The Hometown Treasure November 2012 | Page 18

Old Soldiers By Harold D. Gingerich Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. Those famous words from retiring General Douglas MacArthur before a joint session of Congress in 1951, describe the fate of many of those from this community who served in the cause for freedom. While their memories live on in the heart of family and friends, their commitment, courage, and sacrifice all too quickly fades from the public’s mind. Today, if we were to ask people, “Who was Walter Denny, Jonathan E. Yoder, Louise Marshall, Waldo Seagly, Phil Spreuer, William S. Price, or Kenny Frain?” few would know. Yet these people, along with countless others, put their lives on the line in the service of this country. Revolutionary War Walter Denny was a true hero of both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. According to the LaGrange County Centennial 18281928 History, Walter Denny settled in Hawpatch (Topeka) in 1837 along with his son, Dr. John Denny, in Section 35 of Eden Township. They purchased 160 acres of virgin forest from Robert Latta for $600. It is said that the trees were so numerous that it was difficult to drive a horse and wagon between them. Today, what was the Denny farm would be two miles west of Topeka on State Road 5 and half a mile south near CR 750 South. The LaGrange County History also states that Denny spent the winter with George Washington at Valley Forge and was a part of the pg 16 The Hometown Treasure November pg 16 ·· The Hometown Treasure ·· October ‘12‘12 memorable crossing of the Delaware. The Pennsylvania Archives record that Walter Denny was a Captain of the 7th Company, 2nd Battalion of the Cumberland County Militia in 1777 under the command of a Colonel Davis. Then as a private in the 5th Company, 2nd Battalion, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 1781, he was cited for bravery and commissioned as a Captain at Yorktown. He also served in the War of 1812 and was cited for bravery at Harrisburg, PA, on March 29, 1814. Walter Denny was indeed a twice decorated war hero. Walter Denny was born on March 3, 1756, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He was married to Elizabeth McConnell (1761-1820). Elizabeth died in Preble, Ohio. It’s not clear how or if she was related to William McConnell who was one of the early settlers of Eden Township, but that might help to explain why the Denny family decided to settle in this area. Walter Denny died on March 31, 1842, at the age of 91 and was buried in the Jackson Cemetery in Elkhart County on “the old trail” (U.S. 33) near Benton, Indiana. Civil War There were many who served in the Civil War from this area. One was Jonathan E. Yoder. Yoder came into the war late, but had a significant role in the life of Topeka. He was a substitute who joined Company G, 142nd Regiment, and Indiana Volunteer Infantry on October 4, 1864, as a private. Since the draft was not popular, it was possible to pay someone to take your place. The average substitute was paid about $300. Whose place he took is still a mystery. On June 28th of 1865 he was mustered out. Filing for his pension on June 15, 1888 (# 897,930), Yoder received a monthly allotment of $12.00. He died on November 2, 1922, and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery west of Topeka on the county line. Jonathan’s wife, Rebecca, was a