Owl Creek Boys - James M. Yoder

Taken at a Reunion of the 82nd Indiana Volunteers 1906

James M. Yoder - Taps Sounded for Civil War Veteran
From the fast thinning lines of the once vast host that wore the uniform of blue, James M. Yoder has been mustered out. He goes to join the ranks of those now arrayed in the service of the Great Commander beyond the veil that divides time and eternity.
Mr. Yoder succumbed last Friday at his home on Owl Creek, about two miles west of Nashville. Just three days previous he passed his 88th birthday. He was born in Monroe County, Indiana on April 21, 1843. He moved with his parents to this county when he was two years of age. He had been married twice. His first wife was Catherine Waltman and to them was born one son, Marion Yoder, of Indianapolis. His first wife died April 25, 1872. Later he married Eliza J. Baughman and to this union 12 children were born: Ira, Ida, Cyrus, Myrtle, Maud, Edith, Boone, Roy, Ralph, Dorval, John and Pearl. Nine of the children and their mother survive.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Yoder enlisted in Company D, 82nd Indiana Volunteers, and served three years, or until the close of the war. He served with credit and was mustered out with the rank of Corporal. In politics Mr. Yoder was an ardent Republican and took an active part in the work of that party. At various times he served as delegate to state conventions. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He took a prominent part in the activities of the G. A. R. On every Memorial Day he was a familiar figure in the services, paying his tribute of remembrance to the comrades who had answered the call.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church in Helmsburg Sunday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, by Rev. W. C. Chafin. Burial was in the Lanam Cemetery. The burial services were in charge of Jules G. Ord Camp, No. 40, United Spanish War Veterans, of Columbus, under the Command of John E. Taggart. Mr. Yoder became an honorary member of the Ord Camp last November, at which time James Bond, Benjamin F. Sibert, Ambrose Bartley, and William Devers also became honorary members. These four members were present at the funeral. They are all who are left of the Civil War veterans in this county. “Uncle Jim” as he is familiarly known here, expressed the desire to Commander Taggart to be given a military burial. Thus another defender of this great nation has joined the ranks of those who have passed on before.
(Brown County Democrat, April 30, 1931)