GAR Obituaries from Balch to Busche

Edwin E. Balch

"Rites Wednesday for 'Dad' Balch,"
The Elgin Courier-News, November 17, 1931, pp. 1, 3.

Edwin E. Balch, 88 years old, known to many of the older residents of Elgin as "Dad" Balch, one of the few surviving Civil war veterans of the city, died shortly after noon yesterday, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F.R. Gaffin, 917 Center street.

He was born in Genesee county, New York, September 18, 1843, and had spent his 88 years in comparatively good health, save for the last ten days, when he was seriously ill. The Balch family came to Illinois in the late 40's, settling at Naperville.

When the Civil war broke out, Mr. Balch enlisted in the 36th Illinois Infantry, while not yet 18 years old. He served the full four years, and took part in the major engagements of the western army. While on the staff of General Hooker, as chief of scouts, he was captured by the Confederates and lodged in Anderson prison, eventually escaping. He was one of those who marched with General Sherman to the sea. He was mustered out of service as a sergeant, in 1865. Frank B. Perkins of Elgin is the only other member of the old 36th Infantry.

After the war Mr. Balch married Miss Abbie Church, at Woodstock. They lived at Algonquin for a short time, moving later to Elgin. Mr. Balch having been employed in the Elgin National Watch company. Later he was employed at T.F. Swan on Grove avenue, who at that time owned a grocery store. After several years Mr. Balch entered the grocery business on Grove avenue, the firm known as Balch and Morton. Later the firm became Balch and Colie, located on Spring street.

He abandoned the grocery business, and became a letter carrier, a position he held for 23 years.

Mr. Balch was a member of the G.A.R., Veteran Post No. 49.

Surviving him are four daughters, Mrs. Gaffin, Miss Delia Balch, Mrs. Charles Gregor, of Elgin, and Mrs. Carl Gerlach, of Chicago; two step-sisters, Mrs. Lyman Smith and Miss Susie Beavis, of Elgin, and a half-sister, Mrs. Fred Cole, of Chicago. There are also three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mrs. Balch died five years ago.

Funeral services will be held from the Norris chapel at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, the Rev. Paul H. Yourd of the First Congregational church officiating. Members of the Elgin G.A.R. will participate, under the direction of Commander E.E. Taylor. Pallbearers will be his former associates from the post office. Burial will be in Bluff City cemetery.

Julius F. Ballard

"A Very Sudden Death,"
The Elgin Advocate, August 7, 1897, p. 2.
Julius F. Ballard Had Little Warning.

Julius F. Ballard died at his home, 232 Douglas avenue, at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. His affliction lasted only from midnight up to the time to his death, though a weak heart had been troubling him some time. Tuesday he went to the barn to get his team and was taken sick and to return home. The end came soon after.

Mr. Ballard was born in New York state, where he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He joined the army when 16 years old and served through the war. He recently became a member of Veteran post, this city. During his residence of five years in Elgin he had been connected with the U.S. Express company a greater part of the time, though he was before employed by the street car company.

Deceased has a brother and sister in New York, and a brother, Geo. F. Ballard, of this city.

William H. Batchelor

"A Veteran Gone,"
The Elgin Daily News, April 4, 1895, p. 3.
Comrade W.H. Batchelor Has Joined
A Greater House Than He Leaves Behind--Funeral Friday.

A telegram came this morning from Milwaukee stating that William H. Batchelor died there yesterday, and that the body would arrive in Elgin for burial. The body came at noon, and the funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the First Baptist church; burial in Bluff City cemetery.

Mr. Batchelor's sudden death--sudden, at least, in that it was not known here that he was ill--removes another brave defender of his country. He served as commissary sergeant of company H, 7th Ohio cavalry, and was a member of Veteran post, G.A.R., which will turn out Friday to give him the honor due to a soldier. He was 78 years of age. Many years ago he owned a frame building on Chicago street and there lived and carried on a shoe business. Afterward he built stores on his lots, the present Lehman place. He leaves but one child, Dr. Will Batchelor, who is sick a bed at Milwaukee and not able to come to Elgin. Mr. Batchelor was a conscientious, kindly dispositioned man. His wife died about two years ago, and since then he has lived off and on with his son. He spent the winter there. A niece, Mrs. Edward Hamilton, of 270 Villa street, is so far as we know the only relative left here.

