The MOLLUS Missive THE MISSIVE. The newsletter of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States

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1 The MOLLUS Missive THE MISSIVE The newsletter of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Volume 10, Issue 3 15 July 2010 Report from May Meeting The 2010 annual business meeting of the Commandery was held at the Whitney Restaurant in Detroit, MI on 1 May. The entire event was a nice change for us and provided an excellent backdrop for us to commemorate the election of Keith G. Harrison as Commander-in-Chief. Prior to our dinner, we were allowed to tour the very beautiful residence-turnedrestaurant. The food was wonderfully prepared with ample portions. The meeting discussions included upcoming events including the 2010 annual Congress. Senior Vice-Commander and Companion Fred Roberts reported on the Commandery s participation in the ROTC award program. Companions attending the meeting included: Commander-in-Chief Keith G. Harrison, Commander Butgereit, Adam Gaines and his father Mike as a guest, Sigmund Reckline and his wife Marilyn and daughter as guests, Jon Reed, Fred Roberts and a guest (whose name I regrettably cannot remember) In honor of our special guest, Commander-in- Chief Harrison, and because I feel it is important to uphold the proud traditions of the MOLLUS, I also attempted to reinstate some of the meeting basics that we have moved away from over the past number of years. Part of this included officially conducting the elections of our Commandery officers and then installing the officers elected. The meeting closed with the presentation of several patriotic-themed gifts to C-in-C Harrison.

2 The officers for the term are as follows: Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander Walter F. Roberts, Senior Vice-Commander Adam W. Gaines, Junior Vice-Commander Bruce Butgereit, II, Recorder/Treasurer Keith G. Harrison, Registrar Charles DuCharme, Chancellor Sigmund J. Reckline, Council Thomas E. Singelyn, Council Hal H. Smith, IV, Council Jon D. Reed, Chaplain Below W. Fred Roberts, SVC of the Michigan Commandery presents the MOLLUS Medal of Merit to Army Cadet of the Year Eric Draves. The EMU award ceremony took place on 15 April, 2010 in Ypsilanti, MI. ROTC The Michigan Commandery once again participated in the MOLLUS ROTC Medal of Merit program with the presentation of awards to cadets at Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. Presenting on behalf of the Commandery was ROTC officer Walter F. Roberts and C-in-C Keith G. Harrison. Some Recent Events Above Commander-in-Chief Keith G. Harrison presents Michigan State University Army Cadet Sterling Raehtz with the MOLLUS Reserve Officers Training Corps award on April 20, 2010 for academic excellence on behalf of the Michigan Commandery. This is one of eight such awards that the Michigan Commandery makes at three Michigan Universities. Niles, Michigan On Friday, May 7, 2010, several friends (Chet Trybus of Gen. John A. Logan Camp No. 1, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and his wife Jeannine of Champlin Corps No. 41, Woman s Relief Corps) and I traveled from Grand Rapids to Niles to clean the gravestone of Henry Morrow A. Morrow, a Colonel in the 24th Michigan (Iron Brigade) and Brigadier General following the Battle of Gettysburg. (More on Morrow in this issue.)

3 Joining us were members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Frederick H. Hackeman Camp 85 of Bridgman, MI and several students of the Brandywine High School History Club and their teacher Dave Roeder. The granite marker had not been cleaned since its placement in 1909 and showed the affects of weather, pollution and biological growth. Using a new product produced by the makers of Simple Green, the stone was cleaned thoroughly in preparation for the rededication the next day. Anderson Camp No. 58; and March to the Sea Camp No. 135 present in support of Frederick H. Hackeman Camp No. 85. Marcia Butgereit, National President of the Woman s Relief Corps was present as well. Conducted by the Michigan Commandery, the first ceremony of the day was the rededication of the Morrow gravestone complete with the presentation of the colors, floral tributes and symbols of the army. Other participants included students of the History Club, the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery, and Reverend James Slack of Trinity Episcopal Church of Miles (Henry and his wife Isabella were married in and members of that church). Saying a few words was State Representative John Proos of District 79. Part of the ceremony included the placement of a new flag holder at the grave and the firing of a military salute. (l) Commanders Palen (Camp 85) & (r) Butgereit (Commandery) Commander-in-Chief Harrison salutes the grave after placing the US flag in the new flag holder. (Notice how clean the stone is now.) History Club students help clean the gravestone Saturday, May 8, 2010, found members of the Michigan Commandery joined by fraternal brothers of Gen. John A. Logan Camp No. 1; Curtenius Guard Camp 17; George W. The firing of the military salute. Commandery Recorder/Treasurer Bruce Butgereit, II, is the man at the end of the line and just to the left of center of this photo. (Photo taken by Benton Harbor Herald-Palladium.)

