G. A. R. & SPAN-AM VETS REUNION

Wheeling, West Virginia, 1907

 

 

PRESENTED BY LINDA FLUHARTY & MARGUERITE HOWARD.

 

 

 

REUNION OF THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Tuesday, July 30, 1907

 

SPANISH VETS HOLD MEETING

 

MANY ATTEND RALLY TO ARRANGE FOR REUNION

NEXT MONTH

 

Several Addresses Made - Committees Are Appointed and Discussed

 

   Fully 35 veterans of the Spanish-American war last evening held a big meeting at the board of trade and plans for their reunion, to be held here in August, coincident with the reunion of the society of the Army of West Virginia were discussed.  Committees were appointed and another meeting for next Monday arranged.  From indications the reunion gives promise of being very largely attended and the meetings or the reunion are not limited to one branch only but is to include all the regulars and volunteers who were enlisted or saw service during the Spanish-American was or later in the Philippines, regardless of whether or not they enlisted in a West Virginia regiment or company.

 

   The meeting last evening was called to order by Chairman, Captain A. A. Franzheim, with Secretary Benj. S. Honecker presiding in the chair of the secretary.  A letter from Col. P. F. Zeise, secretary of the society of the army of West Virginia, extending them an invitation to meet on the dates co-incident with their reunion, August 28, 29 and 30, was read and ordered acknowledged.  The matter of appointing committees was next in order and appointments followed.

 

   Finance committee:  Capt. C. E. Morris, Henry Hinkleman, Howard Hastings, H. E. Caldabaugh.

 

   Press committee:  B. S. Honecker, Will Zeigenfelder, W. B. Hilton, Frank Thurlow.

 

   Committee on Printing:  John Myers, Perry Fisher, James Wycart, Charles Fitzpatrick, Harry McGrain.

 

   Committee on Programme:  Captain A. A. Franzheim, Captain C. E. Morris, B. S. Honecker, Henry Penner, Theodore Camp, Capt. A. L. Hooten, Howard Hastings.

 

   Committee on Invitation and reception:  Parry Fisher, Harry Pritchard, Smith Calvert, J. J. Connor, Capt. A. A. Franzheim, Henry Palmer, Will Smith, Alton Jones, Frank Combs, Will Zeigenfelder, Theodore Camp, James Wycart, Howard Hastings, Henry Hinkleman, Herman Clouse, J. T. Moore, J. J. Fitzpatrick, H. D. Nersing, Harry N. Zane and Frank Thurlow.

 

   State Committee:  Harry Tennant, Mannington; Edward Shaver, Fairmont; Will Ewing, Moundsville; Captain Vierlander, Huntington;  C. D. Farrar, Parkersburg; Captain A. L. Hood, Charleston; Captain W. J. White, Morgantown; Captain Howard, Pt. Pleasant; Captain Smith, Hilton; Captain Gatzendanner, Martinsburg; Captain Sparry, Charleston; Major Elliott, Parkersburg;  Lieut. Patton, Parkersburg; Tod Lukens, McMechen; M. E. Galagher, Woodsfield, O.

 

   The chairman of the various committees with the officers will compose the executive committee.

 

   Following the committee announcement several of the veterans present, among them Attorney B. S. Honecker, Tod Lukens, J. J. Connors, J. T. Moore, Howard Hastings and Will Zeigenfelder spoke and several urged the organization of an association or society that should provide for the holding of an annual reunion in this state at which features should be a camp fire and similar events that would afford divertisement, serve to recall recollections of service and to strengthen and renew friendships.  The idea was received with considerable enthusiasm by the members and indications are such will be the out-growth at least of the first reunion.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Friday, August, 2, 1907

 

MAY GIVE A PARADE

 

As Feature of the Reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia

 

   Arrangements are progressing encouragingly for the reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, which is to hold in this city during the latter part of this month.

 

   Col. Zeise, who is in charge of the arrangements, reports that many of the members who are residing out of the state have been heard from, and indications point to a large attendance.

 

   The matter of having a parade for the opening day is now receiving some attention from those in charge, but it was impossible to state yesterday whether or not this feature would be carried out.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer, Tuesday, August 6, 1907

 

SPANISH WAR VETS ACCEPT

 

INVITATION TO TAKE PART IN BIG REUNION

 

Of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, Soon to Be Held In This City.

