GAR Obituaries from Radford to Russell
- Andrew Radford
- Henry C. Raymond
- Edward Real
- J. H. Reynolds
- Jacob D. Rickert
- Amos E. Rigby
- Adoniram Robinson
- Albert D. Rogers
- Henry H. Rohrssen
- William Rose
- Chris Ross
- George A. Rowe
- Horace M. Rundell
- Henry F. Runge
- John M. Russell
Andrew Radford
Andrew Radford
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 23, 1909, p. 3.
Andrew Radford, one of the best known colored residents of the city, died at St. Joseph's hospital shortly afternoon today, following an illness from which he had suffered for some time. At the time of his death he had passed his 76th birthday.
Mr. Radford during the civil war, was an active soldier on the union side and participated in many of the fiercest and bloodiest battles of the campaign.
He was at one time an employe of the News-Advocate Publishing company. Funeral notice will be given later.
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 24, 1909, p. 7.
Andrew Radford, who died at St. Joseph's hospital yesterday afternoon following an illness of about ten days' duration was born in the state of Kentucky in 1852. He came to Elgin more than a decade ago.
The deceased is survived by his widow, and five children, Andrew, Mabel, Everett, Mrs. Maude Hall, and Odell. He was a member of G.A.R. Post No. 49.
The funeral will take place at 1 o'clock at the house 606 Mill street, Saturday afternoon. The church service will take place at 2:30 o'clock. The remains will be buried in the old soldier's reserve cemetery.
Henry C. Raymond
Henry C. Raymond
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, July 15, 1924, p. 3.
Henry C. Raymond died suddenly this morning at 6:30 o'clock at his home, 275 Orange street. Death was due to heart trouble.
He was born May 31, 1842, in Thompson county, New York. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Sadie Stuart.
He was a member of the G.A.R., Eighth Illinois Cavalry association of Civil war veterans, and Monitor lodge, No. 522 A.F. & A.M., Loyal L. Munn Chapter, No. 96, R.A.M.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Wait-Ross-Allanson Funeral church, with C.E. Schiller of the International Bible Students and Monitor lodge in charge of the service. Burial at Bluff City cemetery.
Edward Real
Edward Real
"He Died This Morning,"
The Elgin Daily News, March 14, 1890, p. 4.
Edward Real, the Victim of the Fall
At the First Baptist Church Yesterday--
A Post Mortem Examination Discloses the Full Extent of
Fearful Injuries--Inquest Tomorrow.
The shocking accident to Edward Real, chronicled in yesterday's Daily News, occurring shortly after 4 o'clock, was followed by his death at 5 o'clock this morning. He lingered unconscious to the end. A.L. Pendergast and George W. Fowler remained with him through the night.
A reporter from the Daily News visited the scene of the accident this morning. The audience room of the First Baptist church is in a state of confusion. Pews are piled up in the center, scaffolding was stretched across the west side, and a raised floor has been laid. Painters and carpenters were busy. From them was gleaned the following
Particulars of the Fatality.
Among the men at work yesterday were John Potter, Horace Stanley, and Geo. W. Fowler. Real was upon the top of the scaffolding, and Stanley, from a position in the gallery, had just handed up to him a plank. Stanley turned to walk away and the next instant a shriek was heard. Potter seems to have been the only witness to the fall. He saw Real as the latter had nearly struck the floor. He was falling with his head inclined--but scarcely "head first. He struck the floor with his right shoulder. The upper floor is crushed at this place. There is a difference of opinion as to whether a six inch board that fell with Real broke the floor or whether it was his shoulder. The workmen think it was the latter. There was nothing in the way to retard the fall. The distance is fully twenty-five feet. Real lay motionless and insensible.
Taking Him Home.
One of the men rushed to Church's house where Pendergast, for whom Real had worked a score of years, was engaged. The next thing was to get an express wagon, and Grippen was quickly found. Dr. H.L. Pratt was notified and attended the victim before leaving the church. Dr. Tapper was also summoned and went to the house. A lady preceded the wagon and broke the awful news to Real's daughter, Mamie, a girl of 17, who is the housekeeper, Mrs. Real having died a few years ago. Perhaps it was fifteen minutes after the accident ere the injured man's home was reached. The scene of grief presented was heart-rending. Besides the daughter there are left three boys, the youngest about 6 years old.
