USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 29
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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
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FIFTH REUNION OF THE
Manchester two years hence let us all who are then living bo there, and let no contado fail. And as to our regimental history which is now ready for publication let me say, this should have been done twenty years ago. Let as get right at it and have our deeds of valor plainly printed upon the historie press where our children and our children's children can read it in years to come. And for me I have pledged to Comrade Simpson and Judge Weaver the sum of $100 toward the expenses of so doing. Again [ thank you for this high honor.
Mrs. J. A. Van Anda mado a patriotic little talk moving the entire party to tears, and her son J. Albert Van Anda recited some beautiful verses.
James Crosby, of Yankton, was wheeled to the front in his carriage. He said he had a speech all prepared last night, but Comrade Van Anda's snoring knocked the whole business out of his head. "I keep a hotel at Yankton, " he said, "and a Twelfth lowa badge is good for a week's board any time. "
Comrade W. W. Qarvey of Pierce, Neb., stated that this was his, first re- union, but he did not propose that it should be tho last.
The roll was called down the entire line of the regiment, and army speeches were delivered with the feeling which only a soldier can know. Each speech was brightoned by sallios of wit, and the occasion was one of tender good feeling, with sad memories softened by time, and joy promoted by the fellowship of old and dear comrades, with whom every man present realized ho cannot have many more meetings of this kind.
Comrado Andrews spoke of the Tupelo raid and the drum he could no longer play. Comrades Campbell, Butters and Dupray spoke well and feel- ingly, their remarks bringing smiles and tears. Comrade Goodenow telling of sleeping with the body of Comrade Buckner of company A, the first man killed in battle out of the regiment, and never discovering the fact until the next morning. Comrades Kohler and MeCallum spoke.
Comrades Campbell, Butters, Dapray, Goodenow A resolution was passed extending the sympathies of every member of the regiment present to Comrade MeCallam, who was present, but suffering too much pain to make more than a few remarks. Several of the comrades present bore testimony to the high personal standing and brave loyal service of Comrade Judge Me- Callum. Vice-President Weaver spoke in terms of the highest regard of him. So also did Comrade Curtis. Comrades Thompson and MeDermott spoke. Comrado M. D. Nagle recited that beautiful poem, "Gettysburg." Then Comrades Ray, Bitner, Rev. O. C. Butters, son of Comrade Butters, so well remembered by comrades present two years ago, for his ringing words of burning eloquence, spoke a few words of cheer and love, followed by Com- rade Morehouse.
Mrs. John Steen, Comrade Carrington and wife, and Comrade Nelson followed with remarks, when it was resolved that it is the wish of the regi- ment present that Comrade Nelson be appointed door keeper in the "Celestial City." When on motion we adjourned to 2 p. m.
The afternoon meeting was called to order at 2 p. m., and Temporury
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
Chairman Weaver introduced Mrs. Hill, widow of Col. H. G. Hill, of the Thirty- fifth Iowa,, who was killed at Nashville. Mrs. Hill came forward and all the members of the Twelfth shook her hand warmly in turn.
Comrade Weaver said there was a movement on foot to place the portrait of Col. Ilill on the soldiers' monument to be erected at Des Moines. On motion the following resolution was passed by a unanimous rising vote:
"Resolved, That it is the earnest .wish and request of the survivors of the Twelfth lowa, in reunion here assembled, that the portrait or medallion of Sylvester G. Hill, late colonel of the Thirty-Fifth lowa, who lost his lifo while so gallantly leading our brigade at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., bo placed upon the lowa soldiers' momment, to be erected at Des Moines, along with other distinguished and deserving ones who so willingly yielded up their lives that our country might live."
It was then resolved that a printed copy of the resolution be forwarded to Miss Cora B. Weed, secretary of the Jowa Soldiers Monument association at Muscatine.
Conrade Tirrell paid a glownig tribute to the late Sammel J. Kirkwood. He said the grand old man was well remembered as a brilliant soldier, and his cheering words to the solders in the hospitals often mado them, in thought at least, well and hopeful.
The following resolution was passed by a standing vote:
"Resolved, That the comrades of this association remembor with pride our oll war governor, Samuel JJ. Kirkwood, late deceased, whose inspiring words on the rostrum, as well as m camp and hospital, during the dark days of 1861 to 1865 were a benediction to every Iowa soldier, as well as every true 'and loyal heart."
