William H. Toms (1845-1938)

TOMS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/18/2014 at 12:31:38

From Nevada Evening Journal August 24, 1938

Final Rites Held Tuesday for Comrade Toms

Short but impressive rites were held Tuesday afternoon for the late William H. Toms, 92, Nevada's last survivor of the Civil War, who had died at his home on N. avenue, Nevada, early Sunday morning.

The large capacity of the Bishop Funeral Home was inadequate to hold the crowd of people who had gathered to pay their final tribute to the beloved old veteran, long a well known and popular figure in Nevada.

Banked with flowers the bier, was surrounded by member of the family, old time neighbors and friends and groups of the women's patriotic organizations of the city, while members of the Masonic lodge and the World War veterans were generally on the lawn outside.

With Mrs. Gerald Hathaway at the piano, H.G. Kruwell sang two numbers, favorites of Mr. Toms, "In the Sweet Bye and Bye" and "The Old Rugged Cross," Rev. D. E. Lookingbill, longtime personal friend of the deceased read a short scripture lesson and gave a short prayer, read a sketch of the life of Mr. Toms and made a few brief remarks upon his life and his work for his country and in the community.

The concluded the brief funeral service, after which the procession was formed for t funeral cortege. A color guard of Nevada Post No. 48 American Legion preceeded the cortage, this was followed by the minister and hearse. Next in accordance with an old cavalry tradition, came a riderless hose, with cavalry boots in stirrups of the saddle. Next came the firing squad from the American Legion, followed by the family and close friends, the women's patriotic ornanizations and a large procession of motor cars bearing neighbors and friends.

At the cemetery the committal, was under the direction of Nevada Lodge, No. 99 A. F. & A. M. of which the deceased had been a member for 37 years. Ira Kempkes conducted the committal ritualistic rites.

The ceremony was concluded by the volley from the firing squad.