USA > Arkansas > Johnson County > Johnson County, Arkansas, the first hundred years > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
JOHNSON COUNTY'S SHARE IN WARFARE
MILITIA
In the pioneer period of Johnson county, probably as early as '36 or '37, a Militia regiment was organized. Col. Hickey and Maj. Nehemiah Cravens were the elected officers. The general muster was at Clarksville, and company musters were at different places over the county.
REVOLUTIONARY
So far as known, only four Revolutionary soldiers ever im- migrated to this part of Arkansas. Two of them are buried in the county and a possible third.
In the Horsehead cemetery at Springhill, Maj. Henry Francis is known to be buried. Philip Jones took out a land grant in Township 9, in 1839 and drew a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier but his exact burial spot is not known. Another whose name was Arbough lived in Johnson county and doubtless died here. Burr Zachery whose identity as a Revolutionary vet- eran was known, and who took out land grants in Townships 8 and 9 in the years 1836 and 1839, died while on the Indian fron- tier during the Mexican War. He is buried in the National Cemetery at Ft. Gibson, Okla.
SOLDIERS OF 1812
To name the number of veterans of the war of 1812 who came to Johnson county is impossible, but from records of the immigration we learn that a provision from the Government of one hundred and sixty acres of land to each of them caused many to settle in this country. However, in tracing the history of the early settlers of Johnson county, it is found that almost all of those who were old enough to enter the service in 1812 were veterans of that war.
WAR WITH MEXICO IN 1846
When Arkansas had been a state only a few years, and her . people were beginning to appreciate a peace and contentment free from Indian troubles and the fear of wild beasts, they were called upon to participate in a war with the country of Mexico.
Although Johnson county at that time possessed only a few thousand souls, two companies of volunteers readily responded
118
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
and marched away with much confidence and in high spirits in the early summer of 1846.
Mexico at that time was more or less a country of story- so far away did it seem with miles and miles that could be covered only on horseback or in ox wagons. Very few persons whom anyone had ever seen had been there. While this fact gave zest to the already adventurous spirit of the youth, it added anx- iety to the weary hearts of those left behind. All the more so because in those days newspapers, even with the most progress- ive citizens, were weekly events. Many persons did not receive them so often,-some not at all. Letters were often a month or months old when received. Therefore we cannot wonder that Mexico seemed a strange and foreign country.
Capt. George Washington Patrick commanded a company of mounted volunteers registered for service in the little village of Clarksville. His associate officers were John F. Hill, 1st Lieut. and James Fagan, 2nd Lieut. This company was sent to Mexico under Col. Yell. They participated in the battle of Buena Vista from which some of them were destined never to return.
The commissioned officers of a company organized in the western part of the county were Capt. Ples Collins, Lieutenants Thomas Gilland and Ruff Ward. This company was placed in the Battalion Regiment of Arkansas' Volunteers, consisting of ap- proximately five hundred men, under the command of Col. Wm. Gray of Clarksville, who was, prior to hostilities, a practicing physician. Olinver Basham was the Sergeant Major of this Battalion. These troops were sent to Ft. Gibson, Indian Terri- tory, to guard the frontier in lieu of the regular soldiers who went from there to the fighting zone. Lieut. Ward was later transferred to activities in Mexico and when peace was made he returned home with three medals in his possession, won by his daring acts of bravery.
A few of these soldiers who survived this war and became prominent citizens later were -- John W. Patrick, John D. Adams, J. G. Connelly, Seth Howell. James F. Fagan, G. W. Patrick, Olinver Basham, Henry Butts, Hugh Wilson, J. F. Hill, Abraham Laster, Tom King, Cater Lee, Marcus Hill, John Perry, J. R. Hickey and John Turner.
CIVIL WAR PERIOD 1861-1865
The period of the Civil War is doubtless the darkest this country has ever known. The days of the early part of 1861 were filled with an anxiety unequaled in the history of the state. Apprehension was uppermost in the minds of all thinking people. A crisis was coming which no one seemed to be able to avert.
Governor Rector who was elected on an independent ticket against the regular Democratic nominee had been in office but a short time. The Arkansas legislature was in session. In the Senate of that body sat the Hon. Augustus M. Ward of Clarks- ville, while in the House were two of Johnson county's represent- ative citizens,-Littleberry Robinson and Jordan E. Cravens. Responsibility fell heavily upon these gentlemen as well as the whole of the body. They did not feel that the people had placed in them at the time of their election, the power to vote on so momentious a question as the pending struggle.
