Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter 21: Military Orders, 1897

Chapter 21: Military Orders

Military Orders - An Invaluable Record of Farragut Post, G. A. R. - A Cojnplete List and History of All Who Have Ever Belonged to It - The Woman's Relief Corps - The Sons of Veterans - The Old Soldiers - Other Military Organizations.

Out of the bloody civil war was born the Grand Army of the Republic. It originated in the thought of Dr. B. F. Stephenson, and the first post was organized at Decatur, 111., in April, 1866. Since then the Grand Army has spread to every state and territory in the Union, until it now numbers about 400,000 grizzled, battle-scarred old veterans.

Farragut Post No

The officers of Farragut post for the year 1897 are as follows : William Nelson, past commander; L. N. Wheeler, senior vice commander; William Elliott, junior vice commander; George G. McGrew, adjutant; William Warren, quartermaster; Dr. J. W. Compton, surgeon; S. B.

Descriptive Record

From the "Descriptive Book, Farragut Post No. 27, Department of Indiana, G. A. R.," we obtain the following valuable information pertaining to every one who has ever belonged to the post. This record will itself be a monument to the patriotism and heroism of those whose names are here inscribed. It will be read by many, and will be more durable than brass, for it will live in the hearts of its readers. What a glory clings to the little button-badge of him who is able to wear it ! What a proud history he leaves for his family ! What a blessed thought that his country will survive him for the good of his children !

John Wesley

Mr. John Wesley, whose record partly appears in the Grand Army report, has a military career which is worthy of more attention. He came to Evansville in February, 1869, since which time he has pursued the occupation of a carpenter. He is a member of Farragut Post, G.A. R., and a past grand master of Rising Star lodge. No. 44, 1.O.O.F. He was discharged from the United States frigate "Columbia" April 10, 1855, at North Virginia. The captain of the vessel was W. B. Wilson. Mr. Wesley re-entered the service and was discharged from the United States ship " Dale" May 30, 1859. He again entered the naval service and was discharged from the United States steamer " San Jacinto " November 30, 1861. This steamer was commanded by Captain Charles Wilkes. He participated in the capture of Slidel and Mason on board of the English ship " Trent" in 1861.

The sea had become his home and he again entered the service of the United States at the end of his enlistment. He was afterwards discharged from the steamer " Albatross " June 14, 1864. This steamer was commanded by T. B. Dubos. Mr. Wesley served in various capacities on board these different vessels. He was born in the city of New York. At the present time he is 69 years old, and on account of his age and his services to his country he is now living peacefully in the soldiers' home at Marion, Indiana. He is a man whose patriotism is still young. This recognition is due him for his great service to his country.

Charles H. Myerhoff

Charles H. Myerhoff is worthy of special notice in this chapter, which is devoted to the heroes of Farragut Post, for he was the first soldier to enlist in Vanderburgh county. After serving through the entire war he returned home, having won, meantime, the rank of captain.

Naturally the patriotic women organized themselves into a relief corps and became auxiliary to the posts of the Grand Army of the Republic. With the same noble impulse the ladies of the G. A. R. organized for the same charitable and helpful purpose. Their ministrations to the needs of the soldiers' widows and orphans and to the maimed old veterans themselves, far exceeded in kindliness and gentleness the heroism of the sturdier acts in the defense of the flag.

The past officers are : J. J. Nolau, W. E. Males, J. G. Winfrey, W. E. Stinson, Thos. E. Downs, C. F. Zahn, J. W. Junker, H. N. Hopkins and S. H. Wardle. The present officers are : H. L. Norcross, captain ; H. B. Barton, first lieutenant ; Walter McDowell, second lieutenant, and S. H. Wardle, first sergeant.

Colonel John W. Foster Camp, No. 350, S. Of V. State Militia

Company M. , First Infantry Indiana National Guard, was mustered May 29,1895. It numbers 55. Company M. was organized by Major H. P. Cornick and J. S. Helmer. The first officers were : Captain, J. F. Blum ; first lieutenant, A. G. Bays; second lieutenant, Robert Dubois ; first sergeant, J. S. Helmer. Shortly after its organization this company was assigned to the first battalion of the First Infantry Indiana National Guard. Since its first muster two lieutenants have resigned their commissions by reason of removal from this county. The present officers are : Captain, J. F. Blum ; first lieutenant, W. N. HoUingsworth ; second lieutenant, J. M. Woods. The national guard armory is located on Second street, in the Vickery building, opposite the Custom House. J. F. Blum has been captain since its organization.

Company E., First Infantry Indiana National Guard, was mustered October 5, 1871. It numbers 70 in its ranks It was remustered April 2, 1894. Under the present national guard law of this state, enlisted men are mustered tor a period of three years. At the end of that time they may take an honorable discharge. On July 6, 1894, the armory of this company, located in Germania hall, was destroyed by fire and all the records were lost. The present armory is located with Company M., of this regiment, on Second street, in the Vickery building. The company has attended eight encampments held in the following cities: Evansville, 1888 ; Indianapolis, 1889 ; South Bend, 1890; Fort Wayne, 1891; Frankfort, 1892; Terre Haute, 1893; Indianapolis, 1895, and Indianapolis, 1896. They also rendered active service in the riots of 1894. The following have served as captains : Henry Hoster, H. C. Cornick, J. F. Blum and Q. E. McDowell. Captain H. P. Cornick was promoted to major of the first battalion March 11, 1892. The present officers are : Q. E. McDowell, captain ; Felix R. Farrow, first lieutenant; F. W. Stute, second lieutenant; E. R. Spain, first sergeant, and Sam H. Wardle, company clerk.

Previous to January 1, 1894; the militia of the state were known as state militia. But on that date the national guard law went into effect, and when the company was remustered April 2, 1894, it became part and parcel of the Indiana National Guard. Company E. has

Colonel John F. Grill Post, No. 541, is a colored organization, which was instituted in December, 1888. It is a prosperous post. A Woman's Relief Corps, No. 122, was organized in May, 1889, as auxiliary to this post. This corps has its affairs in good condition and is doing successful work.

The Old Soldiek Club

Along with the other military or semi-military organizations of this city must be classed the Old Soldier Club. The club is the first of the kind in the United States. It is in no sense an organization in opposition to the Grand Army of the Republic, but it is a separate order, entirely different in its origin and designs. In its inception it was partly a political organization, but in time it gradually assumed a wider field of action and took upon itself the duties of mutual help and protection. The social benefit and the "general good of its members became its chief object.

During the political campaign of 1896, General Sickles wrote them, suggesting an organization somewhat of this character but which should embrace the vSons of Veterans in its membership. However, the Old Soldier Club preferred to remain as it was and exclude the Sons of Veterans.

This club was organized March 25, 1896, enrolling at once a large list of members that has grown meanwhile until it now numbers about 350. The officers elected at this first meeting were: J. J. Graham, colonel; Fred Geiger, lieutenant colonel; L. N. Wheeler, major; Gus. Seiffer, quartermaster, and George G. McGrew, adjutant. At the expiration of their term of office these men were re-elected to the same positions. Two additional offices were created and filled as follows: Dr. G. N. Ralston, surgeon, and T. W. Thornburg, chaplain.

They are governed by their constitution and by-laws. To-day the club is in a flourishing condition. It has various standing committees, the duties of which are to look after legislation, state and national, and to see that justice is done the "old soldier." The aims of this club are worthy ones.