'^^.^ ^x ^-^^ f :^^' .^ ^ c ^<^^ .^ ^^^-., \ / 4^\. History Of The Association Rifle Company Cleveland Ohio Copyright 1912 by T. T. Long .^ ^',AA FOREWORD F you want history to be inter- esting — make it yourself. The contents of these few pages will hold but little interest for other than, perhaps, a hundred odd fellows, now scattered widely apart. The review of the old days before we had begun the accumulation of wrinkles, and before we had made many of our mistakes, is dear to our memory — for were we not essential to its completeness? The memory of those days contains many varieties of experience, not here re- corded. We recall the pride of uniform and flawless accoutrement en parade*, the thrills of satisfaction in competitive drill for promotion; the glow of conscious individ- uahty that came with the warrant and to wear the sword; the cultivation of gruff - ness — for military style in issuing com- mands; the sense of responsibility carried when alone on guard after midnight. Yes — the memories are intensely personal. j-flpr ^ ..^.i^ciiii^iiBlHI ^^^l^^m%^ . !S CAPTAIN JOSEPH C. BEARDSLEY Eighteen years have worked many changes in the group that answered the original call. 1898 brought the national call for military service — and effectually satis- fied the martial craving — an appropriate finish for the old Company. Each year, there meets the remnant of the old "Rifles" to renew associations, to keep informed of the changes among the absentees and to provide Memorial Day re- membrance for those who have been "mustered out." So closes the story of an enterprise whose only right to be made "history" lies in this — after sixteen years there are a hundred men whose handshake is closer when they meet or whose blood cockles warm up when one of the old boys goes by — they are comrades. JOSEPH G. BEARDSLEY, W. H. KINNICUTT, W. J. GRAHAM, J. H. BAGON, T. T. LONG, Ghairman, Gommittee on Gompany History. History of the Association Rifle Company (First Installment.) Read at the first annual meeting, Jan. 8, 1895, by the Company Historian, Lieut. Dudley A. Smith, Surgeon. Late in the year 1893, Secretary Shurt- leff of the Cleveland Y. M. C. A. suggested the advisability of making military drill a feature of Gymnasium work. Accordingly a notice was inserted in "Cleveland's Young Men" to the effect that applications might be made to physical director James Graham of the Gymnasium. A large number of young men appHed and in January, '94, a meeting was called to organize a company, at which one hundred and thirty were present. Joseph C. Beardsley, late Lieutenant, U. S. A., having been persuaded by Mr. E. W. Palmer to take charge of the company, at- tended this meeting and, under his direction, the organization! was accompHshed. The officers of the company selected at this time were temporary and were as follows: J. C. Beardsley, Gapt.; F. L. Hayes, act- ing First Sergeant; Messrs. Wm. Hamil- ton, Frank Heslip, Hy Chakijian, R. L. Kennan, W. F. Herringshaw, W. J. Gra- ham, Frank Pelton and Walter Norton, acting Sergeants. At this time no defi- nite plan was entertained for the future of the company, and no one expected it to de- velop in one short year into the organiza- tion as we see it to-day. Very soon after the company commenced to drill, the agi- tation for uniforms began, and in May the men made their first appearance in their neat gray West Point uniforms. The first pubhc appearance of the com- pany was on June 3, when they attended military service at Epworth Memorial church as guests of the Fifth Regiment, O. N. G., and very favorable pubhc comment was excited. The call for equipment soon grew ur- gent, as a rifle company without rifles was considered about as effective as the Chinese ammunition in the recent war. According- ly rifles were obtained, and on July 4 the company made its second pubhc appearance in the grand civic and mihtary parade, the occasion being the dedication of the Cuya- hoga County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monu- ment. It was at this time that the company really had its first introduction to the pub- hc, and surprise was expressed on all sides at the splendid showing made by "the infants." Following this came the excur- sion to Put-in-Ray, August 16, under the auspices of the company. It was indeed a gala day, and so far as I am aware it is the only gorgeous and glittering success that lights the dark and dreary pathway of our financial failures. Shades of Zogbaum de- fend us! I must now record the most important event thus far in the history of the com- pany: the first camp, which was pitched August 18, 1894, at Beach Cliff, Ohio, was named Camp Dorothy Beardsley in honor of the pet of the company, the captain's child. The writer was not in camp, but if all the reports of those who were can be relied upon (which I doubt) a "huge time" is the only thing that will express it. It was found that Quarter Master Sergeant Long could soak hard tack and borrow milk from neighboring farm houses with neatness and despatch, and in all his foraging, it is re- ported he was received with open arms — by the hired girl. Assistant Q. M. S., A. H. Smith was ever at his heels, and smeared himself with glory in proportion to his po- sition. The guard house had no terrors, as the daily papers were all on file there, and reading them was considered an easy job. It was a little perilous, however, to draw water from the raging lake, and some few had their new uniforms, together with their ardor, badly dampened. Private E. W. Briggs demonstrated the fact that a little man can create a large sized rumpus with the Corporal's Guard, and he challenged the attention of the visiting ladies in camp with the same reckless abandon that character- ized the challenging of the ferocious horse. All in all the camp was a success, and many pleasant memories hnger about it. While in the midst of the enjoyment of camp hfe the men were startled and a cloud of gloom thrown over them by the news of the sudden and awful death of Sergeant Wm. Hamilton, who was killed while en route to camp, at the Detroit St. crossing of the Lake Shore tracks. Death at any time is sad, but when a young man of twenty-three, well and strong, of sterhng character and unbound- ed ambition, is ruthlessly cut down, dull words fail and the anguish in the hearts of his friends can alone be felt, not ex- pressed. Sergeant Hamilton was killed on Saturday, Aug. 18, and the Monday follow- ing his sorrowing comrades took charge of the funeral ceremonies, conducting them according to military regulations, it being the first strictly military funeral ever oc curing in the city of Cleveland. The second Sunday in October the com- pany accepted the invitation of Chaplain Wilson R. Stearley to attend services at his church in a body. This was the fifth ap- pearance of the company, and soon after, on the 18th of October, they appeared on parade upon the occasion of the laying -of the corner-stone of the new National Guard Armory. This was also the first appearance of the Trumpet and Drum Corps. The speed with which this auxiliary to the com- pany was organized and trained, under the efficient