James P. Martin(1847-1949)
James P. Martin Dies; Was Near 102
Was Iowa's Last Civil War Veteran; Impressive Rites to Be Held Friday
James P. Martin, 101, Iowa's last Civil War veteran and G.A.R. member answered the final roll call Tuesday afternoon at 2:20, when he passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elsie Hill, with whom he has lived for the past several years. His condition had become steadily worse since Sunday, when he last took nourishment. He had been bedfast for many weeks.
Mr. Martin, who was installed as Commander of the Iowa Department of the G. A. R. in April 1947, having served as vice commander prior to that time, will be accorded full military honors by the American Legion Post at funeral services to be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Methodist church. For Mr. Martin will also be conducted the last G. A. R. funeral rites in the state, according to Miss Amy Noll of Des Moines, secretary of the Iowa Department of the G. A. R. The services will be in charge of the Sons of Union Veterans.
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Legionnaires Meet at 1:45
All Legion members are asked to meet at the Legion Hall at 1:45 p.m. Friday to attend the services.
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Abiff lodge A. F. & A. M. will also conduct Masonic funeral rites for Mr. Martin, who has been a member for 62 years.
Alvin J. Nicholson, pastor of the Church of Christ, assisted by Rev. W. L. Rowse of the Methodist church, will have charge of the services, directed by the Baumgarten Funeral Home. The body will lie in state at the Baumgarten Funeral Home until shortly before time for the funeral and a brief prayer service will be held at the funeral home for the family before the services at the church. Burial will be in Waterman Cemetery.
Gov. Beardsley To Attend
Gov. William Beardsley, with other state dignitaries, and state officials of patriotic organizations are expected to attend the services.
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Stores to Close All business places will be closed Friday afternoon from 1 p. m. until after the funeral.
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Death of Mr. (Grandpa) Martin brings to a close more than a centuring of living of a soldier, pioneer, adventurer, farmer and family man. Sutherland paid tribute to him last year, Nov. 10, 1948, with a special community program when he observed his 101st birthday.
Born in Scotland of Scotch parents Nov. 10,1847, he came to America when a lad of 5 years, living with his parents In Wisconsin until after the Civil War. He homesteaded in Kansas and was married to Mary Elizabeth Brady at LeRoy Kansas, in 1870. After farming in Wisconsin until 1886, Mr. Martin brought his family to O'Brien County, Iowa, and established his home, continuing to live here until his death.
Enlisted at 16
He was but a lad of 16 when he enlisted in Company H of the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery on September 22, 1864. He was stationed at Ft. Lyon, Virginia, and was on sentry duty outside the Capital the night President Lincoln was assassinated, and was one of those by whom the tragedy was relayed along the line. He was discharged from service June 26, 1865.
Has 87 Living Descendants
Mr. Martin has 87 living descendants. His wife preceded him in death in 1917, a daughter, Mrs. Olive Dowling, in 1938, and a son Fred in 1946. His survivors include his three sons and three daughters: William R., Kallspel, Mont., James B, Hoquiam, Wash., Mrs. R. E. Lampman, Merced Falls, Calif., Clyde A., Calumet, Mrs. Elsie Hill and Mrs. Mary Thiessen, both of Sutherland; also 28 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.From Sutherland Courier September 22, 1949
