The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1922-05-19
''NAN"

From the year 1862 until the close
of the Civil War in 1855 Wilbur
Haynes served his country as cap
tain of company of Ohio volunteers.
His steed was a chestnut sorrel mare
known by the name of Nan. Cap
tain Haynes took a great fancy to
this young mare, and was just as
particular in seing that her groom
obeyed to the letter in the caring
for her as he did in seeing that his
soldiers obeyed while on the field of
action.
Thu two naturally became fast
friends, and Captain Haynes often re-
marked that it would be hard task
to part from Nan at the close of the
conflict. if they were both permitted
to live thru the war.
At last the conflict ended, and as
he filed in line for his discharge he
was siven not only his honorable dis
charge. but also a letter from the
War DepartE ent, advising him that
Nan was now his property.
OF course Mr. Haynes was highly
elated over having been given this
beautiful mare, and with great pride
he rode her back to his home, where
she was turned out into the green
pasture and placed on the pension
list.
Nan was never worked and was
ridden only on special occasions. On
Decoration Day each year she headed
the procession, mounted by Captain
Haynes, followed by the flies and
drums and the boys in blue.
No one enjoyed this more than
Nan Year after year, on the thir-
tieth day of May, this procession was
formed and led by Nan mounted by
Captain Haynes. They marched from
the City Hall to the cemetery, where
the services were held.
One year, as they were forming the
line at the City Hall for their annual
march to the cemetery, in respect to
their fallen comrades. as Nan was
now too old to lead again the pro-
cessiOn. This occasioned much gloom
over the entire company, as'they all
had learned to love the beautiful
mare, and they felt that without her
the line was incomplete.
Nothing, however. could change
the mind of Captain Haynes. He adj
vised the boys that Nan was on
full pension and had served her
time we'll, and never again would she
be burdened by a saddle.
The line was formed. Captain
Haynes leading on foot, followed by
the flies and drums.
Two blocks down the street Mans
home was passed. She was in the
back lot, enjoying herself at tn
feed-rack. Suddenly she heard the
fife and drum and pricked up her
ears. AS the parade marched by
she bowed her neck and proudly
pranced around the lot. AS the col
umn marched down the street, get
ting farther and father away from
Nan, she could stand K no longer,
bat sprang with a bound over the
fence and galloped down the road,
dntil the head Of the line was reach
ID. Now, how proud she looked as
she led the procession. keeping time
as it seemed, to the beating of the /.
drums! She led the way without a |
rider until the cemetery gate was
Here SHE halted and wait |
ed patiently until the services were |
brought to a close. She then took |
her place in the line with the men, /
md IT ;he command. Forward, |
she headed the procession I,
back t. he 'own. Whel her own |
home vas reached, she walked slowly |
10 the gaze and with knowing !
licker which Captain Haynes saiG |
was telling L'n. that she wa too tir-
ID h jump lack over the fence, ask
ed him tc open the gate for her.
From this time on until her death
rom old age, Nan led the annual |
of the boys in blue.
BY F. A. Sovereign, in Our Dumb
Animals.