Macoupin County IL - GAR - Luke Mayfield Post #516, Jul 1885 - Dec 1919 - Part 3

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Picture of the monument in Girard Cemetery


The information contained within this publication is provided as a courtesy of the Girard Township Library and was donated by the Frank W. Gates Family.
COMMERCIAL USE OF THIS MATERIAL IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE GIRARD TOWNSHIP LIBRARY AND THE COMPILER, ALBERT C. PACE
Transcribed, Researched
and Compiled by:
Albert C. ‘Skip’ Pace
Mary Ann Sevier Pace
November 2000


(NOTE: This transcription is exact as written, including punctuation and spelling)
(WEBMASTER NOTE: The formatting for this webpage is somewhat different from the compiler's original file format. See the exact original format at Girard Library.)


Page IV-63

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post
G. A. R. Department Ill Girard Apr 25 1896

Regular meeting of Post. - Com. Garst presiding. - Post opened in form. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported $9.00 on hand. A comitte of three was appointed to see after thoes that need help. Consisting of Com., Garst, S. V. Com. Crawfore and J. V. Com. Routzahn. The Post voted to reimburse Q. M. Warren for keeping and feeding old comrad at hotel overnight. The comitte hall reported that they had rented this hall of Carr & Bowersox (in conection with Court of Honor) for $40.00 per year, so that it will cost the Post but $20.00 a year, beginning Feb 1st 1896 ending Feb 1st, 1897. And that the Womens Relief Corps can use the Hall. Report of comitte was accepted, and discharged. The Comite on marking graves, reported that they had marked all the graves but one that they had not been able to find. Comrad Wans, made some remarks in reguard to renting Hall of the M. W. A. that he was not to blame, because the tearms were such , that the Post could not accept them. The Post gave Comrad Wans a vote of thanks for his efforts in their behalf. Their being no other buisiness the Post closed in form.

S. S. Garst Com
P. L. Wolfe Adjt

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HeadQuarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516, G. A. R. Girard Ill April 25th 1896

Regular meeting, Post opened in form, Com. Garst in Chair, minutes of former meeting read and approved.
Q. M. reported $9.25.
Grave marking committe reported marking missing grave of comrad, but were not sure that they were right. Reliefe Committe reported helping Comrad Neff out of County Funds through Supervisor Burnett.
Orders No. 7, 8, 13 and Dept By-laws were read and ordered on file. Committe of Conference for the year, with the Reliefe Corps, are Comrads Drennan, Burnett, Thacker, Warren and Haynes.
The Committe appointed on Decoration were Comrads Warran, Crawford, Routzahn, Dix & Church.
Speaker for the Dedication address will be General A. C. Mathews of Pile.
Thee being no other buisiness the Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe    S. S. Garst
Adjt               Com

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Headquarters Luke kMayfield Post No 516 G. A. R. Girard Ill May 2, 1896

Call meting of Post. Opened in form. Com. Garst presiding. The Post appointed Comr. McNight to speake on Decoration Day.
Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe Adjt
S. S. Garst Comm.

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept Ill Girard May 23, 1896

Regular meeting. post opened in form, Comm. Garst presiding. Minutes of for meeting read and

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approved. Q. M. reported $8.55 in the treasury.
General Orders No 1, 2 and 9 read and ordered filed. James M. Crawford was accepted, duly elected member of Post and mustered in.
Comm. Garst appointed, as guards of Honor, for the dedication of Monument.
Comrads F. W. Gats, John Wans, George Stone and G. A. Boswell.
Ladies of the Reliefe Corps gave us a visit to talk about decoration day. May they come again and long life to them. Being no other buisiness the Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe, Adjt                 S. S. Garst, Comm.

Mememorial Servises to be held by the Universeals (Universalist Church) -(written under Universeals).

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 G. A. R. Dept of Illinois Girard June 20t 1896

Regular meeting, Post opened in form. Comm. Garst in the Chair. Minutes former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reports $9.85 on hand. Gen. Order 3 read and ordered on file. Committe on Decoration reported every thing all right. Committe on Stand done their work o. k. Relief Committe reported helping Comrad Aaron Loyd through the Superv. Burnett with Co. funds. The following bills were presented and allowed, to Comrad Warren for getting guns from Carlinville $1.00, Flag $1.00, wire & twine .25 cts., total $2.25; Commander Garst $1.00 for hiring guard at grave yard gate. No other buisiness Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe Adjt                                    S. S. Garst, Comm.

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 G. A. R. Dept of Ill Girard Ill Sept 12, 1896

Regular meeting, Post opened inform. Comm. Garst in chair. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported $2.45 on hand. Gen Orders No. 11 & 12 and Order No. 4 Dept of Ill read and ordered on file. Being no other buisiness Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe Adjt S. S. Garst Comm.

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post G. A. R. Dept of Ill Girard Dec 12t 1896

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Comm. Garst presiding. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported $2.25 on hand. Communication from Ladys Reliefe Corps with $5.00, accepted with a vote of thanks. Comrad Drennan moved that a committe be appointed of 5 members to confer with Relief Corps in regard to a supper to raise money, to pay ballance on monument. Comm. Garst appointed Comads Drennan, McKnight, Dix, Haynes & Warren. Said committe.

After which, Post proceeded to the election of officers,

for Commander T. W. Thacker
Sen. V. Com Joseph Crawford
Jr. V. Com John Wans
Q. M. Thomas Warren
Surg. Geo Weed
O. D. Josiah Haynes
O. G. James Crawford
Rep. to State Enc. William Drennan

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Being no other buisiness, Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe, Adjt                           S. S. Garst, Comm.

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post G. A. R. Dept of Ill Girard Jan 16t 1897

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Comm. Garst in Chair. Minutes former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported a ballance $10.65. Then Past Commander Burnette installed the officers for the ensuing year:
for Comm. T. W. Thacker
Sen. V. Comm Joseph Crawford
Jr. V. Comm John Wans
Q. M. Thomas Warren
Surgeon George Weed
O. D. Josiah Hayns
O. G. James Crawford
S. M. Charles Dix
Q. S. Daniel Routzahn

Being no other buisiness, Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe, Adjt                       T. W. Thacker, Comm.

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 G. A. R. Dept of Illinois Girard Feb 13th 1897

Regular meeting, Post opened informly. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported a ballance on hand of $1.45.
Being no other buisiness, the Post closed informily.

P. L. Wolfe, Adjt                    T. W. Thacker, Comm.

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield No 516 G. A. R. Dept Ill Girard Ill April 10, 1897

Regular Meeting. Post opened in form. Comm. Thacker presiding. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported 65 cts on hand. General order no 5 and Dept order No 7 read and order on file. Reliefe Corps reported helping to the amount of $3.75 last quarter. They also reported that Super to pay for monument realized $85.52, paid ballance on monument, leaving $13.75on hand. A committe of three was appointed to make general arrangements for Decoration consisting of Comrads Drennan, Dix & Wans. Bening no other buisiness, Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe, Adjt.                    T. W. Thacker, Comm.

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(The following is a single sheet of paper with the monetary report of the monument on it from which the report shown on the date of May 15, 1897 is based)

(P3)

May 15, 1897                 Comrade Drennan
gave funding report:

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Subscriptions Rec'd                      $1046.10
Gift from Women's Relief Corp            72.82
                                                   ________
                                                   $1118.92

Contract for monument                  $1115.00
Int. paid                                               3.92
                                                   ________
Total                                            $1118.92

___________________________________________________________

Com. Report filed on P. 51

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Headquarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill Girard May 15, 1897

Post opened in form. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. Q. M. reported $2.17. national No 7 & Dept Order No 1 read and ordeed on file. comrad DFrennan report of fund for monument showes amount received by:

Subscription                        $1046.10
Received from W. R. C.             72.82
Total                                   $1118.92

Contract Price of Monument $1115.00
Interest on same                        3.92
Total Cost                           $1118.92

Committe on flowers Comrads Drennan, Crawford, Garst; Committe on Graves Comrads Warren & Reynolds. Being no other buisiness, Post closed in form.

P. L. Wolfe, Adjt                      T. W. Thacker, Comm.

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Headquarters Luke May Post G. A. R. Dept of Ill Girard Aug 7, 1897

Regular meeting of Post. Post opened in form,. Minutes of former meeting read and approved. q. M. reported $2.92 on hand. General order No. 3 read and ordered on file. Being no other buisiness, Post closed in form.

