USA > Indiana > Reunion of the 9th regiment Indiana vet. vol. infantry association, 1892-1904 > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
61
only a few days before her husband was slain in a like man- ner at San Mateo, is such an outburst of generous sisterly sympathy as to show its writer to be a lovable and loving woman, and the heart of the best people of this nation goes out in sympathy to Mrs. Lawton, as she, with her orphaned little flock, breasting the waves of the Pacific on an ocean steamer carries back to the land of his nativity the mortal remains of her loved and gallant husband.
Manley Lawton, the twelve-year-old son of the general, seems to have been cast in the heroic mold of his soldier father, for he has at numerous times accompanied his father in his expeditions against the insurgents, and in several of the hottest engagements has stood by the side of his father and faced death without sign of fear. Gen. Fred Grant, in recognition of the soldierly instincts and qualities of the boy, has bestowed upon him the honorary title of Captain Lawton and had given him a place on his staff.
President McKinley, the executive of this great nation, and the commander-in-chief of its army and navy, pays to the departed hero this generous and deserved tribute of his appreciation, in a cablegram to Gen. Otis, under date of Dec. 20, 1899:
"Executive Mansion, Dec. 20, 1899 .- Maj. Gen. Otis, Manila : I have learned with inexpressible sorrow of the death of Maj. Gen. Lawton, and ask to share with the off- cers and men of the Eighth Corps in their grief. One of the most gallant officers of the army has fallen. At the time the sad news came to us his nomination as brigadier general of the regular army was already made for transmission to the senate, but no rank can enhance his fame. He rose from the ranks of the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, filling every grade in the service to that of major general of volun- teers, and in three wars was conspicuous for bravery and devotion to duty. The country mourns for the death of this intrepid leader. Convey to Mrs. Lawton my heartfelt sym- pathy in her overshadowing atfiction.
"WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
Already suitable steps are being taken to appropriately consecrate the memory of the nation's brave defender and distinguished son of Indiana. It is hoped that the state may by legislative action honor Gen. Lawton by placing at state expense a statue of him in the rotunda of our national cap- ital as a companion to the statue of Indiana's grand old war governor, Oliver P. Morton.
Comrades, ere this lame tribute to the memory of he who
62
was once a comrade, touching elbows with some of you and with gallant comrades who have long since answered the final roll call in the ranks of our splendid old Ninth Regi- ment, a sorrowing nation will have assisted his loyal, loving wife to entomb her and the nation's dead hero and the mor- tal part of our gallant comrade will repose beneath sweetly fragrant flowers of peace in a land his valorous arm and brave heart helped to save. May we not, comrades, when the bugle has sounded the sweetly restful strains of Taps- "lights out"-reverently turn our dimming eyes toward Heaven and breathe in our hearts the prayer-" Brave heart, rest in peace."
NINTH INDIANA
VETERAN VOLUNTEER
Infantry Association
*
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Fourteenth Annual
Reunion
HELD AT
HOBART, IND., AUGUST 27th, 1900.
Also Report of Reunions of
HAZEN'S AND GROSE'S BRIGADES
Held during National Ennampment of G. A. R at Chicago, Ills.
001 519038
Officers of the Association
PRESIDENT
GEN. ISAAC C. B. SUMAN, Valparaiso, Ind
VICE PRESIDENTS, Band-JOHN LATHROPE.
A CAPT. J. M. WHARTON
B- JOHN VESPER
C-MAJ J. D. BRADEN
D-CHAS. L. ANDREWSP
E PA. R. CASTLE, P- LIEUT, ED. EPALIT
G -LIEUT, BEN R. FARIS
HI- JOSEPH W. ZRA
IT -WM. BONNEY
K TALPHEUS PORTE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
GEN. I. C. B. SUMAN
CAPT. D. B. MCCONNELL, W. H. RIFENBURG
CAPT, AMASA JOHNSON,
LIBOT. J. M, HELMICE,
Corresponding Secretary, ALEX, L. WHITEHALL, 827 West 61st St., Chicago, Ill
Recording Secretary, LIEUT. J. M. HELMICK,
Wheatfield, Ind.
Treasurer LIEUT. JOHN BANTASP Logansport Ind
PROCEEDINGS
OF
Fourteenth Annual Re-union
OF THE
Ninth Regiment Indiana Veteran Association Held August 27th, 1900, AT HOBART, INDIANA.
ursuant to arrangement the fourteenth re-union of the 9th Regiment Indiana Veteran Association, was held on Monday, Aug. 27th, 1900, at Hobart, Ind. Be- ing several weeks earlier than the usual time of holding the annual meeting of the association.
