Civil War Veteran



 --Paxton Record.  14 October 1880.

--Photo from the collection of Barbara Leroy.

More information on Mr. John Ruedger:  https://lymantownshipinthecivilwar.blogspot.com/search/label/Ruedger%20John%20F

John E. Bunker

--Portrait & Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois.  1892.  Pages 284-285.

--Lyman Township Cemetery.

--Lyman Township Plat.  1901.

Willam B. Flora

William B. Flora has done much for the upbuilding and development of Ford County, and his name is inseparably connected with its history.  This work, therefore, would be incomplete without a record of his life. He was born near Carthage, Campbell County, Ky., in the famous Blue Grass region, August 5, 1844.  His parents, John W. and I. J. (Herndon) Flora, are also natives of that State, the former born in June, 1821, and the latter in March, 1825.  Mr. Flora was an old-line Whig in politics, but since the organization of the Republican party has been one of it stanch supporters, and has served for twenty-five years as Justice of the Peace.  Himself and wife are members of the Methodist church, and are classed among the highly respected and representative people in that portion of Kentucky in which they make their home.  Of their seven sons and five daughters, eight are yet living, of whom William is the eldest; Emily is the wife of H. F. Tarvin, an agriculturist of Charleson, Ill.; Samuel, who married Sarah Hardy, is a farmer of Carthage, Ky.; Augustus wedded Miss Hester White, and is a mechanic and farmer;  Mollie is the wife of Arthur Kinzel, a farmer of Lovington, Ill.; James is represented elsewhere is this work; John married Mattie Dawson, and resides near California, Ky.; and Luella is the wife of John Newkirk, who is employed on the electric street railroad of Covington, Ky.
Our subject spent his boyhood days in his native State, and acquired his education in the common schools.  At the age of nineteen, he enlisted for the late war as a member of the Company H, Thirty-seventh Kentucky Infantry, and was mustered in at Covington, in July, 1863.  The troops were ordered to Louisville, and then to Glasgow to guard Cumberland River.  They did guard duty for some time, and at Mt. Sterling were organized for a raid, mounted and equipped with carbines and revolvers.  Every step of the way was vigorously contested, but they at length arrived at Saltville, Va., with a force of four thousand.  An engagement was commenced at four o'clock in the morning and continued uintil ten at night, when our men retreated to Big Sandy River and returned to Lexington, Ky. Mr. Flora rode one horse during this raid fifteen hundred miles.  He left the animal at four o'clock in the moring, and in the evening, seeing a mounted negro approach, his lieutenant told him to secure that horse.  It was then dark.  Mr. Flora, on approaching the fellow, commanded him to halt and give up his horse, which was done, and behold, it proved to be Mr. Flora's own property.  He was honorably discharged to his Kentucky home.

--Photo courtesy of Daniel Flora.

In 1865, our subject went to Marysville, Kan., and engaged in teaming between Atchison, St. Jo and Marysville. He afterwards clerked in Marysville until the succeeding November, when he returned to Kentucky, and for three years engaged in the manufacture of brick, shipping his products to Cincinnati.  In the spring of 1868, he removed to Buckley, Ill., and engaged in the manufacture of brick for Ed Gill, of Paxton.  He afterward engaged in carpentering, and also followed farming.  In the winter season, he engaged in teaching in Charleston, and, in 1871, bought the second business lot ever sold in the village of Roberts. He commenced building upon it in December of that year, and then embarked in business as a member of the well-known firm of Flora & Newman, who continued operations for sixteen years.  They first carried only a grocery stock, but afterward engaged in general merchandising, and worked up an excellent trade.  In 1883, their volume of business amounted to $40,000.

(From an article by Bela Foster published in the Roberts Herald: 
In 1871, George H. Thompson and George Lyman put up a hardware store where George Ensign's garage now stands. William Thompson put up a drug store beside it. Flora & Newman put up a general store on the Anderson Bank corner, facing west. Anderson & Montelius put up the store that William Thompson's poultry business now occupies. Haling & Scott put up an implement building where Dietterle's store now stands. In 1873 fire destroyed the Thompson and Lyman hardware and the William Thompson drug store. I came to town and picked up nails at one cent a pound.Flora & Newman turned their store around so that it faced the north where Whorrall's restaurant now stands. Thompson & Lyman built a new store where Tarvin's store now stands. William Thompson built his drug store where Foster Brothers store now stands.
--Roberts Herald.  1 May 1935.  Bela Foster.  Early Days in the Town of Lyman.)

