Confederate Soldier Surrenders

Another of the few remaining Confederate soldiers of Monroe at last surrendered to the enemy of Death when Mr. Sylvester Upton Weikle gave up his life at his home near Sarton at 7:55 p.m. last Friday , Feb 20, 1931.

Mr. Weikle who was 84 years and three months of age, had been in declining health for about six months but was able to perform his duties on the farm until he was stricken about four weeks prior to his death with heart trouble and complications . These infirmities bailed the skill and tender care given him by his family and physician.

Mr. Weikle met his illness with fortitude making a soldier like fight for life, and retained his mental faculties the greater part of the time. Yet he was willing and made known his readiness to leave the conflict of this life and enter into his reward. He was born in Monroe County, Nov. 20, 1847, and spent practically his entire life near his childhood home.

He entered the Confederate service, when he was but 16 years of age, as a member of Edgar's Battalion, and served as a brave and faithful soldier. Mr. Weikle cherisher his memories of the great conflict and during later years delighted to recount interesting war stories. Just a few days prior to his death told his family that he would like to see his comrade Mr. Paxton Smith.

Mr. Weikle was not only a soldier fitted to carry material arms and battle for material things, but he was also a "soldier of the cross." he was a Christian man, having enlisted in the cause of his savior about 70 years ago and standing true to the vows of his church and loyal to the principles laid down by Christ. He led a quiet, peaceful life, kindly in his disposition, friendly to his neighbors and indulgent to his family.

Miss Amanda Jane Arnott became his bride Feb. 22, 1872. She preceded him to his grave on Jan. 12. 1923. To their union were born 12 children, as follows; Messrs Gilbert and Anderson Weikle, Mrs. Cordia Compton and Mrs. Lizzie Broyles of Sarton, Mrs. Emma Miller of Ronceverte, Messrs. B.C. Weikle of Covington, Va. , C.E. Weikle of Alderson, H.W. Weikle of Huntington, and M.D. Weikle of Greenville, and Harvey, Russell and Walter who died some years ago. He also leaves four brothers, Messrs. O.J. of Spanishburg, W.Va. , G.W. of Sinks Grove, R.C. of Sarton, and R.M. of Hoilton Kansas, and one sister, Mrs. G.W. Pyle of Morrill, Kan.

Funeral services were conducted at Mt. Alexander at 11 o'clock Sunday morning by his pastor, Rev. W.P. Good, after which the body was laid in peaceful repose in the church yard to await the resurrection call.

It is of interest to note that Mr. Weikle was both married and buried on Washington's birthday.

Taken from the Monroe Watchman newspaper Union W. Va.