Isaac C. Day

DEATH OF ''UNCLE IKE'' DAY

OLD SOLDIER AND HONORED CITIZEN PASSES AWAY AT HIS HOME NEAR THIS CITY

Issac Crews Day was born September 15, 1843, on a farm near Barnesville, OH. He was the sixth of a family of nine children. He was raised on the farm where he was born. His parents, John Day and Anna Day (Nee Crews) were early settlers in Belmont county, OH, and raised their family amid the hardships of frontier life and the hardships of such a life. This subject of the sketch was born in the spirit of such a life pulsating in his veins. He was distantly related to Daniel Boone. He inherited, to some extent, in the early days some of the spirit of that illustrious frontier man. He attended, in the winter, meager public schools of those days and worked on his father's farm during the summer.

He enlisted in the Company E, 77th Ohio Volunteers on March 24, 1864. He was active in services up to the time of his discharge in Brownsville, TX, in 1865. He came to Illinois in the year of 1866, and was employed on a farm near Rutland for two years. He then came to Ford county and engaged in farming.

On January 31, 1871, he was united in marriage to Sadie Thompson, and then continued to live in or near Melvin. In 1888, he purchased the quarter section, on which they lived at the time of his death. He was one of the substantial farmers in the neighborhood, as his splendid farm demonstrated, but also to the betterment of his fore-fellows.

He has for years been formerly known as "Uncle Ike". It was not the number of years he lived, which gave application of "Uncle Ike, but the kindness shown, the help he gave and the spirit of friendship he gave to all that caused them to call him "Uncle Ike".

He leaves behind his wife, one daughter and three sons: William Day, residing in Melvin, Herschel Day of Warren MN, and Anna of Melvin, and Stanley Day on the home farm. One brother and sister, James Day and Mrs. Stephen Day of Nebraska.

He united with the ME Church at Melvin under the pastorate of S.P. Alfred in the winter of 1888. He was found to be a faithful and interested member of the church. He had a certain place where he preferred to sit at all sermons. The home is not the only place that will be vacant.

He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Every Memorial and Decoration Day he would be found in the services taking an active part. For several years he has taken the lead not only in the general exercises of Memorial Day and Decoration Day, but had charge of the Post and made up the program for each year's service.

It was a pleasure for him to do what he could, and honor the memory of his departed comrades now that he has joined the ranks of army of fallen heroes. His memory will be cherished for his loyalty to the Grand Army of the Republic.

He was so jolly and we all loved his presence. Wherever he went there was a spout of joy and cheer in all. Scattering sunshine and giving cheer was a part of his life's work. He died on Sunday morning, August 17, at 11:00 after a short illness.

The funeral service was held at his late home. In charge was Reverend Chatten, on Wednesday, August 20. A very large gathering of friends and neighbors were there to pay respect to one who they had long learned to respect and honor. The service opened with Rock of Ages, sang by the ladies quartet, composed of Teda Arends, Grace Worthington, Mrs. Chatten, and Carolyn Kreider, with Hannah Arends at the organ. Reverend Tullis offered a prayer and Reverend Chatten followed with an earnest address portraying the qualities of the one they had all come to honor. Following his address, Reverend Tullis, a former pastor and special friend of the family, spoke very earnestly of the life and the service the deceased had rendered his country.

The pallbearers were all members of the Grand Army of the Republic at the grave of the Melvin Cemetery. They gave the impressive burial of their Order. With bowed heads, the vast concourse of friends and neighbors listened to the service given by the comrades, who had shared the hardships of war. They so lovingly placed their offering of the flowers and the Stars and Stripes upon the brier. All eyes were wet with the dew of friendship. They then came upon a solemn scene: the notes of the bugle, not only calling the last farewell, but the "Roll Call" over yonder…

Long may the memory of "Uncle Ike" live in the hearts and minds of all.

 

--The Melvin Motor. 22 August 1913.

 

MELVIN CEMETERY

--Photo from Find A Grave by Toni Swan.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=day&GSfn=isaac&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=16&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=45525798&df=all&