USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > Reunion of the Second Iowa Cavalry Veteran Association, 1882 > Part 11
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The boy who had left school in his teens returned a graduate of the fierce school of conflict, rich in experience and a knowledge of true, unsel- fish manhood, but sadly deficient in the classics and the sciences.
All had to commence again at the bottom, but the same sublime cour- age that had carried them through the trials and hardships of '61 and '65 still upheld them and they struggled on without a murmur.
Comrades, you may have had little of this world's goods to boast of, but you are rich in the consciousness of a duty well performed and in the thought that you have done something for humanity, and that the world is better for your having lived. No one can be counted poor who can boast of this. You may have little in the way of a legacy to leave your loved ones, but they will ever cherish and revere your memory and will refer with a just pride to your army record. The old sabre that Hashed at Farming- ton and the carbine of Nashville will prove to them a richer inheritance than silver or gold. and from their honored places on the wall will. to generations yet unborn, remain a tongueless, yet speaking record, of a noble, self-saeri- ficing manhood! And should the time ever come when this bation shall again stand in need of the services of those who can forget self in a common peril, others will be found ready to do and to die for humanity's sake.
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22
FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
After the exercises at the banquet hall, the committee on resolutions re- ported the following:
Resolved, That we, the members of the Second Iowa Cavalry Associa- tion. tender our very warmest and most sincere thanks to the generous and patriotic ladies of Maquoketa for this very handsome and bounteous ban- quet, and we beg to assure them that we appreciate this beautiful and sub- stantial expression of their esteem and regard for the members of the old Second Cavalry. May God bless the good and patriotic ladies of Maquo- keta.
FRIDAY MORNING, OCT. 1I.
The veterans attending the Second Iowa Cavalry reunion nearly all took their departure last night and this morning.
The citizens of Maquoketa cannot speak too highly of them as courteous and intelligent gentlemen. The opinion was frequently expressod yesterday and this morning that they were the finest body of men that ever visited this city. The reunion was a grand success in every respect. The streets and public buildings and many private residences were beautifully decora- ted. About twelve hundred people attended the Camp Fire and over three hundred persons were grandly feasted at the banquet. Maquoketa certain- ly crowned herself with glory.
Such reunions as this one are powerful educators for the young. The sight of so fine a body of men as that seen yesterday necessarily increases their respect and veneration for the Union soldiers aud stimulates all to ac- quire a better knowledge of the great struggle in which these veterans took part.
The Secretary will ever hold in grateful remembrance the names of those generous and noble-hearted men who so devotedly and earnestly spent their time and money in aiding him to make this gathering a success, viz: A. W. Flathers, G. L. Mitchell, Geo. Cooper, Harvey Reid, Capt. J. Murray Hoag, D. W. Trump, G. L. Johnson, and others I cannot now name, and to Quincy Farr, A. S. Butterworth and others who furnished such splendid music for the occasion; also to W. M. Stephens who so generously donated the use of his fine Opera House for our business meetings during our entire session. And to the ladies of Maquoketa who so liberally furu- ished such a splendid banquet I am deeply indebted; and to all those who so liberally decorated and illuminated the streets and buildings, and also to the hotels and railroad companies who showed us so much kindness I shall ever feel grateful.
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
COL. RUMPLE'S ADDRESS.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :- The cordial welcome just pronounced by your worthy Mayor is certainly one that is appreciated by the members of the Second Iowa Cavalry, who have been so royally received in your beau- tiful little city. You have admitted us to your homes and your firesides, provided for our every want and manifested that hospitality that is ever characteristic of a loyal and liberty-loving people and the general good feeling so vividly and heartily exhibited toward us, has created within us a feeling that it is impossible for language of mine to express.
Your Mayor Las said that the "city is ours." These expressions we have heard before, coming to us by reason of the strong arm of war, when by acts of bravery and daring and perhaps the shedding of the blood of brave comrades, when resistance was no longer possible and the enemy had fled, the town or city was surrounded and the proclamation made that "the city was ours." Yet under what different circumstances and auspices do we hear the proclamation of your noble Mayor to-night, prompted by a patriotism born of noble impulses, backed by a people who veperate and appreciate the toils, hardships and sacrifices of these battle-scarred vet- erans. We know that the sentiment comes from the heart and is genuine, and in behalf of these comrades I wish to assure you, Mr. Mayor, that your words are duly appreciated and this reunion and kind hospitality of your people will always be remembered with pleasure.
Again we feel that it is proper, in coming to the city of Maquoketa, that you should extend to the Second Iowa Cavalry this welcome, because we remember that in 1861 Maquoketa and vicinity sent to the field and to the Second lowa Cavalry two as gallant companies as ever carried a musket or drew a sabre in defense of this country.
You sent from your midst young men, cherished youths from the school room and farm, from the office and counting-room, from the forge and bench, to be led by such gallant, noble and brave leaders as a Foster and a Belden -these intrepid leaders always ready for any emergency and supported without question by their men, ready to follow where they might lead. Some of these brave boys have been permitted to return to your midst, not with that brilliant eye, elastic step and bloom of youth as when they left your homes, but with bent forms, racked bodies, and hair silvered with gray. Thus we feel that through them we have a right to partake of your hospitality, and certainly have not been disappointed.
Comrades, you have been permitted to return from the active and dan- gerous pursuits of war to the peaceful avocations of life. Many of our comrades who left their homes with as fair prospects of long life as you, who at the bugle's blast, "to arms!"' were at your side. who with you bared their breasts to the battle storm, have been laid low by the hand of Death- some in hospitals, some upon the march, some upon the battle-field and some since their return have, by reason of broken-down constitutions, suc- cumbed to the inevitable and passed to the great beyond. Then in these our reunions let us not forget those noble patriots who have passed on be- fore, but cherish their memories and revere their names for the sacrifices they have made for home and country; and as you have by your valor, bravery and self-sacrifice placed your names high on the roll of your coun- try's defenders, may you so live that when taps have been sounded for the last time on this side and you awake to the reveille on the mystic river and the seroll of time shall be unrolled, your names may be found recorded in the Lamb's book of life with the noble heroes who have preceded you.
Again. Mr. Mayor, allow me in behalf of the survivors of the Second Iowa Cavalry and through you, the citizens of your pretty little city, to thank you for this kind and hospitable reception.
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
LETTERS OF REGRET.
NATIONAL SOLDIERS' HOME, Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 25, 1889. To the gallant officers and surviving heroes of Company A who formed a part of the famous organization of the Second Iowa Cavalry:
I, a former member and at one time your first sergeant, send my best greeting and good wishes to all the surviving comrades of Co. A who, like myself, must ever feel proud to remember that we not only belonged to Co. A and the Second Iowa Cavalry, but to the second brigade of the fifth di- vision of Gen. Wilson's Cavalry Corps and other noted divisions and corps of the Armies of the Mississippi and Cumberland, and followed through thick and thin, with cheerful hearts and perfect confidence, such brave lead- ers of the regiment at different times as Elliott, Hatch, Coon, Horton, Hep- burn and others of the good old Second Iowa, to the final winding up of the greatest four and one-half years' struggle on record.
I should dearly like to be with you at the reunion and to grasp by the hand as good a lot of boys as ever fought, bled and suffered for a great na- tion.
I was much disappointed in not finding any of Co. A at the Encamp- ment held here in Milwaukee. I went to the place advertised for the bold- ing of a reunion of the regiment. Only one man from Co. M showed up and he could give me no information where I could find any of Co. A, un- less around the Jowa headquarters at the court house. I went there, but did not succeed in finding any of the company or regiment. I also missed the camp-fire of the Second Brigade, held on the evening of the 28th, as I knew nothing about it until the next day.
I have been in the Western States and Territories and on the Pacific Coast most of the time since the war, and have not had the good fortune to meet with any of my former comrades and do not know the address of any member of the company. I would be very glad to hear from any of you by letter, or to receive any information in regard to the reunion of the regiment.
