Robert Milton "Bob" Beckwith

Other Events:

• Residence: From 1928 to 1929, Grenada Hotel, 525 Arlington Place, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1929 to 1931, North side of Chicago (Altgeld?)
• Census: 1930, 1516 Ardmore Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1932 to 1933, North Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Kindergarten
• Residence: From 1934 to 1935, North Kenneth Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; 1st/2nd grade
• Residence: From 1936 to 1937, Cramer Street, Shorewood, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; 2nd/3rd grade (building no longer standing, replaced by apartment complex)
• Residence: From 1937 to 1938, 2107 East Menlo Blvd., Shorewood, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; 3rd/4th grade
• Residence: From 1939 to 1942, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; 5th/7th grade
• Census: 1940, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1942 to 1952, 457 Roslyn Place, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; 8th thru first year of marriage
• Residence: From 1952 to 1953, 1201 West Wood Street, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1953 to 1958, 4687 West Main Street, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; House no longer standing, now part of Millikin University campus.
• Residence: From 1958 to 1963, 5 Northland Drive, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1963 to 1964, 721 S. Lodge Lane, Lombard, DuPage County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1964 to 1993, 709 S. Lodge Lane, Lombard, DuPage County, Illinois
• Residence: From 1993 to, 1680 Valley Woods Drive, Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee

Notes:

Bob learned to play piano at an early age and kept it as a hobby most of his life, thus carrying on the family musical tradition. As a teenager, he joined the Boy Scouts of which his father was the leader. In high school he attended Lane Technical magnet school in Chicago, Illinois.

World War II ended before Bob was of draft age. He then attended two years at the University of Illinois Navy Pier campus in Chicago and completed his bachelor's degree in education at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois.

Bob met his bride Jeanette while on a family trip to the Tennessee mountains. In 1953, he took his wife and first son 200 miles south of Chicago to Decatur, Illinois to take on a 6th grade teaching position. To satisfy his musical interest and tradition, he led the school choir.

In able to support a growing family, Bob also took on part time work in a local grocery store. Even so, he was able to complete a Masters degree in education from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

In 1963, Bob joined the Illinois Education Association to represent teachers throughout the state of Illinois. He then moved his family to Lombard, Illinois, a suburb twenty miles West of Chicago.

Bob kept his piano skills tuned by accompanying his children in their musical recitals. He also became known for his whistling skills and he often could be heard belting out melodic tunes.

In 1968, Bob took on the position of Education Manager for the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce. There he worked closely with state educators and legislators. When he retired, the Illinois State Senate and House both declared the day "Robert M. Beckwith day" by official proclamation.

Bob retired 1 January 1993 and is presently residing with Jeanette in Sevier County, Tennessee.

Robert married Jeanette Lee Clabo 25 Aug 1950, Original First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge, Sevier County, Tennessee. Jeanette (daughter of Eddie Lee Clabo and Charity Alice Reagan, daughter of Media Edards "Edd" Shields and Davie Eliza Shults) was born 12 Mar 1927, Eddie & Charity Clabo homestead, Sevier County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet]

1. Robert Shields Beckwith was born 24 Sep 1951, Grant Hospital, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
2. John Ridenour Beckwith was born 21 Mar 1954, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; died 25 Nov 2014, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee; was buried 9 Sep 2015, Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, Cook County, Illinois.
3. David Lynn Beckwith was born 9 Jan 1956, Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was christened Decatur, Macon County, Illinois.

Other Events:

• Also Known As: Milton Morris von Beschwitz
• Census: 1910, 2729 Racine Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1930, 1516 Ardmore Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1940, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Notes:

Milton changed his name from Milton Morris von Beschwitz. The Morris was probably an Anglicized Moritz.

Rescue Three Canoeists.

Most spectacular of the lake rescues was that of three youths, whose sailing canoe was capsized by high waves half a mile out from the foot of Pratt boulevard. Three life guards from the Toughy beach, Sommers, Van Beschwirtz (sic), and Tresch, rowed out at the risk of their own lives to save them.

The rescued canoeists, numbed by the cold and the lashing of high waves are Harvey Cohen, 1110 Pratt boulevard; Albert Levin, 5474 Harper avenue, and Major Lawrence, 1311 Farwell avenue. All are about 18 years old.

Saturday, October 10, 1981

Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet

11 AM

Memorial service of Milton M. Beckwith.

