History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 53

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146

USA > South Dakota > History of Dakota Territory, volume III > Part 53

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).

In October, 1892, the First Brigade, South Dakota National Guard, was organized and consisted of the Second Regiment of Infantry and Battery. Brig .- Gen. Samuel H. Jumper commanded this brigade. Mark W. Sheafe was colonel; J. M. Adams, lieutenant-colonel; T. H. Ruth, major of the First Battalion; C. T. Jeffers, major of the Second Battalion; A. D. Keller, major of the Third

373

374

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

Battalion ; and C. F. Mallahan, lieutenant and regimental quartermaster. Com- pany A was at Flandreau; B, at Sioux Falls ; C, at Yankton ; D, at Elk Point ; E, at De Smet ; F, at Aberdeen ; G, at Brookings; H, at Watertown; I, at Mitchell; K, at Webster; L, at Redfield; and M, at Rapid City. There were only 493 officers and men, all willing and qualified, but meagerly supported and barely able to call themselves organized. Few companies, if any, had armories, and all were glad to get a dry and secure place in which to store their arms and other equipment. In an emergency call all would have been short of suitable arms and an adequate supply of ammunition and rations. Evidently the Legislature regarded danger from the Indians as a fear of the past and not of the future or present and the discussion of the question in that body, as revealed in the jour- nals, shows that the members regarded the citizens themselves equal to the task of crushing any probable outbreak. They therefore concluded to cut out the appropriation, save the expense and compel the citizens to bear any burden that might develop. But the Guard looked anxiously to each annual session of the Legislature and hoped for the relief that came not, but on the contrary grew fainter and feebler and finally died. In 1893 it was believed that the organization was doomed unless much larger sums of money were forthcoming. It was realized that there was no use in trying to keep it alive on the small allowance of $4,000 annually for the twelve companies of Guard then in existence, or $333 for each company. At this time George A. Silsby was adjutant-general. The state at this time had a Second Regiment, but no First Regiment, the latter having been cut off with North Dakota. To remedy this change order No. 4, September 9, 1913, transformed the Second Regiment into the First. About the same time Thomas H. Ruth became colonel; A. D. Keller, lieutenant-colonel; P. C. Murphy, major; C. F. Kutnewsky, major of the First Battalion; C. S. G. Fuller, major of the Second Battalion; and John T. Coxhead, major of the Third Battalion. Col. Mark W. Sheafe retired after eight years of service at the head of the regiment.

In 1894 the new First Regiment, despite all stubborn drawbacks, numbered a total of 799 officers and men. From 1893 to January, 1897, the regiment passed through a period of the most depressing inactivity and disappointment, each company which maintained its slender existence bearing practically all of its own expenses. They were encouraged by Governor Sheldon and General Silsby to maintain their organization and hope for better times. The only company actually mustered into service was the one at Custer-about March 23, 1894. In 1895 Maj. Lee Stover's battalion held an encampment at Camp Sheldon, Watertown, the men paying their own expenses. Another encampment held at Aberdeen in 1896 was sustained by Capt. Charles Howard, who raised the neces- sary money. The desperate straits to which the Guards had been put in 1895 is shown by the small enrollment of the encampment at Watertown, at follows: Present for duty and absent by leave-3, staff ; 14, Battery A; 20, Battery E, Second Battalion; 16, Company F, First Battalian; 28, Company H, First Bat- talion (Watertown was the home of Company H). The Central Dakota Vet- erans' Association furnished the rations for the camp, which they regarded as an annex to their own annual encampment. At this time Lieut. E. F. Conklin was the commander of Battery A, but George W. Stiled was his substitute in the maneuvers. The target practice was witnessed and enjoyed by a large crowd

