two days longer he would have received his
commission as a surgeon in the United States army.
SERGEANT FORD FISHER.
[Illustration: SERGEANT FORD FISHER.]
Sergeant Ford Fisher, who bravely gave up his life in his country's
defense, was born at Seaford, Delaware, twenty-three years ago. He was
the son of I.M. Fisher of Salt Lake City. At an early age Ford, as he
was better known among his associates, came to Salt Lake City with his
parents. Here he attended the city High School, from which he graduated
with high honors. While at the High School he was noted for his
efficiency in mathematics and here he developed a liking for civil
engineering, which he later studied at the Washington State University.
For some time prior to the breaking out of hostilities with Spain he had
associated himself with the National Guard, and when the President's
call came too much patriotic blood flowed through his veins to admit of
any second appeal, and he enlisted with the batteries.
Major Young soon became acquainted with the young man's military ability
and he was appointed drill sergeant at Camp Kent. When the batteries
departed for the Philippines he went with them and distinguished himself
for his gallantry in the Malate campaign. Later during the insurrection
he took part with the other Utah men in many a fierce conflict with the
insurgents until he was stricken down by the enemy's bullet while
heroically defending his position at San Luiz on May 14, 1899.
The Utah artillerymen remember the stalwart figure of Sergeant Fisher as
it loomed up in the forefront at Santa Mesa, Mariquina and Sexmoan. He
was an inspiration to the wavering spirits of the Utahn in twenty hard
encounters. His voice ever sounded as a note of cheer and his ringing
command never failed to infuse with new life. Always attending to his
duties he expected the same of others; his soul was too great to stoop
to the level of anything base; his heart was honest and open and free.
He was a pleasant companion and a true friend. He was blessed with an
abundance of original humor which made him doubly loved by the soldiers
during the lonely hours of barrack life.
At the time of his death Sergeant Fisher was first in line of promotion,
as he had been recommended for the next commission by Major Young.
ROSTER
BATTALION UTAH LIGHT ARTILLERY, U.S.V.
MAJOR FRANK A. GRANT, Commanding.[1]
BATTERY A.
OFFICERS.
Captain, E.A. WEDGEWOOD
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