GAR Obituaries from Sale to Sylla

Charles F. Salisbury

Charles F. Salisbury

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 7, 1916, p. 3.

Charles F. Salisbury, employed for many years with the Aurora, Elgin and Chicago Electric Light company and known among the railroad employes as "Dad" died today at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Lowry, 326 Ryerson avenue, after and illness of one year. He was 69 years of age and was the father-in-law of County Clerk Charles Lowry.

Mr. Salisbury was a painter by trade. He worked in the watch factory several years.

Charles Salisbury was born at Cazenovia, N.Y., November 39 (?), 1847. He enlisted in Co. F, Twenty-second New York cavalry at the age of 16 years and served two years. Forty-five years ago he came to Elgin. He was a member of the local Veteran Post G.A.R.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary I. Salisbury, one daughter, Mrs. Charles Lowry, one son, W.A. Salisbury, Elgin, and a sister, Mrs. Mary S. Pease, Elgin.

The funeral will be Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Lowry home, 325 Ryerson avenue. Rev. E.D. Ellenwood will have charge of the services. The G.A.R. will also conduct services at the house.

Warren M. Sayer

Warren M. Sayer

"Warren M. Sayer, Pioneer, Is Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, March 31, 1925, pp. 1, 3.
Taken By Death, At Miami; Worker At Cook Co. For 35 Years

Warren M. Sayer, pioneer Elgin resident, Civil war veteran, and for thirty-five years an employe of the David C. Cook Publishing company, died at Miami, Fla., last Sunday evening, according to word received in this city today. He was eighty-four years of age.

Mr. Sayer's death followed a lingering illness. Last year failing health compelled him to seek a southern climate, and during the past few months of his life he had resided at the Miami home of his son, J.H. Sayer.

Attended Academy

Born in Wayne, January 5, 1841, Mr. Sayer had lived his entire life in Elgin and vicinity.

While a student at the Elgin Academy and Junior college in 1861, he was one of a group of Elgin young men who enlisted for service in the Civil war.

Mr. Sayer enlisted in the 105th Illinois, Company F, July 31, 1862, at Aurora. He served throughout the remainder of the war, being mustered out in June 1865. In 1908 he was commander of Elgin post, G.A.R., and at different times had served as post adjutant of the local veterans' organization.

Returning from service in the war, Mr. Sayer for several years operated his farm at Wayne, later removing to Elgin to live. For more than thirty-five years he was a familiar figure at the David C. Cook Publishing company, having charge of the book store when the plant was located down town, and having been at the desk in the reception room daily from the time the present plant was built.

Mr. Sayer was a prominent member of the First Baptist church and an active member of Elgin Veterans' Post No. 49, Grand Army of the Republic. He was a frequent visitor at the various G.A.R. reunions and encampments.

Mrs. Sayer preceded her husband in death five years ago.

He is survived by three sons, J.H. Sayer of Miami, Fla., Eugene Sayer of Chicago and Lewis A. Sayer of Seattle, Wash.; two grandchildren, Melville Sayer of Dallas, Tex., and Carol Sayer of Chicago; a sister Mrs. G.W. Richarson of Clarinda, Ia.; a niece, Mrs. O.B. Ashman, 371 Fulton street, Elgin and one great grand-daughter.

During the last years of his residence in Elgin Mr. Sayer resided at the Lillian apartments, 314 East Chicago street.

The body will be removed to this city for burial. Funeral announcements will be made later.

The Elgin post of the G.A.R. will have charge of the funeral.

Theodore Schroeder

Theodore Schroeder

"Theo. Schroeder,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, August 29, 1904, p. 1.
Former Fire Marshal of Elgin Dies Early This Morning at Home.
BORN IN PRUSSIA, 1843
Was a Veteran of Civil War--Long a Fireman.

Theodore J.A. Schroeder passed away at 1 o'clock this morning at his home on Grove avenue.

Deceased was born in Prussia, July 2d, 1843. At the age of 10 years he came to America, settling for a very short time in Chicago. From there he came to Elgin where he resided until his death.

When a youth Mr. Schroeder learned the harness making trade, and for a number of years was engaged in that business. At the age of 19 years he enlisted and served nearly four years in the civil war, being a member of company I, 127th Illinois volunteers.

Mr. Schroeder was one of the best known citizens of this city. He was the first fire marshal who received remuneration for performing the duties of that office and previously he served in the same capacity for a number of years without compensation, having been elected to the position. The older residents of the city will remember the ancient Gifford engine. It was this engine of which Mr. Schroeder had charge.

Deceased was taken ill last April and since then his health had been gradually failing. For two years previous to his last illness he was employed in the balance department of the watch factory.

At the time of his death Mr. Schroeder was a member of Veteran post, G.A.R., and of the A.O.U.W.

Besides his father, Carl Schroeder, aged 91 years, he leaves a widow, four sons, two daughters, one brother, Louis; two sisters, Mrs. August J. Volstorff and Mrs. Emil Belhoff. The children are Albert of Lancaster, Mass.; Charles of Waltham, Mass.; Mrs. J. Russ Smith of Muncie, Ind.; Edward, Ernest and Florence of Elgin

The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, from the family residence, 200 Grove avenue.

George W. Sears

George W. Sears

"George W. Sears, Pioneer Business Man, Is Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, December 20, 1910, p. 1.
CIVIL WAR VETERAN AND EARLY MERCHANT,
SUCCUMBS, AGED 73 YEARS.
Opened Store in 1865 on Fountain Square-- Retired in 1894.

George W. Sears, a pioneer business man of Elgin died at 7 o'clock last evening at the family residence, 380 Hickory place, aged 73 years.

After he had been in the shoe business for about twelve years, Mr. Sears sold his store to George Linkfield. His next venture was in the grocery business. He ran a grocery store for a number of years and later went into partnership with James V. Mink under the firm name of Sears & Mink. He sold out his grocery business and opened a crockery store which he sold to W.A. Skinner, who still conducts it.

For a time after deserting the mercantile field in Elgin he bought and sold bankrupt stocks, which finally resulted in his going into the real estate business, his agency being one of the largest in Elgin before he retired in 1894.

Although urged on many occasions to become a candidate for public office he gave his consent but once, being elected assessor, which office he held for two years in the early nineties.

George W. Sears was born March 10, 1837, at Vergennes, Vt. When he was but 10 years old his parents moved to Greenwich Corners, N.Y. He spent his boyhood at that place. When the civil war broke out he enlisted with a New York regiment, serving three years.

At the close of the war he came west to Elgin. On September 18, 1867, he was married to Martha E. Wood of Marengo, who survives him.

Besides his widow he is survived by a son George W. Sears, Jr., of Chicago and five daughters. Mrs Linnie P. Roberts, Mrs. Burd Heslin of Evanston, Mrs. Cora Vermilya of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Mrs. Hattie Covert of Rockford and Mrs. Libbie Covert, who resides at home. Two sisters, Mrs. George Knott of Park street and Mrs. John Davenport of Dundee avenue are other survivors.

The funeral will be private and will be held at the late residence, 380 Hickory place, at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. W.P. Ferries and Rev. Henry Lenz of Evanston officiating. Interment at Bluff City cemetery.

Jacob H. Sexton

Jacob H. Sexton

"Died,"
Every Saturday, January 4, 1896, p. 8.

Jacob H. Sexton died suddenly Dec. 28, at the home of a friend in Chicago, where he was visiting. The remains were brought here for interment and the funeral was held at his late home on Russell street Tuesday, under the auspices of Veteran Post, G.A.R. His wife and two sons survive him.  He was 65 years old, a member of the First M.E. church and of the G.A.R.

Patterson Sharp

Patterson Sharp

"Capt. Sharp Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, January 24, 1894, p. 3
Elgin Friends Startled by the Tidings.
The End Overtakes Him at a Bloomington Hotel--Gastric Colic the Supposed Cause
Prominent in Several Orders--Particulars in Telegraph.

The sudden death of Capt. Patterson Sharp was a severe shock to his relatives and many acquaintances in this city. The news reached this city by telgraph about midnight. Death overtook him Tuesday evening at the Windsor hotel in Bloomington, Ill. Particulars at this writing are very meagre and the facts can be drawn only from a few telegraphic brevities.

Capt. Sharp left Elgin Monday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock for Bloomington to attend the annual state convention of the American Protective association of which he was a member.

He was not enjoying quite his usual good health, and complained slightly to his wife of feeling ill. He expected to arrive home today.

A telegram from Bloomington was received just before midnight at police headquarters, addressed to the chief of police. It said that Capt. Sharp of Elgin was dead, requested that the family be notified, and asked for instructions. Marshall Myhre was not at the station, and Officer Schmuhl opened the telegram. Upon Sergeant Munshaw devolved the painful necessity of notifying deceased's wife, Mrs. S.C. Sharp, of No. 2 Center street. The intelligence was a terrible blow, although broken to her as gently as possible.

An undertaker was consulted and Sergeant Munshaw filed a return dispatch at the Milwaukee depot at 1:20 o'clock this morning, asking for further particulars and stating that a man to take charge of the remains would start for Bloomington upon the first train this morning. G.A. Thornburg and Mrs. Sharp left about 7 o'clock. They expect to arrive here with the remains this evening.

