Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-02-04
Annual Report of Soldiers Aid
Society, Warren, Ohio, from Sept
1, 1851. to Feb. 1. 1883.

"hSA ~ nv a. Ilc Cd1l
for volunteers they gave literally of their
money and time. Material was obtained,
and between one and two hundred shirts,
nearly as many pairs of drawers and
socks were prepared, and given to those
who left fer the field. Then came ac-
counts of the restitution in hospitals, and
feeling that something more effective
must be done, the organization of u Sol
diers' Aid Society was decided upon, at a
meeting of the Benevolent Circle, August,
1861.
Mrs. Heman R. Harmon was chosen
President, Mrs. Charles Howard, Vice
President, and Mrs. J. N. Stull, Secretary
and Treasurer, and a Committee of four
to prepare work. Friday of each week
was selected as a day of meeting.
No Constitution or Bylaws were pre-
pared, and no names taken, leaving the
matter of attendance free to every one.
Having no funds on hand, a Mite Society
was appointed. 1t was soon evident that
the amount obtained by this method fail
ed to furnish the needed material to keep
busy the willing hands that were ready
to help in a work so good. The treasury
became nearly exhausted, when the older
portion of the community, assisted by
some of the younger, gave an Old Folks
Concert, which proved a perfect success,
and placed in the treasury S2I8. Billson's
Band gave to the Aid Society one-half
the proceeds of a rehearsal, and though
well attended, the net receipts were but
1888. Many private donations of money
have been received, none of which seem
ed more Providential han three dollars
from Mr.. Krouse when there was but one
shilling in the treasury. We have also
received innumerable articles equally as
useful as money from, others. We are
greatly indebted to II. C. Belden, ESQ.,,
for the use of his Office, in which the
Society has held its meetings, and for
which he refuses remuneration. May he
realize the fulfllment of the promise
that 1.-The liberal soul shall be made fat"
We have also received material aid from
dnymen,>who have kindly offered their
services without charge in the transpor-
tation of our goods to the depot. We
have received from Fowler two boxes of
hospital stores also from Bloomfield one
box of lint and bandages, we forwarded
to Cleveland. Fifty-fve boxes and six
barrels of miscellaneous articles have
been shipped, a greater portion to the Pa
rent Society, at Cleveland, some to regi-
ments in which were companies from our
county. We have received many &C.
acknowledgements expressive Of the graft
tude of the recipients. Surgeon j. T.
Smith, of the I'd Cavalry, while at Fort
Scott, in his acknowledgement of a box
sen them, says: I'VE feel very grateful
to you for having sent us this fruit it is
just what we want now. The Ladies of
Northern Ohio, may God bless them, have
lone a vast amount of good, and have
brought smiles to the faces of many q sad
We have many men just recov-
from severe sickness and to sueh cas-
IS the fruit yOu send is particularly benef-
Again, Mr.. B. G. Wheeler, Wash
-ngton D. c., says: / advise you that your
barrel of toast arrived in excellent condi-
lion, and the Ladies who have distributed
it say it is quite as good as If just roasted
and they are quite unwilling to believe it
las been made two months. 1t is indeed
L great luxury to the sick soldiers. The
at Cleveland in speaking of
,rutches. sent them, say, 'they are sadly
needed. You have always sent u gener-
BUS supplies of these" Allow US here to
say hat these were donated to u by Mr..
W. Messer. Hsl
The subjoined list comprises nearly all
the articles We have shipped to friends at
4 distance. We have however, furnished
rations for several Companies, and parts
Of companies when leaving for camp, in
which we have been materially aided by
residing in the country, surround
ng our Village. We have also by aid
rom the same source furnished oyer two
hundred blankets to soldiers in camp.
We have been cheered, rewarded and
our hands strengthened in this labor of
owe, by the testimonials of those who
nave witnessed the distribution of arti-
les, sent by the Aid Societies, and listen
ID to the heartfelt expressions of graft
ude as they fell from the psllidlips of the
lick soldier. Our work seems but just be
Jun, every breeze from the South is ladened
With claims of new objects for sympathy,
md assistance.
From the interest manifested since the
organization of OurSociety, we can assure
he Soldier that he Will not be forgotten
~ us, and that the good we can do will
,e done cheerfully while there is call for
id. ~
The following is the number of articles
Iisbursed from Sept. LIST, 1861, to Feb. LIST,
1863.
omforts & Blankets. 81 Combs,a 50
ed Tick. 80 Prs Pant. .....- IS
Ilows 9 Toats.----- l9
s,..a-.--.---~ us Crutehes,~~---.-- sos
hirts .....-..-...-....... $50 Flannel Congresses Is
RS Drawers.-..... -. 100 Gallons Catsup.-.- 81