THE SILENT SENTRY STATUE
From 1883 until the early 1970s, a monument immortalizing the U.S. Soldier stood at the Soldiers' Home Burial Lot in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Yeadon, Delaware Co., Pa.
The earliest known mention of a monument for the soldiers buried at the Soldiers' Home Burial Lot is from December 1865. During the war, two charitable organizations sprang up to care for Union soldiers passing through Philadelphia; the Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and the Cooper Shop Volunteer Refreshment Saloon. By 1865, they had merged and became one entity; the Soldiers' Home in the City of Philadelphia. In December 1865, the Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon sold their building at auctions and the sale proceeds were earmarked for the erection of a monument over the remains of about sixty soldiers who died in the hospital located at Sixteenth and Filbert Streets during the war. The building became the new site for the Soldiers' Home in the City of Philadelphia in 1866. (1)
On June 11, 1874, the Board of Managers of the Soldiers' Home met to make arrangements to erect a monument on the burial lot owned by the organization in Mount Moriah Cemetery. At that time, it was only proposed to mount a cannon on a granite base, as a mark of respect to the memory of the soldiers buried there. (4)
The following article is from the "Historical Sketch of the Soldiers' Home" published by the Soldiers' Home of the City of Philadelphia in 1886:
The Soldiers' Monument.
As early as October 13th, 1869, we find by reference to the minutes, the action of the Executive Committee in purchasing a lot in Mount Moriah Cemetery approved, and instructions given to have the same inclosed and improved.
Before that time the Home had had the use of the old Cooper Shop Volunteer Refreshment Saloon lot in the same cemetery. Very many of those dying, however, were buried by their friends in their own denominational grounds. Now it was proposed to have, as far as possible, one general burial lot for the inmates who should succumb to disease or the effects of old wounds. It was also decided to erect a suitable monument to these men who were, in every way, as worthy of being honored as if they had fallen in actual battle.
Several designs for a monument were submitted to the Executive Committee, but it was felt that a fine statue of a soldier suited best as a memorial intended not to honor some great general or other officer, but to perpetuate the memory of men in the ranks who had died in their county's cause.
At the stated meeting, held June 13th, 1883, the Executive Committee was authorized to contract with Henton & Bro. - a Philadelphia firm having a national reputation - "for a bronze figure of a soldier, and to arrange with the Philadelphia Granite Company for a granite base for same."
The result is a noble statue in bronze of a soldier at parade-rest. The figure is 7 feet 2 inches in height, and stands upon a perfectly proportioned base about 8 feet square at the bottom, and 9 feet high, giving an altitude to the whole work of 16 feet 2 inches.
The workmanship is perfect in every detail and particular; the color of the bronze golden and rich, and the pose and general effect of the figure has been pronounced by art critics as fine as any similar statue in the country. The life-like character of the form and features is the chief merit of this fine statue, and one which, of itself, places it high in the scale of art.
May 12th, 1884, the Executive Committee were able to report that the monument had been placed in position in the lot at Mount Moriah Cemetery, and preparations were made for its dedication. Invitations were sent to many distinguished gentlemen, and about 300 soldiers' orphans were expected to take part in the ceremonies. A distinguished and eloguent soldier and citizen, Colonel A. Loudon Snowden, agreed, likewise, to deliver the oration of the occasion. Civil and military bodies were invited to take part in the ceremonies, and, in short, everything was done to make the event impressive and memorable. The 23d day of October 1884, was the day selected, and although the weather was so inclement, there being a constant down-pour of rain, the dedication - this "CROWNING ACT" of the years of noble work done by the Soldiers' Home - was successfully achieved in spite of every obstacle, under the careful supervision of Chairman Allison.
The following spirited account of this event, as well as the faithful report of Colonel Snowden's eloquent and inspiring oration, is from the Daily Evening Telegraph of that date.
Unveiling
THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT IN MOUNT MORIAH CEMETERY DEDICATED - IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the ceremonies connected with the unveiling of the soldiers' monument in Mount Moriah Cemetery this afternoon, took place according to the programme. At 2:30 P.M. the military and civic bodies who took part in the unveiling ceremonies assembled at the entrance to the cemetery, and formed in line under the marshal-ship of General James L. Selfridge, and proceeded to the spot on which the monument is erected. The procession consisted of a detachment of military, delegates from the different posts of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Keystone Battery, officers of the Soldiers' Home, and other organizations, the whole proceded by a full military band.
On arriving at the monument the procession formed around it, and the ceremonies commenced with a prayer by the Rev. John Hemphill, followed by a dirge by the band, after which the ceremony of unveiling took place, which was performed by four of the soldiers' orphans connected with the Home.