 

   Last evening the Spanish War Veterans held a very interesting meeting at the board of trade rooms, at which time the invitation which was tendered them to participate in the reunion to be given by the Society of the Army of West Virginia during the latter part of August, was given verbally by Col. Zeise, who gave a talk on just what the reunion would be.

 

   Captain Franzheim presided over the meet, and the first order were the reports of the various committees, all of which were very good and showed that great progress was being made.  The idea of conducting a campfire jointly was discussed at some length, and while it has not been definitely decided, the movement will doubtless be carried through, as the matter of selecting a suitable pace seems to be the only cause of holding the feature in abeyance.

 

   The committee appointed to look after the official program reported progress, but at this time nothing was reported regarding the arrangement of it or the speakers who would be present, as they already had received the consent of many who would be willing to participate but cannot assure the committee of the exact date they may attend.

 

   On the 29th of August there will be a large parade, in which all of the veterans will take part, and they are arranging to make this a memorable event.

 

   In speaking of the matter last evening both Captain Franzheim and Colonel Zeise were well pleased with the prospects, and said that the entire program would be announced in a few days, as soon as it was completed.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Wednesday, August 7, 1907

 

ARRANGE FOR PARADE

Program for Society of the Army of West Virginia is Nearing Completion.

 

   The program for the reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, which is to be held on the fair grounds the last of August, has been almost completed by Col. Zeise, secretary of the organization. The program carries at least five addresses a day by prominent speakers, while a big feature of the program will be the parade.  A conference was held yesterday afternoon with Captain A. A. Franzheim relative to this feature, and the line of march and order of formation mapped out.  Since the Spanish-American war veterans are to unite with a reunion at the same time and participate in the parade, the event promises to be one of the largest demonstrations of the kind ever held in the city.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Monday, August 12, 1907

 

VETERANS TO MEET

 

Spanish War Men Will Hold Session At Board of Trade This Evening

   Captain A. A. Franzheim has issued a call for another meeting of the Spanish war veterans for this evening at the Board of Trade rooms. The object of the meeting is to help mature plans for the reunion to be held here on the three days beginning August 28th.  The committee reports and the proposed line of march for the parade will be among the matters discussed this evening.  This reunion is to be held in conjunction with that of the Society of the Army of West Virginia and occurs on the State Fair grounds.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Tuesday, August 13, 1907

 

A LIVING FLAG

WILL BE FEATURE OF GRAND ARMY PARADE LAST OF MONTH

 

Will Be Composed of School Children – Spanish War Veterans Hold Session

 

   The Spanish war veterans last evening held a rather largely attended session at the Board of Trade, despite the exceedingly hot weather and plans for their reunion on August 28, 29 and 30th were discussed.  Captain A. A. Franzheim presided and during the evening Col. Zeise, of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, addressed the younger veterans on their reunion and the society reunion which will occur on the Fair Grounds on identical dates.  Committees reported progress on various arrangements and in all the outlook is for a big reunion of the veterans, and at this session an organization will be formed that it is hoped will perpetuate the idea of holding annual reunions.

 

   The parade is one of the features that is interesting the Spanish war veterans to a great extent, and one of the latest features planned for it will be given under the auspices of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, and will be a living flag, school boys forming the flag by the colored uniforms each wears.

 

   Another meeting of the organization is to be held on next Monday night.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Wednesday, August 14, 1907

 

CO. D. REUNION

 

Survivors of Colonel Curtis Command With Families Will Gatherer

At Blayney’s Grove Today

 

   The surviving members of Company D. Twelfth W. Va. Infantry Volunteers, with their families and friends will hold their annual reunion today at Roney’s Grove, near Roney’s Point.

