USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 1 > Part 23
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At the inspection of the company in June, 1829, by Inspector-General Philip H. Briggs, the following indorsement was made by the inspecting officer on the muster roll :
Military appearance and soldierly bearing excellent. Evidently one of the best disciplined and drilled companies in the State service.
In June, 1879, the corps was a part of the Red, White and Blue bat- talion at the national encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic at Albany and was accorded the honor of escorting the president of the United States. February 10, 1880, the death of General William B. Tibbits, a former member, occurred, and the corps acted as escort to the remains on the day of the funeral. Memorial day, 1880, it participated in the memorable parade and other ceremonies in New York, upon the invitation of the Old Guard of New York, and during the parade was received with great enthusiasm everywhere. In his annual report for that year to the adjutant-general, Inspector-General Robert Shaw Oliver said :
There are thirty-six separate companies of infantry, and the Sixth Separate Com- pany, Troy Citizens corps, stands the highest in the list.
Another important event occurring soon after was the visit to Mon- treal, Canada, in September, 1881, on the occasion of the opening of the Montreal exposition on the 20th of the month. The expedition com- prised the Troy Citizens corps, eighty-one men, Captain James W. Cusack commanding; Major-General Joseph B. Carr and staff; the Old Guard, and a large number of Invited guests. The festivities of the visitors were ent short upon the receipt of a telegram announcing the 'death of President Garfield, and the company and those accompanying it returned home by an early train. September 26 following the corps joined the other military companies of Troy in appropriate exercises while the funeral of the martyred president was in progress in Cleve- land, O.
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In the spring of 1882 the term of service of fifty-five members ex- pired, but all but ten re-enlisted and the ranks were kept full. En- thusiasm was maintained, and in the following September another visit was made to the annual Montreal exposition. The expedition proved one of the most successful in the career of the corps. In July, 1883, the corps performed its first tour of duty at the State camp at Peeks- kill. An event of great importance was the laying of the corner stone of the new State armory at the corner of River and Ferry streets July 1, ESSI. The procession comprised all the Troy companies, with Captain James W. Cusack of the Citizens corps in command. August 4 and 5 the corps participated in the ceremonies at Albany attending the funeral of General U. S Grant. September 23, 1885, the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the corps was celebrated with a parade and other ceremonies. One of the principal events of 1886 was the parade at Albany during the celebration of the bi-centennial of the founding of that city, in which the corps took part. April 29, 1889, the company went to New York and participated in the celebration of the centennial of the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States. On Memorial day, 1890, it took part in the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner stone of the sol. diers' and sailors' monument in Troy, and September 15 of the follow- ing year it participated in the dedication of the same. July 4, 1892, Boston was visited, the corps being guests of the Ancient and Honor- able Artillery of that city. From August 18 to 25, 1842, they were on duty at Buffalo during the railroad strike. Jannary 22, 1895, the corps assembled at the armory upon orders to be prepared to march to Brooklyn to as ist in the suppression of the strike of the street railway employes in that city, but the men were not ordered from the city. February 27, 1895, the company acted as escort at the funeral of Major- General Joseph B. Car of Troy. The events chronieled here are but a few of the most important in which the corps has participated since its organization. In his latest annual report Inspector-General Fred- erick C. MeLewee said :
The reputation for general excellence established by the company years ago and which has distinguished it in the National Guard is maintained, and everything was found in first-class condition. The drill following muster was excellent throughout, the manual of arms very good, and loading and bring fine. All officers and non- coms. are of a high class in military efficiency. This company ranks with the best in the State. Company quarters in excellent condition and lockers uniformly and handsomely dressed. All extra property in best condition and kept under an ex-
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cellent system. Books are well kept and modelsof neatness and accuracy. Average percentage of duty performed from Nov. 2, 1895, to March 31, 1896, 20 events, 82.
The principal officers of the Sixth Separate company have been as follows:
Captains: 1877-1893, James W. Cusack ; 1893- --- , Wan II. Stillman.
First lieutenants: 1877, Walter P. Warren; 1877 1879. Ezra R. Vail; 1899 ISSS, James L. Thompson; I858 1891, Elias P. Mann; 1891 1893, Wait H. Stilhnan ; 6893 1894, C. Whitney Tillinghast ; 1891 ---- , Thomas W. Hislop.
