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Gc 973.74 Il5ilk 1900 14th 2037661
M. E
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
1
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00824 1728
Gc 973.7 IL511 1900 14th 20376
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Gc 973. IL51 1900 14th 2037
.THIRTY=EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY.
86th REGIMENT
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
HELD IN PEORIA, ILL.,
August 24=25, 1900
S. W. RILEA, Commander, 6720 Lowe Ave., Chicago
C. W. McKOWN, Adj't and Q. M., Gilson, Knox County, Illinois.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
14th Reunion
REPUBLICAN PRINT KNOXVILLE
79 7978 5
Go 973. IL51 1900 14th 2037
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-
Gc 973. IL51 1900 14th
2037
S. W. RILEA, Commander, 6720 Lowe Ave , Chicago.
C. W. McKOWN, Adj't and Q. M., Gilson, Knox County, Illinois.
THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY
PROSEEDINGS OF
THE FOURTEENTH REUNION
OF THE
EIGHTY - SIXTH REGIMENT
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
HELD IN
PEORIA, ILL., AUGUST 24-25, 1900
14th reunion
1900
S. W. RILEA, Commander, 6720 Lowe Ave., Chicago
C. W. MCKOWN, Adj't and Q. M., Gilson, Knox County, Illinois.
05, 006
79 7978 5
Gc 973
190 14 + 203
At the reunion, Aug. 24 and 25, 1900, seventy-five regis- tered present. Sixty-seven paid dues of one dollar each. Richard McCarty paid present and back dues, five dollars, E. A. Morphew paid two dollars, Mrs. S. S. Patton donated one dollar. Cash was received from absent comrades: Lieut. John Morrow, E. W. Weidman, W. E. Wrigley, E. M. Armstrong, Wm. Graham, and Nettie C. Joh one dollar each. Badges sold, five dollars and thirty cents, making total receipts eighty six dollars and thirty ceuts. The ex- penses were: Jas. Owens, base drummer, three dollars; Brodman Quartette, eight dollars; Miss Bertha Seabury, violinist, four dollars; Hall rent ten dollars. Total, twenty- five dollars. Next comes printers bills.
Much interest was manifested in the purchase of sixty acres of land on Kenesaw mountain, Ga. at a cost of one thousand dollars. This land had been previously bought by Adjt. L. J. Dawdy forthe 3d Brigade, 2d Division, 14th Army Corps. Now the tug of war is to pay our share of the purchase money. Previous to the reunion I had re- ceived, to apply on this fund, from the following comrades: A. P. Loveland $10, L. L. Lehman $20, George Bolton $1, Horatio Westcott $5, J. C. Ziler $4, Mrs. S. B. Holler $1. At the reunion I received from Joseph Wrigley $3, R. C. Walter $1, Capt. John H. Hall $4, Lieut. E. E. Peters $4, Lieut. J. W. Groninger $4, Erastus Morrow $1, the City Council of Peoria $150. On my return home from the re- union I found waiting for me from Mrs. Jennie M. Brown $1, J. J. Cowley $5.
The following letter was intended for the reunion but was not received till several days afterward:
RICHLAND CENTER, WISCONSIN.
Dear Mr. Mckown .- I had expected to be with you in
3
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
your reunion, and am very much disappointed that it has been necessary for me to give up the trip.
I wish you to remember me most kindly to the mem- bers of the Regiment, and I hope to be with you next year. With regret that I must miss the reunion and with best wishes for you all, I wish to be remembered always as your devoted Daughter of the Regiment,
ANNIE JONES WETZEL.
A Beautiful Gavel.
Mrs. Brown, widow of comrade Robert Brown of Co. B, sent a beautiful gavel from Oregon, as shown and ac- knowledged by the following letters.
ALBANY, LYNN CO., OREGON, AUGUST 20, 1900.