The doctors' first examination disclosed, in addition to dislocation of the neck, a rib on the right side fractured, the right collar bone dislocated from the breast bone and also from the shoulder blade. The left side was completely paralyzed, but the sufferer could move his right arm a trifle. It appeared that there was concussion of the brain. There were bruises on the back of the head and other places.
A Daring Man.
"He must have stepped off the plank," said one of his fellow-workmen. "He had been taking down scaffolding on the other side and in the center of the church, used by the painters in decorating. He was in much more dangerous places than that from which he fell. He was cool, although naturally a nervous man. Why, he was considered the best climber in Elgin. He it was that repaired and painted the church steeple awhile ago. I believe he used to be a sailor. He would go into many places where I wouldn't risk myself."
The Post Mortem
Drs. Pratt, Tapper, and Tefft held an autopsy this forenoon. They found a complete dislocation of the spine at the juncture of the second and third cervical vertebrae; fracture of the third to seventh (inclusive) dorsal vertebrae, with complete fracture of the bodies of the vertebrae, extending into the spinal cord of the second and seventh; fracture of the fifth, sixth, and seventh right ribs, near the spine; complete dislocation of the right collar bone.
Real was 47 years old. An inquest will be held tomorrow. The funeral will occur Sunday.
"Died,"
Every Saturday, March 15, 1890, p. 1.
Edward Real fell from a scaffolding while painting the inside of the First Baptist church on Thursday and broke his neck. He was taken up unconscious. He was a widower and about 40 years old.
"At Home,"
Every Saturday, August 2, 1890, p. 8.
The G.A.R. has succeeded in finding homes in the Soldier's Orphans home at Bloomington, for the two youngest children of Edward Reatl (sic), the man who was killed by falling from the scaffolding of the First Baptist church, awhile ago.
J. H. Reynolds
J.H. Reynolds
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 5, 1904, p. 1.
J.H. Reynolds, who had been a carpenter here for many years, died at his residence, No. 840 Oak street, this morning at 3 o'clock. The deceased was 62 years of age and had spent the last twenty-five years of his life in Elgin. He was a veteran of the army and navy, having seen active service in both. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Mary Wilkes.
The funeral will be a private service held at the residence on Oak street. Rev. Farmilow will officiate. Burial will be at the Bluff City cemetery.
Jacob D. Rickert
Jacob D. Rickert
"Death of J.M. Adams,"
The Elgin Weekly Courier, July 13, 1901, p. 2.
After a critical illness of three weeks, during which there was at no time hope of recovery, Jacob D. Rickert breathed his last at 1 o'clock Tuesday, at his home on Grove avenue.
He was born May 25th, 63 years ago and came west with his parents when but four years of age. The family lived at Elmhurst, Geneva, and Naperville and was well known throughout that section.
At the latter place the deceased grew to manhood and when the civil war broke out was among the first to volunteer his services. He enlisted in the 8th Illinois cavalry. He was for a time confined in Libby prison and owing to the resultant ill health was paroled.
Upon his return to Naperville he was married to Hattie Smith, daughter of the late Alvin Smith, an old resident.
Mr. Rickert came to Elgin 38 years ago to take the position of engineer at the watch factory, which position he held for 36 years, or until failing health caused him to resign. He was most trustworthy in every respect and discharged his duties with unfailing care and faithfulness. He was highly valued by the company.
He was a man of the strictest integrity, kindly in his nature and ever ready to go out of his way to do someone a kindness or help those in sorrow and disease. In every respect he was an excellent citizen and ideal husband and father, devoted to his family. There are none but kindly words spoken of him and general sorrow among all who knew him at his taking off.
Mr. Rickert was a member of the A.O.U.W., the Royal League and Veteran post, G.A.R. A widow, two sons and two daughters are left to mourn his loss. The latter are Charles A., Judson D., Lillian and Nellie, all of Elgin except Judson who now makes his home at Waltham.
