Capt. William H. Wildey, who enjoys the distinction of being Carroll county’s oldest business man as well as one of the nation’s oldest civil war veterans, will observe his 100th birthday anniversary on April 18.

Although he retired from business 14 years ago, Wildey, better known as “Capt. Harry,” still holds the record of having been in business longer than any other man in Carroll County.

Born in Springfield, Erie County, New York, April 18, 1839, Wildey came west when a youth and was engaged in business in Chicago from 1855 until the start of the Civil War.

He enlisted in Company A, 19th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Chicago on April 19, 1861, and served four years and nine months with the Union forces. He took part in two major engagements, the battles of Nashville and Stone River, Tenn. For valorous service in the battle of Stone River, in which he was so severely wounded he was forced to spend five months in a military hospital, Wildey was commissioned a lieutenant. He was raised to the rank of captain for distinguished service in the battle of Nashville.

Capt. Wildey was mustered out of service January 19, 1866 and came to Mount Carroll, where he established a grocery store on Feb. 17 of the same year. He was the first grocer in the city to establish a delivery service and the first to purchase salt and oil in carload lots. A little over a year after he was discharged from the army, on April 24, 1867, Capt. Wildey married Emily Vale of England. Four children were born to them, May and Edith, who make their home with their father; Alice, now the wife of J. D. Turnbaugh, Mount Carroll attorney; and Harry, of Mount Carroll.

During his active years, Capt. Wildey was one of Mount Carroll’s most influential citizens. Although he never particularly sought public office, he was elected a member of the city council and board of supervisors. He was a large stockholder in the J. M. Shirk Mill company, First National Bank, electric light company and telephone company, now operated by the Northwestern Illinois Utilities company.

When Capt. Wildey retired 14 years ago, his son Harry took over management of the grocery store and operated it until 1934. Although somewhat enfeebled by age, Capt. Wildey is still mentally alert and enjoys recalling his war experiences. He still has his sword, musket, faded blue uniform and other war relics.

While he is looking forward with pleasure to his 100th birthday, Capt. Wildey told an interviewer this week the he does not care “for any more birthdays.” “I’ve lived a full life; I’ve never harmed anyone and I’m ready to face my Maker any time,” he declared. Although it is doubtful if he will be able to be present, Capt. Wildey will be honored at the spring meeting of Freeport Consistory, of which he has been a member for 50 years, and co-ordinate bodies of Scottish rite Masonry at Freeport on April 19 and 20.

Transcriber’s Note: According to the Illinois Statewide Death Index, Capt. William H. Wildey died October 23, 1941 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.