IAGenWeb Project - Clayton co.
updated 09/15/2023


Veterans of the
Indian Wars and Mexican War

....who lived, died or are buried in Clayton county, Iowa; along with a bit of historical background


A list of sources used to compile these names is at the bottom of the page. Record of service should always be independently verified by the researcher.

You can help make this list of soldiers a complete list - send the name of your ancestor to the Clayton co. coordinator, along with a brief description of service.

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Black Hawk War and other Indian Wars
United States troops participated in many wars with the Indians, including the Blackhawk wars of 1827 & 1832, Seminole Indian war (1835-1842), the Rogue River Wars (1855-1856), and thousands of others.

The 1832 Black Hawk War was a conflict between the Sac and Fox and the United States in 1832. It was the last armed resistance in the Midwest to cause federal removal of the eastern Indians beyond the Mississippi River.

The Second Seminole War, also known as the Florida War, was a conflict from 1835 to 1842 in Florida between various groups of Native Americans collectively known as Seminoles and the United States, part of a series of conflicts called the Seminole Wars. The Second Seminole War, often referred to as the Seminole War, was the most expensive Indian War fought by the United States.

The Indian Wars in the West include hundreds of battles and skirmishes fought between American troops and different Indian tribes between the 1860's and 1890's. The Indians resisted the American efforts to convert them from a nomadic way of life into a settled life as farmers. Out-numbered and out-gunned, the Indians fought fiercely and courageously against removal to reservations to no avail.

Mexican War
The Mexican or 'Mexican-American' war was an armed conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 following the 1845 U.S. annexation of Texas. Iowa Territory put together 12 companies of men although they never actually went to battle because other states supplied more than enough volunteers. At least two Iowa companies that mustered for the Mexican War had men who resided in Clayton county ... the Iowa Dragoons and the Mounted Volunteers.

Iowa Dragoons and Mounted Volunteers, Mexican War
Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers was mustered into the service of the United States at Fort Atkinson, Iowa, by Brevet Major Alexander Hooe of the Regular Army, Sept. 9, 1846. The company became part of the garrison at Fort Atkinson, furnishing mounted men for scouting purposes, watching the movements of the Winnebago Indians, and endeavoring to keep them within the limits of their reservation. The services of this company were determined to be unneeded, and they were mustered out on Nov. 5, 1846. The muster-out roll of the company shows that all of the Privates were enrolled at Garnavillo, Iowa Territory, by First Lieutenant Olmsted. The names & information on the list below who served with Capt. Parker's Dragoons are from the muster-out roster printed in the sourced book. Although never engaged in battle on the Texas-Mexican border, these veterans are considered Mexican War veterans. Several of the soldiers re-enlisted in Captain James M. Morgan's Iowa Mounted Volunteers.

Captain James M. Morgan's Company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers provided escort of the Winnebago Indians from the neutral strip in northern Iowa to a reservation in western Minnesota. A considerable portion of the tribe was objecting to removal to the new reservation, and were in rebellion. The Government Agent, J.E. Fletcher, had planned to move the Indians in a flotilla of canoes up the Mississippi River. Their belongings were loaded in wagons to be hauled to the river, but the Indians threw them out as fast as they could be loaded. A detachment of troops was sent from Fort Atkinson and arrived to find the Indians in a hostile frame of mind and conflict seemed imminent. Agent held a council with the principal chiefs and provided a feast for the entire tribe, thus averting the threatened conflict. The Indians agreed to march across to the river at Winona, under escort of Captain James M. Morgans company, and the cavalcade moved from Turkey River on June 8, 1848. The number of Indians was estimated from 2100 to 2,800. They were supplied with 166 wagons and 1600 ponies, 500 tents for the Indians and 100 for the soldiers, agency and mission people. The route was straight north until the Mississippi was struck at Wabasha Prairie (present site of Winona, Minn.). Before reaching that place, the Indian agent and Captain Morgan learned of a conspiracy between some of the Winnebago chiefs and a band of Sioux Indians, in which the Winnebagoes agreed to occupy a reservation adjoining that of the Sioux, and to proceed no farther. Captain Morgan sent for reinforcement troops from Fort Snelling and Fort Crawford, and the incipient revolt was crushed by the display of force. On July 30, 1848, the new reservation was reached at the mouth of the Watab River, near Sauk Rapids on the Mississippi. Captain Morgan's Company remained to keep order during construction of buildings until the first of September when he recieved orders to return. They marched to Fort Snelling, then conveyed by steamboat to McGregor's Landing, where they arrived on september 6th. They were mustered out of service on Sept 11, 1848. This gallant company had not realized its expectations of being sent to Mexico to engage in conflict with its country's foes, it had served honorably and bravely in the field to which it had been assigned.

