USS HULL, USS MONAGHAN  USS SPENCE.

THIS IS AN ACCOUNT OF MY GREAT UNCLE'S DEATH AFTER RETURNING FROM PUERTO RICO AND THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

This account appeared in the Reading Eagle Newspaper and was archived from their files by my cousin Kathy. - Dave Kline>Thursday, September 8, 1898
DEATH OF A SOLDIER

JACOB SNYDER of the Artillerists Expires After a Brief Illness

A cloud has come upon the joy and happiness attending the home-coming of the Reading Artillerists by the death of one of their number, Jacob Snyder, aged 26 years and residing with his widowed mother at 1050 Cherry. Instead of a festival of gladness with which to celebrate the joyous home-coming, there will be a procession of soldiers with muffled drums accompanying the remains of their dead comrade to his last resting place. The full honors of a military burial will be accorded him. Funeral next Monday forenoon. Private Snyder was apparently in the best of health and spirits while in Puerto Rico and not until the transport Chester had almost reached New York did he feel sick at all. His mind was full of thoughts of a happy home-coming. Upon landing at Jersey City on Tuesday night, he felt worse, but his condition was not of such a nature as to cause alarm. When his company reached Reading, his comrades led him from the train and he was conveyed in a coupe to his mother's home.

On Wednesday morning, shortly before 10 o'clock, accompanied by his brother, William J. who is a member of Troop H, 2nd cavalry, but who is home on sick furlough, went to Dr. C. W. Bachman's on North 9th. The doctor found that his patient was a more serious condition than at first supposed, and the case was diagnosed as what is known as walking typhoid fever. The doctor prescribed for young Snyder and advised him to go home and go to bed. The instruction was heeded and during the balance of the day he appeared better and more cheerful.

In the evening, a number of friends called and chatted with him for some time. He was in excellent spirits and full of hope soon to be able to be about and with them. When they departed, Mrs. Snyder laid down to rest. Shortly before 11 o'clock, she was startled by hearing her son gasping hard for breath. She hurried to his bedside, and a brother was hastily sent for Dr. Bachman. Before his arrival, the young soldier had passed away. The direct cause of death was internal hemorrhage superinduced by the fever. Had he lived, young Snyder would have been 26 years old the 12th day of this month. He was the son of Theresa M. and the late Jacob Snyder. His father, a veteran of the late war [Civil War] died 19 years ago. When the call was issued for volunteers to fill up Company A, young Snyder was among the first to enlist. He was strong and vigorous and was promptly accepted. Prior to this, he had been engaged at Wetherholds hat factory at 10th and Spruce. Besides his mother, Mr. Snyder is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Emma J., wife of Hezekiah Schitler, George H., Francis A., William J., and Charles R. His brother William is stationed at Fort Reiley, Kansas. Deceased was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and had many friends. The family have the deep sympathies of all.

Reading Eagle
Friday, September 9, 1898

SNYDER _ In this city on the 7th inst. JACOB SNYDER son of Theresa M. and the late Jacob Snyder aged 26 years. The relatives and friends of the family, also Company A 4th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from the residence of his mother 1050 Cherry Street on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Services at the house. Interment at Charles Evans Cemetery.

Jacob Snyder, Private Company A 4th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Resident Reading, Pennsylvania; Enrolled June 15, 1898; Military Induction June 15, 1898 died at Reading of typhoid fever September 7, 1898. Reading Eagle

Monday, September 12, 1898 A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL

Private Snyder buried with military honors Reading Artillerists turn out at the obsequies of their comrade A great turn-out marked the funeral of Private Jacob Snyder, son of Theresa M. and the late Jacob Snyder from the residence of his mother, 1050 Cherry at 2 p.m. today. Cherry between 10th and 11th and Maple between Franklin and Cherry were thronged with people, making it almost impossible to get through the crowd so eager to get a view of the deceased soldier who died a short time after his arrival from Puerto Rico.

