Marathon County, Wisconsin - Chapter 31, 1913

Chapter 31

Waitsau in the Spanish-American War - Record of Company G, Third Wisconsin Regiment, National Guard - Patriotic Addresses - Presentation to Louis Marchetii - Roster of the Company.

Wausau In The Spanish-American War

For over fifteen years prior to 1898 there was here in existence a mihtia, known as Company G, Third Wisconsin National Guard. It was originally recruited and drilled by Capt. J. D. Warner, formerly of the Guppy Guards, Portage City, and counted among its officers and privates such men as Senator Crosby, D. J. Murray, O. Holway, Neil Brown, L. A. Pradt, Stephen Thayer, L. Wright, business and professional men, and others similarly situated.

The company made a splendid record. At the great international competitive drill in Chicago in 1888 this company received first prize as the best drilled militia company in the United States, and one of its members, Edw. Fitzgerald, received the first prize as the best drilled individual soldier. Ten years had passed away since that time, during which the personnel of the company had entirely changed. Nevertheless there lived in the new members that esprit de corps which made the company live up to the best traditions of the past. When war seemed inevitable, this company offered its sen-- ices to the Federal Government through the Governor of Wisconsin, and was accepted.

The whole membership, from the commanding officer down, were young men, only very few over twenty-four years of age; the fact that after a thorough examination by United States Army physicians in Milwaukee they were all accepted as fit for the service, is proof that they were the pick of the healthy youth of Wausau.

On the 20th day of April, President jNIcKinley approved the joint resolution of Congress declaring Cuba an independent republic, which was tantamount to a declaration of war, the formal declaration of which was then only a question of a few days or hours, and so was the certainty of the company being called into service.

Axd Represextatr'E Citizens 463

While the final result of that war was not for a moment in doubt, still to see a company of Wausau boys, all of them in the height of youthful exuberance, go to a tropical climate, was not lightly contemplated. To make the company feel, however, that the heart of the people was with them wherever they would be sent, and also to make all the people feel that they had a local personal interest in these pinery boys who were to go to a country whose climate was more dangerous to their health and life than the enemy, it occurred to a citizen that it would be the proper thing to give public expression to these thoughts and sentiments.

There being nopublic flagstaff in the city, he, after a long search, found a pole, had it lengthened with gas pipes and quietly set it up on the market square on the 22(1 day of April. This could not escape the watchful eye of the passersby, and on inquiry they were told that the flag would be raised in the evening. The afternoon newspapers gave this piece of news wide publicity, and in the evening market square was crowded with people. A new flag had been purchased and everything was in readiness, only waiting for the arrival of Company G, which had promised to attend the ceremony. The company had assembled for muster in the evening in full strength, then marched to the square, halting in front of the staff, as if on dress parade. Darkness had set in when the order was given to hoist the flag. As it slowly rose in the air and half way up, caught by the evening breeze, majestically unfurled, the red fire flashed up from different parts, lighting up the whole square, the clarion command "Present arms" was heard, followed by the clash of anns; Cone's Band struck up "The Star Spangled Banner," and under the mighty shout from the multitude of men and women it rose to the height of the staff, waving full length in the air, the symbol of .\merican independence, liberty and union.

These were sublime moments not easily forgotten by the cheering thousands, as the flag was going up there, while the soldiers saluted and the band played the national hymn. After an appropriate remark by Louis Marchetti, he introduced the speakers, first J. E. Leahy, a soldier of the Civil war, then M. A. Hurley, who both in eloquent language, complimented the soldiers and reminded the people of their obligation to them who went forth to uphold the honor of our country. The flag remained floating from the pole until after peace was declared and greeted the Ixiys at their return home.

On April 27th Capt. H. J. Abraham received his order by wire at 11 P. M. to report next day at Milwaukee with his men. and at 7 o'clock next morning the whole company was in field armament at the Northwestern Railroad depot and took the train for Milwaukee.

After the company had departed, Mayor Manson at once called a citizens' meeting to look to the interests of the company and relieve its members, who had some dependents at home, from all anxiety on account of their absence during service. A committee was chosen for that purpose with Mayor Manson as chairman, and with what success will afterwards appear.

