HISTORY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA
ASSOCIATION.
The surviving members of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia met at Dighton Rock, Simmons Grove, August, 1890. Invitations
had been sent to all the comrades and a goodly number were present,
the object of the meeting being the formation of an association to
perpetuate past events, and to hold together the members of the
Association until they should answer the last roll call.
Col. S. P. Richmond was chosen temporary chairman and George F.
Coughlin, clerk. N. P. Norton, B. S. Atwood, E. Grant, William Mason,
Patrick Cannavan, B. F. Lewis, Otis A. Baker, J. M. Lyle and L. F.
Alden were chosen a committee to nominate officers for a permanent
organization. They reported as follows: President--Col. Silas P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Capt. Andrew R. Wright, Maj. Thomas B.
Griffith, Maj. William E. Mason; Secretary--Chaplain Charles A. Snow;
Treasurer--Sergt. James C. Hitch.
The report was adopted and the officers nominated were declared
elected by the temporary chairman, Col. S. P. Richmond.
The following were chosen an Executive Committee: C. P. Lyon, C. D.
Copeland, R. A. Soule, J. L. Wilber, J. W. Hammond, B. S. Atwood, F.
M. McGraw, P. Cannavan, J. Gibbs, C. E. Churchill.
The Fruit Growers Association of Bristol County served a bountiful
clam dinner, which was highly appreciated by the comrades. At the
afternoon session it was voted that the Executive Committee secure
some design for an Association badge. After voting that the time
and place of the next meeting be left with the Executive Committee,
the meeting adjourned and the comrades expressed their joy at being
granted once more the privilege of meeting each other.
C. A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The second meeting of the Association was held at Fort Phœnix,
Fairhaven, July 30, 1891.
The address of the President, Col. S. P. Richmond, was most hearty,
cheering and encouraging. He exhorted the boys to continue the
Association meetings so long as two were able to meet together.
The Executive Committee asked for more time to complete arrangements
for Association badge. Comrades George A. Grant, of Brockton; Chase,
of Fall River; and B. F. Atwood, of Whitman, were appointed a
special committee to secure badge.
It was voted to secure a record book. It was voted that the Executive
Committee consider the feasibility of an excursion to and over the
old battlefields in North Carolina, and report at the next meeting.
It was voted that the present board of officers continue for another
year and that the several companies elect a secretary to aid the
secretary of the Association, and that the last named officer be
allowed a salary of $25. The treasurer’s report showed a balance
on hand of $22.45. It was voted that the expenses incurred by the
secretary for printing, etc., be paid from the funds of the treasury.
After dinner the members present with their families to the number
of over four hundred listened to an excellent address by Professor
Andrew Ingraham, of Company I.
The meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the Executive Committee.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The third meeting of the Association was held at Onset, July 28, 1892.
The business session opened at 11.30 A. M., Col. S. P. Richmond in
the chair. His address of welcome was received with applause. The
records of the last meeting were read and approved. A letter from
Treasurer Hitch regretting his inability to be present, and declining
re-election was received. His report showed $35.70 in the treasury.
The report was accepted and placed on file. The committee on badge
reported that they had secured a badge. This was adopted by the
Association, and members gave orders for badges to the committee. The
Executive Committee reported the changes during the year by reason of
resignations and deaths.
After enjoying a splendid shore dinner, two hundred and twenty-five
persons being present, the Association was called to order at 2.30
P. M. It was voted that the expenses for printing be paid from the
treasury funds. Lieutenants Gibbs and Lyon, who were appointed by the
president to collect funds, reported having received $15.36. It was
voted that the present board of officers be elected to serve another
year. The resignation of Sergeant Hitch was unanimously rejected.
Sergeant Hitch positively declining, the Executive Committee were
authorized to fill all vacancies which may occur during the year from
any cause. It was voted that the next Association meeting be held
in Brockton. The committee on badges were ordered to contract for
two hundred badges. The President and comrades Ingraham, Taber, and
Alden, were elected a committee to prepare memorials of those members
who have died during the year.
