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Just in cased you missed this on your news feed....
William Poole, recognized as the last living Real Son of a Union Veteran of the Civil War, departed this life on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the age of 101.
William "Bill" Poole was born on January 13, 1925, to Charles and Clara Bell Poole. His
father, Charles Poole, Sr., was born on March 27, 1844, in Ritchie County, West Virginia, and
served the Union cause as a member of the 6th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry.
During his service, Charles was wounded in the left leg, resulting in an amputation above the knee,
and later received an invalid pension from the federal government. In 1915, at the age of 71,
Charles married Clara Bell Straw, who was 27 years old. Together they raised five children,
including William, known throughout his life as "Bill."
Poole's family represented a remarkable living connection to the Civil War generation.
His mother, Clara Bell Poole, lived to the age of 101 and was the last Civil War widow in Missouri
to receive a pension based on her husband's Union service.
Following in a tradition of service to the nation, Bill entered the United States Army in 1944 during
the Second World War. Serving in the European Theater, he distinguished himself through
extraordinary courage when he voluntarily joined another soldier in rescuing a severely wounded
officer from the battlefield after others believed the attempt too dangerous. For this act of heroism,
he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
After returning home from the war, Brother Poole married Shirley Courtney, and together they
raised nine children. He worked as a mechanic and later in the construction industry, earning a
reputation as a devoted husband, father, and provider.
_________________ Gen. Blake Strickler
Confederate General-in-Chief
El Presidente 2010 - 2012
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