USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
38
FIFTH REUNION OF THE
COMRADE THOMAS BARR.
Thomas Barr was born in the state of Ohio, on the 10th day of Angust, 1839; came to Cedar county, Iowa, with his parents in 1846, and thence re- moved to Benton county, Iowa, in 1818, and lived in Benton county the re- mainder of his life, except during his term of service.
Thomas Barr enlisted at Shellsburg, Benton county, Iowa, in Company D, Twelfth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, about the first day of October, 1861, and was a model soldier. At the battle of Shiloh, April 6th, 1869, he received a severe gun shot wound in the thigh, and with the rest of the command was taken prisonor, but was recaptured on the following day, when the advance of our lines covered the ground lost the day before. He was sent to hospital and sufficiently recovered to return to his company, then in the Union bri- gade, in the carly autumn of 1862 was at the battle of Corinth, in the Union brigado, and was present in all the battles and skirmishes the Twelfth Iowa was engaged in after that time. Re did not re-enlist and was up Red River with A. J. Smith's command and at the battle of Pleasant Hill with the other non-veterans of the Twelfth in the 35th Towa Infantry. At the expiration of his three year's enlistment, he was mustered out, by reason of expiration of term of service and returned to his home in Benton county, where, on the 29th day of December, 1864, he was married to Amy D. Biekell. He left surviving his widow and four children, all grown up and married. He died December 27th, 1892, at his home on a farm near Sellsburg of paralysis.
Thomas Barr was a large, strong, vigorous man; was never in hospital or disabled from duty except on account of wounds received in battle. He was a quiet man, brave, unflinching and always ready for duty, never grumbling, and his death will be very much of a surprise to, and sincerely regretted by all of Company D. He was present at the reunion at Waterloo and appeared to be in vigorous health.
COMRADE T. R. M'KEE.
News came here on Tuesday that Major Truman R. McKee had died at the home of his brother in Chicago, Monday, January Sth, 1894, and that the remains would reach here for burial Tuesday evening. They arrived on the 7:55 train and were taken in charge by the G. A. R.
To most of our citizens the news came as a surprise, but to those who had an intimate acquaintance with the deceased it was to them an event not altogether unexpected. Those who knew him best were aware of the exist- ence of a disease that had troubled him for long years and from which death would come at almost any moment. The biographical sketch is very meagre for want of materials.
Truman R. MeKee was born in Watertown, New York, in 1828, and was 65 years old in May, 1893. His boyhood days woro spent in Sacket's Har- bor, New York. He spent a few years on the lakes as a sailor in company with his brother in his younger days. It is said that a fall from the mast of the Ilornet, a vessel commanded by his brother, laid the foundations of the dis-
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
case that finally ended his earthly existence. After giving up the vocation of a sailor Mr. McKee came west and was a citizen of Minnesota for a while and also of lowa and finally came to Dakota and settled in our city, where ho lived until the death of his wife, which occurred in the month of February, 1:92, since which timo be has been in various places, but most of the time in Chicago. Mr. McKee enlisted in Company F, 12th Regiment, lowa Vol- unteers, at the outbreak of the war in IS6; as a drummer. He was in the battle of Shiloh, which occurred April 7th, 1868, and beat the long roll that called the forces together on that memorable occasion. He was mustered out of service the 28th day of April, 1862, for disability.
Mr. McKee enlisted in the army of his divine Lord and Master over nine Years ago and became a "good soldier of Jesus Christ" and proved himself to be an honored and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church till the tine of his death, when ho received from the Great Captain and Bishop of our souls his promotion to membership in that grander army, of whose num- bers the poet sings:
"Soldiers of Christ, well done; Thy glorious warfare is past, Your battles fought, the victories won, And thou art crowned at last. "
The Funeral occurred at the M. E. church at 1 o'clock p. m. Wednesday, which was conducted by Rev. W. J. Hyde in a short but appropriate sermon.
The remains were laid away beside his wife in the Dell Rapids cemetery. There was no relativo present except his brother, with whom the major stayed while in Chicago. There is no need of saying anything about Mr. Me- Kee's social and moral character, for he is endorsed by the entire community for honesty and integrity. --. Dell Rapids Exponent, Jan. 12, 1591.
COMRADE HIRAM KASTER.
