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First Annual Reunion of the Twenty-Sixth Missouri Reunion of the Twenty-Sixth Missouri The survivors of the 26th Infantry, Missouri Volunteers held their first reunion in Washington, Wednesday. The weather was very unpropitious, and there were several other circumstances which prevented it being as large a reunion as was anticipated, but the number present was sufficient to effect a permanent organization. Those who answered to the roll call were: Lieut. Col. John McFall, Maj. R. C. Crowell; Lieut. John T. Crowe, Company I; Robert B. Denny, Captain Company E; W. H. Mengel, Captain company H; J. M. Richardson, Thomas B. Evans, A. J. Robertson and Samuel Campbell, of Company F; R. H. Kirkland and J. N. Prichett of Company A; J. Casey and E. Goude of Company G; Ferdinand David, 10th Missouri Calvalry, Company L; Willis Bledsoe, of Company I; Chritstain Rohrback, of Company B; Joseph Bay, of Company K, and John A. Poolman drummer, of Company A. Col. McFall was elected temporary Chairman, and John t. Crow temporary Secretary. After the transaction of routine business a permanent organization was affected by the election of Col. B. D. Dean, President; Capt. W. H. Mengel and J. A. Niebling, Vice Presidents; Secretary and Treasurer, Lieut. John T. Crowe and J. A. Niebling. Owing to illness Col. B. D. Dean could not attend. The next reunion will be held in Union, in October 1890. The Tribune September 5, 1890 1 REUNION OF THE 26TH MO. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS A Glorious Day for the old Boys. The 2nd annual reunion of the 26 Mo. will be long remembered by our citizens. The old soldiers began to arrive on Saturday. The first to arrive being Israel Banks who is nearly sightless and John Casey, who is totally blind. These two old soldiers walked from Linn, Osage county; a distance of about sixty miles. By Tuesday night Union was well filled with soldiers, most of them coming from the south half of the county, but there were several from other points, among them we note, besides Col. Dean, George Morris, of Hillsborough Ill. A. M. Schimpff, of Peoria, Ill., Capt. W. H. Mengel, California, Mo. J. N. Picket, wife and lady friend of Sorento, Ill., George McPhail, Hillsborough, Ill., John S. Stevenson, Donaldson, Ill., H. S. Page, St. Louis, J. A. Pohlmann, Fergurson, Mo., Capt. W. M. Robinson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, County Clerk Thos. J. Ellis of Maries co. Mo., R. H. Kirkland, of Sorento, Ill., R. L. Price and wife St. Louis, Capt. F. G. Schoenen, Osage City, Mo., C. S. Rohberg, California Mo., Adolph Ketner and A. Lutz of Tipton and Judge T. M. Rice of Boonville. The business meeting was held in the Circuit Court room Wednesday at 9 A. M. At the call of the roll some seventy survivors of the regiment answered to their names. A letter of regret was read from Maj. R. C. Crowell of Kansas City. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Col. B. D. Dean of Lebanon, Mo., President; Capt. Wm. M. Robinson, of Grand Rapids, Michigan First Vice President, Capt. F. G. Schoenen of Osage City second Vice president; Capt. John T. Crowe, of Union, Mo. Secretary and Treasurer. It was decided to hold the next annual reunion at Donaldson, Ill., the county which furnished Company A of the regiment. After the adjournment of the meeting a procession was formed, which marched through the principal streets to the City Park, where a barbecue was given the old soldiers and their friends by the citizens of Union. There were over 1000 present, 300 of whom were old soldiers. Arriving upon the picnic grounds an address of welcome was delivered by J. C. Kiskaddon, Esq. He was replied to by Judge T. M. Rice, of Boonville, Mo. Short remarks were made by Capt. Robinson of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Capt. W. H. Mengel of California, Mo. Kiskaddon in his address of welcome took occasion to review the proud record of the old 26th Mo. and to dwell on the memories and lessons of the war. His remarks as well as those of the other speakers were well received. About 12:30 dinner was announced to which all were invited. The dinner consisted of two beeves, two hogs, and two sheep, which had been barbecued near the ground and lots of chickens, bread, cakes, pies, coffee, etc. The dinner was a compliment to the good ladies who had assisted in preparing it. After dinner Col. Dean read an address highly appropriate to the occasion. He was followed by H. Calkins of Shotwell, Col. A. W. Maupin then spoke for a few moments. The Col. Raised the regiment by direct instructions from the War department