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John Monroe Webber was born on the River Rhine, Holland of the Netherlands, November 10, 1794, the second of two sons. The first, William, was two years older.
Military conditions in Europe continued uncertain during the early 1800’s and this was a growing concern to the parents of John and William. For some time the family had discussed the possibility of moving to America. A decision was finally made. The mother would be provided a substantial sum of money and would personally take the children to the Unites States; Philadelphia was selected as their destination because other families known to the Webbers had moved to America earlier. (I have been unable to confirm it, but it is believed the father joined them at a later date).
The family was of comfortable financial means and had little difficulty getting established in their new homeland. The year was 1806 and John Monroe Webber was twelve years old.
The boys were placed in school soon after their arrival. They received a good basic education and John learned the trade of baker before reaching adulthood. (This experience probably proved helpful later in life when several members of his family were engaged in the milling business.)
Records show that John Monroe Webber married a widow, Elizabeth Sauerman McQueen, on June 11, 1816. The marriage took place in Pittsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth was twenty-three, and John, twenty-two.
There were eleven children born to this union, eight sons and three daughters. John and Elizabeth continued to make their home in the Philadelphia area until 1822, at which time three children had been added to their family: a daughter, Elizabeth, then age five; John, age three; and Joseph, age one.
There were stories coming out of the west that excited John and stirred his pioneering spirit. He and Elizabeth talked and dreamed of a new life on the western frontier. They took into consideration the problems they might encounter with the children but the idea of a new and exciting life in the west overshadowed all reasoning. A decision was reached. John, Elizabeth and the three little ones were going to Rutherford County, Tennessee. The year was 1822, early summertime. They were a young family with a vision of the future, and their spirit of adventure gave them the necessary motivation to meet and overcome all challenges. They traveled by stage and covered wagon to reach their destination.
Upon arrival, John realized that he was going to have to provide for his family by tilling the soil. Unfortunately, he knew very little about farming. He received a lot of help from Elizabeth, who knew quite a lot about farming from her early life in Virginia. Noting his willingness to learn, his neighbors gave him the additional assistance necessary to convert him from a “city boy” to a farmer. He learned quickly.
The Webber family had no difficulty making a living in their new state of Tennessee but they were not satisfied with “just a living.” The family had increased to seven children, ranging in ages from two to thirteen years. Both John and Elizabeth agreed they should consider moving to a new location if they could find a place that would give them an opportunity to grow and establish their roots more permanently. They had heard of a place in Illinois that might offer the opportunities they were seeking. One or two of their neighbors were looking for a similar place to settle. In 1830 they decided to move to Saline County Illinois, near the small settlement of Galatia.
The families traveled to Galatia by covered wagons pulled by teams of horses. The town was chartered in 1836. It was given its name from the Book of Galatians in the New Testament. It is located approximately 125 miles east and south of St. Louis, Missouri.
The History of Galatia reports that the Webbers purchased a tract of land a short time after their arrival. This was the beginning of a farm that became one of the best known homesteads in Saline County. The Webber Homestead is still remembered by old-time residents in the area.
Almost immediately, John and Elizabeth began to make plans to build a house for their family of seven children. Four more children came along by the year 1836. There was an abundance of timber on the land and with the assistance of new-found friends and neighbors the Webber home was quickly erected.
The land they purchased was partially cleared of timber which made it possible to begin farming a short time after arrival. This was important as much of the goods for the family had to be produced from the soil. Early farming was of a “truck” farming and the primary row crop was corn. There was an abundance of pasture land for the livestock. The majority raised tobacco but only for their own use. Those planting and raising tobacco were surprised at the rich quality of the leaves. The weather, climate and soil proved nearly perfect for this crop. This played a very important role in the future of Galatia and Saline County.
The settlers also found the soil and climate well suited for orchards. Wild game was in abundance to supplement the meat in the smokehouse. John, Elizabeth and the children who were reaching the age to be of help worked hard, but they had found a place where they family was happy and they could visualize a settlement that offered a potential for growth.
By the year 1840 John and Elizabeth had expanded their farm and added more acreage, much of which was in timberland. The soil was fertile and it was recognized the land could be far more productive for farming. This opened a new chapter of progress for the Galatia area. Men were employed to clear the timber and prepare the soil for farming. This created new jobs for the local residents but more important, a need for more housing was created. Within a short time, according to the History of Galatia, the Webbers employed many workers to clear their land and work on the various farm projects. A principal source of income for local citizens was the Webbers programs.
