GAR Obituaries from Palmer to Pygus

B. S. Parker

B.S. Parker

"B.S. Parker, Forty-Niner, and War Veteran, Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 7, 1914, p. 1
Resident of Northern Illinois Since 1850 Expires in Elgin.
Served a Lieutenant in Rebellion--Banker at Marengo Many Years.

B.S. Parker, veteran of the War of the Rebellion and a member of Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R., died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.A. Vandervere, 105 Hill avenue, at 5 o'clock this morning.

Mr. Parker was ill only a few days. He suffered a relapse on Thursday.

B.S. Parker was born in Rushton, Ohio, in November, 1828. He was one of the first to go from Ohio into the California gold fields in 1850. Not meeting with much success he came back to Illinois where he settled in Marengo. At the time of the war he was a member of Company A, 95th Illinois infantry and later was made second lieutenant of the company. He fought in the battle of Vicksburg and was wounded in the Red River campaign. At the close of the war he returned to Marengo where he entered the banking business.

About twenty years ago he came to Elgin and made his home with his only daughter, Mrs. E.A. Vandervere.

Funeral services will be held from the late residence Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The body will be placed in a vault at Bluff City cemetery until spring when it will be taken to Marengo for burial.

William H. Parker

William H. Parker

"William H. Parker, Pioneer, Is Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 7, 1923, p. 1.
Was Once Oldest Employe of Watch Factory; Funeral Sunday

William H. Parker, one of the city's oldest residents, died yesterday afternoon at 3:15 o'clock at his home at 166 North Spring street at the age of 86 years.

Mr. Parker was at one time one of the oldest employes of the Elgin National Watch company, and in 1917, after thirty-four years of service, was retired on a pension. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Sons of Veterans. His service in the Civil war started April 14, 1861, when he enlisted in the First Connecticut Cavalry, the regiment with which he served until the close of the war, April 2, 1865.

He was born at Washington, Conn., November 13, 1837. August 27, 1883 he entered the employ of the watch factory. In 1866 he was married to Clara Converse of Walworth, Wis., who died two years ago last August. He is survived by his son, Herbert F. Parker and one grandson, Arthur Parker, both of this city.

The G.A.R. will have charge of the funeral services Sunday morning at 8:30 o'clock at the late home. Rev. George T. Green will officiate. Interment will be at Walworth, Wis., at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

Richard R. Parkin

Richard R. Parkin

"Parkins Death Shocks Friends,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, May 14, 1915, p.1.
Organizer of Elgin Water Works and Its Superintendent
Dies at North Dakota Farm.

Richard R. Parkin, organizer of the Elgin waterworks and its superintendent since the beginning, died at his farm at Hume, North Dakota, last night. Telegrams announcing his death were received this morning. They gave no details, but it is supposed that Mr. Parkin was stricken with an attack of heart trouble, to which he was subject.

The death of his wife in October, 1912, was remarkably similar to that of her husband. She was stricken with heart trouble while at a gathering at the home of Prof. and Mrs. W.H. Brydges and died there.

Went to His Farm Three Weeks Ago.

Mr. Parkin left Elgin for his farm three weeks ago. He was not feeling well and thought that a rest would do him good. His son, Ralph, was working the farm for him and was with him at the end.

Mr. Parkin was a man of numerous remarkable escapes from death. He was wounded several times in the war. His most serious wound was received at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., where the army surgeons said he was mortally wounded. He recovered and never suffered ill effects.

In 1912 Mr. Parkin's hip was crushed when the Cook special car crashed into an express wagon in Douglas avenue. He was standing in the front vestibule. Two men died as a result of this crash.

Later, Mr. Parkin narrowly escaped being hit by a hunter's stray bullet.

Some time after his wife's death he was stricken with a severe attack of heart trouble and the outcome was in doubt for some time.

Was Born in England.

Mr. Parkin was born in England September 8, 1849, and was brought to America in 1849 by his parents, who settled in Plato township. His boyhood and youth were spent in that township, where he attended the district schools. Later he attended the public schools of Elgin, working on the farm and assisting his parents at the same time.

At the age of 17 years, he left the farm at the call of his country in 1862, enlisting in Co. I, 127th Illinois volunteer infantry. He saw hard service in many battles. He was present at the surrender of Vicksburg and was in the Atlanta campaign and Sherman's march to the sea near the close of the war. He won the appointment of corporal of his company.

