John Milton Seydel

John Milton Seydel purchased property in Wapello, Iowa, Lot #2, Block #9, and sold it in July of 1846. Then in 1847 he moved with his parents to Iowa City, Iowa. Except for the year 1850, which he spent in California, he lived in that area for the rest of his life.

John Milton enlisted in the Mexican War service on July 14, 1847, and was honorably discharged on September 11, 1848. He served as a private in Captain Morgan's Company of Iowa Volunteers, some of their duty in this company being spent at Fort Atkinson, Iowa, guarding Indians.

He then worked for the widow Lyons, in her grocery store, until the spring of 1850, when he went to California, returning in March of 1851. His brother, Alexander Jordan, made several trips to California during the Gold rush days as a waggoner accompanying wagon trains, so it is possible that this is the way John Milton made the trip to California.

Then he went into the stove and tin business with his brother Jacob Newton for some time. Later he bought Jacob's interest in the business and took Rufus M. Bixby as his business partner. He finally sold the business to Mr. Bixby and took up farming.

In 1857, he was in partnership with Mr. Brown, in the hardware business. On March 12, 1861, he purchased a farm at Cedar Bluffs in Cedar City, Iowa.

On September 20, 1862, John Milton Seydel enlisted for the Civil War Service in 6th Cavalry, Iowa Company I, 6th Regiment, Iowa Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in March, 1863.

He then did odd jobs until June 4 1864, when he again listed for Civil War Service for the 100 day Special Call of Men. He enlisted in Company G, 47th Iowa Infantry Volunteers. He was appointed Sergeant on May 28, 1864, and was honorably discharged on September 28, 1864. During his service, for about 80 days, he was stationed at Helena, Arkansas.

In 1865 John Milton engaged in buying and selling cattle with Mr. Brown. In 1866 he started a grocery store, which he operated for several years. The store was located on the NW corner of College and Clinton streets in Iowa City.

Because of ill health contracted during the war, it became impossible for him to continue in the grocery business.

Of interest is the pension record of John Milton. On April 8, 1902 an act of congress was passed raising pensions of Mexican and Civil War Soldiers, due to illness other than age. His Case was the first used for this Act. He was first pensioned in 1885 at $2.00 a month. On October 7, 1885 it was raised to $4.00, then in 1888, $8.00, in 1896 $12.00, and finally in 1902, $24.00 per month.

He and his wife Nancy had nine children.