At the last meeting the Executive Committee were authorized to call the meeting prior to the National En- campment of the Grand Army of the Republic, if on inves- tigation the Committee should conclude it advisable to do so, accordingly the Committee on conferring with the local Committee at Hobart, in view of the cheap rates to the G. A. R. Encampment, enabling many comrades from a distance to get cheap rates to Chicago, distant 34 miles from Hobart, and thus attend also the Regimental reunion as well as the encampment, it was decided to hold a meet- ing for one day and evening on day preceeding the Grand Parade of the Grand Army, and thereupon notices were sent out to the comrades urging them to attend both the National Encampment and the Regimental Reunion.
1
Hobart is a pretty, thriving little city, and on the morning of the reunion was gaily decked with bunting and flags. The weather was quite warm the bright sunshine shimmering on the National Colors so liber- ally displayed on all sides. And as the Chicago train on
2
the Ft. Wayne R. R. with the Colonel and about 25 old veterans aboard swept up to the depot, an excellent mar- tial Band struck up the old familiar airs so dear to a soldiers' heart, and in a few moments Hon. W. H.Rifenburg and Squire Matthews had the comrades ranged in "two rows of fight" and with the inspiring music of the band and "Old Glory" proudly waving in the morning breeze the detachment marched to Grand Army Hall. In this manner delegations from other incoming trains were es- corted to the headquarters and the forenoon was happily spent in greeting old timers who usually attend the reu- nions and in getting acquainted with eight or ten old comrades who had not met their old companions in arms since they were mustered out of the service of their esteemed uncle Samuel in 1864 and 1865. Many pleasant and not a few sad incidents of the days that tried men's souls were recalled as the old vets in small groups gathered here and there in the Hall or lined up in the shade on the north side of the building.
The Hall, (the Odd Fellows and the Grand Army), which is quite well arranged and commodius, has a long banquet room running almost the entire
length of the building on the south side and the busy bust- ling women and girls of Hobart were fast preparing a feast of good things for the refreshment of the inner man. Promptly at noon about 80 men and women whom com- rade Rifenburg had detailed to eat at first table faced the appetizing viands and Quartermaster Kelly said grace and the visitors enjoved a royal feast. After having done full justice to the meal at least sixty good and true men of the old Ninth felt prepared to make an affidavit to the effect that they "don't grow better cooks anywhere than old Indiana produces."
AFTERNOON.
Dinner over, Gen. Suman called the meeting to order and said as most the business would have to be transacted by five o'clock in order to give the Ladies' time to serve
3
supper and all get ready for the Campfire, he would with- out formality set about the business of the meeting and that first on the program was an invocation by the Chap- lain and he would detail Quartermaster Kelley to perform that duty.
Comrade Kelley in a brief but fervent prayer thanked the All Father for blessed privileges that under the provi- dence of God this great nation enjoyed and asked a special favor of Divine help to the needy and maimed veterans who fought to maintain the integrity of this Republic and that God in his mercy would deal kindly and gently with the survivors of the ninth regiment and bring to them in his own time the joys of a home in heaven.
The President announced to them at the special request of the citizens of Hobart, many of whom were en- gaged in business and daily avocations wished to testify their love for the 9th Regiment by their presence at the Campfire and would esteem it a favor if the speech of wel- come and response could be deferred until the Campfire and be made a part of the evening's entertainment,
On motion the Association by unanimous vote de- ferred the address of welcome and response until the Campfire.
The President announced that the Call of the Roll of that part of the Regiment present and a brief response from each man was next in order, and he wanted no shirkers in the performance of this duty and he should expect every man when his name was called to rise in his place and answer Here! and if he did not feel prepared or able to say a few words he would be excused. By rising in this way you will give our entertainers an opportunity to see you and learn your name.
Capt. Amasa Johnson was detailed to call the Roll in the absence of Recording Sec'y, Lieut. Helmick, thus enabling the Corresponding Secretary an opportunity to keep a record of the Roll Call, and in due order the follow- ing were called upon:
4
Col. Suman said: Comrades, I am very glad to be with you once more and to see the faces of old comrades we have not met since the war closed. Soldiers of 61 to 65 have every reason to be proud that they wore the Army Blue and followed the Stars and Stripes in one of the bloodiest wars known to modern history. You boys had to fight men as brave as any troops that ever lined up in battle array and as a rule they ran towards you instead of from you. Our brave sons in the Spanish War and in the Phillipines too have to run the enemy down and chase the Ofher fellows out of their dens and hiding places in order to get a shot a them. You were not very often called on to do that for you found a set of men who had any quan- tity of fight in them and they faced you doggedly at every turn, and made "lovely fighting" for you along the line as little Phil. once said. They were our own brave broth- ers unfortunately at that time making a fight on a part of our own people, and we thank God it is not so now but the blue and the gray welded together are now the best and bravest soldiers in the world. Times and conditions have changed greatly since you were soldiers and men are not called on to undergo all the suffering and hardship that fell to your lot. The reason these good people of Hobart feel so kindly toward you old boys that tramped and fought from 61 to 65 is because they know you are the most loyal men on earth and that while you live you will be true to the country you helped to save.
