USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 12
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Corporal Frank W. Mackie died of diphtheria Septem ber 8, 1883. He had not long before been promoted to the responsible position of teller of the National Bank of Troy, and was an active member of the Arba Read fire company, and of the Citizens Corps. During his first term of enlistment of five years in the Corps, he had never missed a drill or parade. The account of his funeral is from the Troy Times of September, 11, 1883 :
" The funeral of Corporal Frank W. Mackie of the Citizens Corps took place this afternoon, and was attended by a large number of the friends of the deceased. A detail of twelve men of the Read steamer company, under command of Captain William J. Macdonald, a firing
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party of twelve men in charge of Corporal William B. Madden, of the Citizens Corps, and the bearers, corporal Herbert M. Caswell, privates Charles Farnham, Charles E. Knickerbocker, James H. Lloyd, Percy B. McCoy and Robert Squires, proceeded at half-past one to the late residence of the deceased, where, after brief services, the remains were placed in a hearse and escorted to the Third street Bap- tist church. At the church the body was received by the Citizens Corps and the Read Steamer Company, the former under command of Cap- tain James W. Cusack and the latter in charge of Captain Macdonald. The remains were removed from the hearse and taken into church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. J. N. Lewis, and an opportunity was then afforded the friends of the deceased to take a last look at his face. A special choir, under direction of Prof. J. N. Engels. rendered the music. Among the floral decorations were a large Citizens Corps badge in natural flowers from the Company, and a fireman's hat from the Read Steamer Company. The coffin was taken from the church and placed upon a caisson in charge of Ser- geant Sexton of the Fourth Battery. Doring's band headed the pro- cession, which proceeded to Oakwood Cemetery. The coffin was lowered into the grave with the customary military honors, and the firing party fired three volleys. The flags of the different steamer houses and of the Trojan Hooks were at half mast during the day. Appropriate resolutions were adopted by the Citizens Corps and the Read Steamer Company."
The one hundredth anniversary of the evacuation of New York by the British was celebrated in that city on the 26th of November, 1883, with especial ceremonies. The Troy Citizens Corps was invited to attend. The in- vitation came from the joint committee of the New York Common Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the New York Historical Society. It was signed by John Cochrane, chairman, and John Austin Stevens, secretary, and invited " the ancient and honorable body," the Citi- zens Corps, to join in the parade. The Corps accepted the invitation and made preparations to go with not less than seventy-five men. The Old Guard* of New York
*The Old Guard of New York has been mentioned so often in these pages, and are so staunch friends of the Citizens Corps, that they deserve more than a mere passing remark. Before 1826 the streets of the city of New York witnessed only the annual training of irregular and un-uniformed militia. but of drilled and disci- plined soldiers there was not even a company. The visit to the metropolis of the Boston Light Infantry in that year, inspired Col. William W. Tompkins to attempt the formation of a similar body in New York. The result of his efforts was the "Tompkins Blues," a company which soon established a reputation for military and social excellence. As the ardor for affairs martial continued to spread, other
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arranged to entertain the Troy Citizens Corps, the Utica Citizens Corps, the Albany Burgesses Corps and the officers of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery of Boston. The procession was to be reviewed by President Arthur, Governor Cleveland and staff, and the Governors of the rest of the original thirteen States.
But a stop was put to all these preparations, so far as the Corps was concerned, by the sad news of the death of First Sergeant Macdonald.
William J. Macdonald was one of the first members of the reorganized Citizens Corps. Entering with enthusi- asm into its work, he soon became proficient at every point of the infantry tactics. He was appointed sergeant March 6, 1877, and was made first sergeant September 27, 1877. This responsible position he filled up to the time of his death, having reënlisted at the expiration of his term of service, and having been reappointed first sergeant, March 31, 1882. Sergeant Macdonald was in many ways peculiarly adapted to be a leader among the young men with whom he mingled. Of splendid physi- cal proportions, alert intellect and genial disposition, he won wide popularity, and at the same time enforced respect and obedience from those under his authority. An accomplished soldier and a strict disciplinarian, the efficiency of the Corps resulted in good degree from his efforts. As first sergeant he had charge of the books and papers of the company, and kept them with an order and accuracy that challenged the admiration of all who examined them, and won frequent encomiums from the inspecting officers. His fidelity to duty is indicated by the fact that during his first term of service of five years he was present at every roll call of the company. His industry was untiring, and only those associated daily companies were organized. One of these, in 1833, was the New York City Guard, under Capt. Willlam M. McArdle. Upon the resignation of Col. Tompkins, Capt. Edward Vincent was chosen to succeed him in command of the Blues, and the name was changed to the "New York Light Guard." The City Guard and the Light Guard for many years maintained a friendly rivalry, the two commands wearing a similar uniform and being actuated by a like feeling. In 1868 the remaining mem- bers of the two Guards came together and formed a veteran battalion to be known as the " Old Guard." A charter was obtained from the state legislature in April of the same year.
