HAMMOND, Richard D. (1842-1927)

HAMMOND, SHIRKEY, BONHAM, THOMPSON, BLACK, SUITS, RING, BABBITT, KLINE, VAN HORNE, BREEDING, WORKMAN, WALKER, CLAYTON

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 2/19/2015 at 09:20:44

Malvern Leader
Malvern, Iowa
Thurs. June 16, 1927

Answers His Last Roll Call. Taps Sound For Richard D. Hammond, Civil War Veteran, June 11; Funeral Monday Afternoon. - - Richard D. Hammond, a pioneer resident of this section and a veteran of the Civil War, passed away at his home one mile south of Malvern Saturday evening, June 11. He had suffered a paralytic stroke about ten days preceding this and another on June 4, from which he was unable to rally. His three children and a granddaughter, Miss Kate Shirkey, were with him during his last illness, ministering to his every want, and rendering every assistance possible to skill and loving hands.

Funeral Held Monday. - - Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, June 13, from the late home, conducted by Rev. J.E. Wilkins. There was a large attendance of the old friends and neighbors. Misses Louise Hiett and Ruth Cadwell sang two favorite songs, "Jesus Savior Pilot Me," and "Just As I Am."

All the remaining members of the local G.A.R. - C. W. Black, John Suits, A. Ring, and H.M. Babbitt - acted as honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were old friends and neighbors - Otto Kline, Fred Van Horne, Guy Breeding, G.G. Workman, Charles Walker, and John Clayton.

American Legion Attended. - - The members of the local post American Legion attended in a body and acted as a guard of honor and gave their ritualistic service at the grave, the firing squad firing a last salute and the bugler sounded taps at the close of the impressive service.

Mr. Hammond was one of those strong, rugged, honest characters, not uncommon among our pioneers, who made a deep impression upon all with whom he came in contact. He was unusually active for a man of his age and although nearly eighty-five years of age up to his last illness, he was up and around stopping by at work much of the time and frequently in town looking after business or greeting old friends. He is a man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Obituary. - - Richard Deal Hammond, son of Gassoway [sic] and Mary Elizabeth Hammond, was born at Boston, Belmont county, Ohio, December 13, 1842. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Chester Hill, Morgan county, Ohio. He worked on a farm from that time until he enlisted in the army on September 1, 1861. He was in Company B, 53rd Ohio Infantry. He reenlisted in December, 1863, and served in the same regiment until the close of the war, when he was discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas. He was severely wounded at the battle of Atlanta, Georgia and suffered more or less from this during the rest of his life.

He was married to Miss Mary Thompson August 8, 1866. Three children were born to this union. Two daughters died in infancy. The son, Charles, is living at Haxtun, Colorado. Established Malvern Nursery

The wife and mother passed away January 15, 1873. Mr. Hammond came to Malvern May 1, 1873. He was married to Miss Sophia Bonham March 8, 1874. Four children were born to this union, one baby dying in infancy and Flora May who died December 5, 1907. Mrs. Hammond died May 12, 1912. Two daughters survive, Mrs. Frank Shirkey of Broken Bow, Nev., and Miss Blanche who has been his faithful and efficient home-maker for fifteen years. There are also eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Mr. Hammond worked at the carpenter trade until 1880, then established the Malvern nursery which he carried on for nineteen years.

Mr. Hammond was a public-spirited citizen and would give financial assistance to all needed improvements. He contributed liberally to the erection of the Liberty Memorial Building. In the past he took his turn as commander of the Milton Summers Post.

He was a charter member of the Christian church of Malvern and remained a member ever since.