Amos E. Rigby
Amos E. Rigby
"Life's Journey Ended,"
The Elgin Weekly Courier, April 12, 1902, p. 6.
A.E. Rigby, a Veteran of the Civil War, and Others Called.
Amos E. Rigby, a well known resident of Elgin for many years, died at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at home, No. 330 Hendee street, aged about 60 years.
He had been more or less an invalid since 1892 and for the past six months his condition was serious. He had been employed in the watch factory.
He was a member of the G.A.R. and of Kane lodge of Odd Fellows.
A widow and one son survive him. His father, brother and sister reside at Dundee.
Adoniram Robinson
Adoniram Robinson
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, December 29, 1910, p. 3.
Adoniram Robinson, for many years a printer on The Daily News, died at 6:20 o'clock last evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R.J. Brush, 815 Washburn street. Death was due to concussion of the brain, caused by an injury to his head which he sustained in a fall on October 21, when he suffered a slight stroke of apoplexy.
Robinson, who has been retired for a number of years, was at his sister's home when he was stricken. He had just started to go up stairs and in falling struck his head against a door jamb. Since being injured he had been only semi-conscious.
Adoniram Robinson was born October 27, 1835 in Ohio. He spent his boyhood in his native state, where he was married 53 years ago to Miss Margaret J. Oxley, who died three years ago. He served with an Ohio regiment during the Civil war, being honorably discharged. After returning from the war he lived in Ohio for a time, before going to Browning, Mo., from where he came to Elgin twenty-six years ago.
Religiously Mr. Robinson had been a devoted member of the First Methodist church of this city. Socially he belonged to Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R., which organization will attend his funeral in a body.
Besides his daughter with whom he lived, Mr. Robinson is survived by four daughters and two sons. They are: William of Chicago, Mrs. Belle Carter of Browning, Mo., Mrs. Emma Switzer of Elgin, Mrs. Henry Caughey, Harvey, Ill., Robert of Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Jennie Fitzpatrick of Bailey, Ill. Three half sisters and a brother, Joseph live in Missouri.
The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. R.J. Brush, 815 Washburn street. Interment at Bluff City cemetery.
Albert D. Rogers
Albert D. Rogers
"Died,"
Every Saturday, August 1, 1896, p. 8.
Albert Daniel Rogers died of paralysis, after an illness of three years, at his home on Mill street, July 24, aged 56 years. He had lived in Elgin nearly a quarter of a century. His wife and three sons, all of Elgin, survive him. The funeral was conducted by Veteran post, G.A.R.
Henry H. Rohrssen
Henry H. Rohrssen
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 10, 1925, p. 3.
Henry H. Rohrssen died this morning at 8:40 o'clock at the home of his son Louis at 383 East Chicago street. He was born in Germany, August 26, 1834, and came to America seventy years ago. He made his home in Hanover township until twenty-four years ago when he came to Elgin. He was a private in Co. A 2nd Regiment of Iowa Infantry in the Civil war.
Surviving him are five children: Mrs. Jacob Muller, and Louis of this city, Mrs. William Buesche of Hanover, John and Edward of Algonquin and sixteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also three sisters, Mrs. Heideman of Iowa, Mrs. Meier of Chicago and Mrs. Engel Krumfusz of this city.
Funeral services will be private at 1:30 o'clock Sunday from the late home and at 2 o'clock from the Wait-Ross-Allanson funeral church. The Rev. Theodore F. Bierbaum will officiate. Burial will be at Bluff City cemetery.
William Rose
William Rose
"A Ripe Age,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 31, 1891, p. 3.
William Rose died of old age at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the home of his daughter, 73 Prairie street. He was born in Otsego county, New York, June 8, 1811, making him over 80 years old.
As early as 1836 he came to Chicago. From there he went to Naperville, and after the war removed to Elgin. He was a member of the 52d Ills. Inf. for three years, and was one year on the 1st Ill. battery. He was over 50 years old when he enlisted, and his service was mainly as a mail carrier and surgeon's assistant in the hospital.
