John N. Gillespie

John Nation Gillespie

Grand Old Veteran Called

Kendall County News, April 24, 1918.

The funeral of Captain John Nation Gillespie who died Friday April 19th at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. E. Bates, was held at the Methodist Church Sunday afternoon, and was conducted by the Rev. N. R. Hinds. Mr. Gillespie was one of Plano's oldest citizens being in his eighty-fourth year.

He was born in Pennsylvania October 12, 1834. Both parents died when he was about seven years of age and he was early to shift for himself. He went west when still a youth and later returned to Illinois. He was one of the first to answer his country's call in 1861. He was a member of the 9th Illinois Cavalry. He received a commission as Second Lieutenant and later was made Captain.

On November 16th 1864 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Eliza Thorp in Plano by Rev. W. H. Fisher. The ceremony was performed in the old Excelsior Hotel, an old land mark long since gone. Mrs. Gillespie preceded him in death some ten years ago. To that union was born seven children, two having died in infancy. The remaining children are Mrs. Minnie Bates, Plano; Will, of Chicago; Fred and Frank, of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Mrs. Emma Simmons, of Chicago, who were all present at the funeral.

Mr. Gillespie was an honored member of the Plano G. A. R. which now has so few living members that that grand body of men could not perform the last sad rites to a departed comrade. One soldier was noticeably present, his grandson, Eri Bates, home on a furlough from Camp Logan , Houston, Texas. Captain John Gillespie was a good soldier and a good citizen.

A nephew, M. N. Beecher and wife and son Clarence of Yorkville, Leonard Thorp of Somonauk and Mrs. Anna Weing of Chicago were present at the funeral.

Compiler's note: While the above obituary credits Mr. Gillespie as being a Captain, the Adjutant General State of Illinois Report, does not support his promotion from Second Lieutenant to Captain. However, the report may be incorrect.



Last Modified on 2012-12-30 04:12:21-0600 CST by Elmer Dickson