Farragut Post #32Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan Organized November 11, 1881 This Post was named in honor of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut. He was born James G. Farragut July 5, 1801 near Knoxville, Tennessee. As a boy he was a veteran of the War of 1812 and served during the Mexican War. During the Civil War, he was unsuccessful in 1862 in attempts to take Vicksburg. His victory in taking New Orleans led to the fall of Vicksburg by controlling the traffic on that end of the Mississippi. His greatest success came with the taking of Mobile Bay and his famous command, "Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead." He was the first to be promoted Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral and finally full four star Admiral in 1866. He died August 14, 1870. The Post was Mustered with 33 Charter Members. The first Post Commander was Simeon S. French. He served as Assistant Surgeon of the 6th Michigan Infantry and later as Surgeon, enlisting June 19, 1861 at age 38. He then served as Surgeon of the 20th Michigan Infantry until his resignation and discharge for disability on July 21, 1864. The Post met at Odd Fellows Hall on Main Street and by March of 1883 at the G.A.R. Hall at 18 West Main Street. In December of 1894 they are meeting at the R. T. of T. Hall on Main Street and in 1895 at the Leberty Hall on Canal Street. They then moved on to the KOTM Hall on East Main Street and the Macabees Hall, Stone Hall and Spiritualist Hall, all on Main Street. Their last meeting place is reported as G. A. R. Hall on College Street. A note appears on the Report of 1934 listing the surviving Members; Winfield Faith, Jerome Morse, John Blakely, Chas. Stephens, M. D. Strickland, J. W. Walker, and Joseph J. Kleindenst. The Last Post Commander was William R. Howland who served in the 8th New York Heavy Artillery. He enlisted on December 11, 1863 at the age of 18 and served until June 5, 1865. The Post was disbanded January 14, 1943.
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