The familiar sound of “Taps” played is associated with military funerals. But when it was first used, summer of 1862, a Union Civil War General Butterfield devised a new cadence to signal the end of the day. During a funeral that was held, close to enemy lines, “Taps” were played. Confederate regiments could hear these mournful tones as well, eventually adopting “Taps” as did the Union Army.
Aaron Johnson was one of these buglers. The bugle played a critical role in the war. They served as vital communication on the battlefield. Buglers, like Johnson, would sound the call for the troops to wake up in the morning. Along with these commands, the bugle would also organize resources such as “assembly of the guard” which would signal arrival of reinforcements or “the quartermasters call” that indicated arrival of aid. It allowed a more precise communication in the heat of battle. For example, the “advance” call would tell the troops to move forward and the “retreat” call would signal the troops to move backwards.
It was during the Battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, that Aaron Johnson sounded such a bugle. During one of their annual Shiloh Reunions in 1925, William W Williams recalled such memories. Aaron Johnson had long since passed. Mr. Williams, along with only 4 remaining survivors of the battle gathered at the Arlington Café. The Arlington Café was located on the east side of the Osceola square, where First National Bank is today. W.W. Williams gave a light hearted message. And spoke of memories of the bloody battle. He told the story of Aaron Johnson, who was a bugler during the conflict. In the thick of the battle, Johnson dropped his bugle, but returned after the smoke had settled and found the precious instrument. At the age of 26, Aaron Johnson enlisted into the 6th Iowa Infantry and was listed as a musician.
Aaron moved to Iowa with his brother Allison. Traveling to Osceola in 1857 by wagon, the two brothers settled and were successful in the mercantile business. After his 100 day service and discharge from the military, Johnson married Marie Middleswart on June 12, 1865. One daughter, Frances, blessed this union. He was a kind and sociable character, a savvy business man and a hard working farmer. His injuries sustained during the war had followed him the rest of his days.
Aaron passed of a stroke in November of 1899. He was a charter member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This is where his funeral was held. His comrades from the G.A.R. escorted his remains to Maple Hill cemetery. “Taps” were sounded for his service, just as he had played the mournful tones for his fellow brothers who went before him.