In view of Sergeant Munshaw's telegraphic request for particulars, the police expected another telegram during the night. Nothing was received until about 7 o'clock this morning when a dispatch came to Marshal Myhre--simply a repetition of the first one.

The wording of the first dispatch, "Capt. Sharp is dead," led the authorities to infer that he had perhaps met with a violent death. His relatives here state that he was not subject to heart disease, so far as they know.

After Mrs. Sharp's departure this morning a dispatch addressed to her was opened by her niece, Mrs. Al Gleason, of 216 Ann street. It stated that Capt. Sharp had died suddenly at the Windsor hotel. Later this morning Marshal Myhre received two telegrams as follows: One from H.E. Geer, chairman committee, reading, "Capt. Sharp is cared for by friends, 1,000 strong." The second read, "Capt. Sharp is cared for by friends," and was signed by J.F. Hale, coroner.  The "friends, 1,000 strong" is presumed to refer to members of the A.P.A.

Neither Mr. Sharp's departure for Bloomington nor his business there was known to more than two or three of his Elgin friends. Capt. Sharp was never communicative about his private business affairs. Even the post office clerks, where he was employed, did not know of his destination or business. Those who did know expressed a suspicion of foul play. The A.P.A., of which Capt. Sharp was a member, is an anti-Catholic organization, and it was the state convention that he had gone to attend. The order is very strong in Bloomington.

Since the fall of 1889 deceased had been chief mailing clerk in the post office. Previous to that and since 1882, about when he came here from Missouri, he filled a similar position in D.C. Cook's publishing house. The situation is one which requires peculiar adaptability, as well as a large fund of information about traffic lines, and the captain had the reputation of being particularly skillful at throwing mail.

He was quite a radical thinker in all political questions, and never averse to expressing his opinions. During the last presidential campaign he was a local leader of the people's party. He had $4,000 life insurance in the Maccabees and Woodmen. In the former order he had been an officer. It is said he previously had $7,000, and only within a few weeks dropped $3,000 by withdrawing from the Royal Arcanum.

His title of captain was secured from actual service in the union army during the late war. He was a member of Veteran post, G.A.R., and that organization will have charge of the funeral.

Deceased leaves no children. His wife, Mrs. S.C. Sharp, was Miss Sarah Collins of Manistee, Mich., whom he married since his residence in Elgin. She clerked in T.F. Swan's store about a year ago. At that time Mr. and Mrs. Sharp resided at 74 Center street. Recently their home had been No. 2 Center street, one of Dr. H.K. Whitford's flats. Except his wife, deceased has no relatives in this city.

Mrs. Sharp is prominent among the Lady Maccabees and she was in Dundee until a late hour Tuesday evening, officiating as installing officer for the Lady Maccabees there. She had just returned when Sergeant Munshaw, with his fatal news, rang the bell.

Particulars of His Death.

Special to the Daily News.

Bloomington, Ill., Jan. 24--Capt. Patterson Sharp of Elgin died very suddenly about 7 o'clock last evening at O'Kane's hotel, near the union depot. He arrived in the city at 10:30 Tuesday morning, went to O'Kane's hotel, got a room and retired. About 4 o'clock he came down stairs and reported to the man in charge of the house that he was ill. He complained of severe pains in the region of the stomach. He soon got better and again went to bed. When Mr. O'Kane went to Mr. Sharp's room yesterday morning he found his guest quite sick, and at his request sent for a doctor. The man told him his name and residence, and said that he was a member of the G.A.R. or Sons of Veterans, Mr. O'Kane doesn't remember which, and also of the Modern Woodmen of America, and asked Mr. O'Kane to notify both of these organizations of his illness. Mr. O'Kane telephoned up town asking that the Modern Woodmen be notified. The stranger refused to allow Mr. O'Kane to telegraph his friends, saying that he was not seriously ill and did not want to alarm his friends; that he "would be all right tomorrow." He said that he was not well when he left home. At 6 p.m. Mr. O'Kane again visited the man and found him comfortable. At 7 o'clock Mr. O'Kane's daughter went to the sick man's room with a light supper and found him dying. In less than ten minutes he breathed his last. His body was removed to an undertaker's and an inquest will be held to day. The physician who attended says he died of gastric colic. Daily Pantograph.

George W. Shaw

George W. Shaw

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, April 8, 1908, p. 3.

George W. Shaw, son of the founder of Elgin's old-time hostelry, the Commercial hotel, and for many years its proprietor, died at his home in this city today. Deceased was 62 years of age.

George W. Shaw was born at the Commercial hotel which then stood on the present site of the Sherwin building, corner of Chicago and Spring streets. Established by his father in the early '40s, this hotel was the mecca for politicians and traveling men of the early days. Following his father's death he operated the hostelry for many years. It was torn down but a few years ago to give place to the Sherwin building.

Deceased is survived by his wife and son, Harvey, who live at the home, 227 Grove avenue. Three brothers and two sisters also survive. They are C.F. of Elgin, Louis of Cleveland, Ohio, Eugene of Colorado Springs, Mrs. Mary King of Elgin, and Mrs. Eva Beauhman of Chicago.

Mr. Shaw served with the northern army during the Civil war and was a member of Veteran Post, G.A.R., of this city. The Grand Army veterans will undoubtedly conduct the funeral, at the house Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment at Bluff City cemetery.

James L. Sheehan

James L. Sheehan

"War Veteran Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, March 12, 1906, p. 1.
James L. Sheehan Passes Away, After Illness of Seven Weeks

James L. Sheehan, a veteran of the civil war and a resident of this city for half century, died yesterday after an illness of seven weeks. He was born in Tiperary, Ireland, August 6, 1832, and came to America in 1854. Mr. Sheehan was married in Indiana in 1855 and came to Elgin a year later. Although Mr. Sheehan loved old Ireland so much that he was heard to remark "when my soul is freed from my body, I will want to visit Ireland before I go to Heaven," he loved his adopted country no less and when Lincoln's call was issued for 75,000 volunteers, his sympathies were aroused.

In 1862 he enlisted in company C, 127 Illinois Volunteer infantry, and served for three years in the army of the Tennessee under the immediate command of Gen. John A. Logan. The company was mustered out of service in 1865 at Washington, D.C. Mr. Sheehan was an engaging conversationalist and his stories and anecdotes of camping and marching and fighting were truly interesting.

For thirty-five years, deceased was a faithful employe of the Borden Condensed Milk company. Five children survive him. They are: Mrs. Geo. W. Jacobs, of Boston; T.P. Sheehan, Richard, James and Charles, of Elgin.  Mrs. Sheehan died about six years ago.

The funeral will be on Tuesday at 9 a.m. from the house and at 10 o'clock from St. Mary's Catholic church. The funeral will be under the supervision of the G.A.R.  Mr. Sheeham was a good husband, a good father, a good soldier and a good neighbor.

F. P. Shepherd

F.P. Shepherd

"F.P. Shepherd,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 13, 1904, p. 1.p;

After a long and severe illness lasting since the first of November, Frank P. Shepherd, of South Elgin, died at his home about 3:50 this morning. Mr. Shepherd was taken ill last fall and since the first of November has not left his house.

Frank P. Shepherd was born at Buffalo Grove, Ill., in April 1841. His education was secured in the district and public schools and he was under age when the civil war broke out. He enlisted in the union army and served from April 19, 1861, till June 30, 1865, seeing, as may well be supposed, much of warfare during those years covering the entire period of the struggle. His first business was in the hardware line, and he has always followed that or one akin to it, having for years manufactured an improved milk can, aerato., etc., in Elgin, although his residence was in South Elgin. He is a member of the Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R., the Modern Woodmen of American, and Knights of the Maccabees.

Mr. Shepherd never ceased to love the service in which he enlisted and his last request was that he should be buried in the uniform he wore as a former commander in the Elgin post of veterans, wrapped in the flag of his country. He leaves besides his widow, formerly Miss Kathern Starr, three daughters, Mrs. F. Rowland, of Chicago and Stella and Marion living at home in South Elgin.

The funeral will be held Monday at 2 o'clock from the M.E. church of South Elgin under the auspices of the Elgin post of the G.A.R. Rev. Briggs will officiate. Burial at South Elgin.

George Sheppard

George Sheppard

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 23, 1911, p. 3.

George Sheppard for thirty-four years a resident of Elgin and for thirty-two years a well known employe of the machine room at the watch factory, died at Augustana hospital in Chicago yesterday aged 69 years.

Mr. Sheppard was born June 23, 1842, at Newport, Wales. In 1877 he came to Elgin and had made his home here since that time. He was employed in the machine room of the watch factory after coming to Elgin, until two years ago.

Mr. Sheppard had been a member of the Century club for many years. He also belonged to Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R., having served during the civil war with the Fifty-second Massachusetts volunteer regiment.

Monitor lodge, A.F. & A.M., of which Mr. Sheppard was a member will have charge of the funeral services which will be held at the home of his nephew, R.G. Sheppard, 428 St. Charles street, at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Interment will take place at Bluff City cemetery.

George D. Sherman

George D. Sherman

"Maj. G.D. Sherman Is Dead; Had Been Ill Two Months,"
The Elgin Daily News, October 3, 1923, pp. 1, 2.
Well Known Elgin Man Was 85 Years Old, At Time Of Death
FUNERAL FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Major George D. Sherman died at Sherman hospital at 10 o'clock this morning.

