George Elston

WOODWORTH, SIMMONS, STEVENS, MCKEE, PUGH

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 11/10/2013 at 10:27:44

George Elston, 85, who had been a familiar figure at Arnolds Park, for the last fifty years, died at his home there early Wednesday morning after an illness lasting about two weeks.

Mr. Elston was the last Civil War veteran in Arnolds Park. He was a private in Company B, Forty-fifth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted from Joe Davies county, April 4, 1864. He took part in the siege of Atlanta, was with Sherman on the March to the Sea, and went through the campaign of the Carolinas which included Pocotaligo, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Goldsboro.

He was with his regiment at the grand review in Washington, D.C., and was honorable discharged at Chicago, Illinois, July 13, 1865. He was a member of the G. A. R. post at Milford.

In 1881 Mr. Elston moved to Iowa and Arnolds Park with his wife and family, and had resided there since. He was married to Inez Woodworth in 1869. She preceded him in death in 1919. They were the parents of ten children all of whom survive the father, except Fred, who died in 1918.

Coming here before the railroad was built he had a part in many of the developments in the Lake region. In the earlier days he was a stone mason.
Those surviving include three sisters: Mrs. Anne Simmons, of Kansas; Mrs. Eleanora Stevens and Mrs. Alzine McKee, of Illinois; three daughters: Miss Inez, Mrs. Glen Pugh, and Miss Marcia; six sons: Frank, Merve, Clayton, G. H., M. G., and L. P., all living here; and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 Friday afternoon. The American Legion will be in charge. Interment will be beside his wife in the Okoboji cemetery.

Unknown source, unknown date