Private ENOS FROST, Battery A, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery
Enos Frost was born on Aug. 9, 1838. He is believed to have actually been born in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, though he is listed as being born in Ohio in some census records and Illinois was recorded as his place of birth when he enlisted in the service. He was orphaned at the age of 4 and was raised by Quakers. His adopted family moved to Ohio in 1852 and to Washington, Illinois in Tazewell County in 1854. Enos moved to Princeville, Illinois in Peoria County in 1855 at the age of 17 and at the time of the 1860 census, is found working as a farmhand on the farm of John & Amine (Beach) Reeves in Akron Township in Peoria County, near Princeville, Illinois. The Reeves' live next door to Amine's family there in Akron Township. Enos' future wife, Elvira Beach, who is listed as Eloisa in the typed copy of the 1860 census below, is 19 at this time. For more information about the Beach family, see Elvira's brother's biography, that of Frank Beach (FAG # 7415423), who was also a veteran of the Civil War.
158 Reeves John 30 M farmer 635 OH
158 Reeves Ami 21 F OH
158 Reeves Ella M. 2 F IL
158 Frost Enos 22 M farmhand OH
159 Beach Lydia 42 F 5,000 736 NY
159 Beach Eloisa 19 F teacher IL
159 Beach Frank 17 M farmer IL
159 Beach Cornelia 15 F IL
159 Beach Emma 11 F IL
159 Beach William 9 M IL
159 Beach Orville 5 M IL
Just a week after Fort Sumter was fired upon, Enos Frost was one of the very first men from the Princeville area to enlist in the service of his country. He went into Peoria where he volunteered on April 19, 1861 to serve in an artillery unit, along with 12 other men from Princeville. This Battery became Battery A of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men became known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as each of them survived the war and were to return to their homes and families in Princeville.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name FROST, ENOS Rank PVT
Company A Unit 2 IL US L ART
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 9
Hair DARK Eyes BLUE
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When APR 19, 1861
Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom PETER DAVIDSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 17, 1861
Muster In Where BENTON BRKS, MO
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out SEP 14, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
Remarks
The men of Battery A were mustered into service on August 17, 1861 at Benton Barracks, Missouri near St. Louis. Just over three years later, when their enlistment period came to an end, four of the Princeville boys decided to re-enlist as Veterans. The rest decided to come home. Enos Frost was among those who chose to come home. During their time in service these men had served in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and had fought in numerous battles and skirmishes including the Battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Champion's Hill, Missisippi and Vicksburg, Mississippi and the sieges of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, Alabama, just to name a few.
After returning from the service, Enos Frost, returned to the civilian life of a farmer. Almost two years to the day of being mustered out of the service, Enos Frost was married to Elvira Beach on September 12, 1866 in Peoria County. Elvira was born on March 4, 1841 during the moved to or at or near Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, one of eight children known to have been born to Lester Orville Beach and Lydia Mary (Chase) Beach. They were;
1. Amine Beach, born __________ __, 18__; John Reves (Reeves) is listed as being married to Annie E. Beach on December 1, 1856 in Rock Island County, Illinois;
2. Elvira Beach, born March 4, 1841 possibly during the move from Ohio to Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois; married to Enos Frost; Elvira (Beach) Frost died Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska.
3. Frank Beach, born December 26, 1842 near Princeville, Illinois.
4. Cornelia Beach, born Dec. 15, 1845 near Princeville, Illinois; died on Jan. 5, 1868 near Abilene, Dickinson County, Kansas.
5. Lydia Beach, born __________ __, 1847 near Princeville, Illinois; died __________ __, 1852 near Princeville; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville.
6. Emily "Emma" Beach, born
7. William "Willie" Beach, born
8. Orville Beach, born
Again, for more information about the Beach family and their activities, please see Frank Beach's FAG biography. Four children were born to Enos and Elvira. They are;
1. Coralie Eurena "Cora" Frost; born __________ __, 1867 near Princeville, Illinois; became the 2nd wife of Gail Burt Nixon on April 2, 1906; Cora died on __________ __, 1947; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Cora's estate records are found the in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
2. Lydia Pansy Frost, born __________ __, 1870; married to Sebolt J. Senior; they were divorced in 19__; Lydia then married __________ Ferbrache; Lydia died on __________ __, 1958; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery.
3. Lester Enos Frost, born November 20, 1875 in ____________ County, Illinois. Lester was married to Ada Holes on June 30, 1908. Ada was born on January 9, 1883 in St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota, the daughter of William James Holes and Rose Anne (Ansbro) Holes.
The children born to Lester and Ada include;
A. Elizabeth Frost, born May 21, 1910 in Bemidji, Bemidji County, Minnesota. Elizabeth was married to _____________ Cronin and they lived at 10711 Norman Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22038 in September of 1975. Elizabeth died on March 25, 1979 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia.
B. Robert Enos Frost, born May 14, 1913 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Robert E. Frost was residing at 3233 Westmont Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland in May of 1949. Robert died on October 8, 1966 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia and his mortal remains are believed to have been cremated.
C. Barbara Frost, born December 18, 1915 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Barbara was married to Clive Wallace and they lived at 15313 Flallon Avenue, Norwalk, California, 90650 in June of 1975. Barbara died on April 27, 2006 in Clayton, Contra Costa County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Idaho, where they were laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. See Barbara (Frost) Wallace's Find A Grave Memorial #73678160.
D. (son) ____________ Frost, born ____________ __, 19__.
Lester and Ada first moved to Canada in 1910. At the time of the 1916 census, they were residing in Manitoba, Canada in 1916. Lester was became a Naturalized Canadian in 1920. At the time of the 1926 census, Lester and his family are found in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Lester Enos Frost died on April 15, 1940 in Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada, while Ada died on October 10, 1952 in Brighton, Canada..
