Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1874-04-17
Death OF Capt. =. G. Little.

Death OF Capt. =. G. Little.
No event of recent occurrence IN our
city, has occasioned among all classes,
and in all circles, such profound, sincere,
and all pervading sorrow and regret, as
tho death of Capt. Little, which occurred
yesterday at about the hour of noon, at
ter long and exceedingly painful illness,
which he bore with the courage ola mar
tyr, and cheerfulness which was but
reflex of his strong and healthy nature.
Nor will the sad intelligence which it
thus becomes our painful duty to pen, fall
with a pang, alone upon those of his
friends and neighbors who knew him
best, and had learned to best appreciate
his high character, his honor, his life
above reproach, his manly, generous in
stincts and his possession of all those no.
BILE qualities which exalt men above their
fellows. 1t will ber read by many ac-
quaintances all over Iowa, with emotions
Of heart. telt sorrow, that the grave has
prematurely closed over one so worthy
to adorn his day aud generation, and
whose career of usefulness was so bright
with promise.
But, aside from the stricken friends
bound to him by ties of family, none will
mourn his loss more sincerely, or cherish
his memory more tendcrly, than the
brave men who with him at the call Of
their country, marched to the defence Of
the Union, and on many Il well fought
field upheld the honor of the flag. 1t is
around Capt. Little's career as II soldier,
with its record Of patriotism, Of bravery,
of duty well performed, of much endur
ing sacrifice, that q peculiar glow is shed.
Among the heroes that Iowa sent to the
war, none have brighter record of bra.
very and devotion, and the same ster'
ling qualities of heart that secured for
him the respect and confidence ofall who
knew him in civil life, endearcd him TO
his companions in arms.
In every relation and situation, Capt.
Little was the same true, brave, frank,
genial man. He had o mind strong.
comprehensive and liberal, and heart
susceptible to every generous impulse
and open to every human sympathy. His
death is a loss to society and the commu
nifty.
Edward G.. Little was born at La Sale,
M.,-to which State his father had emf
grated from New Hampshire-on the
18th day of March, 1915. In 1858, the
family made further move westward,
settling near Littleton, in this county, on
land yet occupied by the elder sons. The
elder Little was man OF exceptional
intelligence and strength of character,
and early secured position of influence
and respect in the community. He died
in December, 1856, universally lamcnted.
The subject of this sketch remained with
his mother, engaged in the labors of the
farm, until 1881, When the threatening
portents of the civil war attracted his at.
tention, and stirred his patriotic impul.
ses. He was anxious to enlist, but his
age was bar in the way. This obsta-
Gle, however, he managed to evade, and
in August, 1861, at the age of l6 years
and months, he enrolled himself in Co.
c., 9th Iowa Infantry, then being orga
nized in this county BY Capt. Hoard. He
was made 9Th corporal and soon after
ward departed with his company for the
rendezvous at Dubuque. His genial Ma
ture, his enthusiasm, and his soldierly
qualities at once made him favorite in
the company and regiment, and his ad
vancement was steady from the first.
July 18th, 1862, he was commissioned I'd
lieutenant of the company, and on the
Sth day of March, 1868, three days be
fore he was 10 years old, he received his
commission as Captain. He participat
ed in all the marches and battles of the
regiment in the Missouri campaign, dur.
ing which his courage and GOODNESS un
der fire was the theme of every tongue.
On the memorable 22d day Of May, while
calamity charging at the head of his com
pany upon the defenses of Vicksburg,
he received the wound in his hip which
incapacitatcd him from further service
caused him months and years of unspeak-
able agony, and was finally the cause Of
his lamented DEATH He was carried off
the field by Valentine Gates, one. of his
company, then and now resident Of this
city and a worthy man and brave soldier.
After his return from the army he com
menced the study of the law, but his
health forbade and The was obliged to dc
sist. In 1867, as a poor recognition OF
his merit, and the patriotic sacrifice he
had made for his country, he was com
missioned as Postmaster of this city,
which position he held, by consent Of all
parties until his death, and the duties oi
which he performed to the unqualified
satisfaction of the public and the Depart
ment. A loving mother, several broth
ers and sisters and an affectionate vic
are left to mourn his death, to whom the
genuine sympathies Of the whole commu
nifty 90 out in this their hour of sorrow.
We arc aware Of the inadcquacy of
this hastily prepared sketch, to do JUS
tice to the character and record of our
deceased friend; we can only hope that
some ADLER pen may supply the oms.
sions. But to those who daily came in
contact with Capt. Little, no eul6gy Is
needed. The regard for HIM in this com
munity was universal, nor was il any the
less strong and hearty in those from
whom he differed politically or otherwise.
All will join in praise of his virtues. and
all cont ibute to the tribute Of genuine
regret for his loss.
The funeral, which will be in charge
of the Masonic fraternity. will be held
at the Baptlst Church tomorrow (Satur