                                               T. W. Thacker, Comm.
P. L. Wolfe, Adjt

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H. Q. G. A. R. Luke Mayfield Post Girard Ill Sept 4 1897

Regular Meting. Post opened in form. Minutes of former meeting read and approved as corrected. Q. M. reported $35.74 on hand. Comrad Haynes moved that all members of this Post, who are now either suspended or delinquent in payment of dues, are hereby restored to full and active membership in this Poste. Comrad Drennan moved to lay on the table until next meeting which was agreed to.

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The Adjt. was instructed to notify all members by postal card to be present at the next meeting. No other buisiness the Post closed in form.

                                   T. W. Thacker, Comm.P. L. Wolfe, Adjt.

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H. Q. Luke Mayfield Post No 516 G. A. R. Girard Ill Oct 9, 1897

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Sen. V. Commander in the chair. Minutes of former meeting read and approved as corrected. Q. M. reported $35.45 on hand. Comrad Haynes moved to take up the reseloution and consider it, that was laid on the table at the last meeting. Q, M. moved to amend said reseloution by having the Commander appoint a committe to examin roster and determine who are entitled to be members. Comrad Drennan moved to lay amendment on the table indefinitely, which was adopted. The original motion was put to the house and rejected. The Post instructed the Adjt. to secure bland requisitions fore head stones, of the Government, for three comrads, that are dead. Being no other buisiness the Post closed in form.

                                                   T. W. Thacker, Com.
P. L. Wolfe, Adjt.

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H. Q. Luke Mayfield Post G. A. R. Dept of Illinois Girard Nov. 6, 1897

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Comm. Thacker in the chair. Minutes of former meeting read, approved. Q. M. reported $34.83 on hand. Gen. Order No. 1, Dept Order No 5 &Quarterly Report of Reliefe Corps read and ordered on file. Comrad Drennan moved that a committe of three be appointed by the Commander to tile the monument ground, which was adopted. Comrads Drennan, Joseph Crawford & Garst was appointed said committe.
Past Com. Gats was chosen Post Inspector.
Comrad Drennan moved a vote of thanks to Comrad Wans for treating Post to grapes.
No other buisiness, Post closed in form.

                                     T. W. Thacker, Com.
P; L. Wolfe, Adjt.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Dec 4th 1897

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Com. Thacker presiding. Minutes of former meeting read & approved. Q. M. reported 35.29 on hand. Dept orders No 3 & 6 read & ordered on file. The following comrades were elected officers for the comming year:
Com. S. S. Garst                Surg. George Weed
S. V. C. George L. Stone     Q. M. Thos Warren
J. V. C. Wm. M. Drennan     O. D. Josiah Haynes
Chap. Charles Dix                O. G. Sam

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Representative to State Encampment, Joseph Crawford, Alt. John Wans, Comrade Warren moved that there be a public installation of officers, which was adopted. Com. McKnight moved, Com. Thacker, Garst & Dix be a Comtte to meet the relief corpse in regard to a public installation, which was agreed to. Comrd Wans moved that said comtte select sight for installation of officers, carried. Being no other buisness Post closed in form.

T. W. Thacker Com.

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P. L. Wolfe Adjt

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Head Quarters Luke mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Jan 1st 1898

Final regular meeting of the year. Com. Thacker in the chair. Vacencies of office filled by appointment, Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Minutes of Dec. 4 meeting read and without change or correction approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $33.17, report as read approved. Comrde Drennan reported sick. Comtte on installation reported favourable for open work of the order. Receipt for per capita tax, last half of 1897 read to Post after which buisness closed in form & a recess of 15 minuts was taken. Womans Relief Corpse was first to go through the interesting exercises of installation of their new officers. Next, Post proceeded, under Comrade McKnight to install theirs, as follows.
S. S. Garst Com               Chas Dix Chap
G. L. Stone S. V. C.          Thos. Warren Q. M.
Wm. M. Drennan J. V. C.   Josiah Haynes O. D.
F. W. Gates Adjt               S. E. Cripe O. G.
George B. Weed Surg.       Asa Reynolds Q. M.
S. P. L. Wolfe S. M.

After which remainder of the evening was spent in a social way, all returning to their homes feeling it was good to be there.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                    S. S. Garst, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Feb 5th 1898

Regular meeting. Com. Garst in chair. Post opened in form. Minutes of Jan 1st meeting read and after slight changes approved. Q. M. report showed a net bal on hand up to date of $37.02, report approved. No orders. None sick. No applications for membership. No recruits. Comtte Reports, Comrade Crawford on Cemetary grounds tiling & etc. reports progress, Comttee retained and allowed more time to make final report. New comttes appointed: Thos Warren on procuring Hall, F. W. Gates and Thos Warren on Grave Markers, Comrade McKnight, F. W. Gates & Com Garst on writing up dedication exercises for entry on Post Record. No other buisness of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

                                       S. S. Garst, Com.
F. W. Gates, Adjt.

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Hd quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill March 5/98

Regular meeting. Com. Garst in Chair. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read & approved. Q. M.'s finanncial rept also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $28.92, report approved. Orders: National No 4 & Dept No 7 read & oredered on file. Comrade Warren on procuring hall reports the one we now occupy secured and paid for from Feb 1 to Aug 1st, 1898, report accepted and Warren released. Comtte on tileing monument grounds submit their written report which is placed on file and committe discharged. Their report showed an unexpended bal of $5.84 which by action was placed in monument grounds fund. Comtte on writing up dedication exercises for second not ready to report granted more time. That on grave markers same after which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt
                                         S. S. Garst, Com.

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Read to Post & approved April 2nd 1898

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Hd quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill April 2/98

Regular meeting. Post met at usual hour. Com. Garst presiding. Vacencies of office filled by appointment, Pro Tem. Comrade Wolfe taking the Adjts place. Post opened in form. Q. M.'s financial report showed a net bal on hand of $28.94, report approved. Adjt comes in & takes his place. Orders: Gen. No's 5 & 8 read to Post & ordered on file. Communication of Stone River Millitary Park Comtte also read, no action taken taken. Condition of sick at Nilwood talked of some length & by action a committe to act with Womans relief corpse was appointed, viz., Jos. Crawford, Thos. Warren, Thos Thacker & John Wanes. A motion carried for a committe on speakers for deoration day. Comrades McKnight & Thacker were duly appointed. Comrade Crawford was assigned to the duty of confering with Baptist Minister Church as the Memorial Services. After which no other buisness of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                      S. S. Garst, Com.

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Hd quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. Girard Ill April 30/98

Regular Meeting. Quorem for buis. Com. Garst presiding. Post opened in form. Reading of Adjts report of former meeting dispensed with for reason. Q. M.'s report read & approved showing a net bal on hand up to date of $28.17. Orders Gen. No. 6 read & retained by Com. Garst for future use. Comtte appointed to see after the needs of Mrs. Dixon reported her decease & burrial. Comtte discharged. Other committes report progress but not ready for final report. On action of Post a new committe on decoration was duly appointed consisting of the following comrades, viz., Wm. Drennan, Joseph Crawford, Chas. Dix, Thos Thacker, Thos Warren, Josiah Haynes & George L. Stone. After which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                       S. S. Garst, Commander

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Illinois G. A. R. Girard Ill June 1st 1898

Your committe to whom was assigned the duty of writing up, in a brief way, the outline of exercises of monument dedication respectfully submit the following which we hope will meet the sanction & approval of Post & all concerned.

