Gibson County, Indiana - Chapter 17: Patriotic Orders of Gibson County, 1914

Chapter 17: Patriotic Orders of Gibson County

After the close of the Civil War the armies, that had fini.Ljht in that war to its successful conclusion, were disbanded and the soldiers returned to their homes to resume the vocations of civil life. But the fraternal tie that had been welded in the fire of battle was not severed b}- the disbanding of companies and regiments. There was a spirit of comradeship infused in the hearts and lives of those who had touched elbows in the line of battle ami who had shared in the privations and hardships of the camp and weary march, that was not dispelled by the separation and the laying aside of military equipments. There was a desire to maintain and perpetuate this fraternity and comradeship, and this desire soon found expression in a mo\-ement for an organization of veterans of the Civil war. Many organizations of companies and regiments were formed and reunions held in various localities, and the enjoyment found in thus meeting comrades suggested a larger and more permanent organization of state and national character. From this suggestion the Grand Army of the Republic had its beginning.

Dr. B. F. Stevenson, a surgeon in the volunteer service, living in Springfield, Illinois, was among the first to suggest the organization of the Grand .Arm}- of the Republic. At first there was little formality about the organization. There was no post or place of assembly and very little ceremony in the initiation of members. There was simply the giving of the grip and countersign and the suljscribing to an obligation. While this beginning of the Grand Army was crude and informal, it suggested the possibilities of a permanent and effective organization. It suggested the idea of a ritual and a constitution, with rules and regulations and other things necessary for effective work.

It was sometime during the year 1866 that Dr. Stevenson prepared the manuscript for the first ritual, rules and regulations for the Grand Army, on the suggestion of Governor Oliver P. Morton, of Indiana. It was through the instrumentality of Governor Morton that this was printed and put into shape for effective use, and it was first used for the muster and organization

An organization of the Grand Army, or rather a start for such an organization, was made in Princeton in August, 1866. This organization was made in the informal manner already stated. Among those who were instrumental in starting this primitive Grand Army were Col. James T. Embree, Capt. William M. Duncan, Capt. Frank Embree, Lieut. Robert 'Si. McAIaster, the writer of this sketch, and several others.

It was sometime in the early part of 1867 before there was an effort made to organize a post in Princeton under the new ritual and constitution, and the first muster of recruits and the first post organization was made by Major-Gen. Nathan Kimball, then department commander of Indiana. The meeting was held in the old court house and there was quite a large attendance of the boys, many of whom had but recently exchanged their suit of blue for one of civilian style. A good many of those present on this occasion had taken the obligation under the old form and it was not required of them that they should come in by the ritual route. They were entitled to seats on the ground floor and enjoy whatever there was of entertainment in this first muster of recruits. And there was entertainment in abundance, as can be verified by any who were fortunate enough to occupy ground floor seats.

The paraphernalia and necessary appointments for initiation ceremonies under the old ritual was of a character to make one's hair stand on end if he should unexpectedly meet the outfit on a dark night all alone. That oldfashioned gable-roof coffin, with the grinning skeleton lying therein, was not the most cheerful sight one might desire to see while going through a dark and lonely woods. The provisions for muster of recruits under the old ritual were intended to be profoundly solemn and impressively scary. This was the effect produced sometimes, but not always. Sometimes the effect was otherwise and very funny. In this first muster in the old court house the funny business prevailed, as will be easily understood by those who remember the characteristics of George W. Harrington, at that time a resident of Princeton. George officiated as one of the guards at this first muster and escorted the recruits through the various mysteries of initiation. The recruits, being blindfolded, were expected to feel that there was something very solemn about the ceremony, especially when they were required to kneel by that coffin. But if they could have had a peep through their blinds long enough to have seen some of the antics of George Harrington they would have had a different opinion as to the deep solemnity of the occasion.

This first Grand .\rniy post was duly organized in accordance witii that old ritual, with D. I'Vank Embree as post commander, W. M. Duncan as adjutant. They secured a suitable place to hold their meetings in a room over the Small hardware store, on the east side of the public square, and the order prospered for a year or more, increasing in membershi]) to about one hundred and fifty.

