Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
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Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County Local History & Genealogy Division 115 South Avenue Rochester, New York 14604
Reference Book Not for Circulation Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
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"/ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
\Cutting Cake of Full Century
Civil i James A. Hard (right), Rochester's only surviving ' War veteran, cut his 100th birthday cake with Comrade Henry Lilly, of Gates, looking on as 100 candles flickered.
GAR Veteran Feted on End Of His First Hundred Years
James A. Hard, one of Monroe County's five remaining' Civil War veterans, last night completed 100 years of life by; taking in stride a celebration in his honor. The veteran, surrounded in the Hotel Seneca ballroom byC four generations of his family, and Greeted by Officials than 300 members of vet more . i Greeting him were representa- erans' twirled his organizations, tlves of many organizations, Roch- 1 and smiled as he heard hirn- cane ester's mayor, Samuel B. Dicker, His home iteod by speakers. and Councilmen John Hart and Rosalind St. is at 31 Joseph E. Silverstein. Here for and bent now, "Comrads" Slight the celebration also were members admitted at the close of the Hard of General Sniper Post, Sons of he was "a wee bit ceremonies Union Veterans, of Syracuse, led tired." But that have been may by Captain William Nielson. from attendance at a picnic in Edwin Morris, new state com Mendon Ponds Park Monday. mander of the GAR, wired con Great-Grandson Wires gratulations. His only regret was that his Besides serving as a birthday James Ekston, who great-grandson, party for the aged Civil War vet has accompanied him on past GAR erans, the event also served as a events, couldn't be here for the family reunion. Besides Mrs. birthday party, culminating with Albeit Wilson, with whom Comrade of a cake surrounded by cutting Hard makes his home, and his 100 candles. The great-grandson, granddaughter, Mis. Ekston, an in service at Camp Claiborne, La., other granddaughter, Mrs. Vera sent a telegram that gladden=d Fete Nelan, Victor; a grandson, Earl Birthday his heart. "That was fine of Jim," he remarked to his granddaughter, Slated Vet and two for Mrs. Lola Ekston, the youth'3 Osborn, Buffalo, great-l mother. grandsons were present. Five other, 103 Years Seated at the speaker's table great-grandchildren wcie unable tu< with Hard were two of the five attend. James A. Hard, 31 Rosalind remaining Boys in Blue in Monroe Edward G. Hartel, a past presi-' St., Rochester's Civil County, Henry Lilly W' Gates and dent of the Abraham Lincoln Asso-v only living War will be feted Sat Frank Bissel of Scottsville. ciation, presided at the celebra- 1 veteran, night in Hotel Seneca on Gifts, mainly cigars, which Hard tion, and Charles H. Rohrer, urday his 103d birthday. "chain" smokes, came from every newly-elected commander of Span-is The Is under sponsorship veterans' organization in the ish War Veterans, was chairmanS party of the Monroe County Council, county. The cake was the gift of of arrangements. Sons of Union Veterans of the thj Abraham Lincoln Association, ( Civil War. Feature of the affair sponsor of the party, as were 100 will be the presentation to Mr. roses. And a flagstaff, with an Hard of a birthday cake bearing eagle top, came from the Monroe 103 candles. Mr. Hard lives with County Council, Sons of Union hlH Mrs. Alberta WU- Veterans. daughter, 1-1 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
.- ...... _ I 703 Candles Wait Last 'Boy in Blue' ex considers these days much too I indicates that he'll be glad for I THERE'LL be no contemporaries aboutt * out to time thinking ] to wish him well, but James A.I any help he can get in blowing citing spend candles Hard, Rochester's only living Civil the five soor'e and three the past, anyhow. J j that on the birthday cake in! 'War veteran, can expect a lot of: huge He's particularly Interested to him. two I enthusiastic help from succeeding, will be presented careers of his J de the military generations in blowing out his 103 1 Although he has no particular who are carryingl J it'll great-grandsons sire to dance himself, he thinks in which het (birthday candles Saturday night. on the fight for liberty the i I be a lot of fun to watch young- According to his daughter, Mrs. took part so many years ago. of the music Alberta with whom lives [ er folk take advantage war to I I Wilson, he Although he hopes for the will be at the party, 'at 31 Rosalind, Hard is quite ex- I that provided with a end soon, he speaks great* forward to the he says- looking pub- I _, about the members his most birthday Jcitedly of Civil War deal of pride Among prized lie is ar- I With his last buddy reception that being as well as the otherl was a letter from Gov. j no of his family greetings In l laid to rest last year, Hard J ranged for him Saturday days who are taking part inp him rJminiwine voubk boys Thomas E. Dewey advising (Hotel Seneca the Monroe of of by the JU1.. They're true sons that "On behalf of the people Council. Sons of Union Vet County LruTth^eolddSda^VhThne1SsCaysg I he New York I can assure you that his any, for he America, says. erans of the Civil War, He also doesn't cramp style sac your splendid record and the rifices you made for the preserva TW .Union 111! 11 ICM/I' tion of our country are warmly cherished and appreciated." The letter was read to the party by Edward G. Bartell, president of the Abraham Lincoln Association, who was master of ceremonies. As the red, white and blue garbed birthday gifts piled up and over flowed the top of the piano, Hard beamed in appreciation and seemed He was to grow 10 years younger. already looking forward to today when he would sit down with scis sors and notebook and open them. of He insists on complete records all presents he receives. Favorite gift of the former Union soldier is cigars. Last year he received 2,000 of them, but the supply didn't quite hold out until this birthday. Although the smokes remained uncounted last night, they looked like a bumper crop. One of the high spots of the enter tainment, in the opinion of the veteran, was the singing of "Tent ing. Tonight on the Old Camp Ground" by Mrs. June Green Gad- gel, a yearly ritual at his birthday parties. Retains Sense of Humor Retaining his sense of humor as he forges into his second century, Hard last night had ready answers for all occasions. When the presi dent of a veteran auxiliary said: "We hope we'll all meet you here again next year," he replied: "I'll try and be here." Hard keeps well posted on the news by listening to
the radio, and spends much time I telephoning and catching up on his j correspondence by dictating to granddaughter, Mrs. Carl Eksten of | East Henrietta. He lives with daughter, Mrs. Alberta Wilson, 31 J Rosalind St. Hard has two great-grandsons ln| this war; Sgt. James Eksten of I Henrietta, who spent 28 months1 | with the Medical Corps in the "IT'S THE SAME OLD FLAG, EH PARD?' D.&C. JUL 16 Mediterranean war theater and lsl 1944' . now stationed in South Carolina,) home about for an i of James A. one Monroe ij Here's something to write Hard, remaining ; and Cpl. Donald Nelan of Victorj from Gene Pow- Civil War veteran, who was given apprentice seaman Queens, County , awaiting shipment overseas with! lit the last in honor of his 103d birthday i ell, V-12 student, who birthday cigar | party night the Army Air Forces. Son of Pioneers prevented "Him | Failing eyesight The late Frank Bissell of Scotts* 'from seeing most of his well-wish ! ville, who last year was one of two but Hard shook hands vigor Monroe's Lone '61 Veteran ers, Civil War veterans in the and took county] with each one j' ously died 16 at the of 96. all the ladies Aug. age HeV pleasure in kissing ! had escorted Hard to his place of Feted on His 103rd who paid their respects. Not the Birthday honor at his 102nd I least of his admirers were three birthday party. Born who in Victor, Hard was the son ; Civil War veteran James A. Hard sat, cane in hand, in i grammar school age children of a Western New York a pioneer,! chair in Hotel Seneca last the first to arriv< arrived at the party with group I rocking night Alanson Pratt Hard and a Roch of entertainers. The youngsters his own 103rd party. ester native, Martha Frost [at birthday gazed at Hard from afar and asked Hard.lj wait to his said. "He's In His father drove stage coach from ''He couldn't get here," daughter many times if he was "really" || Rochester to Mt. Morris been as excited as a little boy." X~y, the Civil War. They were inspired and Canan- I daigua before 1835. Hard i The cigar-smoking warrior, only! with awe when they were allowed fought |j the Civil War remaining Civil War veteran in to shake* Tiands with the celebrity iin battles of Bull'! BMonroe County, was greeted by] jj and receive a grandfatherly Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- kiss^ fcearly 100 old friends and repre- ville, South Mountain and Antietam. I1 pentatives of veteran organizations j I He is one of 19 veterans of the J tt the party, which was sponsored 5*1 Z war between the States remaining j w h Snn. nf Union Veterans. I in New York State. He maintains, | "I feel fine, am in perfect health, rything, and sleep like a Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
jvii War Vet, 1 03, Sees Japs Whipped by June of 1 946, Predicted Germany's Fall Within 23 Days of Actual Date Comrade James Hard Would Divide Reich Closest in Poll on Into Little States European War To Keep Peace Chancellorsville and Fredericks ARCH MERRILL By burg, before he was transferred 1<> will be licked the Transportation Division. "JAPAN by Thrice he shook Abraham IJn- J June of 194(1." coln's hand. He recalls the War ' Don"t dismiss that prophecy President, "with a high hat and on too lightly. For it conies from horseback," reviewing 20,000 troops at Bailey's Crossroads, near Wash one who has seen the beginning "Lincoln's were so ington. legs long , and the end of more wars than they almost touched the ground. He I any other living Rochesterian. should have had a higher horse." In 1937 he revisited the field of And the man who, after careful reflection, uttered the prediction, Antietam. The next year he was the of has established himself as consid at reunion the Blue and at erable of a V-E Day prophet. Gray Gettysburg. He is James A. Hard, Western That same year he took his first New York's last surviving veteran airplane flight. of the Civil War, who will be 104 What a wealth of memories be to this remarkable old man! years old on July 15. longs -X- # # "RACK in March, 1944, I asked 20 "How many comrades of the Grand are left in the well known Rochesterians this Army state, Mr. Hard?" question: The old soldier indicated a let 'When, in your opinion, will the terhead on the table. It was that war in Europe end?" of "the New York Slate Depart- - The answers ranged from an ineiit of the Grand of the ultra optimistic July 1, 1944, to an Army Republic." It listed the officers. overly pessimistic Jan. 1, 1947. There were more offices Ihau there The list of those interrogated was were veteran* left to nil them. rather an imposing one. It con Some bad to fill two It was tained the names of the city's posts. a pathetic mayor, a councilman, several other thlug. For ln the whole public officials, the directors of the department, there remain six old, old city's Library, Museum and School only men, j of all the legions that answered of Music, a priest, a judge, several Lincoln's call to arms. lawyers, two former Congressmen, James A. last Civil War vet 103-year-old Hard, surviving' Comrade Hard thinks he is the the veterans of four wars and other here, is shown the Arch Merrill-authored book he oldest. He is the GAR mem civic leaders. reading- only as for in V-E. ber led in Western New VmU. The one who came the nearest received prize being closest Day "guessing' The others live in the eastern In f,fr actual V-E Day was James contest." Insets show Hard at the age of 20, left, and at 42. pail of the state. A. Hard, who, over the telephone In the entire a firm nation, according In March, 1944, said in voice: the last Boy In Blue, not merely across thousands of miles" he said to a 1945." survey made ln "June 1, a man whose great age alone sets Hard has followed the fortunes February, the date within 23 there are only 274 names on the He hit days. him apart. of this war with the keenest in rolls As knows, official V-E of the Grand Army and everybody He was much, much more than terest. His great granson, Jamei was 8. probably some of them have an Day May that. He personified 10S years of Ecksten of Henrietta whom Roch The in the swered the last. call since than. runner-up guessing the life of the Republic, the epic esterians will remember as the contest, (and Comrade Hard him In the lust five years he has of America's burgeoning from a young escort of the veteran at "It was a heard taps sounded over the graves self admits, only gues3") new land to re raw, the greatest peacetime patriotic gatherings, of Was Federal Judpe Harold P. his Monroe County com power on earth. cently was honorably discharged Burke, who Mar. 15 as rades Joseph Bauer, Lilly, picked * -X- * after long service in North Africa Henry THE DAY. John A. Roe, Frank Bissell, Frank \Vhen James A. Hard was born and Italy. A grandson, Earl Os Van Alstyne. in Victor on there borne of served in World other I called at 31 July 15, 1841, Buffalo, THE day He is the last of a gallant com were only 26 stars in the flag. War I and for eight months in Rosalind St. on the southwejt- pany. was the last state that war. Michigan this ern rim of the city, where for * * * had been admitted to the Union. When all the "old soldiers" of the -_ years Comrade Hard has made hi? "JWERY single store front on John Tyler was president and the they have a home with his daughter, Mrs. Al family get together, Main Street has changed since slavery isue was agitating the Con lot to talk about. I berta Wilson. came to Rochester 6S yetire a no. People were humming a new * -x- * Mrs. Wilson ushered me upstairs gress. Everything is changed." "Kathleeu and lilting Irish tune, "So we the chorus, and pointed to a door, saying: sang Where he now lives was a farm Mavourneen." "He's in there. Walk right in. from Atlanta to the sea, on the outskirts of the town. It Indians and buffalo roamed the While we were He's always glad to see people." marching through 1880 Rochester had a population of I plains of the Wild West. Only a Somehow, a feeling of awe came Georgia," only 89,000. of few hundred souls dwelt in Cali "Where were Mr. Hard, over me. I was In the presence you, Hard worked for a time fornia, some of them beside Sut when heard of Lee's surrender History. It was like seeing the you trade of carpenter on the Pi ter's Creek and its yet undiscov in 1865?" Liberty Bell; the original copy of vania Railroad between Ri ered gold. "I was at Atlanta with the rail and the Constitution under glass in the Olean. Then he went in Rochester, only seven years an road corps of Sherman's Army. We l: Congressional Library; the lantern contracting business for incorporated city, had but 20,000 maintained the transportation and and built houses in the that hung in the tower of Boston's many grow inhabitants and that year estab lines for the inarch to the the that supply ing city. For 35 years he was I old North Church night lished its first free school on the sea." with offices Paul Revere rode; the portentous pension attorney ks site of tne present Education The veteran does not remember the old Reynolds Arcade. marble figure of Abraham Lincoln Building in Fitzhugh Street. much about the War with Mexico. He served as national con- beside the Potomac; the first cov Only four years before, the first When that conflict came in 1846, mander of the Union Vel cross the Rockies. ered wagon to rumbled over the clumsy train had he was only live years old. He does Union, a now extinct organization There was formidable Ton.n- nothing track's of the Rochester & recall a veteran of that war who, that was once a rival of the about the trim and gallant old wanda Railroad from the Flour through his pension of $12 a month, He has been state commander of ln the chair that faced figure easy City to Batavia. was able to spend most of his time R, Many honors ha\< southern windows whence the the X- -X- # of a hotel in to him. sunshine CINCE then James Hard has seen bright afternoon poured Windsor, Broome County. Young And he reminded me with e I one of the few sun ln. (It was the coming of the telegraph, Jim Hard at the time thought that touch of pride: "I'm to be m current so-called shiny days of the the telephone, electricity, paved was "a mighty fine thing." of the Memorial Day Parade again the the ISpring.) roads, automobile, airplane He was running a saw mill at this year, you know." The man, on whose square shoul and the radio. Jordan in April, 1865, when the * * * his ders the long years rest so gently, "Of all these marvels, tyhich Is Rebels fired on Fort Sumter. He Three times during HI glided me pleasantly and with to you the greatest?" I asked him. h(ed to the nearest recruiting of Hard has seen Germany dicnity. He motioned to the radio on the fice and signed up with the 32d the peace of the world, wll He was not merely the Grand tahle beside him, Volunteers. He fought with the tended bloodshed and misery. Old Man of Rochester, not merely "It brings me voices and events blue ranks at bloody Antietam, at What should we do with (. er- (**.' i) Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
(e*nt, S-*o-i:s)
many now. Mr. Hard?" "t ut her up Into little sU- ... _ I See she never is a power again. /t Qy J% r\CLY(l Get the world empire Idea out of' fTHE of Roch and em- 104th birthday i her head," was the swift ester's sole surviving Civil phulie reply. War James A. Hard, will The venerable warrior does not veteran, be celebrated at a Satur believe Hitler is dead. "It's a Nail party day, 14, in the Seneca, ac hoax," he said. July to family plans. I have interviewed many men, cording Friends and members of the all of them vounger than Com Sons of Union Veterans and the rade Hard. Few had readier of Union Veterans will a Daughters answers or showed greater gather to fete the cigar-smoking of affairs than this man grasp soldier. Hard, who lives with his in this 101th year. daughter, Mrs. Alberta Wilson, * * 31 Rosalind, will be 104 on July 15. that "We spend our year as a day ' is told. three 'The days of our years are score and ten and if by years ^ 104 I - - - 15, - Hard, July reason of strength
James A. Hard has exceeded: the Bibical allotment by nearly KTsnftsX Hard, Rochester's sole | 34 vears. m%W0y surviving veteran of the CAil War. j "What Is your recipe for long will celebrate his 104th birthday i evity, Mr. Hard?" and at a party to be held by the Sons "Work hard, don't worry and Daughters of Union Veterans smoke plenty of cigars." Saturday, July 14 at Hotel Seneca. Wilson told me as I left | been The veteran, who lives w.th Ivs that her father had never Mrs. Alberta Wson. 31 "unset about things. He'd always! daughter, until you Rosalind St., will be 104 July 15. say 'never cross bridges come to them'." . He has an almost boyish delight that are Picnic Slated in smoking "good" cigars wartime days. so hard to get these he was A. Hard He said he'd smoked since For James he was in; 15 Up to a few years ago A birthday picnic will be given tha corner Monroe/ 'able to walk down to honor of James A. Hard, of War store to get his daily quota County's only surviving Civil cream he likes Men- smokes and the ice veteran, at Canfield Woods^ so well. don Ponds Park, July "The ladies." he said, "are very good to me. They bring me cigars, VrocWrlfc-pTcnic, I have four left now. of musio good cigars. will include a program cars and taxis to Handi The ladies send and dancing, will go to the meetings. I am fond Fund. -1-it.f take me to capped Veterans Building of the ladies." BIRTHDAYANOTHER SMOKE th ladies" he meant the f ANOTHER various veterans' women of the last Civil War veteran, James A. in are very Now 104, Monroe County's auxiliaries who, turn, ftftGoU?TW| Mrs. veteran to his as his granddaughter, fond of the cigar-smoking Veteran at 104 Hard puffs light cigar the match at of Antietam. Carl Eksten Sr. of Henrietta, holds birthday James A reception for Com "By reason of strength," public of his 104 candles are shown in the picture. so wide a James A. Hard, last Mon Part \ liard has exceeded rade party score roe Civil War veteran, s margin the allotted "three County It Is the strength will be held from 8 to 10 p. m. I years and ten." D.&C.JU115 1945 Is a true in Hotel Seneca to S of the human spirit. He tomorrow built the land mark his 104th birthday. son or pioneers who Well Wishers to More than 70 special Invita Many that he fought preserve. Party, were to I * * * tions mailed yesterday an veteran chapter in the f WHEN in March, 1944, the 20 every War 104 county by Monroe County Coun- Cheer Civil Vet, to the V-E Day ques | swers Sons of Union Veterans of ] was cil, to you" were a prize 'Happy birthday tion published, the Civil War, the sponsors, voices for the winner. It was j The with one or two quic-kly announced Walter S Beilby, county SUV song began and_ called The on War to be a copy of a book a chorus as all eyes turned Civil is chairman of the . swelled into hearty commander, ' Lakes Country. Veteran James A. Hard. He was entering the hall in a wheel- I left at the party. The other afternoon Formal entertainment has * in ; chair, his cane across his a new compilation resting Hard home been ruled out of this year's pro- 'T'm going to stick just as long of three books, A Rive knees, the blue GAR cap cocked one volume heeause of Comrade as the Lord will let me," promised The Lakes Country and Ramble, Hard's failing eyesight. jauntily on his head. Hard with a grin and the assem all by the same obscure The Ridge "I may be 104, but I still like bly applauded. auihor. not he informed friends who Likes Cards i Comrade Hard's eyesight is parties," Greeting to be. Rut "Lola will clustered around his chair. The Civil War veteran What il used S "The people of New York are spent book to me," he said. whose most of the day talking about his read the : proud of you proud and grateful The Victor-born warrior, i his Mrs. party and listening to his grand Lola granddaughter, :, 'for your valor, appreciative of chief pleasures between birthdays Ecksten. went daughter, Mrs. Carl Eksten Sr. of Lola everything that you through to have left a are smoking cigars and listening read his cards How I wish I could and more in order Henrietta, birthday .80 years ago for along with the radio, had worried all day aloud. ,j handful of good cigars, H that 'Government of the people, to fear it would rain and spoil the the book "that Lola will read" the and for the "I've got only 70 so far," he wor by people people Sons of Union birthday party the ried. "Don't you think more will 5 her granddad. '. shall not perish from the earth.' Veterans had for him at * * * planned come Monday and Tuesday? I got , .1 hope most heartily that you may ATHIEN a week from Wednesday Hotel Seneca. It rained, but near 178 last H enjoy many happy returns of your year." ' 100 old friends and officers of I yon see the familiar blue-clad ly Today is the actual date of f% birthday." turned out to the sidewalk veteran organizations Hard's but his was .figure waving "I a letter from last birthday, party got Dewey and on Memorial Day, his day to offer congratulations cigars. moved up a day so it wouldn't fall crowds rJi year, too," chuckled Hard. other Denies Bain Cause on of glory, think also of the A great, white cake decorated Sunday. old man Reminded that rain had accom To a table days ahead for the lonely ilSj with Hard's name and "Your boys, already piled high that faces that South- his birthday celebrations for with the veteran in his room I SUV" (Sons of Union Veterans) panied presents, yester the some Comrade Hard has a land where he fought to save and bordered with 104 red, white years, day added box of cigars from a the serene tened to "I don't think my Union over 80 years ago; and blue candles was served to say: great grandson, S/Sgt. Donald radio; has to do with Old mail dialing his mngle quests at the reception. birthday anything Nelan of Victor, recently returned (he wise old man with his memor- "The hoard under this cake has it." from the European theater. .,, one the state executive cham- .. nearly HUNDMSD served you for five consecutive Even Grand Old of the of AND FOUR years; the years," Fred Caldwell, past state bets took note birthday Grand last Civil War Man of the fast dwnldllng department, commander of the Monroe County's A letter arrived last ^Army who yearns only for SUV, told Hard. "We hope it will veteran. from Governor who cigars." Serve five more. You stick with .night Dewey, and we'll furnish 1 1 wrote: Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
Party-Minded on 104th Birthday
Civil War Veteran at 104 Boasts of 'Girl Friends' friends !" 'M JUST a boy nowall the ladies are ray girl T James A. Hard, Monroe County's last surviving Civil War veteran, who is celebrating his 104th birthday today, smiled roguishly at the thought of the feminine attention he's still capable of commanding. I ladies < Birthdays bring a deluge of mementos from the who to the past department commander of the state GAR, 5 now , is one of 19 Civil War veterans in the state (living.) "and "Last year I received 178 cards," he chuckled, The ladies over half of them were signed 'your girl friend.' before of the Marshall Relief Corps gave me a party the day yesterday, and another crowd of ladies from the Daughters of the Civil War Veterans called on me and brought me cigars and candy." He waved a hand proudly toward a table full of gifts. His daughter, Mrs. Alberta Wil at 31 Ros son, with whom he lives alind, spoke up. 4 "Pa's younger than I am, even she remarked. "I **&$ if I'm only 72," was the one who wouldn't go up in an airplane with him." I Her father, the son of a stage coach driver, stifled a note of re proach in his voice. "I was all set "I to fly down to Miami," he said. like to fly. But my daughter was She wouldn't go."
I Guessed Nazi Collapse last surviving veteran of A Hard Monroe County's (top), on bis 104th in his cigar and radio Hard, who has two great-grand tZTciviithe Civil War findsnnas satisfaction- past departmental sons and a grandson in the present CoIweII (below), war, is an avid news fan and
the latest war develop- " -- - follows cane wu>*" lay , j nu&e """/ , .. He the Ger- in Hotelifntfl SenecaSeneca, Forvn^ 35;s yearsv Hard was a pension eagerly. guessed at a reception tonight jcients Arcade > collapse within less than a attorney in the Reynolds jman in the 1 month of the actual date, and now Building. Active for years state of j is wagering on the Japs folding up GAR, he has held every j next June. fice possible in the organization. have seen him rid When his daughter slyly twitted Rochesterians of j in state as grand marshal | him with liking to listen to radio ing haired vet a Memorial Day parade. 'soap operas," the white many | Sons of, eran drew himself erect. Hard will be feted by "You know Union Veterans tonight at a recep j "Oh, go on," he said. tion in the Seneca, to which he is Sthose are just to fill in time." His as a winked. looking forward as eagerly (daughter six-ve;u-old. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection
Stork New Brings Fifth Generation Laurels to Hard In Hard Family stork last night added to rpHE James A. Hard, lone surviving antes A. the long list of laurels of Hard Monroe County veteran of the Civil James A. Hard, lone surviving War, was than Monroe County veteran of the yesterday "prouder Punch" over* Civil War and one of the few in the newest of his Pleads the state, by making him a great- laurels. He is now a great-great great-grandfather. Hard is state grandfather. commander of the GAB. James P. Eksten, Jr., first rep First representative of the for resentative of the fifth generation Comrades! fifth of Hard's living generation of Hards, was born Tuesday night is James P. Eksten family Jr., in Genesee Hospital to Mr. and Editor,' The fi'mes-Vnion: ,, who was born last in Gene night Mrs. James T. Eksten, of 77 East A LETTER has just been read see to Mr. and Mrs. in Hospital Blvd. The State Commander of the to me which was printed James P. Eksten of 77 East Blvd. GAR, who is 104, has three grand The Times-Union of May 27. This has three Hard, who is 104, children and seven a former great-grandchil was written by the son of seven dren. grandchildren, great-grand comrade of mine and referred to children. J the use of Washington Square fori a mass meeting and the monument as a speakers' base. fe-L I helped pay for this monument 16 1945 and to me it is a sacred reminder of my comrades. To know that wires and loud speakers have been I attached to the statues of these "'"' " 'men who fought to make possible [ x [such a place as our beautiful city, Pals 104-Year ;is very painful to their last com- Despite Span I rade in Monroe county. It would please me to know j that the city administration willl : take steps to see that this monu-j ment is kept for the placing of f ' wreaths in memory of those who have gone on and the steps as al resting place for tired people andj not as a speakers' platform. JAMES A. HARD, Commander of New York State, Grand Army of the Republic. Rochester.
BrplTw \ to \lnvited Dinner James A. Hard, Monroe County's I I lone surviving Civil War veteran, I will be honored by Monroe County Council, Sons of Union Veterans,! at a dinner in the Seneca July 15.1 j It will be Hard's 105th birthday, and! For James Hard's 105th Birthday rfHE 105th birthday of James A. Hard, state commander of the GAR, will be celebrated Monday evening at a reception in the Seneca to be given by the Monroe County Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The affair, at which County Commander James H. Waste will preside, will feature the annual birthday cake, to be decorated with 105 candles, and plentiful suppScs of the veteran's favorite cigars and tobacco. The reception which will be open to the public, will not in clude a program but will afford an opportunity to offer con i of Mr. and James A. Hard, 104 years old and Monroe James Peter Eksten gratulations to the county's last ; Blvd. ... County's last surviving veteran of the Civil War, James P. Eksten Sr. Hard, surviving Civil War veteran. will be 105 at 103 Rutgers St. is shown as he fondled his great-great-gr.?nd;on. July 14, 1Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection ? ' 'STICKING AROUND AS LONG AS I CAN' He Never Thought He'd Live Past 75, A. p Says James Hard, Who Hits 1 05 Today SUV Will Give Party Tonight for Still Lively Veteran By TED KLEE Even James A. Hard can't tell you how to reach 105 and still look forward to enjoying additional years. "It's wonderful the way I'm standing it," chuckled Monroe County's only surviving Civil War HardTetecf I veteran and one of only a half dozen left in the state. The hardy, keen-minded, firm- 300 as He voiced on whose By man, square shoulders the long years rest so gently, yesterday knocked the Reaches 105 ashes from his pipe one of the four he the keeps going during The Grand Old Man of the Grand day reached into a handy bureau Army took on all comers last drawer for a cigar, cut the end off night. meticulously with a penknife, James A. Hard, state depart touched off a long, old-fashioned ment commander of the GAR, match by a scratch of his thumb greeted more than 300 well wishers nail, applied it unerringly to the who jammed the Red Room of end of his favorite smoke, and Hotel Seneca to wish him well on leaned back contentedly in an easy his 105th birthday, and resolved chair in his room at 31 Ports he would have to on mouth Ter. keep getting older because: Party for Him Tonight "I'm going to keep this going as long as I can." Today is his 105th birthday and He obviously was referring to the he's looking forward with keen warm and the abundance relish to attending the birthday reception of his favorite party Monroe County Council, gifts, including and tobacco that will Sons of Union Veterans of the cigars keep him for another Civil War, has arranged for him going year. in Hotel Seneca. tonight Message from Dewey "Last year," he said, referring to the party which has become an Highlight of the reception was annual affair, "I told the boys this a letter from Governor Dewey in is getting to be a habit. But they which the chief executive expn ed told me as long as I furnish the him "warm greetings," and added: birthday, they'll furnish the cake." "It is eminently fitting that the smiled and "And I'm He added, JAMES A. HARD Sons (of Union Veterans) of Roch as going to stick around as long ester would pay tribute to Com as he D&C 1 1 can." posed for photographer yesterday mander Hard and the people of the j There was a momentary pause as the old fellow contented- voice to be heard by him. His called old when he came j puffed good days that he flourishes among us at his and seemed lost in meditation. news to Rochester. j ly radio brings him the and remarkable age. What he and his know it's he con "I've seen lots of 1 'You funny," musical entertainment and his improvement* comraaes Hidtheir suffering and I "when I was in my 40s in Rochester in the last 70 years," sacrificesfor the tinued, friends call and their preserva- be an old man frequently keep recounted. "It looked like a -(thought I would he tion of the Union will never be him with ma iwhen I was 75 and never expected supplied smoking country village when I first came forgotten But I still was (to live past that age. terials. here. Why there only one Veterans of four wars were rep- feel perfectly well physically, I The subject of his smoking habit atore in town with plate glass resented at the reception, whichi and I like lenjoy my meals sleep he consumes anywhere from four windows." was arranged by the Monroe In I did when I was 70. I haven't an to six cigars daily in between And what does he think of theCounty Council, Sons of Union, ache or a pain except a catch pipefuls brought another chuckle atomic bomb ? Veterans. once in a while in iny right leg." from the old timer. "It's quite an institution," he Attend "I haven't had to buy any tobacco commented. "And in time it's go- Dignitaries Little Change Shows control the . in five years," he said. "On my ing to world." __ Among the dignitar.es were Fred And as the years roll on past the lastbirthday alone I got 29 boxes "Don't you think it does that E- Howe. department commander, century mark the grand old man of cigars and 12 pounds of pipe right now?" he was asked. suv- and Mra- Howe' of shows little change for Ifcha worse. tobacco." "Well, yes," he returned, "but it's N'agara Falls: Mrs. Wilhelmina Taggert, For years his eyesight jhaa been In contrast with many old folks, going to be Improved." SUV Auxil- president. falling him objects have become the centenarian keeps up with the Then he concluded with Ann con-department iary, Rochester; Miss 01ivina blurry and he can't recognize your news and issues of the day, men viction: m ' '" department president, Ifeatures and his hearing Is lightly tally moves along with the progress "There's no end to improvement8 of the Ladies GAR, Rochester; impaired you have to raise your of the era and smiles at the so- in this country." J^iss Helen Hoag, department pres ident, Daughters of Union Vet- I erans, Syracuse, and William E. Kelley, department second vice-l commander, SUV, Rochester. J Hard is the second oldest sur-f hiving Civil War veteran in the nation, the Veterans Bureau re ported in Washington. Oldest is Frnnels Megaz, Tucson, Ariz., who la in?. I Among the messages received p.- ilast night was a long distance; telephone call from Robert M jRound of Ripley. 101, past national d clc friend Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection T Qvil War Vet, 105, ^huselah Hii Milestones Steps Out Tonight DOES IT FEEL to be in your 106th year? more candles than cake even one of this size when Civil War JJOW "No different," says Civil War Veteran James A. Hard, "than Jit'sVeteran A. Hard has a There are 105 candles this , James birthday. in the 105th." and bake shop members Alice Shu'elt of 19 Cornell St. and ffi.year, Comrade Hard was relaxing comfortably today at his home, 31 Barbara of 340 St. are shown as the of ', Noyes Meigs they begin job Portsmouth Ter., after "stepping out" last night to attend the birth them. Cake is to Hard from Sons of Unionjmon Veterans. I placing gift day party given him by Sons of Union Veterans at Hotel Seneca. UmMfoion JUL 15 More than 300 attended the fete, at which veterans of four wars were 1940 represented. Gov. Dewey forwarded congratulations to Comrade to Be a Hard. Tarty Getting Habit;rl Greetings also were received from Comrade Robert M. Rownd, Civil War veteran of Ripley, who with Hard Comprised the only Comrade Jim Hard representation of the New York State Grand Army of the Republic Says at the organization's encampment in Rochester last summer. Comrade Jim Hard is "stepping out tonight to cele- Dignitaries present last night were Fred E. Howe, SUV depart ment his 105th birthday. commander, and Mrs. Howe of Niagara Falls; Mrs. Willie I mina ^brate Taggert of Rochester, SUV Department Auxiliary president; The Civil War veteran has a at his tate planned quiet day Miss Olivlna Smith of Rochester, department president, Ladies of [home, 31 Portsmouth Ter., with his pipes, his cigars and his the GAR; Miss Helen Hoag of Syracuse, department president, u-adio, but come evening he will get out the old blue uniform Daughters of Union Veterans; William E. Kelley of Rochester, SUV department second viceeommander. of the Civil War days and head for Hotel Seneca, where he Hard's birthday gifts Included the usual bountiful supply of to be feted Monroe Council of the Sons Union will by County of bacco. Asked for an inventory today, he said: Veterans. "Let's make it eight pounds of tobacco, and a wagonload of cigars. Thus at 10! I can hardly wait until next year." Comrade Hard has more opti mism than he did when he was in his 40s, which was back in 1880, years b e- fore there were I He has automobiles, mo no ills, he says, and his1 ache is an occasional in tion pictures or only catch j !his His electric lights. right leg. apetite? Fine. And j A t that time |he sleeps jjust as well as he did j when he was 70. Hard who was a | Whenever pension attor- ; he goes downtown, HAKD which he does he ney figured fairly often, saysj he's ey'd be sounding tap* for him always impressed with the im-j Rochester has under-' when he was 75 years old at the provement since he first came here 70 latest. Now he's 30 years beyond gone the 75th milestone. years ago. At that time, he recalls, J the looked like a Except for dimming eyesight and community coun-j try and there was slightly impaired hearing, the cen- village only one] store in town with win-l tenai ian enjoys a normal life and plate glass closely follows events of the world. ;dOWS. What's Comrade Hard's "The atom bo n "is quite recipe for old He "I haven't; an institution," and he forecasts age? says If I did. I that "in time it's going to control any. probably wouldn't here the world be now." Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Hale at 105 9fW We're as young as we feel, we are told. BER 29, 1946 Certainly James A. Hard doesn't feel 105, as ordinary humans judge feelings and ages. j Rochester's oldest and now most dis jVeteran, 105, tinguished Civil War veteran was 105 to yesterday. Greets Party I He was 20 when the war broke J out; en 40 years ago he guessed he wouldn't live At Dinner^ past 75. The l(15-year-old veteran of the 4 But he's already 30 years past that ! Civil War rose slowly to his feet milestone and says he feels fine. and faced the audience. He hasn't any recipe for long life. J 1 "It takes me an hour to get H Said he probably wouldn't be here now if I'm a he had. dressed," he said, "but very to be here." a He just kept on living, doing the ] glad 1 James A. com duties he had to do, and, we judge, tak Hard, department mander of Grand of ing life as it came. the Army D We judge he hasn't done too much the Republic, thus addressed the - worrying, in retfent years at least. 150 guests at a testimonial dinner And his interests and patriotic activ to Mrs. Wilhelmina Tagart, aux- I president of the ity suggest that his aged years have not iliary department Sons of Union Veterans, and her been useless. | staff, and to Com. Fred E. Howe Few of us will reach his advanced i of Niagara Falls, of the Sons of age, but most of us can profit by his Union Veterans, and his staff, last I sensible philosophy. I night at the Hotel Seneca. i "I continue in your For this, as much as for his many hope you I good work now and in the years C years, he deserves the salutes that his ijto come," the centenarian con birthday brought. cluded. Other speakers at the dinner ln- S eluded Vicemayor Frank E. Van- Lare; Mrs. Nettie C. Gardner, past department president of Auxiliary ;, 1; Neil D. Cranmer of Elmira, na tional commander-in-chief of the 5j SUV; Miss Josephine Parkhurst of Pulaski, department president of the Women's Relief Corps; Miss Helen Hoag, department president of the Daughters of Union Veter-j [ROXICLE. MONDAY, MAY 26, 1947 I ans, and Miss Olivine M. Smith, I department president of the La dies of the GAR. -HE 'NE vB&tWK Music was provided by James R. Kavanagh, Miss Amber Bailey and Miss Hazel Feist. Mrs. Anna IHoyt, president of Auxiliary 18,' Hard was Comrade and Mrs. Alice Right Perky toastmistress ,M. Waste, general chairman. The | dinner, which was followed by. for Parade at 1 05 dancing, was sponsored by Auxil-' Preparing iaries 1, 18, an d23 of the Auxiliary I to the Sons of Union Veterans. Feeling right perky in spite of his nearly 106 years, James 'Albert Hard, oldest of the 97 surviving Civil War veterans in Ithe United States, is looking forward to his annual appearance in Rochester's Memorial Day Friday. parade _^____^^_ :j Hard is grand marshal of the lpara.de again this year and riding Hwith him in an open car will be It wo great- a Left : grandsons, Sgt. Hardly Company P. Eck- jjames to an Associated Press of Roches According jsten from Washington, this* ter, and Staff dispatch Memorial Day the Grand Army of Sgt. Donald will be able to muster '|Nelan of Victor, the Republic a when the bugles ;both veterans of hardly company for start of "World War II. blow parades. ' of "Never felt As of May 7, the 97 survivors Armies on Veterans Ad jbetter in my Northern 5i Ilife," Hard told ministration pension rolls were Group of Centenarians IMrs. Adam Gil- fewer than on last Memorial Daj the before. Charles Douglas of New Haven, 103 Rut and 143 fewer than year liland, celebrated his 100th birth- The survivors live in 28 states andConn., St., with Colburn gers half have theday Friday, and Nathan whom he resid- more than passed of Champlin, Minn., and George century markmar*, inm age.*6c. led for several HARD ' be 101 icr7of* Kinesdale Pa will in a conversation Saturday close behind the Rochester flyears, &nd wBednesday, 'respectively.. her to in are Daniel A. Wedgeyet An which he asked accom-eran age J^. boasU the 3t li6t of and his of Aurora, 111., who was born Oct, Hpany him granddaughter men whQ WQre the bme Lake Placid and Albert Ray of >lrs. Lola Ecksten, to 26, 1842, Hi"tn-unitorm - 9. California and Illinois born Dec. 18 1842. Five Wfor the annual GAR conventionOkla., otherhaye g each A], the 7 Qnio and 4 veterans on the Veterans Admin- this summer. t veterans are 100 or older. Although walking tires him, W*" the government keeps in Civil, j '^The youngestv^u^gest C^1rAlth0Ugh men who latives say, his appetite record of the I0Ught continuesefht 1844'.Jhe . veteran .3 Charle. w j, hearty and he smokes six cigars .War ^ other side , tne -James, M" ho s^Knech" ofn ( who will be 106 on JulySt- the States, it is estimated! day. Hard, and who wlU ^tweenbe M than "> men-,- who" wore" is now residing at 31 Ports-the end,ed fewer 15 November. rhat m0uth Ter >ext |he Confederate living. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 10 BrushiflfaJUp' i% Memorial Parade He will be marshal. Comrade James A. Hard, the country's oldest liv Memorial Day parade. grand his Comrade Hard will be 106 years old on July 15. ing veteran of the Civil War, brushes off service bat so he will look bis best in tomorrow's (Parade details, Page 1-A.) Hard Gets Tribute Leai In Congress Talk JUN2 7W Tribute to Rochester's 106- Hard Honored Parade year-old "grand old man," Rochester's James A. at Civil War veteran James A. Hard, 105 the oldest Civil War veteran Hard, was paid in Congress ' In in the nation, played a familiar yesterday by Representative Congress role today at the annual Gordon Canfield, New York To the nation's oldest living vet encamp ment of the New York Department. Republican. eran of the Civil War, 105-year-old Grand Army of the at Canfield emphasized Roch- James A. Hard of Rochester, came Republic, Lake Placid. I ester's unique position as the special tribute from the floor of He was grand marshal of home of the oldest of the na Congress, according to a Gannett parade of 1,000 men and women of tion's surviving 97 veterans of Mews Service dispatch. five related groups of the once- the War between the States. Honor to the "grand old man" strong GAR the Women's Relief The tribute to Hard came as came as Rep. Gordon Canfield Corps, Ladies of the GAR, Daugh Canfield placed in the Con (R., N. Y.) placed in the Congres *5 ters of Union Veterans, Sons of gressional Record a speech de sional Record a speech delivered in Union Veterans and the auxiliary livered in Rochester on Memo Rochester last week by Rep. Ken of the SUV. rial weekend by Repre- neth B. Keating, referring to Hard. Day Wearing the blue uniform of the Last night, Hard was guest of Union Army, the Rochesterian honor at the 35th anniversary LaEC!M4!3SBCL opened the one-man encampment p!.rty of Clara Barton Tent, Daugh yesterday, only one of four GAR ters of Unior. Veterans, at Melody men in the state able to attend. He Lane Restaurant, 21 Lincoln Ave. was greeted by delegates of the [other organizations and wavod [acknowledgment from a wheelchair. He later attended a banquet of :the Daughters of Union Veterans. The encampment closes tomor Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 11 Ages of 10 Youngsters Total Commander Hard's James A. Hard, Rochester's 105-year-old Civil War veteran, yes only GAR member at Lake Placid encampment. Here be poses terday was reelected commander of the New York State Depart With 10 members of summer figure skating school there whose total ment, Grand Army of the Republic, by casting one vote for himself ages equal his to the year. The three-day encampment ended today. '.(p.crcr^mt- WfiW w. One-Man GAR 'Camp' Calls Centenarian Hard 'I SMOKE TOO MUCH' Keep'A-Bomb, Hard Advises; He's 106 Today "PRESUME I'd live to be an old man if I didn't smoke so much." So spoke James A. Hard, New York State's oldest surviving Civil War Veteran, yesterday on the eve of his 106th birthday to day. The quick-witted veteran of Antietam, Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg touched a match to one of his five pipes, pushed back in the small rocking chair I and said: "I start the day off with a pipe and manage to keep it going most of the time. Cigars Native of Victor are still my favorite but I've Hard was born in Victor, moved cut down to three a day, one with his parents to Windsor, after each meal." Broome County, as a boy, and was a resident of Freeville when he * * * enlised in the Union Army at TTARD, who will be feted at a Dryden in the war between the public reception tonight in was in service States. He miliary the Hotel Seneca, reported he 26 months and at the close of the was feeling better than in the war worked for the government on railroads in Atlanta, Ga. last 4 years. He stayed in the railroad busi "I still have my good days ness until, he came to Rochester, and bad days. There seems to 62 years He did carpenter ago. be less of the bad days now," he work for two or three years and said. was employed by Monroe County for five years, meanwhile studying Monroe County's only surviv law in his spare time. In 1895, ing member of the GAR, main he a law office in the opened tains an ardent interest in the Reynolds Arcade and maintained news of the day. He listens to it for 30 until his retirement. years news broadcasts, and friends who Hard maintains a keen inter visit him at 31 Portsmouth Ter. est in national and world affairs read aloud portions of the daily and has never got over his love newspapers. for the Army of the United The one-time national com Comrade James A. Hafd packs his traveling bag for the trip to the States. "We should have a strong mander of the now defunct Lake Placid encampment. army and keep it strong," he said Union Veterans Union, one-time today. "We should pass the uni rival of the Grand Army of the By HOWARD C. HOSMER versal military training bill to Republic, forecast a war with make this so. We will need a Russia within 5 years. And when A. HARD, Rochester's cigar-smoking lone eagle of strong army because of Russia. it comes, Hard wants America "to have of those bombs a plenty JAMESthe Grand Army of the Republic, will open one-man "Russia is a menace to this we used on Japan to wipe out Placid. We will have war with the encampment Thursday at Lake country. Russia." Russians before many years." The venerable former railroad Resolutely, the Rochester vet- # * * yearS hen THE native of Victor is look man, carpenter and law practi eran planned to make the trip. He RusslaHaFd wentWaSf t0}2 war against0ldf Eng tioner, who will round out 106 will beL driven*,!,,. to*n Placidn.^J;from his!. ing forward to tonight's re land, Turkey, France and Sardinia years July 15, will leave Rochester home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. ception, sponsored by the Sons by in the Crimea. Since then he has by motor early tomorrow morning, Miss Louise Adams, a school teach- of Union Veterans. Yesterday he ^equipped with his blue uniform, er friend and daughter of a GAR| sorted over the more than 50 (a good supply of his favorite Veteran. seen the deterioration of imperial- birthday cards he already had Russia. her [cigars and enough pipe tobacco to Hard expects about 1200 daugh- defeat by Germany received and told reporters of j?1 the ftrst WorI(i ? fill in between the three or four ters of veterans and some 200 !n War, watched gifts of tobacco and money he Russian : stogies he smokes daily. sons, members of allied GAR th,e revolution, the growth had received. of Communism and the groups, to attend the nation's Hard, who returned One of two GAR veterans sur encampment. recently eDle'gence aft a first-rate He particularly welcomes the military from a one-man state GAR con viving in the state, Hard, as warmer weather and he vention in Lake Placid where state commander, will be chair believes po,r' We must keeP America he renamed should stand the bol- . strong," himself state GAR man, trip well, delegate, sergeant-at-arms, hc rePeated, on his stered by his "three square meals puffing cigar. commander, hopes to attend the , secretary and everything else at a day" and "all the I Tomorrow he will rise national GAR encampment next his one-man meeting, the an- sleep get." early, "This has been the bundle up against cool air month in Cleveland. nual state GAR wettest, cold- morning , encampment. est I can he and begin his long motor "It's been a wonderful 106 His sole GAR com spring remember," trip north, surviving sti" eaid today. "I've never seen an- "rimming with the spirit of years," he remarked, "and I panion, Robert Rownd of Rip other like and the Bys in Blue> determined want to live as more him the other it, that covers a to just many ley, phoned day make his lot of years." one-man encampment a years as I can. You see, I like that his physician would not per ^^^^BM|B^g^^^a^^^_Jplea;i n I duty. living." mit him to make the trip. One other veteran, not a GAR mem ber, also survives in the state. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 'Celebrating' 4th--At 105! Hard Takes It in Stride '"Helicopter Ride at Wo James A. Hard sits quietly in the helicopter cockpit as Pilot Bill Cruickshank readies the controls for a takeoff. The Times-Union today gave 106-year-old James A. Hard a belated birthday gift a ride in the Gannett News papers helicopter. "It was different from anything I ever experienced in my life," the Grand Army of the Republic member, who embarked on his 107th year July 15. admitted as the two- seater craft was brought lightly to the earth. He protested that he was not a could have the experience of rid-i Grand Old Man of Rochester expertly broke the head of THE /*,,* ^the* no'^ ing in a helicopter. match with his held It to the bowl of his pipe, andji fingernail, botnered him a mtle. It's a " Lot of Fun "When you get to be 106, he said, i ^^Remfmberwhen Independence Day used to be a pretty big thing1,, don t scare easily. "It's a lot of fun," he said, "and ln Rochester," he said, and leaned back in his chair (above) on the ^u has a fine method of getting around." front of 31 Portsmouth Te, to enjoy the coo, Fourth of July porch From time to time, The Times- breezes. ^ f* ^yTJZ* as his car rolled into Page Union will to take Civil War veteran said. placid arrange promi "Yes, ma'am," the 105-year-old "They is Airways, where the helicopter nent Rochesterians for a trip in set 'em off not so used to make a good bang. Used to myself many were Wil kept. Accompanying him the helicopter, it was announced. years ago," he added with considerable pride. liam Butler of The Times-Union James A. Hard, who has seen more Independence Days than any and Democrat and Chronicle pro other person in Rochester, was in a mood for recollection. motion staff and Mrs. Cora Dieter, "Battle of Gettysburg ended 84 years ago today. Fought it on the 31 Portsmouth Ter., with whom he 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. We were on our way to it, we were ln the Sixth lives. Corps, but it ended before we got there. That was too bad, but I've Not a Bit Excited seen a lot of fireworks since then," Hard laughed mildly. Hard has been resting up since his trip to Lake Placid last week! He said he was awfully glad to where he held a "one-man convention" /( w-* GAR Veteran Launches Attack on Candles ||*mxf^^*^^--**"^*^ H*^ *t*"^ & Flanked (left) by Wilbur E. Kelly, state com SUV, James A. Hard attempts to blow out can mander, Sons of Union Veterans, and John dles on 106th birthday cake at party in his honcr j Bamber, commander, Monroe County Council, at Seneca. ir, wj Hard Looks Forivard To Birthday Number 107 There were cigars and tobacco and a cake with 106 can- j dies. There were relatives, friends and other wellwishers j and veterans of three wars. There were greetings from city, j county and state. And that's how James A. Hard celebrated his 106th birthday last night at the Seneca. The party, sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, honored the nation's oldest GAR veteran and the commander of, the New York State Department of the Grand Army of the Republic. i Today, a little weary from the festivities, he rested quietly at his . home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. and i looked forward to Birthday No. 107. Last night's party brought to- igether with a common purpose rep resentatives of the Gold Star Moth ers, the Sons of Union Veterans and its auxiliary, the Women's Re lief Corps, Ladies of the GAR and Daughters of the GAR. There were visitors from Victor, where Commander Hard was born, from Ithaca, Niagara Falls, Albany, Pulaski, Henrietta. Lt. Gov. Joe R. Hanley sent greetings and Vice- mayor Frank E. Van Lare brought Rochester's official congratulations. Rep. Kenneth B. Keating sent greetings from Washington and the Rt. Rev. Msgr. George V. Burns, department chaplain of the Monroe County Council, Sons of Union Vet erans, brought departmental con gratulations. John H. Bamber, council county commander, presided. liAPPY BIRTHDAYCOMRADE HARD James A. New York Hard, State's eldest survivinff Civil War sorts over the veteran, more than 50 birthday card- he has received in honor of his 106th birthday today* Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection I? TRIBUTE TO 'GRAND OLD MAN! J Mrs. Florence Bowman, at left, and Mrs. | floral piece to Civil War Veteran James A. Anna Brown of Gold Star Mothers present | Hard, who was feted on his 106th birthday. jHard Starts on Long Trek ToNextBirthdgy^.Jp7) j to Number 107 ! 