SHARTZER, ALFRED A. (deceased). - Some of the representative Sangamon County agriculturists have passed from this life to the reward they richly deserved, after a life filled with hard work and many good deeds. One of these most excellent men, who for many years was connected with farming interests in this locality was the late Alfred A. Shartzer, formerly of Illiopolis. He was born in Dauphin County, Pa., February 22, 1841, a son of James Shartzer, also a native of Pennsylvania. James Shartzer was a farmer, who came to Illinois at an early day, settling in Macon County, where he operated a farm until his removal to Illiopolis. After coming there he entered the Baptist ministry, continuing in it until his demise.

Alfred A. Shartzer was educated in Dauphin County and during his boyhood worked for his father on the farm, but came to Illinois a year before the rest of the family, and, after they arrived, resumed his work of assisting his father. This state of things continued until his enlistment in Company I, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years. At the expiration of his term of service, he re-enlisted in Company E, Fifty-third Illinois volunteer Infantry. During their first campaign the regiment with which Mr. Schartzer enlisted was nearly decimated and the remainder consolidated with the Fifty-third Regiment. Mr. Shartzer served in many bloody engagements, including the Siege of Vicksburg, and was with Sherman in his famous March to the Sea. At Fort Donelson, during the earlier part of the war, he was shot in the head and he saw active service at Shiloh, Chattanooga and in other important battles. When he was mustered out at Chicago he was Sergeant.

Following his discharge Mr. Schartzer went to Sangamon County, where he began farming, thus continuing for several years, then entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad, being section foreman for seventeen years. Retiring on account of poor health, he opened a cigar factory, operating it for some time, finally dying July 10, 1891. For some years he served as a member of the town Board of Illiopolis. He was a Mason, belonging to Illiopolis Lodge No. 208, and being at its head for some time prior to his death. He also belonged to Morgan Post, G.A.R. The Methodist Church held his membership, and his wife also early connected herself with that denomination. On May 9, 1863, Mr. Shartzer was married, at Memphis, Tenn., to Mary E. Johnson, born near Little Rock, Bradley County, Arkansas, December 23, 1844, a daughter of Reuben Johnson, born in Alabama, as was her mother. Mr. Johnson was a farmer in Arkansas, living there until his death, but his widow came to Sangamon County, living there until her death. Her remains lie in beautiful Oak Ridge Cemetery. She had four sons and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Shartzer had one child, James Lee, now working at the Sangamon County poor farm. Mrs. Shartzer owns her pleasant home in Illiopolis, and is in receipt of a pension from the Government on account of her husband's services in defense of his country.

Although he never obtruded himself upon public notice, Mr. Shartzer was a man of considerable force of character and possessed a sincere nature, which found expression in his church work. He was a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor, a loyal citizen, and all his life worked hard to provide for those dependent upon his exertions. His memory is tenderly cherished and he is remembered as one who never shirked a duty or sought to avoid a responsibility.