History of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Association.
The surviving members of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia met at Dighton Rock, Simmons Grove, August, 1890. Invitations had been sent to all the comrades and a goodly number were present, the object of the meeting being the formation of an association to perpetuate past events, and to hold together the members of the Association until they should answer the last roll call.
Col. S. P. Richmond was chosen temporary chairman and George F. Coughlin, clerk. N. P. Norton, B. S. Atwood, E. Grant, William Mason, Patrick Cannavan, B. F. Lewis, Otis A. Baker, J. M. Lyle and L. F. Alden were chosen a committee to nominate officers for a permanent organization. They reported as follows: President—Col. Silas P. Richmond; Vice-Presidents—Capt. Andrew R. Wright, Maj. Thomas B. Griffith, Maj. William E. Mason; Secretary—Chaplain Charles A. Snow; Treasurer—Sergt. James C. Hitch.
The report was adopted and the officers nominated were declared elected by the temporary chairman, Col. S. P. Richmond.
The following were chosen an Executive Committee: C. P. Lyon, C. D. Copeland, R. A. Soule, J. L. Wilber, J. W. Hammond, B. S. Atwood, F. M. McGraw, P. Cannavan, J. Gibbs, C. E. Churchill.
The Fruit Growers Association of Bristol County served a bountiful clam dinner, which was highly appreciated by the comrades. At the afternoon session it was voted that the Executive Committee secure some design for an Association badge. After voting that the time and place of the next meeting be left with the Executive Committee, the meeting adjourned and the comrades expressed their joy at being granted once more the privilege of meeting each other.
C. A. Snow, Secretary.
The second meeting of the Association was held at Fort Phœnix, Fairhaven, July 30, 1891.