4 Immediately following the Morrow rededication ceremony, we moved to Riverfront Park in Niles to rededicate a newly restored cannon. Pvt. Harvey Harper 1st Cousin (4R) Co H, 12th MI Vol. Inf. The ceremony there, again conducted by the Commandery, included the Mayor of Niles, Michael McCauslin and local historian Donna Ochenryder. Commander-in-Chief Harrison presented a wreath on behalf of MOLLUS and his ancestors who served in the 12 th Michigan Infantry that mustered out of Niles. His ancestors were: Capt. Joseph S. Harper - GGG Grandfather Pvt. Benjamin Higgins - GG Grandfather Cpl. John Higgins - GGG Uncle Pvt. James P. Higgins - GGG Uncle Pvt. Edward Graham - GGG Uncle Pvt. Henry C. Graham GGG Uncle Pvt. Charles Cleveland - 1st Cousin (4R) Camp 1 Guide/Guard Colin Butgereit led the Color Guard into position at the cannon; one day after having surgery to remove his tonsils. The Commandery participated in Memorial Day events in the Lansing and Grand Rapids area. On Saturday, May 29, 2010, Commander Butgereit gave the prayer of benediction at the Grand Rapids Memorial Day services at Veterans Memorial Park following the parade through town. The text of his message was In 1870, two years after Gen. John A. Logan had ordered the Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic to commemorate the first Memorial Day, he again challenged us to remember the reason for this day when he said: This Memorial Day, on which we decorate their graves with the tokens of love and affection, is no idle ceremony with us, to pass away an hour; but it brings back to our minds in all their vividness the fearful conflicts of that terrible war in which they fell as victims.... Let us, then, all unite in the solemn feelings of the hour, and tender with

5 our flowers the warmest sympathies of our souls! Let us revive our patriotism and love of country by this act, and strengthen our loyalty by the example of the noble dead around us... Our presence here today has honored those wishes. Please bow your heads and uncover. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. Amen. After the ceremony, many veterans shared their appreciation of the Commander s words because the words spoke to the very reason we honor Memorial Day and because the other speakers had failed to share the real reason of the day. On Monday, May 31, Commander Butgereit spoke at the Coopersville, MI Memorial Day services held at the local VFW hall and then again at the Coopersville & Marne Railroad Troop Train event. home on the train after a war, Commander Butgereit shared a different look back for the audience that gathered near the depot that day. In addressing the crowd, Commander Butgereit spoke of the thousands of families that waited and watched for their veteran of the Civil War to get off the train but never did because he was buried on some southern battlefield or lie in hastily dug grave under a headboard marked unknown or was buried with fellow prisoners in a mass grave in a southern prison. Imagine the apprehension or agony that must have gripped those families. On Sunday, June 13, 2010, the Michigan Commandery participated in probably its first ever Flag Day parade in Three Oaks, MI billed as the largest Flag Day parade in the United States. Commander-in-Chief Harrison and Commander Butgereit marched with members of Camp 85 and fellow members of the Allied Order from Grand Rapids, Chet Trybus (Camp 1), Jeannine Trybus (Corps 41) and Marcia Butgereit (National President Woman s Relief Corps). Companions Colin Butgereit (2 nd from right) and Commander Butgereit (far right) with friends of the Allied Orders of Grand Rapids at the Coopersville & Marne Railroad Troop Train on Monday, May 31, From left to right: Chet Trybus (Camp 1), Bill Truss (Camp 1), Nancy Starr (Tent 2), Jr. Miss Coopersville, Jeannine Trybus (Corps 41), Miss Coopersville, and Wenda Fore (Tent 2). Although the theme of the Troop Train is to capture the patriotic fervor that existed at the time new troops left their communities on trains for service in the armed forces or to recreate the excitement of veterans returning

