1901 Ninth New York Cavalry Convention,
Westfield, Chautauqua Co. NY

Dibble's Dabbles

1901 Ninth New York Cavalry Convention

by Billie Dibble

It's always exciting to open a box which has been stored away in some remote corner for who-knows-how-many years. The little blue soap box that I found the other day contained several colorful, though tattered, ribbon badges--relics from reunions of Civil War veterans of long ago.

In letters of gold on red, white and blue, one said, "9th N.Y. Cavalry, Westfield, New York, Sept. 13-14, 1901." So, of course, I hastened to see what the Westfield Republican had to say about the convention, which marked the 40th anniversary of the organization of the regiment, which had its beginning in September 1861 "by the volunteering of men for cavalry service in the counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Wyoming in the state of New York and in adjoining towns of Warren county, Pennsylvania."

The Republican of Sept. 18, 1901 carried a lengthy report of the reunion. It was the third one held in Westfield, the first visit was about 40 years earlier when the 9th N.Y. Cavalry was enlisted on the old fair ground--now partially occupied by the old Catholic Cemetery on Union Street extension. The boys were given a hearty welcome then, the pride of Chautauqua and adjoining counties. They assembled here, and after weeks of drill and preparation, rode away 'mid tears and blessings of thousands of relatives and friends who came to take a parting farewell. History tells how well they fought, and how bravely they died for their country. The 9th N.Y. Cavalry had also held its 25th Reunion in Westfield in 1886.

Of the fine body of men who went away 40 years before only a few remained to relate the experience and the trials they had passed through. There were only a few more than 100 veterans present and they were received with open arms by our people, and nothing was left undone that could contribute to their happiness.

Some of the members came on the evening of the 12th to open headquarters and look after the arrangements of the reunion. Headquarters were at the Minton House, and Landlord Hotchkiss did everything to make his guests...
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THESE WERE POSSIBLY--the veterans and dignitaries who met in Westfield in September 1901 for the 40th anniversary of the organizing of the ninth New York Cavalry Regiment during the Civil War.

Photos from the Mateer collection, Patterson Library