USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Danbury > History of Danbury, Conn., 1684-1896 > Part 38
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In all the towns of this suffering, enduring, brave little State, none present a grander war record than does Danbury. From the hour when the shame put upon Sumter thrilled her loyal heart, she never faltered in the way once set before her, and from out the tears that fall for those who, in the shock of battle, went the royal road to death, she looks with grateful pride
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upon the work so nobly wrought, and lays thereon her earnest benediction.
PERSONAL MENTION .*
Lieutenant-Colonel Stone.
Henry Burton Stone was born in Troy, N. Y., on December 2d, 1827. He was resident in Bethel in 1847, and having a taste for military affairs, enlisted on August 19th of that year as a private in Company B, Ninth Infantry, United States Regulars. By strict attention to duty he soon gained the rank of Orderly Sergeant. He served in the Mexican War, and was wounded, though not seriously, at the battle of Chapultepec. On return- ing from the field he once again entered the peaceful pursuits of life, and continued in these until the breaking out of the Civil War.
In June, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fifth Connecticut Volunteers, and was mustered into service as Captain on July 22d of the same year. His promotion to the rank of Major fol- lowed on October 23d, and on July 12th, 1862, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. He was wounded at the battle of Cedar Mountain, on August 9th, 1862, and taken to Delevan Hospital, at Charlottesville, Va., where he died on January 20th, 1863, and was buried on Virginia soil. Loved by many, respected by all, he has left a spotless record of bravery and honor.
Lieutenant-Colonel Moegling.
William Christian Moegling was born in Stuttgart, capital city of the Kingdom of Würtemberg, Germany, on October 30th, 1834. He came to America early in 1854, and to Danbury in the autumn of 1857. At the outburst of the Rebellion he was one of the first to offer his services, and went to the front with Com- pany A, of the Connecticut Volunteers. After the battle of Bull Run he wanted the company to take a vote to stay until the war should be ended, but it refused. Mr. Moegling was Sergeant when mustered out of service.
When new regiments were formed the Adjutant-General in Hartford told him that if he could enlist a company he should
* The military record of Lieutenant-Colonel White will be found in the History of the Bar, Chapter XXXVI., and that of William C. Bennett, M.D., and E. F. Hendrick, M.D., in Medical History, Chapter XXXVII.
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be given the command of it. In two weeks the quota was mus- tered in at Hartford, with Mr. Moegling as Captain. This was Company C, the banner company of the Eleventh Regiment, under command of Colonel Kingsbury.
After the battle of New-Berne, N. C., Mr. Moegling was pro- moted Major. At the battle of Antietam he was wounded and came home, but went again to the front, just in time to take part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., where he was slightly wounded.
In 1863, the two years' time of the regiment being expired, he was stationed in New Haven as mustering officer, after which he went at the head of his old regiment, the Eleventh Connecti- cut Volunteers, for a three years' stay. From this time the regi- ment had hard service, and was engaged in a number of battles, of which the fight at Cold Harbor was most severe. At a later engagement his foot was struck by a piece of shell, when he went to the hospital, where he sickened with fever and was brought to Danbury, where he died on his thirtieth birthday, October 30th, 1864. He was buried with all military honors.
Captain Moore.
James E. Moore was born in April, 1820, at York, Pa., of a line of patriots. When the war cloud arose upon our Southern border, he enlisted in April, 1847, at Cincinnati, in the Fourth Ohio Volunteers, and as color-bearer served until the close of the Mexican War.
A resident of Danbury at the commencement of the Civil War, he raised a company which joined the Third Regiment Connecticut Volunteers for three months, and formed a part of the few heroic souls who did something to redeem the disastrous day at Bull Run, for they stopped at Centreville and came back to Washing- ton as a company, saving, in connection with their regiment, a large amount of Government property. His short term of ser- vice having expired, he returned home.
In the summer of 1862 Captain Moore raised a company who enlisted for three years as color company in the Seventeenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. Requesting to be sent to the front from the monotonous garrison duty at Baltimore, he was stationed at Thoroughfare Gap, in the Virginia Mountains, where, owing to exposure, many of his men became ill. His
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constant devotion to them won for him the endearing title of the " father of his company."
