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William Winer Cooke, c. 1874-1876.
(Western History, Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library)
Beginning in 1891, members of the G. A. R. Post 472 in Hamilton, Canada honoured their fallen
and deceased comrades by conducting Decoration Day ceremonies on each May 30. From its
inception, the ceremonies were reported on by the Hamilton Spectator -- most notably in 1899
and 1901. The following is a selection of articles pertaining to Decoration Day ceremonies
conducted in Hamilton that I have transcribed from the Hamilton Spectator.
FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD.
Decorating the Graves of Soldiers of the Federal Army
On Saturday afternoon a simble [sic] but beautiful and impressive ceremony took place at Burlington [Hamilton City] and Rockbay [sic] cemeteries. There, some fourteen or fifteen soldiers who fought on the northern side in the great American rebellion, "their warfare o'er, sleep the sleep that knows no waking." May 30 is universally observed, both in the northern and the southern states, as Decoration day -- the day on which the graves of soldiers who fell in the war are decorated with flowers. Up to last Saturday the day had not been so observed here, and probably the ceremony which was conducted by the grand army men on Saturday afternoon was the first one of the kind in Canada.
The members of W. W. Cooke post, twenty-six in number, some of them wearing the full uniform of the G. A. R., and all of them bearing badges, marched to Burlington cemetery, carrying bouquets of flowers. A hack laden with flowers accompanied them. The ceremony of decorating the graves was witnessed by a large number of interested spectators. The little groups of veterans gathered near the grave of the gallant Col. W. W. Cooke, after whom the post is named. With bowed heads they listened to the venerable Chaplain Wright read the prayers prepared for the occasion. Commander J. N. Lovell then read the address. Three of the G. A. R. men were detailed to decorate each grave, and, laden with flowers, they marched off in various directions. At the sound of a bugle blown by Commander Lovell, the flowers were simultaneously laid upon the graves. The "comrades" were then summoned by the bugle-call back to the rendevouz [sic], and the little band proceeded to Rockbay [sic] cemetery where the ceremony was repeated.
Following are the names of some of the dead soldiers whose graves were decorated: Andrew J. Diamond, company K, N. Y. heavy artillery; Percy Clarke, company J, second lieutenant, Fifth Rhode Island heavy artillery; Wm. Tomes, company M, Sixth United States cavalry; Nelson Stevens, company B, Twenty-fifth United States colored infantry; J. F. Jagoe, Fourteenth Michigan regiment, company B; John P. Ackworth, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth New York volunteers; George Trumbull, company F, Thirteenth regiment New York state infantry; John F. Robertson.
United States Consul Monaghan marched with the G. A. R. men, and was present at the ceremony at both cemeteries. Col. Monaghan was a member of the original order of the Grand Army of the Republic, having joined in 1866. When the order was reorganized a year or two later he withdrew, and did not connect himself with it again until a few months ago, when he joined the W. W. Cooke post, of this city.
Thanks From the American Soldiers
Col. Wm. W. Cooke post 472, G. A. R. would most respectfully tender its most sincere and profound thanks to the many kind and generous people citizens for their liberal and bountiful decorations of flowers with which they have so lovingly revered the memories of our sleeping comrades in these cemeteries. By order of the cemetery committee.
(The Hamilton Spectator; Monday June 1, 1891)
LAID FLOWERS ON THE GRAVES
Memorial Day Celebrated By the Members of W. W. Cooke Post, G. A. R.
Bright flowers were strewn on the graves of the union [sic] soldiers in Hamilton and Rock Bay cemeteries yesterday afternoon. Memorial day is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the border, the impressive services held at the graves of the dead heroes, who died in defending the union, recalling the memories of the past, but it was not until last year that the day was observed in Hamilton. Accompanied by the Volunteer Veterans' association and the British Army and Navy Veterans, W. W. Cooke post, G. A. R. marched to the cemeteries, where simple and solemn services were held. At the head of the procession was W. Jamieson, wearing his medals and carrying the Union Jack, and President Dow, of the Army and Navy Vets. President Kerner led the Ridgeway veterans. Following them came the stars and stripes and the American veterans. Arriving at the cemetery a halt was made in front of the grave of Col. W. W. Cooke, of the Seventh cavalry, who died with the brave Gen. Custer. There was a large attendance of spectators, the majority of them being ladies. Each of the veterans carried flowers.
