GAR Obituaries from Gable to Guptill

John Gable

"John Gable, Former Elgin Resident, Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 17, 1921, p. 1.

John Gable, a former well known Elginite and member of Veteran Post G.A.R., died at his home in Los Angeles yesterday according to a telegram received here this morning. Mr. Gable is the father of the late Mrs. O.L. Lillie, who died in Los Angeles less than a year ago.

The remains are being brought to Elgin for burial by Oscar Lillie. Funeral notice and obituary will be announced shortly after the arrival of the body on Monday.

Anthon Getsch

"A Good Husband,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 17, 1900, p. 1.
Is Gone--The Death of Anthon Getsch.

Anthon Getsch died this morning at 2:30 o'clock at his home, 408 Chicago street, of paralysis.

Deceased was born in Germany in 1843, coming to this country in 1845, and making Illinois his home. He was a wheelwright by trade. He served in the 156th Illinois volunteer infantry during the civil war. He was a good Christian husband and father and a member of St. Mary's Catholic church.

Besides a wife, he leaves four daughters and a son; Mary, Julia, Clara, Mrs. E.F. Mann and Edward, all of this city.

The funeral will be held Monday forenoon at 9:30 from the house and at 10 from St. Mary's church.

M. C. Getzelman

M.C. Getzelman

"M.C. Getzelman Dies After Ten Days' Illness,"
The Elgin Courier-News, March 18, 1926, p. 1.
Retired Hampshire Farmer To Be Buried Saturday.
WAS CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Deceased Instrumental In Organization Of Banks.

Melchior Christian Getzelman, aged 89, retired farmer and Civil War veteran, died at Sherman hospital at 2 o'clock this morning, following a ten days' illness.

Mr. Getzelman was widely known in this vicinity as not only a farmer but developer as well. He was instrumental in the organization of three Kane and McHenry county banks and was one of the organizers of the Elgin National Bank, serving on the board of directors for a number of years. At one time, he was president of both the St. Charles National Bank and the Bank of Algonquin, holding these positions until his retirement from active business.

Influences Railroad

One of the outstanding marks in his career was the interest he took in the development of the old Chicago and Pacific railroad, now the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. At that time, Mr. Getzelman spent time and money in influencing the railroad to extend its line from Elgin to Savannah.

The deceased was born in Oberaltertheir, Germany, on January 1, 1837, the son of John and Anna Getzelman. He came to this country when 11 years old, settling at Hampshire. He lived in Hampshire until 1890, when he moved to Elgin, residing here ever since.

As a Civil War veteran, Mr. Getzelman enlisted in Elgin in Company K, 52nd Illinois Volunteers, in 1861, and served under General Sherman in Sherman's March to the Sea. He also fought in the battles of Shiloh and Lookout Mountain, serving in the war until peace had been declared.

Four Children Survive

He is survived by his widow, Hulda Getzelman, and four children, Mrs. Emma Ream of Hampshire, Mrs. Lillie G. Schmidt of St. Charles, Theodore Getzelman of Bradley, Calif., and Benjamin G. Getzelman of Elgin. Thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Getzelman was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Ernestine Rudolph Getzelman, eighteen years ago, and two children, who died in infancy.

He was a devoted and active member of the First Evangelical church of Elgin and a regular attendant.

Funeral services will be held at the late residence, 731 Highland avenue, at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. The home services will be private. Church services at the First Evangelical church will be held at 2'30 o'clock. Interment at Bluff City cemetery.

Civil War comrades of the late Mr. Getzelman will serve as honorary pall bearers. Grandsons and nephew will be the active pall bearers.

Thomas Gibbons

"Thomas Gibbons Dead; Pioneer Traveling Man,"
The Elgin Daily News, January 9, 1912, p. 1.
VETERAN MEMBER OF BOARD OF TRADE SUCCUMBS TO STROKE.
Prominent Lodgeman, and Early Surveyor, Dies in Elgin.

Thomas Gibbons, veteran board of trade member, for 57 years a Mason and one of the oldest commercial travelers, died at his home, 625 Spring street, 12 o'clock last night. He was stricken at Thorpe, Wis., while on the road. He was 79 years of age.

As one of the most popular of Elgin men, and well liked by all, he is remembered for his extensive social, lodge, and church activities which gained for him prominence.

