Newspaper obituary -- The last of the "Boys in Blue" who have walked, chatted, rested and lived in the Grand Army Home at Waupaca since the institution was established there in 1888, went to join his comrades of Chickamauga, Lynchburg, Bull Run and Gettysburg. His death occurred on May 16.

Israel J. Cannon, Waushara County's last surviving Union veteran, had lived a full life on this earth - 101 years before he answered taps, a soldier's farewell. Today his name foots the roster of the thousands resting in the little hillside burial ground beside the Grand Army Home.

He was taken prisoner during the siege of Vicksburg and languished in the notorious Libby prison (incorrect-- Was at the siege of Vicksburg, but taken prisoner at the Battle of Carrion Crow, LA -- kept at Camp Ford, Texas) until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service on June 21, 1865.

A bit of the Cannon spirit which the aged veteran always maintained, was frequently related by his comrades.

"Who goes there?" the sentry called to him one night. "Cannon, without wheels," came the prompt reply. To his identification, the sentry rejoined, "Pass on, Cannon without wheels!"

Returning from the front, Soldier Cannon settled in the town of Marion in this county. There he erected a log cabin which still stands near the Ed Storke home. His marriage to Mrs. Charley Linsey (nee Parthena Quimby) occurred on July 11, 1886, and to this union were born six children, all of whom survive. They are Amelia Loreign, now Mrs. J. E. Sauer, of the town of Wautoma; Benjamin Edward of Rice Lake (I believe this should be Rib Lake); Cecil Ray of West DePere; Eva May (incorrect- Eva Rowena), now Mrs. Charley Thomas of Lee Center, New York; Stillman Jason, of Rome, New York; and Adeline Luella, now Mrs. Edward Pomplun, of Wautoma.

He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Emma McCullough, of Gerry, New York; a nephew and three nieces, 33 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, a great-niece and a great-nephew.

Funeral services were conducted for the deceased veteran at the Waupaca chapel on May 20, at 1:30 o'clock p.m., with military honors. The Rev. E. L. Shepard of Parfreyville opened the service, which was turned over shortly to the service conducted by the ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, who also conducted the service at the grave. Charles Cowan, the sole surviving Union veteran residing at Waupaca, spoke briefly in memory of the departed veteran. Services were concluded by the Daughters of Union Veterans.

Soldier Cannon was for four years at the Milwaukee home for veterans, after which time, in 1905, he entered the Wisconsin veterans' home at Waupaca. Accompanied by his youngest son, he made a trip to the state of New York in 1915. There he resided with his daughter, Mrs. Eva Thomas, for two years, subsequently returning to Waupaca.

Information from:
Kathleen Thomas - Descendant
Various publications and records from the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King
Various census' and databases on Ancestry.com

Researched by Kim Heltemes

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