MISCELLANEOUS CIVIL WAR ARTICLES From Moundsville Journal & Moundsville Echo Marshall County, West Virginia Articles submitted by Joseph D. Parriott; typed by Marguerite Howard. May 24, 1907 – Echo “SOLDIER” BORE A CHILD” Romance of Andersonville Prison Just Brought to Light. Discussion of the movement toward erecting a monument to Captain Henry Wirz, who was commandant of the Andersonville prison, has brought a hitherto unpublished story to light. The relator of the story, a resident of Americus, Ga., often Visited the prison, where her husband was doing duty for the Confederate government. Upon one of her visits Captain Wirz said that he needed her assistance. He conducted her to a small tent just outside the prison stockade. Within was a woman-a Federal prisoner with a day old babe in her arms, while by her sat her husband, also a prisoner. The woman, in male attire, had been brought to the prison pen a few days before. The captured party, including her husband, were Ohioans, and when surprised by the Confederates she hastily donned a suit of her husband’s clothes in order that they might not be separated. When the real situation had been discovered the day previous, through statements made by her husband, Captain Wirz had the couple hastily removed to the tent outside the prison, and there the babe was born. In the visitor, the poor woman found a friend. She quickly returned to Americus and secured for the mother and babe the necessary clothing and medicine and such food and comforts as her then limited means allowed. Soon thereafter the Ohioan, his wife and babe were sent away from the prison. ___New York World. May 30, 1907 – Moundsville, WV Echo Many Soldiers March Though Ranks Thinned Each Year, Yet Large Number Of Veterans Participated Today. The numbers of the G. A. R. and old soldiers generally met at the court house before ten o’clock this morning to the number of over sixty spent some time about it awaiting the arrival of all who might join the procession. At ten-thirty o’clock they formed the line of march on Seventh street in front of the court house and at the above hour proceeded to the cemeteries to decorate the graves of the deceased soldiers. The rear of the procession was brought up by a column of Sunday school children. The number of old soldiers in the procession was as large as has been gathered at this city on similar occasions in many years. June 2, 1911 – Weekly Echo Gray Veterans, Wives, Children and Grandchildren Honor Memory of Departed Soldiers. Beautiful And Impressive Parade Memorial services, participated in by members of the G. A. R., Ladies of the G. A. R. and hundreds of school children, teachers and citizens, made a most beautiful and impressive scene in this city this morning. The first service was a memorial to the unknown dead who perished in the battles of the war. This service opened at 9:15 o’clock at the soldiers monument at the court house lawn and was in charge of the Ladies of the G. A. R. In addition to their regular service, Commander C. C. Mathews of J. C. Caldwell Post G. A. R. paid a high tribute to the ladies who each year as the ranks of the Grand Army grow thinner, see that their memories are honored by the living. At the close of this service flowers were strewn at the base of the monument as a tribute to the dead soldiers. At ten o’clock, the parade formed for the march to the cemetery. The G. A. R. and Ladies formed in front of the court house. The school children were in line on the school house lawn. Headed by the martial band, the procession turned into Tomlinson avenue, the G. A. R. and Ladies heading the procession; five hundred and thirty six school children bearing flags and flowers, following in charge of their teachers. Citizens on foot and in carriages brought up the rear and all started on the march to the cemetery where the regular G. A. R. service was held. About sixty or seventy members of the G. A. R. were in line. The services at the cemetery consisted of the regular ritualistic service, prayer by Rev. H. F. Obenauf, address by Rev. J. B. Smith, and Lincoln’s Gettysburg address read by Superintendent George E. Hubbs of the city schools. This service was followed by the decoration of graves, by the veterans, ladies and school children, the graves of dead soldiers being marked by flags. The line of march was handsomely decorated, flags and bunting being used. Residences and business houses nearly all had decorations displayed. The number of veterans was as large as has been in the parade on the same occasion in several years. The familiar faces look as if life had rested lightly on them the past year as they had quite a healthy appearance and their steps were as quick and steady as at any time in many years. There were a greater display of flowers than for several years, as it will be remembered that the past few years the cold weather in May cut the stock of flowers for Decoration Day purposes very short. September 22, 1911 – Weekly Echo ANNUAL MEET OF VETERANS Over 60 Old Soldiers Here Today. Officers Elected. Camp Fire This Afternoon Over sixty veterans of the Civil War answered to roll call at the opening of the annual meeting of the Marshall county Veterans Association this morning. The association met in the circuit