USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 19
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Company Q could always be depended upon. On one occasion a detach- ment of company Q, consisting of the 16th corps, had been ordered to Nach- ville, Tennessee, to reinforce tien. 'T honia : against den. Hood. They arrived there on or abom December 1st, 1861, the day after the battle of Franklin, one of the hardest fought battles of the war. Tien Schofield's retreating army was arriving, and taking a position around the city of Nadlille; great excitement prevailed in the city; the citizens were of the opinion that Gen. Hood would be in possession of the city before night. This detachment of company {} was disembarked and marched to the front, took a position where there had been some hastily made rifle pits. During the afternoon General Thomas asked Gen. Smith if he felt satisfied that his men could hold hi - part of the line. Gen. Smith replied, " If it were not for the rifle pits, all hell could not drive my men from their position." As I said before, company Q never did anything by halves. I will have to tell you of an incident that took place down in Tennessee; it was after (en. Hood had been driven from Nashville, and company Q had followed him for about ten days, over worse roads than were ever seen in lowa; on December 21. 1864, went into camp, with orders that they would not move the next day ; that being the case they proposed having a Christmas dinner, and they had one, and a good one, too. Quite late in the afternoon on that Christmas day a farmer came into camp and enquired for headquarters. Company Q was always civil to trangers; he was very politely directed to the headquarters of Gen. A. J. Smith. the commander of the 16th corps, who listened very attentively to all the gries- ances the farmer had to relate in regard to boys taking his pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc. when the General gravely asked, " did they take all you had ?" The farmer replied, "no, they did not take all I had, but they took a heap o'
TWELFTH JOWA V. V. INPANTRY.
'um " " Then it was not my boys" said the General, you will bave to go somewhere che for redress" The boys ju i loved that old white-haired General. They thought a good deal of all their officer , without, it may be, rare exceptions, and the officers thought a great deal of their men. Compa- by Q often had very strict order- against foraging, even when they thought it a military necessity. I'pon one occasion they were on a march in Misson- ri; rations, as usual on a march, were svarer; as soon as they had gone into coup one night, a captain had been out to get rails for a bed, and as he came back, said, "there is a fat calf in that pasture" That's all that was said, and the captain had veal for supper. Company ( was always ready for duty and double rations. It was company Q that saved tien tirant and his army at Shiloh. It was company of that led den Sherman to the sea. It was com- pany Q who put down the rebellion and saved the nation ; and the little rem. nant that is Left of them to-day, afe among our best citizens, and are still bat- ding for right and justice.
" The Citizens of Waterloo" Your patriotism and hospitality will live in our memories forever.
This toast was responded to by Col. J. H Stibbs, in a very appropriate manner, a copy of which we have been unable to procure.
The concluding of the camp-fire was the singing of " Marching Through Georgia," by the audience.
FRIDAY MORNING.
This is the anniversary of the battle of Shiloh, and as the boys who com. posed part of the " Hornets' N'est Brigade" on that memorable day, greeted each other in the morning, they naturally referred to the contrast between that day and this, and then began the telling of incidents both laughable and sorrowful.
The exercises of the forenoon were held in Goodman's Opera House, on the west side of the river, and the president called the association to order promptly at 9 o'clock.
Alter prayer had been offered the association first proceeded to the se- lection of a place for the holding of the next reunion.
The committee appointed for this purpose then reported through com- rade J. E. Simpson, whose home is now at Norfolk Neb., as follows:
.Vr. President and Comrades:
Your committee would like to have an expression from the regiment as to the time and place of holding our nest reunion. It has been suggested - that it be held at Sions City, and I favor that. There are a large number of the regiment scattered through Nebraska, Dakota, Kansas, and States and Territories west that it would accommodate very much to have our next re- union at that point.
I have no authority from anyone to extend the hospitality of that city, but I know a number of the citizens, and from what I know of them and their mode of receiving visitors to their beautiful city, I have no hesitation in saying to you that if you will locate our next reunion there, Sioux City will give you a warm and hearty welcome.
Come over on the Missouri slope, see our beautiful country, our immense farms, our great Missouri, and we will show you, from the bluffs of you" state, a glimpse, like the man of old at the promised land of Nebraska. It
MORD KLEMION OF THE
will be as a new book opened up unto you, who have always lived on the Mississippi.
