Bellows, Charles Henry 1843-1920

HINMAN, BELLOWS, POOLE, GATENBEIN, FRUECHTE

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/3/2005 at 11:47:37

Charles Henry Bellows, the second son of Porter and Angeline Hinman Bellows was born February 26th, 1843 in Rockton, Winnebago county, Illinois, and died at his home in New Albin, Iowa, March 31st, 1920, aged 77 years.

He came with his parents to Iowa and settled in French Creek township the fall of 1851, where he grew to young manhood. On Sept. 29, 1862, he enlisted in the Civil War at the age of 19 years, joining Co. F of the 6th Iowa Cavalry. The company was formed largely of men recruited at Lansing, Iowa. Company F served under General Sully on the Northwest Frontier. He was mustered out at Sioux City, Iowa, as a corporal October 17, 1865, having served three years. He received his discharge at Sioux City, Iowa.

On October 24th, 1867 he was united in marriage to Hanna M. Poole of French Creek township. To this union were born six children - Charles, Warren, Angeline, Edward, Lillian and Coral. They resided in French Creek until April 1877, at which time they moved to New Albin, Iowa, where they have since resided.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife, three sons - Charles Porter, Warren Gene (Chene) and Edward L. of Woodward, Iowa; three daughters - Mrs. Andrew Gatenbein, LaCrosse; Lillian May, and Mrs. Paul J. Fruechte of Waukon; two brothers, George P. of Waukon, and Elmer E. of Lansing township; eleven grandchildren and a wide circle of friends.

The deceased during his service to the Union was thoroughly established in his respect for and loyalty to his country and its Flag, which he, together with his comrades regarded with ever increasing pride. He succeeded his comrade, Mr. L. Ferris as flag bearer on public occassions and at funerals of veterans of the G.A.R. The "line of the Blue" is gradually growing thinner.

His health has been failing for the past year but recently rapidly declined. He answered the final summons with a quiet and resigned spirit, with a trust and faith in God, that was well established. He was a quiet faith and a firm belief in a square deal to all men. One of his rules for life was, "If you haven't anything good to say about your neighbor keep quiet." He endeavored to attain a better understanding of the will of the Lord, boasting not of perfection but holding steadily to his honest endeavor. Though not identified as a member of any particular church, he recognized the universal Church of God and considered himself in harmony with its plans and purpose.

"Sunset and evening star
And may there be no moaning of the bar
When I have put to sea
For though from out or bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far;
I hope to see my pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar."

- contributed by Terry Bellows