Christopher Batterman

"Christopher Batterman, Veteran Of Civil War, Dies,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 10, 1936, pp. 1, 3.

Christopher Batterman, 91 years old, 427 DuPage St., one of the few remaining Civil war veterans in Elgin, died at 3:45 yesterday afternoon at Sherman hospital.

Born in Haste, Germany, Nov. 17, 1844, Mr. Batterman came to America in 1862. He moved to Elgin 40 years ago and at the time of his death was making his home with a daughter, Mrs. Julius Nolting.

Mr. Batterman was too young to enter the war service upon his arrival in this country but in 1864 he enlisted and served with Co. C of the 141st regiment under Captain Hunter. He later became a corporal in the 153rd regiment, serving under Capt. E.S. Lovell. He saw service in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia and was a member of the detachment detailed to guard General Sherman's base of supplies during his historic march to the sea.

After receiving his honorable discharge, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, he became a farmer five miles west of Elgin, where he lived until coming to this city.

Two brothers served with him in the civil war, John, dying in service.

Mr. Batterman was the oldest member of the First Evangelical church and in his younger days was an active and loyal member of the church and Sunday school in which he had held various offices.

Surviving him are his daughter, Mrs. Nolting, and one grandson, Kenneth Lobbig, both of Elgin. His wife and four other children preceded him in death.

Mr. Batterman was a member of Veterans Post 49, Grand Army of the Republic, and his death reduces the post membership from five to four. The remaining members of the post are Frank B. Perkins, Walter H. Kimball, DeVolois W. Stevens, and Howard S. Lamb. The post once had a membership in excess of 440.

Funeral services will be held at 2 Monday afternoon at the First Evangelical church. A private service will be held at the Norris funeral chapel at 1:30. The Rev. I.L. Schweitzer of Logan Square, a former pastor of the church and a friend of the deceased, will officiate in the absence of Rev. W.E. Grote who is away on vacation.

Burial will be in Bluff City cemetery with military honors in charge of Elgin Post 57, American Legion.

Friends may call at the Norris chapel.

Henry H. Batterman

"Henry H. Batterman,"
The Elgin Daily News, December 2, 1896, p. 3.
A Veteran Soldier Touched By Death.

Henry H. Batterman passed away Tuesday at 9:40 p.m. after an illness confining him to his home about nine weeks. Death was caused by intestinal tuberculosis, in spite of the best professional skill and careful nursing.

Mr. Batterman was born in Haste, Germany, May 1, 1836. He came to America in 1855, coming directly to Elgin where he readily found employment on a farm.

When the war broke out he was amongst the first to offer his services to his country, and he went to the front with the 52nd Illinois Volunteer infantry, and served faithfully until the close of the war. His right forearm was shattered by a bullet at Corinth, and his record as a soldier is one to be proud of.

After the war Mr. Batterman was employed by Grote & Ettner, then in the grocery business, after which he was for some time foreman of the Vollor gum factory. Of recent years, up to the time of his last illness, he was in the employ of the Elgin National Watch Company.

About thirty years ago Henry Batterman and Miss Henrietta Schroeder of Elgin were married and their married life has been most happy. She survives him, as do five children: Mrs. May Kindelberger of Chicago, Mrs. Emma Riehemann of Elgin, and Henry, Leah, and Laura.

Thirty-seven years ago Mr. Batterman joined the German Evangelical association of Elgin. He has always been a prominent and faithful member, worked hard to help build the beautiful church home of the association in this city, and at the time of his death was one of the trustees, and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school.

His death will be mourned by all. A good citizen, a brave soldier, a loving father and husband, faithful to his church and to his friends, he has lived a life full of kindness and helpfulness. He leaves many sincere friends among the old veterans, the people of his church, and all who have employed him or worked under him.

The funeral will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. from the family residence 135 Prairie street and at 2 o'clock from the First Evangelical church. Rev. C. Vaubel will officiate. Veteran post, G.A.R., will attend in a body, and the impressive ritual of the order will be used at the grave.

David R. Beebe

"David R. Beebe Is Dead at 93,"
The Elgin Daily Courier-News, December 27, 1940, pp. 1, 13.
Former Elginite Active in West Coast G.A.R.

David R. Beebe, 93 years old, a former well known Elginite who achieved high rank in the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of California and Nevada, died early today at his home in Long Beach, Calif., according to word received by a daughter, Mrs. Ruth B. LeVine, 278 Kimball St.