Returning from the war, he entered the employ of the watch company in 1867, where he continued to work until 1888. In the meantime, however, he was active in the city volunteer fire department, serving as fire chief from 1878 to 1881. In the latter year all the volunteers resigned and several hose companies were formed. Mr. Parkin organized the R.R. Parkin Hose company and was its foreman. This was in 1882. There were six companies organized in Elgin.

Became Water Department Chief.

In 188? Mr. Parkin was elected alderman from the Fifth ward, but resigned April 1, 1888, to accept the superintendency of the Elgin water works. He had charge of the construction of the plant and had been superintendent ever since. All of the work of extending the system was under his direct charge and he was given credit for the succes of the enterprise.

Mr. Parkin was a member of Monitor lodge, A.F. and A.M., No. 522; Loyal L. Munn chapter, No. 96, and Bethel Commandery. He was also an active member of Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R.

Mr. Parkin is survived by three sons and one daughter. They are: Attorney Harry Parkin, former assistant United States district attorney in Chicago; Ralph Parkin of Hume, N.D.; Carl of Elgin, and Mrs. Harry C. Gillard, of Elgin.

Funeral arrangements have not been made but it is believed that the body is now being brought to Elgin. Plans are being made for a Masonic funeral.

Mr. Parkin's home was at 369 St. Charles street.

Morris A. Parks

Morris A. Parks

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Courier-News, August 16, 1927, p. 3.

Word was received in Elgin today of the sudden death in Pittsburgh, Pa., this morning of Morris Parks, who died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Dallas Monroe. The body is to be brought to this city for burial, and funeral notice will be announced later.

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Courier-News, August 17, 1927, p. 3.

Morris A. Parks, a former resident of Elgin, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.D. Monroe of Pittsburgh, Pa., yesterday morning at the age of 80 years, after a protracted illness.

Deceased was born in Clinton county, Mich., August 12, 1847. He served two years in the Civil war, in the 10th Michigan cavalry, Co. I, and was a member of the Elgin post, G.A.R. He lived in Elgin fifteen years ago, leaving here upon the death of his wife.

He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Monroe, five brothers residing in Michigan, one grandson, two grand daughters and four great grandchildren.  A daughter, Stella Parks Wilson, died seven years ago.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Norris chapel. Rev. George T. Green will officiate and services will be in charge of the G.A.R.

Henry N. Patchen

Henry N. Patchen

"Capt. H.N. Patchen Well Known Civil War Veteran Dies",
The Elgin Daily Courier, February 13, 1915, p. 1.
Prominent Elgin Pioneer Who Participated in Seventeen
Civil War Battles, Dies; 76 years Old.
Was Original Booster for Kane Good Roads.
Death on Birthday of Abraham Lincoln,
Whom He Greatly Admired, Remarked Upon By Friends.

Capt. Henry Newton Patchen of Company K, 52d regiment Illinois Infantry died at his home, 164 DuBois avenue at 10:15 o'clock last night, after being stricken Sunday night. He was 76 years old. Captain Patchen was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln and the fact that he died on Lincoln's birthday was remarked upon today by both friends and relatives.

Captain Patchen was born at Madison, Ohio, on June 19, 1838, the son of Charles and Laura Barney Patchen. When only eight years old his parents moved to Hampshire where he lived until he enlisted in the U.S. service as a corporal, September 6, 1861, in Company K, 52nd Illinois Vol. Inf. Captain John S. Wilcox was captain of the company and Colonel I.G. Wilson was colonel of the regiment. After three years' service he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment as a veteran, December 29, 1863, to serve three years or during the war. He was promoted to sergeant and to captain of Co. K on October 24, 1864.

Was in Important Battles.

Lived in Elgin Since War.

After he returned from the war, Captain Patchen and Timothy Silver, also a member of Co. K, went to Iowa with a wagon to locate, but the former, becoming ill, they decided to return to Elgin, where he had since lived. On New Year's day, 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Buzzelle, by Rev. W.D. Atchison, in Elgin. In addition to Mrs. Patchen, their sons George of Elgin, and Raymond, of Hammond, Ind., and five grandchildren survive. Captain Patchen's only brother, Jack, is seriously ill at Stonington, Colo. His only sister is Mrs. John Hurd of Hampshire.