J. W. Zea .- I will answer to my name but am no speech maker, I am thankful that my health is good and that I am with you.
John Ritz .- Here, and I am glad to and I will just say amen.
A. S. McCormick .- I think I never feel quite so gcod anywhere else as I do at a reunion of the old Ninth. The serious illness of my good wife kept me at home last year. I served my time in rebel prison and know something of what my comrades suffered from 61 to 65 and while I of course admire our soldiers now who behaved so splendidly in Cuba and the Phillipines, still they are having it com- paratively easy to what we did. Our boys are standing np for Old Glory, my boy was in the army, and Whitehall's boy is in the navy, and the sons of other old comrades went to the front or tried to when volunteers were called for.
-
5
Jesse Leggett, answered only to his name.
Capt. Thomas Madden, responding to his name said: I have reached the time of life when many incidents of our campaigns have passed from recollection. I remember most of us carried pretty good appetites around with us in those 4 years of marching and fighting and I am convinced from actual odservation that I was not the only man who done his whole duty towards the excellent dinner the ladies gave us an hour ago and the incidents of war may wander from memory fields but the recollections of that spread will not get away, I don't think. After all the chick- en they made away with I don't wonder so many of my old comrades feel like crowing. : I am always happy to greet my old comrades in reunion and am pleased to note that our reunions are the best I have ever witnessed, un- less possibly the reunions of Gen. Harrison's 70th Regi- ment at Indianapolis.
Byron A. Dunn .- Comrades, I had a speech all fixed up in my mind to compliment these good women who have worked so hard to make this occasion a pleasant memory to us but Capt. Madden stole my thunder. There is no use talking the Capt. still clings to the idea that the offii- cers must have the best of everything and I suppose that is why he wants all the good looking women and girls to wait on him at the table.
Sam1. I. Swinney .-- I am glad you all got here and did not have to ride on box cars as you did in Dixie when you were younger and somewhat handsomer. Uncle Sam "totes his soldiers" in Palace sleeping cars now, and while I don't think anything is too good for an American Soldier, I am sorry it wasn't the fashion to ride in Palace coaches when you and I wore Uncle Sam's blue. These Reuni- ons and the great G. A. R. encampments are object les- sons of patriotism to the younger generation and I am proud of my country to know that our people are chock full of patriotism,
Zeph Walker .- Comrades, I will simply answer, Here.
George Van Auken was next called upon and at first refused to say anything, but Sec'y Whitehall who be- longed to the same company said, stand up George so they can see who you are, and how big you are, (the comrade is an unusually large man). The comrade has a grievance agaidst Capt. Madden and unfortunately rose and made a
6
personal attack which was much regretted as Van Auken was a good soldier, but on this occasion allowed his tem- per to get the better of him.
This unexpected assault in a fraternal conference was resented and action taken later.
Samuel J. Morris of Hutchinson, Kans., was next called and said in part: Comrades, it would take a long time for me to tell what I have passed through since I was "shot out at Stone River." I thought I could still serve my country by riding, and later I re-enlisted in the 12th Ind. Cavalry. Some time after the war I started for Ore- gon but stopped in Kansas and have been making my home in the southern part of that state ever since. I have many times planned to meet my old comrades in one of these reunions but never until this year have I been able to meet you. It seemed my last opportunity and I came and am very glad I am here, and as I mingle with you and call up the faces and forms of old comrades that are dead or absent my emotions overcome me and I feel too full for utterance and you will excuse me, I want to take you all by the hand before we part.
J. P. Baldwin .- I have attended most of our reunions my health has been so poor I could not always of late years be with you, but am glad to see you once inore.
A. E. Salisbury .- I am no speaker but am exceeding- ly glad to be present and see so many of my old comrades.
Lt. Sam, Dustan said :-- Comrades, I am no speaker, I love to see you and shake hands with you and have been pleased to know we can get together once a year and recall old times. Comrade Van Auken has made trouble here by his harsh talk, it was the wrong place for him to bring his troubles, if he feels he has a greivance this is not the time and place to bring it. I wish you all well,
Win. Speese .- Comrades, I willanswer, Here, and you must excuse me, I am no speaker.
