USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 16
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
The city of Waterloo had donned her gala dress for the occasion, and as the old comrades arrived from different sections of the country, they were greeted at the depots by the proper committees and escorted to the Opera House, where registration was in order and hand-shaking and renewals of old times were indulged in.
The forenoon of the first day was given to the greeting of comrades, re- newing the old friendships and fighting the old battles over again
Among the numerous tasty decorations with which the city abounded, the most notable was that on the Logan House corner, it being a monument about fifteen feet high and placed on a base in imitation of stone, the inserip- tion on the monument being as follows:
HORNET'S NEST BRIGADE .- 12TH IOWA VET. VOL. INFANTRY.
FIELD AND STAFF.
Colonel-J. J. Woods. Major -- S. D. Brodtbeck.
Lient. Col .- J. P. Coulter. Adjutant-N. F. Dungan.
Quartermaster -- JJ. B. Dorr. W. HI. Finley.
Surgeon-C. C. Parker.
Asst. Surgeons ; M. Underwood.
Chaplain-A. G. Eberhart.
Under this was the following list of battles in which the regiment took part :
Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Siege of Corinth, Jackson, Vicksburg, Black River, Jackson, (Second), Brandon, Tupelo, White River, Nashville, Holly Springs, Spanish Fort.
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THIRD REUNION OF THE
The other two faces of the shaft were devoted to the records of the sey- eral companies, showing the counties where they were recruited and the original commissioned officers, as follows:
Co A, Hardin county, Captain, S. R Edgington; ist Lieut., A. E. Webb; 2'd Lieut., G W. Moir; 92 men.
C'o. B, Allamaker county. Captain, W. C. Earl; Ist Lieut , L. HI Mer- rill ; 2d Lieut., J. IL. Borger; 90 nten.
Co (, Fayette county Captain, Win. Warner; Ist Lieut, D B. Hlen- derson ; 20 Lient , A. M. Smith ; 100 men.
Co. D, Linn county Captain, J. H. Stibbs; Ist Lieut., J D. Furguson; 2d Lieut., Hile Hale: 98 men.
Co. E, Blackhawk county. Captain, W. Haddock ; Ist Lieut , J. Elwell; 2d Lieut,, R. Williams; 91 men
Co. F. Delaware county Captain, J. E. Ainsworth; Ist Lieut., I W. Gift; 2d Lieut , W. A Morse; 99 men.
Co G, Winneshick county Captain, C. C. Tupper; 1st Lieut , L. D. Townsley ; 2d Lieut , J. F. Nickerson; 9' men.
Co. Il, Dubuque county. Captain, H. J. Playter; 1st Lieut., R. Fishel; 2d Lieut , L. W. Jackson ; 82 men.
Co. 1, Jackson county Captain, E. M. Van Duzer; Ist Lieut , .J .J. Marks; 2d Lieut., A. L Palmer; 85 men.
Co. K, Delaware county. Captain, I. G. Fowler; Ist Lieut., L Webb; Qd Lieut., J. J. Brown ; St men
Total number, 98] men. Number of miles marched, 15,000.
Near the base of the monument was a brass mountain howitzer captured by Co. D, at Selma, Alabama.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
At one o'clock the executive committee met at the Opera House and proceeded to the transaction of such matters as were ready for their consid- eration.
Upon the completion of the business before the executive committee, the association having convened, together with a large outpouring of the citizens of Waterloo, the assemblage was called to order by Cof S. R. Edgington, president of the regimental association, who introduced Rev. Dr. C. S. Per- cival, Chaplain of the 12th N. Y. Cavalry during the war, who opened the exercises with prayer.
The first order of business being the appointment of committees, the president made the following appointments ;
On Resolutions-R. W. Tirrill, R. P. Clarkson, J. E. Simpson, John N. Weaver and E. B. Soper.
On Finance-J. W. Gift, J. H. Stibbs, B. E. Eberhart, John Cole and J. F. Zediker.
