Thomas F. Mardis

Co. C, 18th Iowa Infantry

He was born November 19, 1837 in Ohio, son of Thomas & Elizabeth (Kain) Mardis. In 1857 he migrated to Iowa where he resided in Washington County, two years later removed to Clarke County before finally settling in Madison County, Iowa in 1873 where he owned 172 acres of land. In 1870 the value of his combined real and personal estates was $2,100, and by 1900 he owned his house free and clear with no mortgage. He held offices of town trustee and school director. He was a brick manufacturer, mason and contractor and had been engaged in the brick business from his boyhood, and therefore thoroughly conversant with all its details.

A veteran of the Civil War, at age 24 he enlisted as a private in Co. C, 18th Iowa Infantry on July 14, 1862 and was mustered into national service on August 6, 1862. On December 14, 1862 he was promoted to 1st Sergeant and on January 8, 1863 was slightly wounded at Springfield, Missouri. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on July 1, 1865 and then he was mustered out on July 20, 1865.

On October 17, 1860 he married Huldah Ann Clark. She was born July 21, 1841 in Fulton County, Illinois. They had four children, all of whom were born in Iowa: John C., about 1862; Hattie R., about 1869; Freddie, about 1875 & Anna S. Mardis, born December, 1884.

Thomas F. Mardis died April 7, 1908 and his wife Huldah died December 19,1918 in Madison County. They are buried in Winterset Cemetery in Winterset, Madison Co., Iowa.

SOURCES: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Iowa Gravestone Photo Project; http://www.ancestry.com/; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 3, p. 183; The History of Madison County, Iowa (1879); 1870 Federal Census, Green Bay Township, Clarke Co., IA; 1880 Federal Census, District 14, Winterset, Madison Co., IA; 1900 Federal Census, District 21, Center Township, Madison Co., IA

Letter from the 18th Iowa

H’dq’rs. Co. C, 18th Iowa.
Ft. Smith, Ark.,
Nov. 30th, 1864

Mr. Caverly:–

After wishing you, and all the citizens of Clark Co. good luck, I will proceed to say a few words more.

I received the Sentinel this morning, dated July 16th; it was only a little over four months on the road – better late than never.

The Regiment Started on the 22d inst. to Ft. Gibson, Cherokee Nation, with six days rations, to escort a train back to this post. – Co. B. went with the regiment, but Capt. Duncan did not go; his health is not very good. The health of the boys as a general thing is good. Capt. Stonaker has resigned and will start for Oceola the first opportunity. Every one is sorry that the Capt. Is going to leave, but his health would not permit him to stay with us; he is a brave man, and an efficient officer.

We do not get any news here till it becomes stale. In my last letter from Iowa I learned that my brother Wm. F. Mardis, had been drafted. I tried to pity him, but could not find any thing in my heart to do it with. I think he is only called on to perform a duty that he owes to his country.

The boys of our reg’t are very tired of Arkansas, and their daily prayer is that they may be taken out of the State. “Any where Lord,” but Arkansas.

I suppose long ere this you have heard how are Regiment went at the presidential election. There was 404 votes cast and all for Lincoln. Not a rebel in our Regiment.

I want you to send me the Sentinel every week; please direct it to Co. C, instead of Co. B.

Very respectfully, your obt. Serv’t,

Thomas F. Mardis

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Friday, December 23, 1864