Second lientenants: 1877. Bara R. Vail; 1877 1899, Le Grand C. Cramer ; 1899 - 1553, George D. Smith; 189; 1891, Wait H. Stillman; 1891 1893, C. Whitney Filling- hast, 24 ; 1893, Thomas W. Hislop; 1891 1895, John M. Sherrerd ; 1895 _ , Carroll L. Maxcy.
Third lieutenants (not commissioned in National Guard): 1877, Le Grand C. Cramer; 1818, James L. Thompson; 1879 1883, George D. Smith; 1883 1885, John II. Tupper; ISSS ISS9, Elias P. Mann ; 1889 - 1893, William II. Shields; [893, John M Sherrerd: 1894 1895, Carroll L. Maxcy ; 1 1896, Henry P. Sherman.'
Assistant surgeons with rank of first lieutenant. 1883-1891, Clarkson C. Schuyler; 1891 -1898, William Wolkyns Seymour; 1898 -. , Burton S. Booth. Presidents of the civil organization : 1876, Walter P. Warren ; 1877 - -- , Francis N. Mann, jr.
TWELL THE SEPARATE COMPANY.
The Twelfth Separate company, N. G. N. Y., was organized as the Fourth Separate company March 20, 1876, by Lieutenant Charles M. Austin, acting brigade inspector. It was also called the Tibbits Vete- ran corps, and was assigned to the Tenth brigade, Third division, N. G. N. Y. The membership consisted of three officers and eighty three enlisted men. The officers were: Captain, Joseph Egolf; first lieuten- ant, Timothy Quion; second lieutenant, John Oathout At this time this was the only separate company of the National Guard in Troy. The first parade outside of the armory was in conjunction with the Second battalion of Infantry of Troy and Battery B, Troy City Artil- lery, July 4, 1846. One of the most important events of the year was the annual inspection and muster October 12, 1876, at Green Island. The company and part of the Tenth brigade were inspected and re- viewed in the morning by Major-General Joseph B. Carr, division com- mander, accompanied by his staff. In the afternoon Major George II. Otis inspected the company and the result was very gratifying, every member being present. For many years none but honorably discharged
"Commissioned additional second lieutenants in the National Guard.
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soldiers of the late war were permitted to join the corps. To be a member was a thing to be proud of, for no matter where it went it was received with the greatest enthusiasm. Drills were conducted weekly from September 1 to July 1, and while the veterans were mastering the difficult movements of Upton's taeties a great strike was being planned on the Central Hudson railroad, in which this company was destined to play an important part July 25, 1877, they marehed to West Albany and reported to General Joseph B. Carr for duty. After serv- ing three days they returned to their home station and were dismissed on July 28.
October 24, 1882, the company proceeded to Philadelphia and partic- pated in the ceremonies attending the bi-eentennial in that city. Jan- uary 24, 1883, it took part in the parade of the Grand Army of the Re- public, which was holding its annual eneampment in Troy. The First Battalion Light Guards of Paterson, N. J., were the guests of the company September 4 in Troy. The company had been consider- ing the advisability of a pleasure trip and finally decided to accept the invitation of the First Battalion Light Guards of Paterson to visit that city. Accordingly the members assembled at the State armory on June 10, 1884, and after a short street parade departed for Brooklyn, N. Y., Paterson and Elizabeth, N. J., and Catskill, N. Y. The fol- lowing day they paraded in Brooklyn at the meeting of the Army of the Potomac, and then proceeded to Paterson, being warmly received by the Light Guards. After a brief sojourn, during which the Trojans participated in a grand military exhibition, the company went to Eliza- beth, N. J., where their imposing appearance and splendid marching won them a continuous round of applause.