H. O. Kremer .- Comrades, I am glad to be here and regret that I have not been able to attend all our reunions it is a pleasure I assureyou to meet with you, whenever it is possible. I realize the truth of what has been said about soldiering now and what it was when you and I were soldiers and yet am always willing to do justice to any de- fender of our country and our flag.
7
Melville J. Mosher. -- Comrades, this is the first oppor- tunity I have had to attend one of our reunions and I am very glad to be here at this time and have already met many old friends and hope to meet more before I return to my home in Minnesota. I shall long remember this pleas- ant reunion.
W. R. Harris, responded, Here.
A. G. Manning. - I am no speaker but am glad to see you all and glad that I came to Hobart.
H. L. Shupert failed to respond.
W. F. Avery .- Comrades, I have had a very pleasaut time and am pleased with our reception and I hope you will hold a reunion at Mishawaka, where our people can show you they remember the Ninth.
F. M. Dunbar .- I can only say, I am glad to meet you all and in the future I hope to be able to meet you oftener.
Wm. Bonney answered Here.
Geo. P. Bellows .- I can't make a speech but am pleased to see my old comrades again.
Charles Ketcham .- Like the rest of the comrades, I must say, I am no speaker but always try to attend the reunions and am always glad I came.
Ezra Furguson failed to respond.
Charles L. Andrews,-Comrades, I will only say I am always very glad to meet you.
Jones Grant. - Comrades, 39 years ago I enlisted under Capt. Johnson, and I think in all my service was only sick enough to take medicine once and the rest I put in the stove, and I think that which I put in the stove did me the most good. I was wounded pretty badly three times and I tried to do my duty like the rest of you, and I hope I have the good will of every officer and man in the old 9th Indiana.
Lt. Washington Kelley .- Comrades, I assure you it is exceedingly pleasant for me to meet you. It seems as if the spirit of fraternity grows stronger with me as age creeps upon me and I feel impelled to seize every one of these opportunities to greet you once more. I am glad to see so many of you looking so well and was pleased to see you do ample justice to the good dinner the ladies served you,
8
it was way ahead of the meals I used to hand out to you as Uncle Sam's servant.
Capt. George R. Marshall failed to respond.
Sergt. Joseph W. Field .- Comrades, this is first time I have met you since the war. I have been in the West and am glad I was able to reach this reunion. I have no ill feeling toward any officer or man of the old 9th, and only the feeling that we should have is that we ought to be as brothers and before I leave this place I want to take each man by the hand and renew old acquaintance.
Alpheus Porter .- I too am one of the fellows that never learned to make a speech but I am glad I am here.
Lorenzo Dow .- Comrades, this is my first opportunity of meeting you and I am very glad to be with you.
Lieut. John Banta .- Comrades, I am happy indeed to meet so many of you again. I enjoy these reunious and have I believe attended every meeting of the associa- tion but one, I am proud to have been a member of the old 9th Indiana.
John H. Nafus, of Erie, Kans., was with his old com- rades for the first time and pleased to find so many still living.
Quite a large number of both officers and men "made a break" for some shady spot about the time Capt. Johnson began calling the Roll, alleging it was getting "to hot" in the hall for them, they must get out where they could strike a "breeze".
Capt. Johnson assured the audience that nearly every one of the boys "who took to the woods" at first indication of roll call, could if they would only stand up before an audience, tell many interesting incidents of their ser- vice. Capt. J. said he was pleased so many of the com- rades had brought their wives with them, he regretted so many of our best fighters seemed to have a horror of speech making and yet to a group of old comrades, they could tell a story that would be enjoyed splendidly by an audience. I recall several men in my own Company that I personally know had many thrilling experiences and it is out of the question of my ever being able to publicly narrate but a small part of their experiences while serving in the 9th. That white haired man you saw sitting against the wall at the east end of this Hall was sergeant George Curtis of my Company. He was a model soldier in every respect
9
and chock full of grit and daring and yet you couldn't get him up to talk to a crowd like this, he had rather take his chances on the skirmish line ten to one. Curtis always kept his gun and accoutrements in the finest order and I recall the time when Curtis had the stock of his gun shat- tered by a bullet from the enemy and his head badly wound- ed and as he passed back to have his wounded head cared for Gen. Grose said to him: Sergeant, are you badly wound- ed, and George said: Oh, not very much hurt, general, but just see how they ruined my gun." As our lives are length- ening with the fast flitting years, we shall see our com- rades fall out of the ranks and join the great majority, and I feel we ought to make the most of these reunions while our life and strength holds.
