William John Culton

CULTON

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/5/2014 at 13:56:44

W.J. CULTON, 50 YEAR RESIDENT HERE, IS DEAD
Was One of the Youngest Volunteers in the Civil War

William John Culton, a resident of Davenport for half a century, and one of the youngest of the volunteers to rally to the call of the great liberator, Abraham Lincoln, passed away Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the family home, 2122 Main street, Davenport. His health had been failing for several months.

Born in County Wexford, Ireland on December 27, 1851, his people came to America in 1854, locating in Chicago. When only about 11 years old young Culton's patriotic fervor caused him to enlist as a drummer boy with the famous Irish American regiment headed by the gallant Colonel Mulligan who later on, when mortally wounded during a confederate raid cried out to the soldiers who rallied to aid him, "Lay me down boys and save the flag."

Mr. Culton served with unceasing devotion to the Union cause and was on duty near Richmond at the time of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee, the climax of the four years contest. He afterwards entered the regular army, and for thirty years service was stationed at Rock Island arsenal, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. Since his withdrawal from the army he has lived in retirement looking after real estate interests.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Annie Agnes Culton, to whom he was married in 1909 at Sacred Heart cathedral, the pastor Very Rev. J.T.A. Flannagan officiating, and one daughter, Margaret. He belonged to Cedar Camp No. 27, M.W.O.A.

The body was removed to the Halligan funeral home from where it will be taken to the family home, 2122 Main street, on Tuesday afternoon. Funeral services will be held from the home Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. with services at 9:30 a.m. at the church of St. Paul the Apostle. Interment will be in St. Marguerite's cemetery.

Source: Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia.,25 May 1925.