Ft. Missoula to St. Louis Riders

Lt. James A. Moss

2009-11-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

James Albert Moss was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on May 12, 1872 to Anderson Joseph Moss, a judge, and his wife, Octavie. James was the youngest of six children. Today, there is a middle school in Lafayette named after an older brother, Nathaniel Peter. At the time he graduated from West Point, Class of '94, James (aka "Daig") was the youngest cadet to ever complete studies there. He also held the dubious distinction of being the "Goat", ranking dead last among his classmates. Graduates were assigned posts according to class rank, which meant Moss got last pick. At that time, few officers wanted to serve in the West or with black soldiers. Moss wound up at Fort Missoula and soon after began his experiments with the bicycle.

Moss went with the 25th Infantry to Cuba in 1898, where he won several commendations for bravery. A year later, in the Phillipines, he won a silver star. He commanded the 367th Infantry during WWI. By 1919, Moss had reached the rank of colonel and was making a tidy sum from the sale of numerous books he had written. Moss decided to leave the Army and spent the next twenty years writing as well organizing the United States Flag Association-- a patriotic organization which promoted flag etiquette. He spent most of the 1920s and 30s in New York City. On April 14, 1941, a taxi Moss was riding home was struck by a bus and he died. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetary.

Moss never married. He gained a deep appreciation and respect for the black soldiers he commanded. The wreck which took his life was feet from the spot where John Lennon was gunned down by an assassin in 1980.

Moss, James A
Col USA Ret LA
Date of Death: 04/23/1941
Buried At: Section West Site 1266
Arlington National Cemetery

Cadet at the United States Military Academy from June 17, 1890 to June 12, 1894, when he was graduated and promoted in the army to (SECOND LIEUT. OF INFANTRY, 25TH INFANTRY, JUNE 12, 1894)
Served: Joined regiment at Fort Missoula, Mont., Sept. 30, 1894--
On detached service, in command of 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, doing experimental work in military cycling

Pvt. Francis Button

2009-01-25T11:47:00.003-08:00

Register of Enlistments

On May 16, 1890 Francis Button enlisted at Winchester, Virginia for a five year period. Button was born in Prince William County, Virginia in May 1869. His occupation before enlistment was "laborer". He is described as having black eyes, hair and a brown complexion. He stood 5' 8 1/4" tall. He was assigned to the 9th Cavalry, G Company. He was discharged from Fort Robinson, Nebraska on May 15, 1895 as a private. His rating was "good".

On June 19, 1895 Button reenlisted for a three year period at Washington D.C. He is described, this time as having brown eyes, black hair and a black complexion. He shrank a 1/4" down to 5' 8". He was reassigned to the 25th Infantry, G Company. He was discharged June 18, 1898 at Tampa, Florida with a rank of private and a rating of "good".

I can't find the 18 June 1898 Register of Enlistment record for Button. I looked.

On March 1, 1900 Button reenlisted at Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 30 years and nine months old, a laborer and described as having brown eyes, black hair and a medium complexion. He was back up to 5' 8 1/2". He was assigned to the 24th Infantry, D Company. His previous enlistment is dated 6/18/98. He was discharged November 27, 1902 from Fort Harrison, Montana, with the rank of corporal. His rating was "good".

1900 Census
Button is recorded as a private born in Prince William, Virginia. His birthday is listed as May 1872. He is a single, black, male. Prince William, Virginia is listed as the birthplace of both parents but Prince William is crossed out. This census was recorded at Fort Harrison, Montana.

On March 3, 1903 reenlisted at Washington D.C. for another three year period. His occupation was listed as "laborer". He is described as having brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. He shot up to 5' 8 1/2". He was assigned to Company D of the 25th Infantry. He was discharged April 2, 1906 at Fort Niobarra, Nebraska. He was rated "very good" and held the rank of private.

On April 4, 1906, Button reenlisted at Fort Niobarra, Nebraska. He was 35 years and 10 months old. He was discharged February 4, 1907 at Fort Reno, Oklahoma after serving with the 25th Infantry, D Company. He was a private with an "excellent" rating.

On February 5, 1907 Button reenlisted at Fort Reno, Oklahoma. His birthplace is listed as Gainesville, Virginia and his age is listed as 32 years and 9 months old (which doesn't jibe with the 1906 Register of Enlistment). He was discharged February 4, 1910 at Fort Lawton, Washington. He was rated "excellent" and had made the rank of corporal.

Button reenlisted once more, February 5, 1910 at Fort Lawton, Washington. His age is given as 35 years 9 months and his occupation "farmer". He was discharged February 4, 1913 at Schofield Barracks, H.T. (Hawaiian Territory) with an "excellent" rating but a rank of private -- he was a corporal in the 1907 Register of Enlistments.

1900 Census
Button is recorded as a private born in Prince William, Virginia. His birthday is listed as May 1872. He is a single, black, male. Prince William, Virginia is listed as the birthplace of both parents but Prince William is crossed out. This census was recorded at Fort Harrison, Montana.

1920 Census
Francis Button is a 46 year old black male living in Cochise County Arizona on the Fort Huachuca Military Reservation. He is married. He can read and write and was born in Virginia as were his mother and father. His occupation is listed as retired sergeant.

1930 Census
This record was filed from the United States Soldiers' Home in Washington D.C. Button is termed an "inmate" and is living in the King Building. He does not have a radio set. He is a married 53 year old "negro". [This date, i.e. born in 1877, is way off the other birthdates] He can read and write. Virginia is his birthplace as well as his parents. He does not have an occupation. He is listed as a veteran of the Spanish War (Phil.)

US Veterans Gravesites
A "Frank Button, Pvt. in the US Army Spanish American War" is listed. This person was born 21 March 1870 and died 19 November 1934. They were buried on 22 November 1934 in Roseburg National Cemetery in Roseburg, Oregon. [Section A Row 1 Site 33] Oregon doesn't make sense.

Pvt. Samuel Reid

2009-01-25T11:47:00.001-08:00

1893 Register of Enlistments
Samuel Reid enlisted at Chicago Illinois on August 7, 1893, committing to five years. He was 21 years and four months old (b. May 1872). His occupation is "waiter" and he is described as having brown eyes, curly black hair and a black complexion. His height is listed at 5' 5 3/4" and he was assigned to the 25th Infantry, Company E. He was discharged November 6, 1896 at Fort Assinniboine, Montana with the rank of private and a rating "Excellent"

1897 Register of Enlistments
Reid re-enlisted January 10 at Fort Harrison, Montana. He was 24 years and 9 months old. He was born in Charlotte, N.C. and described as a soldier with brown eyes, black hair and a mulatto complexion. He was 5' 5 1/2" tall and attached to the 25th Infantry Company G. He was discharged January 9, 1900 at Botolau, P.I. with a rank of sergeant and ranking of "Excellent."

1900 Register of Enlistments
Reid re-enlisted January 10, 1900 at Zambales Luzon, P.I. He was 26 yeara and nine months old. He was described as having black hair and a mulatto complexion. He was assigned to the 25th Infantry, Company M. On November 26, 1902 he was discharged at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska. He had attained the rank of sergeant and received an "Excellent" rating.

1903 Register of Enlistments
On the 13th of January, 1903, Reid re-enlisted once again, this time at Asheville, North Carolina. On this register he is described as having brown eyes, black hair and a light complexion. He was moved to the 24th Infantry, Company I. On December 5, 1905 he was discharged from Ft. Missoula with the rating "Excellent".

1907 Register of Enlistments
Reid re-enlisted in February, 1907 at Ft. McIntosh, Texas. He was 33 years and 8 months old. This enlistment he was described as having brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. His height is recorded as 5' 6 1/2". He was back with the 25th Infantry, Company M. On February 5, 1910 he was discharged at Ft. George Wright with the rank "sergeant" and rating "excellent".

1910 Register of Enlistments
Reid re-enlisted at Ft. George Wright on the 6th of February for a three year committment. He age was 36 years 10 months. His occupation was "waiter" and he was attached to the 25th Infantry Company M. He was discharged February 5, 1913 at Schofield Barracks in the Hawaiian Islands with the rank of sergeant and an "excellent" rating.

1880 Census
Sam Reid [Reed?], aged 8, a mulatto male from Poplar Tent Township, County Cabarrus [?] (21 miles from Charlotte). In the Reid household are father, James (41 yrs.-mulatto); mother, Maggie (38-mulatto); William (12); Charley (10); Mac (9); Sam (8); John (5); Mattie (6) and Nettie (2). James is a farmer; Maggie keeps house; William and Charley are laborers and the rest of the children are "at home". William and Charley are marked as having attended school but both are also marked as being unable to read and write. Maggie is also marked as not being able to read and write but not James.

1900 Census - Philippine Islands Province of Zambales - Military and Naval Population
[Eugene Jones is also on this census and possibly others]
Samuel Reid is a 1st Sergeant with a U.S. residence in "Charlotte, North Carolina 26 Town[?] St.". Reid is a 27 year old, single black male born April 1873. He, his mother and his father are all listed as being born in North Carolina. The record also indicates he could read and write.

1910 Federal Census Fort Wright, Spokane County, WA
Thirty seven year old Samuel Reid is single and a sergeant in Co. M of the 25th Regiment. He lives at Fort George Wright in Spokane, Washington. His and his parents are all listed as having been born in North Carolina.

1920 Federal Census Concord City, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
Forty-eight year old "Reed" [sic] is married to a thirty-three year old woman named Bessie Ingram. They are living with Bessie's mother and uncle Charlie Bamhardt. Sam and his wife both teach high school. [I think the school is connected to Immanuel Lutheran College].

1930 Federal Census, Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina
Samuel and Bessie are still married and living in Greensboro where they are dorm parents [he- "supervisor of male students" and she- "matron"], on the Immanuel Luthern College campus. Reid is listed as a veteran of the "Sp. Phil W.W." Living with them are 15 year old Buford L Reid "Ad son" and Margaret Turner a roomer.

Pvt. John Wilson

2009-01-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

1887 US Army Register of Enlistments
John H. Wilson enlisted August 4, 1887 at Cinncinnati, Ohio. His place of birth is listed as Appomattox Co., Virginia. Wilson is 22 years, 5 months old and his occupation is listed as farmer. His hair, eyes and complexion are all described as black. His height is 5' 7 1/2". He is attached to the 9th Cavalry, Company W [? -probably a "D"]. Wilson was discharged November 3, 1890 at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska as a private and with a character rated "Very Good".

1891 US Army Register of Enlistments
John H. Wilson enlisted November 4, 1891 at Washington, D.C. His place of birth is listed as Appomattox Co., Virginia. Wilson is 26 years and eight months old and his occupation is listed as soldier. His hair, eyes and complexion are all described as black. His height is 5' 7 3/4". He was attached to the 9th Cavalry, Co. D. This was his second enlistment. He was discharged February 3, 1895 at Fort Robinson, Nebraska with the rank of private and rating of "Good".

1895 US Army Register of Enlistments
John H. Wilson enlisted April 4, 1895 at Lynchburg, Virginia for a three year period. Wilson was born in "Spout Sprs." [Spout Spring], Virginia and was 30 years and 2 months old at the time he signed up. His occupation is listed as soldier. His eyes and hair are described as dark brown and his complexion is black. His height is listed as 5' 7 3/4". He was attached to Co. G in the 25th Infantry. This enlistment was Wilson's third. Previously he served with the 9th Cavalry, Co. D and was discharged February 3, 1895. Wilson was discharged on April 3, 1898 upon expiration of service from Ft. Missoula, MT with the rank of private and a rating of "good"

10 Dec 1898 Pension Application Index # 1214024
Wilson filed for pension as "Invalid"

1920 Federal Census - Chicago Ward 14, Cook County Ill

Death Certificate - Cook County Chicago, Ill
Wilson died December 5, 1928. He was buried the 10 December 10, 1928 at Burr Oak Cemetery in Chicago. His burial plot is: Sec: Burr Oak Lot: 269 Grave: 6 He was 53 years old, married to a woman named Lilie and living at 2711 Fulton St. in the 28th Ward of Chicago. The primary cause of death was listed as organic heart disorder.

"Audrey" at Burr Oak Cemetery - Chicago, Illinois
John Wilson is buried in the Burr Oak section of this cemetery. His is located at Lot 269, Grave #6 His burial papers were filed by his wife Lilie. Interment at her site was filled in 1979

Pvt. Sam Williamson

2009-01-25T11:41:00.003-08:00

1895 Register of Enlistments
Sam Williamson was born in Fayette County, Tennessee in July 1873. He signed on to a three year commitment on August 10, 1895 in Louisville, Kentucky and was discharged August 9, 1898 in Santiago, Cuba. He was a private and was rated "excellent". He was attached to the 25th Infantry, G Company. His occupation before enlistment was "laborer" and he was described as having black eyes, hair and complexion.

1898 Register of Enlistments
In the 1898 Register he is listed as "Samuel". He was 5' 10 1/2" tall and described as having brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. Samuel has been moved from Company G to Company H. He was discharged November 6, 1901 at Iba Zambales, Philippines with the rank of private and the rating "very good".

US Fed. Census 1900/ Armed Forces-Foreign Countries/ Philippines, Luzon/ 0178 Subig, Zambales H Company 25th Infantry
Samuel Williamson's residence is listed as #95 Fifth Street, Memphis, Tennessee. His birth date is June 1873, he was 26 at his last birthday and he is single. He, his mother and his father are recorded as being born in Tennessee. He can read and write. His brother, William, is not with this company.

Pvt. William Williamson

2009-01-25T11:41:00.001-08:00

I think William and Samuel Williamson were brothers.

William Williamson was born July 1871. His Record of Enlistment for 1895 is identical with Samuel's except that William was discharged with the rank of corporal while Samuel remained a private.

William Williamson enlisted the same day as Samuel Williamson, on November 7, 1898 at St. Louis, Missouri. Both were born in Fayette County, Tennessee. William was born July 1871. They both had the occupation "soldier", both had brown eyes, black hair and dark complexion. Both were 5' 10 1/2" tall. They both were assigned to the 25th Infantry, G Company. William was discharged July 2, 1899 (hard to read this date) from Sam Houston, Texas. He was a private and rated "very good"

Pvt. Sam Johnson

2009-01-25T11:40:00.006-08:00

1895 US Army Register of Enlistments
Sam Johnson enlisted June 8, 1895 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois for a three year term. He was born around December 1873. He is listed as 21 years and 5 months old. His occupation is listed as laborer. His eyes are brown, hair black and complexion dark yellow. His height is listed as 5' 6 1/2". He was assigned to the 25th Infantry, Co. G. He was discharged June 7, 1898 at the expiration of his service at Tampa, Florida with a rank of private and rating of "Good".

1898 US Army Register of Enlistments
On July 6, 1898 Johnson re-enlisted at Atlanta, Georgia for three years. He was 23 years and 7 months old. His occupation is listed as soldier. His eyes are described as being brown; his hair black and his complexion yellow. His height is listed as 5' 8". He is still with the 25th Infantry, Co. G. He was discharged February 23, 1899 at Fort Logan, Colorado with the "rank" of musician and character rating "Good".

1899 US Army Register of Enlistments
Johnson re-enlisted for the third time on February 25, 1899 at Fort Logan, Colorado. His birthplace is listed as Birmingham, Alabama and his age is listed as 26 years and 2 months old. His occupation is listed as soldier. His eyes are described as being brown 2, his hair black and his complexion yellow. His height is listed as 5' 8". He is with the 25th Infantry, Co. M. He deserted on May 13, 1899.

This is where the story may take an interesting turn.....

1900 United States Census - Walsenburg Town, Heurfano, Colorado
This census lists a Sam Johnson from Alabama, born in March 1873 (his enlistment records indicate a birthday closer to December). His age is listed as 27. Johnson is married to a woman named Sarah who was born in January 1879 with an age of 21. Both are listed as being black. They have been married 0 years. Both are from Alabama with parents from Alabama. Sam can read and write but his wife Sarah can not. His occupation is listed as "coal miner". Three boarders are listed as living in the house: Petty Willie a black, 47 year-old male from Tennessee; Allen Lucien, also a black, 47 year-old male, from Illinois; and, Ramond (sp? - Raymond) James, a 31 year-old black male from Alabama. Almost all of the other people on this census page are Hungarian, Polish, Italian and Bohemian. The people next door, John and Sallie Morrs (sp? - Morris) are from Alabama and Georgia.
[Is this the Sam Johnson of the Bicycle Corps?]

Pvt. Eugene Jones

2009-01-25T11:40:00.005-08:00

“Of the twenty soldiers who left Fort Missoula, nineteen reached St. Louis in good health. Pvt. Eugene Jones, Co. “H”, who claimed to be ill and unable to ride, was sent back to Fort Missoula from St. Joe, Mo. I have every reason to believe this soldier was merely feigning illness, thinking I would sent him the rest of the way to St. Louis by rail. As he had given me trouble on several occasions I thought it would be best for the public service to send him back to his station.”

- Lt. Moss, Report to Adjutant General [pg. 5] September 1, 1897

During the fighting at El Caney, in Cuba in which Spaniards were driven from a fort, Eugene Jones (Co. G) was wounded.

- Buffalo Soldier Regiment, John Nankivell pg. 83

[Moss was in command of Company G.]

Jones' wound was "very slight" on the side of his abdomen.