Captain Patchen will be gratefully remembered by the farmers living west of Elgin, as one of the first good roads enthusiasts of the township. Through his efforts the first road grader was brought from Hampshire and with eight teams of horses the beginning was made towards converting the old mud roads into the excellent highways of the present day.

For twenty years he was township highway commissioner and was assistant supervisor for a number of terms; also school trustee and township collector. He was always working for the best interests of his neighbors and fellow citizens.

He was a member of Elgin Lodge No. 117, A.F. & A.M., having affiliated with the lodge before the war.

The funeral will be held at the home, 164 DuBois avenue, Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the services being in charge of Veteran Post of which he was Past Commander. Burial at Bluff City cemetery.

James W. Paul

James W. Paul

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 11, 1927, p. 3.

James W. Paul, Civil war veteran and pioneer watch factory and post office employe, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A.J. Pettibone of 1113 South Seventh avenue, Maywood, Ill., Saturday afternoon, July 9, at 3 o'clock. Since the death of his wife two years ago, Mr. Paul had made his home with his daughter in Maywood.

He was for many years a resident of this city and at one time was employed in the watch factory, but later for fifteen years was employed at the postoffice, retiring five years ago.

Mr. Paul was born in Elizabeth, Ill., Jo Davies county, December 14, 1838, and served with the 37th Illinois Volunteers during the Civil war. He was a member of Veteran's Post, No. 49, G.A.R., of Elgin.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. A.J. Pettibone of Maywood, Mrs. E.C. Hamilton of Mooseheart, and a brother and sister, Will and Emma Paul of 260 Raymond street, Elgin.

Funeral services will be held at the Wait-Ross-Allanson funeral church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. J.J. Burrows officiating. Interment will be in Bluff City cemetery. Employes of the post office will act as pallbearers, and Grand Army veterans will offer short services.

Ephriam Pay, Sr.

Ephriam Pay, Sr.

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, November 12, 1908, p. 1.

As a result of injuries received in a fall from a tree at his home in South Elgin last summer, in which he broke his back and sustained various other internal injuries, Ephraim Pay, Sr., a veteran of the civil war, and an aged resident of that village, died this morning at his home.

For weeks the aged man has been lingering between life and death, and last week blood poisoning set in, causing death.

The accident happened early in the summer, while Pay was working in his cherry tree. In some unknown manner, he slipped and fell from the tree, breaking his spinal column and bruising his body, externally and internally. He was carried to his home where he has since been.

Deceased was 70 years of age and leaves a wife, two daughters and a son, Ephriam Pay, Jr., of this city.

Frederick G. Peaslee

Frederick G. Peaslee

"Kills Self With Revolver Loaded For Thirty Years,"
The Elgin Daily News, March 2, 1918, p. 1.

Frederick G. Peaslee, 342 Jewett street, ended his life yesterday with a shot from a revolver that had lain, unused and practically forgotten, in the top dresser drawer of his sleeping room for more than thirty years, loaded and ready for emergency use.

Mr. Peaslee was 73 years old. During his service as a member of Co. I, 127th Illinois infantry in the civil war, he suffered a sunstroke and some twenty years ago he had a stroke of paralysis.. He had never fully recovered from either attack and during the last three years of his life poor health had been the cause of a moroseness that he constantly feared would lead to insanity.

Since the termination of the war Mr. Peaslee had studiously and systematically tried to avoid refreshing his memory with the scenes of it. He never attended any of the meetings of the Grand Army Post and the only weapon that had been kept in the house was the little 32 caliber revolver that had lain, accumulating dust and rust, in the top dresser drawer.

Wednesday afternoon Mr. Peaslee was rummaging in the drawer and came upon the weapon. He picked it up and was examining it curiously when suddenly it was discharged.

Mrs. Peaslee rushed to the room. He showed her the hole the bullet had made in the woodwork.

She was hysterical for a while, partly because of what she had feared and partly because of her fear of what might happen. When she became calm again she made him promise he would never try to use the weapon on himself. He insisted, however, on keeping it in his room.

Shortly after 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon he asked her to go to the doctor's for him. She returned at 4 o'clock and found him dead, with a bullet hole in the right side of his head and the old revolver lying on the floor beside him. She called Dr. O.L. Pelton, Sr., who said, when he arrived, that Mr. Peaslee had been dead for more than an hour.

Besides the widow, two sons and an adopted daughter survive him. They are Edmund Peaslee, 189 Grove avenue, Frederick Peaslee, 410 Washington street and Mrs. Fred Frike, Jr., 607 Walnut avenue.

