The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-06-12
OF
TWO WARS
IS NO MORE,
Major Levi Epler Died Sunday
at Age Of 81 Years. Had
Fought in the Mexican and
Civil Wars.

veteran of the Mexican war, and OF the
Civil war, and one of Reynoldsville's
most honored citizens, died Sunday
June 8, 1907, at the home OF his son,
Charles 81. Epler, on Main street.
Burial was made in the Baptist
cemetery Tuesday afternoon.
Levi Epler's life covered wonderful
span of American history, and it fell
TO his lot to share in the glory OF two of
the nations greatest wars, and live to
witness the nations victory in third.
In the year James Monroe was in
augurated president of the United
State, Mr.. Epler was born on a farm
in Snyder county, Pennsylvania. Left
an orphan in mere childhood he was
bound out and in his youth learned the
trade of cabinet making and painting,
learned habits OF industry that stayed
with him even to the last days of feeble
old age When he was 25 Polk became
president. the Mexican war was de-
clared and the young man, eager for
adventure enlisted for service nnder
General Winfield Scott. With Scott
he made the memorable landing at
Vera Cruz and was one of the gallant
little band OF veterans that fought their
way over two hundred miles of hostile
country, against overwhelming odds, to
the ancient city of Mexico. The
historic names OF Vera Cruz, Cerra
Gordo, San Antonio and Churubusco, at
each of which warm battles we're
fought. we're familiar in every det7il to
Mr.. Epler, who often told in after years
the tale of how the gallant army wasted
ta anornn1,, n Enol1t,
fought their way foot by foot into the
very palace of the ancient Montezumas,
Returning from the adventurous
scenes OF war. Mr.. Epler went to Sny-
der county again, but in 1S49 spent
some time in Ohio, being married that
year at Circleville, Pickaway county, to
Miss Rebecca Wilbain. With her he
lived happily for 2S years, until her
death In Dec. 1877. Nine sons and
daughters were born unto them, all but
one Of whom lived to survive Mr.. Ep-
Ter.
When the great civil war was pre-
cipitated by the firing on Fort Sumpter
in April, 1861, all the loyalty in the
Mexican veterans heart awoke afresh
and once more he rushed to the nations
capital to defend the old flag. At
Washington, d. c., May 6, 1861, he en-
listed as a private, in Company B, 9th
Regiment Penn'a Reserves, Volunteer
Infantry, but was Immediately promoted
to first lieutenant and shortly after,
January II, 1862, was made captain.
Under Col. w. w. Ricketts, he fought
with his regiment throughout the war
and gave gallant account of himself
in some OF the greatest battles in the
worlds history. Among others, Gaines
Mills June 81, 1862: Groveton August
1929, 1862; Second Bull Run August
80. 1852; South Mountain September II,
1862: Fredericksburg Dec. 49, 1868: Dan
vile Dec. 90, 1862; Bristoe Station Oct
IA, 1862; Antietam Sept. II, 1862; Get
tysburg, July 1-3, 1868; New Hope
terrible Battle of the Wilderness under
Grant where he received severe
wound and was confined in the Armory
Square hospital in Washington, d. c.,
for time. After recovering he re-
joined his regiment and fought with
Grant in the famous attacks on Rich
mond until June IL, 1884, when he was
honorably discharged at Harrisburg,
Pa, by reason of expiration of his term
of service.
The most distinguished service of
his life was rendered in the Wilderness
battles and on the 10th day of May,
1865, he was made Major by brevet.
The order for his promotion, parch-
ment scroo bearing the signatures of
President Andrew Johnston and Edwin
M. Stanton, secretary of war, is yet
preserved in the home of his son.
Charles H. Epler and 10 one of the most
treasured relics Of the military days OF
the old hero.
After the close of the war Major
Epler returned to the quiet pursuits of
industrial life. In Dec. 1879, he was
married to Sarah Mumford and there
after resided in Reynoldsville, following
his trade. On March 49, 1902, he
was left a widower and spent the
remainder OF his days with his son,
Charles. OF a strong and vigorous con-
stitution by nature, he retained great
activity even to the passing of the
ninesieth milestone in life's journey.
He was the oldest veteran in Reynolds
Vile, probably i'm the county. His
record was known to all and this, with
his absolute integrity and upright
character, gained the highest esteem of
the community in which he lived so
long.
The surviving sons and daughters
are: William Epler, of Baltimore;
Mrs. James Macarthur, of Shamokin,
Pa, Samuel Epler, OF Reynoldsville;
Mrs. ,Orvi Harvey, of Shamokin, Pa;
Mrs. Lilly Moore, Of Rathmel, Elmer
Epler, OF Baltimore; Charles H. Epler,
of Reynoldsville: Mrs. Lewis Bassler, of
Tamaqua, Pa. Major Epler lived to
see his descendants until the fourth
generation.
The funeral Of this gallant old soldier
was held in the Reynoldsville Baptist
church Tuesday afternoon at 200
o'clock, conducted by DR.. A. j. Meek,
and interment was made in the Baptist
cemetery. The procession was led by
the Keystone band, playing in muf-
fled tones a solemn dead march and
following them came the John G.
Conser Post No. 1872, G. A. r., of which
the deceased was a charter member.
A detachment OF the Sons OF Veterans
walked by the hearse and military
honors we're paid the dead veteran as
be was lowered into the grave. Six