Born Sept. 27, 1901 - Chicago, Illinois

Died Aug. 25, 1981 - Dunedin, Florida

Married Sept. 24, 1927 to: Marjorie Mateer Beckwith

One son: Robert M. Beckwith

Three grandsons: Robert, John and David Beckwith

Two great granddaughters: Crystal and Yvette Beckwith

One surviving brother: George L. Beckwith

Milton Miles Beckwith was the eldest of three sons born to George and Maude von Beschwitz. As a teenage youth he became interested in a relatively new organization, the Boy Scouts of America which was rapidly growing throughout the nation. Milton was one of the organizers of Boy Scout Troop 87 at the Fullerton Avenue Presbyterian Covenant Church in Chicago. This initial interest in helping other people through a youth organization was to become the ultimate cornerstone of his life. More than 20 years later he returned to the same troop with his son as scout and he as scoutmaster. It was this service to youth during World War II which helped fill the gap left by younger scout leaders engaged in military defense of their country. During his youthful days and continuing into his college years, Milton and his brothers became excellent swimmers over the vigorous objections of his mother who always feared the water. A strong believer that anyone could learn to swim with just a pail of water, Milton spent many summers as a life guard at the beaches of Chicago or the YMCA camp at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin ... again typical of his concern for the welfare of others, primarily youth.

During his years at Northwestern University from which he earned his degree in Business Administration Milton continued swimming. He won many honors as a member of the University's swimming team. Later while obtaining a law degree from the Chicago Law School he became a member of the Illinois Athletic Club swimming team. During this period he sharpened his competitive spirit by joining a team mate in lively pursuit of ducks swimming in one of Chicago's boat harbors.

While the team mate, Johnny Weismueller, went on to Olympic fame and movie stardom as "Tarzan", Milton settled down to marriage, raising a family and joining the credit department of Marshall Fields. But the memorable experiences Milton had swimming with, and sometimes against, "Tarzan" have become legendary to his family and friends.

Following his interest in scouting, Milton turned his career from the field of credit management to the field of youth development. To help young people gain an appreciation of the free enterprise system and learn how to successfully operate their own small businesses, Milton became manager of a Junior Achievement center on the northwest side of Chicago. Working with boys and girls of all backgrounds and religious beliefs and with the schools and business leaders, Milton built a J. A. youth program that lacked a counterpart anywhere in the city.

His life, his love for youth, his words of wisdom and counsel to the young, his knack of stimulating youth's creative spirit has been imparted in the minds and hearts of thousands of former J.A.ers who are today's adult leaders.

For seventeen years Milton, known affectionately as "Mr. B" by his J.A.ers, served the teenagers of Chicago's northwest side ... and he served to help build in others an appreciation of our economic system which has helped make this a nation great.

Upon his retirement Milton entered what may be regarded as the most beautiful and rewarding phase of his life. The time had come to serve as elder statesman ... to impart the family heritage and fulfill all the other important responsibilities of being a grandfather. And the time had come to enter into a closer spirit with the creator and those He created.

As a young man Milton was very active in church work and served as Sunday school superintendent ... now as a retired citizen he returned to an active role in the Presbyterian Church of Evanston. As trustee of the church he found many ways to be of service.

While his working years left no time for Milton to join organizations for his personal fulfillment, he now made up for this neglect by joining the Masonic Lodge of Evanston. His commitment to this brotherhood, as to his work in Junior Achievement, resulted in exceptional achievement and advancement. His unselfish service and the deep respect he held for others brought about a deep inner sense of self esteem.

Shortly after becoming a Shriner, Milton and his wife, Marjorie, left the confines of Chicago area and for the next ten years "to the day", August 25, 1971 to August 25, 1981 established a new life in Dunedin (Dun nee' din), Florida. A happy ten years, he found many wonderful new friends and time to travel and enjoy a relaxed social life. This was the time of life when Milton's keen sense of humor and love to engage in hilarious antics showed at its finest ... and warmed the hearts of all ... and filled the air with howls of laughter.

And till his end on this Earth, Milton Beckwith never stopped swimming ... like a fish under water, or a porpoise cresting the surface, his graceful form never aged.

Milton competed in life as he competed as a swimmer ... always with grace, determination, and poise. He did not become an Olympian nor a cinema star, but he did become "our" Tarzan ... and for this he will swim in the heavens of our Lord and we shall follow his wake.
----------
Reference:
Newspaper article.
"Milton Miles Beckwith Eulogy", Robert Milton Beckwith, 1981.

Milton married Marjorie Ruth Mateer 24 Sep 1927, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Marjorie (daughter of Fred De Loss Mateer and Blanche Ridenour) was born 8 Jan 1904, Joliet, Will County, Illinois; died 12 May 1994, Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee; was buried 30 Jul 1994, Elmhurst Memorial Cemetery, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, 105 Whitney Avenue, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 443 West Oakdale Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1930, 1516 Ardmore Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1940, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Notes:

Popular Young People to Marry

Announcement is made of the forthcoming nuptials of Marjorie Ruth Mateer and Milton Miles Beckwith, Saturday afternoon, September 24th, at 4 o'clock, in the auditorium of Fullerton Church. The Rev. Roy H. Brown, D. D., former pastor of Fullerton and beloved by all, will come from Des Moines, Iowa, to read the marriage ceremony.