375

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

of citizens. The battery target was a large dry-goods box moored in the lake. The infantry fired at a "B" target, distance 200 yards. Both battery and infantry were praised for their skill in markmanship. Lieut. A. S. Frost, of the Twenty- fifth United States Infantry, inspected the camp and made a favorable report. Considering that the state bore no part of the expense the showing made was excellent and creditable. Governor Sheldon said in April, 1895, that the failure of the Legislature to make suitable appropriations for the National Guard was not the result of hostility to the organization, but was largely the result of an embarrassed treasury and the evident necessity for retrenchment. However, many newspapers of that period declared that the state indebtedness amounted to nothing, comparatively, that the constitutional tax limit of 2 mills could be exceeded in emergencies, that the cry of economy was one raised by politicians and that the failure of the Legislature to maintain the Guard was due not to the indebtedness or burdensome taxation, but mainly to the political intrigues and flank movements of that revolutionary period on the battle fields of industry, labor and capital. The newspapers were right. But the Guard had no recourse except to disband or continue to survive at their own expense.

In 1896 Lieut. Alfred S. Frost, the military commandant at the Agricultural College, became connected permanently with the Guard and so continued until after the conclusion of the war with Spain. He did much to encourage the Guard to maintain its organization despite the lack of adequate appropriations. The annual report of the Guard for 1896 showed this strength: Governor and staff, 23; colonel and staff, 6; First Regiment, 590; Battery A, 46; Fourth Bat- talion, 108; total officers and enlisted men, 773.

The appropriations, except a small sum for the quartermaster general, ceased with the end of the fiscal year July 1, 1895. The companies were then told that if they continued it must be at their own expense. All the companies but I and C decided to maintain their organizations. The two, I and C, disbanded, and were succeeded by two others organized at Bryant and Canton respectively. Other companies raised increased the whole number to fourteen located at Flandreau, Sioux Falls, Yankton, Elk Point, De Smet, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, Canton, Webster, Bryant, Rapid City, Custer and Huron, all infantry. In 1895 several companies of the First Battalion held an encampment at Watertown and paid their own expenses for the experience. In March, 1896, Mark W. Sheafe again became colonel of the First Regiment; C. S. G. Fuller was lieutenant colonel.

In 1899 an attempt to reorganize the Guard was made, but again the Legis- lature refused to make the desired appropriations although it was admitted that the war with Spain had revolutionized military conditions and foundations and that public opinion was in favor of the maintenance of a strong and efficient militia organization. In view of this utter neglect or indifference on the part of the Legislature the officers and men who had for years kept up the organization, now announced that the time was past when they would try to keep the com- panies together at their own expense and thus at great sacrifice endeavor to do what the Legislature was empowered to do by the State Constitution. Col. Lee Stover, voicing the opinions of hundreds of prominent men of the state, said in 1899: "For ten long years I contributed liberally from my private funds to aid in maintaining the National Guard organization and I shall do so no longer.

376

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

The time has come when, if the state desires such an organization, an appropria- tion must be made to maintain it." This position was commended and sustained by the state militia authorities, by the War Department and by the best citizens irrespective of political parties.

In 1899 the First Regiment was allowed by the United States Government about fifteen thousand dollars for the military property it had acquired-ord- nance, ordnance stores, etc. Nearly all of such property was unserviceable and as it could not be used under the proposed new organization, it was seen that the Guard was still doomed to extinction unless the Legislature should come to the rescue. But in spite of these and other drawbacks the Guard clung tena- ciously to life, refusing to give up the ghost.

In March, 1901, S. J. Conklin became adjutant general, and at that time the Guard, though still in existence, was inactive and was waiting for the aid which prominent officers and public men of the state declared would come before'many years. It should again be particularly noted in this connection that from 1890 to 1898 the Guard had been almost wholly maintained by private persons and by the towns or cities where the companies were organized. The state as repre- sented by the Legislature granted but a pittance to the organization during the whole of that period. The action of that body not only left the state defenseless against Indians and mob uprisings, but, what was worse, left it without a well trained miltia organization when the call was made for soldiers to serve in the war with Spain. Had it not been for the spirit, patriotism and self sacrifice of the members of the Guard in maintaining the organization, the state would have been wholly destitute of any military organization whatever-would have been placed in the humiliating, if not shameful, position of being called upon by the Government for trained troops and being wholly unable to meet the require- ment. This discreditable situation was due wholly to the parsimonious Legis- lature in a state where taxation was extremely low, where the public indebtedness was insignificant and where the annual products per capita were greater than in any other state of the Union.

