Log in

Mysteries at the Museum: Finding Forgotten Heroes

Posted

This past December, in Looking Back we remembered the funeral of Charles Rush in December 1899. A veteran of the late war with Spain, Rush was working as a civilian clerk in the Philippines, when he became ill, dying while enroute home. Charles was the fourth son of Major James Laurence Rush and his wife Frances, who was killed in the cyclone, the Major dying suddenly in February of 1892. For whatever reason, I wasn't sure where Charles was buried and tramped off to the cemetery in search of his gravesite. The Rush plot is near the entrance and that's where he lay, beside his parents and little sister. It occurred to me this is where the unidentified picture was taken. Let me explain.

Sometime ago Lori Herring came into possession of the above photograph and donated it to the museum. The original is an undated postcard size souvenir photo, now stained and faded by time, with only James Knox Polk Vittetoe being labeled. It was unknown where and for what purpose they had assembled. It had been correctly assumed these were members of the Grand Army of the Republic or G.A.R. for short, an organization of Union Veterans who frequently held civic rallies and acted as colorguard for important events. The lapel ribbons appear to be in keeping with the organization's regalia of the time. In an attempt to get a clearer picture we turned to Robert Gordon at Webster County Printing who was able to enlarge and clean up the effects of 125 years of handling. With this improved version, faces not seen for decades smiled and stared back.

What can we tell from the photo to pin down a date? Who isn't in the picture is the first clue, by 1896, R.W. Fyan, Robert Butts and James Rush were all dead, each having served as post commander and none are in this picture. If you look carefully at the photo, Charles' government marker hasn't been erected yet and it appears that fans of iris or palm leaves have been laid on the graves of both father and son. We can also tell by the trees and the mens suits the season is warm but not yet hot. An article from the Marshfield Mail on May 31, 1900 describes the observances surrounding Decoration Day, the forerunner of Memorial Day, which included dinners, speeches and the GAR leading a quiet, reverent march to the “City of our Dead” to decorate graves. While there is no smoking gun, it's safe to say this picture was taken on May 30, 1900. The location for this photo may have been chosen out of affection for the Rushes or the unique situation of their burial. This cannot be confirmed, but Charles Rush may be the first post-Civil War Veteran buried in Marshfield Cemetery.

Who are the men in the photo? Good question, and we need your help to figure this out. We do know a few of them. James Vittetoe, front row ninth from the right, Freeman Evans is two over, 7th from the right and George Gilbert is far left with the drum. As for the others, we aren’t for certain. This photo will be available at the museum or digitally on the Facebook pages of both the Marshfield Mail and Historical Societies. Suggestions for searching? The museum has multiple GAR and veterans photos and membership lists that can be reviewed. Much of this is reprinted in the several Webster County Histories that have been written. Those with Ancestry and Find a Grave accounts may find them useful. It may be a matter of simply looking through the family photos. Thank you for your help, we can’t wait to see what you find.

Do you have a mystery or question you want answered? We may be able to help. Email news@marshfieldmail.com with submissions. 

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here



X
X