There was quite an interest in the organization of posts of the Grand Army throughout the state and in other states about this time and the membership of the order increased rapidly during the years 1867 and 1868. But there was a decline in the years following and the organization was on the wane. This was largely on account of politics, which was a predominant feature of the order at that time, and it was intended to be such by those who were chiefly instrumental in the formation of its constitution and ritual. It was, in fact, largely in control of some who were allied with one of the leading political parties of that time and easily degenerated into a political machine, operated and controlled by designing politicians for selfish purposes. Of course such an organization would find no favor among soldiers who were inclined to affiliate with any other political party, and was not in the favor of many whose sympathies and affiliations were with the party largely controlling the organization. A secret political organization, however worthy its purpose or its individual membership, can never be a permanent success, or have the approval of true and loyal American citizens.

A few of the posts in this and other states maintained their organization during these years of decline and these formed the nucleus for the greater Grand Army of the Republic that the world knows today. Wiser heads gathered in council, a new constitution and ritual, and new regulations were prepared by which politics was absolutely prohibited in the order. Fraternity, charity and loyalty were made the cardinal principles, the "broad foundation stone on w'hich the order rests." These new rules and regulations, with the revised and more sensible ritual, were adopted in the early seventies and met with the approval of the intelligent soldier citizens, and from that time the Grand Army took on new life. It increased in membership rapidly from that time until it became the greatest semi-military organization the world has ever known, commanding the respect of citizens regardless of party, creed or nationality.

The Grand Army post in Princeton, organized under the old regulations, was affected by the unwise policy that controlled the order and the post went into decline about 1868 or 1869. No meetings were held, the records of the post were scattered or lost, the paraphernalia of initiation, including the gable- roofed coffin with the skeleton, were knocked about in the old post room for a time and finally disappeared. And this was the ending of the first Grand Army post in Princeton.

There was one duty, however, that the soldiers of the Civil War had taken upon themselves that was not permitted to fall into decline. That was the custom of decorating with flowers the graves of deceased comrades. on the 30th day of May each year. This custom was inaugurated the year after the close of the war, by a few of the soldiers and their friends, informally, going to the cemetery with baskets of flowers. This became more of a formal ceremony after the organization of .the Grand Army, when there was a procession with the band leading to the cemetery. Then a return to the court house yard where appropriate speeches were made. When this first Grand Army post was disbanded the custom of decorating soldiers' graves was not wholly neglected, but for the lack of some organization to take charge of the arrangements they were not always as appropriate and seemly as the solemnity of the occasion would require. For instance, the Decoration day services held May 30, 1882.

On that occasion the following program was carried out: Prayer by Rev. J. E. Jenkins; addresses by T. R. Paxton, M. W. Fields, R. M. J. Miller and others. Then the procession was formed, headed by the Princeton band, and marched to the cemetery where the soldiers' graves were decorated l)y a company of little girls. Then they marched back to the court house square, where the procession was disbanded. This was all very well so far. But in the evening it is noted that there was a lawn festival given on the court house scjuare, under the auspices of somebody with more enthusiasm than sense of propriety. That this was true was evidenced by a display of fire works, toy balloons, and other Fourth of July incidents, as a part of the evening's entertainment. This sort of entertainment, as a finale to the day set apart as sacred to the memory of soldiers who had died for their country, was not the most pleasing to their friends. To those who had a proper conception of the day this order of hilarity had too much the semblance of the traditional Irish wake.

The impropriety of this manner of observing Memorial day was remarked by all who had a proper conception of its sacred character, and this, no doubt, had something to do with turning the thoughts of the soldiers to the necessity of reorganizing the Grand Army post. The need of such an organization in charge of Memorial day services was plainly evident if the purpose for which the day was instituted was to be maintained. So, in the latter part of 1882, steps were taken in accordance with this idea. Appli- cation was made to Gen. James R. Carnahan, then the department commander, for a charter, which was prompt!)- granted, and an order given to Major A. C. Rosencrans, uf Evansville, to muster the post at the convenience of both parties.