which he received twenty-nine years ago yesterday. The Hon. J. W. Booth of Washington also made a few appropriate remarks which were well received. There was a genuine love feast in the Circuit Court room at night which was crowded with ladies, old soldiers and other citizens. Many old songs were sung. Some were sung by the ladies alone, some by the soldiers and some by all. A. L. Schrimpff of Peoria, Illinois led off in the remarks. He was followed by short talks which included personal reminiscences and stories by the old soldiers. Among those who spoke we remember, Andrew J. Robertson, Israel Banks, Jake Fisher, E. F. Socier, H. Calkins and others. The meeting did not adjourn until 11 P. M. Thursday the last old soldier took his departure. All of them apparently well pleased with the affair, which was certainly highly interesting and agreeable to our citizens. NOTES Col. A. W. Maupin is a mighty handy all round man on such an occasion. What could or would an old soldier�s reunion be in Franklin county without Bill Lewis, Jake Fisher and Tom Evins. The two first to sing and Tom as a general utility man. The success of the Barbecue is largely due to the untiring exertions of John H. Pugh chairman of the committee of Ways and Means. Valuable assistance was also rendered him by Joseph Eckert, Mrs. Whitson, Mrs. H. Wiesel, Mrs. A. W. Hoffman, Mrs. Anna Vitt, Miss Carrie Chamberlain and others. PERSONALS We regret that our limited space and time restrict personal notices of our distinguished soldier visitors to the following: Colonel Dean of course comes first. Col. B. D. Dean was born in Ohio, Oct. 7th, 1828. He came to the state of Mo. in 1858, and after farming a couple of years in Calaway, Co. settled in Union, Franklin Co. in �60. At the organization of the 26th, he raised Company F and commanded it as captain until, during the siege of Vicksburg, the colonel of the regiment, Col. Boomer, being killed, he was promoted from captain of his company to colonel of the regiment and commanded it until the close of the war. Since the war, the career of Col. Dean has been familiar to the most of our citizens. He was a successful business man of Washington, this county, and our own town of Union. He filled with credit, in addition to other public trust, the offices of Mayor of Union and Collector and Treasurer of the county. In 1877, to the regret of his many friends, he removed to the then young but promising city of Sedalia. Rumor says judicious investments in real estate in that city has added very materially by appreciation in value, his already well earned competency. In 1888 he again moved his home, and located in Lebenon, this state, where he still resides with his life partner and their two sons, -- quietly, void alike of care for the present or fear for the future, awaiting the final muster out. Their only other child, a daughter, is married and lives in California. The colonel loves to return to Union, his old home, where he affirms he is bound by ties of pleasurable and by sad recollections, that can never be served only by death, and he always meets with hearty receptions from his old neighbors and friends as well as soldier comrades. Col. T. M. Rice also hails from the Buckeye state, where he was born in 1830. He came to Missouri in �58, to practice his profession, the law. He entered the 26th at its organization as Captain of Co. G. On account of ill health, he resigned and was absent for some months during the Vicksburg campaign. As soon as his health would admit of it, he was in perfect misery until he got back to the boys once more, -- on his return trip, he was offered a higher position in another command, but nothing but the old 26th would do him. He re-entered the regiment as adjutant, but soon was promoted to his old command, captain of his company. Just before the close of the war, Capt. Rice received in quick succession commissions as Major, Lieut. and Colonel, but by some crook of the service, was not "mustered" in his promoted ranks. Several years after the war closed, the war department confirmed his rank of colonel, with pay and emoluments of same. Col. Rice lives in Boonville, Mo., where he is a prominent member of the bar, and has served one term as circuit judge. He is man of family. Captain Wm. M. Robinson on of the most "solid" men of the organization in every sense of the term was born in New York in 1836, but like other men of his calibre drifted out west at an early day. At the formation of the regiment, he was on the list as 2nd Lieutenant of Co. B, but was soon promoted to captain of Co. A. He put in full time in the regiment. Since War�s wild blast was blown, and gentle peace returned, he has put in the most of his time in the lumber business in the pine regions of the north, residing at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has met such success that he is now, though but in the prime of life, able to retire from business. Robert L. Price was born in Johnson Co. Mo. in 1840. He was a member of Co. A, through the war, a private we believe, but now, his soldierly appearance and every other qualifications, we warrant would assure him a colonel�s commission if occasion would demand his re-entering the service. He now resides in St. Louis, where he does honor to the office of deputy city Marshall. F. G. Schoenen was born in Germany in 1840, came to America in �48 and settled in Missouri in �58. He commenced service in the 26th as Lieut. of D, and finished as captain of the company. He now lives at Osage City, Mo. and diversifies farming with running a steamboat on the Osage river. W. H. Mengel is the "orphan boy" and lively Dutchman of the organization. He was born in Germany in 1828, came to America at the age of ten. His first service was in the U. S. Reserve corps of Mo. from which he was kindly mustered out by act of congress a year or so ago. Notwithstanding his continued service in that command, he filled the offices of 2nd and 1st Lieutenant in Co. G, 26th and as Captain of Co. H. The first year after the war he was in partnership with Col. Dean in merchandising and lumber business at California, Mo. He�s one of the liveliest of the boys. A. L. Schimpff is a noted member. He was born in Germany in 1844. He accompanied the 26th some before being allowed to enlist, on account of his age. In May �62 he enlisted in Co. A as drummer boy. He is said to be the worst wounded man of the command to survive the battle of Champion Hill, where he was shot through the left shoulder. His home is at Peoria, Ill. where he keeps a "cold storage" warehouse and is a bank director. G. W. McPhail was born in Illinois in 1843. After 3 months service in the 12th Ill. Vol. Inf., he enlisted in Co. A, 26th Mo. On account of his accurate memory, he should be historian of the regiment. He was corporal in his company; is now a farmer near Hillsborough, Illinois. J. S. Stevens was born in the city of New York, in 1829 and came west in 1850. After five year�s service in the U. S. Navy, he enlisted in Co. A, 26th Mo. After his long service he is still a well preserved and fine appearing man, and interesting talker. He now lives on a farm near Donaldson, Illinois. I was our intention to have made a brief mention of all the old soldiers, who visited Union, but there were so many of them, we found it utterly impossible to notice all, so we make personal mention of none but the most distinguished, who came from outside the county. The Tribune-Republican, October 14, 1892 1 26th Missouri Reunion Editor Tribune Republican; On the 3rd and 4th of October the reunion of the 26th Missouri brought to our city quite a number of old soldiers and all report having a good time. Our citizens with one exception welcomed these old soldiers with open arms and warm hands. This one exception we will call "Deacon", at one time a R. R. conductor, but now running a second hand hotel at this place, who, when the committee in charge of arrangements, asked him how many visitors he could accommodate, informed them that he had no room for Dutch and hogs. We hope that not one of the visitors will take any exception at the remarks of this venerable old "Deacon" for all our old citizens know well, when in the dark days of �60-�65 this same venerable old "Deacon" would have kissed the feet of every member of the 26th Missouri to protect him (his body, for he never owned any property) and when the 26th Missouri was marching to the front, where the fire was the thickest, this same venerable old "Deacon" was hiding behind his mother-in-law�s cook stove, where the fire was the warmest. The committee, without the aid of the "Deacon�s" second handed hotel, arranged with Mesdames Lebe:, Zieger, and Laugenbucher for ample room to house these who attended the reunion. Again I ask the visitors to not take to heart the remarks made by the "Deacon" and in conclusion did more word for the old "Deacon": When you kneel in prayer at your bedside, ask Him __ _____ to forgive you, telling Him in your prayer "Lord forgive me, I know not what I said." The Tribune-Republican THE REUNION A SUCCESS The reunion of old soldiers with us Friday and Saturday of last week was quite a success. There was not a very large number of the members of the regiments that called the reunion present, but enough other