Girard Ill, May 30th, 1896

Soldiers & Sailors Dedication Report

Post on this day closes a work commenced over two years ago in way of dedication of Soldiers Monument on lots donated to Luke Mayfield Post by the City Council of Girard, Ill on the eighth day of June 1886, in writing, on file for further particulars. Said Monument Fund was raised in various ways partly from Post proceeds of holding reunions, partly by subscriptions, contributions and donations by citizens, ex-soldiers and aid of Womans Relief Copse. This occasion having been well advertised. Proper committees formed for carrying out the different parts of the program & etc. It was looked on as a great comming event. At an early hour many from the country & neighboring towns came flocking in until the no.'s reached thousands. The graves of fallen comrades were properly decorated through course of forenoon with a profusion of choicest flowers. At the huge stand erected at considerable expense for the occasion,

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the vast crowds assembled eager to be present to see and hear. Henry Clay Hamilton on behalf of city and Post Commander S. S. Garst on behalf of Post acted as Master of Ceremonies. Colonel Mathews of Pitsfield, Ill and Colonel S. McKnight of this city enthused the masses with patriotic speaches so appropriate on this occasion. It is said our Col. made the master effort of his life. F. W. Gates bore the National Colors. Thos Warren represented the Navy. George W. Stone the Army. Mrs. Gertie Weed as unveilist and many others taking an active interest, all performing their parts well in fact the whole ritual on part of Post was carried out to perfection, receiving highest commendation from press & public. Commander Garst certainly made his mark as leader and conductor of the exercises. The monument stands now as a lasting memorial to our fallen braves who so freely gave their lives that the country and its free institutions might live on and on. And to all who so freely gave of their bounties for it erection. Cost of this Monument in round no.'s about $1118.92.

Expenditures on Reunion Aug 26 & 27, 1898

Peter Richardo Guarding Rope 1.50
Geo Stone           " " 1.00
Thos Brendle       " " 3.00
W. C. Green        " " 3.00
P. McNeff            " " 3.00
I. Civerdale           " " 3.00
J. Odell & Silas Jackson Work on Privy 1.00
Joe Scott Moving Privy .20
A. M. Crawford Cleaning Park 2.00
Girard Band 80.00
Alenzo Walls Work 1.00
Girard Electric Light Co 5.00
Flood & Lowe Lumber 2.05
Bestin & Thompson Lumber 2.60
W. U. Telegraph Co. Telegrams 2.92
Telephone Co. Services 5.45
C. D. Timothy Entertain Svs 1.90
Girard Observer Printing 20.00
Girard Gazette ??? 1.50
Thacker & Francis ??? 1.05
Thos Warren Aelrrtey Expenses 1.85
Joe Coverdale Libery 1.50
D. E. Routzhan " 2.00
W. M. Cherry Work .50
Joe Fisher Watering Horses 4.00
Owen O'Neil Ice 6.58
D. H. Garst Hauling Water & etc 6.05
S. S. Garst Cash for cleaning .50
Chas E. Burnett Stamps .95
A. M. Crawford Work on seats .50
                                                             $165.60
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Head quartes Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 28/98

Regular meeting. Quorem for buis. Com. Garst presiding. Post opened inform. Vacencies filled by

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appointment, Pro Tem. Minuts of former meeting dispensed with for the time being. Later they were read and approved. Q. M.'s financial report read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $28.07, report approved. By Commander, Post instructed to meet promptly at 10 O'clock A. M. & march in form to oppera House to services by Rev. Dr. Day of the Baptist Church. some discussion as to the propriety of procuring condemned cannon for monument lots. Adjt. instructed to correspond with State Adjt concerning the matter, After which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                              S. S. Garst, Commander

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill July 30th 1898

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read & approved. Quartermasters report also read showing a net bal on hand at this date of $16.63, report approved. Orders No. 3 & 7 read to Post & ordered on file. Order granted Q. M. to the amount of $5.50 to stand as a voucher for amount expended in case of Comrade Borings & Kness. Post by action decided to procure grave markers for Comrades lately deceased. Adjt instructed to send in the names. Com. Garst reported three hundred dollars amount asked for from city for reunion purpose as made up and proceeded to appoint a Gen. comttee of arrangements as follows, S. McKnight, Chas E. Burnett, Wm Drennan, Thos Warren, Thos Thacker, Joseph Crawford, F. W. Gates, H. C. Hamilton & S. O. Smith.

After which, no other buisness of note presenting itself Post was closed in form.

F. W. Gates       S. S. Garst
Adjt                   Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Sept 24th 1898

Regular meeting. Quorem for buis. Com. Garst in chair. Post opened in form. Minuts of July 30 meeting read and approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $234.51, report approved. Gen. Order No. 8 together with letters Circulars & etc considered and ordered on file. Dismissal statement of amounts recd and expended on acct of reunion, placed in hand of adjt with instructions to enter same on records for future reference. No committe reports presented. Question sprung by Comrade Wolfe but no action taken as to voting on appropriations. The matter was left for further consideration.

After which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                          S. S. Garst, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Nov 26th 1898

Regular Meeting. Quorem for buis. Com. Garst in chair. Post opened inn form. Minuts of former meeting dispensed with. (Adjt. absent). q. M.'s reported a net bal on hand of $238.71, rept approved. also asked an order for amount bal on printing, five dollars, allowed. Orders No 1, 2, 4, & 5 read to Post & ordered on file. No other buis. of not appearing, post closed in form.

Chas Dix                 S. S. Garst
Adjt Pro Tem           Com.
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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Pos No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Jan 21 1899

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Regular meeting. S. V. C. Geo. L. Stone presiding. Quorem for buis. Post opened inform. Minutes of the Dec. meeting having been mislaid or lost, was not read. Q. M.'s financial report read showing a net bal on hand of $239.81, report approved. Comtte on procuring hall ordered a full report of their action, report approved & comttee discharged (see files for report). Under head of new buis Adjt spoke of the necessity of printed letter headings, envelopes & etc. is much needed for use in Post buisness. By action of Post Adjt & Q. M. instructed to procure same using their best judgement in interest of Post & report at some future meeting. Comrade Crawford at some length of parties wishing to work through Post for the purpose of raising funds for charitable purposes & etc. By action decided that Commander Garst, Gates & Warren constitue themselves a comtte to confer with such parties in interest of Post. Question of free membership was discussed a some length. By final action unanimously decided to admitt all free in far as annual dues are concerned. No further buisness of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.          George L. Stone
                                     Comm. Pro Tem

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Head Qtrs Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Feb 18/99

Regular meeting. com. Garst in place. k Post meeting opened in form. Quorem for bis. Adjt not being present, Wm. J. Farthing was appointed to fill his place, Pro Tem. Q. M.'s financial report read showing a net balance on hand of $229.46, report approved. No buisness of note presenting itself Pos closed in form.

W,. J. Farthing               S. S. Gartst
Acting Adjt                    Com.
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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill March 15/1899

Regular Meeting. Com. Garst being absent, S. V. C. George L. Stone presided. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read & approved. Q. M.'s financial report read & approved which showed a net bal on hand of 225.56/100. He further reported as expended for repairs on stove pipe 35c., for groceries for Poor Widow $2.95, worthy comrade meals & lodging 75c., oil for use of Post 10c., making a total of $4.15, all of which was approved. Orders, General No 6, Dept No.'s 8, 9 & 10 read to Post & filed. Post considered the propriety of a committee to act in connection with Womans relief corpse in assisting the needy & by action Com. Garst, Thos Warren, Jos Crawford, Thos Thacker & Chas Dix were so appointed. A comtte was also appointed to act with citizens in sighting up tombstones & putting things in shape at cemetary consisting of Comrades Boswell, Farthing & Haynes. Also a committe on Speakers for decoration exercises as Commander Garst, Comrades McKnight & Thacker. After which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                  G. L. Stone
                                            S. V. C. Presiding
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Herad quarters Luke Mayfield Post no 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill April 22 1899

Regular meeting. S. V. C. George Stone presiding. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read and approved. Q.M.'s financial report read showing a net bal on hand of $237.89, no further reported expenditure since last meeting for printing $3.00, for seleg $2.07, all of which met approval. Com. on printing submitted their report which also met approval and committe was discharged. By action of Post, Co. appoints committes as follows: for procuring preacher for Memorial Sermon, Chas. Crawford & Jos.

