14th Indiana (Company A) Volunteer Reunion

Contributed by: Randy Wright 

Rockville Tribune, Wed, Aug 29, 1900

   The annual reunion of Co. "A" of the "old Fourteenth" took place near the home of J.P. Whitsell, in Washington Twp, last Sat. and was an occasion of unusual interest and enjoyment.  Mr. Whitsell in the days of the "late unpleasantness" lived in Virginia, and was a member of a Confederate battery which the 14th Indiana sometimes faced.  Mr. Whitsell has attended the Company "A" reunions for many years and together with Dr. Gillum, was elected an honorary member of the organization.  On his cordial invitation the company held its reunion this year at his home.  In addition, on invitation of the company the ex-Confederate association of this county also attended.  The neighbors of Mr. Whitsell enlisted him in preparations for the reunion, and the arrangements were perfect.  Good music was furnished by the choir of the Rockville Baptist church and speeches were made by Rev. McWade, Dr. Gillum, D. Strouse, Mr. Whitsell and others.  The best feeling possible pervaded the entire occasion, and a large audience attended, especially in the afternoon.  The large stand was profusely decorated with flags and flowers, and over all hung the picture of Lincoln.  The dinner was abundant and fine.  "The Johnies"  headed  by Dr. Gillum and the "Yanks" by Frank Welch, on order of Captain Hays marched to the loaded tables and "fraternized" in the most natural way in the world.  The Confederate boys proudly wore the badges presented them by the Women's Relief Corps at Clinton, and joined most heartily in expressing the prevailing sentiment of the day, "One country, one Constitution, one destiny, one flag."  Ira Russell and William Pickard made the afternoon particularly enjoyable with their ever welcome songs and John D. Strain came down from Lafayette and led the martial music for the day.  Eight members answered the roll call of Co. A and 17 members of the ex-Confederate association attended.  The reunion will be held at Bridgeton next year.