Under this flag on the market square the people assembled to hear and celebrate every victory gained by our navy and army. At noon on the day that the news flashed over the wire of Dewey's victory preparations were made to celebrate the event and at night the band played, and speakers, Senator Leahy and C. B. Bird, spoke, after w hich John Ringle read the latest dispatches. At noon on the 4th of July the wire brought the news of the sinking of the Spanish fleet at Santiago, and in the evening the place was again illuminated and Senator Brown, Kreutzer and G. D. Jones were heard in jubilee. When San Jago capitulated, on the same evening, C. B. Bird was on hand to celebrate with others, and the square was always on such occasions thronged with people who gave vent to their patriotic outbursts. There was no need to give any previous notice. A few Chinese lanterns or platfomi put up in the afternoon or a shot from the signal gun was notice enough for the people to assemble by thousands.

When the company returned, on October 31st. their homecoming was a veritable triumph for them ; the whole population was out en masse to receive them ; cannons belched forth when the train came in sight and a surging mass of humanity pressed forward to the right of way and depot ground of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway as the train pulled in fifty minutes late, or at 9 :30 A. M. Boys that could not get in line climbed the telephone and telegraph poles and cheered as the men marched by on their way to the courthouse square, headed by the pupils of the schools and some of the societies. At the courthouse square the pupils and societies opened ranks and let the company pass through them to the speakers' stand, where Mayor Manson received them with the following welcome :

"Boys of Company G : I welcome you to our city and your home. You have a welcome that words can but feebly express. \'ou have ever been in our hearts and minds and we have followed every move you have made from the day you left us to this happy reunion. We have been proud of you, our brave soldier boys, and we watched with anxious care for every word we could get of your welfare. You have suffered much, but have endured all with fortitude and bravery. You have proven to the world that the American soldier is the bravest on earth and a man every inch of him, anywhere and everywhere. We have earnestly hoped you would return to us with unbroken ranks, but, alas, one brave soldier has fallen by the wayside. One more name upon the roll of honor ; one more name among the nation's heroes. The boys you left in the east in hospitals, I am assured, are recovering rapidly and will be with us in a few days. The city is yours today. We have a jubilee planned for all. Now go to your homes, to your wives, children, mothers and the girls you left behind you."

(Cheers were given with a will at the conclusion of the speech.) After the address, the captain gave the company leave to disperse, many of them - all of them that preferred to walk - were taken home in carriages. The multitude then proceeded to tlie market square, where a new flag was to be raised in place of the tattered one which had whipped itself into shreds since the boys had left in the spring. The exercises opened with prayer by Reverend Carrier, then the pupils of the parochial school, under the lead of Professor Wininger, all joined in the "Te Deum Laudamus," at the conclusion of which Louis Marchetti, chairman, stepped forward, making the following introductory remarks :

"A httle over six months ago, when the clouds rose darker and darker on the political horizon, and when we expected that the next electric flash from Washington would bring the news that our country was involved in war, we assembled here on this market square and resolved to stand as one man by our country, and as one people uphold the honor and dignity of America against any and all foreign foes. We knew at that time that we had a company of soldiers here that would be called to the front in case of war, and the next day realized our expectations. Our men were ready and without the least hesitation they responded to the president's call to arms.

"Our flag, then on this staflf, was to them not only the symbol of every thing held dear by every American, but to them it was also a pledge by the people of Wausau, that wherever they would go. our hearts would be with them ; a pledge, that in any emergency whatever, the people of this city and county would come to their relief.

"To us who remained at home, it was a monitor reminding us of the duties and obligations assumed and I am proud to say, because I can say it without flattering, that the people of Wausau have manfully fulfilled their duties and redeemed their obligations and kept their plighted faith to our soldiers.

"Today we rejoice because they have come home again, or will come, all but one, 'who sleeps the sleep that knows no waking" far from home; and the aged stricken father whose son died in his country's cause, the father who stands today, a childless man, has our deepest sympathy.