Page IV-73

Haynes , and a general committe on Decorations, Com. Garst, Comrades Thacker, Dix, Wolfe, Warren. Further decided from this meeting on that Commander be empowered to appoint some comrade of this Post to prepare himself with declaimation reading essay or something of that nature for entertainment of Post after its close of buis. Adjt was appointed for next meeting. After which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt             G. L. Stone
                                       S. V. C. Presiding

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post, No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 6th 1899

Call meeting of Gen. Committe for purpose of appointment sub committes & etc. Thos. Thacker listing the appointment as follows:

Committee on Music              On Marking Graves
Wm. Drennan                        S. S. Garst
Chas Dix                              Thos Warren

On Seats                              On Decorating Stand
Stone, Crawford                     Relief Corpse,
McKniff & Farthing                 Drennan Dix & Farthing
                                           
On fixing sticks for flowers      On Programs
Josiah Haynes                       Burnett & Mike Barbee

On procuring Band
H. H. Hamilton, O. S. Smith, George L. Tipton & Lew Littlepage

Master of Ceremonies
Wm. M. Drennan

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Headquarters Dept of Ill G. A. R. Memorial Hall Chicago Ill Jan 9, 1899

Dear Sir & Comrade Yours recd with $2.20 Dept per capita tax for Post 516 for six months ending Dec 31st 1899.
Please read this receipt at your next Post meeting.

Yours in F. C. & L
C. A. Partridge A.A.G.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 20/99

Regular meeting. S.V.C. George L. Stone presiding. regular opening exercises dispensed with and Post proceeded with buisness. Adjts report read & approved. Also that of Q. M. latter showed a net bal on hand up to date of $218.39, report approved. Committe on procuring minister for Memorial Services reported the promise of Rev. Mr. Brock for the occasion. Thos Warren on behalf of Gen committe reported Oppera House secured & times to be 11 A.M., 28th inst. Reports on other matters as to the services satisfactory. Adjt in order to fill appointment read an old army letter written 36 years ago. Thos Thacker was appointed to entertain at next regular meeting. Receipt for per capita tax read & ordered on file. After which Post adjourned to meet again 10:30 28 inst for memorial services.

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F. W. Gates Adjt.      George L. Stone
                               S. V. C. in chair

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Sept 16th 1899

Regular meeting. Quorum for buis. Com. Garst presiding. Post opened in form. Minuts of May 20 meeeting read and approved. q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at present time of $194.14, report approved. Orders, Circulars & etc. read or explained and put on file for future reference. Comrade Drennans death reported officially to have occured Sept 4 1899 and a committee of three appointed to draft resolutions of respect, consisting of Comrades Gates, Crawfore & Haynes. comrade Warren resigned his place as janator and Comrde Haynes was appointed in stead. After which nothing of note presented itself, Post closed in form.

1. Joseph Cosley                   2. Thomas Reynolds               3. T. A. Anderson
4. Frank Karge                       5. Samuel Smith                     6. William Venable
7. Joseph Byers                     8. Charles Fish (Confederate)   9. John Carey
10. Wheeler Myros                11. Benjamin Leigh, Captain     12. Sydney Hall
13. James Langley                14. Joseph Rutherford (1812)    15. Thomas sparks
16. Scott Callis                     17. Julius Botkin                      18. Eugene Gay, Cadet
19. Joseph Henry (1812)        20. James M. Lynch                 21. William Lynch
22. William Smith                 23. Isaac Mulkey                      24. Morris Sterling
25. John Harbor                    26. Alex McMurtery                  27. George Kerwin
28. F. W. Morse                   29. Henry V. Lowe                    30. Joseph Melvin
31. Benjamin Evans              32. William Harlow                    33. James Z. Eastham
34. William Eastham            35. Henry C. Boring                  36. William M. Drennan
37. Col. Sergent McKnight    38. John R. Barbee, Capt.         39. Thomas Hughs
40. Henry Bock                    41. Robert Bates                      42. Lorenzo H. Mantle
43. Wm. H. Skinner              44. George Wolfe                     45. Payton Wolfe
46. Henry Leuck

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Head qts. Luke Mayfield Post No 516d Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Oct 14, 1899

Regular meeting. Quorem for buis. Com. Garst presiding. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read and approved. Q. M.'s reported amount on hand same as last month $194.14, report approved. No orders to read. None sick or in distress, at least none reported. Application of William Creecy read and acted on, report being favourable, he awaits muster at some further meeting. Committe on resolutions in Comrade Drennans case made their report which met approval and comttee was discharged. Unfinished buisness, none. New buis, none. after which Pos closed in form.

F. W. Gates Adjt.             S. S. Garst. Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Illinois Grand Army of the Republic Girard Ill Dec 9th 1899

Regular meeting. Post opened in form by Com. Garst. Fair turnout of the comrades. Buis taken up. Adjts report of the Oct meeting read and approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $194.09, report approved. Orders Natl No. 3 & Dept No 8 also addresses from National Commander to Posts read and or explained and ordered on file. Under head of new buis, election of officers was in order & post proceeded with the work. Result as follows on sixth ballot: Joseph Crawford was duly elected for Commander for incomming year, George L. Stone, S. V. C., Wm. J. Farthing J, V. C., George B. Weed Surgeon, Chas Dix Chap., Thos Warren W. M., Josiah Haynes O. D., James Crawford O. G., John Wanes Delegate to State Encampment, and Josiah Haynes alternate. k By

Page IV-77

action Post decided to observe 100th aniversary of Washington's death and a comttee appointed to make further preparations, viz., Crawford, Thacker & Dix. several talks for good of the Order was listened to with attention. After which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                            S. S. Garst, Com.

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Head qts Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Jan 16 1900

Regular Meeting. Com. Garst presiding. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read and approved. Q. M.'s financial rept also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $194.89, report approved. No orders to read. Under head of sick or in distress Comrade McNiffs case was reported and comrades requested to see that he is not neglected. Comttee on Memorial made a full report, report approved and comttee discharged. Claim of Mrs. Stutsman $3.00 for services rendered and of Frank Bethel for Hall rents $3.50 submitted, claims allowed & orders drawn on Q. M. to bal same. Donation of $5.00 from W. R. C. reported, accepted, & a vote of thanks tendered our helpers. After which Post with Com., Garst as enstalling Officer proceeded with buis and the following comrades were duly installed as new officers:
Joseph Crawford Com         Josiah Haynes O. D.
George L. Stone S. V. C     James Crawford O. G.
Wm. J. Farthing J. V. C.     Frank W. Gates Adjt.
George B. Weed Surg        Thos Thacker S. M.
Chas Dix Chap                  John Wanes Q. M. S.
After which Post closed in form and enjoyed a treat of fine apples, a donation from new Com. Crawford.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                                   Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill March 17th 1900

Call meeting, new Com. Joseph Crawford presiding. Post opened inform. Minuts of Jan 16th meeting read & approved. Q. M.'s financial was not read he not being present. Case of Mrs. Boring reported & fully explained. No definite action taken, Post feeling it to be a case of public charity. Orders circulars Letters & etc. read or explained with instructions to Adjt. to answer such as needed attention. Application of Mr. Taylor Hall recd read and by ballot accepted and Mr. Hall was duely enstalled as a member of our Post. Thought best to appoint a committee of three to assertain near as possible the Cms. expected to attend State Encampment from here & Com,. proceeded to appoint Comrades Burnett, Gates & Thacker as said comttee. After which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                             Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill April 14 1900

Call meeting. Good turnout of comrades present. Com. Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Place of absentees officially filled by appointment, Pro Tem. Buisness commenced by reading rept of the March meeting, report accepted as read. Q. M. financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of 178.54, report approved. Orders in part read or explained. Case of Mrs. Boring discussed at some length, but no definite action taken in the matter. Q. M. acts in furnishing her relief to the amount of $3.50 approved. Commander appoints committee as follows to see after Decoration exercises, On Speaker: Garst, Gates & Wanes; New countersign both Dept & National revealed to all entitled to it. after which no other buis of not presenting itself, Post closed in form.

