(Originally Published in the Emmitsburg Chronicle August 13^th, 1897)

One of Emmitsburg’s Most Prominent Citizens has passed away. His military and public life. Funeral services Resolutions of condolence, etc.

This community was greatly shocked on last Friday afternoon over the announcement of the death of Major Oliver A. Horner, cashier of the Banking House of Annan, Horner & Co., which took place at his home in this place, at 3:20 o'clock in the afternoon.

Major Horner had been in ill health for the past several months. He consulted some of the moat prominent physicians of Baltimore City, all of whom pronounced his disease incurable. As his physical strength gradually weakened, be lessened his work in the bank, but at the same time continued to superintend the business of that in situation until his death, and therefore, it can be justly said, that he died at his post of duty.

In his death Emmitsburg loses one of its most highly respected and influential citizens, and religiously, socially and politically his demise will be greatly felt throughout the community. He was a public spirited man in every sense of the word, and always took an active part in everything that was intended to advance the future welfare of his adopted town.

He enlisted in the War of the Rebellion as ft private in Company C, Cole's Maryland Cavalry, at Emmitsburg, August 27, 1861, and was made a corporal at the organization of the company. He wan promoted to First Sergeant on June 10, 1862; to Second Lieutenant, January 15, 1864; to First Lieutenant and Adjutant, April 20, 1864; to Major, February 1,1865. The last promotion being for "efficiency, bravery and meritorious conduct." Having the written approval of the Field and Line Officers of the regiment. He served continuously with his regiment until the close of the war except for brief periods being detailed for post, brigade, staff, and court martial duties, along the Potomac and in the Shenandoah Valley, Department of West Virginia.

He spent the winter of 1861 along the Potomac, picketing fords and guarding telegraph lines from Frederick to Hancock, Md. Entering the Shenandoah Valley in Bank's campaign, March, 1862. Was in the fight with Stuart's Cavalry at Leesburg, Va., Sept. 2. 1862; Siege and bombardment of Harper's Ferry, Sept. 3-14, being in the advance guard with the Cavalry that cut their Way through the Rebel lines night before the surrender, and ass fated in the capture of Long street's ammunition train of ninety wagons, with the guard, near Williamsport, Md, September 15, 1862 ; Assisted in the capture of a portion of Stuart's cavalry at Hyattstown, Md. , Oct. 11, 1862, when he was returning from his raid into the Cumberland Valley, Pa and around McClellan's army. He was with Geary on reconnaissance to Winchester, Va , December 2-6,1862, fighting at Charlestown, Berryville and Smithfield; spent the winter of 1862 al Harper's Ferry, making frequent raids through Loudon, Jefferson and Clarke counties, Va , after White's and Mosby 's Guerillas; was in the fight at Halltown, Va., Dec. 20, 1862, and assisted in the capture of Captain Baylor, who fired upon a flag of truce at Harper's Ferry, 1861. Fight at Fountaindale, Pa., June 28,1863; at Harper's Ferry, July 4," 1863, assisting in the destruction of the bridge across the Potomac. Fight with Imboden at Charleston and Rippon Va , October 18, 1863, having his horse shot. He was on the fifteen days' raid up the Shenandoah Valley, December, 1863. In the famous midnight attack from Mosby's Guerillas at Loudon Heights, Va,, January 10, 1864; raid from Harper's Ferry via Winchester and Romney, Moorfleld, Va., February, 1864; fight at Mechanicsville Gap; fight near Middletown, Md., July 6, 1864, where he was captured but succeeded in making his escape the same day. In the battle at Hagerstown, July 29, 1864, and at Keedysville, Md., August 5, 1864; with Sheridan's Cavalry in the Shenandoah Valley from August 9-31, 1864, fighting at Berryville, Charlestown and Summit Point, and assisted in the retrograde movement from Strasburg to the Potomac, destroying forage,, and driving the livestock from that region. He spent the winter of 1864 on the upper Potomac with headquarters at Hedgesville, Va.; guarding the B, & 0. R. R. and telegraph lines from Harper's Ferry to Cumberland. He was mustered out of service at Harper's Ferry, Va., June 28^th, 1865

After the close of the war he came to Emmitsburg and engaged in the mercantile business. On June 28, 1866, he married Miss Ann Margaret Grier, daughter of the late Rev. Robert S. Grier, by whom he had three children. His wife dying August 14, 1872, and his children at an early age.

He was appointed postmaster at this place, March 11, 1869, and resigned April 15, 1877. On August 24, 1877, he was appointed United States Storekeeper of Customs at Baltimore, serving in that capacity and as an Inspector of Customs until July, 1882.

On October 22, 1878, he married Miss Anna E. Annan, daughter of Dr. Andrew Annan, of this place, by whom had four children, Andrew Annan, Robert Lewis, Elizabeth Motter, and Oliver Alexander, all of whom together with their mother, survive him.

In October, 1882, he organized the Banking House of Annan, Horner, and Company in this place, of which he was cashier and general manager, from its formation until the time of his demise. The company erected In 1888 one of the finest bank buildings in Western Maryland. This institution being known as one of the most prosperous and reliable banking houses in this section of the State.

