Ezekiel Thompson - Aged Veteran of Civil War Answers Call

Ezekiel Thompson who was a brave soldier died early this morning. One of city's most highly respected men. Came to Mt. Vernon thirty- five years ago, and was long employed at Local Car Shops.

Details read:

"Ezekiel Thompson died this morning at 1:30 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Walter Cowger, in Dodds township, a short distance south of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Thompson had been in bad health sometime, and this condition had been serious for the last two weeks. Death was due to a complication of ailments and the infirmities of age.

Mr. Thompson ws born in Poland, Ohio, and was 84 years old the 20th of last May. He came to Illinois with his parents in early life, and lived many years in Perry County, having lived both at Pinckneyville and DuQuoin. He located in Mt. Vernon about thirty-five years ago, and for years was employed with the Mt. Vernon Car Manufacturing company. He was a carpenter by trade.

Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Anna Coover, who preceded him in death about eleven years ago. Ten children were born to their union, only three of whom survive. The survivors are Mrs. Walter Cowger, Dodds Twp., W.J. Thompson, Danville, IL and Charles J. Thompson, Mt. Vernon. Eighteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren survive.

Mr. Thompson is survived by a brother John Thompson and a sister, Mrs. John McClure, 71 both of DuQuoin. His brother visited Mr. Thompson in this city a year or so ago.

Mr. Thompson was a veteran of the Civil War, having a most honorable record. He enlisted in Company G, 12th Illinois infantry, in 1862 and served throughout the war. He was wounded three or four times in engagements in which he participated. He was long a member of Coleman Post G.A.R. 508, and took great interest in the Post and its welfare.

Mr. Thompson was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and a faithful consecrated christian. Quiet, and unassuming in manner, a citizen above reproach, he was held in the highest esteem and respect by all who knew him, and his influence was always on the side of right. In his quiet and unostenatious way he lived his daily life, doing his duty at all times and under all circumstances, leving as honorable a record in civil life as he had made when he responded to the call of his country in the dark days of 1861, 'the time that tried men's souls. He left an example worthy of emulation alike for young and old.

Funeral services will be held at the home of his daughter in Dodds township at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, conducted by the Rev. Owen W. Pratt, of the First Presbyterian Church, and burial will follow at Oakwood."

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: December 30, 1925
Submitted by "Family Links" - March 28, 2002