Franklin County, Nebraska

For Another Day

Because Memorial Day is only several weeks away, this week’s column uses a September 8, 1899 issue of the Bloomington Prickly Pear. The article is timely because it refers to honoring returning veterans from the Spanish American War. The Parenthesis are mine for clarification purposes.

“The reception given by the G. A. R. and other citizens of Bloomington and vicinity, to the returned soldiers of the First and Third Regiments of Nebraska Volunteers, at the courthouse (located in Bloomington) last Friday night was a complete success in every particular. Notwithstanding, the train did not arrive until nearly ten o’clock. It was met by the Bloomington Cornet Band and a large number of citizens who escorted the young soldiers to the courthouse, where there was a jam of enthusiastic people, all anxious to attest their admiration and esteem for them, and bid them welcome back to their homes and a peaceful life.

“After their absence and dangers in far away Philippines it seemed almost like receiving them back from the dead. Speeches of eulogy and welcome were made by G. W. Prather (judge and lawyer in Bloomington) and Harry Remley (who ran the brickyard south of Bloomington) of the G. A. R. and I.V. Smith, an ex-Confederate soldier.

“The response was by John W. Waits, and was touching in its earnestness and candor, with which he accepted the tribute of a public welcome on behalf of himself and his comrades: Albert S. Hisey (who lived northwest of Naponee), Walter Comstock, of the First Regiment, Arthur Walrath, and Fred Clapp of the Third Regiment. The boys were kept busy shaking hands until a late hour, when refreshments were served.

“Mr. Waits is well and hearty, but Mr. Comstock is in poor health, as is Mr. Hisey also, although he is fully recovered form the wounds he received in battle.

“If the tender care of relatives and friends and the best wishes of a whole people are of any avail, the boys will soon recover their health and be forever happy.

“ It appears some of these fought in the Philippine War and some went to battle in the Civil War. Albert Hisey wrote a column many years ago in which he explained the war in the Philippines. His account of this war is good reading (a story for another day).

“After some of these men had fought against one another on the Union and Confederate side of the war, they later became friends and shared the same Civil War reunions. To lay aside those disagreements and shake hands could only happen after many years had elapsed. Time heals all wounds, both physical and earthly.”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And-which is more-you’ll be a Man, my son! Rudyard Kipling

Rena Donovan, For Another Day.

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