Clark County IL Archives News.....Reunion at Oblong 1900
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Reunion at Oblong

From Clark County (IL) Herald, 25 January 1900

Companies D and E of the 98th Ill. were both made up in
Crawford county, and some twenty or more members of the two
companies still live within its boundaries.  For a number of
years they have kept up an organization and held annual
reunions, alternating between Palestine and Oblong, the two
points in and near which most of the men reside.  William
Wood, now seventy-five years old, the venerable captain of Co.
D, has for years been president of the organization and A. D.
Gogin, secretary.

Some time since the writer received a pressing invitation from
Comrade Wood to be with them at their reunion at Oblong this
year, and on Thursday last, accompanied by his better half, he
boarded Big Four train No. 9, bound for Robinson.  On the
train was met Noah Tohill of Casner, a member of Co. E, a
jolly good fellow who can sing more songs than any other man
in America, and sing them with that peculiar fervor and spirit
that always awakens an answering sympathy in the heart of the
listener, especially if the listener has seen service in the
days of '61 to '65.

On the train going over from Robinson to Oblong were met a
number of the Boys from Palestine and some other points.  We
were met at the train by the comrades at Oblong without
distinction of command, accompanied by quite a large crowd of
citizens.   Right here it may be said in strict accord with
truth that Oblong has as much patriotism to the square foot as
any other village in all the expanse of Uncle Sam's dominions.
During our stay we enjoyed the hospitality of our old friends,
Comrade Geo. Petry and wife, who are doing business in the
village.

Evening found the hall crowded clear to the outside door of
the anterooms.  "The Men Behind the Guns" was sung by a a
choir of ladies and gentlement, prayer was offered by Comrade
Pifer, chaplain, and anoterh song, "Old Glory," sung by the
choir, then L. E. James of Oblong, senior vice commander of
the Sons, of Veterans of Illinois, made a short but eloquent
address of welcome.  This was responded to by Comrade Noah
Tohill.  A quartet composed of E. E. and Chas. Myers, James
Comley and E. T. Shire, editor of the Olbong Leader, gave us
another song and little Charlie Swaren gave a sprightly
declamation.  Then came what was intended to be the principal
talk of the evening, which was the relation of an army
experience by your humble servant.  Of its merits, modesty
forbids that mention should be made here, but the audience
seemed interested and listened very patiently.

After this E. E. Myers rendere a solo and Ruth Shire, a little
miss of about ten summers, gave a recitation in a style hard
to beat.  Comrade Gogin read a very interesting and highly
patriotic letter from his father, now living in Ohio and 81
years of age, then followed more songs and regular camp-fire
talks by the comrades.  At a late hour the audience dispersed,
all seemingly well pleased with the evening's entertainment.

The singing by the choir and by the quartet was very fine and
the people of Oblong should feel very proud of their musical
talent.

Saturday morning there was a business meeting, at which the
old officers were all re-elected and Palestine selected as the
place for the next reunion.  A number of letters from comrades
who could not be present were also presented by the secretary.

As many of the comrades were obliged to go west on the train
at ten o'clock, a recess was taken and all accompanied us to
the station, where kind farewells and mutual good wishes were
exchanged.  As the train bore us toward our homes, all minds
were filled with pleasant remembrances of the happy hours
spent with friends at Oblong. 

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