History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 57

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

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The encampment at Brookings in 1902 was excellent in every respect. The hospitality of the city made the occasion one of superb enjoyment to the dis- tinguished guests. The Sons of Veterans elected as commander W. F. Allison ; senior vice commander, J. H. Pilkington ; junior vice commander, F. A. Cochrane. The Spanish War Veterans chose Ernest Madden as their corps commander ; senior vice commander, Seth Bullock ; adjutant, George W. Roskie. Several base-

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ball games entertained the veterans and ladies. Mayor Mathews delivered the address of welcome. George W. Snow responded on behalf of the G. A. R .; Helen A. Hobbs, on behalf of the W. R. C .; Col. M. E. Harder, for the Sons of Veterans ; and Clayton Van Houten, for the Spanish War Veterans. The sessions were held in a big tent. On the second day W. O. Clough and G. A. Silsby addressed the assemblage. Then followed the grand parade led by the Volga military and college cadets and the whole was reviewed by General Torrance. The campfire at night was addressed by General Torrance. On the third day sev- eral prominent people delivered stirring and patriotic addresses. Present and prominent during the encampment were W. V. Lucas, J. H. Houser, George A. Silsby, Robert Dollard, S. J. Conklin, Governor Van Sant of Minnesota, Gen. Els. Torrance, W. O. Clough, C. H. Winsor, Coe I. Crawford and Gen. A. S. Frost. Excellent music was provided by the citizens.

The encampment of the various military societies was held at Big Stone City in 1903. There was a large attendance, and the city took great pains and pleasure in suitably welcoming and entertaining the guests. The new officers chosen for the G. A. R. were: Commander, Thomas B. Reed ; senior vice commander, A. B. Nelson; junior vice commander, J. Mayard; chaplain, W. A. D. North. The official report showed that in the whole state there were 83 posts with a member- ship of 1,700, a decrease of about 75 from that of the year before. Forty-two members had died. The W. R. C., S. of V. and S. A. V. were well represented. In all about 600 guests were present. The hotels were not large enough to hold the crowds, but all were provided with beds in hotels, private residences and tents. At the auditorium all listened to the annual addresses of Commander Blanchard of the G. A. R .; Mrs. Mary N. Farr, president of the W. R. C .; and Mrs. Taylor, president of the National W. R. C. These orations were all well prepared, full of spice for the benefit of the orders and delivered in select language and elegant style. The oratory at this encampment was superb and was received with rapturous applause by the guests and the local population. Among the speakers were Lieutenant-Governor Snow, John A. Prickler, N. C. Nash, Thomas Reed, Governor Van Sant, and others. During the encampment particular effort was made by all the speakers and by the resolutions adopted to secure and enforce the teaching of patriotism in the public schools. The proposed pension measures were likewise endorsed. All members of the above organizations were treated to a trip to Foster on the steamer Queen of the Lake. One of the old soldiers while in the city was accidentally killed by falling from a window of the hotel at night, his neck being broken.

The twenty-first encampment was held at Canton, June 28-30, 1904, and was one of the most enthusiastic thus far held. Through a reception committee the guests were made comfortable and then the joy began. There were present about six hundred persons, representing the G. A. R., W. R. C., S. of V. and S. A. V. Mayor Fitch welcomed them to the city, and Thomas Reed and Jane Mason responded on behalf of the G. A. R. and the W. R. C. Wendt's Orchestra fur- nished the music. The guests were treated to boat rides on the river and the Indian asylum was thrown open for their inspection. The G. A. R. officers elected were: Commander, H. P. Packard; senior vice commander, Charles Barrett ; junior vice commander, H. C. Neumayer ; medical director, V. T. Wilson ; chap- lain, S. A. Boyles ; delegates to the national encampment, H. J. Sanford, Robert