Accordingly, on the night of January 13, 1883, Major Rosencrans, with a number of comrades from Farragut Post, Evansville, came to Princeton and organized the post with the following charter members: Bvron Mills, Gil: R. Stormont, James J. Hartin, Theodore M. Bucklin, Silas M. Holcomb, Samuel J. Wallace, James A. Sprowl, John E. Spencer, Samuel Sterne, Francis M. Grigsby, Solomon Vannada, John Turnage, Albert Mills, Henry P. Chambers, Joseph R. Ashmead, Alex. H. Anderson, William A. Munford, D. Hamilton Turner, William J. Cameron, Samuel S. Shannon, Renvvick

The objects of the Grand .\rmy, as set forth in its constitution and fully subscribed to by the charter memljers of this post and all who have since become memliers, are :

First. To preser\-e antl strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings 'which bind together the soldiers, sailors and marines, who united to suppress the Rebellion.

Second. 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.

Third. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America, based upon a paramount respect for and fidelitv ti:j the national constitution and the laws ; to discountenance whatever tend^ to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason or rebellion, or in any way impairs the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions ; and to encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights and justice to all men.

Officers were elected at this meeting and other necessary action taken for a permanent organization. The post was numbered 28. the same as the number of the former post, and chose for its name and designation Archer Post Xo. j8. Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic.

The selection of the name of Archer Post was most appropriate and commendable. William Archer, after whom the post was named, was one of the many young men (jf Gibson county who responded to the call of their country in the early period of the Civil war. Fie enlisted as a private in Company A, Eightieth Indiana Regiment, and was soon promoted to first lieutenant of his company. He participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged during the years 1862 and 1863, and was killed in the line of duty at the battle of Resaca, May 14, 1864. His patriotism and courage were conspicuous and his example as a soldier was worthy of the highest commendation.

In the manner of William Archer's death the cardinal principles of the Grand Army are most strikingly exemplified. The command to which his regiment belonged had just made a very disastrous assault on the Confederate works before Resaca and was compelled to retire to a place of shelter from the enemy's murderous fire. Immediately in front of Archer's regiment a comrade of his company was lying seriously wounded and piteously crying for water. Archer could not resist the call of his sufifering comrade and at the risk of his own life went to him with water. It was a fatal mission. A deadly minie ball from the enemy's lines pierced his body and in a few moments he was numbered with the heroic dead that lay upon the bloody battle field of Resaca. Thus he exemplified in his life and in his death the noble virtues of fraternity, charity and loyalty, the broad foundation stone upon which the order rests. I'his post honored his memory and honored itself when it chose for its official title and inscribed upon its banner the name, "Archer Post".

The officers of the post who served during the first year were: Gil. R. Stormont, post commander; Joseph R. Ashmead, senior vice-commander; W. J. Cameron, junior vice-commander ; W. M. Duncan, quartermaster ; Rev. M. M. C. Hobbs, chaplain; Henry P. Chambers, officer of the day; John Turnage, officer of the guard; J. C. Hartin, adjutant; Alex N. Devin, sergeant-major; Sol. Vannada, quartermaster-sergeant.

During the first year affer organization a large number of applications for membership were received and the muster-in service was a very prominent feature of the regular meetings. The membership of the post was increased that year to something near one hundred. The same year posts were established at Fort Branch, Patoka, Oakland City and other places in the county.

The first Memorial day observance under the auspices of Archer Post was a notable one, notwithstanding the rain storm that prevailed during the entire day. An elaborate program had been prepared and every arrangement made to set a high mark for the proper observance of the day. With a few exceptions, these arrangements were carried out in spite of the rain and the observance of this day was a marked success. And this may be said of all the Memorial davs since that time. Whether in rain or in sunshine, the

At a special meeting of the post, May 14, 1883, a flag was presented to liie Post by William Archer, on behalf of his father, after whom the post was named. This was on the anni\-ersar\- of the day on which the father was killed at Resaca.

The first death in the post was that of James Anderson, of the Eightieth Indiana, which occurred in November, 1883. The post attended his funeral in a body and conducted the first ritual exercises at the grave. At the request of Comrade Anderson before his death, John Ayers, the color bearer of his regiment, attended the funeral and carried the post flag. In December of this same year the second death in the post occurred, that of Hugh Daugherty, who was also a member of the Eightieth Indiana.

It seems that the usual rain did not occur on Memorial day, 1884. and the exercises of the day were carried out without interference of weather. There was a large procession to the cemetery, headed by the Princeton band and the Post drum corps. Rev. M. M. C. Hobbs was the principal speaker at the exercises in the court house yard.