There was a need for more construction of homes and, to help satisfy this need, saw mills were established to convert the timber into lumber. Henry “Dick” Webber, son of John and Elizabeth, was among the first to install a saw mill. John, the principal of this story (son of John Monroe and Elizabeth), had by now left the family farm and settles in Missouri.
The Webbers weren’t satisfied in limiting their business activities to farm projects, lumber mills and building houses for the workers. Over a period of time more tobacco was grown and “Dick” Webber recognized it as an income crop if facilities could be constructed to process the tobacco and a steady market outlet could be found. Within a year, a large tobacco processing plant (stemmery) five stories high and 150’ x 300’ in width and length was erected. It was one of the largest facilities of its kind in Saline County.
Now that the farmers had a market for their tobacco, production increased one hundredfold and it wasn’t long before Saline County was recognized as the leading tobacco producer in the state.
The time had come to consolidate some of the Webber Enterprises. Henry established a company under his name, later changed to H. Webber and Son to include his son, A.J. “Jack”. The tobacco industry grew rapidly and more tobacco processing plants were needed. Another Webber brother, Nelson, was ready to take his place in the family enterprises. A large stemmery was erected in nearby Raleigh, the county seat of Saline County, four miles from Galatia.
By 1858, Galatia was not only the center of the tobacco industry in Illinois, it exported up to one and one half million pounds per year, principally to Liverpool, England.
The Illinois State Historical Society erected a marker in the name of the Webber Brothers. It stands outside the city of Galatia and bears the legend: “The tobacco industry; from the creation of Saline County in 1847 to the end of the century the production of tobacco was the principle industry. In 1870, Saline County had the highest tobacco production in the state. The Webber Brothers of Galatia and Raleigh were the largest buyers and processors in the county, some years exporting 1,500,000 pounds of tobacco. Erected by The Illinois State Historical Society 1957.”
The Webbers were constantly on the alert for any new business ventures that would benefit the community and return a reasonable profit. In time the tobacco industry began to decline, but by then wheat had developed into the leading cash crop. Now was the time to establish facilities to grind the wheat and covert it to flour, feed and related products. H. Webber and Son rose to the occasion and erected a roller (grist) mill in Galatia. More were added in Raleigh, Stonefort and Eldorado, all within Saline County. The Stonefort Mill was operated by Archibald Webber. Milling became one of the fastest growing enterprises, and soon the Webber Brothers were well on their way to achieving phenomenal success. Another brother, Samuel Thomas “Tom” had taken his place in the Webber Enterprises, but now another generation was entering the picture lead by A. J. (Jack) Webber, son of Henry (Dick). Before he was a mid-teen, Jack was causing a lot of comment and getting much attention from his uncles. He demonstrated an uncanny knowledge of the business and it was immediately obvious he had a great future. He received the best education available in the Galatia school system before going to Chicago, where he attended and graduated from a commercial college. At the age of twenty-one he was made a junior partner in “H. Webber and Son” and almost immediately things began to happen. He was a natural leader and within a few months was directing most of the business. H. Webber and Son expanded rapidly under his direction.
He was largely responsible for the company entering the banking business. The Bank of Galatia was built and opened for business within a short time. A second bank was opened in nearby Harco, Illinois. Jack was made president of the banking operation.
The milling business was expanded still more and within a few years these Webber mills were by far the largest and most productive in the entire area. After his daughter, May Olive, was born, he names their premium flour after her “May-Flour.”
The Webbers saw a need for creating additional jobs in the Galatia area if the town was to continue to grow and prosper. They made arrangements to open a coal mine just outside the town, The Galatia Coal company. The mine didn’t employ a large number of employees but it did provide a job for anyone who wanted to work. The mine also gave the area an economic boost and brought more people to the growing town. Saline County Galatia has one of the richest coal veins in the state. Kerr-McGee Corp. currently owns and operated the coal mine in Galatia and is the primary employer of its citizens.
The coming of the railroad into the area created more jobs, and another boost was given to the community. The railroad also was responsible for beinging in more salesmen and men traveling on business. A facility was needed to accommodate these travelers.
