The Reunion of Company H, 21^st

     The reunion of Co. H, 21^st Indiana Volunteer Infantry And 1^st Heavy Artillery, at Bellmore, Friday, was a success to everything that goes to make up such a meeting.

      Hiram C. Mater was general manager, and appointed Judge White and Rufus Dooley as masters of ceremonies during the day, and Capt. Campbell the campfire at night.

      Dr. James Rodman, who volunteered in the company form Bellmore, settled in White County after the war, read and practiced medicine, was a member of the Indiana Legislature in 1887, lost one eye, and is now a minister of the Gospel, was the forenoon speaker. The now gray haired man surprised the older people who saw him in 1861 as a very smooth faced boy.

      Judge White led the singing, assisted at the organ by his wife, and made it lively for the boys. A large prosperity dinner was set on long tables and everybody was made welcome. 

      Dan Strange, Thomas J. Lough (merchant of Darlington), J.T. Campbell, Wm. H. Wilkie, Rufus Dooley, Dr. Mater and Judge White were the afternoon speakers. Judge White outdid himself. Dr. Mater is always eloquent and interesting. 

     At the campfire at night the speakers were Capt. Campbell, who presided, Dr. Rodman, Rosell C. Chapin, Henry M. Thompson, who was shot so badly at Baton Rouge, A. J. Alexander, John D. Wright, and Dan. Chapin. The old boys in gray (hair) enjoyed the treat greatly.

      The following members of the company were present: Stephen N. Forbes, H. M. Thompson, M. C. Buckler, Richard Lawrence, George W. Lough, Eli M. Robbins, George M. Scott, H. C. Mater, A. J. Stevenson, John W. Martin, John W. Reed, T. W. Lough, T.J. Lough, H. C. Thompson, W. H. Wilkey, S. T. Davis, James Davis, Gilbert Davis, James Milliman, J. H. Faith, R. Dooley, J. T. Campbell, and Alex. Stark.

Submitted by Randy Wright November 2001                    Source: "The Rockville Republican"  9-15-1897