The story-telling obituary of Russell's William Goltry

The interesting thing to me about this obituary, other than the life of the subject himself, is the amount of information the author has managed to pack into relatively little space.

It was published on Dec. 3, 1903, on the front page of The Chariton Herald, attributed to a Russell correspondent.

Here's the text:

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Wm. Goltry was born Sept. 4, 1826, near Tyrone, Steuben Co., New York; died at Russell, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1903, at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 24 days. When about 10 year of age, he with his parents moved to Jennings county, Indiana, where he resided until Oct. 2, 1853.

In 1846, when war was declared by the United States against the government of Mexico, he enlisted, and was in Gen. Scott's army in the assault upon the city of Vera Cruz, and all the battles that led to the capitulation of the city of Mexico.

In 1862 he again enlisted in the cause of his country, serving as 1st Lieutenant of Co. G, 34th regiment of (Iowa) volunteers.

 On Oct. 30, 1851, he was united in marriage to Cordelia, daughter of Peter and Mary Youtsey. To them were born 10 children, four of them preceding him to the grave, the remaining six being with him during his sickness.

On the second day of October, 1853, they with an ox team, started westward to make a home, locating in Lucas county, Iowa, where they have resided for 50 years --- a half century. In 1901 they removed to the town of Russell, where they have since resided.

The funeral services were held at the family residence at 10:30 a.m. December 1, 1903, after which interment was made in The Russell cemetery. For some time Mr. Goltry has been totally blind, but did not grow despondent over his condition, being able, until recently, to attend to his business affairs and always glad to visit with friends.