GIGER, HENRY DOUGLAS (deceased). - Faithful service as a public official is more rare than it ought to be, and consequently deeply appreciated whenever found. The late Henry Douglas Giger, who for nine years was Chief Deputy of County Clerk Opal, of Sangamon County, was a man against whose public and private life no word of censure could ever be uttered. He was a native of the county, having been born on a farm in Cooper Township, September 18, 1861, a son of Benjamin Giger. The latter was born on the same farm, in January, 1827, his father Henry Giger, having been among the very early settlers of that part of the State. Benjamin Giger died on the homestead, October 14, 1909, having been a consistent member of the First Methodist church of Buckhart for many years. He was twice married, his first wife having been Margaret Kirk, who died when Henry Douglas Giger was only seven years old. He was the youngest of the three children she bore her husband, the others being: Luella, who died at the age of four years, and Edward, now living on the home farm. The second wife of Benjamin Giger was Mary Johnson, who survives him, making her home in Springfield.

Henry Douglas Giger received an excellent education, attending the public schools of his neighborhood and Brook's Institute of Springfield and being reared to farm work at the same time. On November 24, 1887, he married Ida McCune, of Rochester, daughter of the late John McCune, who was born in Kentucky, but came to Illinois in young manhood, locating on a farm which his father had entered. His death occurred in Rochester, in September, 1897. His wife was Jane Baker, a most estimable lady. After marriage Mr. Giger taught school several terms and, becoming prominent in politics, served as Township Treasurer and Supervisor, at the same time continuing his farm work. When appointed Chief Deputy by County Clerk Opal, Mr. Giger moved to Springfield, where he built a comfortable home, and in it his death occurred, on August 28, 1907. Like his father, he died firm in the faith of the Methodist Church, of which he had long been an active and valued member. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, upholding party principles upon all occasions. Fraternally he was an Odd Fellow and a Woodman. Mrs. Giger and their four children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Roy Canham, of Springfield; Frank C., a student of the high school; Eva and Agnes, both at home, survive him.

Faithful to the duties of his office, a kind father and devoted husband, Mr. Giger's loss was deeply felt by the whole community,, for such men are not easily spared. His services to his office as well as those to his church brought him into contact with many, and none failed to find him accommodating and loyal to what he believed were the best interests of all concerned.