management of chief trumpeter Chas. Ghopp, was marvelous; for within two weeks after its inception the trumpet and drum corps escorted the company in pa- rade, and both company and corps received the highest praise along the entire line of march. It is doubtful if any organization in the line received more applause, and from that day the Association Rifle Company, in the judgement of the pubhc and of mihtary men, has stood in the front rank of Cleve- land's military organizations. I must not fail to record the forced march of Thanksgiving morning, in which the company gained valuable experience in extended order drill, scouting and skirmish work. On New Year's day the company re- ceived in uniform at the association recep- tion, and gave an exhibition drill at six o'clock. The last appearance of the com- pany in uniform was upon Friday night, January 4, when they attended the Gray's Circus and received as much attention as the clowns. For an organization only one year old, the Association Rifle Company challenges the country to produce its equal. Their pro- gress in mastering the drill regulations is such that they are ready to give pointers to many older organizations at any time. Too much credit cannot be given to the efficient commandant of the company, Captain Beardsley, for it has been mainly due to his untiring efforts and his proficien- cy in mihtary matters gained, as an officer in the regular army, that the rapid progress of the company has been made possible. If the extraordinary accomplishments of the company's first year form any cri- terion from which to judge its future, we can come to but one conclusion, — that the Association Rifle Company is bound to be- come the crack military organization of Greater Cleveland. History of the Association Rifle Company (Second Installment.) Read at the second annual meeting of the com- pany, at the Forest City House, Cleveland, by the Company Historian, Lieutenant Dudley A. Smith. Surgeon, January 14th, 1896. We are here again tonight to hold the second annual meeting of the Association Rifle Company. The first year, the History of which was read one year ago, was an eventful one, and marked by much progress in the affairs of the company. The year just closed furnishes as many and as impor- tant events for the Historian to record as its predecessor. Death has once again entered our ranks and by his bhghting hand we have lost an able officer, one to whom every member of the Company was ever pleased to render obedience. Lieutenant Fitzhugh Lee Hayes, died at Charity Hospital, this city, of typhoid fever, on Feb'y. 18th., 1895, just six months after the tragic death of Serg't. Wilham Hamilton, which occurred August 18th, 1894. Lieut. Hayes was loved by every man in the company and the sentiment of all was expressed by one who remarked to the writer recently: "I have never ceased to miss Hayes. His disposition was genial, he was popular, bright, and always on the alert for an opportunity to do something for the good of the company. His loss has been most keenly felt and I am pleased to have this opportunity to pay this tribute to his mem- ory." On Monday, February 25th., Lieut. Hayes was buried with military honors at St. John's Cemetery. Chaplain Stearly con- ducted impressive services at the house; the remains were then taken to St. John's Cathe- dral, and from there to the cemetery on an artillery caisson. On March 25th, 1895, the Company par- ticipated in a Batallion drill at the Gray's Armory with the companies of the 5th Reg- iment, 0. N. G. On this occasion with Cap- tain Beardsley in command, the Company added materially to the laurels already won. They were highly comphmented by the In- specting Officer, Gapt. Munson, U. S. A., who said he had never before seen arms and ac- courtrements in as good condition outside the regular army. In April the suggestion was made that instead of the regular summer camp, the company go to Springfield, Mass., in May and camp there during the International Convention of the Y. M. C. A. The proposi- tion was enthusiastically received, and it was decided to carry it out. After much prehm- inary planning, the work of preparation was begun, and on the morning of the 17th day of May, 1895, the start was made, the route being by way of the Pennsylvania Lines to New York, and the New York, New Haven & Hartford, from New York to Springfield. Much of the beautiful scenery of the Penn- sylvania mountain region was observed by moonlight, by those who could not sleep — and they semed to be in the majority. Ar- riving at Harrisburg the company was trans- ferred to the scond section of the train and Mrs. Beardsley, who was in the sleeper of the first section, went on without an escort. The fear that his wife would get tangled up and lost along the sidewalks of New York nearly drove the Captain frantic; but hap- pily she was discovered at the station calmly awaiting the arrival of section No. 2, and all was well. From New York, the route to Spring- field was over the New York, New Haven & Hartford R. R., and the beauties of this ride by daylight was a source of continual sur- prise and enjoyment to the Buckeyes, many of whom had never before been beyond the confines of their native State. Arriving at Springfield the Company proceeded directly to the spot selected for its camp, which was on Belmont Ave. on the heights at the sou- thern edge of the city, overlooking the valley of the beautiful and majestic Connecticut River. The Blue laws of Massachusetts were rendered a still deeper dyed blue, by the re- marks of the rank and file of the company when it was learned that they would not be allowed to carry their arms within the state. This was indeed a hard blow; but, with char- acteristic soldierly resignation, the boys pro- ceeded to forget it and turned in for a good time, despite the restrictions placed upon them by the Yankee legislators, and no more enjoyable days were ever spent by the com- pany than while in Camp "O. O. Howard" at Springfield in the spring of 1895. It should be stated here that the As- sociation Trumpet and Drum Corps, under the direction of Chief Trumpeter Chopp, added much to the enjoyment of camp life. On the first night after arrival in Spring- field, this bunch, numbering 24 men in all, proceeded to Union Armory where Company K, Massachusetts National Guard, was drilling. After serenading the company, it was arranged that the musicians should lead the company in a short parade through some of the principal streets of Springfield, and out Belmont Ave., to the headquarters of the Association Rifles. The boys in camp got wind of the fact that Company K was on its way to pay their respects, and tired as they were, tumbled out of their tents at the order to "fall in," pulling on their uniforms as they came hobbling into place in "com- pany front" to receive their visitors. When within a few feet of the company front of the Rifles,. Company K in command of Ser- '■ M 1 1 '■■^ '^K . ^'^^^^S^-^' i .^^^^ r Pi- -^i^m^^^ fe- 4 ^ 1; t f i, 1^' ^''^ '■■■■ •,.- ffc^iri BBSS'. 