MARY GAHAN TENT 109
Mary Gahan Tent 109, in the Department of New York, is named in honor of a woman known to be the most significant civilian of the 148th New York Volunteer Infantry (148th NYVI).
Mary Gahan was a laundress in the Infantry during the Civil War. She accompanied her husband, Jeremiah “Jerry” Gahan, when he enlisted on August 28, 1862 in Company H, and stayed with the Regiment until it mustered out in 1865. Jerry Gahan was an “average soldier” who did his job, was never wounded, never promoted, and never disciplined.
Mary’s job was to launder, mend soldier’s clothing, guard camp when the soldiers were in battle and support doctors and the cook. She received a fee for doing this work as she traveled with the Regiment. One person described her efforts this way: “In all the marches of that regiment Mary bore her part as bravely as the strongest soldier of them all….She shared the perils and fatigues of its Virginia Campaigns and was with it at its triumphant return.”
Following the Civil War, Mary and Jerry Gahan lived in Waterloo, NY. She was always present at the regimental reunions “…and the boys will remember the hearty emphasis of her assertions on such occasions that she ‘belonged to the 148th.’”
She died of heart disease on July 4, 1881, at the age of 49. Her funeral took place at the St. Mary’s Church in Waterloo. The bearers were all veterans of the 148th. Her coffin was draped with the regimental colors. She is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterloo.
The Phelps Advertiser on July 15, 1881, said this of Mary: “…Her kindness of heart and cheery disposition will cause her to be long remembered by the survivors of the 148th, and her death will be regretted in no less degree than that of the other comrades who have gone before; whose names are now inscribed on the last great muster roll.”
The Mary Gahan Tent 109 was established, May 2010, to meet the charges of the DUVCW and oversee and care and events for the American Civil War Memorial.
TENT VETERANS HONORED WITH PRIDE
On Saturday during the 2015 Gettysburg Remembrance Days, the New York Allied Orders held their Annual Wreath Laying at the New York Monument in the National Cemetery. This event became very special when National Jr. Vice President Caren Cleaveland’s two veteran sisters, Carol Cole and Joanne Leyland-Huff, were surprised when they were given recognition for their service in the U.S. Army. The Mary Gahan Tent 109 of Waterloo purchased the Veteran Badges without Carol or Joanne's knowledge. National President Sally Redinger attended the wreath laying to share a few words and present the badges to the sisters. They continue to serve by working with Veterans organizations and appreciated their special recognition. Both Carol and Joanne emotionally shared their patriotism and thanks.
LTC Roberta Comerford has received a Veteran's Award for her service. Roberta is currently serving as President of our Tent and has held the position of Department Patriotic Instructor.
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT CONVENTION
The Department of New York Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865 holds a NY Department Convention yearly during the month of May in a region of NY. We are proud to meet as Allied Orders – Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Auxiliary to the SUVCW since we have been in existence. During our Convention business is discussed, Officers Annual Reports given and elections of new Department level officers are held.
NATIONAL CONVENTION PARTICIPATION
Not only Department Conventions in May, but we participate in National Conventions that take place during the end of July each year. The National Convention is hosted by state Departments throughout the United States. To the Left below is a picture of the National Officers for Jan Rynerson, PNP's service of 2016-2017.
During the National Convention business and elections take place. We also join our fellow sisters for the Memory Banquet, designed to honor the Grand Army of the Republic and an All States Banquet where Departments may plan a skit for the evening's entertainment. The winner of the best skit is decided by the loudest cheers and receives a trophy we call "Lulu." The picture to the right below is our skit of the New York City Rum Runners during the Flappers' period of time.
Levar Burton, Keynote Speaker, Rememberance Days, Gettysburg, November 19 and Tent Sisters
St. Mary's Cemetary