Troop A of Deadwood organized in the fall of 1899 and Battery A of Clark maintained their organization in spite of the obstacles. The latter was recruited to the maximum at the time of the call for volunteers in 1898, but had muzzle- loading guns only and did not get into the service as a body. Troop A bore the entire expense of its organization and maintenance, but was burned out in the winter of 1900-01. The year 1901 brought a more satisfactory condition of affairs. An appropriation was made and Governor Herreid authorized Adjutant General Conklin to form one regiment of infantry and one troop of cavalry. By May 14 twelve companies of infantry and one troop of cavalry were organized. At the same time the adjutant general recommended the organization of the Second Regiment of infantry, two battalions and another troop of cavalry to be located east of the Missouri River and one battalion to be located in the Black Hills.

At the annual encampment held at Huron in August, 1901, there were pres- ent 457 officers and men, showing that the money appropriated, though small in amount, and the energy and determination of Governor Herreid and Adjutant General Conklin were bearing fruit. Great advancement in discipline was made at this encampment. The men served without wages, paid their own way to and from the encampment and were fed by the citizens of Huron. Two men,

377

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

Sergeant Hunt and Private Mackey, had their right hands badly maimed by the premature discharge of a cannon while in practice.

In September, 1901, Companies B, C, D, and M, of the First Regiment held an encampment at Yankton during the state fair, were furnished rations and beds by the citizens, but otherwise paid their own expenses. A few days later another encampment was held at Aberdeen by Companies E, G, K, and L, their own expenses being borne by the citizens of that city.

By March, 1902, the Second Regiment was fully organized. At this time Battery A was transferred to Huron. The encampment was held at Watertown there being present 625 officers and men, and again the citizens furnished the rations and the Guard paid their own expenses. All this was done because it was now clear that before long suitable appropriations would be made by the Legislature. This fact furnished the inducement or incentive to continue. Col- onel Stewart, acting as brigadier general, commanded the encampment of this year. General Conklin deserved and was given the credit for the excellent con- dition of the Guard at this time. His advice and encouragement sustained the companies. It was about this time that the names of the two infantry regiments were changed to Second and Third, leaving the title first to be borne alone by the gallant men who had served in the Phillippines.

At the session of the Legislature of 1903 the permanent camping ground of the Guard was fixed at Watertown where sixty acres were donated to the state by the citizens. The same Legislature made a large appropriation for the fiscal years 1903-05. Thus at last with a reasonable appropriation and with a permanent camp the Guard became happy, contented, efficient and prosperous. In 1904 the grounds were improved at an expenditure of $5,690.74. On June 21, 1903, the Dick Bill passed by Congress was approved. It appropriated $1,000,000 annually to be divided equitably among the states for the maintenance of the National Guard. This state received that year from the fund $7,979.08, but the amount has been increased by subsequent enactments.

The encampments of 1903 and 1904 were highly successful, sections of the Guard assembling at different times. In the latter year eighty-five officers and 895 enlisted men were present at one time. There were many changes in the officers from year to year, but the efficiency steadily improved. The equipments became more modern and the drill and target exercises were attended by larger and more admiring and enthusiastic crowds of citizens. Soon the whole state was proud of the National Guard-all due to the fact that the Legislature had at last responded to the public demand. At all the encampments the governor, as com- mander in chief, accompanied by his staff was present. The Guard were trained by experienced soldiers, usually graduates of West Point or of other military schools. Quite often companies of regulars were present to acquaint still better the Guard with the regular army discipline and behavior. Difficult tactical prob- lems were often carried out at the encampments. Not always did the various companies and battalions assemble at the grounds near Watertown, but held short encampments at different cities of the state largely in order to show the progress and efficiency of the commands. The total strength of the Guard on October 30, 1904, was 1,447 officers and men.

