Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 9, Number 127, Decatur, Adams County, 30 May 1911 — Page 5

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Volume IX. Number 127.

HiSTORV OF THE SAM HENRV POST DECATUR

WHEN ORGANIZED AND HOW NAMED The Death Os Sam Henry, Major Porter And Quarter Master Ashler

CHARTER MEMBERS List of Past Commanders From 1882 Up to the Present Time. H. H. HART WAS FIRST “Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty” the Motto That is Always Observed. General G. A. R. Organization. Tile Grand Army of the Republic was organized April 6. 1866, just three days less than a year after the surrender of General Lee (April 9, 1865). Decatur, Illinois, was birthplace of this order, which has spread over the entire United States, wherever union soldiers live, and the organizer was Dr. B. F. Stephenson of Springfield, 111., who had served as surgeon of the 14th Illinois Infantry, returning after the close of the war to his practice in Springfield. He first suggested the idea of this organization in February, 1866. and made the draft of a ritual. The first ritual was printed in the office of the Tribune at Decatur, 111., the proprietors of which, Messrs. Coltrin & Prior, with their compositors, had been union soldiers. Posts 1 and 2 at Springfield were followed by others over Illinois, Wisconsin. Ohio, lowa, Missouri and others, and a department convention was held at Springfield July 12. 1866. The first national convention was held in Indianapolis, the second encampment being held In Philadelphia, January 15, 1868. Annual meets have been held since. The Purpose of the G. " rt.

Fraternity. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which band together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to supress the late rebellion, and to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead. Charity: To assist such former comrades In arms as need help and protection, and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen. Loyalty: To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America, based upon a paramount respect for, and fidelity to, its Constitution and laws, to discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason, or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions; and to encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights, and Justice to all men. Who Are Eligible. "Soldiers and sailors of the United States army, navy, or marine corps, who served between April 12, 1861, and April 9, 1865. in tbe war for the suppression of the rebellion, and those having been honorably discharged therefrom, after such service and of such state regiments as were called into active service and subject to the orders of the United States general officers between the dates mentioned shall be eligible to membership In the G. A. R. No person shall be eligible to membership w r ho has at any time borne arms against the United States.’’

SPECIAL DECORATION DAY EDITION, 1911. DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

4c54545*4545454<4:4:454:4: * SAM HENRY POST, NO. 63. » * G. A. R., Dept, of Ind. 4= * * * Meets First and Third Thursdays * * of Each Month. * * Hall—Madison Street, North of 4s * Court House. $ * Motto—Fraternity, Charity, Loy- * * alty. * * Colors—Red, White and Blue: 4= * The Old Flag. * ** ************ Local Post Organized.

On Friday evening at 8 o’clock, May 12, 1882, justsixteu years, one month and six days* after the general G. A. R. was organized in Decatur, 111., there met in the Masonic hail in Decatur, Indiana, thirty ex-soidiers of the civil war for the purpose of organizing a post in this city. Os those thirty charter members, but thirteen ars now living, seventeen having passed to the Great Beyond. Col. R. S. Robertson of Fort Wayne served as chairman of the meeting and A. C. Gregory of Decatur was elected secretary. But twenty-nine of the thirty who bad signified their intention of becoming charter members were present at the time appointed and the post was “mustered” by Colonel Robertson, the twenty-nine by obligation. Very soon after this form of ceremony, the belated comrade arrived— I. S. Blossom —and the twenty-nine who had become members by taking the obligation all at the same time, gave their first initiatory work upon Mr. Blossom, he having the honor of being the first to be initiated, though he was one of the charter members. Visiting comrades present to assist Colonel Robertson were Comrade Drake, Post 21, department of Michigan, and Comrade Todd, of Post 33, department of Indiana. One of the first things the post did after organization Was to elect officers to serve until January 1, 1883. The comrades having the honor of being The First Officers are: Post Commander —H. H. Hart. Senior Vice Commander —David Laman. Junior Vice Commander—B. W. Sholty. Officer of the Day—J. P. Quinn. Officer of the Guard —J. S. McLeod. Quartermaster —L. A. Center. Chaplain—Washington Kern. Surgeon—B. R. Freeman. Adjutant (appointed by commanderelect) —A. C. Gregory. Naming the Post.