"Now that our soldiers have returned, let the old tattered remains of the flag be taken down and put reverentially away, and let our soldiers be greeted with a fresh emblem of our nation, every stripe as unsullied as their honor, which they have preserved as American citizen soldiers, every star as bright as their patriotism, courage, discipline and fortitude has made them a bright, shining mark among thousands of men. And let the flag be raised today, proclaiming peace, hallowed peace, and good will among men."

(At an appropriate time during the address the old flag was taken down and a new flag slowly raised under the frantic cheers of the multitude.)

G. D. Jones' Address

"It was not a war for conquest or for revenge, but was waged in the interest of humanity, and the annals of history record no juster war than this; that the conditions confronting our country when war was declared were appalling; that the climate in Cuba. in the hot season was deadly to one not inured to it, and that this season was upon us ; that Spain had an army in Cuba thoroughly acclimated, well armed and equipped, and five times as large as the entire standing army of the United States, and that this army must be met and overcome in its intrenchments. The great heart of the nation responded most loyally to the President's call for volunteers, the animosities of a life were forgotten, sectionalism disappeared, and North and South united in support of the cause; that this response, with the heroism shown by the men in facing the deadly Mauser rifles of the Spaniards and the still deadlier pestilence, was the glory of our nation, and that the part taken by our Wausau boys was the glory of our city. That this action was pure patriotism, devoted and unselfish, and called for the highest praise ; that it was a noble example of duty well done, and the honors lavished on our returning heroes were most deserved. That the glories of the day would be forever remembered by those present, and that to the children and the young people particularly it thought that in unselfish devotion to duty would be found the highest honor. That

Senator Neil Brown followed with a short address, full of patriotism, sometimes pathetic, in which he spoke of what the company had accomplished ; of their discipline, not only while in camp at Chickamauga, but while in Porto Rico; of the hardship of the forced march under a tropical sun; of their splendid physical appearance when they left, and feelingly referred to the sick which had to be left in hospitals, but which would soon be restored to their friends.

Secretary John Ringle then read the resolutions adopted by Company G while in Porto Rico, thanking the citizens of Wausau for their devotion to the welfare and comfort of their representatives in the field, adopted in camp near Coama, Porto Rico, October ist; then the meeting dispersed and the rest of the day, all afternoon, was given over to unbounded joy.

And Representatr'E Citizens 467

In the evening the banquet given to the boys at Fraternity Hall was an elaborate affair, under the direction of Alesdames Walter Alexander. D. L. Plumer, F. W. Kickbusch, C. H. Mueller, P. Planz, William Wilson, and Annette Swope, assisted by the female friends of the boys, after which there was to be a reception for them in the Alexander Hall. But it was impossible to hold a reception properly, so called.

As soon as the doors were opened there was such a throng that every nook and corner of the hall was crowded, and it was with some difficulty, because of the crowded condition of the mass of humanity, that the boys could march into the hall, that is, press themselves one after another to their seats reserved for them in front of the hall. Louis Marchetti presided at the meeting and after some patriotic music by the Philharmonic Orchestra, under the lead of Prof. Jacob Renter, introduced as first speaker C. S. Curtis, who said :

"In behalf of the committee, and in behalf of the friends here assembled, we bid you hearty welcome on your return to us. We have met here tonight to rejoice over 3'our safe return to your homes, and I had .hoped to be able to congratulate you that notwithstanding all the dangers and hardships which you were obliged to endure, incident to army life .^nd the severe climatic changes, you were permitted to return to us after so long a period with an unbroken column. But it is with sorrow and regret that we learn that on the very eve of your departure from Porto Rico, one of your number, Fred Ganger, laid down his life for his country, so that tonight, on this otherwise joyous occasion, we are called upon to mingle our tears with those of the friends of the .departed. We regret to learn that on account of sickness eight of your brave boys have been left sick in hospitals. I trust that the report made to us that none of them are seriously ill, is true and that before many days we may be able to extend to them the same glad hand that we extend to you tonight.