His death, attributed to old age, came following a two months' illness. For the last two weeks he had been confined at Sherman hospital, the institution founded in a building donated for hospital purposes by his father, the late Henry Sherman.

"The Major," as he was affectionately known, was eighty-five years old. Except for the years when he was absent because of the call to arms, he had always resided here. His parents, who came west from Amenia, Dutchess county, New York, in the fall of 1838, being among the earliest residents of this vicinity.

Major Sherman's fatal illness, his close friends explained, was the result of overwork on his farm west of Elgin during the summer months. Failing to heed the advice of close associates he toiled for hours several days digging post holes and assisting painters.

In his characteristic way, he remarked to friends, "The works got to be done and I must be there to help out."

Veteran of Two Wars.

Since his removal to the hospital two weeks ago all Elgin has closely watched the outcome of Major Sherman's battle for his life. Having heard the aged resident boast on several occasions that he had never been ill a day of his life, many held hopes for his recovery even after attending physicians had announced that he could not survive.

A week ago, however, he lapsed into unconsciousness and his condition generally became worse. Only once since that time did he regain consciousness and then only long enough to recognize his son and daughter, summoned here from their homes near Philadelphia.

A veteran of the Civil and Spanish-American wars, Major Sherman was always in demand for addresses at memorial celebrations. Hundreds of Elgin school children heard him annually when he was called upon with other G.A.R. members for memorial talks at the different schools.

Enlisting with Company A, Thirty Sixth Illinois volunteers, on February 7, 1863, Major Sherman won the appointment as first sergeant of his company. Promotions came rapidly, being named a first lieutenant, then captain and finally major of his regiment.

"Come On, Boys"

His years of service were filled with glory for himself and his country. Old-time war records contain the following:

"At the battle of Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863, Major Sherman was in command of a skirmish line and was awaiting orders for the advance. As soon as received the Major called out  `Come on, boys'.  His boys were among the first at the top, near Bragg's headquarters.  Major Sherman was in command of the military prison at Nashville, and resigned December 12, 1864."

"The Rebellion Records" contain the following:

"November 28, 1863, battle of Chattanooga, gallant conduct of Major Sherman; bravery in exposing his life whenever needed. Lieut. Col. Portor Olson."

The Records also show that Major Sherman was mentioned in the list of most distinguished officers, being praised by General Phillip Sheridan, to whose army he was attached.

During the Spanish-American war, Mr. Sherman served as a paymaster with the rank of major, being stationed in Cuba. He had the distinction of paying off the late Theodore Roosevelt on the boat returning from Havana.

Within the last five years Major Sherman had received his clearance from  Washington. They revealed that his accounts as paymaster balanced to the penny.

Was Indian Agent.

Following his discharge from service on December 12, 1864, Major Sherman returned to Elgin. For a time he was employed at the offices of the D.C. Cook Publishing company. For several years he was also Indian agent in Colorado. He also held an army appointment from General Sheridan, having offices in Chicago.

Major Sherman was one of the organizers of the Century club, having served as the club's secretary for 25 years. He was a member of the Weldwood Country club, having served as its president for one year.

Fraternally he was a member of Elgin lodge No. 117, A.F. and A.M., having served seven years as lodge master. He was for five years commander of Bethel commandery No. 36. He was also a Shriner, being a member of Medinah temple.

He also was a member of Veteran post No. 49, G.A.R., having served the post as commander for several terms.

A Natural Leader

A natural leader and royal entertainer, Major Sherman frequently was called to act as toastmaster at affairs given by the Century club and the Grand Army. Members of the Century club often boasted that no banquet in the club rooms was complete without the Major acting as toastmaster.

One of the last affairs over which he presided was the banquet given at the fifty-sixth reunion of the Thirty Sixth Regiment at Aurora on Tuesday, September 12, 1922.

George D. Sherman was born at Milo Center, Yates county, New York, August 12, 1838. When he was less than a year old he came west with his parents, who took up their residence on what was known for years as the Sherman farm, now the Britton farm, west of Elgin.

He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Jeanette Sherman, a son, Cyril H. Sherman, of Philadelphia, a niece, Mrs. Walter Jones of Portland, Ore., and a nephew, Robert Martin of Los Angeles. Mrs. J.M. Hewitt of Elgin is a cousin.

Interested in Farms.

For a number of years, Major Sherman resided in the Sherman homestead, located in the block bounded by Villa, Prairie, Chapel and Geneva streets. Recently the property was sold and subdivided into lots.

Sherman hospital, where the Major's death occurred this morning, had its beginning with the donation of a dwelling to be used for hospital purposes by his father, the late Henry Sherman. The hospital was later named one of the principal beneficiaries in Mr. Sherman's will.

Major Sherman owned interests in farms held by his father. He was also interested in the Rialto theater and in other Elgin projects.

Past masters of Elgin Lodge, No. 117, A.F. and A.M., will act as pallbearers at funeral services to be held from the Wait, Ross, Allanson funeral church at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon. Members of Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R. will act as honorary pallbearers.

The services to be in charge of Elgin Lodge, will be private. Burial will be at Bluff City cemetery.

"Was Familiar Character In Elgin History,"
The Elgin Daily News, October 3, 1923, p. 1.

Major George D. Sherman is dead. Main street will hardly be the same without his familiar face and figure, for "Maje", as he was affectionally called, enjoyed a wide circle of friends. Gruff of manner and abrupt in speech, he was, withal, kindhearted and generous. He gave freely to charity without ostentation.  As an army officer, he made a fine record.  In days gone by, he was prominent in the social and club life of the city. But with advancing years and failing strength, he has of late, been less active. His passing at the ripe age of eighty-five leaves another break in the ranks of the Old Guard so prominent in Elgin life for the last half century.

George E. Silver

George E. Silver

"Veteran Expires; Hot Wave Victim,"
The Elgin Daily News, June 23, 1913, p. 1.
George Silver, Second to Enlist Here In Civil War, Dead.
DIES FROM HEAT STROKE
Member of First Company to Report for Service in Rebellion.

The intense heat of last week claimed its second victim in Elgin yesterday afternoon when George Edward Silver died at the family residence, 402 Moseley street. Mr. Silver was overcome with the heat last Sunday afternoon.

Second to Go to War.

Prominent members of the Grand Army of the Republic, who are in charge of the funeral arrangements, stated today that Mr. Silver was the second man in Elgin to report for duty when the call for volunteers was made. He joined Company A, Seventh Illinois Infantry, which was the first company to report to Governor Yates at Springfield. After serving three years as a corporal he was honorably discharged because of illness and returned to Elgin.

He was born in Cramma, Canada, June 8, 1841. Six years later he moved to Elgin with his parents and resided here until his death.

Upon returning to Elgin from the war, Mr. Silver secured a position in the watch factory and was employed there until 1907 when he was forced to give up his work because of illness. Early in the spring he slipped on the sidewalk near his home and it is believed suffered a slight stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered. Last Sunday afternoon he was seated on the porch with other members of the family when he was overcome with the heat. His condition rapidly became worse and death ensued yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock.

Widow and Sons Survive.

He is survived by a widow and three children, Mrs. Fred Hazelton, Edward and William J. Silver, all of Elgin, and one brother, Timothy Silver, also of this city.

The funeral will be held from the late residence Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be in charge of members of the G.A.R. Interment will be at Bluff City cemetery.

Timothy S. Silver

Timothy S. Silver

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 11, 1915, p. 3.

Timothy S. Silver, age 77, a pioneer resident of Elgin and an employe of the watch factory for forty years, died at 9 o'clock this morning at his home, 379 Ryerson avenue. Death resulted from illness contracted a few years ago.

Mr. Silver was born November 7, 1838, at Carmany, Canada. With his parents, when four years of age, he came to the United States and settled in Illinois. At the age of eight Elgin was made his home city.

He enlisted in the Forty-second Illinois volunteers and served four years.

He was an employe of the watch factory until five years ago. He held the position of job boss for a number of years. He was a member of the Illinois Volunteer association.

He was married in 1871 and is survived by his widow.

Funeral services will be held from the late home on Ryerson avenue Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment will be at Bluff City.

Robert Simmons

Robert Simmons

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Advocate, May 15, 1915, p. 2.

Word was received Thursday of the death of Robert Simmons, veteran of the civil war and a member of Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R., which occurred suddenly at his home in Hutchinson, Kas., April 28. The funeral was held on May 2 and the burial was at Eskridge, Kas.

Mr. Simmons was a very close friend of E.E. Taylor of this city. They had been life long companions, having attended school together, fought side by side during the civil war, bunked together and lived with each other at the close of the war. Less than a year ago Mr. Simmons left Elgin to reside at Hutchinson after residing here with Mr. Taylor for nearly two years. During his stay in the city he became acquainted with other veterans of the war and made many friends.

Robert Simmons was the son of a physician and was born at St. Louis. When a boy he moved with his parents to Woodstock where he made his home until the outbreak of the war. He enlisted with Company G, Seventh Illinois Cavalry and served faithfully throughout the war, being mustered out with honors.

