USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > Muscatine > First and second re-unions of the Thirty-fifth Iowa infantry held at Muscatine, Iowa. First re-union, September 29, 1886. Second re-union, October 2 and 3, 1889 > Part 4
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
roared with laughter, the Captain heartily joining.) Boys, he says, NINE, (boisterons laughter) and Colonel Rothrock three, and a comrade in St. Louis, Thos. Purcell, Co. F, reports FIFTEEN-[a fact]-good enough for a Co. F, junior. (Langhter and applause. ) Those who have left us are only the advance guard, gone to look after our rations, the picket line to see that the coast is clear and that there is good. camping ground for the soldier beyond, (applause) and we who remain will take care of their memory. There will be many more re-unions of the 35th here in this noble city, and if the speaker should survive the old Regiment, he would come here alone, and saluting the old flag, give three cheers for the memory of the best Regi- ment that followed the flag where duty called. The speaker closed amid a tempest of shonts and cheers.
Captain S. H. Dixson was the next speaker called ont. He was intro- duced to the audience by Colonel Keeler as "Humpty Dumpty," and was greeted with the cheers of the Regiment. He went forward, but declined to take the stage. Speaking was not his forte, he said, which caused much merriment among the officers on the stage, as the Captain was the stump speaker of the Regiment. He regretted his absence three years ago, but his measure of joy had been filled that day in meeting his old comrades, most of whom he had not seen since parting with them in '65. He reverted to the feelings he had on enlisting, which was shared by his fellow youth in the Regiment. He felt that his prospects were as bright as any young man's in the land. He had a beautiful wife, lovely children, a dear home, beloved parents, a fair future, and he felt that he was giving up all these for his country. You all felt that way, for you knew that you were going to meet Death. But it was a call that no patriotic young man could resist, and they pressed to the front by hundreds of thousands. There was no evading that call. And who of us regrette I that we met it bravely and like men? It was our good fortune to belong to a grand regiment. His own election as a Captain came to him unexpectedly. He was willing to do his duty as a soldier, but he feared the responsibility of command. But we all have the consciousness of having done our duty. He called his men "boys," bnt how he trusted them! And they never failed him, and he endeavored never to fail them. (Applause )
The next speaker called for was Sergeant H. F. Carroll, (of Clarksville, Mo.) of the 33d Missouri. Colonel Keeler, in presenting him, said that the 33d Missouri and 35th Iowa marched, fought and camped together, and no two companies of one regimeut could feel a closer tie than the mutual regard of these two regiments.
Sergeant Carroll expressed in fervent words his pleasure in attending the Re-union of a Regiment so dear to the heart of the 33d Missonri. He nar"
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
rated incidents of the long marches together of the two Regiments, the engagements in which they supported each other, the sorrow of the Mis- souri boys when they saw the son of Colonel Hill fall mortally wounded from his horse, and the deep mourning that pervaded the 33d when the noble Colonel Hill himself fell in battle.
At his close three cheers were given for Sergeant Carroll and the Mis- souri 33d.
The meeting now adjourned, to reconvene at the camp fire at 7:30.
THE CAMP FIRE.
Olds' Opera House was jaunned, every seat, every foot of space in the aisles and stairway were full, and even the rooms on each side of the stage.
Many had to turn back at 7 o'clock, unable'even to gain an entrance, At 7:30 Secretary Baird and Rev. W. G. Wilson stepped before the curtain and requested the audience to arise. Rev. Wilson then invoked the Divine Blessing, in which God was fervently thanked for making this a free coun- try. He prayed for the Re-union, for the soldiers who gave their lives, if need be, for their country, for the Grand Army of the Republic, the Women's Relief Corps, the soldiers' widows and orphans and the nation.
As he retired the drummer's call was heard, and the curtain rolling up disclosed a camp asleep. The reville was beat off by the Drinn Corps, and Corporal Davis was busily engaged in arousing the sleeping boys for roll call, sick call and guard mounting.
