USA > Iowa > Cedar County > A topical history of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 28
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 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
Shortly after their return to the armory Col. Swineford took his stand in front of Reigart and McNamara's store and made a speech to the effect that the Guards had disbanded and surrendered up their arms to the Adjutant General, and that he proposed to raise another company of which he wanted to be the captain. The colonel was rather boisterous and his manner of speaking so aroused the Guards that there was prospect of war at home. Better counsel prevailed and the company assembled at their headquarters where speeches were made by Capt. Brewster and Capt. Hammond, after which the members took the oath of allegiance to the general government and obedience to the gov- ernor of the state and the officers of the company. A subscription paper was circulated and, during the afternoon, upwards of three hundred dollars was raised to equip the men.
The members of the company are mostly young men, and among our best . citizens. Though they will be sadly missed every true patriot will say 'God speed the men who thus promptly and nobly respond to their Country's call and go forth with strong hands and brave hearts to battle for the right.'"
The subscription paper set going on Sunday was continued, and more than seven hundred dollars was pledged in the county during the week, very few refusing to offer something to equip the men. This movement was not confined to any one locality for the whole country responded.
330
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
On Wednesday, in response to the call given above, a war meeting of citi- zens from all parts of the county was held in Tipton, and some emphatic resolu- tions adopted pledging support to the Union, without regard to party ties or restrictions, urging all to fall into line in supporting the company about to depart, offering security to their families by pledges of private or county sup- port, and recommending a change in the name of the company to "Cedar County Guards." Little did they think then of how often they must repeat the event of sending out companies of their best men, and what the country was to un- dertake afterwards in caring for the families in their absence.
On April 25, 1861, a Union meeting was held in the courthouse when ad- dresses were made by several, the chief one by J. H. Rothrock, and the resolu- tions previously mentioned were in substance adopted. Capt. Hammond an- nounced that the ranks of the Guards were now full.
When the time came to move it was learned, much to the chagrin of the company, that they were the twenty-sixth to offer themselves when only ten had been called for by the president. Drilling continued in preparation for the sec- ond call that all seemed to feel was soon to follow. About this time meetings became general over the county. A time of preparation and uncertainty every- where, for not until the first general battle occurred did the public know what to expect.
Strange to say, the Cedar County Guards were called upon to conduct a military funeral of one of their number before leaving their own homes, or be- fore their uniforms were soiled by any attempt at warfare. One of their number indulged in habits that led to his undoing, and through deliberate suicide, as some put it, John L. Fyan was dead. This was not unexpected by those who knew him.
Gov. Kirkwood came in for his share of blame when the third regiment went out from the state and the Cedar County Guards were not of it. They had been promised a place in this regiment, and now under the disappointment and delay, after all was in readiness, they threatened to disband. The Gov- ernor, in the opinion of many, had failed to keep faith. But as the oldest com- pany in the state, they were urged not to take offense even if the Governor had apparently treated them unfairly. The Hons. J. M. Kent and Ed Wright, then in Des Moines on attendance at a special session of the Assembly, used all means in their power to persuade the acceptance of the home company.241
The Assembly of Iowa, having authorized the raising of infantry, the com- pany from Cedar County was offered first place, which they promptly accepted. This required a new enrollment, and such notice was issued by J. W. Casad, their secretary.
It was about this time that the Sugar Creek Cavalry was organized under Capt. Munn. They numbered about sixty men, and were not, as they said, simply home guards, but prepared to go at any time.
Finally, after so many orders and counter orders, the Guards were off for. the war as Company A, Fifth Regiment, Iowa Volunteers. The company was paraded at 8 o'clock on Friday morning, July 12, just three months to the day after the firing on Fort Sumter. That it was so long was no fault of theirs.
331
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
On this morning, long before their departure for the camp at Burlington, from the surrounding country citizens came to town to see them off. They num- bered ninety men, all told, and their names appear in the roster which closes this section of the history. They could not return as they departed, for they left many behind. A few remain today, loyal members of the Grand Army, passing rapidly now in review.