Some time after organization, it was deemed advisable to give the local post a name, and a committee, comprising B. W. Sholty, J. P. Quinn, and I. S. Blossom was named to select a suitable name and present the same to the post for consideration. J. P. Quinn asked that his name be withdrawn from the committee, and Henry McLain was named in his stead. Os the three, two who participated in the selection of the same, two are still living—they being Mr. Sholty and Mr. MsLain. This committee reported August 5, 1882, recommending that the name, Sam Henry, be given the 1 post, this being adopted. It had been-the custof of posts over the country to name the orders for Why So Named. the first one of their ranks who fell in battle, or after some prominent officer of the regiment who gave hie life in the service. Samuel Henry, a major of the 89th infantry regiment of Indiana, together with Howard Ashler, quartermaster of Kokomo, and Thomas Porter, the regimental surgeon from this city, met death at the same tinge, but to Mr. Henry, because he was serving as active major, was given the honor in the selection of bis name for the post. Death of Major Sam Henry. (As told by Samuel Chronister. This beloved officer met his death [ at the hands of the guerillas, at the

x ... 9 . r sßlwKiS&* wsr: v. .-Wa MH* ww IF 1 HE JI Bk* PAST COMMANDERS Reading from right, L. N. Grandstaff, Present Commander; Daniel Shackle y, C. T. Rainier, W. H. Myers, T. R. Moore, Michael, Wertzberger, Joshua Parrish, Lorezno Cherryholmes, B. W. Sljolty.

seme time as did Howard Ashler, quartermaster, of Kokomo, and Thomas Porter, the regimental surgeon, from this city. They were with their command on a march to St. Louis, about forty miles from the town of Lexington, and had stopped at a farm home to get something to eat. The lady served them, but pleaded with them to leave, telling them they were in danger. They scoffed at the idea, however, and finished their meal. They had left their horses at the gate and the revolvers in the holsters. The guerillas slipped up and surrounded the horses and captured the three officers. They took the men to the rehr of the command and entered a small woods, where they stripped the men, shot them, and taking all their possessions, left then there, riddled with bullets. The next brigade found them and recognizing the brave officers, took their bodies on to their own regiment and the remains were immediately shipped home for interment. Major Henry lived at Pendleton, Ind , Mr. Ashler at Kokomo, and Major Porter here. The death of these men occurred on the afternoon of November 1, 1864. Mr. Chronister was one of a brigade that passed along the scene of the shooting soon after, but did not learn of the affair until sometime afterwards. Painting of Sam Henry. On the walls of the G. A. R. hall at the present time, hangs a painting of a brave-looking man, the picture being framed handsomely and appropriately. Over the top is draped an American flag. This picture is that of the gallant Major Sam Henry, whose valor and fame is perpetuated by the post whose members number a part of those of his loyal regiment, in its name. The picture was presented to the post by Samuel Henry's brother, Charles L. Henry, at the time he was congressman from the Eighth district. The presentation . was made with the statement that the I picture should be the property of the post as long as it existed. The Charter Given. While the Sam Henry Post. No. 63, of the department of Indiana, was organized May 12, 1882, there was the usual delay in obtaining the charter, this being given February 13, 1883, signed by James R, Carnahan, department commander, and Ben D. House, assistant adjutant general. The following are the Charter Members. Thirteen are living. They are: Washington Kern. H. H. Hart, Chicago, 111. T. W. Mallonee. B. W. Sholty. W. H. Myers. Frank Arnold. D. K. Shackley. B. ,R. Freeman, Washington state. Theodore Kennedy. R. A. Drummond. Jacob Railing. Henry McLain. Solomon Billman. Os this number, seventeen are deceased. They are: A. C. Gregory. David Laman. John Barnett. T. F. Auten. H. H. Meyers. 9. S. McLeod.

