The Death of Capt. Little

Source: Canton Repository, June 11th, 1941 pg. 1

City's Capt. W.H. Little Answers Last 'Assembly'

Colorful Civil War Veteran Taken by Death: Fought in Infantry, Cavalry.

Taps have sounded for Capt. William H. Little, colorful veteran of the Civil War, well known throughout the nation for his G.A.R. activities.

The end came peacefully Tuesday afternoon in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry E. McCullough of 134 Broad ave NW, where he had made his home in recent years.

The veteran, who was in his 98th year, had been ill for more than six months but prior to his last illness was fairly active and took part in the celebration of his 97th birthday. Up until two years ago he had been one of the leaders in the Memorial day rites.

Leave Two Veterans.

The death of Capt. Little leaves only two surviving Civil war veterans in this vicinity. They are Raymond Edleman of 409 Shorb ave NW, and John Brown of 603 Hyke ct SE. It is possible that both of the remaining veterans will take part in the military rites that will be accorded Capt. Little at his funeral services.

A man of slight build and a fastidious dresser, the former soldier was known to all of the older Cantonians. Until the last few years he was a familiar figure on the downtown streets of Canton. Along with his G.A.R. button, a fresh flower was always noted in his coat lapel.

The years had been full for this Civil war veteran. When he was interviewed on the occasion of his 96th birthday, he remarked that he had been pretty well shot to "pieces" while serving with the infantry but he reenlisted in the cavalry.

Held in Libby Prison.

Late in the war, Capt. Little was captured and for four months was held in Libby prison at Richmond. He frequently said that this was the most terrible period of his entire life. Several years ago, accompanied by his daughter, he motored to Virginia and visited the old prison and saw he cell where he had been kept for the four months.

He recognized the old stone blocks on which he had mad distinguishing marks.

In the summer of 1936 accompanied b Comrade Edleman he went to the G.A.R. encampment in Washington, visited Gettysburg and other battlefields and saw President Roosevelt dedicate the $60,000 monument symbolic of a reunited nation.

Capt. Little was born in Damascus, on Dec. 27, 1843. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company B of the 104th O.V.I. from which he was honorably discharged the following year because of sever wounds, have fought in two major battles. Three months after his discharge he reenlisted in the 12th Ohio volunteer Cavalry and on the day before Christmas 1864 he was captured and sent to Libby prison.

Served in State Guard

He did not take part in the battle of Gettysburg but was wounded eight times during the four years service. He was freed from Libby prison in an exchange of prisoners. At the close of the war, he served eight years with the Ohio national guard, leaving this service with the rank of captain.

Before the Civil war, Capt. Little had been a stationary engineer but was unable to follow this work after the war because of his injuries. After a period of self education as a bookkeeper, he obtained a clerical job with the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and remained in its employ for 20 years. He then served several terms as a township trustee, retiring at the age of 85.

Since his retirement, he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. McCullough. His only infirmities until his last illness were impaired hearing and sight. he had real spirit, stood erect and his step was light and quick.

Recalled Battle Details.

His mental faculties were clear and he could relate detailed accounts of the battles in which he participated. On the occasion of his 97th birthday last December he hand not been "feeling so well" but seemed to perk up, dressed and came downstairs to pose for a picture of the Repository. It is the one published today.

He was the moving spirit in the Memorial day ceremonies. He was able until recent years to walk from the G.A.R. post rooms to Westlawn cemetery, but later he rode in an automobile in the parade. He also was an active member of Canton council, Junior O.U.A.M.

He will be given full military rites at funeral services to be held Friday at 2 P.M. in the Welch parlors in charge of the Sons o Union Veterans and Rev. D.F. Scott. Burial will be int he family plot in Westlawn cemetery. Ladies of the G.A.R. will meet Thursday at 7:30 PM in the parlors for memorial services.

In addition to his daughter Mrs. McCullough, he is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Mento Langley of Hammond, Ind; two sons, Harry J. Little of Canton and B.D. Little of Michigan; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Calling hours Thursday at the parlors will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM.