William Scott FLOWER

FLOWER, NELSON, WADDELL, MEAD, OPHEIM

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/11/2016 at 15:52:23

February 15, 1846 ---- January 5, 1930

William Scott Flower was born on Feb. 15, 1846 in Romeo, Mich., where he lived until he was 17 years of age and then moved to Dyersville, Iowa.

The Civil war was being waged at this time. In 1863 he enlisted in the army and was attached to the 31st Iowa infantry of The Army of the Tennessee. Although but a mere boy, he saw some very active service. He served under Gen. Grant for a time. He was in the battles at Chattanooga. He was with Gen. Sherman in his march to the sea. When the war was over he was in the great review in Washington where he was mustered out. He was never wounded but a bullet struck the great buckle that the soldiers wore and he was knocked down. The buckle undoubtedly saved his life.

After his discharge he returned to Story county, Iowa, where he began work in a grist mill. On March 8, 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Nelson. They moved to Excellisor in Mahaska county, Iowa, where he took charge of the water works for the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. They moved to Eagle Grove 41 years ago when Mr. Flower started to work as a machinist for the C. & N. W. He quit this business and started a dray line. The last position that he held before retiring from work was that of janitor at the library.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Flower: Mrs. Rhoda H. Waddell, Mrs. Julia Mead, Will J. all of Eagle Grove, Mrs. Myrtle Opheim of Thor, Paul and Walter S. of Eagle Grove.

Mr. Flower was converted in the Lowery meetings and united with the Methodist church in 1908 during the pastorate of Rev. C. E. Chapier. He has been a faithful Christian and a regular attendant at church and Sunday school up until the time of his death. He was a familiar figure on the streets of Eagle Grove. He will be missed much because of his regularity in his habits of life. He was kind and loving to his wife of many years, who will miss him more than anyone else. He had, it seemed, a greater interest in the welfare of his family than the most of aged people. They had their family gatherings which were attended and enjoyed by them all.

Mr. Flower was a member of the G. A. R. Post No. 465. He was the last of the "old soldiers" to be seen walking our streets. Decoration day always found him on the streets and in the parade. Some very interesting and beautiful things are remembered of him in connection with those beautiful services for the Civil war veterans which time and space prevents us from telling here. For eight years he was chairman of the Wright County Pension association.

He passed away after a very brief illness at 1:20 a. m., Jan. 5, 1930, at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 20 days. He leaves to mourn their loss, his wife and family already mentioned, and 13 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in the M. E. church on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1930. W. G. Muhleman preached the sermon from the text found in 2nd Tim. 4:6. Mr. Flower was given a military funeral. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, IA
January 9, 1930

Source: Paul Wilde