He was a charter member of L.L. Munn chapter of the Free Masons, organized in Elgin in 1866. By trade he was a tailor and had worked for Hemmens & Jones and Smailes Bros.
He leaves a wife and five children--Mrs. Ballou, with whom he resided, A.M. Rose of Colfax, Washington, Mrs. W.D. Godard of Olympia, Washington, Dolph Rose of the Canton watch factory, and William Rose of Texas.
"Uncle William" was a familiar figure about the city. He was small in stature, and his apparently vigorous constitution gave no evidence of slow decay. He was genial, hearty, and respected. He had many friends and no enemies, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
The funeral took place at 2 this afternoon at the residence and at 2:30 at the First Congregational church. The G.A.R. and Masonic fraternity were present in large numbers.
Chris Ross
Chris Ross
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 17, 1918, p. 3.
Chris Ross, well known civil war veteran and a familiar figure as the flag bearer in the annual Memorial day parade here, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 10 o'clock last night, age 77 years and 6 months.
Mr. Ross was born in Erienbach, Weinsburg county, Wurttenberg, Germany, February 22, 1841, coming to this country at the age of 6 years. He was married to Miss Ellen Morey in 1865. She still survives him also one son, George and a daughter, Mrs. Ella Fletcher.
On account of the serious illness of the widow at the family home, 377 Enterprise street, the funeral will be held at the Norris chapel Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be in charge of G.A.R. post No. 49.
George A. Rowe
George A. Rowe
"George A. Rowe Taken By Death,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, April 28, 1924, p. 1.
Was Treasurer of D.C. Cook Publishing Company Since 1881.
By Mrs. W.P. Topping
George A. Rowe, a resident of our city for the past 44 years died on Saturday evening at Sherman hospital. Funeral services were held this afternoon at the First Baptist church, conducted by the Rev. T.L. Stephens of Immanual Baptist church. Services will also be held tomorrow morning in Genoa Junction, Wis., where he will be laid to rest. The D.C. Cook company plant closed at 3 o'clock out of respect for him.
Born on December 2, 1841, in Genoa Junction, Wis., he received his education in the schools of that place, expecting as a boy to become a physician. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Co. H, 37th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, serving through the entire war. In 1869, he married Amelia S. Coe, who died in 1875. Two children, Elsie Ruth, now Mrs. Albert F. Green, and Hervey Coe, who died in infancy, were the result of this union. In 1876, he married Mary E. Andrews of Chicago, his widow who survives him. To them were born six children, Dwight Andrews, Mary Amelia, now Mrs. Howard Fellows, Charles G., Howard Lester, Ralph N. and George. There are thirteen grandchildren.
After the Civil War, Mr. Rowe engaged in the lumber business in Northern Wisconsin, where he went through a horrible forest fire, thereby losing all he had invested. August 5, 1880, he entered the employ of the David C. Cook Publishing Co., then located in Chicago, serving first as foreman of one of the departments, but his wonderful mathematical ability made itself evident and he was placed in a position of greater trust in the cashier's office and in 1881 was made treasurer of the company, a position he held with honor to the time of his death.
Tribute By Mrs. Topping
Mr. Rowe was among the first representatives of the D.C. Cook company who came to this city and the splendid Christian character displayed throughout the years, was with him then. Few people have been so close a Bible student as Mr. Rowe and to few it is given to have such an all-abiding faith in God. From a child he held membership in the Baptist church, serving as deacon for many years in the First Baptist Church of Elgin, with which he had later been connected. His whole life has been given to helping and cheering those with whom he associated. Truly it can be said of him he "lived" his religion. A kind husband and father, a helpful friend, an upright Christian citizen has left us, but his influence for good in the lives of others will live on. We wonder if Mr. Edgar Guest was referring to Mr. Rowe when he wrote the following:
"It is a finer, nobler thought,
When day is done and night has brought
The contemplative hours and sweet,
And rest to weary hearts and feet,
If man can stand in truth and say:
'I have been useful here today.
