Washington County, Illinois
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Week's Mortality Capt. Coulter of Oakdale Answers Final Roll Call
Capt. S. L. Coulter His early ancestors, who belonged to the old Covenanter stock in Scotland, came to America shortly after the landing of the Pilgrims, in the year 1627. From these Mr. Coulter doubtless inherited many of his sterling qualities of character. The Coulters were Washington county pioneers and Coulterville was named after the family. At his country's call, Mr. Coulter enlisted August 13, 1862, in Co. B, 111th Illinois Volunteers, under Capt. Wm. Walker. With his company he went through the Atlanta campaign with Sherman on his famous "March to the Sea" and fought in the following battles: Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Atlanta, June 22 to 28, 1864, Jonesboro, Ft. McAlister and Bentonville, besides many skirmishes. Soon after enlistment Mr. Coulter became sergeant, was promoted to first lieutenant and from that to captain. He was mustered out of service and passed in the Grand Review at Washington, D.C. After this he returned home on July 2, 1865, and on Sept. 28, 1865, was married to Maria Little, who survives him with the following children: Mrs. Edith Carson and William Coulter of Oakdale, Mrs. Lena Miller of Oakdale and Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell of Oklahoma City. One child died in infancy. There are also seventeen grandchildren. As a friend and neighbor Capt. Coulter was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His religious life was earnest and conscientious, uniting with the United Presbyterian church of Oakdale during the pastorate of its first minister, Rev. Henderson. Upon his enlistment in the service of his country he was presented by his mother with a small Bible which he made his constant companion through the years of his army life and ever since has been an earnest student of the Scriptures. With five companions during the days of army service he was accustomed to meet regularly for Bible study and prayer. Of these six it is worth while to note that not one fell in battle, but all were spared by God's providence to return to their homes. Mr. Coulter came of a patriotic family, four of the six brothers serving their country in the Civil War, of these six he was the last to survive. Two sisters remain to mourn his loss, Mrs. Douthett and Mrs. Morrow. Our sympathy is with the sorrowing wife and children. Funeral services were conducted at the family home on Thursday by Rev. W. O. Ferguson, assisted by Rev. W. B. Watson and Rev. Chas. T. Carson. Interment was made in the Oakdale cemetery. The community has lost a good citizen. The soldier comrades will miss their captain, who always presided at their gatherings. He has answered the final roll call by the Great Captain and waits now in the Heavenly home for the coming of the friends left a little longer. W.O.F. [Note: W.O.F. was Rev. W.O. Ferguson.]
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