History of the Soldier's Home, Marshall County, Iowa

By Philip M. Crapo

On July 1, 1884 the 48th Congress passed a bill providing for the establishment of an additional branch of the National Volunteer Soldiers' Home at some point in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, or Nebraska, the same to be located on a tract of land not less than 320 acres in extent. The Board of Managers, comprising General William B. Franklin. Colonel Leonard A. Harris, General John A. Martin, General Martin T. McMahon. Major David C. Fulton, General George B. McClellan, General John C. Black, General James S. Negley and General Thomas W. Hyde, at their annual meeting at Dayton, Ohio, in the summer of 1884, set apart several days for the presentation of claims and the offering of bids by the various cities asking for the location, and in September of the same year made a tour of inspection of the various sites offered.

Recognizing clearly the necessity of a Soldiers' Home in Iowa, and us a special inducement to secure the location of the new branch within her limits, the 20th General Assembly passed an act offering $50.000 in addition to any local offer that might be made, and appointed a committee of two from the Senate; George Carson and Alvin M. Whaley, and three from the House; General James M. Tuttle, Captain Albert Head, and Washington I. Babb, to present this offer to the Board of Managers.

On August 4, 1884, Department Commander E. G. Miller of the Grand Army of the Republic, by instruction of the Annual Encampment, appointed the following committee to co-operate with the State Committee: P. V. Carey, H. E. Griswold, John Lindt, N. A. Merrill and M. A. McCoid.

This liberal and patriotic offer of Iowa was not duplicated by any other state, and taken in connection with the more beautiful and appropriate sites offered within the limits of the state, should have fairly secured for Iowa the location of the Home; but personal and political considerations prevailed against the better judgment of many of the Board of Managers, and the Home was finally located at Leavenworth, Kansas.

Nothing daunted by this failure, the brave and earnest men who championed Iowa's cause in this enterprise, determined that it was due to her many disabled veterans that they should have a home within her borders.
The movement for a state Soldiers' Home was inaugurated at the State Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic at Davenport, on April 23, 1885, by the introduction of the following resolution by P. M. Crapo, which was unanimously adopted.

"Resolved, That the Department Encampment Grand Army of the Republic, recommend an appropriation by the legislature of Iowa of a sum not less than one hundred thousand dollars, for the establishment of a Soldiers' Home in this state, to be under its control and direction, and that a committee of eleven, one from each congressional district of the state, be appointed by the Encampment to present and urge before the next state legislature, proper action upon this subject."

The following committee was appointed: First District, Philip M. Crapo, Chairman; Second District, N. A. Merrill; Third District, A. H. McCracken; Fourth District, E. R. Weiser; Fifth District, J. H. Rothrook; Sixth District, J. L. Parker; Seventh District, Josiah Given; Eighth District, O. A. Bartholomew; Ninth District, M. Nichols: Tenth District, G. H. Welch; Eleventh District, Thomas Beaumont.

The chairman of this committee at once instituted a most thorough investigation throughout the state to discover how many old soldiers actually needed the comforts and shelter of a home. Although a statute of the state provided that no old soldier should be committed to the alms house, it was ascertained from official sources, that 155 old soldiers were occupants of the poor houses, in various counties of the state, and twice as many more disabled veterans (chiefly supported by their comrades or by private charity) were suffering for want of proper care and protection because they were unwilling to accept similar humiliation as a reward for their services to the state and nation. Equipped with this information, this committee, assisted by prominent Grand Army men throughout the state, and also by the Woman's Relief Corps, presented the facts to the attention of the 21st General Assembly and urged, with untiring zeal and unyielding persistence, that action should be taken at once for the establishment of a Soldiers' Home in Iowa, that the suffering of their comrades might be mitigated and the good name of the state relieved from the stigma resting upon it.

It was urged at first by the members of the General Assembly, that the finances of the state were not in condition to justify the large appropriation required, but after the measure had received the endorsement of the retiring Executive, Governor Buren R. Sherman, and also favorable notice in the inaugural message of Governor William Larrabee, and the four hundred posts of the Grand Army of the Republic in the state had put in their pleas, sentiment in its favor grew rapidly, and when the vote was finally taken, the nearly unanimous vote which it received in both branches of the General Assembly voiced in unmistakable terms the patriotic spirit of the people of the state, and their unwavering love and devotion to the disabled veterans who had saved the Union.