comrades came to make quite a respectable � and respectful � company of the old boys, some wearing the blue, and many with only the little, cannon metal button to tell where they had been. All were surprised at the non-appearance of Col. Dean, president of the association of the 26th Infantry, that had called the reunion. Not was any word of explanation received of his absence. Major Lusk of Jefferson City, the ever-since-the-war circuit clerk of Cole county, was with the few of his boys left to "rally round the flag" (but six besides the major) during the day Friday, but was unexpectedly called home Saturday morning. The J. H. Weirich post, G. A. R. of Spring Bluff, came in a body 14 strong. Some were prevented from coming by sickness and others by business engagements. Those coming were Thos. Daniels, Herman Mathies, Frederick Weirich, Geo. Hoether, Geo. Mehl, John Caldwell, Thos. Evins, John Shearbaum, Chas. Schmidt, Phil. Landwehr, H. Gherkin, Joe Rath, Sebastian Schatz, Irvin Isom. They had a fine flag and made a good appearance. Vehicles were supplied for the ladies and those who did not feel like making the trip afoot � most of the carriages being furnished gratuitously from the Vitt livery stable, -- and all proceeded to the City park, accompanied by the Union Cornet and the colored bands playing alternately national and patriotic airs. The park was found in splendid order. Under the shade of the grand old elms and sycamores, where the ground was carpeted with a fine spread of blue grass, ample seating had been arranged � under one tree was a platform and music stand between two other huge giants of the forest, a hundred feet or more apart was a well arranged table, invitingly spread and decorated, -- by the wives and daughters of the veterans. It was the special charge of the Ladies� Aid to the A. J. Seay camp S. of V. The culinary and dining room departments were well managed by them, - a few eatery _____ rendering a little assistance and an experienced colored staff at their command. Col. A. W. Maupin made a brief address before dinner, one of his usual style, but most of the day was devoted to good hard visiting, with variations of music, vocal and by the bands. A bounteous dinner was served to everybody on the ground and all the visitors were loud in their praise of "them beans" and the coffee. The shades of evening came full soon, and all repaired to the city for supper. Friday evening was spent by many in the circuit court room. The meeting was announced as a camp-fire. Comrade Crowe was called to the chair and made brief, appropriate remarks. Col. A. W. Maupin was slow to respond to the call for a talk, but when he did, it came straight from the shoulder. Comrade Fisher gave a very interesting recital of incidents of his trip to Louisville, Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and Comrade Reeves of Crawford county gave a good short soldier�s talk. The Glee Club diversified the evening with "Tenting Tonight on the Old Campground," and the colored band rendered music. The meeting adjourned in the best of cheer. The sky had been threatening rain for a day or two � and nearly all had expected it sure, during the reunion. But Saturday proved as pleasant a day as Friday. It was a typical American autumnal day, when one has but little choice between sun and shade � it is pleasant everywhere. Farmers� teams were rattling into town hours before Comrade Shooks rattled out the "long-roll" from his drum on the square. Another long column was formed and another march made to the camp ground. Carriages were in attendance again this day and all who did not feel able to walk, might ride to the park. All comfortable at the grounds, Mayor Lowe made a short but patriotic speech of welcome to the visiting comrades. In the absence of Maj. Crowell of Kansas City, who was on the programme for that purpose, Capt. J. T. Crowe on behalf of the comrades made very brief but appropriate response A letter from Maj. Crowell explaining his absence and sending words of good cheer to his comrades was read. In response to call, Wm. M. Meyersieck was escorted to the stand and made a short speech, which being entirely impromptu, has few superiors in the English language in the great essentials for off-hand speeches, - principled, brevity, clear delivery, and a point in every sentence. Reciting incidents of soldiering and music, - "The Army Beau" � etc. and the band filled up the rest of the afternoon. Comrade Lindner�s Forest Rose Band was on duty today, and visitors were especially loud in their praise of its music. Another feast was had at the dinner table. Yesterday it was baked