At the suggestion of Gov. Rector, however, this legislature did vote that the matter should be left with the people, the same to be determined by the vote of the people.
A convention composed of delegates from cach county seemed a plausible way to a just conclusion; but this too met strong opposition since many persons felt that such an act would tend to agitate rather than alleviate the already growing discontent. The element for the convention held that once these delegates were elected, should the state be unable to avoid war, they would be officially ready to decide the attitude the state should take in the conflict. The legislature also voted that should the convention ticket carry, each county should be allowed the same number of delegates as there were members in the lower house of the state legislature.
The vote was cast, "Convention" or "No Convention." This was submitted to the people on Feb. 18, 1861. The ticket "Con- vention" carried and in accordance with a proclamation by the governor, the convention convened on March 4, 1861. W. W. Floyd and Felix I. Batson represented Johnson county in this momentous assemblage. David Walker of Washington county was elected President.
120
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
The sentiment of the majority of the members of the con- vention was strongly in favor of the state remaining in the old Union, but at the same time a stronger determination called forth, by vote, a resolution stating that Arkansas would resist any at- tempt to coerce any seceding state by armed force. The conven- tion adjourned to meet next on Aug. 19, 1861, unless called soon- er by the chairman.
The general belief of the people was that coercion would not be permitted by Congress, but their faith and hopes were blight- ed when that body determined that war would be declared on any seceding state. President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75000 men to put down the rebellion. This could mean nothing but war.
The trend of circumstances was now rapidly grappling the country and the fangs of war were closing inevitably upon the people,-war inconceivable yet uncontrollable. The convention that had closed with each member hoping that peaceable terms would be rapidly reached was now being called together again within five weeks instead of five months, to determine the po- sition that Arkansas should take in the turmoil.
There was not much left for Arkansas to do save secede, since Congress had declared war on the seceding states in direct opposition to the resolution passed by the Convention. When, again on May 6, 1861, those same gentlemen came together they knew it meant war. The only question left to settle was a matter of choice as to position. Never was there a more solemn body of citizens assembled in the state than when this vote for secession was taken. A profound silence prevailed, though an undercurrent of intense excitement was evident. When the final count was being registered and those men who had held out all along against a break with the union cast their votes one after another, in sympathy with the South, the pre- vious silence gave way to great roars of applause. There was only one dissenting vote. Arkansas, a southern state, felt honor bound to stand by and fight with her sister states and share their victory or defeat as the case might be.
At that time W. K. Sebastian and C. B. Mitchell were repre- senting Arkansas in the United States Congress. Mr. Sebastian was expelled for expressing his sympathy with the South. Mr. Mitchell came home when the state seceded. The Congressmen
121
WARFARE
elected shortly before the conflict were never seated. This dis- trict was represented in the Confederate Congress by Felix I. Batson of Clarksville.
So thoroughly had the growing discontent penetrated the whole of the United States that even while Arkansas hoped she might avoid a definite decision in the matter the possibility of a neutrality was soon known to be impossible without troops of her owIl. Therefore the call went forth for volunteers.
When on April 19, Governor Rector ordered that Ft. Smith be seized and occupied by state troops, Capt. J. F. Hill and Capt. Solon Bourland, who were veterans of the Mexican War, were requested to secure volunteers and proceed to the border city. Capt. Hill being a Johnson county man, at once called for troops in this section and many volunteered.
They went by boat up the river. Many men all along the way joined them. Ft. Smith was reached under cover of dark- ness and they awaited daylight to attack the Federals who were holding the Fort. When morning came it was learned that the U. S. Troops had evacuated during the night taking all their po- sessions with them. Capt. Bourland, who was later a Col- onel of the Confederacy, was given charge of the place under the command of Gen. N. B. Burrow. Capt. Hill and most of his men returned to their respective homes. A few of them however, re- mained in Ft. Smith and joined a volunteer company which was being recruited by Capt. Thomas Lewis at that time for three months' service.
Immediately upon the return of these men Capt. Hill began, under orders from the state, to call for volunteers for the three months' duration. Thomas King and Lynas Armstrong also se- lected a place for registration and each called for volunteers. These three companies were soon complete and the gentlemen who effected the mobilization were elected Captains of the re- spective companies.
