Iowa Old Press
Western College Reporter
Western College, Linn County, Iowa
April 1, 1862
OBITUARY
Died on Monday, March 17th, Grace Tallman, youngest child of
Benj. Tallman, aged 10 months and 5 days.
For of such is the kingdom of heaven.
ANOTHER GONE
We are sorry to learn that our friend B. F. Jacobs of Shueyville,
Johnson County, Iowa, is no more. He was killed at the Battle of
Pittsburgh Landing, Tennessee. B. F. Jacobs was a good citizen
and brave soldier, he fought valiantly in the Battle of Ft.
Donelson and came off unhurt, but fell at the Battle of
Pittsburgh Landing and now fills a hero’s grave. Our heart
sickens when we think of the sorrow his untimely death brings
upon his lonely wife and dear little children. We know what our
heart has suffered for the loss of a dear son, and we think we
can sympathize with theses afflicted friends, but that we suppose
it is impossible for us to enter fully into the feelings of his
dear companion. God sustain and bless her, and bless her little
children.
Obituary
David H. Alexander, of the 6th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, died Feb.
23d, 1862, at his father’s residence in Oxford Township,
Johnson County, Iowa, of lung fever and dropsy, aged 24 years, 6
months and 9 days. He was sick ten days in the hospital at
Tipton, Missouri, receiving no medicine. He applied for a
furlough which he received and started home alone; but becoming
so disabled with dropsy in his feet, he was five days and nights
getting home. Had he been assisted properly, the trip could have
been made in two days; but he was not able to change cars in time
alone. Two days and nights after his arrival at home he was
called to rest. He died easy, confiding in Jesus. The funeral
sermon was preached by Brother Cary, Methodist Minister, from
Matthew, 25th, chapter, and 13th verse. The Union flag was draped
in mourning and placed over the coffin, with six men seated in
front with musket in hand. After an impressive sermon, a large
concourse of people proceeded to the graveyard to deposit the
remains of one that had nobly sacrificed his life for the good of
his country. He was buried with the honors of war. The deceased
was a member of the company that drilled in Western last summer
under command of Col. Shuey. With true patriotism he enlisted in
the army last July, feeling willing to die on the field of battle
if need be for his country. But alas! Like many of our best
soldiers, he died from want of proper care in sickness.
Obituary
William A. Weaver, aged 21 years, 10 months and 23 days, son of
President S. Weaver of this place, and till called by his country
a student at Western College, afterward a member of the 14th
Regiment, Iowa Volunteers, on Saturday March 22nd was detached
from the army of his country, to serve in that bright throng
which surrounds his great Commander and King above.
In his death we lost a faithful student and valued friend, and
our country one of its noblest defenders. When the call was made
for men willing to risk their lives in defense of liberty, ever
ready, he stepped boldly forward, though the sacrifice was great;
he had much to bind him to home; his parents, brothers and
sisters, all beloved he bid farewell, and with a true
Christian’s patriotic heart, he went out to battle for the
right. He was in the thickest of the fight at Ft. Donelson, and
from that point pushed on to Savannah, Tennessee with his
Regiment where he was taken sick, of Typhoid fever, and breathed
his last in the hospital.
We have yet but few particulars of his last sickness and death,
but feel confident from our knowledge of his character while with
us that his end was that of the Christian, and that he is now
where trouble and sorrow can never reach him, a bright spirit in
glory.
[transcribed by K.W., July 2009 & Nov. 2010]