Mikels - Joe Ward
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Review, Jan 14, 1916
Darlington Jan 13 -- Joe Ward MIKELS, one of the two surviving Mexican War veterans in this county died Wednesday at the home of his son at Cerro Gordo, Ill. He had been a resident of Darlingtonnearly all his life and was known to a large number of people throughout the ocunty. Capt. Marks of Waynetown is now the only Mexicn veteran in the county. Joe Ward, as he was known to nearly all his friends here was born near Darlington Dec 3, 1828. When the trouble with Mexico heated into war he was one of the first to join the colors. After his return he married Miss Christina Smith in 1851. Before the civil war started several children had been born to them and for that reason he did not again go to the front. During his long residence in this township he farmed and worked at the carpenter trade. Sevearl years ago he left here for a short time to go to Missouri but returned and made his home in this city until going to live with his son about two years ago. His wife died in 1892. Three sons, Wesley of Rosedale; Milton of Cerro Gordo, Ill and Sol of Denver, Colorado survive. The body will be brought to Crawfordsville and will be taken to the undertaking establishment of Hunt & MUrphy Friday afternoon. Saturday morning the remains will be shipped to Darlington. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock at the South Christian Church of which he was a member Mr. Mikles was a member of the Masonic Lodge. - typed by kbz