1 1 '^ '' '^^^H^^B^^^^^^^^hHhBbH^SI^II^hI^hh^^^^e geant Anderson gave the command to "halt," and scarcely had they stopped in their march when three rousing cheers from the Rifle Company members greeted them. Three answering cheers from the Springfield boys broke the ice, and at the command to break ranks, both companies separated themselves into small groups and in that cordial fash- ion of mihtary men, proceeded to get ac- quainted. Later the Springfield boys re- turned to their armory well pleased with their novel experience. The location of Camp "O. 0. Howard" was superb. As remarked before, the camp was located on the heights at the southern edge of the city, overlooking both the city and the valley of the Connecticut River. On the highest point, facing Relmont Ave., was the guard tent, and near it was the flag staff from which the stars and stripes floated. To the left of the guard tent, extending di- rectly north, were the company tents, with the cook's tents at right angles with the fine. Across the drill field were the officers' quar- ters, making nineteen tents in all. One of the most amusing features of the camp life, but which struck terror to the hearts of the natives, was the Indian ghost dance. The boys would array themselves with blankets and clubs, and then execute the dance around the camp-fire, keeping time to the wild, weird music peculiar to the Indians. These dances were given every ev- ening, the visitors keeping well in the back- ground, preferring not to run the risk of be- ing scalped. Some of the tents were named "Pride of Cleveland," "Mystic Shrine," "EHte," "Wild and Wooly West," and of course, a "Trilby" tent. The only disappointment to the boys during their whole stay was that they could not use their guns in drill or on parade while in the State, being forbidden by the aforesaid blue laws of the State of Massa- chusetts which prohibits the bearing of arms by any company from out of the State. Other illustrations of the puritanical foolishness are, the law against using parlor matches, another which makes it a crime to cross certain bridges with a lighted cigar or pipe. "Running the guard" was one of the popular sports of camp life frequently in- dulged in. Dwight Connor and Al Vaupel were invariably caught, and then sentenced to policing camp next day. This duty on the part of these two comedians furnished the onlookers with as good vaudeville en- tertainment as one would care to see during the life of the camp. A ball game of two innings between the Rifles and the Trumpeters, resulted in a score of 13 to 1 in favor of the Trumpeters. It is rumored that Umpire Vaupel pushed the score to these uneven proportions, by en- forcing his decisions with an axe, a sword and two revolvers. Mr. S. P. Fenn, the President of the As- sociation, with his good wife, visited the camp one day and their visit was of the sort that leaves a good taste in the mouth, for, during their stay a box of oranges marked "from Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Fenn," was deUv- ered to the Quartermaster's Department with their good wishes. On the morning of the 13th, camp was broken and the homeward trip begun. The signs the boys pilfered, the pow wows held, the hearts they broke, and the hearts that were broken, (and the fellows who were "broke") will furnish subject matter for reminiscences for many moons to come. It was the unanimous verdict that no more perfect camp life was ever enjoyed by a military company, and a vow was regis- tered in every heart to keep green the memory of Camp "O. O. Howard." The company arrived in Cleveland on May 14th. just one week after their departure for the East. Early in the morning of May 14th the first actual engagement participated in by the company was fought. The train bear- ing the soldiers stopped at Lancaster, Pa., for a few minutes, and mighty deeds were done. The sleeping population of that little city slumbered on in peaceful ignorance of the battle. A noble Indian brave had been left to guard the destinies of the city, as well as to keep watch of the stock in trade of a Kttle cigar store (in front of which he was stationed) and the neighboring signs along the street. The boys wanted signs for sou- venirs, the brave protested and the battle was fought. Nobody was killed, but the entire force of the enemy was made a prisoner and was borne aloft on the shoul- ders of the conquerers to the baggage car. Chagrined over his capture. Poor Lo pined away and died before the train reached Cleveland; but, not wishing to lose the proof of such signal victory, his body was em- balmed and preserved in the Armory where he now occupies a prominent position, bring- ing afresh to the minds of the boys ever and anon, the event of the battle of Lancaster, Pa. The trip to Springfield has borne fruit. Already the Associations in Memphis, Ev- ans ville, Augusta, Ga. and other cities have organized military companies, and innum- erable inquiries from all over the country for information, are being received at the office of the Cleveland Association, from As- sociations wishing to organize similar com- panies. Our company may justly feel proud that it is the pioneer of Association military companies. The "Home Guards," a sorrowful group of company members who were left be- hind, for various reasons, tendered the com- pany an enjoyable banquet on May 17th, after their return from Springfield. The toasts were numerous and appropriate. Chaplain Stearly representing the "stay-at- homes" voiced tearfully their regret at their inability to accompany the command. Trumpeter Connor spoke of the trip en route, and the various staff officers added their experiences, while Private Jerome and Corporal Briggs toasted the ladies, with a "God bless 'em" — to the Queen's taste. The "Home Guards" banquet was an enjoyable finale to an enjoyable excursion. The reputation of the Rifles for making an excellent showing on parade, was in- creased on Decoration Day, 1895, and the continuous ovation all along the fine of march was well merited. June 13th was a great day for the Trumpet and Drum Corps, for at the State encampment of the G. A. R., held at San- dusky, it was chosen from among a dozen different musical organizations in attend- ance, as the special escort of Gov. McKinley. These boys surely know how to "blow them- selves" into prominence. Financially the Company did well dur- ing the year. To be sure, they did not secure many dollars by drawing shining Ughts to the lecture platform; but the excursion to Put-in-Bay was a success, as was also the moonhght ride on Lake Erie — at least Briggs says the latter was, and Eddie ought to know. But the source from which by far the largest amount has been reahzed, was the membersliip campaign, which was instituted and set in hearty motion at the first annual banquet of the company, held in the gymnasium. The banquet was enjoyed, and the impetus given the membership campaign, resulted in materially decreas- ing the deficit of the company. On July 26th at noon, the company started for Willoughby for a two days "Camp." What wasn't done there is not worth setting down. I am not officially informed as to the diet, but there are ru- mors that it included "canned dog." There is no doubt that a prominent place on the bill of fare was taken by "creamed chipped beef and coffee." There was a battle in which three of the biggest men in the company were badly de- moraHzed and all but routed by three of the smallest soldiers in camp — that is if the ht- tle fellows can be believed. The big ones however "deny the allegation and defy the alUgator," and declare that the small ones were badly whipped and had to resort to cavalry tactics, borrowing a farmer's horse without asking and riding tandem into camp, a most precipitous retreat. One of the most enjoyable features of this camp was the bathing in the lake — ^but it resulted disastrously in Graham's case. One day he was last getting out of the water, and after all the others were dressed, by some mistake Graham's clothes were mis- laid, accidentally of course. After finishing his water sports he emerged — to find his clothes gone. He immediately charged the camp only to find, to his dismay, that visi- HS ■ ^^^^9 ^^^n d •-A: ^HHfl ^^^H ^B9 ^Hl ^H H ^^'^^m ^S B J ■ ' '•! --'i^^^^l ^^^HB^^'.