Death of the Grand Army veteran leaves Comrade DeVolois W. Stevens of Wasco as the sole surviving member of Veterans Post 49, G.A.R., of Elgin.

Left Here in 1920.

Born on Sept. 6, 1847 in Ghent, Columbia county, N.Y., Mr. Beebe came with his parents to Geneva, Ill., as a small child, and it was there that he enlisted in the 17th Illinois Cavalry for service in the Civil war. After the war he located in Iowa, and in 1883 came to Elgin, where he remained until 1920. He had since resided in Long Beach, and at one time was commander of the Grand Army post there, at that time the second largest unit of its kind in the United States. He had also served as assistant adjutant and quartermaster general for the G.A.R. in California and Nevada, and quite regularly attended the organization's national encampments. His last visit to Elgin was in 1937, after his attendance at the G.A.R. national reunion.

Former Alderman.

During his residence here Mr. Beebe was employed for 10 years by the Elgin National Watch Co., working in the old dial and plate rooms. Later he served in the city council as an alderman from the old sixth ward, and was on the aldermanic committee which supervised construction of the present city hall.

Mr. Beebe quit the "shop" in the `90s and entered the insurance business. Before finally retiring, one of his last positions was that of manager of the bowling alleys at the Y.M.C.A.

His service during the Civil war was mostly in Missouri, quelling "bushwhacker" uprisings, and after the war he served for a time in the plains states, assisting the government in tracking down guerrillas and bandit gangs. He had served as commander of Veterans post of the G.A.R., in this city for eight years, and at the time of his death was just beginning his seventh year as commander of the post in Long Beach.

Burial Here In Spring.

He was a member of the First Methodist church.

Mr. Beebe was first married to Miss Angeline Carpenter Porter, and then to Lucinda Brydges, who died in Long Beach in 1933, as a result of shock suffered in the earthquake disaster which swept that city. A year later he married Mrs. Flora Christian, and besides the widow, and daughter, Mrs. LeVine, is survived by three grandchildren, Mrs. Lois Fritz and Donald P. LeVine of Elgin, and James K. Steven of Saranac Lake, N.Y., and a great-granddaughter, Patricia Ann LeVine of this city. Three children preceded him in death, Edith Beebe, Ethel Beebe Steven, and Edgar D. Beebe, who was the first Elgin boy to die in service during the Spanish-American war.

The funeral service will be conducted in Long Beach on Monday, the Grand Army and Sons of Veterans to officiate. Burial will be in Elgin in the spring.

William R. Benham

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, December 17, 1906, p. 5.

Word was received in Elgin Saturday announcing the death of Wm. R. Benham, who died Saturday morning at the home of his son, Samuel V. Benham, at Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Benham had been for many years a well known and respected resident of this city and for the past thirty years was foreman of the paint shop at the watch factory.

This summer his health began to fail and about three months ago he disposed of his property here and went to Alabama, hoping to better his condition. For a time it was thought that he was recuperating, but recently he began to fail rapidly, and the end came Saturday morning. He leaves one son, Samuel V., of Birmingham, and other relatives in this city. He was about seventy years of age and was a member of Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R.

The body of Mr. Benham arrived here at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon over the Milwaukee road and was taken to the home of his brother, S.A. Benham, No. 423 Ball street. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Grace M.E. church. Rev. F.F. Farmiloe will officiate. By order of the commander, the members of the Grand Army will assemble in the basement of the church at 1:45 to attend the service.

Jesse Bennett

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, July 18, 1911, p. 3.

Jesse Bennett, for a number of years in charge of the domestic department at the George M. Peck dry goods store, died at the family residence, 471 Douglas avenue Sunday night, aged 66 years. Death followed a short illness.

Jesse Bennett was born December 14, 1844, at Rossburg, Alleghany county, N.Y. He spent his boyhood in that place and when the civil war broke out, although only 17 years old he enlisted. He served three years of the 104th New York volunteers. Three times during the war he was taken prisoner, being confined to Belle Island, Libby and Salisbury prisons. He was a member of Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R.

Upon returning to Rossburg from the war he opened a general store which he continued to operate until nine years ago when he and his wife came west to Elgin to be with their daughters.