The committee on resolutions, composed of the following, Henry Steen, S. G. Knee and R. W. Terrill, reported the following, which were adopted by a standing vote:
" Resolved, That the thanks of this association are due to Mayor Fletcher, the city comeil, and to Companies II and L, of the Fourth Towa National Guard, for the free nse of thor neat and commodious ball and reception room during our three days' session, and especially do we extend our thanks to the city of Sioux City for its gonerous hospitality so kindly and enthusiastically extended to us through its able mayor.
"Resolved, That this association extend its hearty thanks to Hon. Geo. D. Perkins for the'able and efficient manner in which he presided at our en- thusiastie 'camp fire' on Thursday evening, and also do we extend our thanks to the Rov. M. W. Darling, sergeant Company K, One Hundred and Ffty- fourth Now
York infantry so ably representing the
'Blue;' to Rev. C. HE. Strickland, lato captain Company C, Third Georgia battalion, so ably and graciously representing the 'Gray ;' also to Rev. H. D. Jenkins who so completely welded the link that bound the two comrades heart to heart, and in imitation of the spirit of 'our Master' joined in holy wedlock the two great factions rent asunder by a question forever buried beneath the clash of glittering steel and smoke of battle.
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"Resolved, That the association appreciates the great effort mado by our dear comrade and fellow associate, Col. D. B. Henderson, who, in his crippled condition has met with us and with hi, usual inspiration filled us with on- thusiasm and love commensurate with his great heart. We love to think of him as he is always called, 'the soldiers' friend,' the defender of his char- deter and protector of his rights. We love his cheerful greetings, admire his stalwart, straightforward, manly bearing, and are proud of his achievements in the national congress.
"Resolvd, That the warm sympathy of every comrade of this association is extended to our worthy comrade and efficient president, Maj. D. W. Reed, who, by reason of the death of his father, was prevented from meeting with us at this wonderfully interesting reunion.
" Resolved, That we extend to the members of the grand army past of this city our thanks and high appreciation of their valuable; service during our three days' session, such service having contributed materially to our sue- cessinl reunion.
" Resolved, That the thanks of this association are due to our worthy and able vice-president, John N. Weaver; our efficient and faithful secretary, James E. Simpson, for their untiring efforts and great labor, by them so cheerfully performed, in making this reunion a grand success.
" Resolved, That we extend our hearty thanks to the Sioux City Journal and press of the city for the close attention they have given our meeting- and for the voluntary publication of our proceedings. "
Love feast continued, and Miss Eitio Steen, Mrs. Mary A. Simpson, Mrs. Judge Weaver and Miss Weaver made remarks when called upon. Mrs. Col .. S. G. Hill returned thanks to the Twelfth lowa for their resolution. Com- rades Crowhnest and Butters spoke, and Comrade Weaver made the sugges- tion that hereafter when comrades were notified of the time aud place of re- union, they notify the secretary that they are coming. This was adopted.
James A. Henderson, of Cherokee, made the final speech of the lovefeast. He said. he was not like the boy who ran away from home to go to the army and then ran away from the army to get home; but it wasn't becanso he didn't want to. Many of us are poor in houses and lands, and many more, God knows, are poor in health ; yet, while we may suffer for want of these things, we gave every property owner in the United States a clear title to all he has on earth.
He turned to the humorous side and said that when many sheaves of wheat near the battle field were opened a chicken's head fell out. This was ono of the failings of the boys who were forbidden to forage by their superior officer, who at the same time gave them the wink.
Ho concluded by saying * There are a few people so bankrupt in patriotism as to sneer at somo of you as panpers, because you draw pensions. You may be poor in this world's goods, and poor indood in health, but you ought to forl richer than Croesus, in the thought that you saved millions for others and perfected the title to every foot of land within the contines of this re- public. A few people may belittle your worth now, but all the people of all
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
the ages yet to come will do justice to the men who baptized this land in their own blood in the name of liberty and an imperishable nnion."
He then said on behalf of Col. Henderson that ho regretted being unable to attend today and bid them all good bye until the next renmon.
Comrade Hayward of Moville didn't attempt to make a speech, but he said that if the hereafter were to be won by hand fighting the boys of the Twelfth lowa could push their way clear into the pearly gates.
Comrade Curtis closed the love feast by saying that the next time the Twelfth lowa hold a reunion, and if he were president, he would endeavor to have the meeting place so far away from a horse race that no intimation of such an affair could reach it.
