The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1912-07-22
sEvENTY-TWo YEARS OLD
Was a Veteran Of the Civil War and
Rose to the Rank Of
Captain IN the
Service.

very prominent IHdL III FpuDilCs aHalrS
In Hamilton and Hancock county for
many years. passed away at his resi-
dence in Hamilton Saturday evening
at nine o'clock after lingering i'll
ness.
John M. Elder was born in West
moreland county, Pennsylvania, on
May 16, 1910, thus being ~ years and
some months old at the time OF his
death. In 1851, as a boy, he removed
from Pennsylvania to Ashland county,
Ohio, remaining there eleven years.
On May 80, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H
Of the twenty-third Ohio for 80 days.
On February 81, 1862, he re-enlisted
and was elected captain OF Co. b 1856
Ohio infantry. He was wounded at
the battle OF Antietam, South Noun
tain, Maryland, on September IA, 1862,
and was discharged on account of his
wounds. Returning home to Ohio he
was appointed provost marshal for his
district which position he held until
the close of the war. In 1866 he came
to Illinois and settled at Elderville in
Wythe township. After a short stay
there he removed to Missouri where
he married and lived some ten years;
then returned to Wythe township and
engaged in farming. About twenty
years ago he removed to Hamilton.
He was always active In public affairs.
He served as mayor of Hamilton for
four years and as alderman for several
terms. He was also the supervisor
from Montebello township for twelve
years.
In 1905 he received the appointment
from Governor Deneen of adjutant of
the soldiers and sailors home at
Quincy, which position he filed most
acceptably. indeed his time was given
30 closely and attentively to his work
that It proved great care and strain
70 him. While his general health
seemed good. yet his family and rela-
tlVes could see that he was failing.
some thirteen weeks ago while in his
once one morning he suffered stroke
OF paralysis from which he never re-
covered. He remained in his apart
ments at the home FOR five weeks, and
then was brought to his home In
Hamilton eight weeks ago last Satur-
DAY. These eight weeks have been a
period OF continued and intense suf-
ferlng, but few, If any words of COM
plant were uttered by him.
throughout his entire life Mr.. Elder
mas been man held in high esteem,
ana was known as a man with very
kindly disposition, possibly not an
other man in the entire community
was as we'll thought of by rich and
poor alike as was Captain Elder. On
every hand from every one comes the
WORDS, he was good man.
captain Elder was at one time an
actye member of the Masonic order
but Of recent years has been only
uenitted member, he has however
continued an active and interested
member of the G. A. r. and has given
us Time and money to help support it.
ne was also member of the Bethel
presbyterian church of hamilton.
Mr. Elders wife preceded him in
aeath many years. as did also grown
laughter, Mrs. Laura Elder Ander-
SON. whose death occurred some thir-
teen years ago AT the time of his
uea'h ne Is survived by two daugh-
sefs Miss Jennie Elder, whose home
ids been with her father, and Mrs.
z, Lefier whose home joins the
tsloer home at Hamilton. He is also
,s =. BY four brothers, all of whom
ise az Or near Hamilton.
Mr.. Elder has lived an upright
life, not profuse in his pro-
- essioh' but continually living and do
.ng good to those with whom he as
sooiated At the soldiers and sailors
hoiae N Quincy the officers are unan-
,au,. IN saying that no person in that
. sns made more and held more
.a,iehoships among the many men
mere than did he. Some fifteen or
.Nenty OF the officers from the home
were in attendance at the funeral ser
sic' this afternoon.
nus relatives and intimate friends
1--we sat by his bedside these long
anu weary weeks his conversation as
Meii as his kindly patience and for
ssarance has impressed them, that the
'oiiowing beautiful little poem written
y ihomas McClary on Life's Sunset
sNpiesses the thought that he had and
.as OFTEN expressed as well as the ex.
'ef'ence he has Just gone through:
: loye to see the sunset
NM IN the prairies broad and wild:
',s the smile of God in nature,
IN the face of natures child.
10 love to sit in twilight,
u,' Wnen the tolls Of day are DER,
"nere the evening shadows gather
soand my cahin's open door.
ago tho beauteous sunrise |