CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST ARTILLERY. The First Regiment of Light Artillery was organized November 22, 1882, with five companies, and headquarters were established in Indianapolis. The artillery has been prominent in the State military service, and the fame of Indiana military organizations has been spread through the country more by organizations of this branch than of any other. When first organized the regiment was 194 strong, and the companies were equipped with five two-pound bronze cannon, four rifled cannon and two Gatling guns. By 1884 it had grown to eight batteries, a number that was maintained until 1886 when its strength was 422 officers and men. In 1888 the headquarters were moved to Elkhart, and the strength of the regiment was 233 officers and men. In 1889 it was reduced to a battalion, and the headquarters were moved to Michigan City, but its strength remained at 212 men. A number of the small squads were disbanded, and there was a concentration of effort towards the organization of complete batteries. At this time the batteries had five 3-inch Rodman guns and four 12-pound brass cannon. In 1891 the regiment reached a strength of 317 officers and men, and the headquarters were moved to Indianapolis the following year, when 206 officers and men constituted its strength. Captain J. B. Curtis, of Battery A, was in command from this time until Batteries A and B entered the United States service for the war with Spain. The battalion was reorganized July 6, 1900, and the present commanding officers appointed. The general officers since its organization and dates of commissions were: REGIMENTAL. Colonels-Eli Lilly, of Indianapolis, November 22, 1882; Joseph A. Closser, of Indianapolis, November 25, 1884; C. G. Conn, of Elkhart, April 18, 1888. Lieutenant-Colonels-Joseph A. Closser, of Indianapolis, November 22, 1882; George W. Johnston, of Indianapolis, November 25, 1884. Majors-H. H. Wood, of Michigan City, November 22, 1882; George W. Johnston, of Indianapolis, August 13, 1884; W. D. Stansifer, of Columbus, November 25, 1884. Surgeons-J. R. Bigelow, of Indianapolis, April 28, 1883; W. H. Lopp, of Columbus, June 16, 1886. Assistant Surgeons-W. H. Lopp, of Columbus, June 8, 1883; William Wands, of Indianapolis, November 25, 1884; D. A. Thompson, of Indianapolis, September 30, 1887. Adjutants-Irvin Robbins, of Indianapolis, December 15, 1882; J. S. Dodge, of Elkhart, April 18, 1888. 1882. Quartermaster-S. K. Fletcher, of Indianapolis, December 15, 1882. Judge Advocate-John R. Wilson, of Indianapolis, December 15, Paymaster-Harris P. Wetsell, of Indianapolis, December 19, 1882. BATTALION ORGANIZATION. Majors--H. H. Woods, of Michigan City, November 22, 1882; James B. Curtis, of Indianapolis, captain commanding; Alfred B. Schanz, of Attica, July 6, 1900. 1896. Assistant Surgeons--R. W. Garstang, of Indianapolis, December 9, Adjutants-Daniel A. Thompson, of Indianapolis, September 9, 1889; Thomas A. Winterrowd, of Indianapolis, July 1, 1896; Robert T. Oliver, of Indianapolis. July 13, 1900; Raymond P. Van Camp, March 26, 1901. Quartermasters-Joseph C. Willard, of Ft. Wayne, September 9, 1889; Bert B. Adams, of Indianapolis, July 7, 1892; Raymond P. Van Camp, of Indianapolis, July 13, 1900; Wm. Garrard Comly, of Indianapolis, April 19, 1901. Commissary-Ernest H. Burford, of Indianapolis, March 26, 1901. The batteries which have composed the membership are: 1882-A, Indianapolis; B, Michigan City; C, Terre Haute; D, Butler; E, Columbus. 1884-A, Indianapolis; B, Michigan City: C, Terre Haute; D, Butler; E, Columbus; F, Rockville; G, Attica; H, Elkhart. 1886-A, Indianapolis; B, Elkhart: C, Lafayette; D, Rockville; G, Attica; H, Peru; I, Ft. Wayne; K, Elkhart; L, Peru. 1888-A, Indianapolis; B, Elkhart; C, Rockville; D, Attica; G, Ft. Wayne; I, Peru; K, Peru. 1889--A, Indianapolis: B, Elkhart; C, Rockville; D, Attica; E, Ft. Wayne. 1890-A, Indianapolis; C, Rockville; E, Ft. Wayne. 1899-A, Indianapolis; C, Attica. 1900-A, Indianapolis; B, Ft. Wayne; C, Attica. The present major commanding the battalion, Alfred B. Schanz, of Attica, first entered military life in Battery B, Second Brigade, National Guard of Pennsylvania, as a trumpeter. He enlisted at Pittsburg, May 25, 1884, and was promoted until by October 1, 1887, he was first sergeant. On that date he was discharged at Mt. Gretna, Pa., on account of his removal to New York State. In 1890-91, Major Schanz was the leader of the Leslie Exploring Expedition through Alaska. He held special commissions with the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey and in the eleventh United States census as expert for the Nushagak district. The expedition traveled through the wilderness by every possible method of progress-packing, rafting, skin-canoeing, dog-sledging and snow-shoeing-over 6,000 miles in thirteen months. The entire route was mapped and many important geographical discoveries were made. In 1894 Major Schanz removed to Indiana and located at Indiana Mineral Springs, near Attica. In April, 1898, after the declaration of war with Spain, he organized the Attica Light Artillery and recruited over two hundred men for service, but the battery was unable to have an opportunity to serve. The entire battery was organized, uniformed and equipped without expense to the State, as the result of efforts made by Major Schanz. A practice march was made to Lafayette, where camp was established for drill and instruction. It was named "Camp Wilson" for Colonel Charles E. Wilson, of Lafayette, at that time military secretary to Governor Mount. The battery was mustered into State service June 20, 1899, and assigned as Battery C. On July 6, 1900, when the battalion was reorganized, Captain Schanz was promoted major. Dr. Reginald W. Garstang, assistant surgeon of the battalion, was appointed to his present position with the rank of captain, December 8, 1896. He served in that capacity until the outbreak of the war with Spain, when he was mustered into the United States service with the One-hundred-and fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry as assistant surgeon. He accompanied the regiment to Chickamauga Park, Georgia, and thence to Port Tampa City, Florida, at which place he was detached and assigned to duty at the hospital of the Third Division, Fifth Army Corps. When orders were issued to move all troops from Tampa and Port Tampa City to Fernandina, Florida, Dr. Garstang was placed in charge. of the Ambulance Corps of the Second and Third divisions, and preceded the troops to Fernandina in order to establish hospital arrangements. He remained with these organizations until August 31, 1898, when he was returned to his regiment and accompanied it home. He was reappointed to his |