- Memories of the Campaign of Santiago, James A. Moss, et al pg. 67

1889 Register of Enlistments
On September 11, 1889, Eugene Jones enlisted at Evansville, Indiana. Jones was born sometime around September 1868 at Cypress Dell, Indiana. In this record he was 21 and a "laborer". He was attached to the 25th Infantry, Company H. On December 10, 1892 he was discharged at Fort Missoula, Montana with a rank of "Pvt." and rating "good"

1893 Register of Enlistments
On February 11, 1893 Eugene Jones enlisted at Ft. Missoula, Montana for a 5 year term. Jones was 24 years 5 months old. His occupation is listed as "soldier" and he is described as having brown eyes, black hair and a black complexion. His height is listed as 5' 10". Jones was attached to the 25th Infantry, Company H. He was discharged on February 10, 1898 at Ft. Missoula, Montana with the rank of "Pvt." and the ranking "Good"

1898 Register of Enlistments
Eugene Jones re-enlisted on February 16, 1898 at Ft. Missoula, Montana for 3 year period. He was 29 years 5 months old at this enlistment. He is described as having brown eyes, black hair and a d. chocolate complexion. He served in the 25th Infantry, Company G and M. He was discharged November 27, 1898 from Fort Logan, Colorado with the rank Corporal and rating "Excellent".

1899 Register of Enlistments
Jones re-enlisted on September 17, 1899 at Louisville, Kentucky. He was 32 years old. He was a part of the 25th Infantry, Company G. In July 1902 he was discharged at Manila, P.I. His rank was "Pvt." and "Char. not obtainable"

1900 Census - Iba, Philippine Islands, Military and Naval Forces
In this record, Jones is a private with a residence "Chicago, Illinois 2833 State St.". He is a black male born September 1862 [this must be wrong]. He is 31 years old and divorced. His birthplace is Indiana. Both his parent's were born in Kentucky. He can read and write.

Pvt. Richard Rout

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"Private Rout told a Globe-Democrat reporter that they regarded their trip as a great success. He stated that they had encountered numerous obstacles on the way. On July [sic- should say June] 17 they met a tremendous snow storm while crossing the main divide of the Rocky Mountains, near Ellison, Mont., at a distance of more than 4,000 feet about the sea level. Their greatest difficulty was experienced in passing through the sand hills of Nebraska. They had to walk through 185 miles of sand, pushing their bicycles before them, the thermometer registering 110 degrees in the shade. While they had enjoyed the venture, said Private Rout, they were glad to be on the return trip and going by rail instead of traversing the route again in the manner in which they had come. They left Monday night on the 8:45 Burlington train and will proceed to Billings, Mont., and there take the Northern Pacific road to Montana City. Thence they will march a four days’ journey to their post."

- Daily Iowa Capital [Des Moines, IA] pg. 3 August 18, 1897

Register of Enlistments
Richard Rout was born in Stanford, Kentucky around 1863 according to both Register of Enlistment records. According to the 1870 and 1880 Census records he was born in 1866. He enlisted on November 8, 1891 in Cinncinnati, Ohio and became a member of the 25th Infantry, A Company. He is described as having black hair, eyes and complexion. He was only 5' 5 1/2" tall. He was discharged from Fort Custer on December 7, 1896 with the rank of private and a rating of "very good".

1896 Register of Enlistments
Richard Rout reenlisted December 12, 1896 at Fort Harrison, Montana. He was discharged at Fort Huachuca on June 17, 1899 with a rating of "excellent" and the rank of corporal. He was attached to the 25th Inf. Co. H.

1870 Census - Lincoln County, Stanford Precinct, Kentucky
In this record Rout was listed as a 4 year old mulatto male. His mother was listed as Judy Rout, 35 years old and born in Kentucky. Her race is black. The record listed her occupation as "lives in family" and indicates she could not read or write. There are three children: Susan (17), Ann (7) in school, and Richard (4)

1880 Census- Lincoln County, Kentucky
This record indicates that Richard is 14. This time his race is listed as "black". He has a brother, Jesse, aged 21. Both are listed as sons of Juda Rout whose age is given as 40. Both Jesse and Richard's occupations are listed as "work on farm"

Two other Richard Rout's, one born 1856 and the other 1878 are listed in the 1900 Census. Both are living at Stanford, Lincoln, Kentucky.

Pvt. Frank L. Johnson

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1895 Register of Enlistments
Frank L. Johnson enlisted on February 18, 1895 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was born in New Haven about 1873. His occupation is recorded as "Hostter". He is described as having brown eyes, black hair, a brown complexion and standing 5' 7 1/2". He was assigned to the 25th Infantry, Company G. He was discharged February 1898 at Fort Missoula with the rank of Private. His character was rated "good".

[A "hostler" is a hired hand on a farm or ranch. Could the record which lists "hostter" be a typo? Here's another person with the same situation]

"The only reference to the bicycle corps that I found in the National Archives files of the soldiers was a 1910 pension application from Frank Johnson, who had “the piles & rheumatism… received by riding a bicycle from Fort Missoula Montana to Saint Louis Missouri.” Frank Johnson, "Declaration for Original Invalid Pension," 18 May 1910, State of New York, County of New York, National Archives Building, Washington, DC"

- Pedaling On the Periphery, p. 311 , Alexandra V. Koelle

(Western Historical Quarterly 41, Autumn 2010)

Pvt. John Cook

2009-01-25T11:32:00.002-08:00

Register of Enlistments
John Cook was born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina in July 1872. He enlisted at Labansan (sp.?), Philippines on November 3, 1900. His eyes were described as being brown, his hair black and his complexion black. He was 5' 10" tall. Cook was discharged 2, 1903 at (Fort) Niobrara, Nebraska with the rank corporal. His character was rated "good".

1894 Register of Enlistments
November 3, 1894 Cook enlisted at Pittsburg, PA. His age is listed as 22 years 4 months and his occupation is "Fireman". He is described as having black eyes and hair and a mulatto complextion. His height is listed as 5' 10". He is attached to the 25th Infantry, Co. B. He was discharged November 2, 1897 upon the expiration of his service from Fort Missoula, Mont. with the rank of private and character rated "Good".

1897 Register of Enlistments
November 3, 1897 Cook enlisted at Missoula, MT. His place of birth is listed as Wilkesborough, N.C. and his occupation is "Soldier". His eyes are brown, his hair black and his complextion is Mulatto. He is attached to the 25th Infantry, Co. B. He was discharged Nov. 2, 1900 at Cabangan(sp?), P.I. [Philippine Islands] at the expiration of service. His rank was Corporal and his character "very good".

1900 Register of Enlistments
November 3, 1900 Cook enlisted at Cabangan, P.I. His age is 28 years 4 months and his occupation is "Soldier". His eyes and hair are listed as "Brown" and his complexion "Black". He is 5' 10". He is with 25th Inf., Co. B He was discharged November 2, 1903 [Fort?] Niobrara, Nebraska at the expiration of his service. His rank was corporal and rating "Good"

1900 Census
John Cook is in Luzon, Philippines with the 25th U.S. Infantry with the rank of corporal. His residence is listed as Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. His birthday, July 1872 is confirmed. He was single. His parents were listed as being born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He could read and write.

1903 Register of Enlistments
November 3, 1903 Cook enlisted at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska. His birthplace was listed as Wilkesboro, NC. His age is 31 years, 4 months and his occupation is "Soldier". His eyes are brown, hair black and complexion "D.bro." His height is 5' 10 1/4". He is attached to the 25th Infantry B. He appears to have enlisted with a man named Jones A. Coltrane from Darwill, Virginia. Cook was discharged November 3, 1906 at Fort Reno, Oklahoma "per I.O.[sp?] 266 War Dept. 06 Corpl. without honor

John Cook and Mingo Sanders were dishonorably discharged from the Army by President Roosevelt.

"In November, President Theodore Roosevelt, with the consent and support of Secretary of War William H. Taft, issued a dishonorable discharge for each of the 167 black soldiers in the 25th Infantry... [Paraphrased from same book. Click here for the full acount of the Brownsville Incident: The men were charged with "a conspiracy of silence", after denying any knowledge of an incident which happened in Brownsville, Texas . At the time, a highly racist atmosphere existed in the town. In spite of the honor and distinction with which the 25th had served, they were met with silence, racial slurs and threats. On July 25, 1906 members of the 25th entered Brownsville and were refused service at numerous bars. Undeterred, two soldiers set up their own saloon just outside the fort. On August 12, 1906 a white woman claimed she had been assaulted by one of the soldiers. The mayor and fort commander issued a town curfew but at midnight, August 13, there was a shooting spree. A local bartender was killed along with other injuries. Immediately, all the soldiers were summoned from their barracks and their guns were inspected. The search turned up nothing. All of the soldiers signed sworn statements that they had no knowledge of who had done the shooting.]
....Among those discharged by President Roosevelt, were two men who had served in the distinguished Bicycle Corps. They were Pvt. John Cook and Sgt. Mingo Sanders. At the time of the Roosevelt dismissal of the entire division, Brig. Gen. A.S. Burt gallantly defended Sergeant Sanders, who had been sleeping a the time of the shooting. Yet, despite many strong commendations and an excellent service record including an outstanding record of fighting in Cuba and the Philippines, he too was a victim of President Roosevelt's decision to expel all of the 25th Infantry from the United States military. Sergeant Sanders had less than a year before his retirement."

- Encyclopedia of American Race Riots, Walter C. Rucker, James N. Upton, pg. 79-80
[excellent synopsis of the Brownsville Incident, starting on page 77]

1920 US Federal Census - Louisburg Township, Franklin County, North Carolina
John Cook is a 48 year old roomer in a building on "304 Rail Road". He, his mother and his father are all listed as being born in North Carolina. Cook's race is "B" and he is single. His occupation is "Laborer". This man is living with a 64 year old widower named Pattie Percy, three children and three grandchildren. Is this our John Cook?

1930 US Federal Census - Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey
John Cook is a roomer in a building on Henderson St. in Jersey City. He, his mother and his father are all listed as being born in North Carolina. Cook's age is 60, his race is "Neg" and he is single. His occupation is "watchman" at a bank. In the cell for Veterans it says "no". Is this our John Cook?

.	COOK, JOHN
	PVT US ARMY
	SPANISH AMERICAN WAR
	DATE OF DEATH: 07/10/1918
	BURIED AT: SECTION 2 SITE 7793
	CYPRESS HILLS NATIONAL CEMETERY
	625 JAMAICA AVENUE BROOKLYN, NY 11208
	(631) 454-4949

COOK, JOHN

CPL US ARMY

DATE OF DEATH: 06/12/1920

BURIED AT: SECTION 34 ROW 4 SITE 10

LEAVENWORTH NATIONAL CEMETERY

150 MUNCIE ROAD LEAVENWORTH, KS 66048

(913) 758-4105

COOK, JOHN
	CPL US ARMY
	DATE OF DEATH: 06/12/1920
	BURIED AT: SECTION 34 ROW 4 SITE 10
	LEAVENWORTH NATIONAL CEMETERY
	150 MUNCIE ROAD LEAVENWORTH, KS 66048
	(913) 758-4105

DATE OF DEATH: 04/15/1918
	BURIED AT: SECTION A SITE 3607
	TOGUS NATIONAL CEMETERY
	VA MEDICAL CENTER VA REGIONAL OFFICE CENTER TOGUS, ME 04330
	(508) 563-7113
	UNKNOWN RELATIONSHIP TO COOK, JOHN
	US ARMY

COOK, JOHN
	PVT US ARMY
	DATE OF DEATH: 10/18/1913
	BURIED AT: SECTION A P SITE 10488
	HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
	CEMETERY ROAD AT MARSHALL AVENUE HAMPTON, VA 23669
	(757) 723-7104

Pvt. Travis Bridges

2009-01-25T11:32:00.001-08:00

Check better 1895 register. It's hard to read in spots.

Register of Enlistments
On July 29, 1885 Travis Bridges enlisted at Cinncinnati, Ohio. He is listed as 23 years old, born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and a laborer. He is described as having black hair, eyes and complexion. He is 5' 7 1/2" tall and with the 9th Cavalry, Company G. He was discharged July 28, 1890 at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska ["TPTR"? - Trumpeter?] and his character was rated "Very good"

Travis Bridges enlisted at Chicago, Illinois in 1890 for a three year term. He was born around November 1862 at Mount Sterling, Kentucky. His occupation on the 1890 register is listed as "soldier". He was described as having black eyes, hair and complexion. He was 5' 7 1/2" tall and assigned to the 25th Infantry, Co. B. Bridges was discharged November 3, 1893 at Fort Buford, North Dakota. He is listed a musician and his character was described as "good".

In the 1894 register, Bridges enlisted January 12, 1894 for a five year commitment at St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was 31 years 5 months old and born at Mount Sterling, Kentucky. His occupation is listed as soldier, his eyes brown, hair black and complexion black. He stood 5' 7 1/2" tall. He was discharged as a private without honor from Fort Missoula on November 1, 1897.

What happened to Bridges? The date of his discharge without honor is only four months from the St. Louis trip.

Pvt. Hiram L.B. Dingman

2009-01-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

[picture from Colorado State Archives]

Hiram L B Dingman was born sometime around June 1865 (1900 Census says, June 1868) in Pennington, New Jersey. In the Register of Enlistments he is described as having brown eyes, black hair and a brown (also: black complexion. He was 5' 8 1/2" in height. He died on 8 May 1937 and is buried in Sect. 5 Site 6695 of the Little Rock National Cemetary (2523 Confederate Blvd.)

1887 Register of Enlistment
Signed up for 5 years at New York City on September 26, 1887. His age was given as 22 while his eyes were described as being brown and his occupation was "laborer". His hair was black and his complexion was brown. He was with the 9th Cavalry Company E. Dingman was discharged December 2, 1890 at Fort Washakie, Wyoming with the rank of private. His character is described as "good"

1893 Register of Enlistment
Enlisted for 5 years on March 28, 1893 at Fort Omaha, Nebraska. His occupation is listed as laborer and he was assigned to the 9th Cavalry. He was discharged June 27, 1896 at Ft. Robinson, Nebraska with the rank of private and his character is described as "good"

1896 Register of Enlistment
Enlisted Oct. 4, 1896 at Fort Crook, Nebraska. He is now with the 25th Infantry. He was discharged June 17, 1899 at Fort Logan with the rank of sergeant and his character was described as "excellent". His height is listed as 5' 9 3/4" and his eyes are described as brown. His hair and complexion are listed as being black.

1899 - Colorado Marriages, 1859-1900
On 15 August, 1899, Hiram L.B. Dingman married Jeanette Beaty in Arapahoe County.

1900 U.S. Census - Arapaho County, Denver, Colorado
Dingman was living in Arapaho County in Denver City, Colorado. He was 31 years old, born June 1868 and married to a 23 year-old named Jeanette. Jeanette's birthdate is listed as September 1876. Hiram and Jeanette had been married six months and had a daughter named Edith Cox, who was born in March 1894. Hiram B., Jeannette and Edith are are listed as "B" (black). Dingman's birthplace is New Jersey and his father's Canada. No birthplace is listed for his mother. He was a "day laborer". He and his wife could read and write. His six-year old daughter was in school.

Record of Convicts When Received in the Colorado State Penitentiary, Colorado State Archives
Hiram L.B. Dingman - When convicted: July 20, 1905; When Received: July 30, 1905; Crime: Grand larceny; Sentence: 1 to 1 1/2 years; County Sent From: Denver; Age: 40; Height: 5' 8 1/4"; Weight: 166; Complexion: negro; Color of eyes: d. brown; Color of Hair: black; Occupation: Teamster; Where Born: Pennington, New Jersey; Name of Parents and Residence: Dead; Discharged: June 16, 1906; Married: Yes; Name of Wife or Husband and Where Living: Janet Dingman #1925 Wewatta St. Denver; Read: Yes; Write: Yes; Temperate: no; Tobacco: yes; Prison Before: no [Dingman's signature]
The address that is given is today a major intersection in downtown Denver, a stone's throw from Coor's Field, home of major league baseball team, the Rockies. It also appears that Dingman had an accomplice. In the State Penitentiary record the man listed above Dingman's name was convicted and received of the same crime at the same time, also in Denver. His name was Charles O'Donnell.

1910 U. S. Census - Denver, Colorado
Hiram and Jennie Dingman live on 338 Huron Street, which appears to be an Italian neighborhood as all the other people on this particular census page are Italian. Edith Cox is listed as a 15 year old "roomer". Hiram (45 years old) and Jennie (30 years old) have been married ten years. All three as marked as being black. Hiram was born in New Jersey as was his mother. His father was English Canadian. Jennie was born in Missouri, her father in Maryland and her mother in Delaware. Jennie is the mother of one living child. Edith was born in Colorado. Hiram's occupation is building laborer and Jennie's is "none".

Colorado State Archives - Corrections Records 1871 - 1973
What is this!? Last Name, First Name --Inmate Number: Dingman, Hiram L B -- 6375
Inmates numbers between 5591 and 12493 served between 11/28/1902 and 4/22/1924
according to http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/pen/history.htm#Prisoner%20Records

1925- Missouri Marriage Records, Jackson County
Application No. 21068. Hiram L.B. Dingman, of Fifield (sp?) Monroe County Iowa married Virgil Langum (2411 Mich.) of Kansas City, Jackson County on 23 December, 1925. Hiram is 49 years old and Virgil is 29.

1925 Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925, Marion, Polk County
H.L.B. Dingman listed as head of the house. He is a "colored" male who is 66 years-old and born in Canada. His wife is Ella Dingman, also colored and 39 years old. H.L.B.'s father is listed as Lewis B. Dingman with birthplace unknown. His mother is also Canadian born and named Caroline Rattibe (sp?). Ella's parents are William Parish and Hattie Harris, both born in Missouri. Dingman is listed as being a veteran of the Army (enlisted at N.Y.), an "unclassified laborer" and a Baptist. Ella is listed as a domestic and a Christian. H.L.B. is recorded as a "Naturalized Citizen" having lived in the U.S. for 50 years and Iowa 20 years. Both Ella and H.L.B. attended rural high schools. H.L.B reaching a 6th grade level and Ella 8th.