Page IV-78

F. W. Gates, Adjt                      Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 12th 1900

Regular meeting. Com Crawford presiding. Fair turnout, places of absent officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read & without change approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at this time of $175.84, this report was also approved. Gen. Orders No. 5, 6 & 7 read & considered & placed on file. No sick or in distress reptd. Comttee repts: Past Com. Garst on behalf of comttee on Hall reported success, comtte retained. Also on speaker reported promise of Rev. Gay for the occasion, latter report accepted & comtte discharged. Comrade Lloyd on behalf of comttee to see after place & minister for Memorial Services. Reported the promise of Rev., Rodgers as Minister & Oppera House as place. Report accepted & comttee discharged. Com. Crawford appoints new comtte as follows: 1st On Program: Garst, Thacker & Farthing; 2nd On Flowers, Stone, Hall & Farthing; 3rd On Marking Graves, Warren, Boswell & McNiff; 4 On reading Lincolns address, Gates. After which nothing further of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt               Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head qts Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 26th 1900

Call meeting for the purpose of hearing comtte reports and making further preparations for Memorial Services and Decoration exercises. Com. Crawford in the chair. Dispensing with part of the usual form, declares Post open for buisness. Adjts rept of former meeting read and after slight change approved. Quartermaster not being present his report was not heard. Comrade Garst on behalf of committee on leasing Hall reported progress but work not fully finished. Committee retained. Committe on flowers also reported progress and were retained. Post decided to meet at Hall promptly at 10 O'clock A. M. and march in a body to Oppera House to attend Memorial Services tomorrow. After which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates Adjt                             Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill June 9th 1900

Regular meeting first one for Post at new Hall. Com. Crawford in the Chair. Places of absent officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Adjts report of last meeting read and without changes or correction approved. Q.M.'s financial rept also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $170.54, report approved. Comtte on leasing Hall made their final report, lease read, their work approved and comttee discharged. As was also that on flowers. Under head of new buis bill of Q. M. 5.10 for expenses in connection with decoration & etc allowed. Moving, dusting and replacing Post effects from old to new Hall entrusted to Com. Crawford. Post tendered a vote of thanks to Mrs. John Wiley for Lincoln Portrait. Adjt instructed to see that a notice be inserted in local paper to that effect. Considerable talk on the necessity of more fully understanding the unwritten work of the order was indulged in. Two comrades, Garst & Wanes, agreeing to inform themselves & give instructions at next meeting. After which Post closed in form & accepted an invitation to ice cream at expense of Com. Crawford.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                         Joseph Crawford, Com.
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Page IV-79

Head qts Luke Mayfield Post Nol 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Sept 8th 1900

Regular meeting. Quorem for buisness. Commander Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Minuts of June 9th read & without change approved. Q. M. not being present no report in his part. Orders considered & filed. None reported as sick or in distress. Nothing in way of new membership. Comrade Wanes made report as not being ready to give instruction in the unwritten work. Claims of Comrades Boswell & McKnight for services moving & putting Post property in order allowed to the amount of $1.50 each. Also claim of Woodman for Hall rents for quarter ending August 31st $3.75 allowed. Receipt for per capiti tax read to Post & filed. Also an extract by Adjt Gates as taken from a report Dept of Ill for the year 1899. Comrade Crawford gave quite an interesting talk of what came under his notice at National Encampment Chicago. After which, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                              Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Oct 9th 1900

Regular meeting. Com. Crawford presiding. Quorum for buis. Vacencies of office filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read & without change approved. Q.M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at the present time of $172.07, report approved. Orders read, considered & filed. None reported as sick or in distress. Applications for membership none. Under head of new buis Com. Crawford presented a bill of 50 cents for relief furnished a worthy Comrade. by action of Post allowed, after which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                                        Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Dec 1st 1900

Regular meeting. Quorum for buis. Com. Crawford presiding. Places of absentees filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Adjts report of Oct meeting read & without change approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read having a net bal on hand up to date of $160.46. Under head of new buis question of selling stove came up. Post taking action in the matter. Commander Crawford was given authority to sell same using his best judgement as to value & etc. Under same heading claim of Woodmen for hall rents second quarter $3.75 came up. By action of Post allowed together with balance for the year, making a total of $11.25. Next election of officers for insuing year. Result as follows: By action of Post Adjt instructed to cast ballot for Executive Board as it now stands, 'Ballots so cast'. Joseph Crawford, Com.; George Stone, S.V.C.; Wm. J. Farthing, J.V.C.; George B. Weed, Surg.; Chas Dix, Chap.; James Crawford, O. G.; Thos Warren, Q. M.; John Wanes, O. D.; (versus Josiah Haynes resigned); Delegate to State Encampment, Thos Warren, Asa Reynolds Alt. & Col. McKnight was designated as enstalling officer for Jan enstallation, after which no other buis presenting itself Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                   Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Had Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Jan 5th 1901

Call meeting for purpose of installing officers elected at regular December meeting. quorem for buisness. Com. Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read & without any change or correction, approved. Q. M. made no report. Call for aid from a Galveston Texas Comrade read. Post though best to investigate before responding. Adjt instructed to correspond with his home Post & assertain facts. Special buisness for which Post was called together was now taken up. Past Commander McKnight being absent. Past Com. Dix was appointed to fill his place & proceeded with the

Page IV-80

work. Enstalling as follows:
Com. Joseph Crawford         Chap. Chas Dix
S.V.C. George L. Stone       O. G. James Crawford
J. V. C. Wm. J. Farthing      O. D. John Wanes
Surg. George B. Weed        Adjt. F. W. Gates
                                         Q. M. Thos Warren

Enstalling officers report filled out and forwarded. Q. M. Bond properly filled out, signed & accepted & placed on file. After which, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                     Jos. Crawford, Com.
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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Mar 2n 1901

Regular meeting. Joseph Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Minuts of Jan meeting read & approved. Q. M. financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at present of $150.58. Orders, Circulars & etc. read to Post and considered, among others one asking for aid in erection of a monument to the Loyal Women of America in the National Park at Chattanooga. Post took action in the matter and appropriated the sum of $1.00. Circular also read asking that G. A. R. Posts throughout Dept of Ill approve of an appropriation by State legislature for purpose of erecting a suitable monument to fallen soldiers of Black Hawk War at Tilmans Run, Ill. Post instructs Com. & Adjt. to sign & forward such requests. Also the approval of Rev. Rutledge as Chaplain of Penetentary.
This closes buis part of the meeting. Comrade Kirk being present was solicited to give the Post a talk on matters at Soldiers Home Quincy which he did at some length showing how the institution in part was seen as apolitical machine. After which, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                           Joseph Crawford, Com.
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(Compilers note: The following newspaper clippings were interspersed between the minutes of March 1901 and April 1901, even though the clippings are dated from May 26, 1901 through Sept 28, 1901) (Due to length of the clippings, they are not in newspaper column format)

1901. Following is the program adopted, by the G. A. R. for the coming Memorial services, Decoration, etc.

Sunday 26, Memorial services at Baptist church, 11 a. m. Rev. Giblett officiating. Post to meet at their hall at 10:30 a. m., receive badges and march in a body to place of meeting.

Thursday 30th, forenoon will be spent at Woodman hall, in receiving and preparing flowers. Womans Relief Corpse, members of the G. A. R., friends of the order, and especially the school children are invited and expected to take part in this preparation. Any flowers that the children can furnish will be thankfully received.

2 p. m. Assembly at Opera House

Song, "America" by entire assembly.
Prayer by Rev. John R. Barbe.
Music. Reading part of Lincoln's Memorable Address by Commander Crawford.
Music. Oration, Rev. E. O. Sharpe.
Solo, Miss Trabue.
Roll of the dead, by Adjt. Gates.

Page IV-81

Formation of Post and distribution of flowers.
March to cemetery and decorate.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

At a meeting of the executive committee of the Macoupin Soldiers' and Sailors' Association held in Carlinville June 15, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Whereas, Comrade Sargeant McKnight, president of this association, has answered his last 'roll-call' and joined the great majority on the other shore, therefore be it

Resolved, that the death of Comrade McKnight his family has lost a kind husband and father, the community in which he lived as enterprising and public citizen, the state and nation whom he served a brave and patriotic defender and this organization and the Grand Army of the Republic and each of us a fast, true and valued friend.

Resolved, That we tender to his widow and immediate relatives and friends our sincere sympathy in this hour of bereavement and sorrow and commend them to the tender mercies of Him 'Who doeth all things well."

Resolved , That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the widow and family of the deceased and to the local press for publication.

C. S. Patchen, Adjt.
John I. Renaker,
W. B. Dugger,
L. B. Prebles,
Committee

Whereas, It has pleased the allwise ruler of the universe to call from our midst our worthy comrade and co-worker, Col. Sargeant McKnight, therefore

Resolved, That in the death of the Col. this Post laments the loss of an official and worker whose wisdom and ability exercised in aid of our order will be held in grateful rememberance; who was ever ready to proffer the hand of aid and the voice of sympathy to the needy and distressed; an active member of this Post, whose utmost endeavors were exerted for its wellfare and prosperity--a friend member and hearty co-worker who was dear to us all--a citizen whose upright and noble life was a standard of emulation to his fellows.

Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this Post be extended to his family in their affliction and commend them for consolation to Him who doeth all things for the best, and whose chastisements are meant in mercy.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Post and a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of our deceased comrade and to each of the city papers.

Frank W. Gates
Thos. Warren
John Wones
Committee

On demise of P. L. Wolfe, Post No. 516 Department of Illinois, G. A. R., adopts the following as a last tribute of respect to a worthy Comrade. Whereas--It has pleased the alwise ruler of the universe to call so sudenly from our midst a true

Page IV-82

and worthy comrade, a comrade ever ready and willing to add his mite in any and all moves that was for the upbuilding of the order, quiet, unasuming and in every sense a true loyal ex-soldier.

Resolved--That this Post feels the loss, which it has received, and we truly sympathise with his near relatives in this sad hour. Further be it

Resolved--That these resolutions be spread on a page of our records and a copy be given the city papers for publication.

J. Crawford}
F. W. Gates} Committee
C. E. Burnett}


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At the first regular meeting of the Post since the demise of our highly distinguished and worthy comrade, William McKinley, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously and solemenly adopted.

Whereas, It has pleased the great ruler of the universe to call from our midst in the days and hours of his greatest usefulness, our noble comrade and nations ruler, we bow in submission, we can do no better.

Resolved, That in the death of comrade McKinley the Nation has lost one of its greatest men, the Grand army one of its truest comrades and the loving wife one of the kindest of husbands.

Resolved, Further that this treacherous act of the assassin calls loudly for legislation that will nip the evil in its bud and rid our fair land of a growing curse.

Resolved, Further that the sympathy of this post go out as sympathy of one, for Mrs. McKinley in her great distress, "May God help her."

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the pages of our post record and that a copy be sent to each of the city papers for publication.

Frank W. Gates,
Geo. L. Stone,
Josiah Haynes,
Committee.

We your committee appointed to draft resolutions upon the death of Mrs. Barbee, submit the following.

Whereas, God in his infinite wisdom has called from our midst, our dear sister and consort of Comrade Barbee. Thetefore,(sic) be,

Resolved, that in the death of sister Barbee our community loses one of it's exemplary women, the church one of its faithful members and the comrade a kind and loving cmpanion (sic),

Resolved, that we further comend(sic) Comrade Barbee and family for concilation(sic) to him who doeth all things well, and whose chastisements are meant in mercy.

Resolved, furteer(sic) that the sympathy of this post is unanimously extended to comrade Barbee in his hour of deepest sorrow, and, commend him to him that doeth all things well.

Page IV-83

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread on Post records and a copy for publication sent to each of the city papers.

F. W. Gates,
H. H. Church.
John Wones,
Committee.

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill April 27th 1891

Regular Meeting. Quorum for buis. Com. Crawford presiding. Vacincies of officer filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read and approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand of $150.18. This report also approved. Gen. Order No. 9 read to Post and filed. Adjt Gates reported work assigned him and Commander as performed also and a letter from Chaplain Rutledge thanking Post for favours in his behalf. Com. Crawford made statement of condition of Mrs. Boring. By action of Post, donated one weeks charges for assistance in her case. Also decided to allow Comrade Risons a transfer card by him paying back per capita tax $1.00 as furnished from time to time by Post. In matter of arrangements for decoration, Com. assigned to duty of procuring minister, Comrade Wones; of Speaker, Comrade Gates; of marking graves, Comrade Warren & Garst. Post assigned Commander to duty of seeing after and providing hall or place for decoration services. Further decided to have a call meeting two weeks from tonight, after which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                     Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Modern Woodmen of America, August 26, 1901

Received of G. A. R. through QM Thomas Warren the sum of (3.75) three & 75/100 dollars for hall rents from August 1st to Nov 1st 1901.

G. W. Hamilton

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Hd Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill August 24th 1901

Regular Meeting. Post opened in form. Com. Crawford in the chair. Minuts of former meeting read to Post & by same approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $186.33. Committees on decoration report. Reports approved. Q.M. autorised to pay Hall rents as they come due & take receipts for same showing to what date paid. Claim of Q.M., $1.00, for decorations expenses allowed. Also claim of comrade McNiff, $1.50, for cleaning ground at cemetary and claim of Com. Crawford, $5.00, for cash advance in case of Mrs. Boring burrial. Orders read, considered & filed. Under head of new buis quite a talk on reunion matters was indulged in. No action taken. After which no other buisness presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                   Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield No 16 Department of Illinois, G. A. R. Girard Ill Oct 20th 1901

Regular Meeting. Quorum for buis. Com. Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Adjts rep of August 24th meeting and without comment of change approved. Q.M.'s financial report also read showing a net balance on hand up to date of $121.91, report appro. Orders National No 1 and Dept No 2 & 3 read to

Page IV-84

post and placed on file. Application of George Hall read and balloted on. Ballots showed clear in his favour. Transfer card of Alfred Coe read and accepted. Correspondence with Stephenson Post in Myers Co. also read. Course of correspondence approved. Some talk as to having a Notary Public appointed in Post. Matter defered until next regular meeting. Letter from Chicago parties asking assistance to establish an old folkes home there. Matter defered from consideration of our Representatives. After which no other buisness of special note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates Adjt                                 Joseph Crawford, Com.
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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Nov 23rd 1901

This being the time of regular meeting, hall was properly opened, warmed up and a few of the members came together, not enough for a quorum. After some social pastime talking & etc. they departed. Hall was properly closed.

            Adjt.

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Dec 21 1901

Time of our regular meeting. Commander, S. V. Commander, Adjt, Q.M. and one or two others present. Not a quorum for buisness. Post was not opened in form. Matter of new officers for insuing year was discussed at some length in a private way and conclusion reached that in as much, no quorum being present we could do no better than send in report that same officers held over another year that are at this date serving. This action seemed to be satisfactory with what members were present and the report was so made out and forwarded all of which we hope will meet approval of Post at next regular meeting.

Com. Crawford
Adjt. Gates
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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Jan 18th 1902

Time of regular meeting, Hall again properly opened & warmed up. A few of the members present but not enough for a quorum. After some social talk & etc. they departed & hall was properly closed.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.

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Had Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill Jan 18th 1902

Regular meeting. Post opened in form. Com., S.V.C., Adjt and other members and officers present. Post opened in form. Report of the Oct meeting read and approved. Q. M. being absent no report from him as to finances at this date. Several orders, Dept and National of Post date considered and placed on file. Under head of sick or in distress case of Comrade Walden came up. It appeared from verry reliable source that he needed assistance, a few remarks supplimented by a motion Adjt Gates showed we should see after our home needs in preference to tramping individuals, Post granted him an allowance of $5.00 to meet his immediate wants. Adjt instructed to correspond with Lorenzo Mantle of Nilwood. Also with A. A. General of Dept in reference to non attending members being entitled to wear the button or sign of the order. Thought best to change time of our meetings and decided to have a call meeting to have a more full hearing in the matter. Time set for 2:30 next Sat. After which no other buis of note showing up, Post

Page IV-85

closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                  Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Girard Ill March 1st 1902

Call meeting of Post for purpose of considering change of time of holding our regular meetings. Com., SV.C., Adjt., Surgeon, Past Com. Burnett & Thacker & others present. On call the meeting to order Com. Crawford stated object of the meeting, and called for expressions as to what all thought concerning the matter, as far as the members expressed themselves they seemed in favour of the change. aAmotion to change from Sat Night on or before full moon each month to Sat after 2:30 was submitted which met with a second and by unanimous vote the time was changed. Adjt instructed to have a notice of this action inserted in our local papers. Altho a little out of order claim of Wm. Lloyd, $5.00, for janator services was presented & by action of Post allowed in form of an order on Q.M. After which meeting adjourned.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill March 22n 1902

Regular meeting. Quite a good no. of comrades in attendance. Com. Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read, report approved. Q.M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at this time of $103.71, this report also approved. Orders National & Dept read & placed on file. Com. Crawford presented a claim of $1.00 for assistance furnished a needy traveling comrade. On motion claim allowed in form of an order on Q.M. Also for assistance furnished Comrade Walden at previous meeting and for which no order had been issued. That order be filled out and put on file to cover amount of $5.00. Adjt instructed to procure through Dept Hd. quarters cards, blanks, etc. Comrade Taylor Hall appointed a comttee to notify his Bro. George as to time of instalation further decided to have a call meeting for purpose of taking ritual instructions, after which no further buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Whereas it has pleased our Heavenly Father in his divine wisdom to call from our midst Comrade John R. Barbee. In his death Luke Mayfield Post has lost an honored member and the community a valued citizen. Therefore be it resolved that while we bow in humble subbmission to the divine will we nonetheless mourn his loss and we humbly tender our cincere sympathy to the bereaved children of our departed Comrade, and be it Resolved that our charter be draped for ninty days, and that a coppy of these resolutions be printed to the family of the decease. Also to each of our city publications for insertion and recording a page of our record devoted to his memory.