Commander Peters-And comrades of the 86th Regi- ment, Illinois Infantry. My blessed Soldier Boy's Broth- er's; In the name of y Sacred Dead I present you this gavel as a souvenir from far off Oregon, may you all en- joy many more reunions, and at last be abundantly pre- pared to pass inspection by our grand Commander that never lost a battle, is the sincere prayer of a sister in all Grand Army work.
MRS. JENNIE MORRISON BROWN, Department Chaplain of Oregon.
401, NEW YORK AVENUE, PEORIA, ILL., AUG. 29, 1900. MRS. JENNIE MORRISON BROWN,
ALBANY, LINN CO., OREGON. 2037661
My Dear Sister Soldier Comrade-Your very kind letter of the 20th inst., inclosed in package containing Souvenir Gavel for use of the Commander of the 86th Ill. Vol. Inft'v, not only for the year 1900, but for all other reunions that it is the will of our Great Commander to give us in future years, and I trust and hope that all will pass the Inspection necessary to admit all into that joyful and happy throng of Comrades that have gone on before. We accept this Souvenir in the name of your Sacred Dead, and at every reunion that the 86th !11. Vol. Inft'y., is permitted to attend will be called to order by the tap of this beautiful gavel of Manzanita wood and the name of the doner will always be cherished by the Comrades of the 86th regiment. I did not
Gc 973 IL5 190 14t. 203
4
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
have the pleasure of calling the Comrades to order with this gavel for 1900 as it did not get here till yesterday. Our reunion took place two days sooner than usual on ac- count of giving our comrades an opportunity of attending the Grand Army at Chicago, which marched yest rday 30,000 strong-That glorious army. Thanking you from the bottom of our hearts, I remain sincerely your comarde E. E. PETERS.
I have just received the following from Adjutant Dawdy :
SLATEMENT OF L. J. DAWDY, MEMBER FOR TRUSTEE OF THE KEN- SAW MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION.
Comrades of the 86th Regiment : As your representa- tive I will state that I met with the members of our old brigade, and learned from them that all were much pleased at the prospect of improving the battle field of Kenesaw. The members of the 52d Ohio held their reunion at that time and selected one of their number as Trustee, and said they would soon be ready for business. The 125th Illinois held their reunion on Sept. 5th, and made their selection for trustee as well. The 85th Illinois boys will hold their reun- - ion October 17th, 1900, and I am assured by members of that regiment that there is no doubt about the selecting of their member for trustee, and preparation to meet their portion of the expense. The members of the 22d Indiana had their reunion, and by mistake or a misunderstanding selected a committee of two with power to act, instead of selecting a member for trustee. Since learning this fact I have written to the committee, requesting that they select one of their number for trustee, as the other regiments have done, and expect that they, too, will respond in a few days, that they are ready for business. Then I will have the Association organized under the laws of Illinois, and ready for business. It can readily be seen that the next thing to be done is to raise money necessary to do business.
This regiment should raise one thousand dollars with which to meet the necessary expenses of purchasing land, securing needed legislation, expense of trustee, etc.
To raise the above amount would require twenty per- sons to give fifty dollars each, or fifty persons to give twenty dollars each, or one hundred persons to give ten dollars each. But as all our comrades are not equally able to give, but anxious to give something, I have divided the
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EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
amount as follows, believing it will meet not only the ap- proval of the comrades who contribute, but their ability to pay as well, thus permitting each to pay such an amount as their circumstances will justify and their conscience dic- tate, to-wit :
Five comrades to pay forty dollars each. $ 200
Fifteen comrades to pay twenty dollars each 300
Twenty-five comrades to pay ten dollars each. 250
Thirty comrades to pay five dollars each .. 150
Thirty comrades to pay two and one-half dollars each .. 75
Twenty-five comredes to pay one dollar each 25
Total. $1000
Number of comrades, 120.
This division does not prevent any one from paying more than the largest amount, nor does it require anyone to pay the smaller sum if they desire to pay more. This en- ables one hundred and twenty comrades to contribute, which is about the number that I feel sure of reaching through the mail who are able and willing to contribute.
