W. H. Martin Mustered Out

William H. Martin, a veteran of the Civil War, was summoned last Thursday night at 11:40 o'clock by the Great Commander after an illness of a month's duration at the ripe age of 85 years, 5 months and 10 days. The old soldier was a familiar figure on our streets and a friendly greeting or witty remark was always the rule. In war time, although only a lad of 16 [18?], he enlisted in Co. I, 154th Illinois Volunteers, and, in peace, led an exemplary civilian life, enjoying the love and esteem of his fellow-citizens and attaining the high age of four score and five years.

The departed was born Jan. 27, 1847, at Rover, Bedford County, Tennessee. When only seven years old, in 1854, he came to Nashville with his mother, two brothers and a sister. On August 9, 1866, he was married to Mary Jane Darter, who departed this life Jan. 13, 1903. To this union were born eight children, two dying in infancy. On April 4, 1905, he was joined in wedlock with Lucy Luetta Gleason, who died suddenly of heart attack on April 17, 1927, on Easter Sunday, while her husband was reading a chapter out of the Bible to her. No children were born to this union.

Mr. Martin is survived by six children: Mrs. Lucy Ponting and Mrs. Ella Meeker of Stonington, Mrs. Lydia Oliver and Mrs. Nettie Oller of Taylorville, Ralph Martin of St. Louis and Harry Martin of here; one brother, Thomas Martin of here; 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Martin served in the Civil war and after being discharged from the army returned to private life. He was a member of the Baptist church for many years, and as an upright citizen and a true Christian he enjoyed the respect of all who knew him and his cheerful presence will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the Baptist church, Rev. Abraham Wright officiating. The pallbearers were: H. H. House, Judge W. P. Green, George Williamson, George Franck, Howard Hohman and Sheriff A. H. Cohlmeyer. The following acted as flower girls: Helen Hinton, Jean Lively, Catherine Rogers and Marion Thornton. He was buried in the Masonic cemetery with military honors. The following Legionnaires acted as firing squad and escort: Commander W. C. Maier, Ed Johnson, Geo. Diedrich, Chester Bryan, Walter Ahrens, Dr. R. C. Vernor, Harry Anderson, Ed Schmitt, Phillip Neuhaus and Geo. Krueger, color bearers, George Nolte and Fred Prasuhn, color guards, George Wedel, chaplain, and John Meier, sergt. at arms.