After the passage of the bill, practically as prepared by the Chairman of the G. A. R. Committee, (and which was introduced in the House by Hon. W. H. Redman and in the Senate by Hon. A. M. Whaley) the General Assembly, in joint convention, attempted to settle the location of the Home in accordance with the provisions of the bill. Balloting was continued for two days and one night without result. The convention was then dissolved and it looked for a time as though the bill might fail through inability to select a location.

At this point an attempt was made to secure the sanction of the Grand Army of the Republic, then in annual Encampment at Sioux City, to allow the matter to drop, with a view of sending the disabled Iowa soldiers to the Leavenworth National Home then in process of erection. A communication was received from Gov. Larrabee asking if this would "fairly meet the requirements and expectations of the Iowa soldiers." A committee was appointed to report a resolution for action of the Encampment, which should be a suitable reply to this communication. The Committee reported the following resolution, which was almost unanimously adopted, and the Chairman of the committee instructed to telegraph it to Gov. Larrabee: "Resolved That it is the earnest request of this encampment that the legislature provide a home on Iowa soil for the homeless soldiers of Iowa, at the earliest possible day, and that in no case should a soldier citizen of Iowa be sent out of the state for care and maintenance.

S. E. Robinson, Secretary Philip M. Crapo, Chairman.

This settled the matter. The General Assembly, which was about ready to adjourn, immediately changed the locating clause of the bill and appointed a commission with authority to examine sites and locate the Home. The locating commission, comprising D. J. Palmer, D. F. House, Chas. Sweeney, C. C. Bradley, John R. Caldwell, T. J. Anderson, A. W. Swalm, M. M. Walden, H. E. Griswold, R. M. Smith, and M. V. Brower proceeded at once to examine the various sites and inducements offered for the location of the Home. Among the places visited were Burlington, Dubuque, Sac City, Marshalltown, Colfax, Indianola and Mason City. The spirited and unparalleled contest for location was resumed. Beautiful sites and large financial inducements were offered by the various localities, but the prize was finally awarded to Marshalltown, whose citizens manifested unusual spirit and enthusiasm in their efforts to secure both the National and State Homes. Their delegations working for the location, led by Mr. R. E. Sears, were large and of their best citizens, full of enthusiasm and determination to secure the Home at any cost. Their efforts were very ably seconded by Senator P. M. Sutton, who was a zealous advocate of the measure all the way through, and by Representative J. G. Brown, who was also active and ardent in its support. Whatever disappointment other localities may have felt in the award of the committee, they could not escape a feeling of admiration for the unconquerable spirit of the Marshalltown men. Hon. M. V. Brower was one of the most valiant supporters of the Soldiers Home Bill in the Senate, and "Uncle Dick" Clarkson never lost an opportunity to say a good word for it in the "Register," and Lafe Young championed it with equal vigor in the "Capital."

The fight for the home was begun during the administration of E. G. Miller as Department Commander of the G. A. R. The period of greatest effort and successful accomplishment was while W. R. Manning was Commander. To him and to W. T. Wilkinson, editor of the Grand Army Advocate, much honor is due for their support and influence. W. A. McHenry was Commander during a large part of the time consumed in the erection of the Home, and at all stages the measure had no truer friend or more earnest advocate. Phil Schaller has served on the G. A. R. Committee almost continuously since the Home was established, and has always been one of the best friends of the Home.

The following resolutions are so personal that I should hesitate about introducing them here except that the record of the prominent part of the Grand Army of the Republic in securing the establishment of the Soldiers Home, would be incomplete without them. These preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted by the 13th Annual Encampment at Dubuque, April, 21 1887.

"Whereas, comrade P. M. Crapo, Chairman of the Soldiers Home Committee, appointed by Commander Manning, did through his untiring efforts, succeed in bringing the matter before the last legislature, which established a home for the homeless soldiers of Iowa, where they may find rest and comfort in their declining years, and, Whereas, Comrade Crapo spent much time in said work of establishing the Home, now therefore be it, Resolved, That this Encampment extend to Comrade Crapo the thanks of the comrades of Iowa for his noble efforts in thus looking after their interests, and Resolved further, That this be made a part of the records of this Encampment.

The Soldiers Home has been the special charge of the Grand Army of the Republic from the beginning. The movement for its establishment was inaugurated in their Annual Encampment, and they have maintained a standing committee continuously, whose duty it has been to keep it under constant supervision, and this committee have recommended and worked for every important appropriation the Home has secured. The present committee is, P. M. Crapo, Phil Schaller, Geo. W. Crossley, L. B. Raymond, and E. H. Colcord.