 

   The Twelfth regiment was enlisted by Colonel Curtis in this county shortly after the onset of the war of the rebellion and Company D. was composed of neighbors and friends, residing in the north eastern part of Ohio county.  These annual reunions are very enjoyable to the participants and many who have moved away from their native homes to points throughout the country make it a point to attend although they have to travel considerable distances.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Wednesday, August 14, 1907

 

OLD GLORY HONORED

 

   At the Hearne Tabernacle on Wednesday and Thursday a rehearsal for the coming reunion of the Grand Army of West Virginia, will be held.  This is to choose about 500 boys and girls to form the American flag and take part in the programme.  The display of this “real live” flag will be at the former post office site.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Thursday, August 15, 1907

 

TO ATTEND REUNION

 

Twelfth West Virginia Regiment Will Be Prominent In the

Army of West Virginia Meeting

 

   The Twelfth West Virginia Regiment will meet on the state fair ground on Wednesday afternoon, August 28th, for the election of officers and other business.  Company D, of the Twelfth met at Roney’s Point yesterday for the purpose of making arrangements for the big reunion to be held on the fair grounds when the army of West Virginia has its big three days meeting, August 28th, 29th, 30th.  The order for the meeting comes from E. N. Dunlap, president and T. J. Orr, secretary.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Friday, August 16, 1907

 

PARADE FEATURES

 

THREE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS WILL PARTICIPATE

 

Col. Zeise Has Extended the Invitation on Behalf of the Old Soldiers

 

   As plans mature for the parade one of the features of the reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, which occurs on the morning of August 29, the second day of the reunion, its size and importance become more apparent.  Organizations from all parts of the state have been invited by Col. Zeise, the secretary, who is making arrangements, and indications point that Chief Marshall A. A. Franzheim will be at the head of such a column as has not been seen here in years.  In addition to the old soldiers and the Spanish War Veterans, it is expected to have the uniform company of Spanish-American soldiers from Steubenville in line, while yesterday invitations were extended to the members of the Cathedral Cadet corps, the Linsley Cadet corps and to the recently organized Boys’ Brigade, and special places in the line will be reserved for each.

 

   The old veterans expect a large turnout, and all not able to walk will be provided, as far as possible, with carriages.  The line of march will be from the formation on Chapline street to Market, to Tenth, to Main, to Twenty-second , to Chapline, to Twentieth, to Market, to Fourteenth, to Chapline and disband.

 

   The program for the reunion is also shaping up well and gives promise of being unusually interesting.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Monday, August 19, 1907

 

VETERANS MEET AGAIN

 

Spanish War People Will Plan Further for Their Reunion at Meeting Tonight

 

   The Spanish-American war veterans will hold another meeting tonight at the board of trade rooms and will practically complete the arrangements at this meeting for the reunion of their order that has been planned for the three days beginning August 28, and a big attendance is anticipated.  This meeting will be in conjunction with that of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, and the reunion of old and young soldiers gives promise of being one of the biggest things Wheeling has had in years.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Monday, August 19, 1907

 

REGIMENT OF REGULARS FOR ARMY REUNION HERE

NEGOTIATIONS FOR DETAIL ON

 

WILL PROBABLY COME FROM FORT THOMAS

OR GOVERNOR’S ISLAND

 

Final Answer From the War Department Has Not as Yet Been Received

 

   Plans are on foot to have a regiment of regulars detailed here from the United States Army for the week when the reunion of the Society of the West Virginia is in progress.  A final answer from the war department has not as yet been received, but it is believed that the concession will be made.  Congressman Hubbard, ex-Congressman Dovenol, Secretary of the Board of Trade R. B. Naylor and others have written the war department, while it is understood that this morning Senator Scott will also open negotiations in an effort to have the Washington officials concur.

 

   It is the custom with the war department to provide practice marches and camps for the various regiments of the regular army scattered over the country, but unfortunately none of these practice marches are held in this section of the country.  Congressman Hubbard made inquiries along this line and endeavored to have one regiment detailed, with Wheeling on the route.  When it was found the marches did not extend to this section, negotiations were at once opened to have a regiment sent direct for the week.  No answer to this has as yet been received from Washington.

 

   The nearest regiment of the regular army is quartered either at Governor’s Island, New York, or at Fort Thomas, opposite Cincinatti, and from one of these two points the soldiers would be detailed if the war department acts favorably upon the request.

 

   As an addition to the reunion the quartering of a regiment of the regular army here would be quite a feature.  The regulars, in addition to their drills, would participate in the parade on the 29th, in which the old soldiers are to march, and might possibly turn out in a parade over a longer route on one of the days following.  Captain A. A. Franzheim is to be Chief Marshall of this parade, which, besides being participated in by the old soldiers, will also have the Spanish-American war veterans in line, that will include among its members both regulars and volunteers who saw service, and who hold a reunion here on the same dates as the Society of the Army of West Virginia.