Both Marjorie and Milton long have been actively identified in the work of the young people of Fullerton, the former being a teacher in the Bible School and the latter for several years acting as associate superintendent of the school. The young couple are immensely popular with the membership of Fullerton, as a result of their intense interest in the affairs of the church and for their own genuineness. The coming bride is a graduate of Chicago Teachers' College and taught in the grade schools of Hammond, Indiana. Mr. Beckwith was graduated from Northwestern University, where gained considerable fame as a member of one of that university's numerous collegiate championship swimming teams. He is a member of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Mateer of the Granada Hotel, the future bride's father and mother, extend a cordial invitation to all friends to attend the wedding.
Although no formal invitations will be issued, the numerous friends of the young couple are expected to tax the capacity of the church auditorium.

September 24th also is the 25th wedding anniversary of the bride's parents, which will be celebrated at 8 o'clock that evening with the opening of the winter season at the Granada Hotel. All friends are, through these columns, tendered an invitation to be present at the informal reception and musicale in honor of the elder Mateers."

"One of the most beautiful weddings ever held in our old edifice was that in which Margorie Ruth Mateer became the bride of Milton Miles Beckwith, associate superintendent of the Bible School. Marjorie and Milton were the happy lovebirds at the reception which immediately followed the ceremony at the Granada Hotel. The bride's sister, Miss Dorothy Mateer, was bridesmaid, and the groom's brother, Willard, best man.
----------
References:
"The Fullerton Forum", September 1927, p 6.
"The Fullerton Forum", October 1927, p 8.

Other Events:

• Occupation: Majestic Theatre, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Concertmaster
• Residence: 1888/1892, Schmochtitz, Sachsen, Germany; Schmochtitz knight estate purchased for 298.000 Marks sold for 314.000 Marks
• Census: 1910, 2729 Racine Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Naturalization: 13 Feb 1919, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1930, St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri
• Census: 1940, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Notes:

Born in knight estate Alt Hörnitz 2 miles West of Zittau, Sachsen, Germany.

Georg performed Felix Mendelssohn's violin concerto in a command performance before the King of Saxony at the age of 12.

While in Vienna studying under the Hungarian violinist and composer Joseph Joachim (28 June 1831 - 15 August 1907), Georg was asked if he would like to join Joachim in a visit to the home of a close friend. The two descended steps to a basement apartment where they were greeted enthusiastically by Joachim's friend. The friend, in excited voice, asked the two to please be seated so he could play for them something he had just composed. The friend went to the piano and played "Brahms Lullaby". Thus Georg was presented a unique introduction to Johannes Brahms, one of the great classical composers of Europe during the latter part of the 19th century.

Purchased Schmochtitz for 298.000 Marks in 1888. Was sold in 1892 for 314.000 Marks.
http://www.benno-haus.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=84

At the age of 24, Georg migrated to the middle of the United States to the booming railroad city of Chicago. The reason for his migration is unknown but many at this time left for the new world to seek their fortune.

George, as he was known in the U.S., was an accomplished violin and violist. He was first chair viola and one of the founding members of First Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also played for the Chicago Opera Orchestra. George was a pupil of the famous violin master, Pablo de Sarasate (10 Mar 1844 - 20 Sep 1908) and performed as a concert violinist in tours all over the world.

During the interim between concert seasons, George was concertmaster at the Majestic Theatre in Chicago (now the Bank of America Theatre). The Majestic played vaudeville. George felt a great challenge in playing vaudeville since all music direction was in accordance to what the performers were doing on stage rather than from the music score. Every performance was unpredictable, particularly those involving animals. This presented a real challenge to the concertmaster, a challenge George enjoyed.
----------
References:
Chicago Federation of Musicians letter.
Chicago Sun obituary, 9 March 1945.

Moritz married Maude Eleanor Elizabeth Wheeler 22 May 1901, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Maude (daughter of Edmund Lyon Wheeler and Eleanor Elizabeth Sarah Smith) was born 29 Aug 1873, Spencer Street, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; died 3 Sep 1961, Mercer Island, Washington; was buried 8 Sep 1961, Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Cook County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1880, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
• Census: 1900, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1910, 2729 Racine Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1940, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Notes:

Born on Spencer Street, Brooklyn, New York in grand parents home six months after her grandmother's death.

"My fathers scrap book was in my bottom drawer of book case in hall. One day Lester came in and said to mother, he wanted to take it and look it over. He was wise and wanted to get it away from me and out he went with. Right away I said you will never see that again and we never did. He certainly worked mother for everything."

Died of generalized Sepsis or Infection of Skin (bed soars).

Other Events:

• Census: 1880, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
• Census: 1910, 105 Whitney Avenue, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 443 West Oakdale Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1930, St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri
• Census: 1940, 820 North East Tower Court, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Notes:

There is speculation that his name is connected to Fred DeLoss, 17 year old step son of the family listed in the 1880 Will County, Illinois census next to his grandfather John Butler.

When Fred Mateer was young, he worked on a cattle ranch. The hard work and injuries he received he attributed to his arthritis in later life.