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with him could realize the immense amount of the work which he did for the Troy Citizens Corps. He held an honorary membership in the Tibbits Veteran Corps, had served a full term in the Trojan Hooks, and at the time of his death was captain of the Arba Read Steamer Company. In all these organizations he was highly esteemed.
In September, 1883, Sergt. Macdonald was prostrated by a fever. By this illness he was so broken down that it was found necessary to remove him for treatment to Middletown, N. Y., and at that place he died quite sud- denly, November 20, 1883. He had then just reached the age of thirty-three.
Upon receipt of the news, Captain Cusack and a detail from the Corps were appointed to meet the remains at Newburgh, and escort them to Troy. They were met at the Union depot by the Corps, in citizens' dress, and escorted to the residence of the sisters of the deceased, on Federal street. The company then proceeded to the armory, where a meeting was held, and arrangements for the funeral were perfected. A committee of the Read Steamer Company met with the Corps. Expressions of sympathy and tenders of services were received from the Tibbits Veteran Corps, the Tibbits Cadets, and Battery F. The armory was draped in mourning. Sergt. Mac- donald's locker, also, was enveloped in crape, his cap, with sword and scabbard crossed, being suspended above. The captain issued the following order :
SIXTH SEPARATE COMPANY INFANTRY, TROY CITIZENS CORPS,
FIFTH BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, N. G. S. N.Y.,
TROY, N. Y., November 22, 1883.
Company Order No. 42 : I. With feelings of heartfelt sorrow the commanding officer announces the death this day of First Sergeant William J. Macdonald, of this command.
By this sad event the company is deprived of one of, its most be- loved and energetic members ; one whose place in the hearts of his comrades cannot easily be filled.
In his death, not only does this company lose a valued member, but the National Guard of this State a thorough and efficient officer,
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and his country an honored citizen, a true friend, a perfect gentleman and a model soldier. .
II. For the purpose of paying a proper tribute of respect, the officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates of this command are hereby ordered to report at company quarters, state armory, in the city of Troy, N. Y., on Friday, the 23d day of November, 1883, at one o'clock P. M., in blue uniform, scales, black body belts, black helmet with spike, (overcoat if stormy) and white gloves.
III. The detail to escort the remains from his residence to Christ church, where the services will be held, will consist of the bearers, who are ordered to assemble at company quarters at 11:30 o'clock A. M.
IV. The usual badge of mourning will be worn.
V. Warning officers will personally notify the members of their re- spective squads, and make due return thereof to the commandant by 9 o'clock A. M., November 23, 1883. Roll call of company 1:15 P. M. Of detail 11:45 o'clock A. M.
By order of
CAPT. JAMES W. CUSACK.
The pageant of Sergt. Macdonald's funeral on Friday, November 23, was of an impressive character. At eleven o'clock the bearers, corporal H. M. Caswell, and privates C. Farnham, E. C. Gale, C. E. Knickerbocker, J. H. Lloyd, P. B. McCoy, R. H. Squires and C. E. Thompson met at the armory and proceeded to Federal street. Thence they escorted the remains to Christ church, where the body lay in state from twelve until one o'clock. The bearers, who were members both of the Citizens Corps and of the Read Company, served as a guard of honor. Among the floral decorations were a large Citizens Corps badge, sent by the Corps ; a fireman's trumpet, the gift of the Arba Read Company ; a bed of flowers with the figure "3" in the centre of a ladder and hook, from the Trojan Hooks, and a large wreath of lilies and roses, given by the Tibbits Cadets.
At half-past one o'clock the funeral procession was formed and proceeded to Christ church in the following order : Platoon of Police, Doring's band, Tibbits Vet- eran Corps, Tibbits Cadets, Fourth Battery Caisson, to convey the casket, Guard of Honor, the Old Guard, the Citizens Corps, without muskets, Ex-members of the Citizens Corps, Arba Read Steamer Company, Trojan
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Hook and Ladder Company, Delegates from other Fire Companies, Burgesses Corps of Albany, Company " A " of Albany, Jackson Corps of Albany, Board of Fire Com- missioners, relatives and friends in carriages.