On Officers for next Reunion-D. W. Reed, W. W. Whiteneck, R. W. Tir- rill, J. E. Simpson and P. R. Woods.
The secretary then proceeded to read the following letters and telegrams from absent comrades :
MONTANA, KANSAS, March 11, 1888.
Mr. W. W. Whiteneck-Dear Comrade :- Your letter reached me several days ago, but as it did not state when the reunion was to be held, I delayed answering until I ascertained the time. The probability is that } shall at- tend, but I cannot be certain yet whether I shall be able to do so or not 1 feel much obliged to you and other members of the regiment for the kind- ness you have heretofore shown me, and the interest taken to have me pres-
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
ent at the reunion. I assure you it would afford me great pleasure to meet again my comrades of the old 19th Yours, truly, I J. WOODS
Los ANGELES, CAL., March 26, 1888.
My Dear Col Edgington :-- Received yours of 2Ist ultimo Accept my thanks for the welcome invitation. You can be assured that nothing would give me more pleasure than to be able to meet you and our dear boys once again, but it will be impossible for me to attend next reunion
Please give my love and hearty greetings to "every one" of the good okl boys of the 12th. " May they all prosper and enjoy life and be able to cole- brate yet many reunions," is my toast and my most earnest wish and prayer. Affectionately, your old comrade and Major. S. D BRODT BECK.
P. S. - I could not write to you earlier, because my dear wife, my com- panion for nearly fifty years, was ill, and yesterday was laid in her eternal resting place on earth. and is waiting for me in heaven, where I hope to meet her and all my dear comrades.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1 WASHINGTON, D. C. February 21, 1888. )
Major D. W Reed, -- Wankon, lowa. My dear friend: - Yours transmitting notice of our next 12th lowa reunion is just received. That is one of the re- unions ] will not miss if it is possible for me to be there. Of course that must be subordinate to my public duties, but if possible I will be there, and I authorize you to say so to any inquiring friends. Very truly yours,
D. B HENDERSON
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1 WASHINGTON, D C, March 19, 1888. \
Col. S. R. Edgington, Eldora, Iowa. My dear Colonel :-- 1 find that ] must come to you to perform a painful duty, and that is to say that there is but little hope of my being able to attend our next reunion. With the tariff battle coming on, with the presidential fight impending and the immense work that it is now imposing upon me, together with my current official du- ties, I do not see how it will be possible for me to spare the time to go to Waterloo.
I write yon this now so that you may make further preparations for speaking, as there is not one chance in ton of my being able to attend.
It hurts me to write this conclusion, for I have no gathering of any kind that I look forward to with as sincere pleasure as I do the reunion of the old 12th lowa Infantry.
Remember me kindly to all the comrades at the reunion, and please make it clear to them that it is through no fault of mine that I am not with them. Your friend and comrade, D. B HENDERSON.
ST. PAUL, MINN , April 4, 1888.
Col. S. R. Edgington. My dear friend : - I have tried to plan to attend the reunion of our old regiment, but an attack of nervous prostration, which puts me under the doctor's care, prevents. Be kind enough to present my warmest greetings to all who are present, and express my regrets at being unable to join in the pleasant exercises of the reunion. Very truly, E M. VAN DUZER.
Sir PAUL, MIN, April 4, 1888.
Capt. J. F. Zediker. My dear friend :- Yours of 28th ult received. I am very glad to hear from you and to know of your success in this life and hope of a better life beyond. I have, in the last few years, received several cards and circulars from you, but do not remember of receiving any letter to which I have not responded.
It would give me much pleasure to meet my old comrades and take them by the hand I presume they have changed in outward appearance so
.
