USA > Indiana > Annual reunion of the 36th Indiana volunteers: 4th-5th, 1887-1888, 7th-14th, 1890-1897 > Part 11
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Capt. W. D. Wiles, Co. A, Jan. 26, 1895; W. K. Thomas, Co. B, Jan. 31, 1895 ; L. D. Shepherd, Co. C, Aug. 22nd, 1895; Samuel Barnard, Co. C, Sep. 5, 1895; Aaron Hughes, Jan. 27, 1895; Daniel Mackinson, Co. F, May, 1895; John Walterson, Co. I, 1895.
Albert Saint Jos. S. Smith and Robert Gordon were appointed Mortuary Committee.
Milt M. Peden, J. H. McClung and Isaac Davis were appoint- ed committee on finance.
Treasurer Gordon made his annual report, which was accepted, as follows :
Balance on hand.
$ 39
Amount Received at Liberty 39 00
Total.
$39 39 ,
Paid at Indianapolis in 1893. $12 00
Paid for Invitations at Liberty 6 00
Paid for Stenographer 5 00
Paid for P. O. Order 10
Paid for Postage, Livezey
3 50
Paid for 25 Cards 1 00
Paid for Invitations.
10 00 37 60
Balance on hand $1 79
The nominations for Vice President were, Jos. L. Smith, J. H. McClung, H. S. Mullen and Milton Peden.
First Vote-Peden 9, McClung 36, Smith 22 and Mullen 11.
On motion of Capt. Chambers, the person receiving the highest number of votes on next ballot shall be declared Vice President of this association.
Second Vote-McClung 57, Mullen 32, Peden 12 and Smith 3.
On motion of Capt. Mullen the election of McClung was made unanimous.
On motion Gen. Grose was elected President by acclamation.
On motion Capt. Livezey was elected Secretary by acclamation.
On motion Jos. L. Smith was elected Corresponding Secretary by acclamation.
On motion W. L. Gibbs was elected Chaplain by acclamation. Mortuary Commmittee made report as follows : .
Resolved, That in the death of these comrades, the organization of survivors of the 36th Indiana has lost some of its bravest and best men, and the country trueand loyal citizens .*
Resolved, That the large death roll in the past year is a reminder that we are rapidly being mustered out and should be a warning to us who are still in line to "Be ye also ready."
Resolved, That in the death of Capt. Wiles, this organization has lost its very efficient Vice President, his family a kind husband and father, and the country a faithful defender.
Resolved, That we cherish the memory of these comrades and tender to their bereaved families our sincere sympathy and condolence.
A. W. SAINT, / Com.
J. L. Smith,
R. J. GORDON. .
On motion of Col. Peden the report was adopted.
R. Gordon presented the gift of Mrs. W. D. Wiles and moved that a committee of three be appointed to extend the thanks of this association to Mrs. Wiles. President appointed Robert Gordon, A. Saint and J. L. Smith.
On motion the association proceeded to select next place for . . reunion.
Gen. Grose nominated New Castle and Capt. McClung second- ed. Jonn Park placed Summitville and Albert Fritz said Hagers- town would meet us gladly. Capt. McClung stated that Conners- ville steps aside for New Castle this time. New Castle was chosen on Chambers' motion.
Capt. Jos. Smith presented a floral emblem from Mrs. Frank Elder as a token of love of a daughter of Capt. W. D. Wiles. On motion the emblem was presented to the W. R. C. of Cambridge City.
On call, W. L. Gibbs, Capt. McClung, Gen. Grose, Morgan James, A. W. Saint and Capt. D. W. Chambers, addressed the assembly.
H. S. Powell sang Marching Through Georgia.
Adjourned to supper.
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CAMP-FIRE.
Prayer, Chap. W. L. Gibbs.
. Welcome Address, H. U. Johnson.
Song, Red, White and Blue, Mrs. Leroy. Recalled, she recited Bay Billy.
Response to Welcome by Wm. Grose.
Sheridan's Ride, Dr. Wright.
Poem, Benj. S. Parker.
Remarks by W. L. Gibbs and Capt. J. H. McClung.
Recitation by Miss Veach.
Remarks by Lieut. Saint.
Clark Gordon recited the Army Mule and related his army ex- perience.
Witty remarks by Agrippa Scott, which brought down the house.
Robert Gordon made a happy talk.
Hugh Mullen make some remarks as to his army experience.
