Groves - John
JOHN GROVES
Source: Waveland Independent Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana March 20, 1908
John F. Groves died on Friday night at the home of Mrs. Kate Bridges on West Main Street from the results of the burns received by him some weeks ago. He never rallied completely from the shock and his death had been momentarily expected for several days. The funeral on Monday afternoon was conducted by McPherson Post, GAR of Crawfordsville. The sermon by Rev. JG Burkhart was listened to by an audience that crowded the Christian Church. Owing to the illness of his wife, Mr. Burkhart was compelled to leave before the conclusion of the services. The impressive ceremony of the GAR was read by comrades who were deeply affected. Interment at Maple Ridge. John F. Groves one of seven children first saw the light of this world in Fleming County, Kentucky Feb 14, 1837. His parents moved to Milligan, Indiana when John was but 10 months old. He grew to manhood on the farm where he spent his life with the exception of the last four years. Four years ago he came to Waevland to live with his sister Kate, in whose home he always had the best of care and the closest of attention and here he gave his farewell to the earthly home to enter upon that journey which brings good men to eternal, victory, honor and immortality. After saying goodbye to friends and leaving his last goodbye with his faithful watcher, for his comrades of the GAR he fell asleep to be awakened as the sunlight of eternity came to kiss his brow. When clouds and darkness gloomed the heavens and the whole Republic every moment feard the might convulvsive shock which would shatter the stays and shafts and beams of the Edifice of our freedom, John F. Groves enlisted and offered the strength of his young manhood to assist the sublime Lincoln in throwing the burning chain of Union over the dark war cloud and draw light in safety from the patriotic heavens. WHile in his brave fight for freedom and a united country, he was severely wounded on Jan 2, 1862, having his arm shattered and receiving a wound in his head which resulted in weakening some of his mental faculties but even in his hampered condition, he made such good use of his powers of mind and body as to be a successful farmer and business man. The year after victory came to his country John F. Groves entered in another army in whose war there is no discharge until life's march reaches the gate-way of the "Home of the Souls." He was amost faithful soldier of the Cross putting himself under the "Banner of the IMmortal King" at the first special call for volunteers after the church recruiting station was dedicated, the recruiting officer at that time was C.G. Bartholomew. There survives him two brothers, David of New Sharon, Iowa and O.B. Groves of Crawfordsville; and the sister, Mrs. Kate Bridges. HIs niece, mrs. Owens of Russellville was in constant attendance during his last illness. Those present at the funeral from a distance were; Robert Barton, Wingate; George Patton, New Richmond; Hugh Patton, Mrs. Katie Vancleave, Mrs. Mary Alfrey; Anderson McMains, Crawfordsville; A.W. Groves, Waynetown; Mrs. Miranda Ellis, Rossville, Illinois; Sam McMains, Portland Mills; Mrs. Carrie Foster, Montezuma; Chas Owens and family, Russellville; Ulysses Litsey, Wallace; Ed and Harry Groves, Logansport, and many old neighbors and friends from Parke County. - kbz