 

QUARTER ON FAIR GROUNDS

 

   The regiment of regulars, if detailed here, would be quartered on the quarter stretch of the fair grounds, a place well adapted for the purpose, as it is well drained, level and has water mains laid through it.  It would be at the same time convenient to the city, and would also be close at hand to the scene of the reunion.

 

  Colonel Zelse is enthusiastic over the prospects of having a regiment of regulars here, while it is expected that by today or tomorrow definite information as to the intentions of the war department may be received.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Tuesday, August 20, 1907

 

WAR VETERANS DISCUSS PLANS

 

SPANISH AMERICAN SOLDIERS WILL ISSUE PROGRAM

 

Also Contemplate a Series of Post Cards Showing Scenes of Late War

 

   The Spanish - American war veterans, planning a reunion to be held on identical dates with that of the Society of the Army of West Virginia on the fair grounds, met last evening at the Board of Trade.  Captain A. A. Franzhelm presided, with Ben S. Honecker as chairman.  General plans were gone over and the program for the three day meeting, which begins the 28th, was discussed , but not completed.  It was decided but not completed.  It was decided to issue a handsome souvenir program, and from it the soldier veterans hope to realize a sufficient sum to pay the expenses of the reunion, while in conjunction with the affair a series of post cards , depicting scenes of the late unpleasantness with Spain will be issued for free distribution.

 

   Another meeting of the soldiers will be held on next Monday night, while committees will be busy the coming week and several meetings have been called.  The first occurs this evening at the home of John W. Myers, who is chairman of the printing committee, at eight o’clock at No. 1409 Chapline street.  The other members of the committee are J. W. Wicard, H. W. Fitzpatrick, Harry McGrane and Perry Fischer.

 

   The correspondence of the Spanish-American veterans has now increased to such a proportion that it has been found necessary to select a corresponding secretary and Harry Penner was unamiously chosen to the position.

 

   Interest in the reunion has now grown to a great extent and an echo of it was shown on last evening in a number of addresses made by veterans, among those that spoke being Henry Penner, Joseph Seibold, Thos. Kennedy, Theodore Orumm and Wm. Conner.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Thursday, August 22, 1907

 

TWENTY YEARS AGO

 

   Time is a victor to which all men must bow.  Exactly twenty years ago the Society of the Army of West Virginia held its annual reunion in this city.  The reunion was attended by thousands of veterans; there was a great parade and much enthusiasm.  An ex-President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes, was among the old soldiers who gathered in honor of the occasion.  The reunion was made memorable by an outbreak of sectional feeling, precipitated by a banner bearing a likeness of President Cleveland, which was swung across Market street from the old office of the Wheeling Register.  At that particular time a great deal of feeling had been aroused by the President’s order to return the Southern states their battle flags, captured during the Civil war.

 

   A large number of the veterans in the parade refused to march under or salute the banner.  Rutherford B. Hayes, however, rode under the banner and saluted it with bared head; and the Union Veteran Legion of Pittsburgh, an organization second to none among those who wore blue, marched squarely under the banner, and following the example of their leader, each man lifted his martial cap to the man who had been chosen by the people, “commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States.”  That night the affair was the subject of an acrimonious debate from the verandah of the McLure house, which was taken part in by Gov. Foraker of Ohio, Gov. Wilson of West Virginia, ex-Gov. Pierpont of West Virginia, Gen. Gibson of Tiffin, Ohio, and others.  Gov. Wilson, of West Virginia, spoke three or four times in bitter criticism of the implied insult to President Cleveland, and was answered with equally as bitter language by Gov. Foraker.

 

   This is all now history - - - history of a time which even young men remember, when the wounds of the Civil war were still unhealed, and north and south were still arrayed against each other in spirit if not in actual warfare.  Twenty years have passed.  Of the men who were in Wheeling on that day, Rutherford B. Hayes is dead.  E. Willis Wilson is dead.  Francis H. Pierpont is dead.  Gen. Wm. H. Gibson is dead. How many more have gone to join the great majority, probably the diminished muster rolls of the Society of the Army of West Virginia may still tell in a small measure.

