Remembering the fallen in Chariton back in 1892

J. A. Penick

It's a challenge to imagine, looking back from May of 2023, a time when Decoration Day weekend events could draw standing room only crowds in Chariton on not just one, but two occasions. But that was the case in 1892, when Civil War losses still were relatively fresh in the minds of many.

May 29 had been designated Memorial Sunday that year and several congregations marked the occasion in their own buildings, but First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church organized a 11 a.m. community service at the Mallory Opera House on the northwest corner of the Chariton square.

"Before the hour for opening of services, the large hall was crowded with members of the several benevolent and civic societies and citizens generally," The Herald of June 2 reported. "Many were unable to even obtain standing room. The hall was beautifully decorated with flowers, flags, and bunting draped and festooned in delicate taste and artistic contrast."

The Rev. D. Austin, of the Methodist Church, opened the service with prayer; and then after suitable hymns had been sung, the Rev. A. Jacobs, of the Baptist Church, delivered a 40-minute sermon from the next, "For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me."

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Decoration Day itself --- Tuesday, May 31, --- "dawned cloudy and during the entire forenoon the sky was threatening rain and even after dinner a shower was not wholly unlooked for, but notwithstanding this, profuse and beautiful decoration was made by the firms and citizens of the city," The Herald of June 2 also reported. "At 10 o'clock, the business center was well dotted with people hurrying to and fro preparing for the parade.

"About 1:30, the procession formed and several societies, marching to the sweet strains of music, proceeded to the cemetery in the following order --- Martial Band, Members of the G.A.R. Post, Woman's Relief Corps, Daughters of Veterans, Sons of Veterans, Cornet Band, Daughters of Rebecka, Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen.

"On arriving at the cenotaph in the cemetery, a square was formed and music rendered by the choir. The exercises here were in charge of the G.A.R. Post during the process of which undivided attention was given. This being over, the veterans strewed flowers over the graves of the 37 fallen comrades who there lie beneath the sod. 

"The column was reformed and marched to the opera house where exercises were opened by music from the choir. Miss Mattie Waynick rendered an appropriate recitation, which was well received. Jas. A. Penick, Esq., addressed the  large audience and for a time held them spellbound by his ready wit and brilliant oratory. Another song was announced which closed the exercises and the celebration of Memorial Day.

"The exercises throughout were impressive and appropriate. Each succeeding year the number who  are left to relate the joys and sorrows on the battlefield will grow fewer until the last hero is laid  into the silent tomb and the G.A.R. uniform has been worn for the  last time."

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A highlight of Decoration Day for at least one old soldier was the address delivered by Mr. Penick, a prominent Chariton attorney and occasional state legislator sometimes described as a "silver-tongued orator" and in wide demand as a public speaker at a time when a rousing speech was widely appreciated.

The old soldier, who didn't share his name, submitted the following letter of appreciation to The Chariton Democrat, also published on June 2:

Mr. Editor --- Our last Decoration Day was one of special interest in all its features. Indeed it seemed as if this great national holiday was about to supplant the 4th of July in the hearts of the people. As the angel of death flung the shadow of his wing over almost every threshold during the war, so every hearthstone is brought in close and sympathetic touch with the beautiful ceremonies of Decoration Day.

The moistened eye of the soldiers told how vividly their grand cause and their great sacrifices were brought back to memory by the recitation of Miss Waynick and the eloquent address of Hon. J.A. Penick. It seems as if the sight of the flag of his country was all that was necessary to open the springs of the patriotic eloquence in this gifted Henry Clay of the Iowa forum.

Though but a child during the war, Shiloh and Vicksburg, Atlanta, Savannah, Gettysburg and Richmond are not empty names. In his speech the old soldier could  again smell the powder and hear the roar of great battles and the tread of heavy battalions as they shook the earth with the jar of their heavy tread.

His speech was a most perfect and condensed analysis of the political history that led to the war, and seldom has so much solid thought been condensed in so brief a space. But what touched the soldier most was the patriotic fire that lit up the whole speech and made it a vivid reproduction of the days of the war.

 Mr. Penick has not only shown his rare knowledge of the political history of the war, but has proved by his brilliant and eloquent speech, that his ear has always been in touch with the hearts of the soldiers, and they will  hold him in grateful remembrance as long as they live.