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Anderson, David R. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 25. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62970 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company, Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to Eugene Moine, assigned 06/10/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 92N - Range 7W - Section 20, Fayette county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1069, page 457)
Armstrong, Thomas - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 23. Enrolled at Garnavillo. His 1882 biography states that after the close of the Mexican war he removed to Watertown, NY to practice law.
Arole, William P. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Atwood, Alexander B. - Co. H, 16th U.S. Infantry, serving until honorably discharged in 1848 after suffering a gunshot wound. His farm was in Boardman Grove. He died 08/14/1891 and is buried in the Patterson cemetery, Wagner twp. Obituary
Becker, Casper - Company E., First United States Infantry, under command of General Scott. He was stationed in Florida eight months, engaged in the Florida War in 1840. Served 5 years: in Florida, at Fort Crawford, Wis., Fort Atkinson & Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Discharged in 1845. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #5901 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Miller's company, 1st Regiment United States Infantry, Florida War", assigned 11/10/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 97N - Range 8W - Section 1, Winneshiek county, Iowa (GLO Vol 601, page 153). Died in 1896 and is buried in St. Joseph's cemetery, Garnavillo. Gravestone. Obituary
Blasdell, Benjamin - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 43. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Brown, Mathias Joseph - Died in 1885 and is buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery. Obituary
Brown, William - Private, Co. C, 1st Regiment, Maryland Infantry. Black Hawk War. Residence Giard.
Burkhead, Kintzing - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Burman, Daniel - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 19. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Cain, Jack Monteville - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62351 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to Frederick E. Bissell, 08/15/1850. Total of 160 acres in twp 86N - Range 4E - Section 12, Jackson county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1014, page 105).
Carlin, Daniel - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 24. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62777 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to Robert C. Powell, 06/10/1850. Total of 154.55 acres in twp 86N - Range 6W - Section 29, Linn county, Iowa (GLO Vol 997, page 209). Pension cert. #14697. He is enumerated on the 1850 U.S. census in Monona twp., Clayton co. with wife Martha A. & 1 y/o son Elton A. Birthplace given as IL. On the 1856 Iowa State census in Washington twp., Linn co. IA with Martha & Elton. Birthplace given as KY & years in Iowa are 22. The 1860 U.S. census in Polk twp., Benton co. IA with Martha & Elton. The 1870 U.S. census in Centerville, Linn co. IA with Martha. The 1880 U.S. census living in a bording house in Fayette, IA, birthplace: KY abt. 1830, occupation: RR worker, marital status: single. He died in Fayette co. in early December 1887. Burial place is unknown. Death notice
Carlin, James - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 23. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62342 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to George N. Rosier, 08/01/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 95N - Range 8W - Section 29, Fayette county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1081, page 234).
Case, Henry - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 40. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #65248 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", assigned 01/10/1853. Total of 160 acres in twp 97N - Range 5W - Section 13, Allamakee county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1103, page 11).
Chapman, James - "James Chapman, a veteran of the Mexican war, has received notice from the department that a pension of $8.00 per month since 1854 has been allowed him." ~Elkader Register, Oct 21, 1886, Volga news column. Note: he may have been a Captain in the 3rd Regiment Ohio Volunteers. Confirmation is needed.
Cooley, Andrew S. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 19. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62341: "Andrew S. Cooley (Junior) late a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", assigned 08/15/1850. Total of 160 acres in twp 93N - Range 3W - Section 14, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1014, page 154).
Cox, Samuel - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 38. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #64042 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to David L. Wilson, 02/13/1852. Total of 168/94 acres in Twp 85N - Range 10W - Section 4 and Twp 86N - Range 10W - Section 33; Benton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1096, page 2).
Daniels, James - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 18. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62981 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", assigned 12/01/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 93N - Range 3W - Sections 25 & 26, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1087, page 484).
Dickens, Edward G. 'Ned' - Private, Co. A., Illinois infantry, Black Hawk War. Residence McGregor. From the Elkader Register, 11/19/1891 "Uncile Ned Dickens, of North McGregor, has had his pension claim allowed, and has received $1,102. He will hereafter receive $12 per month." He died Jan. 17, 1904, and is buried in Council Hill cemetery. Gravestone. Obituary

