CASTLE, George F. (1843-1922)

CASTLE, BRAYTON, LOVE

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 1/28/2024 at 13:01:41

Veteran’s Eyes Closed in Death

George F. Castle, Familiarly Known as Judge Castle, Died at Home in Britt Monday – Had Been Ill Since Last May

Another of the Boys in Blue has surrendered to that foe that no human can defeat. Howe Post G. A. R. has suffered another loss in their ranks. George F. Castle died at his home on North Main Street Monday morning at 10 o’clock, following an illness dating back to May 1920. In August he suffered a light stroke of paralysis and gave up his office for his home. Since that time he has suffered strokes and rallied at several times, but on Sunday, Jan 1, 1922, he suffered a heavy stroke and gradually grew weaker until death came.

George F. Castle was born in New York state Feb 13, 1843. He attained an age of 78 years, 10 months and 26 days. His parents died when he was a small boy. Coming west he settled at Beaver Dam, Wis., later coming to Ireton, Sioux County, Iowa to pioneer.

He was married at Clear Lake in 1881 to Elma H. Brayton. They came to Britt 31 years ago last fall and have lived here since. During this time Mr. Castle has been engaged in different business and had maintained an office, making loans, doing a collection business and has acted as justice of the peace for many years. He made an enviable record as justice and his decisions were found to be sound when taken up to higher courts.

Mr. Castle was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted early in 1861 and was mustered into the service at Fort Snelling, Minn., June 29th, 1861, as a member of Co. C, Minnesota Veteran Volunteer Infantry, being attached to the 2nd regiment. He was discharged June 28, 1864, and reenlisted again for the duration of the war, this time being a member of Co. F.

The regiment embarked at Fort Snelling on Oct 14, 1861, going to St. Paul, thence to LaCrosse, Wis., by boat, thence by train to Chicago where they were quartered in the Wigwam, a large temporary building that had been erected for the Republican national convention the year before and where Abraham Lincoln was nominated as a candidate for the presidency. On Oct 17, 1861, they left for Pittsburg, where they again embarked, taking boats down the Ohio River and landing at Louisville, Ky. on October 22. They joined the Army of the Cumberland under command of General W. T. Sherman.

The regiment was first sent to Lebanon Junction, 30 miles distant, going on flat cars that traveled six miles an hour during a blinding rainstorm. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Castle’s experiences started with privations at the beginning of his army career.

On Nov 15, 1861, General Buell assumed command and organized the troops in Kentucky into the Army of the Ohio. On the 9th of December the regiment proceeded to Lebanon where Gen. George H. Thomas took command and the regiment served under him continuously for the next three years.

The first battle in which Mr. Castle took part was fought at Mill Springs. A heavy fog made vision almost impossible. The second Minnesota regiment was ordered into a wooded piece of ground and came up to a rail fence and surprised the Confederate army lying on the other side of the fence and poking their guns through the rails. Here hand to hand fighting took place and many men were killed and wounded, among them being General Zullicoffer and Bailie Peyton of the Confederate army.

From Mill Springs Mr. Castle and his regiment went to Shiloh, then to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where it arrived on June 29th. Here the regiment remained about a month, then broke camp and marched east and north, finally reaching the Ohio River where boats were awaiting the troops to transport them to Louisville, Ky. The winter was spent at points in Tennessee, after first having been engaged on Oct 8th in the battle of Perryville.

On March 2, 1863, the regiment marched south and was engaged in numerous skirmishes. In June they went into the Tullahoma campaign and on the 16th of August left camp at Winchester to march to the Cumberland mountains and soon were engaged at Chickamauga, Tenn., and a little later on at Chattanooga, and Missionary Ridge. Many hot engagements were had during the time from August 16th to Nov 29th.

In the campaign of 1864 the 2nd regiment went through the Atlanta campaign and followed Sherman on his famous march to the sea. From Savannah, Georgia, they went to Raleigh, N. C., then to Richmond, Va. – the capital of the Confederacy – thence to Washington, D. C. and finally were discharged at the close of the war.

During the campaigns of 1862, 1863 and 1864 the regiment in which Mr. Castle was enrolled walked 5,163 miles. No record was kept of the year 1861 and 1865. Mr. Castle was twice wounded while serving the Union.

Left to mourn this defender of the Union are his wife, three sons, Charles of Britt; Arthur of Mason City; Elmer of Charles City; and one daughter, Mrs. Hattie M. Love of Britt.

Funeral services were held from the home at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Rev. E. Dale Calkins, of the Congregational church, delivering the funeral address. Deceased had been a member of the Howe Post G.A.R. for many years and the fraternity sent a delegation in company with a delegation of the American Legion to attend the funeral rites. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

source: Britt News Tribune, 12 Jan 1922, page 1, column 1