6 YTD Profit & Loss Treasury Jan 1 - Jul 17, 10 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Annual Dues Interest Miscellaneous Income Donations Miscellaneous Income Other Total Misc. Income Total Income 1, Expense Miscellaneous Expenses Gifts Total Misc. Expenses Monuments & Memorials Reimbursements for Event Costs ROTC Medals Total Expense for the Congress to avoid any issues with the regular Commandery savings account. Upcoming Events (Event details will be published.) August - Jackson Civil War Muster 8-9 October - Annual Congress in Grand Rapids Meeting Schedule for OCTOBER Net Income YTD Balance Sheet Jul 17, 10 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings United Bank (CD) 2, United Bank (Savings) 1, Total Checking/Savings 3, Total Current Assets 3, TOTAL ASSETS 3, LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity Opening Bal Equity 3, Retained earnings -1, Net Income Total Equity 3, TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 3, No report will be given on the 2010 Annual Congress until the conclusion of the event. A separate account has been opened solely Col. Morrow & the 24 th Michigan at Gettysburg After the repulse of CSA General Archer's and Davis' Brigades, a lull settled over the newly christened battlefield. Both sides took the time to reorganize and rethink the morning s events. With the arrival of Lieutenant General Ewell's Corps on the field, the men of Lt. General Ambrose Powell Hill's Corps, who had clashed with General Reynolds' 1st Corps earlier in the day, renewed the attack. General Heth expressed a particular interest in retrying his men against the stubborn Yankee defenders. Now far outnumbering their Union foes at the point of contact, the men in gray advanced, coercing their blue clad adversaries to make a grudging withdrawal. Colonel Henry A. Morrow of the 24th Michigan and the Iron Brigade, described their desperate struggle in his morose after battle report.

7 "The enemy advanced in two lines of battle, their right extending beyond and overlapping our left. I gave direction to the men to withhold their fire until the enemy should come within short range of our guns. This was done, but the nature of the ground was such that I am inclined to think we inflicted but little injury on the enemy at this time. Their advance was not checked, and they came on with rapid strides, yelling like demons. The Nineteenth Indiana, on our left, fought most gallantly, but was overpowered by superior numbers, the enemy having also the advantage of position, and, after a severe loss, was forced back. The left of my regiment was now exposed to an enfilading fire, and orders were given for this portion of the line to swing back, so as to face the enemy, now on this flank. Pending the execution of this movement, the enemy advanced in such force as to compel me to fall back and take a new position a short distance in the rear. In the meantime I had lost in killed and wounded several of my best officers and many of my men. Among the former were Captain William J. Speed, acting major, and Lieutenant Dickey, a young officer of great promise. Charles Bellore*, my second color-bearer, was killed here. The second line was promptly formed, and we made a desperate resistance, but the enemy accumulating in our front, and our losses being very great, we were forced to fall back and take up a third position beyond a slight ravine. My third color-bearer, Augustus Ernest, of Company K, was killed on this line. Major E. B. Wight, acting lieutenantcolonel, was wounded at this time and compelled to leave the field. By this time the ranks were so diminished that scarcely a fourth of the forces taken into action could be rallied. Corpl. Andrew Wagner, Company F, one of the color guard, took the colors, and was ordered by me to plant them in a position to which I designed to rally the men. He was wounded in the breast and left on the field. I now took the flag from the ground, where it had fallen, and was rallying the remnant of my regiment, when Private William Kelly, of Company E, took the colors from my hands, remarking, as he did so, 'The colonel of the Twenty-fourth shall never carry the flag while I am alive.' He was killed instantly. Private Lilburn A. Spaulding, of Company K, seized the colors and bore them for a time. Subsequently I took them from him to rally the men, and kept them until I was wounded. We had inflicted severe loss on the enemy, but their numbers were so overpowering and our own losses had been so great that we were unable to maintain our position, and were forced back, step by step, contesting every foot of ground, to the barricade...shortly after I was wounded, Captain Edwards found the colors in the hands of a wounded soldier, who had fallen on the east side of the barricade. He was reclining on his right side, and was holding the colors in his left hand. I have not been able to ascertain the name of this brave soldier in whose paralyzed hands Captain Edwards found the flag. Captain Edwards describes him as being severely wounded, and he is, therefore, probably among our dead. His name may forever be unknown, but his bravery will never die." The 24th Michigan's antagonists on this day were the 26th North Carolina of Brigadier General J. Johnston Pettigrew's brigade. Major J. Jones of the 26th North Carolina would write of the continuing conflict, "On this second line, the fighting was terrible-our men advancing, the enemy stubbornly resisting, until the two lines were pouring volleys into each other at a distance not greater than 20 paces. At last the enemy were compelled to give way. They again made a stand in the woods, and the third time they were driven from their position, losing a stand of colors, which was taken by the Twenty-sixth; but, owing to some carelessness, they were left behind, and were picked up by someone else. While the Twenty-sixth was thus engaged, the rest of the line, having cleared the field and being exposed to heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, were ordered to fall back, which they did in perfect order. The Twenty-sixth, not receiving the order, were now engaged in

