Submitted by: John and Cindy McCachern
HARRISON BLACK OBITUARY
MARSHALL HERALD
28-FEB-1917
Captain Harrison Black died Wednesday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Zerilda Taflinger, in Westfield, after a long illness from cancer of the face. Funeral services were held at his late home and the body was taken to Martinsville for burial.
Mr. Black was born July 17, 1838, and his early life was spent in Westfield Township. His parents died when he was quite young. He was educated in the public schools and in Marshall College. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted as a Sargent in Company H of the 21st infantry-Captain Harlan's company of Grant's regiment. He was steadily promoted and when Captain Harlan was incapacitated by wounds he was promoted to the captaincy of the company, serving until December 16, 1865-more than four years-with honor and distinction. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Lucy Starks, who died about one year after their marriage. He was married a second time, to Miss Emma Deevers, who died several years ago while they lived in Springfield.
After the war Captain Black entered the drug business at Martinsville, where he remained until he was elected county clerk, in which capacity he served for nine years and made an enviable record for efficiency. He then took a position in the post office at Chicago and later a place in the State Auditors office at Springfield, where he remained about thirteen years. After leaving the auditors office he retired from active business. He is survived by one daughter by his first marriage, Mrs. Olive Engeldrum, of Wisconsin and one sister, Mrs. Taflinger.
Captain Black was a man of genial disposition, who made and retained many friends, who mourn his death even at the ripe age of 79 years.