Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery

A special thanks to Louis Siegel, the great-great-great grandson of Pvt Harris for finding this information on https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29396742/erastus-harris

Erastus was the son of Joseph Harris and Julia Towsley. He married Betsy Maria Warren, daughter of Pliny Price Warren and Betsey Elizabeth Willis. They had 14 children, of which I know 12, Rebecca Ann, Alvira, Melissa, George Warren, Emily, Calislia, Chauncy, Plinny, Elie, Betsey, Doris and Erwin Harris. Eight of the children were living in 1900.
Erastus was a veteran, serving in the Civil War as a Pvt, Co. G, 2nd IL Light Infantry.

An Old Settler Gathered to His Fathers – Sketch of his Life.

Brief mention was made in these columns in last weeks issue of the death of Erastus Harris of Hubbard. Mr. H. has been a resident of this section for years past and a brief sketch of his life, which follows, will be read with interest by many of the friends who knew him so well.
Erastus Harris was born in Chenango county, New York, July 13, 1822. When he was eight years old, his father removed to Ohio, and 10 years later he settled in Illinois.
In 1843 he was married to Miss Maria Warren and continued to live in Illinois until 1864.
In that year he enlisted in the Union Army as a member of company G, 2nd Regiment, Illinois light artillery. He was honorably discharged from service, at Montgomery, Alabama, on June 3rd, 1865.
At the close of the war, Mr. Harris located to Wisconsin, remaining there for until 1880. That year he removed to with his family to Shell City, in the northern edge of Wadena county, where he lived until 1898. That year he removed to Hubbard which has been his home since. He was taken sick with la grippe some weeks ago and passed away from earth on Feb. 15th.
Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris. Eight of them with their mother live to mourn the loss of their father. The funeral which was held at the Methodist church, Hubbard, on Tuesday, Feb 17, was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Hoard. A large audience assembled to pay their last tribute of respects to the departed. Among those present were several of his comrades of E.S. Frazier Post, G.A.R., of Park Rapids, of which Mr. Harris was a member.
All who knew the deceased intimately speak well of his many kindly qualities. He died a firm believer in the Christian faith.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow.

Obituary supplied by Jim Childers.