The first Board of Trustees of the Home, appointed by Governor Larrabee and confirmed by the Senate, was as follows: J. M. Tuttle, N. A. Merrill, ?. W. Burdick, S. L. Dows, G. A. Madson and J. J. Russell.

The building committee was Gen. J. M. Tuttle, and Hon. N. A. Merrill. The main building of the Home was completed in the fall of 1887, and dedicated November 30th of that year. The dedication exercises were dignified and impressive. There were present, the state officers; the Department officers of the Grand Army of the Republic; the Board of Trustees of the Home; many members of the General Assembly; the Marshalltown city officials, and other distinguished citizens; and representatives of the press from the important cities of the state. A great concourse of old soldiers from every part of the state, under the command of Gen. B. A. Beeson, escorted by Frank M. Thomas Post G. A. R. marched in procession to the Home, where a great throng of ladies and gentlemen, numbering several thousand, had already assembled. The occasion was inspiring, the enthusiasm of the assembly unbounded, and the dedication of no state institution was ever marked by such unmistakable evidences of popular approval and patriotic pride. Dr. George Glick was Chairman of the local celebration committee.

Ex Governor Buren R. Sherman, President of the Day, called the assemblage to order, and in a brief and stirring speech, expressed his pleasure at being permitted to preside on an occasion dedicating an institution which reflected so much credit upon the state and which promised so much happiness to hundreds of his old comrades. Department Chaplin, Charles O. Brown, followed with an eloquent and appropriate prayer. Gen. J. M. Tuttle. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, in his address, announced the completion of the Home, and stated that it was ready for dedication to the uses to which it was to be devoted. He feelingly reviewed the situation, calling attention to the great need for a home by many of the disabled veterans, and closed with an expression of the hope that every helpless old soldier might be laid to rest in honor by the state, and that the good work of protecting and relieving the country's defenders should be continued so long as one of them remained.

Governor Larrabee responded on behalf of the state, thanking the Commissioners for their faithful work in erecting the Home, and expressing his pleasure at its completion. He referred to the history of the war, its importance to the country, the credit due for its successful issue to the armies of the Republic, and Iowa's honorable share in the struggle. He referred to the fact that five of our eight Executives since the Civil War, had served their country in that war with distinction. In the building of the Home, the state had discharged a patriotic duty. It was not an alms house, but a home freely offered to the nation's defenders who need its shelter.

Philip M. Crapo then delivered the address on behalf of the Grand Army of the Republic. He referred to the important part the Grand Army had taken in securing the establishment of the Home, and their inexpressible joy that their disabled comrades were at length to find a place of dignified rest and comfort in their last days. He told of the sacrifices of the old soldiers, and what part the hardships of those eventful days had in bringing to them the heritage of disabilities and sufferings which afflicted their declining years, which now, through the love of a grateful people, were to he assuaged, and their last days made as peaceful as human hands could do. Referring to the successful appeal of the old soldiers to the people of the state on behalf of their disabled comrades, he concluded: “ The responsive hearts of the people of our grand state have answered this appeal, and the comrades of the men who will fill these halls, with quivering lips and tear filled eyes, acknowledge your patriotic action, and with one voice unite in an offering of thanks.

Rev. Dr. C. S. Percival then delivered an appropriate poem, written for the occasion, entitled, "The Invitation." It was a beautiful tribute to the valor of Iowa soldiers, and the patriotism of her people, in offering a home to her heroes.

The exercises closed with a brief but eloquent address by Sidney A. Foster, which paid a noble tribute to the soldiers who saved the Union. Hon. M. M. Waldin made an impromptu address outside, to the throng who could not gain admittance to the building.

Immediately after its dedication, the Home was opened for occupancy by the waiting soldiers, as rapidly as preparation could be made for their accommodation. On the first day, December 1, 1887, seven members were admitted. In his message to the 22nd General Assembly on Jan. 10, 1888, a little more than a month later, Governor Larrabee, reported sixty inmates; by the following June the nnmber had increased to 163; a year later 258 were in attendance; in June 1890, there were 849 on the rolls, and by midsummer 1891, the enrollment was 432, and 882 were actually present April 15, 1891, although the Home was intended to accommodate only 300 inmates. Accommodations were improvised in every available space, especially during the winter, and still the Board of Managers were compelled to ignore the petitions of a very large number of applicants. New buildings have been added, and the accommodations enlarged, until at the present time, (January 26, 1901), there are present in the various departments of the Home, 731 men and 56 women, and there is still a waiting list of from twenty five to fifty unable to gain admittance, because of lack of accommodations. The total number of admissions to the Home from the date of establishment to January 26, 1901, is 2,305, of which 103 are women.

