William Pitt Follansbee.

First Illinois Light Artillery, Battery "A."

Regimental History.

 

WILLIAM PITT FOLLANSBEE.

 

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The subject of this sketch was a native of Chicago, having been born in that city Oct. 29, 1841. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Follansbee, who were among Chicago's most prominent, old and wealth families. He always lived in the city of his birth, attending her schools during his boyhood days. After leaving school he was engaged as salesman for C H. Beckwith, wholesale grocer, and was so occupied when the war began. He leu his situation and enlisted as private in Battery- "'A," July 2S. [861. He was with the battery continuously, taking a conspicuous part in all its engagements until mustered out at the expiration of his term of enlistment. July 25, 1864.

He then returned to Chicago and engaged in the grocery business with Lewis F. Jacobs, also a member of the battery, both having been messmates in the same squad throughout the war. He quit tins business and went to Larkspur, Colo., where he purchased a large ranch and embarked in the cattle business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 2?. 1870. his remains were brought home and buried in Graceland.  He had never married. His mother and brothers still live in Chicago