Dolson, John Austin - Born 03/04/1828 in MO. He served as a Private in Capt. Moore's Company, Co. G, 2nd IL Infantry. Received Military Bounty Land for his service: land warrant #31177, for 160 acres in Section 34 Concord twp., Dubuque co. IA (GLO Vol 1013, pg 249). This land is just south of the Buena Vista twp. border. Pension #18899 for service in the Mexican War (Fold3). He removed to IA c1848. Married Lucretia Agnes Taylor 02/19/1849. In 1854 he is living in Union twp., Allamakee co. & in 1856 he is enumerated in Iowa twp., Allamakee; 1860 census, living in Buena Vista twp., Clayton co., Enlisted in the 21st IA Inf. during the Civil War. Died 02/19/1914 in Grand Island, NE, buried St. Patrick Catholic cem., North Platte, NE. Gravestone & Obituary

Dripps, Andrew William - served in the Mexican War commanding the Hollidaysburg Guards of the PA Militia. Also served in the Civil War and was killed at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #25445 for his service in the Mexican war as "... a Private in Captain Humphrey's company, 2nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers", assigned 08/15/1850. Total of 160 acres in twp 94N - Range 3W - Section 29, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1014, page 156)
Dripps, Thomas G.
Drips, Thomas G. - served during the Mexican War as an Orderly Sergeant. He also served in the Civil War. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #25433 for his service as "... a Sergeant in Captain Davis' company, 1st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers", assigned 08/15/1850. Total of 160 acres in twp 93N - Range 4W - Section 27, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1014, page 157). Died 12/27/1868 and is buried in the Eastside cemetery, Elkader. Obituary
Falconer, Alexander - Private, enrolled at Garnavillo with Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers at age 38. Re-enlisted July 15, 1847 in Captain J.M. Morgan's Company of Mounted Volunteers. Mustered out with Company Sept 11, 1848. He is also shown on the 1885 Ex-soldiers & sailors list as a Sergeant in Co. E, 1st Regiment, Infantry. Mexican war. Residence Elkader. From his 1882 biography: "He enlisted in the First Regiment of the United States Infantry, Company E, under Captian A. S. Miller, and served faithfully for eleven years, participating in the Florida and Mexican wars. He was wounded at the battle of Oridobee, while fighting the Indians on the frontier. He was honorably discharged at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., on Feb. 9, 1846". He died in 1892. Buried in the Communia cemetery. Obituary
Ficklin, John J. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62344 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company of Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to Frederick E. Bissell, 01/15/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 94N - Range 4W - Section 24, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1017, page 146). He may have removed to Woodbury co. Iowa.
Forbes, Edward C. - Bugler, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 30. Pension #5354. Was serving as a J.P. in Clayton co. as of April 1849. Appointed postmaster, Panther Creek P.O. Nov. 11, 1851 (Buena Vista twp.). He may have removed to Grant co., WI, by 1860 - an Edward C. Forbes is on the 1860 U.S. census in Beetown; and appointed postmaster of Cassville in 1871.
Fox, Benjamin F. - First Lieutenant, Dodge's Guards, Wisconsin Infantry, Mexican War. Residence McGregor. Served for several years in the 1850's as the Clayton co. Recorder & Treasurer. He died 04/17/1887 and is buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery. Obituary
Franklin, William - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 22. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Freeman, Robert L. - At the breaking out of the Mexican war he enlisted in the United States army and went to Mexico, where he was wounded by a bayonet and honorably discharged after five months' service. Photo & additional info.
Gallagher, Constantine - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 33. Enrolled at Garnavillo. (R&R, Misc.) Although there appears to be somewhat of a name mix-up involved, the following is included as an alert - he may have deserted his wife and children prior to enlisting in Capt. Parker's company as referenced by correspondence in his military file. Interested researchers should obtain the record - in part it says (transcribed as written): "...inlisted in Albany, N.Y. in June or July 1840 he has left a wife and two Children we heard that he was in B Comp first Infantry we Got a couple of letters and the first he was in Fort Breggs [or Greggs] East florida the next he was fort Crawford Wisconsin his Name is Constantine Gallagher [next two lines difficult to read] and you will Truely oblige his aged Parents James & Sushanna Gallagher." On another page of the correspondence: "Constantine Gallagher, a private, Compy B, 1st Infantry. Jas. Gallagher enquiring [illegible word] Enlisted 27 April 1840. Present for duty at Fort Crawford 30th June 1843" (Fold3 records) Constantine Gallagher purchased 2 parcels of land in Clayton co., both cash entry sales: 80 acres, Twp 93N-Range 4W-Sect 33, Feb 1, 1848 and 40 acres, Twp 93N-Range 4W-Section 34, Dec 2, 1850 (this land is in Read twp.) Unknown when he died or his burial place.
