2012 Marshall Hope Award For Most Outstanding Department Newsletter

Department of - Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

Volume 7, Issue 4 September 2012 THE BUCKEYE BUGLE

131st National Encampment makes decisions, sets policies Reports, awards, decisions, the SUVCW." In addition, SUVCW policy to safeguard and good fellowship busied the Commander in Chief confidential member Ohio's 12 delegates to the created the Augustus P. information: "SUVCW and Order's 131st National Davis Award to reward SVR membership lists, Encampment in Los Angeles "any Brother who recruits databases, and other such Aug. 9-11. Many actions five or more members confidential information important to the good of the during his term of office." shall not be shared with any Order were discussed, voted An important paperwork non-SUV individuals, upon, and announced. change requires that all organizations, or enterprises A major change to Ritual forms created, updated, or without the expressed and Ceremonies authorizes revised will be sent the permission of the CinC (with SUVCW military veterans National Webmaster in a the concurrence of a majority not in uniform to render the format specified. The same of the Council of Adminis- hand salute whenever a flag formats, such as Word and tration) of the SUVCW." INSIDE THIS ISSUE: supported by a color bearer PDF, are also to be used for Brothers purchasing items Garfield scores honors 2 passes, as the Pledge of official reports and other from the National Quarter- Allegiance is recited, and correspondence. master may make payment Fearing education day 2 during the National Anthem. In 2012, 236 new by PayPal. Information for Among announcements, members joined the SUV. Camp table display boards Garfield Lincoln dinner 2 new guidelines and a revised Their average age was 53 is in development. When Fearing triple events 3 application for the SUVCW years of age. Youngest ready, copies can be prov- Eagle Scout Certificate are applicant was 7 years old ided camps for use. An Dennison Memorial Day 3 posted on the national web- and the oldest 86. There are effort is also underway to site. Also, the Dr. Mary 587,955 veterans' burial develop a SUVCW database Lawrence Co. vets 3 Edwards Award and Medal sites recorded in the graves of Civil War Monuments Sherman's Fourth 3 are approved for the registration database. and Memorials to be Commander-in-Chief or a Camps have held 53 available on the Internet. Lytle helps many 4 Department Commander to SUVCW Signature Events National per capita dues present to a sister member of to date, five in Ohio. Over are waived for active duty Sisters of Charity 4 one of the Allied Orders. The 115 Brothers have compl- military personnel serving in Eagle Scout award 5 medal is, "Awarded in grate- eted Memorial University. combat zones defined by the ful appreciation for service to The CinC affirmed it is Department of Defense. Protecting CW graves 5 2012 National honors accorded four Ohio Brothers Memorial University 6 At National Encampment, The Buckeye Bugle, edited Red Carnation Day 6 by Br. Fred Lynch, Sherman Camp 93, garnered the Marshall Hope Award for "Best Department News- Soldiers' letters 6 letter." Br. David Rish, Parrott Camp 33, received the Benjamin F. Stephenson Award as top SUVCW recrui- Last CSA Victim 7-8 ter for 2012 by bringing 11 new members into the Order. Br. Henry Myers, Cadot-Blessing Camp 126, was appointed a National Aide to the CinC as recogn- ition for recruiting five new members in 2012. Br. Ken PCinC Palmer, Freshley, Garfield Camp 142, was elected SUVCW DC Lynch, Br. Rish Br. Lynch with National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. with Stephenson Hope Award Award

Preserving the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and our ancestors who fought to save the Union 1861-65. The Buckeye Bugle page 2

Garfield Camp, Naval Brigade score big hits with parade and ceremony By Br. Pete Hritsko, Garfield Camp 142, Cleveland

Garfield Camp earlier this year SUVCW Junior Vice Commander- scored two big community in-Chief Ken Freshley filled the role service hits honoring history and of keynote speaker during this year's swelling civic pride during rededication ceremony. Northeast Ohio community May 28, the Camp's Memorial Day commemorations. Ceremony at the Tomb of President May 19, Camp 142 joined Sons of James Garfield in Cleveland's Lake Veterans Reserve Ohio Naval View Cemetery included both Brigade Brothers marching together traditional honors and a special in Geneva's parade preceding the visitor. Camp Commander Pete city's ceremony to rededicate their Hritsko placed the camp wreath on Soldiers and Sailor Monument. The the Garfield Monument in honor of monument was originally dedicated veterans killed in service to our (L-R) Brothers Karl Bagpiper Tom Gar- Johnson, Ken Freshley, Tim Aug. 4, 1880 with Presidents James nation, and, Bagpiper Tom Garfield, field, descendant of Graham, Gage Georgeff, Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, and great, great, great grandson of Pres. President Garfield, and Pete Hritsko in William McKinley among disting- Garfield, played "Amazing Grace" as and CC Pete Hritsko Geneva's Monument parade. uished visitors and speakers. part of the solemn gathering. Memorial Day. Fearing Camp holds "Education Day" at Campus Martius May 17 By Br. Dan Hinton, Fearing Camp, Marietta

Camp 2 Brothers welcomed more equipment. Br. Scott Britton hosted At about 2 p.m. when the than 300 eighth grade students from a stop where recruits learned Education Day program ended, each five schools for "Education Day" at concerning local veterans, especially student learned the actual fate of the Campus Martius May 17. those close to them in age. Br. Dan soldier they were representing. The student's "duty day" began Hinton occupied the Camp area and Questions and answers confirmed with "Recruitment" at the registr- educated visitors concerning students gained a very good basic ation tent. Upon arrival, "recruits" Infantry equipment and soldier knowledge of the Civil War. That received assignment to a regiment living conditions. The students were point was reinforced by thank you and the name and rank of a soldier also shown the correct procedure for and well done comments from to represent as they moved through loading and firing the rifled musket. Glenna Hoff, Education Director, the event's eight stations. Brother Jim Miracle participated and Historian Bill Reynolds of the Fearing Camp members staffed with "Carlin's Battery" from Park- Campus Martius Museum. Later, an four stations and served as "Provost ersburg and introduced recruits to eighth grade social studies teacher A Fearing Camp Guides" leading groups of about field artillery. Other participants who participated wrote the Marietta Brother twenty students from place to place. shared knowledge in many "soldier Times: "Creating a classroom educates Marietta One station was a representative life" areas. Kyle Yoho led the without walls and allowing students eighth graders Union Army camp complete with recruits through close order drill. to experience living history is a huge concerning soldier officer wall tent and fly and five Bill Reynolds introduced recruits to task. Thank you Campus Martius for life, duties, individual tents along with equip- Civil War rations. Brothers Keith developing, creating and designing and rations. ment. Br. Marvin Miracle occupied Cowdery, Andy Francis, Charlie this program" Another participant a large fly where he told recruits Miller, and Norm Pape volunteered added, "This was a fine tribute to the about U.S. Cavalry activities and as "provost guides" leading groups. men who 'wore the blue!'" Brother Stark, President Lincoln honored at Garfield Camp dinner By Br. Pete Hritsko, Garfield Camp, Cleveland

James A. Garfield Camp 142 hosted recognition was accorded Brother history of the facility that began as a their fourth annual President Lincoln’s William Stark for outstanding residence home for Ohio’s honorably Birthday Dinner April 21 at Riders Inn of achievement as Camp Graves Regis- discharged Civil War veterans who, 1812 in Painsville. tration Officer. Eliza Garfield SUVCW because of incapacitating disease, wounds, National SUVCW Junior Vice Auxiliary President Sue Freshley and or other cause, were unable to earn a Commander-in-Chief Ken Freshley was daughter Rebecca Fresh-ley facilitated a living. The Lincoln Dinner Committee among special guests. The ceremonial fundraising activity garnering a sizable consisted of Camp SVC Tim Daley, his cake cutting was done by PCC Tim donation made to the Ohio Soldiers and wife and Eliza Garfield Auxiliary Graham. Father Jerome Lukachinsky, Sailors Home Museum at the Ohio Secretary Mary Louise Daley, and CC Pete Camp chaplain, gave the Invocation. Veterans Home in Sandusky. The Hritsko and his wife Judy Hritsko, Eliza During a ceremony at the dinner museum documents the Garfield Auxiliary Vice President. page 3 The Buckeye Bugle

Fearing Camp renders three-fold honors Memorial Day By Br. Dan Hinton, Fearing Camp, Marietta Fearing Camp 2 marched in Sailors Monument on Front The ceremony at Belpre was three parades and participated in Street in Marietta conducted likewise a true tribute to the fallen three ceremonies Memorial by VFW Post 5108 with dead. Brothers Andy Francis and Day. To the parade on the west support from both Camp 2 and Keith Cowdery represented the side of Marietta, the camp the Daughters of Union Camp during a ceremony contributed four blue-suited Veterans. The Brother's three- symbolically passing the nation's riflemen and the National round salute was nicely done. flag from "our" generation (the Colors. Brothers marched from For this and the parade Civil War) to the "new" generation Harmar School to Harmar following, Fearing Camp (active duty service men). Cemetery, where Camp furnished 5 riflemen and the Memorial Day 2012 is one namesake Brig. General National Colors in line of Fearing Camp can proudly say saw Benjamin D. Fearing is buried. march. Br. Charlie Miller's us honoring the memory of the There was later a "joint effort" two grandsons carried the men who wore the blue - - our ceremony at the Soldiers' and Camp Colors. Civil War ancestors. Fearing Camp's Color Guard at Harmer Cemetery. Dennison Camp honors veterans past and present Memorial Day By Br. Jonathan Davis, Dennison Camp, Columbus

Governor Dennison Camp 1 placed honor ceremony takes place Each more than 3,500 flags in Columbus' year in a different, sometimes Greenlawn Cemetery with help of neglected cemetery. This year's about 50 Cub and Boy Scouts Friday ceremony was at Ebenezer May 25. On Saturday, the Camp held Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in its annual Memorial Service there. Pleasant Township (Grove City Monday, May 28, Camp Brothers area) Memorial Day at 3 p. m. in marched in the Grove City Memorial honor of a Revolutionary War Day Parade. Afterwards, a number soldier, two Civil War veterans, attended Franklin County's annual and a Spanish-American and a Grave of Pvt. Peters, "Operation Flag." The veterans' World War II veteran buried there. CW Monument in Ebenezer Cemetery. Greenlawn Cemetery. Cadot-Blessing grave rededications honor two Lawrence Co. soldiers By Br. James Oiler, Cadot-Blessing Camp, Gallipolis Cadot-Blessing Camp 126 of of the assaulting column at the Baker received his Certificate Gallipolis conducted a grave battle of Mt. Sterling, Ky. The of Disability for Discharge rededication ceremony honoring regiment continued pursuing from the Army on January 10, two Civil War soldiers May 5 at Morgan and was active in the 1865 while in Finley Hospital, the Miller Cemetery in Miller, battle of Cynthiana during Washington D.C. Lawrence Co. which Morgan was finally Hosting the event were Baker James M. Baker enlisted in defeated. Thomas R. Baker descendant Art Baker and his Co: B, 45th Kentucky Mounted enlisted in Co: K, 2nd wife Tina of Westerville. Mr. Infantry, U.S. Volunteers on Regiment of the Ohio Cavalry Baker is the great, great, October 10, 1863 at Catletts- on October 18, 1862 at Camp Grandson of James Baker. burg, Ky. He mustered out on Wade in Cleveland. After Members of the camp opened December 24, 1864 after having fighting in over 26 battles, the ceremony with prayer, read fought in more than ten battles including defeating the a history of the two brothers, and skirmishes. Sergeant Baker Confederates at Blountsville and introduced family and participated in the pursuit of and Hairston, Tenn., Corporal guests. The memorial service Camp Bugler and John Hunt Morgan and in June Baker was discharged for concluded with a salute fired Chaplain Br. Henry of 1864 his was among the wounds received during the using Civil War period muskets Myers sounds "Taps." leading regiments that were part battle of Hanover Court House and the sounding of "Taps." of the in Virginia. The Buckeye Bugle page 4

