3. 21, G. A. R. i 1592 3 CtlA^NKY. ■^^^ -^1 Glass k^JpP Book ^-^ - m l.ftf- D. L KINGSBURY CAl'T. WM. H. ACKER. History of Acker Post No. 21, G. A. R. ST. PAUL, MINN. PREPARED AND READ ON ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY, APRIL 10, 1890; TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETE ROSTER OF THE POST AND A MEMOIR OF CAPT. WM. H. ACKER By J. B. CHAXEY. ALSO An Historical Sketch of the Department OF Minnesota and of the G. A. R. By CAPT. henry A. CASTLE. ORDERED PRINTED APRIL 9, 1891. POST ORGANIZED APRIL 8, 1870. RE-ORGANIZED KEBKUARy 9, 1882. n. L. COLLINS COMPANY. Printers. « Binders, ST. PAUL. MINN. J^/iT^e P /< HISTORY OF ACKER POST NO. 21, G. A. R. PRECEDED BY A BRIEF NOTICE OF A POST IX ST. PAUL IX 1866. O&cers and Members of "Acker Post Xo. 21," G. A. R. : At a regular meeting of this Post, held on the twentv- third of January last (1890), the following resolution was adopted : "That the Entertainment Committee be requested to make proper preparations for the observance of the 20th Anniversary of 'Acker Post ;' and that comrade Chanev be requested to prepare a Paper, giving a historv of the Post since April 8, 1870." In compliance with the latter part of said resolution. I have the honor to submit the following fragments of its history. To prepare a full history of this organization, would involve the writing of a good sized book, which of course was not contemplated by you. I have selected from the abundant material in my possession, only such items as I thought would be necessary to give a general idea of its history — simply a Sketch. A POST BEFORE ACKER. Perhaps it will be proper to refer, by way of introduc- tion, to the original institution of the " Grand Army of the Repubhc," and to its first planting on Minnesota soil. HISTORY OF ACKER POST The first " Post" of the "Grand Army of the Republic," was organized at Decatur, Illinois, April 6, 1866, by Dr. B. F. Stephenson of Springfield, in that State, who had served as Surgeon of the 14th 111. Infantry. The first Department was organized at Springfield, 111., July 12, 1866, and Gen. John M. Palmer was elected its Commander. The first Post of the G. A. R. in Minnesota, was organ- ized in the Governor's Room in the Capitol in this city, on the evening of August 1, 1866 — less than a month after the organization of the first Department of the Order, and a little less than four months after the Order itself was insti- tuted. It was brought about in this way : Our comrade, W. R. Marshall, who was then Governor, invited a number of ex-soldiers to meet at his office in the Capitol on said evening to consider the expediency of starting the Order of the "Grand Army of the Republic" in Minnesota. In re- sponse to that invitation the following persons were pres- ent, and after some discussion, concluded that it was ex- pedient, and were duly mustered in, by Col. Snyder of 111., who was present, clothed with the necessary authority : Gen. John B. Sanborn, Gen. William R. Marshall. Gen. Horatio P. Van Cleve, Col. Ross Wilkinson, Lieut. Col. Henry C. Rogers, Maj. John Moulton, Maj. Henning Von Minden, Maj. John P. Owens, Capt. E. Y. Shelley, Capt. Miles Hollister, Capt. Emil Munch, Lieut. A. P. Connolly. Surgeon Jacob H. Stewart, Brewer Alattocks, Sergt. Edward Richards, M. R. Merrill. The following officers were elected : Gen. John B. Sanborn — Grand Commander, Capt. E. Y. Shelley — Adjutant General, Lieut. A. P. Connolly— Ass't Adj't General, Capt. Miles Hollister — Quartermaster General. SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. This was, in one, the head of the Order in this State, and a local Post. The second meeting was held in the Senate Chamber, August 4th, when several more ex-soldicrs were mustered in. The third meeting was held on August 8th, in the old Mackubin Block, which stood on ground now occupied by the Metropolitan Hotel, fronting on Third street. At this meeting about twenty additional members were received ; among them Ex-Governor Stephen Miller. It was at this meeting that I first joined the Order. Posts were rapidly formed in different parts of the State, and on Oct. 16, 1866, the first regular Grand Encampment was held in this city, and delegates were present from Posts, as follows ; St. Paul Post— John C. Becht, John P. Owens. Red Wing Post— L. P. Littlefield, J. P. Davis. ,,. 1- Ti ^ fO. C. Merriman, Wm. Harmon, Minneapolis Post-|^ ^ ^^^^^^ ^ ^ Conwell. St. Anthony Post— Wm. Lochren, A. H. Stites. Farmington Post— J. H. Donaldson, R. P. Cheaning. Lake City Post— T. J. Lambert, A. H. Corwin. Brown County Post — P. Baasen. The officers elected were : John B. Sanborn — Grand Commander, John Moulton — Adjutant General, Miles Hollister — Quartermaster General, Council of Administration — S. Lee Davis, Edward Ander- son, E. M. Wilson, J. H. Donaldson and Geo. A. Clarke. Soon after this, the Grand Commander, J. B. Sanborn, was called away from the State to attend to matters con- nected with the Sioux Outbreak of 1862, which business necessitated his absence for a long time; and there being then no provision for a Vice Commander, the Order in this State was left without an executive head, and the Depart- HISTORY OF ACKER POST rnetit organization died. Several of the Posts, however, kept up their meetings for some time, the "St. Paul Post'^ among the number. Five of the members of that first Post were among the original charter members of Acker Post. Without further preliminaries I will proceed to the per- formance of the duty assigned to me, that of giving a HISTORY OF ACKER POST. To find the first movement which resulted in the organi- zation of this Post it is necessary to revert to the annual meeting of the State Department Encampment, held at Minneapolis, January 6, 1870. At that session a motion was made to hold the following July session at the same place. Comrade Henry A. Castle, who was a member of the Encampment, moved to amend by striking out "Min- neapolis," and inserting "St. Paul." The objection was raised that there was no Post in St. Paul ; but comrade Castle promising that there should be one in time for the meeting if they would go there, the amendment was adopt- ed, and St. Paul declared the place for the July session. Then it devolved upon comrade Castle to make his word good. In due time a sufficient number of resident ex-sol- diers had agreed to join in the enterprise to warrant the organization of a Post. All the necessary arrangements having been completed, a meeting was called for that pur- pose, to be held on the evening of April 8, 1870. The persons interested convened in the law office of "Kimball & Davidson," on the second floor of the " Forepaugh Block," (now called " McQuillan Block "), on the northeast corner of Third and Wabasha streets. At this meeting there were present the following named ex-soldiers, resident in St. Paul: Henry A. Castle, Mark D. Flower,. Hiram A. Kimball, True S. White, SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. \ncli-ew R. McGill, Henry T. Johns, William H. Dixon, Homer C. EUer, J. Sanford Dixon, J. B. Chaney, J. Ham Davidson, Geo. T. Browning, William Penner, William H. Brown, Edward H. Jndson, John Smith, David Kenned3% J. A. Rob\-, J. P. Leitner, E. H. Wood. These were met by the following comrades from ''Post No. 3," of Minneapolis, who came down to assist at the birth of this Post : H. G. Hicks— .\. A. General E. M. Marshall, of the Department, as James Murison, Mustering Officer, . F. Rockwell, L. P. Plummer. G. W. Shuman, The obligations pertaining to the three grades (as the Order was divided at that time) were then duly adminis- tered by the Mustering Officer, comrade Hicks, and "Post No. 21" declared dulj'^ instituted. The Post immediately proceeded to elect the following three officers, leaving the others to be chosen at the next meeting : A Post Com- mander, Senior Vice Commander, and Adjutant, with the following result : Post Commander — Henry A. Castle. S. Y. C. Commander — Hiram A. Kimball. Adjutant — Mark D. Flower. The following committees were appointed : Committee to procure a hall, consisting of comrades Judson, White and Kennedy. Committee to select a name for the Post, consisting of comrades McGill, Johns and Leitner. The Post adjourned until the following Tuesday even- ing, April 12th, at the same place. 10 HISTORY OF ACKER POST At the second meeting, April 12tli, the committee to select a name reported in favor of "Wilkin," in honor of Col. Alexander Wilkin, late of the 9th Minnesota Infantry. The report was accepted, and the committee discharged. Comrade Kimball then ofiFered the following resolution, which was seconded b}' comrade Davidson : "Resolved, That this Post be named 'Wilkin Post No. 21,' in honor of Col. A. Wilkin, of the 9th Minnesota." "On motion of comrade Chaney, the resolution was amended by inserting the name of Capt. William H. Acker, of the 1st Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers,' in- stead of Col. A. Wilkin, of the 9th Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers,' and thus passed, without a dissenting voice." Thus it was that this Post came to be named "Acker Post." As a matter of fact, as will be noticed further on. Acker, at the time of his death, was not connected with the " First Minnesota," but was theoriginal captain of Co. "C," of that regiment, and had been promoted from it to a captaincy in the regular army ; but it always seemed most natural to refer to or think of him as of that regi- ment. Wilkin also went into the service with the "Old First," being the original captain of its Co. "A." He was promoted, successively, to Major and Lieut. Col. of the 2d Minnesota Infantry, and then Col. of the 9th. He was killed at the battle of Tupelo, Miss., July 14, 1864. The name of "Wilkin" was good enough for any Post, for he gave up his life for his country also, and I am glad that one now bears it, but it seemed to be more ap- propriate that this one should bear the name of " Acker," inasmuch as he was Adjutant General of the State at the time Sumter's walls were bombarded by rebel cannon ; and by him were issued the orders for the formation of the first Volunteer Regiment formallv tendered to the Government SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 11 to aid in putting down the accursed Slaveholder's Rebel- lion. And, while perforniinjj^ his duties in that official posi- tion, he raised a compau}- for that regiment, then resigned, accepted a captain's commission, and led his Company ("C") on that fateful field— the First Bull Run. On this occasion his gallantry was so conspicuous, though severely wounded, that President Lincoln gave him a captainc}- in the regular army, and, at the head of his Company- ("C," 16th U. S. Infantry) he gave up his life on the morning of the seventh of April, 1862, in the battle of "Shiloh." It was but necessary to mention his name to insure its unanimous adoption for the name of the Post. Immediateh' after the adoption of the name, the Post, by vote, requested the comrade who had suggested the name adopted, to prepare a sketch of the life and services of Capt. William H. Acker, to be filed with the records of the Post. * Dr. J. H. Murphy, Maj. John C. Becht, and P. G. Brown, were given the three grades and then the Post proceeded to an election of the officers not chosen at the first meeting, with the following result : Junior Vice Commander — True S. White. Quartermaster — A. R. McGill. Surgeon — John H. Murphy. Sergt-Major^. S. Dixon. Q. M. Sergeant — E. H. Judson. Officer of the Day— W. H. Dixon. Officer of the Guard — J. P. Leitner. These with Henry A. Castle — Post Commander, Hiram A. Kimball — S. V. Commander, Mark I). Flower — Adjutant, •constituted the first set of officers of "Acker Post;" ' The .sketch alluded to is printed as an Appendix to this History. 12 HISTORY OF ACKER POST and all of them except Maj. Hiram A. Kimball, deceased, and J. S. Dixon, removed, are still members. The following order wasissued by the Post Commander . and read at this meeting: "Headquarters Post No. 21, G. A. R.) Department of Minnesota, / St. Paul, Minn., April 12, 1870. In accordance wijth the decision of the comrades, it is herebi* announced, that, in honor of the memorj^ of Capt. W. H. Acker, 1st Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, who entered the service from this city, and was killed in battle, this Post shall be named and styled 'ACKER POST No. 21, Department of Minnesota, Grand Army of the Republic' Let the memory of the brave be kept fresh in our hearts forever. m. D. Flower, Henry A. Castle, Post Adjutant. Commander of the Post." As an historical fact, I will state that the above was written in pencil, upon a scrap of paper while the business of the Post was being transacted. The third meeting was held April 19th, in "Good Temp- lar Hall," which had been secured for the use of the Post, at a monthly rental of $10 — the Post to pay for janitor's services in addition. This hall occupied the third floor of the stone building on the southwest corner of Third and Cedar streets. At this meeting, charter members John Way, Benj. Brack, H. W. Bussee, A. P. Connolly, Oscar W. Sears and W. S. Peck were duly mustered in. At the fourth meeting, held April 26th, a resolution was adopted requiring all charter members, as well as others, to pay dues for the first quarter, which would end on the last day of June. The terms of oflice also ended at that time — the terms began with January- and Juh', being then six in- stead of twelve months, as now. SAINT PAIL, MINNESOTA. 13 Having now launched the Post fairly upon the sea of life, I shall be less minute as to the details of Post trans- actions, and mention only those, which, at different periods of its history, seem to be most important. In fact, it would be impossible to give a full histor\' of this organization within the limits necessary to observe on this occasion. DECORATION DAY. . The first move towards a public observance of Decora- tion Day in this city was made at the meeting of this Post held May 3, 1870, at which time a committee was appointed to take the necessar\' steps to that end. At the meeting held Ma}"- 10th, the Sketch of the Life and Services of Capt. Wm. H. Acker, requested at the second meeting of the Post, was read. The first public and formal observance of Decoration Day in St. Paul took place under the management of Acker Post, on thethirtiethof Ma}', 1870; the preliminary steps to which were taken, as before stated, at the meeting held on the third of that month. At first it was designed to be a very modest and quiet affair; but the people demanded a more elaborate demonstration, andgenerously furnished the necessary means to make it such. The fire department and two military companies, besides State and cit}' officials, and a large number of ex-soldiers and other citizens joined in the procession. The parade was a large and brilliant one. Gen. (nowcomrade) H. H. Sibley was Chief Marshal, with Generals 0. D. Greene and A. Baird, of the U. S. Army, as Assistants. The Division Commanders were, Generals Willis A. Gorman and John T. Averill, Col. Calvin S. Uline, and Maj. James H. Donaldson. The principal ceremonies were held in Oakland Cemetery, where addresses were de- livered b}' comrade Henry A. Castle, Col. E. A. Calkins, 14 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Capt. Cushman K. Davis, and ex-Governor William R. Mar- shall; (all of whom, except Col. Calkins, are now members of this Post). A poetical recitation was also given by comrade James H. Davidson. The "Cross" was decorated by comrade Hiram A. Kimball, then our S. V. C. (One year later it was our sad duty to place a "memorial wreath" upon that same Cross in his memory, he having died on the eleventh of January, 1871, in Santa Barbara, California.) A touching feature of the celebration was the presence of the soldiers' orphans, thirt}' in number, then cared for at the expense of the State in St. Paul Orphan Asylums. Services were also held in the Catholic and Luth- eran Cemeteries. At the former, an eloquent and patriotic address was delivered by Rev. John Ireland, now Archbishop. At this first observance of Decoration Day we were able to find but thirty-eight graves to decorate in Oakland Cem- etery, and about twelve or fourteen in the other two. Now, we have one hundred and seventy-four in the former, and ninety-two in the others. PETITION TO DECORATE REBEL GRAVES. At Oakland Cemetery, on this first celebration, a petition numerously signed, was presented, asking the Grand Arm}- of the Republic to decorate the graves of some rebel dead buried there, in the same manner and to the same extent it did those of the Union dead! But its members not having j^et arrived at that high degree of moral obliquity which looks upon treason and loyaltj' as equally praiseworthy', the request was not complied with. On the contrary, the Post, at its next meeting, passed a series of resolutions ex- pressive of its indignation at the insult, not only to the dead, but to the living men who had bared their breasts to rebel bullets, in the defense of their country's integrity. SAINy PAUL, MINNESOTA. 