Fred Mateer found he had a knack for real estate speculation. He eventually developed three prominent hotels in Chicago, with Granada and Arlington Place being the most distinguished. However, all was lost soon after the great depression hit in late 1929.

While living in Park Ridge, Illinois, the Mateer apartment became known by the neighborhood children as a popular stop off spot. Any child visiting would receive their choice of candy. It was like Halloween year round.

When Fred Mateer would visit with one of his great grandchildren, he would dig deep into his pockets for change and press a coin in the palm of their hand. While still holding their hand and looking them straight in the eyes he would ask intently, "What are you going to do with this money?" If the answer was save it, he would shake his head approvingly and return a broad smile. Otherwise he would just listen.
----------
Reference:
Family tradition.

Fred married Blanche Ridenour 24 Sep 1902, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. Blanche (daughter of Daniel Webster Ridenour and Anna Olivia Sawyer) was born 13 May 1882, Clarinda, Page County, Iowa; died 18 Nov 1974, Evanston, Cook County, Illinois; was buried Elmhurst Memorial Cemetery, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, 105 Whitney Avenue, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 443 West Oakdale Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1930, Long Beach, Harrison County, Mississippi
• Census: 1940, 820 North East Tower Court, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Other Events:

• Residence: Alt-Hörnitz, Hörnitz, Sachsen, Germany; Inherited knight estate

Notes:

Royal Saxonian peace judge and inherited knight estate Alt-Hörnitz.

Wolf married Johanna Maria Magdalena von Schwemler 1 Nov 1852, Zittau, Sachsen, Germany. Johanna (daughter of Ferdinand Gustav Carl Ernst von Schwemler and Johanne Emilie Caroline Krümmel) was born 22 Jul 1834, Frankfurt, Oder, Germany; was christened 19 Aug 1834, Frankfurt, Oder, Germany; died 7 May 1914, Blankenburg, Germany. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

IGI lists surname as von Schwemmler:
Christening: 19 AUG 1834 Milatary Records, Frankfurt Am Oder Stadt, Brandenburg, Preussen
Mother: JOHANNE EMILIE KRUEMMEL
Father: FERDINAND GUSTAV VON SCHWEMMLER

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont
• Census: 16 Aug 1860, Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont
• Military Service: 27 May 1863, Port Hudson, Louisiana; Wounded
• Census: 1 Jun 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
• Census: 1880, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
• Census: 1900, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1910, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia
• Census: 1920, Chatham, Georgia

Notes:

Enlisted in Civil War at Battleboro, Vermont Company D, 8th Vermont Infantry 18 February 1862. His personal description was light complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, five feet eight inches tall, cabinet-maker. Listed as wounded 27 May 1863 at Port Hudson, Louisiana. Mustered out at Brattleboro, Vermont 22 June 1864.

UNION VERMONT VOLUNTEERS

8th Regiment, Vermont Infantry

Organized at Brattleboro and mustered in February 18, 1862. Left State for New York March 14. Sailed for Ship Island, Miss., March 19, arriving April 6. Attached to Phelps' 1st Brigade, Dept. of the Gulf, to October, 1862. Weitzel's Reserve Brigade, Dept. of the Gulf, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Army Corps, Dept. of the Gulf, to July, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Army Corps, to February, 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Army Corps, to July, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Army Corps, Army of the Shenandoah, Middle Military Division, to March, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Shenandoah, to April, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Provisional Division, Army of the Shenandoah, to April, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Defences of Washington, 22nd Corps, to June, 1865.

SERVICE.-Moved from Ship Island to New Orleans May 7-8, 1862. Duty there and at Algiers and guarding Opelousas Railroad till September. Bayou des Allemands June 20 and 22. Raceland Station June 22. St. Charles Station August 29 (Cos. "A" and "C"). Bote Station September 4 (Co. "K"). Operations in LaFourche District October 24-November 6. Georgia Landing , near Labadieville, October 27. Repair railroad to Brashear City November 1-December 8. At Brashear City till January 13, 1863. Action with Steamer "Cotten" on Bayou Teche January 14. At Camp Stevens, Bayou Boeuf, and at Brashear City till March. Operations on Bayou Plaquemine, Black and Atchafalaya Rivers February 12-28. Operations against Port Hudson March 7-27. Operations in Western Louisiana April 9-May 14. Teche Campaign April 11-20. Fort Bisland , near Centreville, April 12-13. Jeanerette April 14. Expedition to Alexandria on Red River May 5-17. Moved from Alexandria to Port Hudson May 17-25. Siege of Port Hudson May 25-July 9. Assaults on Port Hudson May 27 and June 14. Surrender of Port Hudson July 9. Duty at Thibodeaux July 31-September 1. Sabine Pass Expedition September 3-11. Western Louisiana ("Teche") Campaign October 3-November 30. At New Iberia till January 6, 1864. March to Franklin and duty there till March 8. Moved to Algiers March 8. Veteranize January 28, 1864, and on furlough April 7 to June 3. Non-Veterans at Algiers till May 6, and at Thibodeaux till June 5. Left for home June 5, and mustered out June 22, 1864. Veterans moved from home to Dept. of the Gulf May 25-June 3. Moved to Alexandria June 8-11. Expedition to Tunica Bend June 19-21. Moved to Algiers July 2, thence sailed to Fortress Monroe, Va., July 5-12, and to Washington, D. C., July 12-13. Pursuit of Early to Snicker's Gap July 14-21. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 23. Battle of Opequan, Winchester, September 19. Fisher's Hill September 22. Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. At Newtown till December 20, and at Summit Point till April 4, 1865. Hancock's operations in the Valley April 4-15. Moved to Washington April 21, and duty there till June. Grand Review May 23-24. Mustered out June 28. 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 115 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 7 Officers and 241 Enlisted men by disease. Total 367.

