Civil War Veteran Buried Here Monday

The Body of George D. Pearce late of Grand Meadow, Minnesota was brought here for interment last Monday. The deceased was eighty-two years of age and a former resident of Worth county where he farmed for a number of years. He had moved away from this locality about fifty years ago. In 1888 his wife died and he brought her remains here for burial in Sunset Rest. It has been his request that his body should be buried beside that of his wife. Mr. Pearce was the last veteran of the Civil War who lived in Grand Meadow. On his deceased relatives telegraphed to Mrs. C A Walker as an officer in the Woman's Relief Corps, to make arrangements for the interment. Though some error the message was not received here, and on arrival of the remains they were deposited in the cemetery vault to await until Tuesday for the final burial. Because it was necessary for the relatives who accompanied the body to Northwood to return to their homes the same day, Rev. T P Shaffer read the burial service at the vault. On Tuesday afternoon the body was buried members of the Relief Corps being present and making use of their appropriate ceremony at grave. The deceased was a man held in respect by those who knew him. He was a good citizen and most kindly neighbor. He maintained his interest to the last in the welfare of the Union which he had helped to preserve. He was a member of The G A R. He is survived by one daughter and seven grandchildren. His only son Chas D. died in Chicago six months ago. Accompanying the remains to Northwood were sister, Mrs. Eliza Bewick and her daughter, Mrs. Bessie Shadel of Madison, Wisconsin, Mrs. Chas D Pearce, of Chicago, his daughter Mrs. Iva M Deyo, of Brown's Valley, Minnesota, and Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Dockum and son of Otranto.

Northwood Anchor and Worth Co. Index, Thur. 4-8-1926, Front page Col.-4

GRAND MEADOW'S LAST CIVIL WAR VET PASSES

Death of George D. Pearce Leaves But One Living Member of the Local G.A.R.

George D. Pearce, who for several years has been the only resident of the village of Grand Meadow who fought in the Civil War, died at his home here last Saturday morning, following an extended period of failing health and an illness that had confined him to his bed for several weeks. His death leaves but one surviving member of the local Grand Army Post, that member being A.W. Thornhill of Racine. Mr. Pearce for several years has headed the processions on Decoration Day, bearing the Grand Army flag and participating in the annual Memorial services in honor of the memory of his comrades who preceded him to other shores. He was a man of robust constitution and would have been 82 years of age had he lived until June of this year. Mr. Pearce was a pioneer resident of Mower County, engaging in the mercantile business in Dexter in 1876. He had two stores in that town, one for hardware and the other for dry goods, drugs and groceries. His stores were destroyed in the big fire in May 1897, and he the retired from business. In May 1915, Mr. Pearce moved to Grand Meadow and has resided here since that time. Funeral services were held on Monday morning at the Congregational church and the remains were taken to Northwood for burial. The members of Booth Relief Corps attended in body and numerous floral offerings were in evidence.

The following sketch was given the newspaper by relatives of the deceased man: George Daniel Pearce was Born in Gloustershire, Eng. On June 24, 1844. He came to America in 1853, making his home in Wisconsin. From there he entered the army in 1863, serving until honorably discharged in 1866. In 1873 he married Henrietta Beach. To this union a son Charles Daniel, who preceded him to the other shore October 9, 1925, also a daughter, Iva Myrtle Deyo of Browns Valley, Minn. He leaves also a daughter Mrs. Earl Spooner of Duluth, who is a daughter by a second marriage. Mr. Pearce died at his home in Grand meadow April 3, 1926. His daughter, Mrs. Deyo and daughter in law, Mrs. Pearce being with him some two weeks prior to his death. His last wish was that he be laid to rest beside the mother of his children at Northwood, Iowa.

Grand Meadow Record, April 8, 1926

George Daniel Pearce

               U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865

Name: George Daniel Pearce

Enlistment Age: 19

Birth Date: 24 June 1844

Birth Place: Gloustershire, England

Enlistment Date: 9-Feb 1864

Enlistment Place: Madison, Wisconsin

Enlistment Rank: Corporal

Muster date: 9-Feb 1864

Muster Place: Wisconsin

Muster Company: H

Muster Regiment: 25th Infantry

Muster regiment type: Infantry

Muster Information: Enlisted

Muster Out Date: 15-mar 1866

Muster Out Place: Brownsville, Texas

Muster Out Information: Muster Out

Side of war: Union

Survived War? Yes

Complexion: Light

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Light

Height: 5ft, 10 inches

Residence Place: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Last Known Residence Place: Dane Co., WI & Grand Meadow, Minnesota

Death Date: 3 Apr 1926

Death Place: Grand Meadow, Minnesota

Burial place: Northwood, Iowa

Occupation: Farmer

Title: Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers: War of the Rebellion; Researched by Brian Heintzelman, Ancestry.com