Mr. Flora was married, February 2, 1873, to Miss Mary J., daughter of W. I. and Ruth C. (Parish) Newman, who are mentioned in the sketch of Joseph V. King, on another page of this work.  Unto them have been born four sons and two daughters:  Bessie, Vincent, Harry, Claude, Grover and Mabel.  The mother and eldest daughter are members of the Methodist church, and Miss Bessie belongs to the Epworth League, the Ladies' Foreigh Missionary Society, and the Temperance Society.
Mr. Flora cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant, and has since been an inflexible adherent of the Republican party.  He takes quite an active interest in political affairs, has served as Town Clerk, and has filled the office of Supervisor for many terms.  He has several times been tendered the chairmanship of the Board, and has served on the most important committees. Since 1876, he has been officially connected with the educational interests of the community, and for many years has served as School Treasurer of Lyman Township.  Socially he is a charter member of Buckley Lodge No. 634, A. F. & A. M.; Lyman Lodge No. 293, K. P.; and of Melvin Post No. 500, G. A. R. Mr. Flora is widely and favorably known throughout this community as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, well deserving of a representation in this volume.  He is spoken of in the highest terms by his fellow-townsmen, and is deserving of their warm regard. 

--Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois.  1892.

Thomas S. Ensign

No Marker for this burial per Carolyn Wilson, FAG Volunteer.
Civil War Veteran.

--Gibson City Courier.  13 May 1910.  Page 7.

Elias B. Beighle CW Vet

Civil War Veterans buried in Lyman Township Cemetery:
ELIAS B. BEIGHLE
1836-1910
 

Ohio Heavy Artillery
E. B. Beighle, one of the oldest residents of this vicinity died at noon. His death came as a great shock to the community, as he was taken ill only Saturday. He was 75 years old and had resided in this vicinity 40 years. Several years since he moved into town from the farm. He and his brother had been keeping house. He is survived by seven children. For many years he had been a member of the Presbyterian church at Piper City.

--Paxton Record. 20 January 1910.

John Hummel CW Vet

Civil War Veterans buried in Lyman Township Cemetery:
JOHN HUMMEL
1834-1911

 
John Hummel, son of Ludwig and Catherine (Glock) Hummel was born in Germany, August 7, 1833, and departed this life at Seattle, Washington, Saturday morning, July 1, 1911, aged 77 years, 10 months and 24 days. The family emigrated to America in 1850. During the civil war Mr. Hummel served his country as a member of company E, Eight-third Illinois Infantry from which he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee in June 1865 and mustered out of service in Chicago July 5 of that year.
On January 1, 1867 he was joined in marriage with Miss M. Supson of Galesburg, Illinois who survives him. To this union eight children were born, six of whom are living. In 1869, Mr. Hummel came with his family to Lyman township, Ford county, which was his home for many years. About seventeen years ago, however he moved to Normal to obtain better educational facilities for his children, afterward going to Urbana for the same purpose. The past few years he and Mrs. Hummel have made their home with their children in the west. His health has been good and it was a great surprise to his many friends here when a telegram was received announcing his sudden death and requesting arrangements to be made for the funeral.
He was a member of the Congregational church and during the many years that he lived here he ranked high in both social and business circles of this community.
The funeral services will be held at the Congregational Church in Roberts Sunday, July 9 at 11:00 o'clock a.m. Rev. W. B. Milne officiating, after which the remains will be laid to rest in Lyman cemetery. The remains are expected to arrive in Roberts tonight at 8:44, accompanied by the family. --Roberts Herald.

--Melvin Motor. 14 July 1911.