^ '* --<^ 1' '1 -1 ^b^ K ' M ^m m ^Mi B^ IBF^^^^^eMb ^^^t; • ^^ W[-: Hr^^3i XrS '(jK'Jl. ^•''"^^I^^hH ^p «W^^ !'•. ..,!^nl E^ tei tors were there, and of the fair sex too. He fled in terror, but no friendly shelter was at hand, excepting a scrawny little twelve inch shrub upon the beach behind which six feet of Graham sought refuge, covered only by the light of day and the blue canopy of heaven. A friendly blanket squad went to his rescue in time for supper. The forced march of Thanksgiving day was a notable occasion; but the events of the night before in the Armory, where the boys were assembled, awaiting the dawn of Thanksgiving Day, will linger longest in their memories. The self -same Graham was on guard, arrayed in a "Union" (?) suit of blue (underclothes) and side arms. No sleep came to the weary eyehds of the cap- tain, Lieut. Andrus, nor Quartermaster Long on that night. Mr. Oram's little lunch, con- sisting of a six course banquet, opening with soup and closing with plum pudding, pressed too heavily for comfort, and they adjourned to the council chamber and wore the wee sma' hours away in a friendly game of "FU raise you one" or "I go you two bet- ter." It is well that the Company attended the annual sermon by Chaplain Stearley a few weeks before. It is proverbial that soldiers shy at water when any other beverage is at hand. In the field exercises on Thanksgiving Day the Captain marched the Company up to a run- ning stream, when suddenly Color Sergeant Kinnicutt grew faint, showing symptoms of hydrophobia, and plaintively exclaimed, "O ! Captain ! there's water here ! Captain, there's water here!" We have had three clubs organized in the company within the year. The "Skyhght Club" came into existence one summer night at Euchd Beach — but it died on the sands of that same beach, and no requeim was heard, save the murmur of the waves. There was a company "Glee Club" organized, which probably sung itself to death, as nothing was ever heard of them after the first two or three rehearsals; but the "Moustache Club" is still flourishing and waxes stronger day after day. One of its members it is said is obhged to keep his pet from sinking into "innocuous desuetude" by tying knots in the hairs when they come out to drink. Sever- al new members are proposed, among them our worthy Serg't Smith. The election at which Serg't H. L. An- drus was chosen 2nd Lieutenant to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Lieut. R. L. Kennan, was held October 29th. On Nov. 1st a Stag Reception at which refreshments were served, was held in honor of Lieut. An- drus. Since his election he has by his sol- dierly bearing and his thoroughness as a tactician, proven that he was the man for the place. The Company Armory is now "a thing of beauty and a joy forever!" We are in- debted to our friends the ladies, for the dec- orations, and we thank them. The rooms now present an air of "hominess" and cozi- ness which makes them a congenial resort. In closing the history of 1895, I wish to call upon every man to exert every effort to place the company as many steps in ad- vance each succeeding year, as during the year just closed, and never to stop short of the mark already set; to make the Asso- ciation Rifle Company the best miUtary or- ganization in the city of Cleveland. History of the Association Rifle Company (Third Installment.) January 1896 to May 20, 1898, the date of mus- ter into the Ohio National Guard as Companies B. & I., Fifth Regiment. Compiled by Cap- tain Beardsley, Dr. Kinnicutt and T. T. Long and read at the Annual Meeting in February, 1910 by T. T. Long. At this meeting, by unanimous vote of the members present, this Committee, with the addition of W. J. Graham and J. H. Bacon, was instructed to prepare plans for putting into per- manent printed form a complete history of the Association Rifle Company. At the Annual meet- ing in February, 1912, the plans of the Committee were approved and they were ordered to print such history for distribution. The first event of importance follow- ing the previous history, was the appoint- ment of E. G. Lane as First Lieutenant. Lieutenant Lane was secured after a consid- erable period of negotiation, from the Fifth Regiment, where he had served as the Reg- imental Quartermaster. At this time the Company numbered about seventy men, and examinations of men for corporals and sergeancies were numerous and frequent. In early February written and practical examinations were held, followed on February 18th by a large number of promotions. A school for non-commissioned officers was established early in the spring of this year 1896, and a study of formation, ex- tended order and military tactics was prose- cuted vigorously every Tuesday night, until the proper degree of efficiency resulted among the newly elected officers. In May 1896 preparations for the an- nual camp were begun. The circular an- nouncing this camp reads : "1— Pursuant to action taken at a special meet- ing of the company held Tuesday, May 12th., the following, relative to the annual camp is hereby published for the information and guidance of the members: The Company will go on duty at 12 o'clock noon on June 20th, and returning will be dis- missed not later than 8 a. m. June 29th at the Armory. Particulars relative to the nature of the oper- ations during camp will be published in later orders. An assessment of $5.00, payable on or before June 15th, will be collected from each member of the company. This assessment is payable to the Quartermater, and if members so desire may be made in installments of not less than $1.00 each. Members who find it impossible to attend camp must send excuses to the 1st Sergeant so that they will be in his hands not later than June 15th. All such excuses will be closely scrutinized and will only be accepted when it shall be established be- yond doubt, that the member offering it is pre- vented from going by illness or business of an urgent nature." By order of Captain Beardsley: (Signed) H. L. Andrus, 2nd Lieut. May 20th, 1896. The usual Decoration day parade was participated in on May 30th by the full