The Vinton record. [volume] (M'arthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1866-1891, 1869-06-17
Mr.. George w. Miller furn.

| 1920 N"S 'NAS"Ah6 ANPS VI
the decoration of soldiers
graves by the citizens of Mt,
Pleasant and vicinity, under
the direction of Butler Post
No. 271, G. A. R:
The occasion was looked forward
Co with much interest by the men,
bers OF the Post and the citizens OF
the vicinity. The Post took all ne
cessary measures to make the occa I.
sion one OF interest and benefit. Com
mittees were appointed for oil the
grave yards in reasonable distance,
and speakers procured. Ladies of
each community assisted in procur-
ing flowers and arranging them in
various beautiful ways, God bless
the loyal ladies of our land, who by
kind and cheering words buoyed up
the drooring spirit of those borne
down by burden OF the toll and strife
of war, and who still retain in their
hearts the memory OF those who sac
rificed their lives that our country
might live and all American citizens
might enjoy the rights and liberties
of freemn forever.
The hour Of nine A. NJ, was the
time appointed for the services at
llesboro, Fairview and and Ebenezer
Chapel, Mount Zion and Pleasant
Valley grave yards. The ceremonies
to be conducted in Mt. Pleasant at
two O'Clock, p NJ, in order that the
several committees could report their
proceedings and convene together.
The committees Of each place did
all that could be expected.
Large assemblies were gathered at
each place In professions including
the Sabbath Schools and citizens, and
marching around the tonbs of the
departed heroes, strewing them with
flowers and singing our national
hymns. Comrade Lewis Z. Simmons,
Esq, addressed the crowd at Ebene.
ze' Church, in a most fitting and rev.
erential speech, followed in a few re
marks by Capt. John S. Witherspoon.
AT llesboro the ceremonies were con,
Quoted by j. II. Parrott, P. G, of But
Ter Post concluding with u few re-
marks and prayer by Rev. John
Geach. At Fairview, comrade AM
drew Clark conducted the decoration
which was concluded with a few re-
marks by comrade j. E. McVey. At
the other two places comrade j. S.
Karnt attended to the decoration and
those graves were silently covered
with flowers leaving the ashes of the
fallen heroes to rest in peace until
Gabriels trumpet shall arouse the
sleeping millions.
Long before the hour appointed for
the commencement, a large crowd
was quietly gathered in the little
own of Mt. Pleasant; upon give n
'ignul the members of the G. A. r.
and formed in two ranks
,ear their hall and were presented
With boquets, wreaths and flowers in
,eniously arranged, and all those who
elt inclined were invited to "fall in "
md march in procession.
All repaired to the church where
he services we're opened by comrade
=. d. Simmons, Chaplain, by reading
portion of Scripture and prayer.
jomrade Simmons then addressed the
audience IN short speech, followed
~ Capt ii. G. Jones, of Macarthur.
The reports OF the several committees
we're tEen .publically read. showing
what had been accomplished at other
places.
The procession was then formed in
ront of the Church, @. A. r. in front,
aides next and many citizens re-
,aired to the grave yard, and decorated
he graves OF the fallen brave" The
ceremonies closed with the pronounc-
ng of the divine benediction. The
Post operated over an extent of ten
niles, decorating fifteen graves. The
of Butler Post repaired to
heir hall and passed vote of thanks
% the ladies and all who took part in
he ceremonies, A vote Of thanks
vas given to comrades Jones and
Simmons. Yours truly,
GEORGE w. MILLER, p. A.