Col. Elliott Shurtz

COL. ELLIOTT SHURTZ died at the Soldiers' Home in Marshalltown, April 12, 1902. He was a native of Ohio, and at the time of his death was 74 years of age. He enlisted from his native state and served through the Mexican war with credit. At the outbreak of the rebellion he went to the front with Co. H, 13th Iowa Infantry, of which he was lieutenant. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, in which he bore a very active part, and was so severely wounded that he had to retire from the service for a time. Upon his recovery, he raised and organized Co. I, 8th Iowa Cavalry, and returned to the front as its captain. He participated in the memorable Atlanta campaign, in which he was wounded and taken prisoner. A portion of one hand was shot away. After his return from the front he resided in Marshalltown until his death. General Grant appointed him postmaster of that city during his first term as president, in which position Col. Shurtz remained for twelve years. He served also as a member of the city council. Few men of his rank in the Union army came out of it with a prouder record. At his final muster-out he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel.

SOURCE: Charles Aldrich, editor, The Annals of Iowa, Vol. 5, 3rd Series, p. 479