Powell, Erastus
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MILITARY SERVICE Age: 22, credited to Jericho, VT Unit(s): 13th VT INF Service: enl 9/10/62, m/i 10/10/62, PVT, Co. F, 13th VT INF, d/dis 5/25/63 [College: UVM 66] See Legend for expansion of abbreviations VITALSBirth: 06/10/1840, Cambridge, VT Death: 05/25/1863 Burial: Jericho Center Cemetery, Jericho, VT Marker/Plot: 9 Gravestone photographer: Kathy Valloch Findagrave Memorial #: 15121369 MORE INFORMATION Alias?: None noted Pension?: Yes, father Solomon W., 8/18/1890, VT Portrait?: Unknown College?: UVM 66 Veterans Home?: Not Found (If there are state digraphs above, this soldier spent some time in a state or national soldiers' home in that state after the war) Remarks: 13th Vt. History off-site DESCENDANTS (Are you a descendant, but not listed? Register today) |
BURIAL: Copyright notice   Jericho Center Cemetery, Jericho, VT Check the cemetery for location/directions and other veterans who may be buried there. |
Biography
ERASTUS POWELL
Son of Solomon W. and Sarah (Ingalls) Powell, was born in Cambridge, Vt., June 10, 1840. Educated in the common schools and Underhill Academy. A teacher in the public schools by occupation. Enlisted from Jericho, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862. Private Powell was a good solider, always ready for duty until stricken with typhoid pneumonia, of which he died May 25th, 1863, at Occoquan, Va. The body was taken by his friends to his home, where the funeral services were held in the Congregational Church, Jericho Center, Vt., burial in the village cemetery.
Source: Sturtevant's Pictorial History, Thirteenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, War of 1861-1865, p. 581
Obituary
Erastus Powell
In Hospital, near Occoquan, Va., of Typhoid Pneumonia, Mary 25th, died Erastus Powell of Co. F, 13th Vermont Regiment, son of Solomon Powell of Jericho, aged 22 years.
His remains were brought home and, after very impressive funeral services, were safely deposited in the church yard, there to rest till the last great day.
Mr. Powell was never very strong and, by many, his constitution was considered delicate. His earlier days were mostly spent upon the farm, but soon after uniting with the church, about five years since, he decided to devote himself to the work of the ministry. By faithful industry overcoming many obstacles, he had fitted himself for college, and last August was examined and admitted as a member off the present Junior class of the University of Vermont.But about this time a call came for men to enlist for the term of nine months in the service of their country, and, after duly considering the matter, he decided that it was his duty to go, trusting in his Heavenly Father to protect and guide him till he should return and enter more directly upon that life-work to which he looked forward with so much interest. He went from a sense of duty, and never was he known to intimate that he regretted taking the step. Said he immediately after enlisting, "I feel that a great burden has been rolled from my shoulders." In his letters he often expressed a willingness to die on the battlefield, if he could in that way best serve his country and his God.
His disposition was naturally quiet, peaceful and uniform. He therefore had many warm friends, as was clearly evinced by the crowded assembly of sincere mourners who attended his funeral
His piety was not sudden and impulsive, but was rather of an even, steady and constant growth. Those who know him best say "that from his earliest childhood, when he lisped his infant prayer, till the time of his death, he daily sought communion with God." He loved prayer and the praying circle--he loved the Sabbath school and the house of God. Such was his life at home. And the temptations and trials upon the tented field quickened his zeal for the cause of Christ. In the camp he earnestly prayed and faithfully labored till his earthly work was finished. During his sickness he was asked what message he wished to leave for friends. "Tell them," he said, "I am willing to die." We feel that this testimony is but the echo of his past life. We trust that he has gone to receive his reward. His saviour had other and better service for him, and he has, therefore, been transferred from the ranks of earth to the army of the faithful in Heaven. We cannot wish him back, though we deeply mourn our loss and feel the heavy blow which has remove form the family a king and dutiful son -- a loving and obliging brother; from the country a true, devoted patriot and soldier, and from the church a young, earnest and zealous laborer. Com.
Source: Vermont Chronicle, 9 Jun 1863
Courtesy of Deanna French