4. Flora F. Frost, born Jul. 20, 1881; married to H_________ E. James; Flora died on Jan. __, 1975; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Flora's estate records are found in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
Now to continue with what we know about Enos Frost and his family;
For the first few years of their marriage, Enos and Elvira remained in the Princeville area. Then sometime between 1876 and 1880, Enos and Elvira moved west where they settled in Madison Township in Butler County, Iowa. They are found there at the time of the 1880 census;
Enos Frost, born c. 1839 in Pennsylvania; spouse: Elvira Frost; relationship to head: Self; spouse's birthplace: Illinois; father's birthplace: Pennsylvania; mother's birthplace: Pennsylvania; martial status: Married; age: 41 years; occupation: Farmer
Elvira Frost; , born c. 1841 in Illinois; spouse
Cory Frost; born c. 1868 in Illinois, daughter
Lydia Frost; born c. 1870 in Illinois, daughter
Lester E. Frost; born c. 1876 in Illinois, son
In the 1880's Enos and Elvira continued on west, settling on Gage County, Nebraska. There they remained the rest of the lives. Elvira Frost died on Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska. Elvira's earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery in Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska. At the time of her death, Elvira was survived by her husband Enos Frost, and her children Mrs. Cora Nixon of Princeville, Ill., Miss Lydia who lives with her father in Wymore, Nebraska, Lester Enos of Canada, and Mrs. Flora James of Denver, Colorado.
Enos lived another 42 years and is believed to be one of the last three living veterans of the Civil War who came from Princeville, Illinois and one of the last two veterans who claimed Princeville as their current home. He returned to Princeville in 1927 and had lived there with two of his daughters from then until the winter of 1935-36. Enos Frost died on Mar. 23, 1936 in Denver, Colorado in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Flora (Frost) James, where he had been spending the winter of 1935-36. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery, Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska, next to those of his beloved Elvira.
A short notice of his passing appeared in the March 26, 1936 edition of the Princeville Telephone newspaper, but the following obituary appeared in the April 2, 1936 edition of the Telephone;
"TAPS SOUNDED FOR CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Enos Frost, 97, Passed Away in Denver
Last Rites held in Wymore, Nebr.
Funeral services for Enos Frost, Princeville's oldest citizen and one of the last two remaining Civil War veterans, who passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs, H. E. James in Denver, Colorado, where he and his other two daughters, Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, of Princeville, were spending the winter, on Monday evening, March 23, following a one-day illness, were held at Wymore, Nebraska, Friday afternoon. Interment was in the Wymore Cemetery.
Life Sketch
Enos Frost was born at Brownstown, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1838, and passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.E. James in Denver, Colorado, March 23, 1936, aged 97 years, 7 months and 14 days. He became an orphan at the age of four years and was reared by a Quaker family by the name of Niggis. He remained in his adopted home until the age of 14 years when he moved with the Niggis family from Pennsylvania to Ohio. He resided in this state for about two years with his adopted parents. The family and young Frost then came to Illinois, locating where the town of Washington now stands.
At the age of 17 years, Mr. Frost came to Princeville, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Enlists in the Union Army
On April 19, 1861, Mr. Frost, with twelve other young men from Princeville, went to Peoria, where they enlisted in the Union army and were assigned to Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men were later known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as everyone of the thirteen saw action together and returned home together, not having a single casualty in their midst. Only one of the thirteen now remains, James Carman, of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.
During Frost's three and one half years in the service of his country, he saw action in many large battles, one of which was the battle in the Arkansas mountains, afterwards referred to as the "Battle of Pea Ridge". Here, for almost three days continuous, the Union men and Confederates waged a fierce conflict for possession of the ridge, and finally on March 8, 1862, the Confederates were compelled to withdraw, leaving the Union men in command of the ridge. In this one conflict, the Confederates lost 1,040 men and 3,638 were wounded, while the Union lost 203 men and 972 were wounded.
On September 14, 1864, Mr. Frost received his honorable discharge from the Union army and returned to Princeville, where he again took up residence.
Married in 1866
On September 12, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Beach, of Princeville, and the young couple moved to a farm about one and one half miles east of Princeville. The happy young couple lived on this farm for several years, and later moved to the state of Nebraska, where they purchased land on the Otoe Indian Reservation in Gage county.
Here Mr. and Mrs. Frost lived and reared their family of four children, all of whom survive: L. E. Frost, now of Winnepeg, Canada; Mrs. H. E. James, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, both of Princeville, who, with Mrs. James, were with their father at the time of his death.
Loses Life Partner
On November 7, 1893, Mrs. Frost passed away at the farm on Gage County, Nebraska and soon after, Mr. Frost and his family moved to Wymore, Nebraska, where they established as residence. Here Mr. Frost lived for several years, later moving to Denver, Colorado. In 1927, Mr. Frost returned to Princeville and had since made his home with his daughters, Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Senior.
Cast First Vote For Lincoln
Mr. Frost cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and voted at every presidential election since, always casting his vote for the republican nominee.
Mr. Frost had a happy pleasing manner which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and in his passing, the entire community has sustained a great loss. He was one of Princeville's two surviving beloved Civil War veterans, the remaining comrade being Emanual Keller, who celebrated his 97th birthday anniversary on October 25 of last year.
Mr. Frost retained al of his faculties to the end, and took a keen interest in the issues of the day. He had a clear and concise way of expressing his view on present day issues and was at his best when relating incidents of bygone days. He enjoyed having visitors and was a very pleasant host.
Mr. Frost was the highest type of Christian gentleman and the charm and beauty of his long and useful life came to a fitting close very quietly following a one-day illness. He has gone to his well earned heavenly reward to join his lifemate and comrades of the war days who fought the good fight and persevered to the end. His memory will long be cherished in the hearts of those who, by knowing him, loved him for what he was - a good soldier, an honorable citizen and a Christian gentleman."
Join us as we remember today Private Enos Frost and the "Lucky Thirteen" and the men who served their country from Central Illinois during the Civil War.
"THE LUCKY THIRTEEN.
The Article on "Civil War Record of Princeville", Vol. II of History and Reminiscences, speaks of the "Lucky Thirteen" who enlisted in Peoria Battery, spring of 1861. As the group were about to start to Peoria to enlist, Rev. Ahab Keller of the Princeville Methodist church made a very devout and fervent prayer that they all might be spared to safely return. The prayer was answered, and all of them did providentially return, after three and four years of service.
The names of the thirteen have now been verified as follows: James F. Carman, Edwin Hoag, Letz Lair, Noah Lair, Will Lair, Win. Best, Enos Frost, Sam Coburn, James McGinnis, John Auten, Morris Smith, Win. Morrow, and H. A. Stowell."
