Douglas, Jerome d. 1896

DOUGLAS, GARDNER, WINFORD

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 7/28/2003 at 18:47:21

Our community was shocked on Monday afternoon when the announcement was made that Jerome Douglas was dead. Very few were aware of his illness, which had only been since the Wednesday afternoon previous, up to which time he had been in the enjoyment of perfect health. That Mr. Douglas was a good man, all who have ever known him will attest. He was a retiring, quiet disposition, but genial and companionable to all with whom he was associated.

Jerome H. Douglas was a native of Chateaugay, Franklin County, New York, and reached his 64th birthday on the 28th of April. He came to Iowa in 1868, settling in Linn County. On the 6th of August 1862, he enlisted at Vinton as a member of Co. H, Twentieth Iowa Infantry and was a gallant defender of his country’s flag for three years, participating in the Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the Sieges of Vicksburg, Miss., and Fort Morgan, Alabama, and other hard fought battles, and was mustered out of the service at Mobile, Alabama, in the fall of 1865, returning to his old home in Iowa.

On the 14th of February 1867, at Palo, in Linn County, he was united in marriage to Miss Olive Gardner. To them were born two daughters and two sons, Mrs. Bessie Paine Winford, Maggie and Marley Douglas. They have lived in Newton for eleven years, during which time Mr. Douglas has been a faithful and trusted employee of the Rock Island Railroad.

The funeral services were held in the Christian Church, Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. J. Rice, and attended by a large number of sympathizing and sorrowing friends. The members of the Garrett Post attended in a body, showing their respect for a brave and worthy comrade. The casket and altar of the church were beautiful with floral tributes from loving friends. A choir composed of Mrs. Belle Rodgers, Miss Ida Griebeling and Messrs. Clerm Errett and Ernest Earley furnished music in harmony with the sad occasion, with Miss Townsend as organist.

Thus another old soldier has ended the long march, reached his final camping ground and answered to the last roll call on earth. “Lights Out” has been sounded and he has obeyed its summons, fully prepared for the “Grand Inspection in the Morning.”

To the bereaved widow and children all hears respond with the tenderest sympathy in their loss of an affectionate and devoted husband and father. ~ The Newton (Iowa) Record, Friday, June 19, 1896, Page 1, Column 3