The original building, completed in 1887, is 216 feet long by 120 feet in depth, with brick basement and superstructure of three stories built of brick, with stone trimmings, and a slate roof ; heated by steam and lighted by electricity.

The first important addition to the Home was the hospital, for which the 23rd General Assembly appropriate $25,000. When complete and put into use in 1890, an objectionable feature was removed from the main building, and its capacity considerably increased, but it filled up immediately and the congested condition continued.

The 24th General Assembly made an appropriation of $5,000, providing for the erection of ten cottages for the exclusive use of old soldiers and their dependent wives. These cottages, when finished, were completely furnished by the Woman's Relief Corps. They were ready for use on February 8, 1893, and at this time women were first admitted to the Home. Department Commander, C.L. Davidson of the G. A. R. and L. B. Raymond, who had been strong advocates of the erection of cottages, visited the Wisconsin Veterans' Home at Waupaca in December, 1890, to investigate, and reported in their favor. A committee of two of the Trustees also visited Waupaca to learn of the working of the cottage plan, before erecting the cottages. Senator J. B. Harsh was an earnest and efficient advocate in the General Assembly of the appropriation for the cottages, and the passage of the bill was largely due to his efforts. The cottage plan has many popular features, still it has been persistently claimed by the officials of the Home, that the dormitory plan has advantages for people of advanced age.

The 24th General Assembly also appropriated $5,000 for a Woman's building. This was so clearly inadequate for the purpose that it was not used until the 35th General Assembly added $8,000, and a handsome brick dormitory 68 feet 4 inches long by 42 feet 6 inches in depth, was built during the year 1894 and opened for occupancy January 1, 1895, under the supervision of Mrs. M. A. Reed, which has proven popular, and a very beneficent provision for dependent mothers, widows, and wives of the old soldiers. This building was furnished almost entirely by the Woman's Relief Corps. But by far the most important and useful addition made to the Home was the building of the new hospital during the year 1896, made possible by an appropriation of $40,000 by the 26th General Assembly. This building which is of cut stone foundation and trimmings, with superstructure of pressed brick, is a handsome building architecturally, excellently adapted in every particular to the purposes to which it is devoted. It has a south frontage, with a total length of 228 feet; the central part is 110 feet in depth and the wings 25 feet wide. Every one of its 110 beds has a window, the ventilation is excellent; the nurses are women, and in charge of Miss Isabel Jarvis, a graduate of one of the best training schools. It is bright, well conducted and cheerful as it is possible for a hospital to be. To the building committee, S. B. Evans, G. L. Godfrey and L. B. Raymond, much credit is due for the excellence of this structure. The old hospital is now utilized as an additional dormitory, thus materially increasing the capacity of the Home.

Largely through the efforts of the Woman's Relief Corps G. A. R. an appropriation of $15,000 was made by the 28th General Assembly, for an Old Peoples Building, which was partially built, and to this amount the 29th General Assembly added $12,000 for completing and furnishing the building. Owing to the increased cost of material and labor the appropriation has not proven sufficient for the entire equipment of this building, but when facilities for cooking are added, and the dining room is properly furnished, this will become a model dormitory. It is devoted to the use of old soldiers and their wives. In its arrangements and appointments it is exceedingly comfortable and pleasant, and when completed so that meals can be served in the building, it will come as near to furnishing the comforts and conveniences of a home as it is possible to provide. The old soldiers and their wives who occupy this building seem very happy and contented.

In front of the main building a handsome and convenient Head Quarters building has been erected, the main floor of which is devoted to the offices of the Commandant, Adjutant, Surgeon and Quartermaster; with a fire proof vault for books and records, and the pension certificates of the inmates of the Home. In the high basement, which is pleasant and well lighted, is an ample reading room, and an excellent library of more than 1600 volumes. We also find on file for use, fourteen daily newspapers, fifty weeklies and five magazines; thus furnishing an ample supply of current literature and news.