A company of infantry organized in Springfield and Inland Townships came to be called the "Union Greys." They were ordered to be prepared to go into camp about August 18, 1861. This required a filling up of their company to one hundred one men, and in order to do this a roll was kept ready for signatures at the store of one Young in Inland. When completed the company was to go into camp at Davenport or Dubuque. This company seems to have been reorganized, since those who were reported as its officers are the organizers of the "Cedar Rifles" later in the year.
Capt. McLoney was in command of about forty members, and this company was preparing to join the Eleventh Regiment as soon as its ranks were full. The company had gone into quarters in September, 1861, and were drilling under Lieut. Compton, who had some experience in the British army.
This company with the officers mentioned was mustered in at Davenport, ac- cording to the Gazette, on Oct. 7, 1861. The company became from this time on Company E, of the Eleventh Infantry.
They left Tipton for Camp McClellan on Monday, Sept. 30. Much interest was manifested in this company, as by their orderly conduct while recruiting they had won the admiration of the community. On Sunday evening before their departure they assembled at the Lutheran Church where they were addressed by Rev. Schaeffer, and immediately on adjournment went to the Methodist Church to listen to an address by Mr. Mead of New York. On Monday a large gathering assembled at the court house to bid them an affectionate farewell. Prayer was offered and appropriate remarks made by Rev. Mr. Mead. After numerous hearty cheers by the company and by the citizens, the march began, halting for a few minutes at the school house, now the old, forsaken building south of the library square, where the pupils were lined up under the direction of the Principal, C. C. Nestlerode, and his assistant teachers. What occurred here is best described twenty-six years after by Mr. Nestlerode himself at the second reunion of the Tipton Union School. ยท
"I feel that I can not permit this opportunity to pass without adding a word and dropping a tear to the memory of our school boys who gave their lives to their country in its hour of need, many of whose names are inscribed upon this beautiful monument. Twenty-six years ago upon the very spot where we now stand, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, made up in part of some of those same boys, was drawn up in line. And well do I remember marching out the infant department of the Tipton Union School, with its teacher, Miss Rumsey, at the head, and placing the members of that school directly in front of the soldier boys-those innocent children forming the first line. Then I had Miss Worline, the teacher, march out the members of the Primary Department and form in line directly behind the Infant Department, constituting our second line. Then I had Miss Gillespie, the teacher, march out the members of the Sec-
332
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
ondary Department and form in the rear of the Primary Department, consti- tuting our third line. Next came Mr. Wolf, at the head of the Grammar De- partment and formed his scholars at the rear of the Secondary Department, con- stituting our fourth line. Then lastly came Miss King, my assistant teacher, at the head of what was left of the Tipton High School-the girls and a few scattering boys too young and too small to pass muster-formed in the rear of the Grammar School, constituting our fifth and last line. A wagon was placed between the line of soldiers and the five lines of scholars, on the right flank of the former and the left flank of the latter. I was designated to take a position in that wagon and to make farewell requests of, and to deliver parting words for the four hundred scholars in line, to the soldier boys who had been formed in martial array for the occasion. The fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and friends had come to contribute to the sad occasion. A mass of people such as Tipton had rarely if ever witnessed before, surrounded the lines on all sides. I arose and gazed at the large assemblage and as I beheld their mingled tears and heard their piteous cries my heart bled within me and I stood for some moments dumb and speechless. At length I was enabled to say: "Members of Company E, 11th Reg. I. V. I., I come in behalf of these defenseless children, your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters, to entreat you to stand firm between them and their country's enemies. Let no evil befall them or harm come to them unless it comes over your mangled forms. Turn not your backs to the enemy on the field of conflict. Remember the defenseless, helpless children. I commit them to you for protection, and may the God of Battles go with you, and lead you, and make you the fearless defenders of the free schools of Iowa. And when this cruel war is over may you be permitted to return safe home again to receive the gratitude and to enjoy the love of a free and happy people." Capt. McLoney responded in these words: "I am no speech maker, but on behalf of the members of my company will pledge you that the Tipton Union School shall be safe in our keeping." 242
Company E soon earned a reputation for thrift, for twenty of them were re- ported to have sent home to their families three hundred dollars as early as December of '61.
