The DeWitt Guard was organized in 1851, and the first regular meeting was held December 31st. At this meeting a series of By-Laws were adopted, very many of which are in operation at the present time, although there is not at the present time a single person connected with the organization who at that time was a member. J. B. Terry was elected the first Secretary, and George H. Collins Treasurer, with Stephen Brewer and Loren Day as Directors. At that time the law permitted the Companies to have a certain number of supernumeraries, and at the second regular meeting, F. Reed Dana, W. G. Maurice, Isaac Tichenor, Julius M. Adsley, Dana Fox, E. M. Marshall, John Rumsey, George McChain and S. B. Covert, were duly elected supernumeraries. The first out of doors drill took place in the Park, June 23d, and lasted Thursday November 25th, 1852, by proclamation of the Governor, was observed as a day of Thanksgiving. This being the day designated by the fair ones of our village for the presentation of the Banner to our Company, Captain Partenheimer's orders were responded to by a prompt and full corps. Upon being drawn up in line in front of the Clinton House, Hon. S. B. Cushing, on behalf of the Ladies, in a few appropriate remarks, presented the Banner. Our worthy Lieutenant Bruyn, on behalf of the Captain and his Company, returned his most sincere and heartfelt thanks, with a few remarks highly complimentary to him from whose hand he received the Banner, and to those Ladies instrumental in making the donation. Alter a parade through the principal streets, and giving each Public House a round of blank cartridges, with that good feeling ever manifested by the Company, they were dismissed by our commanding officer. March 3d William Glenny was elected Secretary in place of J. B. Terry, resigned. July 4th, 1853, was duly celebrated by the Company by an encampment through the day in the Park. August 9th the Company were inspected by Brigadier General Segoine, of Auburn. Monday Wednesday June 11th, 1856. The Willard Guard of Auburn, accompanied by Scott's Cornet Band of Rochester, arrived on an excursion to Ithaca. When nearing the dock they were saluted with twenty-one guns from the DeWitt Guard, and received by them accompanied by the entire Fire Department of the village, and were escorted through the principal streets to their quarters at the Clinton House. They were there welcomed by an appropriate speech from J. H. Selkreg, Esq. William Shapcott, of the Willard Guard, returning thanks on behalf of their Company to the soldiers, Fire Department and citizens, for the cordial manner in which they had been received. The Willard Guard paraded during the forenoon of the following day, and at five o'clock P. M. were escorted to the Park by the DeWitt Guard, where they were drilled in the different evolutions of military tactics with great credit to themselves. On Friday morning the DeWitt Guard again paraded and escorted their visitors to the Steamboat September 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th, the Company were encamped at Dryden; on Friday they were reviewed by General Segoine and staff of Auburn. The encampment passed off with perfect harmony, and without any thing to mar the good feeling which prevailed throughout. Tuesday, December 10th, the Company escorted the remains of their late member, Sergeant James C. McClune, to their last resting place. February 24th, upon invitation of the Pioneers of Tompkins County, the Company paraded and escorted that body through the principal streets of the village. September 15th target shoot. October 13th the Company were inspected at Goodwin's Falls by Adjutant George H. Collins. Upon invitation of the President of the Tompkins County Horticultural Society, the Company paraded and attended their Fair, June 3d, 1858. Upon invitation of the Tompkins Blues, the Company visited Trumansburg and joined in celebrating the Fourth day of July. A very pleasant entertainment was provided by the citizens of August 17th, 1858, the Company paraded in honor of the successful laying of the Atlantic Cable. August 31st, upon invitation of the Ithaca Fire Department, joined with them in procession, and escorted Cayuga Hose Company No. 4, of Auburn, to the Clinton House. "The DeWitt Guard, accompanied by Whitlock's celebrated Cornet Band and several invited guests, left Ithaca at 7 o'clock A. M., July 12th, 1859, on an excursion to our neighboring city of Auburn, and to enjoy one of the pleasantest trips ever experienced by any Company of soldiers. The Company mustered two Lieutenants, three color-bearers and twenty-five men. The smiles of Heaven seemed to be upon us, and every thing seemed given to conduce to our happiness. It was indeed a lovely sight as we floated down the beautiful Cayuga, which lay sleeping between the banks of those noble hills, decked in nature's verdant garb. It would have been a lovely scene for some artist to sketch in glowing colors; but no artist could touch so tenderly the points with which nature has adorned them. We In the afternoon the Auburn Companies, together with the DeWitt Guard, paraded for nearly two hours, after which each Company was practiced in the Battalion movements; the DeWitt Guard taking the lead. Each Company displayed a thorough discipline in military tactics, the movements being of almost mathematical precision. In the evening the Company were the guests of Doctor Willard, and was splendidly entertained at his beautiful residence After a pleasant return trip on the lake, we were much surprised to find our own good citizens in large numbers, together with a Company of Cavalry and the entire Fire Department, at the landing ready to receive us, and escort us to our homes. We were received with a beautiful and eloquent speech by Marcus Lyon, Esq., which was responded to by our Chaplain, Rev. W. C. Steel. Were marched through the principal streets to our Armory, highly pleased with our trip. Long will this excursion be remembered by the DeWitt Guard; our hearts having been united to the soldiers and people of Auburn by those bonds of friendship which time shall never efface." The 50th Regiment National Guard, consisting of Company A, Captain P. J. Partenheimer, Company D, of Trumansburgh, Captain Belnap, and Company I, of Havanna, Captain Mulford, the Regiment commanded by Colonel H. A. July 3d the Company was presented with a handsome stand of colors by Sergeant John C. Hazen. April 2d, 1861, the Company tendered their services to the General Government. August 6th, 1862, escorted volunteers to the Depot; three hearty cheers were given by the members of the DeWitt Guard, for those of their number who had volunteered in the service of their country. September 28th attended the funeral of Lieutenant Marsh, at McLean, who was killed in the army. October 28th, 1862, were inspected at Trumansburg. December 3d Captain Blood introduced the Bayonet Drill. February 22d, 1863, was celebrated by the Company by a parade, (By B. R. W., Secretary.) Sept. 2d, 1864.—The Company assembled at the Armory at 6 o'clock, A. M., with tears in their eyes and carpet-sacks in hand, to march for Elmira. Headed by their gallant Captain, they proceeded silently to the Depot, where the parting was truly heart-rending, and the Secretary, in order to hide his feelings, was forced to take refuge in a freight car, and solace himself with a fresh chew of Mike Wick's best. The voyage was safely performed, the only cause of complaint being the rye treatment which some of the men received at Willseyville. The grand entree at Elmira was made at about two o'clock, P. M., where we were received in behalf of the United States by the brilliant and dashing Captain Colby, of the 58th, by whom, assisted by Drum-Major Robinson's justly celebrated martial band, we were escorted to Barracks No. 1. On entering the portals of this haven of rest, our ears were saluted with cries of Fresh Fish. Our inexperienced eyes searched eagerly on every side for this delectable delicacy, but we failed to discover it. The future movements of the Company at this post are recorded by our worthy Sergeant, H. S. |