Sherman Camp spotlights Union Army "soldier life" Fourth of July By Br. Fred Lynch, Sherman Camp, Dayton Sherman Camp's contributions Commander Fred Lynch and Mrs. used by several Ohio batteries to the Centerville Americana Barbara Lynch. during the CW, that drew many Festival Fourth of July proved a Brother Grant Bates and friends visitors to the display. Camp friend great Ohio CW 150 living history in the 10th Ohio Independent Willard Motsinger of the Ohio success. About 20,000 people Light Artillery Battery (Re- Valley Civil War Association along the line of march viewed the enactor) contributed a red-white- educated visitors with his artillery camp's float and color guard. blue decorated Camp float with shells and equipment display and Afterwards, about 200 people CW cannon and live performances visited Camp 93's replica Civil of music and songs of the era. vast knowledge of Union artillery. War camp to see their "life of a Ladies of the GAR Department Brother Travis Nartker was the Union soldier" displays. President Carolyn Lewis partici- overnight camp security guard and Brothers Mark Allex, Brent pated at the "Union Camp" talking helped to set up displays and meet Davidson, Al Howey, and Del with visitors concerning how to and greet visitors the day of the Steiner marched the mile-long obtain information concerning event. Camp 93's Color Guard. parade route carrying the ancestors who served during the Camp auxiliary members Camp and National Colors and Civil War. Lincoln Society of Barbara Lynch, Elizabeth Howey, rifles with fixed bayonets. Dayton living historians Bob and Brothers Trevor and Trenton Sarah Koogler in first person as and Kim Nartker ensured Brothers Nartker carried the Camp President and Mrs. Lincoln were well supplied with cold banner at the head of the marched in the parade alongside water, food, and snacks throughout formation. Br. Gregg Nartker SUVCW Brothers. Later both the event marched alongside and took presented educational remarks to It was HOT, HOT, 102 degrees photos of the Camp's parade groups of visitors. Brother Al HOT! But, all Camp Brothers and contingent. Brother Jim Howey entertained all in camp their ladies who participated "did Converse drove his 1989 Ford with bugle calls and tunes. Camp proud" educating visitors and Mustang Convertible as the friend and supporter Mark Camp's official parade vehicle Saunders loaned his Wiard stimulating interest in how Union Mr. Lincoln speaks carrying Department of Ohio cannon, an unusual artillery piece Army soldiers saved the nation. during Festival. Lytle Camp helps genealogists, promotes SUVCW, recruits By Br. Richard A. Davis, Lytle Camp, Lytle Camp Brothers Brothers of General William was a common opening question! communicated information H. Lytle Camp 10 staffed the Lytle Camp donated the cost of concerning the SUVCW to SUVCW booth all day all four the booth. hundreds of interested days. Many times, interested Although Camp participation participants at the National participants were stacked three involved a tremendous number of Genealogical Society’s 2012 and four deep waiting to talk man-hours, the conference was a Family History Conference in with representatives of the rare opportunity to “spread the Cincinnati May 9 -12. Almost Order. Brothers were surprised word” about the Order. Moreover, 2,200 visitors, genealogists, and how many had never heard of in excess of 50 visitors filled out family historians from the the SUVCW, let alone knew request forms to help them find United States plus a few foreign information concerning what are information about potential Union (L-R) PCC Dennis Brown, PCC countries attended. There was a the goals and purposes of the ancestors. With luck, some of Larry Collins, and PDC gigantic exhibit hall filled with organization. “So you’re a these visitors will end up as Charles Reeves at the booth. 150 info booths and displays. group of re-enactors, eh?” SUVCW Brothers! Cincinnati Sons laud Sisters of Charity Civil War nurses By Br. Richard A. Davis, Lytle Camp, Cincinnati On a quiet, tree-shaded knoll in western of Charity in Cincinnati. One of the Cincinnati are the graves of a group of Sisters of Charity at the ceremony noted, Sisters of Charity who served as nurses “More than half of the early Community during the . One of served the soldiers in some capacity - - their number, Mary Ellen O'Connell, who what a legacy to have." became Sister Anthony, was called "The The Sons of Union Veterans were Angel of the Battlefield" and honored by represented by General William H. Lytle induction into the Grand Army of the Camp 10 Brothers, including Camp Republic. She and other “Sister Nurses" Bugler Peter Sturdevant who sounded were remembered and honored in a simple, "Taps" to honor these caring women who U.S. marker for but moving ceremony May 26 at the succored our Union ancestors and their Resting place of Sister Anthony. Mount St. Joseph Cemetery of the Sisters comrades-in-arms so long ago. five Sister Nurses. page 5 The Buckeye Bugle

