How Comrade J. Williams Died

WILLIAMS, COPELAND, ARMSTRONG

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/22/2011 at 17:44:55

The Grinnell Herald; January 19, 1934

HOW COMRADE J. WILLIAMS DIED

Referring to the recent article in the Herald from L.B. Copeland we have the following copy of a postal card written by E.W. Armstrong postmarked LaGrange, Indiana. In his card Mr. Armstrong refers to John Williams, Civil war soldier who lived southwest of Searsboro. On that card Mr. Armstrong gives the following story of the rest of John Williams' life as he knew it and all who are interested in the history of that part of Poweshiek county will read the card with interest.

"I saw in last week's Herald an article referring to John Williams, Civil war soldier, father of George T. Williams, formerly of Grinnell.

Forty-seven years ago John's widow, who was left with five small children, was at our home visiting for the day. In reminiscing war time days, she said her husband was not in rugged health and when he bade her "goodbye" before leaving home to join the troops, he said he would never be home again, and that he took with him a small pocket Bible, on the fly leaf of which was written instructions that in case of his death the Bible should be returned to his wife. He dropped out of the ranks on Sherman's march to the sea. The comrade who buried him returned the Bible to Mrs. Williams, who resided on the old homestead, a mile and a quarter southwest of Searsboro, where her grandson, H.R. Latham, now lives."