COVER

 Minutes of Washington Infantry Veteran Corps.

Organized - Jan. 30th, 1891




PAGE 1
Member of the Washington Infantry - previous to the year 1861 - who served during the war of the Rebellion - April 1861 to June 1865 - and now living January 30th 1891 -

 

1    Thomas A. Rowley           Died - 1892

1.      David B. Morris                 City

2.      John D McFarland             City

3.      George W. Bowers           City

4.      George Perkins                 City - Post Office

5.      J. H. Elliot                          City

6.      Sydney J. Brauff                Allegheny City

7.      Luke Loomis Jr.                Pittsburgh

8.      Samuel Long                     Allegheny City

9.      Charles Marthens 

10.  Alexander Caskey            83 Craig St. Allegheny

11.  William M. Hartzell            City

12.  Thomas Smythe               City

13.  George Thompson            Allegheny City

14.  George S. Wood               Unknown

15.  Thomas Maxwell               Grafton, Pa

16.  George W. Keifer              Unknown

17.  William H. Cromer            Homestead, Pa

18.  H.P. Callow 

19.  Guyan M. Irwin

20.  Foster Alward                    Verona, Pa

21.  Amzi Bateman                  City

 


PAGE 3
War Veterans who joined the Washington Infantry - April 1861-

Thomas M Shannon
Emanuel Ecker
James McGuire
Joseph Sawyer
William L. Hunzeker
Rudolph Hunzeker
Charles R Henry
Samuel Newtown
Edward D Brush
Simeon R Loomie
William J Sterling
James C Ritchey
Frank C Calhoun
Welchor Varner
George F. Morgan
William O Snowden


PAGE 5
Washington Infantry
                        Pittsburgh January 30 - 1891

Persuant to call, issued, January 20th 1891, by Capt. A.P. Shannon for a meeting of the war veterans of the Wash. Infantry, for the purpose of forming a "Veteran Corps" - and other matters of interest, the following survivors responded to the call and answered to roll-call:

David B. Morris
George W. Bowers
George Perkins
J. H. Elliott
Luke Loomis Jr.
Charles Marthens
Alex Caskey
Thomas Smythe
William H. Cromer
Melshor Varner
Thomas M Shannon
Emanuel Ecker
James McGuire
Joseph Sawyer
Rudolph Hunzeker
Charles R Henry
Edward D. Brush
Simeon R Loomis

The meeting was called to order on motion of Capt. George W. Bowers, by nominating "Col. D.B Morris" as "Temporary Chairman" and "George Perkins" as "Tem. Secretary."  Comrade Col. Morris on assuming the "Chair" briefly thanked his old comrades for the honor conferred upon him, and stated the object for which the meeting was called, namely - To form a "Veteran Corp." of the old comrade of the Washington Inf. To keep alive that spirit of patriotism which animated us all in the dark days of out country's history - viz. from 1861 to 1865.




PAGE 6

After remarks by Comrades Bowers, Smythe, Varner, Hunzeker and others- on motion of George Perkins that "we organize a Veteran Corps. to be known as the "Washington Infantry Veteran Corps."" - the motion being duly seconded after remarks by Comrades Hunzeker - Ecker - Bower, and others, was put to vote and carried unanimously, - The following members names were then handed to the Secretary (See pages 1 & 3 for list).
   
The next business in order being the "Election of permanent officers" of the "Association: Comrade Smythe offered a motion the "Officer" consists of President,
V-President, Secretary and Treasurer; - Carried, Capt. Bower nominated Col. D B. Morris for President Comrade Hunzeker do Capt. Geo W Bower for Vice President Capt. Bower do Geo Perkins for Secretary and Treasurer.  The officers as nominated were then unanimously elected.
NOTE: (Are we elected to serve for three years or during the war or during the life and good behavior.)