company. On June 16th, full and final orders were issued for the nine days field duty and camp at Willoughby. Order No. 9 reads thus and tells its own story: "The Company is hereby ordered to assem- ble at the Armory Saturday, June 20th, at 12:30 p. m. for nine days field duty. Field uniform will be worn with blanket roll containing one pair of blankets, change of under- clothing, towels, soap, etc., roll to be made up ac- cording to sample on exhibition at the armory. A piece of canvass or oilcloth to sleep on may be carried if desired. Canteen and haversack will be worn with canteen on right and haversack on the left side of the body, straps of both to be worn under belt. Any form of shoe desired may be worn, but it is recommended that members pro- vide themselves with a canvass shoe. Arrange- ments have been made to supply these at a re- duced rate. Belts will contain twenty rounds ef blank ammunition. Rifles must be thoroughly cleaned and oiled prior to time of assembly. Every member of the company will appear at the Armory Saturday, June 20th at 12:30 p. m. whether excused from field duty or not, to march out with the company. The Company will camp as follows: Satur- day and Sunday evenings near Bedford; Monday evening near Geauga Lake; Tuesday evening at some point east of the Chagrin river; Wednesday near Kirtland, and on Thursday and the following days on the lake shore near Willoughby." By order of Captain Beardsley: (Signed) H. L. Andrus, 2nd Lieut. No event in the history of the Company is better remembered by its members than this practice march with its closing station- ary camp at Willoughby on the Lake. Leav- ing the Arntory at 12:30 p. m. on Saturday, June 20th, the company took the Broadway cars to Miles Ave. where they disembarked and began their march afoot to Bedford, where, upon arrival the grass was cut, and the company went into camp for the night. The next day camp was made on the picnic grounds of Bedford Glens. Guard mount- ing, poHcing of camp and the usual camp routine with dress parade for the benefit of the many visitors from home, was the pro- gram for Sunday. Monday morning camp was broken, and the company was divided into two small parties under the command of Sergeants Squires and Graham, with instructions to proceed against each other, one back from the road and skirting the edge of the woods, the other following Tinker's Creek to Geau- ga Lake where they were to meet, both pa- trols scouting for outlying detachments. History tells us that Serg't Squires seemed to have the better of this contest. The Quartermaster's department was instructed to proceed by nearest wagon road to Geauga Lake, where it was to have supper ready for the troops when they should arrive. This order was carried out to the letter and when the company reached camp the cook was ready and waiting. Camp was pitched for the night on the shores of Geauga Lake. The groans of Private Jones can be heard in memory yet, as he bathed his bhstered heels in the cool waters of the Lake. From Geauga Lake the company re- sumed its march the following morning, starting out as an attacking force. Deploy- ing as skirmishers, they maneuvered and at- tacked an imaginary position on the top of the heights above Chagrin river. The third day's march ended at Briar Hill, where an important capture was made, though it was never definitely learned who effected the capture. A sheep was the pris- oner, and for supper that night all the com- pany shared in the spoils of victory. Nature's contribution to the camp at Brier Hill was a severe thunderstorm which added materially to the joys of guard duty, and to the general experience of camp life. Even the scorned "pup tents" were sought with unwonted appreciation that night. It is recorded however that Squires and Som- mers got their "tootseys" wet. A church strawberry ice cream festival in the imme- diate neighborhood afforded diversion in the early evening, and the antics of several of the company's comedians who attended, en- livened the program for the country-folk. From Brier Hill the next day to Wil- loughby, was a forced march of 18 miles, the longest walk on record by the company. Plaintive appeals to the housewives of the countryside, brought many delicacies in the shape of pies, newly made; cookies, dough- nuts, etc. "Please dear kind lady have you any pie" and ''Hallelujah! on the bum, bum. Hallelujah! again! Hallelujah! Give us a hand-out, To revive us again.** echoed throughout the camp and at com- pany drills for weeks after this memorable day. Willoughbj^-on-the-Lake was reached in due time, where camp was pitched for the remaining three days of the period. Numerous are the recollections of this camp. Of course every man has his stories. The Quartermaster's department came in for alternate blessings and — other things. Mem- ory brings back a confused picture of base- ball games, Sunday services, rifle practice, water sports, guard running, and other games such as tiddlety winks, or was it "give me three cards — O ! the devil." A bright spot to the very few was one particular game in which Color Serg't Kin- nicutt, just to be a good fellow, and to show that there were no hard feelings, "butted into" a little game; he took a hand and mod- estly drawing one card, stayed until only the sphynx-faced Captain opposed him. Finally there being nothing left (in sight) but the blue sky, he and the captain compared as- sets. The sum total of the captain's hand computed 28 while two blond and two bru- nette fairies in novice's hand produced consternation to the entire group. At last reports the accounts had not been satisfac- torily adjusted. It is beheved by some that upon this occasion was born the "Airship Club" which in after days (or nights) was often disturbed in its nocturnal devotions by the incursions of the watchful building su- perintendent. Speaking of this Willoughby camp, pri- vate Cormier says he received more notice from being just an ordinary private than if he had been a commissioned officer, because whenever there was any work to be done he happened to be the only private within gun- shot, and no sooner was one task com'pleted than some Corporal, Sergeant or staff offi- cer would immediately detail him for another job. His explanation was that there was about ten petty officers to one private in camp. His fondness for real snakes was his greatest faiUng, and this hking nearly cost him his freedom more than once. A par- ticularly bright colored specimen which he used for a hat band always threw consterna- tion into the ranks at mess. He narrowly escaped being mobbed so often that he was finally forced to part company with Mr. Gar- ter. Lawson's night cap, tied daintily under his cMn with white ribbons, created considera- ble commotion for barely a minute one night. Scarcely sixty seconds elapsed before it suffered the same fate as Jerome's night- shirt at Gamp Dorothy Beardsley and every member of the company had a portion of the cap as a souvenir. During the time the Company was in camp at Willoughby, a dance was "on" up town. Squires had a girl, and wanted very much to go, but he had no shoes of pre- sentable