Mr. Peaslee was born November 12, 1843, in Port Kent, New York, and had lived in Elgin for the past 30 years. The funeral will be held Monday at 1:30 o'clock from the house. Burial will be at South Elgin.

George M. Peck

George M. Peck

"G.M. Peck, 92, War Veteran, Pioneer Merchant, Dead,"
The Elgin Courier-News, September 27, 1935, pp. 1, 5.

George M. Peck, 92 years old, one of the pioneer business men of Elgin, a Civil war veteran, and vice-president of the First National bank, died at 2:15 yesterday afternoon, at his home, 620 Highland Ave. He had suffered with a slight heart attack about one week ago, but despite the ailment had been active about his home, as usual, and had, in fact, entertained friends Wednesday evening.

Mr. Peck was widely known throughout business circles of northern Illinois and was numbered among the city's early bankers and merchants. During pioneer days he was proprietor of the largest store in Kane county. He was also interested in other business enterprises, and for many years served as president of the Elgin Windmill Co. He retired from active affairs in 1920 after 52 years of outstanding service as a merchant and as a city leader.

Born in Dundee.

Mr. Peck was born in Dundee on Aug. 14, 1843, the son of George J. and Marietta Mansfield Peck, who came from Schenectady, N.Y. George spent his early boyhood on his father's farm and came to Elgin when he was 13 having resided in the city since that time. He entered the employ of the Parker Dry Goods Co., serving as a clerk until he reached the age of 17, when at the outbreak of the war he enlisted at Dundee in Co. K, 52nd Illinois Inf. detailed to the commissary department. He served for 3 1/2 years in the Civil war.

During this period of service, in July 1862, he was sent home, from Mississippi, suffering with an ailment from which it was then supposed he would not recover. He improved, however, and rejoined his regiment. Sanford Peck, his brother, also served in the war, as did his friend, Henry Clay Edwards, once a Dundee resident, who was the father of A.D. Edwards of Elgin.

After returning from the war Mr. Peck took a course of training at a business college at Chicago, for two years. Completing this phase of his education he was employed for a short time by the Carlisle Hardware Co. He had been identified with business interests, on his own account, since 1867. After a brief experience with the hardware firm, Mr. Peck became associated with the mercantile firm of Bosworth Bros. & Peck. Some 20 years later the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Peck bought the DuBois Dry Goods Store. The new firm was called the Geo. M. Peck Co. and a grocery store was connected with it under the name of Peck & Eaton. The two stores were located on either side of the entrance of the old Grand Opera House--now the Rialto theater. In 1892 he purchased the old city hall and built a 4-story building on that site at 38-40 S. Grove Ave. There he continued in his business until 1920, when the Palm Sunday tornado demolished the building. He rebuilt the block which is now occupied by the Joseph Spiess Co.

Mr. Peck was for many years interested in the Elgin Windmill Co., and was its president until a few months ago, when he resigned. His place as a director was taken by a grandson George Peck Edwards.

He was elected president of the old Elgin City Banking Co. in 1922 and served in that capacity until March, 1933, when the bank was merged with the First National bank, Mr. Peck becoming vice-president of the latter institution, where he had been a director for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Peck had long been interested in the direction of the Old People's Home, which they helped to organize. They were numbered among the original members of the home board, and Mr. Peck had served as chairman of the finance committee, a position he relinquished a year ago, succeeded by his son-in-law, A.D. Edwards.

About 35 years ago Mr. Peck was a member of the board of education, and had served for 10 years. While serving in this capacity he selected the present site of the Washington school building.

Rites Saturday afternoon.

On May 17, 1877, Mr. Peck was married to Miss Julia C. Chapman, daughter of the late Samuel Chapman. Besides Mrs. Peck, he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Alfred D. Edwards, 706 Highland ave.; three grandsons, George Peck Edwards, Alfred Henry Edwards and Robert Chapman Edwards. The latter is a senior at Elgin Academy, and Alfred Henry Edwards is a junior at Princeton university. A son, Richard K. Peck, died in May, 1931, in the crash of the Chicago Daily News plane the "Blue Streak" near Wheaton, during an experimental flight.

Mr. Peck was a member of the First Congregational church, and of the Elgin Veteran post 49, of the G.A.R.