SUVCW Eagle Scout certificate hard to earn, easy to obtain

Since 1910 the Boy Scouts achieve the status of Eagle “strings attached” other of America have contributed Scout with a special congrat- than that the recipient must to the moral and physical ulatory letter and color Cert- be an Eagle Scout. And, character of our communities ificate of Commendation. usually, the certificate will by offering opportunities for While the SUVCW encou- be presented by a SUVCW young men to experience fun rages any young man in member during an Eagle and adventure while learning Ohio searching for a Court of Honor. skills necessary for good community service project to For more information, citizenship and leadership. look to the SUVCW for contact the Department One of the Sons of Union advice concerning efforts Eagle Scout officer, Brad Veterans of the Civil War's relating to the Civil War, the Tilton. Information is also Brother and Scout many goals and purposes is Department of Ohio offers available on-line at: Travis Nartker with to reward young men who Eagle certificates with no SUVCW Eagle Award. http://suvcw.org/eagle/ How to preserve and protect local cemetery with Civil War graves Courtesy of Ohio Historical Society E-History newsletter - http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/enews/053012e.shtml

The Ohio Historical Society's cemeteries should contact local care for cemeteries by contacting the Preservation Office has compiled law enforcement officers. local news media as well as sponsoring If a cemetery's Civil information concerning how to According to Ohio Revised clean-up days and tours. War memorial needs preserve neglected cemeteries. Start Code Chapter 2909.05, vandalism At the state level, the Ohio Genea- repair, the Ohio with identifying who owns the and other offenses against burial logical Society is a leading advocate Historical Society cemetery. There are basically three for cemetery preservation. In addition, places is a fourth degree felony. suggests SUVCW types of ownership in Ohio: Additionally, a violation of Ohio the Ohio Cemetery Preservation township, municipal and private. Revised Code Chapter 2927.11, Society is a non-profit membership camps contact the Ohio laws pertaining to ceme- defacing commemorative organization and clearinghouse for local officials teries under the jurisdiction of markers, is a second-degree publications, events, and information responsible for the townships can be found in Ohio misdemeanor. Contact the about cemetery significance and cemetery's care. For Revised Code Chapter 517; Ohio county prosecutor concerning preservation. Revised Code Chapter 759 pertains such offenses. The State of Ohio's Department of townships, this is the to cemeteries under the jurisdiction Commerce Division of Real Estate board of trustees; for of municipalities (cities, villages accepts complaints from any person cities, the director of and joint municipal or township against any individual or entity public services; for cemeteries); Ohio Revised Code operating or maintaining a cemetery Chapter 1721 pertains to cemeteries villages, the mayor or under the jurisdiction of (private) registered with the Division of Real board of cemetery cemetery associations. Copies of the Estate. The complaint must relate to an trustees. Ohio Revised Code can be found at activity, practice, policy or procedure your local library, county court- of the cemetery that may adversely house, through legal counsel, or at affect the interest of an owner or family & Professional Licensing, 615 http://codes.ohio.gov/orc . member of an owner of a cemetery lot Superior Ave., 12th Floor, Once ownership is established, or burial, entombment or columbarium Cleveland, OH 44113. SUVCW camps should contact local right. At the national level, the officials responsible for the GAR monument's plaque Association for Gravestone cemetery's care. For townships, this in Dayton cemetery was However, the Division of Real Estate Studies is a leading advocate of is the board of township trustees; for stolen by scrappers. is only authorized to conduct cities, the director of public service; investigations of cemeteries that have cemetery preservation. The for villages, the mayor or board of It may also be useful to contact been active within the past 25 years. association has an Ohio Chapter. cemetery trustees; for jointly-owned legal counsel as well as your state The Cemetery Dispute Resolution For information about grave- cemeteries, the board of township and local representatives and Commission carries out such stone documentation, repair, and trustees and the legislative author- senators. Before approaching investigations. Ohio law pertaining to building public awareness, read A ities of the municipalities; and for elected officials for assistance, it Graveyard Preservation Primer cemetery associations, the trustees such matters can be found in Ohio is important to gather information by Lynette Strangstad published of such associations. on the cemetery's condition. Revised Code Chapter 4767. by the American Association. for Anyone wanting to know how to You can raise public awareness Cemetery complaint forms are prevent or report vandalism at about the need to preserve and available from: Division of Real Estate State and Local History. The Buckeye Bugle page 6

Memorial University a "must do" for SUVCW Camp leaders

The Memorial University better understanding of how the  Each lesson will be graded program includes an officer- SUVCW functions. with each question having a training course for members of The course is designed to help value of five points. the Sons of Union Veterans of the Brothers study the Constitution,  A score of 75 points or more Civil War. The curriculum Regulations, Ritual, and Job is required to successfully consists of 12 lessons and 12 Descriptions of our Order. complete a lesson.