In April, 1862, Capt. Childs was compelled to resign on account of ill health, and Company A was at that time at New Madrid waiting for an opportunity to join in the attack on Island No. 10. The company lost its place in the regiment and instead of occupying the post of honor on the right flank became, by their captain's resignation, the junior company in the regiment.
Later in the same month came the news from Shiloh, where the Eleventh Iowa was in the front of battle. Company D, from near Wilton, contained a number from this county, and Company E was Capt. McLoney's company. The killed and wounded in that battle were, from D, five killed and sixteen wounded, from E, six killed, twelve wounded, among the killed being Lieut. Compton, who had drilled the men before leaving home. The funeral services for two of Com- pany E, E. McLoney and T. M. Haines, were held in the M. E. Church the fol- lowing Sunday, a form of memorial service. Rev. S. N. Fellows, afterward and for many years a well-known minister, educator and lecturer, spoke of the cause of the war in which these two young men gave up their lives. He spoke of it as
333
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY.
it really was and some of his hearers became angry or were very much fright- ened. Some gave vent to their feelings and spoke out their disagreement with the opinions expressed in very emphatic language. The two young men in whose memory this funeral was held were said to have been of. exemplary character.
July, 1862, S. W. Rathbun, then deputy sheriff of this county, now the esteemed editor of the Marion Register, was commissioned to raise a company under the new call of the President. This congressional district, then the second, was to furnish a regiment, and this meant one hundred men as the share of Cedar County.
About this time a general alarm was sounded for a great mass meeting of the supporters of the war. Not until this time does it seem the people really felt the importance of the contest. The call was signed by Tuthill, Rothrock, Culbertson, Platner, Maynard, Hammond, Elliott, and Swineford. It was to be addressed by such men as Edward Thayer, Wm. Smith, Hiram Price and Henry O'Connor.243
An illustration of the spirit of the times is shown by the father who had three sons in the army and brought the fourth to join the company of Capt. Rath- bun. Mr. Long in doing so said, if this son fell he himself would enlist. The opposite spirit prevailed in the case of some who suddenly found they were afflicted with rheumatism.
The great war meeting held in the county on August 8, 1862, led to the secur- ing of about three hundred volunteers in the few weeks from the time Capt. Rathbun began to recruit his company. His number was completed by August 20, and others were organized and filled by that date. S. D. Johnson became captain of one, Wm. Dugan of Lowden and Mr. Flannagan of Mechanicsville engaged in raising other companies. Capt. Rathbun's became Company A of the Twenty-fourth Iowa. This was known as the Temperance Regiment.
On Wednesday, August 20, the two new companies-Captains Johnson and Rathbun-departed to Wilton by wagons furnished by the farmers of the sur- rounding country. After the companies were formed they marched in front of R. M. Long's office, when three rousing cheers were given for him and three for the patriotic women of the county. Partings of families were sad enough, for they knew well that many men would never return. Most of the men had been sworn in by Mr. Long.
The orders to report at Camp Strong at Muscatine were received on Tuesday afternoon, and the forces were on the road at nine the next morning. It would seem very strange now to see two companies of infantry on the road to Wilton by lumber wagon to assist in putting down a war like the great Rebellion. Eighty-five teams were used to convey this small army across the country. The Wilton people gave dinners to the entire number. Besides these companies it is estimated that forty more men enlisted from the western part of the county in companies forming at Iowa City during these three weeks.
