Mother is Sarah Neil
Source: South Dakota Brown County Cemetery Interments Thru 2011, Volume 1∼The capture of Confederate Colonel
Among Highlights In Life
of Brown Countian
E.P. Ashford, Pioneer of Rondell Township,
Celebrates 90th Birthday
Serving for three years in the Civil War, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President, serving in the state legislature, capturing a Confederate colonel single-handed and playing a major part in the building of the northwest are just a few of the dramatic incidents in the life of E.P. Ashford, pioneer of Rondell township, who Monday celebrated his 90th birthday.
Although bowed by the burden of 90 years, Mr. Ashford is still hale and hearty. His keen mind, in spite of his advanced age, is ever alert and his physical health is excellent.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana, December 8, 1841, an only son, his father dying when he was an infant. His mother married again and the family moved to Iowa to what is now known as Des Moines. The town then was an army outpost where a few soldiers quartered as a precaution against Indian attacks.
It was there that he and his stepfather founded the first grist mill in the untamed west.
Joins the Army
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Ashford was one of the first to join. He enlisted in Company A, 23rd Iowa Volunteers as a Private and was later promoted to First Sergeant. During the great internal conflict, he saw three years of constant service. During those bloody years, Mr. Ashford saw everyone but thirty of his company go down in battle but he escaped without a wound.
He participated in the history-making battles of Millekins Bend, Black River Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg and Mobile. He was an active member of many minor engagements during the struggle.
Captures Colonel At Black River Bridge his regiment lost heavily and his colonel was killed. An Iowa history of the Civil War states that Mr. Ashford was first over the breastworks at this battle and while still slightly ahead of his comrades, he rounded a brush heap where he surprised and captured a Confederate colonel. When the officer surrendered, he gave Sergeant Ashford his sword, which was handsomely engraved with gold and silver.
This trophy of war was carried by Ashford for several weeks, but while on the march, he gave it to his commanding officer Major Houston. Since that time Mr. Ashford declared that many times he has regretted the fact that he gave the sword away.
Votes for Lincoln
When old enough to vote, Mr. Ashford cast his first ballot for Lincoln who was running for President. In his diary which he kept during the war, this short but somewhat dramatic entry was found "Blakely, Alabama, Thursday, April 20, 1865; The news came in this evening that President Lincoln, Secretary Seward and several others were assassinated. What a blow to our government. Death to traitors is my prayer."
Mr. Ashford was mustered out of service on July 25, 1865 at Harrisburg, Texas. Returning to civil life, he lived in and near Des Moines for many years engaging in farming. During this time he was married to Cassie Harriet Taylor. There were five children born to this happy union.
Comes to South Dakota
For several years prior to 1892, he was engaged in packing business in Des Moines. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Ashford moved to South Dakota, purchasing the Ambrose Allen farm at Rondell where he has since made his home. His wife departed this life last fall after many years as an invalid.
In the year of 1899, Mr. Ashford was elected to the state senate from Brown County where he served for one term. Leaving the legislature at the expiration of his term, he settled again on the farm.
As far as can be learned he is the oldest living member of the Grand Army of the Republic residing in Brown County at the present time. Comrade M.M. Brooks is 95, but he makes his home at the Old Soldiers Home at Hot Springs. The remaining veterans who live in Aberdeen are still in the eighties.
An ideal day greeted the hardy old pioneer on the dawn of his 90th year. Going about his usual duties of the day, the kindly old gentleman looked years younger then what his age states he is. Today he has started out on another year and unless some unforeseen affliction strikes him down, Mr. Ashford has excellent possibilities of celebrating several more birthdays before feebleness overtakes him in the declining years of life's long hard battle.
Note
Source; A newspaper clipping from unknown Brown County, South Dakota paper dated about December 1930. Scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford
********************************
Vet Ashford Passes
Brown County Pioneer Dies After Three Months Illness
Elderkin P. Ashford aged veteran of the Civil War, early resident of Rondell Township and highly respected citizen of Brown County, joined the silent bivouac of the soldier dead at 12:15 A.M. this morning at his farm near Stratford according to word received here today.