He was born in Fayette county, Pa., June 27, 1832, and received the educational and cultural advantages of the eastern schools, in which he studied civil engineering. At the age of 26, with a surveying party, he penetrated the remote and unsettled west, traveling through New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado, at that time barren wilderness.

As early as 1861, he enrolled in the first regiment of Colorado cavalry, and served until the expiration of his term in 1864, when he returned east settling in McHenry, Illinois.

He was married to Miss Mary Watson of Turner's Junction, and before going on the road, was employed for a short time by the Chicago and Northwestern railroad as conductor. For thirteen years he was a commercial traveler for the Hauten, Walton company of New York and for fourteen years for the Elgin Butter Tub company, with which he was connected at the time of his death.

He is survived by his widow, a daughter, Mrs. Pearl I. Watson of Toledo, Ohio, and a son, Edward C. Gibbons of Elgin. The funeral will be held 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home, 625 Spring street, in charge of Monitor lodge, which will assemble at the temple at 1 o'clock.

S. J. Gifford

S.J. Gifford

"S.J. Gifford, Civil War Drummer Boy and Son of Elgin Founder, Dead at 85,"
The Elgin Courier-News, March 25, 1935, pp. 1, 3.

Samuel Judson Gifford, 85 years old, one of the best known of the pioneer residents of the city and the son of a pioneer, died at 3:30 this morning at his residence, 909 Highland ave. He had been fairly active up to a few weeks ago, and had been ill with pneumonia for two weeks, a disease from which he had practically recovered. It had left him in a greatly weakened condition, however, and death came as an aftermath.

Mr. Gifford was widely known throughout the city and in northern Illinois. In earlier years he was engaged in the newspaper business, having been associated, years ago, with the late J.K. LeBaron on the old weekly, "Every Saturday". He had also served as special correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. In earlier years also he had served on the old Elgin Daily Courier, and the Elgin Daily News. He had, in fact, been engaged in the newspaper business during all of his active life, up to the time of his retirement at the age of 60.

Mr. Gifford was born in Grafton, Washington county, Wisconsin, on Sept. 4, 1849, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Gifford, the father, with his brother, James T. Gifford, having founded Elgin in April, 1835. Samuel was brought to Elgin when a baby, and had resided in this city all of his life.

His father, Hezekiah, first visited the site of Elgin in the spring of 1834, before the arrival of his brother, James T. Gifford. Hezekiah then returned east to get his brother, and the two returned April 3, 1835 to the site which was to become the city of Elgin.

Samuel received his education in the public schools of the city, and at the Elgin Academy. He enlisted in the Civil war when he was 14 1/2 years old, as a drummer boy in Co. C of the 153rd Illinois Infantry. He was then known as one of the youngest drummer boys in the war. Twice his father went to the front to bring the boy back to Elgin, and twice the boy managed to rejoin his regiment. The elder Gifford went for the boy a third time, but upon this occasion relented and permitted Samuel to remain in the army. Young Gifford saw action at the battles at Signal and Lookout mountains, in Tennesee and elsewhere in the border states. Fortunately he escaped injury. He served from Feb. 15, 1864 to Sept. 21, 1865, when he was mustered out of service.

Mr. Gifford joined Elgin post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was the youngest G.A.R. member here, as well as one of the youngest in the country. He was known in early years as the "baby G.A.R. member". He was a member of the organization for 48 years, and had served as post commander, and as adjutant.

Mr. Gifford was married in Elgin on Nov. 28, 1872 to Miss Clara Kate Cornell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.K.W. Cornell of this city. He and his wife were among the oldest members of the First Baptist church, which was founded by Hezekiah Gifford.

Surviving him besides the widow are a son, Harry N. Gifford, 820 Douglas ave, a daughter, Mrs. Edna Gifford McBride, 332 Vincent pl., and two grandchildren, Harry N. Gifford, jr. and Henry Gifford McBride of Elgin. A son, Stanley Cornell Gifford, died at the age of 3 years, and a daughter, Mary Ella Gifford, died at the age of 4.

Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 from the late home, Dr. Sidney W. Powell, pastor of the First Baptist church, to officiate. Burial will be in Bluff City cemetery.

Andrew B. Glines

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 21, 1914, p. 3.

Andrew B. Glines, a resident of South Elgin for the last 58 years and a veteran of the civil war, died at his home in that city at 10:40 o'clock Saturday night following a long illness.

Andrew B. Glines was born June 29, 1827, at Bethel, Me. He married Mary E. Perry at Stoneham, Mass., in 1853 and moved to Batavia with his bride a year later. In 1856 he moved to South Elgin and had made his home there since that time. Mrs. Glines died in that year and in 1891 he married Mrs. A.E. Ellis of Elgin. Two years later she died and in 1894 he was married to Clara Lewis. She died six years ago.

He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Evaline Brown, five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held from the late residence Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be at South Elgin.

Carlos D. Goff

"Carlos D. Goff Dies,"
The Elgin Advocate, September 22, 1906, p. 6.
Watch Factory Man Had Wide Circle of Friends.

Carlos D. Goff died at 1:20 Tuesday morning at the family home on Wellington avenue, after an illness of one week. Mr. Goff was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 6, 1843, but had been a resident of Elgin for many years, having been an employe of the watch company most of the time. He leaves a wife and three children, Dean S. Goff, of Mexico; Fanny J., and John D. Goff, of Elgin.

The funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the family residence, No. 607 Wellington avenue, and interment will take place at Bluff City cemetery.

Cyril Gregor

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, July 24, 1918, p. 3.

Cyril Gregor, veteran of the Civil War died at 7:30 o'clock this morning at his home, 520 Dundee avenue.

He was born January 26, 1845, and served in the war with a Maine regiment.

His wife and five children survive him: Mrs. John Church and Mrs. Frank W. Chipman of Portland, Me., Charles, Roderick and Hazel of Elgin. A sister, Salange, and a brother, Abel, both from Biddleford, Me., are other surviving relatives.

The funeral will be held from the Norris Chapel at 2 o'clock Friday and will be in charge of the G.A.R. Interment will be in Bluff City cemetery.

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, July 24, 1918, p. 3.

Cyril Gregor who was born in Toronto, Canada, on January 22, 1845, died at his home, 520 Dundee avenue, at 7:30 o'clock this morning. He was a veteran of the Civil War, going out with a Maine regiment.

Cyril Gregor was popularly known as "Dad" by the students and faculty of the local high school where he was employed as a janitor.

The deceased is survived by his wife, a sister, Solange, and a brother, Abel of Canada. The children who survive him are Mrs. John Church and Mrs. Frank M. Chapman, both of Portland, Me., and Charles, Roderick and Hazel of Elgin.

The funeral will be held from the Norris Chapel at 2 o'clock on Friday and will be in charge of the G.A.R.

Burial will be at Bluff city cemetery.

Eugene H. Griggs

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Courier-News, January 19, 1927, p. 3.

Eugene H. Griggs, son of the late John Griggs of Plato, died at 11:05 o'clock yesterday morning at the Quincy Old Soldiers' Home. He was a member of the famous Plato cavalry and was the last of the 100 men, who left Plato for Aurora to join the 36th Illinois, at the outset of the Civil war.

He was born January 4, 1841, at Plato and had just passed his eighty-sixth birthday. The Griggs family are old northern Illinois settlers, the grandfather having moved to Plato in 1834.

The deceased is survived by one son, John Griggs, South street, Elgin, and one daughter, Mrs. Jesse Helsdon of Bensenville.

The funeral announcement will be made later.

The funeral services will be held from the Frederick and Curtis chapel, Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Rev. J.J. Burroughs, pastor of the Grace M.E. church, officiating.

Interment will be at the Genoa cemetery, the funeral cortege going by automobile from Elgin to Genoa.

Henry A. Groce

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, June 10, 1910, p. 5

Henry A. Groce, aged 84 years and six months, died at 3 o'clock this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G.F. Stodder, 263 Commonwealth avenue after a short illness.

He was born at Scituate, Plymouth Co., Mass., March 12, 1826. He was married July 11, 1847, at Scituate, coming a few years later to Elgin. He enlisted in the Civil war with Company F, 43rd Massachusetts infantry and served two years in the war. On his coming to Elgin he joined the local post of the G.A.R. and has been a member of the post since that time, more than 37 years.

He is survived by two children, Mrs. G.F. Stodder and George A. Groce, both of this city.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the home of the daughter, 263 Commonwealth avenue, with interment at Bluff City cemetery.

Otto Gronberg

"After a Long Illness,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 24, 1892, p. 7.
Otto Gronberg Passes Away This Morning, Aged 47 Years.