15 These resolutions were forwarded through the Department to National Headquarters. The position taken by this Post was, of course, fully sustained. RELIEF. Very early in the life of the Post, the calls for " relief of distressed soldiers and the widows and orphans of those deceased," became so frequent and urgent that it was found impossible to meet them all with the small income derived from fees and dues. It was therefore decided to devise some plan to raise a larger Post relief fund. To this end a com- mittee was appointed December 20, 1870. After consider- able correspondence with various parties, a contract was finally closed with E. B. Temple, proprietor of the Military Drama of the "Union Spy," to put that play upon the boards of the opera house. Mr. Temple was to furnish one man, Joseph Barton, to perform the part of the "Spy," and the Post was to furnish the other actors. An arrangement was entered into with Company "A," First Regiment M. N. G. — they to have a "benefit" on the third presentation. Without going into detail, suffice it to say that an excellent company of ladies and gentlemen was made up. The play was presented to the public on the evening of Mondaj', March 13, 1871, and w'as repeated on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th, to crowded houses. It was reproduced on the 20th, as a benefit to one of the lady singers — Miss Eva Hoyt. The gross receipts for the six nights, were $2,510.00. About eighty persons took part on the stage. The expenses were necessarily very large, still the Post realized quite a handsome amount, which was carefully devoted to the relief work. LOAN TO MRS. KIMBALL. The death of Major Hiram A. Kimball, the first S. V. C. of the Post, was incidentallv alluded to in connection with 16 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Decoration Da}^ ceremonies in 1870. He was a man beloved by all who knew him. He was held in special esteem b}' Acker Post, as indicated by resolutions unanimous!}' passed on the eve of his departure for California, where he hoped to find in its climatic conditions a restoration of his shattered health. But, like many others who leave Minne- sota in search of health, he failed rapidly, and died on the eleventh of January, 1871, in Santa Barbara. The expenses attendant upon his sickness and death, among strangers, left his widow in straightened circumstances. When this fact was made known to the Post, March 28, 1871, a tem- porary loan of $200 was immediately voted to her. This loan was afterwards repaid, the payment being accom- panied by a letter expressing her heartfelt thanks for the aid so kindly rendered. In Ma}^ 1871, the Post purchased forty caps and belts for the use of the members, and later, adopted a resolution, or b\'-law, requiring all members to wear them during the sessions of the Post. August 15, 1871, Post Commander Flower resigned, bis business necessitating his frequent absence from the city. At the same meeting (August 15) the new Rituals were received and the old ones burned, pursuant to General Or- ders No. 3, National Headquarters. The National Encamp- ment that year had abolished the grade system and provided that all members who had taken the grade of "Veteran," should be admitted to full membership by taking the obli- gation in the new Ritual. There w^ere nine w^ho assumed the obligation that evening, and among them were com- rades McCardy and Bohrer. At the meeting following (22d), comrade Geo.T. Brown- ing, who was then J. V. C, was elected Commander, vice Flower, resigned. SAINT I'ALL, MIXNF.SOTA. 17 November 14, 1871, the Post voted $20 to the National Encampment Fund for the relief of comrades ^Yho were suf- ferers bv the great Chicago fire. UNION SPY, SECOND SEASON. In November, 1871, the "Union Spj' " was put upon the boards again, in the opera house, with several additional features. Companies "A" and "B" First Regiment M. N. G., were in the cast. There were, in all, about 125 people connected with its rendition. It was presented six nights in this city, and one, b\' request, in Minneapolis. Gross re- ceipts for the seven nights, $2,452.52. Expenses, $1,738.52. Net profits, $714.00. Of this latter sum, Company "A" received one-fifth, $142.80 ; The " Home for the Friendless," one-fifth; and the Post three-fifths— $428.40. AID TO THE "SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' HOME." The Board of Trustees of the "Soldiers' Orphans' Home" found themselves, near the close of 1871, without means to pay current expenses of the Home, beyond the end of the year — the State appropriation for that purpose being ex- hausted. This fact was made known to the Post, which, as was its custom in all deserving cases where soldiers or their widows or orphans were suflfering or likely to suffer, promptly came to the rescue, on December 12th, with a ten- dered loan of $400. The loan was thankfully received, and with it the institution was tided over until the legislature met and made a further appropriation. The loan was promptly repaid when the appropriation became available. NEW HALL. Before the close of 1871 the Post decided to have a more suitable place in which to hold its meetings, and to that end instructed its committee on hall to look for better quarters. 18 HISTORY OF ACKER POST It was reported that Turrell, Stees & Co., oftered to prepare a suite of rooms on the third floor of their new building on the northeast corner of Seventh and Jackson streets, and lease it to the Post for two years, with the privilege of three additional, at $200 per year. On the ninth of Januar}', 1872, the committee was instructed to execute a contract with them upon those terms, which was done. The rooms were to be ready for occupancy May 1st. They were not ready, however, until nearh'- a month later. The Post occu- pied them for the first time on the 28th of May . June 4th the committee reported that they had expended $267.84 in fur- nishing the rooms. April 16, 1872, the Post had in its treasury $547.39. But the money did not find an abiding place there, as there were too many calls for relief to permit it to lie idle. Less than ten per cent, of the relief, however, was extended to members of the Post — the remainder going to needy ex-sol- diers who had not joined the Order, or to the widows and orphans of such. THE POST INCORPORATES. About the beginning of 1873 the Post decided to become a body corporate, and appointed a committee to draw up articles of incorporation. The articles were reported to the Post at its regular meeting on the twenty-seventh of Jan- uary. They were adopted, and the Post, at the same meet- ing, elected as its first board of trustees the following named persons : j. j. McCardy, for one year, H. A. Castle, for two years, J. B. Chanc}', for three years. The corporate existence of the Post commenced at the date of signing the articles, w^hich was February 17, 1873. The articles were filed for record in the offices of Register of Deeds and Secretarj'^ of State, February 20, 1873. SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 19 The follo^Ying were the incorporators : Heni-y A. Castle, Jacob Meese, True S. White, Charles Hill, John H. Murphy, Robert J. Strong, Jacob H. Stewart, W. H. Lower, J. P. Leitner, Charles Hettrich, Zene C. Bohrer, J. K. Hager, J. B. Chaney, Charles H. Cobb, J. J. McCardy, Samuel A. Sturtevant. The first set of officers were the then incumbents. "THE HAYMAKERS" Was produced at the opera house, under the auspices of the Post in March, 1873, and had a run of three nights; the Post reaping a net loss of some $72. This was the first financial loss the Post had sustained in the theatrical line; but it was not the last. "THE COLOR GUARD." Early in 1874', the Post concluded to try its hand again in the military drama business, and made the necessary ar- rangements to present "The Color Guard." It was plaj^ed four consecutive nights, beginning Feb. 25th. The follow- ing shows the result : The gross receipts were $1,287.35 Total expenses 973.25 Net to Post $ 314.10 PORTRAIT OF ACKER. On the twentj'-third of March, 1874, a handsome por- trait of Capt. William H. Acker was formally presented to the Post by his brother, Geo. S. Acker, on behalf of the family. 20 HISTORY OF ACKER POST THE OPERA HOUSE TROUBLE. April 20, 1874, the Post appointed a committee to secure the opera house for " Fair Week." The committee reported, in writing, at the following meeting (April 27 j, that thev had secured the same for the week commencing September 7th and ending September 12th, at $60 per night, and en- closed a receipt for $25 paid on the contract. The report was accepted and the committee discharged. At the same meeting a communication was read from the manager of the Opera House company, refusing to comply with the contract. The matter was referred to a committee, with instructions to notify the company that the Post would hold it to the terms of the contract. The refusal was per- sisted in, and a lawsuit followed for damages in the amount of $800 as prospective profits. The case was decided against the Post upon the very singular technicality that the plaintiff. Acker Post, had no corporate right to make contracts for dramatic performances — or words to that effect. The case was appealed to the State Supreme Court, and there thrown out on some alleged informality in the papers. Besides losing its case, fees and costs to the amount of $128.15 were accumulated against the Post. THE "WIGWAM." July 13, 1874, the Post accepted the terms offered by the proprietor of "The Color Guard, "to repeat that play during Fair Week ; and as the opera house could not be secured a temporary building was erected on the northwest corner of Court House Square, capable of seating about twelve hun- dred persons, at a cost of $800. The first rendition was given on Monday evening, September 7th, and the plaj' was repeated every night during the week, to full houses. After paying all expenses, including the cost of the "wigwam," SIANT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 21 as the building was called, the Post's profit was $81.94' in cash, besides about $80 worth of scenery, clothing, etc. The clothing, a])out $30 worth, was sent to Stoddard Post, at Worthington, together with $20 worth of shoes, to be •distributed among the comrades in that region whose crops had been destroyed by the grasshoppers. The scener}' was afterwards sold for some $75 or $100. November 21, 1874, the Post sent $20 to the Post at Windom, to help the comrades in that vicinit}^ who were also grasshopper sufferers. After the " Color Guard " had been twice successfully run the Post retired from the stage for a time— excepting occa- sional entertainments in its own hall; in some of which it made a little money, and in others it lost small amounts. MINOR EVENTS. The 3'ear 1875 passed without any occurrence of special interest or importance, outside of regular Post work. Dec- oration Day was duly observed, as usual, and the relief committee found plent}^ to do. New members were taken in occasionally — seventeen during the year; and several so- cial entertainments were given at the Post rooms. The lease of the hall expired in May of this year and it was extended for the additional three years. The experiences of the early part of 1876 were rather dis- couraging, so far as efforts to raise funds by public enter- tainments were concerned. Among the attempts of this nature was the engagement of Dr. Yilliers, a Ventriloquist and Humorist. The exhibition was given in the opera house Jantiar}' 27th and 28th. In this venture the Post lost $135. February 1st Mrs. LydiaChaddock-Hastings gave dram- atic readings at the Post hall ; the result being a net profit of two dollars and thirtv cents. 22 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Decoration Day was duly observed under the charge of the Post, as usual; but, aside from that, nothing of import- ance, except relief work, occurred. There was good feeling among the members, but they seemed to lose heart, or got lukewarm, and man}' failed to pay their dues. At the regular time, in December, the Post elected officers for the following year, 1877. PROPOSITION TO DISBAND. At the meeting held December 26th, the next one after the election of officers, a comrade called upon the Quarter- master for a statement of the indebtedness of the Post. He replied that it was about $250. The comrade making the inquir}- then moved "that a committee be appointed to consider the propriety of wind- ing up the affairs of the Post and surrendering the charter." Comrades White, Castle and W. H. Brown were appointed such committee. At the next meeting, January 3, 1877, the committee re- ported in writing, " 1st. That the Post do not disband. "2d. That we recommend obtaining a release from the hall, at an expense not to exceed $50, and that the Trustees be instructed in accordance with the above. "3d. That we sell all furniture, except chest and one desk, (amended by excepting two desks), and with the pro- ceeds pay debts. "4th. That the Trustees be instructed to procure a place of meeting, and that we meet, not to exceed once a month; and that our By-Laws be amended to conform. "5th. That the Quartermaster be instructed to take an inventory of all property, and present the same at the next meeting of the Post, and affix an estimated valuation thereon." The report was adopted. The Post then proceeded to install the officers for 1877. SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 23 SUBSEQUENT PROCEEDINGS. The meetings were kept up quite regularly until May, and with less regularity for some time after leaving the hall — meeting a portion of the time in eomrade Castle's room at the Dispateh office. The exact date of vacating the hall I have not been able to find. Decoration Day this year was unostentatiously observ- ed. The Post marched unattended to Oakland, sending de- tachments to the other cemeteries to decorate the graves. In 1878, instead of any formal street demonstration on Decoration Day, the Post held memorial services at Ply- mouth Church in uniform, on Sunday evening, June 2d, Rev. Air. Dana delivering the address. The Post turned out with very satisfactory numbers. In 1879 there was no observance of Decoration Day, and that is the only time since the organization of the Post that the daj' has not been properly' celebrated. In 1880, it was observed in a quiet way b\' members of the Post and a few friends outside. This celebration was due, principalU', to the exertions of Past Commander Geo. T. Browning, Col. W. H. H. Ta\'lor, and a few ladies. In 1881, the day was observed with more public demon- stration ; there being a street parade and exercises at the cemeteries. The Post, or its members, rather, participated, though it could scarcelv be said that the matter was under the charge of the Post. I think the credit of this demon- stration belongs, in a large measure, to our wortlu' Chap- lain, comrade W. T. Burr. RESUMPTION OF MEETINGS. I have, at last, reached the period when Acker Post No. 21, awoke from its sleep and was again to manifest itself as a livingf entity. 24 HISTORY OF ACKER POST May 24, 1881, at a meeting of Decoration Day commit- tees held in the old court house, there were about a dozen members of Acker Post, among other ex-soldiers, and the question of the practicability of Acker Post resuming its work came up and was discussed somewhat. It seemed to be the almost unanimous feeling that it could and ought to resume. A paper having that end in view, w^as circulated, and eighteen persons signed it, including several eligible but not yet members of the Order. July 8, 1881, at an adjourned meeting held at the same place, it was agreed that there should be a called meeting of the Post, to be held in " Building Society Hall," on Jackson street, one week from that date. The call w^as issued, and about twenty members reported for duty. After some pre- liminary business, an election of officers for the remainder of the term took place, with the following result : P. C.-J. J. McCardy, S. V. C— P.M. Finch, J. V. C.-R. A. Becker, Q. M.— E. H. Stevens, 0. D.— True S. White, Chaplain — J. L. Brigham, Surgeon — J. H. Murphy, 0. G.