USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 32
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Respectfully, J. A. VAN ANDA.
COMRADE FRANK M. HAMLIN.
Comrade Frank M. Hamlin of Company HI, 12th lowa, died at his home m lowa Falls, Iowa, April 29th, 1890, aged 57 years. Comrade Van Anda says of him: 1
I can only remember him as a bold boy and one that we could rely upon under every circumstance --- one of those bold boys that we like to think of. But he is serving in the great army on the other side. We can go where he is, but he cannot come to ns. May he rest in peace and be among those who are in the G. A. R. above. Respectfully,
J. A. VAN ANDA.
COMRADE JAMES S. DUPRAY.
James S. Dupray, 5th sergeant Company 1, 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was born in Franklin, Venango county, Penn., in 1814. Enlisted in the 12th lowa September 27th, 1861 ; discharged in 1862 account of disability; received in line of duty at Pittsburg Landing; died in Monroe county, Iowa, December 6th, 1876, from disoaso contracted in the service of the government.
Some comade at the reunion handed in the following memorandum of
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deaths in Company E, with a promise that the date of deaths and other in- formation would be sent soon. None has been received as this goes to press:
COMRADE JOHN ELWELL.
Lient. John Elwell of Company E, 18th lowa, died at Chicago, Il.
COMRADE JOHN C. JONES.
John C. Jones of Company E, died at his home near Geneva, Iowa. COMRADE THOMAS DEMORSS.
Thomas Demorss of Company E, died at his home near Briston, lowa. COMRADE ALEXANDER MEYERS.
Alexander W. Meyers of Company E, died at his home ta Shell Creek, Iowa.
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.
Communications.
The following letters were received at different times and by different persons, and will, without doubt. be read with pleasure by you all. breath- ing as they do the spirit of love and kindly feeling that exists so strongly between old comrades:
Manchester, Iowa, Oet. 27th, 1894. Dear Comrado Simpson :-
Yours of 22rd inst, came yesterday. } note what you say about getting out proceedings of the ath reunion and think that you had better prepare the same and have them printed, for no one not present can begin to do it justice. Another reason is that as now situated it is impossible for me to do it on account of the county building a new court house, and I am crowded in temporary quarotrs in a room about 14 feet square and have not the room to do the work required in the office. Hope, however, to get moved in the new quarters about January ist, when I will have fine quarters with plenty of room and good light, providing, of course, that the people on the 6th of November say by their vote that I may ocenpy them. Am so glad the re- union proved such a success. I almost eried when the boys started from here that I was unable to go.
The people here feel complimented that the boys are to come here again, and will give them a royal reception. They feel nearer to the old 12th than any other regiment, and no other who has held reunions here have had as good times as ours. We must work for a good representation of the families of the comrades next time, and would suggest that you put something in the proceedings that will set them to thinking about it and making perparation to that effect. I send yon a paper with account of death of Ed. Beckett Compay II, who has died since reunion. Mrs. D. joins in kindest regards to you and Mrs. S. In haste, Your comrade, ABNER DUNHAM.
Chicago Ill., Oct. 10th, 1891.
My Dear Judge :--
Although I have been writing to Butters and yourself, telling of the diffi- eulties in the way of my going to Sioux City, and of the probabilities of my being unable to attend the reunion, I have had a sneaking notion m my mind all of the time, that despite all obstructions I would find some way to cut loose at the last minute, and be with you, and last week at Council Bluff's I
-
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told Gen. Henderson and others that I would certainly show up on the morn- ing of the second day, but I find now it is impossible for me to go I have a. number of important matters on hand that are demanding attention, and to cap the climax I have been subpoenaed before the court in a case now pending, and in which my presence is essential. 1 Cannot express in words the regret I feel over this matter. It is the pride of my life that I had the honor to com- mand the 12th lowa, and with each succeeding year I think of my old com rades with increasing love and fondness. God bless the dear old boys. Give them my love and kindest greetings, and the assurance that if the good Lord will spare my life I will use my best endeavor to be with them at the next reunion.
I trust your reunion may prove a snecess in every seuse, and that the oc- casion may be counted a notable one in the history of our organization. Be- live me, Very truly your friend and comrade,
J. H. STIBBS.
Manchester, lowa. Nov. 15th, 1891.
Dear Comrade Simpson :-
Yours of 23rd ult., telling me of my being selected as secretary of our regimental association, and also of the decision of the association to return "home" at next reunion, is received. While I doubt the wisdom of the choice of its secretary it is a compliment of which I feel proud, and while incom- petent to perform the duties satisfactorily to myself, be assured I will do my best.
I hope every comrade will at once begin preparations to come, for a warm reception awaits us. I feel warranted in saying that none have a big- ger place in the hearts of the people of Manchester than the 12th lowa. This I know from expressions heard on every side, both before and since the de- cision to return.
Lært overy comrade as far as they can bring their wives and children, and for them to prepare to take part in our exercices which for our children will be a great school in patriotism-a branch in their education we should do all in our power to advance.
lloping to meet everyone of the "old boys" and their families in .96, I am your comrade, ABNER DUNHAM.
Roseburg, Oregon, Oet. 5th, 1891.
Hon. J. N. Weaver :-
Dear Comrade: It is with keen regret that I write it is impossible to be with you and the comrades at the Sioux City reunion of our good regiment. I missed the last because of the storm. Before I missed none. And they were always like going home as I met the comrades. It is a great disappoint- ment that [ cannot at this time grasp the hand and look into the eyes and see away beyond the grey hairs and faltering stop, see the boy in blue with raven locks and elastic stop. And then the talk of bygones, the friendly in- gerest in our prosent conditions, etc. I am proud of the 12th lowa and its
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record. And as I stand on my doorstep and look out over the valley of the Umbkgna and see the stars and stripes floating over the Oregon Solders' Home, I feel prond that I wore the blue and now the bronze button, and to- day connt on my loyalty to that flag and American institutions in the fullest sense of the word. We bospeak you great happiness, and no food to mar the hour. We hopo yet to meet you in reunion. But let us so live, that liv- ing or dying, we be still brave soldiors and ready for the great rennion with the brave who have gone before. Fraternally yours,
JAMES BARR. P. S. - enclosed one dollar for membership fees for myseit. J. B. Cresco, lowa, Oct. 10th. 1391. T. G. Henderson, Sioux City, Iowa :-
Dear Nephew: Your telegram was received in due time and I found it impossible to get away just now. It is the busy season in the grain business, and I have to be bere more or less every day. I might have got away for one day, but the distance would require three or four days. Very sorry I could not meet with my old comrades. When I got your telegram I thought of sending Gussie to represent me at the reunion, as she has attended all of them. But I found that our agent had no instructions as to special rates for tho reunion for a distance over 200 miles. But you will understand that my inclination leads me to your city, but my finances tell me to go slow.
There is no place my dear Tom where I would like to go at present bet- ter than to your city, and make my stay with your family, for I well know the sincerity of your invitation. With kind regards to your wife and all our friends and comrades who may be with you,
I remain your affectionate mele,
W. L. HENDERSON.
lowa City, lowa, Oct. 9, 1891.
J. E. Simpson, secretary 12th lowa Infantry Association, Sioux City Re- union : -
My Dear Comrade: The undersigned was one of the storm-bound at the time of the regular reunion two years ago and was unable, even by thanking the flood, to reach Sioux City in time to moet the comrades. I had therefore fully intended to be with you at this October meeting, but circumstances make it impossible, to my great disappointment. I realize that we shall not many times more look in each other's faces and grasp each other by the hand, and I therefore hope a good number of the regiment will be there to enjoy the privilego -- the last opportunity for some of the members doubtless. Be as- surod that the absent in body with be present in spirit. Please inform me of my dues to the association and send me a badge, if possible.
Fraternally, 1. W. RICH, Co. 1, 12th łowa Infantry. Des Moines, Aug. 20, 1891.
Mr: J. E. Simpson, Norfolk, Neb :- My Dear Comrade and Friend: Replying to your favor August 15th, I
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sent you a copy of the Weekly Register Saturday, which contains the princi- pal details of the ceremonies of lowa's Battle Flag Day. It was a great day. and we all regretted that you and the other absent comrades were not present.
I fear that a mistake was made in calling the 12th lowa reunion this fall. The boys talked it over when here on Flag Day, and the unanimous opinion was that the times are too hard for them to attend the reunion. I cannot attend for the reason that the campaign will be then in its hottest stage, but I will be there in spirit and hope that the comrades who do attend will have a splendid time. I had a short editorial on Dr. Underwood's death and army service, which you will find on the first page of the Register I sent you Satur- day. He was a good man, and you will well remember how sympathetic he was with our boys during their ills and wounds of the war period.
Mrs. Clarkson joins me in kindest regards, Ever Yours,
R. P. CLARKSON.
Commade J. K. Simpson, Secretary, etc., and all the Comrades of the old 19th Towa Infantry :-
My Dear Comrades: I cannot express my regrets at not being able to meet with you at this our 5th regimental reunion. I have always thought that I would never let one of our reunions pass without being present. It seems, however, "that man proposes, but God disposes." You will recollect that at our last, that I, together with a number of contrades, were unable to get farther than Ft. Dodge on account of the terrible floods, and now I am again compelled by public duties to abandon the long cherished hope of at this time again taking the hand of those dear commandes of the camp, the march, the battle field, and of the prison hells, whose memory I cherish with the fondest recollections.
Alt, dear comrades, ours was a great work, a work that futuro genera- tions will appreciate even more than the present, a work that we at the time could not fully comprebend, and now (although we are old, played out soldiers) can but partially realize the stupendous conflict and the far reaching effects of which we as individuals each was a factor in accomplishing. Although all was not done that might have been, yet we can be proud of the record that the 12th lowa was never called upon for a duty, not performed.
Time flies and we, the boys of 1861, are growing old and soon must pass from the stage of action and leave the great work so well begun in the hands of our children and our children's children.
It seems but yesterday that we beardless boys shouldered the musket to for- aver silence that incomprehensible principle of "State Rights. " What that cost us is well shown as the roll is called by the answer of more than one hall of one original number, killed in battle, died in prison, died of wounds, died of disease, while a large per centage of the survivors report "niit for duty" on account of the wounds received in battle, and of disease contracted while in line of duty.
Yes, we are growing old, but our work is not done. While we helped to make this the greatest nation of the face of the globe, while we helped to
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free it from that false claim, "as a nation of the free, " and to place our flag on the very pinacle of fame, wo must see too that our flag floats on the very pinacle of fame, we must see, too, that our flag floats from every school house in the land and that the rising generation inherits and imbibes that spirit of loyalty and patriotism which you learned during a four years of hor- rible and cruel war.
In no way can this be dono better than by continuing these reunions. Count me in for any duty assigned and rest assured that next time I will be there. Report mo this time " Absent, but accounted for."
As ever your Comrade from IStil to 1865, ABNER DUNHAM, Company F, 12th lowa Infantry.
Magnketa, Ang. 8th, 1891.
. E. Simpson :-
Dear Sir : I will say that I. K. Crane received your cirenlar inviting him to the rounion of the 19th at Sioux City, and he bids me say to yon that it will be impossible for him to be there in the body as he can almost bear the last roll call. He has been sick all summer, and never will be able to march to the music of life or drum in earth life more. But he will be with the boys in spirit, and if he should be freed from his suffering body will be with you in his spiritual body, free from all pain and suffering. He is suffer- ing from dropsy, brought on through rheumatism and heart trouble. His limbs have swollen until they are bursting, and he can hardly get his breath. Still he is cheerful and wishes the old 19th a good time, and if he has answered the last roll call on earth will be at your camp fire with you. He bids me say this for him, and I close hoping and wishing you a happy time. U subscribe myself,
Your friend, his wife,
MRS. I. K. CRANE.
He says read to the boys if you wish.
Dunkerton, October 5th, 1891
Dear Secretary and Comrade :--
It is with deep regret that I sit down to inform you that I shall not be able to be with you and the boys at the reunion, and I regret it the more be- cause I foar it will be the last opportunity I shall have of meeting with com- rades. I am now nearly 22 years old. If I drew a pension as most of the boys do, I believe I should go, but times are too hard with me. Give my love to all of the boys of the noble old 12th Iowa. God bless you all. May you all have a good time together.
Truly yours.
A. B. PERRY, Company E, 12th lowa.
No. 11 Edward Street, Chicago, Ill., Sept 23, 1891. Dear Comrade Simpson :---
Comrade Weaver's circular per your favor came duly to hand. If I can go to Sioux City I will, but I am getting old and shaky now, and hesitate to
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trust myself in a prohibition state any ' more. I hear the G. A. R. had a good time in Pittsburg. I didnt go-couldn't get a vacation this year from the Chicago P. O., but one week from today lots me ont. My resignation here takes effect October Ist. But times are hard and money close, and I may not be able to attend at Sioux City. I have been an employe in this P. O. since 1885, and am worn out. I shall go to the Soldiers' Home --- not, per- haps, to Marshalltown, but to Dayton, Ohio. I may be entitled at Marshall- town, but I was for years at the Dayton home, mon on furlough from there now, and there is more going on there --- printing office (I am a printer), theatre, church, etc., and six thousand inmates-see? I hope that the doar old boys will have a good time at Sioux City, and with best wishes | roman, Your old conmade-in-arms,
ALLEN M. BLANCHARD.