Otto Herman Gronberg died this morning at his residence, 492 South State street, after a sickness of several years. Deceased was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1845 but had passed the best portion of his life in this country. For many years he was a resident of Elgin, for a long time being the engineer at the insane asylum where he made the reputation of a faithful and up right man. He served in the army in the 52nd Illinois infantry. His disease was a complication of maladies and it is a miracle to his physicians that he has held out this long. An autopsy by five physicians this morning revealed a morbid growth, several inches in size of a leathery substance, attached to the inner walls of the stomach. Mr. Gronbert leaves a family of a wife and five children. His funeral will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. from the house and at 2 from the First Congregational church.

Freeman Grow

"Old Settler Drops Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, December 20, 1906, p. 1.
FREEMAN GROW, UDINA BLACKSMITH,
EXPIRED EARLY THIS MORNING.
Exertion of Chopping Down Big Tree Too Much.

Freeman Grow, the Udina blacksmith, and one of the earliest and best known settlers of this section of the county, dropped dead at his home at Udina between 9 and 10 o'clock this morning. His death was due to heart disease, from which he had suffered for three or four years following a severe attack of pneumonia, but he had been in good health up to this morning and his death was a complete surprise to his friends.

This morning Mr. Grow was working about the yard, and while in the house for a few minutes told his wife he intended to cut down a big tree that stood in the back yard. He took his axe and attacked the tree. His wife, who stood at the window watching him, saw him suddenly drop the axe and fall to the ground. She rushed to his side, but he never spoke and was probably dead before she reached him.

Mrs. Grow went to the school house nearby and the teacher came over and assisted her to carry the lifeless form of Mr. Grow into the house. Dr. McCornack and the relatives were summoned at once, but when the doctor arrived he said Mr. Grow had died instantly, the exertion of cutting down the tree having proved too much for his weakend heart. He was in Elgin Tuesday and took dinner at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George E. Daniels, and visited with many of his friends here.

Mr. Grow was born in Pennsylvania about 77 years ago, but came to Illinois over fifty years ago and settled at Udina. He was by trade a blacksmith, and opened a shop at Udina which was one of the first in the county and which was patronized by the residents of this section almost exclusively for many years. He continued at his trade of a blacksmith till about two years ago, when he gave it up on account of his extreme age.

Besides a wife, he leaves four daughters, Mrs. George E. Daniels and Mrs. Dan Brown, of Elgin, and Mrs. Cora Lathrop and Mrs. Will Tazewell, who reside on farms near Udina. He was a member of the G.A.R.

The funeral arrangements have not yet been completed and the notice will be published later.

James D. Gubbins

"Elgin War Veteran and Pioneer Dies: Long Illness,"
The Elgin Advocate, June 24, 1911, p. 6.
James D. Gubbins Succumbs at Age of 76 Years.
Had Been a Resident of Elgin Since He was Thirteen.

James D. Gubbins, a veteran of the civil war and member of Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R., died at the family residence, 52 Villa street, at 7:30 o'clock last evening following an illness of seven months, aged 76.

Mr. Gubbins was born in Limerick, Ireland. When thirteen years of age he removed to America with his parents, settling in this city, where he had since resided. He enlisted in the Fifty-fifth Volunteer infantry in 1861, serving during three years of the war.

He is survived by his widow, two sons, D. James of Monroe Center, and William F. of Chicago, and several grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock from the residence of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. John Gubbins, 474 Park street, and 10 o'clock from St. Mary's church, with interment at Mount Hope cemetery.

Charles W. Guptill

"A Veteran Gone,"
The Elgin Daily News, June 17, 1897, p. 5.
Charles W. Guptill Dies This Morning.

Chas. W. Guptail, died at 6 o'clock this morning at his home, 265 Ann street. He was born August 24, 1826, in Bennington, Vermont, and had resided in Illinois since 1850. He leaves a widow, one son Arthur of Marengo, and three daughters as follows: Mrs. Robinson of Batavia, Mrs. Stella Fruston of Benton Harbor, Mich., and Mrs. Florence Cole of Elgin, with whom deceased resided.

Mr. Guptill served in the civil war, first for three months in the 7th Illinois infantry, and afterwards in Co. C, 127th Illinois infantry. He was a member of Veteran post, Grand Army of the Republic. The funeral will be held at the home of Mrs. Cole on Ann street, Saturday, at 4 p.m., in charge of the Grand Army