William H. “Bill” Beckman died in Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, on November 14, 1907. The same day, the two Minersville newspapers published bis obituary.
The first obituary presented here is from the Mount Carmel Item. The first part of it is pictured on the left, above:
DEATH OF “BILL” BECKMAN
A Brave Soldier of the Civil War Summoned to Meet the Great Commander Above
William H. Bekman, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the bravest fighters who ever wore the Blue, died at 8:20 o’clock this morning. He had been lingering for a long time, and had sustained altogether six paralytic strokes. Two weeks ago his condition became critical and death resulted today.
Deceased was born in Minersville. On December 10th next he would have reached the age of 63 years. He had resided in Mount Carmel 24 years, and was a miner by occupation. He was twice married and he is survived by his second wife. Two children were born during his first marriage, They are Mrs. Claude Ayres, of Easton, and Mrs. Joseph Grisbaum, of Pottsville.
“Bill” Beckman, as he was familiarly known, was a prominent Grand Army man, and became a member of Burnside Post No. 92 on June 21, 1884. Years ago he was a figure in the annual entertainments held by the Post and many townspeople will recall his original songs and poems. He was well liked by all.
Beckman had a distinguished career as a soldier, and it was said of him that he did not know the meaning of “fear.” He enlisted at Harrisburg, February 16th, 1864, in Company C, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was discharged at the end of the war, July 15th, 1865.
He fought in fourteen principal engagements, among them the bloodiest battles of the war. Chief among them were Cold Harbor, Petersburg Assault, the Mine Explosion, Farmville, and Appomattox, and was one of the heroes who forced Lee to surrender his sword to Grant.
The funeral will be on Sunday afternoon, leaving the home at 217 east Sixth Street, at 2:30 o’clock, for Grace Reformed Church, where service will be conducted by Rev. Albert Gonser. The 4:01 Philadelphia and Reading train will be taken for interment at Oak Hill Cemetery, undertaker McConnell directing.
Mr. Beckman was a member of Grace Reformed Church, of Post 92, G. A. R., and Globe Council No. 45, Order of Independent Americans. The Grand Army will have charge of the funeral, Golbe Council assisting.
_____________________________________________________
The second obituary is from the Mount Carmel Daily News, the beginning of which is pictured above, right.
COMRADE BECKMAN’S FINAL ROLL-CALL
Civil War Veteran Dies of Paralysis — To be Given Military Burial
Another veteran who fought for his country’s honor in the Civil War and with signal bravery answered the final roll-call at 8:30 o’clock this morning in the person of Comrade William H. Beckman. Deceased had been ill for some time, but on the 2nd last, a stroke of paralysis was suffered and five attacks followed at irregular intervals up until death occurred.
William H. Beckman was born in Minersville December 10, 1844, and was less than a month short of being 63 years old. He removed to mount Carmel in 1865 and had resided here ever since — 24 years. He was a miner by occupation. The widow, the second wife, and these children by the first wife survive: Mrs. Claude Ayres, Easton, and Mrs. Joseph Grisbaum, Pottsville.
On February 16, 1864, when little over 19 years of age, Mr. Beckman enlisted at Harrisburg, in Company C, 21st [Cavalry] Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged July 15, 1865, after the war was over. He took part in fourteen engagements, notably among them being Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Mine Explosion, Farmville, and Appomattox. He distinguished himself in the war by deeds of exceptional bravery.
Mr. Beckman was a member of Burnside Post No. 92, G. A. R., having joined the Post June 21, 1883. He was also a member of Globe Council No. 45, O. of I. A., and of the Grace Reformed Church.
Burial will be made Sunday afternoon. relative and friends will meet at 2:00 o’clock at the late home at 237 East Sixth Street and proceed to the Reformed Church, where Rev. Albert Gonser will conduct services at 3 o’clock. Interment will be made in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Alaska by Undertaker McConnell. The cortege will go to the burial grounds on the 4:01 Reading train. Burnside Post will have charge of the funeral and bury the body with military honors. Globe Council will attend the funeral in a body.
______________________________________________________
Obituaries from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.