The traveling exhibit, Boys in Blue: The Grand Army of the Republic, A Civil War Veterans’ Organization, is now open at the Lyon County Museum. The exhibit runs until June 1. The traveling exhibit was organized by the Siouxland Heritage Museums, Sioux Falls, S.D. Exhibit opening reception and program is Monday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dr. Lloyd Petersen will talk at 6:30 p.m. on the history of the Grand Army of the Republic. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

In addition to the traveling exhibit, we pulled out of the museum collection, G.A.R. and Civil War items and photographs to put on display. One of the items on display is a letter, including the envelope, written by the daughter of a member of the D.F. Markham Post No. 7, Marshall to comrades of the Marshall G.A.R. post. Sgt. Theron C. Pond was living in Avalon, Missouri when his daughter wrote the letter for him on Jan. 19, 1931. Below is the content of the letter:

“Avalon, Missouri 1/19, ’31: To the Grand Army Post No. 7, Marshall, Minn.”

“Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the land of the living. I keep comparatively well; only have a slight cold at present. Even though I am miles away I am often with you in mind. I enjoyed a three months visit from my oldest daughter this summer. I sometimes walk out to the barn and back and that is about as hard as a forty mile march used to be. I can not see to write anymore. I am getting pretty well along in years; ninety last fourth of July. Remember me to all the members or, better still, read my letter to them if they would enjoy hearing it. Am looking forward to a letter from you with all the news.”

“Respectfully, Theron C. Pond, Avalon, MO Route 1. Per daughter.”

Sgt. Theron C. Pond was born on July 4, 1840 in Ohio, and he passed away on May 13, 1931. He is buried in the Avalon Cemetery in Missouri. He enlisted on Sept. 28, 1861, in Fillmore County, MN. He served in Company F, 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He reenlisted on December 23, 1863 in Chattanooga, TN. He was mustered out on July 11, 1865. After the war ended, census records show Pond and his family living in several locations before Missouri. At this point, I have not found the years the family resided in Lyon County.

The Lyon County Historical Society is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. For more information on membership, research, volunteering, or the museum’s collection, please contact us at 537-6580 or director@lyoncomuseum.org. Like our page and follow us on Facebook.