Wesco, Reuben 1838-1916

WESCO, WILSON, BACON, FOSTER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/21/2010 at 08:01:02

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) June 29, 1916

REUBEN WESCO

Reuben Wesco was born in Prebel county, O., March 1, 1838, and died at his home near Newburg on June 22, 1916, aged 73 years, 3 months and 21 days. He was united in marriage with Nancy J. Wilson of Newton, Ia., on Dec. 24, 1866, removing to the home near Newburg in 1869. To this union three children were born. The oldest child is Frank N. Wesco, with whom he resided from the time he was called to mourn the passing of his companion on Dec. 28, 1906. The other children are Mrs. Cora Bacon of Burt, Ia., and Mrs. Carrie Foster of Grinnell. All were at home to mourn the loss of a good kind and loving father.

Mr. Wesco enlisted in Company G, Eighty-Third Ohio regiment, on Aug. 15, 1862. He was transferred to Company I of the same regiment on June 17, 1863, and mustered out with his company on July 24, 1865. He was made a corporal at Camp Infield, Campbell county, Kentucky, Sept. 11, 1862. He was a true, patriotic man and a great lover of the flag, honoring it not only on July 4 and May 30, but every day of the year. For years he carried the flag on Memorial day while flowers were placed on the graves of his comrades and although feeble on last Memorial day he refused to let anyone help him carry it.

Mr. Wesco will be greatly missed in his neighborhood and by a large circle of friends. He was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, and endeared himself to every one by his many excellent qualities and gentle manners.

His friends and neighbors were never any trouble to him and no more faithful man could be found in sickness and misfortune.

He was cared for most tenderly by those in the home who never relaxed in their faithful vigil by his bedside and seemed to anticipate his every wish. Many kind friends lent their assistance and with gentle hands tried to smooth the rough way and if possible make the weary burden a little lighter. His casket was draped in the American flag and the Masonic apron of lambskin, both of which were loved and revered by him. Many beautiful flowers were tokens of love and esteem.

The funeral was conducted at the home by W.S. Kight of Des Moines, who had been at the Wesco home at the marriage of all the children and also at the funeral of Mrs. Wesco. The company of people and the words of comfort and sympathy expressed by all and especially the presence of a few of the comrades in the war whose ranks are so rapidly thinning, gave expression to the value and worth of a life like that of Mr. Wesco. He passes on to be remembered by what he has done.