Sons of Union Veterans of the tests. On-line study materials are COURSE INFORMATION  A lesson may be repeated as Civil War - Department of Ohio available for free through the  Course consists of 12 many times as necessary. general index section of SUV’s The Buckeye Bugle is an lessons.  Each lesson is completed at national website: unofficial newsletter published  Each lesson test has 20 the student's leisure, but http://www.suvcw.org/memuniv/ periodically on behalf of questions to answer. course must be completed members of the SUVCW memorialuniv.htm . within 12 months. Department of Ohio. The course is designed for both  The Constitution, Regulations, Ritual, and  Students can only work on one Photos in this issue courtesy of SUVCW members aspiring to lesson at a time. Judy Hritsko Dennis Brown , Job Descriptions are become effective officers and  A certificate and special Wikipedia, and Barbara Lynch leaders in their local camp, in available at suvcw.org .  Ritual questions are based course graduation pin are Items for possible publication their department or at the national presented to Brothers who should be sent by email to: organization level, and those on the 2006 version of the [email protected] Ritual. complete the course. members who want to acquire Fred Lynch, Editor Red Carnation Day honors assassinated President William McKinley Courtesy This Month at the People's House www.ohiostatehouse.org COMING EVENTS The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus carnation or dressed in scarlet.  Oct. 7 - Signature Event - Dayton: observes the 111th anniversary of The celebration commemor- Sherman Camp's Ohio Governor and U.S. President ates the fact that on February 3, Hear the Silent William McKinley’s death Sept. 14. 1904 the Ohio General Assem- Speak; Woodland Exhibits in the Rotunda include a bly enacted legislation making Cemetery 1-5 p.m. looping video made by Thomas the Scarlet Carnation the state  Jan. 12 - Dept. Edison Studios that shares 12 rare, flower. This was done in honor Mid Winter film clips of McKinley including of Ohioan William McKinley, Meeting, "The Martyred Presidents," paying an officer in the 23rd Ohio Columbus tribute to Abraham Lincoln, James Volunteer Infantry during the  June 8 - Dept. Garfield and William McKinley, all Civil War, Ohio governor Encampment, of whom were assassinated in (1892-1896) and U.S. president Columbus  Aug. 8-11 - Natl. office. (1897-1901), who died on Encampment - There are Statehouse tours and September 14, 1901. McKinley Milwaukee discounts in the Museum Shop and regularly wore a red carnation Music for mourners Cafe for individuals wearing a red in his lapel. of Major McKinley.

Letters between battle lines and home important to soldiers, families Longing for home and family was a common emotion among Union soldiers throughout the War Between the States. Regular contact by writing and receiving letters reduced the loneliness and worry of separation. Many soldier letters talk about food: good food, bad food, and inadequate food. Many also express concern for the health and well-being of kin and neighbors back home. Many ask for news of friends serving in other U.S. Army units. A few criticize military age men not serving their country. Some share information concerning battles but mention of fear is rare. Some letters are hard to read. Paper, envelopes, and ink were expensive and not always available. Obtaining postage stamps was difficult and keeping their glue from sticking to everything but the mailing envelope near impossible. Soldiers were required for most of the war to use postage stamps. Postage was three cents both to and from the front lines. Later in the war, troops at the front could write "Soldier's Letter" on the envelope and have the addressee pay the postage cost. Writing on a hardtack box by light of a campfire after a day's march, plus crude handwriting and phonetic spelling common during the era, yielded letters that challenged readers. For example, a letter written in pencil by an Illinois drummer boy communicated to his sister thus: "I rote you a letter the other day in answer to the one that Ulysses coppyed for you, but last Sunday evening I recieved an other from you in your own hand writing which was best of all. I could read every word except one. If you will keep trying you will get so as to wright first rate. You must learn to spell to." Each day, 90,000 letters passed through a mail facility in Washington D.C. Twice that number were processed daily through a similar facility in Louisville, Ky. Delivery was amazingly prompt with about 10 days average travel time for a letter to go from sender to receiver. Many soldiers wrote letters every day and expected their loved ones to do the same. page 7 The Buckeye Bugle

Civil War Sesquicentennial Feature - Patriotic Instruction The BuckeyeThe last Bugle Confederate victim of the American Civil War By Judge William M. Dickson Reprinted by permission of Andy Turner, Gatehouse Press - http://www.gatehouse-press.com

Editor's note: In the American Civil War, 623,656 men died. Private John Jefferson Williams, 34th Indiana Infantry, killed in Texas May 13, 1865, is believed the last Union soldier to die during the war. He is buried in Alexandria National Cemetery, Pineville, La. Major General ended his Civil War career as commander of the Northern Department headquartered in Cincinnati. He married a local lady, Olivia Groesbeck, the wealthy sister of a U. S. Congressman. He is buried in Cincinnati's Spring Grove Cemetery. Brigadier General Augustus Willich recruited German immigrants in the southwestern Ohio region and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, St. Mary's, Ohio.

