Willial Jepth Hudgel

HUDGEL POLLY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 9/22/2010 at 17:35:51

History of Woodbury County, Iowa 1984

W J Hudgel
By Marjorie Hudgel Loyd, granddaughter

William Jeptha Hudgel was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 25, 1840, the son of Thomas and Ellen Hudgel. When ten years of age, he moved to Auglaze County, Ohio, and in 1856 to the new frontier in Clark County, Iowa.

W J Hudgel married Priscilla Victoria Polly, only daughter of Dr Samuel and Anna Polly, on August 22, 1861. They moved to Monona County in 1872, where they lived until they moved to Sloan in Woodbury County in 1888. He lived here until his death July 12, 1938, at the age of 97.

Six children were born to William and Priscilla. One daughter died in infancy. Those children surviving their father were Austin E, Richard, Nora Archer, Jessie and Maude.

Mr Hudgel served under Col. Cummings and his Corps Commander, General Logan. He was with Sherman on the march to the sea and while Sherman was moving northward from South Carolina to Richmond. Mr Hudgel was shot in the neck by a revolver ball and severely wounded. He bore the effects of the wound until his death.

He enlisted for service on August 13, 1862, in Company D, 39th Iowa Infantry, at Osceola, Iowa, and on his September 25th birthday for Des Moines and joined this unit. He was honorably discharged from the service on May 25, 1865, in Davenport, Iowa.

W J became interested in Bible study under the teaching of his comrade Jake Smith, and while in the service of this country, identified himself with the Church of Christ. His faith in God and God’s plan for redemption for man increased as the years went by and was exemplified by constant service to the Church throughout the years.

A beautiful and impressive military service was presented by the cooperation of various military organizations including the GAR, Hancock Post, Sons of Union Veterans, Relief Corps, Daughters of Union Veterans from Sioux City, Iowa, as well as the combined posts of the American Legion from Sloan, Whiting and Anthon.

W J passed away on July 12, 1939; Priscilla Polly Hudgel passed away October 6, 1931.