Major Horner was elected Commissioner of the Corporation of Emmitsburg in 1872, and 1883, and again in 1896, at which time be acted in the capacity of treasurer. He was one of the directors and also treasurer of the Emmitsburg Water Company. He was Commander of Arthur Post, No. 41, G. A. R., Department of Maryland, from its organization it 1887, until February, 1895. He was elected Junior Vice Department Commander, February 27, 1893; Senior Vice Commander, February 22, 1894, ami Commander, Department of Maryland, February 22, 1895. Being the only man in the Department who passed from Junior to Senior, and to Commander, successively, an honor which he highly esteemed and bad every reason to feel justly proud of.

He was an enthusiastic Grand Army man, and regularly attended the National Encampments with his wife and two sons, Annan and Robert. He had nearly completed his arrangements to attend the approaching National Encampment, which will be held a few weeks later at Buffalo, N. Y. Little did he think that his plans to attend the coming meeting of the organization be loved so well, would so soon be frustrated.

In politics he was an enthusiastic Republican, always taking an active part in the political campaigns. He was the recognized leader Of the republican forces of Emmitsburg District, I and was known as one of the most earnest and active republicans in Frederick county.

The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon in the Presbyterian church, of which he was an active and consistent member. The services being conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Wm. Simonton, D. D., who was assisted by Rev. Charles Reinewald, of the Lutheran Church, and Rev. W. C. B. Shulenberger, of the Reformed Church.

The funeral was largely attended, the church being entirely too small to accommodate all who desired to pay their last respects to their deceased friend, many being tamed away for want of room. The Maryland Department of the Grand Army was represented at the funeral by a committee from Baltimore composed of George W. Johnson, Commander ; Lewis M. Zimmerman, Assistant Adjutant General; Thomas Daily, Assistant Inspector ; Gen. John M. Hough, Chief Mastering Officer; Col. Theo. F. Lang, Frank Nolen, Dr. Geo. B. Graham, David L. Stanton. Senior Vice Commander ; A. Burchard, Charles F. Maburg, John G. Taylor, George A. Siddons. Cole's Cavalry was represented by Col Geo. W. F. Vernon, President of the Association ; Alex. M. Briscoe, Secretary C. Arthur Newcomer, and Charles Fassler, of Baltimore; Lieut. O. D. McMillen, of Gettysburg ; Lieut. A. A. Troxell, of Thurmont; Capt. John McDonald, member of Congress; F. G. Goldsborough, of Frederick. Arthur Post, No. 41, G. A, R., of this place, attended in a body. There were about forty of the surviving members of Cole's Cavalry in attendance.

The floral tributes were many and beautiful. The Department of Mary land, G. A. R., seat a Past Commanders G. A. R. Badge in flowers, which was over five feet in length ; Cole's Cavalry Association, of which organization Major Horner was Vice-President a unique design in the shape of crossed sabers, a Sheridan Cavalry Corps badge and a laurel wreath with badges, which were placed upon the coffin. The Union Veteran Association, a large pillow of flowers, and G. A. R. Club a beautiful cross and Crown.

After the services in the church the funeral procession was formed under the direction of Department Commander, Geo. W. Johnson, assisted by Capt. Lewis M. Zimmerman, and proceeded to the Presbyterian Cemetery, where the remains of the deceased were laid to rest.

At the grave the beautiful ritualistic services of the Grand Army were conducted by Department Commander George W. Johnson, assisted by Capt, A. S. Cooper, Chaplain; Geo. David M. Stanton, Senior Vice-Commander Thomas Daily, Inspector, and John E Hough, Chief Mustering Officer.

The active pall bearers, representing; Cole's Cavalry Association, were George L. Gillelan, Alex M. Briscoe ; Arthur Post, 41, George Gelwicks and Harvey Winter; Department of Maryland David L. Stanton, John G. Taylor Union Veteran Association, Charles L Marburg; G. A. R. Club, J. Leonard Hoffman. Honorary pall-bearers Cole’s Cavalry Association, Col, G. W F; Vernon, A. M; Walker ; Arthur Post 41, Wm H. Wearer, C, S. Zeck ; G.A.R. Club, George B. Graham, John E. Hough; Department of Maryland Frank Nolan Col. Theo, F. Lang.

The following resolutions on the death of Major Horner were passed by Arthur Post, No. 41; G. A. R. of this place, and by the Veteran Association of Cole's Cavalry, Maryland Volunteers with headquarters in Baltimore.

Tribute of Respect

At a regular meeting of the Arthur Post No. 41 G.A.R., the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: Where as, it has please, Almighty God, the great and most omnipotent dispenser of all our joys and sorrows, to take from our fraternal embrace our much loved and lamented past commander and Conrad, Major Oliver A. Horner, therefore.

Resolved that while we bow in humble submission to the decree of the Almighty Creator of all that is wise and good, we cannot but deplore the sad bereavement that has deprived this Post of one of its most active and indefatigable workers, who endeared himself to us by the seal and fidelity.