Death came after an illness which has kept him confined to his bed since June. Growing gradually weaker he passed into a state of coma, Monday, from which he did not fully rally before his death. He lacked only four months of being 90 years old at the time of his passing.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to South Dakota and settled in Rondell Township where
he has lived ever since.
During the Civil War he was a Sergeant in Company A, Twenty third Iowa Infantry and served over three years. Mr. Ashford had planned to attend the G.A.R. convention to be held in Des Moines this year.
Besides being an honorary member of the American Legion of Stratford he was member of the G.A.R. post of Des Moines.
One brother, M.E. Fagen of Perry, Iowa and three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward all of whom live at home. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with Dr. A.H. Seymour officiating. Interment will be made in the family lot of Rondell Cemetery.
********************
E.P. ASHFORD COMES TO CLOSE OF LONG LIFE
E.P. Ashford the last Civil War veteran in this neighborhood was laid to rest in the family lot in West Rondell Cemetery, Tuesday afternoon with military honors. He passed away at his home southwest of town at 12:15 Saturday morning after being confined to his bed for several weeks.
A large number of old friends and neighbors were present at the funeral services at Aberdeen and at the cemetery, and members of the local post of the American Legion were there to furnish the last salute in honor of the old soldier while taps sounded. Dr. Seymour of Aberdeen officiated at the services.
Elderkin P. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to southern Rondell Township where he made his home until his death last week.
During the Civil War, he was a Sergeant in Co. A 23rd Iowa Infantry and served over three years with a very good record. He was a member of the Des Moines G.A.R. and an honorary member of the Stratford American Legion post. He planned to attend the G.A.R. convention in Des Moines this year.
He is survived by three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Source; Newspaper obituaries from unknown Brown County, South Dakota newspapers. Taken from the scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford. Article by Jeannine Ashford.
Husband of Cassandra Harriet Taylor.
Father of Fred Elderkin, Frank Clifford, Grace, Helen and Harry Ward Ashford.
Source: South Dakota Brown County Cemetery Interments Thru 2011, Volume 1∼The capture of Confederate Colonel
Among Highlights In Life
of Brown Countian
E.P. Ashford, Pioneer of Rondell Township,
Celebrates 90th Birthday
Serving for three years in the Civil War, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President, serving in the state legislature, capturing a Confederate colonel single-handed and playing a major part in the building of the northwest are just a few of the dramatic incidents in the life of E.P. Ashford, pioneer of Rondell township, who Monday celebrated his 90th birthday.
Although bowed by the burden of 90 years, Mr. Ashford is still hale and hearty. His keen mind, in spite of his advanced age, is ever alert and his physical health is excellent.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana, December 8, 1841, an only son, his father dying when he was an infant. His mother married again and the family moved to Iowa to what is now known as Des Moines. The town then was an army outpost where a few soldiers quartered as a precaution against Indian attacks.
It was there that he and his stepfather founded the first grist mill in the untamed west.
Joins the Army
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Ashford was one of the first to join. He enlisted in Company A, 23rd Iowa Volunteers as a Private and was later promoted to First Sergeant. During the great internal conflict, he saw three years of constant service. During those bloody years, Mr. Ashford saw everyone but thirty of his company go down in battle but he escaped without a wound.
He participated in the history-making battles of Millekins Bend, Black River Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg and Mobile. He was an active member of many minor engagements during the struggle.
Captures Colonel At Black River Bridge his regiment lost heavily and his colonel was killed. An Iowa history of the Civil War states that Mr. Ashford was first over the breastworks at this battle and while still slightly ahead of his comrades, he rounded a brush heap where he surprised and captured a Confederate colonel. When the officer surrendered, he gave Sergeant Ashford his sword, which was handsomely engraved with gold and silver.
This trophy of war was carried by Ashford for several weeks, but while on the march, he gave it to his commanding officer Major Houston. Since that time Mr. Ashford declared that many times he has regretted the fact that he gave the sword away.