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Dollard and S. H. Cornell. Aberdeen was selected as the meeting place of the next encampment of the G. A. R. and the next convention of the W. R. C. On Thursday Mrs. Gen. John A. Logan was met at the station by the encampment and citizens and escorted in state to Hotel Rudolph. From the station to the carriage she passed through two long lines of veterans with uncovered heads and was visibly affected but much pleased at this magnificent reception. All the way to the hotel she passed through two ranks of marching veterans. After resting she visited the W. R. C. convention and was given a magnificent reception. At the evening campfire 2,000 people were present. Senator Gamble delivered the principal oration. Then Mrs. Logan for ten minutes addressed the audience in a warm and cordial greeting to the old soldiers and others. J. R. Pattee's songs were much enjoyed: S. H. Elrod spoke for twenty minutes on the respect that was due the old soldiers. P. R. Bailey with his wit kept the audience in a roar for half an hour. Derva Stone and Harriet Elder rendered spirited recitations. The next day in the parade to the hall for the installation of officers all sang "Marching Through Georgia." The speech of Mrs. Mary N. Farr in presenting the retiring president, Mrs. Jane Mason, with a cut-glass berry bowl, was one of extreme grace and elegance. Gen. George Silsby, in behalf of the department, delivered an eloquent address to the retiring commander, Thomas Reed. Eramia Carpenter was chosen president of the W. R. C. for the coming year ; Jennie E. Nash, senior vice president ; Ella Roselle, junior vice president ; Emma D. Humph- rey, treasurer ; Hattie M. Pay, chaplain ; Emma Silsby, Emma Thayer and Lizzie Leavitte, delegates to the national convention. The orations were timely, patri- otic and eloquent. All urged the importance of teaching patriotism in the schools of the state.

The twenty-second annual encampment assembled at Aberdeen June 20-22, 1905, under sunny skies and balmy airs. The city had made great preparation for their enjoyment and had gaily decorated Main Street and many public and private buildings. Fully three hundred old soldiers, and in all about seven hun- dred guests, were in the city on the first day. The Woman's Relief Corps, as ever, was well represented. The G. A. R. assembled in the courtroom. At the first meeting of the W. R. C. all of the past presidents of the city were presented to the members present ; they were Louise Hauser, Lucy P. Bryson, Carrie N. Cleveland, Sue C. Moulton, Alice M. A. Pickler, Emma M. Cook, Helen A. Hobbs and Jane A. Mason. At this time the total membership of the W. R. C. in South Dakota was 1,430. The total receipts of the year were $1,300 and total expenses $1,100. After various ceremonies the two organizations held a joint session in the courthouse. The U. V. U. was present in the city, but at first held no meet- ing. Gen. R. T. Paine was commander of this organization.

On Wednesday the officers of the organization for the coming year were chosen. J. B. Wolgemuth was elected commander of the G. A. R. and Clara A. Lukins president of the W. R. C. Yankton was chosen over Watertown as the place for the next state encampment by a vote of fifty-two to forty-eight. In the usual flag presentation to the public school Mrs. Mary N. Farr, national vice president for South Dakota, bore a distinguished part.

In his annual address Commander Packard called special attention to the fact that although the old soldiers throughout the country were passing away the department in South Dakota was growing in numbers, the membership being

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1,674 in 1904 and 1,763 in 1905. He also spoke particularly in regard to a pension of $12 per month for each old soldier. He said of the W. R. C., "This valuable organization auxiliary to the G. A. R. continues with zeal unabated the splendid work to which it is devoted and for which it was organized. For years it has been much help to the G. A. R .; has helped posts financially ; has encouraged the weak and shared honors with the strong; has been a messenger of comfort to the widow and orphan of the veteran, and dignified and sweetened the services of Memorial Day by active participation and along the lines of usefulness and patriotism."

At the closing exercises Gen. Els Torrance, of Minneapolis, past national commander, delivered an entertaining speech of about forty-five minutes in length. In particular he cited many instances of loyalty by both sides in the Civil war. A prize speaking contest on "Patriotism" was on the program. Mrs. Alice M. A. Pickler presented the flag to the local school. Gen. G. W. Patton addressed the last assemblage.

The U. V. U. met at this time in Aberdeen and was called to order on June 2Ist by Gen. R. T. Paine, commander. All members in good standing present were admitted as delegates. They passed a resolution favoring the per diem service pension bill. Col. Simon Price was chosen major-general for the coming year. Other officers were elected or appointed. The place for the next meeting was left to the major-general.

The 1906 encampment was held at Yankton June 19-21. The weather was beautiful and Nature and art did everything in their power to glorify the old heroes. The W. R. C. were first to come to order in Odd Fellows hall, under the leadership of Mrs. Clara Lukins. Later the G. A. R. assembled in the opera house with General Wolgemuth in the chair. A large delegation from each order was present. At the same time the U. V. U. held forth in the courthouse. At these annual reunions and campfires, where sociability and reminiscence ruled, the members seemed to take the keenest delight. Mayor Price welcomed the G. A. R. and the W. R. C. at New Theatre on the evening of the first day. George A. Silsby answered on behalf of the G. A. R. and Clara A. Lukins for the W. R. C. All of these addresses were select, ornate and appropriate. At the regular meetings Laura Harmon was chosen the new president of the W. R. C. and Gen. N. I. Lowthian commander of the G. A. R. The U. V. U. organization elected Dr. A. C. Stewart major-general. There were close and vigorous contests for these important positions of honor. Hot Springs was chosen for the next encampment.

