Annawan has been very fortunate to have four (4) centenarians in the community. 

Cornelia DeClercq

Cornelia and her husband, Hippolite (Poli), DeClercq came to the United States in 1900 or 1901 and settled in Atkinson, but later moved to Annawan when Hippolite worked for the Rock Island Railroad in the 1920's.  Cornelia was born April 9, 1881 in Aardenburg, Holland.  Cornelia had a large garden behind her home on Route 6 that was full of all kinds of different flowers.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and rarely missed a day walking to church.  Cornelia enjoyed rocking on her front porch with her dog.  She remained in her home until she was 95 years old.  She passed away on October 18, 1982.

Lois E. Machesney Dynes

Lois E. Machesney is the oldest living person in Annawan to this day.  She celebrated her 108th birthday on February 11, 2007.  Lois has lived her entire life in Annawan Township.  She attended Annawan High School for 2 years and then attended Brown Business College in Kewanee until the flu epidemic.  She married George C. Dynes on February 11, 1918.  The couple farmed for 27 years south of Annawan.  Lois was the pump organist and pianist of the Fairview United Methodist Church from 1916 until 1946.  She has been a life-long member of the Fairview United Methodist Women. Up until very recently she lived at home alone.  She passed away on January 21, 2008, just 21 days short of her 109th birthday.

Nellie DeVetter Miller

Nellie DeVetter Miller was born December 29, 1881 in the Annawan area to Emil and Mary (Dolander) DeVetter.  She married Eilert Miller February 6, 1912 in Washington, Illinois.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller farmed north of Annawan and retired to the town of Annawan in 1940.  She was the mother of Richard Miller and Helen Miller Jenkins, both deceased.  There were 4 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Miller belonged to the Annawan United Methodist Church, the Ladies' Aid Society, Royal Neighbors and the Annawan Woman's Club.  She enjoyed her yard, garden, and her many beautiful flowers.  Nellie passed away December 30, 1981, the day after her 100th birthday.

Sarah (Sadie) O'Neill Salzmann

Sarah (Sadie) O'Neill Salzmann was born August 23, 1892 in Moline to Lawrence and Sarah (Manley) O'Neill of Moline.  Sadie was raised in the Moline area and graduated from Moline High School.  She married Earnest Salzmann on October 14, 1911 in Moline and moved to rural Annawan.  The couple had three children, Dorothy (Shaw), Ralph, both deceased, and Clyde.  She was a member of the Annawan United Methodist Church, Ladies' Aid Society, a charter member of the Annawan-Alba Women's Club and the Alba Card Club.  She died on January 27, 1998 at the age of 105.