GEN. J. M. TUTTLE

TUTTLE, CONNER, MEEK, WEST

Posted By: Volunteer - Marion John Rice
Date: 1/16/2002 at 12:56:14

TUTTLE, GEN. J. M.-A native of Summerville, Monroe county (now Noble county), Ohio. Was born on the 24th of September, 1823, and prior to his tenth year attended school in Fayette county, Indiana, and afterward, until he attained his twentieth year, when he began life for him self, his time was employed in assisting his father. Removing to the West in the spring of 1846, he settled at Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa, and there engaged in the mercantile trade and farming. In 1855 he was elected Sheriff of the county and two years later County Treasurer, being re-elected in 1859. At the opening of the civil war he raised a company of volunteers and was elected captain of the same, but such was the rapidity with which the call for troops was filled that the company was not called into the service until May 27, 1861, when it was assigned to the Second regiment Iowa infantry volunteers. While quartered at Keokuk Capt. Tuttle was elected lieutenant-colonel, and on the 6th of September, 1861, succeeded Col. Curtis to the rank of colonel, that officer having been promoted brigadier general. At the battles of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh Col. Tuttle displayed marked courage and self-possession, and made a record that placed him in the front ranks of Iowa's brave soldiers. During the fall and winter of 1862 he held command of the forces at Cairo, but in the spring of 1863 was assigned the command of a division of Gen. Sherman's corps. He was an active participant in the campaign against Vicksburg and in the capture of Jackson, Mississippi. He rendered efficient service in the army until the fall of 1864, when he was mustered out. Settling at Des Moines in the ensuing autumn he was engaged in farming for two years and since that time has been largely interested in pork packing. In 1871 he was elected a member of the State Legislature and served one term. As a business man Gen. Tuttle is prompt and energetic; upright and honorable in all his dealings, he has secured the esteem of all with whom he has had to do. He has been twice married. First, September 22, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth J. Conner, of Fayette county, Indiana, who died September 21, 1851; and on the 17th of August, 1853, he was married to Laura M. Meek, daughter of Dr. S. G. Meek, of Farmington, Iowa. They have three children living: Laura (now Mrs. A. L. West), Mella and Joel. Lost two: George (died at Vicksburg), and Mary.

"The History of Polk County, Iowa" published by the Union Historical Company, Birdsall,
Williams & Co. 1880.