DR. BENJAMIN N. BOND. Of Shadrach Bond, the first Governor of Illinois, Reynolds, in his Pioneer History of Illinois, says, he "was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1773, and was raised by a pious father, Nicholas Bond, on a plantation.” In 1794 he came to Illinois, and became an inmate of the household of his uncle, Shadrach Bond, Sr., on a farm in the American Bottom. Reynolds further says: "On April 11, 1830, he expired in happiness and in peace with man. His last breath was breathed in good will to the human family and praise of God." Six children survived Governor Bond, four daughters and two sons, all of whom but Benjamin N., the youngest son, passed away many years ago. He, Benjamin N., was born at Kaskaskia, in the old Bond mansion, in 1826, and was a contemporary and life-long friend of the late General John Cook. Having chosen the profession of medicine for his life vocation, he graduated in that department of Transylvania University, and for a number of years was a busy practitioner at Stansberry, Missouri. During the civil war he was a regimental surgeon, with the rank of major in the Union army, and saw active service in the engagements at Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. After the war Dr. Bond located in St. Louis, and was one of the prominent physicians of that city until 1890, when he moved to Bellingham, in Washington. A press despatch from Seattle, dated March 4th, announces his death, at his home in Bellingham, having reached the age of 85 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, twenty-six grand-children, and fifty-two great-grandchildren. For sixty years he was a member of the Masonic order. DEATH OF MR. THOMAS J. CROWDER. The Illinois State Historical Society has lost in the death of Mr. Thomas J. Crowder, of Springfield, Ill., one of its earliest and most faithful members and friends. Mr. Crowder died at his home in Springfield, Ill., Feb. 22, 1911. He was born May 28, 1835, on a farm one-half mile west of Washington park. His father, John C. Crowder, came to Springfield township November 1, 1824. The decedent was a minister of the Methodist denomination, and at the time of the civil war was debarred from enlisting only by physical defects. He was a member of the Illinois State Historical Society, and was the author of the novel, "What Shall It Be?" a religious work which gained wide circulation. His first wife was Elizabeth F. Wright, whom he married June 24, 1856, and who died December 4, 1872. He married Miss Martha Tomlin, January 24, 1874, who survives him. Four children, William and Martha Louise, both at home, Mrs. Elizabeth C. George and Edward Crowder, of this city survive. Four grandchildren also are left. Mr. Crowder is survived also by three sisters, Mrs. Frances McKee, Mrs. Annie Wright, of this city, and Miss Louise Crowder, of Iowa, and two brothers, John J. of Peoria, and Joseph W., of this city. Mr. Crowder will be missed by a large circle of friends to whom his kindly, friendly and appreciative words were always a source of help and inspiration. No member of the Illinois State Historical Society visited the rooms of the Society more frequently, and the Library had no more welcome guest. The secretary of the Society and her associates all bear testimony to his kindness to them individually and his faithfulness to the Society. He will long be missed and his labors will continue to bear fruit though his genial facc is seen no more amongst us. DEATH OF GEN. JAMES S. CULVER. In the death of Gen. James S. Culver the Illinois State Historical Society has lost another of its valued members. General Culver was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1852, and came to Illinois when a young boy. He lived in Taylorville where he engaged in the stone and marble business for some years. He came to Springfield in 1883 and went into business as a stone contractor. He was the builder of many important buildings in Springfield and in other places, including the Memorial Temple erected by the State to the Illinois troops on the battle field of Vicksburg, the State armory, etc. He was a business man of the highest type Scrupulously honest, he was more than fair in his dealings with his associates. His kindness of heart and great generosity were distinguishing traits. He died in Springfield on March 17, 1911. He leaves his wife and one son and several brothers and sisters. He was much interested in the work of the Historical Society and was always ready to aid it in any enterprise. He was very enthusiastic and active in his interest in State militia affairs and was at one time colonel of the Fifth Infantry Regiment, Illinois National Guard, and served at the head of the regiment during the SpanishAmerican war. He was brigade commander, Second Brigade, Illinois National Guard from 1903 to 1907. |