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Enos Frost, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Enos Frost and the Frost family. Baxter has seen several photographs of Enos Frost in the Princeville Telephone, none of which have copied very well. Baxter would love to see copies of other pictures of Enos Frost which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Enos Frost was born on Aug. 9, 1838. He is believed to have actually been born in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, though he is listed as being born in Ohio in some census records and Illinois was recorded as his place of birth when he enlisted in the service. He was orphaned at the age of 4 and was raised by Quakers. His adopted family moved to Ohio in 1852 and to Washington, Illinois in Tazewell County in 1854. Enos moved to Princeville, Illinois in Peoria County in 1855 at the age of 17 and at the time of the 1860 census, is found working as a farmhand on the farm of John & Amine (Beach) Reeves in Akron Township in Peoria County, near Princeville, Illinois. The Reeves' live next door to Amine's family there in Akron Township. Enos' future wife, Elvira Beach, who is listed as Eloisa in the typed copy of the 1860 census below, is 19 at this time. For more information about the Beach family, see Elvira's brother's biography, that of Frank Beach (FAG # 7415423), who was also a veteran of the Civil War.
158 Reeves John 30 M farmer 635 OH
158 Reeves Ami 21 F OH
158 Reeves Ella M. 2 F IL
158 Frost Enos 22 M farmhand OH
159 Beach Lydia 42 F 5,000 736 NY
159 Beach Eloisa 19 F teacher IL
159 Beach Frank 17 M farmer IL
159 Beach Cornelia 15 F IL
159 Beach Emma 11 F IL
159 Beach William 9 M IL
159 Beach Orville 5 M IL
Just a week after Fort Sumter was fired upon, Enos Frost was one of the very first men from the Princeville area to enlist in the service of his country. He went into Peoria where he volunteered on April 19, 1861 to serve in an artillery unit, along with 12 other men from Princeville. This Battery became Battery A of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men became known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as each of them survived the war and were to return to their homes and families in Princeville.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name FROST, ENOS Rank PVT
Company A Unit 2 IL US L ART
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 9
Hair DARK Eyes BLUE
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When APR 19, 1861
Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom PETER DAVIDSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 17, 1861
Muster In Where BENTON BRKS, MO
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out SEP 14, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
Remarks
The men of Battery A were mustered into service on August 17, 1861 at Benton Barracks, Missouri near St. Louis. Just over three years later, when their enlistment period came to an end, four of the Princeville boys decided to re-enlist as Veterans. The rest decided to come home. Enos Frost was among those who chose to come home. During their time in service these men had served in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and had fought in numerous battles and skirmishes including the Battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Champion's Hill, Missisippi and Vicksburg, Mississippi and the sieges of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, Alabama, just to name a few.
After returning from the service, Enos Frost, returned to the civilian life of a farmer. Almost two years to the day of being mustered out of the service, Enos Frost was married to Elvira Beach on September 12, 1866 in Peoria County. Elvira was born on March 4, 1841 during the moved to or at or near Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, one of eight children known to have been born to Lester Orville Beach and Lydia Mary (Chase) Beach. They were;
1. Amine Beach, born __________ __, 18__; John Reves (Reeves) is listed as being married to Annie E. Beach on December 1, 1856 in Rock Island County, Illinois;
2. Elvira Beach, born March 4, 1841 possibly during the move from Ohio to Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois; married to Enos Frost; Elvira (Beach) Frost died Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska.
3. Frank Beach, born December 26, 1842 near Princeville, Illinois.
4. Cornelia Beach, born Dec. 15, 1845 near Princeville, Illinois; died on Jan. 5, 1868 near Abilene, Dickinson County, Kansas.
5. Lydia Beach, born __________ __, 1847 near Princeville, Illinois; died __________ __, 1852 near Princeville; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville.
6. Emily "Emma" Beach, born
7. William "Willie" Beach, born
8. Orville Beach, born
Again, for more information about the Beach family and their activities, please see Frank Beach's FAG biography. Four children were born to Enos and Elvira. They are;
1. Coralie Eurena "Cora" Frost; born __________ __, 1867 near Princeville, Illinois; became the 2nd wife of Gail Burt Nixon on April 2, 1906; Cora died on __________ __, 1947; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Cora's estate records are found the in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
2. Lydia Pansy Frost, born __________ __, 1870; married to Sebolt J. Senior; they were divorced in 19__; Lydia then married __________ Ferbrache; Lydia died on __________ __, 1958; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery.
3. Lester Enos Frost, born November 20, 1875 in ____________ County, Illinois. Lester was married to Ada Holes on June 30, 1908. Ada was born on January 9, 1883 in St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota, the daughter of William James Holes and Rose Anne (Ansbro) Holes.
The children born to Lester and Ada include;
A. Elizabeth Frost, born May 21, 1910 in Bemidji, Bemidji County, Minnesota. Elizabeth was married to _____________ Cronin and they lived at 10711 Norman Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22038 in September of 1975. Elizabeth died on March 25, 1979 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia.
B. Robert Enos Frost, born May 14, 1913 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Robert E. Frost was residing at 3233 Westmont Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland in May of 1949. Robert died on October 8, 1966 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia and his mortal remains are believed to have been cremated.
C. Barbara Frost, born December 18, 1915 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Barbara was married to Clive Wallace and they lived at 15313 Flallon Avenue, Norwalk, California, 90650 in June of 1975. Barbara died on April 27, 2006 in Clayton, Contra Costa County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Idaho, where they were laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. See Barbara (Frost) Wallace's Find A Grave Memorial #73678160.
D. (son) ____________ Frost, born ____________ __, 19__.
Lester and Ada first moved to Canada in 1910. At the time of the 1916 census, they were residing in Manitoba, Canada in 1916. Lester was became a Naturalized Canadian in 1920. At the time of the 1926 census, Lester and his family are found in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Lester Enos Frost died on April 15, 1940 in Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada, while Ada died on October 10, 1952 in Brighton, Canada..
