USA > Ohio > Circulars, papers and annual meeting of the Ohio commandery of the Military order of the loyal legion during the year > Part 11
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The minutes of the last meeting, March 4th, were read by the Recorder and approved.
Prayer omitted, in absence of the Chaplain.
Roll call by unanimous consent was omitted.
Thirty-six Companions were present.
Companions elect were installed.
VI. The Committee of Investigation reported favorably upon the follow- ing applicants for membership, and the ballot being taken Col. Theo. Cox and Col. A. W. McCormick, acting as tellers, they were declared duly elected Companions of the Order, as follows :
For the First (Ist) Class.
BENJAMIN F. COATES,
Late Colonel 91st O. V. I., Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. Vols, Ports- mouth, O.
4
WILLIAM GEORGE WEDEMEYER, Captain 16th U. S. Infantry, Fort Stockton, Texas.
THOMAS GOODWILLIE,
Late First Lieutenant and Adjutant 150th O. V. I., Cleveland, O.
MAX MOSLER,
Late Second Lieutenant Co. E, 108th O. V. I., Cincinnati, O.
ALBERT CLIFTON THOMPSON.
Late Captain Co. K, 105th Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry, Portsmouth, O.
VII. Applications for membership were read by the Recorder and referred to Committee of Investigation.
VIII. The following reports of committees appointed at the stated meeting, March 4th to nominate officers for the ensuing year were received and approved.
CINCINNATI March 31, 1885.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, RECORDER.
Dear Captain and Companion : In the absence of the Chairman of the Com- mittee, I hand you the correspondence from non-resident members of the com- mittee appointed at the March meeting of the Ohio Commandery Loyal Legion to nominate a ticket for offices for the ensuing year, giving their concurrence, which I have the honor to submit as accompanying,
Very truly yours,
T. J. COCHRAN. COMMANDER. Brevet Maj .- Gen. R. B. Hayes.
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER. Brevet Brig .- Gen. Orland Smith.
JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER. Colonel P. P. Lane.
RECORDER. First Lieutenant Absalom H. Mattox.
REGISTRAR. Brevet Col. Francis L. Guenther, U. S. A.
TREASURER. Brevet Maj .- Gen. M. Force.
CHANCELLOR. Capt. C. A. G. Adae.
CHAPLAIN. Chaplain Henry M. Bacon.
5
COUNCIL. Major Geo. B. Fox, Chairman, Brevet Lieut .- Col. E. C. Dawes, Capt. Henry DeBus, Maj .- Gen. M. D. Leggett, Capt. Geo. K. Speed, Very respectfully, JNO. MITCHELL, Chairman. H. C. CORBIN, T. J. COCHRAN, T. T. BRAND, JAMES S. OSTRANDER, Committee.
TOLEDO, March 26, 1885.
LIEUT. ABSALOM MATTOX, RECORDER, Ohio Commandery, Loyal Legion.
Dear Sir and Companion: In behalf of a committee appointed at the stated meeting of the Commandery, held March 4th, 1885, to nominate officers for the ensuing year, I have the honor to submit the following ticket :
-
COMMANDER. Brevet Maj .- Gen. R. B. Hayes. SENIOR VICE COMMANDER. Brevet Brig .- Gen. Orland Smith. JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER. Brevet Maj .- Gen. Jno. W. Fuller. RECORDER. First Lieut. Absalom H. Mattox.
REGISTRAR. Brevet Major Wm. R. McComas. TREASURER. Brevet Maj .- Gen. M. F. Force. CHANCELLOR. Essign E. C. Williams. CHAPLAIN. Capt. (Rev.) Geo. A. Thayer. COUNCIL. Major Geo. B. Fox, Chairman. Capt. H. G. Stoms, Lieut. Jos. W. Wilishire, Capt. Levi T. Scofield, Major Jas. S. Ostrander,
6
In presenting the foregoing for the consideration of the Commandery, your Committee only had in view what appears to them the very best interest of the Order of Ohio.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. L. YOUNG, Chairman. Approved by Committee. CHAS. L. YOUNG,
RICH. WAITE,
B. B. PECK, J. M. BLAIR, P. F. SWING.
IX. The following was read by the Recorder :
NEW YORK, March 24, 1885.