From 10 a.m. until the last minute, hundreds of people passed through the door, took a last look at the former young volunteer and passed out through the rear, reaching the pavement through the side yard. People were attracted from every section of the city to get a glimpse of the Reading Artillerists of which the deceased was a member, and who turned out to do honor to their deceased comrade. The Artillerists, headed by the full athletic band, arrived at the residence shortly before 2 p.m. marching to a patriotic air with muffled drums. They took up their position on each side of the street and kept back the large crowd. later they were admitted to the house to take a last look at their deceased friend and comrade, and many were moved to tears. A guard of honor composed of members of the Artillerists, did duty at the house from 7 a.m. The guard was composed of Corporal Harry Leiserowitz, Privates John Keller, Harry Link, William Bowers, Louis Beckhardt, Lewis Bickel and William Beard. The last two named stood guard at the casket, the former at the foot and the latter at the head. They carried their latest improved rifles. At 2 p.m. the doors were closed. Services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Henry Moser. He took at his text Second Timothy, second chapter, third verse: Thou, therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. In his remarks, he said that death was an occasion marked full of sorrow for which we should always stand ready. He dwelt at some length on the sorrowing circumstances surrounding the death of young Snyder, whose character he praised. Invigorated by the thought of reaching his dear home and mother and brothers and sisters, he managed to keep up his health on board the transport only to be taken by the Angel of Death upon his arrival here. He paid a tribute to the members of the Artillerists and their associates who willingly went to the front, and asked for the sympathy of all present for the family and Artillerists who had a dear son, brother and comrade wrested from their midst. Many were in tears during the service.

It is estimated that over 2000 people were gathered in the immediate neighborhood when the cortege left the house. The bearers were selected from the Artillerists and were Corporals Harry Esterline and William Fehr and Privates Irvin Griffith, Albert Troop, George Richards and Hayes McKinney. The remains bore a peaceful expression and were attired in his full army uniform. In his both hands were clasped 12 miniature American flags and on the lapel of his coat was a larger flag and a marksmanship badge held by him for sharpshooting. The lower part of the body was covered with an American flag which accompanied Company A 4th Regiment on their trip to Puerto Rico, also deceased soldiers had belt and latest improved rifle. The remains reposed in a satin-lined walnut casket, mounted with silver trimmings and plate bearing name and age of deceased. Along the line of parade, the Artillerists took the lead, headed by the full athletic band which discoursed solemn funeral dirges to the cemetery. The guard of honor took up their positions on both sides of the hearse and in the rear. The members of the Artillerists only wore their sidearms, consisting of belts and sabres. Next came the hearse drawn by two black horses, followed by members of Meade Camp No. 16 Sons of Volunteers and delegation of the Grand Army and soldiers of other regiments who are of this city and who are home on furloughs. About 350 were in line. Captain Willis and Sergeant Reuther were in command. Then came the members of the family in a number of cabs and busses. Upon their arrival at Charles Evans Cemetery where interment was to be made, it was almost impossible to seek admittance. Many people went to the cemetery early in the afternoon, and the street cars were all crowded. The camp guard of Meade Camp No. 16 Sons of Volunteers fired several volleys over the grave after the last services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Mosser. The Artillerists formed a large circle around the grave while interment was being made. It was an impressive scene, one not soon to be forgotten. The tributes were beautiful and comprised the following: large American flag of red and white roses and carnations and blue asters, heliotrope smilax and ferns with 13 stars of asters on a field of blue immortellis, 2 x 2 on a flag pole about 4 feet long, last tributes from fellow comrades of Company A, 4th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; bouquet of roses, carnations, sweet peas and smilax, aunt; bouquet of natural flowers, Miss Emma Jackson; pillow of roses, carnations, sweet peas and smilax and ferns inscribed "at Rest" in blue emmortelles from family; sheaf of wheat inscribed "Too Soon" from bereaved mother; cluster of 3 lilies, one broken, friend Wayne Hummel; large wax design representing a clock with hands pointing to 11 p.m. (the fatal hour). Mr. & Mrs. Rightmeyer; cluster of roses, carnations, sweet peas, smilax and ferns from a friend; and a large wreath of roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, smilax fern and heliotrope from Ladies Auxiliary of the National Relief Commission and others. Interment at Charles Evans cemetery. Funeral Director, Hunter Henninger.

[NOTE:
As early as 1847, the United States had tried unsuccessfully to purchase Cuba from Spain. In 1895, following almost a century of misrule by Spain, Cuba rebelled. In order to suppress the rebellion, Spain imprisoned Cuban masses into the equivalent of concentration camps where hundreds of "reconcentrados" starved to death. The newspaper accounts of those atrocities angered the American people who subsequently demanded that the United States intervene. During the night of February 15, 1898, the American battleship Maine was sunk in Havana harbor, killing 260 men. The popular outcry "Remembered the Maine" resounded throughout the United States. Thus, on April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain. On May 1, Commodore George Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay in the Philippines. American troops invaded Cuba in June. In an effort to avoid humiliation, the Spanish fleet attempted to run the American blockade on July

3. During the ensuing 4-hour battle, every Spanish ship was either sunk or beached. Only one American was killed. Spain formally surrendered on July 17. A peace treaty was signed December 10, 1898. Under the terms of the agreement, Spain gave up Cuba and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. In return, the United States paid Spain $20 million. The number of troops in service during the Spanish American War was 280,564. Of these, 223,235 were volunteers; however, most of the volunteers never left the United States. Throughout the entire war, seven hundred American troops were killed in action. Another 5,423 died of disease _ mainly yellow fever and malaria.]