Following the close of the war he returned to Woodstock and shortly afterward was married to Miss Caroline Blakesly of that city. Later they moved to Hutchinson, Kas., where they made their home.

Mr. Simmons is survived by a daughter, Mrs. S.H. Harp of Hutchinson.

William Smales

William Smailes

"Col. Smailes Dies At Quincy Home; Masonic Veteran,"
The Elgin Daily News, April 27, 1917, pp. 1, 2.
Oldest Past Master of Monitor Lodge Succumbs At Soldiers' Hospital.
LIVED HERE SIXTY YEARS
Prominent Among Old Soldiers;
Organizer of Elgin Company I.N.G.

Colonel William Smailes, who had called Elgin his home for the past sixty years, died suddenly at 5:50 o'clock yesterday afternoon in the convalescent ward of the hospital in the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, Ill. He was nearly 75 years old.

Mr. Smailes was born in Yorkshire, Eng., May 14, 1842 and came to the United States with his parents in July, 1854, locating on a farm five miles east of Elgin. The family remained on the farm but a short time and then the father and son went into the merchant tailoring business in Elgin. The business was maintained by the son until 1900, when he went to South Haven, Mich., where he conducted a fruit farm for eight years. After leaving the fruit farm he had made his home in Elgin again, spending a great deal of the time, with his wife, at the home of his son, Fred J. Smailes.

Veteran of Civil War.

Colonel Smailes was a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted as a private in the Thirty-sixth Illinois regiment of volunteers at the outbreak of the hostilities. He served in the battles of Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Resaca, Ga. In the last named battle, on his twenty-first birthday, he was wounded and taken to a hospital at Quincy. While recovering from his wounds he met Miss Emma Lane and later married her and they came to Elgin to live. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary January 10, 1916. Mrs. Smailes still makes her home at the residence of her son at 322 Orange street.

In 1876 Mr. Smailes helped to organize the local company of militia as a part of the Third Regiment of the National Guard and was elected its captain. He was later made lieutenant colonel of the regiment. He had received his education at the Elgin Academy.

Monitor Lodge Past Master.

For six years, from 1896 to 1902, Mr. Smailes was alderman from the fifth ward of the city.

He had been a member of the Universalist church for 30 years.

In 1881 he was made master of Monitor Lodge, No. 522, A.F. & A.M. The lodge will have charge of the funeral. He was the oldest living past master of the lodge and was a member of the degree team which initiated the 500th member.

Besides the widow there survive him the son, Fred J. Smailes, and two sisters, Jeannette and Mary, all of Elgin, and a sister, Mrs. M.B. Gilbert of Long Beach, Cal.

The funeral announcement will be made later.

David Smales

David Smales

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, July 12, 1909, p. 3.

David Smales, a civil war veteran and a resident of Elgin for the past 35 years, died at 5:15 o'clock this morning at his house, 113 South Gifford street, aged 80 years, and 7 months.

Mr. Smales was born at Lynn, Susquehanna county, Penn. He was a member of Company E, Fifth Pennsylvania cavalry.

The deceased leaves two sons, Harry and George Smales, both of Chicago, and four daughters, Mrs. Mary King and Mrs. Harriet Helbigh of Chicago, Mrs. William Jarrett and Mrs. Emma Perry of Elgin. The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home. Interment at Bluff City cemetery.

George A. Smith

George A. Smith

"Geo. Smith Dead,"
The Elgin Advocate, May 1, 1897, p. 7.
Veteran of the War and Former Watch Factory Man.

Geo. A. Smith died at noon Wednesday at Sherman hospital where he has been since last September. He was born at Dundee, and was a corporal in Company A, 141st Illinois volunteers. Up to four years ago he was employed in the motion room of the watch factory. When taken sick last fall he was here on a furlough from the soldiers' home at Quincy. He leaves no near relatives. He was about 52 years of age.

The remains were interred at Dundee.

Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith

"Jacob Smith Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, December 4, 1902, p. 1.
Member of Veteran Post Passed Away Last Night.

Jacob Smith, a native of Germany, and a resident of Elgin for the last six years, died last night. Deceased was 69 years old and came to Illinois forty years ago. He is survived by a widow and one daughter, Mrs. William Ganoung.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock from No. 182 Gertrude street.  Veteran post, G.A.R., No. 49, of which the deceased was a member, is planning to take charge of the last rites.

John B. Smith

John B. Smith

"At Home,"
Every Saturday, May 13, 1899, p. 8.

John B. Smith, father of Mrs. James Dangerfield and a former resident of Elgin died at his home near Marengo Monday. He was 87 years old. When in Elgin he had a planing mill on the west side and afterwards a gun shop. He was a wagonmaster of the 58th Illinois infantry.

Lyman H. Smith

Lyman H. Smith

"Death of L.H. Smith,"
The Elgin Daily News, October 17, 1902, p. 1.
Former Foreman of Watch Factory Plate Room Succumbs.
Was a Veteran of 8th Illinois Cavalry--
Member of Firm of Orton, Smith & Moore.

Lyman H. Smith, for twelve years a job foreman in the plate room of the Elgin National Watch factory, and a member of the late firm of Orton, Smith & Moore, died yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock. He was 61 years old. Mr. Smith had been in poor health since 1900 and experienced his first serious illness fourteen months ago when he was afflicted with cancer of the bone. Since that time his sufferings have been intense. It was thought he could not live until Monday, but an iron constitution kept him alive until yesterday.

Deceased was born in Conneaut, O., and moved with his parents to Belvidere at the age of nine years. Three years later he came to Elgin to take a course in the Elgin academy, which was then under the principalship of the late Prof. Bienkiron. On leaving the school, he took a position in his father's store at Huntley, Ill. During the civil war he served with distinction in the 8th Illinois cavalry, Co. I. After a long employment at the watch factory, Mr. Smith engaged in the hot water heater business with Mr. Moore. Later on the firm was Orton, Smith & Moore and continued under that management for six years, when it was changed to Moore & Hawkins.

Mr. Smith is survived by a wife and two sisters, Mrs. F.S. Orton and Mrs. W.H. Brydges. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the First Methodist church, of which he was a member. The Ancient Order of United Workmen and members of the Knights of the Globe, two orders with which the deceased was connected, will attend the funeral.

Henry Snellgrove

Henry Snellgrove

"Henry Snellgrove, Veteran, Is Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, November 2, 1916, p. 1.
Fails to Survive Attack of Pneumonia Contracted a Week Ago.

Henry Snellgrove, 296 Villa street, civil war veteran, prominent member of the G.A.R. and an employe of the watch factory for nearly thirty years, died at Sherman hospital last night following a short illness.

His death occurred at 9:15 o'clock, a half hour after he had been taken to the hospital in a final effort to save his life. He had been ill a week with bronchial pneumonia following a hard cold which he contracted last Tuesday night.

For a man seventy-seven years old he had been exceptionally active. Until a week ago he had been a steady worker at the watch factory, being employed as a machinist since 1889. Injuries received in a fall last winter incapacitated him for a few weeks.

Born in England.

Born at Bishop Stoke, near Southampton, England, December 18, 1839, he came to this country at the age of fourteen. After residing at Lowell, Mass., he came to Elgin twenty-seven years ago.

He served in the civil war, enlisting as a member of Company B, Fortieth New York Infantry and served until he was disabled after two and one-half years. Since the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic he has been active in the work of that order.

He was a member of Veteran Post No. 49. He was junior vice commander at the time of his death. He was a past commander and had served as chaplain of the post for five consecutive terms.

He was an alderman in the old sixth ward for one term, serving in that capacity in 1895 and 1896.

Active Church Worker.

Mr. Snellgrove was also active in church circles, having been a member of the First Baptist church for many years. At the time of his death he was a deacon and leader of the old people's bible class.

He was also a member of the Royal League, being past archon of that order.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Nina F. Snellgrove, and five sons, Edward and Herbert of Elgin; Roland of Erie, Pa., George of Marengo, and Neal who is attending Lake Forest college.

The funeral will be at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon from the First Baptist church. The G.A.R. will attend in a body and have charge of the service at the cemetery.

George M. Snow

George M. Snow

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 21, 1916, p. 3.

George M. Snow, for many years an Elgin carpenter, died at his home, 265 North Gifford street, at 9 o'clock yesterday morning. He was 74 years of age.

George M. Snow was born in New York state. When he was a boy he came west with his parents, settling with them near Belvidere. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted with Company K, 95th Illinois Regiment, serving until the end of the war. He was mustered out at Springfield. Thirty-three years ago he moved to Elgin with his wife, who survives him.

Mr. Snow was a member of the First Methodist church and of Veteran Post, No. 49, G.A.R.

The funeral services will be held from the late home at 10:30 o'clock tomorrow morning. Rev. Stone will officiate.  By automobile to Barrington Center where interment will take place.

Friends will please omit flowers.

Loren A. Spencer

Loren A. Spencer

"Father Time's Family,"
Every Saturday, May 19, 1888, p. 5.

Loran A. Spencer, of the plate department died last Sunday of consumption. He was 46 years of age and leaves a wife and five children. His room mates provided some beautiful floral offerings for the funeral which occurred at the residence on College street Tuesday afternoon.

"Died,"
Every Saturday, May 19, 1888, p. 8.