The funeral services of Hiram Kaster were conducted by Rev. W. E. Adams, at the home of the deceased's family, some four miles sontheast of Manchester, at 2 o'clock p. m. April 3. Before the hour a large crowd had gathered at the house, the most of them unable to get within hearing of the services. About 80 teams were in the procession that followed Mr. Kaster to his last resting place, facts that speak louder than words of the esteem in which he was held by his neighbors and many friends. His loss is deeply felt by the afflicted family, who have the sympathy of all who know them The following obituary was road at the service :
Hiram Kaster was born in Mercer county, Pa., July 13, 1843, and was a son of Sealey and Mary 'Shilling, Kaster. When Hiram was eleven years of age his father came to Delaware county, and his youth and manhood were spent on Spring Branch. In September, 1861, soon after the opening of the civil war, and when only IS years of age, he enlisted as a private in Company F, 12th lowa Volunteer Infantry, and served till June, 1862, when he was discharged for disability incurred during his term of service. The principal engagement in which he took part during the time of his serivee, was at Fort
10
FIFTH REUNION OF THE
Donelson. He was in minor engagemets, and saw a great deal of hard serv- ice in marches, and in camp during the winter of 1861-62. December 25, 1864, ho married Miss Hannah Pierce, also of Spring Branch, and a niece of Mrs. Matt Brayton. Hiram Kaster died at his home in Milo township, Saturday, April 1, 1893, being at the time of his death 19 years, 8 months and 18 days old. At Fort Donelson he contracted the disease which made him so great a sutteror all these years and finally resulted in his death. He leaves a wife, three danghters and one son,also three brothers,one sister and an aged mother, besides many friends to mourn his loss. A loyal soldier, a faithful friend, a good son and brother, the kindest of husbands and fathers has gone to his rest. and the world is better for his having lived in it.
COMRADE JAMES CUTLIP.
At a regular meeting of Jo Mower Post No. 11, G. A. R., Department of Minnesota, held in their hall in Pine Island, Minn. September 7, 1892, the following resolutions were adopted:
"Whereas, It has pleased an all wise Providonco to remove from our post by death, onr comrade and neighbor, James Cutlip, formerly a member of Com- pany 6, 12th lowa Infantry, and of the greater loss suffered by those who Were nearest and dearest to him; therefore be it
"Resolved, That it is but a just tribute to the memory of the deceased to say that in sorrowing for his removal from our Post, we mourn for one who was in every way worthy of our respect and regard.
"Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with his family in their af- fiction, and we bow to the ordering of him who 'doeth all things well.'
.. Resolved, That this testimonial of our heartfelt sorrow and sympathy be forwarded to the family of the deceased and that a copy be furnished the Pine Island Record for publication. "
2. HAGLER, J. D. HASTINGS. F. JEWELL, Committee.
COMRADE DRENGMAN OLESON AAKER.
Aaker-At his home in Ridgeway, on the 80th ult., Hon. D. O. Aaker, aged 53 years, 6 months and I day.
Mr. Aaker was born in Norway i September, 1839, but came to America with his parents when only nine years old. They first settled in Waukesha Co., Wis., but in 1854 they came to lowa and located at what was then a promising point (now default ) in the corner of Madison and Lincoln town- ships, called Burr Oak Springs. When the war of the rebellion broke out Mr. Aaker promptly enlisted with Capt. Tupper in Company G of the 19th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Ile served through the war and was a good soldier. In 1869 he married Christina Eleifson, who bore to him Lena, John Theodore, Adolph Oscar, and Drengman Casper, all of whom survive him.
=
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
Always active in politics and public affairs, he held numerous focal ofli- ces, and in ISSO ran for clerk of the courts against Myron J. Harden, but was defeated. In the following year he ran for representative in the fowa general assembly, was elected and re-elected two years later, making a creditable toe- ord for himself. In 1885 he ran for senator and was beaten by T. W. Burdick.
When Ridgeway was started he moved to the new town and engaged in the lumber trade. bator he became a member of the mercantile firm of Galby & Aaker. For a time prosperity attended them, but they were doing business on a falling market, ton years later the wheat blight struck this region, and their debtors, unable to pay, moved away to the Dakotas and elsewhere, leaving the firm stranded financially. From this Mr. A. never recovered.
Socially and personally always genial, more than usually intelligent, "D. O." was always popular when before the people, He had his faults, as all have. His antagonisms were all political and not personal; and the grave cov- ers them all with a mantle of love and oblivion. Peace to his ashes.