1927 - US National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1866-1938 - Record #31273

On July 14, 1927, Hiram L.B. Dingman was admitted to the "Old Soldiers Home" (aka Western Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers) in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was suffering from chronic bronchitis. Hiram was discharged May 19, 1929. The cause of his discharge was listed as "OR". This record lists Dingman's military history:
Time and Place of Enlistment:
Sept. 26, 1877 New York, NY PVT. Co. E in the 9th Cavalry. He was discharged with the rank of corporal on September 25, 1892 from Fort Washakie, Wyoming.
November 1892 he enlisted at Fort Omaha, Nebraska with a rank of private in Co. E in the 9th Cavalry. He was discharged with the rank of PVT on November 1895 at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
August 28, 1896 Dingman enlisted at Fort Crook, Nebraska with a rank of private in Co. L of the 25th Infantry. He was discharged at Ft. Logan, Colorado on June 17, 1899 with the rank of Sergeant. The cause of his discharge was listed as "G.O. 40"

Dingman's domestic history is listed as:
Birthplace: New Jersey/Age: 67/Height: 5' 8"/ Complexion: Dark/ Color of Eyes: Brown/ Color of Eyes: Brown/ Color of Hair: Black/ Read and Write: Yes/ Religion: Prot./ Occupation: Laborer/ Residence Subsequent to Discharge: Kansas City, MO/ Married/ Name and address of Nearest Relative: Wife Virgil Dingman, 1323 Paseo Kansas City

1930 Census
There is a record for "Hearl L." and Virgil Dingman in the US Census for Jackson County, Kansas City District 38. "Hearl" (I think this is Hiram, in spite of huge age discrepancy) and his wife are living at 1324 Tracy Avenue with an eight-year old son named James. "Hearl" is 52 years-old (born in 1865 --which would make him 65 in 1930) and a "negro". He was 42 at his first marriage while Virgil was 22. Both are listed as being able to read and write. He was born in "United States" as were his parents. Virgil and her parents are listed as being born in Missouri. His occupation is listed as "common laborer" while she is a private family cook. A code number 7899 (census indexed number for a laborer") is given for Hearl and 6096 (a domestic cook) given for Virgil. Hearl is listed as a veteran of the Spanish-American War.

Arkansas Death Index, 1914-1950
Dingman, Hiram L 05/08/1937 GARL County

U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca. 1775-2006
Hiram L B Dingman
SGT US ARMY SPANISH AMERICAN WAR
8 May 1937
Little Rock National Cemetery 2523 Confederate Boulevard Little Rock, Arkansas
Buried At: Section 5 Site 6695

Pvt. George Scott

2009-01-25T11:25:00.001-08:00

1894 Register of Enlistments
Registered at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on November 3, 1894 for a three year commitment. Scott was born in Columbus, Ohio around October 1870 and his occupation is listed as "teamster". He is described as having dark eyes, black hair and a mulatto complexion (also "brown" in 1900). He was 5' 7" tall. He was discharged on November 3, 1897 at Fort Missoula, Montana as a private. His character was rated "very good".

1897 Register of Enlistments
November 4, 1897 Scott signed up for another three year enlistment at Fort Missoula. He was 27 years old. He was assigned to the 25th Infantry Co. F. February 15, 1899 he was with the Hospital Corps. He was discharged November 3, 1900 at Fort Bayard, New Mexico, still a private. His character was rated "fair".

1900 Register of Enlistments
In 1900 Scott reenlisted at Denver, Colorado for another 3 years. He was discharged November 26, 1902 from Fort Niobrara, Nebraska as a private. He was attached to the 25th Infantry, Company M. His character was rated "good".

1903 Register of Enlistments
In 1903 Scott reenlisted at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and his occupation was listed as "teamster". He was discharged July 14, 1905.

Corp. Abram Martin

2009-01-25T11:23:00.001-08:00

More Register of Enlistments information to enter later.
- It appears Martin had no descendants as he didn't get married until age 40. Neither the 1920 or 1930 list any children from his marriage to Mary Louise.

Census and Register of Enlistments Information
Martin was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1860. He is described as having dark brown eyes, black hair and a black (also: dark, dark brown) complexion. He was 5' 8 1/2" tall.

1920 Census
In 1920, Martin was 52 years old, married to Mary L. Martin (44 yrs. old) and living in Baltimore, Maryland. His address is given as Ridgely Street. He and his wife could read and write. Both his parents are recorded as being born in South Carolina. His occupation is "laborer" and the industry/business is listed as "Jobbing"

1930 Census
In 1930, Martin is 62 and his wife "Louise" is 53. He was 49 years old and she 40 at the time of their "first marriage". He is listed as a "laborer" doing "odd jobs". He is also credited with being a veteran of the Spanish-American War. His address is 2505 Morgan Street in Baltimore City, Maryland.

Musician Elias Johnson

2009-01-25T11:19:00.001-08:00

Moss tells us Johnson was the Corps musician in his report.

Census Records and Register of Enlistments
The 1891 Register of Enlistments tells us Johnson enlisted for 5 years service at Washington D.C. on January 9, 1891. He was 22 years and 2 months old which would put his birthdate around November 1868. He was born in Washington D.C. and a laborer before enlisting. He is described as being 5' 10" tall, with dark brown eyes, black hair and a brown complextion. He was assigned to the 24th Infantry. Johnnson was discharged February 8, 1896 at Ft. Huaschuca. His character is listed as "Good"

The 1896 Register of Enlistments tells us he was discharged May 6, 1899 at Fort Bayard, New Mexico. He is listed as being a musician and having "excellent" character.

1903 Boyd's Directory of the District of Columbia
Johnson, Elias, lab h 410 Pomeroy n w ??? (in 1908 directory "Eli"

Johnson, Lillian B. sewing h 1410 34th n w ???

1908
Johnson, Lillian, dom. 1332 B n e
Johnson, Lillian, nurse, Freedmen's Hos
Johnson, Lillie, wid Chas. 318 2d s w

Possibility:
Elias Johnson
Corporal US Army
Date of Death: 12/14/1922
Buried at Section E Site 78A
Hampton National Cemetery -Hampton, VA (757) 723-7104

Lance Corporal William J. Haynes

2009-01-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

cropped from Bicyclists on Minerva Terrace; photo by F. Jay Haynes - used by permission of Montana Historical Society-unauthorized use prohibited

1870 Census
William Haynes was born in Micanopy, Florida in May 1866. His parents were named Arthur and Clarasy. In 1870, Arthur was a 35 year old black man working on a farm. He was born in South Carolina and could not read or write. His wife was 26, kept house, was born in South Carolina and could not read or write. Haynes had two sisters, Laura (9) and Margaret (7) and two brothers, Adam (4) and Samuel (1). William was 5.

1880 Census
lists a "William Hane". The following information is given:
Residence: Precinct 12, Alachua Florida Birth place: Florida, United States
Father: Arthur Hane Father birth place: South Carolina
Mother: Clarissa Mother birth place: Georgia
Race: black Age: 14 Occupation Working home

1910 Census
Single in Luzon, Philippines; residence in U.S. - Archer, Alachua Co. Florida

different 1910 Census
Washington State, Spokane Carr Precinct 29th April, 1910
William Haynes, age 41 (b. 1869) married to Zad, age 25 (b. 1885). William born a U.S. soldier born in Florida. Zad born in Tennessee. They are listed as being married 7 years. They have two children, William Jr. (age 6) and Henry (age 4), both born in Oklahoma. BUT, both William and Zad are listed as WHITE! This must be Haynes as everything but race matches.

1910 - death of a son of Haynes
Haynes, Henry Arthur, d. May 27, 1910, Child, Fort George Wright, c/d Drowned, Spokane River, s/o Sgt Wm Haynes, 25th Inf, & Zaida Haynes (24-5)

Fort George Wright Cemetery Spokane County, Washington

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mrail/data/cemete/wash/spokane/ftwright/ftwright_ak.htm

Company F
Enlistment Records:
Born: May 1866 in Micanopy, FL
First occupation: Laborer
Eyes: Brown 1 Hair: black Complexion: dark brown Height: 5' 8"

Enlisted on 30 October in 1889 at August, GA; 1894 at Ft. Missoula; 1897 at Fort Missoula;
1900 at Ida, Philippine Islands; 1903 at Ft. Riley, KS; 1906 at Ft. Bliss, TX and 1909 at Ft.George Wright, WA.

Discharged on 29 October in 1894 "very good"; 1897 Private "good"; 1900 1st Sergeant "excellent"; 1903 1st Sergeant "excellent"; 1906 Sergeant "excellent"; 1909 "excellent"; 1912 Sergent "excellent"

"Haynes ranked highly as a rifle marksman and was described as an extremely capable noncommissioned officer.
- www.moaa.org/magazine/February2004/f_steeds.asp

1920 Census Kay County, Ponca Ward 1, Cross township, Oklahoma
lists a "Will J. Haynes" living on 717 South 1st Street. He is a black 53 year old male. He is listed as being married but there is no indication of a wife in the census. His parents birthplaces are listed as South Carolina and his birthplace is listed as Florida. His occupation is listed as city laborer.

Register for U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1866-1938
lists William J. Haynes (Reg. Estb.) S.A.W.
His enlistments are summarized:

Oct 30, 1889 Augusta, GA Rank: Sergt. Co. J 25th U.S. Inf.
Oct. 30, 1894 Ft. Missoula Rank: P. Co. J 25th U.S. Inf.
Oct 30, 1897 Ft. Missoula, MT Rank: 1st Sergt. Co. J 25 U.S. Inf.
Oct 30, 1900 Batalom Z.A.M. P.I. Rank: 1st Sergt.
Oct. 30, 1903 Ft. Riley, Kansas Rank: 1st Sergt.
Oct. 30, 1906 Ft. Bliss, Texas Rank: Sgt. Maj.
Oct. 30, 1909 Ft. Geo. Wright, Wash. Rank Sergt. Co. G U.S. Inf.

According to this record, Haynes was admitted to the "Old Soldier's Home" (aka Western Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers) at Leavenworth, Kansas on December 21, 1920. At the time of his admission he was suffering from mitral insufficiency, chronic bronchitis, anal fistulas, chronic parenchymatous (sp?) and nephritis. The record gives the following information:

Where born: Florida Age: 54/ Height: 5'8"/ Complexion: Black Negro/ Color of Eyes: Black/ Color of Hair: Black/ Read and Write: Yes/ Religion: Prot. / Occupation: Laborer/ Residence Subsequent to Discharge: Ponca City, Okla/ Married Name and Address of Nearest Relative: Zadia Haynes, 21 S. Compton Ave., St. Louis, Mo.

Rate of Pension: ---/ Date of Admission, Re-Admission and Transfer: Ad Des. 21, 1920 W. Br./
Date of Death: March 5, 1921/ Cause of Death: Hypertrophic Cardiac Dilatatis

Haynes effects, which were appraised at a value of $11.12 were "shipped by American Express to Mrs. Zadia Haynes, 4/7/21 to 21[0?] S. Compton Ave. St. Louis, Mo."

William J. Haynes is buried at the Levenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS: Row 6, Section 34, Grave 65 [01?]

US Veterans Gravesites, ca. 1775-2006
Wm J Haynes SGT MAJ US Army
Died 5 March, 1921 Leavenworth National Cemetery Section 34 Row 8 Site 16

According to her death certificate [Missouri],wife, Zadia, died January 3, 1929 in St. Louis. She had lived at 3215 [Lirea?- I can't read this] St.

Haynes, Zadia obituary - St. Louis Post-Dispatch 1929 Burial permit 1/19 p10

Pvt. William Proctor

2009-01-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

Proctor rode both in the summer of 1896 to Yellowstone and in the summer of 1897

There is a William B. Proctor AND a William H. Proctor. Both were born in D.C., both served in the 25th Infantry. Both were honorably discharged in 1917. The only differences are that one was 5' 8 and the other 5' 9" and one was light and the other dark skinned. This is very confusing! On September 28, 1897, William B. enlisted at Corvallis, Montana (near Missoula). William B. stood 5' 9 1/2" and had a black complexion. He was in Co. F of the 25th Infantry.

1892 Register of Enlistments
Proctor enlisted September 13, 1892 at Washington D.C. His birthplace is listed as Fairfax County, Virginia and he is 21 years 4 months old. His occupation is listed as "Laborer", his eyes "D. Bro" and his hair and skin "Blk". His height is given as 5' 9 1/2" and he is attached to the 25th Inf. Co. F. He was discharged September 12, 1897 upon expiration of service at Corvallis, Montana. He was a Corporal with the rating "very good".

but then look at this enlistment record....

1894 Register of Enlistments:
On November 7, 1894, William Proctor enlisted at Washington, D.C. His age is listed as 21 years and 2 months. That would put his birthday at around October 1873. His occupation is listed as "driver". His eyes and hair are listed as "blk" and his complexion is "bro." He stands 5' 8" tall. He is attached to the 25th Infantry Co. B. He was discharged November 6, 1897 upon expiration of service at Fort Missoula. He had the rank of private and was rated "Good".

1897 Register of Enlistments
Proctor enlisted in Corvallis, Montana on September 13, 1897. His birthplace is listed as Fairfax County, Virginia and his age is 26 years 4 months. His occupation is "Soldier" and his height 5' 91/2". His eyes are brown and his hair and skin are black. He is assigned to the 25th Inf. Co. F. He was discharged June 17, 1899 at Fort Bayard, New Mexico for [Tel mists--can't read] His character was rated "Excellent".

but once again we have another possibility...

1897 Register of Enlistments
William Proctor enlisted November 16, 1897 in Washington D.C. and his birthplace is listed as Washington D.C. He is 24 years 2 months old and his occupation is listed as "Soldier". His eyes are brown, his hair black and his complexion "cd light" [colored light?] He is 5' 8 1/2" tall and attached to the 9th Cav. Co. G. This is his 2nd enlistment. He was discharged from 25th Inf. Co. B on Nov. 6, 1897. He was discharged November 15, 1900 from Camalig, Philippine Islands upon expiration of service. His rank is corporal and his rating "Excellent".

1899 Presidio of San Francisco, Miscellaneous Returns - Return of Company F, 25th Infantry Regiment
Return of Company F, Reg't of 25th Infantry for the month of June 1899
10. William B. Proctor Rank: Sgt. Date: June 17, '99 Place: Ft. Bayard, N.M.
dischar'd(?) by reason of being Physically unfit for duty in the tropics in accordance with tel. orders War Dept. June 16 '99

Pension Index August 1899
William B. Proctor of A 17 25 U.S. Inf. is classed as an "Invalid". Filed from "D.C." Application 8[?]1233346

1900 Register of Enlistments
Proctor enlisted at [sp?] Guinobatan, Philippines on 16 November 1900. His birthplace is listed as Washington D.C. and he is 27 years 11 months old. His occupation is "Soldier", his eyes brown, his hair black and his skin "Light". His height is given as 5' 8 1/2" and he is with the 11th Cav. Co. G. He was discharged November 15, 1903 at Fort Walla Walla, Washington upon expiration of his service. He had the rank of Sergeant and was rated "Excellent".

1905 Register of Enlistments [This record is difficult to read. Handwriting is poor]
Enlisted at Portland, Oregon[? very shaky handwriting] . He is 32 years old, born in Washington D.C. and has the occupation of "Porter" [tough to read]. His eyes are brown, hair black and skin l. bro. His height is 5' 8 1/4". He is with the 25th Infantry Co. G. This is his 4th enlistment. He was previously serving in the 9th Cavalry and was discharged November 15, 1903. This time he was discharged February 5, 1907 at Fort Bliss, Texas [can't read} G.O. 3 Texas.... Excellent.

1907 Register of Enlistments
William H. Proctor enlisted February 6, 1907 at Fort Bliss, Texas. His birthplace is listed as Washington, D.C. and his age is 33. His eyes are brown, hair black and complexion brown. His height is 5' 8 1/4" and he is attached to the 25th Inf. Co. G. He was discharged Feb. 5, 1910 at Fort George Wright, Wash. upon expiration of service. His rank is listed as Pvt. and his rating is Excellant

1910 Register of Enlistments
This record has a William H. Proctor enlisting Feb. 15 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He has committed to a 3 year enlistment. He is born in Washington, D.C. and 36 years 5 months old. His occupation is "Soldier". His eyes are brown, hair black and complexion "l. br." His height is listed as 5' 8". His regiment is unreadable [Guess: M or W A Det Cav] This is his 6th enlistment and he was previously with 25th Inf. G Co. He was discharged from them December 5, 1910. He has been discharged February 11?, 1913 at West Point, N.Y. asp. perv. [?] Cpl. Exclt.....

1913 Register of Enlistments
William H. Proctor enlisted February 15 at West Point, N.Y. for a 7 year term. His birthplace is listed as Washington D.C. and he is 39 years 5 months old. His occupation is soldier, his eyes brown, hair black and complexion light brown. He is 5' 8" tall. He is attached to the MA Department Cav. He was discharged from this assignment Feb 14, 1913. On February 14, 1917 Proctor was honorably discharged.

In his baseball memoirs, Dalbert Green states that "October 1909, found the regiment in the United States again; Headquarters, Staff and Band Companies A, B, C and D, at Fort Lawton, Washington. Companies E, F, G, H,I, K, L and M, at Fort George H. Wright, Washington".
The regimental baseball team at Fort Lawton, Washington "was very successful in games around Seattle... and adjoining towns". Green reports that he was assisted by Sergeant B. Proctor, who was also a "regimental star".

- Buffalo Soldier Regiment, John H. Nankivell pg. 169

[Could this be William Proctor and the "B" stand for Bill? In 1900 he was a corporal and with Company B in the 25th Infantry. I need to try to find an enlistment record to confirm or refute this]

I need to double check this record ---1897 Register of Enlistments:
William Proctor enlisted November 13, 1897 in Washington, D.C. He is described as having brown eyes, black hair and having a light colored complexion. His occupation is listed as "soldier", he stood 5' 8 1/2" tall and he was assigned to the Ninth Cavalry. He was discharged November 15, 1900 at Camalig, Philippines as a corporal. His character was listed as "excellent".

