J. W. Esher 1835-1897

ESHER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 7/3/2017 at 10:24:49

23 September 1897 - The Tipton Advertiser

The following obituary notice of J. W. Esher appeared in the Jefferson Souvenir, of Sept. 11, 1897:

This community is in mourning because of the death of one of its pioneer citizens and most exemplary man, John W. Esher. His death occurred Thursday, Sept. 2, 1897, at the home of H. G. McBurney in Cedar township. Mr. Esher came to Churdan the Saturday before, expecting to visit among friends and neighbors for a month or so. He had been at Tipton on a visit, having gone to that place from his home in Ausley, Nebraska, the latter part of July. He had been here only a short time when he took sick and gradually grew worse until the end. He died with H. G. McBurney and John Kinnan at his bedside, these same comrades being at his side when he was wounded in the army. They helped to carry him off the battlefield.

The following obituary was furnished by relatives of the deceased:

John W. Esher was born in Williamsport, Lycoming county, Penn., Nov. 11, 1835; came with his parents to Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, in 1844.

On Sept. 23rd, 1861, he enlisted in Company E. 11th Iowa, volunteer for three years or during the war; was discharge the 31st day of December, 1863; re-enlisted the 1st day of January, 1864. He was severely wounded at Kenesaw mountain, June 24, 1864, and as a result of such a wound was discharged on the 29th day of March, 1865. The following year he settled in Greene county, Iowa; was married in 1867. He moved to Custer county, Neb., five years ago.

He leaves a wife, son and two daughters to mourn his loss, one daughter having preceded him some six years ago.

The pall bearers were Comrades John Wilkinson, J. W. Fitz, P. R. Bradshaw, of Jefferson, H. McBurney and John Kinnan, of Churdan, and Geo. Toyne, of Glidden. Four of his company comrades acted as pall bearers and belonged to the brigade. There was a good turnout of the brigade boys and a large showing as to old soldiers from towns of this part of the state.

The funeral procession left the McBurney home Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, and reached Churdan at noon. Rev. J. F. Hunter conducted the services at the M.E. church, following which the remains were borne to the cemetery east of town. Preceeding the hearse was the N. H. Powers Post, G.A.R., of Scranton, while following it were Odd Fellows and citizens. It was the largest procession that ever moved to the Churdan cemetery. At the cemetery after the conclusion of an impressive ceremony by Rev. Hunter, the Odd Fellows and G.A.R. Post each paid glowing tribute to the departed brother and comrade.

The relatives present at the funeral were Geo. W. Esher of Ausley, Neb; J. L. Esher, of Clarence, Iowa; Mrs. Bessie Dorcas, Tipton, Iowa. Those unable to attend were Wm. Esher, Beaver City, Neb.; Dr. J. F. Esher, San Diego, Cal., and Miss Ida L. Esher, Humbolt, Iowa.