"When we bid you good bye and Godspeed on that beautiful April morning, and you went forth in response to your country's call, you were full of hope, courage and confidence that you would be able to withstand the dangers and hardships incident to army life, and your only watchword that pleasant morning was 'Remember the Maine.' and as we looked upon you that morning we could not help but feel that if every county in this broad land sent out a company so full of vigor, so full of courage and so full of patriotism as the one from iMarathon county, this war would be one of short duration and although you did not see much of actual conflict, you are no less entitled to credit, for you stood ready to lay down your lives if need be. for your country and for the sake of humanity.

"While we but faintly- realize the dangers and hardships which you were undergoing, your friends here in Wausau were not wholly unmindful of you. We ministered to your wants as best we could, only regretting that owing to army regulations and the great distance between us we were unable to do more. In this connection allow me, in behalf of the committee, to thank the generous people of the city of Wausau for so promptly and generously responding to every call of the committee.

"War is a thing not to be coveted and not always to be averted, and when the clouds of war have passed away, we naturally look to see what good, if any, has been accomplished by this terrible suffering and loss of life, and I wish to call your attention to some of the many things which it seems to me, have been accomplished.

"You have forced the people of this nation to recognize the wisdom of that old saying: 'In time of peace prepare for war.' You have succeeded in placing this nation where she properly belongs, and where ,she will hereafter be recognized, as one of the great and most powerful nations of the civilized world. You have helped to place the state of Wisconsin foremost among the states of this Union, and by your manly and courageous deportment you have placed Alarathon county among the foremost counties in the state. You have answered the call made to you in humanity's name, and helped to strike off the shackles from twelve millions of people. You have helped to unite this country as it never has been united before. You have helped to eliminate all political, sectional and social lines, so far as love of country is concerned, so that today, there is no North, no South, no East, no West, but one grand united people, standing shoulder to shoulder ready to offer up lives and fortunes if need be, to protect and maintain the dignity of our common country.

now, boys of Company G, as you are about to be mustered out of the service, and again enter upon a civilian's life. I wish to remind you that your future attainments depend very largely upon your own efforts, and if you start out on the battlefield of life with the same firm determination to succeed that has characterized each and every one of you for the past si.x months, I doubt not that all of you will fill a place in the social and business world that will reflect the credit, the same amount of credit upon you, which you have so justly earned in the past."

He closed under a storm of applause which was seldom if ever heard in that large hall, as it was certainly the largest gathering that was ever addressed in it by any person.

Mrs. Kickbusch then sang "Home Sweet Home" in her sweetest voice, accompanied by Mrs. Speer, and while this song is always well received, it is doubtful if its tenderness and pathos was ever more fully appreciated than on this occasion. There was some more music and then M. A. Hurley closed the list of speakers with an excellent oration fitting to the occasion, which touched the hearts of all, and he was given an enthusiastic applause, amounting to an ovation. The program closed with a tableau arranged by Mr. F. Ritter, representing Columbia blessing Uncle Sam, who had little Miss Cuba and Porto Rico in his arms ; to the right and left of them were American soldiers and sailors, and as the light flashed upon them it made as pretty a scene as could be imagined.

There was an illuminated bicycle parade on Third street; the city was illuminated and ornamented, and three halls, Alexander Hall after the reception, and Kroenig's Hall and Columbia Hall, were given over to dance, free to all comers.

Nothing in the city has ever approached the ovation given the soldiers on the march frotn the railroad depot to the courthouse square. Yet it was not all unalloyed joy. Some footsteps were tottering, faces were thin and pinched with suffering; almost all the boys returning were bearded, dark, sunbrowned and haggard from sickness, and their physical appearance, compared with their appearance when they left, showed that the southern climate had left its mark upon them. To some of them the march to the courthouse was a painful task, but each face with radiant smile and sparkle of eyes, testified their appreciation of the cordial reception.