Perhaps the most important event of this encampment was the presence of National Commander Corporal Tanner. Present also was Mrs. Abbie A. Adams, national president of the W. R. C. Commander Tanner delivered a memorable address. He said that when he was proposed for commander in chief he wrote and asked if South Dakota would support him in the national encampment. The response was that South Dakota had never yet been honored by the visit of. a national commander and that if he would pledge himself to visit this state if elected, the South Dakota delegation would support him. This pledge was made and he was now here to redeem it. He said that he carried a musket in the war until mustered out by a piece of shell from the rebel batteries; that he did not intend to hold the old soldiers up as models when he knew they used to be guilty

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of deeds which now would be classed as petit and even grand larceny ; and that the viewpoint, however, was everything, because an act might be eminently proper when a hungry soldier fighting for liberty wanted something to eat. Other speakers followed General Tanner.

The resolutions adopted by the encampment asked that a committee of three be appointed to secure the passage of a bill by the next Legislature providing for the teaching of patriotism in the public schools and requiring the state superin- tendent to put such instruction into execution. Another resolution asked that a bill be passed to secure additional benefits and better care for the inmates of the Soldiers' Home.

An event of note on the last day was the speech of Chaplain in Chief Jesse Cole, of Iowa. He traced in detail the two civilizations on this continent-the Puritan and the Cavalier, the former devoted to liberty and the latter to slavery. He scored to the limit the treacherous and rebellious administration of James Buchanan and described in graphic terms how he permitted the rebels to do as they pleased until Lincoln's inauguration checked, and in the end stopped, the havoc of treason and war. He criticised the Government for not giving to the women of the North the credit due them for their trials, sufferings and sacrifices during the terrible struggle. The last evening was devoted to exercises to please the visitors, the schools being called upon to render what they had been many weeks in preparing.

The new officers elected in 1906 were: Commander, Tom C. DeJean ; senior vice commander, E. M. Thomas; junior vice commander, W. H. Loucks ; med- ical director, J. H. Smith ; chaplain, C. B. Clark; Joseph Elsom, W. P. Price and J. H. Shirk, delegates to the national convention. Hot Springs was chosen for the next encampment.

The twenty-fourth annual encampment of the G. A. R. of South Dakota assembled in Huron June 4, 1907, and was called to order by Commander N. I. Lowthian. Senior Vice Commander F. A. Fassett, Junior Vice Commander W. R. Stowe, Chaplain S. A. Boyles and Medical Director J. H. Smith were present. At this time the total number of the posts was 154. A few speeches were made in the morning and in the afternoon after a parade a joint session of the Grand Army and the Woman's Relief Corps was held at the opera house. Mrs. Laura A. Harmon, president of the Woman's Relief Corps, delivered her annual address.

Commander Lowthian said, "You may search the pages of war history from beginning to end and you cannot find one principle in them that was involved in the late War of the Rebellion. Other wars were for conquest and glory ; ours, for law and order. Our forefathers started out in the War of the Revolution to establish the right of no taxation without representation and ended in forming a Government founded in liberty, justice and equality for all. Comrades of the Grand Army, we enlisted to maintain freedom, justice and equality ; to uphold the ensign of our country ; to raise aloft the flag of the Union where it had been torn down; to establish law and order; to save the Union; and when all this was accomplished we laid down our arms, returned to our house and took up our domestic life again as if nothing had happened, thereby teaching the world the great blessing of a republican form of government-a Government of the people, by the people and for the people. Hence we say that the Grand Army cannot

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be perpetuated, but must die when the last soldier of the war for the Union of 1861-65 dies. The soldiers of the Spanish-American war cannot comprehend what the rebellion was. They fought no great battles. They were fighting a foreign foe; we were fighting our misguided brothers. They were fighting to retrieve a diplomatic insult and to end the reign of terror and murder on the Island of Cuba. We were fighting to put down treason at home, save the Union and establish law and order. The northern soldier fought to save the nation ; the southern soldier fought to dismember it."