The funeral services were held Monday, a large concourse attending. Messrs. L. L. Cadwell, P. MeCusker. R. F. Greer, John Harmon, C. L. Hol- comb and O. A. Anderson of Col. Inghes' Post attended as pall bearers for their deceased comrade.
COMARDE JOHN B. THOMPSOM.
John B. Thompson, a veteran of the 12th lowa, died at or near Spilville, Sunday, and was buried Tuesday.
Comrade Thompson was a member of Company G, loved and respected by all his comrades. He passed away at his home near Spilville, Winnesheik county, lowa, in the spring of 1891.
COMRADE STEPHEN B. MILLER.
The following was out from the Yaquina Post, published at Toledo, Ore- gon, February 21th, 1891, and tells of the death of one of Company G, whose personal record during the war showed as much courage and bravery as any member of the regiment; of great strength and endurance; always ready for anty. He never know what fear was. He was a soldier every inch of him. " Peace to his ashes. "
Stephen B. Miller, a notice of whose decease appeared in the Post of the 17th. inst., was born in New York, in May, 18H, and consequently was 52 years and 9 months old on the day of his death.
His parents emigrated to lowa and settled in Winnesheik county, where he was raised. At the breaking out of the late war he joined Company G of the Twelfth lowa Volunteers. Sometime after his enlistment he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in Libby prison. A few months there- after he was paroled and returned to his company in the field. Abont nine months thereafter he was again captured and thrown into that vile den, An- ' dersonville prison. with others were sujected to the most inhuman cruelties and nearly starved to death. With hope and life almost gone, a terribly
FIFTH REUNION OF THE
emaciated body and broken constitution he with others was released from Andersonville prison and sent to a hospital for medical treatment. After sey- ral months he rogained strength enough, and by his own earnest solicitation ho was returned to his regiment, where he served honorably to the end of the war. Steve, as he was familiarly called by his fellow soldiers, was known in his regiment as a brave, true soldier, and a gonerous worthy comrade. He was a blacksmith by trade, and worked for the O. P. company about eight years. He was always of an industrions turn, and from his prison contine- ment-from the offeets of which he never fully recovered-ho failed from year to year, until finally tubersculosis consumption and general debility car. ried bim to an untimely grave.
Hle leaves a wife and two small children to mourn his loss. Mr. Miller was known on the Bay as a kind, indulgent father, a good provider, and a peaceful consciontions citizen. He was buried at Corvallis in Odd Fellows' cemetery, under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic. May his soul rest in peace. COMRADE.
COMRADE WILLIAM HOERNER.
Dubuque (Iowa) Daily Journal, Ang. 27, 1891: Another man who went forth at the call of his country has answered the last roll call, and is now a member of that Girand Army that has passed to the other shore. William Hoerner is his name, and he died Sunday morning at Finley hospital, to which place ho had been taken a few days ago. Wounds and other injuries received in the army were the cause of his death. At the time of his demise he was about 60 years of age, but he looked much older, owing to continued ill health occasioned by his wounds. Mr. Hoerner was a native of Gerammy, but came to this country about forty five years ago and had been a resident of Dubuque for about forty years. At the breaking out of the war he euhsted in Company HI, 12th lowa Infantry, and served all through the struggle and remained in the service until 1866, when the regiment was mustered out. Ho was a brave and gallant soldier, and, with the writer of these lines was a member of the color-guard of the regiment. He was in all the great battles in which the regiment was engaged-Forts Henry, Donelson. Shiloh, Jack- son, Vicksburg, Tupelo, Nashville and others -- always bearing himself with honor and credit. At the expiration of his torm he returned to Dubuque and shortly afterwards established an apiary in the upper part of the city, con- ducting it and gaining a meagre livelihood until the effects of his wonuds, to- gether with the infirmities of age, broke down his health; when, through the influence of Col. Henderson the poor old veteran was granted a small ponsion. Comrade Hoerner was never married. He was recognized by all who knew him as a man of honor and integrity. He was so constituted that he could not do an unmanly act. The sense of honor was as keen as that of the knights of the days of chivalry, and there is not a member of the old 120 alivo today who will not hoave a sigh of deep regret when they learn of " Billy" Hoerner's death. Ho was our comrade in the days when the flash of youth was on hi, check and before the hand of time had wrinkled our brow
TWELFTH TOWA V. A. INFANTRY
he knew him in the glad morning of life when he shouldered has men het ad went forth to preserve the integrity of the stars and stripes. We saw him in the field of death, but he did not waver. We saw him faint from wounds, but he did not murmur. We saw him in the prison pen, but he was cheerful. We saw him throughout over four years of war and always know him to be a odier and a man. Like so many thousands of other soldiers he has passed into tu dreandess sleep. Time bas supplanted his raven locks with their silver.and the elastic step of youth had given place to the decroped pace of age. Death had no terrors for him. In the mellow sunset of an honored life he passed into the valley of the shadow and fell asleep at the sound of the tape of Death. He was a member of Hyde Clark post and will be buried under its auspices a 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon in the soldier's lot.
