Omaha daily bee., 1895-05-01
THURSTON RIFLES.

After the political campaign of 1892 had
become memory Of the past and the various
clubs had disbanded the famous Zouave
Flambeau club of the Fifth ward decided TO
retain its organization.
The idea of becoming a state militia COM
pany and the difficulty of obtaining a suitable
armory in which to drill were the principSl
obstacles which were gradually overcome and
on September 13, 1893 reorganization was
accomplished and named "Thurston Rifles,
in honor of Omaha's worthy representative in
congress, Senator John NJ. Thurston. Arthur
II. Scharff, whose ability as a military COM
mander is well known, was made captain
and through his efforts the rifles have at
tanned high mark of proficiency in military
science
The company moved from North Twentieth
street to their present armory on Harney
street and the ranks became strengthened
with able bodied men who are imbued with
a love for patriotism and ready to uphold
the law and maintain the dignity Of the state
when called. William j. Foye was made
first lieutenant and ]. II. johnson second
lieutenant.
On the 18th of December, with military
pomp and spendor, the Thurston Rifles were
mustered into the Nebraska national guard
and became soldiers Of the state for perioo
Of three years. The company made its first
appearance in public at the First Baptist
church on the evening Of February %, 1894
the OCCASION being the celebration of Wash
ington's birthday by the citizens of Omaha
On the Sunday evening following the COM
pany accepted an invitation from Rev. S.
Wright Butler Of the st. Mary's Avenue
church to attend services in honor of the
father of his country" Rev. S. Wright
Butler was afterward unanimously elected
chaplain Of the Thurston Rifles.
On the evening Of May 2S the company
became prominent in the minds of the public
the occasion being their flag presentation.
The great Coliseum was packed to it's utmost
capacity by friends who witnessed their
presentation of a beautiful specimen of "Old
Glory" by their lady friends, and bearing the
inscription. "Thurston Rifles Omaha, Neb.,
Organized September 13, 1898" Two days
later the handsome silk flag was unfurled in
the May breeZes of Memorial day, when the
company headed the procession to Hanscom
park with ninety men in their ranks. They
began drilling at once and on July 4, 1894
the Thurstons were victorious in their first
competitive drill their rivals being the
Omaha Guards, who until then were consid-
cred the crack military company of the state.
1t was a great victory for the Rifles and
while but eight months old, the idea of de-
feating a company seven years their senior
and one that had become famous was source
of much jubiant feeling for the Rifles.
The Rifles again came before the public
during the labor trouble at South Omaha last
August and were highly praised for services
rendered Being the largest, as well as the
best drilled, company they were stationed in
the most dangerous places. After the strike
Nebraska national guard at Lincoln, the
principal event of which was the competitive
drill for the governors challenge cup. There
were to be regular army officers as judges
and the cup was to be awarded by their
decision. The drill of the Rifles could not
be equaled and instead of receiving the
! trophy, which was won fair and square, they
received the decision of the judges, which
was framed and hung in the vestibule of the
| armory.
Previous to the 4th Of July contest Lieuten-
ant Johnson was obliged to resign as chief
! of the second platoon on account of business
and Mr.. j. Hayward was elected to succeed
! him.
Musical talent is mt lacking, the company
quartet being composed of Wallace, Cover
| dale, Richards and Hoffman and is one of the
best in the city An instrumental club is
being organized, as follows: Banjos, Rich
ards, Thompson, Connell and Ong; mando
Inns, Coverdale and Vincent; guitars, Claut
Stockham, McCullogh, Hackenberg and Hun
gate.
At present the company is devoting al
of its time and energy in preparing for tht
Memphis contest. The work is being don't
Systematically and inca most soldierly man
ner which will insure success when tht
company takes the hsld.
Continuing the precedent Of last year, ar
rangements have been made for grant
militay tournament at the Coliseum on Fri
day night, May 8. The principal featur,
will be the annual competitive drill betweel
the four companies forming the Omaha Higl
School Battalion OF Cadets, interspersed will
drills by the veterans of 50, knights o
Pythias uniformed rank, Omaha Guards Cat
ling gun corps, the Rifles Memphis drill
team and an individual competitive drill
between the members Of the Rifles for tn
Thurston trophy, a handsome gold media
presented to the company by Hon. John NJ
Thurston.
The company has every reason to fee
gratfed with its short history, and II energ
and perseverance have anything TO do wit