     “On fame’s eternal camping ground

       Their silent tents are spread,

       And glory guards with solemn round

       The Bivouac of the dead.”

   This year the Society of the Army of West Virginia will meet in Wheeling again, but with lessened numbers.  There will be no outbreak of party of sectional feeling to mar the occasion.  It would be impossible to re-create in the minds of the old soldiers, or in the minds of the people of Wheeling, or of any portion of West Virginia, the spirit of slumbering resentment and unforgotten injuries that prompted that spontaneous and entirely unexpected controversy.  It is gone forever.  A new generation which enjoys the blessing of an united country without the experience of the trials that secured that blessing, will show its veneration for the gallant men who counted not their lives dear unto them in their country’s cause.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Thursday, August 22, 1907

 

IS NEAR AT HAND

 

Reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia Next Week

 

   One week from today will occur the opening of the annual reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia in this city for a three days meeting.  Plans are rapidly maturing for the event and the reception committee has been appointed, it consisting of all the members of the Holliday Post, G. A. R.  The children yesterday held their first rehearsal for the part they are to take in the parade, that of forming a living flag, and a second rehearsal occurs at eight this evening at the Hearne tabernacle.  The program is almost complete.

 

   In the matter of decorating, Col. Zelse is to take it up with the entertainment committee of the Board of Trade, probably before the close of the week, and ask for a general decoration of the buildings, particularly in the business section, during the encampment.

 

   The plans for the official program for the Spanish War Veterans reunion are also progressing and it will be quite a handsome publication.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Friday, August 23, 1907

 

TWO PROGRAMS

 

Board of Trade Arranges for Reunion and for Water Works Convention

 

   Arrangements for two coming big events, the reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia and the central states water works convention, were taken up yesterday by the entertainment committee of the board of trade, with Chairman George Lutz presiding.  Relative to the water works, convention, it was decided to appoint all the members of council as members of the reception committee.  Entertainments for the guests were informally taken up and the matter of the program discussed, but before action upon it was taken it was decided to invite William Allen Veach, of Newark, to come over next week and confer.

 

   Relative to the reunion, the matter of appointing the members of Holiday Post, G. A. R., to positions on the reception committee and to look after the visitors in general.  It was also decided to have a large stand for the speakers erected in front of the grandstand at the fair grounds.  Various other details as to parade and program were discussed, while Meister’s band was engaged for the three days of the reunion.

 

   The matter of decorations was discussed in detail and it was decided to make an appeal to all citizens to decorate their places of business and homes out of patriotism to the gathering of the veterans here next week.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Monday, August 26, 1907

 

THE REUNION PLANS ARE MADE

 

THREE – DAY PROGRAM IS AN ELABORATE ONE

 

There Will Be Many Prominent Persons Here

 

W. R. C. Also Has Program

 

   Plans for the annual reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia have been practically completed, and it calls for quite an elaborate series of meetings, the reunion opening on next Wednesday.  The first exercises will occur at the Fair grounds, where a large stand is in process of erection, while the big event of Thursday will be the street parade.  The closing day will be devoted to a series of short addresses by prominent persons. In connection with the Veterans of the Civil war in reunion here, a reunion of the Spanish War Veterans is to be held at the same.  About 5,000 visitors are expected in the city for the two events.

 

     The program as announced by Col. Zeise, follows:

 

Wednesday, August 28.

 

Forenoon will be devoted to reception of visitors, registration and distribution of programs.

 

1:30 p. m. – Reunion opens at State Fair grounds, where all sessions will be held.

 

Address of welcome from the state - - - Hon. William M. O. Dawson, governor of West Virginia.  On the event of unavoidable absence of the governor, the Hon. W. Hubbard, M. C. of Wheeling, will welcome the visitors in behalf of the State.

 

Extending the hospitality of the city - - Hon. Charles C. Schmidt, mayor of Wheeling

 

Responses - - Gen. John L. Vance, president of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, Columbus, Ohio; Capt. C. E. Morris, in behalf of Spanish War Veterans.

