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1887 History of Story County, Iowa by W. G. Allen

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FEDERAL SOLDIERS REUNION 1886
Page 155 of 493

in which, in behalf of the citzens, he welcomed the old veterans to the hearts and hospitalities of the town, NEVADA was chosen as the place for the next annual encampment of the Story County Regiment.

The following officers were then chosen for the ensuing year:

Colonel—T. C. McCall, 32d Iowa, Nevada.

Lieutenant Colonel—D. A. Bigelow, 124th Illinois, Ames.

Major—J. C. Burkhart, 20th Iowa, Zearing.

Quartermaster—George Child, 32d Iowa, Nevada.Adjutant—I. L. Smith, 54th Pennsylvania, Nevada.

Surgeon—G. A. Meredith, 26th Iowa, Ames.

Chaplain—John Doty, 17th Wisconsin, Maxwell.

Drum Major—George Pitsor, 17th Wisconsin, Ames.

Fife Major—Alba O. Hall, 32d Iowa, Nevada.

It was voted that the next annual meeting be held on Thursday and Friday on or before full moon in August, 1887.

The officers of the regiment were constituted an Executive Council for the transaction of all business of the Association.

During the progress of the meeting the Womans' Relief Corps, of Cambridge and Colo entered the pavillion and were received by the veterans standing, and three hearty cheers.

The assembly then adjourned until 1 P. M.

AFTERNOON.

At the hour named for the meeting of the Association the jam of humanity that pressed into the pavillion and immediately around the speakers' stand, was painful. Fully two thousand persons were present.

After a song or two and instrumental music by the Cambridge band, Colonel Scott introduced Major E. H. Conger, Member of Congress from the Seventh Iowa District, who addressed the large audience for nearly one hour, and was followed by General Geddes, of Ames, who spoke about one-half hour.

We made no notes of the remarks of either of the speakers, and it would be an injustice to them for us to attempt to outline their addresses, which at our best would be very imperfect. The speeches were appropriate to the occasion, at times pathetic and eloquent, strong in their affection for and loyalty to the Old Flag, full of love for their comrades of the war, and patriotic in their devotion to the country. Both gentlemen were loudly cheered during and at the conclusion of their remarks.

At the close of General Geddes's speech Colonel Scott, in a burst of eloquence, introduced Micah French, a hero of the war of 1512, who has carried British lead in his body since that memorable struggle, and who is now past ninety years of age. During the last session of Congress Mr. French applied to Congress for a pension and was refused. Major Conger. taking off his hat to the veteran of 1512, proposed three cheers for him, which was given by the multitude with full lung power. Major Conger promised his

Page 155 of 493

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