L. E. Bressie CW Vet

Civil War Veterans buried in Lyman Township Cemetery:

Lewis Edward Bressie, son of William F. and Ann (Finger) Bressie was born at Salem, Washington County, Indiana, April 17th, 1845, and died at his home in Roberts, Illinois, Saturday, September 6th, 1924, aged 79 years 4 months and 19 days.
When barely 18 years of age, viz. April 1863, he enlisted in Company C 117th Indiana Infantry and was first sent to Indianapolis for guard duty but was soon sent down through Kentucky into Tennessee where they were in a number of engagements the most severe being at Blain's Cross Roads. They were at Cumberland Gap on the cold new year's day noted in history, Jan.1, 1864. Here Mr. Bressie and most of his regiment were without shoes but had soles fastened to their feet with thongs. On that day they marched 23 miles in that condition. He continued his service with that regiment until discharged and then re-enlisted in Co. C 144th Indiana Infantry and served until the close of the war being discharged August 12, 1865.
January 4, 1866, he married Miss Sarah Ann Suplee at the home of her parents at Salem, Indiana. To them were born three children Albert J. of Bloomington, Charles E. who died at Roberts August 12, 1920, and Minnie Bertha who died at the age of 6 years. He leaves to mourn his death one son, seven grand-daughters, and eight great-grandchildren, also one sister at Olney, Illinois, and numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Bressie came to Roberts in 1874 and he worked as plasterer for eleven years, then for three years dealt in harnesses, boots and shoes. In 1888 he purchased the general merchandise store of Flora & Newman which he conducted for many years since which he has lived a retired life. He was an active member of Melvin Post No. 500 G.A.R., Lyman K. of P. and of Gibson City Lodge A.F. and A.M., also a member of the Congregational Church in Roberts. He was a man of sterling character, strong personality, and determined energy. He served his community in various official capacities, and was ever known as a man whose personal opinion and integrity could not be swayed by hopes of popular applause.
The funeral services were held at the Congregational Church in Roberts Sunday afternoon, September 7th, at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. J. O. Ferris and Rev. J. T. Killip officiating. The remains were then laid to rest in Lyman Cemetery. Lyman Lodge K. of P. had charge of the ceremony at the grave.
Among those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Samuels and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Overymeyer, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Overymeyer and B. Kenney of Clinton, Lem Smedley and Mrs. Hall of Rantoul, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hawthorne and family and Mrs. E. Roberts of Urbana, Mr. and Mrs. Fidell Hummel of Strawn and Mr. and Mrs. Kirker Hawthorne and H. M. Hawthorne of Piper City.

--Roberts Herald. 10 September 1924.

David Woolsoncroft CW Vet

Civil War Veterans buried in Lyman Township Cemetery:

DEATH OF DAVID WOOLSONCROFT.
Last week David Woolsoncroft of Roberts was on our streets shaking hands with old friends, and Tuesday of this week he died at his home in Roberts. He was a veteran of the civil war and a member of the Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Since the war he has farmed and worked at masonry in the vicinity of Melvin and Roberts, and was well-to-do. He was 68 years old.
The funeral was held in the M. E. church at Roberts, Thursday, at 2 o'clock. There were members of the G.A.R. present from that section, Onarga, Thawville and Piper City. Comrade James McBride represented our Piper City Post. The burial was at Roberts. -- Pan-Handle Advocate.

--Paxton Daily Record. 4 August 1908.

