CSA Soldier. 34 Regiment NC Troops, Co. C
WHITESIDE, JONATHAN ELBERT, Private
Born in Rutherford County where he resided as a farmer prior to enlisting in Rutherford County at age 17, September 2, 1861. Died at Goldsboro on February 13-14, 1862. Cause of death not reported.
from "North Carolina Troops 1961-1865, A Roster" by Weymouth T. Jordon, Jr., Volumn 9, page 284

The below is from the minutes of the buisness meeting of Rock Springs Baptist Church for 22 March, 1862:
Obituary
Departed this life at Goldsborough, NC the 14th Febuary last J. Elbert Whiteside son of John Whiteside of Polk Cty, NC aged 18 years & 9 days. Brother Whiteside joined the Baptist Church of Christ at Coopers Gap 1860 was Baptised into the fellowship of sd Church by Elder W H Logan, shortly afterwords he removes his membership To Rock Springs Church where he Continued a faithfull member untill his death. He volentered in Capt M O Dickerson Company which formed a part of the 34th Regiment North Carolina Volenters before he was old enough by law to do the Melitary Duty. But under a deep felt sense of duty he owed to his country at a very early age he went forth to drive back the invaders from our soil. but he was called away early in life to enjoy the happings of the celestial wrld. Bro Whiteside was a younger Brohighly esteened by hisaquaintances. he was a kind son and brother and a Dutiful member of the Church, In his death many have lost a friend of the Country a defender and the ? such a devoted member When our Father sumons all must obey
Farewell dear friend I cannot stay
the home I seek is far away
Where Christ is not I can not be
What land is not the land for me
There is a land prepared for me
the price was paid on Calvary
I have some friends I hope to see
And stay the land the land for me
Praise be to God where seraphs fly
Bright angles sing and so will I
Where seraphs bow and bend the knee
Oh that the land the land for me
22nd March 1862
Alex J. Cansler
A O Lynch
Riche Whiteside
Committee