4. Flora F. Frost, born Jul. 20, 1881; married to H_________ E. James; Flora died on Jan. __, 1975; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Flora's estate records are found in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
Now to continue with what we know about Enos Frost and his family;
For the first few years of their marriage, Enos and Elvira remained in the Princeville area. Then sometime between 1876 and 1880, Enos and Elvira moved west where they settled in Madison Township in Butler County, Iowa. They are found there at the time of the 1880 census;
Enos Frost, born c. 1839 in Pennsylvania; spouse: Elvira Frost; relationship to head: Self; spouse's birthplace: Illinois; father's birthplace: Pennsylvania; mother's birthplace: Pennsylvania; martial status: Married; age: 41 years; occupation: Farmer
Elvira Frost; , born c. 1841 in Illinois; spouse
Cory Frost; born c. 1868 in Illinois, daughter
Lydia Frost; born c. 1870 in Illinois, daughter
Lester E. Frost; born c. 1876 in Illinois, son
In the 1880's Enos and Elvira continued on west, settling on Gage County, Nebraska. There they remained the rest of the lives. Elvira Frost died on Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska. Elvira's earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery in Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska. At the time of her death, Elvira was survived by her husband Enos Frost, and her children Mrs. Cora Nixon of Princeville, Ill., Miss Lydia who lives with her father in Wymore, Nebraska, Lester Enos of Canada, and Mrs. Flora James of Denver, Colorado.
Enos lived another 42 years and is believed to be one of the last three living veterans of the Civil War who came from Princeville, Illinois and one of the last two veterans who claimed Princeville as their current home. He returned to Princeville in 1927 and had lived there with two of his daughters from then until the winter of 1935-36. Enos Frost died on Mar. 23, 1936 in Denver, Colorado in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Flora (Frost) James, where he had been spending the winter of 1935-36. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery, Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska, next to those of his beloved Elvira.
A short notice of his passing appeared in the March 26, 1936 edition of the Princeville Telephone newspaper, but the following obituary appeared in the April 2, 1936 edition of the Telephone;
"TAPS SOUNDED FOR CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Enos Frost, 97, Passed Away in Denver
Last Rites held in Wymore, Nebr.
Funeral services for Enos Frost, Princeville's oldest citizen and one of the last two remaining Civil War veterans, who passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs, H. E. James in Denver, Colorado, where he and his other two daughters, Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, of Princeville, were spending the winter, on Monday evening, March 23, following a one-day illness, were held at Wymore, Nebraska, Friday afternoon. Interment was in the Wymore Cemetery.
Life Sketch
Enos Frost was born at Brownstown, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1838, and passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.E. James in Denver, Colorado, March 23, 1936, aged 97 years, 7 months and 14 days. He became an orphan at the age of four years and was reared by a Quaker family by the name of Niggis. He remained in his adopted home until the age of 14 years when he moved with the Niggis family from Pennsylvania to Ohio. He resided in this state for about two years with his adopted parents. The family and young Frost then came to Illinois, locating where the town of Washington now stands.
At the age of 17 years, Mr. Frost came to Princeville, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Enlists in the Union Army
On April 19, 1861, Mr. Frost, with twelve other young men from Princeville, went to Peoria, where they enlisted in the Union army and were assigned to Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men were later known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as everyone of the thirteen saw action together and returned home together, not having a single casualty in their midst. Only one of the thirteen now remains, James Carman, of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.
During Frost's three and one half years in the service of his country, he saw action in many large battles, one of which was the battle in the Arkansas mountains, afterwards referred to as the "Battle of Pea Ridge". Here, for almost three days continuous, the Union men and Confederates waged a fierce conflict for possession of the ridge, and finally on March 8, 1862, the Confederates were compelled to withdraw, leaving the Union men in command of the ridge. In this one conflict, the Confederates lost 1,040 men and 3,638 were wounded, while the Union lost 203 men and 972 were wounded.
On September 14, 1864, Mr. Frost received his honorable discharge from the Union army and returned to Princeville, where he again took up residence.
Married in 1866
On September 12, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Beach, of Princeville, and the young couple moved to a farm about one and one half miles east of Princeville. The happy young couple lived on this farm for several years, and later moved to the state of Nebraska, where they purchased land on the Otoe Indian Reservation in Gage county.
Here Mr. and Mrs. Frost lived and reared their family of four children, all of whom survive: L. E. Frost, now of Winnepeg, Canada; Mrs. H. E. James, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, both of Princeville, who, with Mrs. James, were with their father at the time of his death.
Loses Life Partner
On November 7, 1893, Mrs. Frost passed away at the farm on Gage County, Nebraska and soon after, Mr. Frost and his family moved to Wymore, Nebraska, where they established as residence. Here Mr. Frost lived for several years, later moving to Denver, Colorado. In 1927, Mr. Frost returned to Princeville and had since made his home with his daughters, Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Senior.
Cast First Vote For Lincoln
Mr. Frost cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and voted at every presidential election since, always casting his vote for the republican nominee.
Mr. Frost had a happy pleasing manner which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and in his passing, the entire community has sustained a great loss. He was one of Princeville's two surviving beloved Civil War veterans, the remaining comrade being Emanual Keller, who celebrated his 97th birthday anniversary on October 25 of last year.
Mr. Frost retained al of his faculties to the end, and took a keen interest in the issues of the day. He had a clear and concise way of expressing his view on present day issues and was at his best when relating incidents of bygone days. He enjoyed having visitors and was a very pleasant host.
Mr. Frost was the highest type of Christian gentleman and the charm and beauty of his long and useful life came to a fitting close very quietly following a one-day illness. He has gone to his well earned heavenly reward to join his lifemate and comrades of the war days who fought the good fight and persevered to the end. His memory will long be cherished in the hearts of those who, by knowing him, loved him for what he was - a good soldier, an honorable citizen and a Christian gentleman."
Join us as we remember today Private Enos Frost and the "Lucky Thirteen" and the men who served their country from Central Illinois during the Civil War.
"THE LUCKY THIRTEEN.
The Article on "Civil War Record of Princeville", Vol. II of History and Reminiscences, speaks of the "Lucky Thirteen" who enlisted in Peoria Battery, spring of 1861. As the group were about to start to Peoria to enlist, Rev. Ahab Keller of the Princeville Methodist church made a very devout and fervent prayer that they all might be spared to safely return. The prayer was answered, and all of them did providentially return, after three and four years of service.
The names of the thirteen have now been verified as follows: James F. Carman, Edwin Hoag, Letz Lair, Noah Lair, Will Lair, Win. Best, Enos Frost, Sam Coburn, James McGinnis, John Auten, Morris Smith, Win. Morrow, and H. A. Stowell."
