Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-04-17
Soldiers Monument in Steuben.


town Of Steuben during the last three
years. must have noticed, near the center
of the Parade ground" just in front Of
the MON Church. a fine granite monu-
ment, erected-as the lettered plinth it.
self proclaims-by the "citizens of Steuben,
in honor of the brave men whose nam es H.,
bears"
A Soldiers Monuments are, seemingly,
just tributes of gratitude to our fallen he
roes, who gave their services and their
lives, a voluntary sacrifice, to the perpe-
tuty Of the Union, and our cherished re-
publican institutions, perhaps a few words
this one in Steuben. may not be destitute
OF interest TO the readers OF the .iaericdn.
In writing of mementoes of the Rebell-
ion, do not wish to be understood as adj
vocating tina, policy which would ,n- IN
granite or marble To commemorate our VIC
tories over our now southern friends. and
thereby perpetuate the luminosity and I'M
kind feelings, engendered by the war; nor
can | subscribe TO that other doctrine-of
which our Senator Sumner is the acknowl-
remind us of our terrible struggle for the
National lite should be oblterated, so;
hope we may never forget our obligations
TO the boys in blue" And how can we
more iiuingly express our gratitude TO
these brave men. than by erecting monu-
ments, which, Is everlasting records, shall
hand down 10 posterity their names and
deeds
This Steuben Monument was erected in
lS63, under the auspicies of the Soldiers
Aid Society. which, during the war, had
been doing noble work aud making gener-
Gus contributions TO our sanitary hospi-
tails and at the time Of Lees surrender,
had on hand quite an amount OF articles
intended for our sick soldiers which that
happy event made 1t unnecessary TO for
ward. The society, however decided to
continue their Organization. to hold fairs
and levees, until by the sale OF those ar
ticles, and by contribution, they should be
able to build Soldiers monument.
This plan they strictly adhered to. and
zealously carried out. until success crown
ed their efforts, and their treasury contain
ed the requisite sum to purchase, and cause
to be erected the monument. 1t is proper
however, to say. that their funds were ill.,
creased by subscription, by the amount of
$751; 90, which was contributed by citizens
of the town. and that liberal aid was given
by all friends of the cause, in grading and
preparing the ground for the monument.
To complete the enterprise however it
was found desirable to have it surrounded
by suitable iron fence; to raise money
for which, the same society, during the
past winter have given some evening en-
tertainments known as sOciables-consist-
ing of music. vocal and instrumental,
theatricals, cO.lations &c.; and by these
meetings have collected the sum Of sl25,-
90; and at the same time, they have en-
titled themselves to the gratitude Of every
lover of ''gOod time for furnishing the
means, for SO many evenings Of pure, So
cial, enjoyment. w.,
The monument is. Of Sullivan granite,
and was made TO order BY Arnold & Simp-
son, at cost. in Sullivan, of 3O5. 90. 1t is
IL feet high and contains the names Of
every citizen of Steaben. who died In the
service, (29 in ALL
The whole amount ofmOney received in
to the treasury Of the society to date Is
t646, 90, this seems quite . large sum Of
money to be raised by sewing society :"
but all who have attended society fairs,
need not to be told that when the ladies'
mean money, they leave no ''stone unturn-
ed" no device untried, by which it is pos
sible 10 extract ''scrip'' from the pockets
of the Lords Of creation
To every passer by, this monument
speakes Of the patriotism Of the people-of
the energy and perseverance OF the Aid
Society; and, in its silent language, it
seems to say, 70 every Indifferent voter,
and schewing politician, Remember for
schom dndfsr phat voc died."
tx"