William Leander Eastman

Wm Leander Eastman Chilton Times October 9, 1926

DEATH OF CIVIL WAR VETERAN

With the passing of William Leander Eastman, aged 85 years, at his home in the town of Stockbridge on Friday, Oct. 1st another veteran of the civil war has answered the last roll call.  Mr. Eastman has been an invalid for a number of years and was given the constant attention and care of his wife and other members of the family until the final summons came.  He was born in the town of Brothertown, Calumet County, Oct. 12, 1841 and when about ten years of age moved with his parents into the wilderness north of this city.  On April 22, 1861 he offered his service to his country, enlisting in Co. K of the Fourth Wisconsin Calvary and served until his discharge Nov. 4, 1864, when he returned to his home.  He re-enlisted as a substitute shortly after his return and served until the close of the war.  He was recognized as a valiant and fearless soldier, one who gave the best that was in him in defense of the union.  At the close of the war he returned home and resumed work on the farm.  

On Oct. 30, 1867 he was united in marriage to Esther Jane Dodge daughter of the late VanRanselar Dodge and they made their home in Stockbridge.  Twelve children were born to this union, five of whom with his widow survive him, three sons, Francis, Arthur and Nathan, Mrs. Charles Crabb of Kaukauna and Mrs. George Gasch of Abbotsford.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  

Mr. Eastman was a kind and loving husband and father and enjoyed the respect and friendship of all who knew him.  He was one of the charter members of the B.J. Sweet Grand Army Post, joining the organization Oct. 6, 1882.  He was the 9th person to join the post which had an enrollment of 119 members.  

The funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon Rev. W. A Arpke of this city delivering the funeral sermon and paid high tribute to the deceased veteran.  Burial was in the Lakeside cemetery.  The Wm Hostettler Post of the American Legion escorted the remains to the cemetery where the customary military rites were accorded him.  The firing squad fired a salute over his grave and taps were sounded by the post bugler.

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial via mother Sarah Jane Eastman (born Denslow) by SmartCopy: Mar 27 2015, 0:07:55 UTC