The Webbers erected a thirty-six room hotel in downtown Galatia. The rooms for the hotel were constructed on the second floor of the building. The first floor or ground level was made up of several stores. There were a department store, a hardware store, grocery, furniture, etc. Most of these firms were owned and operated by members of the Webber families.
Another need was created as a result of the increase in travel into the town: transportation for the traveling people to assist them in reaching the adjoining towns. Livery stables were provided for the purpose along with buggies, if desired.
The Webbers were looking ahead again. Their town didn’t have any lighting other than candle and coal oil lamps. They envisioned electricity for the town, so a large dynamo was installed in the basement of the flour mill, attached to the engines that supplied electricity to Galatia for many years.
Time was taking its toll on the Webber family. The father, John Monroe, now known as “Daddy” Webber, died in 1870; Mother Webber, Elizabeth, died in 1872; Elizabeth Jane, the oldest daughter, in 1851; and another daughter Jane died during 1850. A younger brother, Samuel Thomas “Tom” died at the age of twenty-eight.
Jack continued as the dominating force in the business, and certainly no one could question his success. If he could be faulted or second-guessed for any reason, it might be that he should have delegated more authority to a successor. At the same time he probably felt that he was doing exactly that.
Even though Jack was involved deeply in the various enterprises, his first love was the banking business and the second, farm land. The Saline County Register, Harrisburg, Illinois, on July 10, 1903, stated “A.J. Webber returns the largest single amount of personal property of any tax payer in Saline County, also he owns in excess of five thousand acres of farm land in the county.” At the time of his death in 1910, he owned more than seven thousand acres.
The Daily Register, Harrisburg, Illinois, noted “The First Millionaire In Saline County Was A. J. (Jack) Webber”
The History of Galatia estimated Jack’s net worth as two and one-half million dollars. Whatever the amount, he was a man of extreme wealth, especially considering the period in history when these estimated were made.
Summarizing, by the late 1800’s, the Webbers of Galatia controlled the following: a large lumber yard; tobacco processing plants and barns in Galatia and Raleigh; the Bank of Galatia; the Bank of Harco; a poultry processing plant; an ice plant; roller and grist mills in Galatia, Raleigh, Stonefort and Eldorado that produced flour, feeds and related products; an electric plant, a department store; a hardware store; an undertaking establishment; saw mills; a hotel; the water system in Galatia; a coal mine; a grocery and restaurant; a Ford auto agency and garage; a cotton gin and cording mill in Raleigh; livery stables; ;and in excess of seven thousand acres of farm land in Saline County. This acreage doesn’t take into consideration land owned individually by family members.
The first hearse was brought to Galatia by the Webbers in 1905. It was a “Sayres and Scovilles” horse drawn vehicle, black, with columns at each corner, glass in the sides and lamps on each side of the driver’s seat. It was purchased at a cost of $1250.00, a substantial sum in those days. The Webber Undertaking Firm was owned and operated by Arthur and Clyde Webber.
From the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s every single business venture was a huge success and an empire was built. Theirs was a “storybook” success story. They were not just a part of Galatia and Saline County, they were Galatia and Saline County.
In addition to being successful in business, and just as important, they were a highly respected family. They were known for their love for their town and its people. They were generous, always ready to listen and lend a helping hand to those in need.
If one were to visit Galatia today and seek out long time residents, it would be difficult to find anyone that wouldn’t have a good word for the Webbers.
There is more to tell. Again, time had taken its toll. The Webber Brothers who played major roles in this successful story had died by the year 1900: Thomas in 1858, Archibald in 1877, Samuel Nelson in 1900 and Henry (Dick) died in 1899.
Jack continued to direct the businesses until he died in 1910. Prior to his death a will was drawn up which outlined specific instructions as to how the business was to be managed or directed. Only that portion of the will relating to the business will be given.
In part, the estate, including all property, real, personal and mixed should remain intact and undivided for a period of fifteen years from the date of his death, i.e. (1910-1925).
Two long-time business associates were named as trustees and directors with specific instructions that they were not to be bonded. Both would receive two percent of all income and profits at the end of each year throughout the entire fifteen years, or until 1925. His wishes were honored and the business continued to operate on a successful basis for the first few years. One of the trustees died unexpectedly in April 1915. He was replaced by Jack’s only son, John Henry, as a director. John Henry was known and fondly referred to as “Little Henry.”
