Webster M. Pixley, 1845-1916

BIRD, CLAWSON, CONNER, FAULKENBERRY, LONG, PIXLEY, YAKEL

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 3/25/2010 at 14:37:37

Another Veteran Passes Into the Beyond

After many years of activity and service another veteran of the Civil War, Mr. Webster M. Pixley, left this world of wars and strivings and went to his reward on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 3, 1916. For many years he was a well known figure on our streets. He was a son of Benjamin F. and Lydia Conner Pixley and was born in Mt. Pleasant, January 9, 1845. His parents were well known and highly esteemed citizens.

His early education was obtained in the Mt. Pleasant public schools. In 1860, when he was just a lad, he joined the Mt. Pleasant Zouave Cadets, an organization which became very efficient in drill before the war broke out. Webster Pixley was drummer, and his drum beat after[sic] called his comrades together. Mr. H. T. Bird, the only surviving member of the Cadets living in Mt. Pleasant, was 2nd lieutenant. The officers of the zouaves were commissioned by the government at the out break of the great struggle. The men of the organization joined various regiments. Many of them fell on the various battle fields. The subject of this sketch enlisted in Co. F. 17th Iowa Veteran Volunteers and served throughout the war. He took part in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Jackson Champion Hills and the siege of Vicksburg. The 17th Iowa was afterwards transferred to Georgia, where he was in engagements at Tunnell Hill and Missionary Ridge. His regiment was later sent to Tilton, Ga., where they were captured by the enemy while guarding railroad communications and spent some time in rebel prisons. When the war was over Mt. Pixley returned to this city and engaged with his father in the trade of making wagons. After a brief period he returned to Columbus, Ga., in 1866 and married Miss Emma Faulkenberry whom he had met while being held a prisoner of war. Five children were given to grace their home. Two, Franklin Theodore and Emma, are dead. The living are Georgia Alberta Clawson, New London, Iowa; Sarah Lydia Yakel, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; and Benjamin W. Pixley, St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Pixley died Dec. 20, 1880, and lies in Lake View, Montcalm county, Mich. On Feb. 12, 1882, Mr. Pixley and Miss Carolyn E. Long were wedded in Lake View. Three children blessed them. Pearl, who was a choice spirit, passed away to the great grief of the family at the early age of sixteen. Webster died in infancy. Nellie F. Pixley remains with her mother to mourn.

Soon after his first marriage, on account of poor health, Mr. Pixley removed from Georgia to Michigan.

After the death of Mrs. Pixley he came to Mt. Pleasant, where he was for some time engaged in the business of blacksmithing and wagon making. But he had spent much time in the study of cancer, and leaving all other business, in 1890, he engaged in the beneficent work of healing that dread disease. Many grateful ones can testify to his cures. His large hospital on South Jefferson street was for many years a place for the afflicted.

Deceased was a man who from the age of sixteen was dependent on his own efforts. He was a strong Republican in politics, a member of McFarland Post, G.A.R. and of Mystic Lodge, I.O.O.F. He joined the Methodist Episcopal church in Columbus, Ga., but after returning to this city attended the Universalist church with his parents. He was a well known form in G.A.R. circles. His many old friends all over the city and county will greatly miss him.

Funeral services were held at the home on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock. Pastor Frank E. Weston of the First Baptist church conducting the church service, paying a tribute.

[Mt. Pleasant News, Feb 1916]