One hundred twenty-five years ago in 1898, taken from the pages of The Youngstown Vindicator:

The United States had just entered into the Spanish American War and James Adair Freed, a Youngstown police officer, recalled his time with the Logan Rifles, Company H, made up of men from Youngstown, with this report:

“Central Armory, Cleveland, O., April 29, 1898. This is the last morning for the reveille to wake up the soldier boys of the Fifth Infantry in Cleveland for many a day. As I write (8 o’clock a.m.) the regiment is being formed for the march to the Erie Depot to take the cars for Camp Bushnell. From now until further notice, the address of the Logan Rifles will be ‘Camp Bushnell, Columbus, Ohio,’ and letters addressed that way and in care of ‘Co. H, Fifth Infantry, O.N.G.,’ will be promptly delivered.

“Last night was goodbye night for the hundreds of Cleveland soldiers at the armory here and the friends of the members took full advantage of it. The drill floor and gallery were crowded all evening, and, large as the building is, it was found difficult for the Logan Rifles to give their usual evening drill, owing to the crowds. The drill consisted principally in ‘extended order’ and ‘double time’ work. The applause was loud and long. The Logans, as they are called, are favorite here owing simply to their drill.

“The volunteers have not yet received their uniforms, and will not get them until the company arrives at Columbus. Under these circumstances, the volunteers are excused from all duties except squad drill. They are making rapid progress in the foot movements, and when uniformed and equipped, will not prove a material drawback to the company in the matter of drill.

“Auditor Conrad F. Brenner, J.W. Hill, and some other Youngstown people called at the armory during the day and spent a pleasant time with the company. They were eagerly sought after for news from those left behind.

“The enthusiasm to the city of Cleveland is waking up this morning to give the Fifth Regiment a good send off when they start for the south at 10 o’clock this morning. Already in every direction can be heard the beating of drums and the playing of bands, each of which mark some local organization hurrying to be given a place in the line of march of the escort which will attend the regiment to the train.

“The city is profusely decorated and the stores generally are closed. A holiday has been proclaimed by Mayor McKisson and the bells and whistles of the city will salute the departure of the troops.

“A bundle of Daily Vindicators was received yesterday and in a minute, each one was the center of a small crowd of men, each eager to know what the news of the Mahoning Valley was. When they read of the financial response of the citizens to the Vindicator’s call for funds to pay the company debt, they gave many expressions of appreciation for the kindness shown.

“The general effect was to make every man determine that he would endeavor to be worthy of the good opinions of Youngstown citizens. — Freed.”

• Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.