The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-12-10
Vermont's Sole Survivor of
Mexican War, Major
L. M. Grout, Dead
GRIM OLD FIGHTER
HAD REACHED 90
He Passed Away Yesterday
Afternoon at Sons Home
in Waterbury

Waterbury, Dec. l0.-Yesterday after.
noon about o'clock, Major Luman NJ
Grout, who had been slowly sinking for
two weeks, fell asleep, and the one who
had been Vermont's only survivor Of the
Mexican war was gone to join the others,
Major Grout has been one of the fore
most figures in the military history OF
Vermont. Fighting as he did under Win
field Scott in the last days of the Mexi-
can war and as he did again under Sheri-
dan in the bloody combat at Winchester,
the gallant veteran entered into his rest
at the home of his son, DIR. ID. ID. Grout,
superintendent of the Vermont state
hospital
Major Grout's record is an uncommon
one. Born Masfh 8, 1923, he enlisted at
the age of % in the war with Mexico.
He was promptly advanced to the rank
of a n-eommissioned officer and took
part in many Of the important engage
ments of that conflict, being left for
dead upon the battlefield of Cherubusco,
Aug. 2l. lS4T. At another time he mar
rowly escaped death in the collapse OF
Il building which was being stormed.
During the war he marched four times
over the road from Vera Cruz to the
City of Mexico.
When the war of the Rebellion broke
out. his military experience was remem-
bered. and he was given charge of re-
crutiHg work. But he soon decided to
90 himself to the front. He had been
drilling body of volunteers, which lat
er became Company A of the Eighth
Vermont, and his men refused to organ
ize unless he would accept the captain
cy Of the company.
Captain Grout spent the winter of
1851 1852 in camp with his regiment at
Brattieboro, where his only protection
from the cold was that afforded by
tent. Part Of the regiment, dis
with their quarters in portable
sheds, planned to leave the camp. On
the very night when the plan was to be
carried out, and within a few minutes
of the time set, Captain Grout overheard
which revealed the scheme
to him. Fastening TO point where
sentry was stationed in narrow pas
sage cut through snowdrift IL feet
deep, he relieved the soldier of his rifle
and took the post himself.
go to the first lieutenant of my
said the Captain, "and tell
him to bring the men here at once on
the double quick But before the com
pany reached the spot the dissatisfied
men. 600 strong, appeared. Captain
irout faced them. "Not a man passes
said he, "except over my dead body"
few thrusts of his bayonet held them
back until the arrival of his men, when
The rebellious volunteers were quickly
lriyen back to their quarters, unarmed
Us they were.
The battles of Winchester and Fisch-
IRIS Hill were the most memorable of
he engagements participated in by the
Eighth. Captain Grout also was in one
II the most important operations of the
our years struggle--the capture of New
orleans. the chief port of the Confed
,racy. There he gained his promotion to
major to succeed Charles Dillingham;,
Who had been raised to lieutenant
mel. This was on Dec. "a. 1862.
In the following months of June. Ma
or Grout was forced to resign on ac-
.ount of a threatening Illness and he
eturned to Vermont. He lived in FL
more for some years and then went TO
Montpelier where he took up his resi-
Ience near the Junction for many years.
7or some time he also lived in Stone
lam. Mass. and when his second wife
lied he returned to. Waterbury to pass
he remainder of his days with his son.
Tntil within few months he has been
familiar figure on the streets and
many have gladly listened to his stories
f two wars.
Z Besides his son, DIR. ID. d. Grout, with |
whom he lived, he is survived by four |
ther children. George Grout of Morris
lille. Frank Grout of Montpelier, Mrs. |
Iarvey Collier of Stoneham, Mass, and |
lrs. Marcellus Bingham of Burlington.
here are also Is grandchildren and five |
reat grandchildren. The funeral will be
eld from the home of DIR. Grout Thurs
ay forenoon and will be private. Bur-
ii is to be in Morrisville.