McCraken Family Honor Roll of Civil War Veterans

The Civil War left deep physical and emotional scars on the men who survived; thus, many soldiers never wanted to talk about thier war experiences agter they returned home. Some, however, did join the G.A.R., and most attended the soldiers' reunions.

It is estimated that between 1.200 and 1,500 attended the annual reunion of the veterans of Company G 42nd Indiana at the Ebeneezer grove in Harrison township Wednesday. It was decided unanimously to hold a reunion again next year and the date was set for September 20. Captain Joshua A. palmer was elected captain for another year, a grizzled veteran humorously moving that he be made captain as long as he behaved himself.

The company assembled in the Ebeneezer church at morning and sang "My County 'Tis of Thee". Aprayer was made by the Rev. George May. W.A. Tomey was selected for secretary and John McCafferty was named as his assistant. Capt. Joshua A. palmer made a short but impressive talk to the comrades and many were moved to tears. He also gave a short sketch of the battle of Chickamauga. When the roll call followed, twenty-five answered "Present". They were Andrew J. Allen, John Aikman, Joseph allison, A.J. Burris, Glorian Bartl, Thomas Besley, Robert Chappell, Dudley Ellis, George Eubanks, C.C.Gregory, William H. Gilley, F.M. Hunter, Benjamin Hopkins, Doctor Hancock, William jackson, L.F. Johnson, jacob jackson, John J. McCracken, Charles McCracken, William McCracken, Joshua A. Palmer, Albert Pride, P.H. Ragsdale, Joseph Swan and W.A. Tomey.

In order to ascertain the number of visitors, those not members of Company G were asked to rise to their feet. It was found that there were thirty-nine veterans present who were not members of the company, making a total of sixty-four at the reunion.

After the election of officers the veterans formed in line and marching to the graves of comrades, with shaking hands cast flowers over the grassy mounds, a pretty custom observed at every reunion. They then repaired to th long table, quickly improvised out of planks, where a great feast was awaiting them. A short address to the soldiers and their friends was made in the afternoon by Congressman Chaney.

A contribution of $7.55 was made up by the audience and placed in the hands of Captain Palmer to defray the expense of the reunion."

The Soldiers Monument which stands on the south lawn of the Daviess County Courthouse was dedicated on 8 October 1913. The idea had been proposed two years earlier by the local members of the Grand Army of the Republic. The day of the dedication was also the fifty-first anniversary of the Battle of Perryville, where many of the old veterans had their first experience in combat.

Before the parade began, the old soldiers gathered on the lawn of the courthouse. Some of them were wearing their Civil War uniforms, and they all were enjoying being together for the important occasion.

The stores along main Street and many private homes were decorated for the event. Leading the parade, which began at the courthouse, were the city officials followed by the fire department with their decorated wagons, 2,350 school children carrying flags, a unit from the Indiana National Guard, and then the veterans themselves. Next in the parade were the members of the Ladies Circle of the G.A.R., the members of the Eagles Lodge, a drum corps and the members of the Odd Fellows Lodge. The parade ended back at the courthouse and was followed by a program dedicating the monument. It included patriotic music, speeches and a flag drill. The morning program ended with the audience singing "America". The afternoon program took place at the First Christian Church and featured several speeches praising the veterans. The celebration ended with music and the benediction by the chaplain of the G.A.R. post.

The Civil War has been over for a long time now. The sorrows and bitterness which the war created have worn away, and that is a good thing. But the patriotic young soldiers who served their country during those painful four years should never be forgotten.