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THIRD REUNION OF THE
that I should fail to recognize many of them, as they, doubtless, would hardly know me. I am bearing some of the marks of time, but my spirit is still young. I cherish very pleasant memories of the companionships of our ser- vice, and should enjoy talking over old times and renewing old friendships. But I am to be disappointed again. I am now under the doctor's care for nervous prostration I had hoped to be able to attend this reunion, as cir- cumstances have prevented my attending the others. I shall hope, another year to be present. Give my kindest regards to all members of company 1, who are at the reunion, and my best wishes for their future welfare. I shall be glad to hear from you often. Very truly, E M. VAN DUZER.
PERRIEN SPRINGS, MICH., April 3, 1888.
Abner Dunham, Manchester, lowa. Doar comrade :- I received your notice of the third reunion of the 19th lowa Infantry, which takes place at Waterloo on the 5th and 6th of April, of that grand old regiment I love so well ; and when I read the notice, as follows: `~ Time is thinning our ranks, and we who are left, must step to the front, and so long as possible keep our lines unbroken," it makes me think back twenty-five years ago, of the hard- ships, sufferings, pain and distress, we incurred tog ther in the war and pri- son dens. Company G boys will remember I am the boy who made my es- cape from Memphis Sunday morning, but was recaptured at Germantown, and sent south. I had made all arrangements to meet with you, but will not be able to for the reason that I am taken with a very bad cold. Please re- member me to all of the dear comrades, and especially to all of the company G boys I hope to be with you at your next reunion I am fraternally,
NELSON J Davis, Late Co. G, 19th lowa Infantry.
DENVER, COLORADO, April 1, 1888. To Members of the 12th lowa in Third Reunion Assembled :
Dear Comrades :-- Until within a few weeks, I had fully intended to be with you at Waterloo, but my business is such that I cannot leave without greater loss than I can afford. I regret exceedingly that it is so, for I know from former experience what a good time you will have I can imagine you how, as I write, and your dear old faces are as plainly before me as on dress parade. Oh, how the old memories crowd themselves on my mind, and my pen is anequal to the task of putting them on paper As I sit here thinking. I see Dunham, (God bless him) and Morisey, and Comstock, and Grannis, and Reed, and Knee, and -well, I see you all, and here's my hand, shake, boy's, my heart is with you, if my body is absent. Here I am, crying like a baby. You all know the effort I made four years ago to be with you, so I think it not necessary to assure you of my loyalty, and as you grasp each other by the hand, and the eyes moisten, and you live over again " The Days of Auld Lang Syne," just give me a kindly thought, for I will be with you in spirit. I wish you a royal good time, and may God bless you. Yours until the Grand Review. S. M Frexen, Late Principal Musician 13th lowa, 2911 Lafayette St , Denver, Colorado.
WAHOO, NEBRASKA, April 4, 1888
Capt. J. E. Simpson, Waterloo, Iowa. My dear old friend :-- For the last four years I have indulged the hope and expectation to be with you at Waterloo this time, and not until last evening did anything transpire to pre- vent me from going. I am so very sorry. Please present my compliments and regrets to Col. Edgington and all inquiring friends and comrades, and assure them that the fire of love for country, flag, and the old regiment burns just as bright as ever on my heart's altar The camp, march and field are remembered with melancholy pride, and at the bier of the daughter of the regiment -- Miss Florence Dunham -I drop a silent tear, in token of the un- timely departure of one so promising and universally beloved. Hope you will have a pleasant, enthusiastic meeting. I have but one favor to ask at your hands at this time, which is, when Sorgt .- Lieut Grannis appears upon the stage with the old war-worn, tattered and torn colors, give one long, loud shout for your absent friend and comrade, JOHN STEEN.
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
PIEDMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, March 19, 1888.
Dr. James Barr, Algona, Towa. My Dear Doctor : - Yours of the 14th inst., enclosing a call to the third reunion of the 12th lowa V. V. Infantry is just received. To be allowed to meet those noble men once more would be a delight, but to do so this year will be impossible. I am sorry to hear of the death of the wife of Comstock. and of the daughter of Dunham. They have gone home. We, too, at no distant day shall be mustered out. White in the service let us hold the fort. And I well know that you will and the veteran lieutenant and the color-bearer of a hundred fields will always stand to the colors in the front in the thickest of the fight.