Back there is one I chanced to see
With hope new born because of me."
"This day in honor I have toiled;
My shining crest is still unsoiled;
But on the mile I leave behind
Is one who says that I was kind;
And someone hums a cheerful song
Because I chanced to come along.
And someone kneels tonight to pray
Because I talked with him today."
Horace M. Rundell
Horace M. Rundell
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 26, 1923, p. 3.
Horace M. Rundell, born in upper Alton, Ill., May 22, 1841, died yesterday afternoon following an illness of one week. He was a Civil war veteran and enlisted in the 10th Cavalry in 1861. He was discharged in 1866. He was a member of the Veteran Post, No. 49.
He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Eugene Richoz of this city, with whom he resided, a son, Robert R. Rundell of Alton, Ill. Also fourteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock from the Norris chapel; burial will be at Bluff City cemetery.
Henry F. Runge
Henry F. Runge
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, July 28, 1925, p. 3.
Henry F. Runge, prominent and faithful First Evangelical church worker and member of the Elgin post of the G.A.R., died suddenly yesterday morning while visiting with his son, William H. Runge, at St. James, Minn. He was 78 years of age.
Mr. Runge, one of the charter members of the Evangelical Association of Elgin, had served as church trustee for more than 20 years and always took an active part in Evangelical church activities.
He was born in Hanover, Germany, January 4, 1847, and came to America when a baby six months old. Upon arriving in this country his parents moved to Palatine, Ill., where he lived until 8 years of age. He later moved to a farm two miles east of Elgin, where he resided until 21 years ago. Since then he has been a resident of Elgin, living at 555 Ann street.
During the Civil war, Mr. Runge served with Union army as a member of the 52nd division and participated in General Sherman's famous march through Georgia to the sea. He later became a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic.
His wife preceded him in death 13 years ago.
He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mary H. Ollman of Highmore, S. Dak., five sons, William H. Runge and A.J. Runge of St. James, Minn., D.F. Runge and R.C. Runge of Blutt, S. Dak., and Martin F. Runge of Elgin, one brother, L.H. Runge of Elgin, one sister, Mrs. Sophie Franzen of Park Ridge, Ill., fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the Norris chapel and at 2 o'clock from the First Evangelical church, Rev. I.L. Schweitzer officiating. Burial will take place at Bluff City cemetery.
John M. Russell
John M. Russell
"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, March 26, 1909, p. 3.
John Mead Russell died at his home, 120 Hill avenue, Thursday evening. He had been a long and patient sufferer and had been in a critical condition several weeks. The cause of death was kidney disease. During all of that time he had been a patient and uncomplaining sufferer, and for some time his condition was such that none but members of his immediate family were allowed to see him. Mr. Russell was born in Steuben county, New York, where he remained until five years of age, when the family removed to Dundee, where they resided for several years, afterwards removing to Leland, and from there to a farm near Dwight, in Livingston county. While residing there he enlisted in the Twelfth Illinois cavalry, and by meritorious conduct and gallantry was advanced to the rank of lieutenant, and afterwards given the command of a company.
At the close of the war he became a carpenter and bridge contractor, and removed to Elgin in 1880. The pile bridge at Chicago street that was put in after the ferry boat disaster of 1881 was under his direction. Soon after, he entered into partnership with the late John Kirkpatrick, and continued as a building contractor until 1886, when he became the eastern representative of F. Meyers and Sons shoe house, and traveled in the interests of the house until disabled by his last illness. He was a member of Veteran post, G.A.R., and of Monitor lodge of Masons, he having been a member of the order many years and being instrumental in forming the lodge at Englewood, Ill., of which he was a charter member.
The widow resides here. There are seven sons and daughters--Maud F., Samuel W., Charles P., David. W., Mary P., Josephine, and Mrs. W.A. Gibson.
The funeral will be held Sunday, at the First Congregational church, at 2:30 o'clock, and will be in charge of Monitor lodge of Masons. The members of the G.A.R. will also attend. The burial will be at Oakwoods cemetery, Chicago.