Simonton , Silas A. (1842 - 1926)

SIMONTON, TURNER, ALDEN, STRUTZ

Posted By: Jim Pearson (email)
Date: 7/9/2004 at 00:53:11

1883[???] Obituray of Silas A. Simonton
Submitted by: Jim Pearson
Transcribed from original Iowa newspaper article

LATE ATLANTIC MAN
HAD REMARKABLE
CIVIL WAR RECORD

S. A. Simonton Was Wounded
Three Times and Served
Term in Libby Prison

A civil war record of more than passing interest was that of the late Silas A. Simonton, former Atlantic man, descendant of John Alden and well known veteran of the historic conflict, who passed away at his home here this week. Not only did he serve for a time during the war in the historic Libby prison, undergoing the hardships of that Bastille, but in the nearly four years he served he was wounded three times and was in many of the conflict's worst engagements. He was a member of company B, 42nd Illinois infantry, and enlisted July 28, 1861. He was born in Portland Me., March 5, 1842, and when a young man moved to Henry county IL. where he enlisted. He got a taste of the horrors of war at Farmington, Miss., December 31, 1862; Stone Ridge, Tenn., September 19, 1863; Missionary Ridge, May 24, 1864; the siege of Atlanta, August 28, 1864; Lovejoy Station, November 29, 1864 and Franklin, GA., December 12, 1864.

He was wounded at Stone Ridge, Tenn., at Pine Tree Creek, GA., and at Lovejoy Station, GA.

Refused to Quit

He was honorably discharged from the service at the expiration of his term of service, September 16, 1864, but refused to quit and was in several engagements after his discharge.

Married in 1868

After leaving the service he went back to Illinois and was married to Clarissa Ann Turner, November 4, 1868. To this union four children were born - George lives in Atlantic, Mrs. Bertha E. Strutz also resides in ... infancy and James B. lives at Cedar Rapids.

The family came to Cass County in 1872 and located on a farm south of Anita. In 1880 they moved to Atlantic where they have since resided.

The wife and mother passed away March 13, 1920.

Descendant of John Alden

He was a direct descendant of John Alden, being in the eighth generation from the famous colonial hero. Mr. Simonton lived a quiet, simple life but was honored and respected by a large circle of friends and neighbors. Although having passed thru hard experiences in the army and in the pioneer days, yet his health was unusually good through the years and his last illness lasted but five days. He passed away Monday, January 18, at the advanced age of 84 years, 10 months and 13 days.