The company, including the bank, began to experience business set-backs and reverses. The bank finally closed during 1927. At this point there being no recourse, bankruptcy was declared. Everything possible was done to reorganize and avoid the inevitable, but the problems were too great.
Most of the estate was sold to satisfy the obligations of the organization. Many of the local citizens, who were also good friends, lost their savings with the closing of the bank but it must be recognized that other citizens throughout the United States had experienced the same fate. The directors of other bank did what they could within reason to help by selling some of the many thousand acres of land, but this had to be stopped following declaration of bankruptcy.
There remain several structures in Galatia today as vivid reminders of the Webber Empire. The original bank building stands vacant and unoccupied. One old roller or flour and feed mill still stands with weeds growing around the building. It is unoccupied and hasn’t been used for some time. The Ford agency building and garage stands unoccupied, weather-beaten with age. Across the street is the old office of the lumber yard, also showing its age. To the north across the street are the remains of the poultry processing plant. Only the concrete foundation of the hotel is visible; the structure was burned in 1946 when a fire destroyed the greater part of a block on both sides of the street.
The home built by Henry “Dick” Webber in late 1849, later bought and remodeled by Jack and Annie Julia, still stands and is in excellent repair. Jack and Annie lived there until their deaths, his in 1910, hers in 1918. The home remained closed following her death until the bank failure in 1927. It is a beautiful three-story white frame building, surrounded by an iron fence. Annie lived there comfortably after Jack’s death. He had made adequate provisions for her in his will. She received fifty percent of the profits beyond that which was paid to each of the directors and trustees of the estate. The remaining fifty percent was divided equally between their children, John Henry and May Olive. Upon Annie’s death the estate was divided equally among the children.
Only one other Webber home remains in Galatia. It is a two-story white frame house in good repair. It is owned and occupied by a local resident.
There are no living Webbers in Galatia Today. The Webber Family Cemetery outside town, on a plot of ground donated by the Webber family many years ago, includes sixty eight granite and marble headstones bearing the names of the various Webbers.
Today, Galatia is a town of about one thousand people, located several miles off the interstate highway, and it is obvious every resident is proud of this town; this is reflected in the manner in which the Galatians take care of their homes. It is also one of the friendliest towns I have ever had the pleasure to visit. There were six in our party who spent a weekend there in late May, 1987. Our wonderful hosts were Buck and Virginia Blackburn, who are proud to be native Galatians. We will always be indebted to them for the warm greeting and hospitality they extended.
It is doubtful that anyone knows more about the Webbers than Virginia. Buck know some of the Webbers personally, as did his father before him. Virginia has researched the Webber family for years, not only because she was a friend to a granddaughter of Jack and Annie Julia, but also because of her interest in preserving the history of Galatia and Saline County.
Our group, accompanied by Virginia and Buck, attended Sunday morning church service at the United Methodist Church. This was a real privilege for us. We were warmly greeted by members of the congregation and were asked by the pastor to introduce our group and take a few minutes to inform the congregation our plans to dedicate a memorial to one of their native sons, John Webber, in Rolla, Missouri, September 6, 1987.
Our visit will never be forgotten, nor will the reception given us by Virginia, Buck and other citizens of Galatia.
The Webbers and their Church
The Webber families were of a strong and dedicated Christian faith and were avid supporters of the Methodist Church.
John Monroe (also fondly referred to as “Daddy” Webber) and Elizabeth promoted their faith long before there was a church building in the Galatia area. During their early years after arriving in Saline County their finances weren’t strong enough to promote the construction of a church building, so they did the next best thing. They set up a camp-meeting site on a portion of their property, and a meeting was held annually that lasted a week or more. Galatia History reports that “many hundred” would attend the meeting and spend the entire week camping nearby. It didn’t seem to matter that John Monroe’s fruit trees were always denuded and roasting ears taken from the corn field for human consumption and for feeding the animals. Nothing deterred him, and the meeting went on year after year.
“Daddy” Webber lived to a ripe old age, and on his death bead he called his son Henry and said, “Henry, I am about to die. I have always tried to take care of the Methodist church during my lifetime, now I want you to take care of it.” Anyone who visits Galatia today and inquires who build and furnished the splendid Methodist Church there will know that John Monroe’s request to be dutiful and loving son was carried out.
