GASAWAY, Uriah - Putnam

Mr. Gasaway, 101 years old, a veteran of the Mexican war of 1845 attended the ceremonies in the high school gymnasium Sunday which preceded the unveiling of “The Spirit of the American Doughboy.”  For a person 101 years old Mr. Gasaway was apparently in good health, walking to his chair of honor among the other war veterans present with the assistance of a relative.

Source: Greencastle Herald 14 March 1913

Uriah Gasaway of Reelsville is in Brazil today visiting his sister (in-law?) Mrs. Mary A. Gasaway and her son, SL Gasaway at 516 North Colfax Street.  THere doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary "personal" in that item until one learns the facts. Mrs. Gasaway is nearly 93 years of age and bears the distinction of being the only mother in Clay County who had sons who fought in the Civil War.  Mrs. Gasaway gave four sons to the Union Army.  Then her brother, Uriah Gasaway is a Mexican War veteran, serving under General Winfield Scott in every battle in the Mexican war.  He is 83 years of age. Mrs. Gasaway's only living son is SL Gasaway of W. Henrix Street who is 67 years of age and the youngest of the quartette who left the family fireside to carry arms for Uncle Sam. There were other relatives in this notable little gathering today at the home of Mrs. Gasaway's granddaughter, Mrs. Alzadie Tate and Mrs. Gasaway is able to take part in the conversation and the good time.  The old lady posses a sweet disposition and is happy in the closing chapter of her life.  Her mind is clear and she readily recalled dates and incidents to the reporter of the Times, who interviewed her today.  Her eyesight is good and she is able to get about and would take part in the housework work if allowed.  Mrs. Gasaway was born in Shelbyville, KY in 1820 but in the early years of her life, 1835, she moved to Indiana for a great many years a resident of Parke County only recently moving to Brazil from Lena. Four sons were born and it was her painful duty to kiss each goodbye as he left for the front with the Union Army.  One  of the boys, James never returned but was buried where he fell at the Battle of Baton ROuge, LA in 1864. Richard was a member of the 133rd Indiana Infantry and survived the awful war but later died.  John S. was a member of the Indiana heavy artillery and passed away only last year in the South.  SL Gasaway the baby boy who was also a member of the heavy artillery fortunately is able to be with his mother today in the little gathering.  The sacrifice of the mother during the years of war can not be imagined. She tells of managing the farm, fathering in the snow fodder to feed the stock in the winter time while her b oys fought. There were four girls, younger than the youngest son, two of whom survive. Although Mrs. Gasaway gave four sons to Uncle Sam and suffered the pangs of grief when one son lost his life in battle, and did the work of two men while the war was on, the government pays her but $12 a month in pension or not enough to keep her, had not her granddaughter been kind enough to return a similar favor which she received from "grandma" when she was a girl.  When asked by the reporter if she owes her longevity to care of her health in her youth, Mrs. Gasaway laughed at the idea. SHe said she never knew a health role and admits that she still enjoys a smoke with her clay pipe.  "I do not know why He has left me, an old worthless person here, and taken so many strong me away," said the old lady.  In spite of a bad fall she received recently she is still in good physicial condition for her age.  Mrs. Gasaway has a sister, Mrs. Rachael Mershon, living north of Mansfield, who is 89 years of age and lives on her farm by herself.  Uriah Gasaway, the Mexican War veteran is greatly interested in the trouble there now but says that if the US and Mexico get in to it again that Uncle Sam will have to do without his services. - Brazil Times

Source: Greencastle Herald 7 May 1928

Last rites for Uriah Gasaway, age 101 years, Mexican War Veteran who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Morton Smith at Reelsville Friday afternoon were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the church at Reelsville with Rev. Cline of Brazil in charge of the services.  Mr. Gasaway was a Campbellite and the services were in keeping with his religion. The singers were old friends of Mr. Gasaway and were members of the old Campbellite Church at Long Branch.  The Brazil Post of Foreign Wars assisted by the Terre Haute Post gave the ritualistic service. They were escorted by the GAR and Sons of Veterans. The alute at the grave was fired by members of the American Legion and in charge of Major WR Orton.  Pallbearers were members of the Jesse M. Lee Camp No. 24, Sons of Veterand and were Matt Murphy, Jacob Kiefer, WP Sackett, John Goddard and Len Ratcliff.  Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Otho Dicks and family of Ben Davis; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Will SMith and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Griffin, all of Indianapolis.  

Source: Greencastle Herald 30 Sept 1927 p 1

Uriah Gasaway, 101 years old and one of the few Mexican War veterans yet living in the US, who lives at Reelsville attended the Putnam County Fair Friday and seemed to enjoy the many splendid exhibits immensely.  Mr. Gasaway is visiting his daughter Mrs. WIlliam Hancock east Walnut Street.  Accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Mort Smith of Reelsville, Mr. Gasaway came to Greencasdtle Friday to take in all the Fair sights.  For a person 101 years old Mr. Gasaway is surprisingly active.  Mr. Gasaway was taken for an automobile ride by JE McCurry and saw many sights which he would not have seen otherwise. - kbz

Source: Greencastle Herald 10 July 1919 p 1