My health compelled me to leave the northwest for a warmer climate. Since I came here it has improved, yet I have to use my forces with a care and prudence to which I was a total stranger before I entered the army.
I trust and hope that you will have a jubilant reunion at Waterloo, like that we had at Manchester. Give my love to the veterans whom I honor and respect, and I hope a country saved by their valor will acknowledge its ob. ligation to their heroism by giving them some assistance in the way of peu- sions to meet the needs of declining years -assistance which is justly due but can never pay back the health, strength and life which they gave to their country. With kind remembrances to your family, your friend,
BIG RUN, JEFFERSON COUNTY, PA., March 29, 1888.
To the Members of the 13th lowa Infantry:
It is with extreme regret that I can not, under existing circumstances, be present at the reunion on the 5th and 6th of April, (much as I would like to be there). My best wishes are with the boys. Hoping you may all have a pleasant and enjoyable time, I remain, W. II BOWERS, Company (, 12th lowa Infantry.
DAVENPORT, IOWA, April 4, 1888.
To my old Comrades of the 12th:
Comrades :-- I am very sorry I cannot be with you at your reunion; cir- cumstances over which I have no control prevent me from meeting my old contrades. I know it would be a great pleasure to me, but it can't be helped, so the next best I can do is to report by letter, so put me down on the rolls as present, anyhow.
I extend to one and all of my old comrades, the right hand of friend- ship; let those that are absent think of those that are present, and those that are present remember those that are absent ; all as brothers, for brothers we are always, aye and ever. Wishing you all such a good time as only a reun- ion can bring to the old heroes of a hundred fields, and the best men that ever trod a continent, I am now as heretofore, your comrade,
(Shake, every one.)
DENNIS CONLEY, "D," 12th lowa V. V. I.
VANCOUVER, W. T., March 21, 1888.
Benjamin E. Eberhart. My dear friend and comrade :- I was much pleased to receive your favor inviting me to come and join in the third re- union of the dear old 12th Iowa. I have long wished for the pleasure to be at one of its reunions, to once more see and greet my brave and gallant old comrades, But I am sorry to say that I cannot possibly avail myself of the happy privilege to do so at the coming reunion, owing to the absence of my commanding officer on detached duty until April 30th, current. I have charge of the issuing of all the military stores at this ordinance depot to every Post in the department, as the same is required. I have had charge of that duty ten years, hence in the absence of my commanding officer, I cannot be spared from my duty. I have pending in Congress a bill for my special re- tirement, with seventy-five per cent of pay and allowances, which, if it passes. I will be free and at liberty to go where and when I please, and if such shall be my good fortune, and I'be alive when the next reunion is held, I promise
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THIRD REUNION OF THE
to be there if possible. It will be but a few times that it can be possible but for a lucky few to so meet, owing to the most having been musteral out and joined the great silent majority, their deaths hastened in most cases from physical infirmities engendered in the terrible ordeal of that long and cruel war for the preservation of our loved nation. When I think of the patriot- ism and sacrifices which alone impelled the brave union soldiers to voluntari- ly imaperil their lives in defense of their loved country, and the inne timable blessings secured to the nation through their unconquerable valor, and con- . sidering the plethoric condition of the national treasury, with such vast amount of treasure lying idle and kept out of the business circulation of the country. I feel aghast at the ref asal by the governing power of prompt rec- ognition of the claims of the nation's defenders as partitioned by the G A. R. committee, and the first settled among them should be the claims of the pris- oners of war, to reward them as it best and ouly can for the outrageous and inhuman treatment which they endured at the hands of their brutal captors. Ben, with all your sad misfortune to get so seriously wounded at the battle of Shiloh by that grape shot which went under the bridge of your nose and lodged in the socket of your right eye, and which necessitated sending you to the rear for medical treatment, you thereby was certainly saved from the tortures of the confederate prison hells. Ban, I shall never forget your forcible and impious exclamation, when I first pick d you up and relieved you of your sword and revolver. Ro, luckily you was left a very
narrow margin for life, and your face was very bloody from your wound. 1 surely thought your end had come, but that meaning exclamation dispelled that gloomy thought, and I concluded that you would get well. Oh, how
rejoiced I would be, if present, to hear repeated by the comrades the old, old stories of glory and suffering we shared in common together I hope that our sturdy old friend and comrade, D. B. Henderson, will be present with you to enthuse the boys. The boys must keep him in Congress to champion their cause and interest. I am highly pleased that Waterloo (the old head- quarters of company [) is selected for the occasion, as it is the most central place for the majority to reach that could be selected, and I feel well assured that you will receive a cordial welcome and hospitable treatment. I beg of you to express for me my sincere love and regard to every comrade of the old regiment. I hope that it will be a happy and profitable meeting. I am,
Your friend and comrade, ROBERT WILLIAMS.
