John Sullivan Answers Summons Funeral FridayJohn Sullivan Answers Summons Funeral FridayJohn Sullivan, son of William and Phoebe Sullivan, was born in Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio, May 11, 1844, and departed this life at his home in Astoria, Ill., August 26, 1925, aged 81 years, 3 months and 15 days.
He was left an orphan at the age of seven; then making his home with his uncle until he was 14 years of age; then went out to face the world alone. He worked out until he was 17, then entered the service of his country, volunteering on October 28, 1861 and was placed in Co. H, 77th Ohio Infantry. He made a good soldier and served well his country, taking part in the battles of Shiloh, Camden and others and finally with 2,000 of his comrades were detached under Generals Drake and DeHass and sent with 600 of Gen. Steel’s supply wagons to Pine Bluff for provisions for Steel’s army. After marching all afternoon and night, they ran into 16,000 Confederate soldiers and their leaders were slain and the rest of them captured. From this place they were forced to march 600 miles to Camp Fort at Tyler, Texas, and there put into prison, where they remained for 10 months, suffering untold hunger and hardships. Many of their members died and some were taken out and shot in retaliation.
The rest were released and exchanged, almost starved, February 25, 1865. They were a horrible looking sight, Mr. Sullivan losing about 50 pounds in the 10 months. He continued serving his country through the remainder of the war and was honorably discharged on March 8, 1866, having served his country 4 years, 2 months and 8 days.
About one month after his discharge from the army he came to Illinois and engaged in farming which operation he followed until 1905 when he retired and moved to Astoria.
He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Sayers of Astoria, June 18, 1868 and to this union were born nine children, all of whom are living and were present in the home when the father’s spirit took its flight. They are: John W., Mrs. John Stambaugh, George M., David V., Thomas W., Lemuel, Mrs. Dorsey Lind, Mrs. Otis Lind, all of Astoria, and Fred of Adair, Ill. There are 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.
One great marvel of this family is, that Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan were married over 57 years; they have brought to manhood and womanhood these nine children and this is the first death in the family.
About 49 years ago, Mr. Sullivan was converted in a revival at Pleasant Ridge U. B. church held by Rev. Valentine and united with that church. March 3, 1921 he transferred his membership to the U. B. church in Astoria of which he was an honored member at his death, giving evidence to his pastor and to his family that all was well.
He leaves to mourn his departure his aged wife, the nine children, thirteen grandchildren, one great-grandson, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at the U. B. church in Astoria, Friday, at 2:00 p.m., conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. R. Seitzinger and interment in the Astoria cemetery.
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John Sullivan, an aged Civil War veteran, died today at his home in this city. No arrangements have as yet been made for the funeral.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus