USA > Illinois > Reunion of the 86th Regiment Illinois Infantry, 1889 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00824 1710
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/reunionof86thre188995asso
THIRD REUNION
-OF THE-
86TH REGIMENT
ILLINOIS INFANTRY
HELD AT
PEORIA, ILLINOIS, AUGUST 27 AND 28, 1889.
---- ALSO, A- -
FULL ROSTER OF THE REGIMENT
WITH THE PRESENT POST OFFICE ADDRESS, AS FAR AS KNOWN, OF EACH SURVIVOR.
C. W. MCKOWN, ADJUTANT,
GILSON, KNOX CO., ILLINOIS.
KNOXVILLE, ILLINOIS. REPUBLICAN PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT.
1
MUBA GAIHT
F8549-17: Illinois Infantry. 1757817 86th Rat. Reunion 1889.
Vol. In
Illina! 28 hat an. am Reunion 200, 1890 ceedings, Death Rold
Illinois, Vol. Inthat an. 86th
5 th. Reunion Peoria BEM1891 PO addresses of Survivors.
Illinois Vol. Inf 86th Rat 30Th "Un. 6th Reunion Peoria, ser. 1892
Illinois Vol. Inf. 86th Ral Stato Reunion, 1893 Peoria, Ile Proceedings.
Illinois Val In Bath Kal. 32d on Peoria 220, 1891 P. O. add
Vol. Inte an. 86th att Reunion Peoria, 220, 1895
50000000
THIRD REUNION
OF THE -
86TH REGIMENT
G
ILLINOIS INFANTRY
PEORIA ILL .. AUGUST 27 AND 28, 1089,
-ALSO --- A FULL ROSTER OF THE REGIMENT
With the Present Post Office Address, as far as Known, of Doch survivor.
C. W. MCKOWN Adjutant, Gilson. Knox Co .. Il.
€
49 59
ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 86th regt., 1862-1865.
... [Annual] reunion of the 86th regiment Illi - nois infantry held at Peoria, Ill .... 3d- 9th,
1109-16:15
Knoxville, Ill. [etc.] bv. viel
Title varies. Compiler: 1237-1895, C. W. Mckown. -
NL. 39-7992
--
INTRODUCTORY.
COMRADES :- Let me again urge you to report to the Adjutant all deaths and all changes in P. O. address. The object of making the Secretary a per- manent officer was to enable Comrades to always know where and to whom to. send reports of interest to the Association. Do not fail to report as above re- quested, and if it is impossible for some of you to attend our re-unions, write letters to be read there.
These re-uninns become more and more interesting to all who attend them. Old age and gray hairs seem to strengthen the attachment of Comrades to each other.
It will be but a few years till all of us will receive our final discharge- then while we do live let us meet and clasp glad hands once a year at least.
The payment of yearly dues (Şi) is not compulsory, but all who cannot be present, and yet feel inclined to assist in paying; printers bills and other ex- penses, may forward the amount without danger of hurting any ones feelings,
It was my desire to have these proceedings printed soox after our re-union- but delays have been unavoidable.
There are a few copies of proceedings of first and second re-unions still on hand; any Comrade who has not received a copy may be supplied. Postage two cents.
C. W. MCKOWN, Adj't. Gilson, Knox Co., Il1.
REUNION.
The Executive Committee of the society of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, met at President Kingman's office, July IS, 1889, and arranged the following programme for the twenty-seventh anniversary of the Regiment:
I. Call to order at 2 o'clock P. M. Aug. 27, by President Kingman.
2. Prayer.
3. Reading minutes of previous meeting.
4. Report of Officers :- President, Secretary and Treasurer.
5. Report of committees.
6. Reading Communications.
7. Reading Death Roll.
S. Miscellaneous Business.
9. Election of Officers.
10. Adjourn.
EVENING SESSION.
At eight o'clock in the evening a reception will be tendered to the Regi- ment, by Lieut. Martin Kingman, at his residence, 203 Perry street at which time every member of the Regiment is earnestly requested to be present, as a jolly good time is expected, when recitations, sougs and short talks by mem- bers of the regiment will be made. At this gathering it is expected that all Comrades when called upon will respond ; hence, think of some incident that you may relate at that time.
SECOND DAY.
I. Assembly call by Old Regimental Band at 9 A. M.
2. Call to order.
3. Prayer.
4. Annual address by Comrade N. S. Haynes.
5. Arrange a programme for afternoon.
6. Adjourn.
On account of a general re-union to be held on August 27, 28 and 29, low rates will be given on all railroads in Illinois running to Peoria. Inquire at your railroad office for round trip tickets. All hotels will make special rates to old soldiers who will stay over night.
-
PROCEEDINGS.
The Association of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volunteers, met in re-union in the City Hall at Peoria, Ill., August 27th, ISS9, at 2 P. M. The meeting was called to order by President Martin Kingman.
Prayer was offered by Chaplain N. S. Haynes.
A motion prevailed to suspend reading the minutes of the previous re- union.
The President made a brief report.
The Secretary read his report as follows :-
PEORIA, ILL., AUGUST 27th, ISS9.
To the President and Comrades of the 86th, Ill., Reg't. - I would respect- fully, but briefly report, that in accordance with your instructions I made a full roster of our regiment, and by the kind assistance of many comrades succeeded in locating 493 members of the same. This includes five addresses that did not come to my knowledge until after the roll was printed, consequently they are not found in the printed list. I mailed to each address a copy of our little book and also a programme of our present re-union.
My financial account is as follows :
CREDITS.
Printer's bill for 600 copies of Proceedings and Roster, . 57 00 Stamped wrappers at $2. 10 per hundred for mailing 493 copies of same, 10 35
Printers bill for 1000 programmnes,. 3 00
Envelopes and stamps for mailing 493 of same, 5 93
Postage on fifty-three letters written during the year, I 06
Total, $ 77 34
DEBTOR.
Cash received of treasurer, Capt. John H. Hall, . $ 60 00 of Lt. A. P. Loveland, for membership dues, 1 00
Total, 61 00
Balance due me, $ 16 34
Very Respectfully,
C. W. McKows, Secretary.
-
7
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Motion carried to adopt the Secretary's report and direct the Treasurer to pay the balance due.
The Treasurer's report was called for, but he was absent. (Two months later he gave the Secretary the following report:)
August 27th, 1889.
Report of Treasurer, Association $6th Reg't, Ill. Vol. Inft., J. H. Hall in account.
DR. 78 00
Received for dues, ..
CONTRA CR.
By bill printing,. .. music, .. 3 00
3 50
paid Secretary
60 00
66 50
By balance in Treasury, . . 5 11 50
Respectfully Submitted,
J. H. HALL, Treasurer.
The President appointed Lieut. John McGinnis treasurer pro. tem., to col- lect the yearly dues.
Letters were then read from many absent Comrades. ( As it is impossible to publish all these letters in our minutes it is thought best to give the names of all writers on a future page, and give one letter as a sample that expresses the general sentiment of all. )
Lieut. E. C. Silliman, moved that the Constitution be so amended as to make the office of Secretary permanent. Carried.
A committee of one from each company was appointed to select candidates for officers.
While this committee was out the Lexington Glee Club sang the "Army mule."
Col. A. L. Fahnestock moved "that we join the street procession to-mor- row as a regiment." Carried.
Comrade Manuel Mowery moved, "that the chair appoint a committee of three on Death Roll." Carried.
The President appointed Comrades L. L. Lehuman, J. L. Burkhalter and A. P. Webber.
Col. A. L. Falmestock moved that the Constitution of this Association be so ammended as to change the names of the officers to, Commander, Vice Coin- mander. Adjutant and Quartermaster. The motion prevailed.
The committee appointed to select candidates for officers, reported the fol- lowing, who were duly elected :
. Commander-LIECT. MARTIN KINGMAN.
Vice Commander-SERGEANT M. H. CLOUD.
Adjutant-COMRADE C. W. MCKOWN. Quarter Master-CAPT. JOHN H. HALL.
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THIRD REUNION
Company A, J. H. Brubaker,
Company F, Manuel Mowrey,
. . B, A. J. Diel,
G, David G. Bracken,
C, Thos. B. Selders,
H, John H. Hall,
D, James T. Morris,
I, Bernard Friess,
K, John McGinnis,
E, Addison Tanquary,
Executive Committee.
Comrade A. P. Webber moved that hereafter re-union badges cost no more than twenty-five cents.
Comrade M. H. Cloud moved as a substitute that the Commander, Adju- tant and Quartermaster, be appointed a committee to ascertain what metal badges would cost.
Capt. J. L. Burkhalter moved to amend by giving the Committee full pow- er to act. The substitute, as amended, was adopted.
Comrade L. I .. Lehman was selected "Orator for the regiment " at Com- mander Kingman's reception.
Adjourned to meet at 7:30 and march to Lient. Kingman's house.
At 7:30 P. M., the Regiment met at the City Hall, and under command of Col. A. I. Fahnestock, marched to the residence of Lieut. Martin Kingman, 203 Perry St., at which place he had tendered a reception. The number in line, including old comrades, their wives, sons and daughters, was in the neighbor- hood of 200. On arriving at Lieut. Kingman's residence it was found that the house, as well as the grounds, were illuminated by electric lights. A Guard of Honor was stationed at the entrance gate, commanded by Capt. John D. Hall, a son of Capt. John H. Hall, of company H, 86th Regiment; said guard being composed of Sous of Veterans. Back of the Guard of Honor was a tastily ar- ranged tent composed of stars and stripes. To the right of the entrance gate was another tent arranged expressly for the occasion, composed of red, white and blue, while in the back yard were a number of canopies stretched, com- pletely covering the main part of the lawn, the same being highly decorated with the stars and stripes, also lighted with electric lights, making the lawn as light as day. Lieut. Kingman's barn had also been fitted up for the caterer of the occasion, who used it for serving refreshments and hot coffee later in the evening.
On entering the front door, the Regiment was received by Lieut. Kingman and his wife, and a number of young ladies who assisted in entertaining the guests while in the house. All the rooms in the lower part of the house were arranged with floral decorations, which were very becoming, and were much admired by all the comrades.
After spending a half hour socially in the house, all were invited to the lawn back of the house, where chairs had been provided, and where strains of music from a band provided for the occasion by Comrade Kingman, was peeling forth its melodious music. When all were seated Lieut. Kingman came out on the back porch and expressed his thanks to the regiment for ac- cepting his invitation to this reception, and stated that it had been his desire since being mustered out, at some time to give to the regiment just such a re- ception as he was at that time able to do. He then introduced the Hon.
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9
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Julius S. Starr, now Collector of Internal Revenue of the 5th District of Illinois, who spoke words of welcome to the regiment on behalt of Mr. and Mrs. King- mau, as follows:
My Friends, Neighbors and Fellow Citizens :- I have the great pleasure as well as the high honor of being selected as the soldiers' friend to welcome you, the survivors of the 86th Illinois regiment, to this, the hearth- stone and the home of your honored and distinguished comrade and his estimable wife, Mr. and Mrs. Lieutenant Martin Kingman, and to say to you, in their name, welcome, welcome to you, one and all, their brothers and friends.
It was the constant hope of Mr. Kingman when, in war tiene, you and he were gathered around the camp-fire, that he might live to gather you, his com- rades in arms, around his camp fire and his home, and the pleasure and joy that this opportunity gives to him and Mrs. Kingman to here meet and greet you can only be measured by an affection born in an association, such as yours, of duty and of danger, as we look into the faces of the remnant of that gallant band that once comprised the Soth Illinois regiment.
Our mind, with yours, goes back to 155t and 1852, when the life of the mation was threatened and the tocsin of war was sounded, when the great Lincoln called aloud to the people to maintain their government-those days of trial and of war.
We remember well the gathering of your host from the hill tops, the val- leys and prairies of this land of ours. At the call to arms, you rushed to the rescue of the nation, and the echo was heard accross the continent. "We are coming, Father Abraham, six hundred thousand strong."
We remember well the time of your being mustered into the services of the government, when you and your comrades that have passed away, highly received to do, and if need be, to die. in upholding the national authority.
We remember well when, with proadan.Idetermine Itreal, you marche lout from Camp Lyon, nearly one thousand strong, with drums beating, flags flying, your arms glistening in battle array. We remember the goal bres that were sikl-many for the last time -- the cheers, minglel with the tears, of loved haus that met and greete I yon as you pass I along through our beautiful city. We remember your last tremulous shout, as you took a last look at home and a'l that was so deir to you, as yoa speelel ou to the Land of Dixie, to uphold the unity of the government, and the buuer of the stars.
We remember your first battle at Perryville; your march to Nashville; your battles arsan 1 Lookout Mountain; your change at Kenesow, where nearly fourth of your brothers aul comrales were left bleeding, wounded and
We remember your battles and marches thit culminate! in the great Victory at Atlanta (the boasted city of the "new south"). We remember your Vran I march to the sea, while we, your brothers and friends at the north, Beloa hopeful-yes, more than hopeful, confident of your victory. Yet, wth.dll, we held oar breath, oar hearts beat slowly -- not doubting, but firm in the fifth that whatever bravery, wirever self-sacrificing devotion could do, 1 Alt be done to maintain the unity of these states and the honor of our flag.
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THIRD REUNION
We remember with what joy we hailed the announcement of General Sherman to President Lincoln, Savannah is ours, that you were safe and victorious. We remember our old patriarch Mark Aiken, bless his life and memory, climbing iuto the belfry of the old Congregational church and making that grand old bell ring out the tidings of victory. For in war times when that bell rang, except for worship, it was known that Mark was there, and that our flag and ariny were victorious. We remember the bonfires that were built as we gathered together to rejoice at your great deeds. We remember "the cheers . for the living and the tears for the dead."
We remember the close of the war, the proudest and happiest days of all. Mother, wife, children and home rising up before your life a dream. What joyful anticipations must have filled your hearts when the message came that Lee had surrendered to the great soldier of the republic; when your own com- mander, the last living of the great triumvirates- Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, names of blessed inemory -- received the sword of Johnson. Weremember with joy and pride your march through Richmond and on to Washington for the general review of the mighty armies of the nation. Rome in all her glory, never marshalled beneath the banners of her Casar such an army as was that day gathered around the eagles of the republic. How grandly and proudly you marched down Pennsylvania avenue! How grandly the nation welcomed you! And you were worthy of all the honor, for you had saved, you had established this government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." The crowned heads of Europe looked ou amazed and astounded. They had more than hoped to see this republic go out in night and blood. Thanks to you and your comrades, it was made as strong as iron. You wiped out slavery, and no more in this land will be heard the clank of a chain. State soverignty and the right of secession were shot to death in the thousand battles of the war. You established a nation with a government, the fundamental principles of which are, "that an injury to the meanest subject is an outrage upon the whole con- stitution," and under which there should be no power, no earthly power, not controlled by or amendable to public law.
All along from Camp Lyou to Averysboro your pathway had been marked by the death of loved ones, the true and the brave. Col. Irons, Dean French, Bogardus and hundreds more of your comrades died that this country might live. How great the sacrifice to liberty and the rights of man!
Since the war and your return home and to the peaceful pursuits of life, you have vindicated your good citizenship, and made your history worthy the approbation of men and patriots, in all time to come. The importance of that duty, so well done by you and your comrades in arms, cannot be measured by a single century, but that patriotisin of the volunteer soldiers of these United States, in that great struggle for the maintainance of their government, will be honored by all who love liberty, with the rights of man are forgotten and passed away. But let us not forget that in that hour of trial, you would not have succeeded, without the aid of the splendid women of the United States, your mothers, wives and sisters, who cheered you as you went forth to battle: who bound up the wounds of the wounded; who shed tears of anguish when you were defeated, and crowned you with laurels when victory perched upon
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
your banner. And to-night I know I but voice the sentiment of every soldier here when I say God bless the mothers and wives of our dear land.
To you men and brethren gathered here around the home of your com- rade and friend, may you be of good cheer. May you meet at these annual reunions, at which you can talk over the battles you have fought and the victories you have won. Go on and on, making your lives sweet and dearer, until the form of the last man, who so proudly walked out from yonder camp ground in 1862, shall be covered with the dust of the valley.
Again, welcome -- thrice welcome, comrades, brothers and friends.
On conclusion of Mr. Starr's remarks cheers of hearty acceptance were given by the regiment, when Comrade Lewis L. Lehman, of Company B, now State Senator from Mattoon, Ill., stepped forward and made the follow- ing address on behalf of the Comrades.
COMRADE KINGMAN :- In thanking you and your estimable wife, on be- half of the S6th Regiment for this hospitable greeting and entertainment, vis- ions of the past and of our associations in that great past crowd through my mind and memory, which, to enlarge upon, would entail time, revive memories, and bring us back to the days, when you, the youngest commissioned officer, and I, the youngest private of the Regiment, marched with our comrades down the streets of this beautful city on that fair Sunday afternoon, with active step, erect form, and determined countenance, facing southward to do our duty and take chances in that great conflict, which was to determine the fate of free in- stitutions for ages to come.