Identifying the Yellowstone Riders

2009-01-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

One challenge I've been interested in is trying to identify the black soldiers from the photographs that exist. As far as I know, the men have never been identified in any of the bicycle photos. Here are my guesses:

1st on left: Corp. John G. Williams , Co. F (155 lbs.) was a corporal at the time of the Yellowstone ride. The jacket sleeve of the first rider in the photo appears to have the corporal insignia.

In the Minerva Terrace shot, I believe Williams is the furthest to the left. A stripe can, just barely, be seen on his pants. No stripes can be seen on the legs of the other riders, except Sgt. Dalbert Green, Moss and the musician. In both pictures, Williams round face and moustache are evident.

2nd from left: Sergeant Dalbert P. Green , Co. B(162 lbs.) is pictured above. This photo was taken in 1899 (courtesy of the National Archives). In the bicycle photo I think I can see a hint of a beard.
Register of Enlistments 1902
Height: 5' 7 3/4"
Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark Brown Complexion: lt. brown

4th from left: Private Elwood Forman, Co. H (165 lbs.) Forman is fourth, with the upturned hat. Compare him there to baseball photo (from Nankivell, Buffalo Soldier Regiment, pg. 165). I do not believe Forman is in the Minerva Terrace photo.

7th from left: Private John Findley, Co. F (186 lbs.) . On Findley's handlebar's are attached the big box which contained the repair tools (find a description of this)

Musician William W. Brown, Co. B (148 lbs.)
The following from On the Trail of the Buffalo Soldier II (Frank Schubert):
Brown, William W .; 25th Inf. Musician, B/25th Infantry, rode in 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, Ft. Missoula, MT. Summer 1896. SOURCE: Sorenson, List of Soldiers...
Alice A. Brown, age 49, 1126 E. 53rd Street, Los Angeles, widow of William W. Brown, veteran of Spanish-American War, who served in A Company and Band/24th Infantry and 25th Infantry, is pensioned, File C 1243461; married to first husband, William H. Oliver, Band/9th Cavalry...
SOURCE: VA File C 1392575. George W. Proleau

In the Minerva Terrace picture, William Brown's trouser legs clearly have two solid strips, the insignia of a musician http://www.ushist.com/uniforms_indian-wars_us.htm

Private Frank L. Johnson, Co. B (152 lbs.)
Register of Enlistment 1895:
Height: 5' 7 1/2
Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Complexion: Brown

Private William Proctor (152 lbs.)
1897 Register of Enlistments describes him as being 5' 8 1/2" and having a "cd light" complextion.

Private William Haynes, Co. F (162 lbs.) - Haynes was a Lance Corporal during the St. Louis ride. If a picture could be found during that ride in which he is wearing the Corporal insignia, the face on that picture could perhaps be matched up with the remaining riders in this photo.
The 1899 Register of Enlistments describes him as being 5' 8" and having a dark brown complexion.

John Williams

The Riders listed by Company

2009-01-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

Click on the name to get more detailed information

Lt. James A. Moss - commander
James N. Kennedy - assistant surgeon
Eddie Boos - newspaper reporter

Sgt. Mingo Sanders, Co. B
Lance Cpl. William Haynes*, Co. F
Lance Cpl. Abram Martin, Co. B
Musician Elias Johnson, Co. F
Pvt. John Findley*, Co. F
Pvt. George Scott, Co. F
Pvt. Hiram L.B. Dingman, Co. F
Pvt. Travis Bridges, Co. F
Pvt. John Cook, Co. B
Pvt. Frank L. Johnson*, Co. B
Pvt. William Proctor*, Co. B
Pvt. Elwood Forman*, Co. H
Pvt. Richard Rout, Co. H
Pvt. Eugene Jones, Co. H
Pvt. Sam Johnson, Co. G
Pvt. William Williamson, Co. G
Pvt. Sam Williamson, Co. G
Pvt. John Wilson, Co. G
Pvt. Samuel Reid, Co. G
Pvt. Francis Button, Co. G

John Findley - the mechanic

2009-01-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

John Findley was the Corps mechanic. He had worked for the Imperial Bicycle works in Chicago and was invaluable. When somebody had a breakdown he would fix it. Sometimes he stayed up all night making repairs. Accounts describe Findley switching bicycles with the rider of the bicycle needing repair. The Corps would ride on and Findley would catch up. Findley rode both summers.

"One member of the corps was a good cyclist mechanic, whose technical knowledge proved of great value to us on many occassions."

- Lt. James A. Moss, Military Cycling in the Rocky Mountains

"Pvt. John Findley in Company F, was already an expert bicycle mechanic. Findley had worked four years in the repair shop of the Imperial Bicycle works of Chicago and could instruct other soldiers in repair techniques."

- Sorenson, Iron Riders [from letter Moss wrote to Adjutant April 13, 1896]

"One of the corps was a former employee of the Syracuse (N.Y.) Bicycle Company and at the end of each day’s journey he managed to repair wheels so that the progress of the journey was not impeded."
- St. Louis Globe-Democrat [St. Louis, MO], July 27, 1897

“The cyclist mechanic, Pvt. Findley, who is a fine rider, rode a wheel ten or fifteen pounds heavier than any other in the command, and had only one breakage the whole trip, which was repaired in four or five minutes. Several of the heaviest wheels (which were ridden by careful riders) stood the trip with only two or three minor accidents.”

– Moss report

When a bicycle would break down, Findley would switch bicycles with the man whose bike had broken. He would stay behind with the necessary tools to fix the bicycle and then catch up to the Corps.

-The Bicycle Corps: America's Black Army on Wheels, PBS documentary

"The cycling mechanic [Pvt. John Findley] was evidently bent on making a night of it, and of his own free will and accord staid up until reveille, tiring a buckled wheel.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

"At 6:30 o’clock the last of the corps wheeled into Louisiana. They were Private Findley, Bridges and Scott. The former is the crack rider and boss repairer of the corps. His home is in St. Joseph, Mo., and he laid over there two days but easily caught up. At Hannibal, he found Bridges and Scott awaiting him with broken wheels. He fixed them up, then led them a merry chase into Louisiana to catch up. The thirty-six miles were covered inside of two and one-half hours."

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch [St. Louis, MO] July 23, 1897

1895 Register of Enlistments

April 10, 1895, Findley enlisted at Fort Omaha, Nebraska for three years service. He was born in Carlton, Missouri around October 1873 (his age is listed as 21 years, six months). His occupation is recorded as "mechanic". It describes him as having brown eyes, black hair and a mulatto complexion. He was 5' 10 3/4. He was attached to Company F of the 25th Infantry. He was discharged April 9, 1898 at Ft. Missoula. His character was rated "Good".

Post Return of Jefferson Barracks...for the month of July 1897
John Findley Private 25th Inf. F July 28, 97. Detachment from 25th Inf. from Ft. Missoula Mont.

1898 Register of Enlistments
Findley reenlisted April 10, 1898 at Fort Missoula and was discharged on July 17, 1899 at Fort Bayard, New Mexico. His birthplace is listed as Carlton, MO., and his age is listed as 24 years and sixth months. His occupation is "soldier" and he is described as being 5' 11/12" with brown eyes, black hair and "b.mullato" complexion. His character was rated "Excellent. He was still with Company F of the 25th Infantry.

US Returns from Military Posts - 1899 Fort Bayard, NM
May returns - G.O. 82 April 26 '"Directs that certain Troops be put in readiness for the Philippines" G.O. 95 May 18 "Directs change of stations of certain Troops."
June returns - Twenty fifth Infantry "F" shows 106 total men, 88 "Transferred"
"Company 'F' 25th Infantry left post at 6 a.m., June 24, 1899, en route to San Francisco, California per G.O. 107, C.S., A.G.O. and G.O. 12, C.S. Hdqrs Dep't Colorado"

1899 Presidio of San Francisco, Miscellaneous Returns
Return of Company F Reg't of 25th Infantry For the month of June 1899
hosp: Discharged, 2. John Findley Rank: Pvt. Date: June 17 '99 Ft. Bayard N.M.
Dept. dated June 26' 99

1903 Register of Enlistments
Findley enlisted on May 15, at Los Angeles, California. His occupation is listed as "fireman". [A "fireman" tended a boiler or furnace]. He was discharged on March 23, 1905 at Fort Niobarra, Nebraska for disability. His character was rated "Very Good". He had moved to Company D.

1905 Post Returns Fort Niobrara
Theophilius Steward, from Fort Missoula days, is the post chaplain as well as "Post Librarian, and in charge of post school"
The March Post return shows a total of 532 men in the 25th Infantry. Sixty-three are in Co. K and 65 in Co. D.

[At this point, the possibilities become interesting....]

1900 Census
John Findly, born August 1865 was a 34-year old white male. This census was taken in Carrollton, Missouri. I don't think this was Findley. This Findley is too old if birthdates on all the records are correct.

1910 Census
John "Findly" and wife Della, married five years are living in Cooper, Webster County, Iowa. Findly, 37-years old, is black and his wife is 30 and wife. Findly and his parents are all from Missouri. His occupation is listed as laborer at a stucco mill. Boarding with the Findly's are John and Jean Lewis, a mixed race couple. John is 29 and black while Jean is 31 and white. Could this be a record for Findley? Keep reading, it gets more interesting...

[Cooper township is a part of Fort Dodge....]

1915 Iowa Census Webster County Fort Dodge
John Findley is 40 years old living in Fort Dodge, Iowa. His occupation is "fireman" and he was six months unemployed. His birthplace is "Mexico" and the record indicates he was NOT naturalized. It further states he has been in the United States and Iowa three years. However, there are check marks and possibly numbers in blanks that indicate military service. In the Spanish [American] war blank there is a 1; the in infantry blank a six; the cavalry blank a five and in the navy (!) blank a five. "Not any" is listed in the "Church Affiliation" blank. His color is "W".

Surely, the Findley of the 1910 Federal Census and 1915 Iowa Census are one and the same, however, the 1915 record raises several questions. How could he have served in the military and not be a naturalized citizen? Why in the 1910 Census is Findley listed as "black" and he and his parents listed as being from Missouri?

His wife is listed as "Mrs. Estella Findley". Her birthplace is listed as Ohio

World War I Draft Registration Card

This card was signed September 12, 1918. John Findley of 102 Ave. G Fort Dodge Webster Iowa born September 25, 1874 whose race is listed as "Mexican". He is a "Fireman" with the Ft. Dodge Gas and Electric Company working at the gas plant. His wife is Agnes E. Findley. He is described as "tall" and having a slender build with light brown eyes and black hair. On the card the "Naturalized" box is checked for U.S. citizen. I think this is the same Findley as above but is this our Findley?

1920 Census - Fort Dodge, Webster County Iowa
John Findley and wife Agnes are listed at 114 Avenue H in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Findley is a 46 year old "Mex" who immigrated in 1880 and was naturalized in 1887. They have a five year old son named John E. John Findley's birthplace is listed as Mexico, along with his parents. Findley's occupation is listed as "Engineer" and industry is "Stationary". A "stationary engineer" is an operator of pumps, boilers, etc. Agnes' birthplace is listed as West Virginia. Olive Bingaman, mother-in-law, and Maria and Orlando, siblings of Agnes, are living at the house.

[What kind of name is John Findley for a man born in Mexico? Could it be that this IS Findley and the "Mexican" race was a cover so that he could be married in peace to a white woman? The fact that the Fort Dodge man was an "engineer" and "fireman" fits the theory that this could be our Findley. On the WWI registration card, he is described as tall and slender which fits our Findley's build. If the 1910 Census Findley is the same Findley as the 1920--which seems highly likely-- how to explain the change of race and birthplace? In the records the wife's name changes: 1910-Della; 1915- Estella; 1918- Agnes; 1920-Agnes. Are they different women?]

Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
Name of soldier: Findley, John
Service: D. 25 U.S. Inf.; F 25 U.S. Inf.
Date of File: 1922 Dec. 2
Class: Invalid
Application No.: 1476,492
Certificate No.: 1,231,028
State From Which Filed: Iowa
Remarks: C2413498

1923 Fort Dodge City Directory, R.L. Polk and Company
John and Estella Findley 7 N 14th

[no John or Estella Findley in 1924 directory--only Charles B. and Charles E.]
[nothing in Webster County Index for Findley- spoke w/ Rita at Ft. Dodge Library 4/22/2011]

[I contacted a gentleman via Ancestory.com was is related to Charles Whitesell. The information he gave me April 22, 2011 unraveled a lot of the above mystery and adds to the amazing story of Findley]

23 June 1923
Estella Agnes Findley married Charles Whitesell

Cook County Death Certificate
Stella Findley, of 3226 West 38th, Chicago Illinois died February 8, 1926 from cancer of the uterus. Her birth is listed as October 3, 1881 and her husband is listed as John Findley. Her occupation is listed as "Housework".

Click on this link to see an amazing map of Chicago. It shows ethnic neighborhoods as well as gang "turfs" for the years between 1923 and 1926

District Court of Webster County- C.A. Whitesell v. Agnes A Whitesell April 6, 1926
Charles Whitesell is filing for a divorce. In the record it states:
"Par. 4. That the Plaintiff and the Defendant were married at Albert Lea, Minnesota on the 23rd day of June 1922 and lived together as husband and wife until the 15th day of September 1924 at Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Par. 5 That during all the time that the Plaintiff and Defendant lived together as husband and wife, Plaintiff conducted himself as a dutiful and loving husband.
Par. 6 No children were born of said marriage.
Par. 7. That on the 15th day of September 1924, the defendant left Plaintiff's house and returned to the former husband and lived in cohabited with him as his wife for a period of several days. That the Plaintiff is informed and believes that the Defendant is now living with said former husband.
Par. 8. that the latter part of the year of 1922 to the time and separation between the Plaintiff and the Defendant, the Defendant kept in her posssession a thirty eight caliber revolver and on many occassions threatened to take the life of the Plaintiff. That during the year of 1924 the Defendant transmitted disease to the Plaintiff knowingly and with intention to injure Plaintiff; that the aforesaid treatment was such cruel and inhuman treatment t__s endanger the Plaintiff's life and is in fact, breaking down his health and endangering his life.
Par. 9 That the defendant is now a non resident of the State of Iowa. That her last known residence was Chicago Illinois and that service of notice cannot be had upon her within the State of Iowa at this time.
Wherefore, Plaintiff _ra_s that he may be granted an absolute divorce from the Defendant and for the costs of this action."

[Addendum to this file] - DISMISSAL. Comes now the plaintiff and dismisses the above and foregoing action because of the death of the defendant which occured about the time of the commencement of this action. Dated at Fort Dodge, Iowa this 11th day of May 1926"

1930 Census - Lewistown borough, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania
John E. Findly, step-son, with mother named Estella A. (aged 36 - born 1894 in ) Maryland. John E. is a single, white 16-year-old, born in Pennsylvania. Probably not the same John E.
[This can not not be THE Estella A. Findley--she died February 8, 1926

Cook County, Illinois Marriage Index, 1930
On 4 March 1931 John Findley married Sophie Bruba

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Death Certificate
John Findley of 2858 West Pershing Road, Chicago, Illinois died June 4, 1945. His social security number was 326-12-8606. He was a married "WHITE" male married to "SOPHIE" aged 36. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American War and born in Carrolton, Missouri. He was a laborer for the City of Chicago and about 71 years old. He died of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois Record of Interments
10988 Name: Findley, John Last Residence: Cook County Hospital Age: 71 Sex: M Social State: W Date of Death: 6/4/45 Date of Interment: 6/7/45 Place of Interment: Sec. 11 Lot. 345 Location: #2 Grave Fee: 6 x 6 Undertaker: J.T. Kelly Nearest Relative: Sophie Findley, wife
-------------------------------------------

1893 Official Catalogue World's Columbian Exposition
* Imperial Bicycle Works - "Ames and Frost, Co., Chicago. Bicycles Makers of "Imperial" bicycles, strictly high grade and guaranteed, and jobbers in bicycles and sundries. General officies 302-4 Wabash Ave. Works, Blackhawk St. and Cherry Av., Chicago

neat Imperial bicycle poster

Pvt. Elwood A. Forman

2009-01-18T10:16:00.003-08:00

Elwood A. Forman is shown (left) in his baseball uniform. He played on a team for the 25th Infantry in the early 1890s. Foreman rode both summers.

"The soldiers who compose the Corps were selected from among 40 volunteers, and are bubbling over with enthusiasm. They are all colored men and about as fine a looking and well-disciplined lot as could be found anywhere in the United States Army. They take pride in the uniform, are respectful, obedient, and have implicit in their white officers. This last fact is well illustrated by an incident that happened last summer while we were going through Yellowstone Park on our bicycles. A member of the Corps upon whose face the map of Africa is most unquestionably stamped; was lazily sitting against a tree smoking his pipe and with one eye closed and the other half opened was amusing himself making smoke rings. A tourist who came strolling along asked him, "Where do you expect to go today?" To which he answered, "De Lawd only knows-- we're following de Lieutenant!"

- James A. Moss 2nd Lieutenant, 25th U.S. Infantry

Daily Missoulian Military Purposes, June 19, 1897

Register of Enlistments
Elwood Forman was born in Montgomery County, Maryland in January, 1867. He enlisted at Washington D.C. on June 13, 1889. He was a "laborer" with black eyes, black hair and brown complexion (black in 1899 R of E). He was 5' 8" tall. He was discharged June 1894 at Fort Missoula, Montana was a character rating of "very good".

The 1894 Register of Enlistments tells us he enlisted at Fort Missoula on June 14 for five years. He was discharged June 13, 1899 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona with the rank of corporal. His character rating was "excellent."