July 4, 1881, the company participated in the exercises attending the laying of the corner stone of the State armory in Troy. Up to Septem- ber of this year membership in the company had always been limited to veterans of the late war, and as a consequence the organization grad- ually diminished. The company finally determined to permit sons of veterans to become members, and at the muster held September 2, 1885, eighty-seven old members were reported as having received their discharge and a net gain of two showed that eighty-nine new men were enlisted during the year. July 21, 1885, the Veteran Zouaves of Eliz- abeth, N. J., visited Troy and were royally entertained by this com- pany. August 4 the company went to Albany and took part in the parade and funeral ceremonies of General U. S. Grant. Juły 22, 1886,
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they proceeded to Albany and participated in the bi eentennial parade in that city. January 15, 1887, the company paraded in Troy, the occa- sion being the reception of General Fairchild, commander-in-chief G. A. R. June 28 it took part in a parade in Lansingburgh in honor of the 25th anniversary of the departure of the 30th N. Y. Vols. for the seat of war. January 5, 1889, it appeared in the centennial parade in Troy in honor of the naming of the city of Troy.
April 29, 1889, the company embarked on the steamer Grand Re- public en route for New York city, arriving at its destination April 30, at 5 A. M., when it took part in the centennial parade. May 30, 1890, it took part in the parade attending the laying of the corner stone of the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument in Troy. May 30, 1891, it pro- ceeded by steamer Dashaway to Poughkeepsie to assist at the laying of the corner stone of the new State armory in that city. February 22, 1892, the company participated in the dedicatory ceremonies of the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument in Troy. February 27, 1895, the com- pany acted as part of the escort at the funeral of General Joseph. B. Carr in Troy. September 25 it went to Cohoes and acted as part of escort to Governor Morton, commander-in chief, at the laying of the corner stone of the Cohoes city hall. Inspection and muster occurred April 1, 1896, conducted by Brigadier-General F. C. Melewee, in- spector-general, who said :
This company made an excellent and very satisfactory appearance, and the drill which followed muster was of a very high order. All officers and non-comnis- sioned officers above the average in competency. This company is well in hand and the commanding officer among the best in the State.
The principal officers of the company since its organization have been :
Captains: John Egolf, May 18, 1876, to April 3, 1890; John Patrick Treanor, Jan- uary 28, 1893, to the present time.
First Lieutenants: Timothy Quinn, May 22, 1876, to December 13, 1876; I. Sey- mour Scott, March 2, 1877, died June 24, 1885; Edwin W. Burrage, October 21, 1885, to April 13, 1887; Melville Day Dickinson (also assistant surgeon), March 16, 1893, to date; John Tallmadge, July 16, 1888, to September, 1888; Alonzo Ward Hill, Janu- ary 26, 1891, to June, 1891; Rufus M. Townsend, March 3, 1893, to date.
Second Lieutenants: John Oathout, May 18, 1876, to February 13, 1878; Walter L. Davis, March 6, 1878, to February 7, 1883; William Baker, March 3, 1893, to date.
The officers in 1896 are: Captain, John P. Treanor; first lieutenant, Rufus M. Townsend; second lieutenant, William Baker; first lieuten- ant and assistant surgeon, Melville Day Dickinson.
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TWENTY-FIRST SEPARATE COMPANY.
The Twenty first Separate company, popularly known as the Tibbits Cadets, was organized in the month of December, 1876, and was named in honor of Major-General William B. Tibbits, who went to the front at the beginning of the war as captain of Co. G of the 2nd Regiment, N. Y. State Vols. At the first election these military officers were chosen : Captain, Jacob II. Patten; first-lieutenant, John Mearns; second lieu- tenant, John E. Sharp. Thursday evening, March 1, 1871, the com- pany was mustered into the National Guard of the State of New York. The ceremony was in charge of Major George H. Otis, and occurred at the old State armory on River street, the company being designated by the adjutant-general of the State of New York as the Seventh Separate company. In February of the following year the number of the company was changed to the Twenty-first Separate company of the Fifth brigade of the Third division of the National Guard of the State of New York. In the same month Captain Jacob H. Patten resigned, and Edmund L. Cole was elected to the command of the company. He continued in office until Angust, 1883, when he resigned the command. Ilis successor as captain, Samuel Foster, was not elected until October 13, 1884, and he continued in office until 1888, when he relinquished command. James H. Lloyd, the present captain of the Twenty-first Separate company, was elected to the office March 15, 1888. The same evening Second Lieutenant Merrill M. Dunspaugh was elected first lieu- tenant. Shortly afterward Michael Sullivan was elected second lieu- tenant, and Sylvester W. Wright third lieutenant. The commissioned officers in 1896 were Captain James 11. Lloyd, First Lieutenant Merrill M. Dunspaugh, First Lientenant and Assistant Surgeon David Walker Ilouston, and Second Lieutenants Sylvester W. Wright and William J. Galbraith.