A few weeks later Arkansas had joined the rest of the South and companies for the cause of the Confederacy were being raised. In the month of July these three state companies were mustered into the regular Confederate service together with all like troops over the state.
Capt. John F. Hill's company was mustered into service at Fayetteville as a unit of the 16th regiment under Col. McRac,
122
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
July 18, 1861.
The company commanded by Capt. Thomas King was as- signed to the 4th Arkansas Infantry under Col. Gration. Capt. Armstrong and followers were later mustered into the Arkansas Infantry commanded by Col. Carrol.
During the four long years of this terrible war many compan- ies were organized in this county and many changes made both in the commands and in the personnel.
The following is a list as nearly complete as could be gathered at this late day, of the men who organized companies and the reg- iments to which they belonged when first mustered into service: Capt. Olinver Basham, Churchill's Regiment of Mounted Volun- teers; Capt. J. W. Perry, J. F. Hill's Regiment; Capt. Henry Butts, Churchill's Regiment; Capt. Hall McConnell, Gordon's Regiment; Capt. Geo. Newton, Jackson's Regiment; Capt. Joe Turner, J. F. Hill's Regiment.
Col. J. E. Cravens who enlisted as a private in Capt. Olinver
FOOT NOTE-Each of the five companies organized in the town of Clarks- ville were in turn presented with a Confederate Flag of silk that had been made by the women of the city. The presentation of each ensign was by some young lady with much solemnity and ceremony.
On the occasion of the departure of Co. "C" of Col. J. F. Hill's Regiment, Miss Lyde Davis was chosen to present that symbol of love to the out-going patriots. James Yearwood who was the Flag Bearer of the company received it into custody.
Away they marched, those boys in gray, with that beautiful flag floating in the breeze,-a reminder of pleasant memories behind them and duties formidable before them. When their spirits were gay the flag hung high; when the boys were worn and tired, the old flag drooped too-and sometimes it trailed in the dust, for many of those lads were left in the dust. When Capt. Wesley Clark breathed his last on the battle field at Corinth, some boy in the company remembered their emblem. And when they were taken prisoners at Port Hudson the flag went too. Private soldiers were often paroled, but the officers were held. However, many of them managed to slip away. Capt. Yearwood made his escape, but in doing so he did not forget the old flag. After almost four years of the hardships of war, the Flag Bearer who had marched away so proudly with his comrades, came back alone, tattered and torn,-both he and the flag. After days of privation and starvation, with those "Stars and Bars" encircling his body underneath his worn suit of gray, Capt. Yearwood reached the old home county and gave the flag into the keep- ing of Miss Rebecca Clark, a sister of Capt. Clark. Today that old relic is in the custody of the History Commission of the State. It is in a fair state of preservation, and even though bullet holes and many signs of wear stain its surface, they only enhance its value.
Capt. Yearwood did not go back to the firing line, but a short time after his return home he decided that something should be done to free the county from the terror of foot burning and other atrocities. Therefore he gathered a force of men, -- whoever would volunteer, and started for the mountains. Capt. James Garrett, Lieut. Davis, Lieut. Watts, Robt. Jackson, Abe Miller and
123
WARFARE
Basham's company was soon given promotions the last of which was to have been Major General but the official papers had not arrived when the surrender came. J. F. Hill who organized the first state troops was honored early in the war by the prefix of Colonel.
Olinver Basham who organized the first company of the Con- federacy in the county was later given the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
This county was the home of three Majors of the Confeder- acy; Hall McConnell, Lorenzo Swagerty and Hugh Wilson.
Major McConnell was awaiting the proper credentials to ac- cept the rank of Colonel when he met his untimely death at Oak Hill on March 22, 1863. Major Hugh Wilson did service in the commissary department of Churchill's Regiment. Some Lieu- tenants who rose to the rank of Captain were: J. G. Connelly, James Yearwood, Calvin Basham, James Garrett, W. H. McCon- nell, - Howell, and J. C. Hill. Some Lieutenants whose names have sifted through, as it were, are: Robt. Laster, Ki Black- ard, Tom King, John B. McConnell, Vincent Blackard, Newt John- son, Tom Wecd, Abe Martin, John Farmer, W. Taylor and J. Partain. Three gentlemen who are among the few living veter- ans of today and who were mere lads early in the '60's and who served as orderlies in their respective commands are: J. V. Hughes under Capt. J. W. May; Robt. W. Gray under Capt. Olin-
William Mann were some of the boys who volunteered. When they were about ten miles north of Clarksville and had just begun to ascend the incline they were attacked from ambush and Capt. Yearwood and Lieut. Davis were instantly killed. Lieut. Watts then took command and they scouted the enemy before returning and taking the lifeless forms of their comrades and making their way homeward again where they secretly buried them.