I hope that each comra le will feel that he has a personal interest in this matter, and will see to it that his contribu- tion is forwarded to Col A L. Fahnestock, our treasurer, at Glassford, or if more convenient, to Adjt. McKown, at Gil- son, Ill.,either of whom will send you a receipt for amount paid.
Some have already paid, and many have said that they were ready to pay as soon as needed. That time has now arrived, and I believe that all those who have not responded will now do so with the same determination to accomplish this sacred duty to our comrades that characterized their services performed in the field. In making these solicita- tions I have not indicated that any were to pay more than I would. My expenses in visiting Kenesaw, buying land, and other expenses amounts to fifty dollars, all of which I propose to give to the association.
In conclusion, I say to you, that after having read this statement, do not, I ask you, postpone your action, but make provision at once for the payment of such an amount as you feel is due alike to both the dead and living members of that grand old regiment, and justified by your financial ability. Then I know the result will be that the historic field of Kenesaw will be dedicated for all time to the mem- ory of American valor and heroism.
Respectfully submitted,
L. J. DAWDY.
Gc 973. IL5: 1900 14th 2037
6
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Comrade Dawdy has divided this matter up very nicely. Now let us respond to his call manfully. If you send con- tributions to me I will register the name, company and amount in my record and forward the amount to the treas- urer, or if you prefer to do so you can send it direct to the treasurer, Col. A. L. Fahnestock, Glassford, Ill. It does not matter to which place you send it but SEND IT. That is the point; and send it now. We are paying interest on pur- chase money. Let us stop that expense as soon as possible.
Our next reunion will be held in Peoria, August 27 and 28, 1901. Let all of us who possibly can be present, and make it a roaring red-hot old time.
I have some surplus Badges. Will send one to any comrade who will send me 25 cents. They are very pretty, indeed. Respectfully,
C. W. McKowN.
Preliminary.
The Executive Committee met in Peoria July 18 and prepared the following
PROGRAMME.
1. Assembly call by fife and| 5. Consideration of minutes drum, at 1 o'clock p. m., of previous reunion. Aug. 24, 1900. 6. Reports of officers.
2. Call to order by Com- mander Peters.
3. Singing " America," by the regiment.
4. Prayer by Chaplain Haynes.
7. Reports of committees.
8. New business and elec- tion of officers.
9. Reading communications from absent comrades.
10. Adjourn to 7:30 p. m.
7
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
EVFNING SESSION.
1. Call to order.
2. Singing 'Tenting to-night on the Old CampGround', by Brodman Quartette.
3. Reading death roll, and appointment of commit- 10. tee on obituary resolu- tions.
4. Solo, by J. W. Ryan.
5. Recitation, daughter of the Regiment.
6. Vocal Solo, Miss Laura Williams.
7. Address: "What I saw and my impressions of a sol- 15. Adjourn.
dier's life." Hon. A. J Daugherty.
8. Mandolin Solo, Fantaza, Frank Georgett.
9. Recitations by volunteers.
Patriotic selection, Broad- man Quartette.
11. Address, Hon. J. V. Graff.
12. Piano solo, Miss Elyde Burkhalter.
13. Recitation, J. L. Fahnes- tock.
14 Music, Brodman quar- tette.
SECOND DAY.
1 Assembly call at 8 a. m.
2. Call to order by com- mander.
3. Song of a Thousand years, by the Regiment.
4. Prayer by Chaplain.
5. Music.
6. Song, by Miss Ella Still- 11. well.
7. Recitation by daughter of the regiment.
8. Annual address by Rob- ert Scholes.
9. Report of committee on death roll.
10. Obituary remarks.
Adjourn for a social visit.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
1. Call to order at 1 o'clock.
2. Music.
3. Unfinished business.
4. New business.
5. Installation of officers.
6. Singing, "God be with You 'till we meet Again."
7. Benediction.
Gc 973 Iº5 190 14t 203
PROCEEDINGS.
The programme could not be carried out in many par- ticulars, as is always the case, but this did not prevent us from having a very pleasant time.
