Follrich, Ben 1875-1898

FOLLRICH

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer
Date: 9/15/2010 at 10:29:17

Follrich, Ben

From the "Hull Index" Friday September 16, 1898

A PATRIOT DEAD
BEN FOLLRICH, OF CO. 3, 52ND IOWA
Died at the Red Cross Hospital, Camp McKinley, Des Moines, Iowa
His Remains Brought to Hull.
A Large Gathering to do Him Honor.

On Monday morning the sad intelligence was flashed over the wire that Ben Follrich had succumbed to the dread Typhoid Malaria contracted at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park.

The news cast a gloom over the entire community. The fact that Co. E had thus far escaped such a calamity as death among their number, gave rise to a hope that our boys would return without a loss among them, since they had returned to our fair Iowa, and the care of which they stood so much in need while suffering the scourge of fever.

For some weeks our young comrade felt that his constitution was being undermined by the malarial conditions of that fever stricken camp; but he bravely and persistently battled against surrendering to its effects and against the advise of his comrades that he should yield himself to the care of the surgeons. Like others he hoped to stand the ordeal, until the regiment should return to the state.

Ben was a brave boy, always robust in health. None felt prouder on that memorable 26th of April when the company left at the call of their country. None left with a brighter prospect of a sure return after the war was over than our young comrade. None was held in higher esteem on the company's roll of 106 men than Ben. He was a good boy, a dutiful son and a brave defender of the old flag and the holy cause for which he made the sacrifice of a noble young life.

As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, we look upon our departed young comrade as a hero, who sought to perpetuate the honor and dignity of the nation and its flag, for which they fought and suffered to maintain in the dark days of the sixties. Every member of that army of the Union, delights to honor the brave defenders of (unreadable) whom they (unreadable) their mantle whether from the north or the south.

The funeral of our young comrade was held from the Armory of Co. E yesterday afternoon, and was under the supervision of the surviving members of the Company who came from the different points from where the Company was recruited to a war footing.

The Armory was beautifully decorated with floral tributes from the W.R.C. and others. The national colors were draped over the gun cases and wardrobes of the Company, now empty as a result of call to arms. The funeral exercises were conducted by Rev. Kershaw, pastor of the Congregational church, of which the deceased was a member, and assisted by Reverends Chase and Mahood.

The remains were borne to Hope cemetery, followed by members of Co. E, the Grand Army of the Republic, the W.R.C. and a large concourse of people from surrounding towns and country.

Ben W. Follrich was born at Forreston, Ogle Co. Ill., Nov. 23, 1875. In the fall of 1884, he came with his parents to Hull and during the years of his life among us had lived an honorable young man. On Sept. 11, 1898 he died at the Red Cross hospital, Camp McKinley, Des Moines, in the service of his country, surrounded by sick comrades, his devoted father being the only member of the family to witness the sacrifice he made. A Flood of deepest sympathy goes out from this community for the grief stricken family.

NOTES: From the Hull Index
Said Captain Odle in speaking of Ben Follrich: "He was a good soldier; ever obedient to commands and orders, and one who never shirked a duty."
Lieutenant Wilkinson remarked: "Always found him straight forward; a good soldier and one of the best boys in the best company of the best regiment."
Lieutenant Swafford in speaking of Ben, says: "he was a soldier of exceptional qualifications, ever ready to respond to duty."
The comrades in general, in speaking of their departed comrade and friend said: "he could be depended on in any emergency. We lament his death."

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
The family friends of Comrade Ben Follrich, wish to acknowledge their gratitude to the kind friends who gave their aid and comfort in the trying hours which came to them in the death and burial of their son and brother.

The appearance on our streets of members of Co. E relieves the monotony which has hovered over this community for the past five months, although quite a number are still confined to their homes.

Sergeant Harry Swafford returned from Camp McKinley Tuesday morning on a verbal leave of absence to accompany the remains of his comrade, Ben Follrich. Like the other members of his regiment he shows marks of service.

A.J. Henry and wife were over from Orange City attending the Ben Follrich funeral. Several other county officials were also present.

Possibly no funeral ever held in Sioux County was more largely attended than that of Comrade Ben Follrich. of Co. E

Mrs. Arthur Lincoln, sister of Ben Follrich in company with husband and children were present from Verde Minn. Mrs. John Wood, of Mayfield, S.D. a sister of the deceased was also present in company with husband and children. The latter arrived as the funeral services were being held.

From the Hull Index" Friday, August 31, 1900
MEMOIR.
To our noble Comrade Ben W. Follrich, who answered to the heavenly roll call, Sept. 11th 1898 at Camp McKinley Des Moines Iowa, these lines are respectfully dedicated.
REST
Under the sod in the grave yard, With roses and pansies o'er head.
Our gallant young comrade so sweetly, Is sleeping the sleep of the dead.
No sacrifice ever more noble, Was made by the truest and brave.
Than to die that the Stare (sic) Spangled Banner, For ever in glory might wave.
DUTY CALLS
Not the anguish of a heartbroken mother, A Sister's most gentle appear,
Nor a sweetheart's most gentle remonstrance, Could dampen this patriot's zeal.
Not to crown him with glory or fame, But to die for the cause of those heroes
Who so nobly went down with the "Maine"
MUSTERED OUT
He's done now with all early marching, No more on the dust laden road,
Shall we see him attempting to carry, A disabled comrade's load.
Nor shall the shrill notes of the bugle, A sounding the reveille call,
Awake him from slumber eternal, For he's gone from the midst of us all.
HE STILL LIVES
He is gone yet in fondest remembrance, In each of our hearts he shall live,
With a love undiminished by ages, Such as only a soldier can give.
And though the gay blossoms may wither, We annually strew on your grave,
A Tribute to memories sacred, a token of love for the brave.
SLEEP WELL
Though the dews of the fary Potomac, In Arlington's sacred ground,
Silent home of a Nation's heroes, Caress not your flowery mound.
Nor the breezes of proud old Virginia, Your resting place ne'er shall bemoan,
For Iowa, the pearl of the Nation, Befittingly claims you her own.
By his comrade and Bunkmate Tony Bednarz, late of Co E, 52 Regt. Iowa Inf. Vol.

Originally submitted by Ellen Mueller