Born in Putnam County, Indiana. John moved his family to Iowa and settled on Elk Creek in Decatur County in Feb. 1848. After one year they moved to a farm 2 1/2 miles north of Lamoni, Iowa. John enlisted in the 34th Iowa volunteer Infantry of the Union Army 15 Aug. 1862 and was mustered into service 15 Oct. 1862 as a Private. He died in a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. (1) Metta BROWN's notes indicate his death as 1863. John is buried in a little country cemetery north of Lamoni, Iowa.His Children:A. Ruth Elizabeth b. 3 Jul. 1847 d. 24 Oct. 1922B. John Taylor b. 3 Aug. 1849 d. 7 Oct. 1914C. Lucinda Jane b. 11 Apr. 1853 d. 25 Feb. 1907(1) A Brief History of the 34th Iowa Infantry Regiment published in 1892 shows John MERCER was a Corporal of Company I, Decatur County. The 34th took an active part in the Battle of Arkansas Post in mid Jan. 1863. There were 4,791 prisoners captured at that battle. The prisoners were escorted by Union Troops, a part of which was the 34th Iowa Regiment, up the River to POW camps. That was a hellish trip and though not specifically stated, I believe the 34th was at St. Louis in early Feb. 1863 as it took them two weeks to go from Arkansas Post to St. Louis. There were a large number of men on both sides who succumbed to small pox and measles as well as dysentery. Many were taken off the boats at St. Louis. As the 34th Iowa Regiment was on the Gulf Coast of Texas in the winter and spring of 1864, I believe John MERCER died in 1863 at St. Louis, from sickness contracted as escort of the prisoners from Arkansas Post. ZEJ 21 Mar. 1994.
Suggested edit: According to the Iowa Roster for Company I, 34th Iowa Infantry Mercer, John. Age 42. Residence Decatur, nativity Indiana. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, as Seventh Corporal. Mustered Oct. 15, 1862. Died of disease Feb. 9, 1863, St. Louis, Mo. Buried in National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks (St. Louis), Mo. Section 38, grave 298.
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