Adjourned until 8 a. m.
RESOLUTIONS.
September 25, 8 o'clock a. m.
The 36th Indiana in annual reunion assembled in Cambridge City, Septem- ber 25th, 1895.
Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered to Mrs. W. D. Wiles for her kind remembrance in presenting to this association by the hands of comrade Robert Gordon, the flag and other decorations, the property of our late comrade W. D. Wiles.
A. W. SAINT, J. L. SMITH, ROBERT GORDON.
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CAMBRIDGE CITY, IND , September 26, 1895.
The 36th Indiana Regimental Association in annual reunion assembled. ap- preciating the reception given and the hospitable entertainment we have re- ceived from the patriotic citizens of Cambridge City, are moved to express our heartfelt thanks to each and every one who has helped to make our sojourn in this pleasant little city so enjoyable; especially do we feel grateful to our com- rades of Co. I, upon whose invitation we are here assembled, and to the ladies of the W. R. C. for their labors in our behalf and to the Post to which they are aux- iliary. We are not surprised. We always know what to expect from this noble band. The Cambridge City Relief Corps has kept the record high.
For the excellent feast of song, recitations and patriotic addresses at our Campfire, by ladies and gentlemen representing the brightest talent of our State in music and literature, we are also grateful. .
We are pleased to recognize the grand display of the Stars and Stripes in the hands of 500 school children, affording a high example of patriotism to cit- izen and veteran alike.
Also the generous display of "Old Glory" and bunting along the thoroughfares and adorning the homes of this patriotic community. We are thus reminded that your Country and its defenders have a warm place in your affections.
We heartily thank you.
J. H. MOCLUNG, ROBERT GORDON, W. L. GIBBS.
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LETTERS.
COKATO, MINN , SEP. 10th, 1895.
Major General William Grose, New Castle, Ind.
Dear Friend and Comrade:
I am in receipt of an invitation to the 12th Annual Reunion of the 36th Ind. Vol. Inft. which I would gladly go to if circumstances would permit, though there is nothing to prevent except finance. It is very hard for me to get enough to live on, leave alone going away to another State, but take my word for it dear comrade, my heart is with you if I can't be with you in person; still, if there could be such a thing that the boys could chip in together and get me the transportation, it would not cost very much for each one, and send it in time I will come; other- wise I will have to stay home. Nevertheless, I will be with you in heart and well wishes. I have a pension of $8 per month which is about all I have to live on, and we just about keep our heads out of water, so if you will accept my love and well wishes as a comrade and friend, and extend my good wishes to the rest of the boys, I will close by hoping to hear from you after the reunion. Will sign myself your comrade in F. A. & L.
Co. E., 36th Ind. Vol. Inft.
EDWARD TAYLOR, Cokato, Wright Co., Minn.
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CENTERVILLE, IND., September 25, 1895.
Mr. Secretary and Comrades:
I regret that I cannot meet with you on this occasion. My excuse is busi- ness that cannot be neglected.
Fraternally.
S. H. KERSEY.
LEBANON, IND., Sept. 24th, 1895.
Comrade John C. Livezey, New Castle, Ind. Dear Sir:
This will inform you that I will not be able to be with you at the 12th re- union of Regiment, and am very sorry. I have been down with paralysis for ten months. Give my regards to the boys. I am writing by proxy.
Yours Truly, C. COPELAND.
SHELBYVILLE, IND., September 25, 1895.
Mr. J. C. Livezey and Comrades:
My disappointment is very great at not being able to be with you, I had looked forward to this reunion with great pleasure, (it is one of the greatest pleasures of my life to meet with you) but just at the last day almost, I find myself physically unable to be with you. Hoping that you may have a grand old time and that I may be permitted to meet with you next year, I am
Your Comrade, JOHN SANDERS.
TERRE HAUTE, IND., Sept. 4, 1895.
Mr. Thaddeus Gordon, New Castle, Ind.
Dear Sir:
Your invitation in hand and in reply I want to know if I can get reduced rates to our reunion. If so, let me know. If I can get off I will attend, but I will not promise sure. There is one man here who belongs to the 36th, and that is Francis D. Crews, who is in the real estate business and the practice of law, you can send him an invitation to the general delivery and he will get it. Give all the comrades my best wishes, and tell them where I am. I got a letter from Frank Threewits, his address is Lucerne, Ind. I am yours truly,
No. 913 Main Street.
