Author Topic: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment  (Read 8864 times)

Offline Guns Garrett

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 521
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #20 on: July 24, 2018, 03:17:40 PM »
https://books.google.com/books?id=Za0TAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA17&lpg=PA17&dq=fighting+twentieth&source=bl&ots=reZUwjcLwl&sig=uBAho_IfXyz38NAblur2766ElPk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiApc--xrjcAhVlT98KHXiyDiEQ6AEwBHoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=fighting%20twentieth&f=false

This is a PDF of a "Souvenir Tract" printed and distributed when the 20th Kansas returned home in November 1899.  Some of the photos, particularly those of them aboard ship departing the US for the Philippines, look like they are wearing the white cotton duck "Summer Sack coat" and trousers, of the 1884 fatigue uniform (McChristian, p.143).  Since they are scanned B&W photos, they could possibly be khaki, but there is quite a contrast with the leggings some are wearing.

Photos taken while still at the Presidio show them equipped with 1878 blanket bag packs.
"Stand, gentlemen; he served on Samar"

GAF #301

Offline Guns Garrett

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 521
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #21 on: July 27, 2018, 09:10:48 AM »
Came across this the other day, and it kinda goes with this topic, and the theme of the 2019 Muster:

The Soldier's Song   (Damn, Damn, Damn the Filipinos)
Tune:  "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, The Boys Are Marching" ("Jesus Loves The Little Children")


ln that land of dopey dreams, happy peaceful Philippines,
Where the bolo-man is hiking night and day;
Where Tagalos steal and lie, where Americanos die,
There you hear the soldiers sing this evening lay :

Chorus:
Damn, damn, damn the Filipinos,   
Cross-eyed kakiack ladrones,   
Underneath our starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag,
And return us to our own beloved homes


Underneath the nipa thatch, where the skinny chickens scratch,
Only refuge after hiking all day long,
When I lay me down to sleep, slimy lizards o'er me creep,
Then you hear the soldiers sing this evening song:

(Chorus)

Social customs there are few, all the ladies smoke and chew
And the men do things the padres say are wrong
But the padres cut no ice -- for they live on fish and rice--
Where you hear the soldiers sing this evening song:

(Chorus)

Usually associated with the Spanish-American War (I guess because of the "Krag" reference), it did not exist until  1899, and references the Philippine-American War.
"Stand, gentlemen; he served on Samar"

GAF #301

Offline Guns Garrett

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 521
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #22 on: July 27, 2018, 09:13:03 AM »
A display of Philippine War uniform items at the Fred Funston museum in Iola KS:
I do not have information of the names of the QmSgt or SgtMaj the uniforms belonged to.
I did not take this photo; I haven't visited the Museum yet.  Perhaps soon I can visit, and get closer/detailed photos.
"Stand, gentlemen; he served on Samar"

GAF #301

Advertising

  • Guest
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #23 on: Today at 07:50:29 AM »

Offline Pitspitr

  • Deputy Marshal
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 4592
  • 308 214-0082 45551 Rd 816, Sargent NE 68874 USA
    • Grand Army of the Frontier
  • SASS #: 74523
  • NCOWS #: L187
  • GAF #: 147
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 2
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #23 on: July 27, 2018, 01:16:31 PM »
Chorus:
Damn, damn, damn the Filipinos,   
Cross-eyed kakiack ladrones,   
Underneath our starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag,
And return us to our own beloved homes
Didja ever notice Drydock's signature line?
I remain, Your Ob'd Servant,
Jerry M. "Pitspitr" Davenport
(Bvt.)Brigadier General Commanding,
Grand Army of the Frontier
BC/IT, Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman, CC, SoM
NRA CRSO, RVWA IIT2; SASS ROI, ROII;
NRA Benefactor Life; AZSA Life; NCOWS Life

Offline Drydock

  • MA1 USN ret. GAF #19, Colonel, Chief of Staff. BC, CC, SoM. SASS 1248 Life
  • American Plainsmen Society
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 4831
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 18
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #24 on: July 27, 2018, 08:06:00 PM »
I must confess, while I have long known the lyrics to the Krag Soldier song, the melody has always escaped me.

Until now!
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Guns Garrett

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 521
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #25 on: July 30, 2018, 10:28:53 AM »
I was researching if Infantry NCOs were issued sidearms for the Span-Am War/Philippine War, and found this old (closed) auction listing for an Arsenal-refurbished Colt SAA:

".... This is a typical mismatched artillery from an arsenal re-work. Accompanied by a letter from John Kopec regarding a possible re-work of Colt artilleries at Benicia Arsenal. Also included is a Springfield research service letter identifying this revolver as having been issued to 1st Sgt. William H. Blatchley, a member of Company F, 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry during the Philippine Insurrection. He joined the 20th Kansas Infantry in May 1898 and was mustered out in October 1899. During his service in Philippines, he & his unit were engaged in numerous fights & skirmishes, one of which Sgt. Blatchley is mentioned by name...."