With the exception of occasional rheumatic pains in my wounded knee, sometimes quite severe and extending to my left shoulder, my health has been very good up to about six years ago, when I began to be troubled with heart disease and I have been able to do but little work. About one year ago I came here to the Soldiers' Home.
I have never made any application for a pension until about two months ago, when I wrote to Geo. Leman, of Washington, D. C., and he thinks I have a good claim if I can prove up. Will some of you be kind enough to send me the addresses of the officers and men of the company who would be likely to remember about my wound, received at Water Valley, Miss., December 4, 1862, that laid me up for about six months, and the names and addresses of the regiment surgeons of our first and second enlistments.
Hoping that you may have a good time, not only now, but for many years to come, and that I may be able to be with you at the next gathering of the surviving heroes of the good and gallant old Second Iowa Cavalry, I am now, and shall be as long as my life is spared,
Your well-wisher and friend,
BIRNEY MCLEAN.
SAN DIEGO, CAL., Sept. 10. 1889. Hon. J. N. W. Rumple, President Second Iowa Cavalry Association, Ma- rengo, Iowa:
MY DEAR COMRADE :- Your earnest request for me to be present at the next reunion of the old regiment came duly to hand, and I have the painful reply to make that I find it quite impossible to be with you. The long dis- tance from this city to your meeting, and other engagements, are among
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
the reasons for disappointment. Words fail to express my regrets in this matter. At your last meeting, two years ago, you had with you General Elliott, to whom we all owe so much for our military training, our superb drill and our unequalled discipline, and General Hatch, whom we all loved for his daring gallantry on so many battle-fields. Since that time they have been called to the "other side." They met you for the last time and listened to their last "bugle call" with the regiment they loved so much. Let us all join in saying, "Peace to their precious dust!" A grateful country honors them and their admiring, surviving comrades "bow their heads" in meek obedience to the commands of Him who rules all things.
Now, as these reunions roll around-coming too far apart as we look forward, yet so close to each other as we look backward, in the rapid whirl of time-I feel the more keenly the disappointment of not meeting with you. You may say to all the old comrades and brothers-in-arms of the old regiment that my affection for them grows stronger as the years roll around. They are my first and true love, and if spared with health, I shall do all in my power to meet you at your next reunion. I am,
1
COMRADE DATUS E. COON.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Sept. 30, 1889.
Geo. W. Kelsall, Sec'y Second Iowa Cavalry Association:
COMRADE-Your circular regarding the reunion of the old regiment is just received. It has made me homesick and I cannot get a "furlough;" but I will do the next best thing that comes in my way and that is to go to the old camp ground at Salina. where we were "mustered out" and on the day of your assembly I will salute you in imagination and then sit down and think a little and swear a great deal. Tell Tom Wilds to take my proxy and shake hands a little on my account. If there is any one wants me to go "around the corner to see a friend," why Jake Wagner will see about it for me. If I am needed as "referee" at any time to establish a truth, "Pretty Polly" may step to the front. He is very reliable. God bless all-each and every one. Ever of thee, A. K. ROGERS.
ROCK ISLAND, ILL., Oct. 7, 1889.
G. W. Kelsall, Secretary Second Iowa Cavalry Association, Maquoketa, Iowa:
DEAR COMRADE :-- Your cordial invitation to attend the fourth reunion of the Second Iowa Cavalry was duly received and gratefully accepted. as I felt that it would be extremely gratifying to me to again have the privilege of meeting in reunion with the old comrades who bravely fought the good fight for the Union and sustained the honor and inviolability of our Nation- al flag. Two years ago I enjoyed that pleasure at Muscatine, and I have been looking forward with anticipations of another royal time with you all at Maquoketa, but suddenly the past rises before me and I recall my maiden effort at public speaking, and, at the last moment I dread to go, fearing I might be called on to make another speech. Accept sincere re- grets, and may your fourth reunion be attended with good weather as well as a good time.
