Humboldt County

History

History of Humboldt County California - Historic Record Co., Los Angeles, 1915

CHAPTER XXIII.
How the Fifth Division, U. S. Naval Militia, Came Into Existence.

By A. B. Adams

        On the 30th day of December, 1878, a meeting was held in the old City Hall on Third street in the city of Eureka, pursuant to published notice, for the purpose of organizing a military company. The meeting was called to order by Alexander Campbell, who stated the object of the gathering. John A. Watson was chosen chairman and W. C. Stewart secretary. At a meeting held January 9, 1879, committees on by-laws and organization were appointed, after which the meeting adjourned until March 15, 1879. Chairman Watson then introduced Major Pierce H. Ryan, who had been appointed by the Adjutant General to conduct the organization of the Eureka Guard. The roll was called and the following members were present :

        John A. Watson, George Dean, John L. Crichton, F. H. Wunderlich, Jr., A. P. Flagor, William P. Hanna,* S. W. Freese, A. J. Wiley, C. E. Le Grange, Richard Sweasey,* W. Sweasey, A. M. Delamore, Louis Pearsons*, Ed Ruscoe,* Charles E. Long, John Hetherington, C. G. Taylor, W. E. Stewart, Alex Campbell, J. Simpson,* James T. Keleher,* H. H. Buhne, Jr.,* James G. D. Crichton, Charles E. Hasty, Peter Belcher,* Thomas H. Chope,* James E. Mathews,* A. Winzler, M. Barman, C. G. Lundblade,* John A. Livingston,* Edward Everding, James B. Brown,* David Cutten,* C. S. Ricks, William P. Pratt,* T. W. Holland, W. K. Strong,* F. A. Lewitt, J. H. G. Weaver,* J. P. Monroe,* J. S. Gibson, J. P. Hopkins, T. B. Cutler,* J. H. G. Hansel, A. W. Anderson, Norman Howard, Thomas Chope, Jr.,* Edward Grant, C. Rose,* C. Frank Gardner,* A. D. MacDonald, T. D. Rees, R. W. Rideout, Alex Connick,* J. W. Freese, C. E. Wunderlich, R. B. Dickson, J. W. Appleby, Cornelius McElvoy, W. H. Bull, W. F. Brown, S. H. Butterfield, J. Ballard,* W. L. Walker, A. J. Monroe,* W. W. Turner, who were duly sworn in as members of the Eureka Guard, thus forming a company of the National Guard of California.

*Still living.

        Major Ryan announced that the first business was the election of a captain, first lieutenant and second lieutenant. Ballots were accordingly cast with the following results : Alexander Campbell, captain; James B. Brown, first lieutenant, and W. P. Hanna, second lieutenant.

        Upon the organization of Arcata Guard the two companies were thrown into a battalion formation and known as the Tenth Infantry Battalion; Eureka Guard as Company A, and Arcata Guard as Company B. J. D. H. Chamberlain was elected major and upon the expiration of his commission J. L. Crichton was elected.

        Upon the re-organization of the State Militia Company B was mustered out, thus breaking up the battalion formation, Company A remaining in the service.

        On February 19, 1896, Company A, N. G. C., was transferred to the Fifth Division, N. M. C., with the following officers : D. J. Foley, lieutenant ; Charles V. Otto, lieutenant junior grade; Edward McLaughlin and Charles P. Smith, ensigns.

        Since 1879, March 15th has been observed as the anniversary of the organization by appropriate ceremonies in the Armory during the day and a grand ball in the evening.

        The present officers of the division are: Lieut. Adolph B. Adams, commanding; W. E. Torrey, lieutenant junior grade; twelve petty officers and fifty-five seamen. The division is fully equipped with all necessary articles to go aboard ship for active service. The men are instructed in drills and gunnery practice, having mounted in their armory one ten-ton four-inch gun, a three-pounder, a one-pounder and a gatling gun. Each year the division goes to sea on the U. S. S. Marblehead for summer cruise and target practice. This vessel is manned entirely by naval militia men of California, and the Eureka division has attained a splendid proficiency at big gun target practice. The division has a good rating, which speaks well for its officers and men.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.