I am pleased with our good showing of the regiment and more than pleased at the very hospitable manner in which we have been so far entertained, by the people of Hobart.
On motion reading of the minutes of last meeting was dispensed with and the officers respectively made report as follows:
REPORT OF CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 1900.
Officers and members of the Ninth Regiment Ind. Vet. Vol. Infy. Association:
I have the honor to report that I compiled, had pub- lished and mailed to members in good standing our Annual Reunion Report for 1899, during January last. My work was considerably delayed, principally because of the dilatori- ness of the printer and binder. Several days delay in the preparation of the Annual was occasioned in order that a memoir to Maj. Gen. Henry W. Lawton, a gallant com- rade of Company E of our regiment in the three months' service might be made a part of our report.
I beg to submit the following statement of receipts and disbursements towit:
RECEIPTS.
Dues since last meeting as follows:
H. D. Nichols, .50, Lt. S. Dustan $1, E. Werts 50. 2.00 Lt. Alf. Allen $1, A. G. Dilley .50, C. W. Munson $1 2.50 M. J. Day. 5.00 For Reports sold Capt. D. B. McConnell, for members
monument commission etc .. 2.00
(Banta pd. $1.70 at P. for telegram, 41 O. V. I .. )
1
IO
Dec. 12,; '99-Rec'd draft from J. Banta, Treasurer .25.00 Jan. 22, '00-Rec'd draft from J. Banta, Treas ...... 39.00 July 5, '00-Rec'd draft from J. Banta, Treas. . . . . . 10.00 Oct. 13, '99-Rec'd from Kelley surplus reunion fund donated to 9th Indiana .10.44
$95.94
CONTRA.
By balance due Whitehall per last report .. ..... $4.25
By amount paid R. F. Brink, printing and binding 350
Reunion Reports ('99), see voucher 64.00
By amount for large envelopes. .80
By amount for large envelopes 1.00
By writing tablets, paper pencils, etc. .70
By Telescope Valise to hold papers etc. . 45
By amount for printing Reunion Invitations and cir- cular letter, see voucher. 5.00
By amount paid for stamps, mailing
Invitations
1900, Reunion and correspondence 9.00
$91.20
Balance in Whitehall's. hands, $4:24.
Respectfully submitted, ALEX. L. WHITEHALL, Corresponding Secretary.
REPORT OF RECORDING SECRETARY.
I respectfully report that I kept a minute of the proceed- ings of our last reunion and turned over the said minutes to the corresponding secretary to aid him in the prepara- tion of our Printed Report of Proceedings and transacted such business as devolved upon me as your recording secre- tary.
J. M. HELMICK, Recording secretary. Logansport, Aug. 27, 1900.
TREASURERS' REPORT.
Comrades of the 9th:
Your treasurer submits the following report of receipts and disbursements for the year ending Aug. 27, 1900:
II
To balance on hand last report $29.80
Received at Plymouth .63.50
Dec. 27, Received of A. McCormick .50
Total receipts $93.80
DISBURSEMENTS.
Oct. 5, '99-Telegram to 41st Ohio $1.70
Dec. 14, '99-Draft and expense to Whitehall. 25.10
Jan. 23, 1900-Draft and expense to Whitehall .39.15
July 6, 1900-Draft and expense to Whitehall. 10.10
Total disbursements $76.05
Balance in treasury $17.75
Respectfully submitted, JOHN BANTA, Treasurer.
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The question of the erection of a statue to Gen. Wmn. B. Hazen, having been referred to the executive committee for a report at this meeting the committee submit the follow- ing report.
We, the undersigned, your committee appointed to re- port on the advisability of our Regiment uniting with the survivors of the 19th Brigade in erecting a monument to General Hazen at Stone River Battle Field, after carefully considering the matter, taking in consideration the cost of the monument, the age and present financial circumstan- ces of our comrades, we report unanimously against the un- dertaking.
I. C. B. SUMAN, W. H. RIFENBURG, AMASA JOHNSON, Executive Committee.
On motion after considerable discussion a committee con- sisting of Wm. HI. Rifenburg, Jones Grant and Chas. Ketch- am, was appointed to investigate the matter of breach of courtesy, by Gen. Van Auken for making a personal attack upon Capt. Madden for an act done by him, in line of duty and report their recommendations to this meeting.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.