Gardner, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company A. of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 31. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Note: a John Gardner, who may or may not be the same man, received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #56152 for his service as "... a Corporal in Captain Humphrey's company, 2nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers", which he then assigned to James Armor, assigned 09/01/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 93N - Range 3W - Section 24, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1078, page 30)
Gaylord, Stephen - "He and his only brother were both in the Black Hawk war and four of his sons James, William, Benjamin and Alex were in the civil war . .... Stephen Gaylord was the first assessor in the township serving in 1853" (Old-settlers news article, full text in misc. records, this website) He died in 1854 and is buried in the Strawberry Point cemetery.
Green, Harvey - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 32. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #65012 for his service as "... a Private in Captain Parker's company, Iowa Mounted Volunteers Volunteers", which he then assigned to James McGregor and Duncan McGregor, assigned 08/01/1851. Total of 162.70 acres in twp 95N - Range 3W - Section 35, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1068, page 395)
Griffith, George T. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 39. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62978 for his service "...late a Private in Captain Parker's company, Iowa Mounted Volunteers Volunteers", which he then assigned to Perry Perkins, assigned 01/15/1851. Total of 160 acres in twp 90N - Range 4W - Section 18, Delaware county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1017, page 91)
Haggerty, Jerry - Private, Co. C, 1st Regiment, Maryland Infantry. Black Hawk War. Residence Giard.
Hatfield, Marshall - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Born in Clinton, N.Y. in 1820. Residence at date of enlistment was McGregor, Iowa. He also served in War of the Rebellion in Co E, 5th Iowa Cavalry. Died at Iowa State Soldiers' Home, Marshalltown, Iowa in the fall of 1907. Death notice
Howard, Freedom J. SR - reference was found in an 1896 newspaper listing of Mexican War veterans buried in the Elkader East Side cemetery
Humpheries, George - Private, enrolled at Garnavillo with Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Re-enlisted July 15, 1847 at Fort Atkinson, in Captain J.M. Morgan's Company of Mounted Volunteers. Mustered out with Company Sept 11, 1848.
Hurd, Ezra - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Nativity New York. Removed to Galena, Ill., and from there in 1846, to Clayton County, Iowa. Died at Storm Lake, Iowa, April 22, 1909.
Irvin, William - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 36. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Johnson, Lemuel - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Jones, Ezekiel - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 27. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Justus, John R. - Corporal, Co. D, 3rd OH Infantry, Mexican War (Moody cemetery record)
Kahrs, John - his 1882 biography states: "..enlisted in the regular army in 1866, and served three years, fighting the Indians on the frontier. He was wounded in the thigh on Sept. 12, 1867, at the battle of Smoky Hill river by a minie ball." Died in 1939, buried Mederville cemetery
Kellogg, Moses K. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Kennedy, Elias J. / Elisha J. - Private, enrolled at Garnavillo with Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Re-enlisted Jan 1, 1848 in Captain J.M. Morgan's Company of Mounted Volunteers, Ft. Atkinson, Iowa. Mustered out with Company Sept 11, 1848.
Kennedy, James H. - his obit states that he left Clayton co. in 1853 "... joined the forces in the Rogue River war, for his services in which the Oregon government still owes him $180. He carried the first Indian scalp into Yreka, Cal. and received a bounty of $250." He also served in the Civil War and removed to Montana in 1864.
Kimball, Albert W. - Third Corporal, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Died 03/25/1894 and is buried in the Illyria cemetery. Gravestone. Obituary.
Koble / Kohle, Fred - Private, Co. F, 2nd regiment, infantry. Mexican War. Residence Guttenberg
Kopp, Cornelius - Capt. Koch's company of the St. Louis Legion, enlisting in 1846 & serving 7 months; reinlisted at New Orleans & served another 14 mo. until the end of the war. Died in 1908. Buried in East Side cemetery, Elkader. Obituary
