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The Memorial Room
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Memorial Room emphasizes the General McCoy collection, presented by
his widow, Frances Judson McCoy and other collections presented on
behalf of the family by his sisters, Margaretta and Hannah. The room
commemorates a Mifflin County family noted for their contributions to
the welfare of the community and nation in both peace and war.
From McCoy' s diploma, Lewistown High School, 1891 through the West Point
years of the class of 1897, his career is documented by medals, swords,
presentation items from fellow officers and soldiers and grateful
nations. Coverage begins with campaigns in Cuba and Philippines and
extends from the Spanish American conflict through two world wars.
Diplomatic recognition shows the varied services the statesman performed
for his government from Presidents Theodore Roosevelt to Harry Truman.
The rare, red Cloisonné Vases were gifts to him from Emperor Sato,
after his relief work following 1923 earthquake in Japan.
His intellectual attainments, balanced as they were by a fine and
discerning mind, were recognized by Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Brown and
Clark Universities and Washington and Jefferson College as can be seen
in the Academic Hoods displayed.
Among family memorabilia, attention is called to the military career of
the father, Brigadier General Thomas Franklin McCoy. He is credited with
inspiring Frank to obtain a West Point appointment and pursue a military
career. During the Mexican War of 1847, Lt. McCoy served with Mifflin
County s Juniata Guards (Co. D, 11th Regt., U.S. Army). At the outbreak
of the Civil War he volunteered, was commissioned Lt. Col. and served as
Deputy Quarter-Master General of the State. Upon his request for more
active service he became Col. in command of the 107th Regt., PV. At the
end of the war he was brevetted Brigadier General on recommendation of
Generals Meade, Warren and Baxter.
In the display case are diaries containing his reminiscences of the war.
One entry I "day after surrender the Chaplain and I called on
General Lee" I documents the Civil War reunion of two friends who
had served together in Mexico. Other exhibits include McCoy s commission
as Brigadier General, his presentation sword engraved with names of his
battles on the scabbard, and several triangular folded notes given to
him as countersigns during the battles of Chantilly, Antietam and Crown
Point. A captured Mexican flag hangs above the fireplace mantel.
While women had long served only as nurses, by the time of World War I
the Y.M.C.A. opened service to the troops. Hannah Junkin McCoy followed
her brother Frank to Europe where she served in Germany and France.
Records of her service are in the display case.
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