— Nicholas Flynn, Adj't. — R. V. Pratt (re-appointed), S. M. — Theo. Sander (appointed). With the exceptions of P. C, O. D., Surgeon and S. M., the above were the old officers, re-elected or appointed. At this meeting, also, a resolution was adopted, remit- ting all back dues up to July 1st, so as to place in good standing all the members who chose to unite in the new effort. "Druid Hall," on Jackson street, between Fifth and Sixth, having been secured for future meetings, when the SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 25 Post closed, it was to meet there on the t\vcnt\'-first of the same month. At the meeting on July 21st, Col. W. H. H. Taylor and Judge Walter T. Burr were duly mustered in. From this time the meetings were held on the second and fourth Thursdays in the month, as they are now. PROVISIONAL DEPARTMENT. The old Department organization, under which this Post was instituted, was allowed to go down in 187S, or there- abouts, through the neglect of both its Commander and the Council of Administration to issue the necessary order for its annual meeting, and for which non-action, they should have been court-martialed. The result of this failure of the Encampment to meet and transact business, was, that most of the Posts in the State went to pieces. But "Acker Post" held its char- ter by more than the requisite number of membei's. This contingency had been provided for before it ceased to hold regular meetings. It paid its per capita tax on enough members to hold the charter as long as there was anj' De- partment to receive it ; and after that ceased to exist in a tangible form, the per capita was paid direct to the National Encampment. In June, 1880, a Provisional Department Commander was appointed at the request of a Post that for a year or more had neither recognized nor been recognized b}' the National Encampment, nor paid its per capita to anybody. It made no returns, neither did it have the National Countersign. And, strange to sa}', the derelict Department officers above spoken of, were members of this same Post ! After Acker Post had resumed work — if not "at the old stand," at least under its owocharter — the Provisional De- partment Commandeer insisted that it should take a new 26 HISTORY OF ACKER POST charter and a new number. The latter was an illegal de- mand, and the former seemed to the members entirel}' un- necessary. They said the old charter and the old number were good enough for them. They therefore appealed from the decision of the Depart- ment Commander to the Commander-in-chief. The result of the appeal was, that the Post was allowed to retain its name and number, but was required to have a new char- ter — a concession to the Post as to the number, because the law, then, as now, gave it that right, it not having been appropriated by any other Post. There were then but seven Posts in fellowship with the new Department. GARFIELD POST NO. 8. While this appeal was pending, the Post was in a coma- tose condition — it didn't know whether it was, or was not ! Several of its members, apparently discouraged by this state of things, applied for a charter for a new Post. Their request was complied with, and on the twenty-ninth of December, 1881, the Post was duly organized as "GARFIELD POST Xo. 8," with sixteen members — ten of whom had been former mem- bers of Acker Post. Their charter is dated January- 10, 1882. It is to-day a live and flourishing Post, and ma}- it live long and continue to prosper. I have been unable to find any trace of the records of Acker Post covering the period from the resumption of work in Jul}-, 1881, to the re-organization under the new charter, Feb. 9, 1882. Whether they were intentionally destro\'ed, or simpl}-- lost, is a question I cannot find any answer to. It was an outrage to compel us to accept a new charter, for we had never disbanded. Our original charter was in our possession, and had never been out of SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 27 it; nor had it ever been demanded. It is here with us to- night, hooking bright, but somewhat disgusted at the treatment it has received. RELIEF WORK. Of the relief work of Acker Post under its first charter, I have mentioned but a few of the hundreds of cases that called for aid — and never in vain, where the person was worthy; and many times aid was extended where it was afterwards ascertained that we had been imposed upon. The amount of money paid out under this head was ver}' large — how large, it is nowimpossible to ascertain, as the books which should show it, are lost or destroyed. But, from the best data I can get, by conversing with those •qualified to give an estimate, it swelled into the thousands of dollars. Its hand was ever open to "the needy and des- titute wards of the Grand Army of the Republic," so long as it had or could raise the means to afford relief. Many soldiers' widows and orphans and many sick and penniless soldiers, who were not even members of the Order, have had reason to bless "Old Acker Post" for assistance in their hour of need. But I was to write history, and not ■eulogy, save as the record may itself be eulog^^ NUMBER OF MEMBERS. There were, under the first charter, one hundred and «ighty-seven names on its roll — two of them mustered in after resuming work in 1881, under the old charter, to-wit : Col. W. H. H. Taylor and Judge Walter T. Burr. OTHER THINGS. There are several subjects connected with the history of the Post under its first charter that I had intended to speak of, but time and your patience will not permit, more than an alhision to one or two. 28 HISTORY OF ACKER POST A cemetery lot, or lots, to be owned by the G. A. R., for the burial of ex-soldiers, sailors and marines, who chanced to die here among strangers, and without relatives able to provide suitable burial place, occupied the attention of the Post as long ago as March, 1871, when an attempt was made to procure one; but success did not attend the effort. Another attempt was made in June, 1873. Oakland Ceme- tery Association then offered a lot 22x30, in the northwest- ern portion of the grounds, for $125 — with twenty per cent off; but the offer was not accepted. A lot of that size, similarh- located, will cost, to-day, $450. THE SECOND CHARTER. At last, the decision in the appealed case, arrived, and' was read at a meeting held on Januar3'^ 26, 1882, and,, tinder it, the Post proceeded to re-organize. Comrade W. T. Burr was called to the chair, and R. V. Pratt acted as secretar}'. It was ordered that the secretary apply for a new charter. The meeting then adjourned until February 9th, w^hen it v^ras re-mustered by the Provisional Depart- ment officers. There were twenty of the charter members present. This charter has fifty-six names upon it. including the thirty-six on the first one. The Post then proceeded to elect its first set of officers- under the second charter, with the following result : P. C— Walter T. Burr. S. V. C.-U. S. Hollister. J. V. C— Edward Simonton. 0. M.— John Way. Surgeon — C. G. Higbee. Chaplain — Ed. H. Stevens. O. D.— C. E. Chapel. 0. G.— Nicholas Flynn. R. V. Pratt was appointed Adjutant, John Espy, S. M. and Benj. Brack, Q. M. S. Mustering officer, J. A. Reed, of Stillwater, then installed; the above officers; and thus "Acker Post No. 21" was- put in running order for the third time. SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 29" There were present, as visitors on this occasion, nine members of Garfield Post No. 8, most of them former mem- bers of Acker, and three from Muller No. l,of Stillwater, besides three Department officers, who were also members of Muller Post. At the following meeting, February 21st, twelve more of the charter members were re-mustered; and at the one following that, (March 9th), twent3'-four more were re- mustered — making the full number, fifty-six. The Post was recognized by the Department from the date of re-muster; hut the honors received by some of its members, under the first charter, were held to have been lost to them. However, they were afterwards restored. Notwithstanding this seeming injustice, the Post man- aged to get along ver}' well. Now that the question which had been in dispute be- tween the Post and the Department, was settled, there seemed to be more confidence felt by the members, and as a result, they were more successful in their efforts to get new members. M^my of the old members, also, who had held aloof, were easily induced to return to duty. At this time. Acker and Garfield Posts occupied the same hall, (Druid), on different evenings; but, after a time, the latter fitted up a hall for its own use in another part of the same block. Acker Post, however, continued to occupy the same quarters until the fall of 1884. Decoration Day ceremonies in 1882 were conducted by Garfield and Acker Posts jointly. Past Post Commander Geo. T. Browning, died July 19, 1882. Acker Post attended the funeral on the twenty- first. He had not renewed his membership under the second charter, but a joint committee of the two Posts was ap- pointed to prepare suitable resolutions in his memory, and the)' were prepared, adopted and spread upon the records. 30 HISTORY OF ACKER POST At the last meeting in 1882, comrade Ta^'lor brought up the matter of a "Soldier's Monument," to be erected somewhere in this cit3',and steps toward securing one were taken. It was proposed to ask the legislature to make an appropriation towards it. Later, in 1883, a "State Sol- diers' Monument Association" was formed. The "Monu- ment " is not yet visible to the naked eye. The Department "Annual Encampment" met here in 1883, and the two Posts joined as entertainers. Garfield Post assumed entire charge of Decoration Day ceremonies, at the request of Acker Post, in 1883. October 3, 1883, the Post participated in the great Northern Pacific celebration in this cit3^ During the session of the National Encampment at Min- neapolis, the Post kept "open house" and a "free lunch" to all comrades, and the first official visit made by the new Commander-in-chief, John S. Kountz, was made to its rooms. During the summer, the committee on hall, under in- structions, leased, and had fitted up, a new suite of rooms, ■on the third floor of the "Miller Block," northwest corner of Third and Exchange streets, which the Post occupied for the first time, October 9, 1884; the formal dedication taking place on the twenty-fourth of the same month. These rooms were its headquarters until about the first of November, 1888, when it gave up its lease, sold a portion of its personal property, stored the remainder in the base- ment of the Capitol, and held its meetings in " Drake Block," with the "Sons of Veterans," using their furniture and fixtures. It remained there for awhile, then rented quarters in A. 0. U. W. Hall, northwest corner of Seventh and Minnesota streets; remaining there until it procured these rooms — formerU^ used for Muriicipal^ourt purposes, •our worth}' chaplain, W. T. Burr, being the dispenser of justice. SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 31 I have now "got the ship into port, "but ithasbeen done by taking the "short Hne " route over the last eight A-ears. The length of this sketch has already exceeded the proper time limit, and still, but little of the historj' of "Acker Post" has been presented. I had intended to speak of our noble " Womans' Relief Corps," which has done so much of our work, and per- formed it better than we could have done ; but space for- bids, and, besides, I am not in possession of sufficient data to do the subject justice. The relief work of the Post, under its second charter, has been very considerable, though I think not aggrega- ting as much as in the earlier days. To raise funds for this and other purposes, various means have been resorted to, such as lectures, concerts, suppers, etc. Sometimes a profit was made and sometimes a deficit was the result. On January 1, 1890, there were on the Post roster, three hundred and twenty-two names, members in good standing, being, I think, the largest Post in the State, except the "George N. Morgan Post No. 4," of Minneapolis. The charge sometimes made that the Post has been used for partisan purposes, we, who have been with it from the first, know to be without a particle of foundation. The statement that internal dissension had something to do with the suspension of meetings in 1877, is equally untrue. That unfortunate proceeding was purely a financial neces- sity, coupled with general lukewarmness on the part of a large number of its members. Some fifteen members pledged themselves to hold that charter and the organiza- tion—and the}' did. I have prepared and appended to this sketch, a full ros- ter of the officers of the Post from its organization, twenty years ago, to the present time ; and, also, a list of its mem- bers for the same period — not, of course, to be read to-night, 32 HISTORY OF ACKER POST but for future reference in case our records should be lost, or destroyed by fire. To compress twenty years of such history as Acker Post has had, into a paper of reasonable length, has been beyond my abilit}'. That its next twenty j'cars may be as free from just grounds for reproach, and as full of good works as the last, is the wish of Yours, in Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, JOSIAH B. CHANEY. St. Paul, Minn., April 10, 1890. SAINT I'AUL, MINNHSOTA 33 ROLL OF MEMBERS UNDER FIRST CHARTER. [charter membi;ks are indicated bv a ■] NAMES *Ashe]man, John B. Averill, lohn T. Abell, F. T. /Allen, James P. Atkinson, George *Browning, Geo. T. Brown, \Yra. H. *Becht,John C. *Bro\Yn, Francis G. *Brack, Benjamin *Bussee, Henry W. *Brack, Geo. M. Brissette, Edniond Bohrer, Zene C. Beers, James D. Blomquist, S. A. Bunker, Chas. S. Bresett, John B. Bovd, John S. Bo'vd, Walter B. Blase, E. P. Berry, Joel M. Becker, Rudolph A. Bloomer, Samuel, Brigham, Joseph L. *Bro\vn, Wm. H. Bircher, William, Blackman, W. H. Burr. Walter T. *Castle, Henry A. *Chaney, Josiah B. 'Connolly, Alonzo P Currv, Joseph P. Clyde, W. J. Caele, Louis, Chapel, Chas. E. Cobb, Charles H. Craig, W. H, COMPANY AND REG'T. Indp't Batt" y A. Pa. Vols. — Hth Minn. Infantrv, C, 109th N. Y. Infantry, L, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, I, 1st Alinn. Infantry and G, 8th Minn. Infantrv, O. M., U. S. Vols. G, 52d III. Infantry, — 5th Minn. Infantry, K, 5th Minn. Infantry, F, 11th Minn. Infantry, A, Brackett's Battalion Minn. CavaIr_Y G, 6th Minn. Infantry, C, 1st Minn. Infantry, G, 10th Ind. Zouaves, G, 80th N. Y. Vols. E, 2d Minn. Infantrv, A, 22d N. Y. Infantry Vet. H, 8th Minn. Infantrv. K, 4th Minn. Infantrv Vet. E, 1st Minn. H. A. A, 6th Minn. Infantrv, E, 97th N. Y. Infantry Signal Corps, U. S. A. K. 26th Wis. Infantry, B, 1st Minn. Infantry, B, 1st Mass. H. Artillerv, B, 10th Mass. Infantry,' A, 61st Mass. Infantry, K, 2d Minn. Infantr}' Vet. C, 23d V. R. Corps. K, 3d Ohio Cavalrv, 73d I!l. Infantrv, 137th 111. Infantry 2d Co. Minn. Sharpshoot'rs, — 6th Minn. Infantry, G, 113th 111. Infantrv, K, 2d Minn. Infantry, D, 5th Minn. Infantr}-, C, 5th Minn. Infantrv, F, 14th Mass. H. Artillery C, Bat. U. S. Engineers, K, 39th Wis. Infantrv, B, 48th Wis. Infantry, JOINED POST. April 26, 1870 July 19, 1870 Mav2, 1871 March 5, 1872 Julv 6, 1873 April 8, 1870 Oct. 4, 1875 April 8, 1870 April 12, 1870 April 19, 1870 April 19, 1870 Mav 17, 1870 April 11, 1871 April 25, 1871 April 25, 1871 Feb. 27, 1872 April 16, 1872 May 21, 1872 Julv 1, 1872 April 14, 1873 May 19, 1873 May 4, 1874 June 8, 1874 Sept. 21, 1874 Oct. 26, 1874 April 8, 1870 Oct. 18, 1875 July 21, 1881 April S, 1870 April 8, 1870 April 19, 1870 julv 19. 1870 Dec. 13, 1870 Feb. 27, 1872 May 21, 1872 June 4, 1872 Mav 19, 1873 34 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Caine, W. H. A, 6th Minn. Infantry, Chapron, Joseph F. A, 6th Minn. Infantrj', Davidson, James H. B, 14th Ky Infantry. — 122d U.'S. C. Infantry, 11th Indp't Ohio Battery, G, 12th Ohio Vols. H, 2d U.S.C.L. Artillery, Indp't Bat'y A Penn. Vols. Donaldson, James H.C, 4th Minn. Infantry, Davis, Cushman K. B, 28th Wis. Infantry, G, 2d Mass. Infantry, K, 8th Minn. Infantrj', A, 7th Minn. Infantr\', B, 20th Mass Infantrv, G, 11th U. S Infantry, G, 20th U. S. Infantry, B, 1st Minn. H. Artillerv, B, 2d Bat'n 16th U. S. Inf F, 29th Ind. Infantrv, *Dixon, Wm. H. 'Dixon, J. Sanford, ^Dillon, P. F. Dyer, Hiram, Dah^, James H. Derner, Robert G. Denoya, David, Durand, H. F, *Eller, Homer C Eldridge, E. Randall, B, 1 6th Maine Infantry, Emerson, H. S. Eagen, James, *Flower, Mark D. Frett, John Jr. Ford, JohnG. S. Fryer, Edwin L. Flynn, Nicholas, Finch, Marion F. Flanagan, James, Gerardin, August, Gibbens, John H. Green, Leroy, Hines, Henry A. C. Hare, Joseph Jr. Hill, Charles, Horn, William, Heath, Harvey J. Halsted, John T. Hettrich, Charles, Hawkins, W. D. E, 156th N. Y. Infantrv, D, 86th Ind. Infantrv, C, 7th 111. Infantrv, ' A, 13th 111. Cavalry, A, 37th N. J. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, E, 8th Minn. Infantrv, K, 5th N. Y. H. Artillerv, K, 10th Minn. Infantrv, E, 11th Minn. Infantry, D, 2d Minn. Infantry, G, 10th Ind. Infantry, — 154 Ind. Infantry. A, 1st Minn. Infantrv, G, 6th Minn. Infantrv, K, 7th R. I. Infantrj-', A, 119th U. S. C. T, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, B, 10th U. S. Infantry, A, 1st Minn. Infantry, F, 21st N.Y. G, 12th N. Y. Cavalry, C, 7th 111. Infantrv, A, 36th 111. Infantrv, C, Hatch's Ind. Bat. Cav. K, 6th Wis. Infantry, B, 3d Minn. Infantry-, Hare, C. C. Hager, J. K. Hoit, James B, Holmes, A. B. Hughson, Egbert E. H, 8th Minn. Infantry, Holzheimer, Andreas, A, 104th N. Y. Infantry, Horchner,Frederick, K, 8th Minn. Infantry, May 3, 1875 Sept 6, 1875 April 8, 1870 April 8, 1870 April 8, 1870 May 17, 1870 May 7, 1872 1872 May 28, 1872 May 5, 1873 June 29, 1874 July 6, 1874 April 8, 1870 July 5. 1872 Jan. 13, 1873 Nov. 9, 1874 April 8, 1870 June 13, 1871 May 28, 1872 Aug. 12, 1872 April 7, 1873 May 19, 1873 April 13, 1874 Aprilll, 1871 Nov. 14, 1871 May 17, 1870 June 14, 1870 July 5, 1870 July 19, 1870 Aug. 15, 1871 Jan. 30, 1872 Feb. 26, 1872 Mar. 12, 1872 Mar. 12, 1872 July 1, 1872 Sept, 2, 1872 1872 Feb. 3, 1873 March 2, 1874 May 25, 1874 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 35 Hawley, Jesse B. Hazenwinkle, H. Hamilton, John C. Irwin, \V. K. Iltner. C. H. *Judson, Edward H. *}ohns, Henry T. Johnson, Wm. R. Johnson, A. G. Jarvis, Wm. II. Johnson, James H. Jones, Thomas, *Kimball, Hiram A, ^Kennedy, David, Kiefer, Andrew R. Kelliher, John, *Leitner, J. P. 'Lanpher, R. A. Lauer, Louis, Lower. Wm. H. Lawrence, James F Le Clair, Peter, Loyelin, Mathias, Lugg, Wm. ii's mark *McGill, Andrew R. *Murphv, John H. Mills, Henry L. McConkev, J. A. McGrath,'W. L. Meese, Jacob, McCard}', Joseph J. Alartensen, .\. W. Macey.J. P. Murphv, George, Mcllrath, J. P. Merritt, Joseph C. Musser, J. P. Mahle, William, Michalowski, \ T. B. Von. / Miller, Frank E. Nolan, James, Noves, A. P. Na'fey, Gilbert B. Nafey, Edwin R. 3 F, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, F, 94-th 111. Infantry, G, -iSd Ohio Infantry, A, Sth Ind. Infantrv, H, 16th 111. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, 61st Mass. Infantry, E, 1st Minn. Infantiv, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, F, 7th Minn. Infantrv, E, 18th Wis. Infantry' Vet. G, 2d Alinn. Cavalry, K, 151st N. Y. Inffintry, F, 20th Ohio Infantrv, G, 9th Ohio Cavalry.' G, 2nd Minn. Infantrv, F. 20th Mass. Infantry, Capt., U. S. A. E, 6th Minn. Infantry, D, 2d Minn. Infantry, C, 113th III. Infantry, I, 6th Ind. Infantry, K, 2nd Ky. Calvary, B, 3d Minn. Infantry, G, Sth 111. Cavalry, G, 6th Vt. Infantry, E, Sth Minn. Infantrv, A, 22d Ky. Infantry," C, 17th K3'. Infantry, D, 9th Miiin. Infantry, — Ith Minn. Infantry, H, 7th Minn. Infantry, G, 10th Minn. Infantry, K, 69th N. Y. Infantry, A, 45th Penn. Infantry, H, 10th Kv. Cavalry, B, 103d N. Y. Infantry, A, 10th U. S. Infantrv, E, 10th U. S. Infantrv, H, 9th K. I. Iniantrv' A, 23d Ohio Infantry, B, 103d Ohio Infantry, ■ G, 9th Iowa Infantry Vet. E, 6th Minn. Infantrv, C, 2d U. S. Infantry,' K. 1st U. S. Artillerv, I, 3d Minn. Infantry, I, 5th Minn. Infantrv Vet. Wis. A, 2d Minn. Cavalry, A, 2d Minn. Cavalrv, May 25, 1874 Jan. 18, 1875 May 1, 1876 May 21, 1872 Aug. 3, 1874- April 8, 1870 April 8, 1870 May 17, 1870 May 24, 1870 April 9, 1872 Jan. 4, 1875 April 8, 1870 April 8, 1870 May 28, 1872 Mav 26, 1873 April 8, 1870 May 3, 1870 Oct. 24, 1871 May 14, 1872 Mav 28, 1872 Nov. 11, 1872 Dec. 14, 1874 Oct. 18, 1875 April 8, 1870 April 8, 1870 June 14, 1870 Julv 12, 1870 April 18, 1S71 April 18, 1871 June 20, 1871 Feb. 20, 1872 Julv J, 1872 Julv 5, 1872 Jan. 13, 1873 Feb. 3, 1873 Jan. 25,1875 Sept. 20, 1875 Jan. 31,1876 June 5, 1876 Feb. 6, 1872 1873 Jan. 4, 1875 Jan. 4, 1875 H6 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Noggle, Chas. L. Olson, John M. Osgood, Chas. H. *Penner, WilUatn, *Peck Wm. S. Palmer, Robert, Power, W. A. Perkins, A. G. Pratt, Roswell V. Plechner, B. H. Pa'vne, L. A. ^oby, J. A. Roleau, Joseph, Roth, Christian, Race, Carleton W. Rigby, H. C. Rowie}-, Amos 0. Risch, John W. Roleau, Charles, Rish, William, Robinson, W. B. Richardson, W. H. *Rogers, Henry C. *Smith, John, *Sears, Oscar W. Sheire, Romaine, *Stewart, [acob H. Sherman, Marshall Shaw, John C. Sturtevant, S. A. Sutheimer, Chas. J. Schoenemann, R. V Shanlej.-, Frank, { Schfefer, John, Strong, Robert J.' Smith, Joseph, Sander, Theodore, Sheldon, O. C. Sheldon, M. M. Schneller, Henry, Schroeder, John. 2d Bat. Minn. L. Artillery, K, 2d Minn. Infantry Vet. C. Brackett's Batt'n Minn. Cavalry, C, 1st Minn. H. Arcillery, B, 9th 111. Cavalry Vet. F, 13th N. Y. Infantry, L, 8th N. Y. Cavalry, F, 1st Wis. Infantrv, G, -ith Wis. Cavalry, C, 6th N. Y. Engineers, M, 2d U. S. Artillerv, A, 6th Ohio Infantry Vet. Master's Mate U. S'. N. G, 8th Minn. Infantry, I, 19th Wis. Infantrv, F, N. Y. H. Artillery", A, Hatch's Indp't Bat'n Minn. Cavalrv, I, -tth N. Y. M't'd Rangers K, 6th N. Y. Vet. Vols. C, 132d III. Infantry, [Not mustered.] F, 1st Mich. Engineers, — 1st Minn. Infantrx^, C, 1st Minn. Infantrv, A, 1st Bat. Minn. Inft'v, G, 40th N. Y. Infantrv,' A, 14th U. S. Infantry, G, 4th Wis. Cavalry, G, 6th Minn. Infantrv, E, 6th Minn. Infantry, A, 6th Minn. Infantry, K, 8th Minn. Infantry, 2d Co. Minn. Sharpsh't'rs, Hospital Steward U. S. A. E, 6th Minn. Infantrv, K, 27th Penu. Infantry, K, 3d U. S. Vet. Vols. G, 106th N. Y. Infantry, I, 142d N. Y. Infantry, K, 13th Conn. Infantry, May 10, 1875 Aug 2, 1870 Jan. 6, 1873 April 8, 1870 April 19, 1870 Jan. 16. 1872 Mar. 26, 1872 Jan. 20, 1873 Mav 19, 1873 Sept. 27, 1875 April 8, 1870 April 11, 1871 Feb. 13, 1872 March 5, 1872 April 2, 1872 April 19, 1872 Oct. 13, 1873 Dec. 16, 1873 June 1. 1874 Jan. 25, 1875 April 8, 1870 Aprils, 1870 Mav 24. 1870 Jul.v 12, 1870 July 19, 1870 April 11, 1871 Oct. 3, 1871 Jan. 30, 1872 Feb. 27, 1872 May 21, 1872 May 28, 1872 May 28, 1872 May 28, 1872 July 1,1872 July 5, 1872 Aug. 12, 1872 1872 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 37 Seeger, Wm. Jr. Steenstra, Thos. H. Stevens, Edwin H. Strutzell, John, Scheffer, Albert, Temple, E. B. Temine, Charles, Tavlor, W. H. H. VaiiSIyke, Wm. A. Vanstriim, John K. *\Yhite, Trne S. *Woocl, Edward H. *Wav', yohn, ^Wilson, Wdford C, Webster, Thos. F. Wright, John, Wilson, John D. Wheeler, H. N. Whittemore, J. A. Winship, Geo. B. Zimmermann, E. 0. Zimmermann, C. A. Total, 187. I, 5th Iowa Cavalry B, Brackett's Batt'n Minn. Cavalry. L, 1st N. Y. L. Artillery, B, 10th Minn. Infantry, I, 1st Iowa Infantry, A, 39th Wis. Infantry, C, 45th Wis. Infantry, B, 27th Ohio Infantry Vet. E, 6th Minn. Infantry, — 5th Ohio Cavalry, G, 5th Minn. Infantry, D, 3d Minn. Infantry Vet. C, 93d Ohio Infantry, C, 7th Minn. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, N. C. S. nth Minn. Inft'y, G, 8th Minn. Infantry, H, 61st Ohio Infantry, K, 119th V. R. Corps, D, 2d Minn. Infantry, A, 17th 111. Infantry, G, 1st Minn. M't'd Rangers, A, 1st Bat. Minn. Inft'y, A, 2d Minn. Cavalry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, Feb. 3. 1874 March 2, 1873 April 20, 1874 Sept. 20, 1775 May 27, 1876 Nov. 14, 1871 Sept. 20, 1875 July 21, 1881 May 28, 1872 April 8, 1870 April 8, 1870 ApriI19, 1870 April 26, 1870 Nov. 22, 1870 April 11, 1871 Aprilll, 1871 Mar. 26, 1872 June 11, 1872 Jan. 4, 1875 June 11, 1872 ROLL OF MEMBERS UNDER SECOND CHARTER. [The following roll ok members includes all who joined THE POST between FEB. 9, 1882, (tHE DATE OF RE-ORGANIZA- TION,) AND DEC. 31, 1891. ThE CHARTER IS DATED MARCH 10, 1882.] NAME. COMPANY AND REG'T. JOINED POST. Allie, James, Abbott, Phillip H, Armstrong, John H. Adams, J. B. Apgar, M. B, Allen, J. P. Amos, Jacob, Agnew, Ed. C. Aiken, Isaac, Avcrill, John T. Arbuckle S. C. Jr. Alexander, T. T. Alderman, C. E. D, 27th Wis, Infantry, July 12, 1883 F, 41st Pa. Jan. 24, 1884 E, 12th Ohio , April 10, 1884 K, 6th Iowa July 3, 1884 I, 9th Minn. Oct. 23, 1884 L, 1st Minn. H. Artillery A3)ril 23, 1885 E, 5th Minn, , Infantry, May 28, 1885 A, 1st Minn. Infantry, Aug. 27, 1885 H, 77th N. Y . Infantry, Sept. 24, 1885 —6th Minn. ] [nfantr}'. Nov. 12, 1885 A, 6th Minn. Infantry, Mar. 25, 1886 B, 13th Ky. Infantry, Mar. 24, 1887 D, 3d Wis, Infantry, April 14, 1887 38 HISTORY OF ACKER POST — 3d Minn. Infantry A, 5th Mass. Infantry, I, 5th 111. Cavalry, Surgeon, U. S. A. K, 3d Ohio Cavalry, F, 11th Minn. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, K, 6th Minn. Infantry, H, 2d Minn. Infantry, U. S. Navv, G, 10th Ind. Zouaves, 1st Bat. 1st Minn. L. A. — 10th Minn. Infantry, F, 11th Maine Infantry, A, Brackett's Battalion, Minn. Cavalr}^ H, 11th N. Y. Infantry, K, 8th Minn. Infantrv, A, 152dN. Y. Infantr\% H, 214th Pa. Infantry, I, 16th Conn. Infantry, C, 6th Minn. Infantrv, C, 4-tth N. Y. Infantry, F, 2d Minn. Infantry, B, 44th Mass. Infantry, C, 50th N. Y. Engineers H, 4th Minn. Infantrj^ A, 1st Vt. Cavalry, Beri, Luis, (Cesare Bona) G, 9th N. J. Infantry Bishop, Judson W. —2d Minn. Infantry, U. S. Steamer Lancaster, A, 1st Minn. Infantry, G, 5th Iowa Cavalr3% —7th Minn. Infantrv, D, 1st Col. Cavalry, A, 26th Maine Infantry, Andrews, C. C. Anderson, Daniel, Andrews, Jno. Alden, C. H. Burr, Walter T. Brack, Benjamin, Brack, George M. Braden, W. W. Burger, Joseph, Bennett, Joseph S. Bohrer, Z. C. Bixler, Moses, Baker, James H. Burgess, Rufus N. Bohland, Adam, I Bragdon, Wm. W. Brunson, B. W. Barrv, Patrick, Brink, W. H. Bartlett, Andrew M. Burdick, John W. Bourne, W. R. Brennan, James, Bassford, E. P. Bovd, James. Beebee, I. H. B. Barber, Rufus G Barber, H. J. Brown, F. A. Bauer, J. G. Barton, Percival, Buck, George W. Boody, Clarendon B Beaulieu, Charles H. G, 9th Minn. Infantry, Becker, R. A. Beach, S. A. Beck, E. S. Brissett, J. B. Barrett, Albert J. Bourne, Franklin, Bovd, Walter B. Bloomfield, R. D. Bieber. J. P. W. Burnett, Giles, Byrne, P. H. Burns, W. H. Barker, Alonzo, Buckman, Jacob, K, 25th Wis. Infantrv, G, 64th N. Y. Infantry, A, 6th Minn. Infantry, H, 8th Minn. Infantrv. A, 12th Wis. Infantrv, C, 46th Wis. & 1st Wis. E, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, 2d Bat. Minn. L. Art. B, 47th Ga. Infantry, E, 104th Ohio Infantry, A, 6th Minn. Infantry, H, 9th N. Y. Infantry, A. 1st U. S. Cavalry, F, 7th Minn. Infantry, Feb. 9, 1888 Sept. 13, 1888 Julv 14, 1882 Aug. 13, 1891 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 23, 1882 Feb. 23, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar. 23, 1882 Mav 23, 1882 May 23, 1882 Aug. 10, 1882 Nov. 23, 1883 Nov. 23, 1883 Mar. 13, 1884 May 8, 1884 Mav, 8, 1884 Julv 17, 1884 Feb. 16, 1885 Mar. 12, 1885 Mar. 26, 1885 April 23, 1885 Mav 28, 1885 June 11, 1885 Nov. 12, 1885 Jan. 17, 1886 Mav 27, 1886 June 10, 1886 Nov. 25, 1886 Nov. 25, 1886 Dec. 9, 1886 Aug. 11, 1887 Oct. 13, 1887 Oct. 13, 1887 Feb. 9. 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 April 26. 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 Oct. 25, 1888 Dec. 13, 1888 Dec. 13, 1888 Feb. 14, 1889 Feb. 28, 1889 Feb. 28. 1889 Mar. 25, 1889 April 25, 1889 April 25, 1889 July 12, 1889 Aug. 10, 1889 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 39 Bement, Edward P. Bauer, Jacob, Brown, Win. H. Castle. H. A. Chapel, Charles E. Chanev, Josiah B. Clifford, Robert W. Canfield, Wm. W. Chapron, Joseph F. Condit, A.'D. Cutnmings, Edward Champlin, Henrv, Clark, A. E. Covert, H. H. Cumings, C. S. Conwav, James E. Cole, Ira, Comfort, 0. H. Carver, H. L. Crossway, Turner, Cross, George W. Clark, George W. Jr Cunningham, Wm. Canada, Samuel, Connor, Dennis, Corning, Edward, Chapman, F. A. Cassels, Jno. Crego, D. H. Clifford, R. W. Carron, Phillip, Coonev, Patrick, Clapp.'W. D. Cooley, James M. Davidson, J. H. Dixon, W. H. Doran, F. B. Downs, S. D. Dixon, Wm. De Rusha, Octavo, Delauey, Andrew, Doherty, Timothy, Dalv, James H. Davis, C. K. Drake, J. H. F, 120th N. Y. Infantry, Feb. 13, 1890 E, 1st Minn, M'd Rang'rs, Oct. 23, 1890 B, 10th Mass. Infantry, A, 61st Mass. Infantrv, —73d 111. Infantry, C, 5th Minn, Infantr3', 2d Co. Minn. Sharpsh't'rs E, 33d Wis. Infantrv, K, 1st N. Y. L. Artillery, A, 6th Minn. Infantrv, C, 133d Ind, Infantrv, F, 35th 111. Infantrv, D, 30th Wis. Infantry, Conn. Light Artillerv, E, l-i8th'N. Y. Infantrv, G, 29th Mich. Infantry, G, 4th Minn. Infantry, H, 7th Minn. Infantrv, E, 30th Wis. Infantry, G, Hth Minn. Infantry, G, 13th U. S. C. T. E, 95th Penn. Infantry, B, 4th Mich. Cavalrv, 1st N. Y. Cavalry, B, 121st U. S. C. I. 2d Co. Minn. S. S. R.O M. 85thN. Y. Inf'tv, A, 7th Mich. Cavalrv, H, 170th N. Y. Infantry, H, 6th Minn. Infantrv, E, 33d Wis. Infantry,' A, 1st New Orleans, A, Ind. Bat'n Minn. Cav. G, 76th 111, Infantry, F, 45th Pa. Infantry, B, 14th Kv. Infantrv, — 122d U. S. C. T. llthlnd'p't Ohio Bat. G, 12th Ohio Vols. H, 2d U. S. C. L. Art'v, I, 52d 111. Infantry, D, 4th Conn. Infantrv, B. 12th, Conn. Infantry, E, 1st Bat'n Minn. Inf'try, Nov. 27, 1884 A. 21st Wis. Infantry, Aug. 6, 1885 E, 1st Minn. Mounted Ran- Mar. 23, 1882 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 9. 1882 Feb. 23, 1882 Mar. 23, 1882 Mav 11, 1882 Jan. 11, 1883 Jan. 24, 18S4 Tan. 24, 1884 Mar. 13, 1884 June 26, 1884 July 17, 1884 Mar. 26, 1885 April 23, 1885 Mav 28, 1885 Julv 9, 1885 Oct. 22, 1885 Jan. 17, 1886 Jan. 17, 1886 Sept. 9, 1886 Julv 14, 1887 Mar. 9, 1882 Oct. 25, 1888 Dec. 13, 1888 Aug. 9, 1888 April 25, 1889 Mav 11, 1889 June 9, 1889 Mar. 27, 1890 Mar. 2, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Feb. 28, 1884 Mar. 22, 1884 Oct. 9, 1884 gers, E, 16th Ind. Infantry, A, 7th Minn. Infantrv, B, 28th Wis. Infantrv, A, 137th Ohio Infantrv, Jan. 17, 1886 Feb. 24, 1887 Mav 26, 1887 Nov. 10, 1887 Feb. 9, 1888 40 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Daly, Peter, Davis, John E. Dillon, Philip F. Davis, H. N. Dunlap, Joseph F. Dohm, Fred, Espy, John, Egan, James J. Eggleston, Ira E. Evans, Page M. Eisenmenger, Louis, Eggleston, Reuben D, Eller, Homer C. Eberman, W. S. Esterley, Charles A. Erickson, Andrew, Elvidge, Frank H. Emery, Louis, Edenholm, C. J. Evans, E. D. Emmerson, H. E. Evans, Robt. K. Flvnn, Nicholas, Finch, F. M. {/ Fales, Grenville, Flower, Mark D. Fryer, Edwin L. Fairchild, Frank, Fenton, Daniel, Forbes, T. W, Fritsch, Fred O. Fernald, Cassius M. Fassett, A. P. Fralick, L. M. Falkner, Frederick, Fahev, Lawrence, Fuller, P. W. Farrall, Wm. Funk, Edward J. Griswold, Charles, Gardner, Harvey R. Gregg, Josiah C. Grant, Hiram P. Gibbens, John H. Goodwin, Parker. Griswold, W. \V. / K, 1st U. S. Infantry, E, 30th Wis. Infantry, G, 2d Mass. L. Artillerv, Capt. and Bvt. Maj. U. J Vols. I, 34th Penn. Infantry, A, 1st Minn. Infantry, 2d Minn. Infantry, E, 1st Iowa Vols. B, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, D, 10th Minn. Infantry, E, 60th N. Y. B, U. S. Eng. Corps, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, H, 26th Iowa Infantry, F, 29th Ind. Infantry, E, 8th Minn. Infantry, B, 9th Minn. Infantry, K, 8th Minn. Infantry, A, 150th Penn. Infantrv, F, 2d U. S. Artillery, I, 29th Mich. Infantry, C, 31st Missouri Infantry G, 2d Wis. Infantry, A, 118thN. Y. Infantry, E, 8th Minn. Infantry, K, 5th N. Y. H. Artillerv, H, 8th Minn. Infantry,' C, 7th Ills. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, E, 79th Ohio Infantry, I, 71st N. Y. Infantry, H, 148th Ohio Infantry, A, 6Sth N. Y. Infantry, B. U. S. Eng. Corps, B. U. S. Col. Infantry, D, Batt'n U. S. Engineers, E, 1st Me. H. Artillerv, K, 5th Ohio Cavalrv, A, 1st Vt. Cavalry, ' H, 1st N. Y. V. Eng. E, 6th Ohio Infantrv, K, 48th Wis. Infantrv, 9th Wis. L. Bat'y. 1st Minn. H. Artillery, F, 148th N. Y. Infantry, U. S. Marine Corps, A, 6th Minn. Infantr}', D, 2d Minn. Infantr}-, D, 1st Mass. Infantrv, H, 30th Ind. Infantry. 152d Ind. Infantry, Feb. 9, 18S8 Feb. 9, 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 April 26, 1888 Mav 11, 1882 Feb. 9. 1882 April 26, 1883 Feb. 28, 1884 July 3, 1884 Mar. 26, 1885 Mar. 26, 1885 April 23, 1885 May, 14, 1885 May 28, 1885 May 28. 1885 July 9, 1885 Oct. 22, 1885 Aug. 12, 1886 Nov. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Feb. Mar. 22, 1888 13, 1890 9, 1882 9, 1882 9, 1882 9, 1882 9, 1882 9, 1882 23, 1882 28, 1884 13, 1884 April 10, 1884 July 17, 1884 Mav 28, 1885 Sept. 24, 1885 Mar. 25. 1886 Feb. 9, 18SS June 9, 1889 Julv 9, 1891 Feb. 23, 1882 Jan. 10, 1884 Mav 22, 1884 Mav 22, 1884 Jiilv 3, 1884 July 10, 1884 July 10, 1884 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. + 1 Granger, Martin S. Gorman, R. L. Gordon, Ebenezer, Gordon, James, Gribben, \Vm. C. Garrity, F. D. Gillard, Nicholas, Gross, Phillip, Gillett, A. W. Greenlee, D. R. HoUister, U. S. Higbee, C. G. / Racket, C. W. Hughson, E. E. Hawkins, W. D. Hawlev, Alfred C. Hubbard, Lucius F. Haight, John W. Humphrej', Robert B, Hager, J. K. Hare, C. C. Hall, S. T. Hardacre, G. W. Herb. Charles K. Howard. W. H. Hamilton, Geo. F. Hill, Albert, ,Higgins. E. B. /Hixon, Charles, f Hill, Franklin G. Harris. John W. Hoyt, Wm. H. Herman. Joseph, Herr, Henry, Harrington, Inman. Harris, M. Heald, Henrv P. Havens, C. t. Hand, D. W. Hicks, B. W. Hagerman, O. S. Hawle}', Ramsom E. Hynes, James, Hanmore, H. B. Hinds, James, Irvine, Benjamin F. Ireland, M. H. Johnson, W. R. C, 11th Mass. Infantry, I, 1st Minn. Infantry, D, Slst Ind. Infantry, T'. S. S. Osceola, V. S'. N. G, I12th Ohio Infantry, G, 15th Kv. Infantry, Capt. U. vS. Army, E, 39th U. S. C. Infantry, K, Sth Minn. Infantry, K, 37th N. Y. Militia," —Sth Penn. H. A. K, 13th Wis. Infantry, —12th Wis. Infantry, C, 11th Minn. Inlantry, H, Sth Minn. Infantry, C, 7th 111. Infantry, K. Brackett's Battalion Minn. Cavalry, — Sth Minn. Infantry I, 75th N. Y. Infantry, F, 122d N. Y. Infantry, K, 6th Minn. Infantry, C, Sth Iowa Cavalry, D, 132d Penn. Infantry, D, 3d Ohio Infantry, C, 47th Penn. Infantry, B, 5th Iowa Infantr3% I, S6th Ohio Infantry, H, 6th Iowa Infantry, I, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, E, 4th Mich. Cavalry, H, 8th Minn. Infantry, I, 13Sth III. Infantry,' F, 1st Minn. Infantry, K, 7th Minn. Infantry, C, 13th Iowa Infantry, U. S. Navy, K, 7th 111. Cavalry, F, 26th Ind. Infantry, Sunzeon 1st Minn. Infantry, E, ilth Mich. Infantry, H, 120 0. V. & 163 O.N. G. A, 7Sth Ind. Infantr}-, E, 6th Wis. Infantry, G, 19th N. Y. Infantry, G, 11th Minn. Infantrv, D, 2d Minn. Infantry, ' H, 6th Minn. Infantry, E, 1st Minn. Infantry, Oct. 8, 1S8S April 22. 1886 May 13, 1886 Nov. 11, 1886 Dec. 23, 1886 April 26, ISSS Nov. 8, 1888 Aug. 9, 1888 Dec. 26, 1889 Sept. 25, 1890 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 23, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882. Mar. 9, 1882 Nov. 22, Feb. 28, April 10 April 10 June 19, July 17, July 17, July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 25, April 23, April 23, May 28, June 25, Aug. 27, Nov. 12, Feb. 25, Ma'-. 25 June 10, 1883 1884 1884 , 1884 1884 1884 1884 1884 1884 1884 1885 1885 1 885 1885 1885 1 885 1886 . ] 886 1886 April 14, 1887 May 26, 1887 Aug. 11, 1887 May 24, 18SS Oct. 11, 1888 Aug. 9, 1888 Tunel, 1882 May 11, 1889 July 12, 1889 Oct. 23, 1890 Mar. 23, 1882 Oct. 2.