appearance; so he borrowed Serg't Graham's patent leathers, and hied himself off to meet his lady love. Graham had, up to this time, intended remaining in camp; but when he saw all the boys departing, he arrayed himself in his old sweater, and Squires' old shoes, and went to the dance along with the rest, where it is said he had more fun with Squires' girl than did Squires himself, arrayed in all his finery. This was ever Graham's way. Sunday — who does not remember Sun- day in camp. The Quartermaster's depart- ment will never forget it. All the friends we ever knew, and some we never knew, it seemed, would "bob up serenely" on a Sun- day morning, prepared to spend Sunday in Camp. Of course they would all stay for dinner. The morning after at this particu- lar camp, all that was left to start the boys home on was hard-tack and black coffee. Cormier says there was one piece of straw- berry shortcake left, and insists that Lieut. Andrus got that. Church call was sounded at 10:45 and Starr Gadwallader acted as Sky Pilot on this particular Sunday. Gamp was broken early on the morning of Monday, June 29th, and the return to the city was made via the Lake Shore Railroad without further incident. The absence of a number of men from this camp was the occasion for a military court of inquiry, which was called to con- vene on July 6th, at which all absentees were ordered to be present and give account of their absence. This was the first event following the camp. Cleveland's Centennial opened on Sun- day, July 19th, with rehgious services at Central Armory, which the company attend- ed in a body. No local military parade was ever com- plete without the Association Rifles, judging from the number of public appearances which the company made during 1896. The first appearance after the usual Decoration Day parade, was on Founder's Day, on July 22nd; again the company ap- peared on July 30th to assist in the celebra- tion of Western Reserve Day, and still again on Sept. 10th in the parade commemorating Perry's Victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. The boys always made a good showing on parade, and their soldierly appearance, en- hanced as it always was on parade by the now famous Trumpet and Drum Corps, was always the signal for applause, from the feminine element at least, w«hich hned the route of parade. On Wednesday, Aug. 19th, the company in order to fill a depleted treasury, engi- neered its third annual excursion to Put-in- Bay. Whether the receipts from this excursion accompUshed the desired result, the records do not state. It was the usual social success however. On November 25th the Company re- ported at the Armory at 9 p. m. in response to order No. 15, in order to sleep in the Ar- mory preparatory to early Thanksgiving day maneuvers at Willoughby, next day. Breakfast was served in the Armory next morning at 5 a. m., and at 5:20 a special car left the Armory over the C. P. & E. for Wil- loughby where exercises in minor tactics was the order of the day, concluding in time for the boys to reach home for Thanksgiv- ing dinner. A court martial was ordered to com- vene on Nov. 10th for the trial of all mem- bers of the company dehnquent in atten- dance, as shown by the record of the 1st Serg't. and orders No. 17, pubhshed for the information of the company and much to the credit of this loyal group, shows a sur- prisingly small number of guilty men. Out of seven men tried, three were found 'guilty' and fined; one was fined and reduced to the ranks from Corporal, and but one was "dis- honorably discharged from the service." At the annual meeting of the company at Forest City house on December 29th 1896, history was made, as it was at this meeting a resolution was passed changing the name of the Association Rifle Company to that of The Association Engineer Company; and or- der No. 1, issued January 12th, 1897, conveys this intelhgence officially to the company members. This same order instructs a board, consisting of Cap't. Beardsley, Lieuts. Lane and Andrus, and Corporals Morse and Bacon, to convene at the call of the Captain, to draft a suitable course of instruction in mihtary engineering. The first event worth mentioning in the history of the Association Engineers for 1897 was the retirement of Dr. Dudley A. Smith as Company Surgeon. In announ- cing his retirement by official Order No. 2, on January 19th, 1897, Cap't. Beardsley says: "It is with great regret that this announce- ment is made as the personal relations between Dr. Smith and the company com- mander have always been of the most cor- dial nature; and he has moreover by his hearty genially and sterhng worth, endeared himself to every member of the command. A hearty Godspeed in his new undertaking is the sincerest wish of the company com- mander, and he beheves that he is joined therein by every member of the company," The same order announces the appointment of Dr. E. D. C. Bayne as Surgeon, to date from February 6th, 1897, the date of Dr. Smith's retirement. On February 22nd and 23rd after weeks of rehearsing, the members of the Associa- tion Engineer Company presented for the approval of their friends, their first minstrel entertainment. The program inflicted, in- cluded a chorus from the company, solos by some of it's would-be minstrels, and the "En- gineers in Gamp at Bedford" was vividly portrayed by Serg't Briggs and his prize drill squad. "The faithful Watch Dog" a clever skit by Messrs. Graham, Martin and Taylor, was a "scream." The show was pronounced a success, by those present; and by reason of the large audiences present at both per- formances, and the cordial reception of the show, it was decided to make the affair an annual event thereafter. Decoration Day, May 30th., the company appeared on parade as usual, and following the custom established after the death of Serg't. Hamilton, a committee from the company was detailed to decorate the graves of deceased comrades. On June 3rd, 1897, Order No. 8 schedul- ing the regular summer camp, was issued. This order reads as follows: "The Company is hereby directed to assem- ble at the Armory at 12:30 p. m. June 19th, 1897, prepared to proceed to Willoughby, O. for the annual camp. Each member will provide himself with two blankets, and such underwear and other acces- sories as he may deem necessary, but the amount of baggage of each member will be strictly limit- ed to what can be conviently carried on the person. The blankets and baggage of each mem- ber will be made up into a blanket roll accord- ing to the sample, which will be on exhibition at the armory after Tuesday, June 15th, and must be ready for inspection not later than 9 o'clock Friday evening, June 18th. Returning, the company will arrive at the Union Passenger Station at 7:00 a. m. Monday, June 28th, and will be dismissed immediately up- on arriving at the armory. The following program for camp is hereby published for the information and guidance of the command: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday a field exer- cise which will close at the permanent camp about noon of the third day. This field exercise will cover the country within a radius of about twelve