The meeting adjourned at 3.15 P. M.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Chaplain and Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Third Regimental Association met at Brockton, July 27, 1893.
They were received royally by Fletcher Webster Post, G. A. R., who
entertained them in their Post Hall, presenting each with a neat
white badge bearing the inscription, “Brockton, Third Massachusetts
Regimental Association, 1893.”
After the exchange of greetings, quite a number meeting their
comrades for the first time since the mustering out of the regiment
thirty years ago, the members of the Association took the electrics
to Highland Park, where the business of the day was transacted.
At 11 A. M. the meeting was called to order by the president, who
in his address emphasized the necessity and the duty of the living
to stand firm and exhibit the spirit of fraternity, loyalty, and
charity, ever keeping in mind those noble principles of patriotism
which prompted them to enlist in the service of our country.
The report of the last meeting was read and adopted. The treasurer
reported cash on hand at the beginning of the present year, $37.40;
paid out $6.25; balance on hand, $31.15. The report was adopted.
Comrade Atwood reported that two hundred badges had been procured,
and fifty were still on hand for members who wished to purchase. His
report was accepted. It was voted that the names of deceased members
be placed on the Roll of Honor, and that notice of the same be sent
to the family of each. It was voted that the present officers be
continued another year. They are as follows: President--Col. Silas P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Capt. A. R. Wright, Maj. T. B. Griffith,
Maj. W. E. Mason; Treasurer--J. C. Hitch; Secretary and Chaplain--C.
A. Snow. Capt. A. R. Wright was added to the Executive Committee.
Executive Committee--C. P. Lyon, B. S. Atwood, S. F. Brayton, R.
A. Soule, P. Cannavan, J. L. Wilber, J. Gibbs, A. Ingraham, C. E.
Churchill, G. A. Grant, T. B. Griffith, A. R. Wright, C. C. Doten and
A. S. Cushman.
Comrades Gibbs and Lyon were appointed to solicit funds from the
members, and they succeeded to the amount of $45. It was voted that
the next meeting be held in Plymouth on the last Thursday in July,
1894.
Business being ended the Association adjourned at 12.15 P. M., and
the comrades sat down to tables in the grove, where a splendid dinner
had been prepared by the Fletcher Webster Women’s Relief Corps, No.
7. The comrades will long remember the cordial greetings of the G. A.
R. Post and the W. R. C. of Brockton.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
PLYMOUTH, July 26, 1894.
The place and time for the Association Meeting was all that comrades
could desire. The hot wave was softened by a refreshing breeze from
the bay; every one seemed happy. Members of the Association and
their friends to the number of two hundred were present. The hall
of Collingwood Post, G. A. R., was tendered as headquarters for the
Association.
The business session was called at 11 A. M. Brief but cheerful
remarks were made by the president, and his youngest son Mark
Harrison was unanimously voted an honorary member of the
Association. The records of the last meeting were read and approved.
The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and $12.64 in the
treasury. The committee to solicit funds reported $23.43, with all
expenses paid. The present board of officers were re-elected for
the ensuing year. It was voted that our next meeting be held in
Bridgewater on the last Thursday in July, 1894. The usual vote of
thanks was given to Collingwood Post, G. A. R., for the use of their
hall. The meeting adjourned at 12 P. M.
After enjoying an excellent dinner the comrades visited Pilgrim Hall,
by invitation from C. C. Doten, and other places of historic interest
in Old Plymouth received their share of attention.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
BRIDGEWATER, July 25, 1895.
The annual reunion of the Third Regiment Association was held in
Bridgewater with Post 205, G. A. R., in its hall. In the absence of
the president and vice-presidents, Lieut. Charles P. Lyon was chosen
president _pro tem_. Vernon Wade, E. T. Chapman and B. S. Atwood
were appointed to arrange for the reunion in 1896. Sergt. B. S.