I plead not in behalf of us, who are here at this reunion; we shall be at the next reunion if we live, place it where you may, but I appeal in behalf of your comrades who are living north, south, and west of Sions City. To many of them it has been impossible to meet with you in the past, on account of the long distance to be traveled and the expenses to be incurred Come over and meet us half way, test the hospitality of the " Corn Palace' city of the West. Don't be afraid but what you will be welcome, and I pledge you that every comrade living west of the Missouri, will be present at the reun- ion in 1892, at Sioux City ; though their pockets be not filled with much goll or silver, you will find their hearts to be as large as their farms, and none of them have less than a quarter section.
In urging this I do not forget our good, warm-hearted friends at Man- chester. We are simply going visiting, and then we will come home again, for after our pleasant and happy meeting in 1850 and 18st, Manchester will over remain as a home to the 12th lowa
I now move you, Mr. President, that the next reunion of our regiment be held at Siony City, Iowa.
The claims of Sioux City were strongly treed by the comrades from the West. and much discussion followed, when the following telegram was read from Mayor Cleveland, of that city :
Sious Crry, lowA, April 6, 1888.
To John Wearer and D. D. McCann, Members 12th lowa :
Will do all we can to make things pleasant for you. J. CLEVELAND, Mayor.
Upon a vote being taken the comrades from the east gracefully refrained from voting and allowed those from the west to satisfy their own preferences in the matter, and accordingly Sioux City was selected on the first ballot.
Comrade John N. Weaver, of company D, feelingly urged the claims of Sioux City, and it might not be out of place to here append his letter to See- rotary Dunham, after his return home, on the subject :
SIOUX CITY, lowA, April 8, 1858.
Lt. A. Dunham, Manchester, Iowa :-- My Dear Sir and Comrade :
Don't entertain any misgivings about the kindly reception of the old 19th at Sions City. I urged the claims of Sioux City specially in behalf of the boys in Nebraska and elsewhere, who had followed the "Star of Empire," and because I knew Sioux City would alrays do the "square thing" by the soldier. Our people are well pleased and will welcome you.
Very truly and fraternally,
JOHN N. WEAVER.
We also add this letter to the Sioux City Journal, on the subject, under date of April 10, 1888;
To the Editor of the Journal :- The nest reunion of the 12th lowa Infan- try, four years hence, being fixed to be held at Sioux City, will you indulge me by publishing in reference to it a little that may be of interest to you, the citizen soldiers and citizens of the city generally.
The first quadrennial reunion of the old Twelfth (of which I had the honor of being a member) was held eight years ago, at Manchester, Iowa. Steps were then taken and effected four years later, at our second reunion, by which the survivors of the regiment are incorporated under the laws of the State. You, having been a soldier, can appreciate, perhaps, the pleasure of meeting the boys who stood "shoulder to shoulder" in the same regiment
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
and companies during the war-"drank from the same canteen"-stood by each other when sick, wounded or in prison. While I entertain the kindliest and most brotherly Feeling toward every soldier of '61 to '65, yet for gennine enjoyment I believe there is nothing so cheers the heart of the soldier as to meet those of his own regiment and company with whom he shared the same hardships, trials, dangers, hard tack and "sow belly," and with whom he per. sonally became acquainted and learned to love during the dark days " that tried men's souls." Every one can relate some story or joke about his com- rade that not only interests the boys of his regiment but every listener.
The selection of Sioux City was made for the nest reunion specially for the convenience of the members of the regiment who have followed "the star of empire" since the war, and have located in Nebraska, Kansas, Dakota and Northwestern lowa. These "boys" involuntarily looked to Sioux City as the most accessible point to efectuate such a purpose, and, though I had not conferred with our people, I knew and felt that from the well-known hospitality of Sioux City people I was entirely sale in "inviting" the next re- union to the Corn Palace city, I being the only representative present from Sioux City at our reunion last week at Waterloo, and assuring "the boys" they would receive a royal welcome.
Our practice has been at these reunions to have a " headquarters" at one of the hotels, and the rest of the "boys" distribute themselves at the hotels ad libitum "at reduced rates." We do not "camp out," but hold our meetings in a suitable hall, where everybody is free to go and is gladly received We have been royally received at Manchester and Waterloo at our former meet- ings, but I believe Sioux City will witness the grandest reunion of them all.
