Union army in 1862 in Company G, 17th Iowa Volunteers and served until the war
closed. He was made a prisoner at Hollow Springs, Mississippi, and placed in
prison and again later he was made a prisoner near Atlanta, Georgia, and placed
in Andersonville prison. He was given an honorable discharge on April 3D, 1865,
and immediately began his career as a railroad man. His first position was as
agent of the Des Moines Valley railroad at Bonaparte. Afterward he was
transferred to Monroe, Prairie City, and finally to Des Moines. His last move
was to Pella where he served forty consecutive years of his forty-eight years in
the service. During his residence here he took a great pride in organizing a
band which he at one time perfected and held the distinction of being one of the
best musical organizations in the state. During the present summer the Park
Commission erected a very beautiful and substantial band stand in Central Park
and it was dedicated to him as an honor for his untiring efforts in the line of
music during his life as a citizen here. He still lives here and it is hoped
will be with us for many years. He was united in marriage to Miss Luella Keables
on September 21, 1871, at Thayer, Kansas. To this union were born six children:
William and Murray A. died early in life. Those who are living are Mrs. Carrie
Vander Ploeg, of Knoxville; Mrs. Hattie Van Cleave, of California; Mrs. Libbie
Closz, of Muskegon, Mich., and Henry (liven, of Omaha, Nebraska.