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Obits > Henry M. Giles 1908


TAMPICO TORNADO
January 10, 1908

HENRY M. GILES IS DEAD

Aged Veteran Dies of Blood Poison From Abrasion on His foot

Henry M. Giles, an old soldier, for years a famiiar character to the people of Tampico and vicinity, died at his home in the northern part of town Sunday morning. Death was caused by blood poison from a sore on his foot which spread through his system, his advanced age making it impossible for the system to throw off the poison.

Henry was afflicted about three weeks previous with sores onhis feet, which were caused by chafing or rubbing of his shoes, blood poison resulted and in spite o fall that medical skill and kind neighbors could do he passed away. Much of the time he was delerious and would drive his horse "Billy" or go through the motions of currying him. He suffered considerably when the would was dressed but the end came peacefully. Draper Maxfield who was hired to stay with Henry who lived alone, awakened at 3 o'clock and Henry was sleeping all right, awakening again at 5 Draper ************ him dead and no evidence of any ************** as the ed clothing was not ******** anged.

******funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the M. E. church, Rev. James Potter officiating. The G. A. R. and W. R. C. attended in a body and also furnished some nice floral tributes. Interment was in the Tampico Cemetery.

Several days prvious to his death Henry made his will which was drawn up by A. T. Glassburn. In it he bequeathed his property valued at $1500 as follows: $200 to Mrs. Dewitt West,  or more for a monument, $100 at interment to care for lot in cemetery and balance to G. A. R. post in Tampico. The post commander, Barney McGrady being appointed executor of the will.

Henry M. Giles was born in New York City in the year of 1833 and cme to Prophetstown, Illinois, when fourteen years of age. ****the breaking *****Ill. Infantry and *********** of the numerous **************and about Corinth Mississipppi in May 1862 and was discharged Sept. 5, 1862 on account of disability, gun shot wound crippling his arm. Henry was a familiar figureup on our streets for many years. Although he leaves no relatives about Tampico, he will be misssed by many, he leaves a host of friends. He was a faithful member of Samuel G. Steadman Post No. 491, his comrades all testify to his good character and friendly spirit.

Five members of his Regiment were as active pall bearers as follows: Cap Cleveland, Barney McGrady, Austiin Foy, Oscar Olmstead, Emmett Underhill.  

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