Soon after 12 o'clock the Old Boys began to congregate in the shade of some trees on the Jefferson street side of the court house to greet each other, and each new comer receiv- ed the welcome that only old soldiers know how to give. Finally, what is left of our old regimental band-Samuel Silzel and James Shreffler, with the assistance of James Owens on a bass drum, struck up a lively air and attracted many spectators. After considerable playing, the fiife and drums led the way across the street to the Y. M. C. A. build- ing, where they gave the assembly call of olden time. Then all passed into the auditorium. This we found magnifi- cently decorated from floor to ceiling with new bunting, streamers and flags. Hundreds of yards, hundreds of flags, in waves, flat, partly folded, and-well I will quit. I can't de- scribe it. It was simply splendid. Red, white and blue had taken possession. This was the welcome extended to us by the big dry-goods house of Schipper & Block of Peoria. This is the third time they have decorated this hall for our reunions.
The stage was so crowded with potted plants and palms that we had to bank them into the corners to make room for ourselves. This was the welcome extended by J. C. Murray, Peoria's great florist.
It was not till 2:25 that Commander Peters called for . order.
The regiment, led by Mr. Worley, sang America.
Prayer by Comra le A. W. Belcher.
Minutes of last reunion were accepted and adopted as printed.
9
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Commander's Report.
Commander Peters read the following :
COMRADES :- Another reunion of the 86th Illinois Infan- try also brings greeting the beginning of a new century ladened with the bright promise of continued prosperity, which we hope and trust will ever hover over this land of freedom ; and that the same principles under which we are ' now governed ere another Century rolls around will be ex- tended to and accepted by every nation on the face of the earth. These grand and ennobling principles of govern- ment that have been handed down to us by our forefathers; Oh! at what a cost-and the urchin that attends our free schools today can recite the ofttold story of the suffer- ings of the continental army of Washington, as it tramped through snows in midwinter, leaving the pure snow tinged with the blood from their bleeding feet. How well the lib- erties of the Republic have been cared for the historian Bancroft tells in words that glow with patriotic fire-that fills our hearts, with joy that the beacon lights of our shores send greeting to the down-trodden of the world. The Uni- ted States of America have been making history with rapid strides during the last four years. The war with Spain was one of love to the down-trodden Cubans, who in return for the great kindness shown them begin to realize the great blessings there is in the boon of freedom. That love of free- dom which burns in the heart of every American freeman who flew to arms on the first call of our great and noble- hearted President Mckinley for soldiers to defend that God- given liberty vouchsafed to all men, for which so much precious blood has been shed in all ages.
But we trust the war is over for the young Cuban Re- public, and that God will guide them to care for the prec- ious boon, and the blood of the American soldier will ever be its baptism of liberty. When that call was telegraphed over the country for volunteers to crush the tyrants' power, how the hearts of the old soldiers in our own war did thrill at the call to arms !- and anxious to go-but their gray locks forbade; but the sons of the veterans, educated in the lap of Liberty, responded generously to the call, and with educa- tion implanted into the rising generation of this great Re- public, the fires of patriotism still burn in sons of veterans; and let him say it who dares that the brave American sol- dier is not able to cope with the best drilled soldiers of the greatest nations of the earth.
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10
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Our brave heroes have given the nations of the world lessons of how he can fight when it is done for the love of liberty, and how freely he shed his blood that he might crush the tyrany of Spanish rule and free the pearl of the An- tilles, the beautiful gem of the sea, from the hateful rule of inhuman monsters, who, steeped in crime, crushed out eve- ry instinct to the betterment of the conditions that were worse than slavery in its most hideous forms of cruelty and fiendish mockery of government.