=^, 1888 Feb. 9, 1882 42 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Joy, Henry M. Jerome, Peter, Judson, Ed.H. Jansen, Jacob, Johnston, \Y. H. H. Judd, John H. Joubert, Charles V. Johnson, R. W. Jones, Samuel H. Johnson, James, Jewett, R. H. L. Jenkins, I. R. Joy, John M. Johnson, J. B. Johnson, Geo. J. / Kingsbury, D. L. Kiefer, Andrew R. Kittleson, Charles, Kelsey, Wallace, Kennedy, D. Kerr, Charles D. Kellogg, C. H. Kuhm, Henr\', King, Josias R. Krch, F. A. Kelsaj', Curtis, Kribs, David, Kuhl, C. A. Knight, 0. M. Kuhl, Bernhard, Konantz, C. G. Krapfel, J. W. Koenig, J. G. Lightbourn, E. S. Leitner, J. P. Larkin, J. P. Loeffelholz, Conrad, Latham, Charles, Lyons, Thomas, Lathrop, Geo. W. Lewis, George R. Loftis, Patrick, Ludwig, Leonard, / Latturelle, Geo. W. Lowe, Wm. C. Lyons, Winfield S. Libbey, E. D. Lucas, W. H, 11th Iowa Infantr3', E, 4th Minn. Infantr3', G, 6th Minn. Infantry, L, 3d Wis. Cavalry, ' G, 13th N. Y. Infantry, A, 27th Mass. Infantry, K, 4th Wis. Cavalrv, C, 6th U. S. Infantry, C, 2d N. Y. Cavalrv, H, 86th U. S. C. Infantry, E, 2d Mass. Infantr3^ C, 39th 111. Infantry, I, 32d Maine Infantry, E, 72d N. Y. Infantry, N. C. S. 8th 111. Cavalry, E, 8th Minn. Infantry, G, 2d Minn. Infantr\', E, 10th Minn. Infantry, A, 12th Wis. Infantry, F, 20th Ohio Infantry, G, 9th Ohio Cavalrv, D, 16th 111. Infantry, D, 34th N.Y. Infantry, H, 7th N. Y. Infantry, A, 1st Minn. Infantrj^, 2d U. S. Vol. Infantry, B, 13th U. S. Infantry, C, 21st Wis. Infantry, A, 14th 111. Infantry, I, 1st Minn. Infantry, 4th N. Y. Cavalrv, A, 137th 111. Infantry, G, 1st Iowa Cavalry, A, 13th 111. Cavalry, H, 7th Minn. Infantry, E, 6th Minn. Infantry, C, 20th Mich. Infantry, K, 8th Minn. Infantry, I, 2d Minn. Infantry, I, 3d Mich. Cavalrv, B, 117th N. Y. Infantry, Ass't Sur. 54th Penn. Inf. Surgeon 61st Penn. Inf. G, 4th Minn. Infantry, H, 1st Neb. Yet. Cavalry, H, 8th Minn. Infantry, " C, 84th Penn. Infantry, U.S. Navy, 6th Me. Light Artillery, A, 7th Ohio Infantr\-, Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 9, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Dec. 25, 1884 April 23, 1885 Nov. 12, 1885 Nov. 26, 1885 Mar. 25, 1886 Oct. 14, 1886 Sept. 8, 1887 Feb. 9, 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 Tune 14, 1888 Mar. 12, 1891 Aug. 13, 1891 Feb. 23, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 May 22, 1884 Oct. 9, 1884 April 23, 1885 May 14, 1885 Oct.' 22, 1885 Nov. 12, 1885 Jan. 17,1886 May 10, 1887 June 14, 1888 Feb. 28, 1889 Mar. 14, 1889 May 8, 1890 Aug 28, 1890 Sept 25, 1890 July 9, 1891 Feb. 23, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar, 23, 1882 Mar. 13, 1885 July 17, 1884 Oct. 9, 1884 Jan. 8, 1885 Alar. 12, 1885 April 9, 1885 May 28, 1885 May 28 1885 Mar. 11, 1886 April 28. 1887 Feb. 9, 1888 May 24, 1888 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 43 Lewis, Washington, Luhrsen, H. Livingston, S. D. Leavitt, Weslev, McGill,A. R. McCardy, J. J. Mathews, H. D. Murphy, J. H. McCoiikey, J. A. Merritt, Charles E. Marshall, William R. Mead, Warren H. McCloud, D. Hance, Mead, William H. Martin, Joseph, Mead, Peter, Miller, David A. Moorman, B. Mathews, Walter D. Martin, M. P. McLaren, Robert N. McCartney, Henry, Miller, Michael A. Mclntyre, William H. Mullan, A. W. Martensen, A. W. Messenger, Addis E. McAfee, N. McGinley, E. H. Alakinsen, J. W. Moak, John A. Merritt, A. J. McEwen, D. H. MacCauley, Clay, Marx, Isaac, Malay, Hugh, Mahan, Isaac L. Mosher, A. Malloy, Hugh, McAfee, Geo. F. Morgan, Adam, McCullough, J. A. McKay, Albert M. Meyer, Chas. F. Madigan, Patrick, McGuirc, Hugh, Morgan, Isaac D. Murphv, James, Nafie, G. B. A, l-ith U. S. C. Infantry, C, 3d N. Y. Infantry, E, 99th 111. Infantry, C, 33d III. Infantry. D, 9th Minn. Infantry, H, 10th Ky. Cavalry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, Surgeon 4-th Minn. Inf. G, 10th Minn. Infantry, H, 150th Ohio Infantry, K, Sth Minn. Infantry,' — 7th Minn. Infantry, F, Gth Kj'. Cavalry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, I, S3d Peun. Infantr3', K, 3d Vt. Intantrv, I, 18th Wis. Infantry, C, 25th U. S. C. Infantry, B, 4th Minn. Infantry, Vet. E, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, H, 2d —2d Minn. Cavalry, E, 194th Ohio Infantry, A, 9th Wis. Infanti-y, ' H, 9th N. Y. Artillery, B, 103d N. Y. Infantry, A, 10th U. S. Infantry, C, 23d V. R. C. G, 139th Ind. Infantry, F, 4th Penn. Cavalry, B, 16th Ind. Infantry, H, 21st Wis. Infantry, K, Eng. Regt. of West. A, 194th Penn. Infantry, D, 126th Penn. Infantry, C, 12th Mich. Infantry', C, 11th Ind. &133d Ind. K, 17th N.Y. Infantry, A, 50th Wis. Infantry, A, 3d Mo. Cavalrv, ' K, 32nd Ohio Infantry, C, 5Sth Penn. Mil. of '63, D, 6th Iowa Cavalry, G, 2d Minn. Infantry, A, 16th U. S. Infantry, B, 1st Bat. Minn. Inf. G, 6th Minn. Infantry, I, 59th Ind. Infantry, A, 2d Minn. Cavalry, Dec. 27, I.SSS Dec. 26, 1S,S9 Feb. 27, 1S90 Mar. 21, 1.S91 Feb. 23, 1S,S2 Mar. 9, 1SS2 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar. 23, 1884 Dec. 13, 1883 Feb. 28, 1884 Feb. 28, 1884 May 22, 1884 July 10, 1884 July 24, 1884 July 17, 1884 Sep't. 11, 1884 Oct. 9, 1884 Jan. 25, 1885 Mar. 26, 1885 April 23, 1885 June 25, 1885 Aug. 6, 1885 Aug. 6, 1885 Feb. 25, 1886 June 10, 1886 Aug. 12, 1886 Mar. 24, 1887 Feb. 9. 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 April 26, 1888 Mar. 12, 1885 Jan. 26, 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 Aug. 9, 1888 July 12. 1889 Aug. 10, l.s.sO Sept. 12, is,s9 Feb. 13, 1890 Feb. 13, 1890 Sept. 25, 1890 Mar. 12, 1891 Aug. 13. 1891 April 23, 1891 April 23, 1891 April 23, 1891 Feb. 23, 1882 44 HISTORY OF ACKER POST Nolan, Robert, Noble, H. C. Naylor, W. A. Nebel, Chas. Neihart, Chas. O'Connor, M. J. O'Gorman, William, O'Brien, James, Officer, Harvey, O'Neil, John, Otto, Gustave, Pratt, R. V. Plechner, B. H. Fritz, William H. Priest, George E. Perkins, Norman, Parker, Charles D. Petter, John G. Prendergast, M. R. Pugh, Archelaus, Perkins, E. B. Price, T. J. Parker, E. D. Phillips, Samuel D. Peterson, Charles G. Pierce, Edward R. Potts, Philip, Quick, Henry B. Q uinn, John, Riddell, John J. Richards, Edward, Roth, Christian, Risch, John W. Roehl, Anton, Ryan, John O. Raymond, C. C. Ries, Gottfried, Reddick, Charles, Rundle, C. W. D. Robinson, William, Rose, Gideon, Riley, Thomas, Russell, H. Y. Rodgers, A. F. Ross, Isaac B. Roach, M. T. Sleppy,W.J. I, 5th Minn. Infantry, I, 2d Mich. Infantry, C, 41st Wis. Infantry, H, 1st Minn. &9U.S. Vols. H, 1st Minn. Infantry, K, 10th Minn. Infantry, K, 10th Minn. Infantry, H, 10th Minn. Infantry, E, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, I), 81st N. Y. Infantry, " A, Brackett's Bat. Minn. Cavalry, F, 1st Wis. Infantry, G, 4th Wis. Cavalry, C, 6th N. Y. Engineers, B, 93d Ohio Infantry, G, 11th Mo. Infantry, G, 56th N. Y. Infantry, D, 113th Ohio Infantry, E, 5th Minn. Infantry, H, 10th Minn. Infantry, B, 9th III. Vet. Cav. A, 4th Wis. Cavalry, C, lS6th Penn. Infantry, A, 87th Ohio Infantry, B, 29th 111. Infantry, K, 43d 111. Infantry, D, 67th N. Y. Infantry, D, 2d Minn. Infantry, L, 1st Iowa Cavalry, F, 132d N. Y. Infantry, H, 127th N. Y. Infantry, K, 8th Minn. Infantry, A, 6th Ohio Infantry, F, Sth N. Y. H. Artillery, G, 6th Minn. H. Infantry, Steamer Water Witch, U. S. Navy, D, 2d Ohio Cavalry, 2d Bat. 1st Wi.s. L' Art. E, 36th U. S. C. Infantry, C, 16th N. Y. Infantry, D, 18th Wis. Infantry, C, 2d Bat'n U. S. Inlantry, F, 7th Wis. Infantry, G, 10th N. Y. Infantry, B, 12th Iowa Infantry, G, 33d Wis. Infantry, C, 6th Iowa Infantry, C, 52d Penn. Infantry, C, 199th Penn. Infantry, May 14, 1885 MaV 28, 1885 Dec. 23, 1886 Aug. 9, 1888 Jan. 23, 1890 Dec. 13, 1883 July 10, 1884 May 14, 1885- July 9, 1885 Jan. 26, 1888 Aug. 13, 1891 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 28, 1884 May 22, 1884 Mar. 26, 1885. June 11, 1885 Aug. 6, 1885 Mar. 25, 1885. Mar. 25, 1886- Mav 26, 1887 Feb. 9, 1888 Nov. 22, 1888. Feb. 28, 1889 July 12, 1889 Nov. 12, 1891 Feb. 12 1885 Nov. 22, 1888. July 12, 1888 May 10, 1888 Oct. 22, 1885 Nov. 12, 1885 Jan. 13, 1887 Tune 9. 1887 July 14, 1887 Sept. 8,1887 Nov. 9. 1883 Feb. 9, 1888 July 14, 1887 Mar. 9, 1882 Oct. 11, 1888 Feb. 28, 1889 Oct. 11, 1888 May 22, 1890 Feb. 9, 1882 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 45 Stevens. E. H. Simonton, Edward, Schenck, Wilkens, Scheffer, Albert, Steenstra, T. H. Smith, A. T. Sutheimer, C. J. Stees, Charles J. Smith, James, Skillman, William, Smith, Adolph, Swank, David, Stiefel, Reinhard, Scherfenberg, Fred. Stieger, F. J. Smith, John H. Sheire, Romaine, Schnell, August, Sibley, Henry H. Swisher, Fred S. Searls, Robert R. Schultz, Charles, Storv, Louis M. Staricey, Ed. C. Seegar, William Jr. Stahl, A. H. Smith, F. W. Speth, Andrew, Stout, H. G. Screeton, Thomas, Siebold, F. Starkweather, P. Smallev, E. V. Silvis, W. L. Swan, Eugene, Sullivan, Thos. Sellerk, W. W. Smith, J. W. Smallwood, W. II. Smith, Joseph, Sunibardo, C. L. Swab, John J. vStoner,'D. P. Sweet, Geo. A. Strong, R. J. B. 10th Minn. Infantrv, Feb. 9, 1882 B, 33d Mass. Infantrv^ Feb. 9, 1882 A, 7th N. Y. Infantrv, Feb. 23, 1882 A, 39th Wis. Infantrv, C, 4-5th Wis. Infantry, Mar. 9, 1882 L, 1st N. Y. L. Artillerv, Mar. 9, 1882 F, 5th Minn. Infantry," Mar. 9, 1882 G. 6th Minn. Infantry, Dec. 13, 1883 G, 4-th Penn. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantrv, Mar. 13, 18.S-i D, U. S. Artillerv, 5th N. Y. Batterv, Aug. 28, 1884 G, 3d N. 1. Vet. Vols. 7th U. S. Infantrv, Oct. 23, 1884 E, 2d U. S. Cavalrv, Nov. 27, 1884 C, 12th Ind. Infantrv, Mar. 12, 1885 E, 6th Minn. Infantrv, April 23, 1885 D, 1st Minn. Infantrv, April 23, 1SS5 Chicago B. of T. Batt'y, April 23, 1885 F, — Minn. Cavalrv, May 14, 1885 F, 1st Mich. Engineers, May 28, 1885 A, 11th Minn. Infantry, May 28, 1S85 Brig. Gen. U. S. Vols. May 28, 1885 H, 7th Ohio Infantrv, Aug. 6, 1885 D, 92d N. Y. Infantry, Aug. 6, 1885 E, 27th Iowa Infantry, Aug. 6, 1885 B, 72d N. Y. Infantry, Aug. 27, 1885 M, 1st Minn. M. Rangers, Dec. 10, 1885 I, 5th Iowa Cavalry, Jan. 28, 1886 D, 4th Wis. Infantry, Mar. 11, 1S8& F, 1st Kansas Infantry, Sept. 9, 1886 F, 12th 111. Infantry, Dec. 9, 1886 F, 9th Iowa Infantry. Sept. 8, 1887 L, 1st U. S. Vet. Eng. Sept. 8, 1887 B, 26th Wis. Infantrv, Feb. 9, 1888 I, 9th Mich, Infantry, Feb. 9, 1888 D, 7th Ohio Infantry, May 24, 1888 I, 8th Minn. Infantrv, Oct. n, 1888 K, 1st West Va. Cavalrv Aug. 9, 1888 C, 18th N. Y. Infantry, Aug. 10, 1889 M, 4th Mo. Cavalry, Aug. 10, 1889 G, Purnell Legion, E, 1st Md. Infantrv, Aug. 24, 1889 \, 1st Kansas Infantry, Sept. 12, 1889 E, Gth Minn. Infantry, Sept. 12, 18S9 I, 12th Iowa Infantrv, Oct. 10, 1889 H. 2d Pen. Pro. Cavalry, Nov. 14. 1889 B, 57th 111. Infantrv, Nov. 28, 1889 E, 89th 111. Infantry, Feb. 27. 1890 2d Co. Minn. Sharpshoot'rs, Hospital Steward, U. S. A. Feb, 27, 1890 46 HISTORV OF ACKER POST Savage, E. P. Teeple, A. V. Taylor, W. H. H. Tripp, Albert, Thompson, William, Thompson, Joshua, Thompson, C. J. Taylor, Schn3-ler M. Tearne}^ Patrick, Truax, Charles, Troost, E. L. Tavlor, E. H. D. Thaver, ].N. Thorn, Wm. S. Trowbridge, S. C. Underbill, 0. B. Virtue, George J. Winchell, P. D. Way, John, Wilson, W. C. Walker, George, White, T. S. Wood, James D. Westenhagen, A. Walker, Samuel A. Wood, Andrew B. Wood, John W. Wea verso n, C. J. Wilson, William, Whitman, C. C. White, George Q. Wright, B. F. W^arner, William, Woodward, Geo. B. Weniple, \Villiam J. Winn, Ambrose W. Wilhelmy, Peter, White, M. A. Williamson, E. J. Wigle}', Joshua, Wyman, Andrew, Wells, M. C. Yeager, Charles F. Yates, B. G. Zimmermann, E. 0. Zimmermann, C. A. Note— The date given should in all eases be that of joining this Post: but 1 found and corrected several where, in admission on Transfer Card, the date was that of joining the Post granting the Card. G, 100th 111. Infantry, H, 8th III. Cavalry, ' — 5th Ohio Cavalr}', A, 7th Minn. Infantry-, E, 1st Batfn Minn. Inf. H, 7th Wis. Infantry, I, 16th N. Y. Cavalry A, 2Sth Wis. Infantry, E, 1st Minn. H. Artillery, K, 3d Vt. Infantry, U. S. Navy, A, 4th Mich. Infantry, C, 50th Mass. Infantry, C, 125th Ohio Infantry, K, 122d N. Y. Infantry, K, 16th Wis. Cavalry, K, 7th Minn. Infantry, C, 26th N. Y. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, N. C. S. 11th Minn. Inf. C, 40th Wis. Infantry, C, 93d Ohio Infantry, B, 2d Wis. Infantry', M, 4th Mo. Cavalry, B. 44th Mass. Infantry, H, 120th Ind. Infantry, G, 6th Ind. Infantry, I, 6Sth Ind. Infantry, C, 4-th Minn. Infantry, E, Sth Ohio Infantry, C, 29th Mass. Infantry, B, 12th 111. Artillery. K, 146th N. Y. Infantry, A, 10th N. Y. Cavalry, K, 15th Vt. Infantry, A, 7th Minn. Infantry, F, 1st IMass. H. Artillery, E, Sth Minn. Infantry, H, 3d. Vt. Infantry,' G, 2d Minn. Cavalry, E, 2d Minn. Cavalry, C, 1st Minn. Infantr3% E, 6th Iowa Infantry, U. S. Navy, F, 76th N. Y. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, G, 6th Minn. Infantry, May 8, 1890 Feb. 23, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar. 11, 1882 May 22, 1884 Oct. 23, 1884 May 14, 1885 Mar. 25, 1886 Feb. 10, 1887 Feb. 9, 1888 Feb. 9, 1888 Aug. 24, 1889 May 26, 1888 Dec. 25, 1884 Mar. 13, 1884 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 9, 1882 Feb. 23 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 Mar. 9, 1882 April 26, 1883 Aug. 9, 1883 Feb. 28, 1884 Mar. 13, 1884 May 8, 1884 May, 22, 1884 July 17, 1884 July 17, 1884 Nov. 12, 1885 Nov. 12, 1885 Dec. 10, 1885 Jan. 17, 1886 Mar. 10, 1887 Nov. 10, 1887 Nov. 24, 1887 April 26, 1888 May 24, 1888 Feb. 28, 1889 April 25, 1889 May 8, 1890 Feb. 28, 1884 Aug. 13, 1891 Feb. 9, 1882 Mar. 26, 1885 SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. 47 ROSTER OF OFFICERS [of the post from its ORGANIZATION TO AND INCLUDING THOSE FOR 1S92.] Appil 8— June 30, 1870. P. C— Henry A. Castle, S. V. C— Hiram A. Kimball, J. V. C— True S. White, Adjt.— Mark D. Flower, O. M— Andrew R. McGill, Surgeon— John H. Murphy, O. D— William H. Dixon, S. M— J. Sanford Dixon, ' Q. M. S.— Ed. H. Judson, O. G.— John P. Leitner. July 1— Deeembep 31, 1870. P. C— Henrv A. Castle, S. V. C— Josiah B. Chanev, J. V. C— J. B. Ashelman, Adjt.— Ploraer C. Eller, Q. M.— Benjamin Brack, Surgeon — ^John H. Murphv, 0. D.— Ed. H. Judson, S. M.— J. Sanford Dixon, ' Q. M. S.— John Way, O. G.— J. A. Roby. Fop 1871. P. C— Mark D. Flower,* P. C— Geo. T. Browning, t S. Y. C— Josiah B. Chanev, J. V. C— Geo. T. Browning, J. V. C— Jacob Mcese, t Adjt.— J. A. Roby, Q. M. — Benjamin Brack, Surgeon — John H. Murphv, O. D.— J. Sanford Dixon, S. M.— H. A. Castle, Q. M. S.— John Way, 0. G -Joseph P. Curry, Chaplain — Oscar W. Sears. "Resigned August 15. tElected August 22, vice Flower resigned. tElected August 22, vice Browning elected V. C. Fop 1872. P. C— Zene C. Bohrer, S. V. C— Joseph J. McCardv, J. V. C— Charles Hill, Adjt.— Jacob Meese. Q. M.— Charles S. Bunker, Surgeon— John H. Murpliv, 0. D.— John H. Gibbens, S. M.— W. D. Hawkins, Q. M. S.— A. G. Johnson, 0. G — John T. Halsted, Chaplain— H. L. Mills. Fop 1873. P. C— True S. White, S. V. C— Charles Hill, J. V. C— Robert J. Strong, Adjt.— Charles H. Cobb, Q. M.— Joseph J. McCardy, Surgeon— Jacob H. Stewart, O. D.-W. H. Lower, S. ^1.— [None appointed.] Q. M. S.— Jacob Meese, O. G.— Charles Hettrich, Chaplain — ]. K. Hager. Fop 1874. P. C— Jacob Meese, S. V. C— Charles H. Cobb, J. V. C— F. Marion Finch, Adjt.— A. B. Holmes, Q. M.— Christian Roth, Surgeon— Jacob H. Stewart, 0. D.— J. C. Merritt, S. M.— [None appointed,] Q. M. S.— [None appointed,] 0. G.— Samuel A. Sturtevant. Chaplain— John T. Halsted. 48 history of acker post Fop 1875. P. C— Wilford C. Wilson. S. V. C— James H. Daly, J. V. C— P.P. Dillon,*! , ^^ ^ 11 tt r. 4.*- T 1 T T3 • u ™ J. f Adit. — Roswell V. Pratt, Jose(Dh L. Brigham, tJ -' ' Q. M.— Christian Roth, Surgeou^acob H. Stewart, O. D— Rudolph A. Becker, S. M— Edward H. Stevens, O. M. S.— [None appointed,] O. G— W. H. Brown, Chaplian — F. Marion Finch. "Resigned April 26. tElected May 3, vice Dillon resigned. Fop 1876. P. C— Joseph J. McCardy, S. V. C— Rudolph A. Becker, J. V. C— Christian Roth, Adjt.— Roswell V. Pratt, Q. M. — Edward H. Stevens, Surgeon — John H. Murphy, O. D.— W. H. Brown, S. M.— F. Marion Finch, Q. M. S.— [None appointed,] 0. G.— Joseph L Brigham, Chaplain— Geo. B. Nafie. Fop 1877.^ P. C— W. H. Brown, S. V. C.— F. Marion Finch, J. Y. C— Rudolph A, Becker, Adjt.— Roswell V. Pratt, Q. M.— Edward H. Stevens, Surgeon— Wilford C. Wilson, 0. D. — ^James H. Johnson, S. M. — [None appointed,] Q. M. S. — [None appointed,] 0. G. — Nicholas Fh-un, Chaplain^oseph L. Brigham. Note. — No officers were elected to succeed the above, until July 8, 1881, the Post being in a comatose condition most of the time between the middle of 1877 and July. 1881. Offieeps elected July 8, 1881, when the Post pesumed wopk. P. C— Joseph J. McCardv, S. V. C— F. Marion Finch, J. V. C— Rudolph A. Becker, Adjt.— Roswell V. Pratt, Q. M. — Edward H. Stevens, Surgeon — John H. Murphy, O. D.— True S. White, S. M.— Theodore Sander, 0. M. S.— [None appointed,] 0. G.— Nicholas Flynn, Chaplain— Joseph L. Brigham. Note.— The above were the last officers under the tirst charter. ROSTER OF OFFICERS UNDER SECOND CHARTER. [The second charter bears date march 10, 1882. Post re-orgaxized february 9, and elected officers.] P. C— Walter T. Burr, S. V. C— U. S. Hollister, J. V. C— Edward Simonton, Adjt.— Roswell V. Pratt. Q. M.— John Way, Surgeon— C. G. Higbee, O. D.— Charles E. Chapel, S. M.— John Espy. Q. M. S.— Benjamin Brack, 0. G.— Nicholas Flynn, Chaplain — Edward H. Stevens. SAINT PAIL, MINNESOTA. 49 Fop 1883. P. C— William H. H. Taylor, J. V. C. — David L. Kingsbiirv, Q. M— John Way, O. D. — Greiiville Fales, O. M. S.— Wilkens Schenck Chaplain — Benjamin F. Irvine S. V. C. — Edward Simonton, Adjt.— Roswell V. Pratt, Surgeon— Charles Griswold, S. M. — ^.John Espy, O. G. — Peter Jerome, Fop 1884. P. C. — Edward Simonton, J. V. C— Roswell V. Pratt, O. M. — ^Joseph Burger, O. D.— M.J. O'Connor, Q. M. S.— George Walker, S. V. C. — David L. Kingsburv Adjt.— William W. Canfield, ' Surgeon— C. G. Higbee, S. AI. — ^John Espv, O. G.— Phillip D. Winchell. Chaplain — Edward S. Lightbourn. Fop 1885. P. C— Roswell V. Pratt, J. V. C. — Benjamin Brack, Q. M.— George Walker, Surgeon — [None elected.] S. AI.— George W. Hardacre, O. G.— [None elected,] ' Resigned Nov. 20. t Appointed, vice Griswold. resigned. S. V. C— Edward H. Stevens. Adjt.— W. W. Griswold * \ James D. Wood f j O. D. Thomas W. Forbes, Q; M. S.— William O'Gorman, Chaplain — [None elected.] Fop 1886. P. C— Roswell V. Pratt * \ W. W. Braden t / Adjt.