The other buildings as well as the main dormitory are all heated by steam and lighted by electricity, with the exception of the four residences occupied by the officers, which have furnaces, and the ten cottages for soldiers, which are heated by coal stoves. The buildings are all comfortably heated and lighted, but only the newer buildings are especially well ventilated; the new hospital and old peoples building however, are notable exceptions in this respect. Water is supplied by the City of Marshalltown at a cost of five cents for 1,000 gallons. The aggregate cost of the supply is large, and the quantity would hardly be sufficient for the requirements in case of a conflagration. The Home should have its own waterworks, and the supply of water should be large enough for any emergency.

One of the greatest needs of the Soldiers' Home is a new chapel. The present one in the main building, is entirely inadequate for the purpose, and its removal to a suitable separate building would afford additional accommodation for soldiers who are waiting to enter the Home, and a much larger number of inmates would be permitted the privilege of attending worship, and other services, than the limited capacity of the present chapel will allow. A new laundry is an urgent want. An elevator in the main building is also greatly needed, and will soon be indispensable. The average age of the inmates of the Home is a fraction over 64 years. Their age and infirmities make it very difficult for them to climb to their quarters in the second and third stories. This effort will soon be beyond the ability of most of the inmates.

The grounds have been laid out tastefully, and in summer, with their wealth of flowers and shrubs, beautiful shade trees and well kept lawns, leave a very pleasant impression upon the visitor, and must be a source of constant pleasure to the inmates of the Home. The work of caring for the grounds is done largely by the old soldiers who are able to do light work. They take pleasure and pride in it and are benefited by the employment, within the limits of their strength. Details are also made for work in the farm and garden, where fresh vegetables and fruits are raised; and assignments are made to such other occupations in the general work of the Home as they are able and willing to perform. These tasks help the old soldiers to pass the time more pleasantly and give that healthier tone of mind and body which is always an attendant of congenial employment. The value of farm produce and fruits raised during the past year, was about $3,500.

The grouping of the buildings of the Home gives a pleasing effect. The main building occupies an eminence near the north side of the tract of 128 acres, donated for the site by the city of Marshalltown. Back of this building the land slopes to the north line which lies along the Iowa river, where there is a fringe of timber. To the rear of the building are the storage building and vegetable cellar, the main heating and lighting plant, the hose house and the barn. Flanking the main dormitory on the street running west, are the cottages, and south of them is the Women's dormitory, the hall for female help and the new hospital. Farther south, forming the west line of the broad rectangle in front of the main building, are placed the residences of the Quartermaster and Adjutant. East of the main building is located the old hospital building, now used as a dormitory for old men, and farther along the Old Peoples' Building. In front of these on the east side of the court is the Head Quarters building and the residences of the Surgeon and the Commandant. The cemetery is on the east side of the grounds. Out of the total number of deaths to January 26, 1901, (aggregating 402 men and 16 women), 246 men and 7 women have been buried here. In this connection let me say the greatest possible respect is shown to deceased soldiers. They are all buried with military honors, in fine oak caskets, and as they are laid to rest silk flags are placed upon their breasts.

The entrance to the Home grounds is at the southern extremity, just one fourth of a mile from the entrance to the main building. The grounds certainly deserve a more attractive entrance and an appropriate gate house. The long stretch of roadway leading to the buildings, has been bordered with shade trees, and the broad lawns are plentifully interspersed with them, until the grounds are gradually assuming the appearance of a beautiful park.

The regime of the Soldiers' Home is of necessity different from that of other state institutions. The inmates are all old, with rapidly declining strength and as a rule in feeble health. They are less able to work, and have a more independent spirit, than the inmates of other state institutions, and we cannot point to their accomplishments or tendencies to improvements at this time, in manual labor or mental development. Their days for usefulness are for the most part past, and they are simply waiting for the summons to go hence. By their great services at a critical time in the life of the nation, they earned the gratitude of the people and the rest they now enjoy; and the state seeks to relieve them so far as possible of the anxiety and distress which would otherwise cloud their declining years. Our aim must therefore be to relate what the state and nation has done and is doing to pay the debt due to these recipients of her well earned bounty. How true she has been to the pledge made to them in the flower of their youth, when they braved the perils of camp and field and prison to make our homes secure, that government "by the people and for the people might not perish from the earth," a brief review of the expenditures to date by the state will demonstrate. S he has nobly illustrated the inscription on the corner stone of the original building: "Iowa forgets not the defenders of the Union."