Forman was injured (i.e. "punctured") in the left forearm July 2, 1898 while fighting in Cuba in the Spanish-American War.

1898 US Returns from Military Posts - Fort Thomas Kentucky
Forman was at the Fort Thomas General Hospital from June to September 1898. The returns record for June says "Undergoing treatment By transfer from Hosp. Train from Tampa Fla". The returns for September report "Returned to duty Sept. 15-98"

The 1899 Register of Enlistments tells us Forman enlisted on June 14, 1899 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He was 32 years old, and a soldier. This record confirms that Forman died April 22, 1901 in Manila, Philippines of acute pulmonary tuberculosis. He was a corporal.

US Federal Census 1900 Armed Forces-Foreign Countries/Philippines, Luzon/0178 Subig, Zambales B Company 25th Infantry/image 13 of 40
Elwood A Forman is a corporal with residence listed as Chester, Pennsylvania. No street address is given. His race is listed as B and date of birth June 1862. He is 37 years old. His birthplace is listed as Maryland. No birthplace is listed for his father but his mother's is given as Virginia. He can read and write.

US Fed Census 1900 - California, San Francisco District 240
Elwood Forman, a 33 year old corporal in Co. H, 24[sic- that should be 25th] Infantry was at the U.S. Army General Hospital in Presidio, San Francisco, California. His birthplace is listed as Maryland. The birthplaces of his parents are not given. He is listed as being single.

1898 US Returns from Military Posts - Presidio of San Francisco Letterman General Hospital - 1898 Dec.-1900 Dec
"Elwood A Forman Cpt 25 Infty H. Transferred to duty June 14-1900"

Forman died April 21, 1901 of tuberculosis while serving in the Philippines.

US Veterans Gravesites
Name: Edward Forman
Service Info: CPL US Arm
Death Date: abt 1901
Interment Date: 22 Apr 1901 [this does not match other records which say the interment took place much later]
Cemetery: Philadelphia National Cemetery
Cemetery Address: Haines Street & Limekiln Pike Philadephia, PA 19138
Buried At: Section F Site 302

Sgt. Mingo Sanders

2009-01-18T10:16:00.001-08:00

Click here for more information about pictures of Mingo Sanders.

[The picture on the right was taken at Fort Missoula in 1895. It is from a larger picture of the soldiers of Company B. Sanders was a sergeant in that company at that time. I believe this picture is of him.]

Mingo Sanders
"On the journey to St. Louis, Moss' first sergeant was a man named Mingo Sanders. Sanders, born in Marion, S.C., enlisted in the Army on May 16, 1881, and arrived in Missoula with Company B, and wife Luella, in 1888. On the long and arduous journey to St. Louis, while Moss was responsible for logistics, it was Sanders who ensured that Moss' plans were carried out and that the morale of the Corps remained high.

Sanders, partially blind from an explosion* and the oldest and most experienced member of the Bicycle Corps at age 39, had already served in the Army for 16 years and was well-respected by his commanding officers.

In a document dated May 16, 1896, Sanders is described by Brig. Gen. Andrew S. Burt as "a Sergeant with character 'Excellent' and ...much desired by his Company Commander and myself." It is said of Sanders that he was the motivator and spiritual advisor of the group of younger soldiers."

- Sara Bruya, for the Missoulian

Click here to go to a full article about Sanders.

"Sanders worked as a cotton hand , and when he saw an advertisement in a local paper, he joined the Army."

- George Niels Sorenson, Iron Riders, pg. 53

* In the 19th century, soda water was bottled in heavy glass to help withstand the pressures of internal carbonation. Unfortunately for Sanders, a bottle exploded and he lost half the eyesight in one of his eyes. He had to get an exemption to enlist.

1881 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
On May 16, 1881, Mingo Sanders enlisted at Charleston, South Carolina for a five year term. The record says that Sanders was born in Marion, South Carolina and was 24 years old --which would put his birth year at 1857. His eyes and hair are described as black and his complexion dark. Sander's occupation is listed as "cotton hand" and his height is recorded as 5' 8 1/4". Mingo was assigned to Co. B, 25th Infantry. He was discharged May 15, 1886 at the expiration of his service at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He had attained the rank of corporal and his character was rated "Very Good".

1886 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
Mingo Sanders reenlisted May 16, 1886 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He is 29 years old. His occupation is "soldier"and his physical description matches that of the 1881 Register. Again he is attached to Co.B, 25th Infantry. He was discharged May 15, 1891 at the expiration of his service at Fort Shaw, Montana. He had risen in rank to sergeant and his character was rated "Very Good".

1891 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
For the third time, on a May 16th, Mingo Sanders reenlisted. The year was 1891 and the place was Fort Shaw, Montana. Sanders age is listed as 33 years and 2 months. His birthday would have been in March. The physical description describes his hair as being "R. blk" and his height is 5' 7 1'2". He was discharged at the expiration of his service May 15, 1896 at Fort Missoula, Montana. He held the rank of sergeant and had a character rating of "Excellent".

1896 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
This record tells us Sanders re-upped a fourth time at Fort Missoula, Montana. He kept alive his tradition of enlisting on May 16. He is 38 years 2 months old. This time his hair is described as "D. Wo."...."D.Mo?" I'm not sure what this means. Otherwise, his physical description remains the same. The expiration of his service and subsequent discharge found him at Fort Apache, Arizona Territory. He was still a sergeant and had a character rating of "Excellent".

1899 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
Mingo Sanders re-enlisted at Fort Apache, Arizona Territory on May 16, 1899. He was 41 years and 2 months old. His occupation was "soldier". On the 15th of May, 1902, Sander's service expired at Carona, Philippine Islands. He was a sergeant with a character rating of "Excellent".

1900 US Census

1902 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
Sanders fifth re-enlistment was Corona (sp?) in the Philippines Islands. It was on, you guessed it, May 16. Sanders is 44 years and 2 months old. His eyes, hair and complexion are described as being black. He was discharged May 15, 1905 at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska upon the expiration of his service. He was a sergeant with a character rating of "Excellent".

1905 (May 16) US Army Register of Enlistments
This reenlistment took place on May 16, 1905 at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska. Sanders was now 47 years and 2 months old. Incredibly, Sanders was discharged November 22, 1906 at Fort Reno, Oklahoma without honor! This was due to President Roosevelt's reaction to the Brownsville Incident.

John Cook and Mingo Sanders were dishonorably discharged from the Army by President Roosevelt.

"In November, President Theodore Roosevelt, with the consent and support of Secretary of War William H. Taft, issued a dishonorable discharge for each of the 167 black soldiers in the 25th Infantry... [Paraphrased from same book. Click here for the full acount of the Brownsville Incident: The men were charged with "a conspiracy of silence", after denying any knowledge of an incident which happened in Brownsville, Texas . At the time, a highly racist atmosphere existed in the town. In spite of the honor and distinction with which the 25th had served, they were met with silence, racial slurs and threats. On July 25, 1906 members of the 25th entered Brownsville and were refused service at numerous bars. Undeterred, two soldiers set up their own saloon just outside the fort. On August 12, 1906 a white woman claimed she had been assaulted by one of the soldiers. The mayor and fort commander issued a town curfew but at midnight, August 13, there was a shooting spree. A local bartender was killed along with other injuries. Immediately, all the soldiers were summoned from their barracks and their guns were inspected. The search turned up nothing. All of the soldiers signed sworn statements that they had no knowledge of who had done the shooting.]
....Among those discharged by President Roosevelt, were two men who had served in the distinguished Bicycle Corps. They were Pvt. John Cook and Sgt. Mingo Sanders. At the time of the Roosevelt dismissal of the entire division, Brig. Gen. A.S. Burt gallantly defended Sergeant Sanders, who had been sleeping a the time of the shooting. Yet, despite many strong commendations and an excellent service record including an outstanding record of fighting in Cuba and the Philippines, he too was a victim of President Roosevelt's decision to expel all of the 25th Infantry from the United States military. Sergeant Sanders had less than a year before his retirement."

- Encyclopedia of American Race Riots, Walter C. Rucker, James N. Upton, pg. 79-80
[excellent synopsis of the Brownsville Incident, starting on page 77]

We know the most about Sanders because of his later involvement in the Brownsville Raid.

Washington Post, Wednesday, December 12, 1906

"SOLDIERS HAVE CHANCE
-------------------
President Tempers His Order Against Negro Troops
-------------------
May Now Prove Innocence
-------------------
May Submit with Application for Reenlistment Evidence of Noncomplicity in the Brownsville Riot and Lack of Knowledge of Participants Therein. Steward Presents Some New Evidence
------------------

......Sergt. Saunders' Case with President

The case of Sergt. Mingo Sanders is now before the President and the latter's action upon it will govern the officials of the War Department and the recruiting officers in all re-enlistment applications of the discharged men already filed or those that may arise in the future.
Sergt. Saunders was one of the 170 men dishonorably discharged by the President's order because of participation int he riots at Brownsville on August 13 of this year. Saunders asserts that at the time of the riots he was asleep and know absolutely nothing of the riot or of the identity of the guilty men. His testimony is verified by his officers and fellow-soldiers. At the time of his discharge Saunders was in his twenty-sixth year of honorable service, and within four years of being retired on three-fourths pay. He has seen hard service in both Cuba and the Philippines. Convinced of the strength of his own case, he applied for advice to Secretary Taft, who referred him to the Military Secretary, Gen. Ainsworth, the latter, in turn, referring him to the local recruiting officer. The application for reenlistment was received and filed for the President's action, together with similar applications from two other men of the dismissed battalion.... Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, of 325 T Street Northwest, a local member of the Constitutional League, recently received a visit from Sergt. Saunders and Private Brown, another discharged soldier. The men talked of the circumstances related to their dismissal. In speaking of the call, Mrs. Terrell said yesterday that she was greatly impressed at the absence of any ill feeling toward the Chief Executive or the officers who recommended their discharge. They reasserted their innocence, and believed that the President will take a favorable view of their applications to re-enter the service."

Washington Post, Wednesday, December 26, 1906

"Sergeant Mingo Sanders
-------------------
R.L. in New York Sun.

Sergeant Mingo Sanders, black as ace o' spades.
Thirty years in service, been on so many raids;
Fought the feathered Indian, fought the Spanish don
Down at Santiago and at Sanny Wann;
Fought the Filipino--red or brown or white,
Sergeant Mingo Sanders never flunked a fight.

Somewhere 'round Manila
Bullets whistling shrill,
Sergeant Mingo Sanders
Climbed Camanast Hill

Colonel Teddy Roosevelt, sword and shoulder strap.
Thirty days in service, saw a Cuban scrap;
Home he came in glory, heralded afar
As the battle's hero--stock exceeded par;
Told us all about it, never seemed to balk;
Book and speech and so on--never flunked a talk,

Nearing Santiago,
Fighting with a will,
Colonel Teddy Roosevelt
Also climbed a hill.

Sergeant Mingo Sanders, fifty years of age,
Growing old in service eager still to wage
Battle for his country, standing by his flag
For a hunk of bacon and a khaki rag;
Hoping still for service till he might retire
Honored in his papers--couldn't hope for higher

Sergeant Mingo Sanders
Thirty years on deck,
"For the good of service"
Gets it in the neck!

Colonel Teddy Roosevelt, chosen to command
All the nation's armies and to run the land;
Honored by his people, 'round the world proclaimed
As the great and mighty, feted, flaunted, famed:
Surely paid for service, got at least his rights;
Colonel Teddy Roosevelt still is climbing heights.

Poor old Sergeant Mingo,
I am one to dare
The remark, by Jingo!
That it's hardly fair."

Washington Herald December 29, 1906

The picture above is from the cover of Harper's Weekly, January 12, 1907. The cover was titled "Dishonorably Discharged". From the description on the armband, the medals and the crumpled paper I believe it is a picture of Mingo Sanders. For more thoughts click here

MINGO SANDERS STILL HERE
-----------------------------
Negro Soldier Remorseful Over His Discharge
------------------------------

Mingo Sanders, late a sergeant in the Twenty-fifth Infantry, three companies of which, all composed of colored men, were discharged from the army without honor by President Roosevelt, on a charge of “shooting up the town” of Brownsville, Tex., is still in Washington. He is waiting and hoping for word from the commander-in-chief that his name has been restored to the rolls of the army, in which he served for nearly thirty years.
I would have retired for age in May, 1908, on a pension of $35 a month,” said the colored veteran sadly, last night. “I don’t know how it’s all going to end. There seems to be a lot of ‘fighting’ over it.”
Sanders, as is typical of his race, is an optimist. He “feels in his bones that it’s going to come out all right, but he doesn’t know just how.”
Long service as a soldier has taught him reserve. “There isn’t much for me to say,” he continued. “I was not in the raid; neither do I know who participated in it.”
Sanders is fifty years of age, but he does not look his years. He is a dark-skinned nego, intelligent, bright, and active. He was born in South Carolina. Early in his youth he spent some years in the Northwest, and returning to his native State, enlisted in the army in May, 1878. During the period elapsing since that time, when assigned, he was with the Twenty-fifth.
Sanders is evidently crushed by the misfortune that has befallen him and his supposedly innocent comrades. He hardly realizes that he has doffed the uniform of his regiment. He still speaks of the service as if he were a part of it.
On his arrival here Sergeant Sanders went at once to the War Department, where he filed affidavits in his case. He did not see the Secretary of War. He took up the matter with a subordinate. These affidavits set forth that Sanders did not participate in the affair at Brownsville; that he did not and does not know the names of the guilty persons.
Senator Culberson, of Texas, had a conference with Secretary Taft on the Brownsville affair yesterday. He suggested the names of a number of persons at that place who are said to have knowledge of the facts concerning the now famous raid. A report has been current in Washington for several days that Secret Service agents are engaged in a search for evidence to show that the Brownsville raid was the work of members of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, but it cannot be verified. Doubt is expressed that the President has taken such extreme steps in the matter.

On the very next column over from the above article!
[Washington Herald December 29, 1906]

WANT NEGRO TROOPS BARRED
-------------------------
TEXAS CONGRESSMENWILL PUSH BILLS NOW PENDING.
-------------------------

Some Army Officers and Legislators Favor Plan to Have Only White Soldiers in Service
Congress will be urged to rid the army of all of its colored soldiers when it takes up the consideration of the Brownsville affair. This drastic action has been proposed, and is receiving serious consideration from army officers as well as members of Congress. Four regiments would be affected—the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Infantry.
The suggestion grows out of the fact that ever since the incidents which led the President to discharge three whole companies of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, a veritable wave of crime seems to have swept over the negro troops. Whether or not it was a member of the Twenty-fifth Infantry who shot Capt. Macklin at Fort Reno, there is no denying the participancy of members of the negro regiments in two disgraceful affairs on Christmas Day. At Leavenworth, Kans., members of the Ninth Cavalry indulged in a street car riot, and at Fort Sheridan, Chicago, a sergeant of the Ninth Cavalry shot and killed a corporal of his company. On Wednesday a member of the Twenty-fifth Infantry assaulted a white woman on the streets of El Reno.
The law which authorized the enlistment of four negro regiments—two of infantry and two of cavalry—in the regular army was passed July 28, 1866, since which time the colored troops have been a regular part of the military establishment. They have been good fighters, whether against the Indians of the West, the Spaniards in Cuba, or the natives of the Philippines. At the same time, their records in times of peace are full of stories of brawls, street fights, and efforts to “shoot up” towns. These things have not only brought disgrace upon the United States uniform, but have resulted in making it exceedingly difficult for the War Department to station them when not on active service.
Representative Slayden and Garner, of Texas, haveintroduced bills in Congress providing for the discharge of all the regiments and intend to press them after the holidays.
Mr. Slayden is not hopeful that the object aimed at will be attained. “From what the Republicans tell me,” he said last night, “I am not inclinedto believe that there is a chance for the passage of my bill. One of my Republican friends told me just a day or two ago,laughingly, that he would be compelled to oppose my plan . When I asked him why, he replied, still laughingly, that he had too many negro voters in his district to permit him to support any such bill as mine,”
President Roosevelt is determined, if possible, to have the assailant of Capt. Macklin, at Fort Reno, arrested and brought to trial. By his direction, the Department of Justice has instructed United States Marshal Abernathy, at Guthrie, Oklahoma, to co-operate with the military and local authorities in the effort to apprehend the man.

Washington Post, Wednesday, January 16, 1907

"PRESIDENT IS UPHELD
-------------------
Right in Discharge of Troops, Says Spooner
-------------------
SEVERLY ARRAIGNS TILLMAN
-------------------
Wisconsin Senator, Goaded by Numerous Interruptions, Pours Forth a Bitter Denunciation of the Firey South Carolinian--Tillman Later Notifies Senate He Will Answer "Insulting Allusions."
------------------

When Mr. Sppooner, the advocate in charge of the President's defense in connection with the dismissal of the battalion of colored troops of the Twenty-fifth infantry ceased speaking yesterday afternoon, he had consumed in the two days a little more than six hours in the delivery of his argument.
The Wisconsin Senator long ago achieved the reputation of being one of the great constitutional lawyers of the Senate, and his speech of yesterday sustained that reputation. It was a significant speech in many respects, and especially in view of the fact that Mr. Spooner was quoted by some of his colleagues two weeks ago as saying he would not make a speech in defense of the administration in this matter, and that he could not approve of all that had been done.
It was noticeable yesterday that Mr. Spooner declared that no lawyer could have defended that portion of the President's order of dismissal in which he forever debarred the dismissed men from entering the civil service of the government. It has been the gossip of the Capitol for some days that it was due to the representations of Mr. Spooner that the President agreed to revoke that part of his order, and Mr. Spooner yesterday expressed his gratification that this has been done.

Interrupted by Tillman.