Besides his widow, Mr. Bennett is survived by four children, Mrs. William Sayler of McHenry, Herbert R. Bennett of Rossburg, N.Y., Mrs. Walter C. Besley, of Woodstock and Mrs. George A. Hanley of Elgin.

The funeral will be held Wednesday noon at 12 o'clock from the late residence, 471 Douglas avenue. The funeral party will go by train to McHenry where interment (sic) will take place.

Richard Bode

"A Pioneer Resident,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, March 26, 1903, p. 1.
Richard Bode, A Veteran of the Civil War.
Dies in Hanover--His Recent Accident Hastens the End.

Richard Bode, a pioneer resident of Hanover and a veteran of the civil war, died at his home in Hanover, Wednesday afternoon. A serious accident recently befell Mr. Bode, and this, with other complications, caused his death.

Deceased was born in Hamburg, Germany, July 18, 1830, and came to America in 1855. He enlisted with Co. C of the Missouri volunteer cavalry, and at the expiration of this period enlisted in Co. H, where he served one year and a half. He was a carpenter by occupation, and about the time of the civil war he was plying his trade near Palatine, Ill. He is the last member of a large family.

The funeral will be held Sunday, at 1 p.m. from the house and at 2:15 from the Hanover church, of which he was one of the charter members.

Sylvester Bouck

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, July 26, 1915, p. 3.

Sylvester Bouck, a veteran of the Civil war died at the Old Soldiers' Home at Quincy, Ill., at 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon. He was 70 years of age. Mrs. Thomas Howard of Stella street is a daughter. The funeral notice will be later.

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, July 27, 1915, p. 3.

The funeral of Sylvester Bouck will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Howard, 483 Stella street. The funeral will be in charge of the Veteran Post No. 49, Grand Army of the Republic. Burial at Bluff City.

Horace C. Brintall

Horace C. Brintnall

"Deaths of Day,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, November 5, 1910, p. 3.

<p ">Horace C. Brintnall of 350 Dundee avenue died at the hospital of the National Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee on Thursday after a long illness during which he was a great sufferer.

Mr. Brintnall was one of the oldest settlers of the city surviving and was a gallant soldier during the war of the rebellion, being a member of Co. D, 52nd Ill. Infantry.

He was a carpenter by trade and formerly was one of the business men of the city being engaged in contracting and later proprietor of a large wood working establishment on River street.

His wife died a few weeks ago. Miss Nellie Brintnall of this city was a daughter.

The remains will arrive in Elgin this afternoon and will be taken to the chapel of F.T. Norris, 211 Chicago street, where the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R. will attend.

David C. Brown

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, October 22, 1906, p. 3.

Capt. David C. Brown, a well known veteran of the civil war, died at 11:30 Saturday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. T.B. Rowland, No. 402 South Liberty street. Capt. Brown was nearly 78 years of age, and death was due to organic heart disease, with which he had been troubled for years. He had been very ill for some time, and death had been expected by the relatives.

Capt. Brown was born in Newark, N.J., and in the early 50's came to Chicago to reside. In April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A, 1st Regiment Illinois Cavalry Volunteers and was soon promoted to sergeant. In November of the same year he was promoted to be captain of Company B, McClellan's Dragoons, which was afterward consolidated into the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. He was mustered out in August, 1865, and afterward lived in Dundee for a time, coming to Elgin from that place.

He leaves a wife and two daughters, Mrs. Rowland and Mrs. Geo. W. Connell, of Ft. Covington, N.Y. The funeral will be held at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mr. Rowland, and interment will take place at Dundee.

Daniel W. Brown

"Daniel W. Brown,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 8, 1890, p. 3.

After a long illness Daniel W. Brown succumbed to the inevitable at 9:30 o'clock Thursday night, at his home, 246 South State street. Those who had seen him for some months knew that the end was near. We believe his trouble was thought to be of the heart. He was born at Andover, N.H., 50 years ago March 29 last, had lived here thirty six years, and had been employed in the watch factory since 1868. For eight or ten years he was in the hand and press department. He was popular with his associates. He leaves a wife (formerly Maria Dean) and three children. He served in the 36th Illinois Infantry, Co. A, we believe for three years, and then enlisted as a veteran. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. The funeral will be held at the residence of C.P. Dean, 252 South State street, Sunday p.m.