Decatur, Ind. Tuesday Evening, May 30, 1911.

I. A. Blossom. R. S. Peterson. J. P. Quinn. . " Henry Chronister. L. A. Conter. B. H. Dent. S. F. Meyers. C. O. Bly. G. W. Richards. G. Christen. Jacob Spade. Halls and Time of Meeting. During its twenty-nine years’ existence, the Sam Henry Post, No. 63, has had its headquarters in five different halls in the city. From the Masonic hall It moved to the Patterson hall, then to the Forbing hall, then the Railing, and is now in the Wilder building, opposite the court house, where it has been for some time. The lodge sessions were first held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The day was then changed to Wednesday and later to Thursday, the last named still being in effect. List of Commanders. The following have served as post commanders, of the Sam Henry Post, during the entire time of its organization:

1882— H. H. Hart. 1883— B. H. Dent. 1884— B. W. Sholty. 1885— J. D. Hale. 1886— C. O. Bly. 1887— H. H. Hart. 1888 — D. K. Shackley. 1889— A. J. Hill. 1890 — David Laman. 1891 — Ira A. Blossom. 1892 — G. Christen. 1893 — Norval Blackburn. 1894 — Theodore R. Moore. 1895 — R. S. Peterson. 1896— W. H. Meyers. 1897— Robert Blackburn. 1898— Joseph Bremerkamp. 1899 — L. Cherryholmes. ! 1900 —R. S. Peterson. 1901— J. H. Smith. 1902— George Woodward. 1903 — Henry Lankenau. 1904 — Theodore Kennedy. 1905— J. D. Hale. 1906 — M. J. Wertzberger. 1907 — C. T. Rainier. 1908 — D. K. Shackley. 1909 — R. D. Patterson. 1910— J. R. Parrish. 1911 — L. N. Grandstaff. The Present Officers. Post Commander —L. N. Grandstaff. Senior Vice Commander—Thomas W. Mallonee. Junior Vice Commander —Daniel Kitson. Adjutant—T. R. Moore. Quartermaster —Fred F. Freeh. Surgeon—Henry Trim. Chaplain—Lordnzo Cherryholmes. Officer of the Day—A. J. Teeple. Patriotic Instructor —J. D. Hale. Officer of the Guard —Perry Elzey. Sergeant Major—C. T. Rainier. Quarter Master Sergeant—James L. Edge. The G. A. R. has grown so that it is now organized In forty-five state departments. In 1905 it had 6,031 posts, with a membership of 232,055 over that of 400,000 in 1890. The number of deaths for the year preceding June 30, 1905, was 9,152.

Soldiers’ Unknown Graves. Os the large number of soldiers who went out from Adams county to the civil war, one hundred two of them died during the war. and many of them were consigned to graves along the way, unkept and unmarked. Besides (Continued on Page 12.) SONS OF VETERANS. This is a patriotic society founded at Philadelphia in 1880 to preserve the principals fought for in the civil war. It has a membership of about 31,000, the members being the male descendants of soldiers, sailors and marines who served in the war. It has 29 state divisions, and two thousand camps. An organization was effected three times in this city, but each time the society disbanded and at present there is none. # SAM HENRY RELIEF CORPS, * 4: No. 41, Dept, of Indiana. 4s ♦ Meets First and Third Fridays 4s 4= of Each Month. 4s 4t Hall—Meets in G. A. R. Hall. 4= Motto—Fraternity, Charity, Loy- * 4s alty. 4= 4s Colors —Red, White and Blue: 4s The Old Flag. 4= 4s4s4s4s4s4s4s4s4s4s>>4:4:4s