DAVID WOOLSONCROFT
David Woolsoncroft was born in Magnolia, Putnam county, Illinois, July 18, 1840, and departed this life at his home in Roberts, Ill., July 28, 1908, aged 68 years and 10 days.
Mr. Woolsoncroft, in the usual manner of farmer boys, spent his boyhood days on the farm, afterwards learning the trade of stone and brick mason and plasterer, at which occupation he spent a good bit of his time in later years.
He was an honored veteran of the civil war, his enlistment at Magnolia, Ill., on Aug. 20th, 1861, being the first important event of his life. He enrolled his name among the boys in blue of Company I, Eleventh Ill. infantry. From Magnolia he proceeded to Bird's Point, Mo., where he was mustered into service. He was placed on duty as a teamster, and went to Fort Donelson just after the battle, and thence to Fort Henry and up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing, whence he advanced to within five miles of Corinth, Miss. He then turned and went to Jackson, Tenn,. and thence back to Cairo and Ft. Henry and across the river to Ft. Donelson. He was later at Paducah, Ky., where he shipped aboard a transport for Memphis, Tenn. From Memphis the troops went to Lake Providence. La., to Mississippi, and afterwards on transports to Grand Gulf and to the rear of Vicksburg. They took part in the battles of Jackson, Champion Hills, the Black River Bridge and the siege of Vicksburg until the surrender of that city, July 4, 1863. Next they went to Natchez and after retuning to Vicksburg, went to Yazoo City. Soon afterwards, Mr. Woolsoncroft's time having expired, he was sent to Springfield, where he was honorably discharged, September 16, 1864. He was ever a faithful soldier and fortunately, though participating in several hard fought battles, was never wounded. His constitution, however, was impaired, and he never fully regained his health.
On the 5th of March, 1868, Mr. Woolsoncroft was united in marriage to Mary Warner, the daughter of George and Elizabeth Warner, of Peru, La Salle county, Ill. To this union there was born three children, James Henry, John Edward and Gilva Victory, all of whom, with the bereaved widow and two brothers, Abraham, of Baileyville, Kansas, and Wilbur, of Montgomery City, Mo., and two sisters, Mrs. Hannah Owens, Rockwell City, Ia., and Mrs. Maria Buzick, of Champaign, Ill., survive to mourn his loss.
Mr. Woolsoncroft and his wife began their married life on a farm two and a half miles out from Roberts and until the time of Mr. Woolsoncroft's decease as above mentioned, they had resided either there or in Roberts.
Mr. Woolsoncroft's long residence in this vicinity, his unobtrusiveness, his good-natured and genial companionship had won for him a large circle of friends who sadly lament his loss. --Roberts Herald.

--Paxton Daily Record. 11 August 1908.

Joseph and Mary Leach

--Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois. Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1892.

Joseph B. Leach, an honored veteran of the late war, who has long been identified with the history of Roberts, and the upbuilding of its social, education and moral interests, deserves special mention in the county's history. He was born near Springfield, Mass., June 22, 1833, and was the younger of two children. His sister, Mary Ann, is now a resident of West Millbury, Mass.
Joseph's father, Elisha B. Leach, was a boot and shoe maker by trade, and was of Spanish descent. He died on his way across the plains to Pike's Peak. He was twice married. He first wedded Ruth Metcalf and afterward Laura Beeman became his wife.
Joseph's mother died when he was only three months old, and he was left in the charge of his aunt, Fannie Crane, at Morman Hollow, Mass. His early boyhood days were anything but pleasant. At the age of eight, he went to live with L. B. Anderson, a farmer of Montague, Mass. His educational advantages were very meagre, for he could only attend school about one month in the year. Whenever he could pick up a piece of printed paper, he would study it over and over, until he had mastered its contents, and if he came across a word whose meaning he did not know, he would listen until he heard the word used in conversation, and thus learn its meaning. He is now a well-informed man, but is has been only through his own efforts.
At the age of fifteen, he started out in life for himself. It was his desire to become a mechanic, but he was forced to learn the tinner's trade instead, and worked at that occupation until the breaking out of the Rebellion. While in Albany, N.Y., he lost all that he had in the financial panic of 1857. From there he went to Utica, N.Y., and entered the employ of I. A. Williams, a manufacture of locomotive headlights, with whom he remained for seven years. He is really the inventor of the air chamber in the headlight of the locomotive. This has made a fortune to the manufacturers, but Mr. Leach only received $1.50, although out of his brain was evolved the idea.
On the 11th of August, 1852, Mr. Leach wedded Miss Mary Millard, a native of Stamford, Vt., and unto them were born two daughters: Lillian and Mary, both of whom reside in Stamford. Mary Millard Leach died in 1856, and Mr. Leach was again married, August 10, 1857, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Jones, a native of Manchester, England, who, when a maiden of ten summers, came with her grandparents to America. They sailed in the "Brittanica," and when they came around the banks of Newfoundland, there was a heavy fog and they just escaped two large icebergs. They were wrecked on a shoat, but signals of distress were given and small boats came to the rescue of the passengers, who, with ropes around their waists, were lowered into the little fishing boats, two hundred and fifty thus being saved. They were landed at St. John's, Newfoundland, and there resided four years, when they started for Boston, but were again shipwrecked and delayed for two weeks. They afterward made their way to Utica, N. Y., where Mrs. Leach resided for fifteen years. Her education was limited, but by reading she has kept well informed on the events of the day. She is the mother of one child and has two adopted daughters. George, the only son, died at the age of three months, Adda is a member of the Congregational Church, and is quite proficient in both vocal and instrumental music. Jennie, the adopted daughter, is now attending the public schools.
When President Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thousand troops on the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Leach was working at his trade, but he and his companion decided to at once enter the service. He went to his home and said to his wife, "Nellie, I have enlisted. You must go to your father in Chicago." So they both left home, and Mr. Leach joined Company E of the New York Fourteenth Regiment Infantry, which was ordered to Albany for drill and then sent to Washington. While there the citizens presented the regiment with a beautiful flag, valued at $600, with the request: " Col. McWade, we ask only that your regiment will protect these stars and stripes, and not a star be dropped from the field." The Colonel replied: "This flag shall return unsullied, or our bodies will find graves in Southern soil." The regiment originally numbered seven hundred and fifty, but only forty-six were mustered out at the close of the war. Mr. Leach participated in the battle of Hanover, the seven days' battle of the Wilderness, and at Gaines' Mill was appointed to put all the damaged shells, powder and broken guns in a tent, which he was to fire when the troops left. On the approach of the rebels, he applied the torch and jumped down an embankment just in time to save his life. He saw Jeff Davis in an old hut and was about to fire upon him when two women took their station in front of him. Mr. Leach also participated in the battles of Big Bethel, Malvern Hill, Cold Harbor, Fair Oaks, South Mountain, Antietem, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and many others of importance. He was in active service for two years and six months, and then honorably discharged. He was a true soldier, ever found at this post of duty, and his army record is one of which he may justly be proud.
On his return, Mr. Leach spent about a year in the Adirondack Mountains, after which he again worked in Utica, N. Y. In 1865, he came to Onarga, Ill., and engaged in farming for a year, when he entered the employ of Cultra & Pearson, of Onarga, with whom he remained for seven years. Since that time he has been an honored and respected citizen of Roberts. In 1886, he patented Leach's improved roaster and baker, and for two years engaged in its manufacture, when the sales became too large for his labor alone, a stock company was formed in 1888. The first plant was located in Roberts, but on account of the better shipping facilities was removed to Paxton. About five thousand bakers are manufactured and sold each month, and twenty men are employed in this work. Mr. Leach is paid a good royalty, and now in his declining years is enabled to live retired, being surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