We did not find things then and thereafter as pleasantly arranged for us as we do here to-night; we heard the drum, the bugle and the band, and some- times saw electric lights; but, the music was to inspire us to go forward, wet or dry, hungry or thirsty, dusty or muddy, to think lightly of death, wounds or sufferings, and the electric flashes were those of the sky's artillery at day, or the bursting, shrieking shells at night. Camp fires and other gatherings we hal. in ample quantities and at divers times and places; but not generally under a clear and hospitable canvass, upon a smooth lawn, ample chairs and benche,, with the pleasant, smiling faces of ladies to color the picture and soften the surroundings, and the gentle reminder of ice cream, cakes and other tempting delicacies, such as I observe are being carried from the carriage house yonder, by our redeemed and disenthralled colored boys. "Grub" was a pleasant call or word then. I presume it would be deemed sacrilege to apply this slang phrase here. True, the toothsome honey, the satisfactory mutton, the tender chicken and other substantials, something stealthily produced at moonlight in the Camp, were extras then, not often, however, obtainable when moving with a massed army; and it was therefore under all circumstances a close call to satisfy conscience and the inner man or to feel sociable or con- tented. How different now-under the hospitable roof of our Comrade and his wife, amongst those who knew the "then" and find their recompense in the "now."
Only a Comrade can spread himself as our erstwhile boy Lieutenant of Company G is doing for us to-night, and we are all glad that the Lord has
12
THIRD REUNION
prospered him and his, that they are enable to do, what I know every Comrade of the 85th would be glad to duplicate and reciprocate in the warmth of his comradeship if an all-wise Providence hal so arranged it for him.
It is not in human nature to forget extraordinary experiences or to dis- associate itself from the influences thus cemented-it is therefore but natural that we, who were thus cemented by the fiery test of war's desolation, should feel a tie binding us not equaled by any other associations, and we have here to-night an example of the tenacity as well as the generosity of this time-tried and fire-tested comradeship. But, I am admonished by the continued appear- ance of trays, laden with the things which tempt reeruit or veteran, infant or old age, to desist and not to tempt the fates by launching further on the vast domain of the history we made, or by speculation upon its effect on our social character, and stay but to repeat for myself and for all of us Comrades, thanks to our host and hostess, and our united wish that they and theirs may long continue to prosper and be happy.
The address on the part of the regiment by Comrade Lehman was heartily received, after which Lieut. Kingman introduced Miss Sadia B. Tobias, who sang in the most exquisite manner, the song: "Tenting to-night," after which the Daughter of the Regiment, Miss Anna Janvier Jones of Eureka, Ill., recited: "Logan's Muster Out," which was followed by an old war song by the Lexington Glee Club. Hearty calls were then made for the Oll Regimental Band, consisting of fife and drums, when they came forward and played several of the old airs, which were soul inspiring, and carried the boys back through the Dixy days.
Then again Miss Tobias sang "Just before the Battle, Mother, " and the Daughter of the Regiment recited by request, "That Hired Girl."
Lieut. John McGinnis came forward and stated that Comrade Kingman Lad a brother present who he would like to hear from, when Capt. C. M. Kingman of Delavan, IL., a member of the old 47 th Illinois Regiment, stepped forward and made a short speech which was heartily received.
About this time Gen. C. W. Pavey, present State Auditor, who hal just arrived to attend the reception was introduced by Lient. Kingman, and receiy- ed with loud cheers. He commenced by carrying the minds of those present back to the days of '61 to '65, when the country was sending its fathers and brothers to the war. He then pictured to them some of the pleasures as well as the hardships, putting the audience into laughter and then to tears. His speech was continued for at least a half hour and was so well received that the audience continued to call for him to go on. General Pavey's speech was brim full of humor; and of good words for the old soldiers who laid down their lives to save their country at its call.
Comrade Kingman then announced that the exercise of speech and song would cease for a time and invited all to be seated at the tables near at hand and partake of the luncheon. This invitation was accepted of course; the brass band enlivening the occasion, and keeping everyone in a most happy frame of mind. This was continued until a late hour in the evening when the
1
13
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
regiment as a body ffled out, bidding Mr. and Mrs. Kingman God-speed and good bye for the evening.
SECOND DAY.
Commander Kingman took up the gavel at 9:30 a. m.
Comrade Haynes offered prayer.
A motion to have a two days reunion in Peoria next year on Aug. 27 and 28, prevailed.
Comrade L. L. Lehman offered the following which was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The highest and best conception of hospitality, good fellow- ship and best attributes of soldierly comradeship were exhausted, outdone, overshadowed and totally eclipsed by our dear Comrade and Commander Martin Kingman and his estimable wife in their hearty welcome and reception to the Comrales attending the reunion of our regimeut on Tuesday evening Aug. 27th, 1889, the 27th anniversary of our first union as a regiment; there- tore be it
Resolved, By the regiment in Reunion assembled, that the three cheers given for our host and hostess last night were but a faint and mild zephyr, ex- pressive of our feelings toward them and we therefore reiterate and record them as a part of the minutes of our reunion and shall always remember the occasion as one of the brightest and happiest of our regimental or ex- regimental days.
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