JOE WOODRUFF DIED MONDAY

Stricken While on Duty With Company B at Springfield

When Company B, the local unit of the new Ninth Regiment, Illinois National Guard, marched away to Springfield on July 19, there was no member of the organization more light hearted and cheerful than was Joseph F. Woodruff, little dreaming that he would not be able to return with his comrades, or that his pilgrimage on this earth was to soon come to an end.

After a few weeks of instruction the company was ordered on strike duty in the city of Springfield, and the organization had no better soldier than Joe.  Although never possessed of a strong physique, he was in good health until the morning of Sunday, August 26, he e was taken to St. John's hospital, where it was discovered that he was suffering from cerebro spinal meningitis.

With the skilled medical attention he received he successfully combated the disease and was pronounced to be recovering.  When the company left for home on September 30, he had so far recovered that the attending physicians stated that all he needed was sufficient nourishment and attention to aid him in regaining his strength, and for that purpose he was left behind.  Last Friday afternoon word was received here that Joe had taken a turn for the worse and his father, also a member of the company, left for that place that afternoon.  He continued to grow worse until Monday afternoon, when he passed away.

The remains arrived in this city Tuesday night and were met at the station by Company B, and a military guard of honor stationed at the home.  Interment took place at the Odd Fellows cemetery yesterday afternoon with military honors.

Deceased was born in McLeansboro June 19, ?, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Woodruff, and has lived in this city all of his life.  He was a good, honest boy, and had many friends.  He was a member of the Baptist Sunday school.

Funeral services were held at the home of his parents Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. John Maulding.  In his short talk, Rev. Maulding referred to the service deceased was rendering that state at the time of his death, stating that he was as much entitled to the honors of a war hero as if he had given his life on the plains of Northern France.

The bugle sounded the last call over his body as it was being lowered to its final resting place.

Interment in Odd Fellows cemetery.