 

Addresses - - Gen. I. M. Adams, department commander, Ravenswood, W. Va.; Hon. B. B. Dovener, Wheeling; Col. A. L. Curry, Columbus, Ohio; Col. W. B. Hodge, Middleport, Ohio

 

7:30 p. m. (at camp grounds) - - Addresses:  Hon. J. A. Hughes, M. C., Huntington; Hon. J. H. Gaines, M. C., Charleston; Judge John W. Mason, Fairmont; the evening’s entertainment concluding in camp fire talks and was reminiscences.

 

Thursday, August 29.

 

9:30 a. m. - - Grand street parade.  Assembling at the court house, the column will form in the following order:  Right, resting on Fourteenth street, first, escort , cordon of police; second, Meister’s Military band; third, Chief Marshall Col. Albert A. Franzheim and staff, the Society of the Army of West Virginia,; fifth, Gen. I. M. Adams, department commander of the West Virginia G. A. R., and official staff; sixth, speakers and invited guests; seventh, the Society of the Army of West Virginia, ex-Union and Confederate soldiers; eighth, Spanish War Veterans; ninth, Company 11, Boys’ Brigade, Capt. Harry E. Caldabaugh, commandant; tenth, J. W. Holliday Post No. 13, Wheeling;  eleventh, carriages and vehicles.

 

10:20 a. m. - - The column will move promptly, west to Market Street, north to Ninth street, west to Main street, south to twenty-second street, east to Chapline street, west to Market street, north to Fourteenth street and disband.

 

1:00 p. m. - - Reception at Wheeling park by J. W. Holliday Post No. 12 G. A. R. and the Ladies Auxiliary. At the vaudeville pavilion in the park, Capt. Thomas Hudson McKee, of Washington, D. C., will entertain you in his oration , “The Great War Secretary, Edwin M. Stanton.”

 

Address - Hon. James Francis Burke, M. C., of Pittsburg, Pa., after which will be given an elegant vaudeville entertainment especially designed and arranged for the pleasure of the ex-soldiers and visitors present.

 

Friday, August, 30.

9:30 a. m. - - Reassemble at camp grounds.  Music and addresses by Hon. Harry C. Woodyard, Spencer, W. Va.; Hon. Mansell Gallaher, Woodsfield, Ohio; Gen. I. F. Mack, Sandusky, Ohio; Capt. Joseph Trax, New Castle, Pa.; and other speakers.  Adjourn for dinner.

 

2:00 p. m. - - Addresses by Prof. R. W. Douthat, Morgantown, W. Va.; Gen. J. Warren Keifer, M. C.; Springfield, Ohio; Capt. Thomas Hudson McKee, Washington, D. C.; Hon. Erasmus Wilson, “Quiet Observer”, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Hon. Charles Burdett Hart, Wheeling; Judge J. H. Lockery, Pomeroy, Ohio.

 

7:30 p. m. - - Grand campfire and addresses by Hon. A. H. Fleming, ex-governor, Fairmont, W. Va.; Gen. H. A. Axline, Columbus, Ohio; Hon. W. A. MacCorkle, ex-governor of West Virginia; Hon. Jewett Palmer, Marietta, Ohio.

 

Woman’s Relief Corps

 

   On Thursday the J. T. Baird and E. W. Stephens Circle of Women’s Relief Corps will have a basket picnic at Wheeling park to entertain all comrades of Grand Army of the Republic and visiting veterans of Spanish-American war. Both confederate and union soldiers will be royally entertained.  Company A will furnish patriotic music and a drum corps will be in attendance.  This affair will prove the patriotism of our Wheeling ladies.  West Virginia Women’s Relief Corps will serve a lunch on the fair grounds during the encampment of the Army of West Virginia.  The following committee have charge of the affair:

 

   Department President – Mrs. Harriet Fasmer

   Senior Vice-President – Mrs. Nannie Hickman

   Treasurer – Mrs. R. E. Bryson

   Secretary – Mrs. Lizzie Conkle

   Executive Board – Mrs. Clara Gamble, Mrs. Laura Baggs

   Past Department President – Mrs. Margaret Whiteman

   Past Department Junior Vice-President – Mrs. Lizzie Jackson.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer - Tuesday, August 27, 1907

 

SPANISH VETS IN BIG REUNION

 

