The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-10-26
JOHN M'COMB'S
BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE

70 the Memory of Comrade Darius
G. enscoter--Delivered to the
Comrades at Davies Post Head
quarters on Salem Avenue, Friday
Afternoon. Prior to the Formation
of the Funeral Procession.
The following cncomium met with the
,aorty endorsement of the comrades
md the members of Davies post unan-
mously voted to incorporate 1t In the
minutes. as their sentiments most clc-
santly cXpressed
comrades: our mission this after
noon is of u fraternal nature, made
impressive by the presence of death III
our association.
Past Commander Darius c. Ben
scooter, one of our beloved members.
is soon to be consigned to mother
earth. For eight months he has sur
feled. with knowledge that there was
no hope for him to battle the disease
which was sapping his vitality lie
has borne with Christian resignation
his fatal ailliction. Calmly he has
waited for his release from pain. Now
he is at rest.
I'VE could not help him bear his
burden. although our hearts were
touched by his physical distress. But
We yearned to attest our sympathy and
alleviate his innrmity. In his case,
medical science was defied. and human
intervention proved impotent.
This is the last opportunity that
shall come to us to testify our respect
for his person. Though he is insensi-
bic to what is being done, we feel that
he merits our warmest regard: and
we are assembled this afternoon for
the express purpose of giving tangible
testimony of our respect for him as an
rprirflt man. an honorable citizen. an
Exemplary practical Christian, and a
,oyal comradc.
I'VE admired his sterling individu-
slty: we respected his virtues, and we
cherish his memory. AS our ranks are
growing thinner we are impressed more
yividly by the ties which hold veterans
20 firmly together. We think of the
days when our blood was offered to
help cement our great union of states,
and how the sharing of danger, depri-
7ation and misery. developed mutual
dependence and confidence in the men
who fought for the perpetuty of our
national government. and who gave
birth to the Grand Army of the Re-
public thirty-iive years ago. Those
men will perpctuate our noble order
so long as our once mighty host of un-
selfish patriots has any representatives
left who are able to think and act.
%. c. Benscoter enlisted Jan. IA,
1864. as IL private in Company Il of the
Second regiment, Pennsylvania heavy
artillery. His discharge is dated Jan.
%, 1866. His term of service was two
wears and fifteen days. Like thous-
.nds of other young men of the sixties
he entered the service of his coun-
try to perform any duty assigned him.
He was not looking for an easy berth,
nor was he procaiming his prowess!
lie took his; place in the ranks. and
there shared the trials and the hard
ships of his comrades in arms in camp.
on the march, in the bvouac. and un-
der fire. lie acquired the discipline of
a soldier. and subordinated his indiv-
iduality to those commissioned with
authority to command. He was faith
full to the cause, which he cspoused.
lie was considerate of his fellow sol
tiers. He was obedent to his officers,
was meritoriouS aud his service COM
mcndahlc.
His record in the Grand Army Of the
Republic is one of honor. He was mus
tered into Sergeant William II. Davies
post on Nov. O. 1889. AS n comradc, as
chaplain, and as commander, the sam"
characteristics of his active soldier
life were conspicuous. Genial, thought
full of the welfare of others, Conscen-
tious in observing the letter and the
spirit of his obligation. he has for
eighteen years maintained his member
ship and the good will of his associates
who Wore the blue when our starry
flag needed men of courage and dcvo-
tion to defend it.
I'm civil life our departed Comradc
manifested the same traits of charac-
ter which made him a good soldier and
an esteemed veteran. He was reliable
In the performance of his duty as he
understood it. And he had the intclli-
Gencc to comprehend the meaning of
the word in all Of its applications to
the affairs of life.
AS We participated in the closing
scene of the last act of his well-bal-