Cassius Clay Van Wirt 1842-1924 Civil War Veteran

VAN WIRT, JEROW, ALLEN, BELL

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/9/2011 at 20:11:46

- Cassius Clay Van Wirt was born in Chantauqua county,
New York July 17, 1842 and died at his home 202 First
Street East, Oelwein, Iowa, Sunday, June 15, 1924 at the
age of 82 years, 10 months and 28 days. His younger
days were spent in New York and in early manhood moved
to Illinois, settling near Shabona.
- When the call came for volunteers in 1861, he enlisted in
Co. K, 16th Illinois Cavalry, serving two years and nine
months under the Stars and Stripes, During that time he
participated in some of the most serious engagement of the
rebellion and suffered the horrors of three different southern
prisons. At the close of the war he returned to Shabona,
where he was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Jerow in June,
1867. To this union was born Edward W., Lydia M. who
preceded her father in death and James E. The grim
reaper claimed his wife and mother in 1874.
- He was re united in marriage to Miss Pinkey Allen on
November 16, 1882. To this union was born Nellie M.,
Claude, who died in infancy and Kyle N.
- Mr. Van Wirt was one of our oldest and most respected
citizens, having conducted a business here for the past
41 years. Mr. Van Wirt was a charter member of the
M.W.A. of this city, a member of the G.A.R. and has been
affiliated with the Masonic order for half a century.
- He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, three sons Edward W.,
James E. and Kyle N. all of this city and one daughter,
Nellie Bell of Dubuque, also a host of friends.
- Services were held from the home, 202 First Street East,
Tuesday, June 17, 1924, conducted by Rev. W. R. Foster,
assisted by G.A.R., W. R.C. and the Masonic lodge. Burial
in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Oelwein Daily Register - 17 June 1924

Oelwein, Ia .. June 16 ---- C. C. Van Wirt died at his
home in Oelwein early Sunday morning. Mr. Van Wirt
was stricken with paralysis last Thursday and was
taken to his home. Altho 82 years of age Mr. Van Wirt,
a Civil War Veteran and the oldest man in business in
Oelwein, had worked regularly until the stroke in the
blacksmith shop he had owned for many years.
- Mr. Van Wirt had no intention of retiring. He was one
of the last of the old time settlers.
- James Van Wirt, Oelwein, is one of the two surviving
sons.

Waterloo Evening Courier - 16 June 1924