David was born 10 May 1830 in Harrison Co., OH. He married three times and had six children. Rachael Gardner had son, John, Sarah Fisher had daughter, Virginia May, and Elizabeth Ann Hall had four sons, Sherman, Melvin, James and Ira.
By 1860 David had moved to Iowa Co., IA. David enlisted to fight in the Civil War at Marengo, IA. Co., IA on 16 Feb 1864. Three days later, 19 Feb, he was in Davenport, IA where he was assigned to Company G, 7th Infantry.
He had participated in many battles including the Battle of Resanca, The Assault of Kennesaw Mountain, the Battle and Siege of Savannah and Shermans March to the Sea. Along the way he had problems. On 23 May 1864, after drinking polluted water, David became ill. David was sent to a hospital in Kingston, GA. On 1 Jun 1864 he was moved to Resanca, GA. where he was treated for dysentery. He was also treated at Chattanooga, TN. By 22 Sep 1864 he was in Rome, GA where he was present with his company and received his pay. It was here in October that he was unloading supplies from a train car and a barrel of sugar fell on him. As a result he suffered a rupture and was taken to the general hospital. These two events would plague David for the rest of his life.
On 12 July 1865 at Louisville, KY he mustered out. He was given $80.00 in bounty pay. He was owed $120.00 so he was allowed to keep one D.R. musket and accouterments. His military records describe him as being five feet six inches tall, light complected with sandy hair and blue eyes. David returned home to Green Twp Iowa Co., IA. very weak and in poor physical condition.
David died 15 Feb 1896 at his home in Wellman, IA. He is buried at McArtor Cemetery, Greene Twp., Iowa Co., IA.
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