Mahlon S. Wilson

WILSON, MOORE, WEINY, TETTER

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/10/2001 at 06:38:54

From the Milton Herald February 5, 1902
MAHLON S. WILSON
Comrade Mahlon Stacey Wilson was born in Morgan County, Ohio, September 24, 1833. When a youth of nearly 14, he immigrated with his parents to what was then the wild west, the family settling in Jackson Township, Van Buren County Iowa, in the spring of 1847. Here Mahlon grew to manhood and continued on the Jackson Township farm until the year 1853, when he went to Kansas. There were troublesome days in Kansas and the cause of the trouble, slavery, soon threatened the integrity of the Union. His country needed defenders and on August 16th, 1862, Mahlon enlisted in the first Kansas battery. He remained in the service for nearly three years, or until the close of the war. History tells that the 1st Kansas battery was in many bloody engagements and did effective work for the union cause. It is safe to say that there was no better soldier in that historical battery than Mahlon S. Wilson. Proof of this may be found in his draped home today, in a cherished medal presented to him for personal bravery and gallant conduct in the field. No doubt he appreciated this worthy mark of distinction, but as showing his unostentatious and unselfish nature, we doubt if but few people in Keosauqua, who knew him so long have ever seen or heard of that medal of honor. After being honorably discharged on May 30, 1865, he returned to his old home in Van Buren County Iowa, and on July 7, 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Moore. In the spring of 1878, they moved to Keosauqua where they continued to live until his death, January 29, 1902. Many years ago he discovered that a subtle enemy had fastened itself upon his system. It proved to be a cancer near his right eye. As time advanced this malicious malady became more and more encroaching, destroyed the right eye and continued its spread in spite of all medical skill. His last few years were that of torture but he never complained. He knew that the malady was relentless and in a masterful conspiracy with certain death. Yet he was cheerful and avoided, as much as could be, burdening his friends with his own immediate misery. He was of a congenial and social disposition and enjoyed life, but even harassed as he was by the mark of death, he always strove to make life enjoyable for his more fortunate friends, comrades and companions. His sad taking away leaves a sorrowing wife, three sisters and two brothers. Of the brothers and sisters, George M. Wilson and Mrs. Julia Weiny, both of Bloomfield, helped comfort their brother in his last days. Those detained at their homes by distance and ill health are: Mrs. Amanda Teeter of Spokane Washington; Miss Anna Wilson of Bloomfield Iowa and David L. Wilson in Australia when last heard from.
To those bereaved members of the stricken family, in behalf of a large circle of friends, and in behalf of Harper Post, G.A.R. of which our bother was a member, we extend the hand of sympathy, together with the consoling thought that the memory of Mahlon S. Wilson will ever be fragrant with the suggestion of a loving husband, and compassionate brother, a brave comrade and useful citizen.
This person is not a relative.