Remembering a veteran – (PIP #86)

By Louise Peloquin

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I and became a national holiday in 1938.

The following Lowellian served before that time but his story commands interest on this November 11th when we respectfully and gratefully remember and honor veterans.

L’Etoile – January 6, 1926

CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIED YESTERDAY

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Ralph D. Plumstead of Branch Street died last night at the age of 78. – He belonged to Butler Post No. 42, G.A.R. (1) 

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     Ralph D. Plumstead, a Civil War veteran and member of Butler Post No. 42, G.A.R., died last night at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 10 days at his 44 Branch St. residence. The deceased was well known in Lowell where he lived for about 30 years.

     Mr. Plumstead was born in Horsehead, N.Y. At the age of 16 he enrolled in Syracuse’s company B of the 52nd regiment of the New York Voluntary Infantry. Later, he was transferred to company D of the 24th regiment of the New York Cavalry. With this company, he actively participated in Grant’s campaign against Lee and belonged to the company when Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox. Mr. Plumstead also participated in the famous battle at White Oak Ridge and also in the combat to conquer Petersburg. He was seriously injured in this last campaign. He retired from military service on July 12, 1865.

     The deceased leaves his daughter Maude Plumstead and his grandson Ralph A. Fox of Dracut to mourn. (2) 

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1. G.A.R. stands forGrand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization founded in 1866 for the Union Army veterans of the Civil War.
2. Translation by Louise Peloquin.