EASTON, Alexander 1842 - 1934

EASTON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Richard K Thompson (email)
Date: 1/5/2011 at 22:16:26

Added by Admin, October 2021 --

"The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger"
Thursday, February 8, 1934
Page FIVE, Column 2

Locals

... --Alex EASTON, one of Fairfield's Civil War veterans, and a prominent citizen, is reported as not so comfortable. Mr. EASTON has been in failing health for several years. ...

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Original posting by Richard K Thompson --

Fairfield Daily Ledger
Monday Feb. 12, 1934
Pg. 1, Col. 1

ALEX. EASTON, WAR VETERAN, BURIED TODAY
Well Known Old Soldier Died at Home Saturday Evening Here

Alexander EASTON, 91, and Jefferson County's last Civil War veteran who saw service at Gettysburg, died at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at his home in Fairfield. Mr. EASTON was born in Lonaconing, Maryland, Sept. 2, 1842.

He was the son of Robert and Mary EASTON, both natives of Scotland. Alexander's father and mother crossed the Atlantic to America about 1832. They located at Picton, Canada, first, later crossing the border into the United States and living in Pennsylvania, then in Maryland. Robert EASTON passed away in the Keystone State and Mary EASTON died in Illinois where she had brought her family after her husband's death.

Alexander spent his boyhood days in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and acquired a good education in the common schools.

When he was twentyyears (sic) old he enlisted for service in the Civil War as a private in Co. "D" 14th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, serving three and one-half years. His record was one of utmost valor and courage, winning for him promotion to sergeant.

Mr. EASTON served under Generals Siegel, Averill and Sheridan, being one of the four orderlies who were waiting for Sheridan at the end of his famous ride "From Winchester, twenty miles away."

He participated in forty-two battles and more than eighty skirmishes. At one time he was under fire for ninety consecutive days, one of his most thrilling experiences being the capture of a spy south of Moorefield, Va. It proved to be a woman who when convicted and on her way to prison predicted that if Jefferson Davis did not kill all the Union troops within one year, he would find himself in hell.

Within a year he was wounded and captured at Cedar Creek, his horse being shot from under him. He was taken to Andersonville prison and the horrors of the place were so terrible that he thought the prediction of the woman was true. He was sent on to Salsbury, N. C., prison which was even worse. At the time of his enlistment he weighed 196 pounds, but the hardships of prison reduced him to only 100 lbs.

Mr. EASTON stood on the brow of Little Round Top in the battle of Gettysburg and witnessed Pickett's charge, the failure of which turned the tide of war against the confederacy.

In 1889 he came to Fairfield where he has made his home ever since. He was married to Miss Jennie T. JOHNSON on June 5, 1879. To them were born three sons: Oscar A., Harvey L. and Percy J., all of Fairfield. His widow, three sons and three grand children survive him.

He had been most active in projects for the advancement of the civic life of Fairfield in former years, and was a valued citizen. For the last five years he has been confined to his bed, showing an amazing patience and cheerfulness until the last two weeks when his faculties gradually left him and he passed away peacefully and quietly, surrounded by his family.

The funeral services, for this well known old soldier, were held this afternoon at 3:00 o'clock at the Murray Funeral Home, in charge of Dr. H. C. Whiting. Burial was in Evergreen cemetery. The American Legion firing squad sounded the volley at the grave.

* Transcribed for genealogy purposes. I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

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Added by Admin, October 2021 --

"The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger"
Monday, February 12, 1934
Page TWO, Column 1

Around The Town

Mrs. Minnie Bailey and J. L. Westervelt of Chicago came last evening to attend the funeral services of Alex EASTON to be held this afternoon at the Murray Funeral home. ...

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot 3rd.122. Wife Jennie died in 1944 and was buried with him.