Gaddis Hageman

Played role of Uncle Sam in patriotic celebrations in Ravenna, Nebraska. Costume made by his wife.

Grand Army of the Republic

From a newspaper:

       Civil War Veteran Dies at Advanced Age

   Gaddis P. Hageman, 79 year old Civil war veteran and resident of Nebraska for 47 years, died Tuesday afternoon of heart failure at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Rockey, in this city.

   Mr. Hageman was born at Clearmont, O., near Cincinnati, September 17, 1841.  at the age of 20 he enlisted in the Twentieth Ohio Infantry, Company F, and served four years in the war.  He was wounded in the back of the head by a rebel rifle bullet, which he carried with him to the grave.  He was with General Sherman's troops on their famous march to the sea and took part in many hard-fought battles.  He was intensely patriotic and enjoyed narrating anecdotes of his service in the war.  He was of soldierly bearing despite his advanced age, and because of his tall, slender figure and beard, he was often called upon to play the part of "Uncle Sam" in parades and patriotic exercises, which part he played with much credit.  When dressed in "the colors" he made a typical picture of "Uncle Sam" and greatly enjoyed playin this role.  Only a few hours before his death he sang "Marching Through Georgia" and other patriotic songs.  He came to Alliance with his wife one year ago from Ravenna.  He was taken seriously ill about two weeks ago.

   On November 19, 1867, he was married in Ohio to Mary J. Hawkins, who preceded him to the grave about eight months ago.  He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. C. H. Rockey and Mrs. E. L. Routh of Alliance and Mrs. G. P. Calkins of North Platte; five sons, G. O. Hageman of Broken Bow; K. L. Hageman of Grand Island; S. R. Hageman of Kansas City, Mo.; H. G. Hageman of Sheridan, Wyo. and A. E. Hageman, address unknown; also three brothers and three sisters, 43 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Rockey, in charge of the American Legion, with the Rev. S. J. Epler officiating.  Burial was in Greenwood cemetery.