Sabula Civil War veterans remembered

BLANCHARD

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/21/2007 at 17:15:43

Sabula Gazette, June 8, 1878:
Excerpt from Address of Thomas E. Blanchard at Sabula on Decoration Day, 1878:
"The State of Iowa was not behind her sister states in response to the call, and the men of this community came freely forward and enlisted to fill up the ranks of the various companies and regiments. Company A of the 24th Regt., was recruited here and was composed of men with whom you were well acquainted, and this recalls vividly to my mind and doubtless to yours fellow citizens a scene of unusual interest. In the month of August, 1862, upon the banks of the river yonder were assembled the citizens of Sabula and the surrounding country, to witness the departure of this company for the place of rendezvous. Many tears were shed and many prayers offered up as that hundred men pushed off from the shore. It is well that a kind Providence casts a veil over the events of the future. Of that number I see some before me today, and some have sought other homes, but where, I ask you comrades, are the remaining ones? You answer, 'We were obliged to leave 4 at Helena, 1 at DaVall's Bluff, Ark., 1 at Thibedeaux, La., 19 upon the battle field at Champion Hill, 2 at Millikens Bend, 1 upon the Red River, 1 at Jackson, Miss., 1 was missing at Champion Hill and never more heard from, 2 at Vicksburg, 1 at Fortress Monroe, 2 at Cedar Creek, Va, 1 was taken prisoner at Cedar Creek and died in Southern prison, some died in hospitals, and several after discharge, on their way home, and some have died since their return.'
What a fearful record is this. May we not well pause for a time from our several avocations and devote a few hours to this service."