Son of William Martin Littlefield and Jan McGarity

Obituary Gonzales Inquirer Nov. 25, 1902

News reached this city this morning of the death of Mr. John Littlefield, which occurred at Southerland Springs on Friday last. The remains were interred at Antioch Saturday near the Gonzales and Wilson county line, with Masonic honors. Deceased at one time was a resident of Leesville, and the Inquirer understands, was a cousin of Mr. C. C. Littlefield.

Obituary Gonzales Inquirer Jan. 17, 1903

I Memory of John W. Littlefield

Brother John W. Littlefield was born in the state of Tennessee Sept. 11, 1836. In 1840 his father moved to the state of Mississippi. That state being new and but few settlers, there were no schools; but, thanks to his mother, for under her teaching he acquired a fair school education. In 1853 his father moved to Gonzales county, Texas. In 1861 he enlisted in Terry's Texas Rangers and at the battle of Schiloh our brother was badley wounded. He was granted a furlough and came home for treatment and as soon as he was able returned to his command and was with his regiment in the numerous battles they engaged in until the surrender of our army at Jonesboro, North Carolina, in 1865. He then returned to Texas and chose the occupation of a farmer. In 1870 he was initiated, passed and raised in Leesville Lodge No. 334, A.F. & A.M. In 1872 he was elected junior warden and in 1874 worshipful master, and at the time of his death he was the senior past master of Leesville Lodge. In 1875 he was married to Miss Helen Sullivan. Two children were to bless this union, Mrs. B. F. Jarrett and Ambrose Littlefield. Both survive him to mourn his loss.

In 1876 he joined the Leesville Baptist church by experience and baptism, and for some time he said he had his doubts in regard to his conversion, bu (to use his own words) "for several years my doubts have all been removed and I known in whom I put my trust, to whom I have confided the keeping of my soul, and now I am sure that I am a child of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Brother Littlefield was a poor man "so far as this world's goods are concerned," but nature had endowed him with a larger share of the virtues than she ordinarily vouchsafes in the sons of men. He was reserved in speech, postive, yet courteous and polite to all. He kept aloof from the vulgar familiarities and vile associations. Being fond of reading he kept abreast with the best current thought, religious and political. His beliefs were unswervingly maintained for the goverment of his own life, but slow to obtrude them upon others about him.

With our order he was very much attached, and at different times held its highest offices and honors, and at all times discharged the duties with high-bred courtesy and efficiency.

On the 21st day of November, 1902, he ceased to be vexed with the painful riddle of human life, and on the 22nd day of the same month he was buried by Leesville Lodge with Masonic honors in the Antioch cemetery. And now that he has passed away the members of the order feel that not only a good man, but that a highminded, zealous Mason has gone from us to his last resting place, there to await the resurrection of the dead. To the children, relatives and friends.

When the voice which called him hence shall summon you, from whom it gave him to part, may you and we who respected and revered him meet him.

In that beautiful land.

That far away home of the soul.

Where no storms ever beat on the glittering sand

While the years of eternity roll.

Resolved, That a copy of this memorial be sent The Gonzales Inquirer for publication, a certified copy furnished the family of the deceased, and a page of our proceedings dedicated to his memory.

Perry D. Ellis,

E. M. Shuler,

J. W. Peebles,

Committee.

John Washington Littlefield

Terry's Texas Rangerstlefield

Mustered into Company E at Houston, TX on September 12, 1861.

Suffered broken arm at Fallen Timbers near Shiloh, TN on April 8, 1862, and apparently absent thereafter according to Andy Jones Roster.

Returned to regiment prior to another departure in November 1863.

Absent without leave by February 1864.

Died in 1905.