Helena, Mont., Oct. 6th, 1894.
Mr. E. B. Soper, Emmetsburg, lowa :---
My Dear Comrade: Your favor of September 28th just received, and am sorry to say that it will be impossible for me to attend the reunion at Sionx City. I am just now engaged in mining matters requiring my undivided at- tention. Were it not for that I would surely be with you, as you say it has been nearly thirty years since we last met, and I assure you that it is my wish to meet yourself and old comrades with a hearty shake hands as soon as cir- cumstances will permit. Please remember me kindly to all comrades. My heart is with you if I cannot be. With the best of wishes,
I remain yours truly, W. 1 .. LEE.
Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 22nd, 1894.
Mr. J. E. Simpson :---
Dear Comrade: ,I received your circular in regard to the rennion of the old 12th. I am so far away that it is pretty hard for me to attend the re- union. Nothing would please me better than to shake the hand of every sur- viving member of Compnay 1, and in fact of all the 12th. I will do my utmost towards reaching Sioux City by the 10th of next month. To tell the truth of the matter I have been under the weather pretty bad lately, and my finance is low. I wish they had made it Dubuque or some town on the east side of the state.
Please send me Sergeant Cotes' address. I know it is in Sonth Dakota, but forgot the town. I am trying for an increase of pension. Cotes was wounded at Tupolo when I was. He and Bill Kochler and I were in Cahaha together. And please send Kochler's address. I know it is Dubuque, but. don't know the number or street. If you know Capt. Sumbardo's address please send it also. } will send you a blank to till out as to my health before I was wounded if you can remember me. The youngest member of Com- pany I --- the boy that had the preacher's suit, ping hat and all on the Tupelo
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raid --- Jack Stibbs, our colonel, remembers that? I remember, yon bet. The dam thing came near being the cause of puffing my light out.
Your friend and comrade till death,
JOHN DEVINE, Room 31, 15215, North High street.
Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 29th, 1894.
Captain J. E. Simpson, Norfolk, Neb. :--
Dear Comrade and Friend: Your very kind circular notifying me of the rennion of the grand old 12th lowa to band sometime ago. I havo delayed answering up to this time, thinking I could make some arrangement to be with you, but I find it will be impossible for me to be there, as I have had no employment since April Ist; have been sick all the time, It is just as much as I can do to walk around, and am entirely out of funds. God only knows what I am lo do. There is nothing on this earth that would give me more pleasure than to be once more with all the old comrades of the gallant 12th lowa that are still left on this earth. Give all the comrades my very kindest regards and best wishes; tell them I hope we shall all meet hereafter in a better world than this. I sometimes see Comrade Comstock who runs between here and St. Louis on the Mo. P. railroad. I shall be pleased to hear from you often. Respectfully, your comrade and friend,
N. E. DUNCAN, No. 3029, Locust Street.
Mount Hill, Ill., Sept. 25th, 1894.
Dear Comrade Simpson :---
I received your letter some time ago. I am sorry to say to you and 12th lowa comrades that I can't be with yon this time. I have sold my farm at ('Neill, Holt county, Neb., and bought a farm in Jefferson county, southern Illinois. I have bought me a fruit farm. I came here the first of August and I am well pleased with my new home. We are all well and the family like their new home. Tell the boys if they come down here next June, 1895, 1 will give them a job of picking strawberries. I have to acres to pick if there is no bad luck. I have nine hundred Ben Davis apple trees and a nice peach orchard, and one hundred bearing cherry trees, blackberries and raspberries. All kinds of crops are good here and lots of improved farms for sale; prices from $10, $15, $20 to $30 per acre, and very healthy. Read this letter to the boys of Compnay H, 12th lowa Infantry. WM. S. WISEGARBER.
Randalie, Det. 5th, 1894.