At Chancellorville this company formed a part of the Eleventh Corps, and after following the enemy through unparalleled marching achievements they overtook Lee at Gettysburg, and immediately went into battle. The Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers was the first regiment of the Eleventh Corps sent forward as skirmishers, and met with courage and steadiness the fierce attack of the foe. Captain Moore fell while rallying his men on July 1st, 1863. His remains were sent home and buried with all honors, the vast concourse at the funeral attesting the high place he filled in the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
Captain Starr.
Samuel Starr, of the Third Missouri Regiment, was buried from St. James' Episcopal Church on April 4th, 1864, with mili- tary honors.
Captain Hall.
Henry C. Hall, of the Eighth Regiment, was killed at Peters- burg, Va., and buried from the Methodist Church in Danbury, on Sunday, July 24th, 1864. Military honors.
Captain White.
Selleck L. White, of Long Ridge, was killed at Deep Bottom, Va., and buried with honors from his home in Long Ridge on September 11th, 1864.
Lieutenant Stevens.
Jesse D. Stevens was born in England, August 3d, 1831 ; came to America when only three years old, and passed most of his life in Danbury. He was Lieutenant of the Wooster Guards, and largely instrumental in enlisting that company. His health broke down after he had been with the army for three months, and he was obliged to return home, greatly to the distress of his loyal spirit.
At the time of his death on June 20th, 1889, he was Secretary of the Knight Templars, Treasurer of the International Hatters' Association, and one of the selectmen of the town ; also a mem- ber of James E. Moore Post, No. 18, Grand Army of the Republic.
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Lieutenant Hooten.
Thomas Hooten was killed at the battle of James Island, S. C., on June 16th, 1862. On July 7th memorial services were held. in Danbury, at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, of which he was a member, and suitable resolutions of sorrow and sympathy were passed.
Lieutenant Starr.
Frederick Starr was born December 16th, 1819. He enlisted in the Civil War, and was wounded at the battle of La Fourche Crossing, in Louisiana, about three days before his death, which occurred on June 24th, 1863.
Lieutenant Stevens.
S. S. Stevens, of the Sixth Regiment, was killed at Fort Wag- ner, in July, 1863. His remains were brought to Danbury the following November, and buried from the Universalist Church with military honors.
Lieutenant Umerstone met death in Virginia, and was buried in Danbury, October 29th, 1864.
Dr. Joseph Williman, Surgeon of the Twenty-third Regiment, was buried from the First Congregational Church on November 9th, 1863.
Sergeant Marsh.
John Marsh was a native of England and served in her army during the Crimean War. This experience and his knowledge of military matters enabled him to render efficient service in drill- ing recruits. It is generally conceded that he was the first Con- necticut soldier killed in the war. He fell in the battle of Bull Run, on July 21st, 1861. He was noted for his bravery, and be- loved by all.
George E. Ives.
George Edward Ives, the son of George W. and Sarah H. Ives, was born in Danbury, August 3d, 1845. He early exhibited a marked taste for music, and received a thorough musical educa- tion in New York, graduating in June, 1862. At that time, though only seventeen years of age, at the request of Colonel
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Nelson L. White, he raised among his German musical acquaint- ances in New York the Connecticut Volunteer Band. With the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, under General Tyler, this Volunteer Band, under the leadership of Mr. Ives, went into the war, and remained unbroken until mustered out at the close of the war, when Mr. Ives returned to Danbury, where he resided until his sudden death on November 5th, 1894. At that time he held the positions of Cashier and Director in the Danbury Sav- ings Bank, of which his father was one of the founders.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
MONUMENTS.
Dedication of Wooster Monument.
ON April 27th, 1854, was unveiled and dedicated the Wooster Monument. Early morning saw the streets filled with people, and from every avenue of approach new crowds appeared anx- ious to participate in honoring the memory of General Wooster by the dedication of this monument commemorative of his mili- tary services.
Ten thousand people were in the town, and many dis- tinguished visitors, among them Governor Pond, ex-Governor Cleveland, Mrs. Sigourney, the poetess, and Hons. Charles Chapman and Thomas B. Butler. The military was represented by five companies and many prominent officers. Revolutionary soldiers were present in the procession. The Masonic fraternity was, of course, in the majority. Forming the column at the corner near the Wooster House, they were marched down Main Street, and countermarched through several side streets to the cemetery.