General W. R. C. Organization. The Woman's Relief Corps, an auxiliary of the G. A. R., was organized ; in 1885 to assist In carrying on the I work of the G. A. R. In 1906 the order had grown to thirty-five state departments with a membership of 150,000. Purpose of W. R. C. Surely no greater helpers of the W. R. C. than the loyal Woman’s Relief Corps can be found, their noble purpopes being: “To specially aid i and assist the G. A. R., and to perpetuate the mem- ! ory of their heroic dead. To assist ' such veterans as need our help and protection, and to extend needful aid to their widows and orphans. To find them homes and employment, and assure them of sympathy and friends. To cherish and emulate the deeds or our army nurses and all loyal women who rendered loving service to their country in her hour of peril. To inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country among our children and in the communities in which we live. To maintain true allegiance to the U. S. of America. To discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty and to encourage the spread of universal liberty and equal rights to all men.” Pledge of Allegiance.” "I pledge my allegiance to God and my country—One country—One language—One flag.” Local Order Organized. Sam Henry Woman’s Relief Corps, No. 41, department of Indiana, was organized in 1886, under the department presidency of Mrs. Alice Griffin, of Elkhart, the first department president of Indiana, the organization being effected in the hall owned by George Smith, now the room over the B. Knapke saloon - . There were 23 Charter Members whose names follow: Lou Kennedy. Nell Sholty. Adelia Wertzberger. Mary Bremerkamp.

Margaret Louthan. Frankie Hart. Malinda Cutting. Delana Teeple. Netta Marquardt. Flo Woods. Florence Blossom. Kittle Christen. Jennie Patterson. Etta Chubb. Maggie Teeple. Sarah Wertzberger. Helen Blossom. Huldah Drummond. Carrie Hale. Milla Martin. Rebecca Phipps. Present Membership. Os the twenty-three charter members, but seven are still members at the present time. On the roll are over 160 names, but removals, changes, time and death bring the present membership to thirty-five names, most of whom are either soldiers' wives and daughters and some members are both wives and daughters of soldiers. Presiding Officers.

The first lady honored with the presidency of the Sam Henry W. R. C. was Mrs. Louise Kennedy, wife of one of the brave soldiers, who is still an active member In the corps. Mrs. Nell Sholty, wife of B. W. Sholty, a civiil war veteran, served as the vice president, she also being a member and secretary at the present time, and taking an active part in the affairs of this Memorial Day committee. The following ladies served as presidents during the existence of the local order: u Louise Kennedy. Carrie Hale. Helen Blossom. Llbbie Roebuck. f' ’’ ' Mollie Gilson. Emma Helm. Lou Allen Meyers. Sarah Wertzberger. ' • Eliza Peterson. Helen Lamar. Zeeuah Melotte. Vinnie Lyon. The Present Officers. President—Mary Williams. Senior Vice President —Kate Grandstaff. Junior Vice President —Maggie Wai ters. Chaplain—Ellen Mallonee. Secretary—Nellie Sholty. Treasurer—Emma Helm. Conductor—Martha Hay. Guard —Martha Stevens. Assistant Conductor —Vinnie Lyon. Assistant Guard—Emma Glancey. Press Correspondent—Louise Kennedy. , Patriotic Instructor —Nellie Eady. Color Bearers —Sarah Wertzberger, Jennie Rainier, Sarah Purdy, Llbbie Kitson. Work of the Corps. Mrs. Vinnie Lyon, to whom we are indebted for help on gleaning the facts of the foregoing history of the local corps, gives the following regarding the work of this order: As far back as fifteen or twenty years ago this corps' work was principally that of relief, for at that time soldiers’ families were composed of small children, and pensions were not' as generous as now, but at the present time, although their health is impair- 1