The first parade made by the company was that of Memorial day, 1877. On that day General Tibbits presented the organization with the handsome set of colors it still carries. The next event of impor- tance was the picnic held July 4, 1877, when the sum of $1,000 was cleared above all expenses. A few days later the company was called upon to perform its first aetnal military duty, that of helping to put down the great strike on the New York Central & Hudson River railroad. The company was assigned to duty in Troy July 12, with General Alden in command of the post. Soon after the Tibbits Veteran corps and the
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Citizens' corps were ordered to West Albany, where they were on duty the rest of the week August 16 the company participated in the ceremonies attending the anniversary of the battle of Bennington, and in the sham battle at Bemis Heights which followed. In February, 1878, Captain Patten resigned, Edmund L. Cole being elected to suc- ceed him. Soon afterward Lieutenant Mearns resigned and Samuel Foster was chosen to fill the vacancy. On Memorial day, 1879, the company participated in the exercises of unveiling the Soldiers' monu- ment at Hoosick Falls. General William B. Tibbits died April 10, 1880. Ilis funeral was one of the largest if not the largest ever held in Troy, and was attended by all the military companies in the city. The general willed to the company the sum of $8, 333.33, part of which was used in fitting up the company's parlors. A trip to Providence, R. I., was made in the summer of 1883 and was one of the most de- lightful of the many the organization had taken. In August, 1884, Captain Cole tendered his resignation, made necessary by his removal from the eity. Soon after the first tour of duty to the State camp was made, the company being in command of First Lieutenant Foster. October 13, 1884, Lientenant Foster was promoted to the captainey. Soon after the company's rooms in the armory were furnished at an ex- pense of about $3,000. The summer of 1886 again found the company at State camp with First Lieutenant Buckley in command. In the spring of 1888 Captain Foster, having decided to remove permanently from the city, resigned his command, and March 15 James II. Lloyd was elected to the captainey. Captain Lloyd's first trip with the com- pany was when it went to Hoosick Falls July 1, 1888.
Major Le Grand C. Tibbits having presented to the company a hand- some gold badge to be awarded the best drilled man, the first compet- itive drill was held February 21, 1889, and the badge was awarded to William 11. Schutt for one year. Ile also won it for three successive years and was awarded the same. April 30, 1889, the company was ordered to New York to participate in the great parade on the occasion of the centennial celebration in that eity.
July 4, 1890, the company participated in the parade and celebration of laying the corner stone of the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument in Troy. At midnight, August 8, a strike was inaugurated on the New York Central & Indson River railroad. The Twenty-first had been ordered for a tour of duty at State camp from August 9 to 16. On the morning of the 9th, as no through trains had run to New York, Captain
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Lloyd offered the services of his command to take a train through, which were accepted, and the company, 103 strong, proceeded to the depot. The train arrived at State camp abont + r. M. The company was received at camp with a great ovation, it being the first time that a full company had ever gone to camp, and every man remained dur- ing the entire tour, their record being one hundred per cent. present during the entire week.
A new uniform having been adopted, consisting of cadet gray, white cross and body belt, at a cost of about $7,000, it was decided to hold a military fair at the armory the first week in December to assist in pay- ing for the same. The affair was very successful, the net proceeds being over $3,400. May 30, 1891, they went to Poughkeepsie as part of the escort to Governor Hill, who laid the corner stone of the State armory at that place. August 19 they proceeded to Bennington, Vt., and took part in the great parade and dedication of the Bennington Battle monument. September ? they went to Schenectady and par- ticipated in the great Labor Day parade, also the competitive drill, and were awarded three very handsome swords as the best drilled organiza- tion. September 15 they took part in the great parade and dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument in Troy.
March 1, 1892, the company celebrated its fiftieth anniversary by a grand banquet, which was attended by many military men of prom- inence. July 2 the company again went to State camp for a week's tour of duty, taking the entire company and again making the record of one hundred per cent. present during the entire week, the strength of the company being 104, First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon David W. Houston having been commissioned since the last tour in camp.