At the church the Rev. J. N. Mulford officiated, and preached a funeral discourse. Appropriate music was rendered by the Mendelssohn Club. After the service the body was placed on the caisson, in charge of Sergt. Sexton of the Fourth Battery, and the procession took up its line of march for Oakwood Cemetery. Here the remains were placed in the receiving vault, the burial service was held, the song "Farewell, gallant soldier," was sung by the Mendelssohn Club, and the customary volleys were fired by a firing party under Colonel Egolf.
The resolutions of respect adopted by the Corps were these :
At a special meeting of the Troy Citizens Corps, held at the armory in the city of Troy, Tuesday evening, November 20, 1883, the under- signed were appointed a committee to draft resolutions upon the death of First Sergeant William J. Macdonald, who died on that day.
In the death of our beloved comrade and first sergeant the members of this command have sustained a loss which the most carefully chosen words can ill express. God, in His divine providence, has seen fit to remove him from our ranks in all the strength of his early manhood, in all the opening promise of hls life, in all the fullness of his growing hopes. Almighty God has called him to Himself ; and while we find it hard to yield to the decree which bears so heavily upon us at this time, we can but bow to what our better nature prompts us to obey ; and through the falling tears, and rising high above the sorrow in our hearts, there comes a light, a comfort and a peace, to think that all is well with him, since God knows best.
And yet our humanity bids us mourn for him -- for humanity must mourn when manhood dies. And William J. Macdonald was a man. He was a man in all the ways of life; no circumstance to him so mean and trivial as not to merit being shaped and rounded by a manly effort and a manly deed. In his business, in his home, upon the street, or at a social gathering of his friends, it was always the same, and manhood stamped its impress upon his every act. And when he died all mourned him as a man.
He was a soldier ; upright, honorable, generous, brave. Who ever knew him shirk his duty, who ever knew him sacrifice his principle, or for a moment shirk from going forward when his role was once made plain ? In form, in training and in soul, his spirit showed itself,
9
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and stamped him among men as one who was born to command and overcome. We who have seen him in camp, in drill, or on parade, alike with those who have been shoulder to shoulder with him in the trying conflict of the world, bear witness to his martial spirit-ever eager to be doing for the right.
He was a friend. His kindly eye, his genial manner, and the cordial grasp of the hand alike bespoke the true and honest heart that beat for all men as his brothers. He was unselfish in his friendships, con- tent to enjoy himself only when those about him were enjoying too -- and no friend of his remained in trouble if it was within the power of man to grant him relief.
In every walk of life these characteristics went with him, and won him an envied place in the esteem of men ; but it was, perhaps, to us, especially, "the boys" in the uniform he loved so well, and delighted so much to honor, that his sterling traits and virtues were best known, and served most to render him cheerful in times of trial, earnest, hope- ful and enthusiastic under all circumstances. As a centre of life and strength, of promise and encouragement, he gathered about him all the members of this company and infused them with his own high spirit of hope and emulation. In his untimely death, the national guard of this state has lost one of its foremost soldiers and most effi- cient members, while the sixth separate company has suffered a loss almost irreparable.
(Signed) CAPTAIN JAMES W. CUSACK, LIEUTENANT JAMES L. THOMPSON, CORPORAL HORACE L. HICKS, PRIVATE SEYMOUR VAN SANTVOORD, Committee.
Suitable resolutions were also adopted by other mili- tary organizations, by the board of fire commissioners, by companies of the fire department and by the execu- tive board of the Troy young men's association.
It may here be stated that at a meeting of the Corps, held February 7, 1884, a communication was received from Col. John A. Macdonald, brother of Sergeant Macdonald, which, together with Capt. Cusack's reply, were as fol- lows :
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, N. G. S. N. Y., TROY, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1884.
MY DEAR CAPTAIN : It was my brother's expressed desire that his many articles of prized personal effects should be placed in my keep- ing. That wish was characteristic. It sprang from a generous im- pulse of his heart, fraught with feelings of brotherly love and affec- tion which was ever a marked feature of his kindly nature.
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Among all his treasures, none seemed to possess a higher value than his diamond badge, presented by an officer* of your command as a pledge of warm personal friendship and high appreciation of the sol- dierly qualities exhibited by the recipient.
