The Springfield herald., 1909-05-28
SOLDIERS HOME
LOSES ITS CHIEF
COMMANDER c. s. ALDRICH MUS
TERED OUT BY STROKE OF
APoPLExY.
WAS AN ABLE OFFICER
SERVED AS CAPTAIN AND MAJOR,
WAS CAPTURED AND
ESCAPED.

Denver.-A Republican special from
Monte Vista. Saturday May 21st says:
After having gained distinction in
times Of peace none the less high than
that he earned in the Civil War, Maj.
c. S. Aldrich. commander of the Colo
rado Soldiers and Sailors home, died
suddenly of paralysis at o'clock a. m.
At his death he was serving the last
weeks of his tenure of the high posi-
tion at the home which during the past
six years he had developed into large
and worthy institution. He had re-
signed his place as commander and
Memorial Day intended to lead in the
celebration as his last important act in
office.
Besides his accomplishments in be-
half of the home, Major Aldrich had
perhaps more to do with the develop
ment of Monte Vista than any other
individual. He was the founder Of the
city, Monte Vista, having been planned
by him. After 1t had been well estab-
lished the major participated actively
until his death in helping the city's
growth
Major Aldrich was born in Plymouth.
New York, November IS, 1888, and was
educated at the Canandaigua seminary.
At the end of his student days he
taught school in New York and when
the Civil War opened was engaged in
teaching in Alabama.
At the beginning of hostilities he
hastened north and organized COM
pany of his own. which became Com
pany of the Eighty-fifth New York
volunteers. Until 1864 he served as
captain of the company in many Of the
larger battles of the conflict.
In 1864 he was captured by the Con-
federates at Columbia, S. c.. and was
placed in the terrible Andersonville
prison. He was also confined for short
periods in other military bastiles, but
managed to make his escape and after
great hardships reached the Union
lines in Tennessee. He was promoted
and during the remainder of the war
carried a majors commission.
At the conclusion of the great strug-
gle Major Aldrich returned to Canaan
daigua. N. Y. and in 1868 married Miss
Effie G. Van Buskirk. Later he re-
moved to Bloomington, H., where he
engaged in the mercantile business and
in March 1854. came to Colorado.
1t was Major Aldrich who mapped
opt Monte Vista. At its establishment
he owned the first newspaper in the
city, the Reporter, This was later
changed to the San Luis Graphic, of
which he was editor many years. He
devoted his paper to the advocacy of
prohibition and was largely responsible
for its institution in the city.
At his death he was closing the
sixth year of his service as commander
of the Soldiers and Sailors home here.
He had been greatly instrumental in
having the home placed upon an en-
during basis and during his supervision
its progress was notable.
Major Aldrich's funeral was held
from the chapel of the home Sunday
afternoon, and was largely attended
by the comrades and friends. Six old
soldiers officiated as active pallbearers
and six citizens as honorary pallbear-
crs. The G. A. r. ritual service was
conducted by Rev. Samuel H. Moore,
chaplain of the home, and following
the service the burial took place in
Monte Vista cemetery beside his two
deceased children. A number of prom
inent people from over the state were
in attendance at the services.