Capt. A P Shannon then briefly addressed the meeting and stated that it had long been his desire, as well as, that of the present active members of the "Washington Infantry" to get the old "War Veterans" former members of this company together and form a "Veteran Association" among themselves to take part with the present "Company" in its annual parades, or any other occasions, if deemed advisable, assuring them that they should at all times be assigned the positions of honor in public parades, that we could occupy the Company's Armory, free of all expense and closed his remark by cordially

Page 7 (continued from page 6)

inviting the comrades to join with them on the occasion of their next parade, which will occur on Monday, February 23rd 1891 at 12:30 noon-sharp to proceed to Allegheny City to take part in the unveiling of the "Equestrian Stature of General George Washington."
The "Captain's" offer was accepted with the thanks of the comrades present and on motion it was agreed to turn out with the "Company" on February 23, 1891 in citizens dress - fatigue caps - whole gloves and canes.
On motion of Comrade Smythe, a committee of five be appointed with Capt. G W Bower, as Chairman, to procure suitable badges to be worn by the "Corps" on this - out first parade carried.

The President then announced the following as the Committee for processing Badges,

Capt. G W Bower, Chairman
Capt. A P Shannon
Com. M Varner
Com. Rud. Hunzeker
Com. Frank Calhoun

Entertaining remarks were then make by Comrades Ecker - Varner, Bower, Shannon, President Morris and others.
Receipts of the Evening
    Com. S R Loomie --------------------- $1.00
Motion was then made to adjourn until Friday Evening February 6th at 7:30 PM in this Hall, Carried.  Meeting then adjourned in due form.
        Geo Perkins - Secretary




PAGE 8
 

February 6th, 1891

The regular meeting of the "Veteran Corps" was held this evening the meeting was called to order at 8:45 PM with Col. D B Morris in the Chair and Geo Perkins as Secretary.

Members present - D B Morris - Geo W Bower - Rudolph Hunzeker - Emanuel Ecker - Harry Rowley - Wm Cromer - John D Hughes, Geo Perkins, Frank C Calhoun

On motion that the reading of the minutes of last regular meeting be dispensed with it was put to cote and so ordered.

Capt. G W Bower - Chairman on "Committee on Badges", then reported that he had visited several "Establishments" and inspected designs, patterns and prices and stated that he has been offered a nice appropriate Badge at a price not to exceed 35 cents each if in lot of not less than 50 badges and recommended the Badge as the Best and Cheapest that they had seen.  His report was then duly received and on motion, of Capt. A P Shannon, it being duly seconded, that the Committee be instructed to procure the Badge, as before stated, and that each member be assessed the sum of one (1) dollar to pay for the Badges, and the Surplus be retained in the Treasury for other future expenses. After discussion by several of the Comrades, the motion was then put and unanimously carried.

Capt. Shannon then stated that the "Veteran Corps" should be at no expense for Music, as the Company themselves would provide for that. Also would furnish Fatigue Caps for our first parade.  It was then suggested by President Morris that several of the members had spoken to him as to the propensity of the Organization having Officers elected

Page 9 (continued from page 8)

to command them when out on Parades.  After discussion by Comrades Ecker - Hughes - Calhoun - Rowley - Bower - Shannon and others it was finally decided to postpone action until our next Regular Meeting, February 13th when it was hoped to have a longer attendance of members and that the Secretary be requested to send "Postal Bands Notice" of meeting to as many members as possible.

In the meantime Capt. Shannon then requested before adjournment that the Comrades remain a short time and hear Mr. Vance, a member of his Company recite "Little Jim", Mr. Vance then entertained the Comrades by reciting "Little Jim" in a very creditable manner.  President Morris then announced that there would be a Meeting of Members of the "Old 13th Penna. Vols."  held at the Central Hotel on Wednesday Eve. February 11th at 7:30 PM Sharp, and requested all members who could possibly do so to be present.

Capt. Shannon then handed the Secretary a letter from Maj. Geo F Morgan, of Pension Agency Chicago. He then suggested that the "Corps" procure suitable Markers to use when on parade, and it was also mentioned by President Morris that the Flag of the "Old 13 Regt" which was in the possession of General Alex Hays, Post 3, G.A.R had consented to let the Comrades use it on the occasion of their parade, February 23rd next, after discussion the matter was left over for future action.