Loren A. Spencer died of consumption at his home on College street May 12, aged 46 years. He leaves a wife and five children. The G.A.R. attended his funeral.

Andrew B. Spurling

Andrew B. Spurling

"Gen. Spurling Dies in Chicago,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, August 27, 1906, p. 1.
Former Elgin Police Marshal and Civil War Hero Succumbs at Hospital.
LOVED LIFE ON THE SEA
Prominent in Maine and Illinois Politics and Builder of Famous Elgin Block.

General Andrew B. Spurling, former Elgin city marshal, and builder of the Spurling block, died at six o'clock Wednesday evening at the Chicago Homeopathic hospital. Death was due to an attack of heart trouble last Saturday.

General Spurling distinguished himself many times during the civil war and was awarded a medal for his bravery. He attained the most renown at Evergreen, Ala., in 1865, when with a company of scouts he captured three confederates who were riding for reinforcements, which would probably have wiped out the federal command.

General Spurling was wounded about a dozen times during the war, but seemed to bear a charmed life. At the G.A.R. encampment at Boston in 1904 a booklet was compiled by C.C. Roberts, giving the life of General Spurling and a history of the Second Maine cavalry, of which he was lieutenant-colonel.

Andrew Barclay Spurling was born in Cranberry Isles, Hancock county, Maine, March 29, 1833. Leaving school at the age of 12, he became a sailor. When 18 years old he took up mining in California, later taking up a claim in the San Jose valley and becoming a farmer and hunter. Many interesting incidents are related of his life there.

General Spurling returned to Maine again in 1855 and married. He took up the sea life again until the war broke out. After the war he followed the sea until he lost his ship in a wreck. He then took up politics and served four years as sheriff of Hancock county, Maine. He was defeated for a third term.

He then came west, and in 1891 was the independent republican candidate for sheriff of Kane county. He was not elected, however.

As postoffice inspector, with headquarters in Chicago, General Spruling was very efficient in dealing with postoffice robbers. For twelve years he was president of the Chicago Rawhide Manufacturing company, after which he came to this city to engage in real estate. After erecting the Spurling block, he was caught in the hard times and lost his entire fortune of $100,000 by the depreciation of real estate and the failure of men indebted to him.

Mr. Spurling received a stroke of apoplexy October 19, 1900, and since then had been obliged to abandon all business. His home was at 77 Maple street, Chicago.

Before becoming postoffice inspector, Mr. Spurling was appointed to a government position in the Interior department. He was afterwards employed in the department of justice, resigning this position to take the postoffice inspectorship.

Charles H. Stark

Charles H. Stark

"Died,"
Every Saturday, June 3, 1899, p. 1.

Chas. H. Stark, father of Mrs. Clarence Kemp and Miss Nellie Stark, died at her home in Richmond, Vt., June 1, aged 62 years. He lived here many years and the remains will be brought here for interment.

Bishop E. Sterling

Bishop E. Sterling

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 16, 1907, p. 3.

Bishop E. Sterling passed away after a short illness at his family home, 932 Prospect street, this city, September 14th, 1907 at 3:45 p.m. Mr. Sterling was born in Lowville, New York, January 2, 1839, enlisted in the army August 20, 1862, and was appointed corporal in Company L, 5th regiment of New York Volunteer Artillery. By good service he earned and received promotion to office of sergeant in the same company June 21st, 1864, and was honorably discharged June 26, 1865, at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Coming to Illinois in 1866 Mr. Sterling has since lived near and in Elgin, and was married November 24, 1869, to Miss Francis A. Kitts, of Gourverneur, New York, two children being the issue. Mr. Sterling is survived by his wife, son and daughter, Frank B. Sterling, of Elgin, and Mrs. Blanche A. Ludlow, of Lake Valley, New Mexico. He was a member of the order of Knights of the Globe. Funeral services will be held at the house, 932 Prospect street at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 17.

D. W. Stevens

D.W. Stevens

"D.W. Stevens Centenarian Passes Away,"
St. Charles Chronicle, July 8, 1943, pp. 1, 2.
Wasco Civil War Vet's Funeral to be Held Saturday.

DeVolois W. Stevens who has been a leader in the community of Wasco his entire life and who celebrated his one hundredth birth anniversary on Monday, March 22, passed away at his home this morning. According to a recent unofficial survey, Mr. Stevens was one of 27 surviving Union veterans of the Civil War in the state of Illinois and one of three in the 11th Congressional district. He was also the only surviving member of the Elgin G.A.R. Post No. 49.

Mr. Stevens had an interesting war history. He enlisted when he was 19 in the Army of the Potomac, Co. G, 122nd Infantry of New York, and participated in the battles of Antietam and Williamsport before he had any military training. He took part in 12 large battles and many skirmishes, including the First, Second and Third Battles of Fredericksburg, a month after Fredericksburg, his regiment was ordered to Gettysburg, a distance of 300 miles, which they marched in six days under heavy pack and then entered the battle there. He was at Rappahannock Station and Mine Run and also the Battle of the Wilderness. It was in the latter battle that he was wounded and lay several days without food or water. He was placed in Mount Pleasant hospital in Washington for nine months until discharged January 28, 1865.

Mr. Stevens' great-grandfather was a captain in the Revolutionary War and took part in the famous Boston Tea Party and his grandfather was a colonel in the War of 1812. He was born in Onondaga County, New York, son of John and Catherine Stevens.

Soon after his discharge he moved to Wasco, with his wife, Amelia, whom he married at the time of his enlistment. They had eight children and many grandchildren, several of whom were in World War I and some of whom are in World War II. There are also a number of great-grandchildren.

Mr. Stevens has held every town office and has been most active in the Wasco Baptist church, which he helped build. He always enjoyed visiting with his friends and talking about his active and happy life.

Five of his children are surviving. They are John Stevens of Wheaton, Perry Stevens of Elgin, Mrs. George I. Brown of Wasco, Mrs. John Ramm of Virgil and Mrs. Ray Smith of Burlington. He has 18 grandchildren, one of whom is Waldo Stevens who resides on the A.H. Borman farm north of the city.

The funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at the home and at 2 o'clock at the Wasco Baptist church. Rev. Harold Elliott will officiate.

"Drape Charter in Memory of Stevens,"
The Elgin Daily Courier-News, July 16, 1943, p. 10.

Daughters of Union Veterans and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War held a joint meeting in Memorial hall last evening to drape the charter in memory of D.W. Stevens of Wasco, last surviving member of Post 49, Grand Army of the Republic, who died recently.

Clayton Wood and Mrs. Zahle Decker, chaplains of the two organizations, conducted the service. While they were at the altar, Mrs. Gladys Davis, accompanied by Miss Nell O'Connell, sang "Faith of Our Fathers".

The two groups are sending a request to the Illinois department that they be permitted to retain possession of the charter which would continue to be displayed in Elgin Memorial Hall.

The Daughters and families will hold a covered-dish picnic Aug. 5 at Lord's park. Mrs. Carrie Marr and Miss O'Connell will be in charge.

Charles E. Stewart

Charles E. Stewart

"Charles Stewart Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, August 27, 1900, p. 3.
WELL KNOWN FORMER EXPRESS AGENT
Dies Suddenly at Early Hour Sunday Morning.

Charles E. Stewart, assistant superintendent of cemeteries, died suddenly early Sunday morning at the family home, 129 Porter avenue. Mr. Stewart's death was unexpected. The evening before he was seen driving up Chicago street, and was hailed by several of his friends whom he greeted in his usual cordial manner. His death following so soon greatly shocked his many acquaintances.

A little before 5 o'clock Sunday morning Mrs. Stewart felt her husband's arm bearing down heavily upon her. She called to him but received no reply. Thinking him to be asleep she attempted to awaken him, but suddenly realized that he was dead. The shock proved a terrible one to her.

Mr. Stewart was a native of Little Falls, N.Y., and was born Nov. 30, 1843, becoming a resident of the state of Illinois in 1859.

He served in the civil war and after being mustered out of the army he entered the employ of the United States Express company as messenger.  His first run was made over the Alton road.  Twenty-one years ago the company saw fit to advance him and he was given the position of agent for the company in Elgin.  He made many friends and the business grew rapidly.  It was a pleasure to deal with him for his customers were always accorded courteous treatment.  When the company consolidated here about ten years ago with the American Express company, Mr. Stewart severed his connection.  He then engaged in the commission business for a time.  He was formerly a member of Veteran post, Grand Army of the Republic, and also a charter member of the Knights of Pythias.

Besides the immediate family, his widow and daughter Helen, three brothers and one sister survive him: Daniel of Logan, Iowa; James W. of Chicago; Walter H. of Chittenango, N.Y., and Mrs. Emma Parson of Gloversville, N.Y.

He was a member of Company K, 16th Illinois volunteers infantry, and served four years and three months.

At the time of his death Mr. Stewart was in the employ of the city, acting in the capacity of assistant superintendent of cemeteries, which position he has held for nearly four years. Many of the old soldiers will attend the funeral and the city council will be there in a body.

The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday from the house. Interment will take place in Bluff City cemetery in the family lot where lie the remains of his son Frank, who died a number of years ago in South America.

Edmond V. Stewart

Edmond V. Stewart

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Courier-News, April 18, 1927, p. 3.

