The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-10-10
Veterans of Twentieth Kansas
Are Celebrating in Topeka.
Came Into Existence Following
Call by Gov. Leedy in 1898.
COMPANY A WAS FORMED HERE
First Detachment Embarked for
Philippines on October %.
Famous Regiment Was Led by
Gen. Fred Funston.

The Twentieth Kansas infantry,
which is celebrating its annual re-
union here today regiment whose
name stands out prominently on the
tablets of Kansas history, due to its
valiant conduct during the Philippine
warfare of 1899, under the intrepid
leader, the late Maj. Gen. Frederick
Funston-came into existence follow
ing the call for volunteers issued by
Governor Leedy. on April 26, 1898. for
three regiments of infantry to join the
federal forces in the war against
Spain.
| As Kansas had furnished nineteen
regiments in the Civil and Indian
/ wars, the next was the Twentieth, the
! others to follow in order. The first
company to report for duty was one
recruited at Kansas City. Kan, by
Frederick Funston He was commis-
I stoned colonel of the Twentieth regi-
ment, which was mustered into the
+ service at Topeka May 9 to 13. with
/ the following officers: Frederick
! Funston, colonel; Edward c. Little,
! lieutenant colonel; Frank H. whitman
and Wilder S. Metcalf. majors; Will
liam A. Deford. adjutant: Walter p.
Hull, quartermaster; Charles S. Huff
man, surgeon; Henry d. Smith, assist
ant surgeon; John G. Schlieman, chap-
/ lain. At the time of muster-in. the
( strength of the regiment was forty
six officers and 964 enlisted men.
Company "a" Recruited Here.
OF the companies composing the
| regiment, A was recruited at Topeka
B at Kansas City, Kan; c at Leaven-
worth; D, Crawford county; E, Ander-
son and Woodson counties: G. Inde-
pendence; H. Lawrence; /. lola, To-
/ peka, Paolo and Osawatomie: *, Of-
tawa and Pleasanton; L. Abilene and
Junction City; M, Salina and Minne-
apol:s. -s,----
The first detachment of the Twen-
tieth embarked for the Philippines at
San Francisco on October 27, the ball
ance following on November s. The
regiments first appearance on the fir
ing line was on February 4. 1899, ear
Manila. Tie Twentieth was attack
at night. firing continuing ali night.
On the following day. about noon, ar
: advance was ordered and the enemy
was driven back to his trenches about
two miles from the city Engage
ments with the Filipinos then were
almost daily occurrences, the MOI i'm
portant battles being: capture of Call
oocan, on February 10; MArilao,
March 27; Malosos, March 80; Bagbag
River. April rs; Calumpit. April 20
and 27: Santa Tomas river, May 4
s, occupation Of San Fernando, May 6,
and defense of this fort on May 25.
Promoted to General.
Colonel Funston was promoted to
brigadier general on May 4, 1899, and
| on. the 9Th Wilder = Metcalf was made
colonel. On September 3 the Flight
ing Twentieth" sailed for Hongkong,
China, where 1t arrived on the 9Th
The homeward journey was started on
September IA and on October 10 the
regiment again went into camp at the
Preside. San Francisco, where It was
mustered out, on October 49, With
forty-six officers and 72O enlisted men.
On November 3 the boys" reached
Topeka and where they were given
cordial reception and banquet, after
which they returned to their homes.
The regiments muster roll carried tbs
names of ninety-two officers and 1854
enlisted men. OF these three officers
and nineteen men were killed in ac-
ton; eleven died of wounds; tee off,
GERS and 120 men were wounded but
recovered; thirty-f:ve died of disease
and four deserted.