8 collecting ammunition from the enemy's dead, being entirely out themselves...while the whole brigade behaved most admirably, especial credit is due the Eleventh and Twenty-sixth. The Twenty-sixth lost more than half its men killed and wounded, among them Colonel H. K. Burgwyn, jr., killed, Lieutenant Colonel J. R. Lane seriously wounded, both with the colors, with many other most valuable officers." In a letter to the Governor of the Old North State, Captain J. J. Young, Quartermaster of the 26th North Carolina, would add, "Near Gettysburg, PA., July 4, My Dear Governor: I will trespass a few minutes upon your indulgence to communicate the sad fate that has befallen the old Twenty-sixth. The heaviest conflict of the war has taken place in this vicinity. It commenced July 1, and raged furiously until late last night. Heth's division, of A. P. Hill's corps, opened the ball, and Pettigrew's brigade was the advance. We went in with over 800 men in the regiment. There came out but 216, all told, unhurt. Yesterday they were again engaged, and now have only about 80 men for duty." of It was cast at the West Point Foundry in New York on June 1, 1863 (Foundry #717, Registration #128) and was inspected by Ordnance Officer Alfred Mordecai Jr. before being placed into service. The 100 pdr. was used by the US Army primarily as a siege and fortification weapon. It was also used aboard ships of the US Navy during the Civil War. It could fire a 100 lb. solid shot or long shell at ranges of about 6900 yards at a 28 second time of flight. Of the 233 accepted by the Army between 1861 and 1865 only 53 remain today as part of veterans 'memorials across the country. The cannon in Niles is one of these 53 and weighs 9747 lbs. Markings on the muzzle and trunnions of the cannon represent the above information. The Frank Graves G.A.R. Post 64 in Niles petitioned the U.S. Ordnance Department and was granted donation of the cannon for their veterans memorial. It arrived in Niles on May 15, 1898 from the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois along with 20, 10 inch shells from the Allegheny Arsenal in Pennsylvania. Record of the donation appears in the 1899 Annual Report of the U.S. War Department's Chief of Ordnance (Letter ID #20589). *I have seen this name also listed as "Ballard" and "Ballare". However, according to the NPS Soldiers and Sailors database and the 24th Michigan's web site, there is only a Charles Bellore noted as serving with the 24th Michigan. He left the service as a Corporal. Brotherswar.com, The Battle of Gettysburg- Wednesday, July 1, 1863, Union 1st Corps' Retreat The Cannon at Nile, Michigan The Memorial Cannon is a Model inch (100-pounder) Army Parrott Rifle. The gun was invented by Robert Parker Parrott, who graduated third in the West Point Class

