William Edwin Judson, one of Elgin's well-known residents, died at 4:20 o'clock Wednesday, a complication of diseases, together with partial heat prostration, caused his death. The funeral will be held at the home of his son, L. B. Judson, 814 North Spring Street at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, Rev. James Madison Johnson officiating.

Members of Mr. Judson's family were at his bedside to the last. Everett Judson of Denver, Col., arriving just in time to have a last talk with his father. Mr. Judson was fully aware of his condition and talked freely up to within two hours of the end.

Born in Deruyter, Madison County, New York, September 1, 1834, Mr. Judson came overland with his parents in a prairie schooner when he was only four years old. He had thrilling experiences and trials with this little band of pioneers pushing their way into the great west. Mr. Judson has often related to his friends the stories his mother told him of the Indians they met on this trip.

The old prairie schooner made its first stop of any consequence at La Salle, Ill, where the family settled. Cornelius Judson, father of W. E. Judson, took up government land and afterward became government land agent at Dixon, Ill, where the family lived for a time.

Mr. Judson had the advantage of an education at Mount Morris seminary which, in those days, was considered an unusual opportunity. Early in life Mr. Judson became apt at accounting and soon drifted into the railroad business. At one time he was agent for the Chicago and North Western at Freeport, Ill, and was also agent at Lake Geneva, Wis., when one of the first railroad trains entered the town. Forty years ago he came to Elgin, twenty-five years of which he was agent at the North Western railroad company's west side depot. In all, he had been in the employ of the company thirty-seven years. Having served so long, he was honorably retired on a life pension.

Mr. Judson was also a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting at Freeport, Ill. It was while at Cincinnati, O., listening to a speech by President Lincoln, that he got his real inspiration to join the army. He had already held himself in readiness for his country's call but Lincoln's speech hastened matters with him and he went to the front.

Mr. Judson came from Yankee Methodist stock. His uncle, Philo Judson, was one of the pioneer Methodist circuit riders in this district and one of the founders of Northwestern University at Evanston. He was a cousin of Lyman J. Gage, now of San Diego, California. Mrs. W. O. Pringle and her sister, Miss Rose Judson, are nieces. Both reside in California.

Members of the immediate surviving family are: Mrs. A. L. Cottrell, a daughter, and L. B. and Everett Judson, sons, the latter of Denver, Col. Two sisters, Mrs. E. M. Briggs and Miss Jesta A. Judson of Freeport, also survive.