Memorial Day tribute to Stockbridge’s soldier monument and cannon

by Ron and Arlene Kaiser

Stockbridge: On July 27, 1894, the president of G.H. Ewing Women’s Relief Corps (W.R.C.), Mrs. M. J. Brownell, asked the E. H. Ewing Post of the G.A. R. (Grand Army of the Republic) to begin working for a permanent monument, and though the question was often discussed, no action was taken until May 22, 1896, when $15 was deposited as a starter of the monument fund.

From lectures, ice cream socials, dinners on election days, quilts and comfortables sold, patriotic entertainments, rummage sales and socials, the sum steadily grew until Post and Corps had on interest $400. In August, 1904, the Post believed the time had come in which the good people of Stockbridge and vicinity would like to help toward this memorial of our country’s defenders.  A soliciting committee was appointed.  A. G. Miller headed the list with $100.  C. E. DePuy, Frank P. Glazier, our genial state treasurer, and Stockbridge Elevator Co. each gave $100.  Through the kindly interest of F. E. Ives, the Stockbridge Agricultural Association donated the surplus left in their treasury, $100 or more.  The subscription grew by $50s, $25, $10s $5s and on down to day’s labor given, which were duly appreciated by the committee.

A meeting of the Post and citizens was called in January 1905.  A Monument committee was appointed of citizens, the W.R.C. and the Post and Corps. Bids were solicited from different cities in the state.  The Firm of Leslie and Mitchell of Jackson was awarded the contract to furnish a Barrie Granite Monument for $1,300, to be in place for May 30, 1905.  With the consent of the township board the monument was placed on the northwest corner of the public square.

To A. G. Miller is due, more than to any other, the placing of the mounted cannon, donated from the U. S. Arsenal at Watervliet, N.Y. to E. H. Ewing Post of the G. A. R. on an opposite corner of the square from the monument.

These reminders of the trials and triumphs of the Union soldiers of the Civil War will be an object lesson to the generations to come of the loyalty and public spirited patriotism of the citizens of Stockbridge.