Secretary Simpson read letters of regret from A. II. Groves, of Decorah, Iowa, and B. Frank Morrow, of Georgetown, Neb., and William L. Hender- son, of Cresco.
The secretary read reports from various members of the regiment who had been requested to supply a histoy of each individual company, as well as the regiment. Assurance has been recieved that the work is in faithful hands. and an effort will probably be made to issue a book before the next reunion.
President Curtis thought the Twelfth lowa was behind in the publication of its history. Some of the regiments had their record printed twenty years ago, and to get it started volunteered to contribute $100 to the work.
This offer produced some little discussion, and no definite action was taken.
Comrade E. B. Campbell of Company I, and wife came to Sioux City to attend this reunion. Soon after her arrival she mado a misstep, fell and broke her arm. On motion.
"Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathies of all comrades aro hereby extended to Comrade Campbell and wife in their affliction, caused by her accident, and trust she will have a speedy recovery."
Comrade French of Denver, closed the meeting with a poem entitled "Only One Flag." The veterans were deeply interested, for it touched a familiar chord in all their hearts. And right here is the proper place to say that much of the interest and success of this reunion is due to Comrade French, not only for his music, but the work he did in keeping the notes of the proceedings and assisting the officials. Weighed down with sorrow and grief at the death of Comrade MeKee, brought forth to his mind -- by this rennion -- with unselfish love he devoted himself, early and late, to the inter- est of his comrades.
Secretary Simpson read a poem composed by Mrs. Abner Danbam, of Manchester, dedicated "To the Boys of the Twelfth lowa." It was full of pretty sentiment, and was enthusiastically received.
And so the meeting closed. The "good bys" and "God bless you" were tearfully said, and the warm clasp of the band told better than words of the love that the fragment of the Twelfth Iowa bear each other.
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The following is the account of our reunion as written by Comrade Nagle for the Dubmgne Daily Times, October 14, 1891:
The reunion of the Twelfth Iowa, which was held at Sioux City this week, is a thing of the past-only a pleasant memory. It was a completo success in all respects, and to make it such the people of Sioux City contrib- uted their part in an nustinted manner. The address of welcome by Mayor Pierce was full of cordiality and was heartily appreciated by the vets. The response by Comrade Tirrill, of Manchester, was in keeping with his well known reputa- ion as an orator and polished speaker, and it was evident that in his selection for the response no mistako was made. Judge J. N. Weaver of Sioux City, who was a member of Company D, of the Twolfth, and vice-president of the association, presided in the absence of Major Reed, the president, the death of whose father on the day set for the opening of the reunion, prevented his attendance. Judge Weaver delivered a short but highly appropriate address to to the veterans, welcoming them to Sioux City and promising them all the attention possible. Thne has silvered his locks, but the tire of other days was in his eye as he stood face to face with he men who had gone through scenes of strife and blood with him thirty-three years ago. The reports of the officers and routine business ocenpied most of the forenoon, and the great- er part of Wednesday afternoon was devoted to miscellaneous business. The number registered was ninety-eight, and several of these were accompanied by their wives and children.
At the evening session the names of those who had passed over to the last bivonac were read by a representative of the respective companies and each announcement was followed by culogistie remarks. A solenm stillness pervaded the hall during the performance of this sad duty, and many were the gray-haired veterans who wiped away a tear. Of the little band of sur- vivors now constituting Company I, death stilled the hearts of two-W. H. Markham and 1. K. Crane-two mon who left the service with an unblem- ished record. In all about fifteen had died since the last reunion at Waterloo, and among these was Comrade Hoorner, of this city, who was a member of Company H. Comrade Van Anda, of Nebraska, who served with him, paid a glowing tribute to his memory. Each speaker did likewise for the departed veteran whoso demise he anonneed ; and thus simple but eloquent tribute was paid by those who loved them, to those who went ont in their young manhood and fought and died for their country.