Company G acknowledged the good will of the people of Wausau and of the committee of which Mayor Manson was chainnan by adopting the following resolutions :

"Whereas, Many members of our company at the commencement of the recent war with Spain, had families or parents dependent upon them for support; and

"Whereas, the loyal citizens of ^^'ausau promptly gave their pledge that the families of such comrades should be well cared for during their absence; and

"Whereas, this pledge has been most generously fulfilled, whereby our comrades have been freed from the fear of suffering of loved ones at home; and

"Resolved, that the thanks of Company G, Third Regiment, ^^'isconsin Volunteers, be and the same are, hereby heartily tendered to each and every person contributing to relieve the wants and cheer the spirits of our families in our absence; further, be jt

"Resolved, that our heartfelt thanks be, and hereby are especially tendered to Messrs. John N. Manson, Louis Marchetti, C. S. Curtis, John Ringle and Charles J. Winton (the committee chosen by the citizens of Wausau for that purpose), for the considerate and impartial manner in which the funds contributed for said cause were expended, and for their labor in the same. It is further

"Resolved, that these resolutions be engrossed in the records of our company, and published in each paper in said city of Wausau, and that a prepared copy thereof be countersigned by the commissioned officers of our company and presented to each member of said committee."

After the adoption of these resolutions, the company, through a committee consisting of Lieut. Rob Kumerow. Sergt. Charles Goerling and Corporals Emil Braatz and Robert Braatz, and Senator A. L. Kreutzer acting as spokesman, surprised Louis Marchetti with a presentation of a fine goldheaded cane with the following inscription thereon : completed before it left the camp in Milwaukee for the camp by Chickamauga, and the following is a list of all members of the company who were mustered out after their return from Porto Rico, all from Wausau and Marathon county: Abraham, Herman J., captain; Becker, Fred R.', first lieutenant; Kumerow, Roljert O., second lieutenant; Abel, Paul, private; Abraham, Otto C, sergeant; Albee. Alex, private; Allen, Evard C, private; Armstrong, Gerrit S., private; Baker, John P., private; Albee, Frank E., private; Baker, John W., private; Behrend, Charles, private; Benoit, Isidore, private; Benoit, Arthur, private; Bernhardt, Peter, private; Bernhardt, William, private; Beucus, Henry, private; Bibby, Bert E., corporal; Biller, Olaf A., sergeant; Block, Henry P., private; Boernke, Ernst, corporal; Bolger, William H., artificer; Braatz, Emil F., corporal; Horton, Clark, private; Huckbody, William R., corporal ; Johnson, Arthur, private ; Johnson, Hans, private ; Johnson, Peter, private; Johnson, William D., private; Keister, Zora E., private; Braatz, Robert, corporal; Brechlin, Adam F., musician; Bugs, Carl, private; Butt, William, private; Callies, Gust., private; Christenson, Andrew, private; Drake, Frank N., private; Drake, George H., private; Dumbrosky, Henry M., private; Fenhaus, Albert, wagoner; Geese, Albert, private; Gemdt, Herman W., private; Goeres, Bernhardt, private; Goerling, Charles N., sergeant; Grahn, Ernest, corporal; Hagen, Ray, private; Helke, John R., corporal; Hickey, William, private; Hildensperger, Arthur, private; Hinschich, Charles, private; Hohmann, Otto, private; Holbrook, Robert N., private; Mootz,.Otto, private; Mueller, Walter J., first sergeant: Muenchow, Gustav, private; Neubauer, Albert, corporal; Newell, Ralph, private; Niebuhr, Edward C, private; Opdahl, Finer C, private; Kiefer, John, private; Kuechler, Joseph F., corporal; Kuratkowski, John, corporal; Laatsch, William, corporal; LaMere, Mike E., private; Lamont, Charles, private; Lemma, Hugh J., quartermaster-sergeant; Lietz, Paul, private; Lintelmann, Christian H., private; Lissack, Ernest, private; Lucas, Elmer I., sergeant; Malone, John, private; McCullock, Ray, private; Melang, William F., private; Meyer, Fred, private; Miller, Herman O., sergeant; Miller, William H., private; Moellendorf, Emil F., private; Swope, Walter A., private; Treptow, Otto J., private: Twomey, William S., musician; Vauble, Lawrence, private; Vaughan, Bently, private; Peterson, Albert, private; Raduechel, Gustav, private; Reiser, Rollo W., private; Roe, Clem, private; Roloff, Carl H., private; Saindon, Antone, private; Saindon, Philip, Jr., private: Sampson, Charles M., corporal: Schwitzke, George, private; Schoeneman, Mike, private; Schulrud, Haakon, private-