                    {Chas E. Burnett
Committee    {F. W. Gates
                    {Thos. Thacker

(The following is the article that was printed in the newspaper)

Page IV-86

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill April 19th 1903

At 2:30 O'clock P.M. Post met in regular session, a fair No. of the comrades in attendance. Commander Crawford presiding. Post opened in form. Adjts report of former meeting read and after slight change approved. Q. M,'s financial report also read which shows 106.71 net now in his hands, report approved. Circular letter from East St. Louis Post read asking cooperation in securing next Dept. Encampment. Comrade George Hall duly mustered in as full member of this Post. On making arrangements for decoration services, Memorial & etc. Adjt Gates was appointed to procure speaker for decoration day. And Comrades Haynes & Stone to locate place & speaker for Memorial services. Q. M. instructed to fill requisition for such supplies as thought to be needed. After which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                                                               Joseph Crawford, Com.
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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 10/02

Call meeting. Object stated by Com. Crawford to be to make further preparations for comming Memorial

Page IV-87

and Decoration services. Action taken in regard to inviting other orders to take part with us as recommended by Department Commander. Post decided to so extend the invitation and a committee to act with committees of other organizations was duly appointed, viz., Gates & Burnett; on Seats, Boswell & McNiff; on Decoration of stand, Com. A. Lloyd and Haynes; on marking graves at cemetary, Warren; on securing flowers, G. L. Stone, George & Taylor Hall; on evergreens, Wm. Lloyd &Joe Henry. Following committees reported success, Gates in securing speaker for Decoration and Stone & Haynes same for Memorial. Rev Harnley to be speaker for former and Rev. Agnew to be speaker for latter. New Pension Bill read to Post, approved & signed by all the Comrades present after which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in order.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                                 Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Hd. quarters Luke Mayfield post No. 516 Dept of Illinois G. A. R. Girard Ill May 15th 1902

Regular meeting. quorem for buisness. Commander Crawford in the chair. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read and approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at this date of $107.81, report approved. Committee on resolutions in case of Comrade Barbee deceased submitted their work which met approval. By action of Post Comrade Burnett was made sales agent for large stones at cemetary. Also by action, Adjt Gates was instructed to procure a grave marker for grave of Thos. E Hughs, Co. E 18 Ill. Inf. Commander Crawford reported 4.46 paid by him as relief for needy comrade, wife & boy. Post took action in the matter & decided that he be reimbursed, but for him to apply to supervision for rebate. After which no other buis of not presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                                    Joseph Crawford, Com.


(Newspaper clipping of memorial services attached to this page)

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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill June 14th 1902

Regular meeting. Promtly at 2:30 P.M. Post wrapted to order by Com. Crawford. buisness taken up by the reading of Adjts. report of the May meeting found to be correct and met approval. Q.M. reported a net bal on hand of $107.24, report approved. Department order first from new Commander read to Post and placed on file. a letter from Stevenson Post also read. On claims that of Com. Crawford 3.26 and that of R. McNiff 1.50 for cemetary work allowed. And further a claim of 3.55 for bunting, marking, big flag & etc. by Com. Crawford allowed. Itemized statement of receipts, expenditures & etc., by Rathgibber Bros. on account of decoration read to Post, verry satisfactory and thought they deserved mention in report. Adjt instructed to formulate something to cover their case as well as that of others. Post took action in matter of having graves on monument grounds leveled and soded or seeded. A committee of two (Burnett & Stone) were so appointed to see that the work was properly done & report at some future meeting. After which Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                                   Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Hd Qts Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill July 19th 1902

Regular meeting, quorem for buis, Commander Crawford presiding. Vacencies of officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read to Post and without comment or change approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at the date of $96.34, report approved. Committee on leveling and seeding graves make their rept as duly performed, committee discharged. Under head of new buis matter of more permanently marking the graves of deceased comrades was taken into consideration. Thought best to appoint a committee to see after the matter and report at next regular meeting. Q. M., Adjt and Comrade Wolfe were so appointed. Receipt for per capita Tax read and placed on file. After which no other buis of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                         Joseph Crawford, Com.
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Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Illinois G. A. R. Girard Ill Nov 15/02

Regular meeting, first for several months. Com. Crawford presiding. Quorem for buisness. Regular opening dispensed with. Minuts of former meeting read and approved. Q.M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at present of $93.62 report approved. Order No 1 National read, also a letter from Dept. Command relative to circulating petition asking the legislature to appropriate funds for erection of a monument to Ex. Gov. Yates. Post took action in the matter and decided a committee

Page IV-89

necessary and the following comrades were so appointed, P. L. Wolfe, F. W. Gates, Joseph Henry and Thos Warren, the latter to act with Citizens Committee. Post further decided to procure sample graves marker. Adjt instructed to see that the wishes of Post was carried out. After which no other buis of note presenting itself Post closed to meet again at usual time.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                                            Joseph Crawford, Com.

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(Note on page: These minuts through oversight were entered on wrong page.)

Hd quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill March 3 1903

Regular meeting. Com. Crawford presiding. Quorem for buis. Places of absent officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Minuts of Nov. meeting read to Post and without comment of change, approved. Q. M.'s financial report was not read he being absent. Orders reports & etc. was read and filed. Under head of sick or in distress, case of John Wones and George Hall were called attention too. Commander instructed George L. Stone to visit comrade Wones & assertain his needs if any, and for Taylor Hall to visit his Bro. George for same purpose. Comrade Gates reported his acts in procuring markers, retained to carry the work further. Post thought best to see after names of deceased comrades that might perhaps need Govt. Markers. commander instructed to see after this matter. dept. Countersign gave to all present, after which Post closed in regular form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                                                  Joseph Crawford, Com.
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(Note on page: These minuts through oversight entered on wrong page.)

Head quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill December 18th 1902

Regular Meeting. Small turnout but yet a quorem for buis. Com. Crawford presiding. Regular opening exercises dispensed with and buis taken up by reading report of former meeting which after slight change was approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $84.47, report approved. Orders National No. 2 and Dept. No 3 read & filed. Sick or in distress case of Comrade Stone was called. Comrades requested to see after his needs if any. On circulating petitions, G. A. R. committee reported 36 names and Citizens Comttee 107, all to be forwarded. Adjt. Gates reported Gvot. Grave Markers at depot. Next in order was election of new officers for insuing year, only a small no. being present it was thought advisable no to hold an election and by unanimous action it was passed that the present ones hold over as follows:
Com. Joseph Crawford          Chap. Chas. Dix
S.V.C. George L. Stone        O.D. John Wones
J.V.C. Wm. Farthing             O.G. James Crawford
Adjt F. W. Gates                  S.M. P. L. Wolfe
Q. M. Thos Warren               Q.M.S. Thos Thacker
With Thos Warren as Delegate and Asa Reynolds, Alt. After which no other buis. of note presenting itself, Post closed in form.