Another incident worthy of mention was when Dr. Wm. Gray was honored with the rank of Colonel in the Mexican War. The people of Clarksville who already loved their townsman and physician, purchased a saber of much beauty and value and presented it to him. He marched away with it, new and shining, and after two years of that conflict returned with the cherished gift not much the worse for wear. He laid it away and within a few years sickened and died. His vault lies beside the main driveway in Oakland Cemetery, and when by chance one of today stops at his enclosure the inscrip- tion there can be read, but with difficulty-so long has it been since he died.
After a time, as the years passed, his widow, Emmeline, was married to J. F. Hill and when the call of the '60's came and this little woman saw another husband marching away to war, she took from seclusion that sheath and saber and gave it to him. When Capt. Hill was promoted to Col. Hill, so much did he regret to leave his home boys, that he might materially express . his appreciation of them, this saber was given into the keeping of his successor, Capt. Wesley Clark, from whose dead body on the battle field of Corinth it was taken by a Federal Lieutenant.
124
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
ver Basham and James G. Coffee under Capt. J. F. Hill.
The activities of the various companies are not known but all that could be gathered are recorded here. Some are given much space while others who were perhaps more active cannot be chronicled because of lack of information.
BATTLE OF OAK HILL ON WILSON'S CREEK
Col. Churchill's regiment having marched through northern Arkansas and southern Missouri had met few difficulties when they encountered Gen. Lyon and his army at Wilson's Creek where on August 10, 1861 the first battle of consequence west of the Mississippi river was fought. The conflict doubtless brought more casulties to the population of Johnson county than any other battle during the four years of turmoil. The real meaning of war was coming to this peace-loving people as over the one tele- graph wire through the county came the messages. The six long hours through which the fighting was in progress spread a terrible depression and anxiety over all the county while loved ones awaited authentic reports from the battle field which, when received, caused great sorrow among the people. Some who were killed outright were: Joe Towel, Robt. James, Joel Smith, Thomas King, Vincent Blackard, Lew Slate and Thomas Spears. Among the wounded were: J. N. Brown, Robt. Manley, J. E. Cravens, John Harn, Alec Rose, Hall McConnell, Abe Lensey, John Grace, J. L. Farmer, Jap Newton and John Morgan. Abe Lensey and Jap Newton died from wounds a short time after and J. L. Farmer lost the use of an arm which was amputated some years later. Capt. Olinver Basham, J. C. Hill, John Rose, Hall McConnell and Robt. W. Gray were among those who escaped in- jury. Dr. J. P. Mitchell who put aside his "pill boxes" and enlist- ed in Capt. Basham's company as a private was also uninjured. It is said that when the fight was well spent and his comrades lay around him dead and dying, he threw aside his gun and went to work to assuage the suffering as much as possible with the know- ledge that the science of his profession had taught him. From that day to the end of the war he carried emergency supplies rather than ammunition. He was then given the rank of Lieutenant and when the war ended he was the commanding physician in ยท the regiment to which he belonged. Gen. Lyon was killed at the Oak Hill battle.
125
WARFARE
At the next roll call of Capt. Basham's Company only eleven men answered. Soon afterward the company was reorganized. At this time Capt. Basham was promoted to the office of Major, and Lieutenant J. O. Sadler was the ranking command- er for a short time, however, he soon resigned and went to his home south of the river where he raised another company. Lieut. Calvin Basham, a brother of the former Captain was then elected to fill the vacancy.
This company, the first organized under the Confederate Government in Johnson county, had fought battles and encount- ered many difficulties all the way through northern Arkansas the states of Missouri, Kentucky and into North Carolina without one time turning back when the war ended. J. C. Hill who was a private, had risen to the rank of Captain, gone back to Johnson county and organized a company and returned. At the time of the surrender he was in command of the regiment. Major Basham had been killed in battle at Pilot Knob, Missouri, Sep- tember 23, 1864.