Col. Henderson arrived Thursday morning, and an hour later was escort- ed into the Armory hall, where the veterans were in session. The boys were having a little "experience meeting" at the time, when a "step" different from that which had heretofore beon hoard in the hall was heard and at- tracted general attention. On catching sight of the new-commer, Col. Sim- son eried out, "Boys, there comes Col. Henderson!" All heads wore turned toward the door, and just as the colonel was about to enter the hall the vet- orans rose en masse and gave such cheers and tigers as had never beforo bech heard in Sioux City from the same number of men. The cheering contimed for fully three minutes, during which time the colonel stood in the large doorway, leaning on his erntches, while down his checks came the diamonds
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
of love sparkling a response to the ovation of the men who idolize him. It was a picture that could not be transferred to canvas because no artist could do it justice. The colonel was then escorted to a seat beside the presiding officer, and after the lumps had left his throat he spoke to the boys for about an honr. He spoke of the gallant record made by the Twelfth. His remarks were in a conversational tone, and as he proceeded he referred to many things in connection with the history of the regiment. At times the boys would feel tears welling up in their eyes, and again they would be cheering as though they were in the charge. The colonel said he know the veterans would never forget what the preserving the nation meant, and he also know that they would not fail to teach their children how to be patriotic and liberty-loving men and women. He urged that all the veterans who had wives and children should bring them to the next reunion to be held at Manchester, which was the "mother of the Twelfth."
The afternoon was devoted to expeionce meeting, which was highy in- teresting.
The principal event of the reunion was the campfire Thursday evening. The ball was crowded to its ntmots capacity and the number present could not have been less than 2,000, including all the Dubuquers who had come to attend the races. Among these were Sheriff Phillips, Alphonso Matthews, William ('Hern, M. J. Mulgrew, Tom MeNear nad Ollio Rhomberg. They know that the colonel was to be the principal speaker and they let other ap- pointments go in order to be present and hear their distinguished fellow townsman. The program for the evening was a grand one. It included an address of welcome by Congrossman George D. Perkins, who was very felici- tous in his brief but eloquent remarks; an address on " The Blue," by Rev. Mr. Darling, and another on "The Grey" by Rev. Mr. Strickland, the former serving in a Pennsylvania and the latter in a Georgia regiment. Each spoko in a lmmorous vein and frequently "brought down the honse." Mr. Strick- land said that when he enlisted he was in a hurry to get to the front, fear- ing that the war would end before ho could have a chance to annihilate the "Yanks ;" but he got to the front, and if he remembered correctly, he was often in "a hurry to get to the rear." He was glad that the war ended as it did. The cause he had battled for had been shown to be wrong, and he was prond now that there was but one flag in this country. He created great merriment by saying that he never hated a "Yank" so badly that he would refused to take the proffered canteen when it contained "spiritual consola- tion .. " Mr. Darling's remarks were frequently interrupted by applause. Rev. Mr. Jenkins, the "chaplain" of the occasion, was introdued and made some happy remarks.
All the speeches were interspersed with music, and after the audience had finished their " March through Georgia," Col. Henderson was introduced.
As he arose to take a seat on the side of a table, the ovation of the after, noon, only on a much larger scale, was repeated. He made an address, and the closest attention was given him throughout. It was not a set speech, but one that was inspired by the occasion and his surroundings. It was in part an eloquent admonition that the principles for which the soldiers bad battled
.
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FIFTH REUNION OF THE
must be preserved, if freedom wore to be preserved in the nation He spoke of the fraternal feeling that had been so eloquently spoken of by Mr. Strick. land, as existing between the old soldiers of both sides, and closed by declar- ing that the unselfish devotion of the Union soldiers had saved the country.
Following came short speeches by Col. Simpson of Norfolk, Nob., for merly of Dubuque; Hon. H. C. Curtis of Le Mars; John Steen of Wahoo, Neb. ; Col. Sam Kuve of Colesburg ; Judge Weaver; Lieut. Thompson of Franklin, Neb. ; Comrade Tirrill of Manchester, and a splendid recitation by Miss Steen of Wahoo, Nob., whose father offered up his life for his contry, being as Col. Simpson said, "one of six brothers who left their home near De- corah to fight for the Union," only three of whom came back.
The reunion was a grand success-the veterans made it such themselves, and it will prove to have been one of many pleasant recollections.
The newly elected officers of the association for the ensuing two yours are as follows:
President -- H. C. Curtis, Le Mars, Ja.
Vice President --- John Steen, Wahoo, Nob.
Secretary -- Abner Dunham, Manchester, la.
Executive Committee-II. J. Grannis, Randalia la. ; M. D. Nagle, Du- buque; J. E. Eldridge, Stark, Kas.
The officers are ex-officio members of the executive committee.
