Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 September 1906 — OBITUARY. [ARTICLE]

OBITUARY.

ELKANAH B. VONDEKSMITH, Was born in the city of Philadelphia Nov. 13, 1823, and departed this life at Bemington, Sept. 22, 1906, age 82 years, 10 months and 9 days. He received his education in his native city. When but 15 years of age he became a clerk in a wholesale store and continued in business until 1852, at which time he removed with his family to Ottawa, HI. He was united in marriage to Mary Seitzinger in 1848. To this union was born four children, Bobertß., ot Grant Park, 111., Edgar S., of Bluffton, Ind., Mary Wright, of Rensselaer, and Charles, who now resides in South Dakota. In 1883 Mr. Yondersmith moved from Ottawa, HI., to a farm four miles northwest of Bemington and later from there into Bemington, where he continued to reside until called to be a resident in the great beyond. ‘He was a great lover of his country and its flag and when the civil war came on he wa» among the first to offer himselt for' the service of his beloved country. He enlisted at Nettle Creek, Grundy, Co., 111, Aug. 12, 1862, as a private Co. “H” 88th Begiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers. This regiment being the second Chicago Board ot Trade regiment under Capt. A. C. MoClurg now General McClurg, the famous Chicago publisher. He served with honor throughout the whole war, being honorably discharged July 15, 1865, at Quincy, 111. He partici pa ted in the battles of Perrysville, Stone River, Chicamanga, Missionary Bidge, Resaca, Adairsville and Dallas. At Dallas he was severely wounded and lay unconscious until taken to a hospital, where he tor 17 days struggled with death, but at last won, yet it was not until after six months that he was able to go on duty again. After his recovery he was detached as an orderly to Gen. Oaks, Provost Marshal General of Illinois, and served until he was discharged. Mr. Yondersmith was a good citizen and honored by those who knew him. He was a member of the Remington Poet No. 74 G. A. R. and was its commander for many years. He was faithful to this organization which was so dear to him. He was tender hearted and kind and all who have known him have for him a kindly word.