court room at 10:30 o’clock. The morning session was devoted to the business of the association. The following offices were elected for the coming year: The Officers Commander – Daniel Younken, Sr. Vice Com. – P. M. Pelley Quarter Master – S. Risinger Adjutant – J. T. McCombs This afternoon the veterans and Ladies of the G. A. R. are gathered about the camp fire spending a pleasant day exchanging stories of the days of ’61-’65. Roll Call The veterans who answered to roll call were: John P. Allen T. J. Aston T. S. Bonar T. F. Baker N. T. Bruce Wm. Burris Thos. Baylen Thos. T. Clark W. L. Conner Wm. R. Coe Jos. A. Chambers John Wesley Crow H. H. Cox Silas Carmichael J. W. Cunningham John W. Crow J. N. Conely Andrew Dietz John W. Dowler Jerry A. Fitzgerald Wm. H. Frey John Finegan W. O. Grimes Wm. Goudy Jacob Grandstaff George Gosset Geo. M. Howard Samuel Harris John F. Harris Jas. W. Hicks James Henry Thomas W. Hill T. G. Hammond S. R. Hanen D. B. Johnson John G. Jones Cephas Henry C. C. Mathews A. W. Muldrew C. Y. McCardle J. T. McCombs James McCully W. M. Nowell James M. Pyles Melvin Powell Wm. M. Riggs John S. Redd L. D. Ruckman Smith Risinger J. T. Roseberry George Rush W. A. Stewart Samuel H. Sloan H. C. Shepherd W. S. Swan Jos. M. Smith Francis Fayten James Tedrow John Trenter Joseph B. Wayt Daniel Younkin Jack Younkin The Years Dead Fifteen veterans have died since the annual meeting in 1910. They are: Manlon Pettit Alexander Whipkey John Sears Joseph Hagerman Anthony Johnson Wm. H. Eneix Wm. Burgess R. S. Peters Lewis Reynolds Julius Cowell Wm. Frey George C. Garden Harry Winters T. W. Pyles May 23, 1913 – Weekly Echo G. A. R. Delegates To Huntington Comrades S. Risinger, T. G. Hammond, J. A. Chambers and T. S. Bonar, representing J. C. Caldwell Post No. 21 Grand Army of the the Republic, left on the 10:31 train over the Ohio River railroad today for Huntington, where they will attend the annual state encampment of the G. A. R. The encampment will open its sessions Tuesday and continue in session until Thursday. June 6, 1913 – Weekly Echo HELD MEMORIAL SERVICES AT COURT HOUSE Owing to the heavy rain this forenoon the Memorial day parade was abandoned and the G. A. R. held its memorial exercises in the court room. The court house was packed with veterans, Ladies of the G. A. R., school children and citizens who had gathered to pay tribute to the memory of the dead veterans of the Civil War. The G. A. R. ritual service was carried out in the court room. The memorial address was delivered by Comrade T. S. Bonar of J. C. Caldwell Post G. A. R. Foss Curtis read “Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.” The Spanish-American war veterans, who were to have been here in time for the parade, were delayed on account of the sudden death of the father of F. J. Pickard, a member of the firing squad of Company M. They did not arrive until nearly noon. It was planned, however, to decorate the soldiers’ graves, sound taps and fire the salute at the cemetery this afternoon. The weather did not interfere with the memorial to the unknown dead, held at the court house monument at 9:30 by the Ladies of the G. A. R. Rev. John Beddow delivered the memorial address there. The service was witnessed by a large number of people. Business houses and residences in Moundsville were decorated with flags and bunting in keeping with the spirit of Memorial day. September 18, 1918 – Moundsville Journal G. A. R. REUNION ON HERE TO-DAY The old soldiers of Marshall county are holding their annual reunion at the court house this afternoon. There was a brief informal meeting at the court house this morning and this afternoon a camp fire is being held. Several visitors from Wheeling and other nearby points are present. Among the regiments represented in the meeting is the Twelfth W. Va., Volunteer Infantry. The battle record of this regiment is of interest at this time and is presented as follows: Winchester, June 13th and 14th, 1863 Piedmont, Va., June 5th, 1861 Lynchburg, Va., June 18th and 19th, 1864 Snickers Ferry, Va., July 18th, 1864 Kearnstown, Va., July 24th, 1864 Opequan, Va., Sept. 19th, 1864 Fishers Hill, Va., Sept. 23rd, 1864 Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19th, 1864 Hatchers Run, Va., April 1st, 1865 Fort Gregg, Va., April 2nd, 1865 Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9th, 1865 When they took Ft. Gregg General John Gibbons, Commander of the 27th Corp presented the regiment with a bronze Eagle for flag staff. The annual reunion of the Marshall County Veterans’ association closed this afternoon at 4 o’clock with the election of the following officers: Commander, J. T. Stewart Senior Vice Commander, James Talbert Junior Vice Commander, S. Lemmon Quartermaster, S. Risinger Surgeon, J. D. Steele Speakers at the camp fire during the afternoon included S. R. Hanen, S. Lemon, C. C. Mathews, and J. D. Parriott. The quartette composed of Comrades W. P. Jones, J. T. McCombs, T. S. Bonar and T. G. Hammond, sand. The roster of members who died during the past year follows: David Rine George W. Harris Abraham Jones Jacob Metz John Quigley H. W. Thompson James A. Littleton Joseph Archey Thomas Clark W. J. Plants Alfred Tomlinson L. G. Brock Barney Weinsburg Thomas Williams September 23, 1921 – Weekly Echo VETERANS HOLD REUNION; ELECT OFFICERS The Marshall County Veterans Association held the annual reunion in the G. A. R. on Tenth street today. Fifty-eight veterans of the civil war assembled at the hall this morning and after attending the routine business matters, partook of an excellent dinner served by the Ladies of the G. A. R. The feature of the day was the address of Judge Presley D. Morris, who was the guest of the veterans for dinner and who spoke afterwards. Usual resolutions were passed, officers elected, and other matters of importance were transacted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Commander – John W. Crow Senior Commander – Thomas Gallentine Junior Commander – John Cunningham Quarter Master – S. Risinger Chaplain – C. C. Mathews Surgeon _ Dr. D. J. States Adjutant – T. S. Bonar The last four officers were re-elected, having served last year. The other last year’s officers, who presided today were: Commander – W. M. Riggs; Senior Commander – W. P. Crow. The following members answered to their names at roll call: Elijah Adams Wm. Barnett Abel Brock T. B. Baker Jerry Bogard Col. F. W. H. Baldwin Fred W. Brown Wm. H. Clark J. W. Criswell J. A. Chambers Phil Cunningham John Dardinger Abe Dennis Jerry Fitzgerald W. F. Games David Games Thomas Galentine James Grimes Isaac Grimes T. G. Hammond Thos. W. Hill J. E. Hadsell Samuel Harris S. R. Hanen G. W. Hubbs Felix M. Hill J. W. Harbison I. F. Harbison Stephen Higgins J. W. Humes D. B. Johnson D. B. Jamison Cephus Kinney S. Lemon T. W. Manning Samuel Morris A. D. Mathews J. T. McCombs Alex McCracken J. W. Polen R. T. Paul J. M. Poyles J. T. Roseberry Smith Risinger I. D. Ruckman Geo. M. Rush Timothy Stillwell J. M. Smith J. P. Stewart W. S. Swann Jacob Suter James Talbert Alonzo Winters John T. Wetzell Phillip Caldabaugh Jacob Honiker William Burris William Carr June 1, 1923 – Weekly Echo MOUNDSVILLE VETERANS DECORATE GRAVES OF 270 COMRADES TODAY In honoring their dead, J. C. Caldwell post No. 21, G. A. R., decorated the graves of about two hundred and seventy comrades. The following record of the members of the local post and the list of the 1922 dead was furnished by Adjutant T. S. Bonar: G. A. R. DEATHS J. C. Caldwell Post No. 21 lost the following members in 1922: Wm. Heston Jeremiah Bogard J. S. Dardinger F. W. H. Baldwin Steven Higgins Wm. Tomlinson Felix M. Hill J. B. Jemison Jacob Sutton W. R. Coe Thomas Finn David Hewes MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF J. C. CALDWELL POST NO. 21 DEPT. W. VA. G. A. R. T. B. Baker, Commandor J. T. Rosberry, Sr. Vice Commander T. S. Bonar, Adjutant and Quarter Master S. Risinger, Officer of the Day. Members: Wm. Auten W. L. Conner Absolom Crow John Wesley Crow J. A. Chambers W. H. Clark S. F. Earliwine J. T. Francis Robt. A. Henry T. G. Hammond John E. Hadsel Thos. W. Hill Eli Huggins W. P. Jones D. B. Johnson W. H. Lindsey C. C. Mathews M. W. Miller John W. Magers Thos. W. Manning Alex McCracken A. D. Pierce W. L. Pierce J. M. Poyles J. W. Poland R. T. Paul Wm. M. Riggs Geo. M. Rush L. D. Ruckman D. J. States, Surgeon J. P. Stewart W. P. Swan Able Brock J. M. Smith Timothy Stilwell Oscar Wright Uriah Pletcher T. J. Price A. D. Mathews Bushrod Gray Cephas Kinney Isaac Grimes J. A. Fitzgerald W. M. Nowel Elijah Adams J. B. Davis Thos. Galentine C. Y. McCardle John Haughs Saml. H. Sloam Norman Turner Jeremiah Harten Charles White September 25, 1924 – Weekly Echo CIVIL WAR VETERANS The annual meeting of the Marshall County Veterans Association held in the G. A. R. hall on Tenth street Thursday, was one of the most interesting the civil war veterans have ever held. There was an interesting program and a large attendance. Commander J. T. McCombs presided and Adjutant T. S. Bonar was on the job as secretary. Reports were received from officers and other business transacted. Thirteen members had passed away the previous year. They were: W. L. Alley, Jonathan Bondy, John Bowers, James Darrow, Isaac Grimes, James Kellar, J. M. Logsdon, C. Y. McCardle, J. H. McGill, W. L. Pierce, George M. Rush, J. P. Stewart, Alonzo Winters. Col. Curtis of Wheeling made a splendid address, one that touched the hearts of all patriots. Mr. Hill, an aged veteran, recited that pathetic poem called “The Knot of Blue and Gray I wear on my coat.” Mrs. Wickham recited several splendid numbers which the veterans enjoyed. Mrs. McCune and Mrs. Crouch both spoke the sentiments of the G. A. R. ladies in welcoming the veterans to the city and doing what they could to add to their enjoyment. The noon dinner was served by the ladies of the G. A. R. Officers elected and installed for the year were: S. R. Hanen, Commander; T. B. Baker, Senior Vice Commander; W. P. Jones, Junior Vice Commander; Smith Risinger, Quartermaster; C. C. Mathews, Chaplain; D. J. States, Surgeon; T. S. Bonar, Adjutant. Members of the organization are as follows: W. T. Alley Elijah Adams Wm. Auten T. J. Asten J. H. Biggs W. H. Barnette Abel Brock John Buzzard J. W. Bassett Wm. Burris Robert Blake Fred Brown Reason Biddle W. L. Conner W. H. Clark J. W. Criswell J. A. Chambers S. A. Conner J. A. Criswell Absolom Crow Phillip Cunningham Phillip Caldabaugh J. Wesley Crow Jacob Darrow Abe Dennis