Oklahoma Son Of Civil War Veteran Dies

An Oklahoma veteran with a close connection to the American Civil War has died, the Sons of Union Veteran of the Civil War announced Monday.

John Whitman was one of just a handful of people known as "Real Sons," whose fathers served during the Civil War.

Whitman's father, Nathaniel, was only 15 years old when he joined the Union Army. His son was born when Nathaniel Whitman was 72 years old.

John Whitman was also a veteran himself, serving in the Navy during World War II.

He was just one of two "Real Sons" left in Oklahoma. He died at the age of 87.

5/7/2011 Related Story: Sons Of Civil War Vets Honored At Pawnee Ceremony