beans, ham bean soup was the leading dish. But there was an abundance of all the essentials and again all served free. No charges were made on grounds for anything. All were fed, and large amounts were left. The leading feature of the afternoon was the sample (hardly model) drill in the infantry tactics given by Capt. Crowe and a detail of old soldiers. They obeyed orders, both in the manual and in field evolutions very well for "Boys" who hadn�t been there before for some thirty years. He also exercised the Sons of Veterans a little. The Sons also made a very fine display as they marched from their camp with colors flying and band proceeding them to the grounds. Their muskets were used in the drill. Col. Maupin responded to the call again and made another talk in the afternoon. In his usual interesting style he gave a brief review of the history and services of the three regiments for the survivors of which this reunion was called. If there�s a man in the state familiar with the records, these regiments carved for themselves on so many hotly contested battlefields of the great War of the Rebellion, it is Col. Maupin. And all who know the colonel, know that he can tell what he knows, especially of the subject matter of soldiering. His recital was interesting especially to those who helped to make that record and now live to hear it related. Many said again, the time came too soon to leave the "old camp ground." We may say as the poet said, -- "slowly and sadly they climed the distant hill," on their return to many of them from their last reunion. The Spring Bluff poet, through their commander, returned thanks from the stand for their reception and the hospitality and kindness shown them by the citizens of Union. Each regimental organization � the 17th and the 26th, at their executive meetings, respectively passed resolutions to the same effect. BUSINESS MEETING At the business meeting of the 26th Mo. Association the minutes of former reunion and report of treasurer and secretary read and approved. The old officers were re-elected for the ensuing year. New Haven, Franklin county, Mo., selected as the next place for our reunion, - time to be agreed upon by the officers of the different associations. Resolutions of thanks to the citizens of Union, to the Frank Wilhelm post, G. A. R. and the different bands for favors shown during the reunion, were passed. Comrades of the 26th in attendance were � J. T. Crowe, Wm. Meyersieck and A. A. Vitt, of Union; John Carter, Sullivan; Henry Helling, Kiel; F. J. Weirich, Champion City; Andy J. Roberson, Elmont; Chas. Schmidt, Spring Bluff; J. E. Vaughn, Jeffriesburg; W. H. Root and lady, Washville, Ill; J. N. Pricket and daughter, Miss Addie, Sorento, Ill.; H. Poeling, Pacific; Herman Peirich, Moselle; Louis Laubinger, Ben Anderson, J. W. Armstead of Stanton; Carroll McCallister, Wm. McCallister and Wilson Jones, Morrellton; R. B. Denny, Hemker; and Fritz Detmer, New Haven. Franklin County Tribune Soldiers� Reunion Comrades: -- The annual reunion of the 17th and 26th Mo. Inf. Volunteers, and 10th Mo. Cav. Reg�t, will be held at Sullivan, Mo., on Sept. 10 and 11. One of the features of the entertainment will be a visit to the grand caves on the Meramec, near Sullivan. Comrades, come and unite once more around the camp fires, sing old army songs, and talk over the incidents of army life. Who knows for how many of us this may be the last time we shall be privileged to give and receive the hand clasp of comradeship this side of the great beyond. All those who wore the gray are cordially invited to meet with us. All comrades receiving this notice will please notify either of the undersigned as to the probability of their attendance on or before the 6th day of September. John T. Crowe, Sec�y 26th Mo. regt�l Ass�n. W. J. Lindner, Sec�y 17th Mo. Regt�l Ass�n. Unknown Newspaper Veterans� Reunion The joint reunion of the 17th and 26th Regiments, Mo. Vol. Inf. and 10th Mo. Cav. was held in Union last Saturday, Sept. 19. Owing to the great age of many of the veterans there were not many members of those regiments present, but there were a number of other old comrades here so that a jolly good time was had. A procession was formed in the public square a little after one p.m., headed by the Union Cornet Band and the Blue and Grey Field Drum Corps of St. Louis and marched to the city park, where in the absence of Mayor A. J. Gorg, an address of welcome was delivered by Captain J. M. Owen of Union. Col. John McFall of the 26th responded. Both speeches were appropriate to the occasion and were well received by those present. These were followed by brief remarks by