At the south gate the procession, which consisted of four divisions, halted. The first division, composed of military, opened ranks, and the Governor with his staff, the distinguished guests, and the Masonic bodies marched through and up to the monument. Here the officers of the Grand Lodge formed around the stone, and an ode composed for the occasion was sung. Rev. Brother Willey, Grand Chaplain, made a prayer, and then the Grand Master ordered the Grand Treasurer to make the deposits in the box .* The Grand Secretary deposited the box in the
* The contents of the box were a Bible ; copies of the United States and State Constitutions ; Journal of the last General Assembly ; Masonic Grand Lodge report ; names of State officers and members of the General Assembly ; copy of the speech of Hon. John Cotton Smith in the House of Representatives, during the passage of the resolution making an appropriation for the monument ; pieces of American
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stone, and the stone was let down, while an ode to Masonry was sung. The Grand Master next received from the Master Archi- tect the proper tools and applied them in ancient form, and the contents of the gold and silver vessels were poured upon the stone, after which the Grand Master invoked the Divine blessing, to which all responded Amen. The contents of these vessels were corn, wine, and oil, signifying peace, health, and plenty. After the stone had been struck three times with the gavel, the brethren present gave the grand honors, three times three. The Grand Secretary then waited upon the Governor and informed him that the chief stone of the monument had been laid and awaited his inspection. David Clark, the Grand Master, made a short address upon Masonry, which was responded to by the Governor at some length. The procession then reformed and marched to the First Congregational Church, when Brother Henry C. Deming delivered the oration.
The church was crowded to its utmost capacity, and then the audience composed but a small portion of those who wished to hear the speech. At its close the procession marched to the Wooster House, where a dinner was served in the pleasant green dooryard of that day, which only a " green memory" of this day can reproduce or a vivid imagination picture.
On the summit of the gentle slope near the entrance of the cemetery stands the monument unchanged, looking out over the city. This monument, entirely of brown freestone, stands on a solid platform about twenty feet square ; at the corners are mas- sive stone posts which support an iron railing. The plinth is richly moulded, with the name of Wooster in raised letters upon the south side. A finely sculptured relief represents the General as falling from his horse at the moment he received the fatal ball. Above this the arms of the State appear, and higher still the main shaft is ornamented with a trophy consisting of sash, sword, and epaulettes. On the opposite side are appropriate
coin ; Continental bills ; a daguerreotype of General Wooster ; the bullet by which he was supposed to have been killed ; copies of the New York Tribune, Herald, Times, and Danbury Times ; documents from the New York Deaf and Dumb Insti- tute. There is some doubt concerning this bullet. When the supposed site of Wooster's grave was opened, a bullet was thrown out with the bones. Some people to-day claim that this bullet was carried there, dropped, and then picked up to prove (?) the grave of Wooster authentic. It has since been removed from the box and sent to Hartford to be preserved among the historical relics of the State.
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Masonic and military emblems. The whole is surmounted with a globe on which stands the American eagle bearing in his beak the wreath of victory.
Early in the evening of this day a terrific storm broke over the town. The rain fell heavily, and, added to the large quan- tities of snow upon the ground, caused a freshet such as had never been seen here before. The dam of Oil Mill Pond was carried away, and with it two other dams. A factory used as a comb shop, the dam at White's fur factory, and one at what is now known as Hurlbutt's Pond were broken away. A portion of the dam connected with the factory of Wildman & Crosby, on Main Street, was swept away, and the bridge on Main Street was partially destroyed. The bridge crossing the river below was taken away, but the " Barn Plain" bridge, afterward destroyed by the Kohanza disaster in 1869, withstood the combined attacks of the waters and the floating timbers.
The comb shop of A. T. Peck was swamped. The railway bridge, just below him, remained on three legs, and here was lodged the upper story of the bridge which had been near the old carriage factory. From this point to South Norwalk there was but one uninjured bridge. The track was washed badly, and it was ten days or more before trains ran over it regularly. At Beaver Brook the water cut away the embankment on the east side of the dam at the old grist mill, and from this point on Still River to the Housatonic, every bridge was swept away. The stream across West Street, near Benedict & Montgomery's factory, was swollen beyond all precedent, but by well-directed efforts the factory was saved from destruction, though the foun- dation walls on one side were laid bare and undermined, and a channel some three yards wide and eight feet deep was ploughed out.
The Soldiers' Monument.