Surgeon Cobb was on hand with his quinine, dover and pills, and the boys were treated handsomely and freely.
Then that grand old army song, "Tenting To-Night on the Old Camp Ground," was beautifully rendered by a double quartette, composed of Messrs. B. F. Boydston, W. E. Battey, Dr. J. S. Kulp, Gus. Schmidt, Joe F. Beard, E. Schmidt, T. B. Prosser, E. M. Hoover and Z. W. Hutchinson, with Miss Alice Sterneman at the piano.
Lieutenant-Colonel Rothrock was presented as the first speaker of the evening. He tendered the thanks of the Regiment to the citizens of Mus- catine for transforming their camp fire into so handsome a public reception. This brilliant gathering testified to the same cordial interest which had fol- lowed the Regiment in its whole career. The 35th was not wholly a Mus- eatine county regiment. Most of it was from this county; part of it came from Cedar county. But here the Regiment had made its home, and had been treated as members of your family. Camp Strong-what was it, but
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
the object of your constant and lavish attentions? Under your generous treatment the 35th became known as the "Pound Cake Regiment." (Laugh- ter and applause.) The speaker said if he diverted from regimental to gen- eral army and National topics it would be to say that he believed it was right to demand pensions for all veterans at a certain age. (Applause.) The country owes it. There would be no country but for the deeds of these vet- erans (Great cheering.) The speaker narrated some of the incidents of the war, and reverted to an episode in Jackson, when the so-called "Con- federate Hotel" was burned, consuming a fine mansion near by. He remem- bered riding by and seeing a colored woman standing in front of the dwell- ing with a child in her arms, and surrounded by some of his boys. She was making a speech, blessing the Union soldiers. She thanked God for the Union army and the fire. "I've worked there all my life," she said, "and received nothing but stripes. You fight and I will pray." The speaker described it as one of the finest pieces of rude eloquence he had ever heard.
A SURPRISE TO COLONEL KEELER.
At this stage of his remarks the speaker faced President Keeler and said: "And now, Colonel, I have a word to say to you. You were the brave Captain of Co. A, and you were early promoted to Lieutenant-Col- onel. You were with the Regiment and led it through its severest conflicts, and you won the esteem of all. In appreciation of the past some of your boys have requested me to present you with a token of their regard." Advancing to the Colonel, he said: "Allow me to present you with this beautiful and trusty staff, (an elegant ebony gold headed cane,) with the hope of your friends that it may somewhat kindly assist you in your future walks of life."
The Opera House fairly rang with the cheers this speech brought forth.
Colonel Keeler arose amid the cheers of the house. He had faced a good many trying scenes that Judge Rothrock had adverted to, but this was one of the most paralyzing. He finally mustered enough voice to say: "Boys, this is something of a surprise. I didn't know before that my bear- ing among you to-day had impressed you with my age and need of a staff. I can see that some of you are growing old, but I don't feel that way myself." (Laughter and cheers. ) He concluded by returning his grateful thanks for the elegant testimonial, and assured the donors it would be treas- ured as a part of the esteem which he so deeply appreciated.
The Colonel now remarked that the Regiment had expected the presence of Colonel Marshall and "Cross Bones and Skull," (Colonel Shaw) and the old War Governor, but all three had disappointed them, and he announced
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
the song of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which was well sung by Mr. F. M. Hoover and the former double quartette.
Of the singers at the camp fire Mr. Hoover is the oldest son of the late Lieutenant H. Hoover, Co. D.
Mr. Joe F. Beard is a brother of J. Wesley Beard, killed at Tupello.
The Messrs. Schmidt are brothers to and Miss Mollie Schmidt is a daugh- ter of Treasurer Herman Schmidt, Co. C.
