Phillip Chaffin (1842-1894)

CHAFFIN, RUMNANS

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/28/2005 at 10:19:36

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, May 10, 1894, page 1, column 4. "Obituary. - CHAFFIN. - Died at his home two miles south-west of Maxwell, May 4th, 1894, Phillip Chaffin, aged 51 years, 10 months 16 days. He was born in Ross Co. Ohio, June 20th, 1842. The family moved to McDonough Co. Ill., where he grew up and where he enlisted as a private in Co. C. 78th Ill. Infantry, Sept. 1st 1862. He was discharged June 7th 1865, on account of the close of the war, having seen much hard service, as he was with Sherman most of the time in his long marches, and in many hard-fought battles. He was a faithful soldier, and true to every duty, and was honorably discharged. September 8th, 1867, he was married to Mildred Rumnans. She died August 23rd, 1872, leaving him with three small boys. September 9th 1874, he was married to Jane Rumnans. They came to Iowa later and settled on the present homestead in Story county. Mrs. C. was removed by death Nov. 26th, 1888, leaving five daughters and one son as the result of the second marriage. Mr. C. continued to live quietly with his children in the home, giving them all the attention and care possible. He was very much attached to home and seldom went out except when called by business. He was devoted to his family and warmly attached to his friends, especially his army comrades. He was very quiet in his life, being a man of few words, but his word was as good as his bond. For years he had been out of health, but continued to work on his farm until the early part of last winter, when he became so bad that he went to Nevada and spent several weeks receiving treatment and even underwent a surgical operation, but to no avail. He returned home and took to his bed, and after weeks of suffering, passed away. Everything possible was done for him, but it could not bring relief. The funeral took place on Sunday, May 6th, in the C. P. church, Rev. R. A. Ferguson conducting the services, assisted by Rev. G. L. Wilson of Nevada and Rev. John Doty. Mr. Chaffin had joined Ewing Post, No. 305, G. A. R., March 2-th 1884. His comrads** escorted the remains to the church and thence to the cemetery. The church was very much crowded. As the procession entered the choir chanted a solumn** requiem in low sweet tones. The music throughout was very appropriate, and deeply impressed the audience. One of the affecting scenes of the funeral was the presence of the old battle scared veterans, whose ranks are being thinned and broken every year by the hand of death. Another was the sight of the still comparatively small children, now with a father or a mother. A coincidence was the fact, as related, that Rev. Ferguson was the officiating minister, was present, Dec. 5th, 1863, when Gen. Sherman crossed the Little Tennessee river, on his forced march to the relief of Gen'l. Burnside, who was being beseiged** by Longstreet, in Knoxville. Mr. Chaffin being with Gen'l. Sherman at the time. The remains were borne from the church to the cemetery and laid beside those of his wife. Mr. Chaffin's aged parents are yet living and reside in Webster county, Nebraska. There are brothers and sisters living in different parts of the country. Much sympathy is felt for all the bereaved ones, and it is to be hoped that a deep interest may be taken in the welfare of the children." "CARD OF THANKS. - The children of the late Phillip Chaffin wish to express their sincere thanks to their neighbors and friends, for the sympathy and kindness shown them in the sickness and death of their father, and assure all that they will not forget." **Editorial note - spelling, grammar and punctuation used are from the original newspaper article.