Alfred Carey 1835-1864

CAREY, GILLESPIE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/10/2017 at 09:17:03

11 August 1864 - The Tipton Advertiser

Obituary Notice of Lieut. Alfred Carey

Lieut. Alfred Carey was born in the State of New York Oct. 6, 1835, and moved to the State of Iowa in the Spring of 1854. When the Rebellion broke out, faithful to the promptings of a noble nature, and the instincts of patriotism, he enlisted in the service of his country, without seeking an official position, attaching himself to Co. F, 11th Reg't of Iowa Vol. Inft. He was subsequently promoted to the position of First Lieut., and endured the hardships of the camp, and the dangers of the battlefield with fortitude and even cheerfulness. In the battle of Shilo he was struck in the breast with a minnie ball, which, however, being nearly spent, was stopped in its passage by coming in contact with letters which he carried from loved ones at home. In Nov. 1863, he was detailed in the recruiting service, and remained North till April 25th, 1864, during which he was married to Miss Mary J. A. Gillespie.

He returned to his Regiment in the Spring, 1864, and was wounded in the thigh June 15th, in an engagement near Kenesaw Mountain, whist aiding in rallying his men after a repulse. The Surgeon of the Reg't reported the wound not dangerous; but alas! he was mistaken, for it proved fatal. He was kindly cared for during his last hours by Chaplain Rogers, of the U.S. General Hospital, at Rome, Ga., in the service of the Christian Commission, for whose tenderness toward the dying husband, and affectionate offices to the bereaved wife, there is a blessed reward in reservation at the last day.

Alfred Carey was a patriot who gave evidence of the sincerity of his profession more by his actions than by his words. He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and an affectionate husband. His most prominent characteristic was fillial piety. The least intimation of parental desire was ever promptly and cheerfully obeyed, and thereby he honored his father and mother. On his dying couch he was asked by the Chaplain if he had any message for his wife. The Chaplain thus writes to his widow: "He wished me to say to you that he was reconciled to his lot whatever it might be--that he did not fear to die--that he had tried to do his duty,--and that you must not mourn his loss too deeply." His three years service would have expired on the 5th of Oct., when he was doubtless anticipating a happy return to his family and the loved ones at home.--But Providence hath appointed him a sacrifice, with thousands of his brave fellows, to the coming of that better era when --"Once more the voice of Christ shall say, Peace. Peace! and no longer from its brazen portals The blast of war's great organ shakes the skies, But, beautiful as the songs of the immortals The holy melodies of love arise."