PAGE 10

Receipts of the Evening
    Col. D B Morris - - - - - - - - - - - $1.00
    Com. G W Bower - - - - - - - - - -  1 -
    Com. Harry J Rowley - - - - - - -   1 -
    Com. John D Hughes - - - - - - - - 1 -
    Com. F C Calhoun - - - - - - - - - - 1 -
    Com. Emanuel Ecker - - - - - - - -  1 -
    Com. Wm Cromer - - - - - - - - - -  1 -
    Com. Rudolph Hunzeker  - - - - -  $ .50
    Total                        7. 50

Paid Capt. Bower $5.00 on account of Badges.

Meeting then adjourned in due form at 10 PM
        Geo Perkins - Secretary


Page 11 (Correspondence pasted into the book)

U.S. Pension Agency

ISAAC CLEMENTS, AGENT.                          CHICAGO,  1/29   1891

Capt A. P. Shannon

Dear Sir

I am in receipt of your kind invitation to be present at a meeting of the War Veterans of the Washington Infantry on the evening of January 30th 1891.  And I deeply regret that I cannot be with you.

I wish however to be enrolled a Member and perhaps it may be my good luck to meet with you at some future time.

With best wishes for the success of the organization and long life with much happiness for my old Comrades.

 

                                                            I am

                                                                Very truly yours

                                                                        Geo F. Morgan



PAGE 13

HEADQUARTERS
WASHINGTON INFANTRY VET. CORPS
City Hall
Pittsburgh February 13th, 1891

Meeting was called to order at 8:20 PM.
President Morris in the Chair and Geo Perkins Secretary.
The president announced the first business in order would be the reading of the minutes of our two former meetings.  The Secretary then read the minutes of the meetings held on January 30th, 1891 and February 6th, 1891.  There being no objections or altercations offered they were approved as read.

Captain Shannon then announced to the meeting that his Company has sent an order East for Two Silk Markers to be presented to the Corps previous to our first parade February 23rd.  Next on motion a vote of thanks was offered and unanimously adopted tendering the thanks of the Veteran Corps to Capt. Shannon and his generous Company for their great kindness to us in this and other matters.

It was stated that Gusky would furnish suitable Canes for the Comrades for our first parade free of cost to the members, but after discussion by the comrades it was decided to not accept the offer as they would bear the firms advertisement upon them and we did not yet propose to become advertising mediums for anyone.  The Secretary was then instructed to procure suitable canes and have them at this hall in time for our first parade February 23rd next at 12 o'clock noon.

Comrade Perkins then stated that he had intended (continued on page 14)

PAGE 14 (Continued from page 13)

at our last stated meeting bringing to the notice of the Comrades the fact that the Johnston Medal now said to be held illegally and that he thought it the duty of the Comrades to take some action for its recovery.  As it was held in violation of the conditions upon which the Medal was donated as it was to be held by the Volunteer Militia of Allegheny County to be contested for annually.  And therefore should not be held by the National Guard of the State and to bring the matter before the meeting he moved the appointment of a Committee consisting of Col. Morris and Capt. Shannon be appointed to take proper legal measures to secure the medal on motion Major J H Elliott and Lieut. Matthew W. Boyes were added to the Committee with power to adopt what measures they deemed best to carry out their purpose in this shape the resolution was unanimously adopted.

The Secretary then read a letter from Comrade James Patchell late Col. Of 102nd P.V.V. from Union City Indiana dated February 10th 1891 expressing his regret at not being able to be with us but expressing warmest sympathy for the success of the organization - Letter attached as part of record of minutes -

Receipts
James A Bowen       $1.00
James F Maguire       1.00
Matthew W. Boyce     1.00
Wm. J Sterling            1.00
                      Total -  $4.00



PAGE 15

Member present John D Hughes, JH Elliott, David B. Morris, William H. Cromer, Samuel Long, Matthew W Boyce, James Hunt, James F. Maguire, James A Bowen, William J. Sterling, George W. Bower and Secretary George Perkins.