Kuykendall, Benjamin - Private, Co. B, 2nd Illinois regiment, infantry. Mexican War. According to his 1882 biography, he enlisted at Galena, IL in 1846 and was mustered into service in Alton, Ill., in the second regiment of Illinois, under Captain White. He participated in all the battles of his regiment, and was honorably discharged at Alton, Ill., at the close of the war. Residence North Buena Vista.
Lewis, John S. - Fourth Corporal. Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28.
Linton, William C. - Third Sergeant, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 30.
Liston, Daniel - Co. K, 1st U.S. Infantry, stationed at Ft. Atkinson ca1842, hunting "stray Indians" and later in the Mexican war. Purchased 80 acres in Read twp. in 1844, but after returning from the Mexican war he lived for 27 yrs. near Monona, later removing to Allamakee county. He is buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery, Waukon, Allamakee county. Gravestone
Lord, Charles - Co. F, 5th Infantry, U.S. Regular Army, Capt. Lyons and Col. Plimpton. Enlisted in 1838 for 3 years, serving some of that time at Ft. Atkinson. Received bounty land for his service, Warrant #55-286074. Died 2/10/1894 and is buried in the Monona City cemetery. Gravestone Obituary
Lowe, Jesse - Private, enrolled with Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 20. Re-enlisted July 15, 1847, in Captain Morgan's Company of Mounted Volunteers. Age 21. Mustered out with Company Sept 11, 1848.
Lown, Peter M. - Private, enlisted with Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Residence at time of enlistment, National, Clayton County, Iowa. Subsequently became an extensive farmer. Removed to Vermillion, South Dakota in 1890 and died there May 31, 1898.
Maracle, Abraham - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Montgomery, William H. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Morse, Salem - Sergeant, Co. F, 7th IA Cavalry. The regiment was ordered to duty against the Indians in Nebraska, Colorado, Dakota and Kansas. He was commissioned 2nd Lieut with the 7th on May 23, 1866.
Murphy, William - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 27. Enrolled at Garnavillo. Died in 1893. Buried in the Elkport catholic cemetery. Death notice
O'Brien, Nicholas J. - Captain, Co. F, 7th Iowa Cavalry; while stationed at Julesburg, CO, with his troops defended the garrison there against an Indian attack; was made a Colonel for his actions
Oliver, Edward E. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Olmsted, David - First Lieutenant, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 24; residence, Monona, Clayton co. Iowa; nativity Vermont. After his discharge he removed to Minn. and was the first mayor of the city of St. Paul (1854), and held other important offices. Olmsted County, Minn. was named in his honor in 1855. He returned to Vermont in 1857 and died at Fairfax, his native place, Feb. 2, 1861. (for more detail see his 1882 biography, this website)
Overrand, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Pearson, William Henry - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 19. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #61558 for his service "...late a Private in Captain Parker's company, Iowa Mounted Volunteers Volunteers", assigned 08/15/1850. Total of 160 acres in twp 92N - Range 3W - Section 9, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1014, page 176). Pension certificate #14882. From the records of S. Ferrall, his gg-grandniece: "Born 03/19/1829 in Mifflin co. PA, removed to Clayton co. with his parents in 1838. In 1855 he removed to Olmsted co. MN. Died 11/26/1894 and is buried in Marion twp. cemetery, Olmstead co. MN." Gravestone. Obituary
Putnam, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 30. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Ransdall, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Reed, Robert - he served in the Black Hawk war under Gen. Dodge, commissioned Major of the 5th Infantry Grant County (Wis.) Volunteers. Died 1864 & is buried in the old Garnavillo cemetery. Gravestone
Reilly, Patrick - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 30. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Rexford, Valorous B. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 32. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Ross, Robert - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 27. Enrolled at Garnavillo. At the time of his death had enlisted in Co. D, 27th IA Inf. at Elkport. Gravestone and Obituary. See also his entry on Civil War Honor Roll
Row, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Royse, James G. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 18. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Royse, Solomon - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 43. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Rudsdell, Anson - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 31. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Schad, William - Private, Co. F, 8th Regiment, Infantry. Mexican War. Residence Monona. Died 1893. Buried in the Monona City cemetery. Death notice. Gravestone
