Note: Was friends of Buffalo Bill and one of his partners was one of the riders. Documented that Abraham Lincoln commented on his height being six feet tall and slim like him.

TAPS TO SOUND FOR TOMPKINS TODAY

Taps will be sounded Saturday afternoon for Justus W. Tompkins, commander of George H. Thomas post, G.A.R., plainsman and Indian fighter, who died at Portland Mon- day afternoon. Comrade (Uncle Jud) Tompkins knew the thrill of history-making events for almost a century. He was a native of New York, and his war service began when he enlisted in the second Iowa infantry, and later in the sec- ond Iowa cavalry in 1861. He served for three years and fought under Generals Grant, Sherman and other famous union generals.

Enlisted at 16, lied about his age (14-16) - shook hands with Lincoln who said Jut was his size 6"

Although he spent the major part of his time in the so-called "Army of the Tennessee," he battled in every state in the south and was wounded in the battle of Nashville by a sabre in the hands of a confederate soldier.

Mr. Tompkins saw President Lincoln several times during the president's numerous visits to the various regiments. Being a nearby resident Mr. Tompkins well remembered the Spirit Lake, Iowa, massacre when every one of the town's residents with the excерtion of one woman was slain.

Although a native of the Atlantic coastal region, Mr. Tompkins spent most of his life on the plains, and was an intimate of the men who made history in that section. He first crossed the plains in 1859 and later made numerous crossings. On three trips he had as a traveling companion, Bill Cody, best known as Buffalo Bill.

Though not a participant Tompkins was well acquainted with the Pony express, as Cody, for several years a partner of his was one of the riders. On Mr. Tompkins first trip across the plains he remembered that Dodge City, Kansas, consisted of but two tents, one a trading post for buffalo hides and the other a saloon. Commander Tompkins joined the Masonic lodge in Spirit Lake, Iowa, in 1867, and was a charter member-the only one living at the time of his death.

Rev. Claude H. Lorimer will conduct funeral services for Commander Tompkins at the Mills and Mills chapel Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Sons of Veterans will act as bearers and full military honors will be accorded at the graveside in the G. A. R. plot in Masonic cemetery. 4

Some pictures provided by great grandson of John Wetherill to John Wetherills first cousin Marion Mary Brisbin (Wonch) 3rd grandson to preserve.