So it appears I may try for an impression of a 1st Sgt (or some other Staff NCO) for my 2019 Muster persona, tho I have chosen to be a member of Company "G", which were mostly recruited from Montgomery County, KS where I live now.  

Montgomery County KIA in the Philippines; Capt David Elliot and Pvt Albert Anibal from my hometown of Coffeyville, 2ndLt William McTaggart from Liberty, and Pvts  Orlin Birlew and Alva Dix from Independence.  The complete roster of all Company members is shown below:
"Stand, gentlemen; he served on Samar"

GAF #301

Offline Duck Creek

  • NCOWS Member
  • Active citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 47
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 12
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #26 on: July 31, 2018, 04:55:33 PM »
Just wanted you gents to know how much I have enjoyed this thread. My great grandfather was a member of the 20th Kansas. He was a Corporal in Company C. I'm told his uniform was donated to the local museum several years ago. I plan to make a visit to the museum and request to view uniform. If allowed to do so I would cheerfully share any photographs I am permitted to take.
Haven't been to a GAF event since they were held in Garnett, KS.  May be time to make a trip to Nebraska in the near future. Your events sound like a lot of fun and a challenge to boot.

Thanks

Duck Creek

Offline Drydock

  • MA1 USN ret. GAF #19, Colonel, Chief of Staff. BC, CC, SoM. SASS 1248 Life
  • American Plainsmen Society
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 4831
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 18
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #27 on: July 31, 2018, 06:28:00 PM »
Please do!
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Guns Garrett

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 521
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #28 on: August 01, 2018, 11:33:47 AM »
Duck Creek,
Are you from anywhere around LaFountain or Neodesha?  There used to be a ML club out northwest of Independence near Elk City that had a shooting range, that went by "Duck Creek Muzzleloading Club", or some such...

Do you know where your GrGrandad's uniform is on display?  I have a photo (not mine) of the Fred Funston museum in Iola (posted here earlier) that has the blouses of a Quartermaster Sgt and Sergeant Major.
"Stand, gentlemen; he served on Samar"

GAF #301

Offline Duck Creek

  • NCOWS Member
  • Active citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 47
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 12
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #29 on: August 01, 2018, 05:25:06 PM »
I live in the Emporia area. I have heard of the Muzzleloader group you mentioned. The closest I ever got to shooting with that group was down at the Black Dog Trail range.
There was a very small GAF shoot at my place. Paul Swalina planned the shoot. I spent most of the weekend laid up with a kidney stone. We also had to cut things off short Saturday due to severe weather, as I recall. I believe Drydock attended the shoot.
Some time ago I was given a collection of ammunition my great grandfather brought back from the Spanish-American war. It is quite a hodgepodge (from both sides). .45-70, .30-40 Krag, 7mm mauser, and .43 Spanish Reformado. also a large cast iron ball that I assume is a piece of grapeshot from canister artillery round. Must have been a real headache for supply to keep up with!

Duck Creek

Offline Drydock

  • MA1 USN ret. GAF #19, Colonel, Chief of Staff. BC, CC, SoM. SASS 1248 Life
  • American Plainsmen Society
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 4831
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 18
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #30 on: August 01, 2018, 05:40:41 PM »
I remember that, back in the trees not far from an old stage stop.
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Duck Creek

  • NCOWS Member
  • Active citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 47
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 12
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #31 on: August 01, 2018, 05:46:19 PM »
That's the place! I was hoping my memory hadn't failed me (yet).

Offline Drydock

  • MA1 USN ret. GAF #19, Colonel, Chief of Staff. BC, CC, SoM. SASS 1248 Life
  • American Plainsmen Society
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 4831
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 18
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #32 on: August 01, 2018, 09:05:15 PM »
I thought it was a good location and a fun match.
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Guns Garrett

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 521
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment
« Reply #33 on: March 29, 2019, 07:13:56 AM »
Came across this newspaper clipping, concerning a member of the unit (Co. G, KVI) I am researching.  Pvt Alva Dix of Altoona, KS, is described as being of the "Coffeyville Company".  The VFW Post in Independence, KS is named the "Dewlen-Dix" Post.  Dewlen was killed in WWI, and Dix killed in the Philippines 18 years earlier.

Also, below is a clipping with a roster of Company G.
"Stand, gentlemen; he served on Samar"

GAF #301

 

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk

© 1995 - 2023 CAScity.com