McMartin, Willis 1868 – 1900

MCMARTIN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/21/2020 at 16:55:00

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 22, 1900 P 6 C 4

In the list of casualties cabled by Gen. Otis in to-day’s (Wednesday) daily papers we note the following:—“Malarial fever, Feb. 10, Willis McMartin, corporal, G. 45th infantry.” Willis went from here last fall and enlisted in the 45th at St. Paul, and only recently arrived at the seat of war. The news produced a profound shock in our community as the last heard from him, but a few days since, he was well and hearty. He was the only one to enlist from this township and left in high spirits in the hope of a speedy return; but this was not to be, as he was cut down in the performance of duty in upholding the flag of his country. We deeply sympathize with those near and dear to him by the ties of nature.

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 26, 1900 P 6 C 2

The body of Willis C. McMartin, late corporal of Co, G, 45th Volunteers, who died of malarial fever near Manila Feb. 10th, 1900, arrived here Thursday and the funeral will occur to-day (Wednesday) at the U B. church, the M. W. A. having charge of the body. The funeral sermon will be preached by Rev. Barton, of Postville. The church is very nicely draped and it is expected there will be a large funeral, as it is the first soldier who has been brought here to be interred. Willis is the only one who went from this township to the late war, and it is to be regretted the sad fate which befell him, but he felt it to be his duty to protect the old flag and died at the post of duty. He was very popular among his young associates, always kind and obliging in sickness. All unite in expressions of sympathy for the bereaved family.

Source: Decorah Republican May 3, 1900 P 4 C 4

OBITUARY.
Willis Chester McMartin was born in Bloomfield township, Winnesheik county Iowa, Jan. 10, 1868, and died at Manilla, P l, Feb. 10, 1900, aged 32 years and 1 month.
At his country's call he enlisted in the 45th U. S. Volunteer Infantry, Sept. 7th, 1899. He was ordered to Fort Snelling, Minn., and assigned to Company G, promoted to corporal, and left Fort Snelling for Manila Oct, 22d, 1899, going by way of San Francisco and Honolulu. The ship dropped anchor in Manila Bay, Dec. 21st.
Soon after arriving at Manilla 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 malarial fever in a few days after this engagement and died in the army hospital at Manila on the above named date.
Stranger 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 Brethren 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; 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 obsequies.
The "Modern Woodmen," of which the deceased was an honored member, sent delegations from Decorah, Ossian and Postville, while the local {illegible) were all present. Rev. Dickensheets 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:— “Willis McMartin was true to his country's call, and I can 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 was in hospital it was in 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 precious. 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 soldiery.
"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 on now and take your rest! You will not again respond to taps but may you 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.”

Bloomfield Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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