Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1636
SONGER, MRS. LYDIA M., widow of the late Thomas J. Songer, has lived for the past twenty-three years in the home she owns at 1730 East Kansas Street, Springfield, Ill. She was born in Callaway County, Mo., January 38, 1852, daughter of William and Eliza J. (Freeman) Walls, both natives of Callaway County. The parents lived on a farm in Missouri and afterward moved to Illinois, where they took up their permanent residence. The father died when she was about twenty years of age. The ancestors were early settlers of Missouri.
Mrs. Songer spent her childhood on a farm and was educated in her native State. She came to Illinois with her parents and was there married to Thomas Jefferson Songer, who was born in Marion County, Ill. Mr. Songer enlisted about 1862, in Company G, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving to the end of the war. He took part in many battles in the southern campaigns but was never wounded nor taken prisoner. He was a farmer by occupation and a progressive, public-spirited citizen. He was a devout Methodist and in politics was a Republican. He died at his home in Springfield, May 18, 1904, and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Seven children were born to Mr. Songer and his wife, namely: Eugene E., born April 4, 1872, living in Jersey County, Ill.; Arthur L., born February 7, 1876, died August 18, 1910; Stella, born February 7, 1878, wife of John Randeth, living in Peoria, Ill.; Fayette M., born April 4, 1882, living with mother in Springfield, is with the Springfield Gas Company; Willie F., born March 2, 1889, lives in Ohio. Arthur L. Songer enlisted at Springfield, April l27, 1898, in Troop D., First Illinois Cavalry, was mustered out and re-enlisted as Sergeant, at Indianapolis, September 17, 1899, in Company C, Forty-first United States Volunteer Infantry, and went to the Philippines, where he served in Northern Luzon, and then returned to Angel Island, Cal., where he re-enlisted in Company D., Twenty-first United States Volunteer Infantry, served eighteen months in the Philippines and returned to the United States and to Springfield, where he died.
Mrs. Songer is beloved by her family and many friends and is a woman of strong character and kindly disposition. She is a devoted mother and has given her children all the advantages within her power.