The National tribune., 1895-09-12
DRUMMER BOY OF MISSION RIDGE

As He was in 1863, when He Won a Medal
Of Honor, and He is in 1895, when He
Wears It.
There is great rejoicing among the friends of
Past Commander in Chief John S. Kountz of
the Grand Army of tho Republic, over the
award TO him, by the War Department. of a
medal OF honor, for Bost distinguished gal
lsntry in action at the battle of Missionary
Ridge, Tenn, Nov. %, 1863, at which battle he
lest leg.
Toledo Post, Toledo, O., his place of resi-
dence, turned a regular meeting into general
Notification over the medal award which was
made Aug. j, 1895, al which time ringing
tributes were delivered by distinguished cti-
zen-soidiers, and letter of congratulalon
read frotn the surviving senior officer OF his
regiment 9th Ohio, Maj. Charles Hipp, ST.
Mary's o.
Hon. john II. Puck, slso of the 9th. congratu-
lated his c9mraee at the Post meeting, and said
that hsuniz st Firkshufg long before the bat
tie Of Missionary Ridge had exposed himself
in the line of duty. when they were under the
enemys works, in carrying the wounded from
the field.
Toledo Post passed unanimous resolutions Of
qualification and cOngrztulation, upon which
Commander kountZ made a handsome response.
Commander kouHtz stands very near TO the
hearts OF Toledo people Of oil classes but par.
ticulsrly ia soldier circles is he loved and fol-
lowed above ali others OF his associates. lie
has been active IN the Grand Army since its
organization, serving three terms as Adjutant
Of Forsyth Post and Was Department Quarter
master under Department Commander j. War
rem hoiier in 1865. and was three times unani-
mously chosen Department Com mander OF Ohio,
GAR. in 1854, ct Minneapolis. Commander
Kountz was elected COMMUNICATIVE Chief, serv-
ing with marked distinction. He gave great
aid Snd encouragement TO the Womans Relief
Corps, Of which Kate Il. Sherwood was that
year RstisBsl President, setting aside a room
OF National Headquarters Cor their use without
price.
lie was for five years an active member of
the Grand Army Pension Committee. aiding
largely IN securing pensions for widows and
orphans and the passage Of the Dependent
Pension bill.
lie WAS founder. and for 10 years trustee
Of the Toledo Soldiers Memorial Association,
which built and conducts the beautiful Me-
mortal Hail. and eerved three terms as its
President. aud has since 1879 been IA ember
OF the Executive Committee of the Toledo
Board OF Underwriters, serving three years NJ
President.
Commander Kountz is dark haired, dark
eyed, warn-hesrted and public-spirited man,
u itsfYfDASuABIC ana l0rom0st III
every patriotic and charitable movement. He
has u beautiful wife and a large family of
promising sons and daughters.
he is q devoted Christian, pure patriot
giving active support 10 the great movement
10 teach patriotism in the schools, and al! his
life proves the proverb: The boy is father Of
the man"
All the United States. from the piney
woods OF Maine 70 the golden California strand,
The Drummer Boy Of Mission Ridge" IL
loved AND honored, and congratulations reach
him daily.
What an incentive to the duty that lies
nearest at hand be IL in tho quiet OF homo.
the rush OF the street. or in the roar of the
bloody battlefield.
Herewith is reproduced the story, as told
years ago to Kate Brownlee Sherwood, who
reduced ii 70 verse, aud which was first recited
by Elizabeth Manifold Irving. in tho great
Cincinnati Music Hall, at grand reception
rendered The Drummer Boy OF Mission
Ridge" when he wac Department Commander
Of Ohio.
THE DRUMMER BOY OF MISSION RIDGE.
Did you ever hear OF the Drummer Boy of Mission
Ridge, who lay
With hts face TO the foe. meath the enemy's guns,
In the charge of thai terrible day?
They were firing above him ana firing below, and
the tempest of shot aud shell
Was raging like death Lac n1oaned In his pain
by the breastworks where he fell.
We had Furnished our muslrets and filed our can
Teens. as we waited for orders that morn,-
VINO KNOWS when the soldier IN dying Of thirst
where the wounded are wsiliag lorlorn ?-
When forth from The squad that was ordered back
from the lash Of that furious FIRE
Our Drummer boy came and bis face WAS alame
wan the light Of q noble desire.