Votes for Lincoln
When old enough to vote, Mr. Ashford cast his first ballot for Lincoln who was running for President. In his diary which he kept during the war, this short but somewhat dramatic entry was found "Blakely, Alabama, Thursday, April 20, 1865; The news came in this evening that President Lincoln, Secretary Seward and several others were assassinated. What a blow to our government. Death to traitors is my prayer."
Mr. Ashford was mustered out of service on July 25, 1865 at Harrisburg, Texas. Returning to civil life, he lived in and near Des Moines for many years engaging in farming. During this time he was married to Cassie Harriet Taylor. There were five children born to this happy union.
Comes to South Dakota
For several years prior to 1892, he was engaged in packing business in Des Moines. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Ashford moved to South Dakota, purchasing the Ambrose Allen farm at Rondell where he has since made his home. His wife departed this life last fall after many years as an invalid.
In the year of 1899, Mr. Ashford was elected to the state senate from Brown County where he served for one term. Leaving the legislature at the expiration of his term, he settled again on the farm.
As far as can be learned he is the oldest living member of the Grand Army of the Republic residing in Brown County at the present time. Comrade M.M. Brooks is 95, but he makes his home at the Old Soldiers Home at Hot Springs. The remaining veterans who live in Aberdeen are still in the eighties.
An ideal day greeted the hardy old pioneer on the dawn of his 90th year. Going about his usual duties of the day, the kindly old gentleman looked years younger then what his age states he is. Today he has started out on another year and unless some unforeseen affliction strikes him down, Mr. Ashford has excellent possibilities of celebrating several more birthdays before feebleness overtakes him in the declining years of life's long hard battle.
Note
Source; A newspaper clipping from unknown Brown County, South Dakota paper dated about December 1930. Scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford
********************************
Vet Ashford Passes
Brown County Pioneer Dies After Three Months Illness
Elderkin P. Ashford aged veteran of the Civil War, early resident of Rondell Township and highly respected citizen of Brown County, joined the silent bivouac of the soldier dead at 12:15 A.M. this morning at his farm near Stratford according to word received here today.
Death came after an illness which has kept him confined to his bed since June. Growing gradually weaker he passed into a state of coma, Monday, from which he did not fully rally before his death. He lacked only four months of being 90 years old at the time of his passing.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to South Dakota and settled in Rondell Township where
he has lived ever since.
During the Civil War he was a Sergeant in Company A, Twenty third Iowa Infantry and served over three years. Mr. Ashford had planned to attend the G.A.R. convention to be held in Des Moines this year.
Besides being an honorary member of the American Legion of Stratford he was member of the G.A.R. post of Des Moines.
One brother, M.E. Fagen of Perry, Iowa and three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward all of whom live at home. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with Dr. A.H. Seymour officiating. Interment will be made in the family lot of Rondell Cemetery.
********************
E.P. ASHFORD COMES TO CLOSE OF LONG LIFE
E.P. Ashford the last Civil War veteran in this neighborhood was laid to rest in the family lot in West Rondell Cemetery, Tuesday afternoon with military honors. He passed away at his home southwest of town at 12:15 Saturday morning after being confined to his bed for several weeks.
A large number of old friends and neighbors were present at the funeral services at Aberdeen and at the cemetery, and members of the local post of the American Legion were there to furnish the last salute in honor of the old soldier while taps sounded. Dr. Seymour of Aberdeen officiated at the services.
Elderkin P. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to southern Rondell Township where he made his home until his death last week.
During the Civil War, he was a Sergeant in Co. A 23rd Iowa Infantry and served over three years with a very good record. He was a member of the Des Moines G.A.R. and an honorary member of the Stratford American Legion post. He planned to attend the G.A.R. convention in Des Moines this year.
He is survived by three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Source; Newspaper obituaries from unknown Brown County, South Dakota newspapers. Taken from the scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford. Article by Jeannine Ashford.
Husband of Cassandra Harriet Taylor.
Father of Fred Elderkin, Frank Clifford, Grace, Helen and Harry Ward Ashford.