MR. A. H. MATTOX, Cincinnati, O.
Dear Sir :- Your communication of the 6th inst. was received by Gen. Grant, who desired me to answer same and thank you, and through you the members of the Loyal Legion, for their kindness in sympathizing with him during his sickness. .
Very respectfully, yours, F. D. GRANT,
Official circulars were also read' from the Recorder-in-Chief, Col. Jno. P. Nicholson, announcing that a Commandery would be organized in Detroit, Michigan, Monday, April 13th, to be known as the Commandery of the State of Michigan, also, circulars announcing the date of holding the Fifth Quad- riennial Congress of the Order, and other matters of interest and information.
X. Companion Dr. A. C. Kemper announced that Companion Major W. H. Chamberlain had received a telegram from New York to the effect that Gen. Grant was very low, and in consequence of his dangerous condition, and out of respect for him, their Commander, the New York Commandery, had met and at once adjourned.
XI. On motion of Companion Gen. M. F. Force, seconded by Companion Gen. A. Hickenlooper, out of respect to Gen. Grant, and with a feeling of sym- pathy for him in his affliction, the Commandery adjourned.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Attention of Companions is respectfully called to the following extracts from the Constitution :
ARTICLE XIX.
SECTION I .- "Any Companion, who may be in arrears at the time of holding the annual election of officers, shall be prohibited from voting, and ineligible to any office until such dues shall be paid or remitted."
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SECTION 2 .- "Any Companion, who may be one (1) year or more in ar_ rears at the first stated meeting in April, shall be specially notified of the fact; and if the same be not paid within a reasonable time thereafter, the Commandery may, by a vote of two-thirds (23) of the members present, sus- pend the Companion until such arrearages shall be paid or duly remitted "
SECTION 3 .- "If the Companion shall neglect or refuse to pay such ar- rears, he may be dropped from the roll by order of a majority of the members of the Commandery present."
*
*
THE SONG BOOK OF THE COMMANDERY.
XII. The Song Book of the Ohio Commandery is now completed and ready for sale and distribution. The book contains fifty-five songs of an ap- propriate character, carefully selected by Major Wm. R. Lowe, Chairman of the Committee on Music. Each song is arranged to music with piano accom- paniment, an electrotype of the music having been made for each selection. The book is bound in a rich shade of blue with gold edges (some in cloth and others in leather) and is embellished upon the cover with the ribbon and badge of the Order, embossed in gold and surrounded with the words, also in gold, "SONGS OF THE OHIO COMMANDERY, LOYAL LEGION." As the book is to be used at all meetings of the Commandery or Companions, every mem- ber is requested and urged to purchase a copy, or more if they wish, as soon as convenient. The price of the song book has been fixed at one dollar ($1.00). The book will be sent by mail, postage prepaid, on receipt of that amount by the Recorder.
Every Companion should provide himself with a Song Book at once.
XIII.
THE SOUVENIR CANNON.
A number of Companions having lost the souvenir of the Second Annual Dinner-the Loyal Legion "Cannon"-are ordering duplicates. The supply was exhausted, but the Recorder has ordered an extra lot manufactured, and they are NOW READY FOR SALE. Companions wishing the "Souvenir" will please at once order the number they want, of the Recorder, remitting him the cost of same-$1.00 each.
XIV. Until further notice the stated meetings will commence at 8 o'clock.
The success of the Ohio Commandery depends on its increase in mem- bership, and upon the character and standing of its members. It is hoped that Companions will use their best endeavors to add to the Commandery as many new members as possible, from among deserving officers, but remembering to be extremely careful in their selection and endorsement of those applying.
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XV. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Order can be obtained on application to the Recorder.
XVI. All circulars should be considered confidential.
XVII. Desiring to form a library for the Commandery, Companions are solicited to send to the Recorder contributions of any books and papers, maps and plans of battles and campaigns of the late war, or relating to that period. It is proposed, also, as soon as it can conveniently be done, to have an album of the pictures of Members of the Commandery.
