In Memoriam
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War solemnly recognizes the passing of Brother William Poole, recognized as the last living Real Son of a Union Veteran of the Civil War, who departed this life on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the age of 101. Brother 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."
Brother 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.