Memorial Day 2012

Memorial Day weekend is here. My perception of this holiday has changed since I began researching my family history. One ancestor stands out in my mind as an American who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. That person is my second great grandfather Justice A Irish. Justice was born in Otsego, New York in 1822 and was one of 9 children born to Charles and Amy Irish.Justice and his family moved to Michigan some time shortly before 1860 settling in Hartford, VanBuren Co., Michigan.  During the Civil War, Justice volunteered to join the 28th Michigan Infantry in 1864. By this time the war was going on 4 years. His brothers Robert and Royal had already served. Robert enlisted in October of 1861 with the Birge's Western Sharpshooters and his success in serving in this effort may have encouraged Justice to do the same. Upon enlistment, Justice was 42, married with 4 children to care for. It was quite a chance to put country before family, and that's just what he did.

In September of 1864 Justice joined the Civil War to preserve the union. Just 6 months after beginning his tour of duty he contracted Typhoid Fever and was sent to D.C. for recovery. Unfortunately recovery never came for  Justice. He died of his disease in July of 1865.

He is buried at Pioneer Cemetery (named Hartford Cemetery today) in Hartford, VanBuren Co., Michigan. 



Another enlistee that comes to mind is Grandpa Nichols' great grandfather Robert Lanning. The story goes that his enlisment was also voluntary, an agreement between him and a drafted individual that he would go in place of this man if he promised to care for Robert's family while Robert served in the other man's place (And that he beat the crap out of him when he didn't keep his promise) Robert was 46 when he agreed to this. Like Justice, he was a family man with young children still at home to care for. He served in the 88th Indiana Infantry in August of 1862. In December of 1862 he was taken prisoner at Murfreesburo, Tennesee during the Battle of Stone River. He was held by the Confederates until February of 1863. He was not treated well during his captivity and suffered the results of this treatment for the rest of his life. His injuries resulted in an ivalid pension from the government. Robert lived to the ripe old age of 88 and died in October of 1905. He is buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Pennville, Jay Co.,Indiana.

 

So, this year while you fire up the barbeque take some time to remember the reason why we can sit back and relax and enjoy this wonderful holiday and how it came about. Please don't forget the true meaning. I wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day!!