Although intended to be a defense of the President Mr Spooner was so goaded by the frequent interruptions of Mr. Tillman that the latter part of his remarks became a severe arraignment of the Senator from South Carolina. He quoted from Mr. Tillman's utterances defending lynching as a means of controlling negroes and declared that to encourage such mob violence was a disgrace and a crime against civilization. Mr. Spooner's denunciation of Mr. Tillman and his publicly expressed sentiments was so severe that at the conclusion of his speech, Mr. Tillman took the floor, when everbody expected an explosion from the fiery Southerner.
But no explosion came. It was easily seen that Mr. Tillman was intensely indignant. He spoke in a manner quite apart from his usual habit, weighing carefully every word, as he said, slowly and with great distinctness.
'I had expected to have a few brief words to say to the Senator from Wisconsin in view of the direct personal attack he has made on me this afternoon, but the latter part of his speech has widened the scope of the reply I wish to make, and I therefore, will take occasion in the near future to have something to say on teh question, and in answer to some of the insulting allusions he has made.'

Debate to Continue.

The bitter feeling provoked by this controversy makes it impossible to say when a vote can be had on the pending resolution. Debate may become more extended than has hitherto been anticipated. When the Senate is ready to vote, the pending Foraker resolution will be withdrawn and another resolution providing merely for an inquiry by the Committee on Military Affairs into the facts of the Brownsville riot will be adopted. The question raised as to the constitutionality and legality of the President's action will be left open for future consideration.
Senator Carmack had the floor when the Senate adjourned, and will speak this morning immediately after the conclusion of morning business. He probably will be followed by Senator Stone. The chances are that the debate will be continued into Friday, as the Senate will listen to speeches to-morrow in memory of the life and services of the late Senator Bate, of Tennessee.
Early in his speech Mr. Spooner took the positive ground that Congress could not sit in review of the acts of the Executive. If any of the dismissed men felt aggrieved, they had their remedy in the Court of Claims, where they might sue for their pay, and thus test the legality of their discharge. Mr. Spooner admitted that the President might make mistakes in the discharge of his duties; it would be remarkable if he did not, but if he did exceed his constitutional powers, Mr. Spooner argued that the only way Congress could inquire into it was through impeachment of the courts, when the courts were invoked to pass upon the legality of his acts.

Congress Also Makes Mistakes

Mr. Spooner likewise contended that Congress made mistakes. Admitting that the President was not infallible, he said no lawyer could defend that portion of the President's order, as originally issued which forever debarred the discharged soldiers from holding positions in the civil service. He was glad that part of the order had been revoked. The Wisconsin Senator declared he was not opposed to the investigation , and regretted that those charged with the responsibility of the investigation had not gone further into the affair.
Taking up the President's course in dismissing this batallion "without honor," Mr. Spooner made an elaborate argument to prove from his point of view, that the President was clearly within the power conferred upon him by the Constitution and the laws.
'I believe,' said Mr. Spooner, 'that the President, the Secretary of War, our department commander has the power, and ought to hae the power to discharge, at their discretion, any soldier, with honor or without, whose service, in the opinion of his superior officers is detrimental to the service.'
Continuing, he said that 'this authority applied to the dismissal of one man, two men, fifty men or any number of men necessary to the discipline and efficiency of the army.'
He did not, however, contend that the President has the power without limit to make rules and regulations for the government of the army.
Power to Punish Troops
While agreeing with Mr. Foraker that the President has no power to punish troops, Mr. Spooner defended the Chief Executive against the charge of usurpation in discharging the soldiers of the Twenty-fifth Infantry.
'Every man charged with crime is entitled to his day in court,' he admitted, but at the same time contended that in the present case there is no charge to justify an impeachment of the Presidential authority.
Mr. Spooner explained the failure to turn over to the Texas civil authorities the perpetrators of the Brownsville crime by saying that it had been impossible to identify them. In this connection he referred to the possibility of lynching, saying that such a crime might have been possible in the North as well as in the S outh. He also spoke of the natural regret of the President over the course which he had found himself impelled to pursue.
'Sharing with them black as the were, the fame of a soldier in Cuba, none can doubt that he arrived at his conclusion with deep reluctance and none can doubt his sincerity in the course he entered upon', he said impressively.

Justifies President's Course.

Expressing the opinion that some of the men of the discharged battalion were guilty Mr. Spooner asked what the President was to do in face of the fact that both innocent and guilty stood mute, and answering his own question by another, asked, 'What town would want the men who were charged with making a night attack upon defenseless citizens and shooting at women with government weapons, men emboldened by their successful attack without detection who might commit the same crime, or worse again?' In view of these facts he justified the course taken by the President.
The men, continued the Senator, could not have been sent to any other Southern town, and even Sergt. Mingo Sanders, with his twenty-six years of honorable service, could not have gone to South Carolina, the State of his birth, without running the risk of being shot down.
'Would the Senator like to have him sent to Wisconsin?' asked Mr. Tillman.
'I would not object at all so far as he is concerned,' retorted Mr. Spooner.
Later Mr. Tillman asked Mr. Spooner to yield to him, and the Wisconsin Senator said he would do so for a question, but when Mr. Tillman began to preface his question with a statement, Mr. Spooner said he had not yielded for a speech.
'If I wanted to make a speech I should do so and speak directly so that I should be understood,' declared Mr. Tillman.
'I don't know about that,' replied Mr. Spooner.

Never Misunderstood Him.

'You never misunderstood me at any rate,' asserted the South Carolinian.
'Out of charity for the Senator,' retorted Mr. Spooner ironically, 'I have sometimes wrought myself up to the conclusion that I had misunderstood him.'
Mr. Tillman's question related to the charges against the men for whom warrants were issued, and Mr. Spooner said an answer would not illuminate the subject at all.
Again Mr. Tillman sought recognition but Mr. Spooner first undertook to learn the length of the question he purposed to ask Mr. Spooner had criticised the course of the officers of the battalion and had spoken of the President's confidence in Maj. Penrose.
'I'll make my question like a bullet,' said Mr. Tillman
'And shoot it very slowly I suppose?' said Mr. Spooner.
The question at last admitted, was as to why the President had not adopted Maj. Penrose's recommendation for the ferreting out of the guilty.
'The President of the United States will never require any defense from the attacks of the Senator from North Carolina,' was Mr. Spooner's reply. 'He has developed a mania for attacking the President. I did not intend to branch off on such a discussion, but I have never been so surprised by any man's attitude as I have by that of the Senator from South Carolina. He is so filled with animosity for the President and has so often taken occasion to express it that I do not believe his attacks will be taken seriously by the people.'

Declines to Yield Floor

Mr. Tillman attempted to reply, but Mr. Spooner declined to yield. He went on to criticise Mr. Tillman for the harsh words he had hurled at the President in untempered speeches, which the Wisconsin Senator declared, were ungracious and unjustified. He condemned Mr. Tillman for impeaching the motive of the President, and ridiculed Mr. Tillman's claim that he stood for the fundamental principle of liberty.
'Quote me accurately,' shouted Mr. Tillman
'You quote yourself,' replied Mr. Spooner.
The South Carolina Senator then said he had declared it was the fundamental principle of English and American liberty that every man is innocent until he has been proven guilty.
Mr. Spooner replied that that was the correct principle, but the South Carolinian, contrary to that principle, had begun his speech on the race question by convicting the whole black race. He scored Mr. Tillman for the sentiment before uttered that 'we shot 'em; we killed 'em, and we'll do it again'. He said that frequently he had heard Mr. Tillman utter those sentiments in defending lynching in the South.
'May I get in?' asked Mr. Tillman.
'Why do you want to get in?' responded Mr. Spooner.
'Well, I should like to know how much provocation you are going to give a man without giving him a chance to strike back a little,' said Mr. Tillman.
'Well, get it, then,' said Mr. Spooner.
As Mr. Tillman started to reply he suggested to Mr. Spooner that he had better sit down a while.

Refused to Sit Down.

'No, I do not intend to yield for a speech, the Senator can reply later. I will yield for a question,' said Mr. Spooner.
'Is that all?' asked Mr. Tillman
'That is all,' replied Mr. Spooner sharply.
The South Carolina Senator took his seat and was then subjected to one of the most direct and stinging indictments ever delivered by a Senator against a colleague. Mr. Spooner quoted from Mr. Tillman's utterances defending the burning of negroes at the stake and said:
' No man ought to encourage such a horrible thing as that. It is a crime against civilization to encourage it.'
Continuing he said he had looked with admiration upon the efforts of Gov. Vardaman and other executives of Southern States to suppress mobs seeking the lives of negroes without giving them trials on account of the crimes they were suspected of having committed.
'I have been shocked,' he said, 'by the attitude of the Senator from South Carolina on more than one occasion when he has spoken here in justification and support of the continuance of lynching. If there is one man who ought not to encourage it, it is the man who sits here as the maker of laws.'
Disclaiming any intention to abuse Mr. Tillman, the Wisconsin Senator said it was his purpose only to make a plea for good government. He said he had not intended to be led into such a discussion, but had been goaded to it by Mr. Tillman himself.

Encouragement of Lynching

'And I want to say here,' he continued, 'that any man who encourages lynching, murder, and lawlessness will have much to answer for, and the higher his position and the mightier his influence, the more will he have to answer for. No man can come here with good grace to berate and vituperately impeach the President for his dismissal of men because they were not identified as criminals, who comes to that accusation from a lynching bee, or who justifies one.'
After declaring that there should not be one law for the colored man and another for the white man, Mr. Spooner again deprecated that fact that he had been drawn from the course mapped out for his speech, and resumed his argument.
After again stating his belief in the legality and justness of the President's action, Mr. Spooner concluded his speech with a brief discussion of the race question, declaring his belief that the majority of the people of the South did not entertain the radical views which had been expressed by Senator Tillman. He admitted the difficulties and hardships of the race problem in the South, and said the people of the North felt the best way to aid in the solution of these difficulties was for them to refrain from discussing them.
In this connection, he did not believe the agitation of Senator Tillman could have the effect to quiet the situation. Mr. Spooner quoted a newspaper report of one of Senator Tillman's lectures, in which he referred to negroes as baboons, and said when asked 'How about the law,' replied 'To hell with such laws'.
Mr. Spooner said he knew of no better way to perpetuate the struggle between the two races than to be constantly and violently declaring such troubles to be imminent and unavoidable.

Washington Post, Tuesday, January 29, 1907, pg. 1 and continued on 9

CHEERS FOR FORAKER.
---------------------------------
Pittsburg Correspondant's Account of the Debate at the Gridiron Dinner.

From a Washington Dispatch to Pittsburg Dispatch
An impromptu, very interesting and somewhat spectacular, discussion of the Brownsville affair took place last night between President Roosevelt and Senator Foraker at a dinner given by the Gridiron Club. The President during his remarks made a reference to the "academic discussion" of the Brownsville affair.
For about twenty minutes Senator Foraker devoted himself to setting forth reasons why the President would have reason before long for regretting that he ever used the words "academic discussion" of a matter that so vitally affects the rights of all citizens to whom the Constitution guarantees freedom in person and property.
He referred to the case of Mingo Sanders, the sergeant, who served twenty-six years, and in a short time would be entitled to retirement on a pension of $30 a month and a right to end his days in the National Home for Soldiers of the regular army had he not been dismissed without honor by the President, who in dismissing him had violated a very plain law of Congress and thereby made himself amenable to the processes of law, besides laying himself open to a well-founded charge of having done the greatest injustice to a man who, it might be supposed, would have no powerful friends to assist him.
Foraker protested against a discussion of such a case being called "academic" and deplored the fact that it now seemed to be the idea that the President could do no wrong, even if he violated the plain letter of the law.
When Foraker finished, the diners applauded and yelled, many of them rising from their places to get over to him to congratulate him.
The challenge to the President to defend his position was too plain for a fighter like him to decline. He took up the gage, rising immediately after Senator Foraker had taken his seat, without waiting for the toastmaster to invite him to reply.
Those who were pleased with Foraker's utterances forgot the courtesy due the President of the United States, and continued cheering for a minute after Mr. Roosevelt rose to his feet. They kept it up even after he began speaking and gesticulating to emphasize the points he was making.
Those sitting near him heard some of his words, but for a few seconds it looked as if a deliberate effort was being made to howl him down, just as if the affair were a political convention instead of a dinner attended by gentlemen.
Finally, however, the noisy ones were hissed into silence, and the President made answer. In substance, his reply was that he had done nothing for which he apologized or had any regrets: not even for the so-called injustice to Mingo Sanders. He insisted that the discussion was "academic," because the incident was closed, and that no matter what the Senate or Congress should do, it would not be reopened.
The inference to be drawn was plain. If, in the improbable event of Congress passing a bill to reinstate the dismissed members of the three companies, the President will veto it, and if, in the still more improbable event of its being passed over his veto, he will ignore it.
Foraker had nothing to say by way of rebuttal.

---------------------------

Another Account of the Debate

President Roosevelt was also called upon and spoke at some length. He said the Gridiron dinners furnished the only occasion for him to unburden himself freely. And he did. He talked freely about control of corporations, his remarks being emphasized by the presence of some of the great captains of finance and industry.
He was followed by Senator Foraker in an outspoken talk, which dealt in the frankest manner with the Brownsville case. President Roosevelt found it desirable to reply to Senator Foraker, and there was a happy interchange of felicitations. The rule of the club forbids detailing speeches made at the dinner, but it is violating no confidence to say that the guests were furnished a highly interesting half hour by the remarks of these two courageous and plain-talking men.

----------------------------

Washington Post, Tuesday, February 12, 1907, pg. 4

FORT WAS FIRED UPON
-----------------------
Mingo Sanders So Testifies in Brownsville Inquiry
-----------------------
HEARD BULLETS WHIZ IN AIR
-----------------------
Veteran Negro Soldier Discharged After Twenty-five Years Service Recounts Circumstances of "Shooting Up" of Brownsville--Insists Attack War from Outside--Never Court-martialed
-----------------------

The man whose name was made famous in the Brownsville debate in the Senate--Sergt. Mingo Sanders--was the star witness yesterday before the Senate Committee.
Sanders is a very black negro, one of the kind found on the Southern plantation before the war. He was by no means an unwilling witness and impressed the committee with his earnestness and apparent veracity as he told his story. Sanders was first sergeant of Company B at the time of his discharge without honor.
According to his statement, the shooting up of the town was in the form of an attack upon the garrison at Fort Brown. Sanders' story created something of a stir in the committee as he said that while running from his quarters to Company B barracks, after being awakened by the firing on the night of August 13, the shooting was going on and it came from the town and was toward the hospital on the military reservation.

First to Tell of Attack

He said bullets were whizzing over his head. This is the first direct testimony given by any of the discharged negro soldiers that the firing came from the town.
Sanders said he had served in the army twenty-five years six months and twenty-three days, including the campaign in Cuba, and three years in the Philippines. He said he had never been court-martialed, and never reprimanded or found fault with to his knowledge. At Brownsville he had a house to the left of company quarters [married housing] and directly in front of the hospital.
His story of the incidents of the night of August 13, was not interesting until he told of his experiences in trying to get to the barracks after being awakened by the shooting. He said he started on a run to B Company's quarters, and just after he left his house the firing was renewed. It came from the town, he said, and bullets were flying thick and fast over his head. As he reached C Company's quarters, he said he saw the men assembled were excited and shouting to one another.

Gun Racks Locked

"I heard some one yell 'Fall in!' he said. "Then some one shouted to get the guns, and another person answered that they could not get the guns, as the racks were locked and the man with the keys could not be found. Then, Lieut. Greer (I knew his voice) said: 'Break those racks open.'
There has been a great deal of testimony concerning the broken racks of C Company, but no person had testified positively before as to the manner in which they were broken. The testimony of Sanders indicated that the racks were in good condition before the shooting and were broken open by command of one of the company officers.
Continuing his testimony, Sanders told of finding his own company in confusion and of his efforts to straighten it out. He said he found some of the men down on their knees and that others were yelling to put out the lanterns so that it would not furnish a target for persons to shoot.

Told Men to Stand Up

"I told the men to stand up and be soldiers, and that it would be better to be shot in the ranks than out," said Sanders. "When the men didn't stand up I told them some other things I don't want to repeat here."
Lieut. Lorison, the company commander, he said, cautioned the witness to keep the men in restraint, but to defend the fort in case an assault was made upon it.
Sanders said that at inspection the morning after the shooting all the guns of the company were found in proper condition. He also accounted for the ammunition. When the Twenty-fifth went to Fort Brown, he said, they brought along a box of loose cartridge shells, which were in a box on the rear porch of the barracks.
Mexicans were accustomed to go into the barracks and carry off anything they could pick up. They took away caps, clothing, and even "arctic overshoes," which the men had brought from the North. They also picked up the cartridge shells.
Under Fire Many Times
On cross-examination, Sanders said he could not tell the location of the first firing. He said he had been under fire a number of times [in his career] and he was familiar with the reports of the various makes of arms.
On that night it was "mixed firing," he said. He thought it came from six-shooters, Winchesters, and Mausers.
At the afternoon session, Sanders resumed his testimony. He said he had nothing to do with the shooting; did not know any one who had, did not suspect any one, and had made diligent inquiry among the men to find out from them what, if anything, they knew, and has been unable to get any information.
He declared he had not withheld any information, and that there was no conspiracy of silence.
Sanders detailed an interview he had with Gen Garlington recounting his services in the army, and in which interview he asked that he be reinstated. Recounting Gen. Garlington's comment on his application, Sanders said:

Had Nothing to Tell

"The only reason I did not give Gen. Garlington information was because I had none to give, but my application received no consideration until after the Senate resolution passed."
Sanders was cross-examined by Senator Warner. He repeated that many of the shots fired on the night of August 13 came from the town and said he had reported this fact to Maj. Penrose, although it did not appear in his evidence taken by Capt. Lyons. Indeed, he said, he had not stated this to any one else until this time. He had not been asked about it, and did not volunteer information.
"I am looking after Sanders first," said he.
He had never examined the hospital or other buildings to see whether bullets were fired into them, because he had no opportunity to make such examination.
Sanders said that his gun was not in the rack at the time of the shooting, but in the sergeant's room, and that he returned to his room for it. He was not required to keep his gun in the rack on account of peculiar duties.
He thought there were about nine guns out of the company's racks on the night of the shooting, but they were all accounted for. Sanders' evidence was not concluded when the committee adjourned until to-day.

