3 Jul 1940 "Pasadena Star News" - “Civil War Veteran's Funeral to Be Held Friday by G.A.R. - Adam K. McQuilling, Pasadena's oldest citizen, pioneer and Civil War Veteran, died this morning at his home, 253 Palmetto Drive, cheated by bronchial pneumonia of his desire to celebrate tomorrow one more glorious Fourth and to attain next Nov. 29 a full century of life. Funeral services will be held in Memory Chapel of Ives and Warren, 100 North Hill Avenue, at 1:30 p.m. Friday, being advanced from Saturday, as first set, so that they would not interfere with the 99th birthday celebration to be held by veteran organizations for Comrade John Hartung, who now is the city's oldest veteran. G.A.R. to Officiate. Members of John F. Godfrey Post, G.A.R. led by William F. Hoch, commander, and affiliated patriotic orders will conduct the services. Mr. McQuilling was the last surviving charter member of the post. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery. Surviving Mr. McQuilling are his daughter, Inez McQuilling, and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Amber McQuilling, the latter's two sons, Robert of Pasadena and Donald of Seattle, and a great-grandson, Norman, 16 month-old son of Donald. Donald McQuilling is a chemical inspector on Grand Coulee Dam and will be unable to be present for the funeral. Robert, who was at home until a week ago, is now on a prospecting trip northeast of Marysville and Mrs. McQuilling expressed doubt this morning if he could be reached to notify him of his grandfather's death. Here for 65 Years. In ill health from the ravages of typhoid suffered in the Union Army, Mr. McQuilling came to Pasadena with his wife and daughter Inez, 65 years ago this month. He regained his health and experienced few ill days during his long life here until two years ago when he had an attack of shingles. Since that he has failed in strength though his mental faculties remained sharp. His hearing was as good as ever but his eyesight was dimming and this bothered him much for it hampered his woodworking in his shop which was his chief hobby in later years. Each New Years Day since the Rose Tournament parade started forming on Orange Grove Avenue he had walked the short distance from his home on Orange Grove with a camp chair under his arm and sat at the curb to watch it pass. Though the curb might be crowded with spectators who had been waiting since the early morning hours, he never had trouble finding a place to park his chair. Last New Year's Day he was there to watch the review of the 'Twentieth Century in Flowers.' Planned Flag Raising. He was taken ill with bronchitis about 10 days ago, but apparently was recovering and was planning to have a quiet Fourth of July celebration and flag raising at his home tomorrow. Yesterday he took a turn for the worse and pneumonia developed. He passed away early this morning. Born on a farm near Suez, Ill., Nov. 29, 1840, Adam K. McQuilling enlisted Sept. 5, 1861, in Company A., 30th Illinois Infantry. He was with Grant at the first battle of Belmont, Mo., at Fort Henry and Fort Donaldson. He served during the siege of Corinth and then went to Jackson, Tenn., where he was stricken with typhoid. In Hospital Service. After his convalescence he was made ward master at the Army hospital and later, detailed by General Grant, served in the hospital branch of the Army for two years at Jackson and Memphis. He was discharged at Springfield, Ill., in 1864. For a time he farmed and then opened a store at Suez where he married Miss Margaret Sedwick, Nov. 24, 1870. Beside their daughter, Inez, they had one son, William, who was born here in 1876 and passed away many years ago. William was the husband of Mrs. Amber McQuilling. After coming to Pasadena in 1875, Mr. McQuilling bought a ranch on what is now West Colorado Street, his home place facing approximately where the Union Pacific Station stands today. He raised oranges and deciduous fruit until the land boom a few years later sent the value of his property skyrocketing and he sold out, and built his home on Palmetto Drive. Headed Water Company. For several years he was superintendent of the Orange Grove Association Water Company which had water piped down from the Devil's Gate region. This company later became the Pasadena Land and Water Company and Mr. McQuilling was its president until 1912 when the city of Pasadena took over the company. He was credited with making it possible for the city to acquire existing water companies. For four years during Pasadena's earliest days, Mr. McQuilling was a member of the city council and for four years was a trustee of the Pasadena Public Library. He was one of the founders of the old First National Bank and was vice-president and director of that institution and of the old First Trust and Savings Bank for many years.” Star News, 3 Jul 1940