The services were conducted by U. S. Consul Monaghan, commander of the post. In opening he read the following: "Comrades, the duty of to-day is of impressive significance. We meet to honor our dead and to deepen our reverence for their work; to strengthen among ourselves the bond of fraternity by recalling the memory of experience common to us all; to encourage a more generous charity of our comrades, who are sick or in distress, and for the destitute wards of the grand army; to renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and to our flag, and to emphasize in the minds and hearts of us all the most courteous and reverent decorum. Let our soldierly deportment be such that we may worthily honor the graves we decorate, the memories we cherish, the flag we salute, and the grand army to which we belong."
Acting Chaplain Wolfkill read the prayer prescribed for the occasion, after which Col. Monaghan delivered a patriotic and eloquent oration. He thanked the veterans for coming to the cemetery to assist in decorating the graves of "your citizens and our soldiers."
Rev. R. G. Boville delivered a short address. He said he had been exhorted by Chaplain Wright to be present, and represent him on this occasion. It had been his pleasure to march with the veterans, and he now considered himself a veteran. He was glad to have the privilege of hearing the eloquent tribute payed to the dead by Col. Monaghan, and the beautiful way he put it, when he said "your citizens and our soldiers." Why did they commemorate the dead? It was because they represented a good cause; they lived and died for it. It was a pleasure to him to see the two flags floating together, and the veterans marching side by side. In the heart of the British and Canadian veterans there swells the same desire to show respect for the dead. He said that last Tuesday, when he was Philadelphia a party he was with sand a verse of God Save the Queen and then America, and at his suggestion the veterans sang America and God Save the Queen. In his speech he took exception to Col. Monaghan speaking of the veterans as living in a strange land.
Col. Monaghan replied that he had spoken figuratively. He hoped the time would never come when they would be other than brothers.
The veterans then marched to the different graves, and when the bugle sounded the taps they deposited the flowers. Rev. Mr. Boville pronounced the benediction. The services were very interesting, many of those present never having witnessed them before. S. M. Russell was officer of the day.
The following are the names of the soldiers whose graves were decorated: Col. W. W. Cooke, Henry H. Williard, Hudson J. Diamond(1), J. F. Jagoe, Anson E. Smith, W. H. Mitchell, Joseph Mottashed, Peleg Clark(2), Joseph P. Ackworth(3), Nelson Stephens, George Trumbull, and James Stiff. The veterans then went by way of boat to Rock Bay cemetery, and decorated the graves of nine soldiers there.
(The Hamilton Spectator; May 31, 1892)
MEMORIAL DAY
Cooke Post, G. A. R., Decorates the Graves of Deceased Comrades.
This being the day appointed by the G. A. R. to be observed as Memorial day throughout the world, the American veterans of this city, as in past years, again decorated the graves of their late comrades with spring's loveliest flowers. The impressive services of the G. A. R. were held at the tomb of the late Col. Wm. Cooke; and here also a quartet, composed of ladies of Col. William W. Cooke corps, 228, W. R. C., sang We Deck Their Graves Alike To-day, and Cover Them Over With Beautiful Flowers, in the presence of a large concourse of people.
At the post headquarters the ladies of the W. R. C. sang the American hymn; Speed Our Republic was sung by a trio composed of Mrs. Smith, Rubley and Clarke, with Miss Gracie Clarke as accompanist; and an instructive reading was given by Mrs. Russell. Rev. Dr. Philp, of Wesley church, in his eloquent and masterly oration of the day, held the post comrades, ladies of the W. R. C. and the public spellbound from beginning to end. After the close of the day's exercises the ladies of the W. R. C. entertained the post comrades with a lunch at headquarters.
The officers and members of Col. William W. Cooke post, 472, G. A. R., hereby tender their most sincere thanks to the city press for the free and liberal use of their columns; to the citizens of Hamilton, for their generous donations of flowers to decorate the graves of their [...] comrades; to Rev. Dr. Philp, for [...]oring them with such a capital oration at the public exercises, and to the ladies of W. R. C., for their kind services in so largely contributing to make this the most successful observance of Memorial day.
(The Hamilton Spectator; Saturday May 30, 1896)
DECORATION DAY
Observed This Afternoon By the Grand Army of the Republic.
Thirty-two years have passed since the internecine war in the United states closed and peace between the North and the South was declared. It was a long series of battles of brave men on both sides--the blue as well as the grey. Hundreds of thousands of lives were sacrificed. Both sides contended that they were fighting for the right. From 1861 to 1865 thousands of Canadians crossed the line and joined the Union army, and many of them never returned, for they gave up their lives on the field of battle or died of wounds or sickness in hospitals and camps. There is a comradeship existing among the men who fought side by side that can never be known to those who have not shared like dangers. The order known as the Grand Army of the Republic was the result of this comradeship. No man can be admitted into its circle who has not an honorable discharge from the army of the United States, and who served during the war of 1861-1865. The little bronze button or the regular badge of membership are proudly worn by the men who wore the blue. A man can buy his initiation into almost any other order, but to be a member of the Grand Army of the Republic on has had to win his way on the field of battle.