Atwood was chosen secretary _pro tem_, and Maj. Thomas B. Griffith
was chosen treasurer _pro tem_. Sergt. M. Bonney was elected on the
committee for reunion of 1896. Resolutions of sympathy to the family
of our late treasurer, Sergt. J. C. Hitch, were ordered sent to New
Bedford. The usual G. A. R. collation was served to the comrades
by the entertaining Post. Mr. King, son of Comrade King, of the
Association, invited the comrades to ride through the town in barges
provided by him. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. King, also to Mr.
Vaughn for collation and to Post 205 for use of its hall. Mr. Vaughn
was voted an honorary member of the Association.
Owing to the heavy rain in the morning the attendance was small.
No action was taken to re-elect officers as the By-laws of the
Association required the old officers to retain their positions until
others were elected to fill their places.
B. S. ATWOOD, _Secretary pro tem_.
* * * * *
LINCOLN PARK, July 29, 1896.
The Association met to-day in this attractive resort. The order
of the day was called at 11.30 A. M., Col. S. P. Richmond in the
chair. In his address of welcome he admonished every comrade to
maintain the existence of the Association by attending its meetings.
Prayer was offered by Chaplain Snow. The records of the two previous
meetings were read and approved. It was voted that a Roster of the
Association be printed and a copy be sent to each company secretary
for distribution. It was voted that we meet next year at Dighton Rock
Park. The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and a balance
of $14.06 on hand. Comrades Gibbs and Lyon reported that they had
solicited $19.45, making the amount now in the treasury $33.51.
The election of officers as follows: President--Silas P. Richmond;
Vice-Presidents--Capt. A. R. Wright, Maj. T. B. Griffith, Maj.
William E. Mason; Treasurer--Lieutenant Joseph Gibbs; Secretary and
Chaplain--C. A. Snow; Executive Committee--Charles P. Lyon, B. S.
Atwood, S. F. Brayton, Rufus Soule, Patrick Cannavan, J. L. Wilber,
Joseph Gibbs, Andrew Ingraham, George M. Keith, Geo. A. Grant, A. R.
Wright, C. C. Doten, A. S. Cushman and T. B. Griffith.
A good dinner was served. The History of Company A was read by Lieut.
C. P. Lyon; Company D, by Capt. A. R. Wright; Company E, by Maj. W.
E. Mason. The meeting adjourned.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
DIGHTON ROCK, July 29, 1897.
The Association met at Dighton Rock Park this day. Owing to the rain
only thirty were present. The order of the day was called at 12.15.
Prayer, by Chaplain Snow. The welcome words of the president were
timely and to the point. It was voted that the funds in the treasury
did not warrant the publication of Association Roster. Treasurer
Gibbs reported having received $33.50; paid out, $10.73; balance
on hand, $22.77. Dighton Rock Park was suggested to the Executive
Committee as the place of our next meeting. A splendid shore dinner
was enjoyed by the members of the Association and others.
At the two P. M. meeting the old board of officers were re-elected.
The afternoon was bright, and the comrades expressed their
appreciation of the place, and the satisfaction of meeting again.
CHARLES SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Third Regiment Association held its annual meeting at Dighton
Rock Park, July 28, 1898. The order of business was called at 10.30
A. M., President Richmond in the chair. Capt. A. R. Wright was chosen
assistant secretary. Prayer, by Chaplain Snow. Words of welcome by
the president. The treasurer reported $8.88 on hand; all bills paid
to date. The old board of officers were re-elected with the exception
of Maj. T. B. Griffith, who died during the year. Capt. O. A. Baker
was chosen to fill the vacancy. George A. Grant was chosen secretary
_pro tem_ and George M. Keith was added to the Executive Committee.
Captain Baker and Lieutenant Lyon were chosen a committee to solicit
funds. They reported $21.51 contributed. At 12 P. M. the President
declared a recess until 1.30 P. M. Full justice was done to the ample
dinner by the comrades and their friends.
