September 5th and 6th had been looked forward to by many of our citizens with considerable interest, and the members of the GAR particularly took lively interest in the meeting of the Chickasaw County Veteran Association.  The weather was all that could be desired and everything was ready for a grand time.

The meeting on the 5th was not as large as the “boys” expected, but the exercises were interesting and all seemed to enjoy themselves.  General M.L. SHERMAN, who was commander of the Association, worked like the hero he is, to make the meeting a success, has good right to feel proud of the results of his labors.  As a presiding officer General SHERMAN has few equals, and always succeeds in keeping a meeting lively.

At 9 o’clock on Thursday the association met in regular session and from that time until final adjournment there was music, speeches, stories, incidents, reminiscences, songs and recitations.

On Friday morning the Fayette Drum Corps, led by Major BURGESS, put in an appearance and discoursed music to which these old veterans have marched in the past many a weary mile.  Commander C.H. SMITH was present and addressed the veterans, putting down some good solid points relative to GAR matters, and suggesting many things which will be remembered in the future.

Colonel SWEENEY came early and was under orders all the time, having something to say whenever called upon, and winning golden opinions from all who heard him.  Captain Tom GRAHAM, of Winneshiek County, can sing and talk as well as fight, and every time he was called out had something to say, which was pat to the occasion.  Captain E.J. WISER was called out and said: “Boys, I was able to stop a piece of shell at one time; at another time I impeded the progress of a bullet, while on another occasion I succeeded in stopping a minnie-ball; but I have never been able to make a speech.”

Frank DANE was called for and responded in a neat little speech. Having recently participated in a bull-and-run-fight, he was immediately accorded the right to the Jerico post office and a small pension.  J.F. GRAWE responded to the sentiment, “The Loyal Women of War Times,” in a happy speech of a few minutes, which showed thought upon the subject.

The address of welcome by Dr MIXER was a fine effort and very many took occasion to speak highly of it, as they did of the response by Attorney BILLINGS of Nashua.  The meeting in Opera Hall, Friday afternoon was said to have been a good one and we cannot refrain from congratulating the veterans on the success of the meeting and the fine entertainment they gave those who were so fortunate as to get a seat.

The following are the names of the old soldiers who registered as members of the Chickasaw County Veteran Association at the reunion:

Source:
The New Hampton Courier
Date: 12 Sep 1889

Return to: Military History
Table of Contents

Thanks to Wendy for the generous use of her art work