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Newark Daily Advocate
July 28, 1894
IN GALLIPOLIS
The Gallant Old 91st O.V.I. Holds It Reunion Tuesday
Gallipolis Outdoes Herself in Doing Honor to the Old Veterans
Dr. Warwick of Lucasville, and Capt. E.E. Ewing of This City, Honored
The gallant old Ninety-first O.V.I. held its reunion at Gallipolis yesterday, a large number of the old veterans being present. Concerning the reunion the Journal says:
It was a gala day in the city today. Flags waved and fluttered from scores of business and private houses. The music of the fife and drum was mixed up with the dazzling splendor of the sun, the fine breezes and the throngs of people, and we were carried back almost to '61, when the streets were full of volunteers enlisting to do battle for the glorious cause of the Union.
The G.A.R. Hall, the headquarters of the boys, was nicely decorated by fair hands, and made as cheerful and pleasant as possible.The reunion opened at 10 o'clock with Dr. Warwick, of Lucasville, Scioto county, in the chair. Adjutant Longbon was made secretary. The address of welcome was then made by Capt. J.M. Alexander in a beautiful and touching manner. It was responded to, also, in a feeling manner by Capt. E.E.Ewing.
Col. John L. Vance then delivered his address on the battle of Winchester, which occurred just thirty years ago today, July 24, 1864. The address was received with great pleasure and hearty approval. This was followed by a short experience meeting in which several old veterans accounted interesting experiences and incidents.
The organization for the ensuing year was then made--President Warwick and Secretary Longbon being continued. The morning session was now adjourned until 2 o'clock, and when it assembled the crowd was so great that it was moved and carried that all adjourn to the court house, which they did, and the audience filled the court room.
Lieut. Newt Warwick, the old commissary of the regiment, related some lively experiences. He was followed by Capt. Ewing, the famous Tom Tag of Lawrence county; Capt. A. D. Crossland, the old quartermaster of the regiment; Capt. J. M. Alexander, who related his experience as orderly sergeant in escorting 31 of John Morgan's men to Columbus, and many others.
The Journal also runs cuts of the leading members of the regiment, among them being a double column cut of Capt. E. E. Ewing, of this city, and one of Colonel John A. Turley. In commenting on them the Journal has the following to say:
Lieutentant E.E. Ewing
The original orderly sergeant of Company A was here. Thirty years ago today he was severely wounded at Winchester, and left in the hands of the enemy. Hopeless as his case might seem, a combination of circumstances resulted in what could not be improved upon for his welfare. He was kindly cared for by a loyal citizen, through whose kind attentions he was brought to recovery.
Col. John A. Turley
It is a source of much regret that Col. Turley can not be present at the reunion of the 91st Regiment today. He is now an old man indeed, though the boys thought him old when he so gallantly led them more than thirty years ago. He is now seventy-eight years old, and it may be said that the once sturdy oak is now in the sear and yellow leaf. As he sits in the quiet of his room his mind is doubtless going back to the stirring scenes that today will be commemorated by speech and song. The boys will send him greeting, and well we know their words of cheer will warm the cockles of his heart.
Major J. B. Warwick
Arrived this morning in time to preside at the opening exercises of the reunion. No man in the regiment was more faithful in the performance of his duties as surgeon than Dr. Warwick. He knew every man and all about his frame, and none received more cordial greetings than he today.
Tuesday evening the closing exercises were held in the Gallipolis court house in the presence of an immense throng. On this occasion Capt. Ewing read an original poem of great merit, which was greeted with tumultuous applause.
Transcribed by Joyce Robinson |