In March, 1905, Charles H. Englesby became adjutant general and his office was changed from Pierre to Watertown to be near the encampment grounds. It

378

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

was at this time that the legislative appropriations were reduced from $30,000 to $13,000 per annum. This reduction compelled the Guard to limit its numeri- cal strength. The three Black Hills companies survived, but the balance of the Third Regiment was mustered out as was also the Second Regiment. However, enough new companies were formed to constitute one regiment which became the Fourth under Col. R. W. Stewart. Troops A, B, C, and D, of the First Squadron of Cavalry and Battery A were retained for a short time, but were finally mustered out. By this act of the Legislature in reducing the appropria- tion, the high hopes of the Guard in 1903-04 were blasted, though in this case it must be admitted that the Legislature did what was best even though it cut too far.

In 1905 the first apportionment of the United States funds to the state for encampment purposes-$7,000-was disbursed for pay, subsistence and trans- portation. This year the encampment was attended by the Fourth Infantry, Bat- tery A, Troop C and D of the First Squadron of Cavalry and the Hospital and Signal Corps. A rifle range was constructed on the lake shore and here the troops were given instruction in sharp shooting. Troops A and B were given experience in practice marches and held an encampment at Hot Springs. The object of the adjutant general was to organize the Guard in accordance with regular army practices and principles so that it might be rated by the War De- partment as prepared for field service.

The encampment of 1906 was a success and was attended by the Fourth Regiment and the Hospital and Signal Corps. They went to Fort Riley, Kansas, and received instructions in regular army maneuvers. Other companies were given practice in forced marches and rifle-range work. The cavalry marched from Pierre and Evarts their home stations. Officer's schools were a feature of this year's work. On the lake shore at Watertown an addition of 13.5 acres was secured for an extension of the rifle-range. The Government allotment was doubled, which increase proved of great advantage to the Guard in extending operation of all kinds.

In 1907 rifle practice and range work were carried out extensively and elabo- rately. A great improvement in long-range shooting was the result. At the state fair and at other public assemblies this year the Guard did provost duty and furnished band music. Their services in keeping the crowds in order were almost indispensable and were fully appreciated.

The encampment of 1908 was likewise a success and the troops were useful in various public services and made great progress in all practice movements. In June, 1908, Congress appropriated $2,000,000 for the various State Guards, and set aside additional funds for equipment to the amount of about eight dollars per man. In August 449 officers and men mobilized at Sioux City, Iowa, prepara- tory for their advance to Fort Riley, Kan., to participate in the regular army maneuvers. Much concerning camp sanitation and hygiene was learned at this time. This year the rifle-range was extended by the purchase of 1131/2 acres for $7,900, the total area of the camping grounds now reaching 187 acres. During all these years competent instructors from the regular army were detailed to aid in bringing the state guard up to the highest standards of efficiency.

In 1909 for the first time South Dakota was represented at the National rifle competition. This year the annual encampment in South Dakota was a great

LEEE

Elks' Club

Postoffice High School SCENES AT WATERTOWN

379

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

success. All field and camp work showed great advancement. Never were rifle practice, sanitation, personal hygiene, military courtesy, discipline, drills and field exercises and programs of a higher order or standard. At last the South Dakota Guard was nearly equal to the regular army in all of these important functions and duties. There were present sixty-eight officers and 640 enlisted men of the Guard. Again this year the state fair grounds were admirably policed by the Guard. Three companies attended the Gas Belt Exposition at Pierre, and, while there, assisted by 500 Indians, they gave daily reproductions of Custer's last fight. The officer's school was held again this year. Many improvements were made to the grounds. Target practice as prescribed by the War Department was the principal feature of the exercises.

In 1909-10 the companies and their locations were as follows: A at Britton, B at Sioux Falls, C at Brookings, D at Milbank, E at Canton, F at Dell Rapids, G at Redfield, H at Spearfish, I at Sisseton, K at Sturgis, L at Aberdeen and M at Yankton. In addition there were separate companies-A at Highmore, B at Pierre and C at Hot Springs.