1 On carried him the i With the same spirit that through battles^ of Antietam, Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, James A.J JHard, New York State's oldest veteran of the War between J the States, looked ahead to 1948 being honored on his 108th ^^ Dlrthplace of the veteran, jafter in at a reception his!wa3 weU represented by relatives, (milestone - ijhonor last night in Hotel Seneca.j jnc]uciing Mrs. Royce Nolan, Donald and Albert The tenacious state commander granddaughter; the Grand Army of the (of will be a little^^^^S^^T^^longer admitted it thyhtf RaclnowskiBarlnnwak andj Mrs.Mrs VeinVelma 107 because haul to reach Number Pittenger and a great-great-great- 11948 is Leap Year and February granddaughter, Kathy Pittenger. Another granddaughter present willill come up withwitn 29M dayscays. was"Mrs. Carl Ekste of Henrietta was _ . The Hotel Seneca reception Sons J staged in honor of Hard by an(j a great-grandson, James Eks- of Union Veterans of the Civil War|tgn " and it attracted veterans of three' a of the The Everybody cut piece 'other wars and allied groups. Commander John H. cake well adorned* County Gold, Star Mothers were out in huge birthday of Monroe Bamber County Council, force, as were the Sons of Unionlwith candles. It was provided byj Sons of Union Veterans, the presided j Veterans, its auxiliary, the Song of Unjon Veterans who! and introduced William E. Kelly, | belief Corps Ladies of I Women's ^ ^^ commander. The Rt. I department the GAR, Daughters of the GAR de- it nobody counted them. Rev. Msgr. George V. Burns, \ and friends The Gold Star Mothers although also I with the Hanley Sends Greetings partment chaplain, brought oresented a floral wreath Both Gov. Thomas E. Dewey and greetings. numerals "106"xu on it. Then the cigars and f Mayor Samuel B. Dicker were rep- gifts, chiefly Relatives Attend were in and resented by pinchhitters. Vice- tobacco, brought ' pipe | Ithaca came Fred Bar- on the table, to Up from mayor Frank e. Van Lare brought piled high enough Mr. nard and Herman Brockway. from the while supply him through the year. greetings Mayor W. B. Stephan of Buffalo, the time Commander Hard and Mrs. Lt Gov Joe R Hanley, as acting i By Mrs. Fred Howe hands with and Mr. and and|GovernoI.( sent congratulations by | had finished shaking " and Mrs. Fred Barry of Nlag- his he was a pretty tired Mr. mall as did Representative all guests Also Miss ara Falls were there. Jo-:nt>1neth B. ^--atine- man and the program was termi Keating. GAR secretary, from his Isephine Case, nated without response. Pa-'' J Albany and Mrs. Josephine J hurst of Pulaski. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection H Birthday Greetings Surround Venerable Vet &"**%.*} War veterzn in the state, quietly observed the Surrounded by his favorite cigars, greeting cards, at his home. Tonight he will be guest of Bowers and other reminders of his 106th birth day honor at a in fell A. Hard, oldest Civil public reception HqJjtf*Jieneca. day which today, James TiMt> b.atOW JUL 15 W Born Hungry 106 Years Ago Today, Says Hard By MARIE POWELL "One hundred and six ye'ars ago today at five minutes! I told them I wanted to go homei, .._ _ .,,,. it 1T x. before 12 noon I came into this world and I was very hun- and be with my mother," he said, "and they took me right home, i gry," said James A. Hard this morning. "My mother told me. was never so glad to see anyone j was hungry," he continued with a smile. he reminisced. in my life," Rochester's grand old man and oldest GAR survivor, Shook Hands with Lincoln the nation's of the Civil War was busy smok of meet- . he told the story Again j ing a cigar and reading some of; Abraham Lincoln and of the ; cards but he ing ' his birthday greeting 7 of the man. tremendous kindness graciously posed for photographsv House "It was at a White recep and talked to the reporter abouti was in the tion," he declared. "I Ihis life. shook hands with Army then and I His principal immediate interest- his wife and his son, Lincoln, was a birthday party, to which thej were all i Bobby. They grand people public is invited, to be held at the: one of the most and Lincoln was Hotel Seneca tonight from 8 to lOi ever wonderful men I have met," O'clock under sponsorship of the| the veteran said. Monroe County Council, Sons of soft white hair With the fringe of Union Veterans. He wondered if[ an lack of wrinkles, and amazing ,ice cream would be party fare. the gracious GAR commander's Likes Ice Cream looks belie his age. He wears a Cake, hearing aid and strong glasses aid He likes people and he likes otherwise he j his failing vision but birthday cake and ice cream, so he I the same of life follows much way was looking forward to a fine that has been his for many years. time and wondering just how early Cigar smoking remains one of his he should start getting into his favorite pastimes and at least "dressup uniform." three cigars a day are the rule. An Some 150 to 200 greeting cards occasional pipe of tobacco and gra ifrom all over the nation arrive ham cracker nibbling between ijeach year from friends he has ,meals are other means of passing I met at conventions. He takes a the time. deep interest in each card. Well used to the vagaries of Tears came to his eyes as he .Rochester's weather he was born spoke again of his mother and told tin nearby Victor the veteran of of the time, as a boy of seven, ":the battles of Antietam, Freder when he was taken to spend a icksburg and Chancellorsville pre- .vacation with an uncle and got so jfers summer heat to winter cold homesick he was sick and did noth ing Hint. . was in humid and thriving today's cryr ^^^^^ 1 warmth. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Hard Given Honor Post In War Dead Rite Plans sole surviving Civil James A Hard, 105, Monroe County's of the will be honorary chairman War veteran, the at ceremonies on aimal***ot tribute to World War II dead emains of the first county veteranJroD^overseas^ of Edward I. Crjsiy, chairman made the the county observance, a meet I announcement yesterday at ore units: 'Sees Lincoln' Once M of county ing of commanders Hard, 106, of national veterans' organizations ix, Manager in the office of County Court A. Smith in the jClarence win Impersonator Pays Col. Arthur T. Smith JHouse. chairman, Cristy be assistant to the Visit to 'Boy ... '[announced. will The date for the observance :** of the In Blue' upon the arrival |depend ex- "VfORE than 80 years fell away from overseas, Cristy | body from today and James A. Hard, The first. shipmen rWined. 106-year-old Civil War ?.a ^ < Theater "s expected inl (Rochester's the seemed again to see the P!,flc.Tlheatr!!tl81oOct loanand the veteran, San Francisco [bearded| deep]v furrowed face and Europe * due ' n* first from the ]ank igure of Abraham Lin- 2o. It will nt York Oct. beIore whether any , Shira. after those dates b^" until The and the are included sad, kindly eyes sa servicemen voice were almost veteran of both World. high, penetrating Smith, a from State vet as Hard remembered them now a New York Wars the three times he saw Lincoln counselor, was * erans'' war between the states. the<*furnreturn during the the observance upon dead alter But the old gentleman wasn't of the first overseas I. doing a bit of vivid day-dreaming World War , . obser- Lincoln Hite, the Lincoln said plans for the Abraham Cristy had come to a a and impersonator pay -nce, including procession loca visit to Hard at 31 Portsmouth Ter. tribute in a centra public of the all will on the 84th anniversary will be speeded so tion, delivery of Lincoln's Gettysburg for the first arrival. be in readiness address. the community na To emphasize . the Ameri ture of the affair, only Ambition Fulfilled will be flown. can flag with the a employed at City Council joined Hite, bricklayer, in sanction State College, State Board of Supervisors Pennsylvania last night, un College, Pa., has a gaunt face, ing the observance offered leavy eyebrows and a thin figure terms of a resolution der of the Great Frank E. VanLare incannily like those by Vicemayor adopted. It auth Emancipator. Strangely enough, and unanimously christened Abra- Louis B. Cart- le actually was orized City Manager the doc- with Cristy lam Lincolnafter family wright to co-operated for the serv or, who had been named made available such city and :ivil War president. Often told of ices as are needed. to Lincoln, Hite directed lis resemblance The county in August negan his impersonations during Smith to appoint sell County Manager he war when asked to help and to enlist the co- chil- a chairman cP_War Savjngs stamps to school town and operation of every vll-dren He came to Rochester today Cristy yes.ter- ambition lage in the program. satisfy a iong-cherished commanders o who had day requested the f meeting someone Lincoln Hite on the 84th submit names for appointment tactuaIiy seen Lincoln. James A. Hard (right) greets Abraham to move designed of the A ddress. committees, a Unfajll , COUrteous, the oldest anniversary of the delivery Gettysburg and the entire preparations the , Blue give ' the broadest pos- whe the observance cordially greeted his visitor, tuiry as naiu. sible community representation.representation .^ Lincolnesque clothing Lincoln at I community, will andtold'""or" twice" seeing first arrivals a and false The ke.Up, including wig revlews later in the war. of b^nneJna of the tribute resdenuard Th(m h(J squinted at interested symbols "> him*rmywas articulariy towns and villa g.es of city, carefuIiy. Hard told how Lincoln in War II. Th ,when the heroes of World you ctalnly resemble .th|WBe.n t Bailey.g Crossroads, will be .. a, i ceremony yei.y mucn he sald> that hj only public aneip^.^^ va-. sq gmaU a he arrival of the llrst body. you're not as homely &]mQst ^ t)Uch though marj S >b & I think Lincoln was ,as Mr. Lincoln. lne *> 10 1947 the homeliest man I ever saw. C.SEP Greatest Man Ever Born' ...l u i 'bi | Went to White House In 61 Told that reading and discus- u ra tnlH olJ Hite's Hard toW At urging ^ Gettysburg address will Lincoln at the White meeting ^ ^^ jn every Rocnester, House in May, 1861. veteran i ,. , school today, the aged "It was at a should try to make chil- l^"^D,"d% Lincoln J wirr'and^Mrtdren as much like i^oolfS as 'LincolnWe Lncot ahnadd.ittle Bobb, ^^ ,._ what he - I don't remember PrH ^ ^ | some-i ^ dent said to me- it was just ^e^ ^.^ ^ ^ ^ ^ thing pleasant. ( not an exhibitionist | "BUt "e who finds satis- whenever hdbut just a person gaweT school ways faction in before he had a wona appearing spoke ;em^nbn^-Jdheae;ondePto anyone invalids, thanked l-^rd^a^'witrryrth^Harrenthusiasticany for the in- terview. ] i- j l-hnana npii'lvnea >- I thought crushed my , __ reckon I never did anything Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 1* Veteran at 106 Plans to Honor Lincoln Hard Gets into Mood At Double-Barreled Celebration "I wouldn't miss it for the world.", James A. Hard, 106-year-old Civil War veteran, fingered the GAR ribbon on his coat and mentally j adjusted his old campaign hat as he looked forward to today's Lin coln Day dinner in Hotel Seneca. Hard, one of the nation's few surviving Civil War veterans, | hasn't been feeling exactly perky in recent months, but he's 6Ure he's fully capable of another outing particularly this one. At special ceremonies in his home yesterday he took part in a double-barreled celebration. He presented a ballot box to the Women's Relief Corps organization which bears his name. And, in re turn, the James A. Hard Women's Relief Corps, GAR auxiliary, pre sented a United States flag to the Susan B. Anthony Memorial Inc. Chairman Gets Flag The flag was given by Mrs. Milnp P. Schermerhorn, past presidenfof the Relief Corps, Department of New York. Mrs. George Howard, chairman of the board of trustees of the Anthony memorial, accepted the flag, which will be placed in the memorial, 17 Madison St. Also participating in the ceremo nies was Miss Mary C. Lehman, president of the Relief Corps, and Miss Mae G. Hughes, past national senior vicepresident of the Wom en's Relief Corps. James A. Hard, 106-yeau-old Civil War veteran, holds ballot "It is fitting," Mrs. Howard said, box which he presented yesterday to James A. Hard Women's "that the flag be in the Anthony Relief Corps. The Relief Corps, in return, gave flag to Susan Memorial. Like Lincoln, Susan B. B. Memorial. Mrs. Milne P. Schermerhorn, left, was an Lin Anthony Anthony emancipator. Howard coln freed the slaves and she freed gave flag; Mrs. George accepted for the memorial. women. And at the same time, she freed men from their wrong ideas about women." Doctor to Get Ribbon The Army Commendation Ribbon will be conferred upon Dr. Mont gomery E. Leary, 827 Main St. E., at tonight's dinner, the 26th annual affair of the Abraham Lincoln As sociation. Representative Kenneth Interest in Rochester today centers B. Keating will make the presenta in the parade and ceremonies in memori tion. veteran of World War A 1, al of our soldier dead. The city is dis Dr. Leary was military surgeon tinguished among all cities of the land for Army units stationed here in as the World War 2. home of the oldest of the surviv All public and parochial schools ing veterans of the Civil War. will remain in session on the hol Health and other but banks will be closed, as conditions permit The first iday Memorial Day was pro will state, county and city offices ting, Commander James A. Hard will be claimed in May, 1868, by Major General and the courts. Federal offices conspicuous in the the parade, 80th such commander of I will remain open under the rule Logan, the national GAR, our are that pageant, if figures correct, since as a | only general holidays are day for decorating the graves of the close the | .observed by U. S. employes. of Civil War. Union veterans. Until 1882 the day was # * # called Decoration Day, as it still is in We do not know whether Commander some places, but in 1882 the GAR formal Hard has participated in all the Memori ly christened it Memorial Day and broad al Day parades in this city, but he has ened it to include memorials as one of to all war the thousands of young men dead of all our wars. been in the large majority of them, first Fashions in Memorial Day parades who stepped briskly along in the '70s and have with changed the person '80s, then as one of the older men whose changing nel of the marchers. Horses once thinning ranks distinguished the parades were an essential feature of the of the next two then as one parade; they decades, of ambled along in solid formations curb the aging men who were the chief ob to curb at the head of the- line. Then jects of interest in later years. came the bluecoated Civil War Today Mr. Hard is one of only three veterans, then the companies of surviving Civil War veterans of this schoolboy marchers, each in its distinctive state, one of the 52 reported on the rolls uniform, each proudly trying to outshine the of the GAR throughout the nation. As others. recently as 1930 some 60,000 were living Today there are other, possibly more of the 2,213,000 who served in the Union colorful features, but the old schoolboy forces. marchers are missed. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection n MwdrMears 1(17 $ Hard, at 1^6, Honor Guest Oldest Among Of Lincoln ^Groiip dinner Union Survivors JAMES A. HARD of 31 Ports Great mouth Ter., who will be A 106-year-old man who shook the hand of the 107 next July is the last in Hotel Seneca when 15, oldest of 52 Emancipator led the applause night known Abra- survivors of the Civil at the 26th annual dinner of the War wo principal speakers who wore the Union Blue. Lincoln's career as vibrant 1am Lincoln Association cited Rolls of the Veterans Adminis of tration show iroof that the American way that the youngest some hovel to aspire, if he will, to Union veteran of the War Be fe is the finest ever devised by the of the White House. portals tween the States is that America has the 97-year-old he mind of man. Declaring James Crugam of No highest living levels and the best Chicago. Guest of honor, seated at the records are kept by the government to be found anywhere, govern national and ment of Confederate Speakers' table with the speaker scored those who pro veterans, but their number is of the or- claim this of has estimated leaders patriotic type government to jstate be slightly under that of the the associ become obsolete. He asserted: riizations comprising men who served in the "Lincoln would never have been Union was James A. Hard, state Army. ation, a Socialist. He would never have Grand of Three survivors are Scommander of the Army been a Communist. He believed ev listed for New York woman was State, Hard, Republic and Monroe County's ery man and every Henry jflthe to ahead, Norton, 104, of Troy, and Rob veteran. entitled to the right get surviving Civil War ert M. |last but not to pull the other fellow Rownd, 103, of Ripley. be 107 on July 15, Hard, who will down in getting there." Jwas presented a. replica of a e %f the hand of Lincoln, the original 9of which, made in 1860, is in Wash- Bington. The memento was sent for BHard by Mrs. Mary B. Forbes of SMilton, Mass., a collector of Lin- jcolniana, in return for an auto- Igraphed picture of Rochester's grand old man. Hard Recounts Meeting Hard responded briefly, recount ing liis meeting the Civil War Pres ident at a White House reception jwhen the stripling Hard was wait- ling for his uniform early in the War between the States, following vet his enlistment. The venerable eran drew chuckles when he re called Lincoln observed, "You look if like you'd make a good soldier fcou'd enlist." Chief speakers at the dinner were iThomas J. Connor, principal of pcottsville High School, and Repre sentative Kenneth B. Keating who, Oin the tole of brigadier general also which jperformed a second function Bie described as "the most pleasant "[military duty to which I have ever been assigned." conferred on ., General Keating icol. Montgomery E. Leary, Roch- lester physician, the Army Com- Ribbon and citation, by fmendation the a direction of the Secretary of as [ Army, for meritorious service [contract surgeon for the U. S. Army 1945. I from June, 1913, to May, Outstanding Devotion' In reading the citation and pin-VETERANS OF THREE WARS Ining the ribbon on Colonel Leary, a Commendation Kenneth B. SLwho in World War I commanded Headliners at the Lincoln Day dinner were, Ribbon; Rep. at Jackson a World War 2 soldier, and James I base hospital Camp from left, Dr. Montgomery E. Leary, veteran Keating, said, "Nevei veteran. S C, General Keating who was awarded the A. Hard, 106, Civil War more of World War 1, Army was this mark of distinction j one who the j appropriately conferred on Fred E. Colwell, president of call of duty. Association, in J served beyond the Abraham Lincoln Leary The citation stated Colonel troduced as toastmaster William E.-J^*, devotion to who is "displayed, outstanding Kelly, also of Rochester, 82 in the Sons of duty and loyalty" providing state commander of attention to 38 medical treatment and Union Veterans. Among guests installations E. Moran, of personnel at military were Col Henry during Holy-g|jof Rochester and vicinity oke, Mass., commander-in-chief Jin of that I World War 2. the SUV, and other leaders of w Relief I Members of a committee body the Woman's Corps. headed of prominent Rochesterians Ladies of the GAR, Daughters Dicker, who the by Mayor Samuel B. Union Veterans and Auxiliary in obtaining the were instrumental to the SUV. were among citation for Dr. Leary, at the Lincoln's Life Outlined the more than 200 persons Dicker presented | dinner. Mayor Keating outlined of the cit Representative ---..Hnfa of the Lincoln's life as "'a symbol inexpressible grandeur of our con stitutional system of government and our American equal opportun ity society." to "We must," he said, "continue pertetuate free, constitutional gov free so ernment; free econmy and to ciety We must continue pre of serve that freedom opportunity born in which will permit a child Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 281948 Grand Marshal Designates Aides James A. Hard, 106, state commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, is shown yesterday as he signed orders designating his aides for Rochester's Memorial Day parade, of which he will again be grand marshal. With him are veterans ctf three wars. They are (from left) Henry E. Norton, Spanish-American War; Richard J. Toole, World War 1, and Col. Alfred H. Doud, World War 2, commanding officer of National Guard units, marshal's chief of staff. Daughters onor Hard,! at Fete They sang "Tenting Tonight" fore, he was the guest of honor, "inj last night for James A. Hard absentia." The Rev. William A. Hallock, Rochester's 106-year-old comman past department commander of i der of the Grand Army of the Re Sons of Un'n Veterans, was guest j public. I. - speaker. Other guests included ! The occasion was the 36th anni William E. Kelly, state commander : of the Sons of Union Veterans; versary banquet of Clara Barton Mrs. Molly Edwards, past president I Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans of Clara Barton Tent; Miss Bertha ! held at the Normandie Hotel. Utley, past department president | Although Rochester's "rugged old and other state and local officers. man" was unable to be present Mrs. Leonard V. Gugel, president because he was resting up after of the tent, was honorary chairman serving as grand marshal of the and Mrs. George Hoyt was general Memorial Day parade the day be- Chairman. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection El .1111 1 jTiqifl" -LOOKS FORWARD TO 'MANY MORE'- TOTC. Hard 107 Today, Finds Birthdays Pretty Much Alike GAR Vet 'Feels Fine,' Keeps Abreast of World Events By BILL BEENEY "How does it feel to be 107 years old?" I "Well, not much different than it does to be 106." j James A. Hard, with a smile in his voice, leaned back in his rock- ling chair and fingered the stack of greeting cards he has received for ihis 107th birthday today. 'Tt gets so one birthday looks .pretty much like another when .you've had as many as I have. "And I expect to have a good many mdre. There's no reason why jl shouldn't. I'm in good health. I feel fine. Why shouldn't I?" There's no answer for that one jto a man who has seen five score and seven years slide by. I The grand old man of the Grand Army expects "more cards." Last year he received about 300 "I guess I'll get that many this year j before my birthday is over." i He does all right in the cigar de- jpartment too. "I got enough last year to carry me through. Right now I've got eight cigars left just enough to take_me past my birth- |day." He smokes "three or four" a day. Predicts Dewey Election WELL, NOWWASN'T THAT NICE?' As for current affairs, even at No one in Rochester can count up years of veterans of '63 in the state, he is 107, Hard keeps abreast of things. surviving life as James A. Hard can One of two cards for 107th The election? today. reading greeting birthday. looks like I don't see "It Dewey. There was one touch of nostalgia, H how it can go any other way." yesterday. When the photographer The foreign situation? prepared to take his picture, the "Those Russians are bad medi former state commander of the Gfe cine. I after World predicted right Grand Army of the Republic and | them War 2 that we's have to fight Monroe County's last surviving I .' think within five years. I still Civil War veteran said: that's want to rule the right. They "Let's take this one without my I world and can't let them. I we campaign hat. Seems like I haven't H don't see how a war with the Rus had a picture taken in years with-|>* can be avoided." sians out that hat." I The weather? The hat was put aside just as I "It's been but it hasn't hot, yes, was the State GAR only a month bothered me any. Guess some of ago when Hard formally disbanded 'the young 'folks worry more about! it. the weather than I do. Worry never jdid anyone any good about any-' thing." Sons of Veterans Plan Fete Hard, who likes to "dunk" three] or four graham crackers at every , 'meal, isn't concerned about a birth-, cake today "I'll settle for a I ForHardoXUmHUAy (day 100th birthday. (piece of beesteak." His birthday? James A. Hard, Monroe County's lished on Hard's of only toeal will consist of roast beef, sole surviving Civil War veteran, Robert M. Rownd Ripley, Civil War veteran Hashed potatoes and gravy, aspara- 1 will be honored at a reception other surviving Monroe Coun in the state, has been Invited. Wus salad, peas, tea, cottage pud-' sponsored by County the Rownd is 104. V'mg. cil, Sons of Union Veterans of A short honoring Hard To Be Feted Civil War, on his 107th birthday, program Tonight Wil July 15. will precede the reception. ! Hard will be feted at a public re- i I The reception, which is public, liam E. Kelly, county commander, Veterans of the fception tonight ln the Seneca Hotel. will be in Hotel Seneca. Custom of Sons of Union will The affair is sponsored by the I the annual reception was estab Civil War, preside. Monroe County Council, Sons of TTninn Veterans. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Ch ildren's Hour C;igar Stock interests Hard Grandpa's More than 107th Birthday Time's great-grandfather clock ticked off birthday 'number 107 for James A. Hard today, but reaching such an ; astonishing age didn't especially interest him. "I feel pretty good," he said, "and .after you get to a hundred, birth- father, in response to repeated re- aren't much different." days quests, filled a pipe for him and What sole , Rochester's surviving told him to "take some long puffs." .Civil War veteran was interested The young Hard didand got so sick his mother stayed up all night nursing him. "That was the only time I ever saw my mother really mad at my father," Hard said. But afterwards he learned to cope with tobacco and it helps to fill out his quiet days with their long memories. He need have no fears for his' cigar supply he'll receive a good supply this evening at the birthday dinner to be given in his honor at the Seneca by Monroe County Council, Sons of Union Veterans. At the dinner he'll be making .use of another present, a new hearing device given him by Michael D. Cerame. These young descendants of Comrade James A. Hard helped him ! ; observe his 107th birthday. On his lap is Royce Racinowski, 8- | month-old great great grandson. In front is Peter Eksten, great great grandson, and at rear, Marie Osborne, great granddaughter. Photo was taken at Hotel Seneca reception. \ TOU JUL 16 1948 Hard Starts 108th Yearl I Comrade James A. Hard se- as he of on his With I renely puffs pipe Plenty Cigars notes low of cigars his supply James A. Hard won't have to worry about his cigar | on his 107th birthday. jj supply for a while, anyway. 5in, however, was his dwindling Relatives and friends attending Hard's 107th birthday! cigar supply. He was hoping his Iparty last night at the Seneca saw to it he received five his birthday gifts would include Marge boxes of his favorite, large-sized cigars. aromatic cig- -favorite, large-sized Rochester's sole surviving Civil f ars. War veteran also recieved several in short speeches by Mayor Dicker Hard bent 5 With surprising agility Spounds of smoking tobacco, an and William E. Kelly, commander a drawer of 'over and pulled open assortment of neckties, hand- of Monroe County Council,' Sons his which stands beside 'the bureau jkerchiefs and socks and a gigan- of Union Veterans, which spon home at 31 ! favorite chair in his birthday cake. sored the party. Among several He drew out a jtic Portsmouth Ter. .' Hard's name and the numeral's hundred persons present were back its lid. cigar box and flipped "107" were written on the cake, Hard's daughter, Mrs. Alberta Wil he said. | "I'm down to four left," | which was sheathed in red, white son of Rochester, three grandchil but if I don't They'll do me today, and blue frosting. Flaming on it dren, six great-grandchildren, three ' to switch to my get more, I'll have ! were 108 .candles one for each great-great-grandchildren, and a pipe for a while." year of tne veteran's age, and nephew. to on." This means a good deal "one to grow morning Hard, at his home I Smoking * in blue. With the help of three at 31 Portsmouth was the last of the city's boys great Terrace, re my Hard blew out the ported into "When I smoke," he said, -grandchildren digging his new sup man of back to . candles in accepted birthday ply as memories are running cigars, prepared, he said last of the parties I ner. night, to "hang on a mite years ago. I think I used to go The GAR survivor was eulogized longer." went to and the girls and think and see. Just smoking hadthat s ing of the pleasures what I like most now." veteran told ( The white-haired ; first smoke 101 how he had had his related how his years ago. He Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection *3 .'fetinPfoPft is* | To Sec Circus 1 James A. Hard hopes to relive of one of the earliest experiences his boyhood Friday by attending the Mills Brothers Circus. Monroe County's lone surviving Civil War Veteran readily con sented today to be the guest of the Lt. W. Kirk Otis Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars at the circus per formance Friday. The invitation was extended by A. E. Bricker and the Rev. William A. Hoflick as representatives of the VFW, spon sors of the Rochester appearance of the circus. "It must be close on to 100 years ago since I first saw a circus," the 107-year-old veteran told his visi tors. "I've seen many of them since, and "I think it would be pleasant to see at least one more." The VFW will devote its share of the proceeds of the performance to a fund for a new post clubhouse. WHAT Great-Great-Grandfather James A. Hard, the descendants present included Peter Ecksten, 107-year-old head of the defunct State GAR, 2; Royce Racinowski, 8 months; Kathleen entertained on his birthday yesterday. The Pittenger, all awed by the size of the cake. Grand Old Veteran Honored Great-Great Grandchildren ~ 1948 Included among those with LT^TC: JUL 16 whom he chatted were his daugh ter, Mrs. Alberta Wilson of Roch ester, three grandchildren, six Hard or ire three Reminded Campf great-grandchildren, great- great a grandchildren and one nephew. His 1 07 Candles "Oldest" visitor to greet him By Birthday was the Rev. William A. Hallock, [81, retired Presbyterian minister. By MARVIN NEEDLEMAN The youngest birthday wellwisher "It looks like a campfire!" was arm-held Royce Raccinowski, 8 months, of Victor, a great-great James A. Hard chuckled dryly as he regarded the flaming grandchild. that array of 107 candles surrounded his birthday cake last Is it true that the first hundred night at a public reception at the Hotel Seneca given liim by years are the hardest? the Monroe County Council, Sons Between handshakes, Hard nn-i of Union Veterans Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans swered that time-honored puzzler,! seat Leaning forward from his of the Civil War and their aux-|sayin&: "J can,t 3aV' Come around Roches . , . when nun- on the speaker's rostrum, .,. _T _T I've passed the second iliary, Army and Navy Union. ter's lone surviving Civil Wai >dred and $ ,et yQU knQW last two "I have been thinking," said veteran and one of the Praised by Mayor the Hardj in the state, blew gustily at as he looked around the room filled As he listened to William E. the breath j flickering candles with with his wellwishers, "that I have Kelly, county commander, Monroe assistance of three of his less arrived at the age when I ought County Council, and Mayor Di"icer great-grandchildren. to retire. Most men retire at the Praise him and eulogize the mem- "Just as smoky, too," he mut age of 80and I am long past that lory of his departed comrades, as 107 candles sputtered tered the time. But since I have made sojHard's face took on a withdrawn a bluish haze. out in many good friends, I think X and he bowed his head over The cake, frosted in willj'ook birthday continue to hang on a little mite gnarled hands that grasped the blue with Hard's red, white and longer." walking cane resting between his the numeral name spelled out and l^^^g^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^afeet. "107" beneath, was presented He cupped an ear to listen to the re toward the end of an hour-long V/\/ -singing of his favorite song, "Tent- ception in which the white-haired on the Old Camp Ground." and jing veteran greeted individually .'Afterward, with evident relish, he of received the congratulations i submitted to the birthday kisses of in the several hundred persons .^women who trooped forward to ballroom. him with of various ^^^^ Jgreet gifts vct- lerani' organizations. The groups '/] represented were: Women's Relief. .] Corps, Ladies of the Grai 'of th- Republic IVumhters of Union Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 2* Hard Becomes Mayor PrMtttaraVffi, Oldest Living For Devoted GAR Leadership for the "devoted the GAR Veteran pRAISE airport to participate in a leadership in the Grand send-off for the distinguished ' of the and veteran. , James A. Hard of Rochester, 107-1 Army Republic for his conscientious year-old Civil War veteran, is theft citizenship" ' came to James A. oldest living member of the Union today Hard, 107, from forces. Mayor Dicker. The oldest GAR Miss Cora Gll-fl veteran and the last commander lis of Albany,:.1 of the of national secre-S Department New York, GAR, will be flown to tary of t h e I the national of Grand Army of encampment the GAR at Grand the Republic,! Rapids, Mich., next Sunday. The last night said l. trip will be made in the Gannett that the recent! plane as of death of a Newspapers guest Mid-J The Times-Union. west veteran, af few months f older than Hard,! 3JAYOR DICKER, members makes the Roch-[ of the City Council and ester veteranfr, representatives of veterans the oldest sur-l organizations will gather at Encampment JAMES A. viving Boy James A. Hard is planning to in| In a / letter addressed to HARD Blue. I attend the national encampment Commander Hard, 31 Portsmouth k. Hard, Mayor Dicker states: of the Grand Army of the Re- "We are | ifTer., was 107 on July 15, a month IS proud that Com held in Grand mander I public, to be after he disbanded the State Hard, the oldest Civil De-j| War Rapids, Mich., next week. of the as one veteran in the United partment GAR off 107 is the oldest States, is in Hard, who at -its two surviving members. good health and j United that he I Civil War veteran in the was prompt to accept an will to and from the invitation from the Roch I States, fly ester I in The Gannett Times-Union to provide encampment D.& Roch- 148 swift transportation." i Newspapers plane, leaving at 10:30 a. m. Sunday, Sept. ] ester on Sept. 30. CEREMONIES at Rochester 26, and returning I Ceremonies in which Mayor Airport will be at 10 ; a. Dicker and City Councilmen and m with Al Sigl, Times- Union of various veter- newscaster, at the l j representatives ans' wiU partici- microphone. The program \ organizations will | the be recorded for rebroad- | pate will be held at airport casting by WHEC. I prior to his departure. i Hard, the last commander of i the Department of New York, GAR, will be accompanied to Phone Call from Michigan by Fred E. Colwell, sec- Hard, 1 107, of retary of O'Rork Camp, Sons Union Veterans, and by Joseph Blue of the SUV. Brightens Up Monday Plum, also a member By It wasn't exactly a "blue Mon or Dicker, members of the Council day" but there were plenty of mo and Sheriff Albert W. Skinner will notonous loose ends to be gath extend greetings. ered. Representatives of the American Bright and unusual spot of the Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars to us was the thrill of answer day and Rochester Chapter, Disabled ing the telephone and hearing the American Veterans, will partici Hails Hard voice of James A 107-year-old Michigan pate. Hard. The oldest GAR veteran called the writer yesterday. Governor Writes to Veteran'ete "Good morning," was his greet ' rV" > * ing in a firm voice. "Do we travel SIGLER, governor of Mich possible for you, and Ion standard time or daylight sav ]yIM in a letter to hope you will find your stay in ing time?" igan, 107-year-old A. Hard, the nation's oldest Michigan enjoyable." And we answered, "Travel will Jjames CAR veteran, today extended a With the assistance of Mayor! be on eastern standard time." .hearty greeting to the Rochestei- Dicker, a program has been ar All of which means that, come HARD RETURNS lian. ranged at the Rochester Airport Sunday, Hard, the last commander ' Hard, will be flown in a Gan beginning at 10 a. m. Al Sigl.l of the Department of New York, nett Newspapers plane to Grand Times-Union newscaster, will be will depart from Rochester Airport Rapids, Sunday, to attend sessions master of ceremonies. at 10:30 a. m. for Grand Rapids, '(of the National Encampment of Hard will be escorted to the Mich., to attend the National En the National Guard James A. the Grand Army of the Republic. airport by of the Grand of Hardy Hard, Roches- fj campment Army dHe will be of The Times- and Naval Militia in a parade, ter's 107-year-old Civil War vet- guest the He will be of Ave. and Republic. guest 1 KUnion on the trip. starting from Plymouth eran and the oldest survivors of I The Rochester Times-Union, trav "On behalf of the citizens of Brooks at 9:45 a. m. the Grand Army of the Republic, eling in the Gannett Newspapers' g Gov. Sigler wrote, "it last night was back in General R Michigan," airplane. is a pleasure to welcome yo"u to Hospital for the second time in Falls Man Gets Term A parade will form at Plymouth \ our state on the occasion of the tVi months, under a physician's Horace T. McGinlej, 55, of Nia- 1 and Brooks Avenues and start for | National Encampment of the diagnosis of pneumonia. Falls, was sentenced to six the at 9:45 a. m. gara airport His tGAR. condition was reported as months in Monroe County Peniten Al Sigl, Times-Union newscaster, j \ "It is a distinct honor to have in Court when he satisfactory, and hospital author visit us. The tiary today City will be master of ceremonies at a you and your party ities said the of Ho> attack was not, as all of us an pleaded guilty petit larceny. program at the airport at 10. May Encampment offers yet, at least, as severe as admitted $95 from Norine the one opportunity to rededicate ourselves receiving he underwent last Quade, 9 Gladys St. 12, in October, when to the principles of liberty, equal Sept. he was in the of course, payment for auto repair work hospital for two ity and justice, and, weeks. which he never did. A second unity. , of was Hard was taken to the am that The Roches charge petit larceny dis- hospital , "I pleased made a com- about 9:30 last night, upon the ter Times-Union has advice of his physician. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Truman Wire Hails Hard Eve of to GAR "CO On Trip James A. President Truman vesterday congratulated en War veteran, loi Hard, Monroe County's only surviving Civil attend the P "the youthful vigor" which enables him to tional* Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic One-hundred-seven-year-old Com^-J rade Hard will leave tomorrowjVgNews* morning aboard the Gannett -^ io attend the papers plane meeting^ TOT" ln Grand Rapids, Michigan. to Hard, President.-,,, In a telegram Hard Rebel Reunion Truman said: Says "Dear Mr. Hard: Please ac- warm congratulations Would Be cept my Happy Ending vigor which on the youthful , The nation's oldest veteran of the of age Grand Army of the (enables you at 107 years for a reunion the men , with he in the attend the National Encamp- Republic hopes fought )to Grand Lent of the GAR at Civil War. much pleas iRzpids. I wish you That hope was expressed today a safe re on the trip and by James A. Hard of Rochester, ure ' turn. Harry S. Truman. 107, last commander of the New York State of The I GAR. Hard will be the guest The reunion of the few remain (Times-Union. He will be escorted forming ing veterans of the Blue and the the airport by a parade Brooks Grey Armies was by the Plymouth Ave. S. and proposed Included Sons of Union Veterans last week | Ave tomorrow morning. be members of at the 82nd encampment of the ospital, in the parade will and the Naval GAR at Grand Rapids, Mich. The ,e National Guard suggestion was submitted to the ."serve. ConditionFair a Confederate veterans at Before boarding the plane Tuesday with Al'bigl, their encampment now in session ' < .eremony will be held Condition of James A. Hard, newscaster, as master at Montgomery, Ala. They tabled I Times-Union Civil War veteran, * will be . the 107-year-old of ceremonies. Taking part suggestion. American last night in General Hospital representatives of the "When the war was on we did Wars iLpgion, Veterans of Foreign our best to beat the rebels," Hard was listed "fair." Disabled !and Rochester Chapter, fiid, "but that's long past; we Hospital physicians said a cold should be friends now." " ! American Veterans. he had for several days devel- The reunion recalled to proposed oped into pneumonia. Hard his meeting with Confederate The oldest member of the veterans at the 75th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg on the: Grand Army of the Republic in famous battlefield 10 years ago. the United States was taken by I "I remember talking to one of ambulance from his home, 31 the Rebs at the Gettysburg re Portsmouth Ter., at 2 p. m. yes- I James Hard union," said Hard. "He was a great His said he had big fellow. We recalled the war terday. physician days and had a good time joking recommended hospitalization of we do. about i the things used to Mr. Hard so that the patient I Mricken We even had our picture taken to could receive oxygen and penicil by gether." lin treatment. "That will be our last chance to For his advanced Mr. neumoma for next year, which will mark the years, j final encampment of the GAR. Hard lias been ln good condition James A. Hard, Civil "That will our last to 107-year-old be change up to Monday. I War veteran, was taken to General get together with the Rebs," Hard I Hospital in serious condition at 2 I mused. "It would be a happy end- S p. m. today when a cold he has had ! ing." for several into days developed The reunion was favored at the .pneumonia. Confederate encampment, b-vt iba The la^t commander of the New j ages of the veterans caused con State of the ;York Department siderable doubt as to whether the 'Grand Army of the was Republic meeting would be possible. ; taken to the hospital by ambu lance from his home, 31 Ports mouth Ter. The nation's oldest Republic I Mr. Hard has had continuous voter. nursing care for several years, but This is the newest title to be won'j his cold did not require attendance by 107-year-old James A. Hard, J of a physician until pneumonia de Monroe County's sole surviving? veloped today. The attending phy Civil War veteran, last commander 5 sician recommended hospitalization of the New York State Department [. of the ^!so the patient could receive oxygen of the Grand Army Republics and penicillin treatment. and oldest surviving GAR member r I The physician said that he "was in the country. News of the new honor came to' not too hopeful." Rochester's Grand Old Man I Mr. Hard had been in his nor yester-" in General Hospital where he J mally good condition for his ad- day was reported slightly improved! Svanced years up to Monday. Even from a pneumonia attack. It was/ hrhen his cold became apparent. relayed by Cecil B. Dickson, chief) Sthere was no indication his condi-' of The Gannett News Service in' : lion would become serious. Washington, in his report that! Hard had won a nationwide con test. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 'A mazing' James A. Hard Sits Up In Hospital and Smokes a Cigar By JERRY GILLOON HE amazing Mr. Hard, they call him at General Hos pital. Doctors and nurses stared In credulously at the 107-year-old Civil War veteran today as he saU in a chair in his hospital room, casually smoking a big cigar, less than 48 hours after they said his . they were "not too hopeful" of recovery from pneumonia. "His recuperative powers are nothing short of amazing," com mented the house physician as James A. Hard, the nation's oldest veteran of the Grand Army of the Republic, jested with nurses while posing for the photographer. "His The veteran's "terii'pe i. iture leveled The attending" doctor approved nest is clearing remarkably," the off to normal within 12 hours after the request. doctor added. volun he entered the hospital at 2 p. m. "He's a grand patient," "Mr. Hard is making medical "He's been after a cold he one of the nurses. member Thursday, shortly teered history," a of the medical the Civil War- had for several days developed into telling us jokes about staff declared, "It definitely was j He ate the regular hos days." not to be expected that a man of pneumonia. voice inter-) The robust his would pital meal for pneumonia patients patient's years make such rapid grand girls, these| Hat supper Thursday night. 'rupted: "They're Improvement. His progress to I enjoying myl like to have a cigar, if I'm really date be attributed to the "I'd J.inurses. may rapid j Miss told his nurse, visit." ... advances that could," Hard toij have been made in on getting ,' this morning after 1 "I'm still counting medical science, to such Agnes Arbuckle, at In-! especially oranj last GAR encampment devouring a breakfast of the drugs as penicillin and stroptomy- Hard told a coffee and cereal dianapolis next year," ijuice, toast, that. renorter. "We can't miss Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Hard Home; Makes History Glad to Medipal Home Again All spruced up to go home from General Hospital, 107-year-old James A. Hard had a shave yes JJOMEWAKD bound after his terday. Only 12 days after an remarkable recovery from attack of pneumonia, he was re pneumonia, James A. Hard, Roch covered and in best of spirits. ester's 107-year-old Civil War vet eran, today bade a cheerful good- Feels Almost as Young by to Mrs. Pearl Burrow (above), one of his nurses at General Hos As Usual After pital. Commander Hard is the nation's Hospital Siege oldest comrade of the Grand of the James A. Hard was out of the Army Republic. George Edmund (above), ambu hospital and back in his own bed lance driver, took Hard home to at 31 Portsmouth Ter. last night, I 81 Portsmouth Ter. almost as young as feeling usualj The hospital medical staff re for his 107 years. peated Its expressions of amaze like own bed," he "Nothing your ment at the history-making com remarked as he settled down with i plete recovery of the veteran. after the I his late afternoon smoke When he entered the hospital 12 trip from General Hospital. days ago, his doctor stated that When he ate his supper, a hearty J he "was not too hopeful" for one, he added: "Everything tastes^ Hard's recovery, because of the better at home." l veteran's age. The last commander of the now Hard took home with him some defunct New York State Grand 120 cards and letters from well Army of the Republic is still a wishers in five Eastern states. little weak from his pneuomina attack, according to his nurse, Mrs. Earl L. Dieter, but 'he is coming out of it very well." He's in good spirits, she added. Before the commander left the hospital yesterday he bade goodbye Had to all the nurses, whom he looks, openly admired for their good the care he as well as for good entered had received. When he his the hospital 13 days ago phy at his sician had doubts that age, illness. A he could survive the the amazing couple of days later and smok patient was sitting up ing a cigar Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection IZ UDES-DE-CAMP RALLY AROUND 'THE GENERAL CELEBRATION EVE Nfew York State's last surviving Grand Army veteran, James great-grandchildren. Prom left, helping Hard with his favor . v. Hard, today will celebrate his 108th birthday and last ite sport, "lighting up," are Peter, Julie Ann and Larry ight he was getting the attenfcnyi a<4iero fromiji* gxeat- Eksten. There will be party at his home, 31 Portsmouth Ter Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 21 Routine Is James A. Hard, 107-year-old vil War veteran, hospitalized with pneumonia yesterday for the third time within five months, was r< oorted in "dan ' ger aB* condi -i last night. General h^ pital officials said Hard, was placed on the danger j list because of his advanced age, i although his general condition was fair. He was admitted to the hospital early yesterday morning. Monroe County's last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the oldest in the nation was taken to the hos- > pital last Fall. He recovered In "tune to vote in the national elec tion. Last Dec. 20 he again was hospitalized, but remained for only a few days before return ing to his home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. Hard Oldest J'6^/?^eTfelWh James A, Hard of Rochester yes-l terday advanced to the Number, |One position in seniority among, jCivil War ' terans listed wirh the government, accn> ding to a Gan-i rest in .Back home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. today after a 12-day nett News Service dispatch from General Hospital to prevent recurrence of pneumonia, GA R, Vet Washington. eran James A. Hard, 107, "also was back on his cigar-smoL,, rou The death Tuesday of George tine. He beat an attack of pneumonia last October, returnee, home Carroll, 111-year-old former slave M^^ in time to vote Nov. 3. of Cincinnati, makes the 107-year- old Rochesterian the oldest livingl veteran of the Grand Army of the| Republic. Hard will be 108 on Julv U, ac cording to the Veterans iTdinlnl* A. tration. His nearest rival, in point James Hare of years, is James W. Smith of Lebanon, Ore., who will turn 106 on July 8. with Pneumonia Veterans Administration lists Again only 24 surviving Union veterans on its pension roster. (Confederate veterans do not rate federal pen James A. Hard, 107-year-old vet sions). The GAR ranks are thin eran of the Civil War, marshaled ning by about 50 per ceni each year. In June 1948, VA listed 48 ,' /his waning reserves of strength to Civil War veterans, down 42 from for another battle with illness. -day the previous year. Monroe County's last surviving Probably more Civil War vet GAR member was admitted to erans are still living, VA believes, since never for fed JGeneral Hospital at 1:10 a. m. to- many applied eral pensions. There are 13.043 Iday for the third time within five Civil War dependants receiving VA .'months. pensions: 12,508 widows and 1,435 fl The diagnosis, as before, was children. J pneumonia. ' Because of his advanced age RHard was immediately placed on jlthe hospital danger list, although !|his general condition was listed as .jfair. 1 Hard was hospitalized with pneu- Imonia last Fall but recovered in itime to vote in the national elec- Jtions. Lajst Dec. 20, he was again J hospitalized with a recurrence of j the disease but remained for only several days before returning to his Home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. JAMES A. HARD Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 30 JDAY EVENING, JUNE 30, 1949 31 Open House Hard Determined to Fly Because of impaired health, Com-' rade James A. Hard, oldest surviv- 1 ing Civil War veteran, will limit [ celebration of his 108th birthday iTo Last GAR Session July 15 to an open house in his home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. The nation's oldest Civil War veteran, Commander The celebration, sponsored by the!, County Council, Sons of" his determina jMonroe James A. Hard of Rochester, today declared Union Veterans, will be held from" tion to fly to the final National Encampment of the Grand 4 to 6 p. m. Army of the Republic in August at the age of 108. Bertrand Goodbread, county com He will fly to the 83rd National mander of the SUV, said the party *! .Encampment at Indianapolis on at Hard's home replaces more elab-j< Aug. 28 aboard The Gannett News orate celebations of former years j papers plane as guest of The at the advice of the veteran's physi- 8 ; Times-Union. cian. Hard has been kept close to "I've attended many a National his bed in the last year because of f 'Encampment and I'll be there to two attacks of penumonia. answer tne last roll call," Comman i Goodbread eaid the usual birth- j" der Hard told his friend and en [day remembrances to Comrade campment companion of a year Hard of cigars, tobacco and pipes i asro, William F. Butler of The will be accepted, as well as flowers. & Times-Union promotion depart These have been the usual tokens 3 ment. >om auxiliaries of the veteran .^ "I'm going to keep you to your roups. promise to fly me out to Indianapo lis," Hard told the newspaperman with a smile. He referred to the invitation Butler offered at the conclusion of the 1948 encampment in Grand Rapids, Mich. Hard Interviewed The last commander of the New York State Department of the On Radio Showi flew to the GAR, Comrade Hard James A. Hard, at 108 the na-l aboard Grand Rapids encampment tion's oldest surviving GAR vet-l The Gannett 12-place, JAMES A. HARD Newspapers eran, yesterday took to the air-l twin-motor Lockheed. On his re tt Plans another plane ways via the American Broadcast-! said he tc turn flight he hoped ing Company's "Get Together" pro-< make the to the 1949 encamp trip gram. It was heard in this areas the same ment way. over Station WARC. six Commander Hard was one ,of Hard, who had been interviewed! veterans who decided last year by telephone earlier in the week,] that the 1949 National Encamp said in the special recording that would write the final ment chap he to fully plans attend the GAR'S , ter the Grand Army of the Re of final encampment next month at;, Two of the veterans who public. Indianapolis. Hard said he will made that decision have died since. introduce a resolution calling fori' The Veterans Administration both the Union and Confederate! now lists 24 veterans only surviving veterans of the Civil War to hold! of the "Civil War on its pension a united encampment. He was! roster. Hard heads the roster as Interviewed in the broadcast hv the oldest Civil War veteran in the nation. He will observe his 108th Bi%C JUL 1.7 1949 birthday July 15. Comrade Hard was advanced to the top of the VA seniority list by the death of George Carroll of Cin cinnati on Tuesday. A former slave, Carroll was 111 old. years MARSHAL Comrade James A. Hard Commander Hard said he has ^-*pRAND wasp marshal in fact as well as in name of Roches "pretty well recovered" from his grand attack of pneumonia of several ter's Memorial Day parade. He the months ago. said Indianap Despite his 107 years, the last olis Encampment is "the one thing" commander of the New York State forward to. he is looking Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, signed every order delegating authority for the organi zation of the parade. He likewise conferred on the various details of the demonstrationmonstratioa withwitn hisnis prinprin- cipal ldTTlll.S|u*i. H-W The momorning ofvthe parade Conr- mander Hard proudly donned his GAR uniform and led the march ers, contentedly lolling in an auto. He repeatedly waved in response to cheers of spectators. He took his place of honor in the reviewing stand long enough to inspect the initial military units, and declared he was "mghty proud of them." Back at his home in Portsmouth Ter., Commander Hard sat in his Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection AIDES-DE-CAMP RALLY AROUND 'THE GENERAL' ON CELEBRATION EVE Hard with his favor- New York State's last surviving Grand Army veteran, James great-grandchildren. From left, helping are Julie Ann and Larry A. Hard, today will celebrate his 108th birthday and last ite sport, "lighting up," Peter, will be at his home, 31 Portsmouth Ter. night he was getting the attention of a hero from his great- Eksten. There party D.&C. JUL 11M949 and his dwindling stock of large- isiie, aromatic cigars. 