George Stokes 1835-1929

STOKES, BELT, SCOTT

Posted By: Georgea Clinton (email)
Date: 4/11/2011 at 09:16:14

May 29, 1929 - Carroll Times - George Stokes, Civil War veteran, died at his home, 927 North Crawford street, Friday evening, May 24, 1929, at 6:30 o'clock. Mr. Stokes had been ailing all winter, and three weeks ago contracted a cold, which was the immediate cause of his death.

Mr. Stokes was born at Dover, England October 27, 1835. He came to America in 1852. Nine years later, September 18, 1861, he answered the call of his new country and enlisted in Company C, the Illinois Cavalry, at St. Charles, Illinois, under Colonel Farnworth. During the three years of his service, Mr. Stokes took part in many important battles including a 7 day battle in the Chickohominy swamps, the battle of Antietam, battle of Fredericksburg, and battle of Gettysburg, besides many skirmishes. At Culpeper, Va., he received a bullet wound in his arm, which he carried through life. Mr. Stokes was mustered out of service in Chicago in 1864. He joined the 8th Illinois Cavalry association, and it was one of his special pleasures to attend the yearly meetings in Chicago.

When Mr. Stokes came to America 77 years ago, he located in New Hampshire. Deciding to go farther west, he moved to Wisconsin, and after, Illinois. Twenty-five years were spent in these three states. Mr. Stokes was married at Morrison, Illinois, to Miss Sarah Janet Belt in 1869. The first years of their married life were spent in Illinois, and in 1877 they located on a farm in Carroll county, two and one-half miles south of Halbur. For the last 30 years, since retiring from the farm, Mr. Stokes has lived in his home on Crawford street.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stokes, two of whom died in infancy. The two daughters are Mrs. T.N. Scott of Ft. Dodge and Pearl, who so lovingly and faithfully cared for her father and mother in their declining years. Mr. Stokes was a Methodist by faith, having united with the Beuah Methodist church many years ago. In the years of his failing strength he took great comfort in the old hymns of the church and of the many passages of scripture locked in his memory. He had no fear of death, but was anxious to join his wife, who passed away about a year ago.

Besides being affiliated with the Methodist church and the 8th Illinois Cavalry association, Mr. Stokes was a member of Jeff Davis Post of the G.A.R. In all his dealings Mr. Stokes was an upright, honest man, and lived an exemplary life. Funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon May 27, Rev. Arthur M. Eastman, pastor of the M.E. church, officiating, and burial was made in the city cemetery. The pall bearers were J.F. Maher, F.M. Francis, Homer Farrell, F.C. Beverley, H.W. Budley, and Earl Crotts, of the American Legion. Mr. Stokes was buried with military honors.

Attending the funeral from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Claypool and daughter, Marjorie, Mr. and Mrs. 0.C. Ferguson and son, Maynard, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. T.N. Scott, all of Ft. Dodge.