Gettysburg Magazine editor Andy Turner adds: No one wants to be the last person killed in a war. Thomas Martin, a Kentuckian who was captured in January 1864, had been sentenced to die for being a guerrilla. The punishment was given as a deterrent and no one expected it to be carried out. By May of 1865, however, Martin’s future was not looking good. Joseph Hooker, commanding the Northern Department and headquartered in Cincinnati where Martin was held, ordered Martin’s execution be carried out on May 5th. By May 5, 1865, Robert E. Lee, Joseph E. Johnston, and Richard Taylor had all surrendered their armies. President Lincoln was dead and buried. The war was over. That didn’t stop Hooker. Several people tried to save Martin’s life, including two prominent Cincinnatians: Judge Johann B. Stallo and Judge William M. Dickson. Stallo was the patriarch of Cincinnati’s German community and later became ambassador to Italy. Dickson, married to a cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln, was a founder of the Republican Party.

To the traveler on the old Walnut Hills road, Cincinnati, at noon, May 11, 1865, an unwonted spectacle presented itself. To the south of the road along the ravine near by stood, in solemn silence, a regiment of soldiers facing the road, the companies at each wing at right angles, forming a hollow square. Within this, near the left, stood a squad of soldiers, arms at the shoulder, bearing upon the breast of a youth kneeling erect beside his coffin and facing them at eight paces, with hands unbound and tremorless at his side, and eyes bandaged with a white handkerchief. At the word of command the guns were fired and the youth fell dead.

Thus perished Thomas Martin, the last victim of the great civil war. The war was over, Lee had surrendered, Richmond had been taken, Johnston had yielded, Davis had been captured. Federal and Confederate, the blue and the gray, were fraternizing everywhere save in that lonely ravine, within the corporate limits of Cincinnati, where was being transacted the most revolting deed of war—the deliberate killing by overwhelming power of an unresisting human being. Few of the citizens of Cincinnati were aware of the tragedy at the time; and how few now, as they read this narrative, will recall it. We are living in a time of reminiscences, and the history of this poor Confederate soldier may have its lesson.

Nearly a year before his execution, its victim, a native of Kentucky, had been captured in that State and brought to Cincinnati as a prisoner; there he had been brought before a court-martial upon the charge of being a guerrilla, and had been convicted and sentenced to be shot. He was a mere boy, quite illiterate, unable to read or write; he claimed that he was a regular Confederate soldier, and evidently the distinction between such a soldier and a guerrilla was beyond his knowledge.

At the time this sentence was rendered, no one expected it would be carried into execution. No member of the court, and certainly the military commandant of the city, [Brig.] General August Willich, did not. The sentence had been rendered for its deterrent effect upon the guerrillas in Kentucky. So little did General Willich think the sentence would be executed that he gave the boy his liberty, the freedom of the city, using him as a sort of orderly; and in his intercourse with him he became attached to him. Time passed; and the day when General Hooker would leave the department, of which he had had command since General Sherman’s action retired him from the front, was approaching.

In an evil moment for the victim, General Hooker, in the first days of May, 1865, asked an aide to read over the papers on file in the department, so that he might dispose of them. In so doing, the papers relating to this boy were found. The general had forgotten the case. He inquired whether sentence had been executed. Learning that it had not, he sent for General Willich, his subordinate, and asked for the facts. General Willich stated them as above given. Next day, he received an orderThe from BuckeyeGeneral Hooker directingBugle him to shoot the boy on the 5th of May, then only a few days off. page 8 General Willich was dumbfounded. To shoot the boy who had been his attendant for nearly a year, and

Continued from p. 7 order from General Hooker directing him to shoot the boy on the 5th of May, then only a few days off. General Willich was dumbfounded. To shoot the boy who had been his attendant for nearly a year, and whom he had respected for his faithful conduct, was too much for the stern old soldier of many years and many wars. With tears in his eyes he rushed to Judge Stallo, now our minister at Rome, and besought his interference. Judge Stallo, in turn, came to me and solicited my aid.

