McMartin, Willis C. -- 1868 - 1900

MCMARTIN

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 1/14/2005 at 22:32:02

Willis Chester McMartin was born in Bloomfield Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, Jan. 10, 1868, and died at Manila, P.J., Feb. 10, 1900, aged 32 years and one month. At his country's call for volunteers he enlisted in the 45th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Sept. 7th, 1899. He was ordered to Ft. Snelling, Minn., and assigned to Co. G. He was promoted to corporal and left Ft. Snelling for Manilla, Oct. 22, 1899, going by way of San Francisco and Honolulu. they dropped anchor in Manila Bay, Dec. 21st, 1899. Soon after arriving at Manila, his company was ordered to the front, and after twenty days' pursuit, came upon and defeated the enemy after an engagement of three hours duration. Willis was stricken with malaria fever in a few days after this engagement and died in the army hospital at Manila on the above named date. Strange hands, directed by human sympathy, ministered to him in his last hours, closed his eyes in death, and started the body on its long journey of more than 8,000 miles to the home of his dear ones. The remains were received at Castalia, Tuesday, April 24th , and funeral services were held at the United Brethern church on Wednesday at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Barton, of Postville. The little town and surrounding country were not wanting in respect for the fallen soldier. The stores were closed; the liberty pole displayed its flag at half mast, and the church was profusely decorated with bunting and flowers. And a large number of people, many more than could gain entrance to the little chapel, attended the services. The "Modern Woodmen", of which fraternity the deceased was an honored member, sent delegations from Decorah, Ossian and Postville, while the local camp were all present. Rev. Dickinsheets offered prayer at the church, and at the grave the Woodmen rendered their impressive burial service. In the course of his remarks, Rev. Barton said: "It matters little what you and I may think as to the righteousness or unrighteousness of our present war in the Phillippine Islands, he was true to his country's call, and I say of him today as Gen. B.F. Butler said of our immortal Lincoln, "He died in the fullness of his fame." And, though it waas in the hospital, it was just as much in his country's cause as though he had gone down in the thickest of the fray. Soldier, rest, your battles have been fought. Your warfare is over. Yours is a most honorable discharge, and henceforth your name shall appear among those whose memory our country will hold most dear. No more weary days in camp, hospital or prison pen. No more weary marching, hunger, or fatigue. No more nights on picket duty, or sleeping on the damp ground with only the canopy of heaven for a covering. You will not drink again of the tepid water of the gray canteen, but may you drink freely of the great river of life, which, clear as crystal, flows out from the throne of God. You will not appear again in military review, but may you appear in the grand review of the heavenly soldier. It was not yours to return to dear ones to relate the thrilling incidents of army life, but may it be yours to welcome them to that better land where wars do not disturb, and no soldier has to die to defend the right. Sleep now and take your rest. You will not again respond to the first bugle call of the eternal morning. Enshrined in the flag you died to protect, we place your body in the tender bosom of Mother Earth, and commend your spirit to the God of battles."

-source: Postville Review [Allamakee co.] May 5, 1900
-transcriber is not related