More information about this collection...

Alphonso Kenyon was born in Darlington Wisconsin May 16, 1847 (certificate transposed as 1874). His father Lyman was born in Wales and his mother Melessa Phelps in N.Y.

Alphonso Kenyon enlisted as a private in Company K of the 46th Wisconsin infantry in January 1865 in Arcadia Wisconsin, and was later joined by his brother Alonzo in the same unit on February 1, 1865. The 46th Wisconsin Regiment of Infantry was organized at Madison, Wis., and mustered into federal service on March 2, 1865. They moved to Louisville, KY March 5-10, and were then moved to Athens, Alabama between April 22-24, 1865. While in that area they performed duty along the line of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad (probably as guards) unit September 27, 1865 when they were mustered out of federal service and discharged. Presumably Alonzo and the 46th Wisconsin returned home as a unit. During his work career he worked as a Carpenter and Contractor. Fraternally he was a member of the McCook post 26 GAR in Watsonville. He was married and his wife preceded him in death. Alphonso Kenyon died on September 16, 1932 at his residence Rt. 1 Box 52 Watsonville on September 16, 1932. His remains were removed to Santa Cruz by; the White Mortuary and he were interred in Section 0 lot 24 of the Santa Cruz Memorial Park.

Watsonville Pajaronian (September 16, 1932)

A.F. "Dad" Kenyon Succumbs to Death at Local Hospital
Beloved Civil War Veteran Was 86 Years Old

A. F. "Dad" Kenyon, beloved Civil War veteran, breathed his last at the Watsonville hospital early this morning, succumbing to an uneven struggle against the ravages of pneumonia and wracked by complications attending old age. He was 86 years old, born in Wisconsin. During the Civil War he served with distinction in Company "K" 46th regiment.

"Dad," as he was affectionately known to legions of friends her, had made his home in Watsonville for the last 10 or 12 years and was actively connected with the local Grand Army of the Republic, being its commander at the time of his death, and was an honorary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the United Spanish War Veterans.

The aged veteran is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Pauline Doody and a grandson, Thomas Doody of Watsonville, and nephews and nieces living in Santa Cruz.

The local post Veterans of foreign Wars will have charge of the funeral arrangements and full military honors will be accorded the veteran. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock at White's funeral home with Rev. Alan Gedden officiating. Burial will be in Santa Cruz in the family plot in the Odd Fellows cemetery.

Date of Birth: 1847-05-16

Date of Death: 1932-16-09

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz Memorial Park

Plot: O24

Mortuary: CCW

Cause of Death: Pul/Pneumna

Occupation: Carpenter

Local Address: Rt 1_ Bx 52

Last City: Watsonville

Native of: WI

Father Native of: Lymon (WS)

Mother Native of: Phelps_ Mellisa (NY)

Enlisted: 1865/01/24

Discharged: 1865/09/27

Military Unit: WI_ 46 Inf_ Co K

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: R-Arcadia_ M/O-Nshvlle

GAR#: M26

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers

CW Reference: RLM 1927 Roster