Captain Dixson was introduced as the next speaker. He said the presen- tation of that cane reminded the speaker of a circumstance in the war that was a wonderful event. There was a difference of sentiment when the war broke out. Some thought it was to be a mushroom affair. The President called for 75,000 men. Soon, however, it loomed up as a ponderous event. But for a long time if a negro was seen approaching our camp from the enemy's breastworks with a spade on his shoulder we went at him with a bayonet and bade him "go back." If one of the boys indulged in a chicken or fresh ham, he was court martialed. The speaker had to let on that such things were wrong, and gave the boys "Jehu" for it, but in his heart he rather liked it. (A voice, "What, the chicken?" Laughter.) You're mighty right. (Laughter.) Then, too, nothing must be burned. Plenty of burned Union men's houses all around, but no rebel property must suffer. But an Orderly Sergeant of Co. A reached out a match to a boy and said, "Don't you burn that cotton gin." (Laughter.) The boy actually went and did it. (Laughter.) The gin burned, and General Sherman, coming along, demanded, in a furious passion, who did that thing. The boy said he was ordered to burn it, but couldn't tell who ordered him The captain of the company assumed the responsibility. Then Old Tecnmsch waxed furious. The captain was stripped of his epaulets, ordered under arrest and a court martial sat on the case. The boy was found innocent, for nobody gave the order. (Langhter.) But the captain suffered for a long time the displeas- ure, of General Sherman. But the time came when Sherman gave a dinner at Vicksburg, and he boasted that from Black River to Meridian you could tell his march by its ashes, and so, said the speaker, the burning of that cotton gin changed the whole program of the war. (Applause.) So much for "Humptin Dumptin," said the speaker, bowing to Colonel Keeler,. (the "Captain" of the story) amid the cheers of the house. "Where is that boy, (Orie Tebow) anyway?" asked the speaker. Several voices answered, "in California."
Right here is the place for a little bit of history of that aftair, which the Secretary takes the liberty to insert, as it has been given to the country by publication since the Re-union.
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W. A. CLARK, Captain Company D, 35th Regiment, Iowa Vol. Inf.
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
On the 4th of August, a week later, General Sherman, in forwarding the report of the Court Martial of a squad of the 35th Iowa for burning a cotton gin, wrote: "The amount of burning, stealing and plundering done by our army makes me ashamed of it. * I have endeav- ored to repress this class of crime. In this case I caught the man in the act. He is acquitted because his superior officer ordered it. The superior officer is acquitted because, I suppose, he had not set the fire with his own hands; and thus you (General Grant) and I and every other commander must go through the war justly chargeable with crimes at which we blush.
I should have executed the soldier on the spot, and would have been jus- tified, but he pleaded his superior's orders, and now a volunteer court mar- tial, tainted with the technicalities of our old civil courts, absolves the officer on the old pleas, good, when all men were held responsible alone for the acts done by their own hands."
Comrade Barlow, of Co. F, (Med at St. Louis. November 7, 1889, and about four years ago, when he thought he would die soon, told his Comrade Tom Pureell that he alone fired that cotton gin. He had it burning in three places inside before Tebow got over the fence. The fuss made about it com- pelled him to silence for fear he would be shot. He was right as regards the shooting.
ยท The next number was a song, "Viva L'America," most beautifully sung by Miss Amalie Schmidt, and which was enthusiastically applauded.
"Marching through Georgia" was then rendered by the double quartette, the audience joining in the chorus with a vimn.
The following speaker was Captain Doran, who kept the house in laugh- ter in narrating the Regiment's experiences at Camp Strong, which showed that the Captain of Co. E was a "batch" until after the war.
Young Joe Harker gave a recitation of "The Old Sergeant" most effect- ively, and which received a storm of applause.
A song'entitled "Patriotic Hymn of the Republic," was charmingly ren- dered by a quintette composed of Misses Selnmidt, Grade and Dolsen, and Messrs. E. and G. Schmidt.
A letter from Colonel Marshall was read by Secretary Baird, feelingly regretting his absence and conveying his love to the boys.