9 Credit to City of Niles The students, residents and officials of the City of Niles deserve much credit for preserving, restoring and sharing their history with the community and visitors. Brandywine High School For the past few years, the History Club of Brandywine High School has helped sponsor a Civil War encampment in the Niles area. Just over 100 students are members of the club out of a school with about 400 enrolled. In an effort to bring attention to the living history event, they asked Camp 85 if a ceremony could be conducted at the Morrow gravesite. Knowing the manner in which I conduct such ceremonies, they asked me to assist in a ceremony to honor General Morrow. After a visit to the grave, I immediately knew immediately that with some effort, we could make this a memorable ceremony. After contacting Mr. Dave Roeder, teacher at Brandywine, we determined we would meet on Friday, May 7 to clean the gravestone as it was very soiled from time and elements. The next day, we would conduct a recognition ceremony for General Morrow. Photos First: Original mounting at Niles Central School 1898 to? Second: From a 1920s Niles High School Tattler yearbook. Third: At the American Legion Post to 2009 Fourth: Guard of Honor with restored cannon The cleaning of the stone was our first trial of a new product called D/2 Biological Solution, created by the makers of the Simple Green products and were we ever surprised and impressed with the results of the product ($40/gln.). We concluded our cleaning just as a major thunderstorm hit the Niles area. Just as the students at Brandywine H.S. deserve credit for the Morrow part of that weekend, so to goes a lot of credit to the City of Niles and their efforts to restore the cannon. As the photos indicate, the cannon has been in several locations over the course of its history; from the school to the dump to the American Legion to Riverside Park.

10 If you re wondering about that dump thing, yes the cannon was once found in the trash. Apparently, when the school thought that the cannon was blocking the safe exit of students during a fire drill in the late 1950s or early 1960s, rather than look for a new location, they simply tossed it in the dump or scrap yard. A local Boy Scout troop leader found the cannon there during a hike and the City and American Legion rallied to rescue it. the primer and paint created excitement over what their advice and product would be used on a 149-year-old Civil War cannon. (Most people love getting involved in historical projects.) To help commemorate the cannon and Niles involvement in the Civil War, local historian Donna Ochenryder conducted the research and paid for the creation and placement of a new interpretive marker that is located near the cannon. When the Post was closing their building, they asked the City to once again take possession of the gun and it was placed in Riverfront Park near the new Niles Veteran s Memorial. When I saw the gun, it needed a good cleaning/sand blasting and a new coat of protective paint. My contact with the City was Neil Coulston, Public Works Director. Over the course of the next month, we would never meet in person but communicated through limited telephone conversations and . To the credit of Neil, our relationship was as if we had worked together for years. At my suggestion that the gun be cleaned and painted prior to our ceremony, Neil responded by not only restoring the gun, but painting the base and sprucing up the landscaping. A call to the technical department of the Sherwin Williams Company to ask what they recommended for Final Thoughts I encourage you to give serious thought to attending the National Congress in Grand Rapids on October 8-9, I have attached the itinerary for the Saturday tour. If any of you have an article or story you d like to share, please let me know. Loyally yours, Commander

11 HENRY A. MORROW By the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery as published by the Niles Daily Star (used with permission) Orphaned at a young age, he had earned the respect of a nation and those at home in Niles. In the early days of February, Niles prepared for his return by train. This man had won the hand and heart of Isabella, the daughter of Major William Graves - one time the town s mayor and treasurer and former Democratic Secretary of State of Michigan - before the War of the Rebellion. Now he was to be buried in the same Silverbrook Cemetery plot as his esteemed father-in-law, shortly before Valentines Day in General and Mrs. Morrow had made Niles their home for many years and had spent many of the General s leaves of absences (from the military) here. Committees were forming to pay respect to General Henry A. Morrow. The floral tributes themselves told much of his story. A broken wheel and pillow with the words: "Our Colonel-21st Infantry-Officers of the 21st U.S. Regulars." An anchor-from Anchor Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workman (A.O.U.W.) and a shield from the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), Frank Graves Post, named after his brother-in-law; broken columns from the City of Niles and a simple bunch of lilies. (See photo on proceeding page.) HENRY A. MORROW Henry A. Morrow Private, Mexican War, 1846 Colonel, 24th Michigan Infantry, Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers, 1864 Lt. Colonel, 36th U.S. Infantry, 1866 Brevet Colonel, U.S. Infantry, 1867 Colonel, 21st U.S. Infantry, 1879 Wounded at Gettysburg, Wilderness, and Petersburg Left: Morrow as Colonel of 24th Michigan Infantry (Iron Brigade) Bottom: Funeral bier of General Morrow. Photo found in box of old photos at The Star office. For the rest of this story and many more, please visit the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery - Niles Daily Star Series website: Photos from Morrow vertical file/archives in the Local History Room Niles District Library