F. W. Gates, Adjt.                             Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill April 11th 1803

Page IV-90

Regular Meeting. Fair turnout. Com. Crawford in the chair. Places of absent officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Minuts of former meeting read, approved. Q. M.'s financial report also read showing a net bal on hand at this date of 81.47, report approved. Orders 4 & 6 with other communications & etc. were read & ordered on file. By action Post decides to have a speaker for decoration day and Comrades Coe, Haynes and Wood were duly appointed a committee to see that one was secured and report at nex regular or call meeting. On locating memorial services, Comrades Stone & Hill. On repairing monument base, Wolfe, Gates & Wones. On resolutions, Stone, Henry & Wones. Claim of Com. Crawford for relief 42c., allowed less 12 cents recd for tile sold. After which no other buis appearing, Post closed in order.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                      Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Head Quarters Luke Mayfield Post No. 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill May 9th 1903

Regular Meeting. fair turnout. Places of absent officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Com. Crawford presiding. Post opened in form, minuts of former meeting read and approved. Q, M.'s report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $80.69, rept approved. orders National No. 7 and Dept No. 7 read in full. Committee appointed at former meeting made their reports as follows: Haynes reported the promise of Rev. Henry for Decoration Day, committee retained; Comrade Stone reported the promise of Rev. Dutt, and place of meeting Baptist Church for Memorial Services, committee retained; On repairing monument, comrade Wolfe reported the work underway, comttee retd.; On resolutions, Comrade Stone reported their duty performed, comttee discharged. At call meeting May 2nd matter of procuring metal markers was passed on and Adjt instructed to order fifty which duty he reports at this meeting as performed, still retained. Com. appoints new comttee as follows: On placing markers when they arrive, Warren, Gates & Wolfe; on program and reading, Gates; on soliciting aid for paying back into treasury part of cost of markers, all the officers. Post further decides that Decoration exercises shall be after the usual order, after which no other buis of note presenting itself Post closed in regular order.

F. W. Gates, Adjt                              Joseph Crawford, Com.

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Hd qrts. Luke Mayfield Post No 516 Dept of Ill G. A. R. Girard Ill June 6th 1903

Regular meeting, fair turnout. Com. Crawford presiding. Vaciences of absent officers filled by appointment Pro Tem. Post opened in form. Adjts report of last meeting read, approved. Q. M. financial report also read showing a net bal on hand up to date of $74.79, report approved. Dept. Order No. 1 read & filed. All committees in their turn submitted reports which met approval and committees discharged. a vote of thanks was tendered to all who so cheerfully assisted in making our exercises on Memorial and Decoration Day a success. Their services will ever be held in greatful rememberence. Under head of new buis - Q.M. reported amount $5.00 due Com. Crawford as paid and an order allowed for amount. Claim of Adjt. Gates $19.41 for cash advanced to pay for tablets and incidentals allowed and an order alowed for same. Claim of Com. Crawford, $1.50, for bunting & etc. alowed, also claim of Q.M., $1.75, for flags & etc alowed. After which Post closed in regular order. Joseph Crawford, Com.
                           F. W. Gates, Adjt.

Call meeting Sept 5th 1903 - Com Crawford presiding, P. L. Wolfe, Adjt Pro Tem. Two receipts read. Com. Crawford instructed to see after sending Comrade McGlothlin to Soldiers Home and report at next regular meeting.
Post closed in regular order.
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Page IV-91

NOTE: This is the last Adjutants Journal and Record that is available. even though the Post did not surrender its Charter until 1919. If the other Ledger or Ledgers are found or become available, they will be transcribed and added to these records.

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NOTE: There were three newspaper clippings pasted to the rear cover of the ledger and they are shown below in full.

DECORATION DAY EXERCISES

The several posts and memorial associations of the Dept of Ill., are earnestly enjoined to make all needful arrangement for the proper observance of Memorial day, on Saturday May 30, 1903. Let a detail visit every cemetery and see to it that no grave of a Union Soldier or Sailor is left undecorated. invite the Womans Relief Corpse, Sons of Veterans, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Repvblic (sic), Daughters of Veterans and all other patriotic organizations, to cooperate and aid you in the exercise of the day. A general invitation is extended to all as above.

The following has been adopted as a guide for memorial services, decorations etc.: Sunday May 24, memorial sermon, by Rev. Dutt at Baptist church, Post to meet at their hall at 10:30 a. m., receive the badges and march to place of meeting. Saturday May 30, forenoon will be spent at hall in receiving and preparing flowers. The Womans relief Corpse, members of the G. A. R., friends of the order and especially the school children are invited and expected to take part in this preparation. Any flowers that the children can furnish will be thankfully received. At two o;clocc (sic), p. m. assembly, at opera house.

Song, "America" by entire assembly; prayer, by Rev. Berryhill; music by quartette; reading part of Lincoln's Memorial Address; Music, quartette, oration, Rev. Henry; solo, by Miss Jessie L. Sharpe, of Jacksonville; roll of the dead; formation of post; distribution of flowers; march to cemetery; decoration of graves; benediction, by Rev. Dutt.

Through special order from department headquarters, G. A. R. of Illinoiis, posts through the state are requested to extend a cordial invitation to all secret societies on Decoration Day, May 30, 1902. By this notice, Luke Mayfield Post, hereby extends, such invitations, and, will be pleased to see many come out on that memorial holiday.

By order of Post
F. W. Gates                  Joseph Crawford
Adjt                              Commander

1903

Page IV-92

As usual in our patriotic city of true American homes, Memorial Day was duly celeblrated.

At 2 o'clock p. m. a crowd that filled the Opera House gathered to listen to the exercises as announced in last week's Gazette. At the appointed time, the old gray-haired fathers and veterans of a nation's need marched down the center aisle and occupied seats reserved for them at the right of the platform.

The exercises began with a quartet, followed by prayer by Rev. Berryhill, of the Presbyterian church. Miss Jessie Sharpe, a vocal teacher from Jacksonville, sang a beautiful and touching folo (sic), that brought tears to many eyes.

Commander Crawford then called Mr. Henry Hamilton forward, who very forcibly and effectively read Abraham Lincoln's address at Gettysburg. These are familiar words, but were given a new meaning by the spirit in which Mr. Hamilton rendered them.

The congregation then sang our national hymn, led by the choir.

Rev. Henry, of the M. E. church, was then called forward to deliver the address of the occasion. We give a few breviaries from the speech.

A great and grateful nation is at the grave of its heroic dead. It is but fitting that it is so.

This is an American day, all our people love the brave and the true of our land who fought and died that we might live in such a glorious land. In foreign lands it is not always so. The soldier is often a professional who is expected to see service and often in support of a government which many dislike and would like to see overthrown.

The American veteran is something more than a mere soldier. He is our father, our brother. He is the son of a tender mother; the lover of the fairest maid. He is his own defense and our protector. He wields the sword that his own "Home, sweet home' may be preserved, and that we also may be protected in ours.

Our hero in battle is a hero in civil life before he won military honor. He can redeem a waste and wilderness from its primeval condition and hand to an eager posterity a new civilization replete with life, order and beauty. He can make the best gun in the world and can make the most dreaded execution on the battlefield. He can manufacture the best of fabrics and equip himself in the best of habiliments and paraphernalia of the battle line. He is a success at the bar, in the professional chair, the counting house or at the forge. In every regiment that marshled for duty there would be found a man capable of commanding an army or of governing a state. Others boast of chivalry, he has grit and pluck. Spain pitterdher chivalry against Yankee pluck and grit, and the result was the most wet chivalry the world ever saw. At one crack of an American peacemaker we send forth a submarine boat--for the other fellow.

And the woman came also. Our women gave up with principled alacrity their father, husband, son and lover, and then gave themselves as ministers of help to the sick and wounded.

Woman! Without her man would be a savage. Let us say it again - Woman, without her, MAN would be a savage -- It matters little where you place the comma.

We could buy with our increase of wealth since 1860 the whole Russian empire, Argentine, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela and every gold mine in Australia. Mullhall, in England, keeps the books of all nations, and he tells us that in point of wealth, Pike's Peak overtops them all.

Page IV-93

Who made all his wealth? Well, the farmers and mechanics, and commerce, all helped, but had it not been for these $13 per month boys that went to the front and preserved the Union of this great country, it would not be possible to live today in a country that can proudly stand at the head of the line as the envy of all nations.

After the address, Rev. Dutt, of the Christian church, sang a solo, which was greeted with hearty applause.

Adjutant Gates called the roll of the departed, who are buried in Girard cemetery--they number 43.

After the exercises a large crowd followed the march to the cemetery, where sweet flowers were strewn by tender hands and loving hearts shed another tear that moistened the sacred dust of the heroic dead.

About the hour for curfew to toll the knell of parting day the crowd assembled at the soldiers' monument and received the benediction by Rev. Dutt.


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(On the inside front cover of the Record/Ledger Book is the following poem which appears to have been used in the opening ceremonies of the Post)

PART 1
PART 2
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