COL. J. F. HILL'S REGIMENT
When J. F. Hill was transferred to the east of the Mississippi river and the title of Colonel was given him, three companies organized in Johnson county were placed in his regiment. The company, which he had originally organized, was now under Capt. Wesley Clark and was known as Co. "C" of that regiment. Capt. J. G. Perry was commander of Company "B", while Capt. Geo. Turner who had organized a company on the south side of the Arkansas river, was the commander of Company "A".
Capt. Wesley Clark of Co. "C" was killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss., and Lieut. J. G. Connelly then became Captain and served until he was sent home a few months later on re- cruiting duty. James Yearwood was then made Captain and later was taken prisoner with his men at Port Hudson. Major Swagerty and his regiment were also taken prisoners at this place,
A number of men were paroled home from this prison camp while almost half the original number were left behind never to return. They had participated in many conflicts but one of the hardest fought battles was at Elkhorn where hundreds of stalwart youths gave up their lives.
126
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
THE ONLY SKIRMISH IN THE COUNTY
In the autumn of 1863 Capt. John C. Hill had been sent home on recruiting duty and here met some of his comrades whom he had not seen since they had gone their way early in the war. Among them were Lieut. Ki Blackard, James . Yearwood, W. H. McConnell and Mort. Hardwick.
Thirty-two recruits had been listed, the four above men- tioned, including W. S. Jett, were among them. On the afternoon of December 1., 1863 they had met for an outing and drill on Main street in Clarksville, when some one spied Federals at the top of the hill north. The Captain, to avoid a fight within the city limits, took the lead at once and rode west to a point just out- side of the corporation where they waited for the enemy to follow. When the Federals did not appear Captain Hill asked for volun- teers to return and learn the reason, if possible. William Cravens and Mort Hardwick rode back but they found that the enemy had turned and gone back in the direction whence it came.
This little company of poorly equipped recruits galloped north in pursuit. They reached a point two miles beyond the top of Red Lick mountain when the smoke from the camp fires of the Federals could be plainly scen. The day was cold and disagreeable. Taking every precaution lest they be discovered, they crept upon the enemy. This company of U. S. soldiers, ar- rayed in first class order for battle, were not expecting trouble, else doubtless the little band of Confederates could not have won so victoriously.
When the firing began the soldiers in blue scattered, some escaped into the thicket, some snatched bridles and fled on horseback, some were wounded, two were dead, and one was taken prisoner.
The Union soldiers proved to be the Johnson county com- pany under Capt. Casey. The two men who lost their lives were Geo. W. Chronister of Hagarville and Lieutenant Hollingsworth from the state of Kansas.
FOOT NOTE-Geo. W. Chronister lies buried in a little cemetery six miles northwest of Clarksville. A stone marks the place where they laid him and
the day he died. It also attests the bitterness and enmity that comes with war from which the love of peace, friendship or blood ties cannot escape if opinions differ. While in peace times those same differences would amount
to nothing more than friendly discussions.
127
WARFARE
FEDERAL TROOPS IN JOHNSON COUNTY
There was only a small per cent of the population of the county who remained true to the old Union. Even though many persons had been strong advocates of the U. S. Government prior to hostilities, only a few of them held out or else failed to follow the general attitude of the state at large. There were less than two hundred soldiers in the Federal army from the county. One company was organized with Capt. C. C. Casey as com- mander. Jim Pelts was 1st Lieutenant and Mose Pearson 2nd. Lieutenant. J. M. Laster, who is today a resident of Harmony, was 1st Sergeant, but when Lieut. Pearson resigned, he was made 2nd Lieutenant.
This organization was Co. "A" of the 2nd. Arkansas Infantry, U. S. A. A few Johnson county men were members of Co. "K" of the 2nd Arkansas Infantry U. S. A. which was a Sebastian county unit with Capt. John Boyle and Lieut. Bethel in charge. Both of these companies were mustered in at Ft. Smith and served under Brigadier General Thayer, and Colonel Eugene Stevens. They participated in the battles of Prairie de Ann, Jenkins Ferry, Camden Raid and others. Co. "A" was dis- charged by Col. Stevens August 8, 1865.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.