There were fifteen members of Company I present, as follows: JJ. L. Thompson, Franklin, Neb. : William Binmer, Brayton, la. ; David Paup, Sac City, Ia. ; J. S. Ray Naponee, Neb. ; William Da Pray, Silver City; John F. Butters, Sioux City ; D. D. McCallum, Sibley, In. ; William Fry, Seranton, la. ; William Kochler, and M. D. Nagle, Dubuque; M B. Goode- now, Burwell, Neb. ; E. B. Campbell, Armstrong, la. ; J. T. Campbell, Humboldt, Ia .; J. W. Coates, Talcott, S. D. ; Ml. MeDermott, Epworth, la.
Friday afternoon the boys " put up a job" on Sergeant Coates and calling him into an ante-room, where they had assembled, unknown to him, pro- sented him with a gold-headed ebony cane. It bore the inscription *From Company 1, Twelfth lowa, to J. W. C." Sergeant Coates was shot through the lung at the battle of Tupelo, and, with Comrade Kochler, fell into the bands of the enemy and remained in Andersonville abont ten months. He was a noble soldier --- one who was never found wanting when duty called; and it was with pride and pleasure that the boys prosent presented him with a very slight token of their esteem.
Col. Simpson, secretary of the association, was one of the principal vet- erans present, and with the other retiring officers, Major Reed, Judge Weaver and Dr. Barr, did excellent but unrewarded work and aided materially in making the reunion a success.
Comrade Curtis, the new president, is one of the leaning citizens of Le Mars, and was a model soldier.
Col. Sam Knee, of Colesburg --- one of nature's noblemen --- was a conspicu- ous figure at the reunion .. The boys have a great stock of love for Col. Sam ; also for Liout. "Bob" Fishel, who wouldn't be known to the boys if you should call hitu Robert.
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
Fifo Major French, who said he had done more "blowing" for the regi- muent than any other man in it, came all the way from Denver to blow the "Girl [ Left Behind Me," and other tunes.
"I Feel Like, I Feel Like, I Feel, "was admirably rendered by Comrade Ell- ridge. The hymn has twenty-eight verses made up entirely of "I feel like." The citizens of Sioux City, the mitilary companies and the retiring ofli- cers received votes of thansk.
The Company I boys were sorry that Capt. J. F. Zediker was unable to be present. He was a true soldier.
Comrade H. R. Androws, who volunteered to go to Andersonylle and take care of the wounded, was in attendance. He was a hero,
Capt. Soper will publish a history of Company D and it will be a good one.
A fine poem, dedicated to the Twelfth, was composed and read by Mrs. ('apt. Dunham.
Hinrrah for Manchester in 1896!
The parting scenes at the close of the reunion were sad, and tears glist- med in the eyes of the old Boys in Blue as they bado one another good-bye --- some never to meet again on earth. With bowed heads the veterans lett ... some toward the setting sun, some toward the frozen north ; more in the di- rection where smiles the God of day, and moro where the soft southern zephyrs kiss the diamond dew drops from the heart of the rose.
The following is the verses written by Mrs. Abner Dunham of Manches- tor as read at the reunion. On motion of Comrade Steen a vote of thansks was returned to Mrs. Danbam, and the verses to appear in our proceedings:
TO THE TWELFTH IOWA. O, comrades true, who wore the blue, Again we greet you here ; And yet our thoughts go wandering back, Far back full many a year. Onco more we're in the jolly camp, And voices swell with song, The jest goes round, the langh rings out Each comrado bears along His part of story, song or jest, And fun and frolic reign, So we forget the weary days And we are boys again.
Again we're on the battle field With comrades falling fast ; We've only time to give a sign And we go rushing past. We glad would stay to soothe their pain And close the glazing eye,
To fold the hands o'er loving breast And give the last good bye,
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Bear from them still some message dear, Some token of their love ; Yet we can only leave them there With their just God above.
And now we're on the weary march With tired feet and sore, We plod along through dust and mud, And wish the war was over ; Then some one starts some good old song And steps grow quick and fast ; Our every heart throb keops the time ; The march is over at last. The fires are built, the canteen filled, And each one bears a hand ; No loiterers now around the camp When supper must be planmed.
We stretch our limbs and try to rest, Our brains are busy still ; With home and all the loved ones there Thoughts will not stop at will. We're just a great big homesick boy, Our hearts are grieved and sore ... Some want a sister, mother, wife And some a sweetheart more.
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