Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-05-31
GIVING A DAY TO THE DEAD.
Auspicious Observance Of Memorial Day
by the United People Of Audubon.

building was draped with emblems de-
noting the melancholy recollections of
the day, while innumerable flags rep
resented the patriotic spirit of the city.
At lis p. m, every business house was
closed to customers while the proprie
tors united their efforts to promote the
exercises of the day. The streets were
lined with quiet, patriotic throng that
had gathered from every quarter of the
county. 1t was an assemblage eminent
ly representative of the county's citizen
ship-orderly, intelligent, patriotic and
God-fearing. At 2 o'clock the various
Grand Army and civic organizations
filed from their respective halls, and the
procession was formed by Capt. Foster,
marshal of the day, and his assistants,
in the following order:
Ladies' COrnet Band-12.
Chas. Stuart Camp, Sons of Vetcrans-20
Allison Relief Corpse.
Public Scholastic.
Nishnabotna Tribe, |. o. r. Mo-
Fire Departments.
Audubon COrnet Band-12.
Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias-27.
Allison Post, G. A. RS.
Citizens in carriages and on foot, making pro-
ccsSOn one-half mile long.
The march to the cemetery was in
slow and measured tread, at once sol
emn and impressive. Arriving at the
cemetery the vast assemblage, wherein
it was estimated there were over one
thousand people, was formed in hOl-
low square about stately monument
reared to the memory of unknown dead.
The cOrnet call of attention" was
sounded by J. c. Moore, when the audi
ence bowed with uncovered heads while
Rev. VIM. Mercer rendered a fervent,
patriotic prayer. Marshall Foster then
introduced the orator, Rev. ID. r. Lucas,
of Des Moines. The gentleman'S re-
marks were based upon the contrast
between the scenes of a quarter of
century ago and those of today, i'm
pressing upon those in childhood, youth
and early manhood the blessings they
are enjoying while white winged peace
YOuchsafeS the comforts of home and
society to all. His speech was eloquent
and well-timed and awoke responsive
chords in the hearts of his hearers
Vocal and instrumental music of high
order composed a very impressive pOr-
tion of the exercises of the day. Fol
lowing Rev. Lucas Grafton and music,
the ritualistic ceremonies of the Grand
Army of the Republic were executed,
while the floral galaxy laid garlands of
roses upon the mounds of dead soldiers.
In their visit to each modnd they were
accompanied by the Sons of Veterans,
who fired three vOlleys over each grave,
a ceremony of such significance and
profound solemnity as to convey to the
rising generation deep impression of
a soldiers sorrow. These ceremonies
concluded, the procession again formed
in the same order and returned to the
city.
The names of the soldiers who sleep
in Maple Grove cemetery and whose
graves were thus decorated are:
DAVID FERGUSON.
ELMER NICHOLS.
j. W. MCMANIGILI.
STEPHEN ARCHER.
+. SMART, Son of a Veteran.
In the evening the court house was
filled to its greatest capacity by those
anxious to hear the eloquence of Rev.
Lucas. President Freeman improved
the opportunity to express the thanks
of the Grand Army organizations to
the people of the community who has
rendered assistance in the ceremonies
by individual efforts and the spirit the
large attendance SO sincerely expressed.
He also paid true tribute to the Amer
lean soldier for his valor, and showed
that while the brave deeds of others
had been told in poetry and song, the
highest honor had been won by those
of our own country. Rev. Lucas occu-
pied the rostrum for ninety minutes
while he portrayed long line of Incl
dents of war life, depicting clearly
scenes of humor and pathetic sorrow in
manner that swayed his audience to
the spirit of his narrative. Hon. ID. NJ.
Harris, now of Missouri Valley, was in
trOduced as one of the earliest settlers
of Audubon county, and he entertained
his hearers with very interesting
speech of fifteen minutes duration. Col
White was called for, but declined,
pleading the late hour. Rev. Cousins
delivered an original poem, and the ex-
ercises were concluded by singing the
Battle Hymn of the Republic.
The Ladies Cornet Band appeared fol-
the first time in their new uniforms
They are of Gobelin blue, trimmed with
gold braid. The fatigue cap is very be
coming as is, indeed the entire uniform
Audubon is justly proud of this organi
Zation.
Union Memorial services were helC
at the court house Sunday at 3p. m
A large audience was in attendance t
listen to addresses by Revs. Dickinson
and Harris. The effort of the former
has been pronounced by many as thu
best of its nature ever delivered in this
city. 1t was authentic in history, and
the reverend gentleman directed
thought to the hand of God as it con
trolled the destiny of the Union Army
Rev. Harris followed with a short adj
dress speaking for the young men who
know only of grim war what history
tells. He closed with an eloquent ex.
preston of his thoughts as he stood
one year ago on the battle grounds OF
Mission Ridge.
The attendance from the north part
Of the county was very large and it is
TO be regretted that the modes of run.
ming trains does not permit our south
ern neighbors to join with us on these
occasions.
The general committee and its assist
..a<. ,.rfFI ..Iaaua acoant tho nonur,t,,,o