Sergeant Carroll, of the 33d Missouri, was next introduced, and spoke eloquently of the true and tried relations between his regiment and the Iowa 35th, and his description of the sad scene at Colonel Hill's tent the night of the battle at Yellow Bayou, when the wounded Colonel and father, and dead orderly and son were left together, filled all eyes with tears. 5
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
Comrade T. B. Riggs was called out, and gave reminiscences of camp life, the sad mingled with the gay. He "raised" the house with laughter as he told of the socks served out to the soldiers, which had to be put on in order to give any pedal shape to them. His narration of a comrade's apos- trophe to a government sock he was about to put on was one of the best things of the evening.
Comrade Wolf, of Co. G, then read the following poem, written for this reunion:
When the flag of our country was flung to the breeze, And proclaimed a new nation o'er land and o'er seas, It gave ns a birthright for life to possess,
The rights of the free, in the land of the West.
But when foul rebellion arose in the land,
And spread through Sonthland, from river to strand;
The Northland stood firm in npholding the laws,
And marshalled its armies to fight in its cause.
And when our great chieftian called yet for still more,
The loyal responded from shore unto shore;
Amid that great army, the nation's best gift,
Marched in solid column, this grand Thirty-Fifth.
Of all, none more hopeful than this band of men, Their number a thousand, their companies ten; They feared not the hardship, they feared not the strife, To them home and country were dearer than life.
They stood up for justice, they fought for the truth, That loyal battallion of manhood and youth. To follow their journey through all those dark years --
Death, sickness and sorrow, and sad weeping tears;
Bereft of the comforts of mother or wife,
They die among strangers or fall in the strife. It would fill a large book that no one could write, Save the God of our battles, who watched o'er the fight.
The living pressed onward, the victory won, And then the march homeward at last was begun; With glad hearts and joyful as onward they come To meet friends and kindred and pleasures of home.
Abreast the great river at last they are seen, And steer for the harbor of old Muscatine.
Thronged citizens gather, while hats they uplift, And thrice hearty welcome the old Thirty-Fifth.
Oh! where are they now? those ten hundred men! Many sleep in the valley, the mountain and glen. Some are limping along and shattered in health, Some have little to keep them, and few are in wealth.
But of all the great favors that fall into men Is the joy of our meeting together again.
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
Leaving business behind us without a regret, Have a Re-union together we'll never forget. .
And when all our cares and our sorrows are o'er,
Transportation be furnished to Heaven's bright shore,
And the guardian angel the wicket will lift,
And welcome each boy of the old Thirty-Fifth.
His original contribution was heartily received, and he retired amid a storm of applause from his comrades.
There was a call for Hon. R. M. Burnett, and he responded in his usual eloquent manner, welcoming the boys back to Muscatine, and closed by expressing the unanimons sentiment of all present, "All honor to the sol- dier."
The only "Tobe" Brown was vociferously called for, and his speech would make the reputation of a dozen Bill Nyes. The Orderly Sergeant was in his element, and his humorous sallies flew from his lips like sparks from an electric wheel. He said he was wound up for eight days. Had been to the Relief Corps room for supper, and wished some one would relieve him now. His story of his shooting the pig, being placed under arrest for it, how he "spotulated" with the guard; of his being under guard in the officer's tent when the bottles were brought in, and his confusion and dismay at the officers proceeding to break the neeks of the bottles, though knowing he was a 35th man, and without asking him for a cork-screw. He thanked the boys for their record, Surgeon Cobb for his quinine, Colonel Keeler for his orders, and then all for the fame given him by an honorable discharge. He retreated amid a volley of shouts and applause.
Comrade Preston was called out for a song, and rendered most effect- ively "The Old Turnkey.".
Corporal Davis, of Co. B, was called for and made a witty response.
Comrade Garrison followed with very interesting reminiscences, inter- spersed with capital stories.
Then came a splendid recitation of "The Fall of Richmond" by Colonel Keeler, which was enthusiastically applauded.
