Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 September 1889 — In Memory of Brave Men. [ARTICLE]

In Memory of Brave Men.

Three miles east of Gettysburg, in clear view from East Cemetry Hill, stands the monument commemorative of the services of the Michigan cavalry brigade, commanded by that brilliant and gallant soldier, Gen. Gfeorge A. Custer. of Indian massacre fame. The monument is a striking feature in the section of land where it stands, and its beauty and colossal magnificence is admired by everyone. It is a worthy tribute to the valor and bravery of the soldiers who gave up their lives that the union of states might be perpetuated. The monument is built of Vermont granite and is a masterpiece of workmanship, and is as costly as it is handsome. It is forty-six feet high and twevle feet square at the base. The massive die which supports the body of the monument rests on four bases and has Corinthian columns at the four corners. Above this is a cluster of four columns with a finely carved horse head and cavalry devices in the capital of each. The crowning piece is a statue, eight feet high, of a discounted cavalryman at rest. On the front of the lower die is a large bronze plate showing the scene of the brigade engagement, and above it is a bronze - medallion of Gen. Custer. The regulation cavalry badge as well as the one adopted by this brigade are carved on the sides. •••-- - - —— The brigate was the second of Gen. Kilpatrick's division and was composed of the First, Fifth, Sijcth and Seventh Michigan cavalry regiments. Two hundred and fifty-seven men were lost in the engagement at the spot where the monument now stands. The monument has just been completed and with the other eight will be dedicated the coming summer.