Edmond V. Stewart died at the home of his son, Melvin A. Stewart, 306 Douglas avenue, Saturday evening at 6:40 o'clock. He was 85 years old, born October 5, 1841, in Stuben county, New York. He is survived by his second wife, and two sons.

Mr. Stewart enlisted in the Civil war and was wounded, serving but one year. In 1864 he married Olive Drew of New York. Five years later they moved west, locating in Alden, Ill. He entered the blacksmith trade but after a few years moved to Lake Geneva and entered the ice business. After several successful years at this work, he came to Elgin in 1879. He continued work in the ice business, which he kept up until 1910.

His wife was killed by a train in 1889 and he was remarried again in 1890. He is survived by two sons, Drew M. of Chicago, and Melvin A. of Elgin, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Masons Lodge and G.A.R. Post No. 49. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 o'clock at Norris chapel, Rev. J.J. Burrows and the G.A.R. in charge. Sons of Union Veterans will act as pallbearers.

Warren Stickney

Warren Stickney

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 27, 1911, p. 5.

Warren Stickney, at one time an Elgin resident, died at the Milwaukee Old Soldiers' Home yesterday, aged 70 years. Mr. Stickney had been at the home for several years. While in Elgin he was employed in the plate room of the watch factory.

He served three years in Company H, 16th Massachusetts volunteers and was mustered out at Waltham, Mass. He enlisted at the same time and in the same company with W.H. Cloudman of this city. He was known by all the old soldiers and citizens of Elgin.

He is survived by a wife and daughter, who live at Lessenden place.

Charles B. Stiles

Charles B. Stiles

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, September 11, 1919, p. 3.

Charles Bartlett Stiles was born in Elgin, Ill., Feb. 25, 1844, and died at his home here, Sept. 10, 1919, at the age of 75 years.

His parents, Luther C. Stiles and Sarah Jenne Stiles, were among the very early settlers of the city. They died some years ago.

Besides his wife, Nellie M. Stiles, he leaves two daughters, Mrs. Emma Gertrude Nelson and Mrs. F.W. Castle, four grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. J.L. Palmer of Moline, Mrs. C.W. Cole of Chicago, and one brother, Albert J. Stiles, of Cleveland, O.

His ancestors were of New England stock and his great grandfather was a Revolutionary war soldier. His youth was spent in the atmosphere of the pioneer community that developed those traits of self reliance and integrity that were conspicuous in his whole after life.

His education was obtained in the public school with the addition of two years spent after his war service at the Warring Military Academy of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he was instructor and pupil.

When the call came for the first 800,000 volunteers in 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 36th Illinois Volunteers as musician. He was then 17 years old. He served in that regiment, three years, enduring all the varied obligations and hardships of a soldier's life with conspicuous fidelity.

In the month of January, 1864, after three years service, while at Blaine's Cross Roads, East Tenn., the 36th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, he wrote in his diary at that time: "The veterans' enlistment papers were filled out and signed this afternoon. No rations today. Two ears of corn were issued to each man."

Upon his return from the army and his school to civil life, he entered heartily into the movement for the establishment of a Y.M.C.A. in his home town and gave his best endeavor to all other good causes. He was a faithful member and office bearer of Grace Methodist church for many years, but united with the First Congregational church because of failing health.

He was one of the first employed by the Watch Factory before a permanent building was built and took pleasure in telling of the fact that he drove the first stake in the laying out of that building.

He worked many years in the machine room here and was for a time draftsman at the Springfield Watch Factory and at Lancaster, Pa. He was nine years a draftsman of A.B. Dick, Chicago.

He has been long a member of Veteran Post 49, G.A.R., was commander for one term and filled other important offices in the post and when health permitted was a regular attendant at its meetings.

He will be greatly missed by the narrowing circle of comrades of the Civil war.

The funeral will be held from his home Friday at 2 o'clock.

Charles C. Stone

Charles C. Stone

"Charles C. Stone, Factory Veteran Dies After Fall,"
The Elgin Daily News, February 9, 1917, p. 1.
Succumbs to Acute Heart Dilation
Fifteen Minutes After Reaching Hospital.
Overcome on Spring St.
Residents Hail Passing Cutter to Take Stricken Man to Hospital.

Charles C. Stone, 75 years old, of 520 Spring street, sank near the corner of Spring and North streets as he was on his way downtown this afternoon and died fifteen minutes later at St. Joseph's hospital. Acute dilation of the heart is thought to have been the cause of death.

Mr. Stone had not been feeling well for several days past and this morning felt so ill that he did not go to his work at the watch factory, where he had been employed as a tinner. By noon he felt so much better that he ate a hearty meal and started down town.

Residents of the district where he fell took him to one of the homes and hailed Tom Jones, who was passing in a cutter, who took the sick man to the hospital.

Mr. Stone was a brother of Dr. A.N. Stone and the father of C. Alex Stone, secretary of the Elgin Loan and Homestead association. The only other near relative, aside from the widow, is a sister living in Aurora.

Mr. Stone had lived in Elgin nearly all his life. He was a young man at the beginning of the civil war and enlisted in the Seventh Illinois infantry. He was a member of C company. At the close of the war he returned at once to Elgin and had lived here ever since that time.

Edwin Stowe

Edwin Stowe

"Edwin Stowe Dead,"
The Elgin Daily News, April 26, 1893, p. 3.

Edwin Stowe, an old soldier and a brother of Levi S. Stowe, died Tuesday night at 11 o'clock of pneumonia after a very short illness, aged 57 years. He has been residing with his son, Warren Stowe, at 74 Ryerson avenue. Another son, Sherman, lives in Chicago. Deceased was a widower and a pensioner of the government. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 o'clock from the house, the interment to be in Bluff City cemetery.

Mr. Stowe was born in New York state, and was a member of the 105th Illinois infantry. He leaves a sister at Versaille, Ill., a brother and sister at Fairmont, Minn., and a sister at Lansing, Mich.

George Struckman

George Struckman

"Geo. Struckman of Bartlett Is Dead, Aged 84,"
The Elgin Daily Courier, May 24, 1920, p. 1.
Former Cook County Commissioner was Well Known in Elgin.
CAME HERE 70 YEARS AGO
Fought With General Franz Siegel During the Civil War.

George Struckman of Bartlett, Cook county commissioner for eleven years and president of the county board for one term, and a former member of the state legislature, died at his home Sunday. He was 84 years old.

Lived in Hanover 70 years.

The deceased, a resident of Hanover township for seventy years, died following an illness of four weeks' duration.

Mr. Struckman was born in Germany and came to Elgin with his parents in 1850, soon after the German rebellion. He had lived in Hanover township since his arrival in this country.

When the Civil War broke out, he helped organize a company of farmer boys from this vicinity. The company attempted to unite itself with General John Farnsworth's regiment at St. Charles, but failed.

Enlisted at St. Louis

Instead the men went to St. Louis and enlisted under General Franz Siegel in the (?)enton Hussars, later the 4th Missouri cavalry. At the battle of Pea Ridge, Mr. Struckman received a lieutenant's commission. His enlistment expired after three years' service.

It was in 1894 that he served as president of the board of commissioners in Cook county. He also represented the country towns of Cook county in the Illinois legislature for fourteen years.

Mr. Struckman is survived by two daughters, Amelia and Ida, living at home, and two sons, William F. Struckman of Berwyn, and Emil Struckman of Glaston, Mont. Mrs. Fred Hagel of Elgin is a sister.

Granddaughter Attended Academy

Miss Marie Struckman, a granddaughter, well known in Elgin, attended the Elgin Academy for several years. She is the daughter of Attorney Struckman of Berwyn.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the late home in Bartlett and will be in charge of Monitor Lodge, A.F. and A.M., of Elgin, of which he was a member. Burial in Bartlett.

G. L. S. Stuff

G.L.S. Stuff

"A Veteran Gone,"
The Elgin Daily News, May 12, 1893, p. 3.
Rev. G.L.S. Stuff Passes Away Thursday.
A Long and Useful Life Ended--An Army Chaplain--The Funeral.

Rev. George L.S. Stuff died of paralysis Thursday afternoon at 5:15 o'clock in the seventy-first year of his age, bringing to its close the life of a man of whom it is only just to say that the world is better for his having lived. His labors are now terminated, but they have brought forth their fruit during the fifty-three years of continuous service to God and man as a minister of the gospel.

Deceased's life work has been in the Rockford district of the Methodist conference. His birth took place April 21, 1822, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At the age of 17 years he became a traveling preacher, upon a circuit in southern Wisconsin. In 1845 Mr. Stuff was appointed pastor of the First Methodist church of Elgin, and again returned to the same loving charge in 1858. From 1854 to '58, two terms, he was presiding elder of the Rockford district. During the war he was chaplain of the 42d Illinois serving in that capacity during the entire four years.

His last residence in this city dates from about five years back, since which time he had retired from active labors in the pulpit on account of failing health.

He leaves a wife and five children; Mrs. Mary Hayden of Chicago, Mrs. R.C. Morrison of California, Rev. F.A. Stuff of Lincoln, Neb., Harry S. Stuff of Butte City, Mon., Addie M. and Lillie B. Stuff, both living at home.

The funeral will be held Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock at Grace M.E. church.