J. B. Davis J. P. Echols S. F. Earliwine George Evans J. A. Fitzgerald J. T. Francis D. B. Founds T. S. Valentine David Games James Grimes Jacob Honaker T. G. Hammond T. W. Hill G. W. Hill J. E. Hadsell Samuel Harris Edward Hart Jerry Horton J. W. Harris G. W. Hubbs John F. Harris T. F. Harbinson Robert A. Henry J. T. A. Hawkins S. R. Hanen W. P. Jones August Kepple Cephes Kinney David Kellar J. W. Kellar W. H. Lindsey S. Lemmon Isaac Manger Samuel Mickey T. W. Manning J. W. Manlon M. W. Miller J. D. Miller J. W. Magers Samuel Morris A. B. Mathews Alex McCracken Anthony Moser W. N. Nowel T. J. Price A. D. Pierce J. A. Poland R. T. Paull J. M. Poyles Robert Parriott Henry Parkinson J. T. Roseberry W. M. Riggs Phillip Robinson Owen Sullivan Timothy Stilwell W. C. Swan B. F. Sutton S. H. Sloan George I. Smith H. D. Truman T. S. Terrill A. W. Talbert James Talbert J. R. Talbert Charles White John T. Whetzel Noah Whipkey Oscar Wright Levi Yost September 18, 1925 – Moundsville Journal MARSHALL COUNTY VETERANS ASSO. The Marshall County Veterans Association met this morning with Forty-two Comrads, out of a membership of ninety-seven present. A large number of visitors from Wheeling, Wellsburg, Burton and Hundred, and also the Ladies of the G. A. R. were present. The session was called to order by Commander S. R. Hanen, and opened in the usual manner. The Veterans and ladies all joined in singing “My Country Tis of Thee.” Mrs. Ocie McCune presiding at the piano. Invocation by Rev. J. B. Smith pastor of the First Christian church. Among the numerous visitors present were fourteen members of the Daughters of Veterans of Wheeling, who presented the Association with $10.00 to do as they pleased with. The Veterans extended to them a vote of thanks. September 14, 1926 – Moundsville Journal CIVIL WAR VETS IN ANNUAL MEET Marshall County Veterans of the Civil War held their annual convention today in the G. A. R. headquarters on Tenth street. Fourteen veterans from all over the country were present at the session. The meeting was called to order by Commander Baker, followed by the roll call and reading of the minutes of the last meeting. The roll call revealed the sad fact that fourteen veterans have answered the last call since Sept. 17, 1925. A committee on resolutions composed of J. T. McCombs, S. R. Hanen and Jos. Smith was appointed and a committee on officers reports composed of J. W. Crowe, W. S. Swan and A. D. Matthews. These committees later handed in reports. At twelve o’clock the veterans were treated to a sumptuous dinner prepared by the ladies of the G. A. R. At the dinner Judge P. D. Morris, delivered an inspiring patriotic address as did Dr. Will F. Crow, of Glen Easton. Sessions were resumed at 1:30 o’clock and several musical selections by a stringed trio led by Mrs. Ocie McCune, were enjoyed. Vocal solos and readings composed part of the program and the Old Soldiers Quartette delighted the audience with several numbers. The meeting was concluded with the election of the following officers for the ensuing year: Commander J. T. McCombs; Senior Vice Commander: S. R. Hanen; Junior Vice Commander; Joseph Smith, Chaplain: W. M. Riggs, Quartermaster; Smith Risinger, Adjutant; T. S. Bonar. The following Veterans of the Civil War were present at the meeting: Elza Adams Able Brock T. D. Baker T. S. Bonar Phillip Caldabaugh J. A. Criswell Philip Cunningham J. A. Fitzgerald J. T. Francis T. W. Hill J. F. Hadsel Samuel Harris S. R. Hanen Isaac Mangus I. W. Manning A. D. Mathews J. T. McCombs Alex McCracken Smith Risinger W. M. Riggs W. S. Swan D. F. Sutton James Caldert John T. Wetzel Oscar Wright Isaiah Wilson March 30, 1927 – Journal CIVIL WAR VETERAN GETS $90 PER MONTH PENSION Washington, C. D., Mar. 30 – Carl G. Bachmann, Representative of the First Congressional District of West Virginia has been successful in securing a pension for Thomas W. Hill, Civil War veteran, at the rate of $90 per month. June 9, 1927 - Journal ROSBYS ROCK WOMAN IS GRANTED PENSION Washington, D. C., June 9 – Carl G. Bachmann, Representative of the First Congressional District of West Virginia, has been instrumental in securing a pension for Mrs. Mary M. Conner, widow of Alexander Conner, a late Civil War Veteran of Rosbys Rock, W. Va. June 11, 1927 – Journal LOCAL PEOPLE ARE HONORED AT STATE G.A.R.ENCAMP Comrade J. T. McCombs, post commander of Marshall county Civil War veterans, was elected Senior Vice-Commander of the West Virginia G. A. R. at the annual encampment held recently at Grafton, W. Va. Miss Mary McCombs, also of Moundsville, was elected Sr. Vice-President of the ladies of the G. A. R. P. Dunsmoore of Parkersburg, was elected state G. A. R. head while Mrs. Virginia Jackson, of Kingwood, was named president of the Ladies of the G. A. R. Phillippi, W. Va., was selected as the scene for the annual encampment next year, the meeting to open the third Tuesday in May. Moundsville gained additional honors this year’s encampment when the Junior G. A. R. chapter of this city was awarded a beautiful silk flag for having the largest membership in the state and for being the second chapter to be organized within the boundaries of West Virginia. The banner was received at Grafton by Miss Clarn Schroder, trustee of the