XVIII. Rule 16 of the Rules and Regulations governing this Commandery is published for the guidance of Companions, and will be strictly enforced.
RULE 16-Companions may invite any member of the Order temporarily in . the city, to any meeting or entertainment of the Commandery, but no person, not a member of the Order, shall be present at any meeting, nor shall any non- members be present at any entertainment, except members of the press, and those whose services have been engaged. Upon such invitation being extended, the name of the invited guest, and of the member inviting, shall be furnished to the Recorder, who shall extend an official invitation, and record his action, and they shall be considered guests of the Commandery.
In accordance with the above, applications for the introduction of guests should be made to the Recorder, to whom is delegated authority to issue cards of invitation.
XIX. The following extracts from the Constitution (see Article V), in regard to membership, are hereby published for the information of Com- panions :
The Members or Companions of this Order shall be of three (3) Classes : First (Ist) Class :
The eldest male lineal descendants, according to the rule of primogeniture, of officers who have been killed in battle, or died in the service of the National Government during the actual existence of the Rebellion, and who would have been eligible for membership in the Order had they survived.
Also the following for the information of COMPANIONS HAVING SONS :
2d Class-The eldest sons of living Companions of the First (Ist) Class, provided they be twenty-one (21) years of age.
Upon the death of the Companion of the First (Ist) Class, through whom eligibility of membership is derived, a Companion of the Second (2d) Class shall become a Companion of the First Class.
* * * * *
* * *
*
*
* * * *
Special blanks for the above Classes can be obtained upon application to the Recorder.
9
MONTHLY REPORT.
Charter Members (on the Roll) 29
GAIN-(Since date of organization, February, 1883).
By Election and Transfer up to March 4, 1885, inclusive 265
By Election, April 1, 1885 .. 5
Total 299
By transfer from the Commandery District of Columbia, March 16, 1885,
ORAN PERRY, late Col. 69th Ind. Vol. Infantry I
Total 300
Loss .- By transfer to other Commanderies 4 By Death. 5
Total I
295
First Class Members
283
Second Class Members 6
Third Class Members 6
Total 295
XX. The expenses of the Commandery can only be met by the prompt fulfilment of the obligations assumed by every Companion; and Companions are respectfully referred to Article XIX of the Constitution, which relates to arrearages.
XXI. The Chancellor of this Commandery is Brigadier-General Joshua Hall Bates, to whom all applications should be made concerning Diplomas, Badge, Ribbon, and Rosette. (The Rosettes are 50 cents each.) His address is 271/2 West Third Street, Cincinnati. Rosettes can also be obtained of the Recorder.
XXII. Companions changing address, residence, or place of business, are requested to notify the Recorder, and, so far as practicable, to transact all routine business with the Recorder's office by letter, addressed to P. O. Box 31, Cincinnati.
XXIII. Companions are reminded that the Insignia must be worn at the meetings, and as prescribed in the Constitution, Article XXVII, Section I.
They are also requested to constantly wear the Rosette of the Order in the upper button-hole of the left lapel of the coat.
XXIV. The wearing of the Insignia attached to any article of jewelry, or by those not entitled, is in direct violation of the Constitution of the Order, and Companions are reminded that it is their duty to aid in correcting any abuse of the Badge of Honor.
By order of
BREVET MAJ .- GEN'L RUTHERFORD B. HAYES,
OFFICIAL :
U. S. Vols.,
A. H. MATTOX,
Commander.
First Lieutenant U. S. Vols.,
Recorder.
10
MILITARY ORDER
OF THE
Loyal Legion of the United States.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
COUNCIL, REASURER AND
RECORDER,
OF THE
OHIO COMMANDERY,
SUBMITTED AT THE
STATED MEETING, MAY 6, 1885.
CINCINNATI : WOODRUFF, COX & CO. 1885.
1
Military Order of the Loyal Lregion of the United States.
COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL.
CINCINNATI, OHIO, May 6, 1885.