Mother is Sarah Neil
Source: South Dakota Brown County Cemetery Interments Thru 2011, Volume 1∼The capture of Confederate Colonel
Among Highlights In Life
of Brown Countian
E.P. Ashford, Pioneer of Rondell Township,
Celebrates 90th Birthday
Serving for three years in the Civil War, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President, serving in the state legislature, capturing a Confederate colonel single-handed and playing a major part in the building of the northwest are just a few of the dramatic incidents in the life of E.P. Ashford, pioneer of Rondell township, who Monday celebrated his 90th birthday.
Although bowed by the burden of 90 years, Mr. Ashford is still hale and hearty. His keen mind, in spite of his advanced age, is ever alert and his physical health is excellent.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana, December 8, 1841, an only son, his father dying when he was an infant. His mother married again and the family moved to Iowa to what is now known as Des Moines. The town then was an army outpost where a few soldiers quartered as a precaution against Indian attacks.
It was there that he and his stepfather founded the first grist mill in the untamed west.
Joins the Army
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Ashford was one of the first to join. He enlisted in Company A, 23rd Iowa Volunteers as a Private and was later promoted to First Sergeant. During the great internal conflict, he saw three years of constant service. During those bloody years, Mr. Ashford saw everyone but thirty of his company go down in battle but he escaped without a wound.
He participated in the history-making battles of Millekins Bend, Black River Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg and Mobile. He was an active member of many minor engagements during the struggle.
Captures Colonel At Black River Bridge his regiment lost heavily and his colonel was killed. An Iowa history of the Civil War states that Mr. Ashford was first over the breastworks at this battle and while still slightly ahead of his comrades, he rounded a brush heap where he surprised and captured a Confederate colonel. When the officer surrendered, he gave Sergeant Ashford his sword, which was handsomely engraved with gold and silver.
This trophy of war was carried by Ashford for several weeks, but while on the march, he gave it to his commanding officer Major Houston. Since that time Mr. Ashford declared that many times he has regretted the fact that he gave the sword away.
Votes for Lincoln
When old enough to vote, Mr. Ashford cast his first ballot for Lincoln who was running for President. In his diary which he kept during the war, this short but somewhat dramatic entry was found "Blakely, Alabama, Thursday, April 20, 1865; The news came in this evening that President Lincoln, Secretary Seward and several others were assassinated. What a blow to our government. Death to traitors is my prayer."
Mr. Ashford was mustered out of service on July 25, 1865 at Harrisburg, Texas. Returning to civil life, he lived in and near Des Moines for many years engaging in farming. During this time he was married to Cassie Harriet Taylor. There were five children born to this happy union.
Comes to South Dakota
For several years prior to 1892, he was engaged in packing business in Des Moines. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Ashford moved to South Dakota, purchasing the Ambrose Allen farm at Rondell where he has since made his home. His wife departed this life last fall after many years as an invalid.
In the year of 1899, Mr. Ashford was elected to the state senate from Brown County where he served for one term. Leaving the legislature at the expiration of his term, he settled again on the farm.
As far as can be learned he is the oldest living member of the Grand Army of the Republic residing in Brown County at the present time. Comrade M.M. Brooks is 95, but he makes his home at the Old Soldiers Home at Hot Springs. The remaining veterans who live in Aberdeen are still in the eighties.
An ideal day greeted the hardy old pioneer on the dawn of his 90th year. Going about his usual duties of the day, the kindly old gentleman looked years younger then what his age states he is. Today he has started out on another year and unless some unforeseen affliction strikes him down, Mr. Ashford has excellent possibilities of celebrating several more birthdays before feebleness overtakes him in the declining years of life's long hard battle.
Note
Source; A newspaper clipping from unknown Brown County, South Dakota paper dated about December 1930. Scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford
********************************
Vet Ashford Passes
Brown County Pioneer Dies After Three Months Illness
Elderkin P. Ashford aged veteran of the Civil War, early resident of Rondell Township and highly respected citizen of Brown County, joined the silent bivouac of the soldier dead at 12:15 A.M. this morning at his farm near Stratford according to word received here today.