108 i On the first he said simply and Hard's quietly: "I've been to a Jim many for Celebration Today; j Ready ] national encampment and I'll be ithere this year to answer the roll' On his birthday today he'll be up call." There could be little doubt bright and early, as usual, for a that Jim Hard meant hearty breakfast and a pipeful of Siock every word] Cigar Only Worry of that statement. tobacco while he listens to the On his favorite morning news broadcasts. In an The hands of Time's great grandfather clock today sweep topic of conver sation visits from his friends cigars he had much to ticipation of 'round to James A. Hard's 108th birthday, but the nation's and he said: "I say. Wheeling quickly In his chair patriotic groups last was unexc.ited about his ae oldest GAR member nigh't he his desk don't care how early they come flipped open drawer and come I'll be and cumulated years displayed what he bemoaned just so they up Cigar Stock Low in his memory-. as his "last three or four ready for them." Interviewed cigars." stocked room at 31 Portsmouth from birthday He indicated that he might even Because of impaired health Two things, aside Ter., while three of his great-great of were, how have to switch to a pipe because which has sent him to the hospital and the advance time, and his granddaugh to th of the shortage. His oral inventory three times with pneumonia in the grandchildren ever, of supreme importance ter clustered about his chair, Roch centenarian who proved slightly pessimistic one, last eight months, Hard will limit white-haired nunj ester's sole surviving Boy in Blue his contemporarie- however, for the drawer contained his to an open house bers among celebrating such an as no less than allowed that 108 isn't as Abraham Lincoli two full boxes and a from 4 to 6 p. m. at his home. The such figures age. Charl< large tin of tobacco. tonishing ' Lord Tennyson, party, sponsored by the Monroe Alfred "I feel he said, "and of But Council, Sons of Union pretty good," Dickens and Victoria England. then, Jim Hard at 108 can County be birth after you get to my age, Those two things are his journc still leave far men Veterans, replaces the more elab younger in much different. I've had to in downtown days aren't to Indianapolis next month green distress when it comes to orate celebrations to many of them, it's getting national encampmei He's hotels of former years. Uo tend the last stogies. therefore, very apt a habit." of the to look far the be lof the Grand Army Republi ahead when It comes In a ceremony preceding Carefully unwrapping another to supply problems. Hard will present the gavel party, cigar, Hard leaned contentedly at New York State GAK meet used back'in his armchair and did some 1866 to 1948 to the Mon ings from How does it feel to be War deflecting. roe United Spanish to County 108? "I'll have to live some yet I Veterans. that out," he smiled, "but from the find A of musicians now than group don't feel much different oldest band, the 54th Regi city's I ever did." ment Band, will play at the open house under the direction of Floyd C. King. The band concert is being co-sponsored by the Rochester **. 'Music Association. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 'On Top of World\ Says Hard. 108 ' Years to the Funeral Just for the Ride." Today In Young mood he jovial greeted thei JERRY GIUOON By nurse, "Well, Mommy, I'm in fine form this . ." The nation's oldest Civil vet morning." ..:;'. : :. War eran, James A. Hard, is "right on Laying down his pre-breakfast of the world" as he cele top today pipeful of tobacco he made a brates his 108th birthday. wry[ face as the nurse handed him a, That's what he told a exactly vitamin pill and jokingly Times-Union reporter in firm, clear com-j plained, "Do I have to swallow this!' m tones this morning. big cow-pill?" "It doesn't seem to make any Commander Hard whiled away difference to me whether great the morning hours listening to aj I'm 108 or he added after *' 18," companion read some of the. 200j >* the caller for his birth thanking greeting cards from friends and day greetings. well wishers in 38 states, and puf fing away at an occasional He admitted he was a bit excited cigar) Nearby were about the birthday party that the unopened gift pack-! ages of cigars and a . Sons of Union Veterans were to large bouquet! of red the iifew- ^rH give him from 4 to 6 o'clock this roses, gift of Mr. and I -Mrs. Frank Gannett. afternoon at his home, 31 Ports mouth Ter. Hears Record of Interview When a nurse entered his room! He also listened to with his breakfast tray about a radio JnJ 7; terview to be o'clock this the last broadcast on an ABQ morning, com^ national mander of the New York Stale De4 hookup tomorrow mornJ ing. In the partment of the Grand Army of the interview, to be heardf over Rochester's Republic was "She Wenfa WARC as part singing of the 10-11 a. m. "Get Together- program, Commander Hard re-i peated his determination to at I tend the final national encamp- ment of the Grand Army of the! Republic at Indianapolis, Ind 28. He Aug told that he will to the fly'! session in The Gannett' Newspapers twin-motored airplane ,as guest of The Times-Union. I Commander Hard intends to in I reso,uti" "t the dianapolisdiaaD,ia In" encampment repeat- prposal tht Union and Confederate!w !? veterans of the Civil war have a. united encampment next year. Commander Hard's James Hard's birthday luncheon tray is proof ground beef, potatoes, lima beans, bread, butter, that a 108 he has no lack of appetite. It holds salad, peaches, milk and tea. That is his projected airplane flight to the last national encamp James Hard, 108 Tomorrow, ment of the Grand Army of the Republic at Indianapolis. He is to fly to the encampment in The Gan Plans to as nett Newspapers big twin-engined Smoke Usual plane as guest of The Times-Union, JUL duplicating his flight aboard the , llMkSlMWI 1.4 iB49 The nation's oldest Civil a War at party sponsoredsp by the Song same plane last year to the na James A. veteran, Hard, will be of Union Veterans at his home tional encampment at Grand gin his 109th year tomorrow with 31 Portsmouth Ter. Irom 4 to < Rapids, Mich. . little in his change cigar-smoking Jim Hard admits that he routine. p. m. gets tired "a little more" than he used Patriotic and other There will be music a groups friends by grou] but his schedule for tomorrow will to, present him a birthday cake from thi the city's oldest band, calls for getting up and dressing 54th Regiment Band, and gifts himself about 6:30 a. m.; break aplenty. fast of cereal, toast, coffee, and graham crackers, and then an But the last commander of thi after-breakfast pipeful of tobacco GAR's New York State Depart while he listens to the news broad ment has his heart and mind se' cast. Then comes reading of the on a delayed gift that has beer 200 or more birthday cards from romised him for next month. all over the country while he puffs t cigar or two. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 35 JULY 16, 1949 Dandles Youngster When Paul E. McNamara, coun ty commander of the American Le gion, showed up with his 4-year-old I son Donald in tow, Comrade Hard I dandled the youngster on his I knees, put his arm around the tot ! affectionately. It turned out to be [ Donald's birthday, too. The cake \ was brought forth and after shar- { 4ng . hearty piece with the boy, ijim Hard sent the youngster on [ his way with a cheery: "Come backj again next year, sonny, and have \ some more cake." Greeted by Man 105 Vicemayor Frank E. VanLare I brought the greetings of the city j to the veteran as well as a stock of cigars. BIRTHDAYS FOR BOTH104 YEARS APART When the crowd surrounding? Hard had somewhat dwindled, up James A. Hard, who celebrated his 108th birthday yesterday, stepped the county's seco d oldest man, Edward VanDuyne, 105, of meets Donald who was 4 Donnie is son McNamara, yesterday. 66 James St. Said VanDuyne: ; commander. , of Paul McNamara, County American Legion "General, I want to wish you many j Nurse Nina Foote looks on. Hard and youngster are sharing more happy birthdays . . . I'm t Eddie and I'm 105 of cake on hand a in Hard's honor. VanDuyne, my piece birthday "party" self." D.&C. JUL lb 1949 Said Comrade Hard, puffing' hard on a large cigar clamped f ln an amber-colored holder: "That Comrade Hard ai 108 about puts you in my class." "Holy Cow," expostulated VanE Duyne and retreated to hear thel 54th Regiment Band playing lus-| Cocks an Ear to 'Dixie tily on the lawn outside the house. Prior to the ceremony, Hard pre sented a plaque to 30 members of ', The band struck up "Dixie" in the midst of James a Hard's; the Monroe County Council, United i 108th birthday party yesterday afternoon. The nation's oldest. Spanish War Veterans. The plaque, j accepted by Albert E. Bricker, GAR member cocked an attentive ear in its direction surviving past county commander of the or- j ear to ear. and beamed from Still Fit as Fiddle ganization, bears the gavel used chair to his He turned in his reg "I'm as fit as a fiddle," he said. at state GAR encampments from Foote, "It ular nurse, Mrs. George doesn't seem to make any 1866 until the final state encamp- | and to me standing beside him, jokingly great difference whether ment in Rochester last year. that quipped: "I knew they'd play I'm 108 or 18. I might just up and Purpose of Presentation here." rebel tune with you around live another century it's gonna In presenting the gavel, Hard Nurse who calls Baltimore, take about that to smdke Foote, long said: '11 am presenting this gavel r has these Md., her home town, long cigars." to the United Spanish War Veter-' been "Rebel" the vener Jim Hard indicated with a tri dubbed by ans and when they cease to exist, Hard. wave of his hand the 31 able Comrade umphant it will be turned over to the next ' Such was the humorous mood of full boxes of and 11 tins of cigars oldest period war veterans." The lone Boy in tobacco which, in their Rochester's surviving smoking plaque will be housed in the Roch cut into his were on Blue yesterday as he gay wrappings, arranged ester Museum of Arts an-' Sciences. and blue cake the table beside him. red, white birthday In all, it was a. busy day for I and whisked out the five score Today, as if yesterday hadn't at the James A. Hard, 108. But . and candles that enough excitement, Hard eight sputtered provided end of it he arose from his chair about its awaits the thrill of hearing his perimeter. and insisted on walking up the full and some of voice broadcast from coast to After a century stairs to his room with only the \ Jim seated in the coast on a variety show living, Hard, being helping hand of a nurse for as home at 31 Ports aired on an ABC The comfort of his hookup. pro sistance. surrounded friends, for which Hard made a re mouth Ter., by gram, Last night, Jim Hard sat again relatives and well-wishing patriotic cording to New York City by tele j in his upstairs room, puffing had good Tuesday, will be broadcast an-j group representatives, phone other cigar, reflecting. The crowds I ause for his fine spirits. over station WARC from 10 to 11 were gone, the excitement over.' a. m. Comrade Hard is all agog Said Jim Hard: "I'm feeling about it, believing that his voice well that 1 think maybe I'm get will be the oldest ever to be heard ting younger." on the radio, _J Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 3* 3nly 364 Days to Hard's 109th Birthday " TIMESIIHIOn JUL 16 1949 t Commander James A. Hard to- War Veterans, Legionaries and and when they cease to be, it I looked ahead to his next birth other patriotic groups, friends, and will be turned over to the next -day ' dayhis 109th. city officials paid tribute to the oldest period of war veterans. last commander of the New York The nation's oldest Civil War The gavel was mounted on a I \ State Department of the Grand 'veteran, surrounded mounds of plaque which eventually will by Army of the Republic. re-j and pose in the Museum. ^greeting cards, telegrams gifts One solemn note marked the 'received at his 108th birthday event. Turning over to delegates Commander Hard returned to I yesterday, drawled, "The J party of Monroe County Spanish War his customary lighter mood soon j I feel this morning, I expect Iway Veterans the gavel which sounded after, when he was presented with ito be around for another party the opening and closing of GAR a huge birthday cake, framed in .next year." state encampments for many years, 108 candles, and posed for photog i More than 200 persons attended Hard said: raphers with a group of Spanish ithe party at which the Sons of "I am presenting this gavel to War Veterans and Sons of Union (Union Veterans, United Spanish the United Spanish War Veterans, Veterans. 'No Stamp Issue for Confederates'-Hard 3 Now that the Yankees are going the Post Office Department today rh'emorating trie final encampment ,; to have a special commemorative requesting that a special postage of the Grand Army of the Republic stamp, the Confederates want one, stamp be issued commemorating in Indianapolis, Aug. 29. too. James A. Hard, Rochester's reunion of Confederate vetet^ns in Hard, who is being flown to the 108 -year -old Civil War veteran Little Rock, next month. The Times-Union doesn't, Ark., The encampment by think they should have it. department already has made ar- at his request, considered the Con Senator Stennis (D., Miss.) otelrangements to issue a stamp com- federate stamp request and gave his disapproval in a firm voice. "No," he said, "I don't think the Confederates should have a special stamp. They have never shown any gratitude for what the North has done for them since the war." (Civil War). The old veteran did not elaborate on this comment. He did, however, would express the opinion that "it | be all right" if the survivors of the,' Confederates armies wanted to hold a joint reunion with the men, who wore the Union blue. The United Press reported At his home at 31 Portsmouth, fourth veteran, Charles L. Chappel, Ter., relatives said Comrade Hard! 102, of Long Beach, Calif., was in is in excellent condition and 1st jured last when he fell Saturday eagerly looking forward to his tripi out of a tree while trying to har to Indianapolis. The encampment! 'vest his crop. He is In a 1. peach will run from Aug. 28 to Sept. Hel naval hospial to escape one three fighting Is likely to be of only and his condition is re- pneumonia Grand Army men attending the < "fair." veteran ported Another 83rd and final encampment. Others who now seems likely to miss the of are Joseph Clovese, 105, Pontlac, is Hiram R. Gale, 102, of encampment I Mich., the only surviving Negro of Wash. Gale hae been 111 Theodore Penland, Seattle, J the group, and recently. 1 100, of Portland, Ore., the national ^mmander-in-chief. /O Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Civic Sendoff to GAR Session Set for Hard jyfrLITARY veterans and civic TjMJJ (JfJJj of honor will assemble at Main St. W. and S. St. at 10:30 groups will join in tribute to Fitzhugh a. m. to escort the venerable vet James A. Hard, when the nation's eran to the airport. The escort oldest Civil War soldier, 108, de will consist of National Guards parts for the final encampment men, Voiture 108 of the 40 & 8 with of the Grand Army of the Repub its colorful locomotive, Roch ester police and sheriff's deputies. lic a week from tomorrow. The formation will Last commander of the New proceed along Main St. to Plymouth Ave. S.; State Department of the jYork south on Plymouth to Elmwood GAR, Comrade Hard will make the Ave., and from there to the Air 1550-mile flight to the Indianapolis port. Harry J. Gaynor, 'encampment aboard The Gannett municipal public service director, will be Newspapers twin-motored plane as parade marshal. Iguest of The Times-Union. Al Sigl, Times-Union newscaster, Although the encampment is ; will be master of ceremonies of still a week off, Comrade Hard has the farewell ceremony, which will all but last-minute prepara jmade be recorded by WHEC for sub tions for the journey. Attendance sequent broadcast. at the reunion with the few re maining veterans able to attend Taking part in the program, William F. lis his most cherished hope.. Since arranged by Butler of The Times-Union returning from last year's GAR promotion staff and one of Hard's encampment at Grand Rapids, flight com will be Van Mich., aboard the same plane, panions, Vicemayor JAMES A. HARD Chairman Hard has repeatedly expressed Lare, Gordon Howe of to take in the Monroe County Board of Super determination part be at Rochester Airport at 11 a. m. visors; Fred A. Glover, business 'final encampment. Sunday, Aug. 28. manager of The Times-Union; ; The "bon voyage" ceremony will Preceding the ceremony, a guard veterans groups and their affil iates, and other civic societies. Color guards of Monroe County American Legion and Veterans Foreign Wars will present flags. Hard, Jy$> ^pJpday to Last Reunion The nationJs oldest member of the Grand Army of the salute from color guards of the city Republic will board a Gannett Newspapers plane at noon today and military groups. Ceremonies and head for last official reunion with the in blue. his boys at the airport will be recorded for Only five of his former comrades will be on hand the sole broadcast over WHEC at 2:30 p. m. representatives able to attend the As the only representative of New 83rd and final of an encampment York State to attend the GAR en organization that once numbered campment, Hard received the best more than 408,000 persons. wishes of Governor Dewey in a let With his brushed blue uniform ter which referred to him as a sym in his 108- packed neatly suitcase, bol of "the undying patriotism of James A. Hard year-old yesterday the Empire State." was looking forward to the occa sion but admitted he felt sorry to Airport Ceremonies see the once-powerful organization Ceremonies at the local airport drawing its history to a close. today will include brief messages of While certain members the from Vicemayor Frank E. VanLare, GAR have urged continuance of the Chairman Gordon Howe of the organization with annual meetings, Board of Supervisors, and Fred A. Hard said "it was best" that this Glover, business manager of The year's encampment should be the Times-Union. The Rev. William last. "The affairs of the organiza Hallock, state chaplain of the Sons few tion should be settled while the of Union Veterans, will give the remaining veterans are able to dis benediction. pose of any issues." Among the veteran groups slated Favors Reunion with Rebs to pay tribute to Hard prior to his He still declares, however, that departure are the American Legion, he would be in favor of a final Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled get-together of the GAR with Con American Veterans, National federate veterans a proposal that Guard, Sons of Union Veterans, was cooly greeted at last year's con Rochester Lodge of Masons, the clave. He pointed out that the or- Eagles and Moose. zanization will continue to exist as long as a single member survives, as prescribed in the GAR by-laws. Before departing for Indianapolis, where the Initial GAR meeting was held in November, 1866, Hard will receive "bon voyage" wishes from a detachment of National Guards men, Legionnaires, police and sher iff's deputies. They will escort the aged veteran from Main St. W. and of Staff Fitzhugh St. N. at 10:30 a. m. today GAR Chief Albert to the Rochester Airport, where he Woolson, 102, of Duluth, Minn., will be greeted by delegations from breaks crackers into his soup in patriotic, veteran and civic groups. after he arrived Indianapolis GAR He will board the plane after a final to attend last convention. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 3C Hard Ready for Last Camp ...... UMBUmon Rl'G2*'f94g Oldest Vet Flies Tomorrow, States GAR Will Live On By JERRY GILLOON Guardsmen, Legionaries, police the departure ceremony, of which! and sheriff's deputies will escort A] Sigl, Times-Union newscaster. New York State's lone represen Hard from Main St. W. and Fitz will be master of ceremonies. Hard j tative to the historic final encamp is the oldest Mason in the ment of the Grand Army of the hugh St. N. to Rochester Airport country, Republic. 108-year-old James A. at 10:30 tomorrow. as well as the oldest veteran. Brief will be Hard of Rochester, today clarified At the field he will be greeted messages given byl Vicemayor B'rank E. Van Lare, 1 his views on the proposed disband from vet by delegations patriotic, of the ing of the GAR. Chairman Gordon Howe | erans and civic groups amid the Board and Fred A. "This year's encampment should of Supervisors, of Civil War tunes. business of The ' be the last and the affairs of the playing Glover, manager The assembled so honor- Times-Union. organization should be settled groups g him are the American Legion, Benediction will be given by Rev. while the few remaining veterans | Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dis William A. Hallock, state chap-i are able to of any issues," dispose abled American Veterans, National lain of the Sons of Union Veterans, the last commander of the New Guard, Sons of Union Veterans, immediately before the departure', York State of the Department Rochester Lodge of Masons, the of the plane about noon. GAR declared at his home in Eagles, and Moose. The ceremony will be recorded! on the eve of his Portsmouth Ter. Color guards of the city and mil and broadcast over WHEC at in 2:30j flight to the 83d encampment itary .groups also will take part in p. m. Sunday. Indianapolis. GAR STILL LIVES [ He maintained, however, that the 'GAR as an organization cannot (cease to exist while a single mem ber survives. That is prescribed in the by-law6 of the organization, he pointed out. Hard will be the guest of The Times-Union on the 550-mile flight from Rochester Airport to In dianapolis aboard a Gannett News papers plane tomorrow. Hard was described today as a symbol of the "undying patriotism of the Empire State." The term was applied in a letter from Gov. Dewey expressing h>6 good wishes and those of the people of the state to the venerable veteran. ONLY SIX TO ATTEND Dewey likewise expressed his "congratulations to The Gannett Newspapers for their fine spirit in transporting you to and from the Indianapolis encampment." He will be one of six veterans en rolled for the final encampment which begins tomorrow and ends Wednesday night with a parade in which each veteran will ride sep arately. Although there will be only ia half dozen GAR members, some 12,500 representatives of affiliated | organizations will hold their con ventions at the same headquarters. j The veterans will be present at the opening of the sale of the commemorative stamp honoring .the GAR at>ts final encampment \ in the city where the first encamp- fment was held 82 years ago. DEPARTURE CEREMONY Historically, the most significant event of tbe encampment will be lits single, brief business session in which the GAR will disband offi- [cially on Wednesday. I A detachment of National Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 37 ard, 108. Says He's Ready or HopHon to Last CApl Camnamp Happily anticipating thte renewal of friendships with a, few Civil War comrades, Jarhxes A. Hard today declared he's "all set" for his flight to the lkst encampment of the Grand] Army of the Republic. X The nation's oldest veteran sol dier at the age of 108, Hard will be feted and civic Stamp Proposed by military groups byHardAmearS here as New York State vet just before he takes off from Roch By JERRY GILLOON Comrade Hard is attending 108-year-old eran. ester at noon for airport Sunday Times-Union Staff Writer a guest of The Times-Union. the 83d and final GAR reunion at Although the crowds were ig Indianapolis Uncle Sam has Some 5,000 persons witnessed the He will .make norant of this, hundreds of men the-,, ewlosta"g7 stTmp today" of the issuance of the Indianapolis^flight aboard The Gannett News- ceremony and women continuously crowded an James A. ^rd> ^^ tQ ea the Hard. The last papers twin-motored as stamp yesterday afternoon in around Comrade Rochester's grand old man of the guest of The Times-Union. Sol commander of the GAR's New York Grand of the Republic shadow of the city's towering Army State shook his a list of Sailors Monument, but Department. Many Presaging long encamp The stamp is a special commem diers and hand and asked for his autograph ment activities, the Rochester vet orative issue in honor of the last only a few knew the memorial the on their programs. Many more, in eran, last commander of the New of which Istamp had been proposed encampment and newsreel York State Department of the cluding newspaper shot his GAR, has received scores of letters photographers, picture. and cards from well-wishers in PROPOSED LAST YEAR many states expressing the hope that he will the final enjoy g tier Comrade Hard proposed the me- 1 of Civil War veterans. ing morial stamp at last year's en-1 Commander Hard will I es-i campment at Grand Rapids, Mich., corted to the airport Sunday orn- and his fellow veterans unanimous National ing by Guardsmen, Voi- ly approved. He was flown to bothr 108 ture of the 40 & 8, other vet last year's encampment and this: erans and Rochester groups police final one aboard a Gannett News-. and sheriffs. The escort deputy papers plane. will meet Hard and his companions | The memorial etamp bears the, at Main St. W. and S. Fitzhugh St. of an veteran at 10:30 a. m. picture aged wearing? the GAR campaign hat, as well as Arriving at the airport, the party a shadowy image of his former self, will be greeted by delegations of a young soldier who fought on the the American Legion, Veterans of battlefields of the Civil War. Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the National Guard, Seated in his wheelchair near Sons of Union Veterans, Ladies of the Soldiers and Sailors Monu Hard heard the GAR and allied groups, the ment, Comrade the Eagles, Moose and Rochester stamp described as "a manifesta Lodge of Masons. tion of gratitude who those who preserved our government when A program of Civil War music it was in peril," and "something to will initiate the "bon voyage" cere be credited to the debt we owe mony at which Al Sigl, Times-Un to, the few surviving veterans of the ion will be master of newscaster, Civil War and those who did not ceremonies. The will be f program return from that war." recorded for broadcast over WHEC at 2:30 p. m WELCOMED BY GOVERNOR Commander Hard will board the Taking part In the program were plane shortly before noon and will Indiana's governor, Henry F. arrive in Indianapolis at 2:40 p. m. F. Schricker; Assistaril rostre*ta| Comrade James A. Hard (center) is greeted by Gov. Henry General Joseph J. Lawler, ana Schricker of Indiana at Indianapolis. At left are Hards military j Mayor Al Te.- aide, Sgt. Bob Zollner and his nurse, Shirley Basom. Quick to jHard as he arrived Imony, Gov. SchrlrW hast. welcome him. Hard Named Receives ^ Especialy enjoyable for Com-* OCT 2 rade Hard were the songs of Civil s 19,49 IStates Marine Corps Band. The j Marine musicians are giving sev-1 Promotion eral concerts at the encampment by a special act of Congress. A. 108 years oldH Hard was James A. Hard of Rochester to- James Hard, Comrade guest of honor at a dinner of the New York became junior vicecommand- is a junior. Jday Department of the Women's Relief of the Grand of Junior vicecommander-ln-chief oflf jer-in-chief Army Corps, but he was too weary after of the Republic,! | the Republic. the Grand Army a long and exciting day to attend a reception Gov. and The nation's oldest Civil War that is. given by Mrs. Schricker in the the nation's oldest Civil Statehouse in the Hard, who is 108, was Hard, f [veteran, to the evening. War veteran, was appointed [named to the office by Command | Another of the six old soldiers at Commander-in-Chief Theo-I er-in-Chief Theodore A. Penland of office by the encampment, Charles L. Chap- Ore. A. Penland of Portland, J pell, senior vicecommander from (Portland, Ore. The appointment dore resulted froml Long Beach, Calif., collapsed as he was occasioned the death on The appointment by was on his to of Charles A.I way the reception. 19 the death on Sept. 19 J Sept. of Charles A. Chappel of He was revived shortly, however, California, senior ^California, senior vicecommander. Chappel of vice-j [and returned to his hotel room was succeeded byl fter a hospital Alfred Woolson of commander who checkup. Minnesota Hard Alfred Woolson of Minnesota. j advanced from junior vice- nost of junior (was takes over Wools kommander to succeed Chappel, vicecmmander. land Hard takes over the office of Woolson. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 38 6 GAK ourvivhrs Split Over 'Last' Encampment were in Indianapolis(AP)Six Union Army veterans to their minds town yesterday, looking game enough change | about this being their last encampment. vet- 1 Like most convention delegations, some of the aged to go te erans didn't even bother felt after a 250- the memorial service that opened chipper enough, the mile automobile drive from Prince-' the Grand Army of Republic watch the memorial encampment. Am, Ky., to service. Charles L. Chappel, the 102-year- from old senior vicecommander First for Negro Veteran Beach, Calif., ate a hearty Long The old Kentucky cavalryman, meal instead. who thinks more annual encamp- 1 be the last "This is supposed to ments would be fine, spent his time hotel lobby encampment," he told chasing Civil War "drillers." His' to the deci well-wishers, referring son, Tom, explained that "drillers"; at the encampment in sion made posted as Union Army men rustling last year. Grand Rapids, Mich., up among farmers. t provisions of them said they aren "Some This is the first GAR encamp but they are," he said going again, ment for Joseph Clovese, 105-year- with a twinkle of the eyes. old Negro veteran from Pontiac, Xast' for Commander Mich. Fleeing from slavery to join a Union colored unit in Louisiana, Commander-in-Chief Theodore he was on garrison duty during A. Penland, 100, of Vancouver, Sat the Civil War. Wash., said when he arrived the Clovese arrived train yester urday that this is definitely by him the new last meeting. That would give day morning, sporting rest he the commander's post for the black congress gaiter shoes of his life. bought for the encampment. an idea Charley Chappel had Last to arrive was James A. ask Pen- yesterday: "I'm going to Hard, who at 108 is the oldest of what land for his place and see the 16 veterans left in the GAR. He he says." had a good excuse. Rochester, N.Y., want to up his "He don't give his hometown, drummed up a civic Mrs. Lillian M. post," explained celebration to send him off in a secretary Gardner of Los Angeles, plane provided by The Gannett GAR De of the California-Nevada Newspapers. The old veteran of partment. Antietam, Chancellorsville, York- loves the GAR so Old Charley town and Fredericksburg is well she said, that he goes into much, satisfied to wind up GAR business once a month for a Los Angeles "while we're able." But he'd like to although no other "post meeting," see another joint meeting with Con veteran ever there. gets federate veterans, like the one held Robert Barrett, 102, Gray-bearded at Gettysburg, Pa., in 1938. Auxiliary Rite Rained Out Chappel started his trip by plane] Saturday night but took to a traiT< vin Chicago because of rain. He ', flown to the last four GAR se 'sions, but he admitted his fligl ;|was "pretty hard." Maj. Gen. Carl R. Gray Jr., ver^ 1 erane administrator, added his owW j emphasis to the "last encampment? ;; Itheme when he spoke at the me, mortal service. A CITY'S TRIBUTE TO AN OLD SOLDIER . . . J 1 "Well done," he told the last o! James Hard, 108-year-old Civil War veteran, receives one of the Boys in Blue. He gave his fare' well "from all veterans," reporting his many Charles A. Heinsler of the Sons of well-wishers, 18,860,000 veterans now on VA rolls! to for final j Union Veterans, prior departure yesterday jOf them, he said, only 26 are Civil GAR encampment in Indianapolis. His granddaughter, War survivors. Mrs. Carl Ecksten, right, holds a gift presented to the aged commander while Nurse Shirley Basom looks on. Other pictures and story on Page 19. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection mm* Mission Accomplished, Hard Heads Home after Final GAR Encampment By JERRY GILLOON tomac with which he fought nearly and his fellow guests of the Roch-' ester Times-Union were to arrive Times-Union Staff Writer 90 years ago, he kept them to himself. home this afternoon. Indianapolis The Grand Army A hundred thousand Nor as persons! of did he say anything he the Republic, reduced to a thin cheered as the six Grand Army was wheeled off his room blue to hotel line of six aged men, march men, each in a separate car, moved [ after the bugle echoes had died and ed off into the mists of history through the streets of downtown I the last sentence of the history of here today. Indianapolis in the final parade of the GAR as an active organization j Present in the ranks, a gallant the Union soldiers. Parading with was written. J figure despite the onslaughts of them were members of organiza-j age, was James A. Hard, Roch MISSION ACCOMPLISHED tions affiliated with the GAR, as! ester's 108-year-old ex-infantryman well as veterans of later wars, and* who had fulfilled a last ambition Today, mission accomplished, Indiana National Guardsmen. by attending the 83d and final en Hard headed homeward to Roches Hard's sole companion in thei campment of the GAR. ter. parade was his nurse, Mrs. Shirley.' Basom of has Tensely he had sat in his wheel He was unusually reticent, al Henrietta, who chair as left his side since he left taps were sounded at the though unusually alert, as he was scarcely last campfire of the Grand Army driven by the Red Cross Motor Rochester Sunday. last night. He said nothing. If his to the Corps Indianapolis airport RESPONDS TO CHEERS thoughts were on the Virginia to board the Gannett Newspapers of campfires the Army of the Po- plane for the return journey. He Hard responded to the cheersij ~ ~ \ , and applause of the spectat which marked the final meeting of To carry out his proposal the of >;along line march withlong, the Grand Army. year ago that the GAR comple slow salutes of his Grand Army its business while its members a 5. campaign hat. GREET CONFEDERATES competent to do so, Hard also mai As he was the oldest veteran a resolution for final dispositioi The encampment was formally here, his car was given a place of of the Grand Army's possessions, 9 honor following that of the Na- ended yesterday morning at the Again his comrades agreed. The Itional Commander, 100 -year -old official meeting of the veterans. GAR flags and medals were as , Theodore Penland of Vancouver, All present officers were continued signed to the Smithsonian Insti Wash. Joseph Clovese, 105, the in their positions by unanimous tution and its record to the Library lone Negro veteran, of Pontiac, vote. Hard proposed that the GAR of Congress. The Grand Army will Robert of on , Mich., Barrett, 102, and the Confederate Veterans have continue paper, however, until Princeton, Ky., and Albert Wollson, a joint reunion in Washington next the last veteran dies. In addition of 102, Duluth, Minn, were in cars year. A majority of the veterans to the GAR men present at the following Hard's. doubted they would be able to at final encampment, there are 10 The hour-long parade was led by tend, so all agreed to the Roch- others still alive. the United States Marine Corps esterian's motion that a message "Maybe we'll all be forgotten Band. be sent to the Confederates' en now," Hard observed today, just Soon after the parade, Hard and campment at Little Rock, Ark., before boarding the plane. "And I his fellow veterans reassembled for next month, extending best wishes maybe that's the way it should be, their former battlefield the traditional campfire ceremony, to foes. We've finished our task." Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 4-0 James Hard's Condition Hard Returns Home " From Hospital Stay Commander James A. Hard, 108, Good, Hospital Reports oldest- living Union veteran of the civil war measure, his in the United States, was L Running true to his amazing form, week as a precautionary visit back home again yesterday at 31 James A. Hard was re doctor said. This is his fourth \ 108-year-old Portsmouth Ter., after a week in condition to the in about a year and al ported in very good today hospital General a week to Hospital. in General Hospital. half. He was there for up 2 of last when his rapid. Hard, who also is the state's sole Photo below shows him with his Apr. year was de- I member of the was recovery from pneumonia living GAR, Miss Beth Green. nurse, taken to the scribed by physicians as amazing. hospital for treatment The nation's oldest Civil War vet of a cold. eran, Hard entered the hospital yes terday afternoon for treatment for a moderately .severe cold contracted last Thursday. He had been coughing frequently and was somewhat ex hausted. D.&C. WAR 1:6 1950 Despite his cold", Hard was sing ing "Sweet Adeline" when a nurse brought him his breakfast this morn l] ing. The veteran probably will remain James Hard to Get n the hospital until the end of the Guard Certificate The State Legion of Guardsmen's certificate of recognition will ba [awarded to James A. Hard, 108, the) nation's oldest Civil War veteran, in a ceremony at his home, 31 Ports* mouth Ter., at 10 a. m. Saturday. The certificate states mat presents* tion to the last commander of the New York State Grand Army of the Republic is in recognition of meritori ous service to his country in time of peace and war. The presentation will be made by Richard W. Nersing- er Sr., a past commander of the Thomas J. Griffin Post of the Legion of Guardsmen, of which Hard was an honorary member a few years ago. Al Sigl, Times-Union newscaster, and John E. Gascoyne, junior vicecom mander of the Legion, also will take part in the ceremony. tMfAN r 91 rR Hard Honored^ Guardsmen Hard By Better, f Presentationp'.&c.u^of a certificate o, Dinner recognition" was made yesterday tol Eyes James A. Hard, oldest living CiviU.^ War veteran, by the State Legion Providing he is in good health, Quits Hospital ofj Civil Guardsmen. James A, Hard, 108-year-old James A. Hard has again shaken of honor Richard W. Nersinger, a past com- 2 War Veteran, will be guest " off a cold the heavy (technically pneu mander of the Thomas J. Griffin at the 28th annual dinner of and the vet Post of the Guardsmen, Hard! Rochester Abraham Lincoln Associ monitis) 108-year-old gave the certificate. Hard told I ation Monday night at Hotel Seneca. eran quit General Hospital today to Nersinger will be Jus he was pleased that the Guardsmen E Speaker of the evening return to his home at 31 Portsmouth are interested in him. The h William F. Love of the State Su ceremony tice Ter. Associ took place at Hard's home at 311 preme Court. The Rochester the The nation's oldest Civil War vet Portsmouth Ter. ation was founded in 1923 by said the certificate men- 1 Sons of Union Veterans. Brig. Gen. eran entered the hospital a week ago Nersinger he toastmaster tioned Hard's service to his country.: Alfred H. Doud will yesterday. In his usual hardy man Hard was an member which will observe the honorary of the affair, ner ofj that has amazed the medical staff a few of Lincoln's birth. the Guardsmen years ago.l 141st anniversary of the Hard hospital, quickly respond Witnessing the presentation were A13 The guests are expected following edCU tolU and3IIU wasWdS UCSC1 1UCL . w . , . T- I - * Allnn treatment,UCaUllClll, described of Alton. Sigl. Times-Union newscaster, and to attend: Etbelyn Tucker as apparentl* back to normal tod John E. Gascoyne, junior vicecom-ffi N. national of the as- H, ^ ^ ^ J of the Guardsmen. Harris- . mander sociation; Johnjujii H.P^den'Runkle ot .-> jociauuu, habitual and tne cigar= puffing joking* withl ot f . bure Pa., commander-in-chiet , nls nurses. His was <-, ,, \ j xi crh r.f Batavia only' complaintr SUV: Judson N. rrench ot Baiavia, the medication ~A.r ,h vnnhiathat dulled his appe-arr department commander, and sopnia F.PbM of Long island City, fi depart-^ -r . <* mm! nrcsldcnt. y^fJ^ ggQ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection ^50 ^IKttMMfMU IlMbUlflOuivi, .:. ^.01950 Rochester Times-Union Guardsmen to Honor Hard Saturday Evening, March 18, 1950 9 The State Legion of Guardsmen part in the presentation at Hard's will honor James A. Hard, the na- home, 31 Portsmouth Ter., at 10 Guardsmen Honor Hard lion's oldest Civil War veteran, Sat a. m. will be Al Sigl, Times-Union! urday by presenting to him the Le newscaster, and John E. Gascoyne,; gion's "certificate of recognition." junior vicecommander of the J^egjon^ The certificate states that the pres entation to the 108-year-old last commander of the New York State Grand Army of the Republic is in I recognition of meritorius service to .his country in time of peace and I war. The presentation will be made by j Richard W. Nersinger Sr., past com mander of the Thomas J. Griffin Post of the Legion of Guardsmen, of which Hard was made an honorary | member a few years ago. Also taking Ward to Attend 'D.&C. MAY24J95 ^Memorial Kitzy^ nw Oldest James A. Hard, oldest surviving! member of the Grand Army of the) I Republic, will be guest of honor at, I the 82nd annual memorial service Memorialwm*w. - 1 sponsored by the Veterans gne hundred and eight -year-old in and Executive Council MasonicJames A Hard who wm be grand I AnHitnriiim SiinHaV- l_i ^t HMKUMOH MAY 31 1950 omrade Hard Has a Busy Day As Memorial Parade Marshal At opposite ends of the nation, the celebration of Memorial Day lingers today in the minds of two veterans of the Civil War whose thoughts go back to the first observance 108- year-old James A. Hard of Roches ter and Douglas Story, 105, of Los Angeles. It was a happy and busy day for the aged veterans. Comrade Hard, -fa the nation's oldest military veteran, j proudly carried out his role as grand marshal of the Rochester parade, and reminisced this morning in song, a song of years ago that ends with ] the line "And Willie came home." J Comrade Story took part -in two | ceremonies in honor of the nation's war dead, traveling 30 miles before his return home at the end of the day's exercises. First, he was guest of honor at the service in the Veterans Administration Cemetery at Los Angeles, and later he was presented to admiring throngs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The last commander of the New York State Department of the Grand Army of the Republic. Comrade Hard commented this morning that "I don't think I ever enjoyed a pa rade more." His enjoyment was no less real because he could not see the march GRAND MARSHAL James A. Hard as he rode at head of ing units. The sound of the bands Memorial Day parade. playing such familiar Civil War airs as "Tenting Tonight" brought bac' the sight of many such parades in years gone by. Riding in a car in the parade, Comrade Hard waved to the crowds along the line of march as they greeted him with long and loud cheers. He returned the salute of the parade military units as he reviewed the marchers from his car in Broad Street opposite the City Hall. Commander Hard was quite proud | of the fact that he walked down the[ | stairs of his home and along the walkj to the car that bore him in the. parade. \ "Maybe I'll do the same thing t again next year," the indomitable i soldier suggested as he puffed his1 after-breakfast cigar. Masonic Post I Life Member] James A. Hard, 108-year-oldl Rochester Post of Masonic War Civil War collected another Veterans, now being organized, has veteran, j taken as its Number 1 member life membership badge yesterday. James A. James Hard to Get Hard, oldest living Civil This one is in the Monroe War veteran. County) Council of the Army and Hard, New York's' only 'GAR Navy] Union. The badge was to Army, Navy Badge member and said to be the oldest presented J Mason in the Hard by Ralph R. Clausen, James A. Hard, 108, the oldest j world, is 108. He com-j was the first of the mander of the union. The citation living Civil War veteran, will be signer Masonic I charter it the presented the Life Membership Badge giving distinction of accompanying the badge read: being the only one in the state with of the Monroe County Council It is given in recognition of being [ a Civil War veteran on its rolls. and tomorrow at Army Navy Uion, an outstanding veteran and thel Second name on the post charter 7:30 p. m. at his home at 31 Ports oldest living member of the Army , is that of James | Ter. Eksten, veteran of mouth and Navy Union. . . ." World War 2 and Hard's great- The committee in charge of the The ceremony took place at I | grandson. Lance H- Thompson is presentation are: Ralph R. Clausen, Hard's home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. I 'directing the organization of the new county commander; Samuel Marcus- Participating in the presentation (group. The signature of 15 Masonic field, county paymaster, and Norman were Samuel Marcusfield, veterans is before the county! necessary group and Norman SenecalJ can apply to the New York State paymaster, commander of Michael Tressy Grand Lodge for its charter. Gar-j rison 3206. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection to learn your going to go to school James Hard's Story ABCs." ALWAYS WORK that I well remember the teacher an interest Time Live taught us. He took quite Even if You me sit to let up Flies, in me and he used he the class on his lap while taught school full But I never did go to work to do term. There was always To Be 109 Years Old father used to on the farm, and my send us to help out the neighbors when they needed us. We had a great deal of enjoyment as although things weren't as easy they are for the children today. ln the Winter the Susquehana River down there used to freeze solid skates for 7 or 8 miles. We all had and which we fastened on our boots, take lunches > we'd go on parties. We along, and eat them around camp-i fires. DROVE TO DANCES In the Summer tnerc were dancesf in the towns, and we used to drive to them with my sisters. My dad had ; > r n in our house. My a pump put were sisters us< to play it. They right fin. how To show . things havej was ai changed, we i J to think it wonderful C r is if we got t doughnut and a stick of candy and a few nuts of some kind. Our favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. When I was 13, myl brother and 1 walked to Binghamton', which was about 14 miles from home. They had advertised a big Fourth celebration. My brother and I got up at 3 a. m.i on the Fourth and ate breakfast. We^ went outside and the ground was! white with frost. My father gave us each a shilling (12'/j cents) and we started hoofing it to Binghamton. SAW PARADE We got to Binghamton about 9( a. m. and we were so hungry we each bought a great big gingerbread cookie for three cents. Well, we stayed all day, window-gawking and I JERRY TOMPKINS, 10, (center) and Geoffrey Palmer holds an old book about war from seeing the sights. There was a fire men's parade, whii > was the best I Palmer, 11, neighbors of James A. Hard, which background scene was taken. Notice thing of all. About s p. m., after the as recalls Civil War Hard's medals and GAR hat. I listen he experiences. fireworks, we started home, but we times i only got about six miles when we JAMES A. HARD H1H0H ji ii ,,:-,a By wen' into a barn and took a snooze. A. HARD, the sturdy JAMES We dicr.'t waki o 'til the middle As Told to Andrew Wolfe little Rochcsterian who is we of the next morni .. Then went oldest a the nation's surviving was the most wonderful 1 was born 15, 1841, in Victor, N. Y. That seems home. U July Civil War veteran, will reach but time real even if time boys ever had. long time ago, I suppose, goes quickly, you his 109th 15. He birthday July I quit school when I was 16. I as as Hive I have. . isn't as active as he used long quite only learned arithmetic, reading, writ to but he swears his health I My father was Alanson Pratt Hard, vye used t0 a|[ neip wjth the farm be, ing and spelling in school. Schools it is and says he enjoys a Jwho lived in Rochester before be-i v ork. 1 think J started when I was good weren't so good then as they are now, as much or more came a city in 1834. And my mother i about 5 years old. It wasn't a big good cigar but 1 think we grew up more quickly than he did 80 or 90 years ago. vas Martha Frost Hard, who was farm, but there was always plenty and were more .idependent than boys His is as clear as a born in Rochester. to do. We had about eight or 10 memory and girls today. bell, and his sense of humor as father was a stage driver in cows. NEXT: Hard tells how he en My as a few first went to school. keen ever. He's taken those days. He used to drive the I was 6 when I listed in the V. S. Army in 1861 the first afternoons recently to tell An to Mt. Morris and to Canan- J tan remember very clearly and how he met President Lincoln itage drew Wolfe of The Times-Union v/ent. mother dressed me at White House. When I was just a couple day I My the Idaigua. staff of the story of his life. His up one day without telling me why. of years old, he gave up driving reminiscences of the crisis she "Son, great to on the Iasked her and said, you're stage and went Albany when North battled South have canM. Then he bought a farm at particular meaning at a time State down Windsor. That's in York when the nation again stands near Binghamton. close to war. Today, in his first LIFE WAS HARDER article, Hard tells the story of his boyhood. That was where I grew up. Life was much harder in those days than it is now, but we had a lot of fun. There were three brothers besides me and five sisters in the family. I next to oldest, one of my sisters older than me. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection ,w 6-g-so LINCOLN HAD A WONDERFUL FOR ROOKIE NOT YET IN UNIFORM - PARTII J. A.M. By James A. Hard As Told To Amdrew Wolfe I enlisted in the Array April IS, 186l. I was working at a sawmill at Jordan- that's down near Syracuse. One day a lot of fellows came by in a wagon. They were making a lot of noise, and they stopped at the mill. When I asked them what all the racket was about, they told me the Pres* identhad issued a call for volunteers and that they were going to enlist. Well, I Joined them, and we all went down to Dryden in Tompkins County and enlisted in the 32ed New York Volunteers for two years. The comoany stayed there in Dryden for a few weeks. We didn't have any uniforms, but we did what drilling we could. Then we got on the (railroad) cars and went down to Staten Island and then to Washington. We rode in freight cars. It was hot and sticky in the day, and cold it night. MET LINCOLN /We stayed in Washington for several weeks. It was then that I met President Lincoln for the first time; It was in May, 186l, at a reception in the Blue Room in the White House. I shook hands with Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln and little Bobby Lincoln. We hadn't got our uniforms yet, andMr. Lincoln said, "Son, you look as if you' Id make a good soldier. Why don't you Jd>in tip?" I explainedto him I was in the army, and I don't remember what he said. But he gave me a. smile I always remembered. Whenever he spoke to anyone he had a wonderful smile. And he gave me a handshake wltha grip that nearly crushed my hand. I thought his hand was as big as a ham- it took mine right out og sight. COLONEL SHOT I remember looking around the White House. There was a guard in every room, but they let me see all I wanted because I had a military pass. In June, I think it was, a rebel shot one of our colonels in Alexandria. The colonel's name was Ellsworth. They were afraid there might be riots in Alexandria as there were a lot of Secesh; ( Secessionists or Confederate sympathizers) living there, so we were sent over to keep things in hand. We stayed all through June and July, until Just before the battle of Bull Run. e lived in big tents which had eight or ten bunks ln them, The weather was pretty good and we didn't have such a bad time. That was before the fighting started. ATE SALT HORSE Our food was mostly hard tack, coffee, beans, rice and meat. They told us the meat was salt beef of salt pork, but we called it salt horse. I knew the ribs in the meat weren't beef or pork ribs. I can still taste the beans we had. They were big white beans. A lot of the time they were't cooked so good and they were tough, I can tell you. When we wanted something good to eat or some tobacco, we' Id go to the sutlers. They used to have wagons f C+vir* up *JW w 6-g-50 LINCOLN HAD A WONDERFUL FOR ROOKIE NOT YET IN UNIFORM - PARTfll J. A.M. 3y James A. Hard As Told To Andrew Wolfe I enlisted in the Army April IS, lS6l. I was working at a sawmill at Jordan- that's down near Syracuse. One day a lot of fellows came by in a wagon. They were making a lot of noise, and they stopped at the mill. When I asked them what all the racket was about, they told me the Pres* identhad issued a call for volunteers and that they were going to enlist. Well, I joined them, and we all went down to Dryden in Tompkins County and enlisted in the 32ed New York Volunteers for two years. The comoany stayed there in Dryden for a few weeks. We didn't have any uniforms, but we did what drilling we could. Then we got on the (railroad) cars and went down to Staten Island and then to Washington. We rode in freight cars. It was hot and sticky in the day, and cold it night. MET LINCOLN /We stayed in Washington for several weeks. It was then that I met President Lincoln for the first time; It was in May, lS6l, at a reception in the Blue Room in the White House. I shook hands with Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln and little Bobby Lincoln. We hadn't got our uniforms yet, andMr. Lincoln said, "Son, you look as if you 'Id make a good soldier. Why don't you Jdiin lip?" I explainedto him I was in the army, and I don't remember what he said. But he gave me a smile I always remembered. Whenever he spoke to anyone he had a wonderful smile. And he gave me a handshake witha grip that nearly crushed my hand. I thought his hand was as big as a ham- it took mine right out og sight. COLONEL SHOT I remember looking around the White House. There was a guard in every room, but they let me see all I wanted because I had a military pass. In June, I think it was, a rebel shot one of our colonels in Alexandria. The colonel's name was Ellsworth. They were afraid there might be riots ln Alexandria as there were a lot of Secesh. ( Secessionists or Confederate sympathizers) living there, so we were sent over to keep things in hand. We stayed all through June and July, until Just before the battle of Bull Run. e lived in big tents which had eU ht or ten bunks ln them, The weather was pretty good and we didn't have such a bad time. That was before the fighting started. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^m ^MITE SALT HOPSE rail I could find, but the guard plcked''up a heaveir one and said, "Here, you, I'll trade you."" I had to c-.rry he rail around until the officer of the day came along. He said the sergeant was wrong, but that I shouldn't have talked back to hi, Then he sent me b ck to my quarters. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection I I had some pretty close calls. One! bullet went through my coat, but" James Hard's Story 'didn't scratch me. I was pretty J Jscared, but the captain says keep on j fighting. I think I was pretty lucky, but, of course, if I'd been with my Bull own there Run First Real 'Bat*1-'; regiment wouldn't have My Ibeen much '^nger. After th *tle was over I went.' back to my *etiment. We did guarc Women Dressed as ;f for a [duty on the battle field that eveninj Party and helped picl up the wounded anc jul ro the dead. I re v:mber how manjr| 'mm there were along a. line of trees near Iwbere we were. ; We saw some squads of Rebels goa by not more than a couple of hundred yards off. They sort of straggled past and we wanted to tackle them, [but the officers said keep in line. Everybody said that the Rebels** I were licked and we could have won*? the war then if Oen McClellan had$ .done the right thing. I don't know. I always liked McClellan. He was good to his men. , Next: Hard helps pull an . army out of the mud. P3 LINCOLN VISITS Gen. George B. McClellan roads, Va. The general is the short man in at camp not far from Washington James A. the center facing Lincoln. The photo is one Hard saw Lincoln when the President made of the larcj gr^up of original Civil War prints a similar visit io McClellan at Bailey's Cross in the George Eastman House collections. James A. Hard, the nation's oldest living survivor of the Civil. INCOLN AGAIN will be 109 on ex-soldier has been War, July IS. The doughty tellingi Bailey's Crossroads was nearby staff. the story of his life to Andrew Wolfe of The Times-Union \ and that's where I saw President Lin This is the 'hird of coln article James Hard's story. the second time. It was in the f Fall, I think. Gen. McClellan was JAMES A. HARD By our general then. He was rcorgan-l our As Told to Andrew Wolfe Toward evening we pulled out anc izing Army. The President came started on the way back to Alex down, and c had a review for Y first real battle was the Battle of Bull Run. andria. You've never seen such a great him. lhr\ said a M hundred thousand men My regiment the 32d New York Volunteers was camped j mess as there was on that road. J took, at Alexandria, Va., just across the Potomac River from Wash-' The road was full of stragglers anJ wounded and the who'd in June and of people I ington July 1861. 