LAKE FOREST, LAKE COUNTY, ILLS., April 1, 1888.
Dear Comrade :-- I was very glad to hear from you, and also from Gen. J. 11. Stibbs, and I am very sorry that I cannot be one of your number at the reunion. My whole heart is with you; it is so that I cannot possibly get away; please give my best wishes to all of old company "D." I will write you a good letter when I hear from you again. Give my best respects to little Captain J IL. Stibbs; tell him I will write to him very soon. So good bye; from your old friend and comrade PERRY GEPHART.
HAZELTON, IOWA, April 4, 1888.
Dear Comrades and Soldiers :-- I regret that I cannot be with you, but under the circumstance it is impossible to be there I have been sick for some time, and am not able to come, but I hope that you will have a good time, and maybe the next reunion I will be able to come. I am in hopes so, at least. I will close by sending my best wishes to you all
Your Comrade,
JOSEPH S. GIRTON.
LOUISVILLAS, KY., April 1, ISSS ..
Dear Dunham :- It is with feelings of regret that I announce my ina- bility to attend the reunion on the 5th and 6th. I had looked forward to the meeting with no little anxiety, but since I left home measles broke out in the family of my next door neighbor, and I fear that my children and wife have been exposed, not one of them ever having had them. Say to the boys
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TWELFTH JOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
for me, that I regret very, very much that I can't be with them, for if there is a people on earth- out side of kin -- I truly love, it is the members of the old 12th. It is true our associations were short, but long enough to seal our love for one another to eternity. Tell the boys I think of them often, and especially never do I wander over the beautiful grounds of the cemetery at Pittsburg, but what the days of more than a quarter of a century ago, the 6th of April, and the Faces of the dear boys who stood around me on that memor- able day, are brought vividly back. And when I pass over these grounds and road the names of our fallen comrades, some of whom I can remember, my heart grows sick. Tell Justice Schneider, if he is alive and present, that I remember him well, and would be glad to hear from him, as would I also from any of the boys. I hope yet to pay you all a visit, and am nearly sure that I will do it at some day not far distant. Should I defer the matter for twenty-five or thirty more years, age will be creeping on nis and we would not seem ourselves.
Accept my sympathy for your last sad bereavement- - the loss of your daughter. I again entreat you to remember me kindly to the boys.
I am, truly,
C. C. STRIBLING.
LINCOLN, NEB., April 3, 1888
Dear friends of the 12th lowa Infantry Volunteers :- I had thought up to date I surely should be with you on this great occasion, but as duty com- pels me to stay at home I must sacrifice the pleasure it would afford me to be with you all to-day. My mother has been sick for two years, and for the last six months has been bed fast, so that it is impossible for me to leave her, therefore my absence from you is unavoidable, but you may rest assured my thoughts are with you all, and I hope you will have a glorious reunion, and that all that are at this reunion may live to celebrate a good many more. With the very kindest regards to all, I remain, yours as ever,
F. F LANKINS, Co. B, 12th lowa V. I.
PORTERVILLE, KANSAS, April 2, 1888.
