Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1905-09-28
COMPANY rs REUNION.

f--r-l - - -
Regiment, New Jersey Infantry Volunteers,
held its annual reunion at the home Of
Mr.. and Mrs Walter G. Jones, on the
"Ashcraft'' farm, near the North end Of
i our town. It was delightful situation,
land the weather charming. This gathering
was in honor of Comrade Jos. W. More
and family. The survivors and their
families gathered early in the day and re-
ceived a loyal welcome. Old Glory deco
rated the long veranda in front OF the resi-
dence The comrades and their loved ones
after mutual greetings, soon settled down
to make the best use of the day, some to
arr snge the tables for the lunch, and Others
in small groups or in large company to
recount the scenes and stirring incidents Of
their army life, and the changes aud varied
Experiences since those eyentful years. 1t
frequently happens that some one will be
present who has not been seen for many
years, and will unexpectedly appear upon
the scene as was the case this time, in the
person Of Mr.. "Jake' Shoemaker, Of near
Ocean Grove Ii was an interesting sight
to witness the interviews as each new conner
strolled in and met Mr.. Shoemaker. In
most cases each did not recognize the other
as ever having been so closely allied in the
great struggle Of the sixties, in which the
Twelfth New Jersey had a part As soon
as mutual recognition took place, it was
as quick as an electric battery, thrill of
/ Joy and gladness went from hand to heart
Language seems inadequate to express this
feeling. Comrades utilized we'll the mo-
ments till the call was made for dinner,
when the assembly gathered around the
well laden tables. Everything was beauti-
fully arranged, and bountiful supply Of
good things greeted the veterans. The
inner wants of everyone being fully salts
fed, attention was called for the time Of
meeting to convene. Comrade VIM. P.
Iiaines. PresideAs, called the iuss ting 70
order Comrade D. Borton, Secretary and
Treasurer, read the minutes Of last meeting,
also report as Treasurer. which were
adopted.
Upon the call Of the roll Of members. the
ollowing named were present: Wm. P.
Haines, Dayid Borton, Joseph w. Moore.
james White, Joseph I. White. Samuel
Iredell, Harry NJ. Avis, George II. Cole, Jas.
Ecret, Jacob K Shoemaker, Azariah Strait
ton, John Tonkin, George Meley and E T.
Stratson
1t was ascertained that forty -three of the
old members Of Company F are still living,
out Of the original number of one hundred.
To have so many living after lapse Of
forty years since the war closed, is certainly
remarkable fact. The youngest member
So, and the oldest "a. Surrey each one
should feel grateful to Him who has per-
mitted the ''boys' to enjoy these many
years, the fruitage Of the labors and sacri-
fees made in that awful carnage Of war
/ E. L. Stratton and John Ionkin, com
mittee on memorials, reported as follows:
WHEREAS, During the year just passed,
death has invaded our ranks, taking
Comrade John F. Meley, suddenly, March
22nd, 1905, aged IA years, from works to
rewards, reminding us forcibly that it is
only step between life and death.
/ Resolred, That while we bow in hum
/ BILE submission to the will Of Him who
doeth all things well, we take consolation
in the belief that our loss is His eternal
gain.
4 Comrade Meley was enrolled in Company
F, Twelfth Regiment New Jersey yolun-
teers, August 11th, 1862, for three years, at
Woodbury., New Jersey, and served with
the regiment until final muster-out at the
close Of the war, June 4th, 1865.
4 His military history is closely woven
with that Of the regiment to which he he
longed. His patriotic ardor was shown
from his enlistment, and continued strong
until the Rebellion was suppressed, when
be, with the noble army Of survivors gladly
welcomed the hour when they could return
home
He united with the Methodist Church
when sixteen years Of age, and continued q
faithful, consistent and useful member Of
the same during his remaining years, ELL
ing importans positions in the church and
Sabbath-school
He was postmaster at swedesboro under
the administration Of President Harrison,
was q member Of john A. Dix Post. G.. A.