Schneider, Herman - Private, Co. ?, 1st Regiment, Maryland Infantry. Black Hawk War. Residence Giard. Served as a gunsmith for the U.S. Army during the Black Hawk war, was stationed at Ft. Crawford. Was one of the first landowners in Giard twp.
Schoentag, Julius - his gravestone in St. Sebald cemetery is inscribed "Veteran Last Indian War"
Schwighert, John - according to his 1882 biography, while living in Somerset Co. PA he enlisted in the Mexican war under General Taylor, and participated in the battle of Buena Vista, and several other engagements, serving until the war closed.
Scott, William S. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Enlisted in the fall of 1846, age 21. Residence at enlistment, Farmersburg, Clayton County, Iowa. Nativity Vermont. He platted the village of Luana and named it for his wife, Luana Harvey Scott in 1864. He died at Willoughby, Ohio, April 3, 1895. Buried in the Luana cemetery. Obituary
Sherman, Theodore - his 1882 biography states: "In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, Company L, and was sent to Dakota, where he participated in the campaigns against the Indians under Generals Cook and Sulley, serving over three years." Obituary
Smith, Henry - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Smith, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 24. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Smith, Leason / Leeson - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 28. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Smith, Samuel - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 25. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Springer, Albert - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 26. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Springer, Jacob - Second Corporal, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 31. His 1882 biography states: "..served in the Mexican war, enlisting in 1846 in Captain Parker's company, Iowa mounted volunteers, and was stationed at Fort Atkinson to watch the Indians."
Springer, Levi - his 1882 biography states: "... enlisted in the Mexican war in Captain Parker's company, mounted infantry, and was stationed at Fort Atkinson to watch the Indians and to prevent any outbreak on the part of the border settlers." Died in 1904. His burial place is unknown, likely in a cemetery near Jefferson (Graham) Death notice
Stewart, Samuel W. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 24. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Sullivan, William - Private, Co. D, 2nd Regiment infantry, Mexican War. Residence Guttenberg. According to his obituary, at age 15 "...went to New Orleans as a cook on a flat boat, and followed the river till the breaking out of the Mexican war. He then enlisted in the service of the United States and participated in the battle of Buena Vista and several other important engagements." Died 04/01/1902. Buried in Guttenberg cemetery. Gravestone. Obituary
Tapper, John Henry - Captain; Born Dorsetshire, England, March 25, 1820. Immigrated to the U.S. in 1840. Served in the Mexican War in 1846; he also worked as a teamster out of Ft. Atkinson, Ft. Crawford & Ft. Snelling, hauling wood & produce to the forts. After the war he farmed his land in Giard twp., then removed to Minnesota, where he died in March, 1909. He is buried in Oakwood cemetery, Mora, Kanabec county, Minn. (Note: some sources give burial place as Layman's cemetery, Minneapolis (now known as Minneapolis Pioneers & Soldiers Memorial cemetery) .... if this is correct, then the monument in Oakwood cemetery bearing he & his wife's inscriptions is a cenotaph) Obituary, additional info. & photo. Gravestone.
Thornton, John - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Torrance, Robert - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Truman, Silas C. - Co. D, 8th Regiment U.S. Infantry. "Mr. Truman, of Strawberry Point, a member of Company B, 1st Iowa cavalry, was present. Mr. T. is indeed a veteran, having served in the Mexican war in the late Gen. Grant's company, and at the breaking out of the rebellion he went to the front again." ~Elkader Register, Sept 9, 1886. Obituary. Gravestone
Tully, John A. - Farrier, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 34. Re-enlisted July 15, 1847, as a Private, in Captain Morgan's Company of Mounted Volunteers. Age 35. Mustered out with Company Sept 11, 1848.
VanSickle, DeWitt Clinton - 2nd Sergeant, Iowa Militia, Black Hawk war. He died in 1881. Buried in Eastman cemetery. Gravestone (original) Gravestone (replacement)
VanSickle, Martin - First Lieutenant, Clark's Regiment, Dodge's Dragoons, Michigan. Black Hawk War. Residence Elkader. Died 03/12/1889. Buried in the Eastman cemetery. Note: gravestone indicates Iowa Militia. Gravestone. Obituary