SEVERAL HUNDRED WHO PARTICIPATED IN LATE WAR COMING

 

   Several hundred veterans of the late Spanish-American war are expected here this week to participate in the reunion, to be held in connection with that of the veterans of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, and which opens on Thursday.  These veterans, which includes all those who served either as volunteers or regulars in Cuba, in the camps of the south or in the later war in the Philippines, will all participate in the big parade of Thursday morning and will form a separate division, headed by a band.  This was decided at a rousing meeting held last evening at the board of trade and all who have uniforms will turn out in them, while it was decided on a vote to make Captain C. E. Morris the colonel of the parade, and they also elected Attorney B. S. Honeker the adjutant.

 

   When the meeting was convened, Col. Zeise was present and delivered quite an enthusiastic address along patriotic lines and welcoming the Spanish veterans to participate in the reunion, remarking that with the passing of the old soldiers it revolved upon the young men to uphold the principles the old veterans had espoused.  He was applauded, and following several other addresses were made, and much credit was given to Captain A. A. Frankheim and Attorney B. S. Honecker who have been hard workers for the Success of the reunion.

 

   It is the intention, following the society programs at Wheeling park, to have a reunion of the Spanish war veterans, and it will be the first reunion ever held by the local soldiers.  A permanent organization and a branch of the United Spanish war veterans will be organized, and another of addresses, will be made, and among the speakers will be Attorney E. S. Malloney, of Baltimore, Md., who was a lieutenant in the Fourth Immunes.  War experiences and stories and instances of camp life will all be recited, while following the general reunion, a reunion of Company G., Fourth Immunes; Company D., Second West Virginia, and Company M, First West Virginia, Will be held.

 

   The Spanish war veterans have issued a series of postal cards showing  scenes in southern camp life and in the campaign in Cuba and these will be offered for sale, and from the sale it is hoped to derive sufficient to defray the cost of the reunion.  Chairman Denner of the printing committee, will have charge of the cards, while they will be offered also at drug stores and at post card stations.

 

   One of the important results it is hoped to achieve by the reunion will be the organization in Wheeling of a permanent company of volunteers, all veterans in service, who will be equipped in regulation army style and be quite a handsome addition militarily, to the city.

 

  It was hoped to have the Steubenville company of war veterans down for the parade, they having preserved their organization, but they have a reunion on the same day the local affair occurs, so such was impossible. 

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer - Tuesday, August 27, 1907

 

COL. VANCE IS HERE TODAY

 

HEAD OF THE ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA COMING

 

Will Make His Headquarters at the Windsor –

Body to Open Two Bureaus

 

   President John L. Vance, of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, is coming to Wheeling this afternoon and will at once make his headquarters at the Windsor.  Col. Vance will remain here till after the close of the reunion and will be in conference during this afternoon with Col. Zeise on such details as are yet to be arranged for the affair.  By tomorrow quite a delegation is expected to be present of visitors, while even last evening some few had arrived.

   Wednesday headquarters will be opened at No. 38 Twelfth street, where clerks will be in charge to give general information as to rooms, meals, and the details of the program.  The executive headquarters will be at the Windsor, while a ladies rest room in charge of the W. R. C. will be opened at No. 1231 Market street, over the Nicoll Art Store for the lady visitors.  It has been tastefully fitted up and will no doubt be greatly appreciated.

 

   Official programs of the reunion, issued under the auspices of the Spanish War Veterans, will be out today and will contain the program of all events scheduled by the Spanish veterans, the Civil War veterans, and the W. C. R.

 

   The response for available rooms for lodging has been quite large and the committee feel that they are amply prepared to care for all the persons who may attend the reunion.  It is the dull season with the hotels and they have much room available, and with that offered by private dwelling, it is expected no crowding will be necessary.

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer – Wednesday, August 28, 1907

 

WELCOME TO THE OLD SOLDIERS

 

   Wheeling welcomes the Society of the Army of West Virginia today.  Over forty years have passed since the last shot was fired in the great Civil war.  The men who were “boys” while that great struggle was on, are old and broken now.  Their numbers, grow fewer each year, and not a great many years more will they be able to meet in annual reunions, renew old friendships and recount the thrilling deeds in which they took a part.

