Belding, Michigan - Dan S Root Post 126 Memorial

A scenic flag plaza next to the VFW post on the Flat River Dan S Root Post 126 GAR Memorial
VFW Hall - 148 N Bridge St
Belding, Ionia County

"In memory of The Boys of 1861-1865 who offered their services for the integrity and unity of our Grand Republic during the War of The Rebellion"

This particular memorial has moved locations at least twice around town and now sits at the edge of the Flat River, in the parking lot of the local VFW.

The original plaque, placed by the members of the Dan S Root GAR Post 126 and the WRC Chapter 175 appears to be from a different time as the inscription plaque. A second dedication by the Sons and Daughters in 1914 doesn't seem to be aging any better than the orignal markers.

Some of these plaques are more than 100 years old. It's no surprise they are corroded and difficult to read.

The post was named for Dan S Root, who enlisted as a Sergeant in the 3rd Michigan Infantry during May of 1861. The 23 year old Root was quickly elevated through the ranks, gaining the rank of Lt Colonel before being discharged at the end of the war. He earned the reputation of being one that did not wilt under fire and holding that rare abilty to lead men calmly through the confusion of a battlefield.

In the years following the war his qualities were described by several of his comrades. One of them, Dan Crotty, of Company F, 3rd Regiment, described him this way in 1864 - "...Lieutenant Colonel Dan S. Root, as brave an officer as

Company F Color Sergeant
Click on the photo to learn
more of the 3rd Michigan
there is in the army in any battle, while in camp his is the personification of mildness to a fault. The Colonel arose from the ranks by his bravery and good conduct. He knows how to appreciate the love of his men, who now are forcing the rebel skirmishers, and they fall back to their main support, when their reserve open out with a withering fire upon our men."

Crotty continued with a personal description of Root that should have been used to dedicate this memorial, "No braver soldier ever drew a sword than he. He is the beloved of those who have the good fortune to be in his command. In camp, mild but firm; in battle as brave as the bravest. Always at his post, ne never lost a battle, from the first Bull Run to the present time. He will always be remembered with the greatest pleasure by those who have shared the numerous campaigns with him in the Army of The Potomoc."

Not surprisingly, Dan S. Root returned home from war and continued his penchant for community service. He became a doctor, establishing himself in practice at Chicago in 1868. He eagerly fought to combat the many diseases of the large German immigrant neighborhoods of that midwestern city. He learned their native language and attended to them in much the same way as he lead troops to battle, calmly and without fear of the consequences. It was probably that dedication which brought him to an early death in February of 1882, just a few months before the local GAR post was formed and dedicated in his honor.

I received this background information of Dr. Root from a descendent of his, Ms. Katie Legato. Katie says of her research, "...as I’ve ‘gotten to know him’ I have come to love him very much." And that is why most memorials to soldiers and their sacrifices are built; because we know them and love them for their service and sacrifice. A journal entry of Dan Root from the Battle of Chancellorsville may be view by clicking here.