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Reunion of the Gallant 79th Regiment

Lebanon did itself proud yesterday in entertaining the veterans of the gallant old 79th regiment. The reunion was pronounced by some those who attended to be the grandest ever held.
The 79th regiment was recruited almost wholly from this part of Ohio and many of those who filled its ranks are well known to readers of the Gazette and for this reason these annual reunions are always of especial interest.
Two immense banners were stretched across the streets of Lebanon. One contained the words: “Welcome our Hero Fathers” The other read: “Washington, the father of our country; Lincoln, the preserver of our country.”
The address of welcome was made by F. M. Hamilton, of Lebanon, and his speech was cheered to the echo by the veterans.
Comrade Melville Hayes, of Wilmington, responded on behalf of the regiment.
Major General Henry Corbin, who was a second lieutenant in the 79th and now holds the highest rank in the United States army, made a very fine address, and in closing presented to Col. Doan the commander of the regiment, a handsome gold headed ebony cane, a gift from the members. Gen. Corbin said that what he had accomplished and the position he now held was due to Col. Doan and he still felt himself to be “one of the Colonel’s boys”
Following this there were speeches by Judge Thompson, of the Federal court, Gen. J. Warren Keifer of Springfield and Editor Browning of the Clinton County Republican, Wilmington.
Among the distinguished visitors present were: Major General Henry Corbin of the United State Army, John Cook, Washington D. C. Capt. John H. Cretors of Iowa, J. M. Babb, of Illinois, W. N. Doan of Illinois, and Dan Honeycut of Kansas.
The next meeting will be held at Wilmington the home of Col. Doan the commander of the regiment, the second Tuesday in August, 1905.
About 75 survivors of the regiment were present, and in addition many veterans of other regiments were in attendance.
A bountiful dinner was provided by the citizens of Lebanon and more than 300 persons partook of it.
Those present from this vicinity were:
Mahlon Ridge, Aaron Chandler, Henry King, John Gibbons, J. Milt. Thompson, Ed Rettallick, Eugene Evans, Amos Allen, Benj. Lippincott, Wm. King, Capt. C. H. Smith.
The following attended from Harveysburg: B. Dakin, Samuel Stoops, Jasper Mercer, and Comrade Collins of Wellman.

Source: "Reunion of the Gallant 79th Regiment," Miami Gazette (Waynesville, Ohio), Wednesday, August 10, 1904, p.1 c.1
[copy obtained from microfilm available at the Warren County Genealogical Society]