ELLGEN, Walter 1877-1898

ELLGEN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 2/14/2023 at 00:18:54

Walter Ellgen
(January 28, 1877 – September 11, 1898)

Northwood Anchor, Northwood, Iowa, Tuesday, April 4, 1899, p.4, col.3
Walter Ellgen
Worth County’s Only Victim in the Spanish-American War Now Rests in Northwood Cemetery
The remains of Walter Ellgen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ellgen, arrived at Bolan a week ago today. Funeral services were held at Bolan last Thursday forenoon and the remains were brought to Northwood for burial. Rev. Hodges of Kensett conducted the funeral services. A Goodly number of the Kensett Woodmen lodge, of which deceased was a member, attended the funeral in a body, and Northwood’s soldier boys, Hundeby, Torgerson, Kunath, and Gullickson acted as escorts. It was intended to have the band escort the remains through town and to the cemetery, but a delayed telegram spoiled the plans.
Walter Ellgen was born at Bolan, Iowa, Jan. 28, 1877. He was educated in the common schools of Worth County and worked on his father’s farm until March 1898, when he went to St. Paul and enlisted in the regular army, being assigned to Co. D, Third U.S. Infantry. On April 15th his regiment was sent to Mobile, Ala., to be in readiness to go to Cuba when needed. It was transferred a little later to Tampa, Fla., and there it embarked for Santiago de Cuba, and landed at Berraco Point, ten of twelve miles east of Santiago, June 21st. Walter was with his regiment in the battles at El Caney and Santiago, and was present at the surrender, going through the fights without receiving a scratch. On Aug. 28th the Third Infantry had arrived at Montauk Point, Long Island and was in camp. Walter was taken sick and died in the camp hospital Sept. 11, the day his regiment started on the return trip to St. Paul. His body was buried at Montauk Point, but was removed to the Cypress Hill National Cemetery at Brooklyn.
Mr. Herman Ellgen, father of the dead boy, made application to the proper authorities to have the body sent home and was notified that his request would be complied with as soon as possible, and the remains arrived at Rolan last Tuesday, all expenses being paid by the government. Strict orders were given against opening the casket, and they were compiled with. The casket was a very nice one, strong and durable, well finished and far more expensive than we supposed the government furnished.
Mr. Ellgen informs The Anchor that his near neighbors and the people in general have been most kind, sympathetic and helpful to him and family since their bereavement, and he desires to thank them one and all. He also feels under obligations to the Northwood soldier boys and the Kensett Woodmen for their soldierly and neighborly interest taken in their departed comrade and neighbor.
It was not the writer’s privilege to have a personal acquaintance with Walter Ellgen, but those who knew him well inform us that he was grand young man, generous and companionable – one who was popular because his conduct and habits were pleasing. When he offered his services to his country it was not a time when there seemed no prospect of being place in danger. War was assured, and he knew, as well all did, that the United States and Spain must fight, and that lives must be sacrificed. He died for his country. If there is anything that can in a measure cheer the hearts of the sorrowing parents and brothers it is the knowledge that Walter was a gallant soldier and that he gave up his life for a cause that was just. The Anchor extends its sincerest sympathy to the bereaved family.