organization. The trophy will be presented to the Junior G. A. R. at Flag Day exercises which will be held in the G. A. R. hall on Tenth street, Tuesday, June 14. An interesting program has been arranged and all members are requested to attend. September 7, 1927 – Journal LOCAL MEN GET PENSION INCREASE Washington, Sept. 7 – Carl G. Bachmann, Representative of the First Congressional District of West Virginia, has been instrumental in securing pensions and increases for the following: George W. Larke, Moundsville, W. Va., a veteran of the World War, disability rating increased from temporary partial 50 per cent to temporary partial to 75 per cent. Joe Fank, McMechen, W. Va., a Spanish American War Veteran, pension increased to $25 per month. Elmer E. Hill, Benwood, W. Va., a Spanish American War Veteran, pension increased to $50 per month. Foster Rine, Moundsville, W. Va., a Spanish American War Veteran, pension increased to $50 per month. October 4, 1927 – Journal TWENTY FIVE OLD SOLDIERS ANSWER ROLL CALL AT ANNUAL SESSION J. T. McCombs, Marshall county’s youngest G. A. R. veteran was elected commander of the Marshall County Association at the annual meeting of the group held today in the G. A. R. hall on Tenth street. This marks the second consecutive year that Mr. McCombs has been named to the pose. Other officers elected were; S. R. Hanen, Senior Vice Commander; J. M. Smith, Junior Vice Commander; T. B. Baker, Quarter Master, succeeding Smith Risinger, deceased; W. M. Riggs, Chaplain. Twenty-five veterans answered the roll call this morning. This is considered a remarkable showing as the total number of veterans in all the posts of the county will probably not exceed fifty. The ranks have been thinned within the past year, thirteen members having answered taps. The members of the Association who have gone to their final reward since the date of the last convention are: James A. Chambers C. C. Matthews S. C. Cown Robert A. Henry Samuel Mickey Anthony Moser Amos Hart J. W. Poland Smith Risinger Samuel H. Sloan Charles White Jacob Bassett Robert Blake Good Program Given The convention opened this morning with a prayer by Comrade S. Feunion of Wheeling, followed by the singing of “America”, election of officers was then held after which the assemblage, augmented by a large number of Spanish-American War Vets and friends and relatives of the veterans, enjoyed a banquet which was prepared by the Ladies of the G. A. R. James G. Blaine circle. At the banquet Miss Clara Schroder a member of the James G. Blaine circle, gave an address of welcome, followed by a short discourse in which she pointed out the need of an organization of sons of veterans. Steps will be taken in the immediate future toward forming such an organization. Judge P. D. Morris, Captain A. L. Hooton, a Spanish American war veteran Oscar Wright, G. A. R. vet of Grafton and a former local resident, Carl H. Hunter and others gave short talks immediately after the dinner, while a reading by Miss Leona Schoenian was greatly appreciated. The program continued this afternoon with the Ladies of the G. A. R., giving several readings and musical selections. The convention will adjourn at about 4 o’clock. A list of out-of-town gueses is as follows: Oscar Wright, Grafton, W. Va. S. Lemon, Wheeling S. R. Hughes Isaac Mangress, Wheeling J. M. Smith, Wheeling J. K. Gorby, New Martinsville George Bowery, Paden City Mrs. Lydia Nickerson, Martins Ferry, O. Mrs. Chris Dawson, Shadyside, O. Mrs. J. S. Fitzgerald, Cameron Mrs. Sidney, Goldner, Past Dept. Organizer, McMechen Mrs. Ross, Akron, Ohio April 6, 1928 – Echo G. A. R. WILL HOLD STATE MEETING AT PHILLIPI MAY 15 The annual state encampment of the G. A. R. veterans of West Virginia will be held at Phillippi, Barbour county, in May; starting on May 15. This point was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War. Senator H. S. White, known the state over as “Uncle Sol,” is head of the committee on arrangements. Efforts to have Major General John L. Clem, U. S. A. Ret., of Washington, D. C., as the principal speaker at the memorial meeting are being made. The first land battle of the war was fought at Philippi on June 3, 1861, and as far as is known there are but two Union soldiers now living who participated in that engagement. Train Accommodations In order to eliminate one night’s lodging and to obviate a long wait at Grafton for some of the veterans, Senator White has arranged with the Baltimore & Ohio railroad authorities to make special accommodations for the G. A. R. travelers. Extra cars, leaving Wheeling and Parkersburg at seven in the morning, will be detached at Grafton and sent on to Philippi, arriving there about noon. The veterans, says Senator White, will not have to change cars. Special arrangements for the visitors returning home will also be made and details will be published at the meeting. Veterans coming from other points, such as Martinsburg, will find everything possible done for their comfort and convenience. May 18, 1928 – Echo G. A. R. VETERANS AT GRAFTON UNVEILING Philippi, May 16, - West Virginia veterans of the Civil War attending the encampment of the G. A. R. and allied organizations, today motored to Grafton for the unveiling of the Bailey memorial erected in