G. W. L. Brown

"G.W.L. Brown Taken by Death,"
The Elgin Courier-News, May 26, 1926, p. 1.
Civil War Veteran Was Former Real Estate Dealer Here.

George W.L. Brown, retired real estate and insurance dealer of Elgin, died yesterday afternoon at 2:45 o'clock at his home, 18 South Porter street after a lingering illness.

Mr. Brown was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted at the age of 15 years, and serving for two years in Co. E, 39th Illinois Volunteers, which was known as "Yates Phalanx", and commanded by Richard Yates.

During his business career here, he was extensively engaged in farm real estate and insurance deals.

He was born April 12, 1848, in Blue Island, Ill., but had made his home in Elgin since 1893.

He was a member of the Silver Leaf camp, No. 60, Modern Woodmen of America, a charter member of the Hampshire Masonic fraternity, and the G.A.R.

Besides his wife, he leaves one son, Charles F. Brown, and three daughters, Mrs. Clara Brown of Garden Prairie, Mrs. Margaret Thompson of Chicago and Dolly Brown Wright of Elgin.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the Norris chapel and burial will be at Genoa.

Hiram J. Brown

"Hiram J. Brown Dies,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, March 25, 1905, p. 1.
Expired After More Than a Year's Illness at His Home in Elgin.
HAD A CIVIL WAR RECORD.
Was Member of Veteran Post and of Silver Leaf Camp.

Hiram J. Brown died at 8:45 o'clock this morning at his home, 332 Wabash street, after an illness covering a period of more than a year.

Mr. Brown was born in Canada, but had spent the greater part of his life in Elgin. He was 59 years of age. For a number of years he lived on the Hopp farm, near South Elgin. Later he went to Virginia for a short time, returning to Elgin about five years ago. Mr. Brown had been employed in the receiving room of the east side condensing factory, and previous to his last illness as watchman at the west side condensing factory.

Was G.A.R. Veteran.

He was a member of Veteran post, G.A.R., having served in the 17th Illinois cavalry. He was also a member of Silver Leaf camp, Modern Woodmen.

Besides his wife he leaves three children, Eva, Lee and J.F. Brown; also several stepchildren. A brother H.R. Brown, resides in Benson, Iowa; and a sister, Mrs. Eva Hoen, in Chicago.

Walter Brown of company E, Spanish-American war, is a nephew.

A son of the deceased died in Elgin of a "musical heart" about five years ago.

The funeral is Tuesday, and will be in charge of the G.A.R. It will be private, at the house, at 1:30 p.m., and public at the First M.E. church at 2:30. It is expected the Rev. Farmiloe will preach the funeral sermon.

W. H. Brydges

W.H. Brydges

"More Than 50 Years Educational Work Is Ended By Death,"
The Elgin Daily News, November 19, 1919, pp. 1, 2.
W.H. Brydges Dies; Ill A Long Time

William H. Brydges, one of the best known educators of Elgin and Kane county, died at 5:15 o'clock this morning at his home, 351 Chicago street after an illness of almost two years.

Mr. and Mrs. Brydges had only recently closed their home at 277 Division street, where they had lived for more than fifty years, to make their home with Mrs. Brydges' niece, Mrs. Charles Moore.

Mr. Brydges had been identified with Elgin and Kane county schools for more than half a century. He started his career as an educator as assistant principal of the Elgin academy in 1865 and continued in school work until failing health caused him to give up his work a few years ago.

He was born in England May 19, 1840 and came to the United States when 9 years old, with his grandparents. They settled on a farm in the vicinity of Whig Hill near Rockford. Mr. Brydges spent his boyhood there, and was educated in Rockford schools and Normal college in Normal, Ill. His parents died during his infancy.

Upon the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Brydges enlisted from Rockford in Company K, 74th Illinois infantry and served throughout the conflict with that unit.

After the cessation of hostilities and his release from the army he came to Elgin to live and was chosen assistant principal of the Elgin academy for the year 1865.

He was made principal of the school in 1866 and in 1867 was chosen principal of the Elgin high school, which position he held for the following five years.

In 1872 he was selected superintendent of the Elgin city schools and served in that capacity during the ensuing three years.

During this time he was appointed assistant superintendent of Kane county schools, a position he held for more than twenty years.

Mr. Brydges took an active interest in city and county government and served Elgin six years as a member of the city council. He was also a member of the county board of supervisors for eight years.