12 Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander Commandery of the State of Michigan Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Itinerary for Saturday, 9 October :45 PM MOLLUS/DOLLUS business meeting 12 PM MOLLUS/DOLLUS combined lunch at the Grand Rapids Holiday Inn 2-5:00 PM Bus tour of four Civil War-related sites in Grand Rapids Boarding of bus begins at 1:45 PM as his tour will leave our hotel at 2 PM. 1 st stop (approximately 2:20): The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans cemetery. The tour will visit the cemetery and place a wreath and flowers at the Civil War monument. Visitors will be able to meet Harold Becker of Rockford, one of only twenty men still living who can claim their father fought in the Civil War. 2 nd stop (approximately 3:20): John Ball Park. Arrangements have been made to plant a new memorial tree in honor of Amasa B. Watson, Major, 8 th Michigan Infantry and former resident of this City and original Companion of the Michigan Commandery of MOLLUS. The ceremony will be conducted by the MOLLUS and the National Woman s Relief Corps (WRC). 3 rd stop (approximately 4:00): Kent County Civil War Monument and Fountain. A tour of Grand Rapids must include a stop at one of our nation s most historic Civil War monuments. Visitors will be greeted by residents wearing military and civilian period clothing. A wreath presentation will take place. 4 th stop (approximately 4:30): Lincoln bust in Lincoln Place (State Street Park). We are working to restore this bust this summer in conjunction with the restoration of the Calkins Law Office. A short ceremony, with words from Lincoln historian, Dr. Weldon Petz of Michigan, will include the placement of a wreath. Visitors will be greeted by the President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln as portrayed by Fred and Bonnie Priebe of Michigan. 7 PM Formal banquet; Dinner with the Lincolns Cash bar at 6:30 PM. The evening s guests of honor will include the President and Mary Todd Lincoln. The President will share a look at his more humorous moments. Founded on April 15, Dedicated to preserving the memory of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President

13 Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander Commandery of the State of Michigan Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Greetings Companion, Dames and guests: The Commandery of the State of Michigan proudly welcomes you to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the 125 th National Congress to be held 8-10 October The primary purpose of this Congress will assuredly focus on the business of the Order as we address many new and important issues that are geared to helping the Loyal Legion grow. At the same time, we will pay proper respect to those that have gone before us in an effort to blend the past, present and future. We have planned for you an exciting program in a city and state proud of its Civil War history. The headquarters of the Commandery-in-Chief will be the Grand Rapids Holiday Inn (Airport); 3063 Lake Eastbrook Blvd., Kentwood, MI, Toll free: Direct phone: A block of one King bedroom or two Double bed rooms have been reserved for this Congress. The price for either room is $94/night plus tax (approximately 14%). When reserving a room, please state you are with the Michigan Commandery of MOLLUS. Free shuttle service is available from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Some of the amenities the hotel offers include indoor pool, fitness center, convenience shop, and free high-speed Internet service in all guestrooms and meeting space. The hotel is full-service located just blocks from two shopping malls, various restaurants, and a cinema two blocks away. The property has an on-site restaurant called Grille 29 as well as a lounge area. For more information about the hotel and travel directions, please visit: For more information on area attractions, please visit: Founded on April 15, Dedicated to preserving the memory of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President