- VETERAN OF THE 60'S DIES
Stockton's Last Civil War Soldier Dies At Home In Country\On Saturday
Weston Pulfrey, who fought with the Union forces during the Civil War, joined his commanders on the other shore Saturday. Although past 90, he frequently came to town from his home near Stockton Center and was a familiar figure on the streets. He was sturdy and well preserved but time took it's toll the latter part of the week when he was laid low by a stroke which terminated in his death. The recent death of Jacob Nading and that of Mr. Pulfrey completely wipes out the Civil War Veterans in this section. Weston Pulfrey, son of John and Ann Weston Pulfrey, was born Dec. 4, 1842 at Harlaxton, Lincolnshire, England and passed away at Stockton, Illinois at the ripe old age of 90 years, 9 months and 19 days.
He came to this country when but a boy, first making his home at New Milford, Ill. and later, at the age of 10 years, he came to Stockton and has resided in this community until his death. He enlisted with the 75th Ill. Infantry, Co. H.. Aug.22, 1862 and served faithfully until he was discharged July 5, 1865 at Indianapolis. Mr. Pulfrey was one of the guard of honor over the body of Abraham Lincoln while it lay in state at Springfield following his assassination in April, 1865. He was united in marriage Sept. 26, 1876 to Nellie Eustice. To this marriage was born two children, one daughter, who died in infancy, and one son, Irving W. His wife passed away March 13, 1894 and he was again united in marriage to Amelia Garner, March 22, 1909. He leaves to mourn his departure his widow, one son and 10 Grandchildren and many friends and neighbors. The funeral was held at the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
Contributed by Linda Harms
WILLIAM PULFREY
was born in Lincolnshire, England, Jan., 18, 1835, and died at Stockton, Illinois May 21, 1918, aged 83 years, 4 months and 3 days. When ten years of age, he came with his parents to America and settled near Rockford; where they lived for thirteen years; moving in 1857 to Stockton Center. In 1862 he was married to Emily A. Bourne, also of Stockton. One year later they bought a farm adjoining his father's place and built a home in which they lived for fifty years, celebrating their golden wedding anniversaty in 1912.
Soon after their marriage they joined the Wesleyan Methodist church at Mt. Juliet, at which time Mr. Pulfrey was baptized by immersion. For the remainder of his life he retained his membership in this church, to which his wife still belongs. Five years ago they sold the farm and bought a residence in the city of Stockton where they have since lived. Besides his wife he leaves to mourn his loss a son and daughter and one brother, namel: J.S.Pulfrey, of Garner, Iowa; Mrs Annie Mordick, of Hampton, Iowa, and Weston Pulfrey of Stockton.
He lived a consistent Christian life, and died at a ripe old age, fully believing in the atoning blood of Jesus. In his last conscious hours, he tried to give evidence of this faith by singing the words of an old favorite hymn. A short service, conducted by Rev. D. W. Bond, was held at the house Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. Further services were held at the house Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Further services were held at the Nazarene church, Rev. A. J> Laird assisted by Rev. Roy Crocker, officiating. A fitting message was given on the subject: "Does Jesus Care?" The text was taken from John 11:35-Jesus wept Interment was in the Ladies Union Cemetery.
Contributed by Linda Harms
GEORGE ALBERT PLOSCH