William Wallace Ackerman (1827-1915)
- Wm. Ackerman's son, aged about 10 years, broke one of his legs below the knee, in the early part of the week, by jumping from a wagon to the ground. It was one of those cases of fracturing bones that are most unaccountable, as the jump from the wagon was but little more than a longer step than usual.
The following unidentified 1910 newspaper article was in a collection owned by Lowell Town Historian Richard Schmal:
CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAYS
Two of our venerable and highly respected citizens, Rev. John Bruce and William W. Ackerman, passed their birthday anniversaries the past week. Although more than four score years have been allotted to them, they are both still active and in good health. May they continue with us many years yet.
REV. JOHN BRUCE
86 Years Old February 28, 1910
Mr. Bruce's actual birthday anniversary occurs on February 29th, but he says that he is going to celebrate it on the 28th, so he can have a birthday anniversary once a year like other folks.
WILLIAM A. ACKERMAN
83 Years Old February 24, 1910
Mr. Ackerman is the only surviving soldier who served in the Mexican war now living in Lake county, and one of only a few in the state.
The following article from the Spalding Scrapbook was found in the Lowell Public Library local history files (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 5, page 21):
Last Mexican War Veteran in Lake Coutny Called
William W. Ackerman was born in Bloomfield Hills, Oakland county, Michigan, February 24, 1827, and on Sunday March 21, 1915, surrounded by his wife and those of his children who could be present, at the age of 88 years and 27 days, he passed peacefully from earth, as easily and calmly as going to sleep, leaving behind him a blessed and beautiful memory. He enjoyed the best of health up to two years ago, when he had a severe sick spell, and since that time he has been in quite poor health. He lived in Michigan until he was about twelve years old, when he went to Erie county, Ohio, where he made his home with an uncle.
In May 1845, when he was only a few months past 18 years of age, he enlisted in Co. G, 3d Ohio Volunteers, for the Mexican war. For several years he has been the only Mexican war veteran in Lake county, and, at the time of his death, was the only one residing in northern Indiana. He served his country faithfully until the end of the war and after being honorably discharged returned to his home in Ohio, where he remained until 1848, when he came to West Creek township in company with Johnson Wheeler, grand-father of J.J. Wheeler, editor of the Lake County Star at Crown Point, and family, where, with his government land warrant, he took up 160 acres of land. Mr. Ackerman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Pulver April 19, 1850. To this union were born seven children. Her death occurred July 22, 1867. His second marriage occurred November 9, 1867, to Mrs. Betsey (Sanders) Graves. Four children were born to them. Of his eleven children, seven are living, three having died in infancy and one in early manhood. He continued to live on his farm until March 1882, when he with his family moved to Lowell, where he has since resided.
Mr. Ackerman was a man who had a wide acquaintance over the county and district. He was a man who made friends with all whom he came in contact; always of a jovial disposition. Mr. Ackerman was a great reader and until his eyesight failed, he kept well posted on all the happenings of the day. His home life was an ideal one, and he was never happier than when surrounded by his wife, his children and grand-children. He was a great lover of children and always had a kind word for them, and there is many a little tot in Lowell who will sincerely mourn him. He has been blessed with many happy and enjoyable years with his devoted wife and frequent visits of his children. Their home has been the scene of many a happy gathering.
Mr. Ackerman was always a staunch Republican in politics, and served as postmaster of Lowell for four years under President Harrison. He was engaged in the implement business in Lowell for several years. The writer has known Mr. Ackerman since he (the writer) was a small boy, and when we learned that he had passed away our heart was sad. We considered him one of our best friends and we feel that this friendship was mutual.
He leaves to mourn him his wife; three sons, Jasper L. of Monticello, Ind., T.L. of Belle Fourche, S.D., and C.G. of Los Angeles, Calif.; four daughters, Mrs. Ida Brandon of Mobile, Ala.; Mrs. S.A. Mulliken of Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. D.C. Driscoll of Lowell, and Mrs. O.D. Mitchell of Eaton, Ind.; one step-son, William Graves, of Lowell, twenty-six grand-children, 19 great-grand-children and a large circle of relatives and friends outside the immediate family.
Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday at 2 p.m., and were attended by a large number of his old neighbors and friends, who gathered to pay their respects to one they had honored and respected in life. Rev. V.B. Servies, pastor of the M.E. church, who was selected by Mr. Ackerman, preached the funeral sermon from the following text, Job 5:26: "Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season." This text was selected by the family. Several selections were sung by Mrs. Harry Sanger, Miss Merle Belshaw and Melvin Greisel. After the funeral services at the home the funeral cortege wended its way to the mausoleum, where the Grand Army of the Republic, of which Mr. Ackerman was an honorary member, performed its beautiful ritualistic ceremony. Interment was made in the mausoleum building. Undertaker John Castle had charge of the burial services. The following pall bearers were selected by the deceased: Walter Einspahr, Alfred Einspahr, Edson Worley, Edmond Worley, L.W. Ragon and Cordie Ragon.
Go to William Wallace Ackerman, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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