Captain J. T. Crowe, Homer Calkins of Pacific and others. These speeches were interspersed with music by the band and the drum corps, at the conclusion of which the old soldiers enjoyed themselves by reminiscent stories and social intercourse, one of the most enjoyable incidents of the day being a quadrille dance by four old veterans. At night a joint business meeting was held in Kramolowsky�s hall. It was unanimously agreed that the three regiments would hereafter meet in Union each year unless some special occasion would take them elsewhere. The old officers of both the 17th and 26th regiments were re-elected. The officers of the 17th being H. Winkelmeyer, president, and W. J. Lindner, secretary; of the 26th they are Col. John McFall, president, and Captain Jno. T. Crowe, secretary. Before adjournment the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we thank to His Honor, Mayor A. J. Gorg, and Ex-Mayor A. A. Vitt and the citizens of Union in general for the kind reception and pleasant treatment accorded us during the reunion. Resolved, That we extend our thanks to the fife and drum corps of St. Louis for the excellent and appropriate music rendered on this occasion. Resolved, That we thank Mr. Anton Kramolowsky for the use of his hall and his courteous and generous treatment. Among those present were: Of The 17th Mo. Henry Boensing, Kauffman, Ill. Of the 26th Mo. Col. John McFall, St. Louis Union, Franklin County, Missouri, Friday May 21, 1915 1 Article from unknown newspaper Surviving Officers of the 26th Missouri. On the 10th of May, there met in Union the only surviving commissioned officers of the 26th Reg. Mo. Inft, Vol�s. They are Capt. W. H. Mengel, Capt. B. R. Denny and Capt. J. T. Crowe. All seemed well and enjoying life notwithstanding the fact that it has been over fifty years since they were mustered out and each one is perfectly capable of assuming the "position of a soldier" or giving and executing military commands. These three men enlisted in the 26th Reg. when it was being recruited and were with it until they were mustered out early in 1865. Capt. Mengel, who is in his 77th year, engaged in business with Col. B. D. Dean, at Washington, Mo., where he has grown to manhood and has for many years been one of the leading business men of the town. Capt. Denny came from Kentucky when a boy and has lived in this county since 1849. He is in his 76th year. Capt. Crowe is a native of this county and will be 74 years old next December. All of these men are well and favorably known in the county, for, in addition to their patriotic service for the country in the dark days of the war, they have been chosen by the people of this county to serve them in various civil positions. Capt. Denny represented the 2nd district of the county in the General Assembly in 1869 and was for many years judge of the county court where he made an enviable reputation for good judgment and business ability. He lives near Lonedell and has always been a progressive, successful farmer and a leading citizen of the county. Capt. Crowe has been judge of the Probate court, sheriff and represented Franklin county in the 36th General Assembly. He also was deputy U.S. Revenue Collector for years. He lives near Beaufort an in addition to managing his farm, engages in R.R. tie business, is notary public and general advisor and leading citizen of the community. In spite of their age and the hardships endured during more than three years of service, these men are well preserved, physically and mentally, and it would be a difficult task to find another trio who are as entertaining when they meet and relate some of their experiences as soldiers, or as agreeable social companions on any occasion. The 26th Regiment was organized at Pacific, Mo., Dec. 31st, 1861, and soon thereafter went into active service and took part in many engagements, some of the more important being Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, Siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Missionary Ridge, the capture of Atlanta from "Atlanta to the Sea" with Gen. Sherman and was mustered out at Washington D.C. early in 1865. The three survivors, whose picture heads this column, enjoyed meeting each other and their many friends here and spent the day in exchange of reminicences of their experience as soldiers and social intercourse with their friends who in parting wished for them many more years of health and happiness, hoping they might hold their Annual reunions at this place hereafter. And now "May God be with you �til we meet again." Sources 1 Newspaper article
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