He called attention to the passage of the McCumber Pension Bill, granting to all honorably discharged soldiers, thus: At the age of 62, $12 per month; at 70 years, $15 per month; at 75 years, $20 per month. He declared that no old soldier need be buried in a pauper's grave; the state provided for such cases," $50 to be paid by the county judges. He further noted the great success of the national encampment held in Minneapolis in 1906, there being 688 South Dako- tans registered and 588 in line. Excellent harmony prevailed between the G. A. R., the W. R. C. and S. of V. All were working for a common cause-care of the old soldiers, teaching of patriotism, etc.

Miss Emma Cook, past department president of the Woman's Relief Corps, and a resident of Huron, welcomed them in these words: "You comrades of the Grand Army represented a mighty host who went forth under Old Glory to save the nation and redeem the race. Your work well done you returned to civil life, but you did not forget your comrades slain and by organized effort during all these years you have cared for the dependent ones left by the comrades who fell during the war. You have been assisted during these years by the organized efforts of the loyal women of America. The year 1900 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization of our national body, for after somewhat pro- longed comradeship and a good deal of flirting, the Woman's Relief Corps became legally wedded to the Grand Army and of them it can be truthfully said, 'They lived happily ever after,' because as far as known no divorce proceedings have been instituted, not even in South Dakota. By walking hand in hand those two organizations have performed deeds of mercy and taught lessons of patriotism unparalleled in the history of the world. We are fortunate in having with us so many generals. The Black Hills has sent us Gen. C. B. Clark, whom all Huron loves to honor; Mitchell, the silver-tongued orator; General Silsby; Arlington, a Reed not easily broken ; Carthage, the jolly tar and Irish soloist, Palmer ; Red- field, the genial Packard; while Pierre, not to be outdone, has sent General Farr, the jolly Lillibridge and battling Nelson."

Mrs. Lois Perry, of Sioux Falls, past department patriotic instructor, said among other things: "The war for the preservation of the Union was one of the grandest occasions of history. The valor of the northern soldiers in standing for the Constitution and the integrity of the Union, deserves to be commemorated by the pen of the poet, by the tongue of the orator, by the hand of the painter and by the faithful work of the historian. While the soldiers of the Confederacy may have been physically brave, they fought for slavery, not for liberty ; for a dismembership of the Union, not for its perpetuation ; for states' rights, not for a national Government of adequate centralized power. On the other hand, the Union soldiers, in camp and in battle, and their faithful wives at home and all the patriotic people of the North, deserve praise for the spirit of patriotism that

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was not sectional like that of the South, but was national, was for liberty, was for the Union, one and inseparable, was broad with the splendid spirit of liberty and union-a spirit that could look backward to the sacrifices of the Revolution and the War of 1812 and could look into the future and recognize the blessing to posterity that an indestructible union of indestructible states would be as the years grew into decades and the decades lengthened into centuries. And so I come to you children of this loyal and patriotic young state and young city and in this august presence appeal to you to be ever true to your proud birthright as citizens of the grandest nation in the world. Love peace; work for peace; be honest, brave and patriotic. Love the flag, the Union and the Constitution. Re- member that there will be more years of peace than of war. Remember that girls as well as boys, that women as well as men, honor the flag and intend to preserve the honor of their country."

In 1906 there were 78 G. A. R. posts and 1,436 members. For the fiscal year 1906-07 the total receipts were $1,834.78 and the total expenses $955.45. The number of posts with W. R. C. attached was 15. The number of assistant patriotic instructors was 110; number of schools in this. department, 5,190; num- ber of pupils, 141,618; number of schools flying the flag while in session, 750; number of schoolrooms having a flag, 1,400; number where flag salute is given on special occasions, 1,732 ; approximate amount expended in patriotic instruction in this department (including the building of two soldiers' monuments) during the year, $5,000. Memorial Sunday, Memorial Day and Flag Day were generally observed in the towns and cities.

Mr. Beadle said, "I wish to commend the work of the patriotic instructor. I knew where it has had its effect and been helpful. There is one single thing I wish to remark upon and that is regarding the pledge which we ask the children of the public schools to take. We are not going to give a theory as a basis of patriotism, but we are going to teach patriotismn of the head and heart. The old form of pledge which I have used for pupils under my control for years and years is as follows : Rising, the flag is unfurled and held before the pupils and they repeat : 'I give my head and heart to God and my country. One country, one language, one flag.' The finger of every child is pointed to the flag as it is dipped and they get the idea without any philosophic inquiry in regard to patriotism."

