From the National Archives: A Soldier's Certificate - Henry Clay Washburn, Private, Company G, 44th Illinois Infantry and Company L, 11th Illinois Cavalry: Henry Clay Washburn was born in FRANKLIN County, VT - he affirms that in his affidavit filed March 15, 1915 while residing at the Old Soldiers Home in Hot Springs, South Dakota. For a copy of this document, please contact this memorial owner, Linda Ames (below).

On Sunday of last week there passed away in the person of Henry (Clay) Washburn, one of Vermillion's early residents. Mr. Washburn had been afflicted with asthma for the past few years and just a few days before his death he had a slight attack of this trouble. It was not thought, however, to be serious. He had partaken of the evening meal with his family and at 7 o'clock decided to retire. On reaching the foot of the stairs his strength failed. Friends immediately came to his assistance and bore him to a couch when it was found that life had departed. (Note: He was staying with his daughter, Mrs. F. H. Maynard when he collapsed. His death certificate says Akron Township, Big Stone Co, Minnesota. The informant was his daughter M. L. Maynard (Myrtle Luella).) During Mr. Washburn's residence in Vermillion and vicinity he made many warm friends who will sadly regret his loss.
During his earlier residence here he took much interest in public affairs, having served the public interest in the capacity of deputy sheriff, town marshal, and as member of the board of education. By virtue of his Civil War service he was an honored member of the Grand Army Post at this place. Since he fought to save our Union, is it not highly fitting that he was permitted to see the victorious close of our country's last great struggle in defense of the right?
The funeral services were held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. O. W. Chaussee of Vermillion, Rev. Gagnier officiating. The remains were borne to their last resting place by grandsons of the deceased, and the services at the grave were conducted by the G.A.R. [Grand Army of the Republic].
"Sleep soldier still in honored rest, Your truth and valor wearing; The bravest are the ten[d]erest, The loving are the daring."
Henry Clay Washburn was born November 13, 1844 in Vermont and died at Correll, Minn. June 22, 1919. When he was approaching young manhood the family moved to Illinois, where he lived until the breaking out of the Civil War. Mr. Washburn was a Civil War veteran, having enlisted August 13, 1861, in Company G, 44th Illinois Cavalry, from which he was discharged in November 1865.
On May 27, 1869 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Cook, to which union were born nine children. In 1870 he came to Vermillion [in a covered wagon] where he resided until a short time before his death. His wife died Oct. 10, 1894. Three children also have preceded him to the Great Beyond—Mrs. Gertie Coverdale, Mrs. May Sargent and an infant son. Six children remain to mourn his loss—Mrs. O. W. Chaussee and N. H. Washburn of Vermillion; F. E. Washburn, H. A. Washburn and E. E. Washburn of Sioux City, and Mrs. Fred Maynard of Correll, Minn., at whose home he passed away. He leaves twenty-six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, also a brother Isaiah Washburn, of Vermillion, and a sister Mrs. Peter Cook, of Oregon.