- CIVIL WAR VETERAN GONE. The passing of Geo. T. Nettles on Wednesday evening of last week takes from our midst another of the few remaining heroes of the Civil War, an early settler of this county, a popular citizen, and a devoted friend and neighbor. He was born at Oswego, New York, on August 15, 1841, and answered the final roll call at his home in Dayton, on January 12, 1921, aged 79 years, 4 months, 27 days. At the age of thirteen, he left home to care for himself, entering service on the vessels of the Great Lakes, making his headquarters in Chicago. He afterward entered the railway work as a fireman, and afterward became an engineer, and continued in railway service for thirty years, mostly on the Milwaukee and Rock Island railways; and was located at Stuart and Perry, Iowa, for many years. At the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, he enlisted in Co. M, First Iowa Cavalry and served throughout the Mississippi campaigns being mustered out of the service some six months after the close of hostilities. Returning to Iowa, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Dowd of this place, who passed away at Perry, Iowa, in October 1890. A son was born of their union who died in infancy. He retired from railroad work and came to Dayton in 1892, settling upon a farm northeast of Dayton. On March 21, 1894, he was again married to Miss Martha McGuire, who together with an adopted daughter, survive to mourn his passing. He was a faithful member of Grace M. E. church of this place and lived in his daily life the teaching of his Master. Taking an interest in his community, he served on its town council and was always ready to help promote its progress. His funeral was held Sunday from Grace M. E. church, his pastor, Rev. Walker conducting the services, and his remains were laid to rest in Dayton cemetery under the beautiful ceremony of the Masonic order, of which he had been a faithful, active working member nearly fifty years. Mr. Nettles was one of nature's noblemen. He loved his neighbor and his associates and lived his many years in the deepest appreciation of his fellowmen. A brave soldier, a loyal citizen, a loving husband, and a father, he was loved and respected by all who knew him. A host of lifelong friends sympathize with the loved ones in their sorrow. [Source: Lehigh Valley Argus, Webster County, Iowa, January 27, 1921]
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1841 - 1921 (79 years)