Washington Post, Tuesday, June 15, 1907, pg. 2

SENATE INQUIRY HALTS
------------------------
Brownsville Hearings at End Until November 18.
-------------------------
BURT LAUDS NEGRO SOLDIERS
-------------------------
Retired General, Former Colonel of Twenty Fifth,
Says Men "Were Not All Angles, but Near It"--
Pays Tribute to Mingo Sanders' Record --
Would Believe Everything Old Sergeant Said.

------------------------

The investigation of the Brownsville affray by the Senate Committee on Military Affairs came to a close yesterday, when an adjournment was taken until November 18. At that time the committee will decide it is necessary to go to Brownsville to continue the investigation. No attempt will be made to formulate a report until the next session of Congress.
Four witnesses were on the stand yesterday. Brig. Gen. Andrew Burt, retired, renowned Indian figher, who was colonel of the Twenty-fifth Infantry at the time of his promotion and retirement, testified that this regiment of negro soldiers was one of the best in the United States army, or, in fact, any arm of the world. He said he had served with as many regiments as any man in the United States army, and with no troops of higher character than the Twenty-fifth. Of course, there were some bad men in the organization, he said, as in every organization: that he did not mean that all of the men "were angels with wings sprouting, but they were very near it."

Praises Mingo Sanders

Concerning Mingo Sanders, the first sergeant of Company B, with twenty-six years' continuous service, he said there was no better first sergeant in the army; that his veracity was beyond question, and that he could be depended upon under all circumstances. An incident was recalled by Gen. Burt, since the discharge of the negro soldiers without honor. Mingo Sanders called upon him after he came to Washington to testify. Gen. Burt said to Sanders:
"Sergeant, we are here alone. Now tell me all about this affair."
He said that Sergt. Sanders told him that if he knew anything about it he would tell, but that so far as he knew none of his men had had anything to do with the shooting. He had tried his best, he said, to find out all about the affair, and that he did not believe any of the negro soldiers were implicated in the outbreak.
Gen. Burt testified as to a number of the men he remembered and gave incidents to show the confidence he had placed in them. He declared that all of the men were to be believed on oath, and said:
"I would believe them if I were sitting on a court-martial, even if they were testifying in their own defense."
Senator Foraker asked the witness if he would expect 140 or 150 men to withhold what they knew of a raid upon a defenseless town if such a raid had been made by 10 or 15 other men of the command.

Some Would Have Leaked

Gen. Burt replied that such a thing was an impossibility from what he knew of the negro race; some of the men would have leaked.
Lieut. Harry C. Leckie, of the Twenty-sixth Infantry, who was on the stand several weeks ago and testified concerning the finding of a bullet in a post in front of the Crixell saloon, yesterday produced the shavings of the bullet, which had been removed with a brace and auger. The bullet had no steel jacket, and he was sure that it was not government ammunition. On cross-examination it was brought out that he went to Brownsville to make his examination, with a view to becoming a witness for the defense, in the Maj. Penrose court-martial.
John I. Klieber, prosecuting attorney of Cameron County, Tex., who conducted examinations of witnesses before the grand jury, which inquired into the shooting, testified concerning the failure of the grand jury to return indictments.
Capt. John H. Rice, of the ordnance department of the army, told of the cleaning of the guns sent to the committee as exhibits.

1910 Census- Washington D.C.

Sanders and his wife live on "M" Street. Sanders is listed as "Mu" (mulatto), 53 years old and married 12 years. His wife "M" is also listed as "Mu" and is 41. Sanders birthplace, as well as his parents, is listed as South Carolina. His wife's birthplace is Illinois. Sanders occupation is "night watchman" at a stone yard. Both he and his wife can read and write.

back to list of riders

"POST FOR MINGO SANDERS.
Sergeant Discharged After Brownsville Riots Made Messenger by Taft.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3.--By an Executive order of President Taft, Mingo Sanders, who was a Sergeant of the colored infantry regiment discharged from the army without honor when several companies of the regiment likewise were discharged for participation in the Brownsville riots, became a messenger to-day in the classified service and went to work at the Interior Department at $70 a month. Recently Sanders took part as a spell-binder in the Ohio primary fight between President Taft and Col. Roosevelt.
Representative Rodenburg of Illinois said to-day he would introduce in the House next week a bill to reinstate Sanders in the army and permit his retirement at once.
When discharged Sanders had served twenty-six years, and after another year's service would have been entitled to retirement at two-thirds pay and allowances. Later Mr. Rodenburg says he will introduce a bill for the reinstatement of all the innocent soldiers discharged for participation in the Brownsville riots."

- The New York Times, 4 August 1912

The Afro American October 27, 1934

General, Who Suggested 25th Infantry Brownsville Dismissal, is Dead

Washington. --(CNS) - Brig-Gen. Ernest A. Garlington, former inspector-general of the Army, responsible for "persuading" President Theodore Roosevelt that colored soldiers "shot up" Brownsville, Texas, in August, 1906, died in Coronado, Calif., last week, "unhonored and unsung by the thousands of colored soldiers formerly under his command in many campaigns in the West."
On the night of August 13-14, 1906, a shooting occurred in the town of Brownsville, Texas. One private citizen, a barkeeper, was killed; a lieutenant of the police was wounded. Taking a cue from the predjudiced Southern crackers that colored soldiers of Fort Brown, just outside of the town, had shot up the town, Inspector-General Garlington, entered upon an investigation of the affray assuming that the men were guilty.

Indictment Lacking

In the language of the late Senator Joseph R. Foraker, of Ohio, "at one time did it occur to him (General Garlington) that any but soldiers could have done it." And this conclusion, notwithstanding the town had been shot up more than a dozen times before August, 1906.
A grand jury investigation by county authorities found no testimony upon which to base an indictment. In addition, the government, under orders from President Roosevelt, conducted three other separate investigations, and spent nearly $100,000, but was never able to convict any men of the battalion. President Roosevelt, without ordering a court martial of any of the men, adopted General Garlington's deduction that there was a "conspiracy of silence" to protect from nine to twenty men of the battalion who had done the shooting. On November 9, 1906, 156 men of Companies B, C, and D of the 25th Infantry were discharged without honor, charged with a conspiracy of silence.
The testimony taken showed that the record of each company, down to the time of the shooting, was without any kind of stain or blemish. Almost all of the men had served more than one enlistment. Their terms of service ranged up to more than twenty years.
Sergeant Mingo Sanders, of Company B, had served continuously for twenty-six years, and counting double-time allowances for service outside the United States, had only eighteen months to serve, when he would have been entitled to retire on three-quarter pay with all the rights and allowances provided by law for men who had served continuously for thirty years.
There was abundant testimony that prior to the arrival of the colored troops on Saturday, July 28, four weeks prior to the shooting, there were ugly expressions--among them that "the colored troops will not stay long if they do come."
The government proceeded upon the Garlington theory that seven or eight men of the battalion did the shooting and that all the others entered into a conspiracy of silence to shield them. The opposition, led by Senator Foraker, proceeded upon the theory that there was a conspiracy, but that it was to get rid of the colored soldiers who would not trade in Brownsville, and put up with indignities.
Sergeant Sanders died in Freedmen's Hospital here several years ago, claiming that the Garlington theory of the shooting robbed him of a constitutional right to retirement in 1908.

US Veterans Gravesites, ca. 1775-2006
Mingo Sanders, Sergeant B 25 MD Infantry
Date of Death: 23 August 1929
Buried at Section 2 C E Site 35 Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA

also found at http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/j2ee/servlet/NGL_v1

Luella Mariah wife of Mingo Sanders
SGT COMP B 25TH INF US ARMY
27 March 1942
Buried at Section Old E Site 35 Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA

"The black battalion had come down from Fort Niobrara, Nebraska. There and at every other post where the men had been stationed they had left a record as very decent, well-disciplined soldiers. One of them, Sergeant Mingo Sanders, had so noteworthy an army score that before Brownsville subsided he had figured in hundreds of cartoons. The one best remembered was by W.A. Rogers in Harper's Weekly [January 12, 1907]--"Dishonorably Discharged"--a full-page drawing of this powerful, coal-black negro, covered with medals, standing like a dazed child, his discharge papers in his hand. Sanders had served almost thirty years--in the Indian wars, in the Philippines, in Cuba."

I Would Live It Again, Julia Bundy Foraker pg. 273

Experimental Riders

2009-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

This post is in progress. I intend to continue to add to and refine this post.

This photo is of the group that made the trip to Yellowston in the summer of 1896. To my knowledge no photos exist which identify the men.

John Findley - the Corps mechanic. He had worked for the Imperial Bicycle works in Chicago and was invaluable. When somebody had a breakdown he would fix it. Sometimes he staid up all night making repairs (see put date here) I think he is the first person on the far left because that bicycle has a metal box afixed to the handle bars. Findley rode both summers.

Elwood Forman (fourth rider from the left in group picture) Played baseball (pictured in uniform) for the 25th in the early 1890s . Foreman rode both summers. Moss claims that when, during the Yellowstone trip, a tourist asked Forman where the men were headed, Forman replied "The Lord only knows -- we're just following the lieutenant."

Mingo Sanders - We know the most about Sanders because of his later involvement in the Brownsville Raid.

Dr. James Kennedy - Assistant Surgeon

2009-01-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

James M. Kennedy was Assistant Surgeon at Fort Missoula in 1897. Kennedy was from Abbesville, South Carolina and 32 years old when he rode with the Corps. In his book, Iron Riders, George Sorenson claims, "Kennedy was not at all enthusiastic about participating in this big ride; regulations, however, called for a medical officer...and he got the call"[pg.53]. The July 28, 1897 St. Louis Post Dispatch claims Kennedy had to learn to ride a bike within a week. On the other hand....

"Joining Moss as second in command was a fellow white officer, Dr. James M. Kennedy, assistant post surgeon at Fort Missoula, who shared Moss's interest in cycling." (pg. 248)
- Charles M. Dollar Putting the Army on Wheels, Buffalo Soldiers in the West

"THE SURGEON

Dr. James M. Kennedy, the surgeon who will accompany the expedition is a typical South Carolinian, who entered the service four years ago. He is 32 years of age, and being one of the finest young surgeons in the army, an enthusiast wheelman and a fine specimen of manhood, he is in every way fitted to fill his new position."

- James A. Moss 2nd Lieutenant, 25th U.S. Infantry

Daily Missoulian Military Purposes, June 19, 1897

US Military Post Returns - Fort Missoula, Montana 1894 Jan-1908 Dec

"James M. Kennedy 1^st Lieut. Med Dep’t Dettached service on bicycle trip to St. Louis, Mo. per authority from War Department dated May 4, 1897. Left post. June 14, 1897. Was on special duty preparing for bicycle trip from May 29 to June 14, 1897…."

"MEDICINES, TOOLS, REPAIRING MATERIALS, ETC.

The surgeon will carry a supply of medicine, case of surgical instruments, bandages, etc., the Corps will carry a complete outfit of repairing tools, oil, tire and rim cement, chain lubricant, extra tires, rims, spokes, cones, axles, pedal cranks, etc.

- James A. Moss 2nd Lieutenant, 25th U.S. Infantry

Daily Missoulian Military Purposes, June 19, 1897

http://www.archive.org/stream/recordofbirthsma02cong/recordofbirthsma02cong_djvu.txt

ECAGC.
Baldwin, Mary Ellen: b. May 3, 1873; married April 16, 1898, James Madison Kennedy; b. December 4, 1864.
Had issue: A. Lawrence Baldwin: b. September 19, 1899

1880 Census - Indian Hill, Abbeville, South Carolina
According to this census, Kennedy's father, A.B., was a farmer in Calhoun's Mills in 1870. Kennedy had five siblings: Laurens (19); James M. (15); A. M.[?](12); Archy C. (8); Charlie L. (6) and Sallie J. (4)

"Kennedy, James M. Asst. Surg., 12 May 1893. Capt., 24 Oct., 1898 [Born in S.C. Appointed from S.C.]"

- List of Officers of the Army of the U.S. from 1779 to 1900, William Powell

OFFICIAL LIST OF CHANGES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

From October 17th to October 30, 1895.... Leave of absence for one month, with permission to apply for an extension of two months, is granted First Lieut. James M. Kennedy, Assistant Surgeon Camp Merritt, Montana.

- North Carolina Medical Journal Vol. 35-36, pg. 317

OFFICIAL LIST OF CHANGES IN THE STATIONS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS SERVING IN THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, U.S. ARMY, FROM MAY 19, 1896, TO MAY 26, 1896

First Lieutenant James M. Kennedy, Assistant Surgeon, Fort Missoula, Montana, ordered to Fort Yellowstone, Wyoming, for temporary duty with troops in the field, in the National Park, during the season.

- The Medical News vol. 68, 1896, pg. 628

"First Lieut. James M. Kennedy, Assistant Surgeon, on the expiration of his leave of absence, will proceed to Griffin, Ga., and report to the Chief Mustering Officer at that place for duty pertaining to the muster-out of Georgia volunteers.

- New York Times, The United Service.-- Army, October 26, 1898

"Capt. James M. Kennedy, Assistant Surgeon, is relieved from further duty in the Department of California, to take effect May 10, and will report to the commanding General, Department of California, for transportation on the first available transport for Manila, where, upon arrival, he will report to the commanding General, Division of the Philippines, for assignment to duty."

- New York Times, The United Service.-- Army, April 22, 1900

"Major James M. Kennedy, Surgeon, United States Volunteers (Captain and Assistant Surgeon, United States Army) is honorably discharged from the service of the United States as Major and Surgeon, United States Volunteers, only, to take effect Oct. 31"

- New York Times, The United Service.-- Army, October 15, 1902

"Capt. James M. Kennedy, Assistant Surgeon, will proceed to Allentown, Penn; New York City, Boston, Chicago, and St. Louis on business pertaining to the Medical Department."

- New York Times, The United Service.-- Army, April 17, 1903

"A board of medical officers to consist of Lieut. Col. George H. Torney....and Capt. James M. Kennedy, Assistant Surgeon, is appointed to meet at the General Hospital, Presidio of San Francisco, for the examination of candidates for admission to the Medical Corps.

- New York Times, The United Service.-- Army, December 9, 1903

"Excerpted from
History of the Medical Department
U.S. Army
1906

RELIEF WORK IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIAFollowing the great earthquake and fire which nearly destroyed the city of San Francisco, April 18, 1906, and the days following, most admirable sanitary and emergency work was done by the officers and men of the medical department under the able direction of Lieut. Col. G.H. Torney, who was at the time acting chief surgeon of the Department of California, and his successor in that office, Colonel C. L. Heizmenn.

Captain James M. Kennedy, assistant surgeon, was placed in command of the general hospital and Lieut. Col. Torney, upon request of the mayor and the president of the health commission of San Francisco, was placed at the head of a joint committee of the city, state and federal authorities to control the sanitation of the city in addition to his duties as chief surgeon of the department."

- San Francisco museum website

1910 Census - Oahu, Hawaii, Fort Shafter

Kennedy is in the US Army, 44 years old. He has been married to Mary B.(36) for 12 years. They have two children: Laurence B. (10) and A Katharine (6). Also living in the house are his mother-in-law, Alta C. Balwin (63) and four servants: Hun Prugmo [sp?] (24-Korea); Lulu Viagil (21-female-California); Marie Caraballo (17-female-Puerto Rico) and Saki Heaki (34-male-Japan). His wife was born in Iowa.

"Kennedy, James M.
Port Surgeon, U.S. Army
Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, N.J.
Date Of Action: World War I Era

Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to James M. Kennedy, United States Army, Medical Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Port Surgeon, Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, N.J. His co-operation with the Naval Medical authorities resulted in a high degree of sanitation being maintained on board troop transports."

- Home of Heroes website

1920 Census
Kennedy is listed as a colonel, fifty-four years old and married to Mary B. He was working at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco, which in 1918, was the Army's largest general hospital. Letterman cared for many of the wounded returning from Europe during World War I and pioneered the field of physical therapy. The census mentions two sons Laurence (20 yrs. old born in California) and Archibald Boggs (6 yrs. old born in Hawaii) and a daughter, Alta Katharine (15 yrs born in California.). Also living with the Kennedy's was a 22-year old Chinese servant named Lung(?) Soo Hoo.

San Francisco Earthquake Response
"The devastating earthquake and fire that struck San Francisco, California and vicinity early on the morning of 18 April 1906 immediately challenged the personnel of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) who were then assigned to the headquarters of the U.S. Army's Division of the Pacific and Department of California and the Army General Hospital at Presidio of San Francisco....
AMEDD personnel played important roles in controlling disease and restoring San Francisco's health care structure. Many of the officers who were directly involved later went on to significant careers...and two later commanded Walter Reed General Hospital and Army Medical Center, Brig. Gen. James M. Kennedy (1926-29)...."

- http://history.amedd.army.mil/SpecialFtrs/SFEQ/SFEQ1906.htm

"TWO COLONELS PROMOTED.; Cheatham Is Quartermaster General
--Kennedy Succeeds Glennan.

Washington, Jan. 8.-- Two important army promotions were made today when Colonel B. Frank Cheatham was appointed Quartermaster General in place of the late Major Gen. William H. Hart, and Colonel James M. Kennedy was made Assistant Surgeon General, succeeding Brig. Gen. James D. Glennan, who will retire for age on March 2...."