COLONEL SNOWDEN'S ORATION.
The Keystone Battery then fired a salute, when the band performed another selection, after which Colonel A. Loudon Snowden delivered the following oration:
"One of the most remarkable and characteristic institutions that sprang up in our city, as a natural outgrowth of the war of the Rebellion, was the Cooper Shop Volunteer Refreshment Saloon. This organization, in its beginnings, its aims, its sources of revenue, and in the means employed to promote the comfort, happiness, and well-being of our soldiers and sailors, is, I think, without parallel among the many beneficient works performed by the loyal men and women of other cities during that trying period.
"It has always been characteristic of Philadelphia to extend generous hospitality to those who come within her gates, and it was only natural for her loyal citizens to extend a hearty welcome to the sons of her own and other States who were passing through her streets on their march to the defence of an imperilled country. What was at first the spontaneous and kindly act of a portion of her people residing on or near the line of march of the passing troops, shortly became an organized association of patriotic men and women, into whose treasury citizens of all classes and conditions, in all parts of the city, poured their willing contributions, thus enabling it to provide healthful food and drink for over six hundred thousand men, besides the tender and skilful care bestowed upon many thousands of the sick and wounded.
"Its first thought was to provide comforts for those who were on their march to the front. Its second and sacred duty was to care for the wounded and sick, returning from battle-fields, from the fever swamps and loathsome prisons of the South. In this last charity the 'Cooper Shop' and the 'Soldiers' Home' engaged about the same time. The former, in a short time, recognizing the efficiency of the organization under whose auspices we are assembled to-day, abandoned that branch of the work, and handed over all funds in its possession, subscribed for that specific purpose, and confined its labors to its original purpose, that of ministering to the hungry and thirsty, going and returning from the war. Thus, in 1863, began the blessed work of the Soldiers' Home of Philadelphia.
"The patriotic and charitable impulse that called this noble institution into being reflects the highest credit upon human nature.
"Its work was not confined to healing the wounded body, but in bringing comfort to the weary spirit.
"It befriended those who needed friends.
"It gave a home to those who were either homeless or far from home.
"Its far-reaching charities were not confined to citizens of a single State, but were, with a generous and catholic spirit, bestowed upon all soldiers of this Republic, without regard to color or creed, who were in need of assistance.
"The work it performed in the cause of patriotism and Christian charity will illustrate one of the brightest pages in the history of our great city, so justly celebrated the world over for the number and diversity of her charitable institutions.
"The record of its good works would fill a volume. I can give but a passing glance at its pages. From 1864 until 1873 it sheltered and cared for 3535 sick and wounded soldiers and sailors.
"When that chaitable work was ended, it reached forth its arms to protect, provide for, and educate the children of such as had died or had been disabled in the service.
"Of this class 135 have been admitted to the privileges and blessings of a home, where disinterested sympathy and kindness inspired every act of those in authority.
"This generous and noble work is almost completed, largely owing to the provisions of the general government towards the same end.
"Republics may be ungrateful, but surely the great Republic of the West has been anything but forgetful of or ungrateful to those who risked their lives for the honor of her flag and the maintenance of her power.
"The widow and orphan have been generously provided for, and the maimed and disabled more liberally pensioned than have been the soldiers of any other country in the history of the world.
"Having provided for the sick and wounded, and for the orphans of the soldier, this noble institution, as a crowning act in its bright career, now turns its attention to the dead, whose dust for years it has been carefully guarding within these sacred precincts; and here, to-day, in honor for those who perished for their country, it has unveiled this beautiful monument, erected by generous contributions for a patriotic purpose. It will stand here through the coming generations to mark the spot where these patriots sleep, and indicate the appreciation in which their services were held by their countrymen.
"The student of history as he reads of battles and sieges - of the overthrow of dynasties and the downfall of governments - of the upbuilding of colossal empires, based upon the subjugation of peoples and of states - cannot but observe how little account was taken, in the olden time, of the wishes, the welfare, or the happiness of the people. He also notes, as he reads of the great wars for conquest and empire, how little is said of the common soldier, upon whose zeal, discipline, and courage of the victory depended, whilst much honor and praise is bestowed upon the successful leader, whose brow is decked with laurel, and ofttimes with kingly crowns.
"It is much the same in monarchial governments at the present time.
"Rarely is great public honor bestowed upon the common soldiers of a victorious army, but always upon its leaders; costly monuments are often erected by the munificence of governments, seldom to the soldiers in the ranks, nearly always to the general, the prince, the king.