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Enos Frost, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Enos Frost and the Frost family. Baxter has seen several photographs of Enos Frost in the Princeville Telephone, none of which have copied very well. Baxter would love to see copies of other pictures of Enos Frost which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Private ENOS FROST, Battery A, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery
Enos Frost was born on Aug. 9, 1838. He is believed to have actually been born in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, though he is listed as being born in Ohio in some census records and Illinois was recorded as his place of birth when he enlisted in the service. He was orphaned at the age of 4 and was raised by Quakers. His adopted family moved to Ohio in 1852 and to Washington, Illinois in Tazewell County in 1854. Enos moved to Princeville, Illinois in Peoria County in 1855 at the age of 17 and at the time of the 1860 census, is found working as a farmhand on the farm of John & Amine (Beach) Reeves in Akron Township in Peoria County, near Princeville, Illinois. The Reeves' live next door to Amine's family there in Akron Township. Enos' future wife, Elvira Beach, who is listed as Eloisa in the typed copy of the 1860 census below, is 19 at this time. For more information about the Beach family, see Elvira's brother's biography, that of Frank Beach (FAG # 7415423), who was also a veteran of the Civil War.
158 Reeves John 30 M farmer 635 OH
158 Reeves Ami 21 F OH
158 Reeves Ella M. 2 F IL
158 Frost Enos 22 M farmhand OH
159 Beach Lydia 42 F 5,000 736 NY
159 Beach Eloisa 19 F teacher IL
159 Beach Frank 17 M farmer IL
159 Beach Cornelia 15 F IL
159 Beach Emma 11 F IL
159 Beach William 9 M IL
159 Beach Orville 5 M IL
Just a week after Fort Sumter was fired upon, Enos Frost was one of the very first men from the Princeville area to enlist in the service of his country. He went into Peoria where he volunteered on April 19, 1861 to serve in an artillery unit, along with 12 other men from Princeville. This Battery became Battery A of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men became known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as each of them survived the war and were to return to their homes and families in Princeville.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name FROST, ENOS Rank PVT
Company A Unit 2 IL US L ART
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 9
Hair DARK Eyes BLUE
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When APR 19, 1861
Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom PETER DAVIDSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 17, 1861
Muster In Where BENTON BRKS, MO
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out SEP 14, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
Remarks
The men of Battery A were mustered into service on August 17, 1861 at Benton Barracks, Missouri near St. Louis. Just over three years later, when their enlistment period came to an end, four of the Princeville boys decided to re-enlist as Veterans. The rest decided to come home. Enos Frost was among those who chose to come home. During their time in service these men had served in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and had fought in numerous battles and skirmishes including the Battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Champion's Hill, Missisippi and Vicksburg, Mississippi and the sieges of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, Alabama, just to name a few.
After returning from the service, Enos Frost, returned to the civilian life of a farmer. Almost two years to the day of being mustered out of the service, Enos Frost was married to Elvira Beach on September 12, 1866 in Peoria County. Elvira was born on March 4, 1841 during the moved to or at or near Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, one of eight children known to have been born to Lester Orville Beach and Lydia Mary (Chase) Beach. They were;
1. Amine Beach, born __________ __, 18__; John Reves (Reeves) is listed as being married to Annie E. Beach on December 1, 1856 in Rock Island County, Illinois;
2. Elvira Beach, born March 4, 1841 possibly during the move from Ohio to Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois; married to Enos Frost; Elvira (Beach) Frost died Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska.
3. Frank Beach, born December 26, 1842 near Princeville, Illinois.
4. Cornelia Beach, born Dec. 15, 1845 near Princeville, Illinois; died on Jan. 5, 1868 near Abilene, Dickinson County, Kansas.
5. Lydia Beach, born __________ __, 1847 near Princeville, Illinois; died __________ __, 1852 near Princeville; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville.
6. Emily "Emma" Beach, born
7. William "Willie" Beach, born
8. Orville Beach, born
Again, for more information about the Beach family and their activities, please see Frank Beach's FAG biography. Four children were born to Enos and Elvira. They are;
1. Coralie Eurena "Cora" Frost; born __________ __, 1867 near Princeville, Illinois; became the 2nd wife of Gail Burt Nixon on April 2, 1906; Cora died on __________ __, 1947; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Cora's estate records are found the in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
2. Lydia Pansy Frost, born __________ __, 1870; married to Sebolt J. Senior; they were divorced in 19__; Lydia then married __________ Ferbrache; Lydia died on __________ __, 1958; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery.
3. Lester Enos Frost, born November 20, 1875 in ____________ County, Illinois. Lester was married to Ada Holes on June 30, 1908. Ada was born on January 9, 1883 in St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota, the daughter of William James Holes and Rose Anne (Ansbro) Holes.
The children born to Lester and Ada include;
A. Elizabeth Frost, born May 21, 1910 in Bemidji, Bemidji County, Minnesota. Elizabeth was married to _____________ Cronin and they lived at 10711 Norman Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22038 in September of 1975. Elizabeth died on March 25, 1979 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia.
B. Robert Enos Frost, born May 14, 1913 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Robert E. Frost was residing at 3233 Westmont Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland in May of 1949. Robert died on October 8, 1966 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia and his mortal remains are believed to have been cremated.
C. Barbara Frost, born December 18, 1915 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Barbara was married to Clive Wallace and they lived at 15313 Flallon Avenue, Norwalk, California, 90650 in June of 1975. Barbara died on April 27, 2006 in Clayton, Contra Costa County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Idaho, where they were laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. See Barbara (Frost) Wallace's Find A Grave Memorial #73678160.
D. (son) ____________ Frost, born ____________ __, 19__.
Lester and Ada first moved to Canada in 1910. At the time of the 1916 census, they were residing in Manitoba, Canada in 1916. Lester was became a Naturalized Canadian in 1920. At the time of the 1926 census, Lester and his family are found in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Lester Enos Frost died on April 15, 1940 in Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada, while Ada died on October 10, 1952 in Brighton, Canada..
4. Flora F. Frost, born Jul. 20, 1881; married to H_________ E. James; Flora died on Jan. __, 1975; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Flora's estate records are found in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
Now to continue with what we know about Enos Frost and his family;
For the first few years of their marriage, Enos and Elvira remained in the Princeville area. Then sometime between 1876 and 1880, Enos and Elvira moved west where they settled in Madison Township in Butler County, Iowa. They are found there at the time of the 1880 census;
Enos Frost, born c. 1839 in Pennsylvania; spouse: Elvira Frost; relationship to head: Self; spouse's birthplace: Illinois; father's birthplace: Pennsylvania; mother's birthplace: Pennsylvania; martial status: Married; age: 41 years; occupation: Farmer
Elvira Frost; , born c. 1841 in Illinois; spouse
Cory Frost; born c. 1868 in Illinois, daughter
Lydia Frost; born c. 1870 in Illinois, daughter
Lester E. Frost; born c. 1876 in Illinois, son
In the 1880's Enos and Elvira continued on west, settling on Gage County, Nebraska. There they remained the rest of the lives. Elvira Frost died on Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska. Elvira's earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery in Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska. At the time of her death, Elvira was survived by her husband Enos Frost, and her children Mrs. Cora Nixon of Princeville, Ill., Miss Lydia who lives with her father in Wymore, Nebraska, Lester Enos of Canada, and Mrs. Flora James of Denver, Colorado.
