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Sanford Ramey Claggett 1895 Obituary
of Lexington, McClean, Illinois
On Thursday evening, August 28, at 7:30 o'clock, Sanford R. Claggett passed from the life of almost helpless invalidism which he has endured for so many years, into the perfect rest. Mr. Claggett's condition has for a long time been such that death was liable to result from it at any moment. But not withstanding this, the inevitable shock that is always experienced when a human soul takes its flight leaving to the mourning friends only a lump of lifeless clay, was felt by his friends and the community. As a prominent business man and successful financier, Mr. Claggett is well and widely known.
He is a native of Virginia, being the son of Samuel Claggett, and grandson of Dr. Samuel Claggett, all of Virginia. He came to Illinois in 1841, and located in Iroquois county where he principally engaged in merchandizing. During his residence here he lost his wife who left him one daughter, Mrs. S. J. Van Dyke, of Lexington. Subsequently he remarried and in 1854 removed his family to McLean county where he has since resided and leaves surviving him and a wife and six children, two sons and four daughters: W.H. Claggett, B. J. Claggett, Mrs. S. J. VanDyke and the Misses Edna, Blanche and Carrie Claggett, all of whom reside in Lexington.
Since his removal to McLean county Mr. Claggett has been engaged in active mercantile pursuits up until the year 1882, when his failing health compelled him to retire from active work. During this period he amassed a snug fortune and upon retiring left his banking and mercantile affairs in the hands of his two sons, who have continued the business in their own interests. President of the First National Bank of Lexington, his last days were gladdened by seeing his son. B.J., made cashier of the same and the store formerly managed by himself, ably conducted by his eldest son, W. H.
Besides these two branches of business, the many fine farms now included in the Claggett estate to show what his executive ability as a financier was. In the death of Mr. Claggett Lexington loses one of her oldest and best known citizens and his family and friends feel keenly the loss. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Lexington and that body will assist in the funeral rites, which will be held at the residence Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Reese of the Christian church.
Deceased was sixty-eight years old at the time of his death. During his long period of helplessness his wife, assisted by Evan Hughes, who was a faithful and efficient helper, was his constant and untiring attendant. She, with her family, have the sympathy of their many friends.
—The Lexington Herald Recorder