The Daily Independent Times-Streator

Livingston County, IL  16 Oct 1922  Page 1, col. 7 & 8

Squire Burrell

Venerable Resident of Reading Township Passes Away

Following Stroke of Paralysis--Was Veteran of the Civil War.

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Squire Burrell is dead. 

That was the message that was spread about the streets this morning and shocked the entire community.  But few people, other than the immediate relatives of the family, knew Mr. Burrell was ill.  Death came this morning at 12:30 as the result of a blood clot on the brain, bringing about paralysis.  He was stricken Friday morning, and the end came peacefully.

For the last few days Mr. Burrell refused to acknowledge he was seriously ill, and was anxious to get about and attend to his usual duties.  It was only the orders of the attending physician and the watchfulness of his daughters that kept him to his bed.  Later on he became unconscious and passed away quietly shortly after midnight.

In the passing of Mr. Burrell the community has lost a familiar figure.  For over half a century he has been a resident of Livingston County, and has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the community.  That he was upright and honest in all his dealings is attested by the fact that he was repeatedly honored by his fellow men in election positions of trust.

Was Friend in Need

No weather was too stormy; the roads were never too bad, for Mr. Burrell to go to the assistance of a friend in need.  His character was of the affectionate order, and he was always ready to render a service to the more unfortunate, even when it cost him an unusual effort or exposed him to danger.

One morning, twenty-two years ago, he nearly lost his life in an effort to save a companion.  The group of men had started to walk to Reading to vote.  While crossing a railroad bridge, one of the men slipped and fell between the ties.  Mr. Burrell heard the man's cries, and seeing the man's danger, and also seeing a train bearing down, without hesitation hurried back to assist the man.  He got the man from the ties, but the engine struck Mr. Burrell, throwing him off the right of way.  In the fall the man rescued was instantly killed, and Mr. Burrell received injuries that kept him in the hospital for many weeks, and from which he has since been a cripple.

While more than 80 years of age, Mr. Burrell has been remarkably healthy.  The only time he was ever incapacitated from attending to this usual occupation was at the time he was struck by the train, and when he was severely burned when his home burned down.

Last week he was working about his home, planning on various improvements, and it is barely possible his fatal illness was brought about by exertion.

Few men were better known in Streator, or in Livingston County than the decedent.

Born in Ohio

William Burrell was born near Xenia, Putnam County, Ohio, July 24, 1842.  When a young man he ran away from home and enlisted in the army.  His enlistment was dated August 20, 1861, and was for a period of three years, or until the war was ended.  He saw service in many engagements.

On December 31, 1863, he received an honorable discharge.  This discharge was issued at Indianola, Texas, and was granted that holder might re-enlist.  His new company, which he was assigned to on January 1, 1864, was Company G, 33rd Illinois Veterans Infantry.  He continued a member of this company until given his honorable discharge at Vicksburg, Miss., on November 24, 1865.

It is interesting to know that the decedent was a part of the forces  that besieged Vicks-burg during the last days of the war, and was one of the first to enter the city.

Located in Illinois

It was not surprising that after associating with Illinoisans for so many years Mr. Burrell should select this state as his residence at the close of the hostilities.  He settled in Livingston County in Indian Grove, midway between Chenoa and Fairbury.  Here he was united in marriage with Amelia A. Cooper, the ceremony being performed at Chenoa, on May 9, 1867.

About 48 years ago Mr. Burrell moved to Reading Township, and engaged in teaming and contracting.  This occupation he followed for a number of years, but finally went into the coal mining business, taking coal from his farm land, just south of the present city limits.

For the past thirty years he has lived a semi retired life, but during that time he has been justice of the peace for Reading township, and in that office found much to occupy his time.  Thus it was he gained the title "Squire" by which he was so well known.

For forty years the family has occupied the same house on Hawthorne Road.

Was Deputy Coroner

In addition to being justice of the peace, Mr. Burrell has served for many years as deputy coroner.  He was also prominent in republican politics, and was central committeeman for years. Few men are given this privilege of living to such an age, and enjoy such good health, and few have the pleasure of such a broad acquaintance as did the decedent.

Mrs. Burrell died thirteen years ago.  Surviving the loving father are the following children:  Daniel, of Kankakee, Arlie D., of Pontiac; Mrs. Lulu G. Reed, and Miss Myrtle Burrell, of Streator.  Also one grandson, William Reed.  All the relatives were at the bedside when the end came.

The funeral will be held from the late residence on Thursday afternoon, with services at 2:00 o'clock.  Interment will be in Riverview cemetery. Mr. Burrell was a member of the M.E. church.

Submitted by Tara Parr     ILMasterGardener@insightbb.com