"How different with us! Under our popular form of government, the underlying thought and purpose of nearly all political and social movements is to elevate and benefit the masses of the people.
"We have honored and do honor our leaders, I fear sometimes not to their just deserving, or as it would be well for us to do - as I esteem a respect and reverance for the great and good, a valuable conservative element in human society - but the constant tendency of our institutions is to aggrandize the mass at the expense of individuals.
"We have at the National Capital and elsewhere, erected memorials to perpetuate the names and fame of great citizens, who have rendered important public services, but a vast majority of the monuments in the towns and cities of several States, like the one before us, were erected by popular subscription, to give an enduring expression of the love and gratitude of the people towards the rank and file of the great army whose patriotic valor preserved popular government on this continent.
"The dead who slumber here came from many States and from other countries. Here the sons of the far Northwest and Northeast lie buried together, as well as those from the South, West, and Middle States - gallant sons of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Kentucky, and New Jersey mingle their dust.
"Here, also, are men from other lands, the Teuton and the Celt, from the far-off Fatherland and from the Emerald Isle of the sea, seeking freedom and homes in a new land. They offered up their lives that freedom might remain the inheritance of this people through the coming ages.
"It was fitting and well that in the great struggle for the maintenance of free institutions on this continent, the peoples of other lands should sympathize and cooperate with us.
"The philosophical bearings and far-reaching influences of that mighty struggle, which involved the sacrifice of so many noble lives, and of such vast treasure, are only beginning to be appreciated by the world at large. It was not alone the upholding of the American Union that was involved in the result. On the contrary, it was the preservation of the jewel of liberty - the maintenance of the dignity of labor - the manhood and freedom of man, in which the peoples of all lands are as deeply interested as we are. With us it was the second war of Independence - another effort of the people to emancipate themselves and their country from old and barbarous conditions. For the world at large it was another step in the march of civilization and humanity.
"To us the success of our arms meant freedom at home and the preservation of national life and honor. To the downtrodden and oppressed of other lands, our triumph was a vindication of the right and capacity of man for self-government, and clearly heralded their own ultimate emancipation and enfranchisement, which, God grant, may not be long deferred.
"The dedication of this beautiful monument, with all the attendent ceremonies, although primarily intended to honor the dead, is much more significant and valuable as a lesson to the living. The dead who slumber here have performed their allotted work, and performed it well. Their task is ended. Nothing that we can say or do, be it never so heartfelt and sincere, can be of the slightest moment to them.
"These services and ceremonies address themselves to the living. They teach of self-sacrifice, love of liberty, love of country, and obedience to the law and to the call of duty whenever made on us. This is the lesson that present and future generations should learn from the lives, services, and self-sacrifice of the men over whose sacred dust we unveil this monument to-day, dedicated forever to their honor, heroism and patriotism."
There was additional music by the band, when the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. R.A. Edwards, after which those assembled, marshalled by General James L. Selfridge, retired from the cemetery grounds and took conveyances provided for them, and returned to the city.
The monument is erected on the lot owned by the Soldiers' Home, and cost $2450. It has a granite base 9 feet high, surmounted by a bronze figure of a soldier 7 feet in height, and standing at rest. Over sixty dead soldiers are interred in the lot, and a large number of the soldiers' orphans took part in the ceremonies.
Considering the state of the weather to-day, the ceremonies connected with the unveiling of the monument were of a very impressive and successful character.
During the unveiling ceremony the pedestal of the monument was covered with the original American flag that floated from the roof of the old Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon, near Front Street and Washington Avenue, during the Rebellion. (2)
The official weather for Philadelphia on October 23, 1884 was 60 degrees high, 39 degrees low and 2/100th inch precipitation. (3)
On July 3, 1889, the Soldiers' Home in the City of Philadelphia was dissolved and ownership of the Soldiers' Home Burial Lot was transferred by deed to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS).
THE MONUMENT A CENTURY LATER
The monument was badly vandalized over the next century.
In 1988 local Civil War enthusiasts formed a committee and worked to erect a statue of Brigadier General John Gibbon at Gettysburg. At that time, the quincy granite base of the monument was still in the burial lot but the the bronze U.S. Soldier statue and plaques were missing. MOLLUS approved the removal of the granite base from the cemetery to be provided for the General Gibbon memorial at Gettysburg.
The following contemporary story of the granite base is excerpted from the article, "John Gibbon: The Man and the Monument" by Steven J. Wright and Blake A. Magner:
The stones were dismantled and taken to a local stone mason where they were cleaned, had the Second Corps trefoil sand-blasted onto the sides, and were prepared for the plaques.