honor of the first Union Soldiers who fell in the war. Gov. Howard M. Gore and Andrew Price of Marlington were the principal speakers at the memorial services last night. The governor paid high tribute to the war heroes, saying it was the duty of all to live up to the heritage left by them. Mr. Price, president of the state historical society and a Marlington editor, spoke briefly on the part West Virginia had in the war. Candidates for state offices present at the encampment included Dr. Gory Hogg and Judge Robert Bailey, candidates for the democratic nomination for governor; and M. P. Boyles, republican candidate for state superintendent of schools. June 1, 1928 – Echo LAST OF CIVIL WAR MOTHERS TELLS OF SON, 16, WHO MARCHED AWAY IN ’64, NEVER TO RETURN (Large picture of Mrs. Samantha Rorer Button) (caption under picture) Mrs. Samantha Rorer Button, 98, who will see to it that her son’s grave is decorated today. At 16, he left her and marched away to war in 1864 and never came back alive. By Joe Love West McHenry, Ill., May 30 - - - On the front porch of a small stone house here sits Mrs. Samantha Rorer Button, 98, a kindly little woman who dreams of her “soldier boy” who marched away to war in February, 1864, and never came back. Except for an aged Negro woman in Alabama, whose son fled from slavery to enlist in the federal forces, she is the last of the Civil War mothers. Born in Pennsylvania in 1830 she came west with her parents and settled in McHenry. At a very early age she married. Three boys were born to her before she was twenty - - - Clinton, Leonard and Frank. Clinton, the oldest, was the soldier. He enlisted in Company H, 18th Illinois Cavalry, in February 1864, when he was 16. Tells Of Son Mrs. Button, now wrinkled and worn, sits alone with her reminiscences. “I have had to work hard all my life but we did have the jolliest times,” she says. “When Clinton was old enough to dance I taught him how and was his first partner. I’ll have you know I was no wallflower in those days.” Then the Civil War came and with it a call for recruits. Local companies were formed in McHenry and they drilled not far from the Rorer home. “There was paradin’ up and down the streets with torches and drums,” she says. “Clinton was only 16 but he was big and strong and they took him in. They drilled up and down that street.” She shouldered her cane to illustrate. They gave him a cape and they paraded and paraded and then one day they went away and I never saw him alive again,” she continued. “I didn’t mind it so much at first because my brother was in the same company and he promised to look out for him. And the captain and his wife were friends and used to write to me.” A few months later her son was taken down with typhoid fever and removed to a hospital. She thinks it was Camp Relief at Washington. “I wanted to go to him but I couldn’t manage with the other children. And he died. . . . my soldier boy. . . he died calling for his mother,” she says with eyes brimming with tears. Decorates His Grave He was brought back and buried near his home. Every year Mrs. Button sees that his grave is decorated. Mrs. Button attributes her long life to hard work and exercise, three meals a day and not eating between meals. She has practically no use for doctors. “I haven’t taken five cents worth of doctor medicine in the last fifty years and I’ve had enough grief to kill forty women….but here I am,” she says. Mrs. Button, then Mrs. Rorer, was placed on the pension rolls in December, 1864, at $8. a month. The pension terminated in 1870 when she married James Button, but he died in 1899. In December, 1926, she filed for pension renewal as a dependent mother and got it. The only other Civil War mother on the pension rolls is Samantha Farrer, of Athens, Ala., mother of Henry Farrer, a former slave, who enlisted in Company F, 110th Colored Infantry. He was captured and died in a Confederate prison. She is now past 100 but does not know her exact age. September 7, 1928 – Echo G. A. R. WILL MEET THURS. AFTERNOON J. C. Caldwell Post No. 21, G. A. R. will meet in regular session at their hall in the Elks Home on Fifth street, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. There are but few to meet now, there not being more than twenty five or thirty in the county and only fourteen or fifteen of that number in this city. Liberty, Sand Hill and Webster districts have none, Cameron district has probably four, Franklin district one, Union perhaps three, and Meade probably only one. September 21, 1928 – Echo G. A. R. VETERANS ON WAY TO ENCAMPMENT J. W. Crow, J. T. McCombs, Eli Huggins and Samuel Harris of Glen Easton and Mrs. Ross Sears, Mrs. Sarah Wiley Kline, state dept. president and Miss May Campbell of this city and Mrs. Daisy Merinar, delegate at large of W. Va. And assisting corresponding secretary of Sherrard, left today for Denver, Col. To attend the national G. A. R. encampment which begins there on Monday. September 28, 1928 - Echo Moundsville People at G. A. R. Meeting Guests of Parriott West Virginia Veterans of the Civil war from Moundsville, and Ladies of the G. A. R. who are attending the National G. A. R. Convention at Denver, were delightfully entertained Wednesday afternoon and evening by Mr. And Mrs. James