He was an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served the Elgin post as commander and chaplain.

He was also a member of the state and national school teachers' association, the Elgin Scientific society, the Elgin Patriotic Memorial society, and the Masonic order and the Eastern Star.

Members of Monitor lodge A.F. & A.M. celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the membership of Mr. Brydges in that society during August, 1919, in a special program. He joined the lodge August 5, 1869. He served as master of Monitor lodge in 1898, and was its chaplain for twenty-five years.

Six past masters of Monitor lodge will act as pallbearers at his funeral Saturday afternoon. Six members of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic will be honorary pallbearers.

He also served as worthy patron of Elgin chapter, No. 212, Order of the Eastern Star for six years, and was grand patron for Illinois in 1898.

Mr. and Mrs. Brydges were married December 20, 1867, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary December 20, 1917, at their home, 277 Division street, where they had lived during the entire fifty years.

Mr. Brydges spent his life in educational work in Elgin and Kane county, and gave his efforts and influence for the better and higher things in life. He recently received a school teacher's pension from the state.

He is survived by a widow and two sons, Ralph S., who is in charge of the record department of the sixth railway mailing division with offices in the federal building, Chicago, and Carl K. Brydges of the engineering department of the Chicago Telephone company. The latter's home is also in Chicago.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon in the Congregational church, the Rev. J.W. Welsh officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot in Bluff City cemetery.

A. W. Bunnell

A.W. Bunnell

"More Than Four Score,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, May 18, 1901, p. 4. A.W.
Bunnell's Long Life is Ended.

Augustus W. Bunnell died this forenoon at his home, 51 Woodland avenue, aged 86 years. Mr. Bunnell had been ill for two months and for the past ten days there had been no hope of his recovery. He was a retired farmer and came to Elgin from Union twelve years ago. He enlisted in Elgin Battery in 1861 and served during the civil war. Three daughters and one son survive him, the latter, D.W. Bunnell, is in Idaho. One daughter, Mrs. Hills, resides at Glen Ellyn, and the other two, Sarah and Matilda, in this city.

The funeral will be Monday at 10:15 o'clock from the house. Interment at Union.

Mark Bunnell

"Old Cavalryman, Mark Bunnell Is Dead; Nearly 73,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, November 20, 1912, p. 1.
Survivor of Eighth Illinois, and First Letter Carrier Succumbs.
Students Remember Memorial Speeches
Acted as Custodian of Central Park
DeathShortens Elgin List of Survivors of Civil War;
Few Relatives Living.

Mark Bunnell, Elgin's first letter carrier, one of the few survivors of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and one of Elgin's most interesting characters, is dead. He died at 9 a.m. today at Sherman hospital.

Among the rapidly decreasing group of Elgin's Civil War veterans, there is profound sorrow at the death of Mr. Bunnell, while scores of friends who daily met the veteran, mourn him almost as one of their own family.

School Children Remember Him.

Hundreds of school children recall the annual programs given in the schools before Memorial day, when Mr. Bunnell invariably appeared at one or another of the schools to tell the children of the war days. Bunnell was not eloquent, but his graphic description of the battlefields held the rapt attention of the children.

For a number of years Mr. Bunnell had been custodian of Central park, and he also acted as caretaker of the Sherman property in Villa street. Recently, however, he had been ill and hardly able to attend to any work.

Ill 10 Weeks Last Winter.

Mr. Bunnell was confined to Sherman hospital for about ten weeks last winter. His health had been ebbing since that time and he was taken to Sherman hospital again about a week ago. He died at 9 o'clock this morning. Hernia was called one of the causes with old age contributory.

Mark Bunnell was eccentric. He scarcely told much of his own history. He is survived by a twin sister, Mrs. Mercy Green, of Kaukauna, Wis. It had annually been the custom of the twins to send each other postcards on their birthdays. An attempt was made today to get into communication with Mrs. Green.

Saved By His Chaplain.

Bunnell is perhaps best known as a soldier. He enlisted at St. Charles with the Eighth Illinois Cavalry in the Civil war, and served four years, part of the time as corporal. An old story is told of how the captain for whom Bunnell was orderly, pulled him from the center of an attack of the enemy behind a woodpile, until they could escape. "He was a soldier, and a good one," said Major George D. Sherman today.