1878 Brooklyn, Kings County, ED 244, New York has Edmund Wheeler, age 34, occupation forman, wood working with wife Ellena age 25, Maud age 6 and Lester age 4.

There is an Edmund Wheeler listed in the 1880 Chicago E. D. 29, Cook County, Illinois (page 262), 1850 and 1860 Burton Township, Adams County, Illinois census (pages 20 and 563 respectfully).

1864-1865 in Brattleboro, Vermont.
1866 in Rockford, Illinois.
1867 in Iowa City, Iowa and Bloomington, Illinois.
1868 in Brooklyn, New York.
1880 in Elgin, Illinois.
1881 in Chicago, Illinois.
Purchased Lot on 2729 Racine Avenue, Chicago, Illinois on 16 July 1889 for $600.
1900 in Brooklyn, New York.
1905 in Savannah, Georgia.
----------
Reference:
US National Archives.

Edmund married Eleanor Elizabeth Sarah Smith Nov 1872, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; divorced 24 Dec 1907. Eleanor (daughter of Samuel Joseph Smith and Eleanor Frances Elizabeth Perrington) was born 1 Nov 1852, London, England; was christened 12 Jun 1853, Saint Leonard's Church of England, Shoreditch, London, England; died 11 Jan 1938, Norwegian American Hospital, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; was buried 13 Jan 1938, Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Cook County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, New York, New York
• Census: 1870, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
• Probate: 17 Sep 1872, Kings County, New York
• Census: 1880, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
• Census: 1900, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1910, 2729 Racine Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
• Census: 1920, 537 Arlington Place, #60, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Notes:

Eleanor Elizabeth Smith Wheeler taught piano lessons and held a monthly musicale at home. She is named in a lot purchase on 2 July 1875 of lot #228 in Glendale, Queens County, Long Island, New York on Clinton Avenue north of Myrtle Avenue from James B. McKewan for $350.00.

She died of Acute Nephritis in Norwegian American Hospital.
----------
References:
Maud von Beschwitz notes.
Memorial Park Cemetery Records.

Notes:

Eleanor Elizabeth (Smith) Wheeler divorced Edmund Wheeler 24 December 1907 on grounds of disertion.

Other Events:

• Census: 1880, Joliet, Will County, Illinois

Notes:

Member of Masonic Lodge and Knight Temple in Joliet IL - member of Shrine Medinah Temple in Chicago IL. Member of 1st Presbyterian Church, Joliet, IL. "Was second cousin to the two Mateer missionaries in China. They were first cousins to Samuel Mateer's father."

Moved to Hogestown, to Mechanicsburg.

Listed in 1884 Joliet, Will County, Illinois directory as clerk for Hobbs Brothers residing at 709 Exchange.

Samuel married Mary Charlotte Butler 5 Nov 1868, Will County, Illinois. Mary (daughter of John W. Butler and Martha Wells) was born 28 Jun 1850, Lockport, Niagara County, New York; died 10 Jul 1947, Joliet, Will County, Illinois; was buried 12 Jul 1947, Elmhurst Memorial Cemetery, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Lockport, Niagara County, New York
• Census: 1880, Joliet, Will County, Illinois
• Census: 1940, 511 West Jefferson, Joliet, Will County, Illinois

Notes:

License number 3432, groom surname listed as Matuer.

Notes:

Listed in 1850 Campbell County, Tennessee census with uncle and aunt Peter and Philpena Loy and grandmother Philpena Sharp Loy. Listed in Preble County, Ohio 1860 census living in the home of Mary Piatt.

Enlisted when 19 years old in Civil War at Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, 17 April 1861 in Company C 20th Ohio Infantry under Kelly's Command in the Army of Occupation West Virginia, mustered out 18 August 1861. After expiration of time, reenlisted 28 August 1861 in Company E 22nd Ohio and was mustered out 18 November 1864 at Benton Barracks, Missouri a corporal. He then enlisted 13 February 1865 as Private in Company I 187th regiment, was promoted to sergeant, demoted back to Private 8 September 1865 and mustered out of service 20 January 1866 at Macon, Georgia making four years and seven months service for his Country and holding three honorable discharges.

