William Oscar Couchman

The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
August 28, 1929
Page 1
Columns 1 & 2
County Pioneer
Passed Away
On Wednesd'y
W. O. Couchman Had Been a
Resident of This County
Over 90 Years.

Mr. William Oscar Couchman, son of Melgar and Adelia Lodoska White Couchman was descended through both father and mother from revolutionary stock. He was born at Sweet Home, Clark County, Missouri April 27th, 1837, and died near Bentley, Illinois August 20th, 1929 at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 24 days.
At the time of Mr. Couchman's birth his father was connected with an Indian trading station, and was a personal friend of the Sac Chief, Keokuk, whose wife took great delight in helping to care for the little white papoose. A baby girl, Adelia Lodoska, came to the home two years later, and in 1842 the family moved to Hancock County, Illinois, where Mr. Couchman's father became a prominent citizen, serving as Sheriff and later as County Judge.
Mr. Couchman's mother died in 1847, and in 1850 his father married Mrs. Rebecca Susan Dickinson Pennock, widow of Simeon Pennock, who cared well for William Oscar and Adelia Lodoska, and became the mother of John Henry Couchman, who has ever been a true brother to the deceased, and in recent years a helpful member of his family. The much loved sister, Adelia Lodoska, passed on in early womanhood.
Mr. Couchman had an eager mind, and availed himself of such opportunities for education as the times afforded, attending a subscription school at Carthage, the school at Augusta, and the Illinois College at Jacksonville.
When the civil war broke out he volunteered as a soldier, but was rejected as not being sufficiently rugged in health. But he was of an adventurous spirit, and in April 1865 he started across the western plains in search of both health and fortune, going at the head of an emigrant train owned by Colonel Alexander, as far as Carson City, Nevada. While in the west he prospected in the silver mines of Colorado. He returned to Illinois in 1867.
Mr. Couchman was married December 6th, 1868 to Eliza Dickinson Metcalf, youngest daughter of William Theodore and Deborah Dickinson Metcalf, pioneer residents of Carthage township, the Reverend William Havermale performing the ceremony before the regular Sunday evening service in the Methodist Church of Carthage. Soon after they moved to a farm four and one-half miles east of Bentley, where they lived together for nearly half a century, and where Mr. Couchman has since resided.
Four children were born into this home: Adelia Rebecca, William Melgar, Miller Martin and Eulah Sarah. William Melgar passed away June 12th, 1896; Mrs. Couchman May 13th, 1916 and Miller Martin August 30, 1928. There remain in the home Adelia Rebecca, Eulah Sarah and their uncle, John Henry Couchman.
Mr. Couchman was a man of fine intellect, strong personality and high principles. He was widely informed, ready and interesting in conversation, and as a letter writer to absent friends he had few equals. Had he chosen to follow a journalistic or literary career, he would doubtless have been eminently successful.
As a farmer he was progressive and industrious, constantly and energetically occupied, even to old age with the details of his work. As a neighbor and friend he was staunch and true, accommodating and helpful, and was held in the highest esteem by all who had the privilege of his acquaintance. By a wide circle of relatives he was appreciatively and affectionately known as "Uncle Oscar."
He gave his heart to God and his hand to the church in his young manhood, and has been ever since a firm believer in the Gospel and a staunch supporter of the church. He has lived a long and useful and happy life. As the shadows of death fall, we say "Good Night" with not too much of sadness, knowing that it shall not be long till we speak a glad "Good Morning."
Funeral services were conducted at the home by Dr. A. M. Stocking of Hamilton, assisted by Dr. Cates of Carthage. Some years ago Mr. Couchman requested Mrs. Stocking to sing "The Lily of the Valley" at his funeral. She complied with his request singing the song very beautifully. The pall bearers were neighbors and representatives of the old pioneer families: John Dickinson, John Aleshire, E. M. Harter, H. I. Walker, W. S. Walton and Frank Faulkner.
Those attending the funeral from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Ira J. O'Harra, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Stickle and daughter, Mr. A. M. Stickle and family of Macomb; Mr. O. M. McElvain and daughter of Bushnell; Mr. J. E. Stickle, Wendell Stickle of Blandinsville and Mrs. Kate Challiner of Jacksonville.
The family wishes to express its appreciation of the many kindnesses shown by friends and neighbors during the illness and death of its loved one.
        Adelia Couchman,
        Eulah Couchman,
        J. H. Couchman.
The Republican wishes to add an appreciation of Oscar Couchman.
Friendship of the Couchman and Davidson families commenced before the Civil War, when Melgar Couchman, father of Oscar, rescued the old editor from drowning at the time of the burning of the Ocean Spray, a steamer they both were coming up the river on. They were strangers at that time, the "old editor" living in Havana and Mr. Couchman in Carthage. After moving to Carthage, the friendship of the two men ripened and extended to the families and has lasted in unflinching loyalty to this day.
The boys of both families were playmates and companions through the years. Oscar was ever thoughtful, generous, loyal and honorable. His friendship could be depended upon under all circumstances, without fear of or under favor to anyone, society or party, -- a rare virtue in humanity. He is one of the old regime who stood by the "Old Home Paper" through every phase of its existence, and his going leaves a void that can never be filled.
Old friend, hail and farewell.