Charles Johnston Tinkham, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Charles Johnston Tinkham
DEATH OF A FOMER CITIZEN.
Col. C. J. Tinkham, a Westchester Pioneer, Dies at His Homer, Ills., Home.
We copy from the Champaign County News the obituary notice of Col. Chas. J. Tinkham, who is well remembered by all the old settlers of this community, and whose parents, brothers and sisters lived here many years, and whose remains now rest in the Chesterton cemetry. Charley as a young man was held in high esteem by his associates and recognized as a leader in society. He had a talent for adapting himself to any phase or requirement demanded by the best element of the community. A splendid education with natural gifts qualified him for any position. He was a splendid mathematician and many difficult problems were referred to him. He was commissioned by Gov. Grimes, of Iowa, to meander the Mississippi river the length of the state, and aquitted himself of the honor that an older engineer might envy. His last situation here was with V. Thomas & Co., as book keeper. He then removed to Champaign county Ills., and the following is his record since that time:
Col. Charles Johnston Tinkham, son of Freeborn P. Jane Johnston Tinkham died at his residence at Homer, Ill., Aug. 19, 1891. He was born in Ohio Feb. 11, 1825. He pursued an academic course under the direction of Bishop Crandall, of the M. E. church, who married a sister of his father, and in whose family he resided at Worcester, Mass. Thereafter at Ft. Wayne, Ind., he received the appointment from the member of congress for that district as a cadet at the military academy of the United States at West Point, N. Y., where he was graduated in the class of 1848. Gen. James B. Fry and Ambrose E. Burnsides were members of his class. He became a civil engineer in the government employ and served as such in the building of the light house and other early improvements of the harbor at Chicago. Since in 1856 he has resided in Homer. May 14, 1860, he married there Caroline, the eldest daughter of M. N. Coffeen.
Col. Tinkham organized Co. F of the 26th regiment Illinois volunteers at Homer, and was by Gov. Richard Yates commissioned captain thereof from Aug. 16, 1861. Aug. 31, 1861 her was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the 26th Illinois volunteers. At the battle of Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862, the colonel of the 26th Illinois regiment, John Mason Loomis, a resident of Chicago, was in command of a brigade as acting brigadier general, and the colonelcy of the 26th Illinois fell to Col. Tinkham.
The New York Herald of May 17, 1862 speaking of this battle, said that the forces under the command of these men "bore the largest share of the brunt of the battle," and was subjected to a heavy cross fire of musketry with well served artillery playing upon them directly in front and * * * the brigade stood and returned the fire * * * * The 26th Illinois, commanded on this occasion by Lieut.-Col. C. J. Tinkham * * * * did its work steadily and with a degree of nerve and coolness which characterized all brave men in the presence of danger and which to-day was attributed in great measure to the presence of mind and bravery of their leader. Col. Tinkham had his right hand disabled by a shell buy only left the field after the close of the fight and at the head of his regiment.
He thereafter resigned his commission in the army and engaged in the hardware business in Homer, in which he continued till his death.
As a successful business man of high integrity, a citizen whose enterprise and interest in the public welfare was universally acknowledged, as a man whose home life was singularly happy and contented, a devoted husband and indulgent father he will be mourned by those to whom his life work was given. He leaves a wife and four children to whom the memory of an upright affectionate life will be a blessed boom.
Newspaper: The Tribune
Date of Publication: August 28, 1891
Volume Number: 8
Issue Number: 20
Page: 4
Column(s): 6
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook