Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-08

Assistant Adjutant General, New Jersey.
bell and Richard A. Donnolly. who still
touch elbows with their comrades in the
ranks.
The semi-annual reunions Of the depart
ment in the early days partook largely Of
the nature Of state holidays, bringing to-
gebher thousands Of people from this and
other states. They were held as follows:
Trenton; July 20, 1870, New Brunswick;
July q, 1871 Camden; July l, 1872, New
ark; July, 1879 Long Branch; July %,
1874, Paterson. Gen. U. S. Grant and many
26-29. 1879. Camp Skilman; August 1920.
1880, Bordentown, gunboats of United States
navy taking part: September 3-S, 1888.
Princeton. and 1889. on the farm of Gen.
Judson Fitzpatrick, at Deekertown.
The state of New Jersey has been very
thoughtful of It's soldiers. and to comment
crate the memory and services OF Its sons
has erected monuments and markers upon
many Of the battlef1elds Of the rebellion,
twenty-six of which are upon the field OF
Gettysburg. On the day Of the dedication
Of these monuments 1000 national guards
men and all veterans who participated in
attend. About 5000 Jerseymen were pres.
ent. All expenses, subsistence and railway
fare was paid by the state.
The state has also erected a monument
upon the battlefield Of Chattanooga and
Chickamauga, and one on the grounds OF
the rebel prison pen at Andersonville, Ga.
At the last session OF the legislature pro-
vision was made for the erection of a mon
ument on the battlefield of Anuetam. Sol
diers monuments have been erected at
Trenton, Newark Paterson. Jersey City,
Belvidere, Morristown. Boonton. Newton.
Beverly, Pennington, Asbury Park, Lam
bertville and Hightstown. all IN this state.
New Jersey was the first state to estab-
lish soldiers home. Marcus l.. Ward,
then private citizen. and afterWard gov
ernor OF the state early saw that there
were many men discharged from the ser
vice who still needed, and would need, care
and attention. He petitioned the legislature
caring for this class. Under Joint resolu-
ton. approved April II, 1864, a committee
of six gentlemen, headed by Mr.. Ward. were
appointed to inquire into and report upon
the best methods of accomplishing the OBJ
feet stated, and in accordance with their
suggestion an act was passed, approved
March %. 1865. for the establishment Of .
4, 1866 and formally dedicated September
g. 1865. Gov. Ward served as treasurer
eighteen years, and since his death that po-
sition has been filled by his son. Marcus L.
In 1885 the Department of New Jersey pc
titioned the legislature for an appropriation
to erect new buildings. and $125.000 was
promptly granted. The home is situated on
the east bank Of the Passaic river. near the
old home OF Gen. Philip Kearny. Four OF
the six members Of the board Of managers
are members OF the Grand Army, and MAJ:
Peter r. Rogers, the supetintenuenl, AM
all subordinate officers are also members OF
the order.
Through the efforts OF the Grand Army .
soldiers children's home and q home for
soldiers and their wives have also been
established in the state. Provision Is also
made for the relief Of INDECENT veterans at
their homes. by the payment Of from two to
six dollars per month; also for the Inter.
ment and payment Of funeral expenses OF
Union soldiers who may die without SUM.
Client means to meet such expense. the cost
not to exceed $35 and $15 for headstone.
Memorial day is httingly observed In every
city. village and hamlet In the state. and -
legal holiday.