At the appointed hour the Association reassembled. The place of the
next meeting was left with the Executive Committee. A vote of thanks
was tendered to the officers for their services. It was voted that
an expression be made of the respect and esteem of the character and
efficient service of the late David W. Wardrop, colonel of the Third
Massachusetts three months’ men. Remarks were made by Major Cushman
and Colonel Richmond. The meeting adjourned at 2.30.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary pro tem_.
* * * * *
The Association met in Brockton, July 27, 1899. They were given
a royal welcome. Business session at 10.45. The President, in
his address, referring to the soldiers of the Spanish war, while
complimenting them for their patriotism and courage, said, “But they
are hardly to be compared with the rank and file of the soldiers of
’61 to ’65.”
The records of the last meeting were read and adopted. The treasurer
reported $10.57 on hand. A list of the members who have died during
the past year was read. Secretary Snow, declining further service
on account of increasing infirmities, George A. Grant was chosen
secretary.
The election of officers was as follows: President--Col. S. P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Maj. William E. Mason, Capt. O. A. Baker,
Capt. Linus Hayward; Chaplain--C. A. Snow; Treasurer--Lieutenant
Joseph Gibbs; Secretary--George A. Grant.
Executive Committee--Same as last year with the exception of the
election of George A. Lackey, to fill the vacancy caused by the death
of Capt. A. R. Wright.
Communications from Quartermaster Penniman and Honorable Philip M.
Crapo expressing their regrets at being unable to be present were
received. The meeting adjourned.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Third Regiment Association held its meeting this year in Fall
River, July 26, 1900. They were the guests of Richard Borden Post, G.
A. R. Fall River is the home of Companies C and D. The morning rain
made it hard for many to attend.
Order was called at 11 A. M. The president’s speech was full of
tenderness. Invocation by Chaplain Snow. The treasurer reported
$28.03 on hand. The comrades stood at attention with uncovered heads
while the secretary read the names of those who have passed away
during the year.
The old board of officers was elected to serve another year, with
the exception of G. A. Grant, who was elected treasurer to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of Lieut. Joseph Gibbs. It was voted
that our next reunion be held in Middleboro on the last Thursday in
July, 1901. Mrs. Jennie Gibbs was voted an honorary member of this
Association. The treasurer reported $29 in the treasury.
The meeting adjourned to partake of an excellent dinner prepared by
the Women’s Relief Corps of Richard Borden Post.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
According to vote at our previous meeting, the Association met at
Middleboro, July 25, 1901. The weather was stormy. The meeting was
opened by the president at 11 A. M. Prayer by the chaplain. Remarks
by the president. The records of the last meeting were read and
approved. The treasurer reported $16.68 on hand after paying the
expenses of last year.
The election of officers was as follows: President--Col. Silas P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Maj. W. E. Mason, Capt. O. A. Baker,
Capt. Linus Hayward; Chaplain Emeritus--C. A. Snow; Chaplain--John
Gray Gammons; Secretary and Treasurer--G. A. Grant; Executive
Committee--C. P. Lyon, B. S. Atwood, James B. Smith, Vernon Wade,
Fred T. Maxfield, P. Cannavan, Leander Wilber, Edwin Haskins, Ezra F.
Sampson, Uriel Haskins.
A collection was taken amounting to $16.08. A vote of thanks was
tendered to the Y. M. C. A. for the use of their hall for the day.
Maj. C. S. Allen of Whitman, and Thomas Waring of Fall River, were
voted honorary members of the Association. It was voted that we hold
our next reunion at Whitman. The meeting adjourned for dinner.
After dinner an electric car ride to our first Camp Joe Hooker
had been planned, where the comrades reviewed the experiences of
thirty-nine years ago.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The reunion of the Third Regiment Association was held in Whitman,
July 31, 1902. This being the home of our genial comrade, B. S.
Atwood, nothing was wanting to make the day all that could be desired
by the boys.
Order was called at 10.30 A. M., Col. Silas P. Richmond in the chair.
