The Gray-Beard Regiment

This regiment, which was number Thirty-seven of Iowa infantry, was made up exclusively of men over 45 years of age, and who were consequently exempt from military duty.

Secretary Stanton, of the war department, had, at the request of men over age who wished to enter the service, authorized the organization of such a regiment to do garrison duty. The various companies making up the regiment went into camp at Muscatine, and were mustered into the service about the middle of December, 1862. Its field officers were George W. Kincaid, colonel; George R. West, lieutenant-colonel and Lyman Allen, major. Every congressional district in the state was represented in the ranks of the regiment. They were farmers, mechanics and business men, most of whom had sons or near relations already in the army. Many of them were over 50 years old, but when they marched through the streets of St. Louis in January, 1863, General Curtis, who had seen the volunteers of two wars, declared that he had never seen a finer looking body of men. For two and a half years these men performed garrison and guard duty, thereby relieving younger men for field service and thus contributing valuable aid to their country. The last general officer under whom they served thus wrote of their services, on the 13th of May, 1865:

"General L. Thomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army:

"The Thirty-seventh Iowa Volunteer infantry, called the 'Gray-Beards,' now on duty at this post, consists exclusively of old men — none under 45, many over 60 years of age. After the men of this regiment had devoted their sons and grandsons, numbering 1,300 men, to the service of their country, their patriotism induced them to enlist for garrison duty, thus enabling the government to send the young men to the front. Officers and men would cheerfully remain in the service as long as they are wanted, though they are very badly needed at home to save the next harvest, most of them being farmers. They have received the commendation of their former post commanders. At this post they have performed very heavy duties, which would have been difficult for an even number of young men. The high patriotism displayed by these men in devoting a few years of their old age to their country's service is unparalleled in history, and commands the respect of every true republican. I therefore recommend that the Thirty-seventh Iowa Volunteer infantry may be mustered out of the service immediately, with honors and acknowledgments of their services, due to the noble spirit with which they gave so glorious an example to the youths of their country.

"Very respectfully,

"J. WILLICH,

"Brigadier-General.''

General Willich's request was granted, and the Gray-Beard regiment was mustered out, being the first of the three years men to be discharged from the service. The Thirty-seventh was disbanded on the day of the grand review at Washington. A large number of the men had died from exposure and the hard duties of camp life.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 116