The annual encampment of 1908 was held at Hot Springs June 23d to 25th. The railways furnished half fare rates and there was a large attendance. The citizens made elaborate preparations for their entertainment and comfort and beautifully decorated the streets and principal buildings. The Sanatarium Band, under the leadership of Professor McGee, and the Fox Drum Corps, of Sioux Falls, furnished the music. About six hundred persons were present at the first meeting held in the rink. The two principal orators were Gov. S. R. Van Sant, of Minnesota, and Gen. R. M. Woods, of Chicago, both high in the ranks of the order. On Wednesday the grand parade through the principal streets took place. The distinguished visitors were treated to trips to Battle Mountain, Wind Cave, etc. Major Bently welcomed them to the city, and Gen. T. C. DeJean responded on behalf of the encampment. Warren Osborne succeeded T. C. DeJean as com- mander and Minnie Fox succeeded Mrs. Mary Brown as president of the State W. R. C. Mrs. Farr, of Pierre, addressed the ladies of the order on Wednesday.

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Mrs. Eva Williams presented the flag to the local school. The occasion was most enjoyable. Music, recitations and fireworks at night on the hills brightened the proceedings. At this time there were in the state fifty-two W. R. C. lodges with a total membership of 1,808. The same week the Black Hills Soldiers' and Sailors' Association met here also, it being their twenty-first annual assemblage.

In 1909 the encampment met at Sioux Falls, June 22d to 24th. Appropriate and elaborate preparations for the reception of the veterans and the ladies of the W. R. C. were made by the whole city. Hundreds of private residences were richly decorated and the streets were brilliant avenues of color and splendor. General Van Sant sent word that he could not be present, but sent General Tor- rance to take his place on the program. The most distinguished visitor was Gen. O. O. Howard, then the only Union corps commander living. Melvin Grigsby was chairman of the reception committee and J. B. Fox was officer of the day and leader of the Sioux Falls Brass Band. A great crowd welcomed General Howard at the station. When he stepped on the station platform the old soldiers were so anxious to greet him that they brushed the guards aside and several hun- dred shook warmly the only hand he had left. He seemed as much delighted as they did. Upon his arrival at the Cataract House he was again royally received by the G. A. R. and the city dignitaries. Present also was Gen. Henry M. Nevies, national commander. Mayor George W. Burnside made the welcoming address at the opening meeting, and response was made by Warren Osborne, department commander. As a special honor to General Howard a poem entitled "The Empty Sleeve," composed by David Barker, was read by Miss Clara Anderson. Splendid music was furnished by the Northwestern Entertainers' Orchestra, the Sioux Falls Male Quartette, the Sioux Falls Brass Band, the Coon Rapids Drum Corps, and other organizations. The parade on Wednesday was a grand affair, to witness which the whole city turned out. Many Spanish-American war vet- erans were present. In addition to Generals Howard and Torrance, Colonel Grigsby spoke on Wednesday. There were present at this encampment about fifty survivors of the Battle of Shiloh. On Wednesday General Howard was specially entertained at the residence of Mrs. U. S. G. Cherry. The same evening General Howard addressed a large audience at the Congregational Church, his theme being "Prayer in War." The traction company invited all veterans to ride free on their cars, declaring that a G. A. R. or W. R. C. badge was as good as a ticket. A heavy and continuous rain on Thursday spoiled the out-of-doors per- formances, but made all the brighter and warmer the ceremonies within doors. At one of the meetings Capt. T. H. Brown asked General Howard to describe the circumstances of losing his right arm at the Battle of Fair Oaks. In response the general made a brilliant and thrilling speech of about thirty minutes, describ- ing graphically how he was hit twice on the right arm by rebel bullets. So intense and realistic was his address that the great audience almost stormed him with the fervor of their applause. He declared that he "always got his dander up" whenever he reflected on his loss in that battle. Joe Hooker Post and W. R. C. of Sioux Falls did wonders for the enjoyment and comfort of the guests. At this encampment a committee was appointed to assist in the proceedings of un- veiling the soldiers' monument at White Stone, North Dakota. Twenty soldiers were killed there by the Indians on September 3, 1863. They were detachments of the Second Nebraska Cavalry and the Sixth Iowa Cavalry from the forces of

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 57

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