The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-04-12

us.
From a small squad to full company
had we increased in membership; from
a nightly contribution to pay running
expenses to bank deposit OF 5000; from
nightly raids on neighboring wood piles
to coal bin of our own. From an un.
recognized unappreciated position we
came to be recognized by friends outside
we pressed our claim to
recognition by strictly following the
fires the Clergy, Judges, Lawyers and
best of citizens often meet The town
began to vote us $50 yearly to defray
memorial expenses.
Our greatest achievement. that which
affords US the most pleasure to point to
next to caring for needy, deserving
comrades) is this Post Room, the fur
nishing of which is due 10 generous
friends who share with us the pride we
take in pointing to this as proof that
our service as soldiers is not forgotten
by them. Most of the pictures that
adorn the walls and several valuable
volumes in our library were presented
by the vetrens friend, brevet comra lie
Col. LeGrand C. Tibbits.
Since our institution 1872 members
have been mustered. 1871 Vt. Vol. 81
N. Y, ID Mass, 2 N. H.. Conn, Ia,
Me-, U. S. NJ. c.. U. s. N, 6 U. S.
A. Transferred to other posts, 10; dis
charged, 10; died, II, present. member
ship, 1914,
The net receipts from all sources are
$4974.7l; disbursements, $4723 "a; in
Quartermaster's hands, $251 II. 1874
has been expended for relief. The post
property is inventoried 1921.
AS post we have made four visits to
North Adams, four to Hoosick Falls,
one to Rutland. one to Troy and one to
Cambridge. Several delegates too have
been sent to Arlington, Manchester and
Pownal. These visits have been very
pleasant, The aquaintances formed
have ripend into friendship which we
wish to continue as loug as we live. 1t
has been great pleasure to entertain
comrades from these posts at our camp
fires. The National Encampment at
Albany in 70, Baltimore in 'S2 Denver
in 'S3, Minneapolis in "a Portland in
IS, San Francisco in 'S6 and st. Louis
in 87, has been attended by members
and delegates from this post. 1t will be
hot day when we cant have Frost or
send Valentine with our Brevet Com
rade Hawks to a National Encampment
This post from the outset has occu
pied a prominent position among the
posts in the Department. At the first
session after our institution S. V. Dept
G. and Dept. Chap, were chosen from
its members In 1888, with one of the
most prominent comrades of the State
as candidate, we succeeded in electing
our most honored member Department
Commander, and by so doing furnished
the Department Commander whose
love for and zeal in Grand Army mat
ters, with superior executive abilities
were rewarded by the greatest increase
of membership in proportion to the mum
Der of ex soldiers among our population
of any Department in the Union. At
the 1885 encampment again a S. V. d.
Com. was furnished. AT our encamp
ment in 1887 S. V. D. Com. was also
taken from this post. Important ap
pointments we're given at each session.
The points furnished by the 18th have
not been forgotten by our delegates. II
they could not capture the Head Quart
er flag they got the staff.
Seeing the need of such assistance as
woman only can render in our work of
charity, steps were taken to organize a
a Ladies' Relief Corps. On the second
of Nov. 1888 such corps was organized.
Not only have these loyal ladies taken
upon themselves nearly all the relief
work of the post but, mindful of the
true significance of the fraternity of our
motto, have improved every opportu-
nifty to contribute to the welfare and
comfort of the comrades.
Desiring that the object of our motto
be carried out, to caring for the last
surviving veteran and to perpetuate the
principles that are dear to us. the sons
of veterans are being trained for that
purpose. On Nov. 2Sth, 1888 camp
was organized, and it now bids fair to
be worthy successor.
The following commanders have serv.
this post: A. G. Pdtchen, VIM. II. Cady.
A. NJ. Downs. j. l. L0omis, L. S. Frost,
j. A. N. Williams, d, NJ. Blackmer, N.
M. Putfer, W. II. Sears. j. z. Frost, G. E,
Graves, and j. Z Frost is again in COM
mand.
The opening of the Soldiers Home
here was brought about by the deter
mined efforts of a member, 1t has
brought us an increase of members and
prize in the shape of its Governor.
AS an organization, sustained for the
good of its members. Custer Post stands
In the way of vigorous prosperity. We
had few unruly members. They were
tried, sentenced and hung on our walls.
While there they may not add to the
beauty of our hall but they give us less
trouble and are more regular in attend
ance than before.
Comrades the memories of the bitter
struggle through which we passed, the
ever present realiz Ition that our ranks
are being broken ach year by death, the
graves of our comrades growing thicker
in our cemeteries and more markers are
required each memorial day; the con-
seriousness that those spared to continue
life's way are responsible, to a great ex-
tent, for the care of the widows and
orphans of the comrades gone before,
should keep fresh and warm the broth
Prly regard upon which The foundation
of the Grand Army rests so securely.
One week ago to night one of our most
respected comrades was present at his
post. babe him goodnight as he left
this hall. He was apparently in the full
enjoyment of health with as fair pros
poets for years as any of us. Yesterday
| was shocked to hear of his sudden
death. 1t has cast gloom over this
anniversary. By it we lose one OF our
most faithful and devoted members, al.
ways at his post and none were 80 ready
and willing to do as comrade Hathaway.
No member of this post was as efficient
at our camp-fres and entertainments.
Twill attempt no eulogy, but brotherly
regard cOmpels me to speak of him.
As soldier be was always ready aud as
brave as the bravestI as a citizen, one
an honor to any community as a hus
band and father. kind, devoted and afr
fectiOnate; as comrade, one that every
comrade loved, respected and honored.
Tomorrow as we follow him to his
last cImping ground and mingle our
tears with those Of his bereaved family
and friends, let Us TesolV9 to emulate
his example and honor his memory so
that when we must obey the bugle call
to bivouac with the HrandArmy that has
crossed the river, we may hear the wei
come Of our Great Commander saying;
well done good and faithful soldiers
there is no stain on your record.
CORRESPONDENCE.