ed by advance of their age, we find them independent, their families raised, and increased pensions, allowing ease and comfort with their life companions in their declining years. It was the delight and pleasure as well as duty for the W. R. C. to give dinners and went out “in the by-ways and highways” and called them in. Also many a home on Christmas was cheered by their generosity and good will. Death beds were watched over and all care given. Suffice to say, "Those who walk in quiet paths are known by whom they seek.” This year is the twenty-fourth decoration day made sacred by this order. Wherever duty calls, the Grand Army of the Republic, its auxiliary—the W. R. C. —will be found by their side. The pleasure, comfort, joy and praise, brought these “dear old boys in blue” by these women can better be told by the comrades. • This noble order is always to the front, teaching and living patriotism This fact Is made evident by the respect shown the “soldiers” and regard shown the Woman’s Relief Corps by our churches, public schools and other organizations. The motto of the Woman’s Relief Corps is: “Fraternity. Charity and Loyalty”—the broad foundation on which today stands the Grand Army of the Republic, and itr members are expected to give and not to receive.

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Price, Two Cents

THE WAR OF 1898 Story of the Adams County Veterans Who Enlisted in Latest War. THE WAR WITH SPAIN Ten of the Boys Who Offered Their Services Then Are Now Dead. The story of Cuba, and its great struggle for liberty Is so well known that It need not be mentioned here. Sufficient to say that on the evening of February 15, 1898, the battleship Maine, while lying at anchor in the harbor of Havanna was blown up by some outside force, carrying among the debris the remains of 266 sleeping American sailors. The report of the commission sent to investigate the affair confirmed the suspicions of the public and a general demand by the people for war and vengeance was answered on April 19th by congress passing a resolution of Intervention. On the 22nd it was approved by President McKinley and was at once forwarded to Madrid, where it met with an instant refusal. Following the refusal congress appropriated 150,000, 000 with which to equip our navy. On April 23rd President McKinley issued a call for 125,000 volunteers to serve two years unless sooner discharged, and men fought for the privilege of enlisting. On April 85th, at 6:15 p. in., Gov* ernor Mount received a message from the secretary ot war giving the quota which Indiana was expected to fill and by 11 o’clock that night each company commander had orders to report at the fair grounds of the state board of agriculture at Indianapolis. The first company to report was the one from Frankfort, which came in at 5 a. m. of the 26th, less than eleven '

hours after the order was Issued. The camp was named Camp Mount in honor of the governor, James A. Mount. The camp was composed of the first, second, third and fourth infantry, Company B of Decatur belonging to the fourth regiment. The first company of the fourth regiment to report was our home Company B, commanded by Captain E. P. Miller, now major of the third batallion. After being mustered in the strength of the regiment was. officers 50, enlisted men, 1,023. On May 16th Company B accompanied the regiment by rail to a camp established at Chickamauga park, and named Camp George H. Thomas, and here the company drilled each day for a period of several hours. On May 29th, a general vaccination was given to the boys and

on June 7th, arms were issued and our company were fullfledged fighters. On April 25th the president issued a call for 75,000 additional men and all the companies set about re--1 cruiting, and on June 24th, Commissary Sergeant John D. Andrews was detailed to recruit the company. The company was ordered from camp to camp and at last one day came the order to embark and the boys were sent to Matanzas, where they remained until ordered home to be mustered out. The company was away from home Just one year. It is interesting to note that not one of Indiana’s volunteers had an active part in the war. The company roster states that the ' company first came into existence on June 7, 1889, and was mustered out by Colonel Mcßride and Jonas Coverdale, M. D., as captain. In 1891 the company was called out to guard the jail against a mob and in 1894 the company served twelve days at Hammond during the riots under Captain John Myers. Shortly after this the organization was transferred to the Indiana National Guard and at the declaration of the late war Major E. P. Miller was the captain. Sergeant J. D. Andrews is the only charter mem ber of the original organization in Company B of the 160th, which speaks well for long service. He was the oldest enlisted man in the regl(Contfnued on Page 12.)