John D. Craven (1876)

CRAVEN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 8/11/2007 at 15:30:03

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 30, 1876
Page 6

J. D. Craven is dead and Grand River township loses a most estimable citizen. Mr. Craven was a man who had an unusual number of warm friends.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Thursday, December 7, 1876
Page 7, Column 2

From Grand River.

Dear Madisonian:—We have just paid the last tribute of respect to J. D. Craven, who departed this life about 10 o'clock p. m. of the 21st. He had suffered a great deal for several years and severely for eight weeks, mostly from ulceration of the stomach. His mind was vigorous and strong to the last, giving full directions in regard to his business affairs a few days before his death. Then, from time to time, as he had strength, would talk with his family, urging them to be fully prepared for death. Not a word of murmur or complaint was heard from him, but meekly saying, "the.Lord's Will be Done." At the last moments he was exceedingly calm, giving a few words of encouragement and comfort to the dear ones he was leaving behind, and, with his eyes looking up, he seemed to get a view of the Heavenly world, and with a brightness on his countenance, such as earth cannot give, he raised his emaciated arms and clapped his hands together so, that it could be truly said, he commenced the shout of Heaven before the spirit took its flight.

Rev. J. M. Smith, Baptist minister, from Osceola, preached the funeral sermon. Text, "Blessed are the Dead who die in the Lord," etc., which was truly appropriate.

J. D. Craven was a man of superior merit and needed no trumpet to sound his praise, but quietly every day this truth was being felt. On the field of battle his courage was tested scores of times, as at Ft. Pillow when all the ammunition was used up and every commissioned officer killed or wounded, he as Orderly Sergeant in command of the company, with fixed bayonet and a deadly hand to hand conflict, drove the rebels from the field. Whether as a soldier on the field or a citizen at home he was that same quiet, energetic man; when duty called he never feared to go.

We all sympathize with the noble family he has left, indeed the whole community will feel lonesome without him; but he has gone to fill a higher mission, his work is done, his happiness is now complete.

SOLDIER

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