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Canton 'Boy In Blue' Rests on 97th Birthday Anniversary
Capt. W.H. Little One of City's Last Two Civil War Veterans.
Capt. William Harrison Little, one of Canton's two revered old men of the Grand Army of the Republic, marked another mile-stone in a long and full life today as he observed his 97th birthday anniversary.
Infirmities of age and failing health will keep him in bed so he'll be unable to entertain many callers at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Harry E. McCullough of 134 Broad Ave NW, with whom he resides.
However, cards, letters and gifts have been arriving for him all week and maybe a few close friends will be permitted to see him and brighten the day with a chat.
Won't See Comrade
His comrade in arms, Raymond Edleman of 409 Shorb ave NW won't be among close friends visiting him today, however. Mr. Edleman is 94 years old and getting about is daily becoming a harder task for him.
No doubt if the two Civil War soldiers could get together, they'd talk over the battles of the 1860's when the north and south were embroiled in civil strife.
Capt. Little served over three years with the Union Army. He enlisted in 1862 as a private and went into battle 30 times. he was wounded eight times, the last time on April 6, 1865 three days before Lee's surrender.
On Dec. 24, 1864, he was captured by Confederates and for four months was held in infamous Libby prison at Richmond. When he entered the prison camp he weighed 154 pounds. When he left, 72 pounds.
8 Years With Guard
At the close of the war he served eight years with the Ohio national guard, leaving that service with the rank of captain which his friends still use today.
Before the Civil war, Capt. Little had been a stationary engineer, but was unable to follow this work after the war because of injuries which had crippled his right arm.
After a period of self-education as a bookkeeper, he obtained a clerical job with the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and remained there for 20 years.
He then served several terms as Canton twp trustee, retiring when he was about 85. He was born at Damascus on Dec. 27, 1843.
Active in G.A.R. Affairs.
Until two years ago, Capt. Little was active in G.A.R. affairs here and always occupied a place of honor in Canton's parade marking Memorial Day. He has resided here for 50 years.
Before failing health made trips impossible, he delighted in attending national G.A.R. reunions and two years ago was among the soldiers who gathered at Gettysburg for the reunion of the Blue and Gray.
He has three other children besides Mrs. McCullough. They are H.J. Little of 126 Arlington ave NW and Mrs. Mento Langley and Delbert Little, both of Hammond, Ind.
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