Enos lived another 42 years and is believed to be one of the last three living veterans of the Civil War who came from Princeville, Illinois and one of the last two veterans who claimed Princeville as their current home. He returned to Princeville in 1927 and had lived there with two of his daughters from then until the winter of 1935-36. Enos Frost died on Mar. 23, 1936 in Denver, Colorado in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Flora (Frost) James, where he had been spending the winter of 1935-36. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery, Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska, next to those of his beloved Elvira.
A short notice of his passing appeared in the March 26, 1936 edition of the Princeville Telephone newspaper, but the following obituary appeared in the April 2, 1936 edition of the Telephone;
"TAPS SOUNDED FOR CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Enos Frost, 97, Passed Away in Denver
Last Rites held in Wymore, Nebr.
Funeral services for Enos Frost, Princeville's oldest citizen and one of the last two remaining Civil War veterans, who passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs, H. E. James in Denver, Colorado, where he and his other two daughters, Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, of Princeville, were spending the winter, on Monday evening, March 23, following a one-day illness, were held at Wymore, Nebraska, Friday afternoon. Interment was in the Wymore Cemetery.
Life Sketch
Enos Frost was born at Brownstown, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1838, and passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.E. James in Denver, Colorado, March 23, 1936, aged 97 years, 7 months and 14 days. He became an orphan at the age of four years and was reared by a Quaker family by the name of Niggis. He remained in his adopted home until the age of 14 years when he moved with the Niggis family from Pennsylvania to Ohio. He resided in this state for about two years with his adopted parents. The family and young Frost then came to Illinois, locating where the town of Washington now stands.
At the age of 17 years, Mr. Frost came to Princeville, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Enlists in the Union Army
On April 19, 1861, Mr. Frost, with twelve other young men from Princeville, went to Peoria, where they enlisted in the Union army and were assigned to Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men were later known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as everyone of the thirteen saw action together and returned home together, not having a single casualty in their midst. Only one of the thirteen now remains, James Carman, of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.
During Frost's three and one half years in the service of his country, he saw action in many large battles, one of which was the battle in the Arkansas mountains, afterwards referred to as the "Battle of Pea Ridge". Here, for almost three days continuous, the Union men and Confederates waged a fierce conflict for possession of the ridge, and finally on March 8, 1862, the Confederates were compelled to withdraw, leaving the Union men in command of the ridge. In this one conflict, the Confederates lost 1,040 men and 3,638 were wounded, while the Union lost 203 men and 972 were wounded.
On September 14, 1864, Mr. Frost received his honorable discharge from the Union army and returned to Princeville, where he again took up residence.
Married in 1866
On September 12, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Beach, of Princeville, and the young couple moved to a farm about one and one half miles east of Princeville. The happy young couple lived on this farm for several years, and later moved to the state of Nebraska, where they purchased land on the Otoe Indian Reservation in Gage county.
Here Mr. and Mrs. Frost lived and reared their family of four children, all of whom survive: L. E. Frost, now of Winnepeg, Canada; Mrs. H. E. James, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, both of Princeville, who, with Mrs. James, were with their father at the time of his death.
Loses Life Partner
On November 7, 1893, Mrs. Frost passed away at the farm on Gage County, Nebraska and soon after, Mr. Frost and his family moved to Wymore, Nebraska, where they established as residence. Here Mr. Frost lived for several years, later moving to Denver, Colorado. In 1927, Mr. Frost returned to Princeville and had since made his home with his daughters, Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Senior.
Cast First Vote For Lincoln
Mr. Frost cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and voted at every presidential election since, always casting his vote for the republican nominee.
Mr. Frost had a happy pleasing manner which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and in his passing, the entire community has sustained a great loss. He was one of Princeville's two surviving beloved Civil War veterans, the remaining comrade being Emanual Keller, who celebrated his 97th birthday anniversary on October 25 of last year.
Mr. Frost retained al of his faculties to the end, and took a keen interest in the issues of the day. He had a clear and concise way of expressing his view on present day issues and was at his best when relating incidents of bygone days. He enjoyed having visitors and was a very pleasant host.
Mr. Frost was the highest type of Christian gentleman and the charm and beauty of his long and useful life came to a fitting close very quietly following a one-day illness. He has gone to his well earned heavenly reward to join his lifemate and comrades of the war days who fought the good fight and persevered to the end. His memory will long be cherished in the hearts of those who, by knowing him, loved him for what he was - a good soldier, an honorable citizen and a Christian gentleman."
Join us as we remember today Private Enos Frost and the "Lucky Thirteen" and the men who served their country from Central Illinois during the Civil War.
"THE LUCKY THIRTEEN.
The Article on "Civil War Record of Princeville", Vol. II of History and Reminiscences, speaks of the "Lucky Thirteen" who enlisted in Peoria Battery, spring of 1861. As the group were about to start to Peoria to enlist, Rev. Ahab Keller of the Princeville Methodist church made a very devout and fervent prayer that they all might be spared to safely return. The prayer was answered, and all of them did providentially return, after three and four years of service.
The names of the thirteen have now been verified as follows: James F. Carman, Edwin Hoag, Letz Lair, Noah Lair, Will Lair, Win. Best, Enos Frost, Sam Coburn, James McGinnis, John Auten, Morris Smith, Win. Morrow, and H. A. Stowell."