PETER STAFF.
Comrades:
ST. PAUL, MINN., Sept. 22nd, 1895.
Circumstances are such that I cannot be with you in person to-day, but I wish to assure you that my thoughts and kindred spirits are among you. Look- ng back to 1861 I see young boys and older men coming from all vocations of ife, keeping step with the martial music. Strangers then, but oh! how soon a band of brothers, whose ties were welded together through the fiery ordeal of battle. I could recall many of the hardships of our campaign life through which ve passed during our enlistment but that is needless. as they are as fresh in your ninds as in mine. Comrades, have you thought of how few of that little band emain and of how much closer the kindred ties are as time rolls swiftly by? One by one we disappear until the roll is exhausted. I never meet a soldier. no matter what state he served, but that there is a warm, cordial greeting. Next ear the National G. A. R. Encampment is to be held at St. Paul and prepara
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tions have already begun with a view of excelling if possible any previous en- campment in the way of hospitality and general good time. Railroad rates will be one cent per mile, and I can assure you comrades of a generous welcome and trust you will all arrange to visit St. Paul at that time, and right here let me as- sure you that the latch string hangs ont at 649 Dayton avenue where any 36th Indiana man will be thrice welcome. Again expressing my regrets at not being with you, and wishing you a glorious reunion, I am with you at a distance.
ZENE C. BOHRER, Capt. Co. E.
ELWOOD IND., September 23, 1895.
J. A. Harrell, Cambridge City, Ind.
Dear Comrade:
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I had expected until noon to-day, that I would be with you in reunion but find it impossible. We have just got our goods in the house and are trying to get ready to live, and the mills which have been shut down for a few days, start tomorrow or the next day, at farthest, and I must be on hand to take up my work.
Now, as you know I have an application on file with the Board of Trustees of the Soldier's home, for appointment as adjutant of that institution, and if no other member of the Regiment is an applicant I should like very much to have a recommendation from the association if Gen. Grose thinks it would be proper for that body to take such action. If in his opinion it would be improper, say no more about the matter.I write you, as I feel sure from what some comrade told me recently, you will be on hand. I have a first class letter on file from Capt. Limpus. I have been notified to appear before the Board at Lafayette, on Oct. 3rd, and expect to go. Hoping you will have a pleasant time, and with a sincere wish that I could be with you, I remain Yours in F. C. and L.
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R. E. BEST.
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Address of Henry U. Johnson at the 12th Annual Reunion of the 36th Indiana Volunteers.
Soldiers of the 36th, I salute you, "All Hail to you, and God bless you."
I have been selected by the good people of Cambridge City to greet you and to voice to you on this the occasion of your Annual Reunion, their warm and hearty welcome. In their name and in their behalf therefore, I throw wide the gates to you to-night and invite you to enter them and enjoy their freedom to the utmost ex- tent. You will not find here a single enemy, each and every one is your faithful friend. We hail your coming with pleasure and de- light. We are glad that you have selected this place for your an- nual reunion and we feel that we are greatly honored by your pres- ence. While you remain with us we will endeavor to make you happy ; when the time comes for you to depart we will have only . regrets at your going, and pleasant memories of your stay when you are gone. I beg of you therefore, to make yourselves entirely at home, and I want you to feel that you are at home and in this way you can bring to us the pleasure of feeling that our hospitality is accepted and enjoyed by you. I hope that you will not think you are entirely unknown to us either in your personnel or in your history. How could you be when your regiment was re- cruited wholly within the confinee of our grand Congressional District ; and its muster rolls bear the names of so many of our fathers, our brothers, our husbands and our sons : when we followed you with anxious hearts and pride in those days while you were making history on so many fields of blood and glory? How could we be ignorant of all this-how would it be possible that we could be ignorant of your history-when the fame of your achievements is as broad as the continent, when it is written at Shiloh, at Stone River, at Chickamauga, at Mission Ridge, at Lookout Mountain and from Tunnel Hill to the Gate City of the South. And we are not ignorant either as concerns the gallant man who led you in the great conflict, and to deserved victory.