Andrew J. Sutton

Andrew J. Sutton

"Died,"
Every Saturday, July 26, 1890, p. 1.

Andrew J. Sutton, the shoemaker of 83 Douglas avenue, died suddenly of paralysis July 21. He was found unconscious Monday noon by Walter Mallett, of the publishing house, who called a carriage and took him to the house of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Gibbs, 438 Prospect street, where he died about 9 o'clock in the evening without regaining his consciousness. He leaves four children, Mrs. Gibbs and William, of Elgin, Mrs. Ella Turner, of Chicago and Wilbur Sutton, of Washington. He was a member of the G.A.R.

Henry C. Swan

Henry C. Swan

"Obituary,"
The Elgin Daily News, July 14, 1916, p. 3.

Henry C. Swan, for many years an Elgin liveryman, died at his home, 360 Milwaukee street, at 5:30 yesterday afternoon following a long illness.

Mr. Swan was born at Rome, Oneida county, New York, September 17, 1843. He enlisted and served during the Civil war being a member of Company A, 95th Illinois infantry. At the close of the war he settled in Elgin, later opening a livery business which he operated for thirty-seven years.

Besides his widow he is survived by a sister, Mrs. G.W. Smith, a brother, Eugene Swan, several nephews and nieces and scores of friends. Mr. Swan was kind and considerate of others and devoted to his wife who served him faithfully for twenty-three years.

The funeral service will be private from the late residence Sunday morning. Members of Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R., of which he was a member, will have charge of the services from G.A.R. hall at 10 o'clock. Burial will be at Bluff City cemetery.

William F. Sylla

William F. Sylla

"William F. Sylla, Affectionately Called Grand Old Man Of Elgin,
Dead, After Period Brief Illness,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 19,1923, pp., 1, 18.
For Years City's Most Picturesque Character;
Died At 1 A.M. Today
Funeral Next Saturday
William F. Sylla, "Elgin's grand old man," is dead.

Ill since Memorial day, when he suffered a general breakdown from overwork in decorating comrades graves, he died at 1 o'clock this morning.

His condition became generally known about ten days ago, since which time all Elgin had anxiously awaited the outcome.

A resident of Elgin since his birth, August 6, 1840, forty-four years as city clerk, forty-eight years as town clerk, and for more than sixty-two years a deacon in the First Baptist church, Mr. Sylla is said to have known more, and was himself known by more Elgin residents than any other man in the city. He concluded his duties as city clerk in 1919 but had still held the office of town clerk. He was senior deacon of the church he became a member of when a small boy.

Despite his advanced age--Mr. Sylla would have been eighty-three years old had he lived only a few more days--the Civil war veteran and pioneer Elgin resident was active until his recent illness. His work in Veteran post No. 49, G.A.R., was untiring. Year after year he made it his duty to personally decorate the graves of his comrades. It was his efforts to keep up his work this year that brought on the fatal attack.

Funeral Saturday.

Members of his family recalled today that when he was forced to leave Memorial hall before this year's exercises were concluded, it was the first time in all the years of his work that he found it impossible to keep up. At that time, however, it was believed that he was suffering from the heat.

Funeral services will be private from the late home at 2:30 o'clock, and from the First Baptist church at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. P.G. Mode, dean of the divinity school at the University of Chicago, will officiate.

A resident of Elgin for more than eighty years, Mr. Sylla watched the development of the community from a small town to the city of today. In all his years his best efforts were given to the building of the community.

William F. Sylla was born on a small farm just west of Illinois Park, August 6, 1840, the son of Philo and Lavina (Huntoon) Sylla, natives of New Hampshire. He was educated in the public schools here and at Elgin Academy.

While a student in the academy, he gave instructions to classes to defray expenses, and also taught a district school for a time.

In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, and was detailed as a clerk for the regimental quartermaster. The regiment arrived at Rollo, Mo., September 29, 1861. Here he was stricken with typhoid fever and, after several weeks, was detailed as one of the guards of honor which accompanied the remains of his first lieutenant to Elgin for burial, Private Sylla being conveyed during the entire journey by his friends on a cot.

Enviable War Record.

He was honorably discharged at Camp Douglas, Chicago, December 25, 1861. On June 25, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company D, Sixty-Seventh Illinois, and was appointed quartermaster sergeant of the post at Camp Douglas, serving until discharged by reason of expiration of service, September 25, 1862.

Early in October he was employed as a clerk by the commissary of General Quimby's division at Corinth and was with General Grant's army during the Tallahatchie campaign. Suffering much of the time from malaria and typhoid fever, he was sent north from the Foundry hospital at Memphis, Tenn., in January 1863. In the summer of 1863 he was with General White's expedition on the Big Sandy River, Ky., and in August was appointed clerk for James C. Rankin, division commissary of General Hascall's division, Twenty-Third Army Corps, and was with General Burnside's expedition to East Tennessee in August and September, 1863; was at Knoxville during the siege of that city by General Longstreet, and in December 1863 was sent on a special mission over the Cumberland mountains on horseback to Danville, Ky., and to Chicago. Upon his return to Knoxville he found that Commissary Rankin had resigned and returned to Chicago. He at once was tendered a position and served as clerk for Post Commissary Captain James Miller of Sixty-Fifth Illinois at Knoxville; until the reorganization of the Army of the Ohio, Twenty-Third Army Corps, preparatory to the Atlanta campaign.

In February 1864 he was promoted to the position of chief clerk to Col. R.V. Treat, chief commissary of the staff of General J.M. Schofield for the Army of the Ohio, Twenty-Third Army Corps, remaining in this position nearly two years, when in April 1865, he was recommended by General Schofield for appointment as commissary of Subsistence with the rank of major for assignment as disbursing commissary but a general order from the war department made further appointments impossible.

Served 4 Years, 4 Months

Mr. Sylla was connected with the Atlanta campaign and accompanied the Twenty-Third Corps to Pulaski, Tenn.; was at the battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, went with the corps via Washington to Wilmington, N.C., was at the battles of Kingston and was present at the meetings of Sherman's and Schofield's armies at Goldsboro, and remained at Raleigh, N.C., until the latter part of September 1865, returning with General Schofield's headquarters to Cincinnati, Ohio in October, and to his home in Elgin in November 1865 making his service in connection with the Union army of four years and four months.

He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was secretary of the Thirty-Sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteers' association.

On returning to Elgin he became a partner of his former captain, M.B. Baldwin, in the drug business for a year, but finding this occupation too confining, in company with his father and brother, he engaged in the foundry business. In the spring of 1874 he was solicited to be a candidate for alderman in the new Fifth ward of Elgin and was elected. He was re-elected two years later.

In March 1875, upon his resignation as alderman, he was appointed city clerk of Elgin, a position which by successive appointments he held for five years. In 1880, the city having organized under the general state law, he was elected city clerk for a term of two years. He was elected successively from that time until 1911, when the commission form of government was adopted. At that time he was appointed city clerk, retiring in 1919.

Served On School Board.

In 1875 he was also elected town clerk, a position which he still held at the time of his death.

He was elected secretary to the board of education in 1887, and was made a member of the board, and secretary the following year, and held these positions for sixteen years consecutively.

In March, 1861, he was named a deacon in the First Baptist church to succeed his father.

Mr. Sylla was married December 5, 1871, to Kate E. Raymond, only daughter of George B. Raymond. They were parents of four children: Mary E., who is now Mrs. E.R. Davery; Daisy A. (deceased); George B.R. Sylla, of the Union National Bank, and Miss Marguerite Sylla.

With Mrs. Sylla, his son and two daughters, he is survived by four grandchildren, Katherine H. Davery, Margaret Davery and Barbara Davery, and Jane Sylla.

The funeral services at the Baptist church at 3 o'clock Saturday will undoubtedly be the largest ever held in Elgin. Mr. Sylla was known and loved by thousands of the city's residents.

Mayor Earle R. Kelley and commissioners and ex-aldermen still residing in Elgin plan to attend the church services in a body. Members of Veteran Post No. 49 will be an honorary escort.

While he had served the city and township for almost 45 years, Mr. Sylla always found time for recreation. He always attributed his excellent health to the exercise he secured in bowling and golfing, one of his greatest pleasures being contests with his friends. Annually he journeyed to Aurora for a golf match with an old comrade.

Remarkable Memory.

Close friends today declare that the veteran city clerk was in closer touch with the city's affairs than any other office holder or resident. No matter what information was wanted regarding city affairs, Mr. Sylla always furnished the data. He had a remarkable memory.

Strictly a "home man", Mr. Sylla spent much of his spare time with his family. He was a member of the Weldwood Country club and Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R. Politically, he was a republican.

"Elgin Council In Resolution,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 19, 1923, p. 1.

At a special meeting of the city council this morning the following resolution was adopted regarding the death of William F. Sylla:

"Resolved, that in the death of William F. Sylla, prominent citizen and for fourty-four years City Clerk of the City of Elgin, the people of this community have lost one of their best and ablest citizens.

"During his life in our City, which has always been his home, he has deserved and been accorded the universal respect and confidence of the people. He was a man of strict integrity and in all walks of life his influence was felt by those with whom he came in contact.