On the evening of May 15, 1885, a meeting was held in the post hall in commemoration of the battle of Resaca. At this meeting addresses appropriate to the occasion were made by Capt. Vesper Dorneck, Capt. J. S. Epperson, George W. Hill, H. Clay Wilkinson and Dr. W. P. Welborn.

At a meeting of the post in July, 1885, there was presented a gavel made from the limb of a pine tree near Jonesboro, Georgia. This tree was used as a signal station by the signal corps of Sherman's army at the time of the battle there. The wood from which the gavel was made was procured by Samuel Reavis while on a \isit to the battle field, and the presentation was made by Captain Dorneck. In accepting the gavel, the post commander assured the donor that it would be sacredly kept and used while the post maintained its existence. As it turned out, this assurance was a wrong guess. In less than one year from that time the post hall and all its contents, including this gavel, were destroyed b}- fire, but the post has continued to exist.

In August, 1885, the memorial meeting in honor of Gen. U. S. Grant, held in the United Presbyterian church, was a notable e\ent. It was the largest assemblage of the kind ever held in the town. The exercises were under the auspices of the Grand .\rmy and were appropriate to the occasion.

On February 3, 1887, a camp fire was held in the post hall, at which General Shackelford, of Evansville, gave an account of the pursuit and capture of John Morgan, which was participated in by Shackelford.

In the month of January, 1886, the post met with a serious disaster in the loss of its hall and all the contents by fire. This loss included all the records of the post, the furniture and equipments of the hall, the drums belonging to the post and alwut fifty stand of arms. But this disaster did not discourage the members. Another meeting place was secured until arrangement could be made for permanent quarters.

At the department encampment, held in Indianapolis, February, 1890, Archer Post was honored by the election of one of its members as department commander. Gil R. Stormont, who brought this honor to the post, was tendered a reception on his return from the encampment. On this occasion the department colors were exhibited for the first time in the post hall, by Henry P. Chambers, who had lieen appointed color bearer by the newlyelected department commander.

The dedication of the new hall, which had been fitted up in the Henry SoUer block, was an important event in 1890. This occurred May 15th of that year and the record says the hall was crowded to suffocation on that occasion. Addresses were made by Governor Ira J. Chase, Col. I. N. Walker, of Indianapolis, Mrs. H. M. Caylor, of Xoblesville, department president of the Woman's Relief Corps, and others.

Memorial day, 1891, occurred during the meeting of the United Presbyterial assembly in Princeton, and the public exercises of the day were marked by some very able addresses made by delegates in attendance.

Another incident of note in this year was the presentation of a diamond badge to Past Department Commander Gil R. Stormont by a committee appointed by the department encampment for that purpose. This event took place in the post hall, under the auspices of the post, June 15th, and the presentation was made by Governor Ira J. Chase. Other members of the committee who were present and made addresses were Col. I. N. Walker, then department commander; Major Charles M. Travis, a past department commander ; Major Irvin Robbins, of Indianapolis : Ben Starr, of Richmond, and others from Evansville.

For a few years after the organization of the post new members were added to the roll at every meeting, but this increase in membership was offset by those who had come into the order in the early years of its history and had grown indifferent, and had allowed themselves to become delinquent in dues. According t(.) the rules of the order the names of such were droppe<l from the rolls, and at one time the list of suspended and dropped members was almost as large as the active list. Then, as the years passed, there was a continual depletion of the membership by death. But, notwithstanding these losses. Archer Post has always had a strong guard of the faithful to hold up its banner. It has always held its regular meetings with a fair average attendance, and has always been ready to minister to the wants of needy comrades, and has always been ready to turn out in a body and pay appropriate tribute to comrades who ha\e answered the last roll call. It has always been careful to gi\'e ])roper obserxance to Memorial day and has commanded the respect and approbation of the community in its conduct and deportment in this and in all other public services.

Grand Army, and Archer Post has been affected by this revival. As the years go by, and as the Grand Army seems to be marching with quickened steps toward the place of final encampment, as comrades, one by one, are dropping from the ranks, there is manifested a desire for a closer fellowship and association for those who remain. Those who may have been indilTerent as to this association in the earlier period of the Grand Army have come to the belief that there is a reality in the tie that binds comrades one to another. As a result of this belief, Archer Post has had restored to membership all those who had been suspended or dropped, and there has been a large number enrolled of those who have not before sought membership in the order.

