The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-10-26
Private Powers.

The subject of this sketch JOHN 7. POWERS,
eldest son of l.. III. and j. b. Powers. was born
Nov. 18th, 1915, in the town of Fall River, La
Sale county, Ill His infancy differed little
from that of other children, except that he was
particularly trusting and fearless. Although ms
opportunt.cs for an education were limited. he
early eyinced much love for books, and an apt
ness beyond his years in selecting subjects, and
mastering principles. Thchistory of his country
was his especial delight. Frosts History of
the United States was read andre-read until he
was perfectly familiar with all its essential
points. As youth he was particularly attec-
,ionate 10 his mother and sisters, showing
more solicitude for their welfare than for his own
comfort or safety. Fond of social intercourse
with those of his age, he was avcrse to much of
the frivolity so often seen in the young. AL
THOUGH he never made a profession of religion,
his conduct was invariably such as to warrant
the statement that he was sincere and consis-
tint christaiR--over holding the exemplars of our
faith in great venerr0ton. Born Of an earnest,
God-ilaring, hardy race, i'll a community where
patriotism is taught and imbibed with the first
lessons of childhood, and cherished among the
mature duties OF age, it is but a logical
sequence to look for his name among the first
who offered themselves for the defence of their
country during the late Rebellion. At the first
call for scventy-fve thousand troops, John deter
Mlncu 10 enlist anu WIS OILY prevented ny VIC
solicitations of his mother Joined with the prom
Use Of his father that in the war should con-
time and more troops be needed. they the two
father and son, would enlist together. Accord
ingly they responded promptly toithe call for
"six hundred thousand more' and enlisted for
three years or during the war, in Co. d, l04th
Ill.-Capt VIM. II. Collins, at the organization
of the Regiment, in which company John served
without losing single days.from duty until his
death. During the battle of Hartsvile he was
absent with his Captain guarding supply train
en- route for Gallatin, Tenn and thus escaped
either death or capture at that disastrous affair
AT the battle of Elk River, he was one of ten who
volunteered, at the request of Gen. Beatty, to
charge upon and take a small stockade fort COM
man1ing Elk River bridge. As it was not
known but that the fort was occupied by the
enemy, III which event almost certain death
awaited the whole party, it was considered a
daring little affair." He was present at the bat.
ties Of Bailey's Cross Roads, Chickamauga
Springs, the excessive privatations and iaticues
of the winter eff '63 and ga at Chattanooga
Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge. Pigeon
Moul Buzzard Roost Resacca, Kingston
all the battles i'll which his regiment was engag.
ed. on Sherman's campaign of GA as far as Peach
tree Creek where he fell by a rifle shot through
the body, while yainly endeavorin2 to staunch
the flow of blood from the wound Of u fallen com.
rade-Sergt. II. E. Price. He lad remained to
perform this most humane and generous act after
his company had been ordered to take a less ex.
posed position. Surely the most glowing epthet.
of praise must pale before the bare facts of such
record, thus gloriously closed Wounded
about half-past three o'clock, in the afternoon h,
survived-sutferng intensely until nearly the
following morning.1zshis last words We're
Tell my mother 1 have tried to do nv DUTY tc
my country and die a christian
The following by Mrs. II. A. Gage, was com.
posed on hearing Of his death: n
Slain on the battlefield, gone to his rest.
Place the turf gently DER his breast,
he sleeps with TIC brave, he is free from all care
Though only private, u hero lies there.
Cool on the battle field, brave in the fight.
He died for his country, he fought for the right
He has laid by his knapsack. his blanket and gun
His marching is over, his laboris done
His message was noble his words were not in vain.
They came from the heart, III that hour of pain
My duty I've done to nv country and !. r ~ ii
VIII try, dearest mother, christian to diev y 4
To hs Savior be looked his rcyto crave. 5. s \
Who is iull OF c6mpdss ion ana mighty to save,
GA mother, doubt not, though your fond heart is
Look upward in faith! you will meet him in
Heaven. ''H'' Asfs!
When the torn heart lies bleeding its fontest hope.
crushed.
* Yield not to despair, let Eepininr be husbed.
Our Affections are sent by Our Father i'm lave
To draw us from earth, to Our Mansions above.
Our Father in Heaven, in Thee is our trust
Oh raise up our Nation again,from tho dust
May Union: and Freedom, iaad~ Righteous nes
reign
That the blood of our sons be not poured out i,
van T..l