Jack and Annie Julia made a trip to England during the early 1890’s. While in London they saw a church building that immediately caught their attention. They were so impressed, they sought out the builder, obtained a set of blue prints and soon after returning to Galatia, consulted a contractor, authorized the erection of the building, and paid most of the construction costs. The church was ready for use by 1895 and services continue there today.
Jack made provisions in his will, through a trust, to pay a specified amount to the church to help defray a portion of the minister’s expense and maintenance.
The Harrisburg Chronicle, on November 27, 1896, carried an article about the church – “The First Methodist Church of Galatia has just erected a new brick building. The walls are of pressed brick laid in a white mortar with circular seats, excellent furnishings throughout and superior acoustics.”
The church is modern, even by today’s standards. There are three rows of pews in an arc or circular arrangement. The interior wood is largely of cherry and the stained glass windows are nothing short of magnificent. They were hand made in England and shipped here for installation. The insurance carrier estimated a cost of $350,000.00 to replace them. Two of the most prominent windows are in memory of Henry and Mary Jane Webber, (1822-1899 and 1825-1884) and Jack and Annie Julia (1845-1910 and 1848-1918).
The church building is in excellent repair and is a prominent landmark in the village of Galatia.
Community, Civic and Social Activities
The Webber Family, starting with "Daddy" Webber, was known for its generosity and willingness to help others in time of need. Its members were very civic minded and dedicated to the development of their town, community and Saline County. They were generous not only for their time but, more importantly, their financial support. This support extended through the second and third generations.
The men in the family were zealous members of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders. Jack probably attained the highest orders. He reached the tenth order, “select masters” degree, in the Masons and the ninth, or “Royal Purple,” in the Odd Fellow order.
Galatia History is filled with social events of which they were an integral part. They were in most of the social functions.
Their charities were numerous and liberal. A comment carried in the History of Galatia sums it up by saying “Although their possessions were great there was nothing aristocratic about them. The humblest person did not hesitate to come to them for advice or assistance and they never went away in vain.”
Vital Statistics of the Original Webber Family
JOHN MONROE “DADDY” WEBBER: born in Holland, November 10, 1794, died July 30, 1870. Buried in Webber Camp Ground Cemetery, Galatia, Illinois.
MARRIED TO
ELIZABETH SAUERMAN MCQUEEN, June 11, 1816, in Pittsburg, Maryland. She was born in Prince George County, Virginia, October 18, 1793, and died in Galatia, Ill., August 25, 1872. Buried in Camp Ground Cemetery.
There Were Eleven Sons and Daughters Born To This Union
1. ELIZABETH JANE, oldest daughter, was born in Philadelphia, April 16, 1817. Married to WILLIAM ANDREW MUSGRAVE, founder of Raleigh, Ill., seat of Saline County. The town of Raleigh was names in honor of the Musgrave family, whose origin was Raleigh, N.C. The Musgraves were a prominent and well-to-do family. Elizabeth died March 7, 1851, at the age of 34. WILLIAM ANDREW was born February 5, 1818, in Raleigh, N.C. He died April 27, 1871. Both Elizabeth and William Andrew are buried in the Masonic Cemetery, Raleigh, Ill. Three sons and four daughters were born to this union.
2. JOHN WEBBER, born in Philadelphia, January 24, 1819, died May 31, 1889, in the family home near Edgar Springs, Missouri. He is buried in the Webber Cemetery, Rolla Missouri.
MARRIED TO
ELIZA JANE POWELL, Galatia, Illinois September 17, 1840. She was born January 22, 1824, Galatia; died September 9, 1859; buried in the Webber Cemetery, Rolla, Missouri. (John and Eliza Jane were the first to homestead on land that later became the city of Rolla, Missouri, 1844.) Eliza Jane died at the age of thirty-five, leaving ten children (six sons and four daughters) ranging in age from one to eighteen years. –
FOLLOWING THE EARLY DEATH OF ELIZA JANE JOHN –
MARRIED
SARAH E. CRITES, a young widow, March 1, 1860. Sarah was born in
Tennessee November 8, 1837, died November 22, 1862, less than two years
following their marriage. There was one child born to this union, a daughter, Sarah Eunice, March 5, 1861. Sarah died May 24, 1862, at the age of one year, two months. We have been unable to determine the place of burial, but both mother and daughter are believed to have been returned to their home state of Tennessee.