Surrendering all other things to one who seemed to me to have a higher claim, I retain that badge alone. To keep it as a treasured heir-loom, was a very pleasant thought. To hide it away in some secret place or jewel casket, seemed repugnant to my brotherly feel- ings. To make it the valued medium for the accomplishment of a definite purpose, something good and worthy of the memory of the faithful soldier who often proudly bore it upon his breast, was to me a happier idea.
Therefore, with this simple purpose in view, his name, "Macdonald," has been marked upon its golden bar, and the jewel is now delivered over, and tendered, through you, for acceptance by your command, to be retained forever within the keeping of the Troy Citizens Corps.
It is my desire that, under such regulations and restrictions as may be deemed necessary by the Corps, for the full accomplishment of its purpose, the badge shall be worn each year by that member of the Sixth Separate Company, or of its legitimate successor, who shall win the reward by exhibiting the greatest development of those high qual- ities of discipline, obedience, skill, regularity of attendance and gen_ eral good conduct, which ever mark the bearing of the true soldier.
The beautiful floral offerings placed by loving hearts around the casket containing the last mortal remains of your late first sergeant, two months since, are to-day blooming and fragrant still, each opened bud and flower seemingly commemorative of a generous deed or kind act done by him who "is not dead, but only gone before."
Thus may his memory ever be fresh and green in the hearts of his comrades.
With the lessons of a long, earnest and successful effort to attain the highest standard of the model soldier, constantly before him, an in- centive to excel will, it is hoped, lead each yearly wearer to feel that it is indeed a high honor to win and wear the "Macdonald badge."
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
JOHN A. MACDONALD.
To CAPTAIN JAMES W. CUSACK,
Sixth Separate Company N. G. S. N. Y.,
Troy Citizens Corps.
* Lieutenant James L. Thompson.
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ARMORY OF THE SIXTH SEPARATE COMPANY INFANTRY TROY CITIZENS CORPS,
Fifth Brigade, Third Division, N. G. S. N. Y.,
TROY, N. Y., March 10th, 1884.
.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL, JOHN A. MACDONALD :
Ordnance Office, Third Division, N. G. S. N. Y., Troy, N. Y.
COLONEL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favor of January 19th, 1884, presenting to my command the diamond badge of your lamented brother, the late William J. Mac- donald, First Sergeant of this company.
The badge and letter accompanying it were presented to the com- pany at its last regular meeting, and were accepted with many thanks for your kind consideration.
The elegant token was received by my company with feelings of pleasure mingled with heartfelt sorrow ; a pleasure in having a souv- enir so elegant of one who was so dear to us all, and one which in our sorrow for his loss, will be a highly-prized incentive to all the mem- bers of this company to emulate his bright and shining example.
Permit me to assure you that it will be always highly prized by this command, and will be kept sacred for the purpose as indicated by your letter of presentation. I am, sir,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES W. CUSACK,
Captain Commanding.
The preparation of rules for the award of the Macdon- ald badge was referred to a committee consisting of the commissioned officers of the company, who made the following report:
ARMORY OF THE SIXTH SEPARATE COMPANY INFANTRY,
TROY CITIZENS CORPS,
Fifth Brigade, Third Division, N. G. S. N. Y.,
TROY, N. Y., March 25, 1884.
Your committee, consisting of the commissioned officers, to whom was referred the selection of the points of excellence which should entitle a member to wear the badge of our late lamented First Ser- geant, William J. Macdonald, which has been so kindly presented to
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
the company for competition by his brother, Col. John A. Macdon- ald, respectfully report that they have decided upon three points of merit, as follows :
First-Punctuality and regular attendance at drills, parades and meetings.
Second-Proficiency and precision in drill, manual of arms, sol- dierly bearing on all occasions, military courtesy, salutes, etc., neat- ness and cleanliness of uniform and equipments.
Third-Obtaining the greatest number of recruits during the year.
The competition to be open to all non-commissioned officers and privates, and the year to commence April 1, 1884-the badge to be worn during each succeeding year by the member attaining the high- est average on the respective points named.
JAMES W. CUSACK, CAPTAIN, JAMES L. THOMPSON, FIRST LIEUTENANT, GEORGE D. SMITH, SECOND LIEUTENANT, JOHN H. TUPPER, THIRD LIEUTENANT.
