May 22, 2014
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
May 22, 2014
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, Pa.
Speaker: Rick Bodenschatz "First at Arlington: The William Henry Christman Story"
Attendance: 40
Treasurer Fred Tim called the May meeting to order for the Historical Association of Tobyhanna Township on May 22, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. Fred asked member and HATT Director Lew Rarig to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Fred then made announcements of upcoming events, including a repeat of tonight’s presentation being held next Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m. here at the library.
Additional announcements were made, starting with the Memorial Day Parade next Monday at 10 a.m. in Pocono Pines.
On June 12 at 5:30 p.m., the U.S. Forestry Service presents the History of Grey Towers.
On Saturday, June 28, HATT is hosting the 28th Division Army National Guard Band in concert at the Pocono Mountain West High School, at 7:30 p.m.
Fred also announced the new Local History Section within the library, assembled by a HATT committee.
Lastly, Fred gave a short treasurer’s report for 2013, with reports available to those wishing to see the financial statement. Fred then turned the meeting over to Fred Lehrer, program chairman.
Fred Lehrer spoke of the lineup for 2014, mentioning a few events such as the Annual Dinner with Christopher Columbus and a lecture by Benjamin Franklin.
Fred then introduced Rick Bodenschatz, presenting First at Arlington: The William Henry Christman Story.
Rick presented the life of William Henry Christman of Tobyhanna Township, his enlistment in the 67th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and his untimely death on May 13, 1864. Being buried on May 13th, he was the first soldier to be buried in what became Arlington National Cemetery.
Rick also presented historical information about the Christman family. When William joined the Army he received a $300 signing bonus and his first month's pay in advance. His famous letter home to his parents showed his love and leadership of family, referring to getting the deed for the property, which then became the Christman 40-acre farm.
His father, Jonas, was then able to bring the family out of poverty, becoming a township supervisor and justice of the peace until his death in 1890. William’s brother, Barnabus, was killed in action in the fierce Seven Days Battle on June 30, 1862.
Barbara Christman Page and husband, Don, were introduced to the group. Barb is the great-grandniece of Pvt. William Henry Christman.
Following questions and answers, member Jim Forcella gave a report on HATT’s trip to the national ceremony held May 13, for Pvt. William Henry Christman, at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 50 people represented Tobyhanna Township. International press coverage of the ceremony including interviews of the Christman’s were done. CNN’s coverage was then shown to the group, along with photographs provided by the Third Infantry.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
(A repeat presentation of The William Henry Christmas Story was held on May 27, with 22 people attending.)
Submitted by Rick Bodenschatz