miles from camp, and will be participated in by the Willoughby Cadets under the command of Lieut. Gibson. The Cadets will also take part in the permanent camp. The field exercises will include problems in field fortification and hasty entrenchments, stream crossings and the defense of localities. Thursday, Friday and Saturday — Target prac- tice, practical instruction in the construction of gabions, fascines, and other revetting materials, and a few practical illustrations of bridging ex- pedients. Sunday — the usual camp routine. Monday — break camp. Roster — of camp calls Reveille: 1st call 6:00 a. m. March 6:05 a.' m. Assembly 6:10 a. m- Mess call 6:15 a. m. Sick call *7:00 a. m. Assembly *7:35 a. m. Recall *9:00 a. m. 1st Serg't call 11:00 a. m. Mess call 11:30 a. m. First call 5:00 p. m. Guard Mounting: Assembly 5:05 p. m. Adjts. call 5:15 p. m. Mess call 5:30 p. m. First call t6:30 p. m. Parade: Assembly t6:35 p. m. Adjts. call t6:45 p. m. Tattoo 9:45 p. m. Taps 10:00 p. m. *0n Sunday church call will be sounded at 10:45 a. m. tDaily except Sunday. According to the schedule outUned in Orders No. 8, the company arrived at Wil- loughby on the morning of the 20th of June, where they were met by the Willoughby Cadets under command of Lieutenant Gib- son, and where together, they pitched their camp at the mouth of the Chagrin River, on the Lake shore. On the morning of June 21st. after the coldest June night in the ex- perience of any member of the company, at four o'clock, a detachment of the Associa- tion Engineers, under Serg't Squires, after a hasty breakfast marched by the Plains road in the direction of Mentor, and from there across country to Little Mountain. A somewhat larger detachment under Lieut. Gibson of the Cadets, followed two hours later over the same route, reaching Mentor, eight miles away, two hours later. One of the scouts of the first detachment was cap- tured after some maeuvering in the village of Mentor, after which they marched across country by a different route than that taken by the first party, in the direction of Little Mountain sending out advance guards im- mediately. The first party reaching their destination in advance of the second, at once occupied positions commanding the ap- proach from the west, from which the at- tack was to be made. The attacking party upon arri\dng at the base of the mountain, discovered the outposts of the enemy, sent a detachment which gained their rear, causing them to retreat to the main body. The po- sition being too strong for direct attack, it was decided to endeavor to turn their flank, and to accomphsh this a detachment was sent out to the right and another to the left, while the balance of command advanced up- on position from the front. Sufficient time having been given to allow flanking parties to gain their positions, the remainder of the command advanced to the attack, and the engagement began. The attack on the right was a failure, but that on the left was a suc- cess, and this detachment gained the rear of the enemy's position. The enemy now being subjected to a fire from both front and rear, the judges, Lieut. Andrus and Serg't Taylor of the Engineers, declared the attacking par- ty to be victorious. Once more on Thanksgiving Day, 1897, the Engineers, 46 in number, and the Wil- loughby Cadets, 24 strong, met in Willough- by for field exercise; the story of this day's work as told in the "Willoughby Indepen- dent" is quoted herewith, as the most au- thentic record of that day's work, at our command: . "Early on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, the Company of Engineers were divided into two parts, two-thirds under command of Lieut. Lane. Operations commenced by starting for the junc- tion of Mentor and Kirtland roads where they awaited the arrival of the Willoughby Cadets, who under the command of Lieut. Law soon joined the Engineers. The above force was supposed to be the enemy and to attack the fortifications of Wil- loughby. Half an hour after the departure of Lieut. Lane and his forces, Lieut. Andrus, with the other one-third of the Engineers, with Cor- poral R. E. Burgess of the Cadets, as Scout, started for Sterling Hill, which was supposed to be the principal fort or point at which the principal bat- tle would take place. Lieut. Andrus started Serg't Graham wdth a detail and Corp. Burgess as guide over Mentor road as far as Ward's woods, with instructions to locate the enemy and ascer- tain their movements and intentions as far as pos- sible, without exposing themselves, and make his report at the fort with all possible despatch. As soon as Lieut. Andrus arrived at the fort, he post- ed his men on top of Sterling Hill, and along the bank as far north as Bunnell's Hill, and later sent out another patrol, who were to go east until they discovered the enemy, and to return a short dis- tance ahead of them and warn the forces at the fort. In the meantime Lieut. Lane and his forces had continued their march East on the Kirtland Road as far as Randalls, and the forces were sep- arated, part passing up through Randall and the rest continuing east for a short distance and mak- ing for west Kirtland bridge, where the two for- ces united and the march taken up until Waite Hill was reached, where they took cover by going through Waite's farm to a point above the south end Waite Hill bridge, where they came down the bank and arrived at the bridge without beiiig discovered. Here the forces were again sepa- rated, the Engineers in one party, and the Cadets under command of Lieut. Gibson, in another; the Cadets being instructed to go along the south side of the river to the ford and to come up to the fort by Dugway Hill, thereby flanking the enemy. This part of the work was accomplished in good shape, as they arrived at the fort without being discov- ered. Meanwhile, Lieut. Lane, with the Engineers, advanced through the Bunnell farm to the road- way, and the battle was on. The exchange of musketry was very lively on both sides for some time; but the recall was sounded, and the battle was over before the Cadets got into position, and the victory was given informally to the patrol under Lieut. Andrus. Had the recall been held off for a few minutes, the decision would prob- ably have been different, as the Cadets were in position to have riddled the forces in the fort at the foot of Sterling Hill, all exposed, and the Ca- dets under cover. However, the reports will soon be handed in, and the decisions of the umpires will be given sometime next week. Thus Willoughby was saved ! The attack upon it by the Association Engineers of Cleveland, as- sisted by some of the members of the Cadets, was defeated, owing to t^ie gallant and brave conduct of our defenders, under command of Lieut. Andrus." The Annual Minstrel entertainment was repeated on December 3rd. and 4th., to large audiences at both performances, when our former stars, with some additions, added new laurels to those won at the initial per- formances in February. From this time on, regular drills oc- cupied the time of the company, until the time when war was about to be declared with Spain, when the services of the