Up-date: The banner is hand-painted on silk and is still hanging on its original honey-Oak rod with acorn shaped carved tassels. She will make an excellent addition to the State Historical Society of Iowa's Grand Army of the Republic collection.
Yesterday, Ron Rittel of the 49th Iowa Infantry, was able to conduct some research into the banner. It was learned that the post was named after Private Joseph M. Ross (Company “E” 29th Iowa) who was born in Ohio, resided in Red Oak, Iowa, and enlisted at the age of 18 on November 13, 1862. Private Ross was killed in action on April 2nd, 1864 at Terre Noir Creek, Arkansas.
Joe Ross Post No. 209 was mustered into existence on July 18, 1883 and boasted a total of 22 charter members on that date. Over time, that number would continue to grow in number to ultimately reach a total of 121 members before the post ceased to exist and was disbanded in 1920. The banner of the post appears to have passed through the hands of the local Odd Fellow’ Lodge and an American Legion Post before being turned over to the care of the Adjutant General of Iowa in 1943. Exactly when it entered into the collections of the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Museum is, as previously stated, not precisely known.
Thank you to Ron for sharing his impressive research skills with the Iowa Battle Flag Project.