Private funeral service will held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30, at the home, 620 Highland ave., the Rev. Alexander Milmine officiating. Pallbearers will be Joseph C. Spiess, Frank H. McDonald, Lyman F. Black, Roland Bosworth, George W. Glos and Atty. Arthur L. Paulson.

Ausustus L. Perdergast

Augustus L. Pendergast

"G.A.R. Member Taken By Death,"
The Elgin Courier-News, June 1, 1927, p. 1.
Augustus L. Pendergast Dies at Age of 79 Years.

Augustus L. Pendergast, Civil war veteran, and for more than sixty years a well known painter and decorator of this city, died at his home, 58 South Liberty street, at 9 o'clock last night, following a lingering illness of heart trouble. He was seventy-nine years of age, having been born in Lyons, N.Y., March 13, 1848.

Mr. Pendergast had been in failing health for the past three years but his condition of recent weeks had been considered serious. Death resulted from a sudden heart attack.

During the Civil war Mr. Pendergast served in the 52nd Ohio Infantry and shortly after the close of the war came to Elgin to make his home. December 7, 1871, he was married to Katherine Ann Christie, who preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Grand Army and Odd Fellows and had always been of a cheerful disposition, kind and neighborly, always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by one son, Frank Pendergast, and a grandson, Leonard Pendergast, both of Chicago. One sister, Mrs. Lydia Bales of Chillicothe, Ill., and a sister-in-law, Althea Christie, also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the Wait-Ross-Allanson funeral church, Dr. Paul H. Yourd, pastor of the Congregational church, officiating. Interment will be in Bluff City cemetery.

Dwight B. Pendleton

Dwight B. Pendleton

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, March 8, 1919, p. 3.

Dwight Burk Pendleton, probably one of the oldest Civil war veterans in Elgin, died at his home 455 Morgan street, at 11:30 o'clock last night. He was 85 years old.

Dwight Pendleton enlisted in Company K, 19th Ohio volunteer infantry, April 23, 1861. He was discharged and again re-enlisted in the Fifth Michigan cavalry at Detroit. He was honorably discharged in March, 1865

The funeral will be held from the home, 455 Morgan street, at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon. It will be in charge of the G.A.R. Burial will be at Bluff City cemetery. Friends have been asked to please omit flowers.

Frank B. Perkins

Frank B. Perkins

"Frank Perkins, Pioneer Citizen of Elgin, Is Dead,"
The Elgin Courier-News, January 18, 1937, pp. 1, 3.
Heart Ailment Causes Death of Veteran At Age Of 96.
Frank B. Perkins died yesterday in his ninety-sixth year.

Pioneer, patriot, and civic worker, Mr. Perkins succumbed to a heart ailment at Sherman hospital, where he had been a patient since last Tuesday. He made his home of recent months at 463 E. Chicago st.

The funeral service for the Civil war veteran and lifelong resident of Elgin and its vicinity will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 from the Norris mortuary. The Rev. Alexander Milmine, pastor of the First Congregational church, will officiate, and burial will be in Bluff City cemetery.

Mr. Perkins' life had paralleled the growth of Elgin from a frontier hamlet to a modern city and through the years he had been identified with many worthy phases of community upbuilding. He was particularly active in arrangement(s) a year and a half ago for Elgin's centennial, and was considered one of the foremost students of pioneer history in this region.

Born In Log Cabin.

In excellent health for a man of his years, Mr. Perkins had led an active life up to the time of his last illness. He was a familiar figure on downtown streets, and played a prominent role in each succeeding city-wide observance of Memorial day.

Mr. Perkins was born July 8, 1841 in a log cabin on what is now Higgins road, a few miles northeast of this city. His father, Thomas Perkins, came from Massachusetts in 1838 and staked a government claim near the present community of Barrington.

As a youth of 15, Mr. Perkins enrolled in the first class at Elgin Academy, in 1856, and subsequently completed his education at Beloit college, of which he was one of the oldest living alumni.

He served with distinction in the Civil war, as a member of Company A of the Thirty-sixth Illinois, and participated in General Sherman's memorable march to the sea.

Board Secretary 20 Years.

Returning to Elgin after the war he entered the employ of the Elgin National Watch Co., and for several years was foreman of the dial room at the big plant. Later he quit the factory to accept the position of secretary of the board of education, an office he held for a 20-year period.  About 25 years ago he retired from active work and had since devoted his time to church and veterans' association activities, and to his study of pioneer history.