Death came after an illness which has kept him confined to his bed since June. Growing gradually weaker he passed into a state of coma, Monday, from which he did not fully rally before his death. He lacked only four months of being 90 years old at the time of his passing.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to South Dakota and settled in Rondell Township where
he has lived ever since.
During the Civil War he was a Sergeant in Company A, Twenty third Iowa Infantry and served over three years. Mr. Ashford had planned to attend the G.A.R. convention to be held in Des Moines this year.
Besides being an honorary member of the American Legion of Stratford he was member of the G.A.R. post of Des Moines.
One brother, M.E. Fagen of Perry, Iowa and three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward all of whom live at home. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with Dr. A.H. Seymour officiating. Interment will be made in the family lot of Rondell Cemetery.
********************
E.P. ASHFORD COMES TO CLOSE OF LONG LIFE
E.P. Ashford the last Civil War veteran in this neighborhood was laid to rest in the family lot in West Rondell Cemetery, Tuesday afternoon with military honors. He passed away at his home southwest of town at 12:15 Saturday morning after being confined to his bed for several weeks.
A large number of old friends and neighbors were present at the funeral services at Aberdeen and at the cemetery, and members of the local post of the American Legion were there to furnish the last salute in honor of the old soldier while taps sounded. Dr. Seymour of Aberdeen officiated at the services.
Elderkin P. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to southern Rondell Township where he made his home until his death last week.
During the Civil War, he was a Sergeant in Co. A 23rd Iowa Infantry and served over three years with a very good record. He was a member of the Des Moines G.A.R. and an honorary member of the Stratford American Legion post. He planned to attend the G.A.R. convention in Des Moines this year.
He is survived by three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Source; Newspaper obituaries from unknown Brown County, South Dakota newspapers. Taken from the scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford. Article by Jeannine Ashford.
Husband of Cassandra Harriet Taylor.
Father of Fred Elderkin, Frank Clifford, Grace, Helen and Harry Ward Ashford.
Source: South Dakota Brown County Cemetery Interments Thru 2011, Volume 1∼The capture of Confederate Colonel
Among Highlights In Life
of Brown Countian
E.P. Ashford, Pioneer of Rondell Township,
Celebrates 90th Birthday
Serving for three years in the Civil War, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President, serving in the state legislature, capturing a Confederate colonel single-handed and playing a major part in the building of the northwest are just a few of the dramatic incidents in the life of E.P. Ashford, pioneer of Rondell township, who Monday celebrated his 90th birthday.
Although bowed by the burden of 90 years, Mr. Ashford is still hale and hearty. His keen mind, in spite of his advanced age, is ever alert and his physical health is excellent.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana, December 8, 1841, an only son, his father dying when he was an infant. His mother married again and the family moved to Iowa to what is now known as Des Moines. The town then was an army outpost where a few soldiers quartered as a precaution against Indian attacks.
It was there that he and his stepfather founded the first grist mill in the untamed west.
Joins the Army
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Ashford was one of the first to join. He enlisted in Company A, 23rd Iowa Volunteers as a Private and was later promoted to First Sergeant. During the great internal conflict, he saw three years of constant service. During those bloody years, Mr. Ashford saw everyone but thirty of his company go down in battle but he escaped without a wound.
He participated in the history-making battles of Millekins Bend, Black River Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg and Mobile. He was an active member of many minor engagements during the struggle.
Captures Colonel At Black River Bridge his regiment lost heavily and his colonel was killed. An Iowa history of the Civil War states that Mr. Ashford was first over the breastworks at this battle and while still slightly ahead of his comrades, he rounded a brush heap where he surprised and captured a Confederate colonel. When the officer surrendered, he gave Sergeant Ashford his sword, which was handsomely engraved with gold and silver.
This trophy of war was carried by Ashford for several weeks, but while on the march, he gave it to his commanding officer Major Houston. Since that time Mr. Ashford declared that many times he has regretted the fact that he gave the sword away.
Votes for Lincoln
When old enough to vote, Mr. Ashford cast his first ballot for Lincoln who was running for President. In his diary which he kept during the war, this short but somewhat dramatic entry was found "Blakely, Alabama, Thursday, April 20, 1865; The news came in this evening that President Lincoln, Secretary Seward and several others were assassinated. What a blow to our government. Death to traitors is my prayer."