The total appropriations for buildings, equipment and furnishings, (including the sum of $100,000, originally appropriated for the erection of the main building, and support for the years 1887 and 1888)

Has been…………………………………………………… $ 254,525.
To which should be added for sewers………………………….. 5,750.
Improving grounds………………………………………………8,700.
Miscellaneous items……………………………..........................8,032.
Donation by the city of Marshalltown of 128 acres of
land and $ 12,000 in cash ……………………………………...30,000.
Total cost of improvements………………………………….$297,007.

Of this amount $18,000 was received from excess of pension money. These sums, together with the annual expenditures for maintenance, represent the state's contributions to the construction and support of their Soldiers' Home. Fourteen dollars per month is allowed annually for the support of each inmate. The actural cost per annum for maintenance, according to the last report, was $168.14. Of this amount the United States government paid $100 per annum, making the average cost to the state for the support of each inmate of the Home, $68.14. The government makes no allowance for the support of the women.

The first Commandant of the Soldiers' Home was Colonel Milo Smith. His services began with the opening of the Home on December 1st, 1887, and he resigned October 10, 1892. To put the home in working order in all its departments and details required a man of extraordinary tact and ability, but Colonel Smith succeeded admirably in every particular and won the fullest respect and confidence of the Board of Managers and the inmates of the Home. Colonel John H. Keatley succeeded Col. Smith on October 10, 1892 and held the office of Commandant until September 22, 1894, when he resigned. He was a capable and zealous official and the Home prospered under his care.

J. R. Ratekin succeeded Col. Keatley as Commandant, serving in that capacity until September 28, 1897, when his resignation was presented to the Board of Managers. During his administration some friction arose between the Commandant and some members of the Board of Managers. Each party to the controversy had its friends and defenders, but no claim was made by any one that Mr. Ratekin did not discharge his official duties with care and fidelity.

The present Commandant, Colonel C. C. Horton, assumed the duties of the office October 12, 1897, and from that date to the present time, has filled the office with exceptional ability and rare good judgment. The state is to be congratulated on securing such a capable executive officer, and the old soldiers are fortunate in having a commandant who understands them so well, and who tempers his authority by so much genuine kindness and consideration for their welfare.

At present the discipline of the Home is all that could be expected. Under this head it may not be inappropriate to refer to a recent experience at the Home, illustrative of the high sense of honor and personal responsibility which is characteristic of these old veterans. Some cases of small pox were reported in the neighboring city of Marshalltown and it became necessary to establish a quarantine at the Home. The old soldiers were notified that the safety of the inmates made it necessary to discontinue the issue of the usual permits to visit the city, which are ordinarily given when requested. No guards were established; the inmates were merely placed on their honor, and although they were practically cut off from intercourse with the city for about three weeks, there was but one violation of the order. Commandant Horton refers to this incident with a feeling of evident pride.

The sanitary condition of the Home is excellent and so far as practicable its routine of daily life is regular and helpful. The food is ample, nutritious and well prepared, and the services of the female waiters and nurses, in the highest degree satisfactory. The head nurse, Miss Isabel Jarvis, received the special commendation of the Commandant for the efficient manner in which her duties have been discharged, and the matron, Mrs. Mary H. Miller, by her careful attention to the details of her work and her kindly ways, shows special fitness for the position she occupies.

The Home has regular weekly inspections by its own officers and an annual inspection by the Assistant Inspector of the United States Army. The inmates of the Home and its beautiful grounds attract many visitors. Excursions are frequent, and it is estimated that from 80,000 to 40,000 people visit the Home annually.

A history of the Home would be incomplete without particular reference to the constant watchful care of the Woman's Relief Corps of the G.A.R. They have contributed year by year, in every department, not only those things which add to the comfort and convenience of the old soldiers, but also many valuable gifts of permanent character. They have almost entirely furnished some of the buildings. At one time they contributed sixty excellent pictures to adorn the walls, and later an organ for the new hospital. Their latest important contribution is a fine piano for the chapel. Their frequent presence and unstinted gifts adorn the Home and cheer the hearts of its inmates, just as the messages from the wives and mothers at home daring the war helped to win the victories which saved the Union. The Soldiers Home is the mecca of this noble organization in Iowa. Their thoughts never leave it and their hands never weary in their efforts to make it pleasant and home like. The knowledge of their love and sympathy brightens the last hours of many an old veteran as he parts with his comrades here to join that grander army which awaits his coming on the other shore.

