George W. Meredith 1838-1903

MEREDITH, ROBB, KEHKOPF

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/18/2001 at 09:23:42

George W. Meredith was born in Bentonsport, Iowa, Oct. 4th, 1838 and died at his home in Bonaparte, Iowa, Thursday afternoon, Dec. 17th, 1903, having reached the age of 65 years, 2 months and 13 days. His early life was spent in and around Bentonsport and here he grew to noble manhood. At the breaking out of the rebellion, he evinced a desire to show his love for his country by participating in its struggles, so on Aug. 14th, 1862 he enlisted, and was mustered into the U.S. Service at Keokuk, Ia., August 25 as corporal of Co. D 19th Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The Regiment was assigned to 2nd Division, 13th Corps, Army of Frontier and he participated in the following engagements: Prairie Grove, Ark., Dec. 7, 1862; Capture of Van Buren, Dec. 21-27, '62; Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4, '63; Yazoo Expedition, July 12-21 '65; Sterling Farm, Sept. 29, '63. At the latter place he was captured and confined in prison at Tyler, Texas and for 10 months he endured and suffered all the horrors of life. At the expiration of this time he was exchanged and rejoined his regiment and put on detached service; sent home on recruiting service for 3 months. In Dec. 1864, he proceeded to Florida where he performed guard and garrison duty; later went to Alabama and took part in the campaign against Mobile, from March 25, to April 9, '65. He was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 1, 1865, having mourn the blue for almost 3 years or until the war was over. Ever since he has manifested a deep love for his old regiment and for his old comrades.

He was a loyal member of the Vernon at G. A R. Post and nothing gave him greater pleasure than to partake of their different services and to talk over events of the past. It is true that a strong tie of friendship binds the hearts of our soldiers together and none manifested this more than did Mr. Meredith. He lamented the thinning ranks of the "Boys" as they have been dropping out "one by one" but now he in turn will be greatly missed by those who are left and today they are sorrowing because of his departure.

Soon after his return home at the close of the war, or on Sept. 25th, 1865, he was united in marriage to Mary I. Robb and together they began life's journey, settling on a farm south of Vernon. Here they lived for years and then they removed to Vernon, where in 1889 Mrs. Meredith died. Two children, Clyde and Harve were entrusted to them but both preceded them to the Home beyond, Clyde dying in infancy and Harve in his 18th year. Sept. 14, 1892 he was married to his now bereaved wife, Ann H. Kehkopf. One child, a baby boy, came into this home to brighten it only for a few days and then it winged its flight to back to Heaven.

Six years ago last April, he moved to Bonaparte and here he erected a cozy little home and has lived ever since. He has made many warm friends during his lifetime and all loved and respected him for his sterling qualities. His last sickness was of short duration, although he has been poorly for some time. In the early fall he began having promontory signs of paralysis and three weeks ago was smitten down, with that disease. At first he lost the use of his left hand but he kept getting worse slowly and surely and soon he became comparatively helpless. He suffered much and constantly but withal he made strong efforts towards regaining his health. All was done that loving hands could do but it was of no avail. The Death Angel came and he was again mustered out of the service; honorably discharged from the battles of life to enter a life of rest and peace without sufferings or sorrowings.

During the pastorate of Rev. Weese, in the little old church at Vernon he was converted and united with the M. E. Society at that place. He love the church and its work and upheld it loyally. He has been closely identified with the church life in Bonaparte ever since his residence here and he is going to be greatly missed by the church. The same principles that dominated his life as Uncle Sam's soldier were shown in his life as a Christian soldier. Truly it can be said of him, "he has fought a good fight; he has finished his course and there is now laid up for him a crown of rejoicing which the Lord giveth to them who love him."

Besides a host of friends he leaves to mourn their loss, a wife, two brothers and other relatives but their eyes are turned heavenward and they are looking hopefully and expectantly towards a brighter day when they shall see him face to face.

Yes we say "good bye" with bitter tears
Yet at some time in the coming years
We'll meet, and in the words most wondrous sweet
This loved one dear again we'll greet.
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Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA