Typically I run my Friday JohnKu today, but since I’m participating in the Cherished Blogfest, I will post a JohnKu next week. The cherished Blogfest is a three-day event where bloggers write about a cherished item. If you would like to participate or just want more information here is the link to the site.
https://cherishedblogfest.wordpress.com/2016/06/26/cherished-blogfest-2016/
My Cherished item is a gold pocket watch that my grandfather carried. He was quite a man. Although he died in 1932, long before I was born, his legacy has continued through the years. Like all the men in our family, his name was John and unlike all the men in our family, he became a surgeon. He practiced medicine until his death. He was a field surgeon during World War I and suffered mustard gas wounds but managed a medical career in spite of his ailment. He is interred in Arlington National cemetary in recognition of his service. His watch is a treasured and cherished item.
Here is the view of the face. The watch was made in Elgin Illinois by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1889. These watches were made on a production line and were very popular. Although not the cheapest they were not the most expensive either. The fact that it is over 100 years old is a tribute to the craftsmanship.
Here is a picture of his headstone which carries his permanent military rank of Major and his home state of Missouri.
Fiction Favorites 
Wow, John. Thanks so much for sharing that with us. The watch is beautiful, as is the memory that accompanies it.
TGIF. Mega hugs!
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Thank you, Teagan. Happy Friday to you. Hugs.
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Wow! What a treasure, John. Thank you for sharing a piece of your family history. It’s sounds as though your grandfather was an amazing person.
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I wish I could have known him. He had a few stories to tell.:-)
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I’m sure he did. I didn’t know either of my grandfathers either.
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Yeah, that’s sad. At least I knew my mother’s father.
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Amazing how pristine that watch looks after all these years. They definitely made things to last back then.
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It is interesting that the goal of the company was to make a watch that most could afford. They still did a good job on the mass production format.
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Does the company still exist? Then again, I forgot which one it is.
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Elgin National Watch Company. I’m not really sure if they are still going. I think they might have been bought by Waltham. I’ll look it up.
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The watch is in amazing shape, John. Thank you for sharing the photos and a little of your grandfather’s story with us. And, thank you for stepping out of the normal routine to join us today. Reading stories like this is making me feel good. Dan – cohost – cbf16
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You should feel good. This is a great event. 🙂
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John, that is a great treasure. Your grandfather was quite a guy. That mustard gas was a terrible weapon. The fact your grandfather carried on with his medical work regardless speaks to his dedication. It’s not only lovely but outstandingly durable. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you for reading, Suzanne.
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The watch is beautiful – looks brand new!
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It has received some tender care over the last fifty years. Thanks Teri. 🙂
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What a wonderful watch!
Have a great weekend,
Pit
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Thanks, Pit.
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What a beautiful watch. I would cherish it, too because of its beauty and the man who once carried it.
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Thank you so much. 🙂
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A treasure indeed, John – fascinating that all males in your family are named John. Great watch! Great name! Great story! Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Thank you for stopping. I hoe we get this follow blog thing fixed.
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I just fell in love with that watch. I love antiques and I love watches and I would surely want to have such thing in my collection. As a co-host, I thank you for being the part of the Cherished Blogfest and I hope you’re having a great time meeting new and existing blog friends.
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Thank you. I always enjoy this fest each year (well, last year was my first) 🙂
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You’re welcome, John. Last year was the first time we started this fest. As a co-host I thank you for your time and effort for the second time.
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Wow. I din’t know I was a charter member.(I always think I’m last at everything.) Ha ha ha
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As a co-host I was pretty scared last year, but it was fun to meet so many people like you, sharing ideas, thoughts and opinions. I think the same way, but at times I’m ahead of the world.
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🙂
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Things made today are often so shoddy in construction compared to things made years ago. Your grandfather’s watch is in such great condition and such a great reminder of him. It’s neat to see his tombstone as well.
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Thanks, Ellen. It was a pleasure having you stop by. 🙂
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I love old pocket watches. I used to carry one around years ago (not an heirloom — a new one, simply because I like the look), but how special it must be to have one that belonged to your grandfather. My maternal grandfather also saw service in France in WWI. I own a rosary of his, which is a very precious item to me. Very nice post, John.
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Thank you, Paul. Your grandfather’s rosary is a great treasure. Thanks for the lovely comment. 🙂
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You are fortunate to have such a treasured part of your grandfather’s life. It is beautiful and belonged to an exceptional person evidently. Thanks for sharing his story!
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Aw. Nice of you to come by. Thanks, Jo.
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Hi I am Cheryl, one of the co hosts for CBF 2016. What a lovely gift of your grandfather’s for you to have inherited. It is in amazing condition. I am certain he would be proud that it has been loved for so long. I actually have several Elgin watches from my mother who is now deceased. They seem to last forever….
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Thank you Cheryl. They do seem to go on forever and become more important as they age (or as we do) 🙂
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😀
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That is a lovely keepsake. My brother has my father’s watch which isn’t nearly so old but still works great also.
Susan Says
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Thanks, Susan. Nice to know . 🙂
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Nice post. The watch and the story behind it is very special. I too are in the blogfest. Have a great weekend. A,G.
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Thanks A. G. looking forward to your post.
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Wow! I have never seen a watch like that. Beautiful and you have taken its care so well. Thank you for sharing the story and memories behind the watch.
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Thank you for stopping by Parul. 🙂
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Beautiful watch. I love old objects and the histories behind them. World War I was the war that was supposed to end all wars, but….
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Shows how little the PR on that one meant. Thanks, Alana.
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I love old pocket watches. I have one grandfather’s watch. Back when I used to shave, I used the other grandfather’s straight razor. Those old Elgins were good watches. I miss mechanical watches. The battery operated ones don’t have the same soul. Great sentiment along with the watch.
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Thanks, Craig. 🙂 Straight Razor????? brave man
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I have a whole bunch of them, and they work remarkable well. Better than the multiple bladed disposable stuff.
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What a fine watch! Memories make things precious.
Thank you for participating in the Cherished Blogfest 2016.
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Thanks for stopping Peter. 🙂
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Such an awesome watch. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much for the visit.:-)
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John, a treasure with memories. A gift! Thanks for joining us on #CBF16, Kate, your co-host
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Thank you so much. A pleasure for sure. 🙂
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John, my father had an Elgin watch similar to your grandfather’s. My brother has it now, so I’m not able to research its age. That is a beautiful watch and a wonderful remembrance of your grandfather. Thanks for sharing.
Mary J
CBF Cohost
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Thank you for stopping by. If your brother will open the watch (the rear compartment) there will be a serial number on the workings. You can go to Google and search on “Elgin Pocket watch” or “Elgin National Watch Company” and you will find a place to search the watch by serial number. (Maybe brother will do it for you.) 🙂
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Thanks, John. I will give my brother that information and ask if he’ll look it up.
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🙂
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Nice timepiece.
Been away on holiday
So I’ve been missing
Doing the blog rounds; sorry.
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Welcome back. 🙂
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Ta.
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Da
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Sounds like your grandfather was a wonderful person, and I’m sure you will cherish that watch for years to come. Does the watch still work?
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The watch needs cleaning and only works sporadically. The last jeweler didn’t want to be responsible so I need to find another.
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It’s a shame that your jeweler won’t clean your watch for you.
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I can understand. They don’t feel qualified. 🙂
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I see 😉
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Beautiful watch!!! I love stuff like this!
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Thank you. Glad you liked it.
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