Mr. Perkins was commander of Veterans post 49, Grand Army of the Republic, having been elected to the position little more than a month ago. He had always insisted that the post would never surrender its charter, so long as a single veteran lived to carry on.

For many years he was active in affairs of the First Congregational church, serving as a deacon of the congregation. Of recent years he had been honored with the position of deacon emeritus of the church.

Wed In 1869.

He was married to Mary E. Raymond, member of a pioneer Elgin family, in 1869. She died in 1873.

A son, Thomas E. Perkins, widely known Elgin musician, and a grandson, Alfred J. Perkins of Flint, Mich., are the only immediate survivors. Mrs. William Goodrow and Miss Mary B. Downs of Oak Park are nieces, and George Perkins of Chicago is a nephew.

"Perkins Knew Intimate Details Of Kane County Pioneer History,"
The Elgin Courier-News, January 18, 1937, p. 3.

Few if any native born residents of the Fox river valley were closer to the pioneer history of this region than Frank B. Perkins.

The Civil war veteran liked nothing better than to reminisce of the days when Elgin was young, when girls in crinoline and boys in homespun jeans first answered the call to higher learning as Elgin Academy opened its doors in 1856, and of those stirring times in `61 when President Lincoln's plea for volunteers sent thousands of boys in blue away to war.

Mr. Perkins was a member of the throng that jammed the Chicago Wigwam on that day in 1860 when Lincoln was nominated for the presidency--in fact, the Elginite often recalled, he was almost crushed by the surging crowd which hailed the nomination of the rail-splitter.

Possessed Keen Memory.

Possessed of a keen memory for detail, Mr. Perkins was a stickler for accuracy when it came to describing the pioneer scene. An incident of just a few months ago illustrates this point.

With painstaking effort he had constructed a model of the log cabin home in which he was born in 1841. It was constructed to scale and would have done credit to a skilled craftsman.

Calling a Courier-News reporter to his home, Mr. Perkins proudly displayed his handiwork and then good-naturedly, took the Elgin centennial cabin committee to task for the replica of James T. Gifford's cabin which had been erected at Villa and Fulton streets. "James T. Gifford built this kind of a cabin," he said, exhibiting the model he had constructed. "It was not like the one which stands on Villa street. I know, for a pioneer who visited in the original cabin once described it minutely to me."

Recalls Ellsworth Death.

Mr. Perkins often remarked that a rash act in the early days of the rebellion did more to arouse feeling against the south and to doom the cause of the confederacy than any other single factor. He referred to the wanton killing of Col. Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth, dashing young northern officer, a personal friend of President Lincoln, and nationally known at the time as commander of the Chicago Zouaves.

The Zouaves were considered the best body of marching men ever assembled, and were known throughout the nation for their proficiency in the art of drill maneuvers. Ellsworth had at the time drilled the Elgin Continentals, and was well known in this city.

He was shot to death in Alexandria, Va., by an enraged southern sympathizer who had just witnessed the young officer haul down a Confederate flag.

Started Enlistments.

"Ellsworth's death was like an electric shock throughout the north," Mr. Perkins said. "It started a wave of volunteering that swept the north and gave President Lincoln the necessary man power to eventually crush the rebellion. In my opinion the killing of Colonel Ellsworth did more than any other one thing to awaken the north to the truth of the situation, to the fact that the union was in grave danger, and needed the protection of every loyal citizen."

Elgin and Kane county never had to resort to the draft to raise its quota of men for Civil war service, Mr. Perkins recalled. Lt. Col. Edward S. Joslyn, he said, went up and down the county pleading for young men to enlist and his gift of oratory kept enlistments up to quota at all times.

"George F. Wheeler was the first Elgin soldier to place his name on the muster roll when Company A of the Seventh Illinois--the Continentals-- was organized for service after Sumter had been fired upon," Mr. Perkins said. "Walter H. Kimball (who died last fall) was the first Illinois soldier mustered into federal service in the war.

Two Post Members Left.

Mr. Perkins remembered when Veteran post 49 of the Grand Amry numbered 443 members. Today two post members remain: Howard S. Lamb, 10 S. Geneva st., and DeVolois W. Stevens of Wasco.

He also liked to dwell upon the early days at the School on the Hill, which he attended the first year it opened.

"I was the first youngster to ring the old bell when it was installed in the spring of `57," he recently told a group of alumni.

