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The 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

Departs for Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Florida

Contributed by Judy Landauer

49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry in camp
Please Visit our Home Page to learn more about the Spanish American War
For a roster of the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, click here
For a roster of those members of the 49th iowa Volunteer Infantry Infantry lost during the War, click here
To read letters from Burt O Mullin of the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Co. C,  click here
To see the uniform of a member of the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry  click here
To see a Model 1872 Cavalry Officer's Saber carried by 1st Lt. William A. Siddle, click here
49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Company Histories and Officer Biographies (click on the following):

Company A ||| Company B ||| Company C ||| Company D |||  Company E  ||| Company F ||| Company G
Company H  ||| Company I |||  Company K ||| Company L ||| Company M |||  Regimental Band

General:

The following article appeared in Tama, Iowa newspaper, dated June 2, 1898, the day the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry left for service. Almost all of the men in the 49th Iowa had come from the northeast fourth of the state. The unit was mustered into service at Des Moines on June 2, 1898. For a while, it appeared as though the 49th was not going to be accepted into the federal service since Iowa's quota was only three regiments and the 49th had the junior colonel among the four regiments that were raised (the others being the 50th, 51st, and 52nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry regiments). However, according to the 49th's published history, the unit was so well trained and had such a good appearance that they accepted anyhow.  At the time they were mustered into the federal service, the unit consisted of 50 officers and 780 men.

The 49th Iowa became part of the Third Brigade, Second Division of the Seventh Army Corps. The unit shipped out, bound for Jacksonville's Camp Cuba Libre on June 14, where it remained and was at that location when the fighting ended on August 13. The regiment was reorganized on October 13, and the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry was reassigned to the Second Brigade, Second  Division of the Seventh Army Corps. The regiment finally departed Jacksonville on October 25, arriving at Savannah, Georgia the following day.

On December 10, 1898, the Spanish American War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

Eventually the unit served in Cuba as part of the occupation forces, leaving Savannah, Georgia on December 19, 1898 aboard the U.S. Transport "MINNAWASKA" bound for Havana, Cuba and arriving three days later. The unit was stationed in Cuba for the winter, and departed Cuba in April of 1899.  Companies A, C, F, H, I and K departed Havana aboard the transport SAN ANTONIO on April 5, arriving back at Savannah three days later. On April 18, after quarantine, these companies went into camp at Savannah. The headquarters and companies B, D, E, G, L and M departed Havana aboard the transport HAVANA on April 9, arriving at Savannah on April 11, and going into camp on April 16. 

The 49th Iowa was mustered out of service on May 13, 1899 at Savannah. At the time of muster out, the unit consisted of 49 officers and 953 enlisted men. During its term of service, two officers and fifty-two enlisted men died of disease. One enlisted man died as a result of an accident, and two more deserted. Eleven men were discharged on disability.

Contributor Judy Landauer's grandfather, Arthur Leon Bruner, served in the 49th Regiment Iowa Volunteers during this war.  He played cornet in the regimental band.
 

The Article:

"Last Saturday afternoon Tama was again the scene of enthusiastic patriotic demonstrations.  Early in the morning word was recieved from Camp McKinley Des Moines, that the 49th Regiment Iowa Volunteers, (the old first Reg.) had been ordered to Jacksonville, Florida, and that the First batallion , consisting of Col. Dows and staff, Cos. K of Toledo, H of Marshalltown, F of Tipton, and C of Cedar Rapids, would pass through Tama over the Milwaukee about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.  Immediately after dinner an immense crowd began to collect and when the special train finally arrived a crowd of at least two thousand had congregated to bid them God Speed. Curiosity prompted many, but the majority of those present were there to bid some dear friend a fond and perhaps final farewell.  The boys were enjoying good health and were full of enthusiasm which was cheering to their many friends.  The train stopped but a short time, but during the time short as it was the boys were all supplied with a cup of good hot coffee and numerous other things.  Co. K boys, the Bruner boys of the Regiment band and W. E. Rhodes and Chas. Dunn of Co. F, Tipton of course recieved the greatest attention, but every body shook hands with the boys and wished them good luck regardless of acquaintance.  So departs the last regiment of the State Malitia. We believe they will give a first-class account of themselves."


John Shelton, 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Co. F

A fantastic image of John (or perhaps Joseph) Shelton of Company F. Private Shelton's
hat bears the insignia stating "IOWA / 49 / F" indicating the regiment and company.
On his right lapel is a corps badge pin, a white seven-pointed star, indicating the
2nd division of the 7th Corps to which the 49th Iowa belonged. His other lapel bears three
links of chain indicating his membership in the International Order of Odd Fellows. The broad
bands near his cuffs (believed to be green with a yellow edge) likely indicate his service in the
medical service of the regiment.



BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Information courtesy of Judy Landauer (descendent of Arthur Bruner)

Clerk of Joint Committee on Printing, The Abridgement of Message from the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress. (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1899. Vol. 4, p 494.

Correspondence Relating to the War With Spain, Including the Insurrection in the Philippines and the China Relief Expedition. April 15, 1898 t July 30, 1902, Vol 1 (Washington DC: Center of Military History, 1993), 592.

Fiems, Photo of John Shelton.

Novak, Greg, Remember the Maine and to Hell with Spain; Being a Wargamer's Guide to the Spanish American War 1898. (Champagne: Ulster Imports, 1990). 36.

Statistical Exhibit of Strength of Volunteer Forces Called into Service During the War with Spain; with Losses from All Causes. (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1899).


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