John S. Arnett (1839-1935)

ARNETT, HERALD, TULLAR, MCKENNA, KNAPP, SHUFFLEBOTHAM

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Evening Journal February 9, 1935 (page 3)

Civil War Veteran Lived In Nevada During the '70's

John S. Arnett, 95, Civil War veteran, who died at his home at Fort Dodge Monday, was a resident of Nevada after the Civil War and was one two men who held the contract for excavating the basement for the Story county court house in 1876. Mr. Arnett who had come here with his family from Poweshiek county in 1873 and settled on when was then known as the Colonel Scott farm north of town, came to Nevada in '75 and with Chauncey Craig had the contract for excavation.

The family is remembered by some of the old time residents of the county. The son Frank has been a resident of Nevada for a number of years.

Mr. Arnett bore the distinction of being the last Civil War veteran in Fort Dodge at the time of his death.

John S. Arnett was born in Moscow, Cedar county, Iowa, March 25, 1839. When a year and a half old his father died, and his mother returned to her former home in Illinois, where her son John received his early education and grew to young manhood.

When twenty-three years old he voluntarily offered his life to preserve the Union and enlisted in the Civil War, being a member of Co. H. 77th regiment, Illinois Infantry. He served his country for three years from 1862 until he was mustered out in 1865 taking part in 13 battles, the most famous of which was the siege of Vicksburg, where he was under fire for forty days and forty nights, Black River campaign, Buzzard's Rush and the battle of Red River.

Two years after his discharge Mr. Arnett came to Iowa, settling near the home of his birth in Cedar county until 1879 when he moved to Webster county and settled on a farm. Later he lived in Poweshiek county, then came to Story county. A few years later he went to Fort Dodge and was actively engaged for many years in teaming.

For thirty-eight years he had been an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 236, Fort Dodge, Iowa. Being of a genial, cordial disposition he always was glad to make new friends and welcomed old friends and welcomed old friends. He thoroughly enjoyed attending his Camp meetings and all patriotic gatherings, and at the time of his passing was Post Commander.

By his marriage to Miss Margaret Herald five children were born, Frank, Alva, Lulu, Charles and Margaret May. Mr. Arnett has been making his home with his son Alva, 602 5th Ave. South, Fort Dodge, and until the first of the year enjoyed his usual good health, since then he has not been so active On Monday morning, February 4 he was stricken with heart attack, while walking about the room. At 11 o'clock he peacefully passed away at the age of 95 years, 10 months and 9 days He is survived by and will be missed by his daughter Mrs. B. M. Tullar of Fort Dodge, three sons, Alva and Chas., of Fort Dodge and Frank of Nevada, Iowa. Also two step-children Mrs. M. McKenna and Ray Knapp of Kansas City. Three years ago his daughter Mrs. Margaret May Shufflebotham preceded him in death.