D. Parriott, formerly of Moundsville. The following names of G. A. R. were met at the Shirley Savoy hotel and were taken by Mr. and Mrs. Parriott in machines to Golden, where gold was first discovered and up the Lariot Trail to Look Out Mountain where Colonel Cory or Buffalo is buried, and his museum is there. From these mountains there is a lovely scene over the city of Denver and Golden and the plateaus. After viewing this lovely scenery, they were taken to the beautiful home of Mr. And Mrs. Parriott and given a wonderful supper after which the comrades sand several war songs, also West Virginia Hills. Mr. And Mrs. Parriott and family sang “Our Colorado.” Those present from Moundsville were, Veterans Commander Joseph T. McCombs, John Crow, Eli Huggans, W. E. Harris; Ladies of the G. A. R, Mrs. Daisy Merinar, delegate of West Virginia at Large; Mrs. J. W. Kline, department president, Mrs. Verna Sears, delegate; Miss Mae Campbell, William Conner, veteran; Mr. And Mrs. Spencer Miner, formerly of West Virginia and Lawyer A. L. Doud of California. October 12, 1928 – Echo Thirty-Seven Believed To Be Still Living in Marshall County Marshall county veterans of the G. A. R. will meet here next Thursday, October 18, in the Elks home on Fifth street, in their annual convention. The present enrollment of the Marshall County Association of Civil War Veterans that there are 37 survivors of the strife staged more than three-score years ago, although there is a possibility that the count is not accurate. The latest figures obtainable on the survivors in the state of West Virginia show a total of 204. The convention will start at 10 a.m., and there will be morning and afternoon sessions. Ladies of the G. A. R. will assist in the conduct of the assembly, and a dinner will be served. It is hoped that 25 or 30 of the grizzled veterans will be able to join in one of the last few annual conventions possible for the Marshall county association. The convention call, issued this morning, was signed by T. S. Bonar, adjutant, and J. T. McCombs, commander. October 28, 1928 – Echo Local Veteran Holds 3 Posts J. T. McCombs Heads State, County and Local Groups of G. A. R. Veterans J. T. McCombs, Moundsville veteran of the Civil war, has a distinction which has probably never been equaled in the ranks of the veterans of the civil strife which broke asunder for a time the union of this nation. The death of W. W. Riley, of Point Pleasant, W. Va., leaves vacant the post of state department commander of the West Virginia G. A. R. veterans, and in view of the fact that Mr. McCombs is the senior vice-commander, the duties of the state department executive devolve upon him. In addition to this high honor, Mr. McCombs is commander of the Marshall County Association of Civil War Veterans and is commander of J. C. Caldwell Post G. A. R. of Moundsville. State Commander Riley died early this week at his home in Point Pleasant, and the funeral is being held this afternoon at Ripley, Tyler county, Mr. Riley’s birthplace. May 31, 1929 – Echo OLD SOLDIERS WERE KIWANIS CLUB GUESTS Twenty Civil War Veterans were banqueted by the Kiwanis Club at the Hotel Kreglow, Thursday evening. The president, A. G. Bonar, presided and Hon. S. R. Hanen expressed the appreciation of the soldiers. Dr. S. C. Jones, pastor of Calvary church expressed the appreciation of the people for the soldiers. Of the twenty comrades of ‘61 present, two are passed ninety-five years old. Comrades were: Harry Patterson and Benj. Sutton of McMechen; Philip Caldabaugh of Glendale; T. C. Shepherd, John W. Crow, David Games, Thomas W. Hill, J. T. McCombs, W. S. Swain, Seth Kinney, Alex McCracken, T. W. Manning, T. C. Baker, T. S. Bonar, Philip Cunningham, T. C. Stilwell, Joseph Hadsell, S. R. Hanen, J. T. Francis, T. S. Terrill. Faculty of Bethany college furnished an entertaining and instructive program as follows: Greeting and introductions ----Dr. B. R. Weimer, professor of biology. Saxophone quartet ----Messrs. Mendel Hirst, John Graham, Noel Wical, John Baxter. “Bethany Equipment”----Dr. W. H. Cramblet, treasurer of the college. Duet ----Misses Mabel Arnold and Margaret Washington. “Bethany Instructions” ---- A. C. Goodnight, President of the College. May 31, 1929 – Echo Civil War Veterans Honored Rotary Club In High Tribute to Both Blue and Gray Veterans of the Civil war were guests of the Moundsville Rotary club at luncheon today at the Kreglow, a fitting observance of Memorial day season. Both sides of the sanguinary conflict were present, eleven who wore the Blue and one who wore the Gray. Those of the Blue were: Alex McCracken, 1405 Center street Eli Huggins, 114 Tomlinson avenue Thomas W. Hill, 7 Park avenue J. T. Francis J. T. McCombs, Third street T. W. Manning, Third street T. S. Bonar, Tomlinson avenue T. B. Baker, Woodland S. R. Hanen, Eighth street W. S. Swann, Canton, O. J. W. Crow, Second street The ex-Confederate soldier was T. C. Shepherd of Winchester, Va. The program was of a Memorial Day nature. Rotarians as well as Veterans sang “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Mr. Hill read “The Blue and the Gray.” Miss Gertrude White also read. Mr. Hanen and Mr. Shepherd gave impromptu talks, while C. E. Carrigan, a major of cadets at the