SAFELY, John J. - Putnam

Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 457, shared by Karen Zach

Major John J. SAFELY -  It is a pleasure to chronicle the history of a man whose life retained the beautiful simplicity of its purpose and aim while embellished by the amenities, the culture and advantages which wealth permits one to enjoy. Such a man was Mr. Safely, who was born at Waterford, Saratoga County, New York in 1837, a son of Thomas and Henrietta Safely. He was educated in Saratoga County, New York and Mt. Vernon Iowa and graduated from that institution in 1857, after which he commenced the study of law in the office of Judge William Green of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While in the pursuit of his legal studies the flag of his country became endangered and he responded to Pres. Lincoln's call and enlisted in the 13th Iowa Regt in which, for his faithful performance of every duty for his courage and ability, he was made Capt. of Company C, 13th Iowa Regt. he served in this capacity, rising constantly in the esteem of his superior officers. he was the provost-Marshall on the staff of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division 17th Corps in and around Atlanta and did some of the most gallant and daring acts that were done on any battlefield. Step by step he climbed the ladder of military honors until at the close of the war, in 1865, he bore the respected and well merited title of Major. One of the most striking tributes which was paid to the memory of the dead warrior was an obituary which appeared in a New York paper as follows: "We knew Maj. Safely well as a man and soldier. As a man he was kind, generous, considerate and courteous to rich and poor alike, and as a soldier he was bold and daring tot he extreme, performing his duties with that fearless, unabating zeal which inspired the most timid of his followers with bravery." The Major was in the battle where the brave McPherson fell on the memorable 22nd of July. Upon one occasion, while in the midst of a severe fight, he realized that his regiment was short of immunity, and he at once rode forth into the field to meet the ammunition wagon of the 12th Iowa Regt which at that time was disengaged. he endeavored to persuade the driver of the wagon to supply his regiment with ammunition, but on account of not being under the immediate command of the Major and having more regard fro discipline than for the immediate wants of the army, the stubborn driver refused to comply with the Major's request, whereupon  the later, who had victory in view instead of discipline, seized the driver by the collar, threw him to the ground and hastily mounting the wagon, drove it into the ranks of the regiment where, amid shot and shell, he coolly carried to and fro the ammunition with which to supply his regiment. One of the most romantic incidents which occurred in the life of the Major was the meeting with Miss Mary F. McEwen, who afterward became his wife. he, at that time, had charge of the hospital at Camp McClelland, Davenport, Iowa, and the scarcity of professional nurses necessitated the employment of the unskilled, yet willing hands of the ladies of that community and among the first to volunteering this work of patriotism and mercy was the present Mrs. Safely, who while in the performance of her duties about the hospital, formed the acquaintance of the Major, which afterward ripened into an affection which, at the close of the war, led to the union which ever afterward blessed their lives. Maj. Safely started in life a poor boy, but with the spirit of daring and perseverance which so characterized his war record, he in after years conducted his business. He became interesting in mining prospects in Colorado, some of which yielded him vast returns. One of these was the Bassick mine, which he sold after it had been partially worked for the magnificent sum of $1,500,00. After many ventures in mining industries and other active business, the Major became determined to construct for himself a home of beauty and comfort, in which he and his worthy wife might pass their declining years, surrounded by the many friends which their social intercourse and wide experience had gained, and for this purpose he purchased the tract of land which is located near the well-known Lodi Artesian Well, the waters of which many have drunk with great advantage to their health. Upon this piece of property and in an attractive natural park he erected a beautiful and perfectly equipped house, the interior of which is finished with elegant and tasteful designs in foreign and domestic woods and which cost the sum of $50,000. Almost before its completion, and while preparations were being made for the giving of an entertainment befitting the opening of this magnificent home, its threshold was crossed by the grim messenger, death. Surrounded by his family and loving and sympathizing friends, the Major fought his last battle and on September 1, 1891, he quietly passed to his reward. Socially he was a Mason, in which fraternity he had risen to the rank of Knight Templar. He was also enrolled in the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a Republican who took more than an average interest in the party, and wielded a wide spread interest in the political affairs of his section, although he was in no sense of the word an office seeker, preferring a strict attention to the business affairs of life rather than the strife and turmoil of the political arena. His antecedent can be traced back to some of the most worthy families of Europe, although time and space will not admit of our noting step by step the genealogy of this family. Nevertheless, the memory of the kind and faithful husband, trusty and loyal friend, and benevolent and agreeable man of affairs will ever remain verdant in the minds of those with whom he was associated. While he met with a more than average degree of success in business, he ever retained a warm spot in his heart for those who found life's battle hard and a helping hand was ever extended to the less fortunate of his fellow creatures.   -