Surnames: CHESTERMAN MORLEY PHILPOTT

----Source: LOYAL TRIBUNE (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.) 12/13/1928

Chesterman, John W. (29 Jul 1838 - 5 Dec 1928)

John W. Chesterman, a retired farmer and veteran of the Civil War, a son of Abraham and Susan Chesterman, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, July 29, 1838, and departed this life at the home of J.M. Philpott in the village of Loyal Wednesday morning about 3 a.m. December 5 1928, at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 7 days.

The history of Clark County tells us that he lost his parents when he was about nine years of age. Having suffered this irreparable loss, his home was broken and he went to live with a Mr. Botkin, and there he alternately worked and attended school. Six years later, in the spring and at the age of about 15 he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and in the following summer began driving on the Wabash and Erie Canal, running to Fort Wayne, Toledo, Lafayette, and Cincinnati. A year later he went to Roanoke, where he cut cord wood one winter and the following summer worked on the farm. Later he went to New Troy, Mich., where he entered the employ of a lumber company and in whose employ he remained for about five years.

At this juncture of his life a new chapter is about to be written, for in the year of 1861 he heard the call of his country and enlisted, at Niles, Mich., in Company E, Sixth Michigan Infantry. He with others were sent to Fort Wayne for six weeks training and then returned to Niles to recruit, and was mustered in Aug. 20, 1861. His regiment immediately moved South by way of Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Baltimore and from there to Ship Island as a part of the army commanded by Gen. B.F. Butler.

Places and Military engagements Mr. Chesterman took part in follow: The bombardment of Fort Phillips; The capture of New Orleans; the battle of Baton Rouge; the siege of Fort Hudson, which lasted until July 8, 1863, and after which date they were given a thirty day furlough. After the expiration of the furlough, again Mr. Chesterman rejoined this regiment and went with it to Port Hudson, St. Charles, and back to Mobile Bay and fought at Forts Morgan and Gains. After these engagements, he was commissioned as lieutenant and remained at Fort Morgan to ship ammunition to the Union troops that took part in the battle at Fort Spanish. After the smoke of the battle of Fort Spanish had cleared away, Lieutenant Chesterman joined a heavy artillery regiment, with which he saw six months service and then returned to Carlton, La., where he was mustered out being honorably discharged at Jackson, Mich., Aug. 20, 1865.

After four years of service for his country, and having just passed his twenty-seventh mile stone, he finds employment at New Troy, Michigan, where he was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Morley, which union was perfected just 63 years ago today, Dec. 7, 1928. The young couple resided in New Troy for 17 years and during which time two children were born-Henry and Alice. In 1883 he and his family moved to Clark County, Wis., and took residence in the village of Loyal where they lived for about six years. He then bought a farm in Beaver Township, where he was successful in his farm operations and also, he became a prominent citizen and an enthusiastic supporter of every interest for the best welfare of those whom he had to do. His retirement and permanent residence in the village of Loyal, Wis., took place March 20, 1915 and since that date he has been interest up to the time of his death. His life was one of exemplary habits and his memory will be revered by both the old and the young. In this demise, the country has lost and able soldier, the village a good citizen and the Church a noble and loyal supporter. Upon whom will his mantle fall?

He is survived by his wife (Frances F. Chesterman), and two children, Henry of Anchorage, Alaska, and Alice, the wife of J.M. Philpott, of the village of Loyal, Wisconsin. Other than these he is survived by many local friends and neighbors who will revere his memory. As a mark of respect to the aged veteran all business places were closed during the services.

A short service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. G.C. Wadding, at 1:45 p.m. at the Church at 2:00 p.m. The text that formed the basis for the sermon, was suggested by the surviving wife and May be found in the 23rd Psalm and the 6th verse. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The interment was made in the Loyal cemetery. Other than these words, we would add: " Servant of God, well done, Thy glorious warfare passed; The battle fought, the victory won, And thou art crowned at last."

-By G.C. Wadding, Pastor.