The National tribune., 1884-01-03
Cleveland Branch Of the National Ex-Prisoners'
Association.
To The Editor NArIoyAl TRIBUNE:


To The Editor NATIoSAL TRIBUNE:
The history Of the Cleveland branch Of the
National Association Of Ex-Union Prisoners
of War illustrates, perhaps, better than any
similar organization the awakened interest in
this association so noticeable ali over the eoun-
try Two years ago crippled veteran applied
to 5lr. G. c. Shanklin for so.ae assistance. On
his breast, halfllid by his ragged coat, he wore
badge Of membership III a prisoners association.
Mr. Shanklin told your correspondent recently
that this battle-searred veteran and his prison
ers' badge suggested to him the idea Of putting
on foot movement TO organize an association
/ in Cleveland. He knew of but TWO or three
other ex-pIis0ners besides himself but these
three-Dr. III. w. Kitchen, DR.. HI. J. Herrick
and Colonel T. II. Davis three prominent citi-
zens-intcrested themselves warmly in the
matter and a call was issued for a meeting of
/ prisoners for February 2. 1852 This meet
ing was held in Mr. Shanklin's place Of bust
ness. and nearly fifty were present. The at
tendance at the first meeting was a surprise TO
the projectors Of the movement.
An organization was perfected By the cleo
4 ton OF DR.. Kitchen as president; 4. T. Dixon,
! yice-p president: C. c. Shanklin, secretary and
! treasurer and " ii. Williamson, adiutant.
These gentlemen are all well known citizens,
and with these at the head the association
! Immediately took recognition among the
per annum, and no initiation fee was charged.
The local papers aided it very materially
I by publishing the list Of all who signed
therol. The result is that the association
now numbers a membership Of one hundred
and forty-fve ex-pTisoners
The citizens interested themselves IN fhe
4 rather novel society 1t had By a statement 0!
/ its objects and aims. enlisted boih the syInpa-
thy and substantial aid OF all CLASSES. One 0!
I tle first works Of this esteem was the presenta-
/ ton by the citizens OF a magnificent stand OF
! colors-a silken flag and costly banner. OF
course, with such encouragement and By m
4 firing energy and unfagging interest, the or
ganization prospered. 1t is now permanently
4 located IN handsome rooms in the City Hall
building. It's regular meetings are well at
I tended, and occasional entertainments are
/ given for the purpose of raising funds. Camp
fires are frequently held. to which the families
and friends OF the members are invited, and re.
Gently the " DrGmmer-Boy OF Shiloh was
( presented in the opera house for the associa.
tons benefit, in which the original drummer
boy Of Shiloh participated, aided by yolunteel
local talent.
But one of the principal features Of the as
sociation's work is its assistance 10 poor and
needy comrades. It has hunted up those
who endured the privations and suffer
inSs OF southern prisons. and done for them
what 1t could. Several comrades unable tt
work have been sept tothe Soldiers Home, and
their families cared for recent case will
illustrate the kind OF work it is doing In /
hoyei was found the family Of an ex-prisoner-
! the mother and four children, the father lyin,
helpless with chronic rheumatism. The
were very destitute, and the association tool
charge Of them. The father is now recoyerin.
from his sickness at the Soldiers Home, ant
his wife and children are ont of want. In sucl
work rs this other soldier associations lend thei
aid. There are many cx-prisoners' association
in the country whose history is simila
to this: and il shows what can be done by worl
and earnest zeal in good cause. The presen
officers are: II. 7. Britton, president; E. Il
Hart and ID. c. Nesbit, vice. presidents; j. c
Palmer, recording secretary; c. G. Shanklin
corresponding secretary and treasurer, Cleye
Land, Ohio.