Robert W. Hume Dies, Pioneer of 1850 --Had Been in Ailing Health More Than a Year-- --Came to Portage in 1850--Long Prominent Farmer of Moundville--Union Soldier of the 60's-- Terminating an illness that confined him to the house the past six months and to his bed during the final three weeks, Robert W. Hume, 82, passed away Wednesday night at 10:40 o'clock. Death resulted from a general breaking down due to old age. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, May 15 at 11 o'clock from his home, 616 Adams Street. Rev. W. H. Penn of the M. E. church will officiate. There will be a short service at the house. Interment will be in Moundville cemetery. A short service will also be conducted at the M/ E. church there. The Masons will have charge of the services at the grave. The remains will lie in state from Friday at 10 a.m. to the hour of the funeral. Mr. Hume was a typical Scotch-American. He was a son of the late James Hume, who lived many years at Twiggs Ferry, in the town of Ft. Winnebago. Robert was born in Linlithgowshire, Scotland, Aug. 11, 1833; he was brought up in the coal fields of Scotland and became a miner. His parents emigrated to this country in 1850, and came directly to Portage. They settled in the town of Ft. Winnebago, Robert afterwards locating in Moundville, Marquette county. In 1854, Robert went to Tennessee and worked for three years in the coal mines near Chattanooga. He returned to the farm in Moundville in 1857 and remained there until he enlisted in Co. C, the 23rd Wisconsin Volunteers commanded by Col. J. J. Guppey of Portage, in February 1864, and remained in the service until the close of the war. In 1865 Mr. Hume was transferred to the 35th Wisconsin Vol. Infantry. This regiment was mustered out of the U. S. service March 25, 1866, while serving in Texas. Commencing the journey homeward on March 25, 1866, the 35th embarked late in the evening and ascending the river landed next day at White's Ranch. They thence proceeded by rail in the afternoon to Brazos Santiago, where they were placed in transport. On the 27th they set sail for New Orleans, at which place they arrived on the 1st of April. Resuming the journey next day, they reached Cairo, Ill., on the 8th, and on the 10th arrived at Madison, Wis., where on the 16th of April, 1866, they were paid and disbanded. He resided continuously then in the town of Moundville until '92, when he moved to Portage. While a resident of Moundville he was often honored by his fellow townsmen in an offical way. He was chairman of the town board three years; assessor, five years; treasurer, two years and on the side board several years. The next year after he located in Portage he was chosen to represent his ward in the common council and served several terms. He took great interest in the city affairs. Mr. Hume leaves the following sons and daughters: James S., of Hume, N. D.; Mrs. Judd S. Berry of Roswell, S. D.; William S., Robert W. and George W., Moundville; Mrs. Henry Russell, Endeavor; Mrs. Henry E. Jones, of Moundville; Mrs. Arthur L. Voertman, Portage. All were at the bedside when their father died. A daughter, Anna M., died in July 1875. Two sisters also survive. They are Mrs Margaret Ellis of Portage and Mrs. Edward Bennett of Charles City, Iowa. A brother, James Hume, died in Portage Dec. 21, 1912. Mr. Hume was married in November, 1858, to Miss Sarah Ann Scholes, who died March 24, 1874. His second wife, who survives, was Miss Sarah Ann Eager, and they were married July 7, 1875. He was a member of Ft. Winnebago Lodge No. 33, F. and A. M., Portage, and of the G. A. R. post at Briggsville. The many positions of public trust which Mr. Hume held, not less than his cordial social relations with neighbors in Moundville and Portage, tell best the place he held in the esteem of his fellow citizens. For more than a half century the Hume family have been active and prominent in affairs of Marquette and Columbia counties. The eight surviving children of the decedent, with one exception, are residents of Portage or vicinity. All enjoy the utmost respect and good will of hundreds of friends and acquaintances. Hereabouts, the memory of Robert W. Hume will be long and fondly treasured. He was a kindly men and a good friend.
Back to the Marquette Pages Menu