His earnest greeting was received with the old-time applause. A
hearty welcome was given to all the comrades by Sergt. B. S. Atwood.
Prayer by the chaplain. The records of the last meeting were read and
approved. The treasurer’s report showed $17.77 on hand. Comrade Ezra
F. Sampson extended a cordial invitation to the Association to meet
at East Bridgewater in 1902. This was accepted. The board of officers
for the last year were re-elected. James S. Tripp and J. P. Hill were
added to the Executive Committee. A collection of $9.09 was taken.
The Women’s Relief Corps of Whitman furnished an excellent dinner.
The remainder of the day was given to speech-making by several
comrades. The reunion in Whitman passes into history as a very
pleasant one, long to be remembered.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Association met in East Bridgewater, Aug. 5, 1903. The day was
rainy and the call to order by the President at 10.10 A. M. found but
fifty-six members present. The records of the last meeting were read
and approved. The treasurer’s report showed $10.11 on hand, with all
bills paid. The publication of the regimental history received the
sanction of all members present. It was voted that a member from each
company be elected to write its company history.
The following were elected: Company A, John G. Gammons; Company B,
B. S. Atwood; Company C, James B. Smith; Company D, Vernon Wade;
Company E, Fred T. Maxfield; Company F, Benjamin Card; Company G, Ira
B. Tripp; Company H, William H. Luther; Company I, Jabez M. Lyle;
Company K, Henry Manley.
Chaplain Snow was elected to prepare the history of the field and
staff, also the history of the regiment, and publish the same in book
form.
The comrades stood at attention while the secretary read the names of
those who had died during the past year. Greetings were ordered sent
to Capt. Otis Baker (the only living captain), now in the distant
West.
The following is the list of officers for the year: President--Col.
Silas P. Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Maj. W. E. Mason, Capt. O.
A. Baker, Capt. Linus Hayward; Chaplain--John Gray Gammons;
Musician--Seth Miller Briggs; Executive Committee--C. P. Lyon, B. S.
Atwood, James B. Smith, Vernon Wade, F. T. Maxfield, P. Cannavan,
Leander Wilber, Edwin Haskins, Ezra F. Sampson.
It was voted that we hold our reunion next year at Dighton Rock Park,
July 21, 1904.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Association held its fifteenth annual reunion at Dighton Rock
Park, July 21, 1904. The day was fine and the transportation by
electrics easy. The order of the day was called by the president at
11.05 A. M. The greeting of the president indicated that he was not
growing old, infirm, or forgetful of his boys who marched at his
command through the mud of North Carolina forty-three years ago. The
records of the last meeting were read and approved. It was voted that
the thanks of the Association be tendered to the family of our late
Chaplain Snow for the work done by him on Regimental History. It was
voted that all the historical manuscript be forwarded to Chaplain J.
G. Gammons to enable him to complete the work with such assistance
as he may desire in compiling the history. A collection of $20.42
was taken. After the reading of the list of those who died last
year, the president spoke with much feeling on the death of Chaplain
Snow, referring to his many good qualities as an officer and a man.
The old board of officers were re-elected to serve another year
with the exception of Stephen P. Sawyer who was chosen in place of
Linus Hayward, deceased. The Executive Committee is the same as last
year. Sergt. B. S. Atwood suggested that an entertainment after the
business session and dinner would be of interest to the comrades, and
it was left with him to provide what he thought best in such line for
our reunion in 1905. It was voted that we hold our next reunion at
Dighton Rock Park. The treasurer’s report showed $13.26 on hand with
all bills paid.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary and Treasurer_.