He was in many prominent battles among which was Corinth where a Texas Brigade charged them seven lines deep. Was with Grant in the fierce conflict at Shiloh, where the brave 22nd served the enemy eighty rounds in succession.

Twenty thousand were killed and wounded (both sides) in the terrific struggle, most of the three days siege was fought in the woods and at close range.

Daniel was with the taking of Forts Henry and Donelson and the thrilling siege of Vicksburg until the "planting of the Colors" upon the enemy's works. In the National Cemetery in Vicksburg among the regimental marble slabs is one denoting the position of the brave 22nd Ohio in that great battle.

Daniel was with Sherman in his March from Atlanta to the Sea. In all the experience of those exciting years he was only slightly wounded in the heel, was in a hospital a short time with malaria.

At the time of his death he was a member of W. H. L Wallace Post No. 66 G. A. R. in Eldorado, Kansas. The Chapter was draped thirty days in his memory.

Death: Pneumonia and heart failure.
----------
Reference:
Anna O. Sawyer Ridenour Notes, 1902, p 7.

I enlisted in Eaton, Ohio, April 17th, 1861, for three months served four months, and was discharged; re-enlisted and served four years and seven months all told. That compares well with most of the old boys.

I commenced trying to be soldier at Hamilton, Ohio, - went on guard, tackled our rations regularly, cooked, slept on the soft side of boards and thought it was great fun playing soldier. It was fun compared with the real service that awaited us when we were on the march, camping, cooking, carrying our guns, knapsacks, canteens, etc. in all 50 pounds weight. It wasn't all sweet in the south then, no indeedy. Tired and footsore, we would go into camp at night, make a supper of coffee and hard tack and when ready to fall over asleep from weariness, hear the rasping voice of the 1st Sergant: "Ridenor, you'll have to go on picket tonight" What would a good fellow do? Growl a little and say: "Why don't you detail So and so?" "Now you come along. No fooling. This is what you are here for." Away we'd go; watch all night or something to shoot and note that a little stump a foot or so tall in the evening would stretch itself up to ten feet in height and walking straight at and intending to shoot you on the picket post. Rain, sleet, snow, mud, dust, good or bad weather, it was the never-ending routine, and to obey orders and ask no questions. That's what it took to make a good soldier.

Tough as was our soldiering, we had many jolly hours. We were young and full of blood, our pulses bounding, our hearts light and we saw the bright side of about everything. I must say however that the disagreeables overbalanced the agreeables.

I tell you when we were on line of battle waiting orders to advance, "guide right; march; steady;" we lived a lifetime in a few minutes. It was waiting, inaction that tired our nerves. Our minds had time to dwell on things dangerous to our bodies. When the word came we were glad of it though no one could say whether he would come out alive.

At Shiloh our captain came along our front serving 40 rounds extra, 80 rounds in all. We knew that meant hot work. One of our men stepped out and said to the captain, "I am afraid to go into the fight." The captain's words will not bear publication and I felt it took more nerve to make an acknowledgment of cowardice than to go into the fight. I can see that "boy," after 34 years, standing before the captain who declining the service of a coward sent him to his tent where he was taken sick. Later he was sent home and in a few weeks died, really "scared to death." Twenty thousand were killed, wounded, and missing (both sides) in that great struggle. I feel pride in it. General Sherman speaks of our regiment four times in his report of the fight and the details he gives are inspiring to all who soldiered for love of country. I recall with pleasure my part in the taking of forts Henry and Donelson; Shiloh, siege of Corinth and other brushes with our recreant southern brothers.
----------
Reference:
Daniel W. Ridenour testimonial.

Bruce E. Ridenour writes A. L. L. Hamilton from Joliet, Illinois, under date of
January 4th, as follows:

I take this means of informing you that Dan W. Ridenour, my father, was taken sick Sunday morning, December 29th, with a heavy chill. Monday and Tuesday he was some better and the doctor pronounced it grippe, but Wednesday night he was suddenly taken worse and his case speedily developed into pneumonia. He suffered untold agonies until he became unconscious this morning at 11 o'clock. He died this afternoon at ten minutes past three, January 4th. Our doctor could have saved him had it not been for an attack of heart failure.
Yours in sorrow,
Bruce E. Ridenour.
518 Oneida Street, Joliet, Illinois

Mr. Ridenour was a resident of El Dorado for thirteen years. He was born in Ohio and was a harness maker by trade. In 1886 he moved from Clarinda, Iowa to Caldwell this state. Two years later he purchased the harness business of James Dodwell at El Dorado and moved his family here. About a year ago his son, Bruce, secured a position as book keeper for an electric light company of Joliet. A short time after that Mr. Ridenour moved his family to Joliet and he went to work at his trade. Mr. Ridenour was a soldier and enjoyed living over those strenuous times with the old boys, as much as any of them. He served in Ohio regiments for four years and seven months service. When the first call was made he went for three months service. When his time expired he re-enlisted for three years and after that he veterened for the war.

