| E. B. Wakefield Observing His 90th Birthday Only Survivor of the Slater Guards Has Anniversary Elias B. Wakefield, the sole surviving member of that company of men who marched away to war from Webster at the outbreak of the Civil War, is today observing his 90th birthday anniversary. Of all the Slater Guards, as the company was called, he is the only one now living, and is one of the four remaining members of Nathaniel Lyons Post G. A. R. Mr. Wakefield observed the anniversary quietly, his health not permitting an elaborate celebration, but the day was marked by many post card messages of congratulations, and the personal greetings of friends and neighbors of many years standing. The Women’s Relief Corps, who never forget the birthday anniversary of a veteran, also marked the day with their usual tribute. For many years, Mr. Wakefield served as lockup keeper at the Webster police station, and retired from that position a few years ago, after faithful service that covered a long period of time. He remained in active service longer than any of the other members at the post, and not until the past two years has his health been poorly. He was born in Webster, Jan. 29, 1843, the son of Leonard and Hulda (Gleason) Wakefield, and with the exception of a short time in Oxford, has lived here all his life. He enlisted on the first call for volunteers issued by President Lincoln and became a member of the Slater Guards, a company composed of Webster men. He served in the Peninsula campaign and returned to Webster after a year and a half re-enlisting in D company, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. Mr. Wakefield has held every office in Nathaniel Lyon Post, G. A. R., and served as commander for several years. When a young man, he worked for a time in the Corbin Shoe Shop, and was employed in that factory when the first McKay stitcher was installed. He became affiliated with the police as special officer many years ago and was court officer during the time Judge Bartholomew was on the bench. During his years as lockup keeper he maintained a record in which no prisoner given into his charge ever escaped, although when he was past 70 years of age he engaged in a desperate battle with a prisoner who made the attempt. He was knocked down, his glasses broken and was severely bruised but clung to the man until assistance arrived. Mr. Wakefield has been affiliated with the Masons for more than 64 years, being a member of Stansbury Lodge at Brightwood, District of Columbia, He married Mary E. Bugbee of Oxford, and two children survive. Albert with the General Electric Company at Lynn, and Miss Carrie Wakefield, at home. |