Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1890-09-25
G. A. R.
The Fifth Annual Reunion O
Northwest Kansas Meets
at Colby.
A Glorious Good Time had by the Boys
In Blue-Campflres, SOcials,
Speeches, Etc.

Colby's streets were thronged from
early Wednesday morning for three days
by the old soldiers and sailors of the
Northwestern Kansas Veteran associa-
ton. and many from afar came here to
have jolly time meeting old comrades
who served in the army OF the rebellion
and to tell war stories. eat bareback and
SOW belly" and drink strong coffee.
The citizens of Colby provided every
convenience possible for the comfort of
the old soldiers who duly appreciated
their efforts. Tents were pitched in front
of the court house where the boys" and
their families took up their abode and
enjoyed camp life to the fullest extent.
Many touching incidents occurred upon
the camp grounds where comrades, who
perhaps served IN the same regiment. and
had not met since the breaking up of the
war until by accident discovered their
identity clasped each others hand in
brotherly love. Mirth was af1oat through
out the camp as all had some funny
anecdote to relate of his experience with
the "Johnnies'
The first day was spent in arranging
the order of business, issuing orders from
headquarters, etc. At night long col
umn formed headed by the martial band
and marched to the Armory where q
rOusing campfire was held and logs
placed upon the fire which was kept
glowing by the stories and "reminiscences
of the war heroes who readily responded
to the call of their names Some told
humorous tales of the war and others re-
cited sad and pathetic occurrences on the
battlefield and the many privatiOns the
brave boys underwent to preserve the
good old flag that waves over the heads
of a free people. In the course of their
remarks each and every one vowed bis
faithfulness to his country and that free
dom should ever be their motto, and
while God spared them they would ap-
r laud the glorious cause of liberty and
uphold the dear old flag.
Each night the campfres were held
and pleasant time had by all. We can
not fail to mention the two ladies who
made short talks, Mrs. N. E. Pratt of
this city. and Mrs. M. o. Cartilage. de-
partment president, ladies of the GAR,
of Topeka. Both made excellent talks.
setting forth the loyalty and patriotism
of the men who bear the scars of battle
They mentioned also the necessity of
the rising generation the mean
ing and true value of liberty and the
stars and stripes.
The Colby glee club furnished some
good music and sang war songs to the
delight of the old soldiers. The HOxie
martial band discoursed some excellent
music and the thrilling sound of the fife
AMI drum aroused all to spirit of action
causing everything to move along
We wish to specially mention
the little drummer boy. Master Nicolas
son. who was a favOrite with all and a
thorough master of his drum.
The w. r. C. aided in every way pos
'ible to make the reunion a success. A
social was given by them in the Masonic
hall Thursday night and all present en-
joyed themselves.
While we realize that the death roll is
many of the old soldiers each
year. yet we trust that those who met
here in glad reunion few days ago, may
Ill meet many times and grasp hands
n kindly greeting. on similar occasions |
Is the one in Colby.
Following is the roster of comrades
present:
j. B. Morrison, F la. cavalry.
II. N. Phelps, G 10 Mich infantry.
W. d. Boyer. X 81 III. infantry.
Elijah Hnry. G 116 Ind. infantry.
H H. Miller, C 8 III. cavalry
A. Ketchum. B. la. infantry.
W. NJ. Miller, C Y Ind. infantry.
John Clawson. A Ill. infantry.
Edwid Jennison. A SO Ind infantry.
D. N. Hamilton, G IA iii. infantry.
A. C. Woodcock, A and B 10 Kansas
Infantry.
WV. Smith F IA Ia. infantry.
I K Mo. artillery.
w. II. Smith, K III. cavalry.
j. T. Chamberlain, K 10 o. infantry.
A. Hawk. la. cavalry
w. B. Close. NJ. 2 Ill. cavalry.
A. E. Smutz. G 8 Ia. cavalry.
]. NJ. Howell. C SO Ind infartry.
A. D. Urguhart, B 173 o. infantry.
w. B. James, B SO O. infantry.
j. E. Lessh, q SO
]. P. Bayha, D W. Va. battery.
T. Crawford G IS Ind. infantry.
John Bear ID 81 Mo. infantry.