Mr. Ridenour was a good man, a kind and loving husband and father. Besides his wife he leaves a son and two daughters, all grown, Bruce E., and Misses Myrth and Blanche.

Mr. Ridenour, speaking of his service during the war, said, not long before he left El Dorado:

At Corinth a Texas brigade charged us seven lines deep. The gunners mowed swaths through their ranks with grape and canister and yet they closed up their ranks and came on, stopping for nothing until they came to our breast works. Their Colonel was killed in the charge and left on the field. No words can express the awfulness I felt in going over that field where the dead were literally piled up and the cries of the wounded will never be forgotten while life lasts.

Some think we old boys are not dying fast enough. We are satisfied to stay a little longer and as a comrade falls out, slain by the common enemy, Death, we just close up ranks as we did in the battles for the Union; where if a soldier was shot we would close up the gap and move forward, not stopping to think of the fallen one.

It is only a question of time when the last of us must fall out, with no rank to close. We need not fear, we fought the good fight, won the greatest victories of modern times and when we bivouac

"On Fames's eternal camping ground,"

it will be with the consciousness that we have left the noblest heritage to our children, a united country.

I did my duty as a soldier to the best of my ability. I am proud of my record. I would not change it if I could. I feel that I was fortunate to escape the dangers that threatened me and all soldiers during the Civil war.

D. W. Ridenour

D. W. Ridenour -- comrade, good citizen and honest man died at his home Joliet, Illinois last Saturday. Another soldier of the trying times of 1863 to '65 gone. When I heard the news this morning how the memories of old association came thronging through the mind. The hours of pleasure spent in his shop when he was a resident of our city, where we could talk over our old times with kindred spirits -- how vividly this last drama awakens us to the fact that we have lost a friend.

If we miss him from memory how much more does the family circle with the familiar face of father and husband gone from every place in the home?

R. C. Young

El Dorado Times

Daniel Webster Ridenour built a house in Clarinda, Iowa in 1875.

Buried in SE 1/4 Lot 66 Block D in Oakwood Cemetery with wife and only son.
----------
Reference:
"Anna O Sawyer notes", 1902, p 6.
Daniel W. Ridenour Civil War Pension Papers, US National Archives.
Delores A. Wood, dawood@usit.net.
21 May 1998, Becky Hilbert, RJH885@aol.com.

Military details:
OHIO
TWENTIETH INFANTRY
(Three Months)

Twentieth Infantry. - (Three Months' Service.) Col., Thomas Morton; Lieut.-Col., John W. Cruikshank; Maj., Charles N. Lamison. The companies composing this organization were enrolled as follows: A and F, April 20, at Lima; B, April 19, at Oxford; C and D, April 22, at Eaton; E, April 17, at St. Mary's; G, April 25, at Chesterville; H, April 27, at Sidney; I, April 22, at Steubenville, and K, April 25, at Columbus. Cos. A, B, C, D, I and K were ordered to Camp Jackson, Columbus, and E F, G and H to Camp Goddard, Zanesville. The quota being full under the president's first call for 75,000 troops, the muster and regimental organization was delayed for several weeks, until the companies were mustered into state service. After being mustered in the six companies at Camp Jackson joined the remainder of the regiment at Zanesville and there the regimental organization was formed and the equipment and drilling for the field actively engaged in until early in June, when it was ordered to move to Virginia. Arriving at Bellaire, it crossed the Ohio river to Benwood, and was distributed along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad as far as Grafton, with headquarters at Fairmount. The regiment performed a large amount of marching and guard duty, and rendered valuable service to the government in assisting to stay the progress of the Confederates, who were endeavoring to carry the war into the North. Its entire service was in this direction, with the exception of one expedition made to counteract the retreat of the Confederates from Carrick's ford. It would have been successful in this expedition if the news had not been carried to the enemy of its approach. The regiment then being on top of Knobby mountain, the Confederates at once broke camp and moved towards Petersburg. Its term of enlistment about to expire, the regiment moved back on the railroad for a few days and was then ordered home to be mustered out, which was done on Aug. 18, 1861. The casualties during its brief period of service were 2 killed in a railroad accident, 1 died from accidental gunshot wound, and 7 died of disease.


