The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-08-23
The Late Samuel N. Zc.uH.

1884, aged AZ years
He was born in the town where he died,
of poor but worthy and honorable parent
age. His young life developed at period
when the youth of his town lnbored under
disadvantages incident to time OF transl.
ton from wild to civilized state OF so
eiety: vet at that early period, when
schools were few and often poorly taught,
he applied himself studiOuSly and acquired
a good education. He at that early time in
life took a deep interest in the great issues
that loomed up along our political horizon
Just before the civil war, and as soon as
circums stances at home would permit he
entered the service of his country, enlisting
as member of Co. F, 10ith III. Infantry,
Sept 1862, serving from that date until the
close of the war. Returning home he again
took to farming as the way best suited to
sustain his mother and younger brothers
and sister. He being the oldest Of the
children, the duty of providing for the
family devoved upon him; and the tears
they shed over his remains attest the deep
gratitude they feel when they think OF his
early sacrifices IN their behalf. About this
time he formed an acquaintance with Miss
Emma Spencer, daughter of Thos. Spencer
of Yorkville Kendall county, which ripen
ed into an affection resulting in marriage
This union was most fortunate for both
Mrs Ieluff as the helpmeet of her husband
brought to bear all the graccs Of refined
and christian temperament and contributed
largely to relieve and tighten the labors
that bore so heavily upon him in the de.
clning years of his life. In Sept 1869,
with Il small company Of his friends, think.
ing the west best suited to their purposes,
he removed to Grant City, in northwestern
Missouri Here he settled and opened up.
a farm, which pursuit he followed for four
years, when selling out he moved into
Grant City, investing his means in build
ing up the place. Here he formed "A wide
acquaintance and cXerted "A beneficial inilu.
local post G. A. r. the odd Fellows, and
A. o. L. w. About Jan lst, 1873 desiring
a change Of business he entered the field
of journalism, editing IA paper called the
Grant City STIR. The new enterprise was
success financially and otherwise for
the fortunes of the Star were pushed with
the energy of man who had the courage
of his convictions Il should remark the
star advocated the principles of the repub. |
lican party, and stood by them in every
trying emergency But his health had
been failing for years, and receiving the
of postmaster Of his place, he
severed his connection with the Star April
1st, 1888 Since that date he has led
quiet life with continued failing health
He naturally clung to life, AS the rest of us
would, but consumption was making rapid
undermining what vitality re
NAMED In last hope of finding relief,
he in company with his family, in the last
part of July, went to BeTian Springs, Mich,
but eminent physicians there gave him no
hope, and he retraced his steps to home
and TO die Arriving at Iorkville on his
way back, he stopped to rest among the
friends of his wife, who yet reside at the
old homestead and from thence came to
his sisters in Rutland, at his own earnest
request His end was near, and what feel
ing could be more natural than that he
should wish to lay down the burdcA of life
by the loving and familiar
friends of his youth?
The foregoing briefly outlines the events
in the life of heroic soldier and an hon
orable and upright citizen, There are thou.
sands to-day with whom he mingled from
the period of youth to that Of the grave ,
bear testimony touching his many eX.
,ollences of character best knew him
rs soldier 1t was our good fortune to be
thrown much together After the battle of ,
the l0ith and the organiza
ion that | entered at the beginning of the
war were brigaded together till the end of
he war. derived great satisfaction that |
could stand by his bedside and minister I
- his wants AS his life was fading away !
and il seemed 10 recall the scenes OF the I
hospital, where the fever stricken and those 5
orn and mangled on the battlefield were {
gathered, and again it seemed to recall the {
march, the camp, and the field of strife, of
he charging battalions, of the storm of {
hell and canister. When parting with I
i'm in the morning he thanked me warm I
y for my presence during the night c
peak of this to show the consideration he q
cit for others He called his wife and
riends around him, imparting TO her his
living wishes and invoked a last blessing
IN those lac loved His remains he re ;
,uested should be taken to his western -
iome, and there placed beside his two e
.hildren who had gone before him. He /
ias gone from us forever; yet the recollec G