September 2, 1862, Capt. Flannagan's company from Mechanicsville, "H" of the Thirty-fifth Iowa, set out for Camp Strong to join the regiment to which it was assigned. The people of Tipton had dinner all ready and after the noon
-
334
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
hour they were sent on their way accompanied by the band from their home town and one from Tipton.
A scene from the camp of the Twenty-fourth Iowa has been painted by one of its members at that time. It was the first Sabbath in camp, the first away from the accustomed surroundings, and he describes it in a way sad, yet full of hope. "Things passed off quietly during the morning hour, much like a Sabbath at home, except the necessary routine of camp duty. Some read, some talked, and some wrote letters to the dear ones at home. At the appointed hour the men were formed into a hollow square at the parade ground. The Sunday service commenced by the singing of a hymn, in which nearly every man joined. Strong, sweet music that-those nine hundred voices rising up from the camp of men gathered from so many places and for such a purpose. A strange inspiration filled the soul with a power at other times unknown.
"The discourse was well timed, though not what one would call a sermon. We assembled again in the evening after dress parade for another discourse, and, as my eyes wandered over the faces of those nine hundred men turned toward the speaker, all full of intelligence and indicating determination, and then to the blue sky above, with only here and there a gray cloud trimmed with gold and amber by the setting sun, now just disappearing in the western horizon, in the coming twilight, I thought of the varying emotions that must have come and gone in the minds of these nine hundred soldiers. How many thinking of home, of the uncertain future, of death or imprisonment, of honor and promotion ; how many of the high and holy One in whom we live and move and have our being. But now farewell." (Letter, W. C. Russell.) 244
Up to September, 1862, probably one-third of the able-bodied men in the county had enlisted. Officers of the draft gave the figures at that time as over three thousand subject to duty. Almost, if not quite a thousand, had enlisted, and yet there were calls for more.
After the battle of Iuka Company A of the "Fighting Fifth" was sadly cut up. Capt. Wm. Dean led the company in that battle and wrote home soon after giving the news from the company. When he went upon the field he had forty non-commissioned officers and privates all told ; when the company came out only ten responded to roll call. Lieutenant Schawl fell mortally wounded in this battle. Lieutenant Casad was severely wounded while exhorting his men. Cap- tain Dean is mentioned as having almost miraculously escaped since he was everywhere.
A most pathetic account is given of the death of one of the youngest, if not the youngest, of the company. Only seventeen years of age, James Edgar was determined to do a soldier's deed. He was advised by many friends not to undertake the life of a soldier, since he was too young. His captain told the particulars of his death. "Some fifteen minutes after the battle began a ball carried away the lock of his gun. He got another and then was soon wounded in the hand and I ordered him to the rear. In going he got a ball in his cartridge box which exploded all his cartridges, and another in the back. which passed through his body and must have killed him instantly.' He was not found until the next morning. We were forced back a short time after he was killed, and the rebels rifled his person and pockets of everything. He was buried on the
335
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
battlefield and his grave marked with head and foot boards. He did his duty nobly and fought bravely." 245 His teacher and principal, C. C. Nestlerode, wrote a long and commendatory letter concerning this young man.
An incident worth mentioning is given in a letter from Maj. Gen. Hamilton to Col. Mathias of the Fifth Infantry. In commending the Fifth for gallantry at Iuka, he says: "To show you how the Fifth has become a household word with us, my youngest boy, a prattler of four years of age, when asked what company he belongs to, says, 'Company A, Fifth Iowa, papa's pet regiment.'"
In the midst of the trials of war in the field there were not wanting those at home who saw no good in such sacrifice of blood and treasure, and, to make such efforts less effective, sought in secret ways, if not openly, to hinder if not destroy the success of the Union. This movement took the form of agree- ments to resist the collection of the Federal tax when it should come to collec- tion. A writer warns them in the following words:
"The time has come when obedience to the constitution and requirements of the law is to be the rule, and those who resist, whether north or south, will soon find that the strong arm of the government is uplifted to strike down all resistance. I would say to those who have joined these organizations that it would be well to stop and think before going further; a few steps may lead you to acts of treason, the blackest crime known to our laws."