"On the Field of Glory" was brilliantly sung by Misses Schmidt and Dolsen.
CALLING THE ROLL OF HONOR.
One of the most impressive numbers of the evening's program was the calling of the roll of honor, containing the names of soldiers who died on the field of battle. Secretary Baird called the roll, and after each name Comrade Corporal W. L. Davis saluted and responded "Died on the Field of
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
Glory." The response is of Napoleonic origin. Alonzo Du-Auverne, the first member of the French Grenadiers, one who had distinguished him- self by surpassing bravery in action, and refusing promotion, was finally killed in battle Napoleon ordered his name called at every roll call of the guard, which was responded to by the oldest Sergeant stepping to the front, saluting and saying "Died on the Field of Glory."
The following is the
ROLL OF HONOR.
Colonel S. G. Hill, Major A. John.
Company A .- Captain H. Blank, Peter Harrison, Win. B. Everett.
Company B .- J. W. Beard, George Brownawell, Win. P. Brown.
Company C .- Capt. Geo. C. Burmeister, John Ernst, John Schlegelmilch, John Leutsbauch, Franz Peturka.
Company D .- Fred. Hill, M. Maher, P. Parsons, N. Schaufletzel, A. Waldie, G. Groters.
Company E .- P. Courtney, S. Keenan. R. Manuel, J. McDonough, P. Redmond, P. Slattery.
Company F .- Ira Edgington, W. Fitzsimmons, J. Kennedy, R. Wescha, L. Ware.
Company G .- J. H. Byers, D. D. Dubois, D. C. Currie, A. C. Naff, P. O. Phipps, J. B. Wels.
Company HI .- Geo. S. Comstock.
Company 1 .- W. Brandt, J. Crawford, M. Lee, B. F. Lineville.
Company K .- Lieutenant W. M. Dugan.
The roll was finished, the colors lowered, taps sounded, and the embers of this camp fire will warm the hearts of the comrades for years to come.
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SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
THE SECOND DAY.
THURSDAY, October 3, 1889.
BUSINESS MEETING.
President Keeler called the association to order at 9 o'clock. The report of the Secretary was read and placed on file.
The Treasurer's report was read, approved and placed on file.
It was a masterly and business like report, and the association tendered him a vote of thanks.
THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS
resulted as follows :
President-W. B. Keeler, Chicago, Ill.
First Vice-President-F. W. Doran, Wilton, Iowa.
Secon 1 Vice-President-S. H. Dixson, Marcus, Iowa.
Third Vice-President -- Matt Wilson, West Liberty, Iowa. Fourth Vice-President-G. W. Baxter, West Liberty, Iowa.
Fifth Vice-President-Thos. Purcell, St. Louis, Mo.
Sixth Vice-President-S. V. Lambert, Atalissa, Iowa.
Secretary-R. D. Bodman, Muscatine, Iowa.
Treasurer-Herman Schmidt, Muscatine, Iowa.
Executive Committee-S. M Thompson, J. W. Berry and G. H. Wiles.
A committee on resolutions was appointed, consisting of Captain Dixson, Corporal Davis and Sergeant "Tobe" Brown, who reported the following
RESOLUTIONS,
which were adopted :
WHEREAS, The surviving members of the 35th Iowa Volunteer Infan- try, in Re-union assembled, have reveled in the pleasures of old comrade- ship during the past two days, and have enjoyed the generous hospitality of the citizens of Muscatine, be it
Resolved, That our hearty thanks are due and are hereby extended to the citizens of our old home city for the kindly greeting extended to his on every hand; to the talented young Mayor, Hon. J. M. Gobble, for his able and excellent address of welcome; to the members of the G. A. R. and W. R. C. for the free use of their halls; to the whole-souled ladies of Musca- tine for the magnificent banquet spread for us. May their years be extended and their joys increase until the last survivor of the old Regiment shall have been called to his final reward. To the Muscatine daily papers, JOUR- NAL and NEWS-TRIBUNE, for kindness and courtesy extended, and for the full and accurate reports of the Re-union.