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Enos Frost, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Enos Frost and the Frost family. Baxter has seen several photographs of Enos Frost in the Princeville Telephone, none of which have copied very well. Baxter would love to see copies of other pictures of Enos Frost which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Enos Frost was born on Aug. 9, 1838. He is believed to have actually been born in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, though he is listed as being born in Ohio in some census records and Illinois was recorded as his place of birth when he enlisted in the service. He was orphaned at the age of 4 and was raised by Quakers. His adopted family moved to Ohio in 1852 and to Washington, Illinois in Tazewell County in 1854. Enos moved to Princeville, Illinois in Peoria County in 1855 at the age of 17 and at the time of the 1860 census, is found working as a farmhand on the farm of John & Amine (Beach) Reeves in Akron Township in Peoria County, near Princeville, Illinois. The Reeves' live next door to Amine's family there in Akron Township. Enos' future wife, Elvira Beach, who is listed as Eloisa in the typed copy of the 1860 census below, is 19 at this time. For more information about the Beach family, see Elvira's brother's biography, that of Frank Beach (FAG # 7415423), who was also a veteran of the Civil War.
158 Reeves John 30 M farmer 635 OH
158 Reeves Ami 21 F OH
158 Reeves Ella M. 2 F IL
158 Frost Enos 22 M farmhand OH
159 Beach Lydia 42 F 5,000 736 NY
159 Beach Eloisa 19 F teacher IL
159 Beach Frank 17 M farmer IL
159 Beach Cornelia 15 F IL
159 Beach Emma 11 F IL
159 Beach William 9 M IL
159 Beach Orville 5 M IL
Just a week after Fort Sumter was fired upon, Enos Frost was one of the very first men from the Princeville area to enlist in the service of his country. He went into Peoria where he volunteered on April 19, 1861 to serve in an artillery unit, along with 12 other men from Princeville. This Battery became Battery A of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men became known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as each of them survived the war and were to return to their homes and families in Princeville.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name FROST, ENOS Rank PVT
Company A Unit 2 IL US L ART
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 9
Hair DARK Eyes BLUE
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When APR 19, 1861
Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom PETER DAVIDSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 17, 1861
Muster In Where BENTON BRKS, MO
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out SEP 14, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
Remarks
The men of Battery A were mustered into service on August 17, 1861 at Benton Barracks, Missouri near St. Louis. Just over three years later, when their enlistment period came to an end, four of the Princeville boys decided to re-enlist as Veterans. The rest decided to come home. Enos Frost was among those who chose to come home. During their time in service these men had served in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and had fought in numerous battles and skirmishes including the Battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Champion's Hill, Missisippi and Vicksburg, Mississippi and the sieges of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, Alabama, just to name a few.
After returning from the service, Enos Frost, returned to the civilian life of a farmer. Almost two years to the day of being mustered out of the service, Enos Frost was married to Elvira Beach on September 12, 1866 in Peoria County. Elvira was born on March 4, 1841 during the moved to or at or near Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, one of eight children known to have been born to Lester Orville Beach and Lydia Mary (Chase) Beach. They were;
1. Amine Beach, born __________ __, 18__; John Reves (Reeves) is listed as being married to Annie E. Beach on December 1, 1856 in Rock Island County, Illinois;
2. Elvira Beach, born March 4, 1841 possibly during the move from Ohio to Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois; married to Enos Frost; Elvira (Beach) Frost died Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska.
3. Frank Beach, born December 26, 1842 near Princeville, Illinois.
4. Cornelia Beach, born Dec. 15, 1845 near Princeville, Illinois; died on Jan. 5, 1868 near Abilene, Dickinson County, Kansas.
5. Lydia Beach, born __________ __, 1847 near Princeville, Illinois; died __________ __, 1852 near Princeville; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville.
6. Emily "Emma" Beach, born
7. William "Willie" Beach, born
8. Orville Beach, born
Again, for more information about the Beach family and their activities, please see Frank Beach's FAG biography. Four children were born to Enos and Elvira. They are;
1. Coralie Eurena "Cora" Frost; born __________ __, 1867 near Princeville, Illinois; became the 2nd wife of Gail Burt Nixon on April 2, 1906; Cora died on __________ __, 1947; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Cora's estate records are found the in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
2. Lydia Pansy Frost, born __________ __, 1870; married to Sebolt J. Senior; they were divorced in 19__; Lydia then married __________ Ferbrache; Lydia died on __________ __, 1958; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery.
3. Lester Enos Frost, born November 20, 1875 in ____________ County, Illinois. Lester was married to Ada Holes on June 30, 1908. Ada was born on January 9, 1883 in St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota, the daughter of William James Holes and Rose Anne (Ansbro) Holes.
The children born to Lester and Ada include;
A. Elizabeth Frost, born May 21, 1910 in Bemidji, Bemidji County, Minnesota. Elizabeth was married to _____________ Cronin and they lived at 10711 Norman Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 22038 in September of 1975. Elizabeth died on March 25, 1979 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia.
B. Robert Enos Frost, born May 14, 1913 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Robert E. Frost was residing at 3233 Westmont Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland in May of 1949. Robert died on October 8, 1966 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia and his mortal remains are believed to have been cremated.
C. Barbara Frost, born December 18, 1915 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Barbara was married to Clive Wallace and they lived at 15313 Flallon Avenue, Norwalk, California, 90650 in June of 1975. Barbara died on April 27, 2006 in Clayton, Contra Costa County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Idaho, where they were laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. See Barbara (Frost) Wallace's Find A Grave Memorial #73678160.
D. (son) ____________ Frost, born ____________ __, 19__.
Lester and Ada first moved to Canada in 1910. At the time of the 1916 census, they were residing in Manitoba, Canada in 1916. Lester was became a Naturalized Canadian in 1920. At the time of the 1926 census, Lester and his family are found in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Lester Enos Frost died on April 15, 1940 in Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada, while Ada died on October 10, 1952 in Brighton, Canada..
4. Flora F. Frost, born Jul. 20, 1881; married to H_________ E. James; Flora died on Jan. __, 1975; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery. Some of Flora's estate records are found in the Princeville Heritage Museum.