3ai incoln rode a real small come out from Washington to sec About the middle of July we heard h rse, and 1 can remember his the fight. You could hardly move long there were a lot of the Rebels near legs hanging down so his feet almost '.here was such a press of people. by, and we started getting ready for touched the ground. Broken wagons and carriages. W e . He was a a battle. OF SPECTATORS very comical-Iookinc: PLENTY ;, food boxes, marched and) man, but how checredK^ Women even came along too, sort of litter was all over the (heyboys south of Alex very v,jm ' in dresses as if tney the dressed up bright .ilace. Our colonel decided regi- ... , andria's a cou Our regiment didn t get into were going to a party. My regiment Hoot couldn't get through, and any of times and he-,,,,,, h p We worked ple wasn't in the first part of the battle, orders that man was to hardj skirm gave every in got into and j camp. Sometimes it was We did sort of guard duty kept! get hack to quarters in Alexandria pretty ishes at Black battle monotonous, but I had civilians from to the as good friends and the gqing as best he could burn's Ford in our company and we didn't have field. OFFICERS DRUNK some other little such a bad time. One fellow came along who said he I can remember . back , . town whose from Rochester walking .. was a Congressman Clonel a re along the road and into a gentle-^ name I can't see what was looking ^ and had a right to go ur. ,?&. hotel where there was a bunch of eV?r5:body l member. but wem!V"d ,llked hlm'. going on. He got very angry, had a major whom officers am . d a table with everybody The skirm- we wouldn't let sitting we had orders and "e and: a lot of bottles on it. overbearing j s h e s didn't They wask him through. looked^., W3S a"d a so1- amount to much. and drunk. I always remember that We cCiuld hear a lot of firing, I^S^i?*"* ,hf ,WOr,d HARD ne As near as I can we cause it was said that General Mc- we excited, although lJmUni joining. at got pretty %" "* one of them was night. Dowell was drunk at the time of "^ recall, didn't know what was going on. We iT'," ?" of shots, and iQS Ld ^ Wc fired a couple battle until the battle. He was our general at ,1k just into the we siarteo to turn in '^ to. There didn't get u...i. \,ir,ed\o tuVn ^ *H was all it amounted company that end, after the Rebels had beaten our front." in our , ; u u . .. one fellow regiment I our . was only always thought that if army ~, seem army. came wounded, and it didn't had done what was major up and hit him who got We went in as sort of a rear expected of it at war would be too bad. Bull shouWer with his sword the I can remember my company Run, they could have con-V" ,b? scared until guard. I never was really the and ended the up there' V011 d'i"'y Company "E"was in posi quered maybe waiand ,,,' G!t We always hated him after Bull Run. on the flank. We were right there. }dog- and tion of honor It was a bright sunny day We most the Rebel Black Horse spent of the Summer anc1' , .. of charged by ~' hot. A tremendous lot peo Fall around the thln8s ,hat very and I can tell you I was Alexandria. We drilled , P. happened drove out to Cavalry, tlme was from Washington and built a fort or two. ,hat one of 'he ple scared then. There wa Ut.tbls was to be in the see what the battle going a of but re8>ment murdered one HELD couple skirmishes, they"1/". were hacks, and LINES e followers like, and there gigs, didn't amount to anything. We stil camp for her money. kind of carriage you didn't break our lines, and They him after a about every They thought we could end the war pretn cau8ht day or I don't think so- was could think of. pulled off right away. quick. He convicted and sentenced but there were be The we had anyone hurt, 1 remember digging ditches six fool'0 hanged. whole regiment and wounded to march to a lot of the dead deep and eight foot wide in fronihad up Alexandria war around, and we learned what of the forts. We filled them witrpnson * watch him hang. It was water when we co\ild. ' disagreeable duty. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection sick and JUL 11 1950 When I got there. I was IWtS UNION One day the went into the hospital. the ward master told me governor was sending for of New York State and sick mem all the badly wounded Hard's Story "Hard, you James The ward master _said, want to go home?" You eat said and he said: I yes i Pushed of tobacco and you Was a plug Navy I send you home. \How Inadvertently feel so sick they'll that night did and how sick I was fI 1 ney the came. ( Next day inspectors I But at noon didn't say anything Battle of War ocean Into Bloodiest the deck of Iwas put on ajng York We landed in New ' Reamer. and then I w< after a rough trip, train. home to Windsor by 40-DAY LEAVE and it was home 40 days, in had when I was M the only leave I But my mother made! for the tap I got homesick said, Why dont company. Father son. vou stay home, again. But.I wanted to go that they I'd been away so long at Fon me in the guardhouse put aft, when I reported But jifSm^n with my regi- u I was back T a fewlew daysy . the battlesjgs q ment-just in time for Hill. They Gaines Mill and Malvern but after that we were hard battles, batteries on the field of Antietam, Lee and the ^BATTLE FOG and Union didn't do anything until of the earliest and most Md., are shewn in this shot, one Rebels marched into Maryland. and horses wait through Frederick famous of all war action photos. Caissons We marched seeing Bar- are toward Confederate and I can remember at left, while at right batteries firing City the Frictchie. It was just like in from the George Eastman House set brv lines. This photo comes ("Barbara Frietchie" by John of the Civil War. poem- of the 12-volume Photographic History Whittier.) She was a nice Christmas that year didn't amou Greenleaf with hair and well- to much. We had our regular dut old lady gray and there wasn't much celebratio The only present I got was a box of and candy dressed. she wave(j a Union flag to cookies sugar my and the boys touted, "Three mother sent to heers fm Barbry!-. me' My regiment was in the Battle of Gen. McClel- Soutn Mountain Crampton's Pass a lot to Ian did tbey caued it where we were. It was the get army in;a nard fight, but not nearly as hard and we ' shape, Amietam (SepL n, 1862). which started out m the was the worst batue o the whole Spring to capture Richmond. W e My regiment wasn't in much of a went down the at Antietam, but I and three of Potomac on riv- fight HARD friends were in the middle erboats, and then my right of although we didn't mean started to work our way up the things, be. Peninsula. The Peninsula lies be to tween the York and James rivers FEASTED ON CORN east of Richmond. After the Battie of South Moun TOUGHEST BATTLE tain, we thought we'd had enough We got into our toughest battle at for a while. So we fell out of ranks West Point (also known as Eltham's and went into a field of corn and Landing) at the head of the York sweet potatoes to have a feast. Well, River. It wasn't a very big battle, we ate so much we could hardly but my regiment lost more men there walk, and we were lying around after than in battle. any supper feeling pretty good when 6ome The Rebels had evacuated just lancers came up. Yorktown when attacked us. We they Lancers were like military police. of some of the bloodiest fighting back a and then we ANTIETAM BRIDGE, scene got. pushed ways They picked us up and took us down is shown in this from the took our stand. It was in this battle n the battle of Antietam, photo to Antietam. When we got Jhere taken that our captain whom we liked very George Eastman House collection. It was shortly it was the night before the battle and much, was killed. His name was Capt. after the battle. they shoved us into the first regiment Sylvester Brown. they found. of the Civil War, will I was standing almost elbow to Jams A. Hard, oldest living survivor The lancers' lieutenant told a cap The old soldier has elbow with him when a shot came mark his 109th birthday this Sunday. doughty tain to keep an eye on us and make Wolfe of The Times- and almost tore his shoulder his life to Andrew along been telling the story of us fight and I guess we did. I article of his story. off. He never said another word. J Union staff. This is the fourth never did find out the name of the was covered with his blood and when HARD regiment, but I think it was from JAMES A. one of the other officers came up, he By Massachusetts. As told to Andrew Wolfe I was wounded, too. thought PRETTY CLOSE CALLS The Winter of 1861 my regiment was in camp near Alex- The battle started just about dawn o g^ f^, with where we were and it was all over Va. to Fortress Mon- andria, ... Capt. Brown's body weather wasnt too and we by 10 a. m. We could hear them As I remember it, the cold, roe and g0 to the hospital there. fighting further down the lines until didn't have to do too much drilling. I used to go visit some Fortress Monroe was at the end of I but it was all early evening, think, , who lived on a farm just a little north of Washington, the Peninsula, cousins over where we were. We had very good times together. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection STAYED AND WAITED that The Rebels were on a ridge south of the river. runs maybe a mile VI Our corps (Gen. Franklin's Corps) Hard's of James Story didn't get into the thick things on the flat be there. We just stayed waiting tween the river and the ridge Got a Commendation for orders. My Regiment Our artillery was back across tnef heads at river and firing over our the Rebels. And the Rebel artillery^ back. It was lucky, but For P it of the Mud was firing us all day. I they kept firing beyond Pulling Army was an On both sides of us there smoke awful lot of firing, but the see -UtW**A .srross and we couldn't whal was lappening. Afterward we ie of our boys had taken.11' icking trying to go up that m . ridge. mziimMMLM A LUXURYBUTTER We lost that battle, and after a while we went up near Alexandria where we spent the Winter. That was my second Winter with the Army. It wasn't too cold, but once we did have about three inches of snow. Some of the boys made sleighs out of barrel staves and anything else they eould find, and had a lot of fun riding about. I remember getting a package of .eatables from my mother that Winter. i There was cake and cookies and' bread, but the best thing ift it was ax jar of butter. That was something we never did get in the army. The war had been going on nearly -J two years then, but as I recall no one Hard. This rare battle photo our ONION ARTILLERY in actio- at the B cle by Jame$ iSp: was very discouraged in corps. House collections, the but Fredericksburg as describe in todc ( Eastman j \ye'd lost some of battles, we were sure we were going to win. A lot of people thought our generals weren't as goo as the Rebels'. happened a day or so be-, T'tTly that Win- for th battle. A lot of the army I We did a lo of drilling started in had come down the Potomac on Iter, and when .he fighting boats and disem-Jthe Spring we thought we were pretty barked at AquiaEg0od. A lot of the time we did Creek. But there| firing practice. had been a lot of We were supposed to load and fire rain, and hun-' as quickly as possible, but with the dreds of wagon , nd" gunwndJold muzzle-loaders it took lime. At the start of a battle, the order was caissons got| stuck in the always for everybody to fire at once. mud. and after that it was iOad at will and fire. The teamsters j would whip up NE\r iiAW SHOT the horses, but the horse6 would Our ca :es had powder and ball. end of just sink in upjin them - i'd bite off the to their knees. [he ir, and then ram it down ' jge the muz;le. Things got awful con TAKE HOLD AND PULL fused with everyone firing. You We'd They called for our regiment. _ev(,r saw where your shot went. J, tie ropes onto the wagons, and then!never ^ntw jf t killed anyone. I'vei hold of 100 or so men would take lways noped I never did. and We did a real the ror pull ^ ^ dMi and alMhe wagos d good ,0 got ^ ^ ^ ^ c! ar cf the soft spots near the I guns ^^ church R was M part of the Battle of Chancellorsville in ""he general thor ,ht that was mar- of 1863. velous >nd he r cred the quarter May master to u ration'of whisky. The funny part of Mayre's Heights I give ' That was the or / time in the war was that it took place on the same I but Fredericks my regiment got a whisky ration, ground as the Battle of 1950 it was such terrible stuff I couldn't burg. The Rebels were up on the ,. JUL 1.2 I ration to a ser and we crossed the river AQUIA LANDING o'n "The" Potomac is shown in this photo, drink it. gave my ridge again, Hard geant who would drink anything. to attack them. We got across, but :*;' made about the time of the Battle cf Fredericksburg. As near as I can recall, the day of there was a lot of artillery fire from I the Army of the describes how his regiment helped pull the Battle of Fredericksburg was cool the Rebels. at Landing. and clear there Potomac out of the mud Aquia reasonably although We were out on the flat in front wasn't much sunshine. It was in De is telling of the bill. Our officers ordered us A Hard, oldest living veteran of the Civil War, 1862. We turned out real James cember, to down and our heads close of The Times-Union staff. lay keep the story of bfs life to Andrew Wolfe early, and the first of my regiment is> to the ground. We were lying there he will observe his 109th birthday Sunday, his memory River in Although crossed the Rappahanock we article of the James side by side, as close as though still keen and accurate. This is the fifth boats before it was daylight. were marching in ranks. Hard story. The pontoon men took us across By JAMES A. HARD and there were about 20 men in were all afraid of be As told to Andrew Wolfe each boat. We ing attacked before we landed, but com At the Battle of Fredericksburg my regiment got a when we landed there was no Rebels mendation from. the general who commanded our corps. in sight. out But it wasn't for fighting. It was for pulling the army Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection H3 "V vv^ BURIED MY HEAD IIMES UNION JUL 1.3 1&g I | remember trying to make as lit-jti! tie of myself as possible, and I prac-^"' Hard's Itically buried my head in the dirt ofv^ James Story | the field where we were. The order was to keep 01 r heads {?* | down, but one soldier about 20 feet : Fine Comrades from Brave Men and where I was . wanted to see wha . was :" going on. He lifted up his heau | and shoulders," and a ball came along.. 4 i and took his head right oft. I wasliH as Breaks awfully glad I kept my head down.1' Up ' Regiment j Some of the other regiments drove I Separate ithe rebels off the top of the hill, and'fe sail the rest of us followed after. I [remember we stacked our knapsacks j at the top of the hill and chased the 1 Rebels out into the country. We got - M&-' lawfully tired from running after jthem. Afterwards we came back and . got our knapsacks. NEXT: The regiment is mustered ' out, and Hard joins the Transporta tion Corps. *J& 4kr* feYm&* kr^i* NASK TLLE STATION at Nashville, Ter of the Civil War, Is shown in this photo from historical collections. familiar scene to James A. Hard in last the Eastman House C "DERATE PRISONERS wait at the rail- Comrade Hard recalls seeing prisoner groups in the South. in railroad ro -tation in Chattanooga, Tenn., for ship- like this Engaged he was in Chattanooga. nv. o prison in the North. In today's article work, frequently A. Haid, the nation's oldest living Civil War veteran and! of I Ne- k Sta' only remaining survivor of the Grand Army Wolfe rh*. ..blic, i. tiling the story of his life to Andrew o/| r-Ur/.i. itaff. This is the sixth article of his story. By JAMES A. HARD As told to Andrew Wolfe June 1863. in My regiment was mustered out of the Army 3, I recall it New York City. That was more than 87 years ago, but very clearly. was so There wasn't much of a celebration because everyone to do. anxious to get home or get on with what they were going remember them well. The most of them I never did see again, but I Thev were brave men and fine comrades. _^ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection fl A good number reenlisted in the i Army, but most went home. I didn't Ijshovels. and we went out and dug| down ditches. go home, but hustled righi tojjthe Army gave Hood a lick- 1 iW a s h i ngton to . Wel1; ^ was raid.l L ..1.1'ng and that the end of the get a job with! ithe transportation NEGROES FRIENDLY of the War jcorps of [Department. A Afterwards I spent a good deal friend of mine time in Georgia, but I was traveling J about most of the time. The See- |from Windsor, cesh or Confederates) Y LeRoy'i (Secessionists |N. weren't to what IHotchkiss. w a s very friendly theyj used to call the Yanks. None of thi Ithe assistant su-i would to the soldier dances o f j girls go [perintendent But the colored people wen Ithe railroad con friendly. Some of the little c.lorei struction v rk. boys used to come to dance for us I'd seeu him HARD How they could dance! Afterward: fre- ently during we'd give them money. was the Winter when my regiment I quit the government service jus he'd at Alexandria, and he said gel before the end of the war, and I wa: first duty was for a railroad at Lanesbori I a good job for me. My working in State and hire men, in Susquehanna County Pennsyl-| to go up to York vania when Lincoln was shot. I re and made m> I came to Elmira up member I was stripping a big pine I baadninrtrn nf 3 tuftsin - tree to make a flagpole, when a fel of the tele I hired 50 rflen as carpenters at $3 low came running out office and the President a day and board, but when they gol graph yelled down to Virginia they had to do any was shot. work ended and there was no thing ihat was necessary. I took them All The back down there, and we began to more work that day. people wanted to help build the railroads for Gen. were sad, but mostly they the that did Grant's army. catch ityfV/M^*" The war ended just ajfwT that. TEARS YOUTH IN IPeople were glad the Union had been ^BESTltiu YEARS didn't the war c n ..Jsav?d, but they> forget There was one young fellow with a ^ y a ,os, all this time has been real When h, ! Living us who got homesick. If I was to J* * ^ ^ ^ wonderful experience. sat down aupper one m8ht all h which I could ft go home_] pick a hundred years had was bread and som .olasses live, I'd pick the time I've had. The about a quarter of an : ci thick in L"ST BEST FRIEND inventions a, id the things that have his tin Tears ca into his plate. in my lifetime have been an I lost r best friend. His happened eyes Afterwards he c: o me namej ' and he was the! astonishing. asked if I'd lend , get homt wa .'eorg< rCound tq I've seen them invent electric lights, a nice- I linaliy gave hii he money, and f a mi ister. He was airplanes, autos, radios, telephones, he me a note > was an hon lc >. young fellow, about my size, I gave movies and so many other things. We had est and I soon t;ot a check for 11 educated. great was a boy, can remember when I boy times together before the war. for $35. gooi; how we used to have candles We had to work hard building He became a sergeant, but he got very light. And I can remember helping the railroads for the Army. I think wounded and died of infection. I've my mother make candles. there is to do on a missed him. I did everything always I recall the first time I ever saw railroad drive an engine and the war all of us planned for except During an electric light. I was working about in the switch were to do when it I did drive them what we going Erie Railroad then and I was down now and then. was A lot of the we yards all oyer. things in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. One night I Our work was what engineers never came true. and 1 mostly planned ame away from the station, do for the We had was about to turn 24, and I Army nowadays. I just lOticed a real bright light hanging to rebuild a lot of railroad bridges was ambitious like a lot of the others. in the rom a pole about 50-feet that the Rebels We work Wes a d do whal destroyed. So I decided to go lir. I pulled a newspaper from my Fall of ed in Virginia in the 1863, I could to better myselt. icket and could read it, although it and after that we went into Ten NEXT: Hard tells of his expert vas pitch dark all around. We life. nessee and Georgia. got pretty ences In the West and his later Things have changed a lot, but 1 to several times, close the fighting hink the country is better now than but I never was in another battle. there ever was. Some people say 80 years ago SHIPPED PRISONERS as more opportunity .han there is now, but I don't think as il is The railroads i r.ed move sup he opportunity was as good plies and we also shipped a lot of I now. work then, Rebel prisoners North. I can re There wasn't as much the member how dirty and discouraged! except on the farms. And wages and in the the prisoners were as they waited! were low on the farms around the station People always saidt cities. lonesome for a lot of the Reb<- ; were forced to I Sometimes I <' get but cheer me join their army, and I can believe it. T my old friends, people soldiers of the other The hardest job we ever did wasj up. And I haVfc that to build a big trestle over the Chat wars as comrades. I feel every tahoochee River down near Atlanta. body that was in any war is a com him We didn't have any lumber, oft rade of mine. I feel attached to course, so we had to chop down and interested in him. trees, strip them and build the (, I don't believe in wars, but I think bridge out of them. There were about' we're going to have them for a while to be at 100 men working, and we built upi yet. I'm afraid we're going five that big trestle in just a couple of| war with Russia in four or years. days. War isn't good, but I think a man I was at the siege of Nashville, learns something when he's a soldier. too. That was just before Christmas,! It made better men of a lot of them 1864, and the Rebel Gen. Hoodf who fought in the Civil War, and raid and was all set tot same with the other made his 1 guess it was the came capture the city. My boss tol wars. I think that a great many me and I want to have courage says "Hard, givel young men who didn't you 50 colored men to go dig ditches! enough to butcher a cow got courage front of the forts." He gave me| after seeing blood and fighting, and be 50 men. They all had picks and could do anything that was necessary, whether it wis in war or peace. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection so ''": i ncn i .i H' a on UriKHf JUL 1 iook ion pent J9 KM the Trie Railroad and I help< build railroad lines all over this parti James Hard's Story of the state. We built bridges andfj stations and whatever else was neces ' sary. I never did do an apprenticeship as a and I learned it ash carpenter, 'Times Have a Lot I went along. But I've claimed therej Changed was none better than me. LIKES ROCHESTER BEST But Is Better Than Ever My wife died of pneumonia about Country 1880, and I came to Rochester about two years after that with my daugh ter, Alberta, who was about seven years old then. I've been here ever since. I like Rochester the best of any city I ever was in. I like the at mosphere people are so kind here. Rochester has changed a lot since those days. When I got here there wasn't but one big plate glass win dow on Main St., and the downtown looked like a village. I worked Here as a carpenter and carpenter contractor. I built several houses from plans architects drew. I can remember building a nice place over on Gregg St. near Plymouth Ave. I got $6,000 for building it. The owner was A. L. McKitterick. He was a salesman for one of the clothing companies, I think. BECAME A NOTARY But I wanted to better myself. If" wanted to become a lawyer. OneS of my brothers took me to a lawyer I and wanted me to hire out for three! years to make me a lawyer. But I that would have taken too long, sol I became a notary. I read a lot ofl bo~' , and then a judge examined me. J After that it was about PART OF ROCHESTER as it appeared when James A Hard first came to the city is shown 1890,[; 1 think I hired an office on thel this old print. He recalls how Main St. looked in 1882 in today's article. balcony of the old Reynolds Arcadel and started business. I worked there [ for about 37 years. I drew a great! many wills and settled a great many I estates. I also served as a pension! attorney, arftl did a lot of work fori veterans and their wives and chil-| dren. ln about 1884 I'd got married) again. My second wife's name was [ Anna West. When 1 proposed to her she said she'd been engaged to man who died in Denver and she said she could never love anybody as much as she loved him. But wel [got married and befo/e the died ij think she loved me as much as anyl woman ever ioved a man. OLD FRIENDS GONE James A. Hard, oldest living survivor of the Civil War, WHi I closed office in 1927 so tomorrow will observe his 109th Keen as ever, he's that my birthday. It was while I was in Nebraska Ij could look after her, and she diedl forward to the reception scheduled for 4 p. m. the first time. My looking birthday I got married died last I Davis and in 1929. My daughter year, at the Dieter Sanitarium, 31 Portsmouth Ter., where he lives. wife's name was Loduska whol That but I have three grandchildren she had come from Buffalo. Recently he has been telling the of his life to Andrew to me and seven I story next we are wonderful was in 1868, and the year Wolfe of the Times-Union staff. This is the concluding article and six great- came back East. great-grandchildren of the James Hard story. great-grandchildren. BUILD JAIL HELPED There's nobody left now of thel with and were my I JAMES A. HARD to Erie, where I people I grew up By We went first father! were friends a long time ago. My As told to Andrew Woife hired out as a carpenter. They and and mother are dead, and so are all! a new down there, building jail and a no my brothers and sisters, myl I went out West after the Civil War to make fortune the took qifite my superintendent ask me if it isn't! While the building was comrades. People if I could. I was out there about four years, and I mosi tion to me. spent have had to do sad to live longer than everyone else. I of the time in coing on I wouldn't Iowa and Nebraska. The I'm sad when I think of all those work if I hadn't wanted to. who| any inter told me to keep are but 1 find life very I didn't make a great deal of but it was just gone, money, enjoyable superintendent a while I of the commissioners. esting and I'd like to live and exciting. They were building the railroads to California out of sight the was built the supenn longer yet. and the Indians were After jail very angry. to on and I feel as as I did 50 years tendent wanted me stay just good Most of the time I worked for the I didnt fancy 1 haven't the I did, work at the jail, but ago. strength So -ve went back but I eat and I don't have railroads, doing construction work that kind of a job. hearty anyl at Windsor fot that amount to anything. just like I'd done for the army dur to my family's place pains I] helmng nv' a as much as ever.! 1 can remember enjoy good cigar war. But I some while. ing the also did on the far- build a milkhousc and I think I must have smoked ry work. I can n father | down there 12,000 since I was 100. helping build a Catholic church at a little town that I think was called jumthfi f,rec Keeps Track of War Now, the old soldier; who loves I llife as dearly as anyone who has! Iborne arms, keeps track of the omi-l Inous storm in the East and shakes | |his head. "I don't know," he says. "It's strange and sounds bad. I can't | lunderstand it at all." Hard's bewilderment is scarcely duel [to infirmity, for the hardy, alert fel- I James A. Hard, oldest surviving veteran of the Civil War, puffs low hears every bit of the news each a stogie as he rianMor his MM, ^^^IC-T'^ consigns birthday full well papers to him. He knows Oldest War Veteran what the new draft law means, and Nation's of other '" he can recognize the rumble I L'. S.C JUL I* warlike sounds as well. He's seen the signs too many times before, he to understand says, and his inability 109th the same as any other, Hard Marks Year, the reasons is citizen's. Today, however, .speculation nn a. dark future will be put aside h\ Korea who will cclc- Baffled FightHard and -his friends, by al the senior set- irale past glories By PAT BARRY ran's annual birthday party. To the nation's oldest of the "old soldiers," the war in Korea Time for Reminiscence s very far away. But that's as it should be. It will be a time for reminisces James A. Hard, who today has attained the astonishing agel *'. ^handshaking* for war six times. bf 109, has seen this nation prepare HarH js greeted by veterans of 31 Portsmouth! I When he was a small child, the U.I I Hwars at a reception at where he makes ms nome-'' fought against Mexico. As hand-B HTer- f>. Leaders of the Sons of Union Vet- lome man he went to war froml young erans will conduct the party to least a Iwith the Union Army, fighting 4 to 6 p. m. when at couple | to Bkeep his country unified and per of hundred persons are expected j In addition, the j the soldier's duties for which extend greetings. forming 54th Regimental Band will play his. Ihe is best remembered his coun- by favorite marching songs throughout Itrymcn. He watched the Spanish- |the affair. L\merican War, and two World Wars! "How do I feel?" Hard said yes- better at I Idevelop, be fought and subside intoj Iterday. "I feel 20 years levery birthday party. There'll Iwhat purported to be peace. bejal Icigars, you know, and I've got Igay new tie to wear." "Why," he continued, lighting at Icigar as the thought reminded himj that he still had another smoke to! Igo that day, '"birthdays are fun. I'dj just as soon have a birthday every Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 5 AND NINE A CENTURY D.&C Oldest veteran of any war in United States, the Sons of Union Veterans. Others from left James A. Hard is pictured with his birthday are Bertrand Goodbread, SUV county com* cake at his 109th celebration yesterday. At mander, and the Rev. William A. Hallock, left is Fred Colwell, secretary-treasurer of county SUV chaplain. Two hundred attended. Hard Grateful for Sunshiny 109th Birthday, Sees No Reason Why He Shouldn't Mark 1 10th "Especially I want to thank God to pour into the room at 31 Ports the Sons of Union Veterans who con a beautiful for for such day my mouth Ter., where Hard lives, at 4 ducted the birthday reception. Near birthday." m. Alert as ever, and p. yesterday. him also were of James A. Hard had reached his heaps telegrams at his dignified best, he greeted them 109th birthday yesterday, and after and cards offering congratulations, all, recalling quickly the names of | a long life of glory, he was still including, a message from Governor a multitude of distant relations and humbly grateful for a sunny day. Dewey who declared that the Empire The Civil War veteran oldest sol descendents and officials of veteran State was proud of him. dier in the U. S. sat in state yes groups. On the lawn outside his the terday as a military band played In the lapel of his neat dark suit, home, fellow's favorite triumphant marches, scores of peo Hard wore one of his favorite gifts marches in the ple pressed gifts and good wishes of the day a modest bouquet of spirited style Hard had heard the him, and of the for him his upon many frankly yellow pansies picked by same regiments band play in Civil curious among his 200 callers stared 6-year-old great-great-granddaughter War days. Under the baton of Floyd reverently at the man who had lived Julie Eksten. C. the which was so many years. Near him on a table reposed a King, band, or Friends bearing presents of cigars, giant birthday cake with 109 red, ganized in 1864, played the familiar c_andy, handkerchiefs and ties, began white and blue candles, presented by "Happy Birthday," as well. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection For 109th Tim1bifJfaKBK Mrthdaf SITTING IN his favorite easy chair, James A. a party this afternoon at 31 Portsmouth Ter., (JHard reflects in his smile the hundreds of where he makes his home. During the recep jgood wishes contained in greeting cards tion, arranged by the s of Union Veterans, Hard Prmsea gfrom all over the country. They were sent the 54th Regiment P.jnd played the venera Biography for his 109th birthday today. Rochester's ble gentleman's favorite marching tunes. B*t,r, r* nm-tMrn Boldest citizen and the nation's oldest veteran, Mr. Hard's reaction to today's celebration: THIS LETTER is to congratulate fcurvivor of the Civil War, Commander Hard "I'd just as soon have a birthday every two wide-awake members ofi^ Hivas greeted by veterans of other wars at day." your staff, Andrew Wolfe and JoeC2 for the Durnherr, wonderful articles e= and of pictures that grand old gen- s tleman and soldier, James A. Hard. S^ Being a son of a Civil War vet- eranmy father, George Lowen- < thai, was a very close friend of Mr. c=- HardI am *~ sure that many sons and daughters of other veterans also H-1 are to pleased read the Hard life c> story. In conclusion, if there are more fc^ ,- -HMtipOliTUNlo 195k n"i(i Honor tor Hard ^yhSiW1He instructed his More James A. Hard hopesTo attend" "the Runkle grand-l Mrs. Carl E. Eksten Sr. of! Boston encampment of the Sons of daughter, Union Veterans in Boston the week Henrietta, to write that he would like] Mrs. Eksten said the Bos- 1 of Aug. 20. to attend. on Hard's Comrade Hard, oldest combat sur ton trip will depend health! vivor of the Civil War this weekend at that time. She said, however, that| as well then as he is now, he'l received an official invitation from if he's SUV Commander-in-chief John H. probably go. \Hard, 109 Tomorrow, to Hear Regimental bancl^erenade\ will be A Civil War victory march of the Northern forces, veteran oh his played for the nation's oldest living Union Army 109th birthday, tomorrow. of the James A. Hard, vicecommander of the Grand Army Republic, and one of the few surviv be Besides the concert. Hard will bel ing veterans of the Civil War, will veter presented a giant birthday cake, withl feted by members of the city's a full count of candles. He is ex-l ans groups at a birthday reception to receive the usual big supplyH from 4 to 6 p. m. in the nursing pected as well. This is the lOthfl home, 31 Portsmouth Ter., where he of cigars lives. birthday celebration conducted by the^ of the celebration, High point SUV for Hard, according to Bertrandl the Sons of Union sponsored by chairman of the affah\J a Goodbread. Veterans as in past years, will be concert by the 54th Regimental Band under direction of Floyd C. King. Among Hard's requests which will j played is "Marching Through Georgia," traditional song of the of 108 is the oldest ES A. HARD, who at the age surviving Yankee troops. eran of the Civil War in the nation, is shown as he re Other favorites of Hard, which will are "The Girl ceived a life membership badge in the Army and Navy be heard at the party, I Left Behind Me," "Tenting on the Union last night from Samuel Marcusfield, county paymaster " Old Camp Ground and "Old Folks and union member. In background are Ralph R. Clausen iat Home." The m usic will be pro (left), union commander, and Norman Senecal, commander vided by the American Federation of of Michael Tressy Garrison. The ceremony took place at Musicians and the Rochester Musi a fund Hard's residence, 31 Portsmouth Ter. \ Association through special votes Bid to Attend egion \Hard Accepts 1MB UWOu JUL ll 195C .. . D.ScC. JUL 9 ,1950 o Union encampment in Boston ongratulation Memories of a lobster dinner some 40 years ago moved 108- [To James Hard! lyear-old James A. Hard to accept an invitation yesterday to attend Ithe Boston encampment of the Sons of Union Veterans to be held A resolution congratulating Jamesl Ithe week of Aug. 20 A. Hard on his 109th birthday which! The nation's oldest living veteran the Grand Army of the Republic ac the Civil War veteran marked Satur-I I of the Civil War was invited by SUV cepted the Boston invitation, he had day, was passed unanimously Satur-R j Commander-in-chief John H. Runkle to turn down another trip to Los day at the concluding session of a|^ I to attend the encampment when the Angeles where the Daughters of Un three-day convention of the Seventh "Symbol of Liberty," a song written! American at I two met in Rochester during the state ion Veterans, Ladies of the Sons of District, Legion Hornell.by Mrs. Golda W. Rowley, Rochester,! to! in June. The official "card" will was recommended the delegates [encampment the American Revolution and the birthday by Yesterday, Hard received his of- be issued from district adjutant head- be adopted as the national song of| Women's Relief Corps will hold a jficial invitation, and instructed his quarters la Penn Yan and probablyl the legion. joint meeting in September. The trip I granddaughter, Mrs. Carl E. Eksten will be given to Bruce Percy, newly William Rochester, was would be too the fact Cavanaugh, Sr. of long, despite to I Henrietta, to write that he 'elected district commander, pre Penn was chosen! that he would travel Mrs. Lewis Gracey, Yan, I would like to attend. by plane, to Hard I Eksten [sent personally. director of the Legion Mountain "I've been explained. to Boston many times," More than 400 delegates approved Camp. Jacob Ark, Rochester, past! said at the |he nursing home at 31 Ithe nominating committee's slate state Legion commander was com-r Portsmouth Ter. where he "and besides of 144 Palmer- ef lives, [which Percy mended in a resolution for "his can't pass the chance to tton Rd., include vicecom |l lip go Brighton, forts on behalf of all veterans.' more. I haven't eaten Boston Edgar Allen, Dansville^ fi |once |mander County Legion posts were praised! since I went to the SUV ince officer, John Reehsteiner, Ge [seafood for sending more than 200 Boy! there 35 or 40 leva, and sergeant-at-arms, Pat Lan [encampment years Scouts to the National lamboree held! s. Painted Post. [ago." recently at Valley Forge. Hard's trip to Boston, of course, George Wilson. Geneva, dis Cayugaj | past County American Legion, which sent! on his health when the time trict commander, was chosen Seventh cer-l [depends 108 boys, was presented a special Icomes around for his But candidate for state com departure. [District tificate. Cost of this project to he's as well then as he is now, mander. the| |if district was more than $10,000. Mrs. Eksten said, he'll be there. Although the vicecommander of Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection One More GAR Reunion TIMB UNION SEP 1:4 195^ Urged by Hard. Others [ard Mourns The mists of time, like battle fog, swirl closer, but the Grand Army of the Republic doesn't flinch. other leath of A year ago today,"James A. Hard of Rochester and five G$B Boys in Blue met in Indianapolis for the 83d and last encampment of the GAR. Today, although their average age is aearly 105, five survivors ICommande still are going strong. James A. Hard today . chief Hard, puffing away at a cigar in the death of his command the the Grand of the his at 32 Portsmouth Terr men ha e wij'-c ,-ogress of iin Army Republic. quarters jjfj the ii The con- The last elected head of GAR, the GAR can Korean i.iig closely | said he still hopes 101, o' sensus j it Uncle Sam will win Theodore A. Penland, have one more in a Van ' ho* 1, or lukewarm clash couver, Wash., died any encampment of a heart a Lack, with Ru just as it has all the ,-hospital yesterday confined him with Confederate other wai one of a series that had survivors of Hard ;. he isn't planning to I to the hospital for a year. Penland was a fire America's blood attend any nions just now, but as-l | "Commander Com- serted: "I miss them my man and an able commander," iest war. At 109 comrades.j at hi are all fine men." Hard, 109, commented Hard is the old They ;rade home in Portsmouth Ter. veteran est war , "I voted for his election at the but in the nation, , last encampment of the GAR in In- maintains stoutly dianapolis in 1949. He was the he feels "as good t f Wa> sol youngest the seven Civil as I did when I diers at th encampment, and we all . ^ - was 100." Hard' Cancels hoped iha* t would never be neces- Three othe in HARD u.i&L. AUG 20 ILw, iry that h have a successor thel survivors a 1 s ffice." the GAR meet agair. want to see To The nation oldest Civil War vet-^ of cncampmenl 103, advances tot They are Robert Barrett, an, Comrade Hard his Bosi the GAR! . of Princeton, Ky.; Albert Woolson, 103, James A. Hard will miss senior vicecommander lobster dinner this after! as the result of Commander Pen- of Duluth, Minn., and Joseph Clovese, Ion year all. land's death. Penland appointed j 106, of Pontiac, Mich., only Negro I Memories of a seafood dinnerv Hard junior vicecommander last Oc- the Grand of 1 left*in Army. Ithe 109-year-old Civil War veteran! tober when Charles A. Chappel of Commander-in-chief Theodore at a Sons 0f Union Veterans! Cali< ;nia died. Alfred Woolson A.j^joygj senior Penland, 101, of Vancouver, Wash.,tncampment more than 30 years ago| Minnesota, appointed vice-J the at that time, now a prompted commander is still active despite heart c'ondi-Jhad previously na-| suc-^ oldest veteran to 1 ceeds Penland as commander-in-chief. j i . n~~A meitincT|tion's living accept t.on and to attend a meeting* plans Jnvitation tQ thdr ]950 cojyi (Other details, Page 25.) in Los of GAR affiliates AngelesrJon beginning lhis week. Yesterday] Sept. 3 to 7. But he doesn't thinkLe decided not t0 make the ,r'P there should be another reunion. [Boston. "I'm fine but I just don't are too old to travel," feeling "The boys' want to bother making the journey, he stated. Hard expiaine(]. "I'll just stay around Charles L- Chappell, Long Beach, homc I at Calif., died just two weeks after tending the Indianapolis reunion Cites Hard\ without realizing his wish to be na the James A.1 tional commander "if only for Rochester's 109-year-old few Civil War last 15 minutes of my life." Hard and the other be Records show there are five other lard Decides veterans of the nation would per of their surviving members of the veterans or 1950 mitted to enter the hospital a TIMES treatment under!-. ganizationmaking 10 in all out of ISUNP AUl2 choice for medical a introduced by Repre maximum of 492,000. bill yesterday in Trip sentative Kenneth B. Keating. Veterans Administration figures gainst Under the present law, KeatinjC indicated there were an addition an able May ~is still j<"" A. -Hard veterans must never James . aged al six Union veterans who had fel-| explained, now'; board {o U| Veterans Ad<. members and about 23 at the groaning enter veteran hospitals. been GAR taste 13 [low but hes lost his ministration pension rolls carry Confederate survivors. 109 years, !jhis j Civil War veterans. Last there were 17 GAR year sur-i|{or lobster. Associated Press said Keat . thel The vivors. Insurance statisticians say! he won't attend ing cited Hard, oldest living Civil; be no more than two next I . of the Sons, :here may , encampVent who has suffered ill been this 'War veteran, But the old soldiers have Veterans at Boston lyear. g^^nion nesses in recent years and cannot the statisticians for many J today. pooling ^ he expiained travel the distance required for treat War vet- ffears. ,J oldest Civil at a VA the! Th'The nation'snano ment hospital. | f The Korean War has disturbed accepted the in- an who upt c: a lld men. Like Hard, keeps P^e time he-recalled y^ffi^WAR Eu^ncamPment m^ntore) 30 years ago. pKthan Im not "Somehow or other now as I was keen about lobster Hard commented Im| ware ago." I U Sgfee. but I guess home." Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Healthy Hard at 109 Sees Hospital AiM4i&eW James A. Hard is looking fr ;tion's oldest Civil War soldier.; ' I don't, to continued good health at But I'm feeling fine, and of 109, but he was whimsic xpect I'll be needing any hospital preciative today of a Conv are." '"' that proposal for payment of .vhlle, it was disclosed pital bills of Civil War v, and Army of the Republic, its Such a bill was present. a inactive, will continue last of its gress yesterday by Rep. Kei nation until the Keattng. It would allow the nine members is fone. maining veterans of the Civil announcement of 'he status receive any necessary treatm GAR, /hic'i - re also no laxity or im >pnety by th .epartment in thi ath of a wr in childbirth on Mr. Hard's Bill July 6, the. B> found. In both - in^fi-ices. the f i '-''d on a p -t of its soc h ided by Supi . In view of publicity of the - ood. 3rd V hospital W nl lames A. Hard, I .oimi ee it t- . should Ii ite the full facts. sistenc of vge Ji. The four I s Mr. Hard has son, 1 h oi at, quested it I. . nee ing been in the hoi al he was taken two cases pi. ^ d by a weekiy, va there and retur ied to the nursing probed. | home without his family being Bank Account, Key Evidence notified that they were financially In Hard's case, the committee re-j responsible for his care. Knowing port showed that a hospiU bi' i| that all veterans are entitled to $99 incurred by Hard in General Hov '" and pital in March, 1949, had been paid government hospitals that,care Mr. Hard could not travel the by the Welfare Department. A seccd distance to Bath or Buffalo due to Ibill of $205.55 incurred at the sar e his age, the family assumed the OCT 3 hospital in February, 1950, and n- government paid for his care local UHSM ferred to the Welfare Department, was as no bill was ever rejected. It was found that Hard had ly, presented |WK a to his granddaughter (my wife). joint bank account with his grand investigation we found the Hard Honr m daughter, estimated at $1,315.52. Upon submitted the bill to the In the case of the woman who died, hospital Veterans Relief of Monroe County she was reporti I not on welfare rolls he was at the time of her death. for the first three times For 60 Ye^r: hospitalized and in each instance Party Lines Crossed Supervisors ,he ^ was pajd The four,h ,jme Jamieson voted with the 'ican Rep however, it was submitted to the 0CT4 J95D for of the < nmit- In Masons iiMgUrtOM majority adoption Veterans Relief of Monroe County. tee as did three other Demo- Kemse to rai report Payment was refused by them crats at ay present yesterday's meeting, and tnen the bill was presented I James A. Hard will add a Walter Jackman and Rybacki, George four months later t0 his grand. Thuisday to his goldf Kenneth McD 24th and Bpalm nald, 17th, daughter Jmeda! presented to him on the 50;;. I trd's Bill 20th Wards. Jamieson, who offered Mr Hard has never found jt of his in the ln l the resolution ^anniversary membership sPnsor t0 t0 the Monroe _ necessary apply SMasonic' Order. The caucusuthe said the four County Department of Social clearing department, County Welfare for assistance. The I The will be presented to the Welfare to was palm Hay backed by the little he has is pen j?d Sj-'SSlU^fc. vfi w % Jlful! money chiefly .'109-year-old Civil War veteran, th< Board of in its unit' Minorlty leader Val H. Rauber Supervisors refusal to sion money and gifts made him by ? nation's the Rocheste a was not Present- The committee re- oldest, by pay hospital bill for James A friends and relatives, that he can at his home in Portsmouth Hard, port as moved by Haywood and Lodge 109-yeai -old Civil War veteran feel independent in the paying for Ter. The will be madt The unanimously approved read: presentation department rejected a hospital doctors, extra nursing bills, aed Walter O. district, bill "Your soclal welfare committee has by Parmington, incurred in February on the medicines. These and other items master. The that made a comPlete and ,horugh lnves- deputy grand deputy will grounds Hard had a joint bank the does not of facts the government pay. be Charles account with his ligation the of two cases accompanied by Kase, granddaughter He is so happy in the belief that master of the Rochester The board mention* in said resolu- Lodge. yesterday also accepted ispecifl'ca'ly his government will pay his hos "0n' and * e' The 30-year medal was given for a report by its welfare committee that! '*, f^ZT f pital bills, no one has told him it f "distinguished service to the craft." did not find In different and he knows noth impropriety i^T"1 ?C!r with,1,^the ^law.Mnr,erules any Comrade Hard's outstanding con handling of a case of a death of a of the taken C,Unty ^mP"edf ' ing publicity that has woman tribution to the order was his volun in childbirth on 6 and- D.ePartment Th he need not I July ^TWelfare in each\ and place. know, Th ,.if,r. ."JU1{ , Social instance, teer nursing service under the aus mmit have mai'.J a check ' Ce* headed to the by that there has been no malfeasance oi hospital W 5 a pices of the lodge to infantile paraly Supervisor Sydney F. and this Will end all Haywood, 23d nonfeasance on the part of the De- hope discus sis patients during the epidemic dur Ward conducted in sion. hearings both partment of Social Welfare, its direc ing World War 1. cases J CARL E. tor or any employes of the depart- EKSTEN SR. ent Henrietta, N. Y. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Tlr^SUMlOH OCT 6 1950 Masons Manor Mt Masons Honor 2 Members 'ear Palms With 60-Year Palms The oldest Civil War veteran to the nation and oldest living past monarch of Lalla Rookh Grotto were presented Masonic palms for 60 years service yesterday. James A. Hard, 109, was presented the palm yesteioay afternoon at his home yesterday afternoon in Ports mouth Ter. by Walter O. Parmington. district deputy grand master, in behalf of the Rochester Lodge. Parmington cited Hard for his volunteer nursing service to infantile paralysis patients during the World War 1 epidemic. The other palm was awarded to Clarence E. Hedges, 188 Summit Dr., last night by the Genesee Falls Lodge in the Masonic Temple. The presenta tion was made to him by his son, Elihu Hedges, who represented the grand master. Elihu Hedges also made the presentation of the 50-year medal to his father when that award was made 10 years ago. Both Hard and Hedges will attach their palms to the 50-year medals previously granted "for dislinguished service to the order." The f i Jer Hedg es is known for :is JAMES A. HARD. 109, (center), oldest living Union veteran of widely Masonic activities, havin, rei the Civil War, receives 60-year Masonic palm from Walter O. the honorary 33rd degree of ' district Parmington, deputy grand master of the Second' the highest in the order, at Masonic District. on is in 1928. He is now Locking Charles Kase, master of Roch- ; City emeritus of Monroe Com j ester Lodge. Ceremony was held yesterday at Hard's resi- Knights and also dence, 31 Portsmouth Ter. Templar, living past monarch of La.. jvookhl Grotto. D.8cC..0CT5 .950 \James A Harjd' Joins Crusade r'or Freedom\ The Crusade for Freedom has the nation's oldest ex-soldierj gon its side. James A. Hard, the 109-year-old Civil War veteran, yester-l iay added his signature to one of the Freedom Scrolls which are| Ibeing circulated throughout the nationl (and will be placed in a Freedom | JShrine in Berlin. Cautioning against "getting caught] napping," Hard said "we have to doj everything to defeat the Communists. I ll've said that time and again. The! ICrusade for Freedom sounds like the I [best thing I've heard of for telling! (those Communists about democracy."! Thomas E. McFarland, president of I (the Junior Chamber of Commerce,! I sponsors of the Crusade here, said thel (scrolls will be available for signatures] (of other Rochesterians next weekl I when special Freedom booths will be I Iset up in the downtown area. Labor | (unions, veterans groups and industry lalso are circulating scrolls. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection s* Tm for It' Hard Joins Freedom Crusade, of Commerce. of the Junior Chamber here, which is sponsoring the Crusade will said he hopes every Rochesterian to his name i go out of his way put He out that in Wains capping on a scroll. pointed r>f than lO.uuu ^Syracuse recently more and more signatures were collected, for than $45,000 in contributions in warded to Crusade headquarters New *"ork City. "The Crusade is the ideological so I counterattack on Communism been for," mr ly of us have waiting j be i:iid. "This is not 'just another" organization it is the major effort feel of millions of Americans who That irpTo now America has not $ been getting the truth about de Curtain mocracy to people in Iron countries." t He explained that climax of thej fl first phase of the Crusade will cornel SOct. 24United Nations Daywhen p Ma huge Freedom Bell is installed in! !%*the Freedom Shrine in Berlinhun- ' 'drcd- of miles behind the Iron Cur- Slain. "We hope," he said, "that the - Frceuom Bell will become a symbol* ".',', for the fight against Communism justs las the tolling of Big Ben in London ' ;jjjar the V-for-Victory sign wcie! s> ->ols of the struggle against i .N n ir World War 2." un. *. lufMiicin uivimui ] Rochester Board of Education; I ester Cbfran, coordinator of elementarj jj education at Jamestown; Barbara 3 Allen, a senior at Charlotte High . j| School, and Stuart Hudnut. seventh grade student at No, I School. | In her address. Dr. Andrus can- lioncd parents to "think how >oul I felt about being a child in your fam- "It is very important to try to get! the child's, the growing boy and gii I's. eye-view of their families and so of : j the world around them and the wide The child's whole being, fccl- iind hch;, re expressions ot STILL CHAMPIOi, S FREEDOMComrade lames Farland. The ceremony took place at A. Hard is shown as he signed the Crusade for residence, 31 Portsmouth Ter. Almost 90 years Freedom Sci '!. Looking on is Thomas E. Mc- ago Hard was a soldier in the Union Army James A. Hard, the nation's oldest The 109-year-old veteran, who ex-soldier, today joined the army joined the Union army to fight for which is fighting bloodless battles for Freedom almost 90 years ago, democracy overseas the Crusade for added: "We can't be caught napping Freedom. this time. We have to do every The Civil War veteran affixed his thing to defeat the Communists. I've said that time and signature to one or the Freedom again." Scrolls which are being circulated Other Rochesterians will have the throughout the nati9n by the Crusade opportunity to sign the copper organization and soon will be placed colored scrolls next week, when spe in a Freedom Shriae in Berlin. cial Freedom booths are set up al "The Crusade for Freedom," Hard Main and Clinton, in downtown banks) said, "has been explained to me, and and elsewhere. Other scrolls are being| I'm for it. It sounds like the best circulated by labor unions and vet thing I've heard of for telling those erans groups, and in industry. Communists about democracy." Thomas E. McFarland, president Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection ^f^-v \f ENROLL IN THE \1 HELP LIFT Tp t CRUSADE IRON CERTAIN FOR FREEDOM EVERYWHERE I*- M HI vt vm I^B HI ^H l' ST A IT. <".!TY - STVI'K i t^mAyS^3^ | At the right is l^lo^i^fHcS^ignSureon the Freedom Scroll. Hard at 109 to Cast Ballot; First Voted 8t> Tears Ago Believed to be the oldest voter in the country as well as the oldest Civil War veteran, James A. Hard, 109, who cast ^nation's in Rochester Tues- Siis first vote 86 years ago, will go to the polls Iday. since "I've never missed voting in a presidential election I missed least my first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and nev.er voting sincel- for a New York State governor B1868," Comrade Hard said today atT Hhis home in Portsmouth Ter. I "And I've always voted the straight B Republican ticket," he added emphat- ^ lically. "This time I'll be voting for Gov. Dewey and Ken Keating for CongTess." j I The best governor New York State has ever had in his time, said Hard,! "1 voted I I was Theodore Roosevelt. he ifor him for governor in 1898," I voted added, "and tw^years later ifor him I for)Wresident. I I Hard cast his ballot for Lincoln Mat Nashville, Tenn., in 1864, a yearj was mustered out, latter his regiment ' of service in the Civil War. of j He missed voting Election Day time in many last year for the first lyears. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection GO [OLDEST SOLDIER OLDEST VOTER Careful scrutiny of party tickets is made by 86th time. Rochester's oldest voter, he voted James A. Hard, 109-year-old Civil War veteran first in 1864, missed only one election last who will go to polls to cast his vote for the year's. His nurse will accompany him today. 7 Old Soldier Answers Duty Call D.&C. NOV 19&Q \tiard, 109, to Vote in 85th Electionl I Duty calls and today the old a veterans committee for Republican vote for him. I also marched forf 'soldier will respond. Representative Kenneth B. Keating the other candidate. 1 For 109-year-old James A. Hard, whom he calls "comrade, as I do all "But not today. I'm resting up sol joldest living veteran of the Civil soldiers." I can vote as every citizen should] ,jWar, will be conveyed to the fire- But the oldest Civil War veteran do. It's good for the country." Jhouse at University Ave. and Merri- chuckled over some of his campaign ing habits in his man St. about 9 a.m. today to younger days. ^participate in his 85th election. "I once marched in a torchlight for that sheriff from | He has missed only ore since he parade Buffalo, least his first vote for Abraham Cleveland, I think his name was." But President Grover as a soldier in Nashville, Cleveland, ^Lincoln was a it was ITenn. in 1864. Last year he was Democrat, gently sug- unable to make the polls. gested. "Sure," he rejoined. "But didn "But I'll be there this time," he (said yesterday as he sat in his Portsmouth Ter. apartment. "I'm .resting up for it and don't intend to miss it. "Everyone should vote, regardless) .of party. It's a duty." 4 But how is Comrade Hard goingi rfto vote? I "That's easy," he said. "Straight! ^Republican. I always have andj .always will." ,. Because of eye strain and thel ^desire for plenty of rest, the oldf Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 61 As Readers See It TIMES UNION NOV? 1950 Hard'e Vote in 1900 Helped Elect TR Vicepresident Editor, The Times-Union: IN THE NOV. 4 issue of The Times-Union it was stateii that * Commander Hard, a grand old veteran at 109, never missed voting in a presidential election since he cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln. The article stated that the best governor New York State ever had This is your daily "Town Meeting" was Theodore Roosevelt and quoted column. Use it to vieu>$ Mr. Hard as saying: "I voted for express your on or world him for governor in 1898 and two local, state, national years later I voted for him for issues of the day. The Times-Union president." reset ies ihe right to cut long letters. has New York State fortunately Every ontributor must sign his cor had a line of from great governors rect i nme and address. both to mention some: parties; Heretofore it has been customary Theodore Roosevelt, Al Smith, to permit the use of pen names. IP* Lehman, F. D. Roosevelt and believe thi serves no good purpos* Dewey. but that the privilege can be used for But Mr. Hard badpurposei. A., opinion worth print did not vote for ing should be credited to its holder. T h e o ddre This should not be a barrier to com Roosevelt for plete freedom of opinion. In cases P r e s i dent in where readers have reason to fear 1900 because retaliation for their opinions, The TR was nomi Times-Union would consider it a to matters that nee for vice- privilege investigate correction when t president and require brought its attention a reader. No anony sue ceeded to by mous letters will be considered. i the presidency Editor. upon McKin- uV assassina- j leys HARD l tion in 1901. The reporter was plugging too President," since Theodore Roose 1 hard. velt did, in fact, serve most of the H. S. TURNQUIST. term for which McKinley wat 312 Pcate St elected, and the reporter quoted him without noting the needed Editor's Note: Ir. Hard nay said "I voted for him for correction. Comrade Hard Quits Hospital IIM&PON OECJiO 195 After 6 Da'ays James A. Hard, the nation's oldest Civil War veteran at 109, returned to his home in Portsmouth Ter., this afternoon after warding off a threat of pneumonia in General Hospital, lard Elected Apparently none the worse, Com rade Hard hummed a farewell to his James Hard . Again[ nurses before ending his six-day visit Will Head Paradzl Parade Marshal ro the hospital. The veteran greeted his press James A. Hard has been I again James A. Hard, 109, the nation's sitors in hi usual strong voice this to head the Memorial (named, Day! I oldest Civil War veteran, was elected .lorning. 'if his usual morning it was announced j Parade, yesterday, j marshal of the 1951 Memorial cigar was ni ing. He's been smok The nation's oldest Civil War vet- (grand Parade last night at the annual ing only on a day since he entered leran. Hard was elected I {Day 109-year-old of Veterans Memorial and he hospiUi last Friday, his nurse, marshal at the (meeting I grand annual meet- Council of Rochester at iss Agnes Arbuckle, reported. of Veterans Memorial and Ex (Executive j ing I City Hall Annex. Hard's physician said he responded Council of Rochester at City ecutive | Others elected included Henry E. to treatment just about as well as he llHall Annex. Others chosen | were] Norton, chief marshal; George N. did in December of last year and E. chief marshal, lHenry Norton, andj commander. Hope is Monroe again early this year. At that time N. commander. (Hope, George Hope, Hope| I County superintendent of veterans Hard's recuperative powers were lis Monroe County superintendent ofj A band concert was given by termed "amazing." Iveterans graves. graves. the new Sons of Union Veterans /fl 2 5 19611 I Rnd, directed by Fred Dierdoff. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection u "HE WAS A BIG MAN"James A. Hard, night, and Mrs. Lela Shugart, national president Heald and 1 109-year-old Civil War Veteran, describes Abe of Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary. Lincoln to Cleon E. Heald of Keene, N. H., left, Mrs. Shugart visited Hard at his home yesterday, .speaker at Lincoln dinner at Hotel Seneca last and heard stories of when Hard met Lincoln. Place hard Hopes to Take HarcL Recalls Lincoln U.aC. FEB 1.3 1951i i At Head or Lincoln Banquet Weather permitting, James A. active in the SUV and served as an As in Heart, Hard will take his place at the aide to the New Hampshire Grand Big Body) until that head of the banquet table for the Army of the Republic Ask James A. Hard what he recalls about Abraham Lin annual Abraham Lincoln anniversary organization became defunct. He coln and hear: dinner at 6:30 also is a leader in the American you'll probably "He was a man in heart as well as p. m. Monday at Legion in his home state. big body." War Hotel Seneca. Other leaders who will attend the That was the way Rochester's 109-year-old Civil vet- the Great The 109-year- banquet are Mrs. Lela Shugart of eran described Emancipa- old Civil War Marion, Ind., national president of tor to a group of admiring visitors! with him, and oh, what a big hand he % veteran, oldest the SUV Auxiliary; Leslie More of who called at his home at 31 Ports had." living ex-GI in Owego, department commander of mouth Ter., yesterday. At his home, Hard keeps a number! of Lincoln mementos the U. S is to the SUV, and Mrs. Rae Maier of Because of the weather. Hard was which are"! the treasured souvenirs of his be guest of hon Albany, Auxiliary department presi unable to attend the annual Abraham among f life. or at the cele dent. Mayor Samuel Dicker will Lincoln Association dinner at the Ho long "Later when I was with the bration of his open the affair with greetings from tel Seneca last night. The guest Army,"| he said, "1 saw Abraham Lincoln hero's birthday, the city, and George . Hoyt, presi speaker at the banquet, Cleon E. | He was on horse- an event spon dent of the Lincoln Association, will Heald of Keene, N. H commander- again. traveling 1 back and his feet almost sored by the be toastmaster. in-chief of the Sons of the Union Vet touched thel Rochester Abra ground he was so tall. That erans, and Mrs. Lela Shugart of Mar shows| how he was.' ham Lincoln ion, Ind.. national president of the big Association. Hard told his visitors that he hadl SUV Auxiliary, called on him. Hard, who declared yesterday that traveled on land and in the air, andl "I met President Lincoln he wouldn't miss the banquet if he that now he was looking forward tol White House reception," Hard said, could help it, recalls three occasions taking a trip by water. "Sometimel afirr I had entered the Army when he shook hands with the Great jusl I think I'll lake a trip from here tol during the Civil War. I shook hands Emancipator. In his home at 31 Albany on the Barge Canal," he said| Portsmouth Ter., Hard keeps a num smiling. ber of Lincoln mementos among the Hard treasured souvenirs of his long life. Improved, Guest speaker at the Lincoln din Still in ner will be Cleon E. Heald of Keene, Hospital N. H., commander-in-chief of the A. was Sons James Hard, 109, of Union Veterans, the organ feelingj pretty chipper as he puffed away onl ization which founded the local Lin a big cigar last night in coln Association. An avid General! collector] Hospital. of Lincolnania, Heald has been Nurses said his condition wasl fairly good" and the attending physi-l cian said the nation's oldest GAR? 'B i 1951 Veteran has been making steady im-l provement. Hard was hospitalized^ Friday with pneumomtis^, _a mjld fori] of pn Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 65 j James A. Hard James Hard Hard Perks Up* Goes Back W,0MPRi371951 Reported (Juihs Hospital WUMKW 1 1 o Hospital APR 6- 1951 After 15 Days railing can't an old I James A. Hard, Rochester's 109- They just keep soldier down. year-old citizen, is back in the hos1 James A. Hard was reported fail-] lames A. Hard, at 109 the dpital for treatment of a luns disorder g today in General Hospital. nation's oldest Civil War veteran, "His condition seems almost as The nation's oldest Civil War vet ' was to leave General Hospital this B good as when he came in last De- eran at 109, Mr afternoon and go home. I cember but you never can tell at j Hard has b In the 15 with a Mr. Hard's said the to hospital days t age," attending failing lung disorder, the cen I physician at General Hospital. spond to treat amazing tenarian was The nation's oldest Civil War vet- ment in the past feeling pretty pert as he planned his exit to 31 Ports B eran and the last New York State 24 hours, t h mouth Ter. I commander of the Grand Army of attending phys: The last New York State com 0 the is "a little better" than cian said. He i! Republic mander to take of the Grand Army of the 1 when he arrived at the hospital late refusing medication a n Republic entered the hospital with I yesterday afternoon from his home in apparently has pneumonitis, a .relatively mild form Portsmouth Ter. He has pneumo- j lost interest. of pneumonia. I nitis, a relatively mild form of pneu- The last com But he didn't stay in bed too monia. J mander of the long. He took to his wheelchair "He doesn't require constant oxy- and New York State just kept right on improving. his temperature is down, ] gen today, Departm e n t of the doctor and his color is better," he Grand Army of the Republic, said. jl Ir. Hard entered the hospital a Jim Hard isn't ban- But bantering eek ago today when he contracted as he did tering with the nurses today mild form of pneumonia. His con- I on his former visits. And he isn't up ition improved for several days and M to smoking his usual morning cigar. e appeared to be out of danger, ] James Hard Ends Doctors still call him "the amazing I old gentleman.' Stay in Hospital James A. Hard, 109, the nation's oldest surviving veteran of the Civil War and New York State's only one, Hard (figured yesterday that he had stayed \Commander I in General Hospital long enough. Hard Better, | So at 2:10 p. m. the cigar-smoking In Fair ConditionJ J veteran, who had been in the hospital I with an attack of pneumonitis for 15 jdays, bade the staff Hospital Reports goodby and re- Sings Again Jtured to his home at 31 Portsmouth Commander James A. Hard, 109, j | Ter. Commander Hard has been in Once again James A. Hard is| Slast night was reported still in "fair" j 9 the hospital several times during the J demonstrating the recuperative pow- | condition in General Hospital. jlast few years with mild forms of lers that amaze the doctors each Commander who has been in i time| Hard, j pneumonia, but every time he has i he enters the hospital. Ithe same hospital several times in the | The nation's oldest Civil War vet [past few years for treatment of* eran at the age of 109, Mr. Hard| pneumonitis had another attack a few I iJGCsW^pRi'liissrj was reported in "quite good" condi days ago. As on his former visits | tion today in General Hospital. The [to the same hospital from his Ports-] attending physician said he has madel \ mouth Ter. home, Hard was rally- 1 steady improvement since he was hos-| (ing in his illness. As usual when I pitalized Friday afternoon with | (taken to the hospital he immediately! pneumonitis, a relatively mild form| (was placed on the "danger list" be-l o'f pneumonia. (cause of his age. Last night theJ Although he still hadn't resumed | (hospital said he was not on the "dan-i- Hard Names I his daily cigar smoking, the last] State APR7-WS1 commander of the New York | In'ft'C. 1 Department of the Grand Army ofj (the Republic has resumed the sing Parade Aid* ling of one of his old favorites, "My I IQItUKaiWAkj' tJwis."Q iqci Henry h. Norton, Spanish-Amer lean war veteran, today was named < Hard Sitting Up, jchicf marshal of Rochester's, j Memorial Day Parade by Grand t His Spirits High, Chipper at 109 IMarshal James AA. Hard, command er of the Department of New York, | his James A. Hard is again ownj iJGrand Army of the Republic. Hard Puffs chipper self. Cigar Commander Hard, at 109 the na The 109-year-old Civil War vet oldest Civil War O n e-h u n d was living veteran, red-and-nine-year-old eran, the nation's oldest, sittingl tion's I James A. Hard, a in h.i also made these designations: big cigar up in a chair in General Hospital to-j f Imouth, was in high spirits today in day, apparently well on his way! Deputy marshal George W. Ggneral an attack Hospital. toward recovery from ofj I Stout, another Spanish American War I Nurses said his condition was 10 1951 chief of staff. Brig. Gen. Alfred l"quite good" and the attending physi m APR jvet; New York National Guard, cian said the nation's oldest Civil |H. Doud, War veteran has been making steady and executive officer Co. Edward [improvement. He was hospitalized J. Thompson. last Friday with pneumonitis, a rela- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 6+ Named Marshal I For Memorial Day! I Rochester's 1951 Memorial Day larade will begin at 9:30 a. m. Wednesday, May 30, at East Ave.| r.nd Portsmouth Ter. Plans for the Memorial Day ob servance were announced yesterdayj and Exec by the Veterans Memorial utive Council. James A. Hard, 109, America's oldest Civil War veteran I and grand marshal of the parade, has( named Henry E- Norton of the United Spanish War Veterans and senior past commander of the council] as chief marshal. Other Parade Leaders Other parade leaders named by I Hard include George W. Stout. j United Spanish War Veterans, deputy! marshal; Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Doud.E commanding officer of the 1 0 5 th I Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade, New}: York National Guard, chief of staff) ifor the procession, and Col. Edward! J' Thompson, deputy chief of staff] land executive officer. . I The parade will proceed on East] ve. from Portsmouth Ter. to Mainl t. E., west on Main St. to Clarissa I t., south on Clarissa St. to Broad St., I nd east on Broad St. to South Ave.| Hard and his staff will review the] iarade on the south side of Broad St.l ipposite City Hall. Mayor SamuclJ 1. Dicker and other city officials will 1 eview the procession from a stand) n front of the Court House. Gold Star Mothers A reviewing stand for Gold Star] banner of Rochester "Masonic Mothers ladies of the auxiliaries H VRTVS COLORS Viewing new andy whom is war mothers will he in front of thel Veterans Post is James A. Hard, for chapter War Court House, west of the shown Hard Monarch Lewis B. Noble, officials] named. Colors were by stand. Norton will receive the salute and James Hards .Post Commander Lancey Thomson Eksten, of commanding officers in the parade ' great-grandson. 'for the grand marshal. i The parade will include bands and drum and bugle corps of the various veterans' organizations. The council's Memorial Day Ob servance Committee will meet at r p. m. today in the GAR Rooms. Cit Hard Describes Hall Annex, to complete arrange Boyhood ments for the parade. APR 1951 . it WJP \T In Local History Magazine .Limes A. Hard, the nation's oldest ex-GI, has gone into the magazine-writing business. , Hard, the Civil War veteran who las been amazing to Rochcsterians Commander James A. Hard famed editor viewed] has contributed an article Antisdale, of the Her .for years, of his ald, John Scott Clubb, its the colors post yesterday. ,on his hoyhood to "Scraphonk." a cartoonist, oldest Civil War Vet- II - and Al Stone, the news I Hard, 109, snagazinc of local history and fo I k pioneer pho '|orc published hy the Rochester His tographer "who knew more people : Hard Smoking Despite Rumor Yep! James A. Hard still smokes cigars and all he wants to smoke. The 109-year-old Civil War vet eran, peeved at the rumor that got around that he had quit his favorite pursuit, gave forth through a cloud of blue smoke yesterday his protests over the whole business. His doctor, according to James Eksten, great-grandson, says he can eat, drink and smoke as he pleases. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 'Going to Read Every Card9 Hard ~~*~ Hopes President JK UNION JUL 1^4 1951 Notes 110th Birthday in Reported good health and with enough fan mail to him in keepl good spirits for many days, venerable James A. the Hard,'- Civil War for ,n vaL10nA oldes,t veteran, today prepared his 10th birthday celebration tomorrow. As of noon today some 150 greet ing cards had been delivered to his 31 Portsmouth Ter. residence. His Hreaction It's "I'm going to read every card." fjAnd I'm sure looking forward to one ifrom the President. But, you know, THIS WAY jl've voted Republican in every elec- Stion since I voted for Abe Lincoln." JWESUHIQW JULL13 1951 A CONCERT will be held at his To a Old Soldier Very jhome tomorrow from 3 to 4 p. the 54th Regiment Band, playing - - - Best Wishes ]by jsome of Hard's favorite tunes. Thi.; will be followed by a reception last )&s/&t There doesn't seem to be much SERVICE in several major engage have at its in that any of us can tell a man of wastefulness gnawed ments, including Bull Run, Freder and nards and corroded its outward ' your age, your experience your icksburg, Chancellorsville, S o u t stature. All we can do is ask, beauty. Mountain and Antietam followed. knowing that somewhere in your He still has his blue GAR uniform. miraculous memory you have most YET YOU HAVE REMAINED Hard continues to smoke about of the answers. constant and your faith has re 10 cigars a day and says he feels said several times that You have mained firm and your judgment "pretty good, but the weather doesn't in the United States you have faith sound. help any." The old soldier sums and all for which this nation stands, ami thii You have not preached, 110 years of life like this: that up that hate tyranny, you man. you is refreshing to find in any It seems like a long time, I sup love liberty and that you are con scolded and that. You have not pose, but the time goes real quickly, must be vinced that oppression You have not prc- as I too. is a virtue. even if you have lived as long fought and freedom is worth dying- ^"jp'^ZJciVhcr forlong life.Vfor You for. morals or for human conduct. are sentiments in which all These have not filled us full of recipes concur. It is to good Americans or formulae. to he that all will continue the hoped You have exercised two of we and hold them fast long after to American's greatest privileges even have gone. vote you fight for his country and to for his candidates and in fighting in Amer WHAT YOUR FAITH and voting you have helped keep ica does for us is something very our America intact. good indeed. the of your tre For along years AND SUNDAY is your' birthday life you have mendous span several lifetimes after your first the kind of knowledge that gleaned we want to wish you many small and few men can acquire in their God happy returns and, grant, lifetimes. many happy years. have known men who could You tell that you Jcf We want to you have known Washington and venerated not only because you and the Adamses. You have are ferson not only because Grant and are an ex-soldier, met Lincoln and seen citizen, and not Lee and you are a leading been contemporary with stood fast because you have Sherman and Sheridan. only for certain things. seen what fool poli You have also held in special states You are ticians and well-intentioned have done esteem because you done to the land men have greatest of the res, of US dares thai land he- what none on earth and seen defied time lo be able to do involved in six major wars in hope come wind *nrl ,he rain seen i: and the of,. , own time. You have a little and emerged perhaps and ernw stronger even years and worn but still triumphant. while meptnc.ss and stupidity Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection NUMBER 110 COMING UP! James A. Hard, all set to celebrate his 110th birthday today. the nation's oldest living Civil War veteran, is This McClellan hat caused him to reminisce. Hard, 1 10, Recalls Highlights of Life BY JACK VAN BUREN "After a little while," he con for awhile and one day I attended a James A. Hard fondled an old "an officer in tinued, my detach White House reception and met and McClellan hat on the ment came to me and said: jblue yesterday' up shook hands with Abraham Lincoln. leve of his 1 10th birthday and re 'Hard, do you know who you were How his hands were!" called Bull Run, Antietam and his just talking to?' I answered no. My! big iLfflCEtings with Abraham Lincoln and Then he told me I had just shaken The Civil War veteran .spoke in a 1 General Grant. the hand of General Grant. I was hearty voice as he sat in his favorite | "It was a long. long time ago flabbergast/d." chair at 31 Portsmouili Tci.. w hers that I wore a hat like this," he said Hard, who was born in Victor on he makes his home. Later he tried on , as he held the faded cap in his July 15, 1841, was running a saw the McClellan hat, which was given ' remarkably steady hands. mili at Jordan when the Rebels fired to him as a birthday gift by Mrs. The nation's oldest living Civil on Fort Sumter in April, 1865. He Margaret Schreiber of 88 Avenue D. War veteran, who will be given a enlisted immediately and was assigned Heaped beside him on the desk 'whopping birthday party today, then to the 32d Volunteers. were more than 300 birthday cards He gazed far beyond the hat. far beyond vaguely recalled how he had sent to him by friends. This after* with the *y the sun th;',t shone through his fought forces of the blue noon, a special concert will be given window. at bloody Antietam, Bull Run, Chan- for him by the 54th Regiment Barm, cellorsville "It was wearing a McClellan hat and Fredericksburg. which will play his favorite tunes, in like "But I remember when |just this the day I met General clearly Lee cluding "Tenting Tonight on the Old Grant," he remarked. "I'll never surrendered in 1865," Hard said. "I Camp Ground." Iforget that day." was at Atlanta with the railroad corps He'll Get Cake, 110 Candles I Hard recalled how he of Sherman's We was assigned Army. were main Following the band concert on the to a half dozen Union sol the and supervise taining transportation supply lawn of his home, a reception, spon diers on a trench digging assignment lines for the march to the sea when sored by the Monroe County Chapter, the .along James River, near Rich the news of the surrender reached us." Sons of Union Veterans, will be held mond, Va. When had almost The last commander they of the Grand from 4 to 6 p. m. A birthday cake, completed the task, a of the listed portly looking Army Republic his meet decked with lit) candles, will be pre officer him. approached ing with General Grant as one of the sented to him. "He came to me and two most up asked important experiences of his What's Hard looking forward to how were the old and things going," sol long full life. now that he has reached 110? dier reminisced. "Then we shook other "My memorable experience "Well, I'm looking forward to an hands and chatted for awhile be happened just after 1 entered Ihe other 110 he said with a fore he years,'' finally walked off." I was in C Army. Washington, D. chuckle and a twinkle in his eye. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 61 DRAMATIC DAY in the life of James A. Hard, With him, looking over huge cake, is Cleon I the nation's oldest Civil War vet, was en E. Heald, national commander of Sons of joyed when he celebrated his 110th birthday. Union Veterans. James Hard Relaxes IWBUilKJN JUL rs 1951 After 110th Birthday James A. Hard, known to. Rochester physicians as "the jj lamazing old gentleman," was embarked' today on the second! I decade of his second century. i ' "He asked how H | He was reported relaxing com- things were going, Ipletely and enjoying himself this1 then we shook hands and chatted I for a while before he morn ing at his 31 Portsmouth Ter finally walked I J the old I residence. By 9 a. m. he had even off," solider remembers. "Later I was told I had [smoked one of the many cigars he shaken the J received yesterday at his 110th birth- hand of General Grant." His |day party. meeting with Lincoln was at jj a White House reception early "He hasn't talked much about yes- in| the war. Iterday's festivities," an aide at his residence reported this morning, "but Ihe's feeling fine. We expect that he'll YESTERDAY AFTERNOON had Ibe in a more conversational mood Hard another contact with the I later in the day." White House. "It has just come to my attention " . ,^^.s j a v- that JuIy 15 is your> 110th "v surrounded birthday* YESTERDAY by am) ft friends and relatives and deluged by pleasure {0 xtend (o ^ cordial from across the nation, greetings fclicitations ran a ial deH Hard superintended the slicing of a huge birthday cake decked with 110 candles. Below his porch the 54th "This _essage irom Washington. the egiment Band, city's oldest, indeed a remarkable attainment music of a far off . day Uyed jrm glad to join your host of friends on the Old "Tenting Tonight Camp in extencjjng Very best wishes as you Ground" and "Battle of the life." Hymn contmue your journey through Republic." | It was signed "Very sincerely Presented with an old blue Mc- yours, Harry Truman." Clellan hat, the, venerable last com- Hard said he was pleased to hear mander of the GAR reminisced about from the President. "But. you know," the battles of Antietam, Bull Run, he added, "I've voted Republican in for Abe Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, every election since I voted He remembered also his personal, Lincoln." meetings with General Grant and President Lincoln. Hard recalled that during a trench digging assignment on the James River near Richmond, Va., a portly officer approached Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection BIRTHDAY CIGARSThe oldest soldier and Cleon E. Heald, national commander of the of 'em all, James A. Hard, passes out cigars Sons of Union Veterans, which sponsored yes here to 107-year-old Eddie Van Duyne, right, terday's birthday reception. Hard w 71 6B ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE Sunday, September 9, 1951 )Jdsters Equal Hard's Record If a couple of oldsters remember rightly, Rochester's senior1 citizen, 110-year-old James A. Hard, has company as the holder of the record j j for the most consecutive years ofj voting in New York State. Hard, who has voted 72 times in the last 73 years, found his record tangled in a three-way tie yesterday^ as Samuel E. Quackenbush. 93.K former Republican assemblyman andp one-time mayor of Corning, andg John Shattell. 93. of Syracuse, bothfej voted for the 72nd time. As he cast his vote in Corning. R Quackenbush boasted he hadn't lb missed a vote since he was 21, ac-I cording to the Associated Press.?; And in Salamanca, former State Su-B preme Court Justice Thomas H. 1 Dowd. 92, said he was one year be- 3 hind Hard and Quackenbusch. Although he was sitting this oncfi out because illness prevented him- from registering, Hard bore his newjj peers no ill will. "Anybody who's voted as many! imes as that is a citizen." FOR SERVICES RENDEREDJames A. Hard, 110-year-old good the igcd Civil War veteran remarked veteran of the Civil receives citation from Disabled I War, asl night. American Veterans, New York State Department, for 80 years t> of service to veterans, their widows and orphans. Presenting the scroll is Louis Yandeau, left, a past state commander. State DAY Cites James Hard Jame^(fiarm forDo%-S ofVetsjservice James A. Hard, the nation's A citation recognizing James A. Hard's "80 years oldestjj lliving Civil War. veteran, will present* to veterans" was presented yesterday to the 110-year-old Hard Army training rifles to the James! the Disabled American Veterans, New York State |;wo by Department. Hard Post, Masonic War Veterans,]' at 31 Portsmouth Louis At a ceremony Hard's home, Ter., a at his home.H fn ceremony Tuesday Yandeau of Rochester, past state H. The rifles will be used by the post's commander, presented a a number of years of work with department j honor guard at the Masonic WarS scroll to the last survivor of veterans before me." framed /eterans Upstate Convention here York State Grand of Commander Joseph the New Army Department Jov. 24. 1 is sent his Hard, 10-years-old, an| the > M. Smyth of Albany regards Republic. active, charter member of the post. The State Department of the to the Civil War veteran. DAV unanimously adopted a resolu tion to make the citation at the unit's convention in Albany last June. Yandeau, who also is a past com mander of Rochester Chapter 15, Hard Gives Guns DAV, said as he made the presenta tion, "Your work always has been Post faithful to your comrades, their To Veteran widows and orphans. At 110, you veteran Him are still interested in all Named After activities, now being national junior First honorary member of the f vicecommander of the GAR." James A. Hard Post 18, Masonic War Hard commented, "I expect to have (Veterans, the 110-year-old Civil War? ^veteran has presented two honor (guard rifles to the post. | The rifles, accepted in behalf of, jjthe post by its commander, Lancey| HThomson, and first lieutenant com-t :]mandcr, James P. Ecksten, great- State Veteran Group grandson of Hard, will be used forf gjthe first time at an upstate conven-| To Honor James Hard! Ljtion here on Saturday. Hard is the} Civil War member of any such For his long service in the Grand only JArmy of the Republic, James A. [post. I Hard will be honored at his home D.&C. NOV 21 19b1 Itoday by New York Department of athe Disabled War Veterans. A cita- jtion will be given to Hard by Louis I Yandeau of Rochester, a past state WaP*rrrandp 8- 195 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection JAMES HARD PRESENTS two honor guard rifles to James A. honor guard rifles which will be used for the first time at an Hard Post No. 18 of Masonic War Veterans. The 1 10-year-old upstate convention here Saturday are Lancey Thomson (left), Civil War veteran is the first charter member of the post and commander of the post, and James P. Eksten (right), first of Hard. the only Civil War member of m-y such post. Accepting the lieutenant commander and great-grandson 110th Christmas Parades By, Hard Set for Hundred More It was James A. Hard's 110th were plenty of those. He generally Christmas yesterday and after the manages to store up nearly a year's grand old man of the GAR polished sunnly at Christmas time. off the last of his dinner turkey at His associates said Hard's health n his home at 31 Portsmouth Terr, he is good, in fact better than it has; observed that he'd just as soon have been for some time, with no sign on a hundred more. the respiratory troubles which in re The Civil 110-year-old War vet cent years have landed him in the eran got presents and cards by the hospital for short stays. Hard also! hundreds and they came from all over had numerous visitors during the the country. Of day.j course, knowing people who wouldn't let Christmas Hard's predilection for there cigars, go by without calling on him. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection n Union troops were being retrained following the Battle of Bull Run. Presented McClellan Cap Two of the . ,rs to Hard's chcer- j ful room at 31 Portsmouth Ter. yes terday were sisters from across *he( street, Rae Ellen and Joanne SteinJ i 8 and 7 years old, respectively. They! presented the old soldier with a bluci |cap, a replica of the style worn by j ; Union troops in the Civil War. Hard.) Swhose eyesight has failed considerably.' | fondled the visor and crown and aj (few seconds later, his voice ringing |with delight, txclaimed: "Why it's a McClellan cap! Sure. Why it's the same kind we used to wear named after General McClel lan." ; He seemed happy to hear that! I youngsters are wearing such caps I these days^but nobody mentioned | that some children are wearing the ray Confederate counterpart of the I McClellan cap, also known as a kepi | cap. This Winter, Hard spends most of [his waking hours (usually from 7 a. jm. to around 8 p. m. he arose an hour earlier yesterday) in a comfort able chair in his second floor room.; | His inability to get out saddened him bit yesterday when a group from! Rochester's Abraham Lincoln Asso- I WOKE OINb James A. 110- Joanne | YEP, Hard, | Stein, neighborhood girls, who stopped elation paid him , visit. The associa- -old veteran of Civil thj; War, adjusts a in for brief Visit on Lincoln's birthday. The 'on held its 30th annual dinner at "McClellan hat" and Rae Ellen ,he Ho,cl Seneca last an chats^vith and I veteran rose at 6 a. m., donned his best suit. night, affair Hard used to attend with great cn-| joyment. Meetings with Lincoln 'Wish I Could Go' "I only isfa I could go thci '. iih [ard to Skip .tfCftB you tonight," he told Roy J. BennfltJ commander-in-chiel of t lie Sons off een in narcTsHard Union Veterans of the ( i\il War,] ,mcoln Memory who came here from Des Moines tol "Arc to' By KEN GRUBE attend the dinner. you some I'd love to sit down For the first time in about 30 have chicken'.' years. James A. Hard, at 1 10 the natidn's oldest Civil War veteran lo a thicken dinner." Civil War Veteran James A. Hard* at 6 a. m. and called a iwoke yesterday for clean white shirt anc Bennett told him th.it h i lo will not attend the annual Lincoln! peel eat suit. It was the of Abraham Lincoln over in Minn banquet. gray birthday andstop Duluth. j'Day Th , who twice came in close contact with that mm to Des Moines. According to Roy W. Pettingcr.' great man. was trip he'll isit another ol Ihe I of the Rochester Abraham! anxious to mark the day propcrl ,said, [president and Union veterans of the Ci Lincoln Association, sponsors of the by being up bright early. urviving J n C. Woolson. who becai dinner. Hard declined in order His keen memory Mill feeds and a siron 105 old Monday, kave his strength for his 111 birthday: garrulous disposition years "He's in health'.'" Hard Wl Uuly 15. deep voice which rarely falters. H good recalled his tiist meet ed to knou. "He sure is." repli I Roy J. Bennett of Des Moines, again yesterday with 91 Bennett. Iowa, commander-in-chief of the Sons ing Lincoln nearly years age Mr Then a Union he wa "Good," said Hard. rebel pf Union Veterans, will be speaker. young soldier, to the President ;it over to a side tahkv felt about u \t the dinner, which will be held next presented an opei house. Hard remembers that hi his located his stock of uesday night at the Seneca. fingers hadn't yet been issued his uniform he siill smokes thi c. thai I incoln, with a kind smile, told "Give him these1" he slid, p;issinj to Ren him he looked like a jioixl soldier, over a couple of the slopes \nd lii till frames nctt. "and tell him I hope h: h.ul i vivid piciiue of I incoln coming downhaonv birthdav!" D.oc^.FEB u IUJ/. \Hard to Pass Up Banquetl Civil War Veteran James A. Hard strength" for his 111th birthday July I [110, will not attend the birthday 15, when his friends will entertain | i banquet of his idol, Abraham Lin him at a party. 1 coin, this year. Speaker at the Lincoln Day ban Roy W. Pettinger, president of the quet will be Roy J. Bennett of Des; Rochester Abraham Lincoln Associ Moines, Iowa, commander-in-chief ofj ation which is sponsoring a Lincoln the Sons of Union Veterans. Thcj Day banquet Tuesday evening in Lincoln Association is comprised ofj and its allied Hotel Seneca, said yesterday it will SUV members organ izations, the SUV Auxiliary, Daugh be the first time Hard will be absent ters of Union Veterans, Women's. in 30 I from the festivities years. Hard Relief Corps and Ladies of the Grand Army of Ihe Republic. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 7* HE'S A-RARIN' TO GOCome Spring, and Comrade James s' A. Hard, at 110 the nation's oldest war veteran, gets thinking about the Memorial Day Parade. Entering into are (at left) Master spi.-t 0f Mr." Hard's marching plans Union j Danny Maxwell, 9, wearing miniature Anny^jcap^j Mrs. Cora Dieter r~ <\-*-Sl Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection ROCHESTER TIMES-UNIOM AQ 1952 Wed., Apr. 9, XT . fill Civil War Veteran James A. Hard of the of Rochester, 110, now is one Grand five living members of the j The ranks Army of the Republic. I / to this of the GAR were reduced number with the death of Douglas An T. Story Tuesday in West Lc old, geles. Mr. Story, 107, years died of pneumonia. Bpflb, home where Mr. Hard lives, lights up stogie for him. Times- Union photos were taken by Leonard Maxwell, Danny's Portsmouth Ter. rho runs nursing dad. _ Battles Long A30 is one of The durable James Hard ITO, Says Americans- who can be ex James Hard, the few living in- oected to take more than a passing that this state has B terest in the news a Lead Parade bought for memorial purposes piece ^ He'M second battle of of the field where the annual was for also known r s Manassas, When the bands play and flags fly Bull Run, ^ MarshalJW.J Jam Hard, in our his- of Memorial Day, Grand fought. It has its high place observance to taKe nis cu will asso- on 15, expects A^ generat.ons who will be 111 years old July tory, but younger 1 with alien names like at the head of the parade. date "battle" tomary place St. Lo, Okinawa, l ui the""- few,-~" surviving o> Thierry, Hard,nara, oldestuiucst of Chateau is Day Sunday Civil War veterans in the country, The annual Memorial the at held May 25 at 8 about thel making preparations for day service will be can be learned Ter. He is Auditorium. InChSomething that 31 Portsmouth m. in the Masonic noting his home, p of nature of war, however, by health and spirits be music by the Sons reported in good There will est battle of Bull Run represented determination Band and Jefferson the second firm as ever in his Union Veterans Civil and Rev. O- about the Memorial Day Choristers. The a misconception to carry on the High School popularP the ot and the Rev in 1861 that of the Grand Army William A. Hallock War It was believed traditions of the be final. are in charge there would ; the Paul Hoover first engagement Republic. 6 decisive be a program. The war was to quck, mem Washing- 1 WILL be escorted by and official HARD Northern triumph, 1 Union Veterans. of mood to wit- bers of the Sons of C. SCOTT, adjutant ton rode out in a picnic of the GROVER new band, and members and Execu the Rebels. 1 their the Veterans Memorial d ness the rout of of which he ID . War Veterans, the, Memon. ay that day Masonic tive Council, said One of the spectators July member and only repre this year to 1 is the oldest narade will be expanded Rochester's representa- GAR. and was Alfred Ely, the . military sentative of ah fraternal, the the Memorial Day fnclude marching in When shooting A meeting of units who have tive Congress. was]of will be held varans of such in the South's first bag Observance Committee Marching auxiliaries over he was in the City groups. s the 13th Infantry at 7'30 p. m. Saturday have their own The men of for untsPwiU ot prisoners. fire for Hall Annex to complete plans Abar, vicecommander own under of mo Kenneth Rochester's regiment, on the graves and George casualties and placing flags the American Legion, the first time, had some veterans in Rochester deputy for than 10,000 Stout, have been appointed had enlisted more some bad news. They cemeteries. The work requires the but marshals for parade._ and their time was up. than 300 volunteers. three months, decided to hold them the government had f0f is an Theraoral is that a short war Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection TC Hard One of Four. Of Union Army\ There are only four remaining Civil War veterans of the Union Army. That was ascertained yester- ''jy following some confusion of the number remaining after the recent death of one veteran in California. James A. Hard, who is 110, is one of the four. Mrs. Carl Eksten of Henrietta, granddaughter of Hard, said she con tacted Miss Cora Gillis of Jamestown, mM&:i*"S' national secretary of the Grand Army of the Republic. According to Mrs. Eksten, Miss Gillis checked pension rolls in Washington and the GAR files. Hard, who lives at 31 Portsmouth Ter.. is junior vicecommander in chief of the GAR. Mrs. Gillis also n reported that there are six remaining for his FOES? NO SUH! From below Mason-Dixon i Union Civil War men, 'citizenship. J/^ of the Confederate Armys Wilson and Donald * Line, Baltimore Catholic War Veterans voted Here, Robert E. (left) J.|The other three remainjng Union the of the an 0f whom are members of a citation to James A. Hard, 110, oldest of I Foley make presentation citation.| vetS) ? [S the GAR, were listed as William H Magee, 105, of California; Israel Americanism 105, of Samuels, Idaho, jFor Citizenship, ' ^"Broadsword, n f\rf\ and Albert Woolson, 105, of Duluth, 10 1952 ^Minn. [Hard Receives Lization From BaltimoreVeteranSi Hard Scorn* VA Estimates: From Baltimore yesterday came a tribute to James A. Hard, .Rochester's 110-year-old Civil War veteran, in recognition of "his Til Be Around a imei 'responsible citizenship and inspiring Americanism." Long*! The tribute was a news that told about inspired by story James A. Hard, Rochester Civil War veteran,! B4 Hard's voting in his 85th election, 110-year-old for a time" no matter what Veterans was he'll "be around long ^~and that published in many | expects 2 newspapers throughout the country. Administration 1953 budget figures imply. i The news article came to the at- :ie VA's 1953 budget reportedly t:.li/.a- tention of members of St. one Union Intakes provision for only to be around for another beth's Post of the Catholic War Vet expects MCivil War veteran pension. It is now five years, according to International erans of America, in Baltimore, and the Grand News Service. He is still spry enough they decided that something should Spaying four members of to shovel the deep Minnesota be done about It. Army of the Republic $1,440 a year snows] 37! from his Duluth sidewalk. ' "Our post is especially interested each. farthest dis a broader exercise of At Van Nuys, Calif., >Hin promoting of Hard and Albert Woolson, 105, in this nationwide argu ihe franchise our citizens," offi- tant link by the ven Duluth, Minn., who shares A. 106, ex- 1 of the post wrote to Monroe ment, William Magee, erable Rochesterian's love of cigars, this but Hard Refutes I leaders of the Catholic War pects to live through year, Longevity County VA will have to are confident the on the more Veterans. "His record isn't taking any bets 'Oldest Mason' Claim magnificent revise its estimate. | to when so distant future. Claims from Texas on the death I appealed us, especially j men and women in of a man believed to be the "world's many their youth ful are too indolent and un "I FEEL FINE," was Hards com j oldest Mason" were refuted yester- vigor ONLY NOTE OF GLOOM fro.il concerned to take the few moments ment on this "Cut [day here. penny-pinching. the elderly quartet comes from Israeli vote.' to about Rochester's James A. Hard, Civil [to down my cigar smoking A. Broadsword, 105, of Samuels, | So the St. Elizabeth's Post five a Eat Sleep good. [War veteran, became a member pre day. good. Idaho. "I've lived a long time be Pared a scroll and I'll be around for a long time, no Rochester Lodge. F&AM, on Dec.j honoring Hard, cause I wore out thc knees of myl scnt a t0 local cwv leaders with matter what the VA 8 1884, received a 50-year service! figures." pants instead of the seat," INS quotes I thc request that it be to as ever, he re pin in May, 1941, to which was! presented Apparently b'vely him as saying, "but I don't think a8cd veteran in cere other residents j added a 60-year palm last year. At||tne appropriate portedly wakes up I'll be around next year." Until two I monies. It was to Hard Ter. occasional 1110, he is four years older than the given of 31 Portsmouth by years ago he cut all the firewood for I his Portsmouth Ter. home of To 1 ho died in Fort Worth' yesterday 4 a. m. renditions "Tenting his son's ranch, but now he says by Robert Wilson, assisted Don Civil War "I| by night" and other songs. prefer liquor to hard work, so I guess I ald Foley, commander of county Woolson, whose idea of a life- that lets me out of the longevity! the Catholic War Veterans. PTnrolongtng diet iscigar^ndcoffee race." Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 77 ONE SOLDIER FOR ANOTHERJames A. yesterday when he signed petition for an Ike Hard, 110, nation's oldest ex-GI, boarded the campaigner, Gerry Court, at right. Hard ten. Jiisenhower - for - President bandwagon donned "I Like Ike" lapel button right away. Hard Climbs Aboard Eisenhower Bandwagon^ Other voters may be waiting for Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower i James I [to take a stand on issues of the day, but not 110-year-old 3 More A. Hard. 'Boys' Gently fingering the "I Like Ike" button on his lapel, yester- \ *=- ' day afternoon, the oldest living Civil "^^m^^i-vmaCS'^M"as \ otcn su Still Alive War veteran went on record as favor- 1 w ffi an . Hard recall* Eisenhower because he "is B Although Jing "a^ot.f Besides in more than 80 elections Rochester's James A. Hhonest man and knows more about &voted he wasnt sure yesterday Hard. 110, only three others of lithe problems of the country than types fallhow contests he the once mighty Boys in Blue of lany other citizen." many presidential has voted in However, it is believed! the Civil War are believed to be To show he meant business Hard he has voted in every one since he! alive. . grasped a pen in his still steady William A. of cast his vote for Lincoln. < They are Magee risht hand and signed a petition Van Israel Broad answer to the question of a Nuys, Calif.; being circulated by local Eisenhower .? man making a good Presi- sword of Samuels, Idaho, and Al booster, Court. I military committee Gerry anl bert Woolson of I dent, Hard indicated it seemed Duluth, Minn., from Urst For Ike , in all 105. advantage rather than a handicap he is not able to listen Eisenhower's lives with a Since case. He intimated Magee granddaugh tol^.,. _ radio, read newspapers or watch1- ter who says, "He's still too ac r,,the at San- t/television in his room Dieter as a him tive for us." He gets his own experience general gave 31 Portsmouth Ter., added of breakfast and lunch, is up with "jitarium, Hardj understanding problems on with his nurse, talks vj,ai t0 ,ne._. the sun, takes walks, reads his (has depended country.-country. other visitors !Mrs. Nina Foote, and "There is no in mind newspaper thoroughly. question my of the and the is the best as for news campaigns that Eisenhower candi Woolson, who smokes many ' l Hard added with ah assurance as he wants, will be honor candidates. date," cigars took him J When asked how long it that brought a smile to the Eisen ary grand marshal of Duluth's his mind about Ike, Hard hower committeeman. parade tomorrow. Ito make up for him as soon as Broadsword lives in seclusion Ireplied "I was out he running." with his two trapper sons. Towns HI found wps considered a dycd-in-the- folk in Samuels say he is still 8 Hard said he was looking hearty but his and mind have Republican, sight Iwool for Eisen- to casting a ballot failed :n the last year. ^forward Jbower in the Fall. ] Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 7? OLDEST SOLDIER This is a recent camera taken by Leonard Maxwell, Times-Jnion portrait of Civil War Veteran James A. Hard, staff photograoher. ifeUHIOliIIMUM MAY 2_92 9 1952195 Hard. Nation's Oldest Soldiier. ToLeadMemorial DayParade With the nation's' oldest soldier leading them, Rochester's Memorial Day marchers tomorrow will write another chapter shal's position in Broad St. op- I of memories that link the with its various warrior dead. city positc City Hall. Grand marshal of tomorrow's pa Divisions of all vcter;.ns' rade, which begins at 9:30 a. m. at THE PARADE annually is the organiza and Girl Scouts, fraternal East Ave. and Portsmouth Ter. will big event in Mr. Hard's life. His tions, Boy j and other will be 110-year-old James A. Hard, eyesight all but gone, his hearing groups participate. The of march will the: 31 Portsmouth Ter., one of only impaired, he spends much of his line bring down East Ave. to Main! four survivors of the Grand Army time resting in an easy chair at the procession I of the Republic, which once numbered nursing home where he resides. His St. E., then west to Washington St.. more than a million stalwarts. daily consumption of his beloved 'south to Broad St. and east to South) cigars is limited to about two. Ave., where wreaths will be laid onj This is his ninth straight year the World War Memorial ' But this week he has as marshal. marshals preparedprepareQ Plaque] grand Deputy f w a and Donald A. carefuT fr ,ne.1 Forsyth, county com-| are E. 8ettlnS Henry Norton, George Stout,' !y mander of the American will more than his usual,bl* ^ Legion, f...i. ai.o, .-x i amount of rest. Kenneth Ahar and Lawrence The is to last He says he is feeling fine. He wi speak. parade expected Hauck. Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Doud two hours. be 111 on 15. about is chief of staff. July an "The Eve of Tomorrow's will be one of (For editorial, Preceded by the Park Band anc Memorial turn to Rochester's biggest Memorial Day Day," please f Masonic War Veterans, the grandes' processions expanded Page 6.) old soldier's car will be escortec considerably over last year. There will be two along the line of march by the Son; reviewing stands Ihe official one of Union Veterans to the reviewing in Main St. W. in front of the stand in Broad St. opposite City Court House and the Hall. grand mar Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 71 D. &C.W1AY 25 1952 Will Re Top longevity Record ofUS Years? Why, Says Rochester's Last Civil War Veteran, y9'U Bet 9 Jliue to. Be Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection had a woman in New York State who ALTON L. BLAKESLEE apparently By than Joubert. Associated Press Science Reporter 'ived a tew weeks longer # * * still sound veterans drums of civil war memory A LTHOUGH ONE of the Civil War THEfor 12 remarkable veterans, the youngest ^ the 113 years, there are bette may top ' 104, the oldest, Rochester's James A. Hard, chances that veterans of World Wars 1 and nearly 111 years old. One or more may top the record of human might do it. For 'he chances are strong that statisti longevity 113 years accepted by more veterans of the 20fh Century wars will live 1 cians as authentic. to be over 100, or even '0, Spiegelman said. One or more might even live another nine One reason is simply . .- there were so many of the world wars. Another reason years, to mark the 100th anniversary of the more veterans start of the war in which he fought. is that the average U. S. life span increased, with Of these 12 surviving veterans, 8 fought with the Confederate Array, 4 with the Union Army. more people living to be 60, 70, 80, 90 so on. A year ago, there were 28 of them, the year a bet that the last sutvivin before that 41. It might be good veteran of World War 2 will be a WAC, statisticians cannot e Expert j you any on thi WAVE, or a SPAR for U. S. women, odds on the survival probabilities because there average, are outliving men. is just no past experience on which to base es timates. "There is a remote chance that one could live to 1961," explained Mortimer Spiegelman, assistant statistician of the Metropolitan Life s-is-si Insurance Company. "But 1 -wouldn't want to bet on it." * * # T7IRST, LOOK at the longevity roll of the dozen * veterans: Oldest is Hard, who will be 111 on July 15 born, his record says, in 1841. His three Union Army companions are Israel A. Broadsword, of Samuels, Idaho, who was 105 last Dec. 23; William A. Magee, Los An geles, who will be 106 on Aug. 19, and Albert Woolson, Duluth, Minn., who was 105 last Feb. 11. Youngest of all 12 is Confederate William D, By HARRY RAMSEY Townsend, OUa, La., born 12, 1848, who Apr. T 'IS chin jutting defiantly, Rochester's 110-year-old (nearly 111) was 104 last month. * L James A. Hard was to agree that he would top the The other seven Confederate survivors are quick human record which Alton L. Blakeslee in the accom William W. Williams, Franklin, Tex., who will longevity panying article credits to Pierre Joubert, French-Canadian who i be 110 next Nov. 14; William J. Bush, Fitzger- lived to be 113. aid, Ga., who is 106; W. M. Loudermilk, Jones j "Why, I'll bet I live to be at least 115," he cracked a couple boro, Ark., who will be 105 on Oct. 27; William of ago. "Don't see reason why I shouldn't." A. Laurel who was 104 last days any Lundy, Hill, Fla., # # * Jan. 18; Arnold Murray, Orangesburg, S. C, who will be 106 on June 10; Thomas E. Riddle, r\N THE DAY the oldest living Civil War veteran announced Austin, Tex., who turned 106 last ^ Apr. 16; his intention to top Joubert's record he was busy with a John Slant, who was 105 on was Sailing, Va., May 15. flurry of newspaper and radio interviews. In the morning he # * * interviewed on a tape recording for half an hour by station WHEC for a A few hours later he CCIENCE DOES not special pre-Memorial Day program. know of any upper limit announced to the press his intention to back another Army man on how a human can long live. Some op for President, General Eisenhower, and posed for pictures. timists think man could live 150 to 200 years. While he sat in an easy chair in his nursing home at 31 History and tell of men or women who legend Portsmouth Ter., Hard (below, with his nurse, Mrs. Nina Foote) supposedly lived to such as astonishing age, 169 brushed the dust off his GAR campaign hat, not an original, and 143, 152, 145, 157. (Methusalah lived to 969 but years, the secret to that was a different method of counting "years"). The Russians talked about the upcoming "Guess I'm all set for Me now tell of who parade. people supposedly are 130 or morial Hard declared. "All I have to do is put on my hat more. Day," and coat." But a close check * * usually shows there are no # accurate birth records, or that a birth date is and se eral visitors the old re- vouchsafed ""TO MRS. FOOTE campaigner only by relatives, or that the birth- * marked in a matter of fact "I'm as as I was to-death dates of a way: healthy today father and son of the same name had in 1850." been put or that together, there is his nurse commented: some fibbing. Asked later about Hard's health, The "He's at least as healthy as he was last year and he hasn't been investigations of two students of longevity ill since 1950, when he had a severe attack of point to 113 years as the seriously pneumonia." top, best-authenticated # # * age of a human. The record first was given to Pierre a IS hard of and Joubert, French-Canadian shoemaker A LTHOUGH HE extremely hearing virtually who ** lived chuckles at a wise-crack and apparently from July 15 1701 to blind, Hard thinks clearly, signs Nov 16, 1814 with his name When asked a he reflects a moment age vouched for a his legibly. question, statistician of the by stated As his Canadian Census BtWin and comes up with a logical answer, precisely. afford to mince words." nurse puts it: "At his age he can't A decade record of the Joubert will ago, another expert told of Perhaps the longevity long-dead finding! who will be 111 to make his spur the patriarch, July 15, good claim. Maybe you're only as old as you feel after all. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 11 TiMnMrJiirEFIaMl1 lllthBirthda7 The venerable veteran for whom life appears endless will be accepting his customary anniversary cigars on Tuesday. The celebrant will be James A. Hard, oldest living veteran of the Civil War. And he has just cause for celebration: He will be 111. The birthday party will be the 12th staged by the Monroe County Council of the Sons of Union Vet erans, the first one having marked his entry into the fraternity of cente narians. On that occasion, as he surveyed a huge birthday cake with 100 can- i dies, he remarked that he would pro- : vide the birthdays if the SUV would ' furnish the cakes. The SUV has complied each year. ON TUESDAY between 4 and 6 p. m. the SUV will again present ' Hard with a birthday cake. Guests 1 will be welcomed at the reception at I 31 Portsmouth Ter. On hand for ' purposes of serenading the hardy veterar will be the 54th Regiment Band. The remaining part of the observ- I ance will be the cigars. He usually I receives no less than 1,000. sssssl CN| gMustf Be the Climate dean of nation s tr^ We have heard Rochester's climate MAGNIFIED GREETINGJames A. Hard, ,"H with the aid of castigated from top to bottom as an I few surviving Civil War veterans, gets closeup r of cards and tele- un- on one of scores i uncomfortable, unpredictable, and his spectacles of greeting him on 111th birthday upcoming tomorrow. ^ healthy commodity. So far as the last I grams congratulating characteristic is concerned, we offer the of refuta (J simplest, most undeniable sort hard Will Be 111 jUL gg tion James A. Hard. Totffigpg u Mr. Hard celebrated his 111th birth day yesterday. He is one of the oldest of wit Messages Congratulation persons in the world, a distinguished ness for Uw- tonic quality of Rochester's War Veteran climate. * Swamp Oldest the fabulousness of Just to spotlight James A. Hard, ill nation's oldest Civil War veteran, Mr. Hard's age, consider: The his 111th birthday tomorrow. the after the Ant I eagerly awaiting He was born year the GAR, : The Grand Old Man of ... He arctic Continent was discovered home at tomorrow. . tt at his his interviewed yesterday his 111 years and was 3 old when the first message was busy look- Despite years I 31 Portsmouth Ter., is enjoying were eyesight Hard . . . and con failing was sent There a of cards by telegraph ling over pile He will receive friends that have ar- good health. 27 states in the Union when Mr. messages at the only gratulatory and well-wishers tomorrow 28th week. Hard was born. Texas became the I rived this past at his home, spon- he was annual celebration the ! Smoking a cigar as usual, Coun in 1845 . . . During his childhood sored by the Monroe County over a message the- writers were such men as | particularly pleased Sons of Union Veterans of outstanding was sent by a Hone- cil, I from Tokyo. It and patn- Dickens, Tennyson, Thackeray, Haw Civil War. Local veteran was 15 thorne, Melville ... He years old when the first train crossed the Mis was * sissippi River ... He middle-aged ca'rds -> ~" man of 51 when the first gatwKn buggy ICe "V will serenade |gf3$SS^if&to arrive today agdl ^VATS,King, arc expected was successfully operated ... At the recent Republican convention, there were many references to Abraham ^Comrade Lincoln, a figure who dwells now only Hard**~] in the mists of time, for it was 92 years To Be Serenaded! that he was nominated for the Pres ago ] Monroe County Council, Sons of before the rest of us were idency, long Union Veterans of the Civil War, of jy born. Yet Mr. Hard was a young man 3 will serenade Comrade James A. 19 at that time, as a matter of fact was 3 Hard, the nation's oldest Civil War working on a railroad when Lincoln was "] veteran, on his 111th birthday July nominated. i 15 at his home, 31 Portsmouth Ter. J AH veteran, patriotic and civic or- The sights that have crossed his ganizations are invited to participate. vision in the last five score and 1 1 ,] 'years jThe 54th Regiment Band under the run a great gamut in human progress. leadership of Floyd C. King will play Hats off to him, and we sincerely hope 'at Comrade Hard'i special request, that he will enjoy his 112th birthday. between 4 and 6 p. m. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 11 Old Soldier Hard Hopes To Live 35 Years Morej is _ says this probably exaggerated. lawn party yesterday the old was Asked how he thought as how 35 more years Cow" ad i Of Three Vets! fallowed veteran looked, "Holy the top. of probably mitted: "He's a tough old piece for a time one of "I'll be around long Van i James A. became I Mrs. meat like myself, quite a boy. Hyd Hard told his nurse, from three surviving members of the! yet" Dvne rode out to the house ! as he for the George Foote, prepared to pay his yester- And I Sown6 on the bHs the big day yesterday. ^ Republic not; I'm not going J^^ in & don't know why at 1 sword, who died Spokane, "Hard' says he works longevity Wash.,] . the [JT anywhere." . three good meals a day MeoMO* back in his chair, his by "eating gat according to the As Lounging it." a Broadsword, \ Hard and enjoying Enjoying the. > on a footstool, sociated Press, died at Spokane feet propped-up each one off means topping was sent lleaned forward and cupped his hand wrt| Veterans Hospital where he the names of a big cigar. of the over his ear to catch to asK for diseases aged. The appropriate question lives at 31 Ports he well-wishers. Hard, who is 111, who has been around in man thlj mouth Ter. Other know surviving Old War Tunes than almost anybod) world longer veterans of the Gi.il War are but alert veteran lives it?" Union The feeble was "what do you think of Van and William A. Magee, 105, of world of semi-darkness a answer: now in a Hard had heartening and Albert Woolson, bis memories of Nuys, Calif., | near-silence with "1 think it's improving. It's getting^ mind and his 105, of Duluth, Minn. the great days, but his lot better than it used to be.' are sense of humor still sharp. Band. The 54th Infantry Regiment dur- which was formed in Rochester ; a Tm Net ing the Civil War, played program } going Anywhere lawn at 21 of old war tunes on the [Portsmouth Ter. I Lines of greeters, including Rep. members of the Did Kenneth B. Keating, Soldier HardHopes other Sens of Union Veterans and organizations, filed into the living D.#C. JUL16J352 jroom of the home to pay their re- jspects. On the table was a 2-by-3-foot To Live 35 Years cake with 111 candles and addressed More} James !in red icing to "Comrade The band outside was playing "Old Soldiers Never Die," but Hard" from the Sons of Union Vet- 111-year-old Jim Hard, the nation's oldest Civil War veteran, > erans. says this probably is exagg' -'zd. A sign, pinned to the drap- printed Asked aboulMhis at his bi- ay Hard's chair said "No behind lawn the jery party yesterday, old uiei tence. and who is 108 years old. Hand Shaking, Please," but Hard j allowed as how 35 more years wa. Asked how he thought the nearly everyone a handshake oldj gave bl probably the top. veteran looked, "Holy Cow" ad anyway. "I'll be around for a long time mitted: "He's a old Cow' Present J tough piece off 'Holy Hard told his Mrs. 3 yet," nurse, meat like myself, quite a boy." Vanl Among the visitors was Ed (Holy S George Foote, as he prepared for Dyne rode out to the house Cow) Van Dyne, whose nickname fromj J the big day yesterday. \'Ar4 I downtown r>n the bus to derives .from the ejaculation with pay his] don't know why not; I'm not >ing respects. which he begins nearly every sen- j anywhere." Hard says he works at longevity] , back in his c Lounging his by "eatir three good meals a day Hard Remains | feet propped-up on a footstool, Hard and enjoying it.'' Enjoying it I . leaned forward and cupped his hand means topping each one off with 1 j;,o\ler his ear to catch the names of a big cigar. the well-wishers. The appropriate question to ask a I to man who has been around in the ^ 0Loyal Ike Old War Tunes world L,an I The feeble but alert veteran lives k Jgei almost anybody j was "what do think of it?" Old soldiers not only never me Ijnow in a world of semi-darkness and you Hard a answer: I they always stick together. linear-silence with his memories of had heartening "I think its It's And sticking hopefully to Dwight great days, but his mind and his improving. getting | Jthe a lot better than it used to be.' D. Fisenhower is James A. Hard, ijsense of humor still are sharp. i 31 Portsmouth Ter., the nation's ^ The 54th Infantry Regiment Band, oldest living Civil War veteran, Twhich was formed in Rochester dur the I who served and lived under .jing the Civil War, played a program 2 Union Vets of the Only | last general to be President :of old war tunes on the lawn at 21 S. Grant. 3 United StatesUlysses j Portsmouth Ter. Remain with Hard, who celebrated his 111 th j Lines of greeters, including Rep. Hard{ birthday July 15th, sent a tele I Kenneth B. Keating, members of the in gram to "Ike" congratulating him iSons of Union Veterans and other The death yesterday Spokane, of Israel Broadsword, 105,1 on his nomination as Republican i organizations, filed into the living V'ish., for Now leaves James A. Hard of candidate the presidency. room of the home to pay their re Rochester) Union veter he has received a letter from the one of three surviving I spects. On the table was a 2-by-3-foot the Civil War. I former five-star general which says: cake with 111 candles and addressed ans of observed his "Dear Mr. Hard: in red to "Comrade James Hard, who lllth| icing July 15, lives at 31 Ports "Mrs. Eisenhower joins me in Hard" from the Sons of Union Vet birthday mouth Ter. Other known surviving! I sincerest thanks for your heart erans. A. Union veterans are William warming message received during A printed sign, pinned to the drap and Majjee, 105, of Van Nuys, Calif., I the convention in Chicago last ery behind Hard's chair said "No Duluth,' ' of Albert Woolson, 105, week. It was certainly kind of you Hand Shaking, Please," but Hard 4 to wire as did and M you encouraging gave nearly everyone a handshake died at the we will Broadsword to know that have your anyway. Spokane] Veterans Hospital. continued help in the task ahead. 'Holy Cow' Present With kind regards Among the visitors was Ed (Holy "Sincerely. Cow) Van Dyne, whose nickname "Dwight D. Eisenhower" derives from the ejaculation with JUL 2 6 1952 ' MUM which he heein<; nearly every sen- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Hard, whose sight and hearing are failing, is still keenly aware of what goes on around him. He awoke at 4:30 a. m. today, an b iir earlier than usual, because he wls "too excited about my birth day." The night nurse recorded that he was "cheerful and expec tant." Seated in a chair after a hearty breakfast orange juice, oatmeal, toast, coffee and his favorite graham crackers he declared he felt "pretty good." How does he take the heat? "Lay, around in my pajamas a good deal of I the time,", he answered, "but itj doesn't bother me too much. But If wish I could have by birthday inj September, when it's not quite sol hot. Think I'll try to have it then* next year." LIKE THE REST of the popula tion. Hard's big interest . right nowf is politics. He said at the time of a previous Republican convention, thef one in 1860 when they nominated!* Abraham Lincoln, he was working! on the railroad and "didn't know anything about it." MILESTONE NO. 1111It's old soldier Jim home to congratulate him. Jimmy's But this }. he followed the Hard's birthday today, and Jimmy Root, of great-great-granduncle was Civil War vet, convention closely, and declared himself as a staunch D. 119 Melrose St., just 110 years younger, same as Mr. Hard. Nurse is Mrs. George Dwight Eisenhower backer. "He's my man was on nana yesterday at Comrade Hard's foote. (Photo by Len Maxwell) said. Defies right straight through," he we could "One of the best men 'HttUAuBrfs'' nominate." birth The flood of congratulatory to Celebrate yes Heat day cards and telegrams began the usual! terday. He also expects GENE GRIBBROEK numbered By gifts of cigars, which ^ last year, although hej James A. Hard is taking the midsummer heat and the about 1,000 has been cut down to smoking excitement of another birthday celebration in stride fourj a day' k Mr i to hold The nation's oldest Civil War veteran is 111 today. He The cake, large enough to and the heat. candles, and *".. " made just one concession age He received no|Ul d c "th * r visitors at his home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. this morning to reserve ^aJ for K,"g *";'were g all his still considerable strength the birthday party at 4 p. m. Iparty* n^^^^mm of At that hour the front rooms to the house were to be given over the annual tribute by Monroe County Council, Sons of Union Veterans Council When he turned 100, the birth promised him a cake on every to re day. He expects to be around ceive many more. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection s* Hard.g Other Civil War Vets Almost skipjmfibn Pensiorions\ The government almost forgot month. Congress voted funds on that about pensions for two of its three basis. Union Army veterans in its most The VA must estimate for Con- j recent budget, a Washington dispatch gress what its expenditures will he said yesterday. for each purpose during a year. An But if it had, 111-year-old James official told a reporter there were no A. Hard of Rochester would have standards on which an estimate of | reminded the government promptly. Civil War pensions could be based, j Hard, who celebrated his birthday due to the age of the veterans in last month, still knows he has a pen volved, so a figure was more or less sion coming. arbitrarily adopted. But, he added, The old timers will get their pen the VA must make the regular J sions anyhow, the Associated Press monthly payments prescribed for all J said, but for a while it seemed eligible veterans regardless of the! doubtful. estimate. Veterans Administration records If more money is needed as thel ihow tbat Hard, Israel A. Broad year passes,, it will be transferred! sword of Samuels. Idaho, and Albert from other funds or a supplemental J Woolson of Duluth, Minn., both 105, appropriation will be asked, he added. are veterans of the Civil War and are Actually, the Civil War veterans) drawing pensions. got an increase in their monthly pay But the budget for the year which ments starting with this month. Con began July 1 contained an estimate gress decreed they should receive [ of only $1,440 for pensions for nc $129 a month, instead of $120, whenjj Union Army vet' . at J 1 2.. a they need regular aid and attendance. Hard, 2 Other Civil War Vets B t VA Slips On Pensions Almost on tensions :s old Skipped j James A. Hard 111 years the The but his memory is better than government almost forgot month. Congress voted funds on that | about pensions for two of its three basis. government's. A Washington dispatch disclosed | Union Army veterans in its most The VA must estimate for Con that two of the three living Union ~t recent budget, a Washington dispatch gress what its expenditures will be ! I naid veterans i the Civil War yesterday. for each a An Army purpose during year. Veterans But if it were forgottc vhen the had, 111-year-old James official told a reporter there were no A. Hard of Rochester Administrate s .bmitted its bud , would have standards on which an estimate of | reminded for the current year. I the government promptly. Civil War pensions could be based, get who celebrated The bud t obtained only one { Hard, his birthday due to the age of the veterans in for a Union last month, still knows he has a pension c $1,440 pen- volved, so a figure was more or less J | sion Army vete Tn addition to Hard, f coming. arbitrarily adopted. But, he added, The old timers VA i jooi low that Israel A. will get their pen- thc VA must make the regular l lions the Associated Press BroadsW' Samuels, Idaho, anyhow, monthly payments prescribed for a I said, hut for a and Albeit 'sor of Duluth, while it seemed eligible veterans regardless of t! doubtful estimate. Minn., both 10.. ice iwing pen sions. Veteraiiy Administration records I If more money is needed as thel ihow that Israel A. their I . | Hard, Broad- year passes, it will be transferred! They'll get pensio. any- ; sword of SarAi els, Idaho, and Albert way, the VA said, but Hard stands from other funds or a supplemental! Woolson of to refresh Duluth, Minn., both 105, appropriation will be asked, he added f ready the government's \ are veterans of the Civil War and arc Actually, the Civil War veterans! memory if necessary. He is en drawing pensions. titled to $120 a month and he got an jncrease in their monthly But the for the pay-l knows that the budget year which ments starting with this month. Con-I check is due to began July 1 contained an morrow at his 31 estimate gress decreed they should receive! home, Ports of only $1,440 for mouth Ter. pensions for one $129 a month, instead of when.: Union $120, f Army veteran, al a lorrow's J|;n they need regular aid and attendance. check may be the firs, to show an increase to $129 recently voted for Civil War vets by Congress. Hard also receives a state pension because of failing | eyesight. * mau brought good news for 1 1 1 ' a u J?*01^ -year old James Iday dlSpelled ar,y doubts te nation's rivi. w VeSt an His check was I there, all right, as is on the James A. Hard, Rochester's 111- p?t always first of every and month, but this time there were nine year-oldster the nation's oMcs "dollars more Civil War has received a than the customary veteran, $9-a- $120. month pension increase, by decree of I The old Congress. The answer is in campaigner said he was probably the records som but we .very pleased to see the increase but -here, are added curious why Congress sanctioned $ casually, "I've been expecting exactly $9 a month. It seems like such a de "a raise for a long time." [ CD from current of ij Congress recently decreed that ZD parture practices dealing Hard in- round like 3 g and other Civil War veterans figures billions for this should and 400 j receive ,$129 a month instead millions for that. The figure $9 I of $120 when they need regular aid is like an in a ' and o oversight bookkeeper's attendance. records. For Well, no doubt Mr. Hard is a.jvhile, Hard wasn't sure that | too busy with the radio and with current l?e.would 8et n's usual check. He events to care too an [had heard that the current Army much; busy being Department Q old who is budget called for a pen amazing gentleman very much sion for one Union veteran instead an inspiration to this city's mere children I of for the three still living. of 60 and 70 and 80. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection *S* HARDY HARDlames A. Hard, 111, nation's oldest Civil War veteran and contender for the title of nation's oldest I voter, is shown today as he was assisted from his home at 31 Portsmouth Ter. to register at a polling place nearby on I University Ave. His helpers are staff members of Eastern I Ambulance Service, Donald Martin (left) and Frank Fontana. D.&C.N0V4 flg JHarcf, 111; Van Dyne, 108 Oldest Voters in Rochester J2 James Hard Casting iallots Today for Ike] He to be a Would you hi. e .-otcd for Lincoln? proved pretty A. Hard and Ed (Holy Cow) Election1 good president, and James Exciting' both were for him. Van Duyne will cast his 73d James A. the nation's old- I Van Civil War veteran, | Hard, Hard, cast his ballot, but ballot. Van Duyne, who is 108, re est living Civil War veteran, ex- Tell off a train and disabled j I Duyne members having voted in every elec claimed today that the election was himself and his vote. I both tion since Grant. Both will volel "thc most exciting one in my day." I a fire- around 10 a. m., Hard in And that covers a lot of days house in University Ave. near Ports-I more than 40,000. an" mouth Terrace, and Van Duyne The 111-year-old Rochesterian Ward. St. John's Pk. "in the 23d who voted for Abraham Lincoln 88 cast his years ago, ballot for , Gen. Eisenhower yesterday. Com- on the election menting outcome, j he declared: "I don't know when I've heard such good news. We have elected one of the greatest men for Presi dent in (he world today." JAMES A. And then he added: HARD "Just tell 'em I'm awfully, aw- to the , I Today the two'will go polls fully happy." vote for ifor the umpteenth time to j fla Republican president. nation's oldest Hard, at HI the | Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection St Cmdr. Hard at 111 Tops Off Turkey Dinner withClamsi Commander James A. Hard, 11 In nearest rival ml/ o years old, Santa's LU was well remem age in Rochester, Claus . bered with gifts ;-om Mr. sack. ._.. Spending the holiday in his home the nation's r at 31 Portsmouth Ter., member wasP oldest surviving GAR mood all day, in a jolly ^ reported and other singing "Jingle Bells" j. Q Five d tfies'of thf season. called to pay Feasts tions of his family g^CJ &$ Hard, 111, a number ,he"r respects, as well as , of other friends. by the On Clamsl His appetite sharpened Jg Turkey, a full Hard went through menu C_3 James A. Hard, 111 years old, ate but shortly afterward J dinner, S- to kJ-l a dinner I lookmg forward hearty turkey yesterday he was eagerly "* it off with two dozen I had asked for then topped one Ihing he the steamed 1 steamed clams. Christmas: Two dozen served at ! Five generations of his family, as I clams. When they were rehsn as many old friends, called on I he ate them all with }well 4 pm., Ter. It was there were the at 31 Portsmouth As for the gifts, |%^-\him boxes-as a merry Christmas for the Civil War inevitable cigars-three l^f | .and .i veteran, oldest surviving member well as ties, fruit, pajamas was a merry the GAR. flowers. In all. it | old warrior jolly Christmas for the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection VA Pessinusm Hard Hes Not Veteran That Hardy Hard Says One of the nation's only two surviving Union veterans VA to Die 30 of the Expects by June James A. Hard, 111, The isn't at all wor Veterans Administration budget for the fiscal year be ried June 30 over the ginning promises to be thrown out of whack by a Veterans Ad- couple of Union veterans of the Civil War, one of them James i ministration be A. Hard, 111, of 31 Portsmouth Ter. and the other Albert lief that there Woolson, 105, of Duluth, Minn. will be ~ only Comrades Hard and Woolsen are one such vet- I 1? the two in Blue only surviving Boys Christmas cigars. "I expect to be. eran by July 1. ! the VA .on pension list. around a time the long yet." Though j Thc VA budget provides for only venerable b u t Woolsen, in could not be p$ one pensioner in the new fiscal year, Duluth, Rochester- reached for spry Ifdt so who is going to lose out? comment, but last May ian he was and 105- 1 "Not me," said Comrade Hard reported in good health and Albert L*> declared he would be five year-old taking a good bite on one of his lively | Woolson of Du- f'" years hence. luth are both So it looks as if the VA will have ^T CORNER QUIZ ANSWER in good health E to dig up another $1,548 somewhere I now. the VA budget for the next It has been estimated that a or find an unbalanced on its ' f-, budget fiscal year makes pension provision I lightning flash Involves the equiva hands. The $1,548 is the annual (for only one of them. lent of about 3,000 kilowatt hours pension paid Union veterans of the of Said the Hard to- , Civil War. ( cigar-smoking electricity. day at his 31 Portsmouth Ter. res idence: D.8c;C.jAttl(n953 'I guess that one man . is me, | because I expect to be around I for a long time yet." J No comment was forthcoming to day from Woolson, but iast May he predicted that he will still be lively Sive years hence. Hard and Woolson get an annual pension of $1,548 each. Hard 'Satisfactory' DAV Signs Up Hi & C.JEN 23 1&3 Alter James A. Hard] surgery Old soldier James A. Hard is fighting another battle today.. Rochester's James A. Hard, 111,1 Civil War veteran, who has death one of the eight survivors of thej The 111-year-old fought in Civil War, was made a member oft and won a number of times in the past, underwent surgery the Disabled American Veterans or- 1 before noon to relieve a circulatory I General Hospital shortly ' ganizations yesterday. deficiency in his right foot. Hard's acceptance into the DAVr ! was announced by Floyd L. Ming, ' Soon after the 40-minutc opera Hard's national commander, following a' tion, a physician described at meeting of the national executive* condition as "very satisfactory committe in Cincinnati, Ohio, the present" in view of his age. Associated Press reported. Hard and Surgeons said the operation was a Foot Ailment two other members of the Grand L "lumbar sympathectomy." It in Army of the Republic were admitted volved cutting some nerves in Hard's dis to the organization with five surviv back to ease the circulatory iUillOHJEli;4 1953 ing United Confederate Veterans. turbance, they reported. Hard "may bends Hard to have | Milton D. Cohn, manager of the I be the oldest person ever ' said. city's Veterans Administration office, such an operation," one doctor was named by the group to the DAV To Pearl Harbor Memorial Committee f HARD, ONE OF SEVEN living M Hospital which is planning the erection of a> 'veterans of the Civil War and memorial to Marine and men UniononejS Comrade James A. Hard, one ofj Navy I of two living veterans of thc who died in the attack on last the nation's two member. Japanese Army, entered the hospital surviving Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Cohnf. i Friday from the Terrace Sanitarium):, of the Union Army, is reported in is a past national commander of the Portsmouth Ter., where he 'at 31 "fair" condition today in General AV. lives. f'j where he is treated si Hospital, being f, Only last Thursday Lincoln | & I Birthdayhe greeted neighborhood t^j for what is described as a "circu-l I children and other visitors in his latory insufficiency in thc right j j But cheery .room at the sanitarium. foot." yr, foot. was suffering pains in his ljfflB&irfrri i.&r nion | rijhe The 111-year-old Hard, oldest of? veteran of the Before surgery, a hospital N Civil War, was re-?. today's the "some seven remaining Civil War vet-r ported in "good condition" in I aide said it would require j! today J j^ erans, entered the at 2:30 ' some additional" anes hospital General Hospital. Hard was taken!. local and that p. m. yesterday from the Terrace Ito the hospital for thetic but would not require Friday treatment f Sanitarium, 31 Portsmouth Ter.,' of a he be unconscious. circulatory condition in his I where he makes his | been in a home. right foot. He makes his Hard had hospitals home ati* "We expect him back a' Terrace number of times in recent years, soon," jthc Sanitarium, 31 Ports sanitarium aide said. mouth Ter. i*- generally with respiratory ailments. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Hard CO Feeling LO Hard Continues CD ' Just Fine' To Show Gain CO was OQ Continued improvement 111- After shown today by James A. Hard, m Gen Surgery year-old Civil War veteran, James A. Hard, 111-year-old vet eral Hospital. physician said Hard eran of the Civil War, was in top His attending some annoyance in his right today in General Hospital, still has spirits that the circulation in the that he felt "just fine" after heel but insisting Hard's condition to relieve foot is better and an operation yesterday listed as "good." pain in his right foot. ih Union soldier, who underwent in a 40-minute oper The Physicians, sever a nerve an to spinal ation, severed a spinal nerve to ease operation sits up in a chair once caused a circulatory de Wednesday, pain by he is not twice a day. However, in the foot. The operation or ficiency the which have with local and yet smoking cigars was performed spinal with Hard been a sort of trade mark block anesthetics. Hospital authori ties said Hard's condition was ex- for years. cellent. \Hard Reported 'Very Goo< After Surgery0toEase Pain r .'. A 1 James A. Hard, the oldsojaierlAA-Q^f8who refusesW^tto even fadef away, was holding his own last night after a surgical operation in General Hospital. which do not cause the patient tol The 111-year-old Civil War vet lose consciousness. The operation! eran the oldest of only seven in is called a lumbar the country was reported "very sympathectomy.) On Lincoln's Birthday last Thurs good" by hospital attendants. day, Hard greeted visitors in the I Physicians had severed a spinal 31 Portsmouth Ter. sanitarium I nerve to east the pain caused by a where he has made his home in I circulatory deficiency in his right recent He was taken to the foot. years. | one of hospital Friday. HE REMEMBERS LINCOLN, TOOJames A. Hard, Hard was in the operating room war chats with Hermon L. Doctors were no estimates I i last two Union veterans, making remaining from 11 to 11:40 a. m. The opera of Ithaca, national chaplain of the Sons of Union of his chances. He had been hos Brockway which was called "successful" ' tion, pitalized several times during the Veterans, at Portsmouth Ter. home. Hard will be 112 in July. was ? by physicians, conducted with last few years for respiratory ail- 1 I local and spinal block anesthetics ments. James Hard Still Sure at 111 Lincoln Was U.S.'s Greatest] Other Lincoln Day siories, pictures Page 23 && cfr'fffi 01953 Hard Continues Comrade James A. Hard still thinks Abraham Lincoln was Hard America's greatest man Says his to the Abraham CO The 111-year-old Union Army press regrets he still wasn't feeling well To Show Gain Lincoln Association of Rochester Though to veteran said just that yesterday on CD that he could not attend their 31st enough yesterday to puff away on his hero's birthday, but had to ex- Continued improve- ment was| annual at the Hotel Seneca. his favorite cigars, James A. Hard banquet shown today by James A. Hard, 111- Comrade Hard spent the day quietly was fine" fol !said he feeling "just year-old Civil War veteran, in at his 3 1 Portsmouth Ter. nursing Gen-| lowing an operation on his right eral home. Hospital. His physician said Hardl I foot. attending Hard Better; He protested to Hermon L. Brock- still has some annoyance in his right way, Ithaca, national chaplain of. Physicians at General Hospital, but that the circulation in thel the Sons of Union Veterans, that where he is recuperating, reported heel, foot is better and Hard's he felt "first rate," though his nurse the 111-year-old Civil War veteran's condition] III in ih listed as "good." Hospital said his feet had given him con condition is "very good" and that | The Union soldier, who underwent I siderable pain during the morning. 1 "he is coming along nicely." The | James A. Hard, the oldest sur an to sever a nerve I Mr. and Mrs. Brockway visited Hard old soldier probably will be allowed operation spinal viving veteran of the Civil War, ] sits in a chair oncel to the of Frederick K. I some added. Wednesday, up was in condition last pay respects cigars today, they "good" night or twice a day. However, he is notl Davis, Eugene, Ore., national com The operation was performed at General Hospital where he is the which have I mander of the SUV. Termed "successful" yet smoking cigars treated for a con J Wednesday. by being circulatory a sort of trade mark with Hard Hard, who recalls having seen it involved a been J dition in his right foot. surgeons, severing Lincoln face to face three times nerve to ease caused for years. Hard, 111, was admitted to the spinal pain by having shaken his hand once, and a I hospital Friday. His condition was circulatory deficiency. Physicians having voted for him in 1864 is reported he'll probably be confined | reported as "only fair" at first, but one of two surviving Union vet to the for about two weeks. yesterday the durable GAR vet hospital erans. The other is Albert Wool- eran showed marked improvement. son, 106, of Duluth, Minn. Five Aides at the Portsmouth Sani- Confederate veterans Walter L. j tarium, 31 Portsmouth Ter., where Williams, 110; William Lundy, 105; : Hard makes his home, said they John Sailings, 105; William Town- expected him back soon. send, 106, and Thomas Evans Riddle, 106are still alive. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 31 d. a c *^ an He as he his NEXT: A CIGARCivil War Veteran James A. Hard, 111, i underwent operation. is pictured took lunch one 2 Union men. is recovering rapidly in General Hospital, where he recently | from Nurse Helen May. Hard is of remaining Instead of his usual did ol cigms /_..,_/ C.;^..^, in between meals, the Old Soldie faro c.77/oys is given tall glasses of milk to sip Yet on. No Cigars _ do not knowl < T\ t I > Although physicians h & \A/ 11$ when he will be allowed to go home,! ' ** " 'Hi]u,,g LQ4CFEB211953 Hard is progressing favorably from | For Ailinq Hard hhe operation. When he goes home From North, East, South and find several boxes of cigars he'll his he inter Although physician says from all over the nation, get- that have been sent him by IWest, can smoke them if he wants to, ested Rochesterians. Relatives are cards are in daily ames A. Hard feel to Iwell-quick pouring be sui didn't up keeping it a secretso he'll Ito Rochester's Old Soldier, James A. cigar yesterday at General Hospi prised. I Hard. tal, where he is recovering from an operation on his right foot. The ll 1-year-old Civil War vet But the Civil War eran, recuperating from a leg oper Improving 111-year-old \Hard ation at General Hospital, has re veteran oldest of seven left in the ceived upwards of 200 cards in the After n nation is coming along "very last few days. A sample: well" according to Dr. Harold C. surviving Bonner, who is him. "No one else can fill yo shoes JamesW HardT oTMt attending from a some in his "F'eavens sakes! f GAR member, recuperating Hard still has pain Washington's but the circulation in his foot "Hurry and get well." I leg operation, spent heel, as usual" but still 1 Signed: Edwin L. Barnard, com j Birthday "about is better, the physician said. Like General Hospital re- mander Vermont Department, Sons j Without cigars, younger patients recuperating from of the American Revolution. | ported last night. surgery, Hard sits up in a chair warrior's condition was Yesterday morning Hard lit up I The old once or twice a day. but underwent as good, apparently the first cigar since he described The on the old Union not feel up to lighting operation a he still did ;an to relieve circulatory soldier was to sever a operation since his Wednesday Feb. 13. Since it was his first stogie operation] ailment on a'lment spinal nerve to relieve pain caused relieve a circulatory ; his first, he was allowed only a Ito in the was no indication by a circulation deficiency on it TFeh 13 There pie of puffs Civ'l War foot. He is expected to remain in wnen "he 111-year-old be the hospital for two weeks. I veteran would discharged^ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection res fc&wsa Jiist a Few Puffs- But Hard's Back Smoking Cigars James A. Hard, at 111 years the old war veteran in the nation, was back to smoking cigars today in General Hospital. Yesterday he was allowed a couple puffs and today the privi lege was extended as his condition continued favorable. The rugged old campaigner, one of two surviving Union sol diers of the Civil War, had been getting milk to sip instead of his daily cigars since an operation to 1 relieve a circulatory deficiency in his right foot. Meanwhile bpxes of cigars and hundreds of cards and letters from well-wishers have piled up at his bedside. One card came fHard Fast; L. Barnard, com Sinking from Edwin mander of Vermont Department, wmonm2 us* Sons of the American Revolution. Veterans and members of patrio tic organizations have been parti- I cularly concerned with Hard's Canceled condition, as indicated by signa tures on the cards. Operation \ The grandest old soldier of them jail was reported fading away today in General Hospital. I ames A. Hard, at 111 the oldest ijveteran of the Civil War had been Old Soldier Rallies scheduled to undergo amputation of Hard, 111, Safaris right leg above the knee late (iMtJ UlilOH (VlAR 3 1Qfv [-thisthis afternoon.atternoon. But his"his' condition | la*. T L T\ . .;swas so poor that physicians canceled Alter Amazes Doctors LosingJ^ Leg,J"5 7 |heTr;a,ion-J; The decision against,,,the operationoperatic, was:*iOya made,mad. doctorsHfv-tnr said,said becausehpcallse g Despite a major operation which Feb. 13. Five days later he under Mr. Hard loves cigars and was a he has gone downhill so rapidly his "just above went to sever a nerve that ince that it doesn't seem amputated right leg surgery great one for singing old battle yesterday the knee," apparently indestructible affected circulation in the right leg. feasible." songs at the nursing home. He fre James A. Hard, at 111 thc nation's It was learned today from phy woke at odd hours in the oldest surviving Civil War veteran, sicians that Mr. Hard's weight is quently up as "Battle was reported in good condition to- only 75 to 80 pounds. night singing such songs HARD, who is one of the two | jday in General Hospital. Hymn of the Republic." surviving Union soldiers, has been! He cannot eat. Nourishment Feb. I The operation began at 6 p. m. General Hospital since 13.1 is Prior yesterday and lasted about 45 min- provided intravenously. ie underwent surgery on Feb. 18, to the he did major operation, a nerve was severed in I lutes. MR. HARD, who was born vhen spinal July take milk but "illy "with a lot 15, 1841, served with the Union [ attempt to relieve the effects I Comrade Hard continued to of fussing." Jan Army from Bull Run to Antietam. I of a circulatory deficiency in his I I astound his physicians with his foot. Mr. Hard talks very little. The only other surviving Union | right ability to hang on. \ soldier is Albert Woolson, 106, off Recently Hard had recovered 'suf-l take a on Minn. The two last saw ( I ficiently to few puffs his The operation was necessary be Duluth, each other at the 83d and last Grand favorite cigars. But today doctors I cause of a circulatory condition that AFTER MORE THAN A CEN described his condition as "early cause Army of /the Republic encampment j threatened to gangrene in the TURY of living, which goes back | at in 1949. pre-coma." His attending physician !leg. At one stage yesterday, the to the days of Abraham Lincoln, Indianafsolis | Four veterans I Hard "doesn't realize what's I was because, Hard has amazed Confederate Army [said operation postponed Mr. physicians ( on and is insensitive to survive. are John going pain, -it was Mr. Hard not They Sailing. 106, | j feared, might with his vitality in overcoming vari and not of Slant, Va.; Walter W. Williams, iHe is listless responsive." be able to survive the amputation. ous illnesses. 109, of Franklin, Tex.; Thomas E. I of and He has said on a number of Riddle, 104, Austin, Tex., j occasions William A. Lundy, 105, of Laurel, MR. who for has recently: HARD, years Fla. been living at 31 Portsmouth Ter., "I have no intention of dying. a nursing home, entered the hospital I'll be around for years." (Other details, picture, Page 15.) Ij Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 11 U Comrade Hard Rallies, 3 Survives Operation To Remove Right Leg An amazing rally by old soldier James A. Hard yesterday I afternoon enabled his doctorsjast night to go through with an amputation of his right leg. The llL-year-old Civil War vet- j eran's condition was reported r "fairly good" at General Hospital at 2 o'clock this morning, several hours after the operation. "The outcome of the operation was very satisfactory, considering the circumstances," a doctor de- \ clared. "It was a major operation for any person at any age." Blood Pressure Normal In order to avoid as much as i possible of post-operative anaes- . emotr&l thetic reaction, the physician ex plained, Hard's leg was packed in ice for four hours before the ROCHESTER, N. Y., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1953 PAGE 17 operation and very little nitrous 45- to oxide was necessary during the BE minute operation. There were some S|effects after the amputation from jVlthe injection of a pain-deadening Hdrug, the doctor said, but Hard's .blood pressure was normal, and (although his pulse rate was a little faster than usual, the beat was "as Iregular as it has ever been in the 'past few years." A circulatory condition of the leg had been tearing loose Hard's tenacious hold on life and his con- j lition had deteriorated to the had an angcr stage, doctors Amputation of the leg, a nounced. of the desperate measure in view of the ige of the oldest survivor JWar Between the States, had first been scheduled for 4 p.m. yester-i day. Early in the day, however, the! doctors said that Hard's condition had worsened and that he had since ! "gone downhill so rapidly" , ,*JB Sunday "that the amputation doesn't . I seem feasible." But with the will to haul. survival which has distinguished Commander Hard, he struggled E that at 4.30 back so successfully ( authorities p. m. General Hospital IJj listed his condition as "fine." Enlered Hospital Feb. 13 inSt/*M\XhJS5a the operating room where the am- had p.I. iputation was performed. He entered General Hospital Feb. 13 1 'and five days later underwent! I abdominal surgery -to sever a nerve affecting circulation of the right limb. Hard seemed to come through to that ordeal all right and rallied the point where he was allowed to his beloved resume puffing on stogies. But he began failing over the weekend, hospital authorities re and so the operation was \tcle Stall Photo. ported, scheduled. old sol a few of thi more Public concern for the A. Rd., Henrietta, examine FOR GRANDPA": James from well- dier's welfare appeared extremely than 150 cards he has received ^THEY'RE Barbara Ek- all as switchboards I Hard's great- great-grandchildren, while in the (Story Ps. D heavy yesterday, Reeves wishers hospital. and radio sta- 1 2, and Peter Eksten, 7, of of both newspapers sten. left, I tions stayed lighted up with calls about his condition. Informed that Hard apparently had come through! the amputation as well as could possibly be expected, a typical caller commented, "I'll bet the old boy: to If spirit and refusal givr ..r will pull through and be sitting in has much to do with it. it appeared I car in the next Me that marshal's make that a jthat Hard would good morial Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection <\l Letters, Calls Wishing Luck to Hard HMCnlHION^AR 1 1953 Pour in from All States in Union The nation James Hard served during one of its greatest crises has taken an embattled soldier to its heart. From every state in the Union he fought to preserve, from young and from old, hundreds of well-wishing messages are pouring into General 'Hospital. There the 111-year-old Civil War vete;"an is waging his amazing, but most critical, fight for life. The flood of cards, letters and telephone calls began shortly after ' the news spread that Hard had been hospitalized in preparation for last night's operation. The valiant vet- . eran's granddaughter, Mrs. Carl E. ' Eksten, Henrietta, said today she j stopped counting when the message total reached 130. "Since then we've been swamped | with mail from all over the United | States," she said from her room at the Seneca, where she maintained a night-long vigil following ampu tation of her grandfather's leg. Much of, the mail has been in the form of cards many signed only "A Friend." But dozens of let ters were some of them received, VIGIL Mrs. Carl E. Eksten of Henrietta, James Hard's answers or the requesting autograph ' granddaughter, looks at of the old soldier in her i of one of the last two surviving picture Union soldiers. Seneca Hotel room, where she keeps vigil. ones, when he was stricken with care of her grandfather's affairs for " MRS. EKSTEN TOLD of one let pneumonia. years. She has spent many hours I from a Wisconsin man 78 "The pain, which he didn't have >jter years at his bedside since he was hospital has worn young who wrote that he is suffer the other times, him said. "This is a ized. When the decision to operate ing from the same ailment plaguing aown,'' she much Hard. He sought advice on what to different thing. The nurses all love was reached, she left her Henrietta do, adding that his doctors hesitate him they call him Gramp. But home to be closer at hand in the to operate "because of my age.'' they've taken care of him before city. and this time he hasn't the _The letter was referred to the 111- they say One of her three children, 34- nurse. humor he had then." j "year-old patient's year-old James Eksten, is a veteran 1 Other letters wishing Hard good of World War 2 who saw combat I Jiealth have come from the Sons MRS. EKSTEN has been taking in Europe. and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Ladies of the Grand Army and the Women's Re at 111 lief Corps (orginally the auxiliary of Leg Amputation the Grand Army of the Republic.) Miss Cora Gillis, national secre tary of the GAR, which no longer Rated Command -holds encampments, has been in Performance^ 'touch with Mrs. Eksten from her A is a Jamestown home. The organization leg amputation major operation at any age. But' when the 1 1 1 , down to but two members will patient is the operation becomes a command per continue as long as a Union veteran formance, both on the part of the patient and the operating lives. physicians. Removal of James A. Hard's leg tive anaesthetic reaction as possible, DESPITE HER CONCERN for yesterday in General Hospital was primarily because of his age. Very her grandfather, Mrs. Eksten ex accomplished by a senior surgeon little nitrous oxide was necessary but and two assistant some was pressed worry that she has not heard surgeons. Three demerol administered in nurses, a chief nurse and , from Albert Woolson. 106-year-old including travenously. two assisted. An ] Duluth, Minn., resident. He is the others, anesthesi Despite some after-effects Hard's administered the only other surviving member of the ologist anaesthetic. blood pressure was normal and his The was at 6 Union Army. operation begun pulse rate only a little faster than m. after a "I read in February that he cele p. postponement of two usual, the doctors said. Today, how hours. It was concluded success brated his birthday shoveling snow ever, he was reported more aware about 6:45. in front of his home," she said. "We fully of the pain. haven't heard from him since Gram- Chief problem confronting paw went into the hospital. I hope HARD IS BELIEVED to be the physicians was treatment of post he didn't take sick then." oldest person ever to undergo such operative shock which, they state, an operation successfully. is true in any amputation*. Mrs. Eksten said that Hard's at the Four hours before the surgery the Other physicians hospital is far more present hospitalization Civil War veteran's leg was packed witnessed the operation but there serious than any of three previous in ice ta avoid as much post-opera were no photographs. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection q* Hard Gnpg^^P^p, How a Man's Ueart Beats Fights Back at Death at 111 Years Picture on 77 Steadily T, . Page and aSainst James A. hh , i?, P?1" overwhelming odds, |Hara at 111 the nation's oldest Civil War veteran, last night was fighting back at death. General Hospital authorities de get to her grandfather's side in i scribed his condition as fairly good few minutes. more than a day after amputation jA^f"! ^fi^li^^ii^mmm^fSixmmk^ his lof right leg. The operation was Many Get-Well Wishes adeemed necessary in an attempt to Mrs. Eksten is one of the few per save the old warrior from a circula tory ailment. mitted in Hard's room besides ho< pital personnel. for Comrade Hard spent an agonizing Except familj Iday as his pain penetrated into his she said, the only outsiders wh I consciousness through a heavy cur- have visited the patient were t Itain of sedatives. So hard was the clergymen the Rev. George E. I I ordeal that at times he could not pastor of Brighton Presbyter Isuppress cries of pain. Church, and the Rev. G. B. Recuperative Powers an old friend and ? Hallock, chaplain te^r^^ri/'^c3^^ of Rochester Veterans' Council. Doctors were marveling at his re- These charts (above and below) are electrocardiographs. I cuperative powers as his pulse and If personal visits were out, good tell the story of two men's hearts. The one above shows I blood pressure were returning to- wishes mail were much in ihey by very James A. 111- 1 wards normal. Because of the heavy he tiny voltage changes in the heart of Hard, order. By last night Hard had re j sedation his condition required he /ear-old Union veteran who underwent amputation of his right ceived about 200 get-well cards I was unable to take food and had in General Monday. The one below shows thel from all parts of the country, with tieg Hospital Ito be feci intravenously. beat of a man.' many with personal messages. One lieart normally healthy 29-year-old shock was the in each line followed a Postoperative prin of them was from Mrs. Virginia The sequence of a small jog by large* hurdle the faced, his cipal patient Foote, until recently Hard's private (fluctuation is the record of one complete heartbeat. Relatively?. was believed that doctors said. It a convales | nurse and now herself lines between these sequences are spaces between was the oldest ever to (straight beats..^ person cent. coincidence, Hard occupies JHard By Almost no small shows in Hard's chart. 3 have undergone such surgery. But jog the same room in General Hospital tc out that shock usu- Hard's chart "doesn't look too bad," according lit was pointed Mrs. Foote vacated some weeks Comrade am it and that o, I ally is the chief problem after ago"afte7undergoing a"n "operation" Ms physician. The significant difference between regardless of the patient's heart is the wider of the fluctuation represent- putation The messages came from all over, the younger spread age. takes the old soldier s heart | one radioed over an amateur net- one beat. This indicates that it E. Eksten, the old war- |ing Mrs. Carl work from Kelley Air Force Base to a full beat. a bed- ponger complete Irior's granddaughter, keeps outside San Antonio. The message all her (j Iside vigil during waking was from Mrs. John Oragon who L she can * | hours and gets what sleep wished the old soldier "speedy re- | close-by. covcry from the Yankee deep She has not been homein the heart of Texas who sent Reeves Rd.. Henrietta since Mon- birthday greetings on your : | but yjjtj^^^ I day, the day of the operation, hirthd., she turned down many invitations 1 from friends in the city to spend her ^Hardlyetzrouu,Hard Gets^Food' 1 nights with them until she feels In I she can leave Hard's bedside. 1 stead, she said, she sleeps in < mmmhuW j downtown hotel, being constantly ion call and able, if necessary Worries Doctors nations old- James A. Hard, the was given st war veteran, today |/w4/~^i mixture Hard "high caloric" food Spends to the mouth [through a tube from Good Night. '"Titvcar-old Civil War. vet- two surviving !eran. one of only from Union soldiers, has suffered since low blood pressure Food Monday./niputa-He Hard faff1 ftion of his right leg Regajijfcfe1^ and a small has been given cortisone 111 ihe na ex- 1 James A. Hard, at of thyroid War Amount (.04 gram) Civil to correct Ition's oldest surviving in an effort ttosj for His Life a remarkable ftract been! Battle he had In veteran, continued Isince the operation I fight for his life today. James A ' .1 was re after a 111-year-old At General Hospital, Two days major operation, H^rT^AW^ more a a *><* .<. won back little ground "P*ty satisfactory," , u had injmjattle he spent. tion as "fairlyrainy jnaiuHard last night ported was listed as about t^ His condition are still worried night." ^ ^ the main problem wall [doctors the| of the the moment, The campaigner - tough ---- blood -- his was i=" " as keeping pres-l leg amputated "The nurses . to described [Hard's right a Monday Hard's pbysi- Civil War gave up leg and ex-1 ' above the knee Monday. this morning," sure Cortisone thyroid iust good ailment. up. "and the pa.n ap stem a serious circulatory for that reported, tract are being administered cL it has use 1 is not so bad as he had regained SAID the opera- parently By yesterday doctors said. PHYSICIANS a purpose, because of al of his stomach which was given tion was necessary at the The old warrior's granddaughter,. wnicnik u been amazed condition uoclors have . food mixture to digest serious circulatory doctors -hm the opeoner high-calory Mrs. Carl E. Eksten of Hennetta, made the leg gangrenous. of his recovery ould have a tube from the mouth her third in a downtown was |extent is via spent night the old soldier ation. His pulse at all Yesterday, the was be hotel in order to be close-by his ^'"Tf.^ Most important, pain food through his bk,od ?"* time is able to takeV lion, ^ to ease off. General Hos times. The rest of her spent he had mouth|butto after the oper ginning tube. Previously, said. His tempera Hard's bedside. fy be|bounded 'weir pital authorities at intravenously. he was Hard's illness was being fe'd W^ ture was down to 99, sleep News of extract proppedI the and his condition was withheld from me only other sur and thyroid ke much to change ing better, Cortisone ^ t Grand of the Re administered .. keep described as "fairly satisfactory." vivor of the Army areCbng tjak^ of ^ out. However, that public, Albert Woolson, 106, Du-, I Hard's blood pressure up. g Cortisone It was pointed llan said. it would Minn., where relatives ex treament^earl^ in view of the patient's age luth, ol suecefcl news would Albert Woolson Hard of a to fear that the i Hard and > ^ not take too much change pressed lastproved a temp ^ too much. Minn, now are the Bpressure m since bly. At1 upset Woolson I Duluth, at Kurvivors of the Union Army whichHhas been of 800,000. fceh. 1 had a peak strength Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection <\ + Hard* Condition rair, Hard -D. 8TC. MAR Appears m 6 1953 l/ftKiMAlf L01953 Snowing Improvement Slipping in Hospital Reports Fairly satisfactory, consider Old soldier James A. Hard held off the enemy one more everything." ' day yesterday. Fight to Live That was .the report last night on the condition of James A. Hard. And General Hospital authorities, J the nation's Civil War veteran. As 1 said the nation's oldest Civil War James A. Hard, 111. 111-year-old to con of consider (oldest Civil War veteran, the old warrior continued veteran showed signs Hard surviving last On, found medical men, some changes able improvement. His condition Hangs [appeared to be slipping today at for the better were recorded night, three days after the amputa Doctors Vet General Hospital, where he is fight-' y tion of his right leg, was described Say ing the after-affects of a right leg terday. His so I ijas "fair." amputation. temperature was not high, . , at I00.2. .... standing His blood pres-? Pain in this leg has subsided, ap Gaining Strength. His condition was reported as I sur bIt (o ut 100> and his temperature was James A. Hard is still holding his "still poor and he had only a parently, y sjdered a good ^ and his p|lN(.t- 98.4. The 111-year-old campaigner's ;OVVn General falr very nicely, Hospital -y. nl8ht- was at 68 or 70. At General Hos- blood which had worried i authorities said last X^ pressure, night. Hard's temperature and breathing pital attendants said Hard reacts his doctors was up to! The Union previously, 111-year-old Army f*. were reported to be abnormal. somewhat to movement about him "^ 100 last It had been around veteran's condition remained much V )' night. j But his pulse and blood pressure. and that he appeared to be in not 80. the same as it had been 9 yesterday the hospital said, were "pretty good." too much discomfort. were also encour- on Thursday. He had no fever, The physicians 3= The other surviving member of Major concern of medical men fact that Hard's i low blood and aged by the pulse slightly pressure the Union Army is Albert Woolson, appeared to be the veteran's respira- (jr. it pnUo. But .^~ .ijns was down in the 70s. Normally slightly rapid 106. of Duluth, who wrote which continues rapid. I 1 and Minn., quite the are doctors said, ^ion is in the 60s, but since opera-; encouraging, Mr. Hard a ....