The badge was awarded to private Charles S. Brint- nall, as the first one entitled to it under the terms of the gift. Private Brintnall has not missed roll-call or drill for seven years.
On the evening of February 12, 1884, the Corps was inspected in the armory by Brig. Gen. Robert S. Oliver, commanding the fifth brigade, to which the Troy com- panies are attached. Gen. Oliver and staff were accom- panied by Capt. Mills, U. S. A. The armory was well filled with friends of the company. Ninety-two officers and men answered to roll-call. The Corps acquitted itself admirably during the review and inspection, and the company movements and the skirmish and bayonet drills following won hearty applause from the military visitors. Capt. Mills paid the company a handsome com- pliment, and Gen. Oliver said: "I should be proud to be a private in such a company. These gentlemen are continually winning fresh laurels."
The new state service uniform was first worn by the Corps at the drill on Tuesday evening, February 26, 1884. The uniform consists of a double-breasted, five- button, dark blue coat, with light blue collar and facing,
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
and trowsers of light blue, with dark blue stripe on the sides. The marksmen's badges for the season, 49 in number, were distributed after the drill.
Capt. Joseph Mather, of West Albany, was buried from his late residence on the 28th of February. His many courtesies to the Troy troops encamped near his home during the railroad riots of 1877, had won him numbers of friends in this city. The Corps sent a wreath of flowers as a token of respect for his memory, and a depu- tation from the company, including the commissioned officers. attended the funeral.
At the March meeting the Corps was formally pre- sented with the resolutions adopted by the Tibbits Vet- eran Corps on the death of First Sergeant Macdonald.
Tuesday evening, April 22, the Corps held a reception at the armory-the only one of the season. The room was attractively decorated, and was well filled. The usual exhibition drill was followed by dancing, which was kept up until midnight.
The annual independent parade was made on the 17th of June. The company left the armory at about 6 o'clock and proceeded over the usual line of march to Washing- ton square, being reviewed by Maj. Gen. Carr as they passed his residence. At the square there was an ex hibition drill and a dress parade, followed by a concert by the band.
On the morning of the 4th of July, 1884, the corner- stone of the new state armory was laid, with appropriate ceremonies. The procession comprised all the Troy companies of the National Guard, Capt. J. W. Cusack in command, and carriages containing Maj. Gen. J. B. Carr and staff, the officers of the United States army stationed at the Watervliet arsenal, and leading city officials and citizens. As the column moved over the line of march, a detachment from the battery fired a national salute. Crowds of spectators filled the sidewalks and all the doors and windows. At 9 o'clock the new structure was reached and the military were drawn up before a plat- form which had been erected for the occasion. A great
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throng of people filled every available spot. On the plat- form were seated Major General Carr and staff, Colonel Alfred Mordecai and the other officers from the Watervliet arsenal, the Hon. M. I. Townsend, the Rev. Wm. Taylor, M. D., the Rev. G. C. Baldwin, D. D., the Rev. J. I. Tucker, D. D., the Hon. Edmund Fitzgerald, mayor of Troy, controller John D. Spicer, chamberlain B. H. Hall, Samuel Morris, president of the common council, Messrs. Button & Buckley, the contractors, Mr. F. W. Brown, the architect, the Hon. William Kemp, Mr. William H. Young and other prominent citizens. After music by Doring's band, the ceremonies were opened with prayer by Dr. Taylor. The band rendered several national airs, and at their close the Hon. M. I. Townsend delivered a brief address. Architect Brown then formally presented the trowel to Gen. Carr, who received it with fitting words and spread the mortar where the stone was to lie. The masons adjusted the granite block, placing in it a sheet- iron box containing the following documents: Weise's History of Troy, Troy directory for 1884, a complete se- ries of city scrip, the History* of the Troy Citizens Corps, the by-laws of the Old Guard of the T. C. C., History and records of the Tibbits Veteran Corps, by-laws and rosters of the Tibbits Cadets, by-laws and rosters of the Fourth Battery, a copy of the bill authorizing the erec- tion of the new armory and making an appropriation for it, a copy of the military code, the report of the adjutant general of the state of New York for 1883, official regis- ter of the commissioned officers of the national guard of the state for 1883, a picture of the new armory, a history of its site and copies of the daily and weekly papers pub- lished in Troy. When the masons finished their work, Gen. Carr gave the stone three blows with a hammer and declared the corner-stone of Troy's new armory laid. The ceremonies were closed with a benediction by the Rev. Dr. Tucker.
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