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Three Unusual Deaths of Civil War Soldiers in 1903
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on May 7, 2015
LONGEVITY – From the Harrisburg Patriot, 11 February 1903:
Pennsylvania Veteran Dead at 104
Philadelphia, 10 February 1903 — Lewis Butler, colored, aged 104 years, died at his home in this city today of general debility. He was born in York, Pennsylvania, and was a veteran of the Civil War, serving as a Sergeant in the 43rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers [43rd U.S. Colored Troops]. Mr. Butler’s family is long-lived. A brother, living in York, is 106 years of age and a sister in this city is 102 years old.
MENTAL ILLNESS – From the Harrisburg Patriot, 13 February 1903:
Frank Boyer
Frank Boyer, a veteran of the Civil war, died at the State Lunatic Asylum yesterday morning. He was a member of Company F, 50th Pennsylvania Volunteers [50th Pennsylvania Infantry], during the war and before his admission to the insane hospital he resided in Pottsville. Mr. Boyer was an inmate of that institution for many years, but was ill only a few weeks. He will be buried with military ceremonies by Post 55, Grand Army of the Republic [G.A.R.], on Saturday at 2 p.m. A meeting of the Post will be held this evening to take action on his death.
TRAIN ACCIDENT – From the Harrisburg Patriot, 25 May 1903
JOHN W. STEWART KILLED
Former Harrisburg Citizen Struck by Train — His Family Reside Here
Duncannon, 24 May 1903 — John W. Stewart was struck by a fast train on the Pennsylvania Railroad on Friday morning and received injuries from which he died. He resided on his farm near Loeh’s Run. It seems that he had been to the store which is some distance from his home and on opposite side of the railroad. On returning, he was struck by an engine. The train was stopped and he was picked up and taken to Newport where he died a few minutes later. He was about sixty years of age and was a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Stewart resided in Harrisburg for many years where he worked in the iron works. He is survived by his wife and one son, Charles Stewart, who resides in Harrisburg.
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