This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: MargieRoopPearce Surnames: Peterson, Blossom, Leyse, Aurand, Bowman, Rowland Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties.adams/3043/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams Co, IN; Monday, July 14, 1969 Last Spanish-American war veteran is dead Frank S. Peterson, 93, Adams county's last surviving veteran of the Spanish American war, and well known Decatur resident, died at 11:30 o'clock Saturday night at the Adams county Memorial hospital. Although he had been in failing health for several years, Mr. Peterson was able to participate in the annual Memorial Day services held here May 30 of this year, occupying a place of honor at the speaker's stand. A lifelong resident of this community, he was born in Adams county April 2, 1876, a son of Sylvester W. and Eliza Jane Blossom-Peterson. He was married to Elizabeth Leyse Oct. 19, 1901. His wife preceded him in death Nov. 18, 1951. Mr. Peterson served as Decatur town marshal and was subsequently employed as a watchman for the Holland-St. Louis Sugar Co., and custodian of the South Ward school and the Adams county garage. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and also held membership in the Indiana Athletic Association. He was well known for many years as a baseball and softball umpire in Decatur and area. Surviving are three sons, Merrill, Wayne and Omar Peterson, all of Decatur; three daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Aurand, Mrs. LaVern (Isabel) Bowman, and Mrs. John (Norma) Rowland, all of Decatur; 18 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. One daughter, Mrs. Hazel Bowman, two infant sons, three brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Gillig-Doan & Sefton funeral home, with the Rev. Sylvester Martin officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Adams Post 43, American Legion, at the Decatur cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.