L E A C H , J O S E P H B.—Age, 26 years. Enlisted, May 1, 1861, at Utica; mustered in as private, Co. E , May 17,1861, to serve two years; mustered out with company, Mav 24, 1863, at Utica, N. Y.

--Annual Report of the Adjuctant General of the State of New York.

Reunion at the John Bunker Grove

OLD SOLDIERS AND SETTLERS

At the Old Soldiers and Settlers' reunion at the John Bunker grove north of Roberts Wednesday afternoon, about 100 were present.
Twenty-five veterans were present, many of them with their "better half" and a pleasant time enjoyed by all.
Speeches were made by Comrades Chas. Sprague of near Thawville and J. B. Leach of Roberts who could relate, from experience, some of the scenes and sufferings of the Boys in Blue during the 60's and these reminiscences were greatly enjoyed by attentive listeners. If they were not fluent talkers they were certainly eloquent and moved and greatly effected the audience.
Very excellent music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. I. G. Bunker with violin and organ. The McDaniel family had expected to take part in this part of the program but failed to appear.
The meeting for next year will be held in Uncle John Hunt's grove.

--Melvin Transcript. 3 September 1897.

ELIAS B. BEIGHLE, CIVIL WAR VET

E. B. Beighle
Civil War Vet Buried in Lyman Township Cemetery
--Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States.
Lake City Publishing Company, Chicago...
Published 1892. Page 296

Some interesting excerpts from the Lewis E. Bressie bio . . .



BUSINESS

 

 

CIVIL WAR

 

VALUABLE PIECES OF NEEDLEWORK

 

 

LEWIS E. BRESSIE
Civil War Vet Buried in Lyman Township Cemetery
--Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States.
Lake City Publishing Company, Chicago
Published 1892. Page 804



Lewis E. Bressie

LEWIS E. BRESSIE

Civil War Vet Buried in Lyman Township Cemetery

 

--Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States.
Lake City Publishing Company, Chicago...
Published 1892. Page 804