 |
|
 |
|
Vinton Eagle; 30 Apr 1862
Joseph Blackburn
April 20th 1862, at the residence of his father near Shellsburg, Iowa, Joseph Blackburn, age 23 years, 9 months, 26 days.
At his country's call Joseph left his home and friends, that he might take part in suppressing the wicked slaveholders' rebellion. He spent some months in camp, but the time had not come for him to render efficient aid to this glorious cause ere cruel disease fastened itself upon his vitals. His frail constitution proved insufficient for the privations and hardships of a soldier's life. A few letters reached his friends from himself. At length from a pen of an associate we learn that Joseph is sick, again, he is worse, and again Joseph is not expected to live. His father hastens to St. Louis to find him just alive. He had been near, very near death's door. It was thought that his quiet christian resignation was all that saved him. Soon his system rallied ; he appears to be better ; an honorable discharge is procured. At length he reached home. For a few weeks it is thought he may recover. But alas, these illusive hopes soon vanish - Joseph is dying. Friends are called for. Sympathizing neighbors gather around. He lingers some days in intense suffering, then calmly falls to sleep in Jesus, while his spirit soars away to God. His funeral was numerously attended at the M.E. Church in Shellsburg. His remains were the first to be deposited in a new cemetery in a beautiful place near the bank of the creek west of town. And here, Joseph, may all that is mortal of thee rest, until at the sound of the trump of God, it shall be proved that,.
"Corruption, earth and worms,
Hath but referred thy flesh,
When thy triumphant spirit comes,
To put it on afresh."
 |
