;
Obituary of Daniel Israel
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on November 15, 2011
OBITUARY
LYKENS, 31 October 1902 — Daniel Israel of Wiconisco, who with his wife went to the home of their daughter, Mrs. Charlotte I. Stone, at Youngstown, Ohio., on the 9th of September last, with the hope of finding relief from asthma, from which he had been a sufferer for years, died at that place early Friday morning, age 64 years, 3 month and 16 days.
The change of climate, as is always the case with sufferers from asthma, proved quite beneficial, and Mr. Israel was enjoying his visit very much, and on the night of his death retired without any disturbing feelings and soon fell into a deep, restful slumber. Early in the morning his wife was awakened by his heavy breathing and becoming alarmed shook him to arose him, and as he showed no symptoms of returning consciousness, aroused the other members of the household. They also endeavored to awaken him, but after a few more long-drawn breaths he entered into the sleep that knows no awakening until the last day when the quick and the dead shall receive their reward for their good deeds on earth, and which the deceased will be found credited with many.
The news of his death was telegraphed to his son Frank at Wiconisco early Friday morning, and was a surprise to his many friends, who although aware of the fact that his health was rapidly failing, did not anticipate the end so soon. The remains arrived at this place Saturday noon and were taken to his late home at Wiconisco, where the funeral services were conducted by Rev. T. L. Josephs of the First Baptist church at 2 p.m. Sunday, after which interment took place in Union cemetery.
In the death of Mr. Israel this community has lost another of its earliest settlers as he has resided in Wiconisco since 1849. He was born in Nantgaraw, Glamorganshire, Wales, and came to this country with his parents in 1847. At the age of nine years he secured work in the mines, where he was employed for thirty years during which time he contracted the disease which has hastened the death of many of the first miners in this region, as in those days there were no laws regulating the ventilation of mines, the the poisonous gases inhaled were bound eventually to undermine the strongest constitution.
When in the prime of his life his adopted country was thrown into the great civil strife of 1861-1865, deceased obeyed the call to all loyal citizens to save the Union from disruption and enlisted with Company F, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, Capt. Edward G. Savage [10th Pennsylvania Infantry], and afterward in Company K, 173rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Capt. Cornelius A. Harper, serving his country faithfully and well.
When a mere boy he drove the mail on the trail through the woods between Wiconisco and Millersburg, at which time the former was the only post office in this valley. Henry Sheafer was the postmaster, and when in a communicative mood, Mr. Israel would relate many amusing incidents of those days. In 1872 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served in that office continuously since then with the exception of one term.
He is survived by his wife, one son Frank Israel, living at home, and one daughter, Mr. Charlotte I. Stone of Youngstown, Ohio. Two sons preceded him in death, one in infancy, and James Israel in Pittsburgh a few years ago.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral were William Stone and wife of Youngstown, Ohio; George Broome of Northumberland; Israel Evans of Johnstown, and Mrs. James Israel of Pittsburgh.
The family desires to thank all who in any manner assisted them in their sad bereavement.
The name “Daniel Israel” appears on the Lykens G.A.R. Monument:
Daniel Israel’s military record is indexed at the Pennsylvania Archives:
Finally, Daniel Israel applied for and received an invalid pension. The Pension Index Card is shown below and his records can be accessed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The obituary is taken from the Lykens Standard, 31 October 1902. Only the first part of the obituary is pictured here, a copy of the complete obituary is available in the Civil War Research Project files. Previously, the grave marker of Daniel Israel was pictured as part of a series of articles on Calvary United Methodist Church Cemetery, Wiconisco.
Comments