VanSickle, Moses - Lieutent, Capt. Eustes' Company. Black Hawk war, acted as interpreter between the officers and Indian chiefs. Also shown on the 1885 Ex-Soldiers & Sailors list as a Corporal in Capt. Thomas' Company, Wisconsin, Black Hawk war. Residence North McGregor. He also served in the Civil War in Co. G, 33rd WI Inf. Buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery. Gravestone
Varley, Thomas H. - "Thomas H. Varley, of Farmersburg, has been granted a pension for service in the Mexican war. This claim went through in a hurry. It was filed by T.M. Davidson, attorney for Mr. Varley, two months ago." ~Elkader Register, May 17, 1888
Walker, Horatio - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 24. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Walker, John William - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Walker, Thomas B. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company A, Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 31. Nativity Illinois. Residence at enlistment, Hardin, Clayton County, Iowa. He also served in the Civil War, enlisting in Co L, 6th Iowa Cavalry. He had 2 sons in the CW, one of whom died in rebel prison and the other died after exchange before reaching home.
Waters, Samuel - Private, Co. K, 1st Regiment, Infantry. Mexican War. Residence McGregor. Died 1897. Buried in Pleasant Grove. Obituary
Weeks, Anderson G. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 18. Enrolled at Garnavillo.
Wehrheim, Conrad - Died 12/28/1863. Buried in St. Joseph's cemetery, Garnavillo. Gravestone
Williams, Dudley R.W. - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 21. Nativity Vermont. He subsequently became largely engaged in promoting railroad enterprises. He was living in London, England, in 1909 and died in Hub City, WI, 12/30/1910. He was probably the last survivor of Capt. Parker's company. Buried in the old Garnavillo cemetery. Gravestone. Obituary
Williams, Elias Hewitt - First Sergeant, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 27; nativity Vermont. Graduate of Yale College. Removed to Clayton County, Iowa in 1846. County Judge in Clayton county and in 1858 was elected Judge of the 10th Judicial District, serving until 1866. January, 1890 was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of Iowa, resigned in September the same year. He died Aug. 20, 1891. Buried in the Postville cemetery. Gravestone. Obituary
Wiltsie, Charles or Wiltse, Charles - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 20. Enrolled at Garnavillo. He received a Military Bounty Land Warrant #62811 for his service as "... a private in Captain Parker's company, Iowa Mounted Volunteers", which he then assigned to Simeon P. Amsden, assigned 11/10/1851. Total of 171.2 acres in twp 92N - Range 3W - Section 32, Clayton county, Iowa (GLO Vol 1093, page 453)
Wiltsie, Leonard or Wiltse, Leonard - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 25. Enrolled at Garnavillo. Removed to Kansas in 1880 and died in Herndon, Rawlins co., KS on 07/26/1893. Obituary
Wiltsie, Uriah or Wiltse, Uriah - Private, Captain John Parker's Company of Iowa Dragoons Volunteers. Age 23. Enrolled at Garnavillo. Pension cert. #10808
Wood, Alexander - Private, Co B, 1st Regiment, Infantry. Mexican War. Residence Elkader. Pension cert. #6473. Obituary
Woodall, William G. - His 1882 biography gives the following information: "He enlisted in the Ordinance Corps in 1848, in the Mexican war, and was engaged in making cartridges and arms for the troops for five years." He removed to Clayton co. in 1856 and settled in Elk twp. "Mr. W.G. Woodall, one of the substantial farmers of Elk township is attending the reunion. He enlisted in the Mexican war when he was 17 years old, 38 years ago." ~Clayton County Journal, Aug 31, 1887. He died in 1918 and is buried in Mt. Harmony cemetery.
Woolstencroft, Benjamin - Born in England, he served in the British army at age 16. After immigrating to the U.S. he served in the Marine Corps. In 1837 was in the U. S. service in the campaign in Florida with Gen. Taylor. He was also a soldier in the war with Mexico and other campaigns with the army before removing to Clayton county. He enlisted for the Civil War in 1862, and served for over 3 years. Died in Fulda, Murray co. MN in 1887.


Sources used by the Clayton co. coordinator to compile this data:
* Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in Miscellaneous Organizations, Vol VI; 1911; Parker's Company: pgs 797-800 and Morgan's Company: 801-808
* Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Living in Iowa in 1885; by William L. Alexander; 1886
* A History of the First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, from its organization in 1861 to its muster out of the United States service in 1866, by Charles H. Lothrop, 1890
* "Mowing the Cemetery" by Bev Bernhard, 2006
* Fold3.com
* General Land Office Records - Bureau of Land Management
* Historical information from Wikipedia, Iowa Pathways (Iowa Public Television)
* Obituaries, biographies, cemetery records, census records and news articles - all found on the Clayton co. IAGenWeb site. Use the search engine on the main page to locate these individual records.

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