We have plenty of oratorical ability on the part of the regiment to speak for it, among whom I might mention Col. Henderson, of Dubuque, as one. For story telling, Col. "Jack" Stibbs, of Chicago, is a distinguished represen- tative of the regiment. I mention these names as only an indication of the fun that may be expected. We have other formidable rivals for even these.
We have the best ability in Sioux City in these respects to meet the boys of the Twelfth half way. Respectfully, JOHN N. WEAVER.
The committee appointed to nominate officers for the next reunion then reported the following :
President --- Major D. W. Reed, of Waukon, lowa.
Vice President-J. N. Weaver, of Sioux City, lowa.
Secretary-Capt. E. B. Soper, of Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Treasurer-Dr. James Barr, of Algona, Iowa.
Executive Committee -- The above officers with addition of J. E. Simp- son, of Norfolk, Nebraska.
Upon motion the report of the committee was adopted and the foregoing duly declared elected for the next reunion, and Major D. W. Reed was con- ducted to the president's chair, and duly acknowledged his thanks in a very short and appropriate speech.
Comrade R W. Tirrill, chairman of the committee on resolutions, then reported the following :
Resolved, That we extend to the citizens of Waterloo our heartfelt thanks for their genial hospitality and hearty greetings extended us, and for the kindly interest taken to make our reunion so successful, and to add to our comfort while in their beautiful city.
Resolved, That we greatly appreciate the attendance of so many fellow comrades at this, our third reunion, and that we bid our absent comrades all hail in the battle of life, with an earnest hope that they will fight a good fight and go down into the last ditch with the colors flying.
.
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THIRD REUNION OF THE
Resolved, That we are unalterably in favor of pensioning all disabled U'nion soldiers without reference to date of disability. This we ask as a mat ter of justice to the disabled soldiers and as a lesson to future generations that a strong government of the people realizes its indebtedness to those who so heroically sacrificed home and friends to save the government in its weakness.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with Comrade Danham and Family in their sad bereavement through the recent death of their loved daughter. Florence 1. Dunham, who was adopted as the daughter of this regiment at our first reunion. A bright, loving and dutiful daughter on earth, she now waits with kindred spirits gone before to welcome u- to the life beyond the borderland of earthly troubles.
Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathies of this association be extended to comrades Knee and Comstock in the sad loss of their affectionate and be- loved wives, since our last reunion. May their pathway be so brightened through the balance of their days that the irreparable Joss they have sustain- ed may be lightoued upon them.
Resolved, That our sympathies are also extended to sister Rebecca Otis, who mourns the death of her husband, John Ofis, late of Co. F, and whose no- ble work in the hospitals during the war will ever be remembered by the surviving members of the 12th lowa. May her pathway be easy through life.
Resolved, That we gratefully appreciate the fostering care of the people of lowa in their efforts to provide for disabled soldiers by the erection of the lowa Soldiers' Home, at Marshalltown, and we respectfully ask a sufficient appropriation by the Legislature now in session to complete everything ner- essary for the comfort of the inmates and maintenance of the Soldiers' Home during the current biennial period.
The report of the committee was adopted by a rising vote.
A committee composed of Comrades R. W. Tirill, G. MI Morisey, and Abner Dunham was selected to publish the proceedings of the reunion in pamphlet form, and to send copies to all members of the regimental associa- tion who have paid up their quadrennial dues of $1 00 each.
The hour for dinner having arrived, the meeting was adjourned to con- vene promptly at 1:30 in the afternoon.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
Upon being called to order Comrade JI. E. Simpson then submitted the following eulogy :
Mr. President and Comrades:
The sad and painful duty has been assigned to me of amouncing to you the death of the " Daughter of our Regiment," Florence L. Dunham, at her father's home, in Manchester, Feb. 21, 1888, of typhoid fever.
Those of you who were present at our first reunion, at Manchester, eight years ago, will remember the little girl. then only about eight years old, who came out on the platform and commenced to recite a poem, written by her mother, the wife of our beloved comrade and most worthy secretary, bner Dunham, commencing, " I love the brave old soldier." How pretty and in- teresting she looked. Glancing up and seeing the great sea of faces she became embarrassed, burst into tears, touching every heart present. Some warm hearted comrade sprang up and moved she be adopted as " The Daughter of the Regiment," and it was carried by a unanimous and hearty vote,
Those who were with us four years ago will remember the beautiful. sprightly girl, who had a warm hearty hand shake and welcome for each 12th lowa man present.
