Grasley, Oley ([1833]-1895)

GRASLEY

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/18/2011 at 18:34:44

Oley Grasley
[1833]-May 16, 1895

At his home in Mt. Valley township on Thursday, May 16, 1895, Oley Grasley, age about sixty-two years.

The deceased was a native of Norway and was born in the land of the Vikings about the year 1833. He emigrated [sic] to this country in his early manhood, settling in the state of Wisconsin, and came to this county shortly after the close of the war. Capt. Grasley served with credit in the Union Army during the war as a member of the 15th Wisconsin. He was twice promoted for bravery on the battlefield and was captain of his company when the war closed. It is said that there was not a veteran in Iowa who had a better record as a soldier than Capt. Grasley.

Oley Grasley was a victim of circumstances—circumstances which in later years cast a shadow over his life. His was one of those peculiar instances in which a good man becomes his own worst enemy, and the hero who had conquered numberless enemies on the battlefield could not conquer one foe in single combat at home. But far above this weakness shines the grandeur of his early years. The splendor of his military career and the memory of his first manhood, and banishes, as we stand by his bier, all thoughts save of these alone. Drop gently the rail of charity over his error and leave to posterity only the memory of the man, the soldier, the neighbor and the friend.

The funeral was held Sunday at Dahl’s church, and was one of the largest ever held in the county, nearly seven hundred people being present. A delegation from the G. A. R. Post of this city was in attendance and helped lay the remains of their departed comrade to rest. Rev. I. M. Dahl conducted the services and spoke in the Scandinavian language. Prof. Glasoe spoke in English and Dr. W. M. Jones spoke in behalf of the G. A. R. The remains were consigned to their last long resting place in the beautiful cemetery adjoining the church. Peace be to his ashes and honor to his memory.

“Grasley.” THE INDEPENDENT. Forest City, IA: 23 May 1895, p. 3.