Ino. N. Weaver, Sioux City: ---
Dear Comrade: Your circular of Sept. 12th lies before me; have reserved reply hoping I might be able to "report at roll call Oct. 10," bot unless some- thing wholly unexpected occurs ] shall be one of the worst disappointed "boys" of the leth lowa, for I assure you, soldier gatherings are my special en . joyment, most particularly so the "boys" that permitted me to be a non-com-
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
batant for more than four years, and you cannot imagine how hard it is to say, "cannot be with you next week. " I am not very old, nor gray-headed, but must be getting childish, for the tears spring to my eyes now that I have written it.
Can I better express my sincero regret? In the language of Col. Hender- son: "A reunion of the 12th lowa is a reunion of brothers, and a meeting of brothers without me is, to me, cruel. " In the same letter the colonel writes that he is "shaping matters so as to be at Sioux City."
Oh, doar! must I yield the enjoyment of the eloquence of Henderson, the irrepressible anecdotes of Stibbs, the whole-souled greeting of Reed and . Knee; the warm "shake" of yourself and every comrade of the regiment, who may bo so happy as to be there? And the old drum corps with their music that revived us so on so many weary marches. To the old color guard, who so bravely surrounded me with fixed bayonets that I dare not show the white feather, and every member of the gallant leth, I send most fraternal greeting, and with that song prayer, "God be with you till we meet again, " I am yours with sincere regret, H. J. GRANNIS.
Waterloo , Towa, Oct. 7th, 1891.
A heart-full greeting to all my dear old comrades of the old 18th lowa, who will assemble and meet together for a grand and glorious old hand- shaking and good visit at Sioux City. Oh, how I regret that I cannot be with you in the flesh, as I most assuredly will be in spirit. This has been an off year for me, having been ont of employment for about half the time, I am finanically out of condition to inenr tho expense of the vacation and as 1 can now secure employment for a month or more I must improve the oppor- tunity of securing the necessary means to procuro for my family the comforts of life for the on-coming winter, hence I minst make this great personal self- denial and sacrifice. I sincerely hope there will be a goodly number of the old boys come together. I say old boys, for when we were together in the old 12th wo were boys indeed, and it is as such I wish always to remember and think of them.
I regret to think that there are many of the boys who met here in Water- loo six years ago and answerod to the roll call, now answer on the other side of Jordan. I do not know how all the companies have fared, but relentless death has claimed three of the members of Company E. I have to report, and without cause or date, the death of John C. Jones, Alexander Myers and Jobn Ellwell. All were present at the meeting here except Comrade Ellwell, whom I have met but once since the war. He died in Chicago and was bur- ied in Elmwood cemetery of this city February, 1599, this having been his place of residence when he enlisted in the company as first lieutenant.
I do not now remember how the membership in the association is kept up. Are the dnes payable at each meeting of the regiment or is there but one payment for all time? Please inform me by letter in this regard.
I would like a copy of the report of the proceedings of the meeting, as I presume there will be a goodly number of them printed for distribution among the boys I sincerely hope there will not be such uproar amongst the
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elements as there was two years ago, which seemed almost like a conspiracy against the old 12th lowa to prevent a meeting. There are three members of the 12th residents of this town, viz: II. J. Harrison, Co. E; W W. White- neck, Co. D, and your sadly disapointed comrado who had lotted on a grand old time at this meeting. But again I say I hope a goodly number of the old boys will meet together and have a jolly, happy time, and the blessing of a kind and beneficient Providence rule o'er all.
Your sorely disappointed contrade, in F., C. and I.,
J. W. SHUMAKER,
Freeport, Oct. 7, 1891.
Dear Comrade James E. Simpson :---
I regret very much that I cannot meet you and the rest of the boys at Sioux City, as I have a little three-year-old girl to take care of and no one to look after my things here. Give my regards to the comrades.
Yours truly in F., C. and I ..
(. W. KIRKLAND.
In this I send $1.00 for my dnes.
Davenport, Iowa, Sept. 30, 1894.
.I. R. Simpson : ---
My Dear Comrade: I find it will be impossible for me to meet with the boys at their reunion Oct. 10 to 12. I would be pleased though if you will remember me to them one and all. I will be with them in thought if not in Sincerely yours, J. B. MORGAN. person.
Lake Park, Minn., Oct. 1, 1891. Jno. N. Weaver, Vice-President Regimental Association 12th lowa Inantry, Sioux City, lowa :---
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