The following is the printed history of the 49th Iowa, Company A and biographies of its officers.
The History:
"49th IOWA, COMPANY "A" HISTORY: Company A, Forty-Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, probably the oldest Company in the State of Iowa, was organized in Dubuque, Iowa in June, 1885, and named after the company of the old Governor's Greys, and which is really a continuation of the old Company, which was originally organized in 1859, this Company having the distinct reputation of being the first Company to Volunteer to President LINCOLN'S call for volunteers in the Civil War. The Regiment's present Lieutenant-Colonel, Clifford D. HAM, and also Major BLOCKLINGER, were Captains of this Company at different times. Company A acted as escort to Governor LARRABEE to the Centennial celebration of the Constitution of the United States, held in Philadelphia in 1887, and attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1894. During their thirteen year's service they have stood at the head of all Companies in the State of Iowa."
"The personnel of this Company are young men prominent in business and society circles of Dubuque, Iowa and are a fine a body of men as can be found anywhere, all volunteering their services for the good of their country and the honor of the flag."
"Captain Willard M. FLYNN was born in Dubuque, Iowa, February 2d, 1873, and attended the public schools of that town, graduating from the High School in Class of 1890. He was connected with the Standard Oil Company in different capacities since that date. Captain FLYNN enlisted as private in Company A, Fourth Regiment Iowa National Guard, Jul 2d, 1890, and was appointed corporal July 28th, 1892, being transferred to First Regiment Iowa National Guard, 1892; was appointed Sergeant September, 1894, and First Sergeant April, 1896, afterwards holding the respective positions of Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and finally being elected Captain, December 6th, 1898. On mustering in of the Iowa National Guard, Captain FLYNN and his men heartily responded to the call for volunteers, all willingly giving up their business and home ties to faithfully serve their country. The Company was mustered into the service June 2d, 1898."
"First Lieutenant Jacob R. BALLOUGH was born in Rockford, Ill., October 7th, 1871. He moved to Dubuque, Iowa, when about five years old, and received his education in the public schools of that place. Lieutenant Ballough has had ten years experience in military matters, joining the Governor's Greys Cadet Corps in 1888, and in December, 1890, he joined the famous Governor's Greys, of Debuque, which was formerly Company A, of the Iowa National Guard. He has been through the various ranks and was elected to his present position in February, 1898. Lieutenant Ballough is a popular officer, and during the sickness of his superior, Captain FLYNN, acted as Captain in Camp Cuba Libre. In civil life he is a bookkeeper."
"Lieutenant Charles John STEWART was born at
Burlington, Iowa, November 30, 1873. Educated in public schools of
Debuque, Iowa, graduating from the Dubuque High School in 1892.
Entered Debuque County Bank as messenger, and was promoted o bookkeeper,
which position he held for three years. At enlistment in the Army
he was a clerk in the home office the Debuque Fire and Marine Insurance
Co. His military career began in 1890, in Governor's Greys Cadets;
joined Governor's Greys, Company A, First Regiment Iowa National Guard,
July 11th, 1892, as a private. Served as a private, corporal,
sergeant and first sergeant, and on February 22nd, 1898, was chosen
Second Lieutenant of his Company. On June 9th, was detailed as
Acting Ordnance Officer of his Regiment, and has proven a most efficient
officer and popular with his men."
"Historical and Biographical Souvenir of the 49th Iowa U.S. Volunteer Infantry. Illustrated with scenes of camp life." (Jacksonville, FL 1898).