The base itself was made of five pieces. As the next to last stone was removed, a compartment was found that contained the remnants of a book. The covers had been destroyed, but the text remained intact. The volume was a listing of men at the Old Soldiers Home, but also contained a woodcut of the completed monument, which had been erected in one place during the early 1880s and later moved to the cemetery. The book was freeze-dried, re-bound, and a new page was tipped in using the Gibbon Committee stationery and an explanation of who the committee was and what it was doing. The book was encased in plastic and placed back in its compartment when the base was assembled in Gettysburg.
In the interim, sculptor Terry Jones had taken an eight-inch, committee approved, maquette (preliminary sculpture model), enlarged it to two feet, and enlarged it again into an eight foot mass of clay that looked like John Gibbon on July 3, 1863. Using the lost wax method of bronze casting, the foundry (Loran Bronze of Chester, Pennsylvania) produced more than twenty pieces of copper and tin alloy, which were welded into the statue that sits on the battlefield today.
Three plaques were written for the monument, one simply saying GIBBON 1827-1896, while the other two were more elaborate. The front face plaque describes Gibbons Civil War career with the quotation: He has a keen eye and is as bold as a lion. The reverse plaque provides a general synopsis of the generals life.
Ground breaking for the monument was held on a cold, windy morning in mid-March of 1988. The erection of the monument was held on June 15, a day that was as hot as the ground breaking day was cold. This day provides one of the better stories of the Gibbon monument: the story of Ruffo. Ruffo worked for the stone cutter who removed the stones from Mount Moriah, cleaned them and brought them to Gettysburg. Ruffo had learned stone-cutting at the Vatican, moved to Philadelphia in the 1940s, and had not left the city limits since. Ruffo so loved the base we had chosen for Gibbon that he all but adopted it, and he left the city of Philadelphia for the first time in forty years to make sure that his stone was assembled correctly in Gettysburg.
Dedication day was July 3, 1988, the 125th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg. An enthusiastic crowd of some two thousand gathered to watch a small group of Gibbon enthusiasts unveil the monument. There was an honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry, from Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Army National Guard, plus more than two hundred reenactors from the National Regiment who served as a backdrop to the ceremonies. The 110th Pennsylvania, another reenactment group, acted as an honor guard, firing the salute. Just before the ceremony began a mounted artillery sergeant reenactor rode up and asked if his group could participate. Permission was granted and more than a dozen men from the 4th U.S. Artillery, Gibbons old command, joined the ceremonies. Speeches were given by H. Sinclair Mills, Pennsylvania Commandry of MOLLUS; Terry Jones; Blake A. Magner; Park Superintendent John Ernest; and Maj. Gen. Gerard T. Sajer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The key-note speaker that day was Civil War historian Brian Pohanka. A number of Gibbon descendants also attended the ceremony. John Reilly, the man who got the whole project started in the Philadelphia area, was also there.
SILENT SENTRY
The bronze statue appears to be of the same design as the Dayton Veterans Soldiers Monument unveiled on September 12, 1877 at the the Soldiers' Home in Dayton. This spot later became the site of the Dayton National Cemetery. The soldier was referred to as the "Silent Sentry" in the Cincinnati Daily Gazette story on the unveiling (6).
Likewise, the citizens of Richmond built their own "Silent Sentry" statue of similar stature as the one at Dayton, but of a Confederate soldier. (7)
In the early 1970s, the bronze statue of the U.S. soldier that stood cold and mute at the Soldiers' Home Burial Lot at Mount Moriah was “stolen and almost sold for scrap” (5) in a Camden, N.J. warehouse. It was restored by Laran Bronze, Inc. in Chester, Pa. The Pennsylvania Commandery, MOLLUS, paid for its repairs.
Some of the burial lot headstones in the area of where the monument stood are missing are damaged; more so than in the other rows of the burial lot. I believe that this occurred when thieves stole the bronze statue or possibly when the base was removed for the Gibbon's statue.
Sources:
Philadelphia Inquirer, December 23, 1865, Page 2
Historical Sketch of the Soldiers' Home. 1886. Pages 82 - 91. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Weather Data, Franklin Institute.
Philadelphia Inquirer, June 11, 1874, pg. 2.
"John Gibbon: The Man and the Monument" by Steven J. Wright and Blake A. Magner. http://www.gdg.org/Discussions/wright.html accessed March 21, 2009.
Cincinnati Daily Gazette, September 13, 1877, page 1
Historic Southern Monuments compiled by Mrs. B.A.C. Emerson, 199, Neale Publishing Co. http://www.archive.org/stream/historicsouthern00emeriala/historicsouthern00emeriala_djvu.txt accessed 3-25-09