GAR post photo any help to identify?

[1867crete]

Hello all I posted a great image I just acquired today of GAR post 198 Macksburg Iowa. Luckily it's named and dated. Which reminded me of this image . It is honestly the first "original " item I obtained and have had it for many years. I find it unusual in the fact all members are armed? Did posts have arms and gear for parades or ceremonies? Any clues to which post this may be? I was told it was the 2nd Nebraska. But I believe they were a cav unit and post war? Obviously no info anywhere on photo. Background has a common farm house with power/phone pole. Any direction or help appreciate. Or just check out this image! Notice far left front rank, pard has a peg leg!

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

Hello all I posted a great image I just acquired today of GAR post 198 Macksburg Iowa. Luckily it's named and dated. Which reminded me of this image . It is honestly the first "original " item I obtained and have had it for many years. I find it unusual in the fact all members are armed? Did posts have arms and gear for parades or ceremonies? Any clues to which post this may be? I was told it was the 2nd Nebraska. But I believe they were a cav unit and post war? Obviously no info anywhere on photo. Background has a common farm house with power/phone pole. Any direction or help appreciate. Or just check out this image! Notice far left front rank, pard has a peg leg!

Great photos ! The 2nd Nebraska Cavalry was a 9 month regiment, and stayed out west and fought Indians. They served on at least one occasion with the 6th Iowa Cavalry. (might explain the reunion photos being made in Iowa) ? Both Union and Confederate veterans had reunion uniforms. Not sure either about the arms ? The 1st Nebraska Cavalry was first organized as Infantry and served in the Trans-Mississippi until the fall of 1864. They were then mounted and went out west. Hope this helps some way.

SEPTEMBER 5, 1863.--Skirmish with Indians near White Stone hill, Dak.

Report of Lieut. Charles W. Hall, Second Nebraska Cavalry.

HDQRS. COMPANY F, SECOND NEBRASKA CAVALRY,
Camp No. 41, Dakota Territory, September-, 1863.
CAPT.: In compliance with orders from Brig.-Gen. Sully, commanding Indian
expedition, I proceeded, on the morning of September 5, 1863, with 12 men
of the Second Nebraska Cavalry and 15 men from the Sixth Iowa Cavalry under
my command, on a scout in search of Surgeon Bowen, Sergeant Newcomb, and 8
others missing from the Second Nebraska Cavalry, after the battle of White
Stone Hill, on the 3d instant. I proceeded in a northeasterly direction
from the battle-field, and, when 15 miles distant therefrom, I was attacked
by a party of some 300 Indians, and, seeing that I could not successfully
resist their attack, I retreated slowly, returning the enemy's fire until my
command was so closely pressed by the enemy that the men increased
the rapidity of their retreat, without orders. I attempted to halt them
several times, but unsuccessfully. The enemy all the time pressed
closely on my rear, and also endeavored to cut off my retreat to camp,
from which I had started in the morning, and at which I had arrived
with what remained of my command about 12 m. that day, the enemy
pursuing to within 4 miles of the camp. The casualties on this scout
were 6 men and 4 horses killed. Sergeant Blair, Company K, Second
Nebraska Cavalry, Sergeant Rogers, Sergt. S. N. Smith, and Sergt.
Isaac L. Winget, of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, assisted me in my efforts
to control the men and check their hasty retreat.

The following is a list of the killed under my command:*

I discovered no trace of the missing, of whom I was in search, who,
however, returned to camp a short time after my return and on the same day.

The men under my command succeeded while retreating in killing 6
Indians and 4 ponies, and wounding many others, the number not known.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

CHARLES W. HALL,
First Lieut. Co. F, Second Nebraska Cav., Cmdg. Detachment.

Capt. JOHN H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH NEAR MAYSVILLE, ARK. PAGE 611-32
[Series I. Vol. 22. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 32.]

 

[connecticut yankee]

To answer your questions in order the best I can:

Yes, it's highly unusual as to the fact each member is armed in your photo.
No, Posts had did not have or maintain "arms and gear" for parades and other ceremonies. Each Post member provided his own uniform, be it original or newly purchased and decorated it with earned medals as he saw fit.

Having seen many, many albumens of this type your chances are slim to identify it unless someone has an identical photo which the original owner has written in an identification. So I suggest you keep sending it to various places on the web and perhaps you'll get lucky As to GAR Posts you should realize that a Post by its nature was comprised of men who lived in the geographic area. This means a Post may have for example 50 members of which 20 -30 may have served in differnt units from the same or different states.

Now there were "Associations" comprised of members from a particular regiment, or even from a particular Army. These Associations usually met annually at most, as members were scattered throughout the states. Having said all this, I can say with confidence your photo depicts a typical Gar Post circa 1885 - 1900. Also notice the band in front of the armed soldiers. It was quite common for a Post to have their own band. The band was considered a seperate unit attached to the Post, but not officially part of the Post. It was not a case of finding men from the Post who played an instrument, taking them and forming a band. No, the band was assembled apart from the Post, had their own distinct uniforms and supported the Post with music in parades and ceremonies.

It's a very fine photo. I ,too, wish it were identified. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[1867crete]

Yes I figured it would be difficult if not impossible to I'd I will try SUV perhaps? Thanks for your input! It seems this post was quite active? All seeming to have belts/ traps sack coats etc... always loved it

To answer your questions in order the best I can:

Yes, it's highly unusual as to the fact each member is armed in your photo.
No, Posts had did not have or maintain "arms and gear" for parades and other ceremonies. Each Post member provided his own uniform, be it original or newly purchased and decorated it with earned medals as he saw fit.

Having seen many, many albumens of this type your chances are slim to identify it unless someone has an identical photo which the original owner has written in an identification. So I suggest you keep sending it to various places on the web and perhaps you'll get lucky As to GAR Posts you should realize that a Post by its nature was comprised of men who lived in the geographic area. This means a Post may have for example 50 members of which 20 -30 may have served in differnt units from the same or different states.

Now there were "Associations" comprised of members from a particular regiment, or even from a particular Army. These Associations usually met annually at most, as members were scattered throughout the states. Having said all this, I can say with confidence your photo depicts a typical Gar Post circa 1885 - 1900. Also notice the band in front of the armed soldiers. It was quite common for a Post to have their own band. The band was considered a seperate unit attached to the Post, but not officially part of the Post. It was not a case of finding men from the Post who played an instrument, taking them and forming a band. No, the band was assembled apart from the Post, had their own distinct uniforms and supported the Post with music in parades and ceremonies.

It's a very fine photo. I ,too, wish it were identified. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[1867crete]

Thanks East Tennessee for the after battle report... Very interesting and intimidating read!!