For Alonzo Bump, the phrase "i have seen the eliphant...and i ame Sadisfide" meant that he had seen enough of war. The military initially seemed a place for adventure, as an opportunity to see the world. But Alonzo soon realized that he disliked the darker side of camp life, battle. He wanted to return home, yet he remained to serve his country. Through his army experience, Alonzo learned about the importance of responsibility and the value of his family in his life. He repeatedly promised Mary that if he returned from war, he would provide for her, his daughter, and his mother-in-law for as long as he could work.

Alonzo kept his vow. As of the 1892 state census, all three, as well as his son-in-law, lived with Alonzo in his rental above the railroad at 161 Manor Avenue in Cohoes. Buried with his wife and mother-in-law in Waterford Rural Cemetery, Alonzo continues to be with his family even in death.

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