Peter Peterson

Peter Peterson

"An Old Soldier,"
The Elgin Daily News, October 2, 1893, p. 3.
A Member of the 52d Regiment Dies This Morning.

Peter Peterson died of a chronic disease at 1:30 o'clock this morning, aged 60 years, 1 month and 14 days.  He was a native of Sweden, but had spent the past thirty-six years of his life in this country, earning a livelihood by market gardening. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Frank Tuttle, and a step-daughter, Mrs. Wm. Orton, with whom he resided at No. 284 Park street. He was a member of Capt. Newton's company, 52d Illinois volunteers.

The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the house.

August Pflug

August Pflug

"A. Pflug Is Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, November 17, 1893, p. 3.
The Well Known German Merchant.
Few Knew He was Sick--Was an Old Soldier.

August Pflug, an old and well-known German resident of Elgin, died about 7 o'clock Thursday evening after an illness of only several days' duration.

Deceased was born in Dessau, Germany, March 13, 1840, and emigrated to this country when about 21 years old, residing in New York for a time. In 1864 he enlisted in the 12th Illinois cavalry in Chicago, under the command of Col. Ingersoll.

At the time of the Chicago fire Mr. Pflug was in business in that city, but soon after he removed to Elgin and opened a book and toy store on Douglas avenue. A few years ago he sold out and became a partner of H.H. Denison, the firm name being the Elgin Piano and Organ company. Recently the firm had dissolved partnership and Mr. Pflug was clerking for Mr. Denison. He leaves a wife and three daughters, of whom only one, Mrs. John Stolt, resides here. One daughter died here about three years ago, and two are now living in New York. He leaves also five brothers and one sister, the latter in the old country. One brother, Fred Pfluf, lives in Elgin. Hugo Romeis was a nephew.

Mr. Pflug had long been troubled with a nervous difficulty, but his serious illness was not of longer than thirty-six hours' duration. A physician was not deemed necessary until Thursday morning.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house, 188 Center street.

James Post

James Post

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, July 6, 1909, p. 3.

James Post, a veteran of the civil war, 66 years of age, died at the Sherman hospital last night.

John Powers

John Powers

"Police Chief For Seventeen Years, John Powers Dies,"
The Elgin Daily News, April 21, 1917, p. 1.
City Marshal During "Fighting Days" of Elgin Between 1870 and 1887.
VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR.
Enlisted At Sixteen; Nursed by Southern Woman After Wound in Battle.

John Powers, former city marshal and alderman, died at 3:33 o'clock yesterday afternoon at St. Mary's hospital, Milwaukee, at the age of 72 years.

For several months he had been at the Old Soldiers' Home at Lake Wawautosa, near the Wisconsin city.

Mr. Powers was one of the most prominent of Elgin's public men, serving as chief of police at a time when an exceptional burden was placed on the shoulders of that official. He was also a well known business man, associated with T. McBride in the ice business many years ago and later as one of the proprietors of the Independent Ice company.

Entered War at Sixteen.

Born in Waterford, Ireland, February 22, 1845, he was sent to this country by his parents when a small boy. He was but 16 years old when he joined the Elgin battery at the outbreak of the civil war. Later he was transferred to Company K, 16th New York cavalry.

In a battle in Virginia he was wounded and escaped being taken prisoner by crawling into some bushes on the battle field. He was discovered by a southern woman who cared for him for weeks until he had recovered.

After the war he returned to Elgin and in 1870 was appointed city marshal. He served in that capacity until 1887. From 1893 to 1895, he was an alderman from the seventh ward. In 1898, he was re-appointed marshal by Mayor Price and served during that term.

His wife, who formerly was Miss Joann Sutton of McHenry, died three years ago.

He was a member of the Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R., Silver Leaf camp No. 60, M.W.A. and the Odd Fellows.

Funeral Monday Morning.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. W.H. Lester and Miss Mabel Powers of Elgin, Sister Mary Francis Paula of Lyons, Iowa, a son Chas. Powers of Elgin and a brother, Thos. Powers of Elgin, also Duncan Powers of Los Angeles, a grandson.

The funeral will be held Monday morning. Private services will be held at the Lester home, 915 Prospect street at 9:30 o'clock. Sevices will also be held at St. Mary's church at 10 o'clock. Burial will be at Bluff City cemetery.