— I. H. B. Beebee, Surgeon — C. G. Higbee. S. M. — [None appointed.] O. G. — Romaine Sheire, * Re.signed March 11. t Elected P. C, vice Pratt, resigned. S. V. C— Thomas W. Forbes, T. V. C— W. W. Braden, Q. M.— George Walker, 0. D.— [ohn P. Leitner, Q. M. S. — [None appointed.] Chaplain — Cla^' McCauley. Fop 1887. P. C- William J. Sleppy, J. V. C. — .\ndrew Delanev, Q. M.— Francis A. Krch," O. D.— Frank H. Elvidge. Q. M. S.— [None appointed.] S. V. C— Charles D. Parker. Adjt.— I. H. B. Beebee, Surgeon — Charles Griswold, S. M. — [None appointed.] 0. G.— W. H. Brink. Chaplain— Walter T. Burr. 50 HISTORY OF ACKER POST. For 1888. P. C— Charles D. Parker, J. V. C— Josiah B. Chancy, O. M. — Francis A. Krch, 0. D— Thomas W. Forbes, 0. M. S.— William O'Gorraan, S. V. C— I. H. B. Beebee, Adjt— William C. Gribben, Surgeon — Charles Griswold, S. M.— John Rvan, 0. G— Charles' E. Merritt, Chaplain — Walter T. Burr. P. C— Charles D. Parker, J. V. C— Josiah B. Chancy, O. M.— Francis A. Krch. 0. D.— Frederick V. Siebold, Q. M. S. — Benjamin F. Irvine, Chaplain- FOP 1889. S. V. C— I. H. B. Beebee, Adjt. — William O'Gorman, Surgeon — Charles Griswold, S. M.— True S.White, 0. G.— Horace C. Noble, Walter T. Burr. Fop 1890. P. C— I. H. B. Beebee, J. V. C— Frank B. Doran, Q. M.— Edward C. Starkey, O. D.— Horace C. Noble, 0. M. S.— John P. Leitner. S. y. C— Josiah B. Chancy, Adjt. — Thomas W. Forbes, Surgeon — Charles Griswold, S. M.— [None appointed.] O. G.— William H. Howard, Chaplain— Walter T. Burr.* Died .July ti. Post voted to leave the vacancy unfilled. Fop 1891, P. C— I. H. B. Beebee,* Josiah B. Chanev,t J. V. C— Frank B. Doran, Edward S. Lightbourn, Surgeon — Charles Griswold. S. M.— John M.Joy, 0. G.— William H. Howard, S. V. C— Josiah B. Chaney, Frank B. Doran ,$ Adjt. — Thomas W. Forbes, Q. M.— Edward C. Starkey, O. D.— Horace C. Noble, O. M. S.— Samuel C. Arbuckle, Chaplain— Phillip D. Winchell. * Resigned July 'J. t Elected P. C, Aug. 13, vice Beebee, resigned. t Elected S. V. C, vice Chaney. elected P. C. 5 Elected J. V. C, vice Doran, elected S. V. C. Fop 1892. P. C— Edward C. Starkey,* Thomas W. Forbes,! Adjt.— Thomas W. Forbes, John M. Joy,$ O. D.— William H. Howard, Q. M. S.-John Way, S. V. C— F. Marion Finch, J. V. C— Charles E. Chapel, O. M.— Samuel C. Arbuckle, Surgeon — Charles Griswold, S. M.— John M. Joy, 0. G.— John J. Swab, Chaplain— Phillip D. Winchell. * Resigned March 2Ji. t Elected P. C. April 14, vice E. C. Starkey, resigned. t Appointed Adjt. April 14, vice Forbes elected P. Commander. APPKNDIX. 51 [APPENDIX No. 1.] MEMOIR OF WILLIAM H. ACKER. OFFICERS AND COMRADES OF "aCKER POST NO. 21, DEPART- MENT OF MINNESOTA, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC:" By resolution of "Acker Post, No. 21," passed at a reg- ular meeting held April 12, 1870, the undersigned was re- quested to prepare a sketch of the life and services of the heroic soldier whose name it bears. In compliance with that request I have devoted what time I have been able to spare from m}- other duties to its preparation. I am fully aware that I have not been able to do justice to the memory of the noble Acker. I have lacked both time and ability to do that; but I have done the best I could under all the cir- cumstances, and trust my comrades will overlook the many imperfections in a literary point of view, that will be discovered. I make no claim to skill in biographical writ- ing, and have indulged in no exaggeration; but have en- deavored to give a plain, unvarnished sketch. In tracing his histor3'I havefound it unavoidable to give, incidentally, portions of the history of others. Submitted in F. C. and L., J. B. CHANEY. St. Paul, Mav 10, 1870. 4 52 APPENDIX. MEMOIR. Capt. William Henry Acker, in honor of whom this Post of the Grand Army of the RejoubHc has so appropri- ately been named, was born at Clyde, Wayne Count}', New York, on the Fifth daj' of December, 1833. His father, Hon. Henry Acker, was born at Nyack, N. Y., in 1804. His grandfather, on the father's side, was also a native of New York, and is still living at the advanced age of ninet^'-six }-ears. His great grandfather, on the same side, was a na- tive of Holland, but emigrated to America previous to the Revolutionary War, married an English lad}', and settled in Clarkstown, N. Y. His mother, whose maiden name was Amanda Pope, was born at West Stockbridge, Mass., in 1808. His grandfather, on the mother's side, was also a na- tive of Massachusetts, and served as a captain in the war of 1812-15. His great-grandfather, on the same side, was a native of Wales, but emigrated to America previous to the Revolution, and finally settled in Massachusetts. His grandmother, on the mother's side, was a Willard, — Ex- Govenor Willard, of Indiana, is descended from a branch of this family. When William Henry, who was the oldest son, was about three years of age, he removed with his parents to Jackson County, Alichigan. They subsequently moved to Kalamazoo, and afterwards to Detroit. In these portions of Michigan, most of his bo^-hood was passed, though he spent about two years at Ann Arbor, attending school. His father, while residing in Michigan, was engaged in commercial business, and was at one time quite largel}' in- terested in some of the Lake Superior copper mines. He was several times elected to the State Legislature, and in 1840 was Speaker of the House. APPENDIX. 53 William Henry received a commercial education, and was for some time engaged in mercantile pursuits. Pre- vious to coming to Minnesota, he spent about one vcar in the Lake Superior copper region. In the spring of 185-i he came to St. Paul, where he had a sister residing, the wife of Hon. Edmund Rice, and en- tered the law office of Rice, Hollinshead & Becker, where he remained about one year. He afterwards, for about two years, held the responsible position of book-keeper in the banking house of Marshall & Co. In the Spring of 1857, his father removed, with his fam- ih',to this city, where he still resides, honored and esteemed by all who know^ him, — was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the State Legislature in the fall of 1859, and re-elected in 1860, — took an active part in the legislation of both sessions, and was placed upon impor- tant committees, he has also been repeatedh' elected to other offices of trust and responsibility, which he always filled to the fullest approbation of his constituents. Young Acker early developed a decided taste for mili- tary life, atid devoted much of his leisure time to the study of works upon militarv science. In 1856 he took an active part in organizing the "Min- nesota Pioneer Guards," the first uniformed military company in Minnesota, and in the original "Agreement'^ to form this company, his name stands first on the list. At the first election for officers and non-commissioned offi- cers of the Company, he was elected Fourth Sergeant; he was subsequently elected a Lieutenant, and on the Thir- teenth day of Jul}', 1858, was unanimously elected Cap- tain. The estimation in which he was held by his comrades may be seen by the following Preamble and Resolution, which were unanimously- adopted and ordered to be placed 54 APPENDIX. upon the records of the Company, at a meeting held Sept. 1, 1858, for the purpose of participating in the "Atlantic Cable" celebration, which took place on that day: "Whereas, Our much esteemed commander, Capt. W. H. Acker, is prevented by severe illness from uniting with us in the celebration of the day, and from filling his accus- tomed place at our head, therefore. Resolved, by the members of the 'Minnesota Pioneer Guard,' That we regret the absence of one who has always manifested the deepest interest in the welfare of the Com- pany, and whose duties as commanding officer have always been most faithfully discharged; and that we sincerely sym- pathize with him in his present illness." On the Nineteenth day of March, 1860, Governor Alex- ander Ramsey, appreciating his military talent, commis- sioned him Adjutant General of the State. The routine duties of the office at that time were not very arduous, there being really no militia organizations in the State save four independent companies. There was however besides these companies a large list of high military titles,— com- manders without an}' men to command. Not content with this state of things, he set himself to the work of devising a plan b\' which the military arm of the State might be made available in case of need. To this end he endeavored to ex- cite a public interest in the matter; and his efforts in this behalf resulted in the formation of three independent com- panies during the year 1860, making seven in all in the State. One of these new companies, the "St. Anthony Zouaves," afterwards became the nucleus of Company "E" in the First Regiment Minnesota Volunteers. He also, in conjuction with the Military Committees of thetwo Houses of the Legislature, during the session for 1861, framed a Bill for an Act to organize and discipline the militia of this State, which, had it become a law, would have enabled him to organize the military forces of the State in such a man- APPENDIX. 55 ner as to have been available when the tocsin of war sounded so soon thereaftei-. But the Bill, though passing the Senate (by one majority), was suflcred to die in the House, b_v neglect. He was the warm personal friend and confidant of the immortal Col. Ellsworth. Being of like natures, thev were naturally drawn together. They visited each other when opportunity offered, and corresponded by letter. To him, Ellsworth cottfided his plans in regard to the formation of a grand "N.\tional Guard," composed of branch com- jianies in all parts of the Union, and forming together, one grand organization, ready at a moment's warning, to re- spond to the call of the Government, whenever its integritv might be threatened from any source. But this scheme, so grand in conception, and so noble in purpose, was prevented from being consummated by events which occured in the then immediate future. During the exciting political campaign of 1860, which resulted in the election to the presidencv of the now immor- tal Lincoln, he also took a prominent part, being Captain of the St. Paul Company of "Wide Awakes," — an organiza- tion, which, though not a militar}- one, yet had its militarv features. The opposite political party had a similar organ- ization called the "Little Giants." These two organiza- tions having their counterparts in nearly everv citv and town in the free States, at least, emliraced, [)ro1)abh' a large majorit}- of the young men therein, and had not a little to do in familiarizing them with military evolutions— little dreaming that in less than one year from that time the whole country would become avast parade ground for men in arms. Yet such was to be the case. Secession culminated in open war, by the bombard- ment of Fort Sumpter, at -i a. m., on the Twelfth of April, 1861. President Lincoln issued his proclamation, calling 56 APPENDIX. for 75,000 troops to put down the rebellion, on the Fif- teenth of that month. The Governor of Minnesota, Alex- ander Ramsey, who was in Washington at that time, was the first to tender to the Government a regiment of men to aid in subduing the insurgents. He immediately telegraph- ed that fact to the Lieut. Governor, Ignatius Donnelh', who, on the Sixteenth, issued a proclamation calling for volun- teers to make up that regiinent. This proclamation was accompanied by an order from Adjutant General Acker, giving the details as to the organization of the proposed Regiment, and stating that preference for ten da^'s would be given, in accepting companies offered, to the several Vol- unteer Militia companies already organized. Recruiting commenced immediately; and within ten DAYS FOURTEEN companies reported for muster-in; Adjutant General Acker having raised one of them. He afterwards, April 24th, resigned his commission as Adjutant General, and devoted his entire time to his Company. John R. San- born (afterwards general) , was appointed Acker's successor on the day Acker's resignation took effect (April 24), but his commission was apparently not made out until May. The ten companies which were accepted, were, on the Twenty- Seventh of April ordered to rendezvous on the Twenty- Eighth at Fort Snelling, which at that time was private property, but had been secured for the purpose. On the 29th, the Regiment was mustered into the service of the United States for three months, — that being the term re- quired by the call for troops, — his Company being "C." His commission was dated April 29, 1861. On or about the Fourth of May orders were received by Col. W. A. Gorman, commanding the Regiment, to detail six companies to go to the frontier forts, to relieve the reg- ular troops there stationed. The companies to move "as soon as fully equipped." APPENDIX. On the Seventh of May, 1861, the Governor received a dispatch from the Secretary of War, stating that the Gov- ernment preferred to have the Regiment mustered in for ''three rears, or during the war." On the Tenth of Ma\' Col. Gorman was ordered by the Governor to "muster into the service of the United States, without dela}-, for the term of three \-ears, or during the war, so many of the officers and privates" as were "willing to enlist for that length of time." On the 11th, the work of re-enlisting commenced at dress parade. But three hun- dred and fift\^ in the entire Regiment, declined to be so mustered in; and onlv about twenty-five of those were in Companv "C." On the Twenty-Fifth of May it was announced that all the companies were recruited to the maximum, with three- years men; and on the 29th, the "First Regiment Minne- sota Infantry Volunteers," was mustered into the service of the United States "for three years or during the war." The service of the three months men who re-enlisted, dated from their £rst muster-in. On the Twelfth of June, Companies "C" and "D" took up their line of March for Fort Abercrombie, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Stephen Miller. But when about twelve miles this side of St. Cloud, they were over- taken by a courier bearing the welcome order to return to Fort SneWing forthwith. They made the return march in two days! — a distance of over sixty miles. On arriving at the Fort, they found their hopes realized — the Regiment had been ordered to Washington. The order was issued on the 14-th, but, as several of the companies were at the frontier forts, or on their way to them, it re([uired several days to accomplish their return to Fort Snelling. On the Twenty-Second of June, 1861, the First Regiment, with the exception of Company "A," which had been sent 58 APPENDIX. to Fort Ripley, and not yet returned, embarked at Fort Snelling on the steamer "War Eagle" and "Northern Belle," en route to Washington, where it arrived at 1 a. m., on the 27th. The next day the Regiment -went into camp on Capi- tol Hill. On the morning of the Third of Juh' the Regiment broke camp in Washington, and in the afternoon of that day. en- camped on the "Sacred Soil" of Virginia, about half a mile back of Alexandria. But two or three of the companies had yet been dressed in regulation uniforms. For the most part they were still in red shirts as they were when the}- left the State, it being impossible to procure United States uni- forms. On the Twenty-First day of July, 1861, Capt. Acker, at the head of his Company, participated in the battle at "Bull Run," being among the foremost in the advance upon the enemy, and narrowlv escaping with his life. A buckshot struck the vizor of his cap, and glancing, grazed his fore- head over the right ej^e. Had the missile met no opposi- tion before it reached him, it must have taken his life. As it was, he fell insensible, but recovered consciousness soon after being taken up. The wound, though painful, was not ver\' serious, and he remained with the Regiment, one of the bravest of the brave "First Minnesota," who were among the last to leave that bloody field, marching awa}' with the regulars. Capt. Acker's gallantry at this battle was noticed and complimented, not only b\' his brother volunteer officers, but also b}' those of the regular army. On the famous retreat which followed the disasters of that day, the "First Minnesota" became divided, one part taking the road to Washington, and the other that to Alexandria. Capt. Acker was among the former, and finding himself the ranking officer, took command and led them into the city, arriving there after dark, and reported APPENDIX. 