As a kid, I saved newspaper and magazine articles that piqued my interest. I still have folders of such stuff. I recently came across a few articles — from those early days. 

America’s Civil War raged from April 1861 to April 1865. In that time, 2% of America’s population – approximately 700,000 soldiers plus civilians – were killed. That translates to nearly 3,400 soldiers killed every single week. In today’s metrics that’s around 30,000 killed every week.  Unfathomable.

On December 19, 1959, Walter Williams – the last surviving veteran of that unfathomable conflict – died at the age of 117. He was preceded in death by a compatriot John Salling – age 112 – who had died in March. Both were Confederate soldiers with Williams in Company C of General John Hood’s 5th Cavalry. Upon Williams’ death, President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared a national day of mourning – with flags at half staff. Recent legislation had dictated this action. Williams left behind 40 grandchildren, 86 great grandchildren and more than 100 great great grandchildren. 

Mr. Salling – at age 109 confided to a friend that an 82 year old “girl” was flirting with him. He added “who wants a woman that old.”