On the 13th of January, 1908, Archer Post celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary with a free supper to all its members in good standing. At that time it was said the post had a larger membership than it ever had in history; that, with a few exceptions, it had on its rolls all who were eligible to membership within its jurisdiction. Quite a number who participated in the quarter-centennial celebration and rejoiced in the happy conditions and fraternal feeling that pre\'ailed, have since passed to the beyond. The ranks have been thinned by death, but some of the \'acant places have been filled with new recruits and the fraternal spirit grows stronger with the passing years.

At the quarter-centennial celebration a camp fire was held in the Kidd opera house, at which an interesting program of exercises was given. Rev. Daniel Ryan, past department commander, made the principal address. There was also an address of historical character by Past Department Commander Stormont, covering the history of the post from its organization. The closing part of this address follows :

"The re\-iew of the history of Archer Post for the past quarter of a centurv, and the present view of its healthy condition, affords occasion for hopefulness and cheer for the future. Certainly there is ground for belief that its days of usefulness are not yet within the shadows of the setting sun. There is much of strength and vitality in the organization and in the individual memlDership, and there is still a call to duty and to service. It is a call not only to the dutv of aiding needy and distressed comrades, of helping others to bear the burdens of life, but also of teaching by influence and example the principles of right living.

"Amid the smoke and leaden hail of battle conflict the Grand Army set a high standard of ]3atriotism and courage, and when the conflict was ended they received their discharge with the plaudits of the nation which was saved by their valor. Since those days of cimllict the Grand Army has not lowered the standard of patriotism and it lias contiiuied in receive tlie ai>|)n>\al of a nation redeemed and re.e^enerated.

"Tlie honor of having lieen a soldier of the Republic is an honor not to be lightly regarded, and it should be the endeavor of each soldier to magnify that honor by li\ ing an honorable and upright life as a citizen. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there l)e any praise, think on these things.

"Whether the life be long or short, whether for any comrade of the (irand Army present the last roll call shall come this week, or this year, or for many years, let tiiis sentiment be the resohe of each :

A. H. Cockrum Post No. 52O, Oakland City

A. H. Cockrum Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Oakland City, was organized by Gil. R. Stormont, September 20, 1887, with the following charter members : Ira Castetter, Eph Christmas, F. M. Langford, John T. Benton, Abe Cole, James Kilmartin, Henry C. Vickers, James M. Reavis, Alvin T. Lett, Francis M. Black, Charles W. Abram, Joseph Beck, Henry Barton, William Alvers, Asa Turpin, Wilev J. Baldwin, William M. Aloreland, James AI. Cockrum, James Hord, John McFarland.

This post increased rapidly in membership for the first few years, enrolling the most of those who were eligible in the town and vicinity. As the years la-'-ed the ranks were depleted as the comrades, one after another, dropped out, to be enrolled in that greater Grand .\rmy beyond. There are still a faithful few who remain to maintain the organization and the regular meetings are well attended.

Stephen Mead Post No. 187, Fort Branch

Stephen Mead Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at Fort Branch in 1883, with the following charter members: Silas M. Holcomb, Elias Lambert, John T. Dickson, Isaac H. Myers, William J. Lowe, Hugh D. McGary, John W. Yeager, Golston S. Wilson, James Crilley, Casper Gram, Benjamin F. Robinson, John W. Carter, Charles Mead, William T. Stilwell, Chesley F. Garrison, Robert Onyet, Sarnuel Anderson, William J. Woods, Elisha L. Pritchett, Michael Robinson, Charles F. Abel, W. Gary Hopkins, David Korte. Anthun}- Alsop, Davitl B. Butler, Joseph K. McGary, William A. Preston, \Villiam H. Pritchett.

Since the organization this post has met with misfortunes of various kinds, one of the most serious being the loss of their records and post property by fire. This loss included their original charter and other valuable papers, so that it is impossible to give an accurate history of the organization. But it can be said that, notwithstanding the ad\-erse fortunes the}- ha\-e experienced, there have been enough members of loyal and patriotic spirit to maintain the organization and keep their flag afloat. The following have served as post commanders since the organization : S. M. Holcomb, W. T. Stilwell, Henry Hamilton, Casper Gram, T. A. Walters, John E. Ruston, B. F. Stewart, John A. Ewin, August Rodeman, C. F. Garrison, William Hickrod.

The Woman's Relief Corps came into existence as a national organization in 1885 as the recognized auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic. This order met with popular favor and increased rapidly in membership from the start, and has continued to grow ever since. All loyal women are eligible to meniliershi]) in this order, and, unlike the Grand Army, the eligible list from which recruits can be gathered to maintain and perpetuate the Woman's Relief Corps is unlimited and inexhaustiljle.

The object of this organization, as indicated by the title, an auxiliary of the Grand Army, is to assist in the relief of needy and distressed soldiers, their widows and orphans, and they have done and are doing noble work along this line.

Archer Corps No. 31, Woman'.'; Relief Corps, auxiliary to Archer Post Grand Army of the Republic, was organized in Princeton, June 23, 1887 with the following charter members : Martha B. Craig, Clara K. Braselton Kate Keys Stormont, Mary L. Pumphrey, Jennie Daugherty, Ellen Epperson Sophrona Snow. !Melinda J. Warnock, Kate W. Small, Anna Bucklin, Maria T. Brownlee, Anna M. Stokes, Julia T. Duncan, Ophelia Mowery, Lillie J Posey. Lillie Bucklin, Jennette Kern. Sarah Hollis, Mary E. Witherspoon Emma Reavis, Mary L. Daugherty, Jessie K. Hartin, Sarah C. McGary.

The Society of the Daughters of the American Revokition was organized in Washington, D. C, October ii, 1890. It has for its object the perpetuation of the memory of those who achieved American independence, the collection of relics of earlier American days, the protection of historical spots, the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution, and by the preservation of the records of individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has memljers in every state and nearly every territory of the Union. The society as a whole has a charter granted by the Congress of the United States, a national constitution, a national treasury, and the governing body, the continental congress. Formal organization of the society occurred on October 11, i8go, and the dark blue and white of Washington's staff was chosen for the society's colors. The design of a golden spinning-wheel was chosen for a badge. The first chapter was formed in Chicago, Illinois.

While the movement looking to the organization of a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Princeton was agitated for some time prior to 191 1, it was not until the summer of that year that the matter of such an organization began to take effective shape. In response to a call, several of those who were members of the order in other chapters met with Miss Luella Johnson and decided to proceed to the organization of a local chapter. A formal organization was effected November 25, 191 1, but it was not until February 4, 19 12, that the first regular meeting was held. Prior to this meeting Miss Johnson had been elected regent; Mrs. Kate Keys Stormont, vice-regent; Miss Ruth Maxam, treasurer; Miss Edith Braselton, secretary; Miss Maud Tichenor Witherspoon, registrar; Miss Mary Skelton Welborn, historian. Thereafter meetings were held regularly on the first Saturday of each month.

At the first regular meeting it was decided to name this "The General John Gibson Chapter," in honor of the territorial governor of that name, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war, the man for whom Gibson county was named.

The first year's work of tlie General John Gibson Chapter was a study of local history, including the organization of Princeton and Gibson county; old pioneer families, pioneer occupations, etc. ; the settlement of New Har- moiiy and \'incennes. The second year's work was "Birds", and the tliird year's work consists of topics hearing on the colonial period in general, such as "Literature and Press of the Colonies," "The Old Historic Hudson," "The Dutch of New York", "The English Viewpoint at the Time of the Revolution", "The American Viewpoint at the Time of the Revolution".

The present officers of the chapter are : Mrs. Kate Keys Stormont, regent; Mrs. Mary Skelton VVelborn, vice-regent; Miss Mabel Tichenor, secretary; Miss Mary Archer, treasurer; Aliss Maud T. Witherspoon, registrar;. Mrs. Anna Servoss, historian.

It is interesting to note the eligibility of the members of the Princeton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mayme and Sadie Archer are descended from Thomas McCalla, a private in Capt. A. G. Claypoole's company in the New Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Col. Thomas Hartley.

Daisie Kurtz Braselton and Edith Dean Braselton are descended from John Braselton, who served during the Revolution as colonel of a Virginia regiment.

Mrs. Ella Garrison McCormick is the great-granddaughter of Ll^riah Cross, one of the famous "Green Mountain Bo}-s". He had si.x brothers in the same war.

