27 May 1913
Semi Weekly Irontonian [Ironton, Lawrence, Ohio]

Thomas Charlton, one of the best-known soldiers in this city and a man of exceptional value to his city and to the community in which he resided, was claimed by death about two o'clock Sunday morning after an illness of very short duration. [27 May 1913 was a Tuesday; the previous Sunday was 25 May 1913.] Mr. Charlton took ill Wednesday morning and his illness was considered serious from the very first. The trouble, which began with a severe cold, developed into pneumonia fever.

Shortly after the flood had abated Mr. Charlton volunteered to assist the Dick Lambert Post [GAR] in Ironton in helping the members in rehabilitating their homes. He worked hard and conscientiously at the work which he so ably did. It is believed that he wore himself down in his ambition to be of some use to the fellow soldiers and all others in distress. The veteran was around the city and talking to old friends a week ago and the news of his death came as a distinct shock and surprise. He was so well known in the Dick Lambert Post and took such a prominent part in every thing for the betterment and uplift of the old soldiers that his presence will be greatly missed. Next to his home, Mr. Charlton centered his attention on the G.A.R. post and its workings. Col. Walker, the commander, the other officers and members found in him an aid [? - word is blurred] who will be hard to replace.

Mr. Charlton was born in England February 7th, sixty-eight years ago. [1845] He came to the United States with his parents in 1845, when he was five years of age. [The arithmetic is wrong in one of those statements. Possibly the phrase "in 1845" should go with the birth, and he came to the US in 1850.] The parents settled in West Virginia near what is now Peach Orchard. Later the parents moved to Kentucky, and young Charlton was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane Payne in Ashland, moving to Ironton shortly afterward. Since moving to Ironton at that time he and Mrs. Charlton have resided here.

One daughter, now Mrs. John Meyers of Portsmouth was the only child born to the union. She and the wife are the only surviving relatives. All of Mr. Charlton's brothers and sisters are dead.

Mr. Charlton had been a member of the Fifth West Virginia [Infantry?] and, together with Comrade Willie was the only surviving member of that regiment in this city. He was a fine soldier and fought bravely to preserve the Union. The funeral arrangements have not been definitely arranged as yet.