Mr. Ashford was mustered out of service on July 25, 1865 at Harrisburg, Texas. Returning to civil life, he lived in and near Des Moines for many years engaging in farming. During this time he was married to Cassie Harriet Taylor. There were five children born to this happy union.
Comes to South Dakota
For several years prior to 1892, he was engaged in packing business in Des Moines. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Ashford moved to South Dakota, purchasing the Ambrose Allen farm at Rondell where he has since made his home. His wife departed this life last fall after many years as an invalid.
In the year of 1899, Mr. Ashford was elected to the state senate from Brown County where he served for one term. Leaving the legislature at the expiration of his term, he settled again on the farm.
As far as can be learned he is the oldest living member of the Grand Army of the Republic residing in Brown County at the present time. Comrade M.M. Brooks is 95, but he makes his home at the Old Soldiers Home at Hot Springs. The remaining veterans who live in Aberdeen are still in the eighties.
An ideal day greeted the hardy old pioneer on the dawn of his 90th year. Going about his usual duties of the day, the kindly old gentleman looked years younger then what his age states he is. Today he has started out on another year and unless some unforeseen affliction strikes him down, Mr. Ashford has excellent possibilities of celebrating several more birthdays before feebleness overtakes him in the declining years of life's long hard battle.
Note
Source; A newspaper clipping from unknown Brown County, South Dakota paper dated about December 1930. Scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford
********************************
Vet Ashford Passes
Brown County Pioneer Dies After Three Months Illness
Elderkin P. Ashford aged veteran of the Civil War, early resident of Rondell Township and highly respected citizen of Brown County, joined the silent bivouac of the soldier dead at 12:15 A.M. this morning at his farm near Stratford according to word received here today.
Death came after an illness which has kept him confined to his bed since June. Growing gradually weaker he passed into a state of coma, Monday, from which he did not fully rally before his death. He lacked only four months of being 90 years old at the time of his passing.
Mr. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to South Dakota and settled in Rondell Township where
he has lived ever since.
During the Civil War he was a Sergeant in Company A, Twenty third Iowa Infantry and served over three years. Mr. Ashford had planned to attend the G.A.R. convention to be held in Des Moines this year.
Besides being an honorary member of the American Legion of Stratford he was member of the G.A.R. post of Des Moines.
One brother, M.E. Fagen of Perry, Iowa and three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward all of whom live at home. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with Dr. A.H. Seymour officiating. Interment will be made in the family lot of Rondell Cemetery.
********************
E.P. ASHFORD COMES TO CLOSE OF LONG LIFE
E.P. Ashford the last Civil War veteran in this neighborhood was laid to rest in the family lot in West Rondell Cemetery, Tuesday afternoon with military honors. He passed away at his home southwest of town at 12:15 Saturday morning after being confined to his bed for several weeks.
A large number of old friends and neighbors were present at the funeral services at Aberdeen and at the cemetery, and members of the local post of the American Legion were there to furnish the last salute in honor of the old soldier while taps sounded. Dr. Seymour of Aberdeen officiated at the services.
Elderkin P. Ashford was born in Indiana on December 8, 1841. While still a small boy he moved to Des Moines with his parents and remained there until in 1892 when he came to southern Rondell Township where he made his home until his death last week.
During the Civil War, he was a Sergeant in Co. A 23rd Iowa Infantry and served over three years with a very good record. He was a member of the Des Moines G.A.R. and an honorary member of the Stratford American Legion post. He planned to attend the G.A.R. convention in Des Moines this year.
He is survived by three sons; Fred, Frank and Ward. His wife preceded him in death two years ago.
Source; Newspaper obituaries from unknown Brown County, South Dakota newspapers. Taken from the scrapbook of Violet Feller Ashford. Article by Jeannine Ashford.
Husband of Cassandra Harriet Taylor.
Father of Fred Elderkin, Frank Clifford, Grace, Helen and Harry Ward Ashford.
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