Old Abe and Friends-- Part 4: Retired, Fame and the Fires

In 1864, Old Abe, already famous, was presented to the State of Wisconsin and lived in his own room at the Capitol Building.  He was often taken on the road to help raise money for veterans causes.  In 1880, he made his last appearance for a GAR meeting in Milwaukee.

In 1881, there was a small fire in the Capitol Building.  Old Abe raised the alarm and it was put out, but not after he had inhaled much smoke and he later died of it on March 26.

On September 17, 1881, his stuffed remains  were placed in a glass display case in the rotunda.  The remains were later transferred to two other buildings before being returned to the Capitol Building in 1903.  Sadly, another fire in 1904 destroyed Old Abe's remains

Since 1915, a replica of Old Abe has presided over  the General Assembly Chamber and another one is on display at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison.

For 100 years, the J.I. Case agricultural company incorporated Old Abe in its logo and he is also on the insignia of the 101st Airborne Division in the Army.

--Old Secesh

Old Abe and Friends-- Part 3: The Story of an Eagle

Old Abe was the War Eagle (and a Bald Eagle at that) of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

The eaglet was captured by local Indians and sold to a white settler who later sold it to a company of the 8th for $2.50.  Upon acquisition of the young eagle (who still did not have the "white" head), this company had its name changed from the Eau Claire Badgers to the Eagle Company.

The company's captain named the bird Old Abe after the president and the company quartermaster built a special Union shield perch for Old Abe.    James McGinnis became the handler.

Old Abe was not a favorite of the Confederates and sometimes referred to as the "Yankee Buzzard."  Special efforts were always made to kill him.

But, during the course of Old Abe's service, he was in 42 battles and skirmishes.

--Old Secesh

Old Abe and Friends-- Part 2: A Dog's Best Friend at the MCCWRT

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

I re-enlisted for two more years of McHenry County Civil War Round Table membership for $50.

This is our first meeting since November.  December was our annual Christmas party and then we go into two months of winter quarters in January and February before renewing active campaigning this month.

We're not sure about future meetings because of you-know-what these days.  Hopefully the April meeting will take place as scheduled.

Tonight's speaker was Jan Rasmussen on "Old Abe and Friends:  Civil War Mascots."  She says she comes by this interest naturally because she is a veterinarian technician.

Mascots are important to soldiers because they inspire loyalty.  Dogs were by far the most common Civil War mascots.  They are loyal as we know, but I'm sure also reminded the soldiers of home in more pleasant times.

But, along with dogs, there were also cats, squirrels and a pelican and a camel among many others.  And then, there was probably the very best-known mascot of them all, and that would be Old Abe, the War Eagle.

And Jan knew a whole lot about a whole lot of them.

Screechin' and Howlin'.  --Old Secesh

Civil War Sites in Wisconsin-- Part 5: Old Abe, the War Eagle

THE ROAD TO THE CIVIL WAR AND BACK in Wassau.  Marathon County & Beyond (1861-1865) at Woodson History Center.  A first-person style exhibition that follows soldiers as they enter service, experience the terror of battle and their return home.  Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..  Sat-Sun from 1 p.m. to 4:30.

OLD ABE, THE WAR EAGLE:  Historical marker at Highway 138 near Jims Falls.  The mascot of Wisconsin troops with the reputation of flying high and screeching loudly during battles.

The Chippewa Indians captured it in northern Wisconsin and sold  the eagle to a local farmer.  Old Abe was at 42 battles, only losing a few feathers.  After the war, Old Abe lived in a special room in Madison at the Capitol.

More to Come--  Old Secesh