The following is the printed history of the 49th Iowa, Company B and biographies of its officers.
The History:
"Company B was organized in Waterloo, Iowa, about the year 1883, and was a part of the Fourth Regiment, Iowa National Guard. Among its first officers were Captain LAUGHLIN, Lieutenants MILLER and FISHER.
It was reorganized in 1894 as Company B, of the First Regiment, Iowa National Guard, and as such was mustered into the Volunteer Army June 2d, 1898. Company B was at the dedication of the World's Fair, in Chicago, 1893, and acquitted itself with considerable credit.
Captain Charles W. COTTON was born in Waterloo, Iowa, and is 29 years old. He was educated in the College of that place, and joined Company B as a private in 1889; was corporal 1892, sergeant 1893, lieutenant in 1895. He was unanimously elected Captain May 25th, 1898.
Captain COTTON has a sympathetic disposition, is liked by all his Company and enjoys soldier life "when his boys all keep their health." Through his untiring efforts for the welfare of his Company, he has become one of the most popular officers in the Regiment. In civil life, he is a prominent Real Estate and Insurance Agent in Waterloo, Iowa, his native town.
First Lieutenant Edwin J. GEIST is 25 years old, and a native of Iowa. He has been a member of Company B since 1895, joining as a private. He rose rapidly from the ranks and was appointed Sergeant in 1896 and Lieutenant, May 27th, 1898. Lieutenant GEIST was in Government service as a mail carrier before being mustered into the Volunteer Army.
Second Lieutenant Joseph A. GURY was born in
Illinois thirty years ago, but moved to Waterloo, Iowa, when twelve
years of age and has resided there continuously since. Lieutenant GURY
is well educated, and before entering the service of the United
States was a hustling reporter on the "Waterloo Reporter".
He joined Company B in 1892 as a private, was made sergeant in
1893, and second Lieutenant, his present rank, in 1894."
"Historical and Biographical Souvenir of the 49th Iowa U.S. Volunteer Infantry. Illustrated with scenes of camp life." (Jacksonville, FL 1898).
The photo of Company B is courtesy of the family of Guy Jenks.