* * * * *
The Third Regiment Association held its reunion at Dighton Rock Park,
July 20, 1905. The meeting was called at 11.20 A. M. The greetings
of the president were as fraternal and cordial as ever; years seem
to make no impression on either his health, voice, or memory. His
recital of the war days so thrill the boys that they all seem young
again, and should war demand their services, they would follow their
old leader anywhere he asked them to go. The records of the last
meeting were read and approved. The treasurer reported $44.36 in the
treasury. The names of those who died during the year were read by
the secretary. Chaplain Gammons reported that the Regimental History
was nearly completed. A letter from Surgeon A. A. Stocker, now in his
eighty-sixth year, was read regretting his inability to be at the
reunion, and sending his kind regards to Colonel Richmond and all the
other members of the Association. With the exception of William E.
Mason the old board of officers were re-elected. Sergt. B. S. Atwood
was chosen vice-president. It was voted to hold our reunion next year
at Fort Phœnix, Fairhaven.
The dinner was fine, and the entertainment which followed it was very
pleasing. Masters Ralph and Benjamin Atwood and Miss Blanche Atwood,
grandchildren of Sergeant Atwood; also Miss Clara A. Goodwin, did
themselves great credit in the rendering of their parts, which were
pleasing to all who heard them.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary and Treasurer_.
* * * * *
Since the organization of the Association one hundred and ninety have
answered the last roll call. Their names and the dates of deaths will
be found in the History of the Field and Staff, and the corrected
history of the several companies.
During the meetings of the Association no liquors have been used
at dinner, neither sold nor used by the comrades, nor has any one
been seen under the influence of liquor. All the meetings have been
characterized by unanimity and cordial greetings.
THE COMPILER.
* * * * * *
Transcriber’s note:
Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been
corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within
the text and consultation of external sources.
Some portrait illustrations have been moved closer to the relevant
biographical information for that person.
Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.
Frontispiece caption: ‘The Complier’ replaced by ‘The Compiler’.
Pg iii: ‘Third Rgiment)’ replaced by ‘Third Regiment)’.
Pg 16: ‘made a reconnoisance’ replaced by ‘made a reconnoissance’.
Pg 21: ‘swaggering braggadocia’ replaced by ‘swaggering braggadocio’.
Pg 25: ‘were atacked and’ replaced by ‘were atacked and’.
Pg 41: ‘on a reconnoisance’ replaced by ‘on a reconnoissance’.
Pg 42: ‘Foster returnd’ replaced by ‘Foster returned’.
Pg 50: ‘and aid-de-camp,’ replaced by ‘and aide-de-camp,’.
Pg 53: ‘and his aid-de-camp’ replaced by ‘and his aide-de-camp’.
Pg 54, illustration caption: ‘MORRESSEY’ replaced by ‘MORRISSEY’.
Pg 73: ‘accurate diarian’ replaced by ‘accurate diarist’.
Pg 84: ‘had he, Urial’ replaced by ‘had he, Uriel’.
Pg 86: ‘rebels would harrass’ replaced by ‘rebels would harass’.
Pg 95: ‘Corporal Gamons’ replaced by ‘Corporal Gammons’.
Pg 96: ‘brave Massachusets’ replaced by ‘brave Massachusetts’.
Pg 99: ‘he has alwas’ replaced by ‘he has always’.
Pg 100: ‘an employe of’ replaced by ‘an employee of’.
Pg 104: ‘Ashley Hights,’ replaced by ‘Ashley Heights,’.
Pg 160: ‘in the immdiate’ replaced by ‘in the immediate’.
Pg 208: ‘but Captain Wilbur’ replaced by ‘but Captain Wilber’.
Pg 235: ‘pigs squeeling and’ replaced by ‘pigs squealing and’.
Pg 265: ‘Promnent in town’ replaced by ‘Prominent in town’.
Pg 291: ‘39; shoemaker;’ replaced by ‘shoemaker; 39;’.
Pg 295: ‘Died in Brigewater’ replaced by ‘Died in Bridgewater’.
Pg 302: ‘of the Willerness’ replaced by ‘of the Wilderness’.
Pg 313: ‘adjourned at 12 M.’ replaced by ‘adjourned at 12 P. M.’.
Pg 317: ‘At 12 M. the’ replaced by ‘At 12 P. M. the’.