“This honored veteran of the Civil War and well known agriculturist of Nodaway county, Missouri, was born in Gallia county, Ohio, September 17, 1842, a son of George W. and Helen (Wiseman) Null, also natives of that county, where the father spent his entire life as a farmer, dying there in 1842, when our subject was only nine days old…
During his boyhood George W. Null attended the common schools and made his home with his mother and stepfather. He accompanied the family on their removal to Kansas and remained there until 1860, when he again came to this county. During the dark days of the Rebellion he enlisted, at Maryville, Missouri, in Company I, First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, which was reorganized as a cavalry regiment after three years’ service. Mr. Null was mustered in at Omaha, and before the expiration of his term re-enlisted. He first served under Fremont in Missouri, but in 1862 was transferred to Grant’s army, joining the command at Fort Donelson. As part of Lew Wallace’s division, the regiment took part in the battle at that place and at Shiloh, reaching the battle-field Sunday in time to take part in the second day’s fight. They next went to Memphis, and from there to Helena, Arkansas, and under the command of General Davidson returned to Pilot Knob, Missouri. They took part in the engagement at Cape Girardeau, April 26, 1863, built a fort at Pilot Knob, and then went to St. Louis, where they were reorganized as a cavalry regiment. They next went to Batesville, Arkansas, and in March, 1864, proceeded to Jacksonport and Duvall’s Bluff. There they were granted a thirtydays furlough after their re-enlistment and sent out on the plains to Fort Kearney. Mr. Null was then engaged in patrol and scout duty during the troubles with the Indians, and remained in the service until January 11, 1866, when he was discharged on account of disability and paid off at Fort Leavenworth. He was slightly wounded by a ball on the head, but was more severely injured by his horse falling with him. While on a furlough in 1864, Mr. Null married Miss Lydia J. Ware, who was born in Andrew county, Missouri, August 10, 1824. Her father, Jahn Ware, was born in New Jersey, but reared in Ohio, and in Indiana married Mary Terhune, a native of Kentucky, who was reared in Indiana. In 1840 they moved to Andrew county, Missouri, and later came to Nodaway, where the father improved two farms, becoming on of the substantial agriculturists of his community. He was an active church worker and a highly respected man. His death occurred December 18, 1891, but his wife is still living on the old homestead. In religious faith they were Methodists. Their children were Joseph L., a harness and saddlemaker ; Lydia J., wife of our subject; Adam, deceased; Isaac S; J.W.; Mary E., the wife of William Miller; and Charles E., a resident of Colorado.
To Mr. and Mrs. Null have been born nine children: Mary, the wife of J.L. Partridge; Orlin G., a farmer; Wilbur, a professor at Cameron College; Laura, the wife of A.Wiley; Charles, a Methodist minister of Colorado; Sarah,the wife of R. Corken; Anna, Hurbert and Ama, all at home.
After receiving his discharge from the army Mr. Null returned to his wife in Missouri, and has since devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, owing at different times four farms. In 1874 he purchased the place near Maryville, where he now resides and has since added to it until he has two hundred acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises and feeds stock for market, and is successfully engaged general farming. By his ballot and influence Mr. Null supports the men and measures of the Republican party, has been a delegate to various conventions, and has most creditably and acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace. He has also been a member of the township board, and has done all in his power to advance the interests of the community where he resides. He is a representative American citizen, loyal to his country and its interests, and well merits the esteem in which he is held.”
Source: A Biographical History of Nodaway and Atchison Counties, Missouri, The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, 1901, pages 366-68.