59 to his Colonel. No preparations had been made for their reception, of course, as their return so soon was not looked for, and it was some little time l)efore rations and quarters could be provided for them. Our delegation in Congress, however, together with other Minnesotians there, did the best they could for their comfort. Capt. Acker's gallantry' and militar}- ability' coming to the knowledge of President Lincoln, he on the 8th of Au- gust, 1S61, sent him a Captain's commission in the 16th United States Infantry, the commission dating back to Mav 4th. This was one of the new Regiments then reeenth' authorized b\' Congress. His Company in this Regiment was also "C." He was at once placed on recruiting service, and ordered to St. Paul. From here he was ordered to St. Peter, and from there to Watertown, Wis. He found the recruiting service irksome to him, and finally, after repeated requests, was permitted to join his Regiment, then stationed at Munfordville, K3'.. and at- tached to Gen. Rosseaus' Brigade, in Gen. McCook's Division. In Februar}^ 1862, Col. N. J. T. Dana, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, and in forming his staff, he tendered to Capt. Acker the position of Assistant Adjutant General. At first the proposition was favorably entertain- ed. The War Department, in order to prevent, to some ex- tent, at least, officers in the regular service from accepting positions upon Volunteer Generals' Staffs, and thus creat- ing a large number of temporary vacancies in that branch of the service, had issued an order requiring of regular army officers who wished to accept such positions, a pro- visional resignation of their commissions; the condition lieing, that in case such generals should from anj- cause be mustered out, their staff officers must go out of service 60 APPENDIX. with them. Capt. Acker was not wilHng to place him- self in any such contingency, and failing to get a suspen- sion of the order in his case, he finalh' declined the position. From this time, until his death, he was on dut}' with his Regiment, as, indeed, he had been from the time he first joined it, at Munfordville, some time in December previous, sharing the discomforts of camp life, and the dangers of skirmishing and picket duty, in that countr}^ and partici- patingin the long and tedious forced marches of Gen.Buell's army, over the horrible roads in Kentucky and Tennessee, at that season of the j'ear, to reinforce Gen. Grant at Pitts- burg Landing, or Shiloh, as it is frequently called. They arrived, or at least those of them who were not left ex- hausted on the route, at the opposite side of the river and about twelve miles below the landing, on the evening of the first day's fight, April 6, 1862. There the}- stood in the rain until about 4 a. m., of the 7th, when they embarked on steamboats for the scene of conflict Arriving there at about 6 a. m., they disembarked, and prepared to partici- pate in the bloody work of that memorable da3\ On that morning Capt. Acker dressed in full uniform, and when urged by a friend not to do so — to at least put on a private's -blouse, that he might not be so prominent a target, he re- plied, "No! If I am to die, I will die with my harness on!" And scarcely had the Regiment formed in line, and in -fact, while he was bringing his Company into position, a rebel sharpshooter, singling him out from among the rest, dis- charged his unerring rifle, loaded with death, the bullet piercing his forehead, near the place where he was wounded at "Bull Run," killing him almost instantly! Thus was one ofMinnesota's noblest citizens and soldiers cut down in the prime of life, and in the midst of usefulness, while defending his country against the armed hosts of the most unholy rebellion on record. Sealing his devotion to- APPENDIX. 61 her cause with his warm heart's blood, he died the glorious death of the true soldier — with his "harness on" and his face to the foe. " Loved — almost adored — by his Companj'," saj's one writing of that sad event, "Capt. Acker's fall, for a moment cast a deep shadow of gloom over his command; it was but for a moment. With a last look at their rlead commander, and with the w^atchword, ' this for our Captain,' volley after volley from their unerring guns carried death into the ranks of his inurderers. From that moment but one feeling seemed to possess his still living companions — that of revenge for the death of their Captain. How terribly they carried out that purpose, the heaps of rebel slain piled around the vicinity of his body fearfully attest." The St. Paul P/oneer of May 6, 1862, in an editorial, says : " No casualty of the war has caused more unaffected sorrow to the citizens of St. Paul than the death of Captain WiLLi.AM Henry Acker; and from the time the startling news was made public there has been a general desire to honor his memor}'." Ex-Governor \V. R. Marshall, at that time editor of the St. Paul Press, says of him : "We knew him well, having been associated in our daily avocations for two years. He was the soul of manliness and honor. It could be said of him, as of Bayard, with truth, that 'he was without fear and without reproach.' " The Jackson (Mich.) Citizen, in announcing his death, says: " He will be remembered by man}' of the young men of this cit}', cotemporary in age, as the bright and manly bo\' who was a classmate with them in our public schools; and from the prestige of his youthful mind and manner might be inferred that patriotic and martial manner of his riper years, prompting him to devote his life to the service of his country." 62 APPENDIX. Numerous letters of condolence were received b}'- his parents from brother officei'S and others. The following- extract is from one written by ex-Governor Stephen Miller, at that time Lieut. -Colonel of the "First Minnesota." The letter is dated April 25, 1862 : " I knew j-our son well ; was nigh him in his first engagement, and was favored with his confidence and friendship. And in a somewhat extensive acquaintance,! can truthfully say, that I have not known a purer citizen or braver soldier than William H. Acker. Though he has departed from us, the influence of his precious example still lives among us; and in the "Minnesota First," at least, his name will never be forgotten." A joint letter from Captains C. H. Lewis and Alex. H. Stanton, of the 16th United States Infantry (his regiment), bears similar evidence of his purity of character and gallan- try as a soldier. Probably but few, if any, young men in the service, had a brighter prospect for promotion upon m.erit, than did he. Energetic, brave and talented, he was one in whom St. Paul, and, indeed, the whole State, felt a just pride. And in his death the nation lost one of its most zealous defenders. His memory is embalmed in the hearts of all who knew him. He was buried on the battle field, near the Old Shiloh Church; but his remains were subsequently removed by his father, to this city, and deposited in Oakland Cemetery on the fourth of Maj- following. His funeral was probably the largest ever witnessed in St. Paul; the people assembled, almost en masse, to do honor to his memory. Being at the time of his death a member of "Ancient Landmark Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons," and also of the "Minnesota Royal Arch Chapter," his funeral obsequies were under their direction, and the solemn and impressive rites of that Order were fully observed. The city papers of that date contained a full account of the order of the procession, and other APPENDIX. 63 interesting particulars of the funeral. But this sketch having already exceeded the limit originally designed, a simple reference to the full report of the exercises upon that sorrowful occasion published in the newspapers at the time is all that can be inserted here. Among the many gallant young men of our city who gave their lives for their country during those four years of strife, no one is remembered by a large circle of friends with feelings of more sincere affection than Capt. Acker. His memor\^ yet lives amongst us, iinfaded in its freshness ; and after the lapse of years, men still delight to do him honor by recounting his nobility of character, his virtues and his gallantry. Well chosen, indeed, is the name we have adopted for the Post in this city, as it fitly bears down the rolling stream of time a name worthy of being brightl}' emblazoned on the historj' of our State — William Hexry Acker. 64 APPENDIX. [APPENDIX No. 2.] HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA, G. A. R. By Henry A. Castle, PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER. The story of the first steps taken toward the organiza- tion of the Grand Arm}' of the Republic in the State of Minnesota is told in the preliminary' chapter of the history of Acker Post, published herewith. That meeting of ex- soldiers held at the State Capitol, in the city of St. Paul, August 1st, 1866, was the genesis of an institution, which has ever since numbered many enthusiastic devotees of the sacred principles of Fraternity, Charity and Lo3'alty within the borders of our flourishing commonwealth. It is true that the meeting referred to merely established a Post, but that Post was the nucleus of a department The movement spread so rapidly that on October 16, 1866, onh' eleven weeks after the first Post was formed, a State Encampment, duK' convened, was held in Saint Paul. At this encampment there were present accredited delegates from seven Posts, reporting an aggregate of 319 members of the order in good standing. After proper deliberation on, and discussion of the needs of the fraternity, the encamp- APTENDIX. 65 meat unanimously elected General John B. Sanborn, of Saint Paul (who had already acted as provisional Commander, under authority of the National organization), Department "Commander, or "Grand Commander of the Department," as the office was then designated. The Department thus auspiciousl}' formed, showed every sign of prosperity. General Sanborn was thoroughly im- bued with the principles of the new order, and showed great zeal and energ}' in prosecuting the work of extension. But ver}'^ soon after his acceptance of this promotion, he was appointed by the President of the United States to a very responsible position on a commission for negotiating treaties with several hostile Indian tribes. His official duties called him from the cit}' and state, and his absence continued several 3'ears. There was then no provision for Vice-Commanders, hence there was no one charged with the task of continuing the work he was obliged to relinquish. Consequently the Department organization languished. Several Posts disbanded. Others were kept alive, and maintained regular meetings, but without any communica- tion with a central authority, or with each other. This interregnum lasted for several months, but was terminated August 14, 1867, when the Second annual encampment assembled at Minneapolis. This was brought about by correspondence instituted b}- Frank Daggett, Commander of Wabasha Post, and editor of the Wabasha Herald. He suggested the meeting. Delegates were chosen b}- several Posts in response to the suggestion, and by special authority of General S. A. Hurlbut, Commander-in- Chief. Seven Posts, reporting 208 members, were repre- sented at this encampment. Among the delegates were : Frank Daggett, H.G. Hicks, Wm.Lochren. Henry A. Castle, W^ F. iMorse, L. P. Plummer, Dr. Collins, and others after- ward actively connected with the order through all its 66 APPENDIX. changes. At this encampment, Frank Daggett, of Wabasha , was elected Department Commander, and thenceforward the department maintained a vigorous and a ver^- fruitful vitality for more than ten ^^ears. During this session, a long and historicalh' valuable letter from Adjutant-General B. F. Stephenson, the founder of the order, was presented, and transcribed in full in the minutes. I believe it has never been printed. A Charter of the Department was received soon after this encampment, signed by General Hurlbut as Com- mander-in-Chief, and Dr. Stephenson as Adjutant-General. It was carefully preserved, and was highly prized by all the comrades, but has now disappeared from Department head- quarters — it Wcis, however, never surrendered, and in equity, if not in technical formality, is the Charter under which we are now working. According to my recollection, it specially dated the organization back to August 1, 1866. If that is the case, we are really entitled to take rank among the senior Departments, instead of marching far in the rear, as we are now forced to do, owingto subsequent blunders and mismanagemen t. The Third annual encampment was held at Minneapolis, January 3, 1868, at which Henry G. Hicks, of Minneapolis, was elected Department Commander. Fifteen Posts were represented, reporting 336 comrades in good standing. At this meeting the first steps were taken tow^ard establish- ing the State Soldiers' Orphans' Home. The Department of Minnesota was duly represented at the National Encamp- ment for 1868, held in Philadelphia, at which General John A. Logan was first elected Commander-in-Chief On July 4, 1868, a monster " Grand Army Celebration" was held at Owatonna, Minnesota, in connection with the semi-annual Department encampment. Commander Hicks presided ; Major John C.Hamilton was grand marshal, and Henry A. APPENDIX. 67 Castle delivered the oration, entitled "The Problem of American Destin3\" Large delegations of ex-soldiers were present, from all parts of the State. The Fourth annual encampment was held at Winona, January 26, 1869, and was an occasion of much public interest, by reason of its enthusiasm and its oratorical and literary exercises. There were delegates from fourteen Posts, representing 4-23 members. General J. W. Sprague, an Ohio soldier of distinguished record in the Army of the Tennessee, then residing at Winona, was elected Depart- ment Commander. The Fifth annual encampment assembled at Minneapolis. January 6. 1870, and elected Major Jno. C. Hamilton, of Rochester, Department Commander. Nineteen Posts, con- taining -t30 members, were reported. At this meeting the pledge was made which resulted in the formation of Acker Post at Saint Paul, as recorded in comrade Chaney's sketch. At the Sixth annual encampment, held in Rochester, January' 24, 1871, Comrade Hamilton was re-elected Com- mander. Fourteen Posts, with 486 active members, were reported. Imjjosing public exercises — the first of the " camp fires" — were held at Heane^-'s hall in the evening, attended by over 1,000 people. On January 16, 1872, the Seventh annual encampment convened in St. Paul, its delegates being, for the second time, the welcome and honored guests of Acker Post. There were Fifteen Posts, numbering 481 members, represented. Henry A. Castle of Saint Paul, was elected Department Commander. At this period the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, the direct result of Grand Army agitation, and the first State ward of the Department was in full operation. It was located at Winona, reared and educated two hundred soldiers' orphans, and ^vas managed for about fourteen 3'ears, by boards of trustees appointed by successive Gov-- 68 APPENDIX. €raors, and consisting of G. A. R. men, including comrades Hicks, Gould, Barton, West, Castle, Barber, Flower, Van Cleve and others. It was a noble beneficence, worthily bestowed and conscientiously administered. We were represented in the National encampment for 1872, held in Cleveland, Ohio, and were vigorous enough to make a good fight for our comrade H. G. Hicks, for Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, against General Keifer of Ohio, who was elected. The Adjutant General's report to this encampment shows that many Departments were "in a disordered and dormant state, making no reports to National headquarters." Among these Departments are mentioned Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kansas and Iowa, now allowed to rank us because w^e afterwards lay "dor- mant" for a short time. But the Inspector General, Robert B. Beath, reports to that same encampment : " Minnesota has Seventeen Posts; only one reported in bad condition. The Department is in excellent condition. The books and reports in good shape. Prospects very promising. Relief funds of Seven Posts, $800." The Eighth annual encampment, held in Saint Paul, Jan- uary 22,1873, re-elected Comrade Castle Department Com- mander. There were Seventeen Posts and 520 members. At the Ninth annual encampment, held in Minneapolis, January 21, 1874, Comrade Castle was for a third time elected Commander — the only case in the annals of the Department. Eighteen Posts were reported, with 526 members. Comrade Cushman K. Davis, then Governor of the State, was given an ovation at the splendid banquet at the Nicollet House in the evening, where he delivered an eloqueat address. During this year, large donations of food, clothing and money were sent forward through the Department Commander to destitute comrades in the "grasshopper" regions. APPENDIX. 09 The Tenth annual encampment was held in Saint Paul. January 27, 1875. D. \V. Albaugh was elected Commander. Eighteen Posts were represented, reporting 535 members. At the National Encampment held in Chicago in 1875, General Chas. C. Devens, Commander-in-Chief, the Depart- ment of Minnesota was represented by seven delegates, present in person. The report of the Adjutant General (see official proceedings, page 23) says : " Minnesota has made a gain in the number of comrades which is creditable to the Department and Post officers. Four of the Posts are in the district overrun b\' grasshoppers, but the liberal aid re- ceived from their brethren will inspire them with greater faith in the fraternit\' of the G. A. R. Minnesota is all right I" These references are made to show that during the gloomiest years of the G. A. R., the Department of Min- nesota was constantly alive, and was so recognized. For the cloud which arose later, the men who carried the order through these trying days are not responsible. The Eleventh annual encampment, held in Minneapolis Januar\' 26, 1876, elected Col. Geo. H.Johnston of Detroit, Department Commander. It was composed of delegates from Fifteen Posts, representing 555 members. Commander Johnston established Department headquarters in Saint Paul. On January 25, 1877, the Twelfth annual encampment met in Stillwater. Comrade D. B. Loomis, of Stillwater, was made Commander. It was in the midst of the fever heat of the Ha^'cs-Tilden Electoral Commission excitement, which reminded the veterans forcibly of the days preceding the Rebellion. But politics was tabooed, and visitors enjoyed to the full the proverbial hospitality of Stillwater's tireless citizens. Ten Posts, with 445 members were re- ported — the decadence had begvm. 