John N. Jordan died on June 8, 1907 at the home of his daughter, Mary, Mrs. Irvin Smith, in Belmont after an illness of many weeks. Mr. Jordan was born in Cornstable, Franklin County, N.Y., in 1831 and was therefore 76 years old. He came to Berlin, then Strongs Landing, and for several years was an engineer on the lakes. Later he bought a farm near Berlin, where he lived until three years ago when with his wife, who was in poor health, he came to stay awhile with his daughter. Within a few months Mrs. Jordan passed away. The bereaved husband continued to live on with his daughter until his death. Mr. Jordan was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted at Berlin In Company I of the Eleventh Wisconsin infantry in 1861 and served faithfully until the close of the war. While in the army he kept a diary of the happenings of each day which at this day proves an interesting reading. It tells a graphic story of the many hardships and horrors endured. Besides being in many battles, he was captured at Sabine Cross Roads, and was kept at a rebel prison for several months in Tyler, TX. He learned from experience the horrors of prison life and like many of his unfortunate comrades he became reduced to the condition of a living skeleton. As one reads the history of his army life, the wonder is how any of the prisoners ever lived to return to their homes. After the war he was united in marriage to Miss Lavinia M. Davis of Dartford. Seven children were born to them. They are Agnes L., wife of Irvin Smith of Belmont, Warren D., Mrs. Annie E. Verrette, Mrs. Georgia Jordon Decker, and Mrs. Tessie (Tacy) J. Robinson, all living near Berlin, John E. of West Allis, and Elbert L. of Baton Rouge, LA. The deceased was taken to his old home for burial. The funeral services were held in the Congregational church of which he was a member. Friends came from far and near to pay the last tribute of respect to a good man. Flowers in abundance were placed on his casket by loving friends. His children will ever remember their good father and his many deeds of kindness. During his illness he said to those around him, "I am not afraid to die," no doubt this same kind Heavenly Father who did not forsake him in the dangers of army life would now receive him in the ranks above.

From Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin; July 12, 1907