Sir Commander and Companions of the Commandery of the State of Ohio :
GENTLEMEN .- Section 8 of Article 14 of the Constitution requires hat the Council "shall exercise a general inspection and control over all property belonging to the Commandery, shall be constituted a Standing Committee on accounts, and shall audit and adjust the Commandery's ooks, rendering reports of the same." These duties have been impar- ailly performed and a thorough inspection of the books of both the Treasurer and Recorder, which took place at the headquarters of the Commandery, on May 2d, at half-past two o'clock P. M., show with what are and accuracy the receipts and disbursements have been accounted or. The excellent condition of all papers, documents, and property in he hands of these officers is the best evidence we can give of their faith- ulness, deserving as they do your highest praise.
The purchase of a library case was imperative, as valuable books nd papers, accumulating for months past, could not otherwise be dis- osed of properly, and in their unprotected condition, were being injured nd very liable to total destruction. As it was left discretionary with our committee to procure [a proper case for the photographs of mem- ers, it has been thought advisable to defer action for the present, as its purchase would involve a greater sum than they felt authorized to expend.
The confidence expressed a year ago, concerning the vigorous growth of the Commandery, has been fully realized, and whilst each month adds o our already long list of prominent and distinguished officers through- ut this and adjoining States, much is yet to be done in this direction
(3)
before all who are entitled to membership are gathered within the Order It is incumbent upon every Companion to accomplish this by a carefi scrutiny and zealous effort.
The importance of accumulating and increasing our permanent fun should not be undervalued. In our youth and vigor we should provid for the uncertainties of old age, and be in a position to relieve those mi: fortunes which are likely to overtake any one of us. Indifference to thi important feature would surely be followed by consequences unfavorabl to the interests of the Order.
The Council beg to submit this as their final report, and to expres thanks for the many tokens of good will displayed by the members c this Commandery toward your Committee.
Respectfully,
JAMES L. FOLEY, CHAS. C. WALCUTT, JAMES BARNETT, J. M. BLAIR, GEO. A. VANDEGRIFT.
F
REPORT OF THE TREASURER.
CINCINNATI, May 6, 1885.
The Treasury comprises two funds: the Permanent Fund, which is made of the annual dues of non-resident members, and the General Fund. which embraces all other receipts :
There was in the Permanent Fund at the last report, $ 190. 00 It has received since, annual dues from the Recorder, 950 00
Interest on bond, 5 00
61I 25
Paid for one $500 registered U. S. 4 per cent. bond, I 145 00
Now on hand, cash,
533 75 Also one $500 bond.
Receipts from the Recorder on the 6th of January, 1885, made the fund for the first time large enough to purchase a $500 government bond. I reported the fact on the same day to the Council, and was authorized to purchase a registered 4 per cent. bond, payable to the Treasurer of the Ohio Commandery Loyal Legion. This purchase, the first fruit of the wise provision, made by the Commandery for the accumulation of a per- manent fund, is a happy augury.
4
The check for five dollars interest, received Ist of April, was de- posited as cash in my account in bank as Treasurer ; but the bank has not yet been able to collect' the money from the United States. The United States Treasury requires a certified copy of a resolution passed by the Commandery, authorizing the Treasurer to receive and enclose the interest checks. I respectfully request that such resolution be adopted this evening.
GENERAL FUND.
The balance in the General Fund at last year's report was, $ 516 59 The receipts since then are,
From the Recorder, Admission Fees, $ 2 925 00
From the Recorder, Annual Dues, 1 069 00
From the Recorder, from sale of Song
Books,
103 00 $4 097 00
From the Chancellor, sale of Rosettes,
148 00
From the Council, residue of Fund for
Annual Dinner of 1884,
6 00
4 251 00
4 767 59 The expenditure is classified under three heads, Equipment, Social Expense, and Business of the Commandery.
EQUIPMENT.
Paid for Badges,
$1 313 00
Ribbon,
13 00
Rosettes,
126 00
Diplomas,
70 00
Engrossing Diplomas,
182 00
One hundred and fifty Copies of the Constitution,
25 00
Books and Periodicals for the Library,
44 33
Chest for Papers,
$ 7 00
Binding Circulars,
4 00
Framing Pictures and Charter,
8 75
Repairing Lock of Desk,
50
20 25
I 793 58
SOCIAL EXPENSE.