It being now 10 o'clock PM Comrade Sterling moved we now adjourn until Friday Evening February 20th at 7:3- PM, Carried - meeting then adjourned in due form
        George Perkins - Secretary


PAGE 15 (Correspondence pasted into the book)

George W. Patchell, Editor,
Times,
Job Work Solicited.

West Oak Street,
Union City, Indiana, 2/10 1891

Dear Comrades,
    Your invitation and (unknown word).  The meeting of the Veteran Corps of the Washington Infantry at (unknown) and it is with the greatest regret that I cannot be with you.  Owing to the distance intervening, but although not able to be with you personally I will in spirit for I never can forget the men that I stood shoulder to shoulder with fighting for God and Country.  Possibly at some future date I may be permitted to meet withy you and revive old recollections of the dark days of /61 to /65.

      With kindest regards for you and your organization I remain your friend and Comrade.

                                                                        James Patchell

Late Col. 102 P.V.V.



PAGE 17

HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON INFANTRY
VETERAN CORPS. PITTSBURGH, February 20th 1891.

A regular meeting of the Veteran Corps was help this evening Col. D B Morris presiding and Captain George W. Bowers - acting as Secretary - pro term

Meeting was called to order at 8 PM and owing to the absence of Secretary.  The reading of the minutes were dispensed with.

Comrade Bower of Committee on Badges reported that he had seen Mr. Reineman this evening and that Plate for printing Badges had not yet arrived from the East by Mr. Reineman said that he would work on it Sunday in order to have them done in time.

Comrade A P Shannon of Committee on "Johnston Medal" reports and after reading rules governing shooting contests for the "Medal" it was decided that for the present no further action be taken on the subject.  On motion put and carried to meet in this hall on Monday next February 23rd at 11 o'clock AM for drill.

There bring nothing further in way of business the meeting then adjourned in due form.
                                                                                    Geo W. Bower

                                                                                     Acting Secretary pro term


P.S. No record was given me of numbers or names of members present at this meeting. George Perkins- Secretary and Treasurer


PAGE 19

HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON INFANTRY
VETERAN CORPS PITTSBURGH, February 23rd, 1891
Monday - 12:30 Noon

The 22nd day of February 1891 coming upon Sunday: This being Washington's birthday and the day upon which the Washington Infantry have at all times had their annual parade.  Was this day also observed by a new epoch in the history of this now famous and historical company.

The equestrian Statue of General George Washington erected in the Allegheny City Public Park by the Junior Order United American Mechanics was this day unveiled and presented by them to the City of Allegheny with very imposing ceremonies.  The day was all that could be desired for an out door celebration and the Order paraded the principal streets of the two cities and passed in review at the monument as the finds of the grand parade.

The Washington Infantry and the members of the Veteran Corps assembled at the Armory promptly at the hour designated in General Order No. 1 issued by Capt. A P Shannon February 13th, 1891.  After the distribution of Badges, Canes, Fatigue Caps, Etc. to the members of the Veteran Corps.  They were formed in line and proceeded to the Drill Room where they were drilled by Col. Morris and Capt. Shannon in some of the ordinary movements of the drill room and the old Comrades acquitted themselves well to be thirty years out of practice.  Col. Morris then was requested to bring the Veterans in line and to a Front Face when Capt. Shannon Commanding the Washington (PAGE 12) Infantry having given a similar order to his company stepped forward and on behalf of the members of his company presented a pair of beautiful Silk (can't read word) to the members of the Veteran Corps in a happy and appropriate address.

It was received on behalf of the Veteran Corps by Col. D B Morris in a brief but well chosen address - Three cheers and a Tiger were then given for the donors who responded by giving three rousing cheers and a jig that made old city hall fairly quake.

