James M. Blacker, 89, veteran of the Civil War and for years a resident of Sangamon Township, answered the last call on Wednesday evening, October 19, 1927 in the National Soldiers' Home in Danville, where he entered the hospital as a patient on October 16th. He died as a result of complications of iseases attendant on his advanced age, although prior to going to the hospital he was up and around and fully possessed of his mental faculties. He had a wonderful memory and it was just a few days prior to his going to the hospital that the writer and he had a fine visit in which much of the earlier history of Sangamon Township was gone over.

Funeral services will be held in the United Brethren Church, White Heath this afternoon and interment will be made in the Monticello Cemetery where a firing squad from the local American Legion Post will give the last honors at the gravesite.

He was born near Circleville, Ohio on January 15, 1838. He was united in marriage with Catherine Furnish who died seventeen years ago. He is survived by a brother, Levi Blacker of Shelbyville; and two sisters: Mrs. Cynthia Furnish of White Heath and Mrs. Helen Camp of Granite City. A stepson, Charles Furnish, also survives as well as a number of nephews and nieces. On word of his death being received here, Joseph H. Faith, local undertaker, went to Danville and brought the body here to be prepared for burial.

At the time of the breaking out of the Civil War he was a resident of Ohio and enlisted in Company B 13th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1860 and served throughout the war. He was in the notable battles of Missionary Ridge and Bull Run and when the treaty of peace was signed at Appomatix he was present and marched in the Big Parade in Washington following it. After being mustered out of the service he came direct to Illinois and Piatt County, where he has since resided.

Piatt Co. Republican: October 27, 1927