, MI May 1969.
sandyb52 said:
Thanks, Elaine. I believe Mr. Casper must have been the husband of the great grandmother of my friend Maria Race.