MARRIED
LUCINDA FRANCES YOWELL (NEE SALLY), a widow, February 22, 1863, Rolla, Missouri. Lucinda was born in Phelps County, December 11, 1836, died November 3, 1909. She is buried in the Smith Cemetery located about four miles west and north of Edgar Springs. (Lucinda was the daughter of a prominent Rolla family and a sister of the late Judge Sally.)
There were eight children born to this union, four sons and four daughters. John fathered nineteen children through the three marriages.
3. JOSEPH WEBBER, the second son, was born in Philadelphia, December 27, 1820. He was ten years of age when the family moved to Saline County, Illinois. We are continuing our research on Joseph as we do not have complete information at this time.
4. HENRY J. “DICK” WEBBER, born in Tennessee, September 14, 1822. He died April 18, 1899. He was buried in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery, Galatia. He was ---
MARRIED TO
MARY JANE RHINE, one of the three Rhine sisters married to two other Webber boys. She married September 22, 1841, at Galatia. Mary Jane was born February 22, 1825, in Saline County, Illinois, died in Galatia, April 20, 1884, at the age of fifty-nine. She is buried in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery. There were fifteen children born to this union, ten sons and five daughters. Seven died at ten years and under.
FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF MARY JANE, HENRY LATER –MARRIED
EMILY JANE NIBLOCK CORWIN in Galatia, May 28, 1885. Emily was born in Indiana in 1831. We do not have the date of Emily’s death. There were no children born into this union.
5. MARY WEBBER, born in Tennessee, April 16, 1824. She was married to a man by the name of Hampton and following marriage moved to Williamson, Illinois. We have been unable to continue our search at that point.
6. JANE WEBBER was born in Tennessee, May 5, 1826. She married James Lowe and after marriage left the Galatia area. She is not buried in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery. We do have information that she died January 22, 1850
7. J. WESLEY WEBBER was born September 6, 1828, in Tennessee. He died January 4, 1834, at the age of six. His is the first marker in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery. The cemetery was located on the John Monroe Webber farm.
8. NELSON “UNCLE NELL” WEBBER was born in Illinois, September 6, 1830. He died in Raleigh, Illinois, during the year 1901. He was married to a second Rhine Sister (Henry married the first Rhine), Elizabeth September 19, 1850 in Galatia. She died in Raleigh during the year 1912 and is buried in the Rhine Cemetery near Raleigh. There were seventeen children born into this union, including three sets of twins.
Note: Elizabeth was the daughter of John B. and Hannah (Barger) Rhine, one of a family of fourteen with six sisters and seven brothers. John Rhine was born near the River Rhine in Germany. Hannah was born in Tennessee. The Rhines and Webbers were acquainted with each other while in Holland and they came to America maintaining contact with each other, later in Tennessee and finally, Illinois. The Rhines had large land holdings and a family of comfortable means. Three of the Rhine sisters married three of the Webber brothers so the families remained very close.
9. SAMUEL THOMAS “TOM” WEBBER was born in Illinois June 5, 1832, and died August 15, 1858, at the age of twenty-six. He is buried in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery. Thomas remained a bachelor. Tom was active in the banking business during his business career and owned several hundred acres of fertile farm land.
10. ARCHIBALD F. “UNCLE ARCH” WEBBER was born in Illinois March 29, 1834, and died February 28, 1877. He is buried in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery. He was married to Mahala Rhine, the third sister to marry one of the Webber brothers. Mahala was born in Illinois and died in nearby Stonefort, May 8, 1912. She and Nelson lived in the Stonefort area for a number of years and looked after the Webber business interest. Mahala is buried in the Webber Camp Ground Cemetery. There were nine children born to this union.
11. ELIJAH M. “LIGE” WEBBER was born June 5, 1836, in Illinois and was the youngest of the eleven children. He married Elizabeth Hale, a full blooded Cherokee Indian. There were nine children born to this union. Elijah was a career military man. He served in the Civil War. He held the rank of Lieutenant, Co. L, 13th Illinois cavalry. We don’t have the date of his death but Elizabeth died in 1915.
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