FRANCIS EDWARD MELUGIN - DR. F. E. MELUGIN, CIVIL WAR VETERAN, ANSWERS LAST GRAND ROLL CALL BELOVED THOMSON PHYSICIAN IS TAKEN BY DEATH MONDAY EVENING - FUNERAL HELD WEDNESDAY
By Rev. Clark Williams
Dr. F.E. Melugin, one of York township's best known and most beloved citizens, passed away at his home in Thomson last Monday evening, following an illness of several months. He began to fail in health early last summer, and about three months ago, when he became worse, his illness was diagnosed as cancer of the stomach, and it was realized then that he had not long to live. He continued to grow worse, and during the past few weeks has failed rapidly, and at times suffered a great deal. For ten days prior to the end, his death was momentarily expected. Dr. Melugin was one of the oldest practicing physicians in Carroll county, and was widely known and esteemed. He was engaged in the practice of his profession in Thomson continuously for over 46 years, spending a life time of service for the relief of suffering of humanity. During these years he won the love and respect of all, and his death will be keenly felt in this community. He was a member of the Masonic, Easter Star and Odd Fellow orders, and the G.A.R., and while in good health, was active in all these various organizations. He loved Thomson as it is given to but few men to love their home town and sought its civic welfare at all times. He was a booster of all community enterprises, a supporter of all good and righteous causes, and yet found time to remember the individual. Many young men were helped on to success unknown to the world through the encouragement and help given them by Dr. Melugin. One of the most touching incidents of his last few weeks was the publication of a letter of appreciation to all those who had offered their sympathy and help in his illness. While it voiced his thanks, it was mutely expressive of his thoughtfulness for others, and his gratitude for the return in a small measure of the help that he had for years given so unstintedly to others. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, with a brief prayer service at the home at 1:30, and religious services at the Methodist church at two o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Clark Williams, assisted by the Rev. A. G. Prestage. Music was furnished by the Masonic male quartette of Fulton. The Masonic burial ritual was exemplified by the local lodge, assisted by Past Master W. A. Bristol of Savanna, part of the ceremonial being conducted at the church because of the extreme cold, and the remainder at the grave. The pall bearers were B. R. Lewis, Norman French, Blaine Peck, Ed. Porter, George Hicks and R. L. Fuller.
OBITUARY
Francis E. Melugin was born in Lee County, Illinois, on February 15, 1846, and died at his home in Thomson, Illinois, about 6:40 o'clock on Monday evening, December 21, 1925, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 6 days. The years of his early life were spent on the farm where he was born, and here he received all the education possible in the country schools of the then new West. His further education was gained only by the dint of his own efforts and application, and it was thus, in his youth, that he acquired the studious efforts that marked his life. When the Civil war broke out the lad, although only a boy in years, but a man in stature, sought to enlist. Because of his extreme youth he was rejected, but fired by patriotism and love of country, he again offered his services to his country a year later, and was again denied. Undaunted, he tried again in 1863, and on August 11th that year, enlisted in Co. I, 89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Amboy, Illinois. His enlistment came in the darkest days of the war, and he soon saw active service, spending in all 72 days under fire. Then, during Sherman's March to the Sea, he was badly wounded, and for many months hovered between life and death. His youthful vitality finally conquered, however, and he won his way back to health, although throughout his lifetime he carried the scars and suffered the handicaps of five wounds. When he had recovered, he refused the discharge that was offered him, and because of his intense desire to serve his country, he was transferred, in February, 1865, to Co. D, 4th V.R.C. He was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, on July 21, 1865, after serving his country well and faithfully for one year, eleven months and ten days. In 1868, as a young man of 22 years, he came to Carroll county, where he settled on a farm. Because of the results of his wounds, however, he was forced to give up farming, and in 1873, he came to Thomson, where he has since resided. After conducting a drug store for a few years, he went to New York to study medicine, and in 1879, he was graduated from the Long Island Hospital College. Since that time, for over 46 years, he has devoted his life to the practice of medicine in this village, submerging himself, - giving up many tempting offers elsewhere, in order to serve the people whom he loved. During the past 25 years he has been aided in this practice by Dr. Mary Sagner one of his first wards. On October 15, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Florence E. Phillips. Denied the boon of fatherhood, his love for children found an outlet in caring for homeless boys and girls that he took into his home and raised as his own. Four of them survive with the sorrowing wife to mourn his departure, Eva Sweitzer Naylor, wife of Charles Naylor of Milledgeville, Ill., Bennett Watkins of Fenton, Illinois, Carl Watkins at home, and Anita, an adopted daughter, at home. He is also survived by a brother, Luther, of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Frank and outspoken in manner, he was kind and charitable at heart, and the full extent of his philanthropies will never be known. He was a typical family physician of the old school, loyal to the highest ethics of his profession, and faithful and unswerving in his devotion to his patients. In his daily life he sought, so far as is humanly possible, to emulate the example of the Great Physician, and like Him, suffered the pangs of the flesh from he tried to save others. His love for God and his fellowmen and his devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ marked him as the real Christian, known by his works more than by the words of his mouth. When confronted about three months ago with the knowledge of a lingering death, he fought bravely on like the man he was, uncomplaining, prepared to die, and yet loving life for the sake of his loved ones. He will be sadly missed in the home, from which his form has been taken, but their loss is the loss of the entire community, and all, man and woman, boy and girl, rich and poor, alike mourn his death. He gave his death for others.
Contributed by Alice Horner received by Kathy Campbell
Source: Newspaper Clipping and Obituary, 24 Dec. 1925, Thomson Review, Thomson, IL, p. 1.