It matters little how great a nation may become it can- not refrain from giving the generous hand of genuine friend- ship, and a nation should always be prepared and disposed to battle in its defense; and to flinch from such a duty, it certainly forfeits the respect of the world. So long as the dominant spirit which controls any country is one of honor and chivalry, glory and patriotism, so long will that nation continue to achieve power and greatness. The true nobility of spirit taught by American mothers has made our coun- try the pride of the world. It was this spirit with which the ancestors of the people in this auditorium were imbued, and which caused them to strike for country and for home a century and a quarter ago. The necessity for patriotic teaching is, if possible, more important today than in the early history of our country. We are now a great world power and the destiny of the human race is in the future, to be largely guided by the influence exerted by the United States of America. This should be impressed upon the rising generation, and the memory of the flag of our country float- ing over the school house, and songs breathing patriotic de- votion within its walls, should be indelibly connected with the first impressions of the youth of our land. It is memor- ies like these that create and foster that spirit which has been and ever will be the pride, glory, strength and safety of this great republic.
It was that spirit, fresh and strong, that caused Illinois to enact a law that the national flag should float over every school house in the state, and it is the utter absence of this feeling today that has reduced China to its low standing among nations, notwithstanding the high culture which has existed in that country for very many centuries. The en- jovment of peace is, next to liberty, a blessed boon to hu manity, but the history of the world from its earliest period teaches that the only security for peace is to be always pre- pared for war. That nation whose people are ever ready to respond to a call to arms, with men and resources for any
11
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
emergency, is the one that shall most certainly be able to avoid the desolation and horrors of war.
It is largely for this reason that we encourage a martial spirit, the greatest, in fact the only barrier against aggres- sion. It matters how little or great its wealth, its excellence in literature and science and art-a nation unprepared and indisposed to battle in its defense does not have very much respect among the nations of the world. Assyria, Rome, Greece and Carthage, excelled in wealth, in science and in art, but when wealth engendered luxuries and high living -the martial spirit which made these nations great began to diminish and decay, until they finally descended from the highest to the lowest grades of nations.
My heart goes out to the Philippines. I wish they had better counsel at home and better advisers in America. My sympathy is with the American Boys in blue, rather than with those shooting them down. I am glad I belong to a party that has never had directly or indirectly any trouble with the army of the United States.
The American Soldier is the American school boy with a gun, and not half as dangerous as a Boy orator with an al ridged dictionary. God bless the American army wher- ever it is camped to-day.
Adjutant and Quartermaster's Report.
Adjutant Mckown read the following
PEORIA, ILLINOIS, AUG. 24, 1900.
Commander and Comrades .- Unusual interest has been manifested during the past year by members of our Association. This is probably due to the Kenesaw propo- sition introduced at our last reunion. I have received letters from many comrades in regard to it. Some say they left a portion of their blood there. Others say they left their chums and mess mates there. And all unite in declaring in favor of buying the sacred ground as an ever- lasting souvenir of that awful 27th of June, 1864. The first donation for this purpose I received was $10 from Lieut. Loveland, Co. F.
The proceedings of last reunion were printed and dis- tributed by mail as usual. I also sent badges to all who sent me their dues, and to those who paid 25c.
During the year Horatio Westcott of Co. D was dis- covered at Raritan, Henderson Co., Ill. He had been re-
-
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EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
1
ported as having died tn 1872. His father died about that time which probably accounts for the erroneous report. During all these years he had lived in this state, and yet had not heard of the regiment having a reunion. I sent him reports of our previous reunions, which pleased him so well he sent me $5 to apply on expenses. This was last November. Then this August, he sent six dollars more, one for dues, and five for Kenesaw. I consider this very good for a man that had been treated as a corps for twenty- eight years.
Our finances, too, are in better condition than usual. Last year we began our reunion with an empty treasury. This year we have a little capital as shown by the following
QUARTERMASTER'S REPORT.
