The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-09-27

Ottawa Post Organized with Hurrah.
The organization known as the Grand Ar
my Of the Republic was at one time quite
strong in this city and ilourlshed until John
A. Logan and Others attempted to make 1t
and did for time use it as part of the re-
publican machine, when, large proportion
of its members being democrats, Ottawa
Posts camp fire went out and the command
with one accord deserted
Lately, the politics having been wecded out
of the G.. \. r. old soldiers hcreabouts have
desired to see the post recognized, and to
rekindlc the fires and revive old memories.
The preliminary steps to this end have been
noted from time to time in the FREE TRADER
and now we have to record that on last Mon.
day the formal muster in took place with the
utmost enthusiasm.
That it should be done in fitting manner,
neighboring Posts of the county were invited,
all OF whom responded heartily. Mendoza came
some - or 20 strong; Tonica came "a strong
and the new l'onica band-a very creditable
organization in new uniforms; and Streator
with us many more, with their excellent
Light Guard Band.
The muster in took place at 4 o'clock at
Odd Fellows Hall. There were 50 names.
Capt. Henderson was ia charge, assisted by
members of visiting Posts. The following
officers were then elected for this Post: Ed.
II. Smith, commander; r. G. Gibson, senior
vice; L. y. Nattinger, junior vice; j. b. lIar
Fis, officer Of the day;J. +. Rlordan, quarter
master; q. b. Barnes, chaplain; r. +. Dyer,
surgeon; j. T. Maher, officer of the guard;
D. +. Hit, judge advocate.
After supper at the hotels, the guests and
newly organized Post marched to Turn Hall,
where campfire wa, kindled, and all sat
down 20 renew old memories, congratulate
themselves on their return and speak patriot
ic words for the ediication of soldiers and
civilians.
The evening exercises were very interest
ing and enthusiastic. Turn Hall was filled
with comrades and spectators, both ladies
and gentlemen. The members Of the Grand
Army occupied seats on the floor, and the
bands occupied the stage. Comradc 7. G.
Fullerton acted as master of ceremonies, and
having stated the object of the gathering,
called on Drum Major Longton, of the Light
Guard Band, for music. The band responded
with an excellent selection, and were fol-
lowed by the Arion Quartette. The Quartette
captured the house at once, and were most
enthusiastically received. Having responded
to an encore, they were followed by L. w.
Brewer, who made graceful address Of well
come. The Quartette again sang, when Rev.
j. II. Shay responded to the sentiment,
1.-THE Union Army" with some "reminiscences,
both witty and pathetic, of his experience
The Tonlca band then played Marching
through Georgia." in which many of the
boys Joined heartily in song. An apology
having been made for Mr.. Mayo, down for
THE war of 1860" A. j. Mixsch, OF Chicago,
made very neat address on Lookout
Mountain" The Quartette then sang that
old song, "In the Prison Cell Sit, which
was rapturously received, and an encore, the
Champagne song, sung. Maj. Widmer having
failed to appear with "The Skirmish Line"
7. W. vncUA responded with 'Our Wound
cd and Disabled SoldIers." froi. Doi,uvvu,
of the sanitary commission then gave, a reel.
tstion, the Grand Review at Washington, pic
turing the dead of the war as taking part in
the review. The Quartette then sang "The
Battle Cry Of Freedom" which reused the
audience to a high pitch OF enthusiasm. An
encore Of the song was called for, and on the
singing the boys joined in the chorus, swing
ing their hats and throwing them into the
air. The song was followed by cheers for
the flag aud cheers for the programme.
When order was restored, Murdoch, Streator,
q bachelor, was introduced to respond to
the toast, "The Loyal Women" More mu-
sic followed, 10y the band and the Quartette,
when the Streator band closed by playing
Home, Sweet Home; but the boys didn't go
home for many an hour after they left the
hall.
The new Post was most happily instituted
and will flourish.
NJ. Stielcl &; Co. have the largest stock of
trunks in Ottawa, and will sell you q well |