tireen be the turf above theo, Friend of our youthful days; Nome knew they but to love thee. None named thee but to praise.
He was a member of Halcyon Encampment No. 1, and Harmony Lodge No 2, I. O. O. N.
COMRADE EDWARD BECKETT.
Dubuque Daily Globe-Journal, Oct. 23, 1991: A letter received here yes- terday announces the death of Capt. Edward Beckett, who passed away at the National Soldiers' Homs at Leavenworth, Kas .. last Thursday, and whose interment took place the following Friday evening in the emnetery connected with the home, Captain Beckett, when he was here about two months ago on a furlough from the home was in very poor health and said then that he som expected to be with the boys on the other side. He had been in very poor health for several years and was patiently awaiting the final summons.
Captain El Bak tt was born in Outer Grove and at the time of his death was about 52 years of age. His father, Edward Beckett, Sr .. who is Still a resident of Center Grove, came to this country from England when quite a yo mg mm and engaged in mining, and the son also followed this oc- cupation until the breaking out of the war. Captain Beckett received a good common school education, and when the call for $5,000 troops was issued by President Lincoln, in 1801, hs enlisted as a member of the old Governor's Greys and served with the famous First lowa Matutry during its three months toun' of service.
When the Twelfth lowa was being organized in this city, a few months after he had returned home, Captain Beckett took an active part in the or- ganization of Company II, and was made a sergeant. He served with dis tinction and was severly wounded in two different battles. He was by nature a soldier, and at the termination of the war enlisted m the regular army and served live years, returning home at the expiration of his terms of service. In ISit, when Captain D'un Duane and others were forming the Dubuque Ritles, Captain Beckett became a member of the company and rendered such valor
MIRTH REUNION OF THE
ble assistance that he was elected first lientenant and on the appointment of Captain Duane as colonel of the then Fourth regiment, Lieutenant Beckett was promoted to the captaincy. He was a thorough sollier and a fine drill master and took great pride in having a fine company, which, it will be readily admitted, the Ritlos were under the leadership of Dnane and Beckett respectively, both having been through the war.
Captain Beckett was a man who never shirked duty, no matter how dan- gerons it might be, and he was held in high regard by every member of the Twelfth Iowa. He was in the same company with the lato G. W. Horner, who passed away last August, and fought at Donelson, Shiloh, Tupelo, Vicks- burg, and all the other great battles in which the regiment too part. He is now a member of the grand army on the other side of the line of time. His death will be sincerely regretted by all who knew him, and especially old comrades-in arms. His was a true and loyal heart. He loved the old flag and fonght gallantly to preserve all that it symbolizes. He went out in his young manhood and gave the best years of his life to his country. lle is now sleeping in an honored soldier's grave in the bosom of the land his valor helped to save; and all his old comrades will drop a tear when they learn that brave Ed. Beckett is no more. He was a member of Hyde Clark Post.
COMRADE W. H. MARKHAM.
W. 11. Markham was born in Cattaragus county, N Y., and moved to Iowa, and when the dark clouds of war made their apperance he thought it his duty to go and defend that dear ohl flag; and on October ttth he volunteered in Company 1, 19th lowa Infantry; was taken prisoner at the battle of Shilo, Tenn., and for several months suffered the indignities of prison life; was exchanged and returned to his regiment and participated in all its engagements, in all its long and weary marches, and in February. 1866, he was minstered out of the service and returned home with the seeds of dis- caso so firmly planted in his system that it was impossible to tradiacte them. Ile moved to Wisconsin, and in 1885 he came to this county, thinking that the climate and in the pure light air he might regain his health, Since that time he has been our constant friend, a kind neighbor beloved by all. one who was always ready to extend the hand of charity. Hla was a man of more than ordinary ability, a true christian. He died on the morning of Aug. 9th. His death was no surprise. He had no fear of death and when it came it was but a transition, for he passed away as serendly as a child asleep. .
