Polk County IA Archives Obituaries.....MOLES, JACOB M. October 4, 1862
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 "AMERICAN PATRIOTISM" OR, MEMOIRS OF 'COMMON MEN.'" by LEONARD BROWN, 1869
JACOB M. MOLES.
Letters written by J. Al. Moles to his wife, shortly before he was stricken down
in battle:
“Corinth is now swarming with soldiers and still they come, - the heroes of
Vicksburg, - and before long the people at home will be startled by the news of
the downfall of some rebel stronghold. There are quite a number of Iowa
regiments here, and among the soldiers I see many familiar faces; but how
changed . . . . And many that would be here to-day have fallen fighting for our
country; their forms are mouldering in the silent grave; but their memories we
hold sacred, and their names and deeds will be handed down to posterity."

"CORINTH, MISS, April 8, 1862.
“This is a beautiful spring morning, and I am seated in my tent, with materials
before me for writing to dear ones at home; and as I am thinking what to write,
the soft, balmy breeze of the sunny South comes stealing in, laden with the many
songs of joyous birds, and the rich perfume of the new-born flowers; and as my
senses realize these beauties in nature, I am forced to raise my eyes to the
clear blue sky, where dwells the Giver of all earthly blessings; and as I am
lost in adoration, the rattle of musketry and the roll of drums break the charm
and bring me back to earth, and as I see the streets filled with armed men, and
the marks of desolating war on everything around me, a chill strikes my heart,
that even the warm rays of the genial sun cannot drive away . . . . . There is
one boon I ask, if I should fall. Let my comrades bury me where I fall. I crave
no richer boon. Let me rest with the fallen brave. All I ask is to do my duty;
then let my comrades wrap me in the starry banner of liberty, and bury me on the
battlefield of victory. Many of our comrades have fallen; but I believe their
names will be handed down from generation to generation ….”
There never lived a truer man than Moles. He left a prosperous business and went
to the front. It was thought a sufficient excuse by many that they “could not
leave their business." "When the merchants," they said, “and mechanics and
professional men ‘shut up shop' and go, then I will enlist." Moles said, " I
will do my duty whether others do theirs or not." Though a man of fine
abilities, competent by his intelligence and education to fill the highest
places, he did not wait for an office, but enlisted at the first call as a
private. He was 27 years old in the spring of 1861, when he enlisted. He was
sent home in the summer of 1862, as a recruiting officer; and then, while at
home, he was married. After a few weeks he returned to the front, and on the 4th
day of October, 1862, he was killed in the battle of Corinth. He was a native of
Ohio. I will close this memoir with the following letter:

CAMP 2D IOWA INFANTRY VOLS.,
	RIENZI, Miss., Oct. 17,1862.
MRS. J. M. MOLES;
"MADAM . . . . . . Your husband was in the first day's battle, fighting
throughout the whole with great spirit and bravery. On Saturday, October 4th,
the battle was renewed;  terrible charges were made on our lines, for a short
time forcing us back. It was while we were rallying to repulse the enemy that
your husband fell - a rifle-ball striking him in the temple, causing almost
instant death. To the very last he displayed undying courage and devotion. 
Though in delicate health and physically weak, he was strong in love of country,
and a determination to die, if necessary, for the cause. He was loved and
respected by his comrades, and in his death he has become more dear.
"His death occurred about 11 A. M. His remains were placed in the same grave
with those of Charles E. Walker, who was killed about the same time. A
substantial box was made, of sufficient size for both, with a partition between,
and, carefully wrapped in their blankets, they were laid to rest. Boards at the
head and foot of each, mark the spot. Upon the boards their names are plainly
cut. I cannot give the location of the grave from the streets, not being able to
ascertain their names. It is about half a mile northeast of Tishamingo House, on
the north side, and very near a small white house, a short distance south of
Gen.Boswell's . . . . . 	"E. T. ENSIGN,Lieutenant Company D”



Additional Comments:
This is taken from "AMERICAN PATRIOTISM" OR, MEMOIRS OF 'COMMON MEN.'" by
LEONARD BROWN, published by Redhead & Wellslager, 41 Court Ave.Des Moines,IA. 1869.
This book contains remembrances of fallen soldiers from Polk County during the
Civil War. This includes some genealogical material as well.

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