We know your honored leader, Colonel Grose, who sits before you to-night, gray and grizzled, whom you followed with loyalty in the thickest of the fight, sure that where he led was the way of glory. And we know something of that other Colonel, who is not here to-night. We know something of your first Major with his curly locks who is not here, for his restless soul has been wafted over the river to the mysteries of the great beyond. And we are not unmindful of your comrades whose lips are scaled in death, whose kindly faces have vanished from you; who come not forth to-night. "What shall we say of them. Wherever they are sleep-
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ing to-night-dead on the battle field, or dead at home-they are not simply your dead, they are our dead, they are the dead of the Nation. They fought as you fought to maintain a free govern- ment and preserve and perpetuate our Federal Union. They fought as you fought to transmit to posterity the forms of free government, and for this they sacrificed their lives. As they fell others stood ready to take their places, and are since dead in their northern homes. Soldiers of the 36th, what more can men do, they died for us, and to them and the principles for which they fought, we build to-night in heart and memory with. tender and sad hands a monument more enduring than brass, more imperishable than marble. And to these principles we consecrate ourselves anew.
Soldiers of the 36th, thirty long years have gone by since we served in that struggle. The war clouds have long since vanished from our skies, the flash of their lightning has died away. The men who fought each other in that conflict have engaged in peace- ful pursuits, they have literally beaten their swords into plow shares. The sunshine of peace and prosperity has made radiant every nook and corner of this land. The passions engendered by the strife are rapidly, thank God, dying out. The two sections which were then arrayed against each other are now happily united and marching together to that grand destiny made possible by the boys in blue.
Fellow citizens, let us remember the sacrifices that were made in order that we might have this feeling of friendship. When the other day, the Grand Army of the Republic, making its encamp- 'ment in a southern state, with its fallen comrades asleep on either hand, into the arms of the boys in gray fell a willing captive. And at Chickamagua, you and they all together, in fraternity and kindness, joined in dedicating that historic field.
Soldiers of the 36th, as you contemplate in this picture of a united and happy Union the culmination of all you fought to achieve, I ask you to bear in mind that your grateful country- men have registered a vow that no orphan child or helpless widow of a loyal soldier shall ever come to want, and that any policy that would deprive them of their due by laws enacted or laws omitted, by laws repealed or laws technically construed, will sooner or later meet with that swift disclaimer a loyal and grateful nation will inevitably inflict.
Soldiers of the 36th, again "All hail" and welcome on this glad occasion.
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Address of General Grose.
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen :
I am not here well prepared to talk as I have done in days gone by, and a severe wound with which I have been suffering ' and the rheumatism which affects me make me feel more like being nursed than addressing any one, but when I got the request that I should come and respond to the address of welcome, I could not refuse, for when my boys make the request, while I have power to stand I will respond.
I feel proud of the members of the 36th, and every time I meet the remainder of the 1147 I feel more proud. When I came here this morning expecting to meet at least a hundred of you, I found a hundred and twenty-five present. I did not know of any thing that would do me more good than to see your faces again. When I greet you and you greet me in response, I think also of those of our members who went out with us but are not here to- night; they were brave, loyal fellows and their work is done and well done. But you are here, and I can greet you and look into your kindly faces, and talk with you, and it elevates me to be here. I don't want to say that the 36th Indiana men are better than any other men in the world, but I do say that no better men can be found than come here to-night.
We have have had the address in behalf of the citizens of Wayne County and Cambridge City bidding us welcome here. Wayne County has had a great deal to do with Cambridge City . and Cambridge City much to do with Wayne County. When I look back and see what we have done and what Cambridge and Wayne County have done I feel in the midst of a people of which we should not be ashamed. I think of the days gone by and of such men as James Rariden who lived and died among you. He was one of nature's Noblemen, a better man never walked in Wayne County. There was John S. Newman, a grand good leader of men. Then I think of John H. Test, and of that old comrade and hon- ored citizen who lies at rest in sight of where I stand, General Meredith (applause.) When I think of these I am sure that you sprung up from good men.
I recall when I first passed along through here. Cambridge City was not here, Vandalia was close by. There was, I remember, a Newby here at that time and an Oliver Smith and a Caleb Smith who was one of the world's greatest orators. When I think of this town, its history and the railroad advantages it enjoys, I think we might have made it a better town, but we have made it a good one.
Then again I have another one I want to call your attention to in Wayne County. He has never had a superior in the state; you may think this strong, but I have said it before and am not ashamed to say it again. I refer to the War Governor of Indiana, Oliver Perry Morton (applause.) He sprang up in the County of Wayne, and it was from here he was called to the couneils of the
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nation where he gave valuable assistance in the perilous time of war, making possible the freedom we enjoy and our grand United Country what it is.