"He was an exemplary citizen, a devoted friend, an inspiration to the young and ambitious man; and because he was such, we the representatives of the people of this City, in this manner give expression to our own and the people's regret in his loss, and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

"Resolved further that because of the long and faithful service of the deceased as City Clerk of our City, and as an indication of our appreciation of such services rendered, the members of this Council attend the funeral in a body; and

"Resolved further, that these resolutions be spread upon the records of the City, and that a copy thereof be sent to the family."

"Elgin To Pay Homage To Memory Of William F. Sylla;
Thousands To Attend The Funeral Tomorrow,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 20, 1923, p. 1.
Men, Women, and Scores of Children
to Pay Tribute to Grand Old Man
Veterans Take Big Part

Mourning the loss of its most loved citizen, Elgin will pay final tribute tomorrow to William F. Sylla, town clerk, and for forty-four years, city clerk.

Funeral services, to be held from the First Baptist church at 3 o'clock, will be attended by men and women from all walks of life. Scores of boys and girls, to whom Mr. Sylla was affectionately known as "Grampa Sylla", will also pay honor to him.

Mayor Earle R. Kelley and commissioners, with ex-aldermen who served in the old city council with Mr. Sylla, will attend the funeral in a body. Invitations were extended by Mayor Kelley to the former officials today to join with the council in honoring "Elgin's grand old man".

As a mark of respect to the ex-city clerk, the flag on the city hall was a half mast today. All activities at the Weldwood Country club, of which Mr. Sylla was a member, have been cancelled for tomorrow. Play in The Daily News Golf tournament at Wing park has also been postponed.

The Pall Bearers.

Members of Veteran Post No. 49, in which Mr. Sylla was one of the most active workers, will attend the church services in a body and will later escort the remains to the final resting place in Bluff City cemetery.

The following business and professional men of the city have been chosen to act as pall bearers:

William L. Goble, Emil Fehrman, Charles A. Whiting, Attorney John W. McQueen, William Teal and Walter H. Bosworth.

The honorary bearers will be: E. Dunbar Waldron, ex-Mayor Albert Fehrman, William McCredie, Henry I. Bosworth, Major George D. Sherman, M.M. Cloudman, Rev. Daniel Spillard, City Commissioner Howard L. Zook, J.F. Harral of Aurora, J.C. Dennison and James H. Moore of Chicago, and Alfred Bosworth.

Private services will be held from the late home in Villa street at 2:30 o'clock. Services at the First Baptist church will be in charge of Rev. P.G. Mode, dean of the divinity school at the University of Chicago. There will be selections by Franklin C. Sorn and Ora Ballinger, accompanied by Miss Ruth Preston.

Taps will be sounded at the grave by members of E.A. York Camp, Spanish American War veterans.

"Former Officials to Attend Funeral,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 20, 1923, p. 1.

The list of former city officials who were closely associated with Mr. Sylla and to whom invitations have been extended to attend the funeral with the city council follows:

Ex-Mayors Arwin E. Price, Carl E. Botsford, Albert Fehrman, and A.H. Hubbard.

Ex-Aldermen Charles T. McBriarty, Charles S. Higginbotham, E.J. Boldt, John G. Elbert, A.C. Barclay, John B. Newman, Attorney Charles H. Pegler, Walter L. Sadler, Geo. H. Andresen, James Fletcher, Harry D. Barnes, John H. Shales, John W. Schramm, Charles E. Pierce, Attorney E.E. Kenyon, B.S. Pearsall, Judge Frank W. Shepherd, Conrad Ackemann, E.B. Shearman, Judge John H. Williams, Attorney Charles L. Abbott, Albert F. Ansell, Fred B. Allen, John A. Wright, A.L. Anderson, Charles L. Kohn, Fred W. Jencks, John A. Logan, A.F. Alden, Charles W. Cornell, J.V. Mink, C.W. McClure, A.C. Hawkins, Quincy Gillilan, Henry Muntz, Harry E. Perdue and H.M. Chittenden.

"William F. Sylla,"
The Elgin Courer-News, July 20, 1923, p. 1.

William F. Sylla has answered the last call. Beloved and respected by all who knew him, there are many who will sadly mourn his loss. His life was full of years, kind deeds, cheerfulness and hope. As a veteran of the Civil war, he had a most enviable record. As city clerk, the length and efficiency of his service was without precedent. As a family man, he was ideal. As churchman and citizen, he commanded the respect and admiration of the entire community. As our friends and fellow citizens pass along, one by one, we miss their familiar figures and faces. But their memory, like a cherished hope, long survives, such is the case with Mr. Sylla. Those of us who knew him best and loved him most, will longest cherish the memory of his remarkable personality, a beacon light in a troubled sea.

"Would Erect Memorial For Wm. F. Sylla,"
The Elgin Courier-News, July 20, 1923, p. 1.

To preserve his memory and ever recall to future generations the life work of William F. Sylla, affectionately known as "Elgin's grand old man", close friends and others who frequently came in touch with him, today started a movement for the erection of a memorial in his honor.

Given the distinction of having held a city office longer than any other man in Elgin, and possibly in the entire state, Mr. Sylla, his friends pointed out, is deserving of all that can be done to perpetuate his labors in the field of civic duty.

He gave his life to his country and to Elgin. His first thoughts were for the betterment of the entire community.

"As a lasting memorial to Mr. Sylla, all Elgin will respond to a movement for the erection of a monument in his honor," said Attorney Roy B. Phillips. There are thousands of residents in Elgin who knew and loved Mr. Sylla. Hundreds looked up to him because of his store of knowledge and facts of Elgin. Hardly a day passed during his years spent in the city hall that he did not go out of his way to secure information for others."

"Throngs Attend The Funeral Of William F. Sylla,"
The Elgin Daily News, July 21, 1923, pp. 1, 3.
Civic Efforts Are Too Well Known To Need Eulogy, Declares Pastor
Beautiful Tribute Is Paid

"You all knew him; you all loved him."

This was the theme this afternoon of Dr. P.G. Mode, dean of the divinity school of Chicago University, as hundreds of friends of the late William F. Sylla, Elgin's "grand old man", gathered at the First Baptist church to pay him final honor.

"My exhortation is that we all try to carry out into our lives," said Dr. Mode, "the institutional interests so prominent in the life of the deceased. A man may live a selfish life and therefore provide himself a death as desolate as the death of a primitive. He may, however, live the unselfish life and thereby protect comparatively all his efforts from the ravages of death and of time."

Dr. Modey said in part:

"I have no intention whatever to pronounce a tribute upon the life and service of the deceased. Any such attempt would be both futile and unfitting. Through the long intimacies of civic effort the deceased has been far too well known to need the eulogy of one who is a comparative stranger.

"I am profoundly impressed, however, with the large representative character of this audience. That at the height of the mid-summer season, on a Saturday afternoon, so many have turned aside in this capacity as mourners is a significant tribute to the character of the deceased. It reminds us also of what the Scripture describes as victory over death. Death used to be a depressing factor in life. It was so indeed in the days of the Old Testament, described there as a tale that is told, as grass, as a shadow as a post as swift ships, a swooping eagle a weaver's shuttle, and a shepherd's tent. These are the desciptions of death among primitive peoples, for to them it was terrible, sweeping away all the effort of life. Such indeed it was to even the Indians who only a century ago roamed upon these prairies. With few traditions and no institutions, death left little of a man's life, and so it was with wailings that they bore their dead to the tomb.

"But this is all now changed, because an old civilization has given us a wealth of institutions. We have our homes with their heirlooms, their anniversaries and family records. We have our churches with their charter members and official boards. We have our schools with trustees and teachers. We have also a vast array of social, philanthropic and civic institutions. These all call for the effort of initiation and the persistent loyalty of advocates, and as such they enshrine the lives in a lasting permanence of those who bring them into being and maintain their existence.

"We are vividly reminded of this very factor today as we think of this grand old man. He lived in the church where we have gathered to do him honor, a deacon for two score years. He lived also in your schools. He lived in the administration of your city. He lived also in his contribution during the critical days of the Civil war. Death takes very little away from him because so much of his life was institutionalized.

"My exhortation would therefore be that we all try to carry out into our lives the institutional interests so prominent in the life of the deceased. A man may live a selfish life and therefore provide for himself a death as desolate as the death of the primitives. He may, however, live the unselfish life and thereby protect comparatively all his effort from the ravages of death and of time."

"A Tribute To Elgin's `Grand Old Man',"
The Elgin Daily News, July 21, 1923, p. 3.

Do you say, at last he is resting,    
In the earth, `neath flower strewn sod?    
Nay, not so, he's staunchly marching    
Onward, upward, to his God.

II    
Can you say the place is vacant,    
In the family circle there?    
When his spirit's bravely shining    
Through the faces `round the chair.

III    
Will you say, his life's work ended    
That with effort he is through?    
Why, he's daily passed up higher    
Finer, nobler tasks to do.

IV    
Cherry smile and friendly handclasp    
Helpful words for all he knew,    
Filled each heart with inspiration,    
To be kinder, fine and true.

V    
Thro' the years of sturdy manhood,    
He ne'er failed at Duty's call,    
Was it country, home or friend's need,    
He was ready for them all.

VI  
"Grand Old Man" the loving title,    
We all know was fairly won.    
Did you say, "the course is finished?"    
Why--his game has just begun.

Clara Balch Cole