Rebecca Ellen Everly
1870-1942
If Rebecca Everly were alive today, she would no doubt be pleased with the results of a legacy she left to McDonough County residents - particularly the elderly.
Nestled in the 800 block between South Randolph and South Lafayette Streets are the beautiful grounds of the Everly House, constructed in the early 1950's with funds from the Everly Trust, which was established after her death. Her three trustees were instructed to establish and maintain a home for "worthy aged persons" residing in the county, "admitting only aged people of good moral character and of honorable reputation...and those who are able to do so pay a proper fee for their care and keep, with the proceeds of payment for the maintenance and upkeep of such home." She further stipulated that persons not able to pay for their care or maintenance, but worthy, be cared for without charge.
Among her specific bequests was $50,000 "to buy land adjacent to and to be used in conjunction with the existing Macomb City Parks." The purchase is today known as Everly Park, located on the north side of Macomb on Route 67. This gift might have stemmed from her love of picnics in her earlier years.
Everly's estate was listed at more than $500,000. She had land holdings in McDonough County, Fulton County, and in Henry County, Iowa, amassing more than 1800 acres. In addition to the Everly residence in the 300 block of East Jackson Street, the estate listed the former Macomb Armory building in the 100 block of West Jackson Street and a building on the west side of the Square across from the McDonough County Courthouse.
Photos and information courtesy of Malpass Library Archives and Everly House.
Nestled in the 800 block between South Randolph and South Lafayette Streets are the beautiful grounds of the Everly House, constructed in the early 1950's with funds from the Everly Trust, which was established after her death. Her three trustees were instructed to establish and maintain a home for "worthy aged persons" residing in the county, "admitting only aged people of good moral character and of honorable reputation...and those who are able to do so pay a proper fee for their care and keep, with the proceeds of payment for the maintenance and upkeep of such home." She further stipulated that persons not able to pay for their care or maintenance, but worthy, be cared for without charge.
Among her specific bequests was $50,000 "to buy land adjacent to and to be used in conjunction with the existing Macomb City Parks." The purchase is today known as Everly Park, located on the north side of Macomb on Route 67. This gift might have stemmed from her love of picnics in her earlier years.
Everly's estate was listed at more than $500,000. She had land holdings in McDonough County, Fulton County, and in Henry County, Iowa, amassing more than 1800 acres. In addition to the Everly residence in the 300 block of East Jackson Street, the estate listed the former Macomb Armory building in the 100 block of West Jackson Street and a building on the west side of the Square across from the McDonough County Courthouse.
Photos and information courtesy of Malpass Library Archives and Everly House.