- New York Times, Jan. 9, 1926

[more to this pay-per-view article Special to The New York Times. Section: Amusements Hotels and Restuarants, Page 17, 264 words]

"Mrs. Kennedy, wife of Gen. James M. Kennedy entertained at luncheon today in... Other guests were....

- Chicago Tribune, April 27, 1929
[this is a pay-per view article Page 18, 672 words]

"Commanding [Walter Reed Hospital] is Brig.-General James Madison Kennedy, U.S.M.C."

- Time Magazine, Monday, July 15, 1929

"Army Tenure Plan Hits 20 Commands

"Gradual shake-up of high army commands has began with retirement of Brigadier General James M. Kennedy, assistant to the surgeon general. Within the next 12 months 20 chiefs, assistant chiefs and generals will revert to lower grades or walk the retirement plank..."

Atlanta Constitution, December 8, 1929
[this is a pay-per-view article A9, 474]

1930 Census - Washington D.C.
Kennedy, 64, is still listed as an officer in the U.S. Army and rents an apartment for $156.00 a month, which appears to be a princely sum compared to the others on this census. He and his wife live in Kew Garden Apartment #11 on "Q" Street. Kennedy is not listed as being a veteran. Living with him are wife, Mary B. and son Archie B., now 16 years old.

Picture of Kennedy passing out diplomas at Walter Reed hospital

"Retired Army Surgeon Dies

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 15 (AP) -- Brig. Gen. James M. Kennedy, an outstanding hospital authority of the United States Army Medical Corps, died today at the Letterman Hospital.
Gen. Kennedy retired from active service last December after reaching the age of 64 years. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Mary Kennedy, and three children.
He spend most of his service in San Francisco, being at the Letterman Hospital from the time it was founded in 1899 until 1907 and intervals since then. In 1926 he was named assistant Surgeon-General of the Army, in command of the Medical Corps center and Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington."

- Los Angeles Times, Oct. 16, 1930

Kennedy is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, along with Mingo Sanders and James Moss

KENNEDY, JAMES M
	BRIG GEN U S A RETIRED
	DATE OF DEATH: 10/15/1930
	BURIED AT: SECTION 4 SITE LOT-3114

Article about Walter Reed Hospital - it's pay-per-view - looks like there's something about Kennedy in it.
New York Times, April 26, 1931 Sunday Section Arts & Leisure, Page X7, 1034 words

"In 1943, the United States Army opened a 3,000 bed hospital in Memphis on Park and Shotwell Streets. This hospital, which was made up of 128 buildings was named for Brigadier General James Kennedy, a distinguished army surgeon and veteran of the Spanish American War"
found at http://www.utmem.edu/Medicine/urology/index.php?doc=history.htm

"Mrs. James M. Kennedy
Special to the New York Times

"CHICAGO, Dec. 30- Mrs. Mary Baldwin Kennedy, widow of Gen. James Madison Kennedy, died here on Tuesday. Her age was 81. Her husband was formerly Assistant Surgeon General of the Army and commader of Walter Reed Hospital in Washington"

- N.Y. Times, December 31, 1954

Section: Books, Page 13

"FUNERAL HELD FOR WIDOW OF GEN. KENNEDY

Services for Mrs. Mary Balwin Kennedy, 81, of San Francisco, widow of Brig. Gen. James Madison Kennedy, former assistant surgeon general, United States army, and commander of Walter Reed General hospital, were held at 11 a.m. yesterday at Fort Sheridan.
Mrs. Kennedy came to Chicago several weeks ago to visit her daughter, Mrs. Catherine Kean, wife of Lt. Gen. W.B. Kean, executive director of the Chicago housing authority. She became ill and was sent to Great Lakes Naval hospital, where she died Tuesday. Mrs. Kennedy was a sister of the late Frank Conger Baldwin of Washington, D.C.
Surviving besides Mrs. Kean are two sons, Laurence Baldwin Kennedy and Archibald Boggs Kennedy and five grandchildren."

- Chicago Daily Tribune, December 31, 1954, pg. A7

Link to death certificate for Archibald Kennedy who died 17 January 1982

Name: Archibald Boggs Kennedy
SS # 558-07-8707
Born: 22 April 1913 (Hawaii) Died: 17 January 1982 (Santa Clara, California)
Mother's Maiden Name: Baldwin
He was buried in the Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga, Santa Clara County California

University of California Blue and Gold Yearbook 1948

Found following at http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:1688583&id=I2095
James Madison Kennedy
Archibald B. Kennedy - 1st marriage to Edith Wickline
2nd marriage Ora Gertrude Black 23 Feb. 1980 in King Co., Seattle

Following found at http://files.usgwarchives.net/wa/lewis/history/lch-pt1.txt

4.  Ora Gertrude- born, 11-]5-1899, Alexandria, Missouri, married first
George Dearborn Rowe, 5-5-1926, Centralia, Washington, married second Archibald
B. Kennedy, 2-23-1980, Seattle, Washington. George Dearborn Rowe died
3-30-1969,
Seattle, Washington. Archibald B. Kennedy died 1-19-1982, Sarato-

Kennedy, Alta Katharine San Francisco (1) 2 LS--Letterman General Hospital, 8 F West 7180

-University of California Berkeley Register 1921-22

Laurence B. Kennedy
SSN: 549-30-5835
San Francisco, California 94116
Born: 19 Sept. 1899
Died: 1 July 1972

- Social Security Death Index

Sophmore at University of California-Berkeley 1922
- Blue and Gold Yearkbook

Kennedy family papers- The Place Where I was Born, Onie Kennedy Haggard, sent to me via e-mail.

JAMES MADISON KENNEDY

Jim was a good natured, lovable boy, the middle member of his family of seven brothers, loved and teased by the older, and loved and looked up to by the younger. He resembled the Kennedy's in type, and has his mother's features of face. He had an average weight of one hundred and sixty-five pounds, is five feet eight inches in height, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was active and lively of disposition, loved the country athletics and games, and was up to all kinds of games and practical jokes. His early education was under Captain R. J. Robinson, one of the best of the academy teachers. When Tump was ready for college Jim was sent along too. Their first year at college was at Erskine College, the Church school. One of the professors of Languages was a man of brilliant mind and sound principles, and a cousin of Jim's father. At the end of the first school year at Erskine, this cousin was elected Professor of Language at South Carolina College, and the father wishing to continue the education of the boys under him they were sent to Columbia to finish their college course. At their graduation Jim was only eighteen years old, but his father with his concurrence established him in the mercantile business in the small town of the community was two partners of the same town. The business went well but after a year or two one of the partners proving unsatisfactory they dissolved business. At this time a plantation of five hundred acres coming into the family by inheritance and purchase, the father, again with Jim's concurrence, put him and his younger brother "L" to farm it. Jim made a splendid farmer and his Negroes adored him. Bu this time he had reached maturity and decided for himself that he wished as his life work the study of medicine. He is warm hearted and loyal to his background and traditions, conservative and thoughtful in his methods, carefully analyzing his problems of life and duties and business before venturing. Having determined what he wants, he goes after it. He was graduated in medicine from the Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons, and after a short preparation took the examination for Army Sturgeons, received the appointment and his first station was Fort Riley, Kansas. Next he went to Montana, and in addition to his army work there he did some work among the Indians and acquired some interesting experiences. There also he met at the home of her Aunt, the wife of an Army Officer, Mary Baldwin, and on the even of the Spanish War, which occurred soon after, they were married. They have three children, Lawrence Baldwin, Alta Katherine, and Archibald Boggs. Katherine married, at the age of nineteen, W. B. Kean, a Calvary Officer, and they have one son, little Bill. Part II, "The Columbia State" publishes this account of Jim's career, June, 1929. "General Kennedy, early in his career attracted the attention of his superiors by his knowledge of his profession, especially that of surgery, and for his administrative ability. He was constantly given assignments of greater importance that his rank indicated. His relations with those with whom he comes in contact are such as to inspire confidence. His personality has won for him many admirers and personal followers. Plain in words, sane and direct in action, he has applied himself to all duty and to all work with a manifest purpose, not only of succeeding in what he attempted, but of guiding and directing his fellows in what was before them. He has been an encourager of men - those who propose to do things always have his sympathy and support. His ability, merit, and distinguished service caused his selection to the grade of Brigadier General, the first South Carolinian to reach that rank in the Medical Corps. He is one of Carolina's most distinguished sons". Some of the more important phases of his service are: - In 1897, while on duty with the 85^th [sic-MJH] Infantry, Bicycle Corps, he made the march with them from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri, a distance of nineteen hundred miles, to test out the bicycle as a means of army transportation. In 1900 he went to the Philippine Islands and served several years. From 1904 to 1910 he served as Commanding Officer, United General Hospital, at San Francisco. He commanded the U.S. General Hospital at the time of the San Francisco earthquake and fire. From 1910 to 1913 he was Commanding Officer, Department hospital, Department of Hawaii. From 1916 to 1917 he was general sanitary officer, Arizona section, American forces on the Border. May 23, 1918 he was promoted to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel, and May 15, 1917 to that of Colonel. From July 1917 to October 1919, he was the Surgeon, Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, New Jersey. During this period he organized and exercised command of all activities at the Port relating to the sanitation of all posts, transport service, and physical examination of all troops embarking for overseas. His personnel engaged under him in exclusive Medical Department activities reached the large number of 1024 commission officers, 1270 nurses, 6288 enlisted men, and 402 civilian employees. Some idea of the stupendous job can be gained when it is noted that 268,118 soldiers passed through the Port for overseas in July 1918. Practically all sick and wounded from forces overseas passed through this Port. The administration of the medical activities at the Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, was unquestionably the largest single operation of the Medical Department during the World War. From 1919 to 1922, he was Commanding Officer of the Letterman General Hospital. Mary 3, 1926, he was assigned to his present station in command of the Army Medical Center at Washington, D.C. The Army Medical Center now comprises the Walter Reed General Hospital, the Army Medical School, Army Veterinary School, Army Dental School, and the Army School of Nursing. General Kennedy received the Distinguished Service Medal for work at Hoboken , and also the Navy Cross for cooperation with the Navy during the same tour of duty. He is the only medical officer in the Army to have received both the Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Cross. He also received the following citation for gallantry in action: "James M. Kennedy, Colonel, Medical Corps, United States Army, for gallantry in action against Spanish forces in Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1896, in attending wounded under fire". He has the following campaign medals: - Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection, Cuban Occupation, Mexican Border Service, Victory. In 1907 he was appointed honorary professor of surgery in the University of California. He is a Fellow of the American Medical Association, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the Association of military Surgeons. He was given an honorary degree by the University of South Carolina his Alma Mater, today June 1929.

Eddie H. Boos - reporter

2009-01-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Edward "Eddie" Hugo Boos was nineteen years old when he rode with the Corps. He worked as a reporter for the Missoulian and sent detailed stories of the trip not only to Missoula but all over the United States. He says that he rode a Sterling bicycle.

In 1896-97 he was enrolled at the University of Montana at Missoula.

Edward Hugo Boos was born 1 April 1877 in Illinois

1880 US Federal Census Lewis and Clark, Helena
In this record Edward is 3 and has a 1 year old sister named Charlotte. According to this census Eddie and his sister were both born in Illinois. His father, George E., is 28 and is a book binder. His mother, Dorthea, is 27 and "keep(s) house". No street address is given. George E. was born in Wisconsin and his wife in Kentucky. Both of their fathers were Prussian as well as George E.'s mother. Dorthea's mother was from Baden.

Daily Independent, Helena, Sunday May 2, 1880
Mr. George E. Boos has purchased the Herald book bindery, of which, since its introduction here, he has been foreman. Mr. Boos has rented, and will occupy rooms in Dr. Frary's building, on Broadway, where he will conduct the book binding business in the future. He is a first class binder and a gentleman of excellent business qualifications. All business in his line which may be entrusted to him will receive prompt and careful attention at reasonable charges. The enterprise in which he has engaged is one that should receive encouragement, and we wish him success.

Daily Independent, Helena, Wednesday December 22, 1880
Mrs. Geo. E. Boos, an experienced instructress in the German and English languages, contemplates establishing at an early date, a Kindergarten school for children from 7 to 8 years of age, provided sufficient encouragement is given to justify such a step. We hope the school may be established.

Daily Independent, Helena, Tuesday January 25, 1881

German Class for Girls and Boys
-------------------

The hours for the German studies are Tuesdays and Thursday at 3:30 o'clock p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.
The Kindergarden will open Tuesday, February 2d at 9 a.m. Parents will please have the little folks ready.

MRS. DORA BOOS

1900 US Federal Census - Hell Gate, Missoula, Montana

Eddie is a 23-year old boarding at a house or apartment on Higgins Avenue owned by William Murphy (a grocery merchant). There are ten roomers (including two clothing merchants, a grocery clerk, druggist, lawyer, dentist and a day laborer) as well as a nephew, two daughters and a wife living at the residence. Boos' occupation is listed as journalist.

1910 US Federal Census - Missoula Ward 3, Missoula Montana
Edward is married to Annie E. (3 years) and living at 400 Daly Avenue in Missoula. Boos is 34 and his wife is 38. In this record Boos' birthplace has switched to Kentucky. The birthplace of his mother and father is also listed as Kentucky. The birthplace of Annie E. is Canadian English. Boos is the advertising manager at a "Department Store" [I believe this is the Missoula Mercantile - owned by Annie's dad].

1918 World War I Registration Card
Boos birthday is given as April 1, 1877. His workplace is the Missoula Mercantile Co. Boos is 41 and still living at 400 Daly Ave. in Missoula. [This record is difficult to read]

1920 US Federal Census - Missoula District 154, Missoula, Montana
Boos and his wife are still living at 400 Daly Ave. in Missoula. They have a boarder named Lucille Lyda [very difficult to read], a 25 year old whose relationship is listed as "Launderer". This census indicates Annie immigrated to the United States in 1890 and was naturalized in 1900. Once again, Eddie's birthplace is listed as Kentucky. Boo's occupation is listed as an advertising manager. His wife is a boarding keeper and Lucille is a "university instructor"

1930 US Federal Census - Missoula District 8, Missoula, Montana
Eddie, 54, and Annie, 61, are living at 400 Daly Avenue in Missoula. Eddie's birthplace is back to Illinois while Annie's is "Canada English". Their house is valued at $12,000, fairly high compared to most of the neighboring homes. Boos' occupation is listed as "Advertiser" at a "Dep't Store"

In a chapter titled Putting the Army on Wheels, in the book Buffalo Soldiers of the West, Charles M. Dollar claims, "He [Lt. Moss] chose Edward H. Boos, an experienced twenty-three-year-old cyclist from Missoula whose father was publisher of the Daily Missoulian..."

apparently there was a falling out....

"Peter Towey, late city editor of the Missoulian, Tuesday commenced an action in the district court at Missoula against George E. Boos and Henry O. Collins, members of the Missoula Co-operative Printing Company. In his complaint he alleges a misappropriation of the funds of the concern, asks for an accounting, a dissolution of the co-partnership and the appointment of a receiver. S.G. Murray appears as plaintiff's attorney..."

- The Citizens Call [Philipsburg, Granite County, Montana] September 15, 1897

1896 R.L Polk and Co's Helena City Directory 1896
Boos George E., moved to Missoula, Mont.
[George E. is consistently listed in the Helena directory throughout the 1880s and 90s]

The Helena Daily Independent, Sunday Morning, May 5, 1929

Episcopalians Meet Next Sunday....

"...Individual offerings from all over the state, many outside states and even far distant countries are being received by the Silver anniversary offering treasurer, Mr. Edward H. Boos, Missoula, Montana, and it is the hope of the committee in charge that when complete the amount will aggregate $25,000...."

Click here for a nice biography on Boos

The Helena Daily Independent, pg. 1, Monday, Sept. 27, 1937

EDWARD H. BOOS OF MISSOULA IS DEAD
----------------------

Missoula, Sept. 26 --(AP) --Edward H. Boos, 60, advertising manager of the Missoula Mercantile company since 1899, died at his home here today after a long illness.
He came to Montana from Kentucky with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Boos, in 1888. The family first resided at Helena, where the elder Boos was publisher of the Missoulian during the Helena-Anaconda State Capital struggle.

The Helena Daily Independent, Sunday, March 20, 1938

BOOS COLLECTION OF INDIAN RELICS GIVEN TO UNIVERSITY
----------------------------------

State University, Missoula, March 19 -- (Special)-- A gift of 31 valuable Indian relics and 175 books from the collection of the late Edward H. Boos, until his death advertising manager of the Missoula Mercantile company, has been catalogued and arranged as the Edward H. Boos memorial collection in the treasure room in the journalism building at the university.
Mr. Boos during his life-time was always vitally interested in the welfare of the university. He attended school here in 1895 and 1896.
President George Finlay Simmons has accepted the valuable collection with the "deep thanks of the university." The Indian relics include several bows, arrows, pipes, Indian suitcases, belts, pouches, ornamental bands of various kinds, and bags and necklaces as well as several pictures. Many of the pictures were taken by Mr. Boos. All of the Indian relics are from Mr. Boos' collection, which he gathered over a period of many years.
The collection of volumes includes copies of the Sentinel, university year book, many of them early ones. The other books range in subject from biography and language to advertising and encyclopedia.
President Simmons said that the Boos collection "makes an important addition to our own collection of Indian relics. We are very grateful to Mrs. Boos for permitting us to have the collection which meant a great deal to Mr. Boos and which has now been made accessible to large numers of people in this state who are interested in Indian culture. The books will be a very welcome addition to our library."

Missoula City Cemetery website
Edward Hugo Boos Age: 60 Date of Death: 9/26/1937 Grave: 6 Lot: 15 Block: 025
Boos Annie Hammond Age: 79 Date of Death: 8/15/1943 Grave: 5 Lot: 15 Block: 025 Inter#: 07582