A large and flourishing post of the Grand Army of the Republic has been organized at the Home. It is known as the Phil Sheridan Post, Number 452. The old veterans recognize the fact that the Soldiers' Home came into existence through the efforts of their comrades of the G. A. R. and are therefore strong supporters of the organization.

An excellent band of fourteen pieces has been organized which gives regular concerts, and is a source of great pleasure to the inmates of the Home. In April 1900, Rev. Jesse Cole was appointed chaplain of the Home. He conducts regular services in the chapel, and by his interesting sermons and sympathy for his old comrades, exerts a strong influence among the old soldiers, as his large and deeply interested audiences clearly testify.

The following is a list of the Treasurers of the Board of Trustees of the Soldiers Home from the date of organization until the Board of Control assumed charge.

C. W. Burdick, 1887, to May 11, 1894.
J. R. Ratekin, May 11, 1894, to September 28, 1894.
A. T. Birchard, September 28, 1894, to June 18, 1896.
J. W. Morton, June 18, 1896, to July 1, 1897.

The following are the names of the men who have filled the offices of Adjutant, Quarter Master, and Surgeon, since the establishment of the Home.

Adjutants:

A. D. Gaston, 1887, to March 10, 1889.
F. T. Wells, 1889, to Nov. 1894.
Charles L. Longley, Nov. 1894, to Aug. 1895.
B. F. Warfel, Aug. 14, 1895, to date.

Quarter Masters:

?. ?. Eberhardt, 1887, to Aug. 1895.
Charles L. Longley, Aug. 14, 1895, to Sept. 1897.
B. A. Beeson, Nov. 11, 1897, to date.

Surgeons:

W. B. Waters, 1887, to Nov. 9. 1892.
G. W. Harris, Nov. 9, 1892, to Aug. 3, 1894.
Hamilton P. Duflleld, Aug. 2, 1894, to date.

The names of the entire list and term of service of the Trustees of the Soldiers Home, from its establishment, to the date when its direction was assumed by the Board of Control, are as follows:

J. J. Russell, 1887, to 1898.
C. W. Burdick, 1887, to 1893.
S. L. Dows, 1887, to 1893.
N. A. Merrell, 1887, to 1895.
J. M. Tuttle, 1887, to 1892.
G. A. Madson, 1887, to 1892.
S. B. Evans, 1893, to 1898.
J. R. Ratekin, 1893, to 1894.
A. T. Birchard, 1895, to 1898.
C. L. Davidson, 1895, to 1896.
J. M. Morton, 1895, to 1898.
L. B. Raymond, 1896, to 1898.
G. L. Godfrey, 1897, to 1898.

The administration of the Home under the Board of Trustees was as a whole, wise and satisfactory The inmates were well cared for, and as the Board was composed exclusively of old soldiers, there was a bond of sympathy existing which insured incessant and faithful service. Some questions of policy arose under their administration, which required careful handling and there is still, possibly, a difference of opinion as to the exact justice of all their decisions in the minds of some, but there has not been at any time, any serious doubt on the part of the public that the Board of Trustees sought to do at all times what they honestly thought was for the best interest of the institution and the welfare of its inmates. Our governors appointed to this responsible position only men of high character and excellent business qualifications.

The law adopted in 1898 placed the Soldiers' Home in charge of the Board of Control on the first day of July of that year. There was a wide spread feeling at the time, among the old soldiers of the state, that an exception should have been made in the statute in favor of the Soldiers' Home, which would permit it to remain under the direction of a Board of Managers composed of old soldiers. This course had been pursued in other states, and it was thought that the peculiar relations which the inmates of the Home sustained to the state, justified the gratification of this wish of its comrades. In assuming direction of the affairs of the Soldiers' Home, therefore, the Board of Control had a delicate task on their hands. How well and considerately it has discharged its duty may be inferred from the fact that the call for the re-establishment of a Board of Managers has practically ceased. The old soldiers of the state were gratified at the recent appointment of a comrade on the Board of Control. They considered this appointment as significant of the fact that it is the earnest desire of our state officials, at all times, to meet the wishes and contribute to the happiness of the veteran wards of the state to the fullest extent of their power.

Bulletin of State Institutions [under the Board of Control], Volume 3
By Iowa Board of Control of State Institutions, 1901

Submitted by Cathy Danielson