The National tribune., 1902-12-25
PERSONAL.

An event which gives general satisfac-
ton among the comrades of New York is
the election Of Col. Joseph e. Ewell, of
Buffalo, to be Commandant Of the State
Soldiers Home mt Bath, n. Y. Comrade
EweIl made an excellent reputation in the
war of the rebellion, and has since been
Jealous and effective Grand Army man.
He is also of the highest standing in Buff
falo, and SO popular with his fellow-citi-
zens that he, was able to bring the city
back to the Republicans after it has gone
Democratic for, several years. This I'M
usual achievement attracted general at
tentiOn to him. and caused his name to be
mentioned for O number Of important Of
fees, the latest being that of Secretary OF
State of New York, from the contest for
which he Withdrew in favor of a friend.
For several years he has been Judge Ad-
vocate of the Department OF New York,
G. A. r., and in that capacity has been Of
signal service to the comrades in securing
decisions in their favor of the preference
given veterans by the Constitution and
laws of New York. His success in the
election as Commandant was largely due
to the able management Of Col. Chas. A.
the highest terms Of Comrade Ewell, and
predict much success for his adT,inistra-
ton.
Comrade Geo. E. Jepson. 18th Mass,
has written an excellent paper on Gettys-
burg, which was read at the recent Re
Union of his regiment, and is printed in
handsome pamphlet giving the proceedings
at the Reunion.
Coffee john" most interesting char
acter well known in several cities, died
suddenly in Minneapolis, Dec. 10, Of pneu-
monia. His right name was John A.
Fichette, and he was born in Virginia in
1876. He was stanch loyalist, how
ever, and enlisted in the Union army. AT
the battle of Ream's Station he was struck
by piece of shell which carried away
part of his skull. At the close of the war
he remained in Virginia. and was one of
the jury selected to try jeff. Davis, fact
Of which he was always very proud Later
he went to Chicago and entered the
restaurant business, in which he achieved
success, his coffee especially becoming
famous. During the great fire he rugged
up big coffee pot on a wagon, and served
hot coffee to the fremen who were strug-
Cling with the flames. The grateful fire.
men christened him "Coffee John" of
which sobriquet he was so proud that he
had it afterwards on all his signs. After
the fire he went West. and was in active
business in Denver, Salt Lake City, and
other places. At one time in Salt Lake
City the Chief Of Police was shot by a
negro WHCu lie WIS trying 10 arrest
Coffee John" Immediately organized
lynching party, capturing the negro and
stringing him up to a telegraph pole just
as the police came in search of the assas-
sin. In 1888 he settled in Minnesota, and
opened his famous restaurant, 1.-THE ORR
ginaI Coffee john" which became so sue
cessful. He was an active politician, and
was appointed Captain of Police, but be-
came involved in the municipal troubles
which resulted in the flight OF his friend,
the Mayor. from the city. Loyalty to his
friend, the former Chief, prevented his
putting in evidence which would have ex-
culpated him, and lie was sentenced to
prison for receiving money for the ap-
pointment of an officer 1t was expected.
however, that the higher courts would have
reversed the decision had he not died. He
left about $4,000 in life insurance, and
n large amount of valuable property, in
Guiding farm in Iowa.
Rankin Post, No. 10. of Brooklyn. N.
Y, gave Gen. e. l.. MoIineux and his
son, Roland B. Molineux, a seranade
with their famous fife and drum CORDS
few days ago. Past Vice Commander
Shaw presented the General with set of
handsomely engr6ssed resolutions tender
ing the Posts" heartiest and most sincere
congratulations" The General responded
in a happy speech, in which he compli-
mented his sons extraordinary bravery
throughout his recent ordeal, and he made
the Post and drum corps several very
handsome presenta.