university, was the stated orator. The affair was highly enjoyed by guests and hosts. June 14, 1929 – Echo G. A. R. AT STATE MEET Dozen Marshall Co. Vets Gathered In Wheeling Wheeling, June 11 ----Only fifty veterans of the Civil War had registered at noon today for the 47th annual encampment of West Virginia Grand Army of the Republic. Nearly five hundred women, however; representing the ‘Womans Relief Corps, Ladies of the G. A. R., and Daughters of Veterans were on hand. The annual reunion of the survivors of Company H, 174th Regiment was held this morning with but three veterans attending. The three are J. M. Smith, 86, and S. D. Hughes, 88, of Ohio county, and Eli Huggins, 88, of Moundsville, the sole survivors of the company. Last year eight men were present at the reunion. Dozen From Marshall A dozen Marshall county veterans and fully two score members of kindred organizations were in Wheeling today for the annual encampment. About half of the Civil War veterans attending from this district reside in Moundsville. J. T. McCombs, of Third street, acting state commander, will preside at all the business sessions and will deliver one of the principal addresses. The program today will be featured by a big parade through the business section of Wheeling this evening at 7 o’clock. Many Moundsville people plan to witness the spectacle. The annual memorial services will follow at the Fourth Street Methodist church. September 24, 1929 – Echo 12 Veterans Of County In Reunion S. R. Hanen Re-Elected Head; Arnold Dinner Speaker Rapidly thinning ranks of the Marshall county Veterans Association assembled in Moundsville today for the twenty-fourth annual reunion and only a dozen veterans responded when the roll was called at noon. A program was enjoyed at the Elks club----including a banquet at noon, two or three addresses, election of officers and reports on the recent national convention at Portland, Maine----but for the most part the venerable soldiers spent the day in quiet reminiscence of the olden days. S. R. Hanen, of Moundsville, was re-elected commander of the Marshall county organization. He has long been identified with activities of civil war veterans and is a former commander of the J. C. Caldwell post of the G. A. R. Other officers elected to serve during the ensuing year are J. W. Crowe, senior vice commander; Eli Huggins, junior vice commander; T. S. Bonar, adjutant; and T. B. Blake, treasurer. The officers were inducted into office immediately after the election. Arnold Principal Orator Prosecuting Attorney J. Lloyd Arnold was the principal speaker at today’s banquet at the Elks club. He paid tribute to the veterans and spoke of the organization as one deserving of sincere appreciation as a token for service they rendered this country in a time of need. Rev. J. O. Howearth, pastor of the First Christian church, spoke along the same lines at the Elks club affair. J. T. McCombs, commander of the state G. A. R. organization and of J. C. Caldwell post, submitted reports on the recent national convention at Portland. The report was interesting and pertained to all phases of the annual rally. Mr. McCombs held the distinction of being the youngest veteran at the reunion today. S. R. Hanen submitted reports on affairs and progress of the Marshall county organization. His report was supplemented by a general outline of the group since its formation at the S. R. Hanen farm on Bowman Ridge twenty-four years ago. Reunions have been held yearly since that time. “Fiddler” Entertains Alex McCracken, one of the oldest civil war veterans in the Ohio Valley, entertained with a number of violin selections. The dinner was served by the Ladies of the G. A. R. and at the conclusion of the program the dozen veterans joined in some of the time songs. The dozen veterans who attended the reunion today are exponents of longevity and their combined ages total more than 1,000 years, their average age being more than 83 years. Veterans present today were: J. T. McCombs Phillip Cunningham James Talbert Thomas Terrell S. R. Hanen Sam Harris T. B. Baker James Smith Alex McCracken T. B. Swain J. L. Francis October 26, 1929 – Echo Moundsville Will Be Host To State G. A. R. In 1930 Selection Made At Meeting In Parkersburg Friday; Dates June 10 – 11 – 12 Moundsville will be host to the surviving veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic in West Virginia next June, it was announced here today by J. T. McCombs, state department commander. Mr. McCombs returned home last night from Parkersburg, where he attended a meeting of the advisory committee of the state department. He said that he carried to Parkersburg a message from the business men of Moundsville, extending an invitation to the veterans of the Civil war to hold their annual reunion in this city. June 10 - 11 and 12 are the dates for the encampment. It will be the fourth time that Moundsville has been host to the Union veterans. They met here seven years ago. The 1929 state reunion was held in Wheeling and there were 80 veterans of the war of ’61 in attendance. Commander McCombs estimates that there are few more than 155 Union veterans yet living in West Virginia, and hardly half that number will be physically able to attend the reunion here next summer.