BEN C STRATTAN, AGED CIVIL WAR VETERAN, IS DEAD

Long Prominent in Local Business Circles died Yesterday. Served with distinction, Through out Civil War, Had been in poor health for sometime. Burial Tomorrow.

Ben C. Strattan, one of Mt. Vernon's oldest and most highly respected citizens died yesterday afternoon at family home, 512 South sixth street at 5:30 o'clock.

Mr Strattan had been sick for about a week but has been in poor health for the last two years.

Funeral services will be held at the home at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, conducted by the Rev. C.I. Peterson of the first M.E. church. Burial will follow at Oakwood.

Mr. Strattan was born April 23, 1841 in Wilmington Ohio, but his family came to Mt. Vernon in the fall of 1873 and the remainder of his life was spent here.

He served through the Civil War a member of Co. G. 124th Illinois Infantry. He held a responsible position at a War Hospital two years of the war and knew some of the most distinguished leaders of the southern Confederacy. Gen. J. T. Beauregard of Louisiana, one of the most picturesque figures of the Southern Army, received his pass to leave from Mr Strattan after the close of the war. Gen Beauregard was a man of much dignity, and was glad to receive the pass. Mr. Strattan enjoyed telling of the interview with the General.

Mr Strattan was employed by his half brother, the late S.T. Strattan, for years, and folliwing Capt Strattans death was employed by the late R.L. Strattan in his hardware store.

Mr Strattan had hundreds of friends, not only in Mt. Vernon but through out Jefferson County and news of his death was received with deepest regrets.

He was a good citizen and in the days of his active life an excellent business man, of a friendly social disposition, he made and retained friends. He attended the M.E. Church until his health prevented.

He is survived by his wife, Adelia Gregg Strattan, and the following named children. Edward D. Strattan of Chattanooga Tenn. Roy, Fred, and Charley Strattan of Mt Vernon.

One daughter Mrs. Kate (Katherine) Edwards died a year ago last May.

Mr. Strattan was the last of his fathers family and was 62 years old, April 23, 1923.

Mr Strattan was a member of the H. W. Hubbard Chapter Royal Arch Masons and Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 31. A.F. & A.M. and Eastern Star.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: about September 4, 1923
Submitted by: Nancy E. Davis
Relationship: Great Grand daughter