Resolved, That in the death of those who have since 1886 been called to the last roll call we recognize the hand of the Supreme Commander, and while we drop the tears of sympathy for the dear departed we cherish their memory, emulate their noble impulses and endeavor to meet them on the eternal camping grounds in everlasting re-union.
SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
On motion the following were appointed to prepare a history of their respective companies, to be submitted at the next Re-union:
Field and Staff-R. B. Baird, Muscatine.
Co. A .- J. Covell, Muscatine. Co. B .- B. F. Hershe, Trenton, Mo.
Co. C .- H. Burmeister, Norway, Iowa.
Co. D .- R. B. Baird, Muscatine, Iowa.
Co. E .- F. W. Doran, Wilton, Iowa.
Co. F .- A. V. Riggs, Letts, Iowa.
Co. G .- S. C. Corey, Corey, Iowa. Co. H .- J. H Onstott, Mechanicsville, Iowa.
Co. I .- Jerry Evans, West Liberty, Iowa.
Co. K .- J. Wall, Lowden, Iowa.
Secretary Baird presented to the association a large photograph of the lamented Major John, received by mail that morning from Mrs. John, and it was greeted by the Regiment rising to its feet.
The Secretary was instructed to return thanks to Mrs. John.
The photo was given to the President to keep and return to the next Re-union.
On motion of Comrade Preston a vote of thanks and $30 was presented to Secretary Baird for his services as Secretary for the last three years ..
The following letter from Mrs. Colonel S. G. Hill was read, and ordered spread upon the records:
KANSAS CITY, MO., September 21, 1889. R. B. Baird, Secretary 35th Iowa R. A.
DEAR SIR: Your kind invitation to the Second Re-union of the 35th Iowa is before me. It always gives me pleasure to meet with the members of the old Regiment, but previous engagements make it impossible for me to be with you at that time. Give my kindest regar's to all the members of the old Regiment. May they live long and prosper is the prayer of
MARTHA J. HILL.
Letters were also read, as follows:
ALDRICH COURT, 45 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, September 28th, 1889. R. B. Baird, Secretary, Muscatine, Iowa.
DEAR SIR: I regret exceedingly that I am unable to attend the Second Re-union of the 35th Iowa. It would give me intense pleasure to again meet my old comrades, take them by the hand, look into their eyes, and to recall with them memories of the hardships, dangers and triumphs which we shared. Although absent in person I shall be with them in spirit, and
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'SECOND RE-UNION, THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA.
through you I greet each and every one of them with an affection which grows stronger with the lapse of years.
I shall hope to meet them, with undiminished numbers, at their next Re-union, which I trust will be within a year or two at least.
Very Sincerely Yours, IV. A. CLARK.
KNOXVILLE, IOWA, September 12th, ISS9. Mr. Robert Baird.
DEAR FRIEND AND COMRADE: I was absent attending the conference of our church when your letter came, hence the delay in answering it. I regret that my affairs are in such shape that it will be out of my power to be with you. Give my warmest love to the boys of the Grand Old 35th, and tell them nothing on earth would give me greater pleasure than to be with them. Yours truly, F. W. EVANS.
NEW YORK, September 7, 1889.
Robert B. Baird.
MY DEAR OLD COMRADE: Your invitation and postal card "marched on" until it found me, and your kind remembrance of mne warmed the cockles of my heart. I would be delighted to meet the boys of the old 35th in "camp," "on the march" or at "grub" if it were possible; am too far away and too busy. Please remember ine to mutual friends of the "Auld. Lang Syne." Say that in spirit I am with them. How the old times of marching and bivonacking come back again I can almost hear the drums beating, see the colors flying, the blood quickens; gone are the memories of hard times and hard luck, and only pleasant fancies warm my heart towards old comrades, who shared grub and dangers with me. Oh! those were rare days to remember!
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