Yours fraternally, HARRY B. BURGH, Late Col. 9th Ill. Cav.
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA, Oct. 7, 1889. J. N. W. Rumple, Esq., Maquoketa, Iowa:
MY DEAR CAPTAIN :- For many months I have looked forward with great pleasure to the time when I should be permitted to meet the noble survivors of the grand old Second Iowa Cavalry at their fourth reunion. but business over which I have no control prevents me being with you to partake of the hospitalities of the good people of Maquoketa. But boys, rest assured that my best wishes are with you, and I shall still live in hopes that I may meet you all again this side of the mystic river, but if not, I shall hope to be at the grand reunion in the great beyond, where I trust every member of the grand old regiment will have reserved seats. With a hearty shake and best wishes for all, I am,
Yours fraternally,
J. W. LAWRENCE.
UNIONTOWN, O., Oct. 6, 1889. G. W. Kelsall, Sec'y Second Iowa Cavalry Association:
Two years ago, at the time of your reunion at Muscatine, I was in Miss- issippi looking over the ground where you fought with Forrest, Feb. 21. 1864, and where my father was killed, then I purposed fully attending your next reunion, but botb time and distance now forbid, and I am sorry, too, for loyal and warm is my heart and ever shall be toward the comrades of the Second Iowa. Sincerely yours, WM. F. JOHNSON.
STERLING, KAN., Sept. 28, 1889. G. W. Kelsall, Secretary, Maquoketa, Iowa:
DEAR COMRADE :- 1 desire to have my name enrolled as a member of the Second Iowa Cavalry Veteran Association. I send you $2.50, which place to my credit, and also charge me with such dues as are proper. I de- sire to obtain the badge of the Association. I don't know the price, but if the draft does not cover it please inform me and I will remit. I was a mem- ber of Co. G, and I feel a growing pride each year in my old company and regiment. I cannot meet with you this year. but my mind will be upon you. I hope you may have a grand time and that the spirit of patriotism will continue to the end. Fraternally, ANSEL R. CLARK.
HAY SPRINGS, Neb., Oct. 6, 1889. Comrade G. W. Kelsall, Maquoketa, Iowa:
Over four hundred miles west of the Missouri River and "no rate" ac- counts for absence of my person. In spirit now, as in '61, I am with you. Greetings to all. With respect I am your comrade,
BENJ. F. DIFFENBACKER.
HARPER, Iowa, Sept. 29, 1883.
Comrade Varner, Muscatine, Iowa.
Excuse me for not answering yours, received some time ago. I was at Des Moines at that time doctoring my eyes. I am at home now and will say that my eyes are some better. At times I have been almost blind. I
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
have come to the conclusion that it would not be good policy for me to go to Maquoketa in my condition, and am very sorry to come to this conclu- sion. Nothing could give me a greater amount of satisfaction than to see the old boys' dear faces and hear their familiar voices. May you all live long to enjoy these reunions. Show this to Ben, as he holds a warm place in my memory. Yours respectfully, JOHN MONTGOMERY.
CHAMBERLAIN, S. D., Sept. 3, 1889.
Geo. W. Kelsall, Canton, Iowa:
DEAR COMADE :- My heart was set on attending our regimental reunion but the fates seem to be against me. I have an engagement here on the 9th which is impossible to avoid, and our State Legislature will likely meet on the 15th inst. to elect U. S. Senators. As I had the misfortune of being elected to the State Senate I am compelled to be there. Please send me the addresses of as many as you can of Co. L boys. Within the next year I hope to pay them all a visit. Give my regards to all the boys. Before another quarter of a century elapses our reunions will be in "The land be- yond the river."
Sincerely yours, J. M. GREENE.
DECATUR, Ala., Aug. 11, 1889.
