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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Henry County Heritage Trust presents ‘Voices from the Past’
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
A pleasant, informative afternoon occurred when Henry County Heritage Trust presented its “Voices from the Past.” Reenactors for four Henry County veterans presented the personal side of life in Mount Pleasant after surviving war service.
Patriot Charles Shepherd portrayed by Jeff Thomas gave a glimpse of life during and after the Revolutionary War. Sheperd moved to the Iowa Territory in 1837 settling here before statehood. He traveled with his wife, three sons and a daughter. Beginning in 1818 he applied for and received a pension of $8 a month. Charles told a most memorable story regarding being known as the “old soldier.” Living on the river east of Rome emigrants would stop by to see this venerable old man. They would give him welcome gifts of tobacco and whiskey. One can imagine how much this was appreciated. Talking to a veteran who had actually been at Valley Forge and many of the important places in the war must have inspired many travelers as they worked their way west. Unfortunately, he perished as a neglected old man.
Michael Huston portrayed 2nd Lt Baron H. Crane. Interesting information was gathered from a very old newspaper. A report written by Col. George A. Stone, commanding officer of the 25th Iowa Infantry. The report described the surrender of Columbia, S.C. and the actions of the Third Brigade of the 15th Iowa Corps. He paid special tribute to his staff officers. Lt. Baron crane was one these men. The Crane family has a long and rich history in Mount Pleasant. Young Baron was involved in actual shooting engagements of the war. He was wounded at the Battle of Chattanooga. The built a home on East Washington Street. Eventually, this home became the home of the IWC President.
2nd Lt. Baron Dana Crane served in World War I. He was portrayed by Max Kipp. Lt Crane’s educational career included attending Central School and Mount Pleasant High School. He graduated from Iowa Wesleyan in 1916 having spent his last semester at Harvard University. In 1917 he graduated from the University of Illinois Business School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in France in the Signal Corp installing, servicing and calibrating machine guns on bi-wing fighter planes. After returning to Iowa, he continued his studies which included watchmaking and repair and optometry.
Caedyn Huston portrayed Spec 1/C Frederick Baron Crane who served in both World War II and the Korean War. Navy Veteran. He was the son of Baron Dana Crane. His Navy service was very interesting. After his service he returned to Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa School of Music. He was a professor emeritus of musicology for 26 years at the University. In 1994 Fred returned to Mount Pleasant. His expertise the Jew’s harp instrument was known throughout the world.
The Crane family has a long and respected history in Mount Pleasant. Many remember Crane Jewelry and Crane Hardware among many other services to businesses in the area. Many visitors shared their memories of Dane and Fred with the reenactors. Henry County Heritage Trust has planned a full schedule of events.