Bunnell was never married. He had few relatives. For the past eight years, he had boarded with Mrs. Irene Gibson in Fulton street. She had first known him as her letter carrier thirty years ago. Mr. Bunnell was caretaker of the old Sherman property and lived there alone. He was not known to have possessed any property.

Drove Horse Cars Years Ago.

For a time Bunnell was employed on the Hammond farm. For a time shortly after the close of the war, he drove a horse car in Chicago. He assisted H.P. Hansen in his store for years, and was a familiar figure.

He was born in 1839 in New York state. He had lived in this city practically all of the time since the civil war. He has three nieces in this city, Mrs. Nora Werner, Mrs. Robison and another.

Read Courier Thirty Years.

Every afternoon at 3:30 Mr. Bunnell came to The Courier office to wait for the issuance of the day's edition. He had been a constant reader of The Courier for thirty years, and was always interested in the live topics of the day.

Several years ago, Mr. Bunnell purchased a small lot in Bluff City cemetery for himself. He erected a head stone and chose this as his final resting place.

He was a member of the Odd Fellows and the G.A.R. Funeral services have not yet been arranged. Kane Lodge, I.O.O.F. will be in charge.

H. C. Burdick

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Advocate, June 3, 1899, p. 6.
H.C. Burdick, a Veteran of the Civil War.

H.C. Burdick of 628 South Liberty street, whose death was announced in issue of May 25, was born in Oswego county, N.Y., Sept. 27, 1811. He came to Illinois when quite a young man, and for a number of years lived at Woodstock, at which place in 1862 he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Sanford, who, with seven of the nine children that were born to them, lives to mourn the loss of a true, faithful, kind, and affectionate husband and father.

The children are Mrs. C.L. Andruss of Algonquin, W.S. Burdick of W. Duluth, Minn., Misses Bertha, Ruth, Rose, Ida, and Mabel, who live at home; one daughter, Mrs. Ophelia Dellon, having died about seven years ago, and also an infant son, Egbert Samuel, aged 22 months.

Mr. Burdick was a man of noble character, always standing firm for God, home, and his country. He was dearly loved by his wife and family, and highly esteemed by friends and neighbors. He served his country faithfully during the civil war, from which time he has always been in poor health. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

The funeral took place on Saturday from the house at 1:30 p.m., and at Epworth church at 2 o'clock. The Grand Army of the Republic conducted the services at the grave.

Ezra Burzell

"Ezra Burzell, G.A.R. Veteran Dies, Aged 72,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, April 28, 1918, p. 1.

Ezra Burzell, Civil War veteran and employee of the watch factory for the past fifty years, died at the St. Joseph hospital last night at 9:10 o'clock, succumbing to an attack of blood poisoning.

Mr. Burzell fell while returning to his home at 514 Wellington avenue, Monday evening, sustaining several injuries to his limbs. Blood poisoning developed and he was removed to the St. Joseph hospital where he died.

The deceased, who was 72 years old, was born in Buffalo, N.Y., February 4, 1846. He was married to Miss Sophia Collins on March 2, 1868.

In the Civil War Mr. Burzell served as a member of Company L, 8th Illinois Cavalry. On March 4 the war veteran celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance into the watch factory.

He is survived by his widow, two sons, George W. Burzell of Sawtelle, Cal., David Burzell of Elgin, also a brother, George Burzell, and a sister, Mrs. E. Patterson of Geneva.

The deceased was a member of Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R.

Funeral services will be held at the late home Friday morning at 9:30 o'clock, and at the St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10 o'clock. Interment at the Bluff City cemetery. Omit flowers

Gottlieb Busche

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Courier-News, February 1, 1930, p. 3.

Gottlieb Busche, 85 years old, Civil war veteran and resident of Hanover township for more than 70 years, died at his home this morning, following a short illness.

Mr. Busche was born in Lichwegan Kuer Hessen, Germany, November 19, 1844 and came to the United States in 1856. He came directly to Hanover township and had lived in that vicinity ever since.

He served during the Civil war and was a member of the G.A.R. On February 24, 1870 he was married to Miss Anna Meyer, who passed away seven years ago.

Surviving are three sons, Fred, William and Henry, all of Hanover township, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 4 at 2 o'clock from the Wait-Ross-Allanson funeral church, the Rev. Theodore F. Bierbaum officiating. Burial will be in Bluff City cemetery.