I recall some of his actions. When we were advancing into Corinth, I looked around and here was my governor, there in the face of the heavy artillery fire he walked towards me, I said, "Governor, this is no place for you." He answered "What are you going to do?" I replied, "It is my duty to be here; it is not yours, you must go back to a safe place." He went back reluctantly, but stayed near until the fight was over. When we came back to Louisville he was there to meet and welcome us. Whenever a soldier was found there was something that Morton had done to help. If it had not been for such men we would never have gotten along. at all. It required these sympathies and substantial helps to carry forward the war, and give it strength and power. In this Wayne County was excelled by none.
I recall when I went to organize the 36th, our friends came, Friend Quakers, I mean they came to see what we were doing, and when we were drilled they came and looked around, and did not say much, they had a habit of saying little, but we knew that their sympathies were with us, and when we went away we had more spectators than we had men with us, and among them all were none more appreciated than our people known as the Friend Quakers. There was some with us of that belief; there was Cap- tain Wiles who started with us, went as far as he could till he was worn out, and is now dead and gone. It was such men as I refer to and their co-operation that made possible our success.
I have said more than I intended to, some of my friends will tell me, more than I ought to have said, but I speak to you, my 36th Indiana boys. While we thank Cambridge for this reception and Wayne County for standing by us in the struggle to save the Union, let us not relax our efforts for good government.
I thank you for your kind welcome and bid all good-night.
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Address of Colonel Peden,
I used to know a good old Methodist brother who generally ed in prayer meeting and always began his prayer "O Lord, we hank thee that it is as well with us as it is." So I feel like thanking Him that it is as well with us as it is to-night.
We have been royally received, at least I was; we have feasted vell. Our chicken was better cooked than it used to be in days gone by, and we got it with less risk too, and I did not have to tie ou up by the thumbs for bringing it to me as I used to have to do n the meanest position of the Army. I guess they appointed me or that position because they thought I was the right man to fill t. I want to say to you right now that if you ever get into the rmy, whatever else you do don't let any one appoint you Provost Marshal. When I assumed my duties as Provost Marshal I intended o perform them, and I know some of you thought hard of me, but oys when it came to punishing any of you I shirked as much as possible, and I am as glad to meet you to-night as if you had never tolen any chickens for me to eat. And I want to say again that I m glad to meet you, for meeting you has carried me back to the lays of other years, and has brought up old memories and with hem many things pleasant and interesting to talk about. But till it has brought up some sad memories. Out of 1140 there are nly 125 that meet to-night to engage in this re-union, to greet ach other, to talk to each other about the past and their present hopes and fears. The mortuary list which was read to-day shows hat seven of our members have passed beyond the dark river since ur last meeting. Year by year our numbers are growing smaller ; ne by one the boys are falling to enrich their mother earth. As ach falls out of the ranks those remaining get closer together. While I am glad to meet you I also think of the absent ; where are hey? In memory I go back to Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chick- mauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Pine Bluff, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro. These account for the missing. This side of Nashville many fell; the 36th was there. Go over to Murfreesboro to the celebrated cedar woods with its cres of dead-some of you know something about it for the 36th was there. Go down to Chickamauge where 13,000 sleep; the 36th s well represented there. So I might go on and name several nore, but I will only mention one besides these, Andersoville where ome of the 36th, some of our men went down and never came back. n that prison hell of the south and in all those cities of the dead he 36th is well represented. We go back in memory to those days when our comrades fell around us, but we must not think too much of those things nor that our pleasures are over because we are older
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than we used to be. We were blessed with better constitutions than some other men had, so let us rejoice and be glad and evidence to the world that the boys of the 36th have nothing of which they should be ashamed. We had to have some amusement in those times even if it was tying some one up by the thumbs. I hope you have no hard feelings toward me now, although I know you did then. I remember one instance which occurred while Buell and Bragg were running their 300 mile foot race across Kentucky and Tennessee. We were marching in the night and it was very warm and dusty, and while we were resting some of the boys got to talk- ing and one of them said, "The next time we get into battle I am going to shoot that d- Provost Marshal." A short time ago while making a trip to Illinois, just as the train was coming into Quincy, a man came down the aisle and extending his hand said, "How-do-you-do, you d- cuss; I was going to shoot you once but I am glad to see you now ; give me your hand." We then had a good time together.
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