Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
George W. Beard, Last Civil War Veteran Buried In Kimball, Honored At Grave
John Surman and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ventured west to honor the last Union soldiers to be buried in Cheyenne, Kimball and Banner counties. They have done this in 68 of Nebraska's 93 counties, although Arthur County does not have a Union soldier to honor – unless, John Surman said, one is buried on a ranch somewhere. Above, he plays "Taps" at the Kimball Cemetery grave of George W. Beard. See story on Page A4 about the last Civil War veteran buried in Banner County.
The Sons of the Union Soldiers of the Civil War ceremoniously honored George W. Beard, the last Civil War Union soldier to be buried in Kimball during a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct. 19 at Kimball Cemetery. The ceremony was conducted by the organization's John Surman.
Beard's grave is highlighted by a Grand Army of the Republic marker. This marker, a symbol of his service and dedication to the Union, serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions.
Beard was in his 30s when he fought for the Union forces. He was born in Indiana and died at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. Beard spent much of his life in Kimball. Beard, his wife and six children arrived in Kimball in 1885 with some settlers. Some lived in a dozen frame houses and a row of adobes on Front Street.
In the Aug. 9, 1962, edition of the Western Nebraska Observer, Beard's granddaughter Daisy Beard Taylor shared a heartwarming story about her grandfather.
"Sgt. George Wallace Beard told of the Blue and Gray meeting at a stream to water their horses," she said, adding that her grandfather recalled that "they were on one side and we were on the other side. They liked coffee, but didn't have any. We liked tobacco, but didn't have any. So we swapped. The next day we would be blazing away at each other."
George W. Beard, born in Harrison County, Indiana, on December 28, 1836, was a man of many trades. He was a printer, newspaper owner, boatman, farmer, hotel keeper, grocer, postmaster and the first judge elected to the Kimball County Court.
After three terms as judge, Beard bought the Western Nebraska Observer. He purchased other newspapers in Nebraska and New Mexico. Constantly on the move, Beard lived in Greeley, Colorado, and then in California to live out the remaining years of his life with his daughter. He died in 1932, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and determination.
The Civil War started in April of 1861, George Beard enlisted in the Indiana Company B of the 45th Indiana Volunteer Infantry in August of 1861, later known as the Third Indiana Calvary, under the command of the Army of the Potomac.
He served under the top Union commands, including Sherman, Meade, Hooker, Burnside and Grant. During Sherman's 1864 March to the Sea, Beard was hit by "grape" shot in the hip, a cluster of smaller-caliber rounds packed in a canvas bag. Although a major infection was prevented, Beard's injury plagued him his whole life, a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the Civil War.
While the Civil War raged, Beard was granted leave in 1864 to marry Angeline E. Broaddus. The Indiana couple would have eight children, with two sons and two daughters surviving George at the time of his death.
During the Kimball Cemetery ceremony for George Beard, the Sons of Union Veterans gathered at his grave site in sacred memory of this nation's forefathers and their sacrifices. They honored Beard's memory with the words, "Tell everyone that for our tomorrow they gave their today. As all the veterans gathered are aware, a soldier cannot leave his post without being properly relieved. George Wallace Beard, you are now relieved. I have the post. Rest in Peace."
This solemn and respectful ceremony was a fitting tribute to Beard's service and sacrifice.
