Asahel D. Whitcomb 1830-1893

WHITCOMB, JAMISON, LYON

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 12/19/2020 at 12:10:06

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Thursday, August 3, 1893 page 1

A. D. Whitcomb died at his home in Wapello Friday last and was buried the following day. He was born in Vermont in 1830. He belonged to a company of engineers in the late war and rose from the position of private to that of captain. He has been in poor health for a number of years; almost helpless for two or more. He leaves a wife and one child, Mr. M. L. Jamison, and many friends his loss. (2nd story the next week)

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Thursday, August 10, 1893 page 1

Last Friday evening, a little before six o'clock, the released spirit of A. D. Whitcomb took its flight, and the weary body that had been racked with pain and suffering for more than a quarter of a century was at rest. Asahel D. Whitcomb was born in Townsend, Vermont, October 24, 1830. He was married October 17, 1849 to Sarah A. Lyon at Schoolcraft, Michigan who, with one daughter survive him. As the result of this union there were born two daughters, Mary E. who is the wife of M. L. Jamison of this city, and Amelia D., who died January 28, 1865. Soon after his marriage Mr. Whitcomb caught the fever of fortune seeking and adventure, so prevalent then, and joined a party that went to California, a journey quite different then than now, fall of peril and hardship. Returning from the coast, he located in Chicago for a time when he was offered a position as master mechanic on a railroad in Nebraska where he lived for a few years. He next located in Burlington where he made his home sixteen years and until he moved to Wapello. In September 1861 he enlisted as a private in Co. "K" of a regiment known as the Missouri engineers. Because of his courage an industry he was commissioned captain before his discharge, June 24, 1865. He received some serious injuries while in the service, but the one which proved the worst, and which no doubt caused his death was at Island No. 10, when, after working all night in water, digging a trench and lifting heavy timbers, he was prostrated, losing for a time the use of his lower limbs. From there effects of this injury no doubt, he was stricken with paralysis April 19, 1891. He had another stroke in December 1892, and the third July 24, 1893, after which he was unconscious and helpless until his death. Mr. Whitcomb united with the Baptist church in 1849 under the ministry of Rev. Ellis, retaining his relations with that body until about five years ago when he united with the Presbyterian church of Wapello, because the church of his choice had no organization here. He was an earnest bibles tudent, and a zealous church worker. He not only professed but practiced the principles of his religion. He will be remembered as a brave soldier, a generous, open-hearted citizen, a loyal and stead fast friend, a kind husband and a loving father. The funeral service ocurred from the Presbyterian church Saturday afternoon at 2 'clock, conducted by Rev. J. C. Willits and Rev. J. H. Knehans. A large company of the friends of the deceased met to pay their last tribute of respect to all that was mortal of their friend and citizen.