Spanish American War Historical Sketch of the 49th Regiment Volunteer Infantry Transcribed and Contributed by: Dena Whitesell [Source: Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers, Vol VI, published 1911, pages 277-387] 49th Regiment Volunteer Infantry Term of service two years or during the Spanish-American War. Mustered into the service of the United States at Camp McKinley, Des Moines, Iowa, June 2, 1898, by Captain J. A. Olmsted, U. S. A. Mustered out of service May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Roster of Field, Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Staff Officers at muster in of organization. This regiment was composed of the twelve companies which formerly constituted the First Regiment Iowa National Guard. It was mustered into the service of the United States at Camp McKinley, Des Moines, Iowa, by Captain J. A. Olmsted, of the Regular Army, June 2, 1898. It left the State on June 11, 1898, and was conveyed by rail to Jacksonville, Fla., and, upon its arrival there, was assigned to the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps. It moved from Jacksonville to Savannah, Ga., on October 25, 1898, and from thence to Havana, Cuba, December 19, 1898. The following account of its movements and operations, during its term of service, is condensed from the official report of its commander, Colonel William G. Dows. Upon the arrival of the regiment at Jacksonville, June 14, 1898, Colonel Dows reported in person to Major General Fitz Hugh Lee for orders, and was assigned to the Third Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Henry C. Hasbrouck, of the Regular Army. The location of the first camp proved to be a mistake, for, as soon as the rains began, the ground was flooded, and it was found necessary to move to higher ground, which was done, and the new camp, near Panama Park, about three miles from Jacksonville, was found to be a great improvement; but the long, hot summer which followed proved a severe test to the health and strength of the men, who had been brought up in a more temperate climate. During its stay at this camp the regiment was recruited to the maximum strength, and was brought to a high standard of drill and discipline. On October 25, 1898, Colonel Dows received orders to proceed with his regiment to Savannah, Ga. The camp at Savannah was pleasantly located, and the officers and men of the regiment greatly enjoyed their stay there. On December 19, 1898, the regiment was ordered to embark on transport, and was conveyed to Havana, Cuba, where it arrived December 21, 1898. Two days later the regiment marched through the city of Havana, and thence to a small station called Quemadas—a part of the town of Marianoo—eight miles from Havana. The subsequent service of the regiment, while it remained on the Island of Cuba, was of a more or less arduous character. Companies were detailed for the purpose of guarding the water supply for the city of Havana, performing provost guard duty, and taking charge of some of the forts and public property that had been surrendered by the Spanish Government. During this period the regiment enjoyed a brief relaxation from the monotony of camp and garrison life. With its brigade and division it was ordered on a march, through a part of the island, which occupied several days. On January 1, 1899, the regiment participated in the parade of troops, and the formal ceremonies attending the lowering of the Spanish flag and the raising of the flag of the United States, in the city of Havana. The regiment remained on the Island of Cuba until April 4, 1899, upon which date it received orders to return to Savannah, Ga., at which place it was mustered out of the service of the United States, on May 13, 1899. In concluding his official report, Colonel Dows commends in the highest terms the conduct of the officers and men of his regiment, and calls attention to the fact that the Regular Army officers, under whom it served, had given the regiment many compliments in their reports to the War Department, for its efficiency in drill and discipline. It will thus be seen that the Forty-ninth Regiment made the most effectual use of its limited opportunities. It maintained the high record established by Iowa soldiers in the Civil War, and, had the opportunity come to it, would no doubt have won distinction on the field of battle. It is, therefore, fully entitled to an honored place in the history of those Iowa regiments which performed such service as was required of them, in connection with the Spanish-American War. SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES Total Enrollment .....................................................1385 Killed ............................................................... Wounded .......................................................... Died of wounds................................................... Died of disease ..........................................................54 Discharged for disease, wounds or other causes....... 259 Buried in National Cemeteries.............................. Captured ........................................................... Transferred .................................................................43 FIELD AND STAFF William G. Dows. Age 34. Residence Cedar Rapids, nativity Iowa. Appointed Colonel April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Clifford Ham. Age 37. Residence Dubuque, nativity Michigan. Appointed Lieutenant Colonel April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Samuel E. Clapp. Age 38. Residence Toledo, nativity Iowa. Appointed Major April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Benjamin F. Blocklinger. Age 34. Residence Dubuque, nativity Iowa. Appointed Major April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Frank R. Fisher. Age 40. Residence Waterloo, nativity Illinois. Appointed Major April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Albert M. Jaeggi. Age 24. Residence Dubuque, nativity Iowa. Appointed Regimental Adjutant April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Ervin E. Reed. Age 24. Residence Monticello, nativity Iowa. Appointed Battalion Adjutant April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Ernest S. Olmsted. Age 24. Residence Des Moines, nativity Utah. Appointed Battalion Adjutant April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Resigned Dec. 2, 1898. William A. Siddle. Age 29. Residence Clinton, nativity Iowa. Appointed Battalion Adjutant April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Frank W. Woodring. Age 28. Residence Waverly, nativity Iowa. Ap pointed Quartermaster April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Discharged for promotion as Captain and Assistant Quartermaster U. S. Volunteers, Jan. 18, 1899. James Fred Clarke. Age 34. Residence Fairfield, nativity Iowa. Appointed Surgeon May 6, 1898. Mustered May 6, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Edward L. Martindale. Age 29. Residence Clinton, nativity Illinois. Appointed Assistant Surgeon April 26, 1898. Mustered May 6, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Edward G. Beeson. Residence Marshalltown. Appointed Assistant Surgeon June 21, 1898, from Acting Hospital Steward, U. S. Army Hospital Corps. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. John Hamilton. Age 27. Residence Cedar Rapids, nativity Wisconsin. Appointed Additional Assistant Surgeon May 6, 1898. Mustered May 6, 1898. Resigned Feb. 13, 1899. Oscar H. L. Mason. Age 33. Residence Green Mountain, nativity Iowa. Appointed Chaplain April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF Frank B. Townsend. Age 22. Residence Marshalltown, nativity Missouri. Promoted Sergeant Major from Second Sergeant of Company H, June 9, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Will L. Foster. Age 25. Residence Maquoketa, nativity Iowa. Appointed Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Discharged March 18, 1899, Waverly, Iowa. Holland M. Scott. Age 30. Residence Vinton, nativity Iowa. Promoted Color Sergeant from Second Sergeant of Company G, July 4, 1898. Promoted First Sergeant of Company G, Dec. 31, 1898. Herman M. Haerling. Age 30. Residence Toledo, nativity Iowa. Appointed Hospital Steward May 2, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Louis F. Kelling. Age 24. Residence Bennett, nativity Iowa. Appointed Hospital Steward April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Albert B. Deering. Age 24. Residence Boone, nativity Iowa. Appointed Hospital Steward May 20, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Discharged Jan. 10, 1899, Boone, Iowa. FORTY-NINTH INFANTRY REGIMENTAL BAND Charles C. Holt. Age 31. Residence Dubuque, nativity Ohio. Appointed Chief Musician April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Fred G. Roedell. Age 22. Residence Dubuque, nativity Iowa. Appointed Principal Musician April 26, 1898. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Baldwin, Charles. Age 18. Residence Grinnell, nativity Illinois. Enlisted June 1, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Discharged March 30, 1899. Barrett, Robert L. Age 18. Residence Osage, nativity Vermont. Enlisted May 31, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Beeson, Charles B. Age 2 5. Residence Albion, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 31, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Blair, Victor S. Age 25. Residence Des Moines, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 2, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Transferred to Company I, June 9, 1898. Bruner, Arthur L. Age 27. Residence Tama, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 2, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Bruner, Ernest. Age 31. Residence Tama, nativity Iowa, Enlisted June 1, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Cassill, Thomas E. Age 27. Residence Garner, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 2, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Diltz, Charles E. Age 32. Residence Tipton, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 24, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Discharged Jan. 22, 1899, Tipton, Iowa Hall, William H. Age 31. Residence Allerton, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 2, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Transferred to Company P, June 9, 1898. Hiegel, George. Age 21. Residence Tipton, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 30, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Humphrey, Clyde W. Age 18. Residence Tipton, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 30, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Discharged March 13, 1899, Tipton, Iowa. Jones, Joseph W. Age 29. Residence Fairfield, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 28, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Knight, George E. Age 41. Residence Coggon, nativity Wisconsin. Enlisted May 28, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Krob, Joseph T. Age 27. Residence Solon, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 31, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 189 8. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Lichtenwalter, Elgin B. Age 23. Residence Toledo, nativity Iowa. Transferred from Company K, June 9, 1898, as Musician. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Meskimen, Alpha W. Age 18. Residence Coggon, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 28, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Nice, IVed E. Age 2 2. Residence Dubuque, nativity, Wisconsin. Enlisted May 28, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Nold, Charles A. Age 21. Residence Union, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 23, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Reinecke, William H. Age 27. Residence Dubuque, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 2, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Transferred to Company A, June 9, 1898. Ronig, Lyman G. Age 19. Residence Independence, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 1, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Skinner, J. Dell. Age 21. Residence Manchester, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 24, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Transferred to Company E, Oct. 6, 1898. Smith, Chester J. Age 21. Residence Liscombe, nativity Iowa. Transferred from Company A, June 9, 1898, as Musician. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Wallace, Elmer H. Age 25. Residence Gilman, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 2, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Promoted Principal Musician Oct. 20, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. Wallbaum, Henry F. Age 24. Residence Charles City, nativity Iowa. Enlisted May 24, 1898, as Musician. Mustered June 2, 1898. Mustered out May 13, 1899, Savannah, Ga. FORTY-NINTH INFANTRY LINE OFFICERS Names of company, officers at muster in of their companies. Service record given opposite their names in the alphabetical roster following. COMPANY "A" Willard M. Flynn, Captain. Jacob R. Ballough, First Lieutenant Charles J. Stewart, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "B" Charles W. Cotton, Captain Edwin S. Geist, First Lieutenant Joseph A. Gury, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "C" George A. Evans, Captain Harry J. Sugru, First Lieutenant Albert U. Machemer, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "D" Frederick B. Roziene, Captain Calvin A. Danforth, First Lieutenant Delos W. Fowler, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "E" Hubert A. Allen, Captain Mitchell B. O'Brien, First Lieutenant Raymond P. Snow, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "F" Louis J. Rowell, Captain Frank H. Gunsolus, First Lieutenant John A. Bartley, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "G" Charles F. Young, Captain Guy Kellogg, First Lieutenant Herbert E. Crawford, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "H" Charles S. Aldrich, Captain Bruce F. Moffatt, First Lieutenant Frank M. Haradon, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "I" Albert G. Stewart, Captain Ross A. Nichols, First Lieutenant William S. Hart, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "K" Herbert G. Ross, Captain Peter W. McRoberts, First Lieutenant John N. Lichty, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "L" Chester C. McCollom, Captain George M. Michelsen, First Lieutenant John B. Nattinger, Second Lieutenant COMPANY "M" Elza C. Johnson, Captain George M. Johnson, First Lieutenant Fred H. Nietzel, Second Lieutenant ©2008 Genealogy Trails