Meanwhile General Hooker had left the city to attend the funeral of Mr. Lincoln at Springfield. Therefore I could not reach him. At my request, Mr. Gaither, then Superintendent of Adams Express Company, sent a telegram to Major [Thomas T.] Eckert to be laid before [Secretary of War] Mr. [Edwin M.] Stanton, requesting his intervention. But no order came, and preparations were made for the execution. The boy was dressed for death. The priest, Father [Frederick] Garesche, brother to General [William S.] Rosecrans’s chief of staff—who fell at Stone’s River—attended him. The mournful procession took its way to the ravine, yet General Willich moved slowly, hoping the order for suspension would be received. He left a mounted orderly to wait until the last moment for a telegram from Stanton. Anxiously, imploringly, he looked back for his messenger. At length, to his great joy, in the distance he saw him coming at full speed, holding in his outstretched hand a paper. It was this telegram:

War Department, Washington, D.C., May 5, 1865.

Major-General Joseph Hooker: Suspend the execution of Thomas Martin, to be executed in Cincinnati this day, until further orders.

By order of the President. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

Great was the rejoicing. The soldiers who were to shoot the boy now congratulated him on his escape, and all returned to the city. Alas, how short-lived was this joy! It had been my purpose to advise General Hooker, on his return, of what I had done; but my first knowledge of this was from an aide of his, who delivered a note from the general requesting my presence at his headquarters. The moment I saw Hooker, I discovered that he was under great excitement, which he was striving to suppress, and in this effort he fairly succeeded. He did not look me full in the face, but sat sideways, looking obliquely, ever and anon casting upon me furtive glances. In slow and measured tones, he said:

“Judge Dickson, I was very angry at you on my return and had ordered your arrest; but reconsidered it, and am now more composed.” “Why, you surprise me, General! What is the matter?” “Why, sir, on my return to the city I found my administration of this department had been interfered with; that Martin, whom I had ordered shot, had not been shot; that Mr. Stanton had suspended my order. I immediately telegraphed him, demanding why he interfered. He replied that it was in response to the Gaither telegram—your work. I demanded of him to send me a copy of this telegram, which he did. Oh, yes, sir! I have got it. I know all you did.”

“Well, General, was it not all right?” “No, sir; it was not right. No, sir. Why, sir, when I was in command of the Army of the Potomac, Lincoln would not let me kill a man. Lee killed men every day, and Lee’s army was under discipline; and now, sir, Lincoln is dead, and I will kill this man. Yes, sir, I will. The order is given to shoot him to- morrow, and he will be shot; and don’t you interfere.”

“Did Stanton order you to shoot him?” I inquired. “No, sir. He left the matter in my hands, and I demanded that he be shot—and shot he will be.”

“Well, General,” I again interposed, “this boy was only a guerrilla. The war is over. He belonged to Colonel Judge Dickson Jesse’s command. The papers of this morning tell us that the Government has given Jesse the same terms given Lee; that he is now in Louisville, where he has been feasted and fraternized with by Union officers. Will it not be shocking to shoot here one of his deluded followers?”

“It makes no difference,” replied the general. “Louisville is not in my department. I am not responsible for what is done there. I will do my duty in my own. I will kill him. Yes, sir, I will; and that to-morrow.”

The image of the speaker rises before me with startling distinctness. The manner as well as the words indicated that his mind was oppressed with the thought that Lincoln’s humanity had thwarted his career. In some way it seemed to him a relief to sacrifice the boy. Hence his eagerness that the opportunity should not escape him. As I gazed upon the man the uppermost thought in my mind was, not the brutality of his act, nor yet pity for the fated youth, - - though these thoughts were not absent, - - but simple amazement that such a man, only a few months before, in a supreme crisis, should have held in the hollow of his hand, as it were, the fate of this mighty nation.

But why revise these harrowing incidents of the war? As well ask, Why tell the story of the war at all? If it is to be told, let us have the whole. Let the young not be misled; the dread reality has something else than the pomp and circumstance, however glorious. Besides, there will be other wars and other generals. Let these remember that an abuse of power will sooner or later rise up in judgment against them. . . . W. M. Dickson