Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1890-07-31
OBITUARY..
CAPT. THOMAS PRIEsTLEY.

\ Jul WSShc aSo thSlC CdluS W
Mineral Point message stating
that Capt. Thomas Friestley was
en- route for home from the scene
of his late labors as agent at the
Yakima Indian Agency, critically
i'll. The intelligence cast over the
entire community shadow of sad
ness, that has remained and darker
grown as daily tidings from the
sufferers chamber gave little hope
of recovery. All that the most
eminent skill and tcnderest care
could suggest We're vain. Gradual
ly the loved one moved forward to
the portals of the beyond, .ntil
three o'clock of the afternoon of
Tuesday, July 30, when he quietly
passed within.
Captain Priestley was born in
Leeds, Eng, January 30, 1886. In
1888 he came with his parents to
Mineral Point, and here has been
his home through life. In Septem-
ber, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, llth
Wis. Inf, and served as Orderly
Sergeant of that organization about
one year; discharging the duties of
that trying position so well that he
was rendered and accepted COM
mission as Lieutenant of Co. b, 3Oth
Wis. Inf. then organizing. With
the both he served until Sept. Goth,
1855, making full four years devoted
to his country as soldier for the
Union. As an Orderly Sergeant he
was unexcelled; as an officer his
record is of the best. He was pro-
NOTED to a Captaincy in the 3oth,
served as Adjutant Of the regiment
for while, aud did much valuable
staff service, including about one
year as Provost Marshal of Ken
lucky, position of great response
bility, requiring abilities but few
volunteer officers were fitted for;
and in every station rejecting honor
upon the uniform he wore.
He was often called to the public
service in civil life, and in each in
stance proved efficient and faithful
as in army life. He has been Mayor
and Treasurer of this city; was
Superintendent of City Schools
about eight years; was Assistant
Assessor of internal revenue for a
short term, and in other positions
has done much public business, and
done it well. In October, 1885, he
was .endered by telegraph, through
Col. VIM. +. Villas, then Secretary
of tie Post Office Department, an
appointment as Indian Agent at the
Yakima Agency, Wash, position
which two or three appointees had
failed to satisfactorily fill. Capt.
Presley doubtingly accepted the
trust, proceeded to the Agency, and
within a year, by untiring industry
and the exercise Of his rare admin
istradve abilities, brought order out
of tie chaos he found there, and
established for himself at Washing
ton reputation as one of the very
best officers known to the service,
which reputation he maintained
through changing administrations
to The time Of his retirement. That
his service was satisfactory to the
Indi:ns under his charge, and that
he had their confidence and esteem
to ths fullest, was shown by their
earnest appeals and vigorous pro-
testsagainst his removal when they
Learned that it was contemplated.
Tneis will be sorrow in every wig
wamand dwelling on the Yakama
reservation when the red men there
learrof Agent Priestley's decease.
In social life Capt. Priestley was
universal favorite. His generous,
kindly heart well matched his
bright, strong mind. As compan-
ion 10 was especially attractive. He
possessed tne vein of rich humor
rares met, and an appreciation of