| Funeral of W. A. Eames Former Fitchburg Man Honored by Union Veterans and Fellow Emplpyees at Custom House The funeral of Walter A. Eames, who was distinguished for bravery as a Union soldier in the Civil War, and who had been employed as an inspector at the Boston Custom House since May 1, 1872, was held Wednesday afternoon at his home, 54 Chandler street, West Somerville. Rev. J. V. Garton officiated at the religious service, after which eulogies were delivered by Charles P. Battelle of Somerville, representing the inspectors' department at the custome house; Gen. Daniel W. Gould of Chelsea, commander-in-chief of the Union Veterans' Union, and Charles W. Wood of Worcester, a past commander-in-chief. The casket was draped with an American flag. There was a large number of floral tributes, among them a handsome design sent by the custom house inspectors. Mr. Eames has been a resident of West Somerville since 1878. He was a brother of the late Thomas H. Eames who a few years ago held the office of superintendent of streets in that city. Mr. Eames was born in old West Cambridge (now part of Arlington), on Sept. 30, 1841. At the age of 19, in April, 1861, he enlisted in company B (Fitchburg Fusiliers) 15th Massachusetts volunteer regiment, and served with great bravery for nearly two years. Among the engagements in which he participated were Ball's Bluff, Yorktown siege, West Point, the first and second battles at Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Vienna, Glendale, the first and second battles at Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fernue Hill (?) and Fredericksburg. On Dec. 15, 1862, which was the last day that the Union troops held the city of Fredericksburg at the first battle, Eames was seriously wounded by the explosion of a case shot, a bullet from which pierced his lungs. At the defeat at Ball's Bluff the Union soldiers were driven into the Potomac and only escaped by swimming. Col. Devens and Lieut. Eager of company B, 15th Massachusetts regiment, were unable to swim and were carried across the river by Eames and three comrades. Col Devens sat astride of a log which Eames, an expert swimmer, pushed across the river. He was discharged from the army with the rank of sergeant, on account of disability, on Dec. 27, 1862. He was commander of E. V. Sumner Post 19, G. A. R., of Fitchburg in 1870, a member of John Abbott Lodge of Masons of Somerville, assistant quartermaster-general of the national command of the Union Veterans' Union, and was treasurer of the United States Customs Inspectors' Relief Association of Boston. The remains arrived in this city on the train from Boston at 10:47 this morning and were place in the tomb at Laurel Hill cemetery. |