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Show Tribune Feby 11th ‘56 The last of the Boys in Blue, Minnesota’s Albert Woolson, will turn 109 Saturday--America’s only living link to Union Army. There’s Peaceful Life Ahead Civil War’s Last Boy in Blue On Threshold of 110th Year By Associated Press DULUTH, MINN., Feb. 10 -- The last Union Army veteran of the Civil War will be 109 Saturday and his eyes are set on a horizon of peace. The sight of Albert Woolson may be dimming, but his thought and his voice are not. In booming tones that belie his recent bouts with lung congestion, the old soldier said: “This business about war is all nonsense. “I see a peaceful life ahead of us.” While admiring President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Woolson makes no bones about naming Ulysses S. Grant as his favorite president. “Now there was a great man,” said Woolson of Grant. “No palaver about that fellow. No nonsense either.” WOOLSON SAID Mr. Eisenhower “strikes me as a man with such common sense. Common sense is fine for the men who run the government.” Friday’s heavy mail included a letter from President Eisenhower. “On your 109th birthday,” said the letter, “please accept my congratulations. “This anniversary, I am certain, will be rich like its predecessors in memories and warm wishes from friends in many parts of the nation. “With them I am delighted to join once again in saluting you.” Saturday night Woolson will enjoy a turkey dinner at his home with 14 members of his family and two old friends. Near him at the table will be the newest addition to his family, 6-month-old Katherine Ann Roth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Roth, Arlington, Va. The infant is his great-granddaughter. TOPPING OFF the dinner will be a large birthday cake presented by the Duluth Womens Relief Corps, an auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic. Woolson still holds the title of senior vice commander of the GAR, an organization which exists only as long as he lives. Among the hundreds of greetings which have been arriving for more than three weeks is one from Robert E. Swayne, West Chester, Pa., who has sent a remembrance to Woolson once a year for many years. February 11-12 Sat.-Sun. Saturday, I have been home all day -- Oertel so much the same. Janath went home this afternoon at 4 p.m. she is a dear girl and loves her mother -- Oertel -- This evening I went to Ogden High to see and hear the BYU “Minstrels” play on a show -- very good Talented young people I have read some. Cleone and Myrene came up. I wrote card to Dr Jr who is in Philadelphia Pa Sunday - 12 Our youngest daughter [-- Mary’s birthday 46 to day -- a dear daughter and we all love her dearly. Little rain to day New Ogden Tabernacle was dedicated to day, by President David O McKay, Many Church officials present -- splendid affair from Start to finish from 2 to 4-15. Eleven stakes now in this county I had nice dinner at Jae & Myrenes Cleone called this evening. Mr and Mrs old friends called and brought some ice cream |
