Veterans of the 1898 Spanish-American War are sometimes overlooked --- the conflict was brief, overshadowed by World War I 20 years later, and (as wars go) losses were minimal.
Four young men from Lucas County died during (or shortly after) the war, all of disease: brothers Walter E. and William T. Black, Benjamin F. Dinsmore and John W. Mauk.
I intended to write a little about John, who is buried with his parents in the northwestern corner of the Chariton Cemetery, a little nearer Veterans Day --- but it was unseasonably cold and a trip to the cemetery didn't seem like a good idea.
But we've had mild days recently --- and Tuesday was a beautiful late Autumn day.
Two reports from Chariton newspapers tell John's story, the first published in The Democrat on Nov. 10, 1899, just after news of his death had reached his parents:
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While many homes have been gladdened this week by the return of the Iowa soldiers from Manila, one home in this county has been plunged into the deepest sorrow.
On Sunday the city papers contained the following dispatch from San Francisco: "The United States transport Ohio arrived here yesterday from Manila via Guam and Honolulu. Two deaths occurred on this voyage, John Mauk of the First Colorado, and Private F. Cullum of the Fourteenth infantry. Both died of the diarrhea.
John Mauk was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mauk of Whitebreast township. When the late war broke out he was in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and he immediately enlisted in the First Colorado and was a member of Company I. His regiment was among the first to be sent to the Philippines and he served his country faithfully until the regiment was mustered out a few months ago.
In a letter written to his parents and received by them the first of August he stated that he expected to start home in a few weeks but would complete the tour of the world and return by way of New York. It is needless to say that the parents were inexpressibly happy in the thought that their beloved son would soon be at home again. But for a few weeks past, as no further message had been received from him, fears had been entertained that all was not well. It is now supposed that he was taken ill at Manila and started home the nearest way.
On Monday Mr. Mauk telegraphed the mayor of San Francisco and received a reply stating that the body of his son was in charge of I. S. Quartermaster Sergeant Long. A later message received from that gentleman stated that the remains were shipped from there Wednesday evening. It is not known when they will reach here, possible not before next Monday.
Thus the house of rejoicing has been changed to one of mourning. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the grief stricken relatives.
John Mauk was born in Whitebreast township on Christmas day, 1872, where he resided until a few years ago. He was industrious and energetic, of a pleasant disposition, and was held in high regard by all who knew him. The news of his untimely death has brought sorrow to the hearts of numerous Lucas county friends.
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A week later, on Nov. 17, The Democrat reported the details of his funeral:
The funeral services for John Mauk, late of Company I, First Colorado Volunteer Infantry, were held at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mauk, in Whitebreast township, on Tuesday afternoon, November 14, 1899, at one o'clock, and were conducted by Rev. A. C. Ormond, of the Presbyterian church.
The ceremonies were in charge of Company H, Fiftieth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, assisted by Company H, Iowa National Guard. The services were very impressive and the cortege attending the body to the cemetery was unusually large. The procession was headed by the City Guard Band and the funeral car was guarded by a military escort.
All day long the flag on the courthouse hung at half mast, testifying that a soldier's death was being mourned. At the cemetery the military salute was given, "Taps" was sounded, and the remains of John Mauk were lowered to the grave.
As stated in our notice last week, John Mauk died at sea, aboard the United States transport Ohio, on October 22, while on his way home from Manila. A letter, received by his relatives from the nurse, stated that he was conscious until the end came and that he was resigned to his fate and ready to meet his God.
To the sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters, the deepest sympathy of the community is extended.
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One hundred and twenty years have passed since that afternoon. John's headstone is small, erected by his family; and although its inscription details his service it is easily overlooked. The flag-holder next to it identifies him as a veteran of the Spanish-American war. Like so many others buried in the Chariton Cemetery, he gave up his life while in service to his country and deserves to be remembered.
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