OHIO
TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY
(Three Years)

Twenty-second Infantry. - (Three Years' Service.) Cols., Crafts J. Wright, Oliver Wood; Lieut.-Cols., Joseph Felix St. James, Benjamin T. Wright, Homer Thrall; Majs., Charles W. Anderson, George R. French. This regiment, although originally known as the 13th Mo., organized at St. Louis, from Aug. 9 to Nov. 5, 1861, to serve for three years, was commanded by Ohio officers and its ranks filled mainly by soldiers from this state. Its designation was changed to the 22nd Ohio infantry by order of the secretary of war, May 29, 1862. Its first baptism of fire was at Fort Donelson, Tenn., and in that engagement the regiment behaved very creditably. At Shiloh the numerical force of the regiment was 450 officers and men and during the two days of that well-contested battle it was warmly engaged, losing in killed and wounded 89 officers and men. In the slow and tedious advance on Corinth, succeeding the battle of Shiloh, the regiment was continually in the front. On the evacuation of Corinth by the enemy it marched with the army to Booneville, Miss., in pursuit and then returned to Corinth. It joined in the pursuit of the Confederates after their attempt to recapture the place had been repulsed in October, but, like the whole army engaged in that fruitless race, gained no laurels. While on garrison duty at Trenton, Tenn., in Dec., 1862, a detachment of the 22nd captured the notorious guerrilla chief, Col. Dawson, who afterward died in the Alton (Ill.)
penitentiary. The regiment participated in the occupation of Little Rock, Ark., in Sept., 1863, and during the year following remained on guard duty in that state. In Oct., 1864, it received orders to report at Camp Dennison, Ohio, to complete its record and be mustered out of service, which was done on Nov. 18.

22nd OH Infantry
Organized: on 3/29/62
Mustered Out: 11/18/64

Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 2
Officers Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 2
Enlisted Men Killed or Mortally Wounded: 36
Enlisted Men Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 167

From
To
Brigade
Division
Corps
Army
Comment

Jul '62
Sep '62
2
2
District of Corinth
District and Army of West Tennessee


Sep '62
Oct '62
1
2
District of Corinth
District and Army of West Tennessee


Sep '62
Nov '62
2
2
District of Corinth
District and Army of West Tennessee


Oct '62
Dec '62
2

District Corinth, 13
District and Army of West Tennessee
Desig changed from 14th MO Inf 11/20/62

Dec '62
Dec '62
2
District of Corinth
17
Department of the Tennessee


Dec '62
Mar '63
4
District of Jackson
Left Wing, 16
Department of the Tennessee


Mar '63
May '63
2
3
16
Department of the Tennessee


May '63
Jul '63
2
Kimball's Provisional
16
Department of the Tennessee


Jul '63
Aug '63
2
Kimball's
District of East AR
Department of the Tennessee


Aug '63
Jan '64
2
2nd

Arkansas Expedition


Jan '64
Mar '64
2
2
7
Department of Arkansas


Mar '64
May '64
3
3
7
Department of Arkansas


May '64
Feb '65
2
2
7
Department of Arkansas


Feb '65
Aug '65
1
3
7
Department of Arkansas
Mustered Out

OHIO
ONE HUNDRED and EIGHTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY
(One Year)

One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Infantry. - Col., Andrew R. Z. Dawson; Lieut-Col., Llewellyn R. Davis; Maj., Daniel A. Russell. This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, March 2, 1865, to serve for one year, and left on March 3 for Nashville, Tenn. On its arrival at Nashville it was met by orders to report at Dalton, Ga. From Dalton the regiment marched to Kingston. Marching back to Dalton it went into camp for some 30 days, when the railroad being repaired it was placed on the cars and sent to Macon, Ga. It performed provost duty in Macon until Jan. 20, 1866, when it was mustered out in mustered out in accordance with orders from the war department.

Daniel married Anna Olivia Sawyer 3 May 1872, Clarinda, Page County, Iowa. Anna (daughter of Alfred Sawyer and Lury Ann Macomber Fay) was born 22 Jan 1848, Westford, Chittenden County, Vermont; died 23 Mar 1932, Joliet, Will County, Illinois; was buried 25 Mar 1932, Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, Will County, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Westford, Chittenden County, Vermont

Notes:

Moved to Joliet about 1901. She was a member of the First Presbyterian church and Bethany Circle, The King's Daughters. Died suddenly one night of "intestinal blockage" at her home 508 Oneida Street.

"The old sewing machine is gone being sold this day toward a new one. How many recollections came surging over me when my old machine went. It was like the parting of an old friend ... memories of by gone days were with me ... days when I had all my loved family with me ... of times and different circumstances.

I thought of the hours of stitching with it. Many times the little kerosene lamp was giving light upon the work while I was still pushing the treadle. It has sewed graduating fluffs and wedding ruffs and gladsome things for Christmas. So many happy hours were passed over it ... bright hopes and anticipations for my children and thoughts about my loving husband.

Garments were made for the rich, and for the poor for charities sake. A little shroud was made for a neighbors child who is playing now in Heaven. Sun bonnets and gay garden hats have sprung from its needle, masquerade suits, dancing frocks have appeared in bright colorings.

Later days now stitches of love for grand children's frocks and fumbelos. Its usefulness is worn and past ... the new has come.

The dear old machine has gone but the blessed memories are with me yet."

Anna Olivia Sawyer Ridenour
September 21, 1918