It is our sad duty to report the death of Detachment Jr. Past Commandant Vincent Ahrensfield, 85, who left us Wednesday 07 June at 2010 while a patient at St. Josephs Medical Center in Reading. He had been taken there a second time after a relapse of throat and lung cancer for which he had been hospitalized earlier. His great friend and fellow Marine, Chaplain Emeritus PC Robert Geiss, was with him earlier in the evening and held his hand to comfort him from the great pain he was suffering. When Bob had to leave, because of his own illness, Vince wakened and saluted Bob as if a final salute, an action Bob will never forget. Bob, through his tears, returned the salute. Bob and Vince, both veterans of WWII Pacific battles, were members of the original Butterweck Detachment. After WWII they served together with "Company B" the USMCR Line Company stationed at the WWII barracks at the Reading Airport. Bob served as 1st Sgt and Vince as SSgt. Vince was appointed to the City Police Force, 10 July, 1950, shortly before "B" Company was activated for duty in Korea. He served 20 years as a Motorcycle Patrolman, a position his father had held, and was promoted to Sgt. June 1966. He retired in 1971. After his retirement he again served the city and could be seen heading the paint crew for the City Traffic Bureau until 1977 when he again retired. Vince was one of the organizers who determined to re-establish the Russel M. Butterweck Detachment in 1980 and, of course, is a Charter Member. He served a tour as the second Commandant of the new Detachment, following George Berns, the first Commandant. He agreed to serve a second tour, followin C.W.Doganes, and at his death was serving on the Board of Trustees as Jr. Past Commandant. The good of the Detachment was Vince's byword and it's betterment his life. He was last years Toys For Tots Chairman and also chaired the "Rose Committee" for which he spent countless hours putting the roses together and presenting them at the Fairground Square Mall. He became well known to the staff at the Mall who treated him with much respect. Vince was also an excellent historian for the Detachment and his home and garage are filled with memorabilia, signs and plaques and objects he created himself. He made many things still in use by the Detachment, including a cover for the funeral ritual which, fittingly. was used at his service. His work will be sorely missed and his willingness to give of himself, even though in poor health, remembered by all who knew him. He breathed life into Detachment activities and the banter between him and Bob Geiss brought laughter to those on Detachment Bus Trips. Many happy moments. Vince also helped with the Dept. Youth & Veterans ticket sales and when on duty at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market was known by practically every person who came in and we did well because of this. Every facet of our Detachments programs contain his mark. Vince was a outstanding worker for civic programs. While on the police force he helped organize the Police Athletic League (PAL) an organization that reaches many children even today. He worked with the Berks County Blind Assc. and the "Berks Heim" Volunteer Service. He resided at his home at 1140 Schuylkill Ave. untill his first hospitalization for the cancer, and then for a while at his sister's home on Fairview St. He is survived by his wife, Marie, residing at Berks Heim, his sister, Dorothy Ahrensfield, and Auxiliary member, 2143 Fairview St. where he had been staying, another sister, Lucy Shuenemann, Beach Haven NJ, also an Auxiliary member, and sister Patricia Eyre, Harrisburg PA. A viewing was held Monday evening 12 June at the Feeney Funeral Home, 625 N. 4th. St. Reading at which the Detachments Ritual led by Commandant Gehret, Chaplain Kaupp and with an elougy by Chaplain Emeritus Geiss, was presented. A "Casket Watch" was conducted the entire evening. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday AM at St. Maragrets RC Church 925 Centre Ave. with League members acting as Pall Bearers into the church and Marines from the I.&I. Staff, Indian Battery, 14th Marines, pall bearers out. Burial was at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Lebanon County. The Duty was performed by the Chaplain on call, our Detachment and the I.&I. Marines. Taps was played by a volunteer from a nearby VFW Post who was providing this service for the 1200th time. God Speed to you Vince. It is hard to fathom our loss!

   Message From: KLINEGRADAV@webtv.net (C. David Kline) Date: Wed, Jul 5, 2000, 6:57pm To: dk11@webtv.net Subject: (no subject) Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men Who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; Another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; Men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family and was kept in hiding almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay. His possessions were taken from him, poverty was his reward. Soldiers or vandals looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and me a free and independent America. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid, and remember, freedom is never free.