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
"THE MANenesteR Press" in announcing her death in the columns of that paper, speaks in words and tones that found a response in the heart of each one of us, as Follows: " Last week, when we went to press, it was thought that Florence Dunham was improving, with a fair chance for recov- ery. But the next morning her disease took an unfavorable turn, and Friday evening, the 24th of February, after most intense suffering, she was released from worldly pains and troubles. Her death. so sudden and unexpected, will bring sorrow to many outside her immediate circle of friends. All over lewa, and in distant states, there are those who will grieve at the news of her de- coase. The members of the Twelfth lowa, who attended the first reunion of the regimem in this city, will remember the sweet-faced, modest little girl, who stood upon the platform and recited the poem written for the occasion, in a manner which captivated all hearts Since that the, Florence Dunham had been the veritable " Child of the Regiment" And in every corner of the land, wherever one of the veterans of the Twelfth lowa is to be found, there will be found a sincere mourner for the loss of the fair girl who was loved by all. Just at the threshold of womanhood, that she should thus be taken from family and friends, from a life in which she delighted, and in which she gave promise of happiness and usefulness --- all seems bard to bear. The funeral took place at the house, on Sunday, conducted by Rey B. M. Amsden, and not with standing the bitter weather, was largely attended."
Darling sweet Florence, just budding into womanhood, looking with pleasant anticipations to this coming reunion and the meeting with the old veteran- of her regiment, to whom she bid fair in time to come, when our members grow less, to become a veritable daughter indeed. God has seen fit to take her to himself. Members of the Rth were there to meet her on the other shore. She will be there to welcome us as we, one after the other, answer the last "roll call" to be "mustered in" to that better land, where kin- dred spirits can meet and mingle not as here, years apart and for a few pass- ing hours and then separate. but for all time to come.
Beautiful loving daughter, we bid thee farewell until we meet
To our beloved comrade and his dear wife we tender our most heartfelt sympathies and mingle our tears with them in this hour of affliction and sor- row. The light has gone From their home. We bow in humble submision to the fiat of Him who gave and taketh away.
The balance of the afternoon to the time of parade was given to short speeches and story telling by comrades Simpson, Grannis, Henderson; Helen Viola, VanAnda, Zodiker, Woods, Thompson, Nagle, Gift, Soper and others.
At 5 o'clock the comrades were formed in line for a grand parade, there being 160 of the old veterans in the ranks by companies, and proceeded to march through the principal streets to the grounds, where they were formed in line for a grand dress parade, when the Following order was read by adju- tant Burch :
Headquarters, 12th Iowa Infantry, Waterloo, Iowa. April 6, 1888. 1 General Order No. 99, to the Surviving Members of the 12th lowa. )
Four years have elapsed since our last dress parade, and it is with pleas- urable emotions that I again am able to congratulate you upon your soldierly bearing upon this occasion -- not only this, I am proud of your achievements as a regiment in the dark days which " tried men's souls," proud that where duty called the old 19th was always ready to go, and went ; that you through all your services conducted yourselves as true soldiers in camp, on the march and in the field -proud that you made your glorious record, not as those choosing the profession of arms as such, but as intelligent men and citizens stepping to the front when the question of the perpetuity of our nation arose. And leaving the pursuits of peace and becoming soldiers for the purpose of maintaining the Union of the States at the cost of business, health or life it- self, if need be intending if you survived the struggle to return to the peace
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THIRD REUNION OF THE
ful pursuits of home. For more than four years you did your duty and per- formed deeds of daring and valor and endured hardships such as pen cannot describe, nor artist paint, nor poet picture. Your record stands forth with- out a stain to mar its enduring grandeur and its glorious fame. Surely these considerations should till me and all of us with pride But you have per- formed still greater achievements. When the war was over yon returned to your homes and as if by magic the brave soldier of the old 12th of yesterday becomes the true high-minded citizen of to-day. It is your highest glory that not only did you do your duty during the time you were soldiers of the great war for the union, but that, when the war was over and you had resumed the arts and ways of peace, your record as citizens of our great nation has been as glorious as that you made as soldiers in the long dark days of the rebel- lion You to-day are among the sovereigns of this great government of the people and for the people, and your voices and votes have done as much in moulding the moral sentiment that characterizes and promotes our political future as did your deeds of valor and your endurance during the dark hours of war. You have assumed and occupied your several stations in life as cit- izens since the war. You have so acted and conducted yourselves as to stand honored and respected, not only as soldiers, but as men of character, respecta- bility and prominence, as citizens.