At 7.45 A. M., August 18, orders were received to proceed to Buffalo, the scene of the great railroad strike. At 9.30 the company was on its way to Albany, reporting to Adjutant.General Porter, and was assigned to accompany the Tenth Battalion. It arrived at Buffalo after dark and immediately went on duty. Lientenant Dunspaugh was detailed as officer of the guard. The company remained on duty eight days, making a splendid record and surpassing all others, every man report- ing for duty. One man walked thirty-seven and a half miles to the nearest railroad to get to his post.
April 24, 1893, the company went to New York and took part in the grand Columbian land parade. May 19 the company gave an enter-
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tainment at the armory. Beautiful oak furniture was provided for the company parlors by the proceeds. June 16, 1894, they proceeded to State camp as part of the Second Provisional Battalion for a week's tour of duty, Captain Lloyd being detailed as acting major command- ing the battalion. Again the company distinguished itself by taking a full company, breaking all records of any similiar duty. January 22, 1895, the members of the company received orders to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to Brooklyn to assist in quelling the strike of the surface railroad men. In a short time they assembled and were ready to proceed with three days' rations. After waiting several hours the order was countermanded, the situation having changed for the better. July 22 the company as part of the Thirteenth Battalion under Captain Lloyd started on a practice march through the surrounding country, to be gone until the 20th. It was the first of its kind in the State. The tour was very successful and great praise was bestowed by Adjutant-General MeAlpin and Brigadier General Robert Shaw Oliver. February 13, 1896, was a great evening for the Twenty-first. They had tendered a reception to Apollo drill corps of the Knights Templar. Both organizations were reviewed by Adjutant-General E. A. MeAlpin, after which each gave an exhibition drill. The armory was decorated in a magnificent manner, many thousands of electric lights being used. The decorations cost $1, 000.
A very important event in each year's history is the annual banquet in honor of the birth of Major-General William B. Tibbits, which is held on the evening of March 31. Another important event is the annual parade, which oceurs on Memorial day.
This company has attained a most remarkable record for attend- ance at drills, especially at the annual inspections and tours of duty at State camp. . The following from the report of the last annual inspec- tion by General F. C. MeLewee speaks for itself :
This company ranks with the best in the State, excelled by none and equalled by few. The appearance of the men at inspection was perfect and the discipline of the best. Drill which followed muster was excellent throughout. All officers of a high class and the " non-coms." intelligent, competent and vigilant in the performance of their duty. Armory neat and clean. Lockers uniformly and handsomely dressed. All extra property well cared for under excellent system. Armory rifle range in fre- quent use. This company has a remarkable record. For seven years out of the past eight at the annual inspection it has paraded 100 per cent. with a maximum strength -- six years of which have been successive. For the last three tours of camp duty and at field practice last year, and during the great strike at Buffalo, it has
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paraded the same, A maximum company, all present. Summed briefly it is a per- feet organization, ably commanded; books all well and correctly kept. Average percentage of duty performed from November 13, 1895, to March 16, 1896 (17 events) 92.37; VERY NICE.
FREDERICK C. M. LEWER, Inspecting and Mustering Officer.
Tuesday, July 4, 1896, the company started on what proved to be its most successful excursion. They proceeded to Oswego, where the fol- lowing day they participated in the great parade and centennial of the evacuation by the British of Fort Ontario. They received a great ova- tion and made a magnificent appearance. On the evening of the 15th they proceeded by steamer to the Thousand Islands and Kingston, Can- ada, where they were very kindly received. The following is from the American consul, Colonel M. W. Twitchell, stationed at Kingston:
CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, KINGSTON, CANADA, July 22, 1896. -Captain J. M. Lloyd, commanding Twenty-first Separate company New York State militia, Troy, N. Y .- Dear Sir: I acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of your courteous note of the 19th. Your company during their recent visit to Kings ton reflected great credit upon their city, State and the national uniformi they wore. The gentlemanly deportment and absolute freedom from rowdyism stamped them individually as citizens of merit and as soldiers without peers. The quiet prompt- ness with which all changes were made was most remarkable and extremely gratify- ing to the subordinate representatives of the United States at Kingston The con- duct of your company from arrival to departure was such as to make every Ameri- can observer feel proud of his American militia. Respectfully yours,
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