Cost of Monthly Suppers above the assessment upon Com- panions present, including Carriage Hire for General Rosecrans and Gen. Slocum at the August Meeting, $ 425 75
5
b
efi
Amount brought forward,
$ 425 75
Hire of Piano at the Monthly Suppers, 60 00
Service of Musician at the same, 32 00
Cartridge-Box Menus for the Annual Dinner of 1884, 281 00
Expense of Annual Dinner of 1885, above amount raised by sale of tickets, and expense of entertaining non-resi- dent Companions above the fund contributed for that purpose by resident Companions,
Burnet House Bill, $ 126 58
Hire of Orchestra, 51 00
Lunch for Musicians, 4 50
Hire of Piano, . 5 00
Shillito's Bill for Decorations,
75 00
Short-hand reporter,
10 00
$ 272 08
Printing Menus and Invitations for Toledo Dinner,
21 50 Printing Menus and Invitations for Cleveland Dinner, 58 50
Short-hand reporter for Cleveland Dinner, 8 00 66 50
$1 158 83
BUSINESS OF THE COMMANDERY.
Recorder's Salary, eleven months,
$275 00
Postage,
162 95
Rent of Post-Office Box for the Recorder, five quarters,
18 00
Express and Telegrams,
2 65
Two Postal Orders,
16
Printing and Stationery,
901 86
Floral Tribute for the Funeral of Companion Caleb Bates,
7 00
Total
I 367 62
Expenditure, Business of the Commandery,
$1 367 62
Expenditure, Equipment,
I 793 58
Expenditure, Social Expense,
I 158 83
Total Expenditure of General Fund,
$4 320 03
Total Receipts of General Fund,
4 767 59
Balance of General Fund on hand,
$ 447 56
This statement of receipts and expenditures invites a suggestion. A large part of the general fund has been derived from the admission fees of new members. Hereafter, this source of income will be comparatively
6
mal
Fand
I ker
etter
he C
the
na an
hall. The income from annual dues is but little more than one thou- nd dollars. More than this amount is already pledged to pay for the ecorder's salary, and bills for the Co mandery Banner, for the Com- andery Song Book, and one bill for printing; all of which are due, tough not yet presented. The Commandery, for the next year, must ve on the balance now in the treasury, $447.56, unpaid dues in arrear hich may be collected, and such admission fees as may be received.
I submit herewith, my book of accounts, bank book as treasurer, tters of transmittal from the Recorder and Treasurer enclosing remit- nces, and certified vouchers of expense. They have been examined by ne Council; they are submitted for examination by the Commandery.
M. F. FORCE, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE RECORDER.
CINCINNATI, May 6, 1885.
O THE COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF OHIO :
In accordance with Article XIV., Section 3, of the Constitution of he Order, I have the honor to submit the following Annual Report.
Since the last Annual Report, May 7, 1884, meetings of the Com- andery have been held regularly on the first Wednesday of each month, nd in addition one special meeting in Cleveland, O., June 17, 1884.
The attendance was as follows :
May 7, 1884.
5I
June 4, "
35
June 17, 1884 (special meeting at Cleveland) 130
July 2, 1884.
30
August 6, 1884.
53
September 3, 1884
35
October 1, 1884.
53
November 5, 1884. 48
December 3, 1884. 50
January 10, 1885.
55
February 4, 1885 (annual dinner) I68
March 4, 1885. 30
April 1, 1885. 36
Highest attendance, 168; lowest attendance, 30 ; average, 59.
Seven valuable and interesting papers, on military topics, have been read by Companions before the Commandery, printed and distributed to Companions of Ohio, and to the libraries of other Commanderies.
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Through the courtesy of Companions residing in Cleveland, a specia meeting of the Commandery was held in that city, June 17, 1884, the attendance being more than two-thirds of the membership. Generou: and graceful hospitality, on the part of Cleveland Companions, made the meeting one of unalloyed pleasure. The meeting closed with a roya dinner, which was also made an intellectual feast by eloquent response to the happy themes suggested for "toasts."