70 APPENDIX. The Thirteenth annual encampment assembled at Still- water January 28, 1878. Eight Posts reported, with 377 comrades in good standing. William Willson, of Shakopee, was elected Department Commander. The Fourteenth annual encampment was held at Shak- opee, January 21, 1879. Eight Posts made reports, showing 275 members. Only three or four, however, sent delegates to the encampment. Comrade C. A. Bennett of Stillwater, was elected Department Commander. Comrade Bennett failed to issue an order for the assem- blage of a Department Encampment in 1880. Five Posts maintained their organizations, sent their reports and per capita tax to the Department headquarters, and were ready to respond to a call to Department encampment. But no call came. This caused the "lapse" which broke the technical continuity of events, and formed the pretext for a new "provisional" organization. In May, 1881, a move- ment was inaugurated in Mueller Post at Stillwater to revive the Department. Department Commander Bennett lived in Stillwater, and was a member of that Post. There were four other live Posts in Minnesota, which had reg- ularly paid their dues to the A. Q. M. (myself), who after- wards turned the money over to the "new" Department, by special authority from National headquarters. But instead of securing an order from Commander Bennett con- vening an encampment of delegates from these Posts, to put the machinery again in motion, it was decided to forget the glorious past, ignore the present, and have Comrade Adam Marty, also of Stillwater, appointed provisional Commander, beginning all anew. Under this authority the (Fifteenth) annual encampment assembled at Stillwater, August 17, 1881, with Adam Martvas Commander. Seven Posts were represented, with 248 members. APPENDIX. Janvian^ 18, 1882, the Sixteenth annual encampment (how claimed to be the first!) and assembled at Minne- apolis, re-elected Adam Marty Commander. Nine Posts were reported, containing 278 members. The Seventeenth annual encampment ( for I never have recognized, and never will recognize the justice or policv of establishing a new numerical order) met in Saint Panl, January 19, 1883, and elected Comrade John P. Rea, of Minneapolis, Department Commander. Sixteen Posts were reported wnth an aggregate of 7-45 members. From this point dates a marvelous grow^thand a permanent ])ros- perity of the Grand Army of the Republic in Minnesota. It has been thenceforward, both a pleasant and a popular thing to be affiliated with the order. The days of its re- proach were ended. Complete records of the growth of the Department, and the interesting incidents of its encamp- ments are embodied in the annual proceedings, which are easily attainable. Only the briefest outline is necessarvhere. The Eighteenth annual encampment met January 17, 1884, at Stillwater. E. C. Babb of Minneapolis was elected Commander. The reports showed Sixty-two Posts and 2,317 members. The Nineteenth annual encampment was held at Man- kato, January 28, 188v5. R. A. Becker of Saint Paul was elected Commander. There were One Hundred and Fifteen Posts and 5,611 members — the cause having received a powerful impetus from the session of the National En- campment in Minneapolis during the preceding year. The Twentieth annual encampment was held February 10, 1886, at Fairljaidt. Wm. Thomas of Mankato was elected Commander. There were One Hundred and Thirtv-hve Posts and 6,672 members. At this meeting the first steps were taken for the establishment of the Minnesota Soldiers' Home, an institution of whicheverycomradeis justly proud. 72 APPENDIX. The Twenty-first annual encampment was held at Saint Paul, February 9, 1887. L. L. Wheelock of Owatonna was elected Commander. There were One Hundred and Fift\'- Eight Posts and 7,304' members. The Twenty-second annual encampment was held at Minneapolis, Febuary 23, 1888. James H. Ege of Minne- apolis was elected Commander. There were One Hundred and Sixty-Three Posts wdth 7,648 members. The Twenty-third annual encampment was held at Saint Paul, January 23, 1889. A. Barto of Sauk Centre was elected Commander. There were One Hundred and Sixty-Five Posts and 8,245 members. The Twenty-fourth annual encampment was held at Alinneapolis, March 19-20-21, 1890. James Compton of Fergus Falls was elected Commander. There were One Hundred and Eighty-Five Posts and 8,201 members. The Twent3'-fifth annual encampment was held at Saint Paul, February 17-18-19, 1891. Charles D. Parker of Saint Paul was elected Department Commander. There were One Hundred and Eighty-Five Posts , and 8,201 members. The Twenty-sixth annual encampment was held at Min- neapolis, February 17-18-19, 1892. L. M. Lange of Mar- shall was elected Department Commander. There were One Hundred and Eighty-Seven Posts and 8,343 members. This is a ver}' brief record of the Department organiza- tion from the beginning to the present time. If its full his- tor}' could be written, there would be embraced a chronicle of unselfish devotion, and a narrative of honorable deeds, which would prove beyond question tliat the survivors of the war have honestly striven to perpetuate the principles for which they fought and suftered. APPENDIX. [APPENDIX No. 3.] HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE G. A. R. ICO.MPIl-KD FKO.M OFTICIAL SOURCES.] The Grand Army of the Republic was organized April 6, 1866, in Decatur, the county seat of Macon County, Illinois. Its originator \Yas Dr. Benjamin F.Stephenson, a physician of Springfield, Illinois, \Yho had served during the war as surgeon of the 14th Illinois Infantry. He had spent many weeks in study and plans so that the order might be one that would meet with thegeneral approval of the surviving comrades of the war, and thus insure their hearty co-opera- tion. He made a draft of a ritual, and sent it b}' Captain John S. Phelps to Decatur, where two veterans, Messrs. Coltrin and Prior, had a printing office. These gentlemen, with their cmj)loyees, who had been in the service, were first obligated to secrecy, and the ritual was then placed in type in their office. The formation of a Post was under way in Springfield, but not being ready for muster, Dr. Stephenson, accompanied by several comrades, proceeded to Decatur, and, as stated, on April 6, 1866, mustered Post No. 1. with General Isaac C. Pugh as Post Commander, and Cajitain Kanan as Adju- tant. The latter gave material aid to Dr. SLe])henson in the work of organizing other Posts, and Dr. ]. W . Routh 74 APPENDIX. served as chairman of a committee to revise the ritual. The title, "THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, U. S.," was formally adopted that night. A Department Convention was held at Springfield, 111., JuU' 12, 1866, and adopted resolutions declaring the objects oftheG. A. R. General John M. Palmer was elected the first Department Commander. The first National Convention was held at Indianapolis, Ind., November 20, 1866. There were present repi-esenta- tives from Posts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ken- tucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. General Palmer presided. General Stephen A. Hurlbut of Illinois, was elected Com- mander-in-Chief; General Thomas B.McKean of New York, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief; General Nathan Kimball of Indiana, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief; and Dr. Steph- enson, Adjutant General. The objects of the order cannot be more briefl}- stated than from the articles and regulations. 1. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind together the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who united to suj^press the late Rebellion, and to perpetuate the memor}- and history of the dead. 2. 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. 3. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America, based upon a paramount respect for, and fidelity to its Constitution and Laws, to discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalt}-, incites to insurrection, treason or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and per- manencv of our free institutions; and to encourage the spread of universal libertv, ef|ual rights, and justice to all men. ArPENDIX. 75 -t. Defines the qualifications of members in the following terms: Soldiers and Sailors of the United States Arm\', Nav\' or Marine Corps who served between April 12, 1861, and April 29, 1S65, in the war for the suppression of the Rebellion, and those having been honorablv discharged therefrom after such service, and of such State regiments as were called into active service and subject to the orders of United States general officers, between the dates men- tioned, shall be eligible to membership in the Grand Armv of the Republic. Xo person shall be eligible who has at any time borne arms against the United States. The second National Encampment was held in Indepen- dence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa., January' 15, 1868. In ad- dition to the departments represented at the first encamp- ment, there were representatives from Maine, New Hamp- shire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jerse}-, AIar\dand, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee and Louisiana. In all there were twenty-one Departments. The organization had become national in its scope, and it was clearly foreseen, would before long include all the States and Territories. General John A. Logan of Illinois, was elected Commit nder-in-Chief. That which tended most to attract public attention to the organization was the issuance of the order of General Logan earh- in his administration, in 1868, directing the observance of May 30th, as Memorial Day. The third National Encampment assembled in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 12, 1869, at which General Logan was re- ■elected Commander-in-Chief, (jeneral Lucius Fairchild of Wisconsin, was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief; and General Joseph R. Hawle3- re-elected Junior Vice Com- mander-in-Chief. Thcfourth annual encampment assembled May 11, 1870, in Washinorton citv. General Logan was re-elected Com- 76 APPENDIX. mander-in-Chief; General Hawley was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and General Louis Wagner of Penn- sylvania, was elected Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. The fifth encampment was held at Boston, May 10, 1871, at which the system of grades, adopted in 1869, was abol- ished. General Ambrose E. Burnside of Rhode Island, was elected Commander-in-Chief; General Wagner, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Colonel James Coe}' of California, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief The sixth encampment was held at Cleveland, Ohio, May 8, 1872, where General Burnside was re-elected Com- mander-in-Chief, and General Wagner Senior Vice Com- mander-in-Chief; General J. Warren Keifer of Ohio, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. At this encampment a resolu- tion was adopted requesting that services appropriate to the occasion should be held in the churches and all other places of worship throughout the country-, on the Sabbath preceding each Memorial Day. The seventh encampment was held at New Haven, Con- necticut, May 14, 1873. General Charles Devens of Massa- chusetts, was elected Commander-in-Chief, Dr. John R. Goble of New Jersey, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Colonel Edward Ferguson of Wisconsin, Junior Vice Com- mander-in-Chief. At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the place of the eighth en- campment, General Charles Devens was re-elected Com- mander-in-Chief; General Edward Jardine of New York, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Guy T. Gould of Illinois, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Chicago, May 12, 1875, was the place of the ninth en- campment. General John P. Hartranft of Pennsylvania, w^as elected Commander-in-Chief; General Joseph S. Rey- nolds of Illinois, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Charles T. Buckbee of Connecticut, Junior Vice Command- er-in-Chief APPENDIX. 77 The tenth encampment, which, up to that time, was the largest session, assembled at Philadelphia, June 30, 1876, and lasted until the evening of July 5th. The officers of the previous j'car were all re-elected. The eleventh encampment was at Providence, Rhode Island, June 26,1877. General John C. Robinson of New York, was elected Commander-in-Chief; General Elisha N. Rhodes of Rhode Island, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and William Earnshaw of Ohio, Junior Vice Commander-in Chief. The twelfth encampment was held at Springfield, Mas- sachusetts, commencing June 4, 1878. General Robinson was re-elected Commander-in-Chief; Paul Van Der Voort of Nebraska, was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Herbert E. Hill of Massachusetts, Junior Vice Com- mander-in-Chief. The thirteenth encampment convened at Albany-, New York, June 17, 1879. William Earnshaw was elected Com- mander-in-Chief; John Palmer of New York, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Harrison Dingman of Washing- ton cit3% Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. The fourteenth encampment was held at the Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio, June 8, 1880. General Louis Wagner was elected Commander-in-Chief; General Edgar D. Swain of Illinois, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Colonel George Bowers of New Hampshire, Junior Vice Command- er-in-Chief. The fifteenth encampment, June 15, 1881, was held at Indianapolis, Indiana, the place where the first was held. Mayor Geo. S. Merrill of Massachusetts, was elected Com- mander-in-Chief; General Charles L. Young of Ohio, Senior, Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Major C. V. R. Pontl of Michigan, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. 78 APPENDIX. The sixteenth encampment was held at Baltimore, Md. June 16, 1882. It was made a national affair, by the pro- cession being reviewed by President Arthur and General Sherman, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, who came from Washington for that purpose. Paul Van Der Voort was elected Commander-in-Chief; General W. E. \Y. Ross of Mar^dand, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and General I. S. Bangs of Maine, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. It was at this encampment that the movement of the Woman's Relief Corps was inaugurated. The seventeenth encampment was held at Denver, Colo., commencing July 23, 1883. The legislature of Colorado appropriated $21,000 for the purpose. This was the first appropriation to the order, made by any State. The resi- dents of the city made liberal contributions for the recep- tion of the veterans. Colonel Robert B. Beath of Pennsyl- vania, was elected Commander-in-Chief; Major Wm. War- ner of Missouri, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Major Walter H. Holmes of California, Junior Vice Com- mander-in-Chief. The next encampment, the eighteenth, assembled at Min- neapolis, Minnesota, Jul}' 23, 1884. Minnesota also made an appropriation for the entertainment of the delegates to the Grand Army encampment, and this was increased by a liberal subscription from the citizens of the town. John S. Kountz of Ohio, known as the "Drummer Boy of Mission Ridge," was elected Commander-in-Chief; Capt. J. P. Rea, of Minnesota, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Colonel Ira E. Hicks of Connecticut, Junior Vice Commander-in- Chief The nineteenth encampment assembled at Portland, \le., June 24, 1885. The State appropriated $10,000 towards the expenses of the encampment. The city government ap- propriated $5,000, and the citizens of the place contributed APPENDIX. 79 an equal amount. The number ot veterans present was over thirty thousand. Samuel S. Burdett of Washington eity, was elected Commander-in-Chief; Seldon Connor ex-Gov- erner of Maine, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and John R. Lewis of Georgia, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. The twentieth encampment was held in San Francisco, California. It commenced July 2, 1886, and the proceed- ings, excursions, etc., were of a most interesting nature. General Lucius Fairchild of Wisconsin, was elected Com- mander-in-Chief. The twenty-first encampment was held in St. Louis, Mo., in September, 1887. Judge John P. Rea of Minnesota, was elected Commander-in-Chief. The twenty-second encampment was held at Colum])us, Ohio, in September, 1888. William Warner of Alissouri, was elected Commander-in-Chief. The twenty-third encampment was held at Milwaukee, Wis., August, 1889, and General Russell A. Alger of Michi- gan was elected Commander-in-Chief. The twenty-fourth encampment was held in Boston,^ Mass., August, 1890, and General W. G. Veazie of Vermont, was elected Commander-in-Chief. The twenty-fifth encampment was held in Detroit, Mich., August, 1891. It was the "silver anniversary" of the order which made the occasion one of special interest and im- portance. John Palmer of New York, was elected Com- mander-in-Chief. ERRATA. In sixth line from bottom of page 20, giving location of the "Wigwam," read south-w^st instead of aorth-west corner. D. L KINGSBURY ■^r^: '*" ' X:?;*^*^ '^ ''...^.St^%^ im LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 012 161 859 A