During the reunion of 1899
Seventy-two members paid dues of $1 each .. $72.00
J. B. Ferguson, G. W. Snell, D. C. Keach and
J. Z. Slane paid $2 each. 8.00
Cash was received at the reunion from ab-
sentees E. W. Weidman $3, N. S. Haynes $1, and Mrs. S. B. Holler $1. 5.00
26 badges were sold for. 6.50
Since the reunion cash has been received as
follows:
Sept. 30, W. B. Holler 2.00
Oct. 27, Mrs. S. S. Patton 1.00
Nov. 9, Julius Bridegroom 1.00
" Horatio Westcott. 5.00
66 " H. G. Hogue. .25
Nov. 20, Robert Brown
1.00
Nov. 20, E. H. Kruger.
.25
Fov. 27, John Barbero
Feb. 13, 1900, J. T. Morris. .25
.25
Feb. 20, Lieu. H. W. Wilson
1.50
July 17, Allen J. Ticknor ..
1.00
July 19, Mrs. Jennie M. Brown 1.00
July 19, C. A. B. Fox. 1.00
July 21, Albert J. Ticknor 1.00
July 27, J. W. Smith, Co. K.
1.00
Aug. 19, Lieut. A. P. Loveland.
1.00
Aug. 10, A. T. Sanger.
1.00
Aug. 11, Capt. J. L. Burkhalter
1.00
Aug. 14, S. M. Canterbury
1.00
Aug. 14, C. C. Davis. 1.00
Aug. 14, J. M. Russell 1.00
Gc 973. IL51 1900 14th 2037
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EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Aug. 17, George Bolton. 1.00
Aug. 18, L. L. Lehman
1.00
Aug. 18, Wm. H. Blanchard 1.00
Aug. 20, R. G. Gallop ..
2.00
Aug. 20, Major O. Fountain 1.00
Aug. 20, Horatio Westcott. 1.00
Aug. 20, George Hall 2.00
Aug. 20, J. C. Ziler ... 2.00
Aug. 22, Mrs. S. B. Holler. 1.00
Aug. 22, Lieut. H. W. Wilson
1.00
Total receipts $128.00
Expenses:
Aug. 27, 1900, Y. M. C. A. Hall rent. $ 10.00
Nov. 3, Printing and binding reunion reports 33.00
Postage on same. 5.46
Programs for this reunion 1.50
Postage on same. 4.94
500 copies circular letter on
200 Badges. Kenasaw matter 1.50
20,00
Express charges on same. .75
Postage on badges sent by mail and on letters 1.35
Adjutant's salary 30.00
Total expenses $108.50
Balance in treasure. 19.50
Lieut. John McGinnis reported that the City Council of Peoria had appropriated one hundred and fifty dollars to assist the 86th regiment in paying its share of the cost of land bought on Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. Capt. Hall moved that Lieut. McGinnis be authorized to go and receive the donation on behalf of the regiment. Carried.
He soon returned and placed a check for one hundred and fifty dollars in the hands of the Quartermaster.
At this point the Kenesaw Park matter was liberally discussed, but as Adjutant L. J. Dawdy was not present ac- tion was postponed.
Comrade David Smith moved that a committee of one from each company be selected -each company selecting its own member-to nominate officers for the ensuing year.
Carried.
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EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
This committee reported the following nominees, who were duly and unanimously elected 1
Officers for the Ensuing Year.
Commander-S. W. Rilea, Chicago.
Vice Commander-J. L. Fahnestock, Peoria. Adjt. and Q. M .- C. W. Mckown, Gilson. Chaplain-A. W. Belcher, Bloomington. The selection of Orator was left for the Executive Com - mittee to appoint. Commander Rilea, subsequently, appointed the following
Executive Committee:
A. Capt. Joe Major.
C. Lieut. E. C. Silliman
B. Newton Ray.
D. Joseph Wrigley.
E. W. F. Speers F. C. W. Mckown.
G. Capt. S. L. Zinser. H. Capt. John H. Hall.
I. Lieut. J. L. Fahnestock.
K. Lieut. John McGinnis.
A number of letters from absent comrades were then read by the Adjutant. Many of them approved and re- joiced in the purchase of Kenesaw, and all expressed es- teem, good fellowship and best wishes for their old com- rades of the 86 regiment. Adjourned to 7:30.
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