Emma Elizabeth Sanderson > Elmira Lyons > Lillian Emma Ransom >
Charles Lloyd Walters
Emma Elizabeth Sanderson is the
daughter of Loren Sanderson and Almira Allen. She was born on June 18, 1847 in
Oriskeny, New York. She married John Lyons in 1864. John enlisted in naval
service in the Civil War in September of 1864 and by the end of the war, he was serving
in Texas. After the war, the couple settled in Leroy and later Marengo, Iowa,
both in Benton County. Emma’s parents and family also settled in Benton County.
Emma gave birth to 7 children, 6 who lived to adulthood. Emma and John both died on the same day,
May 2, 1914, Emma being seized with grief over the death of her husband. They
are buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Marengo. Emma’s marker includes the symbol
of the Women’s Relief Corp.
The following is a poem that Emma is said to have written while waiting for John to return from the Civil War. As far as
I have seen and can tell it is an original. (If anyone knows differently,
please let me know)
Poem by Emma Lyons Utica, New York, June 7th,
1865
He is coming home today
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Yes, he's coming home, my
darling,
From the field where fiery
wars
Holds his carnival in
horror
Of the dear old Stripes
and stars
and impatiently I'm
waiting,
While the tedious hours
delay,
For my gallant sailor
lover
Who is coming home today.
Oh, my eyes were dim and
tearful
As I watched him go away,
Looking oh, so brave and
fearless
But he's coming home
today.
How my cheeks turned pale
with terror,
How my heart stood still
with fright,
When they told me how he'd
battled
In the thickest of the
fight,
And I prayed that God
would shield him
In the terrible affray
And forbid the balls to
harm him.
But he's coming home
today.
He is good as he is
gallant,
And has such a charmed
air.
And such mischief making
glances
And such waves of curling
hair
Oh my life is full of
gladness
And my heart with pleasure
gay
For my Johny true and
faithful
And he's coming home
today.
Sources: Census records
from Ancestry; family photos, letters and stories
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ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Melvin Gresham. Emma and John Lyons are my great grandparents. My mother was Mildred Ransom. I have a letter that John sent to Emma on July 31, 1865 while he was on the USS Grand Gulf in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Brownsville, Texas.
ReplyDeleteHi Melvin, Sorry I haven't replied to your comment. It has been a while since I've posted here and didn't see it until now.
DeleteI have copies of letters John sent to Emma on May 22 and 27, 1865, also from the Grand Gulf. I would love to share information! You can find my email by viewing my complete profile above.
Glad to hear from you Nellie. I would be happy to share information with you. I can send you a copy of the letter I have. I can also send you pictures of his compass that he carried throughout the Civil War.
DeleteWonderful! Can I get an email address from you? I have some photos of John, the letter text and copies of one of his journals. My address is nellemarie32@gmail.com
DeleteSomeday I will have to wrote a post here about John, but until then, I look forward to hearing from you!