Edna Ewing and Mrs. b^lla Fellows Ewing are descended from Samuel Fellows, a delegate to the third Provisional Congress at Watertown, Alassachusetts, in 1775, also in the conquest of Canada in 1757 and 1763, he served as a soldier. His son, Capt. John Fellows, commanded a company at Stillwater and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. ^^'illis and \\'illiam, twin sons, fought in the Revolutionary war.

Luella Johnson and Mrs. Elsie Johnson Lewis trace their ancestry to Arthur Johnson, who was a sergeant in Captain Cooper's company. Fourth \'irginia Regiment, commanded by Col. John Nevill, participating in the battles of \'alley Forge, Brandywine. Stony Point, luitaw Springs and Yorktown.

Mrs. Kate Keys Stormont is the great-granddaughter of Brig.-Gen. Edward Hand, who was in command of a Pennsylvania regiment at the crossing of the Delaware, also in the battle of Trenton. He was afterward adjutant-general on General Washington's staff and was at the surrender of (."ornwallis at Yorktown. General Hand was one of the electors from Pennsvh-ania and cast the vote of that state for George Washington for President, fie was a member of the old Congress, 1784-1785.

Mabel Tichenor, Maud Tichenor, Mrs. Witherspoon and Mrs. Mary Skelton Welborn are descended from Thomas Montgomery, who served as lieutenant in Capt. John Martin's company of Virginia state troops in the Indian expedition under command of George Rogers Clark. He was one of seven sons, all of whom did valiant service in the Revolutionary war.

Airs. Georgia S. Ward is related to Thomas Dill, a captain in the battalion uf Pennsylvania, and served in the first expedition to Canada in 1776. He served as captain in the Seventh Pennsylvania Line and was wounded at the battle of Brandywine.

Mrs. Ella V. Buchanan is descended from Gen. Ephraim Douglas, aidede-camp on the staff of Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, and was taken prisoner at Bound Brook in 1777. He was afterward paroled and served as aide-decamp on the staff of Gen. Ferd Sterling.

Mrs. Allie Lewis Sevedge is descended from Eli Lewis, who served as major in the Tenth Battalion of York County Militia in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. He was distinguished as the "Fighting Quaker."

Mrs Lucilla Miller traces her right to membership to Thomas McCalla, the same as Mayme and Sadie Archer, and Mrs. Dora McRoberts to Gen. Ephraim Douglas, the same as Mrs. Ella V. Buchanan.

Alice Hopkins is related to Joseph Neely, a sharpshooter in Captain Marshall's company of Pennsylvania Rifle Regulars, Colonel Mile's battalion, and participated in the battle of Brandywine, and was present^ at the Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown.

Gib.Son Camp, Sons Of Veterans

The latest of the patriotic organizations in Gibson county is the Sons of \'eterans, (organized March 12. 1914, with one hundred and twenty-eight charter members. This organization is designated as Gibson Camp Xo. 228, and, for numbers mustered as charter members, this camp holds the record of any in this state or in the United States. George W. Krietenstein, of Terre Haute, officiated as mustering officer, assisted by other members of the order from Terre Haute, and Col. N. J. McGuire, past commander-in-chief, of Indianapolis. The following officers were elected and installed to serve the current year :

Charles O. Baltzell, commander; Samuel I'. Bean, senior vice-commander; James W. Stott, junior vice-commander; Foreman E. Knowles, treasurer ; John W. Corder, secretary ; Charles W. Skelton, musician ; Dr. C. C. Edwards, chaplain; Daniel W. Davis, color bearer; George W. McReynold.s, patriotic instructor; Will Blair, guide; Robert Adams, inner guard; Roy P. King, outer guard; Thomas Beloat, M. F. Stewart and Robert C. Baltzell, camp council.

b'ollowing the muster and installation sex'eral short addresses were made by Colonel McGuire and others. A pleasing feature of the occasion was the presentation of a beautiful silk flag, for camp and parade use, by Col. Gil. R. Stormont, on behalf of Johnny Butler, of Franklin, Pennsylvania, a former Princeton boy and a drummer boy in the Civil war. This t^ag was purchased on his order and presented with his compliments and congratulations, and it came as a complete surprise to the boys.