STYLES, GEORGE H   (1847-1899)   IOOF
(Salinas Daily Index June 1, 1899)  

Old Soldier Found Dead

  Information was received from Soledad Tuesday mooring that the dead body of an unknown man had been found about three miles outside the town.  Coroner Muller at once went to the scene and at noon telephoned to the G.A.R. Post here that the deceased was a veteran.  On his person was found an honorable discharge from the 18th regiment Indiana Volunteers , in February, 1863 issued to George H. Styles, also a furlough from the Pacific Branch National Home for Veterans at Santa Monica for thirty days furlough expired Tuesday.  This was for Styles also as a private in Company H Eighteenth Indiana Volunteers.  The deceased was 51 years of age, had been working at the railroad camp near Soledad from May 25th.  Last Monday night he quit work and left camp about 7 o’clock and was found dead early Tuesday morning near the county road.  Upon arrival Coroner Muller had an autopsy made when it was discovered that deceased had suffered from mitral trouble of the heart.  A jury rendered a verdict of death from heart disease.  The remains were brought to Salinas Tuesday night and were interred yesterday afternoon in the Grand Army lot in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.  

(Salinas Daily Index June 2, 1899)
He Was A Hero

  George W. Styles, the old soldier who was found dead near Soledad last Tuesday and who was buried here by the G.A.R. post Wednesday, was one of those unrecognized heroes whose deeds during the civil war went by unheralded.  From papers upon his person it appears that he enlisted as a private in 1862 in the 19th regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but it having been discovered two months later that he was just past his 15th year he was discharged.  Not to be deterred he went to another town, and 1864 re enlisted this time in Co. H 18th Indiana Volunteers.  He served with honor and credit during the war and participated in several engagements.  At Cedar Creek VA a teamster having a load of ammunition under his care became terror stricken at the proximity of flying shells began to unload his dangerous cargo.  After it was all on the ground the teamster was so overcome fear that he fled in dismay.  the Colonel of the 18th seeing that the Confederates would destroy on possible capture the ammunition called for volunteers to replace the dangerous stuff on the wagon.  Young Styles then only 16 and one other volunteered, and in the face of almost uncertain death put the ammunition back and drove to a place of safety.  Styles was wounded about the face and body by a shell just as the wagon drove off and the scar of his wounds were on his body when he was buried.  Of such stuff are American heroes made all over our nation.