The line was then formed as follows (and proceeds from the hall and went of the route as for attached clippings-
- E A Montooth Cornet Band-
- Washington Infantry Veteran Corps - 30 men
- Col. D B Morris Commanding
- Washington Infantry Capt. A P Shannon - 60 men
1st Street Niebaum
2nd Street Guilfuss

The Veteran Corps were assigned the position of honor and in addition to carrying the two beautiful Silk (don't read word), also carried The Old Torn Battle Flags of the Old 13th and 102nd Penn. Regiment that were carried through the war from the Battle of Falling Waters in 1861 to Fipe Forks (can't read word) 1865. The old veterans marched well all things considered and came in for a good share of applause as many points on the line of march. It was a matter of universal regret that our old Commander General Thomas A Rowley was unable to walk with us by the Old Veteran (PAGE 13) put in an appearance in a Carriage and started out with us but in some (can't read word) got flanked on the line of march and was lost to the greater portion of the route.

Following Members Reported for Duty
1. Gen. Thomas A. Rowley - Flanked and lost early in the day
2. Col. David B Morris
3. Major J H Elliott
4. Capt. Geo W. Bower
5. Capt. Thomas Maxwell
6. Capt. Foster Alward
7. Lieut. Luke Loomis Jr.
8. Lieut. John D Hughes
9. W J Sterling
10. Rudy Hunzeker
11. Geo. H Woods
12. Wm. H Cromer
13. Samuel Long
14. Geo Perkins
15. William T. Hunzeker
16. James Maguire
17. Thomas G. Smythe
18. Emanuel Ecker
19. James E Bowen
20. Edward D. Brush
21. William Culp
22. Joseph Langstaff
23. Joseph Sawyer
24. Charles F. Henry
25. James Hrent
26. William J Orr
27. Capt. A P Shannon
28. William F Turner
29. Samual Newton

Receipts:
-  D B Morris                1.00
-  G W Bower              1.00
-  J H Elliott                  1.00
-  Geo Perkins             1.00
-  Wm. F Turner          .00
-  Rudy Hunzeker        0.50
-  W J Orr                    0.50
-  Foster Alward          1.00
-  A P Shannon            1.00
-  Geo H Woods          1.00
-  Edward D Brush      1.00
-  Joseph Langstaff     1.00
-  William Culp            1.00
-  Samuel Long           1.00
-  Joseph Sawyer        1.00
-  Thomas G. Smythe  0.50
    Total                        14.50


PAGE 22


Pittsburgh June 3rd, 1892

Meeting of the Veterans called to order at 8:45 PM by President D B Morris in the Chair.

A motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of last meetings - carried.

The meeting was called for the purpose if adopting a uniform and fixing a regular night for meetings.

After discussion the following Uniform was unanimously adopted.

Uniform - Full G.A.R. Suit, State Buttons - Grant Hat with gold cord, white gloves, light colored came, and Veteran badges which shall be the full uniform.

Meeting Night - This first Friday evening of every month was unanimously adopted as the Regular Meeting Night, The Veteran Corps on all parades are to be under the command of Captain or Captain Commanding Washing Infantry and to be called upon for Parades some as his company.

Members Present;
- Col. D B Bower
- Geo W Keifer
- Luke Loomis Jr.
- Kelsey
- Wm. F. Turner
- Wm. J Orr

Meeting adjourned about 10 PM.
        Geo W Bower - Secretary pro term

PAGE 147

Receipts
January 30th 1891 - Simon R Loomis - $1.00
February 6th 1891 - Cash from Eight Comrades - $7.50
February 13th 1891 - Cash from Four Comrades - $4.00
February 23rd 1891 - Cash from 16 Comrades ($3.50 ea.) - $14.50

Expenditures
January 30th 1891 - For Book of Minutes - $0.40
February 9th 1891 - Acct. of Badges for Capt. (don't know word) - $5.00
February 23rd 1891 - Bal. Of Badges for Capt. (don't know word) - $12.50
February 23rd 1891 - 25 - loans - $1.25

 

These minutes were graciously provided by Tim Perkins.