Geo. W. Kelsall, Canton, Iowa:
DEAR COMRADE-I received the proceedings of the third reunion of the Second Iowa Cavalry, sent to me by some friend and brother in Iowa, for which I am truly grateful. This is the only word I have ever had from the survivors of that glorious old regiment since the war. I. too, join our be- loved commander. Gen. Elliott, in invoking God's blessing upon the mem- bers of the dear old Second Iowa. May the richest of God's blessings be with every member through life. What would I not have given to have been with you? I shall endeavor to meet you all at your next reunion if God spares my life and strength to that end. How gladly would I go to Milwaukee were it possible for me to do so. Please remember me to all the old regiment. Yours in F., C. and L. SAM'L GILBERT, Late Capt. Co. F 2d Iowa Cav.
WASHINGTON, IOWA, Oct. 11, 1889.
G. W. Kelsall, Maquoketa, Iowa:
DEAR COMRADE :- Myself and wife were ready to start to the reunion, but a few minutes before the arrival of the train I was taken violently ill, and am now only fairly able to be around. This is the only reunion I have missed, but the disappointment was terrible. I presume the proceedings will be published in due time and would like a copy. Fraternally, J. C. SMITH.
A letter was read from John E. Williamson, Bugler, of the Soldiers, Home, Quincy, Ill., in which he regrets his inability to be present on ac- count of his infirmities.
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
THE SECRETARY'S FINANCIAL REPORT.
The following amounts as dues and membership fees were paid to the Secretary :
Co. A
$ 5 00
Co. B
10 00
Co. C
10 00
Co. D
1 50
Co. E
3 00
Co. F
1 50
Co. G
15 00
Co. H
7 50
Co. I.
9 50
Co. K
1 50
Co. L
10 00
Co. M.
12 50
$87 00
Amount received of C. F. Cadle
65 90
152 90
Of the above amount received I have paid out for printing, postal
cards and stationery, postage stamps, pens, ink, etc., express, re- union badges, Col. Egbert for advertising in Davenport $72 90
Printing these proceedings and postage on same. 39 00
Paid C. F. Cadle (Elliott Memorial). 8 40
8 00
Copying in register
$128 30
Cash balance sent to M. Carroll, Sec'y, $24.60.
I have endeavored to give names and P. O. addresses correctly. If er- rors have occurred they can be corrected by addressing the secretary, Com- rade M. Carroll, Tiffin. Iowa.
A copy of these proceedings will be sent to each member of the Asso- ciation. The remainder will be sent to the Secretary to furnish those who may desire them.
So many of the comrades, their wives and daughters, wished to pur- chase the regimental badges that I would suggest that all those desiring them send their names and the number wanted to the Secretary. Then, if enough are wanted, the Association can order some more manufactured; otherwise none will be manufactured. I regret to say that there were a few present who did not register. It is a great pleasure for absent comrades to see the names of those present in the printed proceedings.
Wishing you all, my dear comrades, and all the good people of Maquo- keta, who so nobly aided in making this reunion such a grand success, the best of earth's blessings and happiness, and hoping that my comrades may all meet again with me at Iowa City in 1891, I remain,
Your comrade, G. W. KELSALL, Secretary.
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FOURTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
MEMBERS OF SECOND REGIMENT IOWA CAVALRY BURIED IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES.
Ebenezer King, private. co C, died Aug. 22, 1864, No. of grave 6,464, Andersonville, Ga. John'A. Wolfe, private, co C, d. Aug. 6, 1864, grave 4,916, Andersonville. Ga. Achilas M. Lee, private, co B, d. Nov. 24, 1802, grave 1,977, Annapolis, Md. Charles Rogers, private, co D, d. Aug. 5. 1865, grave 9,481, Chattanooga, Tenn.
FOLLOWING ARE BURIED AT CORINTH, MISS.
Ira C. Beltz, wagoner, co HI, d. July 9, 1862, grave 3,178. Walter H. Durand, veterinary surgeon, d. July 7, 1862, grave 3,165.