The are a number of posts of the Grand Army in Canada, and the main portion of their membership are Canadians, who served during the American war. Because they love the flag under which they marched and fought does not make them love less the flag of their native country. The membership of Cooke post in Hamilton is not large, but on its roster are Canadians, Englishmen, Irishmen and Scotchmen. A few Americans who have made their home in Hamilton since the close of the war are also enrolled on the records of the post. Many of the members are drawing substantial pensions from the United States government for wounds, and other disabilities, the results of the war.
One day in each year is held in sacred remembrance by the Grand Army, when the graves of the departed comrades are strewn with flowers. The 30th day of May is Decoration day, but as it comes on Sunday this year it will be largely observed throughout the United States to-day. The posy in this city celebrated this event this afternoon, and in its hall, on the corner of King and Catharine streets, memorial services were conducted. The songs and stories of the war were rehearsed, and a tribute to the memory of those who fell by the wayside and are quietly sleeping in the city cemeteries, paid by Rev. H. S. Beavis, D.D., who has the honor of being the son of a veteran of that war. It was a scholarly and patriotic address. After the services in the hall the comrades and the Ladies' Relief corp, and the families and friends went out to the cemeteries, where the grave of each soldier was decorated with the flag under which he fought and strewn with fragrant flowers. There are twenty-eight soldiers buried here, nearly all of whom are Canadians. Their widows are drawing pensions from the United States government.
(The Hamilton Spectator; Saturday May 29, 1897)
REMEMBERED THEIR DEAD.
Relatives and Friends of American Dead Decorate Their Graves.
The members and friends of Cooke Post, G. A. R. fittingly celebrated Decoration day this afternoon, when a public service was held by them in Green's hall. Following the public service the graves of American soldiers, buried here, were decorated with flowers, there being mant beautiful floral offerings. On the platform at the public service were Post Commander Gaston, Chaplain Beavis, Col. Shepard, United States consul, John Gow, president of H. M. Army and Navy Veterans' association, and others. The principal event of the public service was a patriotic address by Col. Shepard. The program included several quartets by the Misses Walton, Messers. S. Siddall and W. L. Cummen [?]. Miss Irene Bastedo also gave a reading.
There are 30 graves of American soldiers in Hamilton cemetery and the Holy Sepulcher cemetery across the bay. The graves are being covered with floral tributes this afternoon.
(The Hamilton Spectator; May 31, 1898)
DECORATION DAY.
W. W. Cooke Post, G. A. R., Remembers the Dead.
To-day is Decoration day in the United States--a holiday of a sacred nature and universally observed. It is the day on which all the Grand Army veterans come out and decorate the graves of their comrades in the war with flowers and flags. In Hamilton to-day, the members of the W. W. Cooke post, G. A. R., is performing this sacred task, there being several veterans of the American war buried in Hamilton cemetery and at the Roman Catholic cemetery at Rock Bay.
At 1:30 to-day a service was held in Green's hall, King street east, which was attended by a considerable number of people. An orchestra was present and enlivened the proceedings with patriotic airs, and Rev. Chaplain Beavis, of W. W. Cooke post, delivered a suitable address. At its conclusion flowers were distributed to the members of the post, and visits were made to the two cemeteries, where the graves of the long dead heroes of war were decorated in a fitting manner.
The steamer Acacia took the decorating party across the bay to the Rock Bay cemetery at 4 o'clock this afternoon, and the decorating ceremony concluded there.
(The Hamilton Spectator; May 30, 1900)
DECORATION DAY
Visit of Members of Cooke Post, G. A. R., to the Cemeteries
The G. A. R. veterans of this city, to the number of about 30, gathered today at 1:30 in Green's hall and proceeded to the graves of their comrades for the purpose of decorating them. The veterans were commanded by D. Kappelo, and Hugo Oder acted as officer of the day, and with him was associated Adjutant Pett. Eighteen graves were decorated in Hamilton cemetery, and twelve in Holy Sepulcher.
(The Hamilton Spectator; May 30, 1904)
1. In 1891 article, this was most likely Andrew J. Diamond.
2. In 1891 article, this was most likely Percy Clarke.
3. In 1891 article, this was John P. Ackworth.
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