The annual dinner in Cincinnati, Feb. 4, 1885, was also a complete success, largely attended, and proved indeed a re-union of Comrades, who together had shared the bivouac, the tent, the march, and the battle-field
The meeting of August 6, 1884, was made notable by the fact that thede Ohio Commandery had for its guests on that occasion, Major-Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, Major-Gen. H. W. Slocum, and other distinguished soldiers, members of the Order.
Two Registers of the Commandery have been issued, one in Jan- uary, 1884, and again in January, 1885.
At the date of the last annual meeting the actual membership was 194, and total names on Registrar, 196; the loss during the year having been two. At this date, twenty-seven months since the Ohio Com- mandery was organized, 300 names are enrolled on the Registrar. The names of six applicants are presented in Circular No. 4, 1885, for action at this meeting. If elected, the year will close with 306 members. The loss during the past twelve months has been four, two by transfer to the Commandery of the District of Columbia, one to the Commandery of Massachusetts, and one to the Commandery of Michigan. Total names enrolled on Registrar, 300 ; total loss since organization, 6 ; actual mem- bership at this date, 294 ; gain in twelve months, 100; average monthly increase, 813.
The various Committees of Investigation, serving during the past year, have been cautious, discriminating, and just, impartial to applicants and careful of the interests of the Commandery. The excellent class of men admitted is evidence of the watchful and vigilant work of the Com- mittees.
There has been but one death since the organization of the Com. mandery, and no death during the past twelve months.
While the growth of the Ohio Commandery has been almost phe- nomenal, and the members are to be commended for their ardor and zeal in recruiting first-class Companions, there is still work to be done in increasing the second-class membership. The foundation rock of the Loyal Legion is its first-class membership, but the continuance of the
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Order, its future glory, and the record and good name of those who founded the association and carried it to complete success, will depend upon the sons. To them is allotted the work of perpetuating the memory and reputation of the fathers and of holding the Order to the high stand- ard it has reached. If it is an honor to belong to the Loyal Legion now, how much more valuable will the membership be one hundred years hence ? Out of a membership of 300 in Ohio but six are second-class Companions. The proportion should be much greater, and if efforts are not made to increase this branch of the Order, a half century hence the Loyal Legion may only be known as a "thing of the past." This is a matter of vital importance, and I would respectfully suggest that Com- panions give it their thoughtful attention.
The membership of the Commandery is distributed as follows :
OHIO.
Cincinnati.
97
Cleveland ..
.5I
Toledo. 2I
Columbus 16
Dayton. II
Akron
IO
Fremont. 4
Youngstown
3
Canton 3
Painsville. 2
Zanesville.
2
Portsmouth
2
Xenia.
2
Athens
2
Hamilton ...
2
Urbana. 2 Lithopolis. I Nelsonville I
Jackson.
I
Ironton.
I
Tiffin
I
Batavia.
I Springfield. I Delaware .. I
Norwalk.
I
Massillon.
I
Canal Winchester . I
Ottawa.
I
Warren
I
Kent
I
Sidney.
I
245
KENTUCKY.
Louisville. 6
Lexington
4
Visalia
I
II
INDIANA.
Indianapolis.
4
Terre Haute
I
Union City.
I
Aurora.
I
Richmond . 2
Elkhart
I
Fort Wayne ...
I
Lafayette.
I
I2
TEXAS.
San Antonio
2
Austin
I
Fort Stockton
I
4
9
ci
th
TENNESSEE.
Knoxville. I Nashville .. 2
-
3 Minneapolis I ILLINOIS.
Chicago ..
I Springfield. I
-
2
WYOMING TERRITORY.
Cheyenne.
I
Fort D. A. Russell I
-
DAKOTA TERRITORY.
Fort A. Lincoln 2
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Washington, D. C. . ..... 2
CONNECTICUT.
Norwalk
I
NEW YORK.
Utica.
I
RECAPITULATION.
Ohio. 245
Kentucky
II
Indiana
I2
Texas
4
Tennessee
3
Illinois 2
Wyoming Territory ... 2
Dakota Territory ...... 2
District of Columbia .. 2
Connecticut.
I
Resident Members ... . 97
Non “
66
197
Nebraska I
Minnesota.
I
Massachusetts
I
Wisconsin.
I
Louisiana. I
West Virginia I
Kansas I
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