Now to continue with what we know about Enos Frost and his family;
For the first few years of their marriage, Enos and Elvira remained in the Princeville area. Then sometime between 1876 and 1880, Enos and Elvira moved west where they settled in Madison Township in Butler County, Iowa. They are found there at the time of the 1880 census;
Enos Frost, born c. 1839 in Pennsylvania; spouse: Elvira Frost; relationship to head: Self; spouse's birthplace: Illinois; father's birthplace: Pennsylvania; mother's birthplace: Pennsylvania; martial status: Married; age: 41 years; occupation: Farmer
Elvira Frost; , born c. 1841 in Illinois; spouse
Cory Frost; born c. 1868 in Illinois, daughter
Lydia Frost; born c. 1870 in Illinois, daughter
Lester E. Frost; born c. 1876 in Illinois, son
In the 1880's Enos and Elvira continued on west, settling on Gage County, Nebraska. There they remained the rest of the lives. Elvira Frost died on Nov. 7, 1893 in Gage County, Nebraska. Elvira's earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery in Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska. At the time of her death, Elvira was survived by her husband Enos Frost, and her children Mrs. Cora Nixon of Princeville, Ill., Miss Lydia who lives with her father in Wymore, Nebraska, Lester Enos of Canada, and Mrs. Flora James of Denver, Colorado.
Enos lived another 42 years and is believed to be one of the last three living veterans of the Civil War who came from Princeville, Illinois and one of the last two veterans who claimed Princeville as their current home. He returned to Princeville in 1927 and had lived there with two of his daughters from then until the winter of 1935-36. Enos Frost died on Mar. 23, 1936 in Denver, Colorado in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Flora (Frost) James, where he had been spending the winter of 1935-36. His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Wymore Cemetery, Wymore, Gage County, Nebraska, next to those of his beloved Elvira.
A short notice of his passing appeared in the March 26, 1936 edition of the Princeville Telephone newspaper, but the following obituary appeared in the April 2, 1936 edition of the Telephone;
"TAPS SOUNDED FOR CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Enos Frost, 97, Passed Away in Denver
Last Rites held in Wymore, Nebr.
Funeral services for Enos Frost, Princeville's oldest citizen and one of the last two remaining Civil War veterans, who passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs, H. E. James in Denver, Colorado, where he and his other two daughters, Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, of Princeville, were spending the winter, on Monday evening, March 23, following a one-day illness, were held at Wymore, Nebraska, Friday afternoon. Interment was in the Wymore Cemetery.
Life Sketch
Enos Frost was born at Brownstown, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1838, and passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.E. James in Denver, Colorado, March 23, 1936, aged 97 years, 7 months and 14 days. He became an orphan at the age of four years and was reared by a Quaker family by the name of Niggis. He remained in his adopted home until the age of 14 years when he moved with the Niggis family from Pennsylvania to Ohio. He resided in this state for about two years with his adopted parents. The family and young Frost then came to Illinois, locating where the town of Washington now stands.
At the age of 17 years, Mr. Frost came to Princeville, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Enlists in the Union Army
On April 19, 1861, Mr. Frost, with twelve other young men from Princeville, went to Peoria, where they enlisted in the Union army and were assigned to Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery. These thirteen men were later known as the "Lucky Thirteen" as everyone of the thirteen saw action together and returned home together, not having a single casualty in their midst. Only one of the thirteen now remains, James Carman, of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.
During Frost's three and one half years in the service of his country, he saw action in many large battles, one of which was the battle in the Arkansas mountains, afterwards referred to as the "Battle of Pea Ridge". Here, for almost three days continuous, the Union men and Confederates waged a fierce conflict for possession of the ridge, and finally on March 8, 1862, the Confederates were compelled to withdraw, leaving the Union men in command of the ridge. In this one conflict, the Confederates lost 1,040 men and 3,638 were wounded, while the Union lost 203 men and 972 were wounded.
On September 14, 1864, Mr. Frost received his honorable discharge from the Union army and returned to Princeville, where he again took up residence.
Married in 1866
On September 12, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Beach, of Princeville, and the young couple moved to a farm about one and one half miles east of Princeville. The happy young couple lived on this farm for several years, and later moved to the state of Nebraska, where they purchased land on the Otoe Indian Reservation in Gage county.
Here Mr. and Mrs. Frost lived and reared their family of four children, all of whom survive: L. E. Frost, now of Winnepeg, Canada; Mrs. H. E. James, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Cora Nixon and Mrs. Lydia Senior, both of Princeville, who, with Mrs. James, were with their father at the time of his death.
Loses Life Partner
On November 7, 1893, Mrs. Frost passed away at the farm on Gage County, Nebraska and soon after, Mr. Frost and his family moved to Wymore, Nebraska, where they established as residence. Here Mr. Frost lived for several years, later moving to Denver, Colorado. In 1927, Mr. Frost returned to Princeville and had since made his home with his daughters, Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Senior.
Cast First Vote For Lincoln
Mr. Frost cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and voted at every presidential election since, always casting his vote for the republican nominee.
Mr. Frost had a happy pleasing manner which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and in his passing, the entire community has sustained a great loss. He was one of Princeville's two surviving beloved Civil War veterans, the remaining comrade being Emanual Keller, who celebrated his 97th birthday anniversary on October 25 of last year.
Mr. Frost retained al of his faculties to the end, and took a keen interest in the issues of the day. He had a clear and concise way of expressing his view on present day issues and was at his best when relating incidents of bygone days. He enjoyed having visitors and was a very pleasant host.
Mr. Frost was the highest type of Christian gentleman and the charm and beauty of his long and useful life came to a fitting close very quietly following a one-day illness. He has gone to his well earned heavenly reward to join his lifemate and comrades of the war days who fought the good fight and persevered to the end. His memory will long be cherished in the hearts of those who, by knowing him, loved him for what he was - a good soldier, an honorable citizen and a Christian gentleman."
Join us as we remember today Private Enos Frost and the "Lucky Thirteen" and the men who served their country from Central Illinois during the Civil War.
"THE LUCKY THIRTEEN.
The Article on "Civil War Record of Princeville", Vol. II of History and Reminiscences, speaks of the "Lucky Thirteen" who enlisted in Peoria Battery, spring of 1861. As the group were about to start to Peoria to enlist, Rev. Ahab Keller of the Princeville Methodist church made a very devout and fervent prayer that they all might be spared to safely return. The prayer was answered, and all of them did providentially return, after three and four years of service.
The names of the thirteen have now been verified as follows: James F. Carman, Edwin Hoag, Letz Lair, Noah Lair, Will Lair, Win. Best, Enos Frost, Sam Coburn, James McGinnis, John Auten, Morris Smith, Win. Morrow, and H. A. Stowell."
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Enos Frost, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Enos Frost and the Frost family. Baxter has seen several photographs of Enos Frost in the Princeville Telephone, none of which have copied very well. Baxter would love to see copies of other pictures of Enos Frost which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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