*- nf condolence. he remains as well as he 'iWBH^MMft^HIJJIimHHJM tion has been more than 80. every day But whether the old soldier u..a a But fed a 'is must be considered victory. was read Hard wa*- still being CD stood the note when it to; f*~__._J_ U,VJ'. situation still could change at a r/drO 5 formula of vitamins and food sup-Jthe en him was problematical. LO/77raOe moment's notice, they pointed out. 'Ui a tube which leads di- Since the last week he ** elements by operation re Hard underwent amputation of *l'4',*\m \X/ 1 rectly into his stomach through his has not regained full 'consciousness. V.O/?u/TlO/7 Yr OT56, a his leg on Monday. throat. Yesterday he took little right mouth. msmmmtm^^^O water directly through his W Transfusion Set Hard Continues %,aQmPy 48JU5& Hard's Condition condition of James A. Hard I for Life; worsened again last night, accord Old Soldier Hi Fight ing to doctors in General Hospital. Called 'Weaker' Worst symptoms of the 111-year- Condition Poor old Civil War veteran oldest of the I \ James A. Hard seemed weaker six were his General doctors U.ikC. 10.1953 surviving temperature, j yesterday, Hospital James A. HardMAR,last nipt was up to 103, and respiration, which said. But he is still listed as being in back at death with all the too shallow for comfort, the "fair" condition. fighting was doctors said. On the encouraging Fights The nation's oldest Civil War vet his exhausting illness had Valiantly ^strength side, both pulse and blood pressure 'A eran may pick up a bit, they said, left, but the condition of the 111- very good night" was spent by were described as good." but at the age of 111., can "pretty the nobody soldier was described as amazing Ill-year old James A. year-old The old warrior's surgeon planned | be sure. Outside of his weakness, the not Hard about 250 cc of whole j Hard, nation's oldest surviving there is nothing in Hard's condition hopeful. to give blood It would be the first Civil War veteran, it was reported that has changed since At Although he was relatively com today. j Friday. the since transfusion given patient jar. General Hospital today. that time he was reported to have fortable yesterday doctors said he | of his 10 low was less aware of than usual the amputation right leg j His condition listed as fever, slightly blood pressure pain "fairly jjno The was a. and his and days ago. operation the old soldier continued to slightly rapid pulse. He is being temperature breathing (good," fed counter-measure against a dangerous! fight back valiantly the ef intravenously. were below par and his general I against circulatory ailment. fects of a major operation lard's right leg was amputated condition was described as poor. Monday Hard's strength was sustained yes-I when his right leg was nday at General Hospital. Doctors said his pulse and blood amputated terday both by intravenous feeding! just above the knee. pressure were "pretty good" but and induction of a special formul af Earlier this Mr. Hard's his respiration rapid and his morning, w^f via a stomach tube. He has condition had been as temperature high. Hard last week beenj given "un unable to take ordinary food still fair." Hard's Condition underwent amputation of his right sincej changed the operation, leg in an attempt to stem a dan Monday's operation was necessary, ailment. Since physicians said, because of a serious Becomes Worse; gerous circulatory circulatory condition which could then, according to his physicians, he has not full conscious i Hard have left the leg gangrenous. Running Fever regained Undergoes ness. Mr. Hard for the second day was able to take food through his mouth j Old soldier James A. Hard grad Hospital spokesmen emphasized that the main was in the by tube. Previously, he had to be;, ually went downhill yesterday, ac- danger fed advanced which intravenously. at General patient's age cording to his physicians Critically-.il James A. robbed him of some of the stamina Hard, 111,| natl0ns oldest Hospital. needed to bounce back. N llvln8 Civil War condition caused rece,ved a His fading hos- Attendants thought the old war- ^ v.ete"n. pital authorities to change his con-.' rior understood a message read toSSlCJJJ, "d?/- The old soldier afterward him was re 'dition report from "fair" to "poor."**" lrom his sole surviving com-L ported at General Hospital to rade of the Grand Army of the Re be^ Doctors said the 1 1 1 -year-old E ("holding his own." public. Albert Woolson, 106, of Civil War veteran began running' Du-j, It was the first transfusion luth, wrote a note Minn., express I Hard since he entered the a fever It was hospital yesterday. expected ing his regret over Hard's loss j ofj where his right leg w^as amputated. to rise during the night. A mucus; his leg. | [He was given a pint of blood. in the throat was re-t congestion veteran's condition was lieved by a suction pump. The old' I ported about the "same." a I Union soldier's blood pressure re-j Iportedly spent fairly good night. mained slightly low and his pulse: rate was still 'slightly rapid. Hard's right leg was amputated 1 Monday because of a circulatory condition that physicians fearedi' would become gangrenous. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 1ST N. CHESTER, Y., FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1953 JAMES Hm^ OLDESTljARVET, JAMES A. HARD Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection ' permit the surgery. Due to Old Age I Doctors said death was due to "J old age his body lacked the re- |h serves to recover from the opera- . 'tion which, in itself, was pro nounced successful. The amputation was believed necessary as a counter- measure against a dangerous circu latory condition. An earlier nerve operation, perfpjrmed Feb. 13, failed to give him the needed relief. A veteran of the second Bull Fredericks- ; Run, Chanceliorsville, Iburg and Antietam, Mr. Hard was one of six remaining Civil War veterans. His death leaves a sole survivor of the Grand Army of thc | Republic, Albert Woolson, I0t>, of I ' Duluth, Minn. Four Confederate W- veterans are still alive. HE MADE HISTORY LIVEThere was al- as he some ; All his life, Mr. Hard took par- L recalls of his war experiences. I ticipation in veterans affairs as a 1 ways a ready audience when James A. Hard These recitals of battles were never done serious duty. The community's rec- 1, had time and strength to tell his Civil War with embellishments and Mr. Hard often con of his stature was climaxed I ognition stories. Here Jerry Tompkins and Geoffrey fided that he had been "scared" many times his selection in 1944 as grand , by paimer neighbors of veteran, listen attentively during the war, laid no claims to heroics. marshal of the Memorial Day" 'parade, a post he held each year since then. In each of the nine parades he headed he rode, waving Ithe cigar that was his trademark, in the lead, usually in an open car. Eyesight Impaired Although he was confined to a wheelchair in his last years and his eye sight and hearing were im paired, he always was ready and waiting when the car called at his residence, 3 1 Portsmouth Ter., early on Memorial Day. After riding in thel parade he would review it through the eyes of his family from a vantage point opposite City Hall. He regularly attended GAR en campments until they were disbanded!' in the Civil War; at 42; at when CHANGESfHA]vrFo OFftF 91qi YEARiv-TVFAHSThesenese are I left: 20, JO; after the 1949 meeting. His at 109. in-|THE lifetime. -From i ago, terest in politicshe voted for every ^pictures of James A. Hard's Republican presidential candidate since IJncoIn was unabated until . the end. Last year he made head-! . lines with his endorsement of an other soldier, Dwight D. Eisenhower, for the highest office in the land. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection EVERYBODY KNEW HIM Year after His first high honor in veteran circles came Near, James A. Hard acted as Grand Marshal in 1910 when he was elected national com Ifor the Memorial Day parade until he was a mander of thc Union Veterans Union. He was A HOBBYMr. Hard en for as familiar figure to everyone who witnessed the the last commander of New York State GAR joyed flowers and, long | I annual festival. Here he is pictured riding in and at last national encampment in the same as health permitted, worked | home. at , lead car for parade of 1951, when he was 109. year he was oldest of few veterans' present. at gardening chores 4 i Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection TS SIGN OF THE MAN Cigars and Jim Hard were synony mous and when he couldn't smoke, everyone knew that Mr. HE RODE AIRPLANESJust before the takeoff at Roches- 1 Hard was ill. Picture was taken in 1950 on his 109th hirthday. ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^% GAR Encanipmcnt ^ Grand ^.^ j the Union veteran is shown in Gannett Newspapers plane with I a nurse who accompanied him on trip to see his old comrades. I Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection -HE LIKED YOUNGSTERSDanny Max- taken, wears a miniature Union hat and gets was a lesson in of a Ivell, 9 last year when this photograph proper way holding pistol. TWO SOLDIERSTwelve years ago, when At the time of his death, Mr. Hard also had Pvt. James Eksten came home from Louisiana two great-great-grandchildren with whom the his Union veteran had been times. war games, his most eager listener was pictured many great-grandfather, who then was century old. Family ties meant much to the old soldier. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection JHarof Offered Motion To Adjourn GAR Vets With misgivings and sorrow, but facing unalterable facts, James A. Hard offered a motion to his comrades in Indianapolis P1 on Aug. 31, 1949v .-i^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "I make a motion that we ad journ," said the old rebel fighter, knowing he was bringing to a close his last meeting with his Grand Army of the Republic comrades. The ayes were unanimous, and the GAR focal point in Hard's life had passed into history. Before offering his resolution. Hard, who died last night, tried to persuade his comrades to have a final meeting with Confederate vet erans but at last agreed with reluc tance that it was not practical. He said he was sure he could make it [ "I may reach the 200 mark" but the rest of the comrades were too old. he decided. At 108, he was the senior of the group. Asserted Convictions In Indianapolis, Hard went along with the rest on all issues, but not so during the 1948 encampment in Grand Rapids, Mich. He asserted his convictions particularly on the question of where the next encamp- jment should be held. He favored Springfield, 111., in the state where the GAR was organized. The other five grizzled veterans wanted In- j' dianapolis, site of the first encamp- tment. A stickler for parliamentary pro- , pricty, he objected when the GAR's permanent secretary, Miss Cora Gil lis of Jamestown, tried to advance i Hard's own viewpoint before the delegates. "I think the secretary is very much out of order," he objected. "There should be a motion on this question." Selected Over Vote A motion there was to select x Indianapolis. That city was selected, over Hard's no vote; but in losing! his point he had kept faith with the"' rules of fair play. Despite his advanced years, the old campaigner stayed in step with the times. He readily agreed to fly to the two final encampments when The Gannett Newspapers offered him its plane and pilot for the pur pose. After the trip. to Michigan, he was so sold on the air age that he eagerly accepted the offer to be flown lo Indianapolis too. Of the six old men who wrote "finis" to the GAR, Hard's death leaves only one Albert Woolson of Duluth, Minn. HIS CIVIC DUTYAn ambulance trip was was no exception. Here Frank Fontana, assists the necessary, but Mr. Hard had not failed to ambulance driver, lll-year-old| veteran into booth near his home, vote for many years and the election last Fall voting Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 101 t omrade Hard Was a Familiar Figure in Many Places Wonderful Patient,' Nurse EVENTS Post as grand marshal of the OFCIAL LIFE-He look PUBLIC leading pc Says in GjAR Memorial Day parade was one of his deliahts affairs, sounded in 19-< taps Until he entered the hospital for for New York State Department.' his last-ditch battle against death,, James A. Hard was "inteligcnt, alert to news developments, gavet rational answers to questions, and was a wonderful patient." This was the reaction today ofi Mrs. Nina Virginia Foote, who for | some four and one-half years was ! Mr. Hard's nurse In the Portsmouth I Ter. sanitarium where he lived. Mrs. Foote said: * "Grandpa that's what 1 called him was a great kidder. He knew I was from Baltimore, and he ol'lcn called me 'Rebel.' He used to say, I 'Virgie, just imagine an old Union L" soldier like I am being taken care of I " by a rebel.' IN HIS LATER DAYS, Mr*. I Foote said. Mr. Hard had a ihirp appetite for clams and oyiteri "An old friend of his, Joe Plum, j who lives in Linden St., often j brought him clams," Mrs. Foote I said. "So did his granddaughter, | Mrs. Carl Eksten." Mrs. Foote said that Mr. Hard, I who wore glasses but could see | hardly anything, was quite deaf,? but that with a | hearing aid he was I able to understand questions aimedI | at his left ear. "It doesn't quite seem possible I that Grandpa is really dead," Mrs. LIFEProud as any grandfather, CITIZENHe was a regu HOME AS 1 Foote said. "He hung on so long times as of great- was of he was three proud lar voter, proud votej -so very long. He was a grand here. in 1864. arpnt-arandson, shown with him he cast for Lincoln fold man." Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection \oz Taps Sound for James A. Hard: July 15, 1841-Mar. 12, 1953; He Knew Lincoln, Fought in Civil War's Bloodiest Battles AS A Mr. Hard shook! When sounded before midnight last night in SOLDIER, Taps just hands with President Lincoln at a General for James A. Hard, it was the end of a Hospital White House reception and saw the] the nation's oldest Civil War veteran courageous battle waged by martyred President twice more, to survive. once when he reviewed troops in | He had been admitted there Feb. 13 and underwent two Virginia. operations. Recalling Lincoln, he said notj "He was a comical- 1 Mr. Hard's death left only Albert Woolson, 106, of Duluth, many years ago, looking fellow on horseback," butl as the last Union veteran. The Union Minn., remaining Army the Civil War President remained! numbered * Army once 2,898,304. his "commander-in-chief" through | all the long years after the conflict. S%*r.\ Only four others survive from in the Hard took a lively interest Of meeting Lincoln, he said in among the millions who fought for | patriotic observance. 1947: the North and South. All wore the are: Confederate gray. They "It was at a White House HIS STURDINESS and his fond recep Walter L. Williams, -110, who tion. I was in the Army then and ness for parades was demonstrated lives near Franklin, Tex.; William I shook hands with Lincoln, his in the final national encampment of (Uncle Bill) Lundy, 105, of Laurel wife and his son, Bobby. They the Grand Army of the Republic at Hill, Fla.; John Sailing, 105 of were all grand people and Lincoln Indianapolis on Aug. 31, 1949. Slant, Va., and Thomas Evans Rid was one of the most wonderful Despite a slight drizzle that night dle, 106, who lives in the Confeder men I have ever met." Commander Hard rode in an open ate Home for Men in Austin, Tex. and his acknowl A fifth Confederate veteran, Wil car, smiling waving Comrade Hard's first vote was for of the cheers of the crowds liam Townsend, 106, of Olla, La., edgement Lincoln in 1864 at Nashville, Tenn. the An Eisenhower his last died several weeks ago. witnessing parade. supporter, vote was in the 1952 Mr. Hard made the to In presidential trip election. dianapolis and returned aboard MR. HARDS' last and losing fight The Gannett Newspapers airplane against death was far from his first. as guest of The Times-Union. MR. HARD was honorably dis His in the recuperative powers from the June His to the en charged Army 29, past had prompted medical men to .flight Indianapolis his 1863, but remained in government refer to, him as "the Mr. campment and return duplicated amazing service as a civilian construction Hard." journey aboard the same plane to in which role he met Gen. the at Grand A boss, Barely a month ago Mr. Hard encampment Rapids, FAVORITE PASTIME in 1948. Ulysses S. Grant, commanding fed on a in his room in Mich., A. Hard con puffed cigar James puffs eral forces. a at 3 1 sanitarium Portsmouth Ter. on be tentedly cigar just "I was bossing a gang of men and scoffed at a Veterans Adminis MR. HARD was a soldier who fore his 111th birthday last who were building sanitary ditches," tration prediction that one knew Lincoln and had met Grant. only Mr. Hard recalled many years later, Union Army veteran he or Albert His was year. boyhood contemporary "when the general came along. He Woolson would be alive this com with the of productive years many of the Wars of the Revolution and stopped his horse, looked over the 1. in literature and his ing July great figures 1812. work, asked me how it was going, tory whose names have long since Us on what we had "I guess that one -man is me," complimented entered history books. and rode on." Mr. Hard observed, "bc.ausc I done When Mr. Hard was born, Vic WHEN Mr. Hard was still a Mr. Hard was a railroader for 13 expect to be arornd for a long toria of England was only 22 years youth, his family moved to Freeville, after the Civil War. he time years Later, yet." Lincoln was 32. Karl near old. Abraham Dryden, where he enlisted at became a building contractor in Marx was 23. Charles Dickens was 19 in 37th New York < And last Lincoln's Birthday, Mr. Company E, Rochester and afterwards a veterans' 29. Alfred was 32. Volunteer four after with offices the Hard smiled as two children from Tennyson Infantry, days pension attorney, in Fort Sumter was fired on the neighborhood visited his cheer upon Apr. old Reynolds Arcade Building. 18, 1861, and three days after Lin ful room and gave him a blue cap, MR. HARD was born July 15, coln called for volunteers. He left a replica of the "McClellan caps" 1841, in Victor, the son of a West a job in a Jordan sawmill to join worn by Union troops in the Civil ern New York pioneer settler, Alap- ALTHOUGH the passing years I up. War. son Pratt Hard and a native of slowly took their toll, he remained I Next Mr. Hard was taken to Martha Frost Hard. His constantly active, with keen interest I day, Rochester, He participated in some of the he ital. a in affairs and the nation's! the father drove between public stagecoach bloodiest fighting of the war at last state commander of the Morris and be role in an unsettled world. He never! The Mt. Canandaigua Bull Run, West Point, Va., Fred and Grand assumed the role of sage, but once proud mighty Army fore 1835. ericksburg, Chancellorsville, South hisj Mr. Hard was be comments on politics, military af-T of the Republic, Mr. Hard spent his boyhood in Mountain and the slaughter at oldest in as' fairs and duties lieved to be thc person Windsor, near Binghamton, and Antietam. patriotic remained] and decisive. Monroe County. late as July, 1947, recalled with pithy His last public appearance was as clarity the scene of his childhood In September, 1937, he was one grand marshal of Rochester's 1952 and the events of his early life of 21 surviving Union and Con I Memorial Day parade. Although his among them a walking trip of 14 federate veterans to reunite on the WITH THE PASSING of many he as- 1 dimmed eyes could not see the miles into Binghamton with his battleground of Antietam, and of his local contemporaries, their roles and! marching units and he heard the brother at 13 to watch the city cele 1938 he attended a soldiers' reunion sumed many of occasions. Like martial bands only when they passed brate the Fourth of July. at Gettysburg on the 75th anniver duties on patriotic late and Jos directly in front of him, Comrade Honored guests then were ve sary of the great battle. the Henry Lilly (Co*>"V 6W pf o%vV 9^-} Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 103 Memori.? Partlc'Paled i" numerous 31 Rosalind Parades and th had civfcuvic and>h 7- resided patriotic rites and pro- Portsmouth Ter. Parade grand mar- Effsnai torHeurodeasthc last time May 30 1952 Hard Leaves Behind tour years after HE SPENT several Jim he declared the days in the New York in State Department of Ihe hospital October, 1948, when he Orand off Aimy of the Republic dis fought an attack of pneumonia. in a He was in ceremony at Highland discharged time to vote in the Views on World ced Nov. 3 election. Sharp He And it was back into General was state commander of the GAR Hospital in March, 1949, for a 10- virtue of his James A. Hard became a on at least two occasions and By age alone, pub bout with served a day pneumonia. In Feb- lic as he neared and entered the term as national comman figure slim ranks of centenarians. der ruray, 1950, he visited General | of the Union Veterans' Union, Yet he never rested long on the laurels of his again with a severe cold. years. | a now defunct rival organization. He first Six months later he saw the With an alertness belying his age, assumed state leadership at too early to tell what those soldiers nation war the War veteran had 104 on the prepare for for the Civil pointed death of Frank E must undergo. At present 1 think sixth answers often thrust of time and said of the "Police for questions Cooley, 98, Rensselaer. it is a pretty safe matter, a tame Action:" "Korea is strange and at him by reporters and other visi He was affair in to what we appointed junior vicecom sounds bad; I can't understand it." tors. comparison mander in went But I chief of the National he offered a through. think they'll During the second week of July, At the age of 103 GAR in September, 1949. on the date eventually go through as much as he told his life in a prediction Germany 1950, story we and did." series of six articles which would surrender the next year Mr. Hard never broke his links appeared after the missed by only 23 days. Six years Later, United States went with the For the in The Times-Union. Written by past. years, sing war ago he called in his own way to for the fifth time in his life of on the former Times-Union reporter An ing "Tenting Tonight for the stockpiling of atomic bombs. time. Hard said Hitler would be Old Ground" Mrs. June drew Wolfe, the series won an Camp by beaten "after a He award from the New York Histor good fight." Green Gadget was a birthday added: "If I were I would Assocation. younger, ritual to looked for ical HARD never to which he MR. seemed feel enlist in a minute. I would like to ward and im he was too old to eagerly enjoyed try something get over there and wring Hitler's mensely. IN OCTOBER, 1950, he signed a new. neck." Freedom Scroll during the Crusade Thirty-five years after the Wright for Freedom, saying, "It sounds like Brothers immortalized Kitty Hawk, BUT IN the con MR. HARD was 12 years old the best thing I've heard of for tell N. C, he took his first airplane 1950, Korean war at Rochester flict him when Russia went to against ing those Communists about democ ride. After he landed puzzled a over the know. It's and England, Turkey, France and Sar racy." Airport following flight "1 don't strange dinia in the Crimea. the that October in 1938, the sounds bad. I can't understand it Through That same month, as past mon city day he saw the deterioration of air novice told a re at all." years arch of Lalla Rookh Grotto, he was 97-year-old I her defeat porter: Mr, Hard the United imperialist Russia, by presented a Masonic Palm for 60 thought in World War 1. He and Russia would be at war Germany service and was cited for his States years' "Gosh, I'd much rather be up watched the Russian revolution, the to by 1952. He predicted that in 1947. volunteer nursing service polio there than down here on the of Communism and the na growth a World War 1 As the years rolled by, the spry- patients during epi ground again. Who said an old tion's emergence as a first-rate mili minded veteran became demic. timer couldn't find any new philosoph tary power. How In December, he came down with thrills?" ical abojt his birthdays. did.' "We must keep America strong," but it feel in 1946 to be in his 106th J another attack of pneumonia Nfne years later be went aloft he kept repeating. was out of the hospital by Christ In the Gannett Newspapers' heli year? than in the 105th." mas. In April of 1951 he again copter. "It was different from "No different entered General Hospital and won I ever in anything experienced 107 told his with de and At the age of he MR. HARD kept pace another fight with pneumonia my life," he said at 106 years of | "I feel good. And of all kinds and took later that month contributed an ar public: pretty | velopments age. birth man who after yoii get to a hundred, them in his stride. The ticle to "Scrapbook," the folklore auto or Famed as one of the day's aren't much different." was born long before the magazine of the Rochester Historical principally his few veterans of the Union the was invented took It was called "My Boy surviving airplane Society. Of one thing, though, the old ride in 1947. "When Army, Mr. Hard was quoted regu sol-j first 100 Years . helicopter hood Ago." dier was cheated. Last he was on matters. year to be 106," he said, 'you the New larly military you get In September, 1951, informed that the authenticated he said, In 1939, the 98-year-old veteran don't scare easily.' Later, York State Department of the Dis rec-ja* Bull and ord for longevity belonged to fun and a fine method him of Run, Fredericksburg of cited - "Its a lot abled American Veterans French Canadian who lived lo Antietam was asked what he thought of around." for "80 of service to veterans." getting years war. France and be 113. won honors in 'of the European Mr. Hard many Hard almost then were locked in their "Why," James said and was respected and Germany his lifetime was "I'll live lo be at fel LAST JULY 13 it Happy war" behind the Maginot disdainfully, leastjf venerated by generations of his "phony No. Ill for Mr. Hard. He and lines. 115. Don't see any reason why I He had a faculty for Birthday Siegfried low citizens. tele had received more than 400 cards, "War is always a serious business,' shouldn't." H life in stride, and if he taking letters. a "and it is He never reached his goal. it was this: grams and Hard said to reporter, any recipe for longevity, "Work hard, don't worry and smoke plenty of cigars.* with For many years he lived al daughter, Mrs. Alberta Wilson, Comrade Hard Saw of Antietam two months after his < 21st birthday. of America] So the parade went. Mr. Hard. TheParade was 28 when the United States pur not to send amuel Morse was chased Alaska. The lay he was 35 i nortal message, The finally > of his telegrarh Rochester papers carried confirma parade " "What hath God wrought!," for '{ff^^i tion of the massacre of Gen. George', three The war with Mexico years. Custer and 276 troops by the Sioux lhe was five off. S tfr^g-JwlgsisSSlm years at the battle of the Little Big Horn. of a His early days were part > American history JAMES HARD was 11 when fabulous page of THERE WAS PEACE, though, HE WAS 46 when the Statue of Uncle Toms the James Uncle Tom's Cabin came out. A _ Rush, 1841, day the Gold on July 15, Liberty was unveiled. He was 52 on the Y. Lincoln's last stand was born near Victor, N. yea/ later Abraham son, Cabin Custer's Hard when the first was life "gasoline buggy" Horn. And moder then was president less Thomas, was born. The United Little Big John Tyler operated successfully. He was 60 Wil it a mechanical age two monthsPresident States was coining $3 gold pieces as we know than when Marconi transmitted the first unfolded dur had died that man be of scientific marvels liam Henry Harrison Lincoln, the Mr. Hard wireless message. He was 82 when lieved to be the person in ing his manhood. _ April. greatest ob N. Y talking pictures were introduced. He Alert and ready with pointed The people of Watertown, American history, was first elected the ashes of a was 100 years old when Pearl Har until a final hospital siege were .h rough to the when Mr. Hard servations poking presidency bor was attacked Mr. Hard lived 80 buildings a by the Japanese. his- strength, fire which destroyed was 19. Two years later, in the! sapped James and survived all And a new biog Hard watched all that and under 24 presidents few days before. service of the Union army, thc times Irving had the first decade of the atomic age. three of them. Seventeen Washington took in the Battle i but raphy by ^oung soldier part ; And now thc parade his life major armed con published [during of the flicts disrupted all or part Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 104- Dismissed, Soldier There isSc^fiiiQJ'fiAu bk&tWaWl a slightly dizzy, ieeling in Rochester today. The passing of Old Soldier James Hard is not quite so stunning as would be the sudden disappearance of the City Hall or the re routing of the Genesee River, but it leaves us groping for something solid to reassure us that it is the same old city. For the moment it is hard to realize that there will shak be no more pictures of the old warrior ing his stogies in the face of the calendar, no more candle studded birthday cakes, no more reminiscences that carry us back in a living line to an era more than a century away. Life began for Commander Hard at 100 and the eleven years of his second century of life made drama in which the city richly shared. There was a cocky audacity about As We See It "Wl'W-^-.W. his defiance of the years that made him more an old for the last than just person waiting CO summons. He was a soldier leading a sol \-T> CD dier's battle against odds which overwhelm And Remember before Long the majority of his fellow beings long co they reach his stage of life. He became a 1i of the Did symbol of indestructibility and fight What They ing qualities that everyone admires. He was one is left with the of James A. Hard Petain holding the line at Verdun; he was Only now, passing at the of of all that host that to arms General Wolfe leading a charge up the sheer age 111, mighty sprang at Lincoln's call. Because of and because cliffs at Quebec; he was General McAuhffe them, only of them, saying "Nuts" to the enemy demand for both North and South can pledge today "one nation, indivisible." surrender. James A. Hard has been for many years a Rochester a frail but of that host. For It was this irresistible appeal to the imag institution, hearty symbol great ination of his fellow citizens that put Com everyone past 50 he stood for all his departed comrades who at mander Hard into a special place in the city's the turn of the century filled such a large place in every school life. It was not merely that, like Methuselah, boy's life. then he lived a great many years and died; Decoration Day was real to schoolboys then. Union zest for after he held onto thc living family, veterans men who had lived through dreadful battles boys then since old old associations, had friends, long were sure they never would experience would come to school faded He still liked life and people and away. and tell again the stories of that dead, heroic age.. Then chil cigars and parties and excitement. He .was dren and veterans would march together to the cemetery to what all of us would wish to be in the closing decorate the graves of lost comrades. years of a long and active life. He took on Time at its own terms, asked no quarter, THESE UNION VETERANS were the strength of boyhood bucked the line for after gain gain. ; in those days. And now all are gone. It is no longer customary '61 when the nation's In those days of [for younger veterans to visit the schools. Maybe the boys of youth lined up shouting "Glory Hallelujah," 'today miss something. who could have told which those -among Hard's life was so astonishingly long and he had come to thousands was marked with thc lucky num Lc so much a symbol that it is difficult now to place him as bers? Fate spun its wheel and pointed to James A. Hard, the man. But for nearly 40 years he maintained James Hard. "You are to be the oldest sur a law office in the old Reynolds Arcade, an office which he did vivor of your time, one of the last of this not close until 1927. He was a familiar figure around Four whole great army." In those later days, when Corners all those blue coated veterans marched curb to curb during years. Back of him was Bull West Gaines Mill in Memorial Day parades, Jim Hard, other Run, Point, Va., and Malvern Hill fearful names of And then there wise inconspicuous, still wore the lucky num long ago. ber. His comrades fell out, one by one, then was Antietam, and the disasters of Fredericksburg and Chancel- II?rd in whole masses. All at once, in place of the lorsville, while Lincoln desperately tried to find a general. a few hun 32nd N. Y. many veterans, there were only saw them all. His captain, Sylvester Brown, Co. E, dred, then a score, then only two or three, Volunteers, was killed at Hard's side at West Point, Va. then, in Rochester, only one. A generation ranks WHEN LINCOLN found Grant, Hard built railroads for that saw the steady dwindling of the with the his army as a member of the transportation corps of the War was privileged also to touch hands at last survivor, the last leaf on a once luxuri Department, forerunner of the Army Engineers. Then, last, ant tree. it was over. three in the end of the war Hard Now the last one is gone, and a part of Only years ago recalling were the Union had been but Rochester color goes with it. We are at least said, "People glad saved, they town had lost a fortunate to have had for so long so sturdy didn't forget the war real quick. Most every j us to His a specimen of a departed race of heroes. Now a lot of boys and it was sad for go home. particular j James Hard, with almost all of the other friend, George Round, had died of wounds. And even in 1950, j drama of the be "I've missed actors in thc great sixties, across a void of 88 years, Hard said, always him."j warfare longs to history. "Soldier, rest; thy And so it will be of James A. Hard for many, many years I o'er. the that knows no Sleep sleep breaking." to come, "We'll always miss him." Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 105* D.&C.fW131953 of the Republic and single-handedly Hard Knew Servicemen disbanded it in Rochester in 1948. At the last national GAR encamp ment in that year, Mr. Hard, a lonely figure in a wheelchair, was Of All Nation's Wars the oldest veteran present but, rea- 1 lizing the others no longer could attend, he and > With the of James A. Hard in his 112th Roch sorrowfully proposed passing year, cast his ballot. ester loses its last direct connection with the holocaust living His remarkable hardihood wasp that swept the nation in the 1860s. measured by the death rate offi Hard was born 15, at July 1941, Civil War veterans in the past 1 1 . Victory, Cayuga the son of had been "scared" several times in County, years. In 1941, there were fivefe a driver, Alanson Pratt battle and no stagecoach laid claim to heroics. Union veterans in Monroe County j Hard, and of Martha Frost a He used to Hard, enjoy relating how he alone. In 1950, there were 16 Union1-. native of Rochester. The family and the Union Army soldiers used veterans left in the nation. This moved to a Windsor, Broome to steal often them chickens, eating year there were only two a shrink settlement east of County Bingham raw "feathers and all." ing bridgehead in time. ton. On to One of Mr. Hard's fondest memo holiday trips Binghamton When he was a mere youngster his he saw heroes during boyhood, ries was his meeting with President of 96, he returned to Antietam to ot the American Revolution and the Abraham Lincoln at a White House take part in an historic 75th anni- . War of 1812, with long lines of soon after the outbreak reception versary of that bloody battle. Thcr; veterans of the 1846 war with of the Civil War. The President men of the Rebel Army, united by Mexico down the street in shook his hand and "told me I'd swinging the passing of the years, shook Fourth of July parades. make a good soldier when I got my hands and Mr. Hard told reporter. Mr. liked to recall. Most Celebrated uniform," Hard on his return that the Rebels had Numberless times he recounted become fellows" in the 76-1 "1 used to think then that it must 'grand the glimpses he got of the War I interval. be a wonderful thing to be a vet year President. Once he saw the Rochester's eran," Hard said after he had passed Presi-j' Undoubtedly most; dent reviewing troops at Bailey's celebrated Mr. Hard loved the century mark. He himself be [ citizen, Crossroads, near Washington. and loved to be in the came the most celebrated veteran "He| parties spot was a hat and was on in Rochester history and enjoyed wearing high J light. For many years, he was mar horseback," Mr. Hard recalled. "Hist Memorial and every minute of the attention he shal of Day parades were so they almost! events. received. The hardy little man with legs long presided at civic and patriotic touched the of the thick eyeglasses and big cigai ground." He unfailingly received gifts was this city's most photographed, Most Fun 4fter 100 most feted citizen in his last years. cigars each time. And he boasted Last he told a that year reporter of voted was his almost incredible having 72 times in 73 It once was to a j he assigned supervise which saw him outlive all years always Republican. longevity trench-digging detail along the but one of thc hordes of Boys in James River, near Richmond. A Had Four Careers focused such attention Blue, that officer him. "He portly approached In on Jim Hard. He was a middle his lifetime, he hud four Ba came up to me and asked how man when Thomas Edison rters. In addition lo the one Ik* lefl aged things were going," Mr. Hard re the electric light bulb to as millhand to enter thc Civil War, brought lated. "We chatted for awhile and J and he was an oW man Mr. Hard was a construction liossfc civilization before leaving he shook hands with when the Lusitania was sunk be on railroads in the West, a me." And that, he said, was how carpenter.'' fore the United States entered in this state and a pension lawyer. I he met Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. World Wtar 1. As an attorney, he operated his own I It was recollections such as these the Rebels fired on office in the Reynolds Arcade for Shortg after at such an advanced age that gave Hard about 37 years. Fort Sumter in 1861, young a measure of the venerable soldier's in a took the first notable step excitement about life and his in He remembered coming to Roch- 1 decades life that was to span 11 domitable desire to live. His vitality ester in 1882, and has said of his I eminence awe and amaze residence here: "I like Rochester and lead to his eventual was a subject of the and the best of I was ever in. as 20th century's Methusalah. to friends, family any city I the ment ' he left a saw like the are so At the age of 19, medical profession. atmosphere people near Ithaca. he said kind here." mill job in Freeville, On his 102nd birthday, of the were the With the cheers and felicitations and enlisted in Company E that the first 100 years Infan hundred the ot presidents and fellow citizens in I 32nd New York Volunteer hardest, but the second and fought fun. At 107, he survived three his ears, Mr. Hard in later years I try. He served two years most sound a year lived an almost silent life. His hear- 'i in battles whose names today attacks of pneumonia. Barely War drums: he chided his daughter for ing inevitably failed and his eye like a roll of Civil after, Frcd- him on a plane sight deteriorated. But up to the end Bull Run. Chanccllorsville. not accompanying first he could think at . Mountain and to Miami, He took his clearly, chuckle ericksburg, South hip ride at 106 and com wisecracks and sign his name legi- 1 I Antietam. helicopter was different from any bly. Mr. Hard, mented, "It At the age of 109, all this time has been al thing I ever experienced." "Living . remained amazingly whose memory chief in life were wonderful experience," he assured! a His enjoyments and coherent, told reporte a "If I was to ! nimble cream, radio newscasts, which. reporter orjee. pick I at West ice battle was a hundred which I rs toughest he followed avidly up to the time) years could live, near Richmond. There I'd pick the time I've had. Point, Va., his hearing failed, and "good cigars," The in- | recalled, he was standing olventions and the | Mr. Hard supplied by women's auxiliaries Ihings thai J when a shot next to his captain, veterans' organizations the shout lifetime have been I ripped through captain's Mr. Hard began smoking cigars happened in my him. Mr. Hard was so seldom missed I der, killing at thc age of 15, and astonishing." was by his cap- attention to his Relatives most closely associated 1 I close he spattered a chance to call he with him in the last few were 1 | tain's blood. habit. In great puffs of smoke, years mischievously: a granddaughter, Mrs. Carl Eksten I Scared in Battles once commented live to be an old man of East Henrietta, andnd a great-grand-gl 1 had "Presume I'd his i iciia. Mr. At Antietam. regiment smoked so much." Each son, James Eksten of Hen three i| 1 hadn't so he and as two Loduska 9 not been committed as many 200 , Hard outlived wives, the front birthday brought from and his Davis and Anna buddies'strayed away of which he continued West, later boxes cigars He recalled many years before his death, daughter Alberta lines. to smoke unlil just I the strayed into the "People ask me, he s.tid licit long that group Veterans Headed Slate j( jsn*t sad lo ,;ve area of an embattled Massachusetts ago> Mjf ,ongcr *j in veterans and were pressed into the His first high honor than everyone else. I'm sad when II .1 regiment when he w ln the clash, a bullet grazed circles came in 1910, think of all those who are gone,' fighj, the commander of but I find life and coat, but he was not hurt. elected national very interesting his ex- Union, now like to live a while war ex Union Veterans' I'd longer yet." Never one to recite his commander He was the last periences with relish or embellish- ,7nncli ncnt, Hard often confided that heloftheNcw Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection io& James Hard's Body to Lie in State^ Old Soldier's Funeral ._ JUS WR MAR 131953[ on Monday Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 10? Geneiat MR. HARD entered Feb. 18 Nation's Oldest Veteran Dies Hospital last Feb. 13. On in which he submitted to surgery re was severed to a spinal nerve condition in the After 111 7 Months lieve a circulatory Years, right foot. Hard's Pulse Mr. Hard Mrs Eksten said that of in And 26 suffered a great deal pain Days final of his long existence. > the days Linked to Age * she said, The body of^James A. Hard, who died last night at the lt was a blessing," when he What was there about James A. of 111 7 months and 26 will lie in "that grandfather went amazing age years, days, Hard that enabled him to live a E. did." state at Masonic Temple Auditorium, 875 Main St. phenomenal 111 years? In the final analysis, physicians! While pointing out, "Only God This was decided after a conference relatives battle today by said, the staunch old soldier's can really answer that question," of his survive was lost because the old soldier's personal physician m. from the audi- 1 to The funeral will be held at 3 p.r Monday tne m . . ,, had believes his heart had much to . , i he no | ^^V^J^jOudo .A. ,, ] c. * /-.:... lextreme age; longer tonum, with the to down Main St., past City to offset effects with his life. cortege proceed necessary st;cngthstrength effects! long Mt. for burial rites |^cessary | Hall, and thence to Hope Cemetery of the leg amputation. "Mr. Hard," the physician said yesterday, "never had a rapid heart. Mr. own before he succumbed, a Grand At Hard's request It was somewhat on the slow side. ritual will be used. YEARS in the long Army of the Republic battlefield burial FOR MANY His normal pulse beat was between life, Mr. twilight of his amazing 56 and 60 per minute." For most Hard's between the at 31 |' The public may view Mr. body only Hard lived in a sanitarium humans, the normal pulse is be- hours of 10 a. m. and 2 p. m. Monday. Portsmouth Ter. tween 70 to 75. the re Until he entered hospital This means that Mr. Hard's heart! of Schools James he fre However, at the request of Superintendent cently for his final stand, beat approximately 15 times fewer 10 a. m. Monday has been at early hours M. Spinning, the period between 9 and quently awakened per minute than the average per- 1 the of the old be heard singingusually son's. Over the the slower set -aside so that school children may view body and could years, like "Battle Hymn beat could have meant less wear warrior. military songs of the Republic." and strain on his heart. a one tor of the nation's oldest Mr Hard was great The body Never came which he had been Excited was removed this morn WHEN DEATH finally smoking cigars, war veteran had to to Mr. Hard in his sleef since he was 15. He ing from General Hospital, where peacefully doing Associated with this fact was the at General this after entering the clock finally ran out on Mr. just before midnight give up practice Civil War veteran's tendency to take nurse and interne were for the last time. Hard at ll:45 last night. Hospital; a the hospital everything in stride, never becoming excited or His ll 2th birthday would have present. overly getting seriously of thc old soldier's grand One WAR- upset through emotional worries. been next 15. v^~"- ~- OLD July or Hen-ncn- inc COLORFUL .... Mrs. Carl*uarl EkstentKsrcn of THE . daughters,ers, battles Nothing bothered him. who in major rietta h*J left only 35 minutes RIOR, fought had been partially An example: After taking his after maintaining long days ot the Civil War, earlier, was con- first ride at the of deaf in his last years airplane age MR. HARD'S BODY is at the of vigil and, 97 he remarked: "Gosh. a wheelchair. in 1938, Besides Mrs. Eksten, Mr. Hard fined to D. Scob<-ll Funeral Home, to the there than Ralph was virtually I'd much rather be up leaves another granddaughter, Mrs. sight also poor 642 Main St. E. where he could scarcely see down here on the ground again." Royce Nelan of Victor, a grandson, point Hard's asked that when asked re Mr. family Earl H. Osborne of Buffalo; eight much of anything. And, too, by he attribute his persons not visit the funeral home, and 12 great* vol- porters to what did great-grandchildren, Mr. Hard insislcd on the is re But Hard answered: "I but to wait until body , old age. Mr. great-grandchildren. on Election Day ing regularly about moved to the Masonic Temple. Mr. Hard outlived two wives, Lo c.s. wTaUot^ on't 'ever worry anything. was and a L\8strSahye When had comes along. The courtesy of no flowers duska Davis and Anna West, rlt F?nnower He voted for something first wifd don't make the best of it." requested. Those wishing to remem daughter, Alberta. The worry, in 1929 ber the old comrade in a contri died in 1879, the second Another side of his nature which for send the first wife, died candidate->- enanieo himmm toio livelive suchsucn a butory sense, however, may His daughter, by every KepuDiu-nu enabled longmng life, Lincoln. such contributions to the Cerebral io 1948. president since jjj, physician said, was his "rem ark- now leaves only Palsy Association, 1570 East Ave. Mr. Hard's death ah|e pnv5jcaI endurance. He couldcc_.. 106, of Duluth, wo(j|d have Albert Woolson, |ake (njn|w whjch Jtaf(_ ot last living remnant Dicker MRS. EKSTEN told The Times- Minn., as thc gered men one.fiflh m| ag(r MEANWHILE, Mayor Four Confederate which Union that "we hardly knew he the Union Army. An examn|(. of |hi, was cited y. ordered the American Flag between tne had returned to the hos of the "War (erday Mr Hard,, granddallgn. so at went." She veterans hy Mr. Hard served faithfully however. quickly on being told her Slates," survive, r, Mrs. Carl Eksten. half staff at City Ha'l. pital was dead. that all grandfather The mayor also asked Gran< Arranged Operation MR. HARD attended Rochesterians who have flags to "The death was very quiet." of the Republic encampment "When he was 90, Grampa had staff was told that it was Army them at half throughout she said. "I "were disbandec place until the meetings a cataract in one of his eyes. We r hard to know right away that he the city. He was a Union Arms to to an I thc in 1949. were coing arrange have "The City of Rochester, had stopped breathing." at Chan veteran of engagements operation performed in a hospital," "is sorrowful at mayor said, deeply Antietam. Fredericks us Mrs. Eksten said that the last cellorsville, she said, "hut he heal to it." of Comrade Hard. He Run fight. the first Bull a passing she heard Mr. Hard speak was burg and the "All by himself, he went to in our com time for man was a great personage old man where he made on Sunday. Mar. 1, the day before The grand physician's office, all these years. here whe. j munity underwent an for im- was a familiar sight the doctor Ihe operation. I to ha operation years o perform "He was an inspiration every as marshal he functioned grand Right after, he came home by him- I because of his loyalty to gov one, the Memorial Day self in a cab. That was nothing I and his willingness to sac the Pd;then re ernment would ride in parade, but grit and courage." just above a opposite CitJ rifice himself. putation of his right leg view it from point Mrs. Uksten recalled how her \ of Comrade Hard "The memory the knee. Hall. used to say: "People k :n Roch grandfather not only will live always, was necessary, don't seem as healthy as in I States." Thc amputation today but in the entire United of a circu WHEC ester physicians said, because RADIO STATION blithe old days. I think it's because [ that would have service don*t eat wholesome 9 latory condition carry a memorial eulogizinjtnev enough a from 9:30 tcI THE MAYOR was arranging turned the leg gangrenous. Mr. Hard tomorrow food, enough roughage, enough veterans and The mca| and m meeting with groups 9:55 p. m. program, conducteccorn honors. relate the story, he had a civic leaders for military by Ralph 'Knox, will she said always good afternoon from his a lot of A meeting was held this of Mr. Hard's life earblappelite, eating vegetables', with civic and cereals. that habit I in the mayor's office, days to the present. "Maybe leaders be cut-ins of to live so she and veterans' organization There will trans*helped him long," to of Hard's voice made in attendance, complete plans. scriptions onsuggeS|cdi that thousands radio interviews with him There are dozens of It seemed apparent previous probably turn out as well as transcribed tributes tocher factors that could be con- of persons would probably to Comrade his memory by Bruce Percy, statestjere(j jn the of why lo pay last respects question of the American Hard ]jved to be 111 Hard. commander Legion,james years, and Al Sigl, Times-Union News*0*d caster. J But nis physician is probably *ight: "Only God can answer the; question" Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 1.0* ^-VH-SS Hard to Follow Cortege Monday To Honor Hard ' Albany (GNS) The State Route of Memorial Parades Legislature will adjourn today in f Day respect to the memory of the na- f Other Stories, Picture on Page 12 tion's oldest Civil War veteran who died Thursday night. in which Over the route he so loved to follow during the city's Memorial Day parades, Senator George T. Manning and I move the funeral ' he figured many years as honorary grand marshal, on Monday afternoon will Assemblyman A. Gould Hatch, Rochester ' cortege carrying James A. Hard to his final resting place. Republicans, announced yesterday they will the ad- All day Monday will be given sponsor I his wa journment resolution today on the ! over to honors to the Civil War of all veterans' and military organ the day before right leg suffered death of James A. Hard of Roches- veteran, who died in General Hos izations and of all religious faiths amputated. She said he r\ in the final ter who was 111 years old when he pital late Thursday night at the are asked to have a great deal of pain being representa died. "it was a age of 111 years, the nation's old- tives on the stage. days and that blessing The resolution will read in part: soldier. Prior to the funeral Under Auspices of GAR that grartdfather went when he did." "Whereas, it is sought to pay I procession the body will lie in state The services at the auditorium Besides Mrs. Eksten, Mr. Hard homage to the honor and memory of in the foyer of the Masonic Audi will be under auspices of the GAR, leaves another granddaughter, Mrs. j James A. Hard whose death at the ' torium. represented by the Sons of Union Royce Nelan of Victor; a grandson, age of 111 years occurred Mar. 12, I The program for the day has been Veterans. They will.be opened and Earl H. Osborne of Buffalo; eight 1953, and timed as follows: closed the Rev. George E. Ulp, and 12 great- by great-grandchildren was m. 10 a. m. The "Whereas, he the nation's old- I 9 a. to city's of He had out pastor Brighton Presbyterian great grandchildren. est veteran of the Civil school children will pass by the War, being Church. At Mr. Hard's request, the lived two wives, Loduska Davis and bier to their final until his death one of the currently u pay respects. GAR ritual on the Civil Al developed Anna West, and a daughter, survivors of the Union 10 a. m. to 2 p. m.The general remaining 12 War battlefields will be used. The berta. His first wife died in 1879, will be allowed to view the Army, and public Rev. William A. Hallock will con the second in 1929. The daughter, "Whereas, he fought valiantly for body. duct that of the service. in [; portion by his first wife, died 1948. the suivN-oi 1 m. The Council will Qf the Union in the a I p. City The funeral is to m. 1 cortege expected From 9:30 to 9:55 p. today, Second Battle meet at City Hall to adopt resolu of Bull Run, Chan- start from Masonic Auditorium at Radio Station WHEC will broadcast \i tions on Mr. Hard's Coun cellorsville. Fredericksburg and An- fS passing. m. move west about 3:30 p. It will a memorial service for Mr. Hard. cil members then will leave in a tietam, and ward on Main St. to Plymouth Ave. the body for the funeral and City Hall Conducted by Ralph Knox, pro "Resolved, that when the Legjsla- I S., to Broad St., to South Ave. and Mr. will be closed the balance of the gram will relate the story of ture adjourns today it do so out of I then to the cemetery. As the proces day. Hard's life. Cut-ins of transcripts respect to the memory of James A. I sion moves the Hall in by City in radio 3 p. m. Funeral services will be of Hard's voice, made Hard and be it further Broad St., those organizations not i conducted at Masonic Auditorium, interviews in the past, and tran "Resolved, that copies of this res- I to the cemetery will drop out followed by the cortege to Mt. Hope going scribed tributes by Bruce Percy, olution, suitable engrossed, be trans- f] of line. Cemetery and final Masonic rites at state commander of the American mitted to his granddaughters, Mrs. thc At the committal serv ' grave. cemetery Legion,_ and Al Sigl, Times-Union Carl E. Eksten and Mrs. Royce ices will be under Masonic To plan for the day's events, auspices, newscaster, will be" included. Nelan and his grandson, Earl H. of the James A. Hard [y : Henry E. Norton of the United with members Osborne." as an honor I i Spanish War Veterans and chairman Lodge, F&AM, serving ^^MIHB*1>VH|> H will be sounded and a I of the veterans' committee handling guard. Taps will full mili arrangements, has called a meeting firing squad provide 141953 honors. D.