Merritt Simonds Post No. 283 GAR, DeKalb, Illinois-- Part 2

From SUV c63

Merritt Simonds joined Company K of the 42nd Illinois Infantry Regiment on August 4, 1862.  He was a new recruit among battle-hardened veterans.  His first combat was at the Battle of Stone's River where the 42nd lost 161 of 350 engaged.

At the Battle of Chickamauga, they entered action late on September 19 and attacked through the Vinyard Field, but were repulsed with heavy losses.  About noon on September 20, the 42nd and the rest of Sheridan's Division were moving northeast past the Widow Glenn house when they were attacked by Hindman's Division and driven from the field.  The 42nd was driven from the field losing 143 of the 305 troops they had.

Merritt Simonds was one of them.  He was wounded and captured after suffering tremendously and not taken off the field until September 26.

He died on October 29, 1863 and is buried at Chattanooga.

--Old Secesh

Merritt Simonds Post No. 283, GAR in DeKalb, Illinois-- Part 1

The Merritt Simonds Post No. 283, Grand Army of the Republic, DeKalb was organized in 1883 with 22 charter members.  Merritt Simonds of DeKalb fought and died from his wounds at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, in 1863.

Henry B. Gurler served as its first commander.  Charles F. Beaufire was adjutant and George H. Gurler was quartermaster.

The post disbanded in 1965.  The flagpole must have come from funds left over.

--Old Secesh

Looking Back to 1966: New Flagpole Dedicated at the DeKalb, Illinois, Library by Women's Relief Corps

From the November 16, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb,Illinois) "Looking Back."

"In a ceremony by the DeKalb Post of the American Legion, the new flag and flagpole of the DeKalb Library was dedicated.  The flagpole was given by the Merritt Simonds Women's Relief Corps No. 60 Auxiliary of Grand Army of the Republic and the flag provided by the DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765."

Still Around Back Then, Evidently.  --Old Secesh