cr ft m sonry - Onondaga and Oswego Masonic District Historical ...

of cheers, the constant fluttering of handkerchiefs, and the repeated tolling of the City Hall bell, the men paraded through South
Salina, James and East Genesee Streets under the command of Colonel Grumbach. Every soldier was garlanded with flowers and
each rifle decorated with a bouquet in its muzzle. The stirring scene of the infantry striding forward to the playing of “When Johnny
Comes Marching Home” by Gehm’s band, alternating with the rolling cadence of Martin’s Drum Corps with the regimental and
captured rebel standards waving in the breeze was long to be remembered.
At the close of the war Col. Grumbach received a Brevet commission as Colonel of U.S. Volunteers, dated 22 Mar 1866, rank 13
Mar 1865 for "faithful and meritorious services since September 1862, and particularly during the campaigns of Atlanta and
Georgia."
In the post-bellum period, Grumback engaged in the manufacture of glue with Paul Birchmier until their business burned out two
years later. He then became United States Cigar Stamper until the office was abolished five months thereafter. Real estate,
insurance, and the restaurant business then became his chief livelihood. He was and active Republican and served as Alderman of
the Fourth Ward, 1868-1869; Excise Commissioner, Janitor of the United States Government Building, and Court Crier.
His fraternal relations included:
Syracuse Lodge No. 102; Petitioner and Charter Member Salt Springs Lodge No. 520, F&AM, 1861.
International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.)
Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.); see for more on them, including a Masonic-like ritual, at:
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/aouw.htm
County Treasurer, Onondaga County in 1896
He was the organizer and first quartermaster of Lilly Post, G.A.R.
He lived a long and useful life as a citizen, soldier, politician and business man. At his death on 5 Jul 1912 he was the last living
charter member of Salt Springs Lodge No. 520. He resided at 1210 Lodi Avenue, Syracuse
http://home.earthlink.net/~dahoude/from_the_archives.htm
A PATRIOTIC FIRE COMPANY. A meeting of Empire Company No. IV, from the Second Ward, was held last evening at their
Engine House, to consider measures for the promotion of a company from that Ward under the Recruiting Officers, Nicholas
Grumbach, Phillip Eckel, and Jacob Knapp. On motion of a member, Resolved, That the Empire Company No. IV give one
hundred dollars to the above officers for extra bounty to volunteers. Resolved, That the Secretary shall write an order for the above
amount. Resolved, That these proceedings be published in all our city daily papers. MICHAEL SPRISSER, JOHN A. ECKEL,
JACOB BLIND, - Committee. (Syracuse Daily Courier and Union 30 Aug 1862)
THE 2D WARD COMPANY COMPLETE. THE BEST WORK YET. The German Company of the 2d ward, under Capt. Grumbach
and Lieuts. Eckle and Knapp, is far above the maximum number. On Saturday evening the company numbered fifty-one men. Fiftyfour
men were enlisted yesterday, being, we believe, the best day’s recruiting for one company ever done in this State. The people
of the second ward yesterday did nothing but recruit. They entered into the business with a real German enthusiasm - the women,
wives, mothers and daughters urging and encouraging enlistments, and the result is this glorious success, the first full company for
the Fourth regiment. The company marched in a body this morning to the office of Justice Hurst, where the oath was administered
to those not already sworn in. A few of them are now in the surgeon’s hands. The company will muster in as soon as possible,
probably to-day. - Standard. (Syracuse Daily Courier and Union 2 Sep 1862)
PRESENTATION TO CAPT. GRUMBACH
http://home.earthlink.net/~dahoude/archives_page_2.htm
On Saturday evening Capt. Nicholas Grumbach was made the recipient of a sword, sash and belt, a
present from his fellow members of the Board of Supervisors. The presentation took place at the Mayor’s
room in the City Hall, and was attended by the members of the Board residing in the city, a number of
Capt. Grumbach’s company and several citizens. Jason S. Hoyt, Esq. was called to preside, and after a
few remarks introduced Peter Burns, Esq. who in behalf of the Supervisors presented Capt. Grumbach
with the above named articles, in a neat and appropriate speech. He regretted the necessity which called
for such an occasion, and thought the conduct of Capt. Grumbach, who at no inconsiderable sacrifice had
enlisted in the service of his country, was worthy of all praise. He referred to the high esteem in which the
Captain was held by his associates in the Board, and expressed a wish that he might return from the war
in safety and with honor. Capt. Grumbach replied feelingly, and thanked the Supervisors for the
testimonial they had conferred upon him. His associations with the members of the Board of Supervisors
were of the most friendly character, but he had had no expectation of being so kindly remembered. He
would look back on this occasion as one of the proudest in his life, and should ever cherish as sacred the
gifts with which he was presented. Short addresses were made by P. Corbett, Wm. Baumgras and
James Bonner, Esqs.- The party then adjourned to the Plymouth Rock, where the very pleasant meeting
was concluded with refreshments. (Syracuse Daily Courier and Union, 22 Sep 1862)
PRESENTS TO OFFICERS - The officers of no regiment were ever better provided with serviceable testimonials of the esteem and
regard of their friends, than are those of the 149th. Nearly all the field, staff and line officers, and many of the non-commissioned
officers, have been the recipients of presents of weapons or other useful gifts. On Saturday evening, Lieutenant-Colonel Strong was
presented with a fine horse, valued at $200, by his friends in Onondaga,- the ceremony taking place at Col. Eaton’s hotel at
Onondaga Hill; P.H. Gardner, Esq., making the address in behalf of the donors, and the Lieutenant Colonel responding. These
addresses were both good, and several other gentlemen also made pertinent remarks. Quartermaster Summers (see below) was
this forenoon presented with a fine horse, valued at $170, by some of his personal friends. The ceremony was brief and interesting.
Mr. Samuel Rooney made the presentation, and Lieut. Summers responded. Capt. James Lynch has been presented with a sword
by Mr. M.E. Lynch, and Lieut. E.D. Murray with a sword by Judge Pratt. Capt. Grumbach has received a sword from members of
the Board of Supervisors. A splendid sword is to be given to Col. Barnum, and Major Cook has already received one. The late
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