Darlington-Charles R. Bridgman, 80, since 1848 a resident of Lafayette county, is dead in Eau Claire, where he was spending the winter with his son, a professor in Eau Claire high school. He served during the civil war as a second lieutenant of Company E., 31st Wisconsin.
Wisconsin State Journal 15 Jan 1920
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Charles Richmond Bridgeman was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1839. He died in Eau Clair, Wisconsin, Jan. 11, 1920. He was 80 years and 34 days old on the date of his death. In 1848, when a boy of nine years he came with his parents to Wisconsin. That was seventy one years ago. They settled at Fayette. Lafayette county has been his home during all this period except the last few months, which were spent at the home of his son, W.H. Bridgman.
Charles Bridgman served his country during three years in the Civil war, as Lieutenant in Co E. 31 Wisconsin Vol. Infantry. He was married Nov. 4, 1865, at the age of 26 years to Ellen Anna Williams, who died Jan. 10, 1904.
Her funeral services were conducted just fifteen years before the date on which the deceased was buried. Six children were born to them, four having passed on, two sons and two daughters. Two sons remain, Wilbur of Stanley, Wis., and Benj. W. of Eau Claire. Two brothers of Lamont, Hiram M. and James, and three sisters, Julia McConnell, Minneapolis, Elizabeth Cook, Clarksville, Iowa and Hannah McCarthy, Lamont.
Mr. Bridgman has been for many years a loyal member of the Congregational church in Darlington and for a long period was a constant attendant at the services and an intelligent co-worker in its several departments.
He was in addition to membership in the local G.A.R. Post, a strong adherent to the principles of Free Masonry. This Fraternity conducted the rites at the place of burial.
The Republican Journal 15 Jan 1920