Resolutions of sympathy for the relatives of the late John Powers were submitted to the city council this morning by Commissioner Charles L. Kohn and were unanimously passed by a rising vote of that body. The preamble to the resolutions cited the fact that Mr. Powers had served the city as an official from 1870 to 1879 and from 1888 to 1897. Mr. Powers had been an alderman and city marshal of the city.

"Elgin Veteran Succumbs,"
The St. Charles Chronicle, April 26, 1917, p.

John R. Powers, a veteran of the Civil war, and a resident of Elgin for many years, died at the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee Sunday. Mr. Powers came from Ireland alone direct to Elgin when he was only seven years old. His father sent him to an older brother who had preceded the lad to this country. For many years Mr. Powers was chief of police in Elgin, and attained the title of the "fighting marshal". In the Civil war he was a member of the Renwick battery. After the war he was in Washington for a time, and was a member of the posse that captured J. Wilkes Booth, the murderer of Abraham Lincoln.

Frank Preston

Frank Preston

"Death of A.T. Lewis,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, August 9, 1904, p. 1

After a long illness of paralysis Frank Preston, one of the most highly respected citizens of Elgin, died last Sunday at the National Soldiers' Home, Milwaukee. Popular among all and beloved to hosts of friends, his death brings much sorrow to those who knew him.

Mr. Preston was born at Auburn, N.H., in 1833 and his boyhood days were spent in the east. In 1869, Mr. Preston came to Elgin. A few years after arriving here he obtained a position in the screw department of the watch factory. In 1880 he was made foreman of the screw department, resigning his position in 1896. For a short time he was employed in the machine shop at the Illinois Watch Case company.

Mr. Preston was one of the well-known musicians of this city, having been at one time director of one of the most popular orchestras in this vicinity. He was also a prominent member of the famous Watch Factory band and for many years he was the leader of the Bluff City band.

At the beginning of the civil war Mr. Preston enlisted in the 3d Massachusetts regiment and served in that command throughout the war. He was beloved and honored by his comrades, who know him as a brave soldier. For many years Mr. Preston had taken a great interest in the G.A.R. movements of Illinois and for this work he gained much popularity among the veterans.

Last year he was elected town collector but owing to ill health was unable to attend to his duties. Later he went to the Soldiers' home at Milwaukee and since then has lived there.

A widow, Mrs. Sarah Preston, is left to mourn the loss.

The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the home, No. 353 Division street.

Joseph Priller

Joseph Priller

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, June 17, 1911, p. 3.

Joseph Priller, a resident of Elgin for more than a half century, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon following an illness of several weeks, aged 72 years. He had been confined to his bed only two weeks, being taken to the hospital several days ago.

Joseph Priller was born in Saxon, Germany, on January 1, 1839. When he was twelve years old his parents emigrated to America, coming directly to Illinois. Fifty years ago he came to Elgin and had lived here since.

Socially he was a member of the Elgin Post No. 49, G.A.R. He served four years in the Civil war with an Illinois regiment. Mr. Priller was a carpenter by trade, but had been retired for a number of years. Recently he made his home at the Burns hotel.

Mr. Priller is survived by four children, Mrs. Louise K. Priller, George, Joseph P., and Charles, all of Elgin.

The funeral which will be private will be held Sunday noon at 12:45 o'clock at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Louise K. Priller, 274 Hamilton avenue. Friends are requested to omit flowers.  Interment will take place at Bluff City cemetery.

John T. Prouse

John T. Prouse

"Died,"
Every Saturday, December 4, 1886, p. 1.   

John T. Prouse died Tuesday night at his home in this city, aged 47 years.  He was a native of New York. Interment at Coral, McHenry county.

Abraham Pygus

Abraham Pygus

"Deaths of Day,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, July 21, 1911, p. 3.

Abraham Pygus, well known member of the G.A.R. in this city, died at his home at 1000 Hill avenue at 6 o'clock last evening after an illness of a number (of) years.

Mr. Pygus was born in Utica, New York, on June 16, 1838 and lived there until 1880 when he came to Illinois and to Elgin. He engaged in farming near South Elgin and also conducted a coal business at South Elgin for a number of years.

He served in the Civil war for about a year and one half, and was a member of the Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R., and also a member of the Modern Woodmen.

Besides the widow he is survived by one son Randolph, both of this city.

The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home at 1000 Hill avenue. The G.A.R. will hold the services at the grave at the Bluff City cemetery.