   It is in the highest privilege of American citizenship to be able to entertain these old veterans and to show them some measure of the appreciation we put upon their services.  Wheeling threw open its gates to the “boys in blue” in 1861, and now in a peaceful but no less hearty manner it bids them welcome again.  The city is theirs by willing surrender, and we trust they will enjoy it to the full. 

 

 

Wheeling Intelligencer - Wednesday, August 28, 1907

 

VETERANS OF THE ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA CONVENE HERE

TO-DAY IN ANNUAL REUNION TOGETHER WITH THOSE YOUNGER

SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

 

   Today the twenty-sixth reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia convenes in Wheeling, and hundreds if not thousands of the men who fought under McClellan, Rosecrans, Curtis, Oley, Hayes, McKinley and scores of other gallant leaders will gather as of yore to renew the old ties of friendship that will bind them to the last.  Not many more are reunions such as this, for even the youngest of those who fought for the preservation of the Union now walk with faltering steps.  Wheeling will welcome these defenders of the flag with enthusiasm, and their stay in the city will be made most pleasant.

 

   It is a pleasing feature of the present gathering that those younger veterans who fought in the Spanish-American war will have a prominent part.  Also, the presence and co-operation of many who wore the Confederate gray will add to the interest of the occasion, this showing as it does that the bitter animosities of the sixties have been laid aside forever.

 

   To the Union and Confederate survivors, and as well to the Soldiers of 1898, the Intelligencer, on behalf of the people of Wheeling, extends the warmest welcome.

 

 

ELABORATE PROGRAMME FOR TO – DAY

 

FIRST FORMAL EVENT OF THE REUNION WILL BE THE MEETING AT THE STATE FAIR GROUNDS THIS AFTERNOON, WHEN ADDRESSES OF WELCOME ARE TO BE DELIVERED

 

   The twenty – sixth reunion of the Society of the Army of West Virginia will begin in this city to-day.  The event will continue for three days and indications are it will be one of the most successful in the history of the organization.  Veterans from all sides, members of the organization through their having served in companies who participated in the Civil war, were arriving last evening from adjoining states and this morning will see the bulk of the veterans present.  The lapse of years since the events of the sixties has slackened the pace and whitened the hair of the veterans, and many have it impossible to attend, but a goodly showing of the old soldiers is in evidence.  ‘Additions’ interest in the reunion too, is given by the presence of Spanish – American war veterans in reunion on the same days, and the result has been the coming in many instances of both father and son to Wheeling.

 

   For the entertainment of the visitors, elaborate preparations have been made and today will doubtless see the city well decorated.  The reunion proper does not open till afternoon, but many of the veterans came yesterday and spent the day renewing old friendships as well as sightseeing.  About headquarters there was constantly gathered a crowd who with enthusiasm, that old age did not impair, discussed remembrances and incidents and the plans of the reunion.  There has been provided ample accommodations, and so far not the least trouble has been found in housing the visitors.  Members of Holliday post are the reception committee and yesterday they met each train and will continue to do so today.

 

   The first meeting of the reunion will occur at 1:30 at the state fair grounds on the big stand that has been erected in front of the grand stand.  President H. C. Franzheim, of the board of trade, upon whose invitation the reunion is being held here, will call the meeting to order and then there will follow the series of addresses arranged.  The absence of Governor W. M. O. Dawson, in Denver, made it impossible for him to return in time for the reunion, but Congressman W. P. Hubbard, will make the address of welcome upon behalf of the state in his usual eloquent and earnest manner, while the citizens will back up everything that Mr. Hubbard will say in the way of welcome and hospitality.  Both President Vance and Col. Zeise on last evening were pleased at this spirit already in evidence before the reunion had been opened.

 

Programme of To-Day

 

   The programme of this morning consists of welcoming and registering the veterans, while the real opening at the fair grounds will be marked by the following programme:

 

Address of welcome from the state - - Hon. W. P. Hubbard, M. C., of Wheeling

 

Extending the hospitality of the city - - Hon. Charles C. Schmidt, mayor of Wheeling

 

Responses – Gen. John L. Vance, president of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, Columbus, Ohio; Capt. C. E. Morris, in behalf of Spanish War Veterans.

 

Addresses