As early as 1862 the project was started. It may seem strange to us at this day that a monument to commemorate the fallen soldiers in the war for the Union should have been suggested before the war was one fourth done, but at that time the close of the war seemed drawing nigh and the dawn of peace at hand. The project was of the women of Danbury, and they worked faithfully for its completion, despite the pressure upon them of other cares and duties incidental to that critical time in our his-
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tory. We who in a time of peace, with the channels of business unclogged, have seen how difficult it was to raise additions to this fund, can comprehend in some degree the magnitude of this task. Through the year the association gave a series of enter- tainments to raise a fund, and netted therefrom the sum of $1070.94. The amount was invested by William H. Tweedy, who in 1873 turned it over to the association with accumulated interest, making the total amount $1901.18.
Two years passed without any special action being taken. In October, 1875, Charles H. Merritt was elected president of the association, and three trustees were chosen, these being Lyman D. Brewster, Mrs. Theodore T. Tweedy, secretary and treasurer, and Miss Elizabeth Wildman. These trustees invested the money in the Danbury Savings Bank.
In April, 1878, the matter was again revived ; the trustees reported the fund to be at this time $2183.28, and contributions were solicited from the public. At this time a discussion was begun as to the site for the monument, the two locations being Concert Hall Square and the cemetery. This discussion was continued for some time in the columns of the News, and on Thursday evening, May 9th, a public meeting was held in the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, when the two parties pre- sented their views. In July committees from the association and the Grand Army of the Republic voted that all contributors should give their preference for the site with the sums donated. The result was not satisfactory, nor was that attained through other channels. As a final result, a borough meeting was called at which a request for necessary space for the monument in Con- cert Hall Square was submitted. The vote was to determine the site. If the request was rejected, the monument would be placed in the cemetery.
A year later, in 1879, a meeting was held, and the space in Concert Hall Square was appropriated with but one dissenting vote. On April 1st of that year a design for the monument was received from Carpenter & Raymond, of Dayton, O., and was accepted on July 1st at a price of $3500.
On May 30th, 1879, a committee of citizens was appointed to act with the Monumental Association, and on March 17th, 1880, the committees announced the fund to be complete. Danbury was gay with flags and colors on May 27th, 1880, the day set
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apart for the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument. The president of the day was Hon. Roger Averill ; the marshal of the day was General James Ryder. Among distinguished guests present were Governor Charles B. Andrews and staff ; Generals Harland, Wes- sells, Sloat, and Fuller ; Colonels Dean, Morse, Coe, and Fox ; Major Swan, ex-Secretary S. D. Stanton, General Smith, brigade commander, with his staff ; Major-General Couch, ex-Governor Miner, Treasurer Baker, Hon. David Clark, Judge A. B. Beers, and the department officers of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Visiting posts were from Bridgeport, Norwalk, South Nor- walk, Stratford, Sandy Hook, and Winsted. Water Witch Hose Company, of New Milford, was also present. The proces- sion contained one thousand men. It made a fine appearance with waving banners and marching to the martial music of the various bands.
After reaching the monument the troops were massed around it, every available spot in the neighborhood being thronged with expectant crowds. Prayer was offered by the Rev. A. C. Hub- bard, after which the monument was unveiled by Miss Minnie E. Moore, daughter of Captain James E. Moore, of Danbury, who fell at the battle of Gettysburg. Governor C. B. Andrews made a short but stirring address, after which Mr. Averill introduced the orator of the day, Hon. Samuel Fessenden, who delivered a glowing oration.
In the evening exercises were held at the Opera House, when an address was given by James Montgomery Bailey, the greater part of which the reader will find woven through his report of the Civil War .* Mr. W. A. Croffutt was the poet of the even- ing, filling this position in an altogether satisfactory manner. The singing of the " Battle Hymn of the Republic" closed one of the eventful days in Danbury's history.
The details of the day, addresses, oration, and poem will be found in the Danbury News of date May 27th, 1880.
* The following is from the description of the day, written by Mr. Bailey in his own style for the News : "As early as Tuesday the hammer of the decorator was heard in the land, and the effect to-day in the bright sunlight is fine indeed. Yester- day afternoon the man of the house with the hammer, and his wife with advice, began to be real busy, and as early as five o'clock this morning they were at work again. When the procession passed, the man, with his thumb in a rag, and the woman, clad in a cool muslin, stood out at the front. This is the difference between a hammer and advice."