Dear Mr. Dunham, and other friends :-- I am reminded that the 5th and 6th of April is drawing near, and that many of the old 12th lowa will meet in reunion. I have still pleasant remembrance of the reunion at Manchester, eight years ago. I wish to be remembered to all of the friends, particularly company F. Tell them that while sunny Kansas is not paradise, I cannot help, as I look out on the green trees and flowers and sunshine to-day, wish- ing they might have as pleasant a day for the reunion as to-day is here.
Hoping that you may all have a pleasant time, and the camp-fire may have plenty of rails, I remain, with kindest regards,
ALICE F. ELDREDGE LAMBDIN.
And I think I belong to the 12th Iowa.
ST. PAUL, MINN,, April 4, 1888.
albuer Danham, Sed'y, Waterloo, lowa:
Dear Sir :-- I wrote Capt. Reed, when I received notice of the reunion of the Veteran . Twelfth Iowa, at Waterloo, on the 5th and 6th, that I surely would be there. At the last hour I find, with regret, that I cannot, without undue sacrifice, leave home and business. Please make my cordial greeting to the men of that noble regiment, with whom I was so pleasantly associated in the army, and express my sincere regret that I cannot be with them. God bless them, one and all. Sincerely yours, WM R. MARSHALL ..
VINTON, IOWA, April 1, 1888.
Albuer Dunham, Sed'y 12th Iowa Infantry Association:
My Dear Comrade :- I deeply regret that sickness in my family prevents my attendance with the comrades in the Third Regimental Reunion, and the more so, because of the thinning in the ranks which must take place by the inevitable muster-out between this time and the next reunion. That the Third Reunion may be in every way satisfactory, is the earnest wish of
COMRADE J W. Rien, Co. E, 12th lowa
THIRD REUNION OF THE
DES MOINES, IOWA, April 3, 1888.
Col. S R. Edgington, Eldora, Iowa. My dear Colonel :- Yours of 27th ultimo inviting me to attend the meeting of your gallant old regiment the 12th lowa -on Shiloh day at Waterloo, received. I regret exceedingly that other engagements will prevent my going, for nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with the brave men who stood like a wall of fire in front of the enemies of our country, on that memorable day, and who so potentially aided in making the lowa soldier and the "hornets' nest" a name to be proud of and a reward to be envied.
My kind regards to the boys, and may you all live to see many returns of this anniversary of the great battle of Shiloh, in which they took so dis- tinguished and honorable part. Truly your friend, J. M. Torri ...
UNION STOCK YARDS, CHICAGO, IL ... , April 5, 1888.
Abner Dunham-Sceretary Soldiers' Reunion :- I have looked forward to the meeting of to-day with great pleasure, but circumstances prevent my being with you. Give my regrets to comrades. JOHN ELWELL.
YANKTON, D. T., April 5, 1888.
Abner Dunham -- Secretary 12th Jowa Association : - With kindest greet- ings to the dear old Twelfth. JOHN BREMNER.
Major D. W. Reed, chairman of the committee on the history of the reg- iment, then made the following report :
To the Comrades of the 12th lowa Infantry:
Your committee on Regimental History beg leave to report as follows:
At our reunion four years ago, your committee reported progress, and suggested, that to make the history as complete as it ought to be, sub-com- mittees should be appointed by each company to collect and arrange such matters of interest peculiar to each company as ought to be preserved. Such committees were appointed, and their names published on page 73 of min- utes of your last reunion. It was also suggested at that time that personal sketches of lives of commissioned officers at least, be procured for the his- tory. Very soon after said reunion your committee notified the chairman of each of these sub-committees of their appointment, and urged their co-opera- tion in the work of making the history a faithful record that would pre- serve to our children the events in the service of a gallant regiment.
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