Engi- neers were volunteered in defense of our country; and on May 20th, 1898, the Engi- neers were mustered into the Ohio National Guard, as Companies B and I of the Fifth Regiment, by Gen. H. B. Kingsley, Assistant Adjutant General, O. N. G., with about fifty officers and men in each company. Captain Beardsley commanded Com- pany B, with H. L. Andrus for First and C. B. Squires, succeeded at Columbus by W. J. Lawson, as Second Lieutenant. E. B. Lane, E. W. Briggs and W. J. Graham, were Captain, First and Second Lieutenants re- spectively of Company L This is as far as this History of the As- sociation Engineers takes us and it is to be hoped that some one of our Spanish war veterans will take up the thread from this point and chronicle the doings of "B and I" at Tampa and thereabouts. Companies B & I, Fifth Regiment, O. N. G. (Fourth Installment.) Being a chronicle by Capt. Beardsley, of the doings of about 47 per cent of the Company mem- bers who enlisted as the nucleus of Companies B and I of the Fifth Regiment for service in the Spanish-American War. Those of us who were actively concerned in this new departure will never forget those anxious days and nights that intervened between this time and June 23d, that event- ful day on which we started for Columbus to be mustered into the service of the United States. A few of us knew that there was no question as to our being mustered in, in the event of a second call for volunteers by the President, but there were a dozen other mili- tarj^ organizations in the city, including our friends, the "Grays," who "'ad 'opes," and we had our own troubles in getting together the required number of men for each com- pany (109 including officers), and in keep- ing those we did get. Preliminary marching orders reached us by telegraph on Saturday night, June 18th, about eleven o'clock. They directed Com- panies B and I to be recruited to full strength at once prior to muster and as we did not then have over eighty men in the two com- panies upon whom we could depend vdth any degree of certainty, redoubled efforts to procure recruits were necessary. Any man who could pass the Surgeon's examination was good enough, and it was months before the Association got over gasping at the mot- ley array of men, gleaned from Michigan street lodging houses, the Palisades, and other similar sources, which we daily par- aded through its corridors. Forty-seven men of the old company formed the nucleus of Companies B and I. The balance, with but few exceptions were the floatsam and jetsam of a great city. That they were a tough lot was evidenced by the fact that our comrades of the "Fifth" who had planned a warm reception for the "Y. M. C. A." boys when they arrived at Tampa, were too "flabbergasted" after seeing them, to recover in time to extend a suitable wel- come. On Tuesday, June 21st, about eleven P. M., a telegram from the Adjutant Gen- eral directed that we entrain for Columbus at the Union Station at eight o'clock on Thursday morning, June 23rd. For an hour before this time Company B with one hun- dred and one, and Company I with one hun- dred and five men, and officers, paraded on Erie street in front of the Y. M. G. A. build- ing prior to marching to Union Station where they arrived on schedule time. Thus did the Association Rifle Company justify its existence and the hopes of its founders and friends. Our effort was to make it a military organization of which we might be proud, and when the call to service came we were there "on time." GLEN K. SHURTLEFF GLEN K. SHURTLEFF General Secretary of the Cleveland Young Men's Christian Association 1893-1909. With a mind keenly alert to the whole- some interests of young men, and utterly un- mindful of the active criticisms of "non- combatants," Mr. Shurtleff made the organization of The Association Rifles pos- sible, and became its official sponsor. He remained the staunch friend of the Company until its final enUstment. He be- came known to us all as a respected official, a tolerant critic, a sympathetic adviser, an enthusiastic supporter, a practical friend, but always, from the first to the last, a magnifi- cent Man. E. W. PALMER E. W. PALMER It was largely due to the initiative and perseverance of Mr. E. W. Palmer, whose picture appears on the opposite page, that the Association Rifle Company was brought into being. At the time the Rifles were organized, Mr. Palmer was Treasurer of the Association and closely identified with the promotion of its various clubs and membership activities. It was his boundless enthusiasm which im- pressed Mr. Shurtleff and other directors of the Association, and it was he who finally convinced and persuaded his boyhood friend Joe Beardsley, who had just resigned a Lieu- tenancy in the regular army, to assume com- mand and undertake the direction of the Company. Mr. Palmer proved his interest and loy- alty repeatedly during the ups and downs of the Company's early history by facing tremendous opposition with cheerful opti- mism and soldierly courage. While not enlisted as an active member of the Com- pany, Mr. Palmer was early elected to hon- orary membership, and his enthusiastic sup- port and practical counsel was always welcomed by those in authority in the Com- pany's administrative council. Jn iMrnwmm HUltam ifamUtnn August la. 1B94 3Ftrat Cirut^umtt JF^bruarg 13. 1B95 (Hatpttral M^ron W. ifuttt Au0uat 7. laSE Qlrumtirtrr Ifarrg W, l&tnmn Aprti 3. iBsa Private H^fbrum-g 20. 1904 i^rittatr HattiB Hufiriftnan C9rtii{i»r 5. 1910 l|ouararg M? mfarr Sanuarg 5. 1909 THE GENEVA PRESS GENEVA, O. Roster H. L. Andrus A W. T. Albon J. H. Bacon J. C. Beardsley Carl G. Breves O. E. Bentzen E. W. Briggs B B. S. Brintnall E. D. C. Bayne, M. D. B. H. Barch C. C. Bowe Fred H. Bluim John A. Carey C. C. Chopp F. D. Connor N. W. Connor Harvey L. Copeland F. M. Cormier W. W. Comstock M. F. Crass W. V. Curtiss H. J. Chakijian D W. B. Davis A. W. Davey H. G. Desson H. G. Davis A. A. Dietz E E. B. Emmerson J. L. Flicker M. E. Fenton F. L. Filkins J. E. FiLigman F. G. Felhaber G W. J. Graham Wm. Gibson A. E. Giloy M. Grossman LeRoy Gould H F. A. Heil H. T. Horner A. J. Hofifman E. L. Howe W. C. Hopkins E. T. Hurlebaus H. G. Hurlebaus 0. C. Jones C. O. Jaster, M. D. Percy Jerome K H. W. Keim H. J. Kidd C. E. Kendel F. J. Kysela W. H. Kinnicutt, M. D.R. C. Kennan Geo. R. Kranz John Kusto, Jr. H. B. Knowles H. J. Langdon Milton W. Lusk F. S. Lawrence W. D. Lewis T. T. Long E. G. Lane R. W. Lusk Frank H. Leuke W. G. Lawson Jesse M. Martin E. H. Mowrey E. H. MacMillan M W. O. McGlure J. R. Marsh A. C. Morse E. A. Manning W. F. Norton N A. G. Nunvar A. L. Patterson F. S. Pelton J. R. Purdie H. H. Power J. J. Pierce C. H. Patterson R W. D. Royee M. J. Schneider Frank Schneider R. L. Shay F. A. Scott H. H. Smith Lester A. Smith F. J. Sommers F. Schardt H. O. Secrist Chas. Squire W. R. Seiplein Dudley A. Smith, M.D. Rev. Wilson R. Stear- ley R. R. Taylor P. S. Taylor C. W. Taylor R. E. Taylor R. L. Tappenden G. F. Thompson Geo. A. Tilton V A. G. Vaupel M. E. Vanderwerf W R. E. Watts J. C. Weider Z Theo. Zahour John Zahour Honorary Members S. P. Fenn J. H. Oram E. W. Palmer F. G. Green iSjLl