He was a member of the E. E. Kimball Post, G. A. R., and was buried by the order he loved so well, assisted by the ladies of the t. A. R. The wreaths of flowers, the silken flag across his breast and the long procession plainly indicated that he had many friends. The funeral service was very impressive and painfully showed that we would all soon answer to the last roll call.
No eneonima is too high, no honor too great for such a soldier. Without the incentivo or the motivo which controls the officer, who hopes to live in history without the hope of reward actuated only by a sense of duty and pa-
15
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
triotism. However much of credit and glory may be given and probably justly given to the leaders of the struggle, history will yet award the main honor where it is due-to the private sodior-who, without hope of reward, with no other incentive than a conscientiousness of rectitude has encountered all the hardships and has suffered all the privations. Our comrade will be missed by all who knew him. Praxitites, the great sculptor, sought to perpetuate the smile of his beloved on marble lips, believing that art could do what love de- nied. No art, no cunning chisel, no undying marble are needed here. Wo shall indeed never again feel the warm grasp of our noble comrade, nor bo glad in his sunny smile, nor drink in the deep lights of his discourse. But. sweet memories of his generous naturo, of his chivalrous bearing, of his deve- tion to principle, of his boundless love for his country, of his fidelity will sur- vive. He was his own biographer, and his own sculptor, for ho made his life a part of the undying history of his country and engraved his image in the hearts of his countrymen. H. G. PATTERSON.
COMRADE ISAIAH K. CRANE.
isaiah K. Crane, the son of Solomon and Elizabeth ( Mills) Crane, was born in Washington, Sullivan county, New Hampshire, February 28, 1820. His carliest years were spent on the farm. In 1843, Miss Olive Heald became his wife. She died in 1855, leaving two chlidern, John D., and James C., both residents of this city. Soon after the death of his wife Mr. Chano came to this state and engaged in farming until the war broke out, when he heed- ed his country's call and enlisted as a member of Company I, Twelfth lowa Infantry. He was present at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh the Siege of Vicksburg, the Red River expedition under General Banks, etc., serving his country faithfully and well for three years and three months. After the war Mr. Crane resumed farming in this county, and on February 13, 1865, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Angeline Smith of De Witt, who survives him and who enjoys the proud distinction of being able to trace her ancestry to the noble Robert Bruce, of Scotland. Her father, Robert L. Smith, was the first abolitionist, to his honor be it said, of Clinton county. 1. K. Crane, the subject of this sketch, died at his home in this city on Tues- day morning . August 21, 1891, of dropsy of the heart. At the age of IS he became a member of the Baptist church and until his death, or more than fifty-six years, lived a sincere, umnight christian life. If he made mistakes, and all mien do, they were of the head and not of the heart, and it is the universal verdict of all who knew him well that he was one of nature's noblomen. What higher title can any man have or desire. He was honest, generous and patriotic. By his second wife he leaves two sons, R. Edward and S. Bird, both of whom as well as the other two, John H. and James C., were present at the fimeral, which was held at the Buckhorn church, under the auspices of A. W. Drips Post, of which he was an honored member, and was one of the largest of the many large funerals which have been hold in that neighborhood. More than ninety teams were in the procession. Dr. Hrald pronounced the funeral discourse, a titting eulogy to the departed. The
=
FIFTH REUNION OF THE
remains were laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, of which deceased has been sexton for nearly thirty years.
COMRADE DAVID S. GODFREY.
David S. Godfrey, Company F, 12th lowa, died at Wier City, Kansas, sometime in the fall of 1887.
COMRADE A. C. GILMAN.
Comrade A. C. Gilman. Company HI, 12th lowa, died at the Soldiers' Home, Marshalltown, Iowa, December, 18th, 1891, at the age of sixty-three years, of capilary bronchitis. His body was shipped to Indianapolis, Ind., for burial. Here is what Comrade Van Anda says of him:
Fremont, Neb., Nov. 15th, 1894.
Dear Comrade Simpson: I have just received from the Iowa Soldiers' Home commander the announcement of the death of our old comrado, A. C. Gilman. One by one the boys are laid away, and when A. C. passed from this life a good soldier was absont, but accounted for. I am unable to give an extended account of him. I have not met him since '63 and know nothing of him except as a soldier. He was generally respected, always roady tu do his duty and in all respects a model soldier.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.