Hezekiah G. Dwyre, lieutenant, co F. d. Feb. 20, 1864, grave 3,158. Spencer J. Fuller, private, co F, d. June 13, 1854, grave 3,162. George J. Gibbons, bugler, co A, d. June 1, 1865, grave 3,154. George Graves, private. co A, d. June 21, 1862, grave 3,159. Louis Hasler, private, co E, d. May 9, 1562, grave 3,161. Perry W. Johnson, private, co K, d. July 6, 1862, grave 3,177. Isaac N. Lawrence, private. co A, d. Dec. 28, 1562, grave 3,176. George Little, private, co E, d. Jan. 13, 1863. grave 3,157. Lyman L. Sawdy, wagoner, co L. d. Sept. 2. 1862, grave 3,155. Isaac M. Smith, corporal, co G, d. July 13, 1862. grave 3,163. John C. Wallingsford, private. co. A. d. July 5, 1862, grave 3,164. Alfred Ward, private, co B, d. July 5, 1865, grave 3,153. Wm. D. Well-, q. m. sargeant, co B. d. Aug. 16, 1862, grave 3,156. George R. Wicks, corporal, co C, d. Oct. 27, 1862, grave 3,160.
JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MO.
Moses Armentrout, private, co K, d. Jan. 16, 1862, grave 4,093. Isaac H. Beltz, private, co H. d. Feb. 17, 1862, grave 4,101. John S. Busch, private. co B, d. May 15, 1862, grave 799. Henry Boerk, private, co E. d. April 27, 1863, grave 7,186. Edward Brown, private, co G. d. Feb. 4, 1862, grave 796. Levi Carey, private. co F. d. Feb. 7, 1862, grave 788. Marcellus A. Clark, corporal, co L, d. Aug. 21, 1864, grave 3,363. Barney Clawson. private, co L, d. Jan. 23, 1862, grave 793. David M. Cockerham, private, co D, d. Jan, 17, 1862, grave 675. Alonzo Connoway, private. co l. d. Feb. 24, 1862, grave 649. Joseph Curtis, private, co H. d. May 20. 1862, grave 4,114. Chapin Duncan, private, co D, d. March 4, 182, grave 654. Wm. Dunderdale, private, co E, d. June 19, 1562, grave 4,066. Charles Easterbrook, private, co F, d. Jan. 23, 1862, grave 782. John Elinger. private, co F. d. Jan. 24, 1-62, grave 694. Franklin B. Finn, private, co A, d. Jan. 17, 1-62, grave 4,087. Warren W. Gray, private, co I, d. Jan. 18, 1862, grave 4,084. Jos. J. Hilburt, private, co C, d. Jan. 12, 1862, grave 4,145. Jackson Jewell, private, co B. d. Feb. 8, 1862, grave 684. Warren hellum, private, co I, d. Jan. 9, 1-62, grave 4,148. John B. Kuhns, private. co B. d. Jan 11, 1862, grave 4,088. Martin Lee, private, co G, d. Jan. 8, 1862, grave 826. Hugh Lynn, private, co A, d. Jan. 18, 1-62, grave 4,117. Hugh McCary, private co I, d. Jan. 6, 1862. grave 4,127. Amasa T. Munson, private, co F. d. Jan. 17, 1862, grave 4,083. Laban J. Parks, private, co F, d. June 16, 1-62, grave 4,067. Abraham Patterson, private, co F, d. Jan. 10, 1861, grave 679. Wm. Piersoll, private, co H. d. Feb. 25, 1-62, grave 653. Geo. W. Poore, private, co D, d. Oct. 13, 1-64, grave 8,187. John Richbaff, private, co F, d. Jan. 4. 1-62, grave 839. Hans Stoltenberg, private, co E, d. July 27. 1-42. grave 4,069. Matthew F. Swift, private, co D. d. June 11, 152, grave 4, 106. Augustus J. Thinnis, private, co D, d. Jan. 2. 1-62. grave 4,131. Marshall Thompson, private, co B, d. Jan. 29, 1562, grave 4,085, Ephraim Walker, private, co D, d. Jan. 8. 1-62, grave >29. George Werner, private, co K, d. March 21. 1864, grave 7,785. John C. Wilson, private, co B, d. May 8, 1562, grave 650.
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