In 1910 the Guard participated in the regular army maneuvers at Sparta, Wis. In all 560 enlisted men and sixty-five officers of the State Guard took part in the exercises and were amply repaid by lessons in company and battalion drill, extended order drill, tactical programs, guard duty, regimental inspection, sanita- tion, and by lectures and problems. Contact with the regulars alone proved a great aid to the Guard. The object of the interstate encampments is to bring the Guards of all the states into closer contact with the rigid routine of the regu- lar army. Rifle-range competition is an important and enjoyable feature of the national encampments.

At the annual state encampment of 1910 every effort for the greatest efficiency down to the simplest details was made. Sanitation, camp police, waste removal, care of beds, bedding, etc., disposal of slops and garbage, protection of food from flies and dust, etc., were rigidly observed and enforced. Again this year the Guard's services at the state fair were employed with excellent results. An emergency hospital in charge of a medical corps cared for the sick and injured persons. In March, 1910, Company H, Fourth Infantry, assisted in extinguish- ing a destructive prairie fire near Buffalo Gap.

The club house at Camp Roosevelt, Watertown, was built by the officers of the State Guard from the per diem allowed them for services at the camp of instruction and the schools. The original cost of the club house was about twelve thousand dollars; it is owned by the Camp Roosevelt Club, which is duly incorporated and is situated on Lake Kampeska. This building serves as the home of the officers during the encampments. A change was made in the school in 1910; a term was conducted at the state camp grounds with an attend- ance of about fifty officers. At first it was planned to hold this school at Fort Meade, but it was really held at Camp Roosevelt, Col. A. S. Frost being instructor and Capt. E. R. Chrisman assistant instructor. The object was to give the State Guard instructions in military tactics in accordance with the regular army stand- ard of efficiency. Already the Guard showed marked improvement in marksman- ship, drills, camp order, sanitation and tactics generally.

On December 1, 1910, the National Guard of South Dakota numbered 88 officers and 854 enlisted men, total 942. The unorganized militia was approxi-

380

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

mately 80,000. The Guard was fully armed and equipped for service. At the session of 1909 the Legislature appropriated $15,000 for the support of the Guard. Several company organizations had found it impossible to maintain interest among its members, owing largely to lack of armory and other facilities and attractions and hence were almost on the point of dismemberment. Not only did the state own no armories, but in some of the towns where military companies were located there were no suitable halls that could be rented. No state in the Union was more deficient in this respect than South Dakota. Lack of suitable and secure places in which to keep military equipments and stores had led to their loss by theft in all parts of the state. The report of Adj .- Gen. C. H. Englesby reveals the chaotic condition of nearly all branches of the National Guard service in 1910.

At the regular encampment of 1911 there were present sixty-seven officers and 587 enlisted men. Many distinguished persons were present, among whom were Gov. R. S. Vessey; Capt. F. V. S. Chamberlain, U. S. A .; Capt. M. C. Frost, U. S. A .; Capt. A. S. Frost, inspector general, South Dakota National Guard. There was a great increase in the number of men who qualified for the sharpshooters' course. Camp routine duty was perfect. Drilling, company and battalion formations, guard mount, guard duty, advance guard contact, etc., were the leading exercises. The year ended with rigid inspections under the orders of the War Department.

As the country around Watertown settled up and farmhouses became numer- ous the encampment grounds there became more and more inadequate and objec- tionable. General Englesby said in 1912, "The state camp ground at Lake Kampeska, Watertown, while an ideal spot for a concentration camp, is entirely inadequate and insufficient for field training and field firing under the present regulations. The country adjacent to the camp ground is made up of rich and thickly settled farm lands where maneuver problems and battle exercises are impracticable and impossible of execution and where even tactical walks may not be profitably or advantageously conducted. The state rifle range at the camp ground, at which there are nineteen targets with firing points up to one thousand yards and an electric signal system up to the six hundred-yard line, is one of the best and most complete in the western states, but under the proposed regula- tions for field firing soon to be adopted by the War Department could not be used without great menace to the public. Only straight-away firing into the lake is possible with any degree of safety and with the addition of the proposed regulations a change of site for the rifle range would become necessary."

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.

History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 53

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146