It is a pleasure to know that each and all of you are engaged in honora- ble pursuits, and that the record of each of you since the war, when examined makes as proud a showing of respectability and honor as did the record of your splendid military achievements in the old 12th lowa.
J. 11. STUBBS, Late Colonel 12th lowa V. V. 1, Brevet Brig. Gen'l.
S. R. BURCH, Adjutant.
After the dismissing of the parade, it being then about 6 o'clock, the comrades repaired to the Turner Hall, where a most excellent banquet was in waiting for them, prepared by the ladies of the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 15, of Waterloo, and to which all did ample justice.
FRIDAY EVENING.
The closing exercises of the reunion took place in the evening at the Opera House, which was again filled to overflowing by the citizens of Water- loo. Ex-Gov. Buren R. Sherman presided over the deliberations, and after a few complimentary remarks to the regiment proceeded with the program.
"The Old Folks at Home," was earnestly responded to by Rev. J. O. Stevenson, of Waterloo, who was in Scotland when the rebellion began, and his description of the sympathy of the Scotch capitalists, who were for the south, and of the laboring people, who were for the north, was extremely in- teresting.
"The Army Chaplain " was responded to by the venerable Rev. Dr. C. S. Percival, Chaplain of the 12th N. Y. Cavalry, during the war, and he told the veterans more about Chaplains in half an hour than most of them realized throughout the whole war.
I. C. Hemenway, of Cedar Falls, was expected to be present to give his ideas on " Hard Tack," but being unavoidably absent, Major D. W. Reed was drafted on short notice, and he speedily showed his familiarity with the subject.
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
"The Girl I Left Behind Me," was eloquently responded to by C. W. Mul- 'lin, of Waterloo, who clearly detailed the experience and feelings of every veteran present toward the only power which has ever conquered the whole Union army. ,
Col. J. H. Stibbs then delivered his new version of "Barbara Frietchie," amidst a storm of applause, and by particular request we publish it herewith:
BARBARIE FRIETCHIE-NEW VERSION.
Id was droo dar streeds of Fredericksdown, Der red-hot zun he was shine him down,
Bast der zaloons all filt mit bier,
Der rebel vellers valked on dier car.
All day droo Fredericksdown so fast,
Horses, und guns, und zogers bast.
Der rebel flag he shone him oud so bridt,
As if, by jinks, he got some ridt.
Vore vas der Onion flag? Der zun Hle look him down not on a von.
Up jumped dot olt Miss Frietchie den, So oldt by nine score year nud ten.
She grabbed up der oklt flag der men haul down, Und fasen id quick by her nidtgown.
Den she sot by der vimlow ver all could see Dere vos non vot lofe dot flag so free.
Purty soon come ridin' up Stonewall Jack, Sittin, from der mittle of his horse's back.
Under him brow he squint him eyes;
Dot flag! dot make him great surprise.
Halt! each veller make him sdill, Fire ? was echoed from hill to hill.
Id busted der sdrings from dot nidtgown, But Barbarie Frietchie, she was arount.
She grabbed der flag again so guich, Und oud of der vindow her arms did sdick.
"Obuse of you would dis olt bald head, But leave alone dot flag !" she said.
Zo zoon, zo quick as Jack could do, Hle holler him out mit a face zo blue :
" Who bulls one hair out of dat bald head, Dies awful guiek, go aheadtl" he said.
Und all dot day, und all dot night, Till efery rebel vos out of site,
Und leave behind him dot Fredericksdown, Dot flag he vas sthicken by dot nidtgown.
Dame Barbarie Frietchie's vork is done, She don't forever got some fun.
Bully for her! und drop a tear For dot old voman mitond some fear.
,
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THIRD REUNION OF THE
Short story-telling was then indulged in by comrades and others present .. when the exercises were drawn to a close and the reunion adjourned to meet at Sioux City, four years hence.
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