County of building: Warren County
Loction of building: W. Broadway & Public Square, Monmouth
Built: 1894
Architect: O.W. Marble
Contractor: C.A. Moses
"MONMOUTH — Warren County Circuit Clerk Jill Morris, 50, Monmouth, died early Sunday morning at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
"MONMOUTH — Jill Morris will be remembered by her friends and coworkers not only as a dedicated, hard working professional but, above all, as a great person.
"Morris, the Warren County circuit clerk, died early Sunday morning at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
"Morris, 50, began feeling discomfort in March and was diagnosed with cancer in her liver and kidney just two weeks ago. She underwent her first chemotherapy treatment Thursday, said Warren County Treasurer Nancy Clayton, a long-time friend and colleague.
'“She will be truly missed,” Clayton said. “She was a great asset to county government.”
"Clayton was already an employee in the circuit clerk’s office when Morris, a Yorkwood High School graduate, started in 1975 right out of school.
"Clayton moved to the treasurer’s office in 1994 and Morris became circuit clerk following Beverly Davis’ death in 1997.
'“Jill was an absolute joy to know,” Clayton said. “She was a very hard worker. She took pride in her office.”
"Morris was respected not only in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, but across the state, said Chief Judge Stephen C. Mathers. She was “very active” in the Illinois Association of Court Clerks.
'“She was an excellent, helpful deputy clerk, and she only expanded her knowledge of the business when she became clerk,” Mathers said. “She was one of the leaders (of clerks) in our circuit and the state. Jill was known for knowing the business. She’ll be sorely missed in our circuit.”
'"Mathers has appointed Chief Deputy Clerk Denise Schreck to fill the position temporarily and handle the day-to-day operations. Morris’ death has been hard for the staff.
'“I not only lost a boss I truly admire, but I lost a friend,” said Schreck, fighting back tears. “Usually the office was extremely busy, but we always worked together and it was extremely fun. I’m just truly going to miss her myself, and I know I speak for everyone here.”
"Schreck started in the clerk’s office in 1995 when Morris herself was deputy clerk. She said that if anyone had a question, Morris usually knew the answer, but if she didn’t, she would drop everything and find the information. She was also involved in all aspects of the office and never simply delegated work but participated." ~ Daily Review Atlas, By Matt Hutton, June 9, 2008