AMTIETAR
31
TO OUR BROTHERS
原料: 000 1RAT
OUR COUNTRY
IN MEMORIAM
MRS. M. M. CROFFUT. MRS. FREDERICK S. WILDMAN.
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
MRS. THEODORE S. TWEEDY. MRS. EDGAR S. TWEEDY.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
This monument is of Westerly granite, and is thirty-two feet in height. It is a circular column resting upon six pieces, con- sisting of lower base, plinth, mould, die, cap, and column mould, which make a combined height of ten feet. The column is twelve feet high, with a diameter of twenty-six inches ; the cap surmounting the column is two feet, and upon this stands the figure of a soldier five feet, eight inches high, bearing a flag in his right hand, while against his left side rests a cavalry sword. This figure is of Italian marble, and was carved in Italy.
On the die facing Main Street is the following inscription :
" TO OUR BROTHERS, Beloved, Honored, Revered, Who Died that Our Country might Live."
On the West Street face we read :
" The Defenders of The Union."
The shaft is encircled with a band on which are engraved the names of battles, as follows : " Bull Run, Wilderness, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Appomattox, Petersburg, Port Hudson."
Monument to the Heroes in Unknown Graves.
Near the entrance of the beautiful Wooster Cemetery stands a fine monument erected by the James E. Moore Post to the memory of our heroes in unknown graves. The corner-stone of this monument was laid on Decoration Day (May 30th), 1893, with appropriate ceremonies. The introductory address was made by Post Commander N. B. Rogers. Edmund Tweedy, on behalf of the Cemetery Association, presented the plot for the monument, and Department Commander W. D. Rogers, of Meri- den, accepted the gift for the James E. Moore Post. Comman- der A. J. Smith, on behalf of the Monument Committee, pre- sented the foundation-stone, which was accepted by Comrade George R. Bevans in behalf of the post.
On Decoration Day, in 1894, the completed monument was
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dedicated, with the city in gala attire and a large and imposing parade. Governor Morris and other State officials were present. Mr. Joel Foster, in a few well-chosen words, stated the cause for the assemblage. Rev. A. F. Pierce pronounced a fervent invo- cation, and " Old New England" was sung by a double quartette.
Mr. Henry N. Fanton formally presented the monument to the State and city with impressive words. Governor Morris made the speech of acceptance for the State, and Mayor Andrews for the city. Mr. John W. Bacon accepted the monument for the Cemetery Association. " America" was sung, and the exercises closed by an address by Hon. Augustus Fenn, of Winsted, on " The Unknown Soldiers and Sailors Dead."
On the front and rear faces of the monument are the words "In Memoriam." On the front is a tablet on which is inscribed " Danbury's Memorial to her Soldiers and Sailors who Rest in Unknown Graves." Above this tablet is one bearing the names of some of those we honor to-day. Above the names is the in- signia of the navy-a windlass, sheeve-block, and anchor backed by crossed swords. On the back is the insignia of the army, a shield of Stars and Stripes surrounded with a laurel wreath, and backed by crossed swords. The cross bears a large badge of the Grand Army of the Republic, with the letters G. A. R. upon the three points.
From the ground to the top of the statue the distance is four- teen feet. The base, cap, and die are of blue granite ; the figure of the soldier that crowns the monument is of Westerly granite .*
* The Danbury News of date May 30th, 1894, contains a 'detailed account of the ceremonies of the day.
CHAPTER XL.
WOOSTER CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
IN extent and topography the grounds of Wooster Cemetery are not excelled by any burial-place in Connecticut. There are eighty-three acres in the enclosure. It is rolling land, with a number of broad plateaux, is abundantly shaded, has attractive drives, and a lake dotted with verdant islands.
The first officers of the society were Frederick S. Wildman, President ; Lucius P. Hoyt, Secretary. The directors were Edgar S. Tweedy, George W. Ives, Nelson L. White, S. A. Hurlburt, Henry Benedict, and Samuel C. Wildman.
The Danbury Cemetery Association was organized in Novem- ber, 1850, under a law of the State relating to cemeteries. The shares were $25, and there were sixty shareholders. The first purchase of land was made in December of that year, sixteen acres from William H. Clark for $300, and five and one quarter acres from Colonel E. Moss White for $80.
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