&CNIAR of commanders or representatives tary Prior to its removel to Masonic of all veterans', and military units Auditorium Monday, the body of in the city for 3 p. m. today. The the veteran will be at the Ralph D. session will be held in the quarters Honor Scobell Funeral Home, 642 Main Tributes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Many St. E., but the public is asked not j on the fourth floor of City Hall to go there at any time. Members Annex at Main St. W. and Broad of the family have asked that the and Clarissa Sts. Norton empha Hard's entire time the body is at the fu James Memory sized it is that all important organi neral home be allotted to them ex be realize that Com- zations represented. clusively. It was difficult for Rochester to yesterday Assists in Plans Mayor No flowers should be sent to the James A. Hard was gone. F Initial for rade beneficial impact on the next plans Monday's pro funeral parlors. The family has re more than 111 years, were drawn at a meeting Despite his gram up quested that any floral offerings be generation." Samuel B. Dicker considered as a fix called by Mayor sent to the Masonic Auditorium on Hard had been Leonard L. Schieffelln, state! at the City Hall at 2 p. m. yester- the and a man to whom of i Monday morning. ture in city junior vicecommander, Veterans iday. Present were city officials, Throughout yesterday, at looked with pride. City|Jtne entire city Wars: "Members of thel representatives of veterans' and mili- Hall and City Hall Annex, the Foreign Tributes were many and deep-felt. Wars Itary organization, several city coun- American flag flew at halfstaff in 1 Veterans of Foreign appre-[ them, of many, serv- 1 'cilmen and representatives of the honor of the dead veteran. That was Some of typical ciate and fully realize his great of who P I clergy. on order Mayor Dicker, foiiow: ices to the nation. He was fore- the that all in the dis "Mr. Following meeting, Superin urged places city B. , Rep. Kenneth Keating: most in advancing the cause of the of Schools James M. them at halfstaff Spin- playing flags place a tendent Hard had become national figure and a staunch advocate 'ning expressed appreciation of the ur'it after the funeral Monday. veterans of| and will be mourned throughout thc nation." setting aside of the hour from 9 Present at Mr. Hard's bedside in justice throughout the country. We in our community 3 to 10 a. m. Monday for school chil- General Hospital at 11:45 p. m. Lee Harrer, county commander, of course, miss him most since '. dren -to view the body of Mr. Hard Thursday when he died, were a vill, War Veterans: "You can't and was Spanish nurse and intern. One of his his unusual vigor activity | as it lies in state. He said that grand too much about the patriotisms best known to us. He has lived a say standard bearers and repre daughters. Mrs. Carl Eksten of Hen- Hard. The Spanish H school and has of James A. who has life of great usefulness sentatives of all schools will attend. rietta, maintained long War Veterans accord him all the! to thousands. hours of since he was been an inspiration It's Officials emphasized that the gen vigil admit honors and respect possible. ted to the a Rochester has lost in many respects eral public should not appear at the hospital month ago, certainly due him." had left 35 minutes earlier. She its first citizen." Masonic Auditorium before.10 a. m only Mrs. Nina Foote. for, "The Virginia children their full returned to the hospital quickly on Samuel B. Dicker: nurse at thel to give the school Mayor four years Mr. Hard's informed of the death. is sorrow alloted time. Beginning at 10 a. m. being City of Rochester deeply sanitarium in Portsmouth Ter. 'Death Was Comrade Hard. and continuing until 2 p. m. the Very Quiet' ful at the passing of where he lived: "It doesn't seem "The death was she in our whatl public will have its opportunity to very quiet," He was a great personage possible that Grandpathat's said "I was told that it He was He file past th* bier. yesterday. community all these years. I called himis really dead. j- m. time for the was difficult to know to because He I Before the 3 p. right away an inspiration everyone, on so long, so very long. and hung the casket will be that he had to kid- h funeral services, stopped breathing." of his loyalty government was a grand old man. A great himself. I moved from the foyer of the Audi She said the last time she heard his willingness to sacrifice der, he knew I was from Baltimore Hard will torium to the stage. Representatives him speak was on Sunday, Mar. 1, The memory of Comrade and he often called me 'Rebel.' He" in Rochester, live always, not only used to say 'Virgie, just imagine! States. but in the entire United an old Union soldier like I am being] Lagion Bruce Percy, American taken care of by a rebel'." commander: "It would be impost- He to pay all the | *"*%**It seem Hard that he deserves. that an important to me, however, ^rctofhislifeisthatthevenera.th was held by tion in which he will I generation certainly Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 10 (CftrTttidr LONE SURVIVORDeath of Rochester's James A. Hard I at 111 leaves only Albert Woolson, 106, of Duluth, Minn., to I uphold traditions of GAR. A cigar-smoking veteran like Mr. J Hard, Woolson was shaken by news of last comrade's death. 4 ^Albert Woolson Saddened Lone GAR SurvivorWilling To Follow Hard 'Anytime in Albert Woolson, 106, last survivor of 800,000 ;'Boys at his Duluth Minn home he is ready Blue," said yesterday scqre ^^^ YARS_F, a, hal staff on |W -nH uniiw to follow James A. Hard in death anytime. ii". - KOCnesier S ,ributeirinuic tomi the memoryn""". the last m^^H bBek^^- V"v ^H>U paid RochesteI,s yesferdayycMciuav left as . The old soldier, . i ... . *..- ._._,_ -u... ii.i.. /-*:..:i /. ,.- p Miss Gillis noted that official dis- james a. Hard, the country's oldest Union Civil War vet member of the Union Army by |jf jj banding of the GAR would require ,ra_ wno d,ed in General at the of 111. death, appeared somewhat Thursday Hospital age 1 Hard's an act of The records of__ alone. Congress. to find himself standing will be: 1 upset the then would be Administration orders for the Marching John Kobus, organization veterans or *""'C'K" His daughter, Mrs. of Con tomorrow forVelcrans,fu; gwS^J" turned over to the Library ,^rai nrocession and Cath news that Mr. wereWars, American Legion "broke the gently" Smithsonian Institu r James A Hard gress. To the m.Sdfr at 111 the nation's oldest Gen. Veterans. Hard, tion would go its flags, banners, ^yetrdaTby Brig. AHljgJfr had died ln Rochester. NYNG, and Henry will be: Mid- ! soldier, medals, official seal and other prop- fred H. Doud. Asscn,biy points chairmen of on north side of Woolson- didn't en- SUV, UnitsForm Usuallyusuauy talkative,iu.- . The GAR held its last E. Norton, ^etafy u"'ty> head of column on ~ committees. St. to --j in... 1949..^-.^ F... commentcommcui muchiuu>.u exceptv"r> say in Indianapolisinuiouoyun.. veterans' the|campmentcampmem EscortForm t. h. .,- t,.i.r,n tiail onne through ,.,. _, n.ffl.H t.nmr vicevicc- follow: Prince St. Honorary I Rochester veteran had gone WooIson was named senior The orders of auditorium, to proceed to the: 1 and Mr. Hard ah organizations to foyer a "hard struggle." According cornmander-in-chief participated at 2:15 with casket as it leaves the audito- after his break-/ .,mif>r M assemble United Press, eating vjcec0mmander-in-chief. in IcS Bearers-To ride j will clear assemblymim. Honorary The GAR once counted 408,489 n m Procession in automobiles, with vehicles form- GAR P; m; 1, , m.m , I Woolson sat down and penned A meeting of state point at 3 vchc|,e rait, members. y. ^ B.rch Crfs lMdjng a note of to his comrade's for Mil is as fol- sympathy secretaries is scheduled Procession formation Main St E the fu- fucing I relatives. in to decide |ows: polices:e escescort; military escort waukee August y Vehicles in Jamestown, National Guard and thc Ma- Organizations:*.. In the meantime, tnre of the organization. of the "J*"" r :mmedi- Miss the Associated Press quoted tUAt his hom/in Duluth, Reserve; coi&. with James A. of the Grand ^ /^wTngW cf/ of'h^or^ Cora Gillis, secretary Woolsonl^ne ni,s form as declaring het^Marc'hin, Army of the Republic, ptlor'of " **trS3S?3t t^^K^JuTlfiS slde o wij not be sounded for Grace Lutheran Church and Mon- t that taps would wthaUhisaWi hi ahUhi^andiLhlsJionor3 h=ad?rt,hof cohimn ?0J^fcel,S m/"rMrJf of Wool- chaplain. American the GAR before the death -'.oeCounly hearse bearing of military escort. The of Mr. Hard had Legion; body Ison passing Hard. The Route of Procession: West records tc Commander turned her GAR honorary] on | escort will be composed of two rcp-l Main St. E., then South page, resentatives each of the Veterans1 Plymouth Ave. E., then east on of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Broad St. to City Hall. -All march- Orders at Hall. Marching Catholic War Veterans, Jewish War ing units will disband City | Veterans. Guard Detail: Capt. Charles Mc- . In vehicles will follow active Carthy, NYNG, is detailed and will Issued for Hard bearers, family of Mr. Hard, Mayor supervise organization and posting! Samuel B. Dicker, Chairman Nor of guard at Masonic Auditorium*] ton, honorary bearers. from 9 a. m. until relieved. Procession Sons of Union Veterans. United Funeral Spanish War Veterans, Disabled in War Veterans, Army- nj,iv\ Union and Military Order of 1 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 110 ROCHESTER TIMES-UNION 5 of Kin, Friend Named Men., Mar. lb, 1953 5 Relatives and Friend Active Bearers for Hard Lo Four great-grandsons, a grandson and a close friend will be Serve as Hard Bearers 2 active bearers at tomorrow's funeral of James A. Hard. are LO Five relatives and a close friend were to be bearers Thr\ r"t-8ra]ndsns. JameiiKK. Davisn, otnf pw, rw I pall v* resident in Tribute ard Funeral Today; .AC MAR- 16 19%., io Comrade nard,- Dewey to miss Rites Gov. Thomas E. Dewey yesterday expressed regret over his inability to attend today's funeral of James A. Hard, oldest Union veteran of the Civil War wj^o died Thursday. Final Rites Planned The Governor designated Brig, j Gen. Alfred H. Doud, commandant Other stories, , Pages 2B, SB. of the 105th AAA Brigade, New York National "Guard, as his per President D. Eisenhower tribute to Dwight yesterday paid sonal representative. Press of busi the late Commander James A. Hard. ness, Dewey said, will prevent him As the city prepared for full par from attending the rites in person. closed for ticipation in paying honor to the The City Hall will be Dewey's secretary, H. Burdell but Civil War veteran who died at the the remainder of the afternoon, lixby, wired Mayor Samuel B. iage of 111 in General Hospital late the Courthouse will remain open. )icker word of the Governor's in- Thursday night, Mayor Samuel B. Ceremonies tomorrow will open at ibility to come as follows: Dicker received . a telegram from 9 a. m., and until 10 a. m. school "Governor Dewey very much re-! Thomas E. Stevens, acting secretary children will pass before the body ;rets to learn of the passing of Com- j to the President. Mayor Dicker of Commander Hard as it lies in lander James A. Hard, and wishes Masonic Audi had wired an invitation to attend state in the foyer of that it were possible for him to standard bearers torium. School . ithe funeral tomorrow. ittend the funeral services . . a of honor. | "The President has asked me to will form guard Secause of the pressure of the legis express to you the regret he feels School principals will honor re lative session he will be unable to attend the at not being able to quests from parents to excuse their and has designated Brig. service of Commander James to to the funeral children from school go ien. Alfred H. Doud ... as his A. Hard," read the wire. auditorium. David W. Densmore, representative" I "The significance of Mr. Hard's asqjstant superintendent of public The old warrior's body will lie of that with the to take passing is, course, schools, said. Parents wishing state in the foyer of the Masonic of time a and cher- children do so, he said, (in | marching great their' may Auditorium from 9 am. today un " ished tradition of our nation moves made with through arrangements til 2 p. m. The first hour is re further into The President history. Chairman Norton. served for school children who, with shares with all patriotic citizens the of the body The public viewing parents' excuse will be permitted to that the heritage we enjoy and continje feeling will start at 10 a. m. miss classes to pay their final re we owe to those who bore the adult has to 2 p. m. The public spects to Commander Hard. The battle. at the been asked not to appear public will be admitted after 10 "Commander Hard was a good before 10 a. m. For auditorium a. m. citizen as well as a good soldier. services at 3 m'., the the funeral p. The body will rest on the Audi Please convey the President's sym will be moved to the Slagc casket torium stage for the funeral rite to the relatives and friends of Officiating will pathy of the auditorium. which begins at 3, with thc Rev. the deceased commander." be the Rev. George E. Ulp and the George E. Ulp and the Rev. Wil Undir the general guidance the William A. Hallock. The Rev. of Rev. liam A. Hallock officiating. veterans' committee, headetr by Hallock will the GAR Mr. give will move of The funeral cortege Henry E. Norton of the Sons burial ritual developed on the Civil mili about 3:45 p. m. from the Auditor Union Veterans, all veterans', War in accordan.-e battlegrounds, route of civic in the dead ium over the downtown tary, religious and groups with a wish expressed by Memorial Day parades, with mili the city1 worked all day yesterday veteran. for tomorrow's tary, veterans', civic and other arranging plans The line of march and location groups providing marching escorts. ceremonies and procession, and individuals for of organizations on to Dicker issued a The procession will continue Mayor yesterday the funeral procession to Mt. Hope Mt. Hope Cemetery where Masonic formal proclamation designating was formulated yesterday. Cemetery at as a of commemora services will be held the grave tomorrow day At the cemetery Masonic services Commander Hard. It read: will bo side. tion for will be held. Sounding taps A. nation's last Union "Whereas, Comrade Tames the 54th The Army a brass quartet of Regiment the two remaining veteran Albert Woolson, 106, of Hard, one of led Floyd C. King. Mem Band, by veterans, away Duluth, Minn. placed a wreath Union Army passed bers of the quartet will be Howard N. Y., Mar. 12, 1953, yesterday in tribute to his departed at Rochester, W. Sickler, Howard E. Geyer, and comrade of the GAR, Commander at 111 years of age, A. O'Connor and Robert H. Joseph Hard. to the Associated "Whereas, he has been a national According Wrassman. Press, Woolson placed the wreath symbol of the cause for which he at a statue the dead of all and his comrades so valiantly honoring wars in. the Duluth civic square. fought, and "Whereas, it is fitting and proper that the city, its civic leaders and citizens, pay respect to this gallant B-IL-S3 old soldier, "Now, therefore, "I, Samuel B. Dicker, mayor, James a day"of commemoration 'for tar R^^V^X. "ZWiA A Hard and request that, as Portsmouth Ter. He is survived by three M Mrs. Carl Eksten I ,' ;. m,iHf allan ornuaiofficial cityuiy busi- (grandchildren, Sr., Mrs. I las is possible, Royce Nclan of victor N Y and Ear,l and all civic Iness cease at 1 p. m. u. Osborne of Buffalo, N. Y.; eight I are herebv great-grandchildren and 12 great-great- 1 leadersloutix andnn citizens ,, ...... 1 grandchildren. their 1 called upon to pause in usuai_c,05e pcrsonal frjends of Mr. Hard andl Of of his family call at the D. UJnrriinations boSO uthat the peoplef may Ralph J occupations . Scobell Funeral Home, 642 Main St. .heir iasi E.J the city may pay respects througn Sundav. The body wiu Ue in state|* soldier. in the of the Masonic Auditorium I to this venerable Union foyer b a. m. to H _. Monday from 10 2 p. m. where I ~;, councilrnnneil wmwill meetmcci at. 1 I The City general public may pay its spect> and the Boara OI-| nc public is invited to attend the funeral I ID m ' tomorrow . 1 which will be held in the Audi-fc ..- will,;n meetm^rt aiat 12:15ii. i j P. m.service Mond aftern00n at 3 o'clock, ^Supervisors on tne P^ijm r E to adopt resolutions aeainfo|)owe.d by burial in Mt Hope c,me. In lieu of flowers, those may I c \Ar wishing I Mr. n'Hard Both groups thentcry. Ot contribute to the Muscular Dystrophy Re- 1 the flln.rai ervjce I will proceed to tuneraijMvice^|,arch fund in Mr Hard,s memorv. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 1U Rochester, N. Y., Monday Evening, March 16, 1953 LAST REVIEW School children, among his most faithful admirers, file past James A. Hard's bier as he lies in state. Young and Old salute James A. Hard; Old Soldier Rides in 'Final Parade' A saddened offered solemn salute and bade; public today Monroe County Councj]i v^ to farewell James A. Hard. ans . of Foreign Wars, relieved the Singly and in groups, in overalls and in business suits, they | detaii o pupjis. The in passed the bier of the nation's oldest soldier. body lay a. m. to 3 state in Masonic Temple Auditorium from 9 p. m., each HOUR, on the hour, the when funeral services began. color guard was changed as follows: a. York One person came on crutches, hobbling slowly along 11 m., New National Guard; noon, New York Iteval Militia; 1 the row of flowers to pause with head bowed before the bier, ' Marine Corps Reserve; 2 p. m. Many of those who came to pay last respects to the 0ld P.m. < , , . ., i i j .l. i . American Legion. warrior were who touched the elderly persons reverently casket; Each of the military units relieve as they filed by. j its own guard at regular intervals! lard's left breast were during the hour it was posted. Parents whose sons are buried be More than a GAR badge and a medal from score of policemen I neath the soil of foreign lands came I the government for service in the stood quietly about the Auditorium. I to make homage to another's era's Civil War. The NYNG also posted uniformed I soldier the nation's oldest Civil men in the lobby and on the front I War veteran. To the right of the a color foyer steps. Some people entering the foyer uard stood at parade rest before hesitated before passing the bier in le flags of the United States and al to view the flowers, flags ie City of Rochester. Another THROUGHOUT the morning jorder the I bnd uniformed color guard. ank of flowers, in'Ading lilies, steady procession filed pass bier. Hat carnations, roses At noon the1 number of persons Prized GAR daffodils, gladioli, | and was to the left of swelled, as workers and businessmen I FAREWELLS of thousands of geraniums, hf interrupted their noon hours to pay- on persons were to come later in the P Lies Casket last respects to the commander. day as the funeral of the cortege Last rites for Mr. Hard, who nation's oldest Civil War veteran FIRST to a final tribute The familiar black GAR hat pay to died in General I rolled Thursday night of James A. Hard lay on his slowly through downtown Mr. Hard were several thousand Hospital at the age of 111, were: casket today, just over his left istreels following a parade route school children who were accorded conducted at 3 p. m. on the stage of' shoulder which Mr. Hard had been the hour from 9 to 10 a. m. The pu the auditorium. eered The hat was almost a mark of many times in his long pils were excused from classes upon The Rev. George E. Ulp, pastor identification in late of the ife. request of their parents. years of Brighton Presbyterian Church, He wore Official of the impaigner's life. it representatives pub and At the the bier was the Rev. William A. Hallock on the many occasions when he Auditorium, lic schools were standard bearers with the of the United officiated. acted as honorary g nd marshal [raped flag and guardians of the flag. A color itates and banked multi-colored The City Hall bell, which hasn't of Rochester's Memorial Day pa- by guard composed of high school stu [oral The of been sounded since V-J tolled iades. and nearly always readied offerings. flag James dents stood near the bier while Day, 13 times for it when for \. Hard Post, Masonic War Vet- during the funeral. The posmg photog- classmates passed. hell stood in the center. must be tolled on the death (rans, At 10 a. m. a color guard from ^J^Civil War veteran. ?? >V> Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection <**** *iW* \n . of the Hall cemetery. Taps were sounded over . the tolling City ... the the the grave of the old warrior by a bell 13 times volley of of his brass quartet of the 54th Regiment firing squad ... the singing of Band. favorite hymns ... the playing The state and nation's chief execu taps. The of thousands was at homage tives sent regrets yesterday their 1S41MARCH IJ, 1953 as the body of the old warrior JULY 15, to attend the services. Gov. paid inability in state for six hours yesterday Gen. Alfred lay Dewey designated Bris. in Masonic Auditorium. H. Doud, commandant of the 105th At 3 p. m. before a silent assem AAA New York National Brigade, that nearly filled the Audi By Sup. Nolan- blage Intro. No. 50 Guard, as his personal representa torium, the GAR burial service was tive. 1953 performed as Mr. Hard had re RESOLUTION NO. 48 OF Dewey's secretary, H. Burdell Over the tasket, placed th quested. Expressing Regret of the Board of Supervisors In Passim a to for the the Rev. Bixby, in telegram Mayor on the stage rites, of James A. Hard, Civil War Veteran. Dicker, stated: William A. Hallock recited the Mr. Chairman: prayer: March 12. 195J. was drawing "Governor very much As Ihe evening of Thursday, Dewey ... as comrade after comrade battle which to a close, death was the victor over a courageous to learn of the of eleven of a remarkable life regrets passing departs, and we march on with ranks ended the one hundred and years James A. Hard and of Ihe nation's most distinguished Veteran of the Civil War. Commander broken, help us to be faithful unto Mr. Hard had Ihe distinction of being the last New York wishes that it were for him to each other possible Thee and Slate Commander of Ihe once proud and mighty Grand Army to attend the funeral services . . . of Ihe Republic. In his youth Mr. Hard enlisted at the age ol of the nineteen, in Company F, 17th New York Volunteer Infantry Because of the pressure Abraham THE GAR RITE, developed ori by answering an immediate call lor volunteers by be un bat session be will Lincoln in IKM and participated in *omt of the bloodiest Legislative Civil War battlefield, ,was con- tles of the Civil War at Bull Run, Fredericksburg. Chancellors- able to do so. . . ." (the ducted by the Sons of Union Vet* ville. South Mountain and the slaughter of Antietam. | the on erans. were Past De Mr. Hard was discharged from Army 1 President Eisenhower's message'! Participating honorably In the lune 29, 1863, and continued in the service of his Country Commander Fred E. Col- direct lwas sent by his acting secretary, Apartment Civil Construction Department, where he was under the senior vice- S. Commander of the iThomas E. Stevens. The wire read: j well, Walter S. Bielby, iurisdiction of General Ulysses Granl. Harold T. Bielby, jun- Federal Fore.*;. "The President has asked me to commander; devotion to I j During his lifetime, Mr. Hard had patriotic vicecommander; Robert Mc- as Marihall to .the regret he feels atjior the annual Memorial Day observances and acted lexpress you to those commander, and on this historical day, paying tribute able to attend the funeral Mahon, department of the parades Inot being j served our Country. Rev. Mr. Hallock, department veterans havinR James A.|the our late and hon lservice of Commander Now therefore, lo record our esteem for lHard 5 chaplain. ored Civil War Veleran. be it comrades a rose, of ihe Board of The SUV placed Resolved. Thai we. Ihe members Super our deep of Mr. Hard's a of visors of ihe County of Monroe, do hereby express "The significance an evergreen wreath, sprig late the Oldest living feelins in the death of James A. Hard, that with the and a on the casket. be it further passing is, of course, laurel flag Veteran of the Civil War; and attend the of time a great and The 23 rd and 121st Psalms, pas Resoheti. That we. in respect for his memory, marching be it lo be conducted for him, and tradition of our nation of and poems were funeral service cherished sages scripture Board is in- Further Resolved. That Ihe Clerk of this into The thc Rev. George E. Ulp, lo the bereaved moves further history- read by .,rrV,rf m fnrward a copy of this Resolution utes of Ihe Board for President shares with all patriotic pastor of Brighton Presbyterian family, and sc that the heri "Battle of the Re this memorial. citizens the feeling Church. Hymn li'Pted, each on Thi! Mem rial Resolution we owe to those and "Tenting Tonight tage we enjoy public" Supervisor risii g in his place. who bore the battle. the Old Camp Ground" were sung ..,..., Mrtnrv k. .nr, William E. Fri by all attending. Val RRaubcT' M.' Hen h William T, Nola was a Alvin Grossman J. Lee "Commander Hard good Sam Piaz/a Raymond soldier. Frank I. Lawrc ;i Burton H. Cotter Clifton citizen as well as a good THE FUNERAL CORTEGE Memorial Committee the President's sym Special Please convey moved down Main St. past City Hall to the relatives and Supervisors pathy friends and to the grave. commander." C. Kramer of the deceased who had cheered Arthur Lochte James G. D'Amico Almon And the many Walter G. Lauterbaeh, Dicker of Annechlno Al B. Frank In a Mayor and waved to him in parades Ralph Harland P. Moffitt proclamation, Leo T. Minton Norman H. Selke as "a national Kenneth S. Barclay Hard their hats and ' cited Mr. past, removed Robert Averill Gordon Duerr Worden for which years Herman G. symbol of the cause bowed their heads. Charles DeCarlo Sydney F. Haywood Hamilton C. Ki so valiantly Leonard A. Boniface Edward D. Sewo.u he and his comrades At the cemetery over an open William J. Beckler as Thomas B. Steckel Harold H. Embling today that of Mr. Hard's John P. DeCesare and proclaimed alongside Charles M. Jones Raymond Goff fought," for Mr. grave Joseph Kaufman in -- who died tum D.l.. Finch..it.. Harold. W. Nel a of commemoration wife, Anna, Danielcamel r.. iviacucu Elbert day second M. the Rev. Mr. Theodore F. Metzger Gordon A. Hot Arthur Torpey 1929 at the age of 78, m. was closed at 1 p. service. The City Hall Ulp read the burial of Mr. to which to the memory Rochester Lodge of F&AM, in respect remained Hard. The Courthouse Mr Hard belonged, participated. soldier was ^ i*w And, then, the old D.bc^.foAR the PIn Duluth, Minn., yesterday, lowered into the ground veteran, nation's last Union Army of Duluth, Albert Woolson, 106, at a statue honor olaced a wreath of all wars in tribute ing the dead comrade of the to his departed GAR. turn (For other details, please to Page 19.) Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection After Battle, Oldest Soldier Rests 88 Years D.&CJAR Graveside rites were , old soldier at Masonic service. , , t _on OT-nve of I tribute to mass at gve TAPS and old, open Friends, young to* War veteran, to pay James A. Hard, state's last Civil JJ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Drmocrat and Chronicle Stall Phnln. Hard. casket are . A. "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD . ."On Auditorium 23rd Psalm at funeral for James Flanking A. Hard Masonic War stage filled with dignitaries, the Rev. George E. Ulp recites honor guards from James Post, Vets^_ Many Children Main St. Hushed Walking alongside the hearse ... City's ing Mr. Hard's casket were honorary from (escorts veterans' groups. They were: J. Mallory Loos and Joseph As Hard Passes ! Donovan, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Cortege Allen M. Church and Robert Mc a James A. Hard took intosh, Army and Navy Union, Through gray, cold drizzle, yesterday had honored the *or Samuel DeNaro and Gerard Beau- his last ride along the route where he often BTmn flfffffffW /ifin9t^ champ, Catholic War others who served and died. iSaSHBaaaB Veterans; Sol As chairman of the James A. Guttenberg and The in its stride as Harry Sandler, Jew city paused TTard Funeral Committee, I wish ish War and the which ended at the Veterans, Donald Irish procession | to take this opportunity >uend and Kenneth old retraced the tra Abar, American Le warrior's grave my heartf'' manks for the co gion. route. ditional Memorial Day parade operation extended* in making thc of died at 111 Many the spectators were The old soldier, who necessary arrangements. children as have beenl the> procession came last Thursday, would I realize that without the aid of him proud to see how they honored | the press and radio it would have and about an hour after schools closed the flag he had fought to pre been an impossibility to reach serve. Thou<""**> iind ihe side the Although Mr. Hard was little more number of organizations nec walks along downtown Main St., to them than a name and a tradition, essary to make the funeral of our many braving the cold in shirt Grand they seemed to sense the glory of A Bow to Comrade a successful sleeves and flimsy dresses. Industry his era as they -.olterred their Theyj event. did not come out to see a It is with a great deal of pleas voices as they waited, and fell silent spectacle! HENRY E. NORTON, there were no bands, no muffled! e that I express my deepfelt as the old soldier passed. General Chairman. Iratitude to the industries of George A. Swalbach of 5S6 drums, no fancy uniforms theyj came to to lochester for the splendid co- Flower City Pk. stood far from thc simply say goodbye Jim..* Salutes for All peration extended to the Na crowd but perhaps a few steps closer Guard of this area on the on tional Victor* than the rest to the man he came :o Where Memorial Days youl Victor, tioS scasion of the funeral cere- honor. He hat in in thc could easily count those who gavel was, hand, we are in a the Stars and the tribute! Offlonies of the late Commander In our house quan exact across Broad St. from Stripes spot, e3ames A. Hard. of Com those dary "over the birthplace City Hall, from where Comrade they command, along thej : Under ideal conditions, the re rade James Hard. Hard reviewed Memorial route yesterday saluted almost Day pa leasing of Guardsmen from their said onr a man as the And The morning paper rades for the many years he was flag passed. noj Cfijiployment for any formation of that he was*, marshal. man's head remained covered as the Mar. 13 (Page 21) honorary grand kind represents a dislocation is earthly remains of James A. Hardj born in Victory which "I knew the old vet," Swalbach, c&s which some compensation in| en route to final rest. The Times-Union |T a state ruler of the New York passed, Cayuga County. past must be made ahead. . by planning said . It was an unemotional crowd on same day (Page 35) State Elks Association, said after that) the circumstances, how "the lined Main St. almost from fTJjider ' born in Victor. The lat- k the hearse had "I marched solidly was he was gone by. ever, prior planning impos I East Ave. to Ave. as know, is in Ontario in plenty of parades with him. Just Plymouth As| sible; yet moved by a spirit of ter, you the Hall bell tolled stopped off to pay my last respects City solemnly, civic pride to honor the memory Icounty. I in thel ' to this man stood some the people stood patiently of an old soldier the industn. who for n r> V O YutTJ cold. There was no apparent la Rochester released Guardsmen I I ^ 0 '^^ ' thing." v ^-jfft^W^K for the man who had earned Did he pick his vantage point on ment from their regular duties in un- Mr he sur his rest, only respect for what he NOTE: Mr. Hard purpose? "Why no," said, J 1 EDITOR'S Med numbers to take "I to land d de pa born in Victor, says his grand prised. just happened was ' here. But it's a good spot to re Mrs. Carl E. Eksten for all to see, was a daughter, member Jim." splendid^ of Henrietta, who has been tribute to a fallen hero. Sr., associated with her grand On behalf of the Nationall closely father for many years. Mrs. Guard I sincerely thank you. to Vic ALFRED H. DOUD, Eksten says the reference Brigadier General tory, Cayuga County, has cropped 105th AAA Brigade. up before. ^^^^^^J Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection City Pays Last Honors In Hard Funeral Rite By BILL BEENEY n-5-3 Other Stories, Picture Page The old soldier is at rest. Under somber, leaden skies punctuated by the staccato farewell volley of a firing squad, and the haHntirig strains of "Taps" the flag-draped casket qf James A. Hard was lowered into its Mt. Hope Cemetery grave in the waning hours of yes terday afternoon Thus ended the illustrious 111- lo the stage of the Auditorium year career of the nation's oldest Theater, where funeral rites the war veteran, Rochester's most cele same traditional services which were brated citizen, one of the country's used by the GAR on the battle oldest men. Ht died last Thursday fields of the Civil War were held. (Mar. 12, 1953) in General Hos The theater, filled with several hun pital. dred of Mr. Hard's friends and ac He went to his final resting place quaintances, throbbed to the pul with the heartfelt sympathy and sating beat of time-honored Civil and of all understanding prayers War songs, played on ah organ, as thousands of his fellow Rochester; a prelude to the services. citizens their last to paid respects It was at Mr. Hard's request that the Civil War veteran dur grizzled the GAR Burial Service was used. ing a daylong civic funeral tribute Not long ago, he asked through that marked the end of an era in Past Department Commander Fred Rochester history. E. Colwell of the Sons of Union Mr. Hard lay jn state in the foyer Veterans that the traditional GAR of the Masonic Temple Auditorium rites be performed at his funeral. yesterday morning. And past his Officiating at the ceremonies were bier, covered with a United States the Rev. WflHam A. Hal flag and banked high with flowers, Colwell; lock, SUV filed thousands of people young Department Chaplain; Walter S. senior vicecom and old to pay homage. Bielby, T. A changing color guard, repre mander; Harold Bielby, junior senting various military groups, vicecommander, and Robert Mc- stood alongside the* casket as the Mahon, Department Commander. mourners passed. They came from From the old GAR ritual, the every walk of life, in work clothes Rev. Mr. Hallock intoned the and in Sunday best, people of every prayer: ". . . As comrade after creed and color, schoolchildren and comrade departs, and we march on oldsters. with ranks broken, help us to be faithful unto Thee and to each Campaign Hat on Casket LAST RIDE Thousands line route Main St. other . . with Thine own tender procession along E. to to Mr. who for led Me Respectfully, silently, they looked' ness, console and comfort those be say goodby Hard, many years reaved this event which calls morial over route. at flies half upon the man who in 111 years of by Day parades Flag right staff. life had seen more of history than us here. Give them the 'oil of joy man. for thc of almost any other They thought mourning, garment praise funeral - measured H " cortege's slow, those thoughts that are reserved for for the spirit of heaviness.' trip through the city's Main St. men women a moment when and over the same route which Mr. Hard humble in the of Tribute of Comrades become presence traversed many times as Memorial walked death. Then quietly they Colwell, quoting the ritual, read: Day Parade marshal the theater away. "One by one, as the years roll on, mourners joined in singing two of Mr. Hard had a white carnation we are called to fulfill these the old soldier's favorite songs: "The his left together on his uniform, and upon Battle of the and last sad duties of respect to our Hymn Republic," breast two medals, one signifying comrades of the war. The "We're Tenting Tonight on the Old the a present, his Civil War service, other Ground." full of the cares and of Camp GAR badge. His GAR campaign pleasures civil life, fades and we look hat rested on -the -easket near his away, City Hall Bell Tolls back to the time shoulder to head. Members of his family will when, as shoulder on bloody battlefields, or While the funeral preserve the campaign headgear procession around the of our moved the business a memento of their famous kinsman. guns men-of-war, slowly through our an of In the afternoon the scene shifted we fought for dear old flag. district, in atmosphere "We may indulge the hope that strangely unnatural quiet broken the spirit with which, on land and only by the rustle of flags and the sea, hardship, privation, dangers tromp of marching feet, the City It was were encountered by our dead Hall bell tolled 13 times. that the bell which heroes a spirit uncomplaining, the first time nobly, manfully obedient to the be is sounded upon the death of a had been tolled hest of duty, whereby today our Civil War veteran V-J It was the last time homes are secure, and our loved since Day. it will ever be heard for a Roches ones rest in peace under the aegis ter Civil War soldier. of the flag will prove a glorious The funeral was made incentive to the youth who, in the cortege of uniformed National Guards ages to come, may be called to up up a color from the Ma- 1 hold the destinies of our coun- men, guard sonic War Veterans, James A. Hard I . Post; marching units of veterans'! s Then three SUV comrades placed and an automobile caravan U floral tributes upon the cas- groups, [final of mourners stretching as far asB ... an , kct evergreen wreath, "sym- the could see. During the fu-B of undying love for comrades eye [bol neral and procession, State Supreme! jof the war" ... a rose, "symbol Court sessions in Monroe County of purity" ... a laurel leaf, "sym- ' Courthouse, and the Monroe County Ibol of victory." Court sessions were recessed. * The Rev. George E. Ulp, pastor Mt. where the of Brighton Presbyterian Church, in In Hope Cemetery, soldier was laid to rest alongside I the funeral rites prior to the GAR old second wife, Anna, who died ritual, read the 23 and 121st Psalms, his of ' in 1929 at the age 78, services I in addition to several passages of were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Scripture and poems which he Ulp and by the Rochester Lodge i thought Mr. Hard would 'have liked.' J F&AM, to which Mr. Hard On the stage were clergyn *660, f representatives of the city anrii^'Onged there, in the gloaming, the county governments, honoray bear And old soldier was ready to embark ers, and representatives of various and join his veterans' organizations. upon a new journey, comrades of a At the close of the service, before Civil War nearly j the procession moved out for the century ago. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection As Others See It . CONFIDENT LIVING JIMGM.JUL H1953 Secret of James Hard's Long Life: Healthy Thinking and Feeling By NORMAN VINCENT PEALE One of the last of our Civil War veterans James A. Hard was the **.-! not too long ago. He was James A. Hard, nation's oldest Civil War veteran when he died his home was in Rochester, N. Y., and he had last 12 at the lived to be 111 years old. Mar. age of 111. He was the state's last There were many remarkable things about GAR veteran and the na Mr. Hard, not the least of which was that, tion's second last. He had according to his physician, the beat of his heart been active until a jew was somewhat slower months before his death than that of the aver in General Hospital fol age person. It is be lowing a leg amputation, lieved that he attained necessitated by a circula his great age partly tory ailment. He had at because this slower tended GAR conventions beat meant less wear regularly until the organi zation and strain on his disbanded in 1949. heart. Associated with and that health comes from this was the fact that right thinking. And we also are Mr. Hard always took just beginning to learn that the Bible outlines everything in stride, very practical and very of health. Dr. James T. never becoming overly specific systems Fisher, the writes in a recent book excited or too upset. psychiatrist, that, if Nothing bothered him you boil down all that has ever been written too much and he led Peale on the subject of mental hygiene, you end up with an summation a happy life. incomplete of the Sermon on the Mount. He took his first airplane ride at the, age of 97 and, afterwards, remarked: "Gosh, I'd rather be up there than down here on the THE REASON for this is simple. The Bible ground again." is full of healthy thinkins and right attitudes. to as When this unusual man was asked to what It urges you look upon yourself sound, as filled with the and he attributed his living beyond the normal span, as healthy, well-being which is the of God. he said: "I don't ever worry about anything. vitality gift And it also states a secret of in the When something bad comes along, I don't worry living but make the best of it." words: "According to your faith, so it will be done unto you." A profound rule of life is: Practice healthy THE LONG LIFE of James A. Hard proves thinking and you will tend to have healthy a William James, the philosopher and point feeling. Visualize yourself in harmony with made years ago, when he said: psychologist, God and the creative power of God's universe. "The discovery of my generation greatest Practice thinking joy, which will help you is that human beings can alter their lives rise from the gloom of ill health to the pure altering their attitudes of mind." by area of happiness and well-being. Thc Bible much that "A heart docth like a We are just beginning to realize that says merry good Illness and disease result from wrong thinking, medicine." -*7 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection u Vets Post Named for Hard iVeterans List Honor Hard's Death rave Holds Memorial Rite at G Ytie manfdr whom Tiffiif'iWI 221953 m I -,3cCJAR is named will be memorialized Members of the James A. Hard Barton Circle, Daughters of Union his in Mt. te Kecalls a u service by grave Post 18, Masonic War flowers on the m' today Veterans, Veterans, placed js t,0De c.emetery at 7 p- V were advised last to and Mrs. Carl 322 Ma- night keep grave, Eksten, by james A. Hard Post 18, j alive the of the man for Lake a chrome An honor I memory Ave., presented | somc \yar Veterans. t Cause whom their post was named by "walker" to the Cerebral Palsy I pUard from the. 101st Armored ' from the I i adhering to the staunch prin Clinic in memory of the GAR J tjavalry and a bugler Four score and seven also willi years ciples by which he lived. soldier. The walker is a device! I Rochester Park Band after the Civil War to the last America's The occasion was a memorial used in aiding handicapped chil- -'! participate. Hard, next fratricidal Grand tj flight to make our service marking the GAR vet dren to regain use of their leg^Iof the veterans of. the free i-- 1 . _e *V,= TJennhMP. died country we have come to eran's 112th birthday anniversary. .muscles. 'Army of the Republic, the of 111. bury last Caesar of America's Mr. Hard, next to the last of the lin March at the age first great Legion of Honor. veterans of the Grand Army of The passing of Commander the Republic, died in March at Hard reminds us once again of the age of 111. The service was the purpose of bis life and of his conducted at his grave in Mt. - long-to be - remembered genera Hope Cemetery. tion. We are inspired with cour The Rev. William McKee, post age and confidence for the future chaplain, recited the memorial of our country so as we are | long prayer. The eulogy was given by true to the ideals that gave our Past Commander Lance Thom country birth and for which so son, who described Mr. Hard as Union heroes died. many "a link to the heritage of the When Grant returned Lee's past," and advised the members sword at Appomatox that April of the post to "hold fast to his day so long ago, history rang principles in order to strengthen down its crimson curtain upon our country." the j courtly age. The scene was a Clarence Pfeifer, bugler in the fitting climacteric to that j great Rochester Park Band, sounded . battle fought on the fields of taps. Participating in the memo- 1 cloth of gold. Our Civil Warto '"'jjl rial service were Commander many still the Great Rebellion- Emery Carey and Walter Par brought out the deepest and the mington, past district deputy of finest feelings because, perhaps, the Second Monroe County Dis the rival knights were brothers. trict. James Eksten, Mr. Hard's It was a great and noble tour great grandson, and Peter and nament in which America found LLarry Eksten, great great grand- her soul as she bled white and P* children, were present. the pure upon altar of her -free | Earlier in the day the Clara dom. Our national cemeteries, Today we are beset by an old from Gettysburg to Antietam, en |3 in modern dress as cold, I shrine the highest traditions of tyranny as cruel, as tragic as any we military honor and soldierly vir have ever fought. The State, this tue, that will crown our arms as maintains, exists upon long as the Republic lives. tyranny the submission of the governed, America fulfilled her destiny' and they exist for the exaltation in the Conflict when Irrepressible of the State. Kings, Czars, Em she won the inner to .^mmmm^^r, struggle perors, and Tyrants have always make come true the American claimed the same. The roles, the Dream at home. That in dream, personages, the words may vary, Jefferson's immortal words that ,but the basic system of repres- all men are created that equal ision never sees a change. In all the of lawful purpose government their twisted systems the democ is service to the governed that and takes fi st steps racy of Jefferson is treason, IN A SOLDIER'S MEMORYJimmie, 5, government give each man an the Love of Christ is sin. They to Cerebral Palsy Assoc*- to in chrome "walker" presented equal opportunity self-develop have their own queer concepts of James A. Hard. Presen- ment was when tion in of Commander finally realized and for memory humanity long periods anniversary of Mi. Hards we agreed even to kill our succeed in tation was made yesterday, of time they may Carl Eksten (left) and brothers to give a subject race his Mrs. keeping that humanity in chains. birth, by granddaughter, last within our midst an chance. 9. was donated equal But in the end a white her Julie, Money always granddaughter, in No other nation in all can and other history knight comes to vanquish the Memorial Day by veterans organizations show such self- at 111. magnificent black warrior and rescue man tribute to Mr. Hard, who died last Spring sacrifice and such magnanimous again. glory, not claim, as we can, that This conflict is forever irre crowned our hood with we have pressible, for black and white Post Honors HardBirthday brotherhood for all men. protagonists never can make a we have continued that Pfcif* And common cause And al have were sounded by Clarence together. , Hard- would James A. Pai grand march beyond our borders the white in the Rochester ways knight prevails. I been 112 years old yesterday. bugler through three great wars, bring to the Civil War Band. The keynote 1 A memorial rite was conducted the freedom that our ances those were ing was Lincoln's observation: Ceme Among present, sagest at his grave in Mt. Hope tors founded here back to the j Mrs. Carl Ekst This Nation cannot survive half members of the James granddaughter, whence all our tery by James EksU benighted lands slave and half free. Masonic War of 322 Lake Ave.; I A. Hard Post 18, a forebears came. The a and Peter Pilgrim Neither can the World. Veterans. great-grandson, clock of history has swung full Eksten, great-great-grai Such are some small reflec Mar. 12 at the Larry died new world :now Mr. Hard circle, and our tions the of the children. upon meaning He was the nation's of its has age of 111. at the apex power of Commander James A. passing oldest Civil War veteran at come time and again to rescue j that|"W Hard, i These dead shall not have and redress the balance of the time. _, , died in vain. was recited 1H. A memorial prayer J. DENNIS LIVADAS, at the grave by the Rev. William 445 Powers Building. I McKee, post chaplain, and a I eulogy was given by Lance Thorn r | SOIli past postcommande" Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection puluth XjAK Vet \ Replies io Card f from Hard's Kin* Memories of Civil War days?' ijwere bonds of friendship between !the late James A. Hard of Roch- * fester and Albert Woolson of Juluth, Minn. Both veterans of the Unioni ]Army, they had met many times lat GAR encampments. They cor- ; ^responded regularly. On behalf |of Mr. Hard, his granddaughter,, I] Mrs. Lola Ecksten of Henrietta, - 1 wrote to Woolson. The Minnesota j (veteran replied in his own hand-K luU4M o*4i Jdition of correspondence, Mrs. I \ Ecksten sent a Christmas greet- j ing to Woolson last month. j Yesterday she received a reply,! 1 thanking her for the card and] | wishing her well. The reply ap |parently was in Woolson's ow handwriting. rial Rites JUL IS anteslines Hart1?S The fifth annual memori service for James A. Hard, Civil | War veteran and onetime com-j mander of the Grand Army ofj the Republic, was held in Mt. Hope Cemetery yesterday the 116th anniversary of his! birth. The service was conducted I bv the James A. Hard Post 18, | Masonic War Veterans, founded in 1949, before Mr. Hard's death. A great-great grandson of Mr. Hard, James Eksten, past com NO GUNS and 5 great-great-grand mander of the post, and Clifton BUGLES, Walking away great-grandson of Civil War veteran James James Eksten, and (from left) L. Jones, present commander, from grave children, are his Barbara, Lawrence. laid a wreath in Mr. Hard's A. Hard after service yesterdaysrday his Julie, Pet^Karen^Barbi memory in last night's grave LUL 11955 side ceremony. The Grand Lodge of New \arks a RituaM York State granted dispensa Wreath tion in 1949 allowing the post to use the name of a living man in its title. The post has con an- Hard's ducted a memorial service James Birthday nuallv since Mr. Hard's death in 1353. A small group of people gathered in a quiet corner of Mt. Hope Cemetery yesterday and placed a wreath on a headstone marked "Jas. A. Hard, 1841-1953, ICo. E32 NY INF." As the simple ceremony drew lain, and the wreath was laid * Frank .to a close an airplane passing by Murrer, post adjutant. overhead shattered the silence Among those present, were Mrs. Lola Eksten of 166 Reeves Hard Memorial around the grave of the Civil Rd., a War veteran and eyes turned Henrietta, granddaughter, and James Eksten of 200 Reeves skyward for a moment to gaze Rd., Henrietta, a Sev- Set Tomorrow at a symbol of the profound great-grandson. - changes that had come to passjeral great great- grandchildren Masonic War Veterans were there. to in the lifetime of a man who .also morrow will conduct their an lived 111 years. | Mr. Hard was born July 15, nual memorial service birthday In the closing prayer th e 1841, near Victor. When he was at the grave of James A. and he enlisted in . 19 Hard, words ", . well done, good ] Company E, Civil War veteran who died in faithful servant," brought the! 37th New York Volunteer In-. 1953 at the of 111. age service to an end. |fantry, three days after Abra- i In of the of charge ceremony The brief ceremony rnarkingiham Lincoln called for volun-; a wreath placing will be the Mr. Hard's 114th birthday anni- teers following the firing upon; James A. Hard Masonic Post, versary was conducted by Tames Fort Sumter. Veterans. Also |War participat A. Hard Post, Masonic War Vet- During his service Mr. Hard j will be members of the Sons were i and ing erans. Also participating met President Lincoln par- of Union Veterans and the Anna members of the Sons of Union ticipated in battles at Bull Run, P. Cleary and Clara Barton tents Veterans and the Anna P. Cleary | West Point, Va., Fredericksburg, of Daughters of Union Veterans. and Clara Barton tents of the Chancellorsville, South Moun-' The ceremony at 2 p.m. will be Daughters of Union Veterans, tain and Antietam, the Mr. Hard in Mt. Hope Cemetery, with Prayers were read by Elbert! died March 13, 1953, at- in Rochester. family of the war veterans J Seigfred, Masonic Post chap- 1- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection Wr Times-Union, Saturday, May 29, 1954 HOW IT LOOKS IN FREEVILLE: James HardAn American Symbol By A. B. GENUNG As Memorial Day comes again, many Rochesterians will think of their famous Civil War veteran, James A. Hard, who died last spring at the age of 111. He not only was the nation's oldest veteran but was next to the last Union survivor. I think of Mr. Hard, too, for he was a resident of*our village many years before he lived in Rochester. It was from Free- ville that he enlisted in the Union Army. I have a little of his story from one of our old inhabitants, who had it from her mother. It the spring of 1861, Jim Hard, then a youth of 19, was working for a lumberman named Seth Gunn, who had a JAMES A. HARD as he reviewed his final Memorial sawmill on Virgil Creek, just Day parade. south of our hamlet. There was and r in no railroad here in those days, THE BOYS THOUGHT it a turned about back kind of lark as across field. The no telegraph. Our people got they moved the panic the soldiers their news a day or so late through Virginia country spread, throwing away from Ithaca or Cortland. side, though it was a lot hotter their guns and equipment and than here in the hills of New streaming back in the direc York. Even in the early stages tion of Washington. These, of of that first were raw EVERYBODY KNEW that engagement, they course, all recruits, were with confi without battle the North and South were overflowing experience. dence. heading for trouble, Excite The confusion multiplied. Horses and ran wild. ment ran high. The young fel They thought they had the wagons lows had begun to form little rebels whipped at Bull Run, companies and drill at the but all of a sudden there came Corners. a disastrous turning point in MR. HARD REINLISTED the About noon of April 14, 1861, fight. and saw action at Chancellors- a rider ville, Fredericksburg, South stopped at Dodge's A force of Confederates He with the news Mountain, and Antietam. wagon shop from Johnston's Army, who that the rebels had insulted the saw Lincoln at troop reviews, had been hurried over from shook hands with him at a Flag by firing on Fort Sumter. the in Shenandoah, moved White House reception later. and cut off a couple of bat A few days later came the Here In Freeville, Sam Wil- teries which had been pushed news of Lincoln's proclama ley, who -was then our too far forward without principal tion and the call for volun merchant, had three daughters, much They teers for three months' serv infantry support. one of whom James Hard mar-. some wicked ice. It would take about! that poured volleys ried. His wife, the former into the batteries which long to crush the rebellion! Phoebe Willey, always was slaughtered men and horses. Jim Hard was one of four known in the community 'as Freeville who at once Aunt Phoebe Hard. boys A company of Union Zouaves left farm and sawmill to en that witnessed this bad turn of Sam Willey built a house for his three list. affairs became panic stricken, daughters, directly across the street from his own His letters afterward told home, and here Aunt Phoebe how the young recruits were Hard and her two Mr. Genung writes HOW IT spinster sis transported to New York and ters lived. LOOKS IN FREEVILLE each Sat thence to in Washington freight : Although all this was urday from his fa. Free long cars. The railroads lacked ago, James Hard is still remem ville, Tompkins C>tti . He is enough passenger cars. Three bered here as a gallant soldier economist for the Nc'heast Farm months later Jim Hard was and a old Foundation. high-spirited symbol marching out over the Virginia of the generations that have roads t *.'ard Bull Run. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Scrapbooks Collection 3 9077 04094242 0. ioT. nice weather for it too." 6:15 rising hour, a little excited. He It has just come to my attention The SUV national commander, ate a good breakfast and sat and i that July IS is your 110th birth Cleon E. Heald, drove in from his mused in his room until lunch. His day and it gives me a great deal of Keene, N. H home for the party. party got underway in the afternoon. pleasure to extend to you my cor He said he had Hard he The 54th Regiment Band, the city's dial felicitations. This is indeed promised would attend when he visited him oldest, arrived at 2 p.m. for the spe a remarkable attainment and you here last February. cial concert. They practiced for a are blessed to have the privilege of Guests at the party brought Hard while, then began to play the music! such unusual longevity. Such a several c,Sars' which he that is closest to Jim Hard's notable occasion will be heart,' certainly box.es,.ot about 10 music like "Tenting Tonight on thel enriched by the cherished memories t , C0"Sum~(Kaa "'Lh.hmcluded neckties Old Ground" and "The Battle of this and eventful of * glft* Camp 1 long span 'he/ of the I'm to Hymn Republic." years. glad join your host of A , ha"dke[cuh,ffNeighborhoodfV,1?childrenpm.S'turned out friends in extending very best . Poses for Photographers in for" A" wishes as you continue your jour- f