Hugh Breckenridge, one of Lynden's old and highly respected citizens, who came here in the early summer of 1888, died at his home on Front street Monday afternoon, March 30, at the age of 84 years, 3 months, and 1 day. The deceased had been bed-ridden for eighteen months, and the end was not unexpected. Mr. Breckenridge was a patient sufferer, but was ready to answer the summons of death. Many times during his illness, when news of the death of younger persons had been brought to him, he expressed regret that the call had not come to him instead.
Hugh Breckenridge was born on December 8, 1829, in Kentucky. He was a son of Preston Breckenridge, who was the representative of Sangamon county, Illinois, in the state legislature in 1851-52. In the convention the elder Breckenridge was opposed for the nomination by Abraham Lincoln, whom he defeated. Mr. Breckenridge was married on February 22, 1855, to Miss Sarah M. Randolph. They were the parents of two children, Herbert C. and Edith A., who with their mother, preceded him to the beyond. He is survived by three brothers, five sisters, a large number of other relatives, and many friends. The deceased enlisted in the Civil war on October 10, 1861, for a term of three years, being a member of Company B, 10th Illinois Cavalry, and re-enlisted as a veteran in January, 1864, serving the full term, and receiving an honorable discharge on January 6, 1886, at Springfield, Illinois. Coming to Lynden twenty-six years ago, Mr. Breckenridge established the first flouring mill in this vicinity, and was afterwards engaged in various other enterprises. He gave his best efforts to the development of town and valley, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand, and to contribute liberally to public endeavors which made for the betterment of the community.
The deceased was a member of the Christian church. He was also a member of the G. A. R., and a charter member of Lynden lodge No. 56, Masons. For the past three years, his nephew, C. A. Breckenridge, and family have resided in Lynden with the deceased. The funeral service was held at the Methodist church yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock, Rev. Herbert Jones officiating. Interment was made in the family lot in Lynden cemetery, where the flower-laden casket was laid beside that of wife and son. The services at the cemetery were conducted by the Masonic fraternity.