What is the meaning of the actions of men when they bring speakers from abroad to further resist the collection of taxes, the draft, and any military arrest? Such organizations did exist as the full heading of an agreement will show, although under the high-sounding title of "Independent Riflemen."246
The following is the heading to a long list of signatures, some eighty or more, who were organized for the purposes set forth and for others perhaps not able to be listed. The reading is from the original agreement now in the pos- session of Hon. John T. Moffit. It is suggestive of the days in which it was dated.
Tipton, Iowa, July 28th, A. D. 1863.
We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to form ourselves into an Independent Military Company of Mounted Riflemen, for the purpose of assisting the proper authorities in enforcing the laws of the government, upholding and supporting the constitution of the United States and State of Iowa, and for the further purpose of protecting the rights of citizens, preserving order and quietness in the community.
Names
Names
April 11, 1863, the Loyal League was organized in this county with a con- stitution providing for the usual officers and proceedings of business, and a pledge which shows its purpose. Among the things subscribed to by anyone be- coming a member is one clause which reads: "I will stand up, under all cir- cumstances, for the restoration and preservation of the whole union, and by
336
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
every means in my power endeavor to thwart the intrigues and hostile designs of all disunionists and traitors."
J. C. Betts was its first president, Dr. J. F. Kennedy, until recently secretary of the State Board of Health, one of the vice-presidents, W. P. Wolf and J. W. Bagley, secretaries. Considerable discussion arose between the Loyal League members and those called by the title K. G. C.'s (Knights of the Golden Circle).
At a union meeting held in Springfield Township in May, '63, B. F. Gue, after- wards Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, addressed the assembly made up of citizens from Inland and Springfield. A "liberty pole" was dedicated, and a series of resolutions adopted in support of all war measures.
At a mass meeting of the Fairview League, Mr. J. Geiger addressed the meeting on behalf of the members of Company A, Fifth Iowa, James Anderson, who lost his life in the line of duty, and incidentally touched upon the prin- ciples governing all of the patriotic organizations.
The hundred day's call came in May, 1864, and this county was called upon for its share of the ten thousand the state was to furnish. Col. J. H. Rothrock was authorized to recruit men in Cedar county. It was at this time that the county board of supervisors agreed, with one exception, to grant a bounty of fifty dollars to each man enlisting.247
On Monday morning May 30, 1864, the company of hundred day men, Capt. Durbin commanding, left for their active duty. Not much demonstration now when men set out for war. It had become a serious business, and no one was certain of the end. Eighty-nine men left the county in this company. The com- pany was mustered in at Camp McClellan, Davenport, as Company I, Forty- Sixth Iowa, on June 10, 1864. Capt. Durbin was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment and Wm. P. Wolf became its captain. The entire regiment left Davenport for Cairo on the 14th of June.
The first news from Company I was to the effect that Capt. Wolf had been severely wounded and a number of men taken prisoner. They had fallen into the hands of guerrillas while trying to rescue a group of prisoners.
The long expected draft came after all possible efforts had been made to complete the quota demanded from each township. This occurred in September, 1864. Some townships, Cass and Massillon, had filled their appointment before the draft was made. Inland and Dayton raised volunteers enough to remove any need of a draft. It was in October before the drafted men left for their assignments. Some were called upon to serve their country who could not leave their families without a great sacrifice, but under the circumstances there was no escape from the demands of a needy government. Cheerful compliance was the only way to avoid an unpleasant situation.
A prison story typical of what the boys in blue had to endure when cap- tured in the line of duty is told in a letter from one of them to his brother. In the language of the writer, "I have been confined in this prison nearly six months. Fed on cornmeal and beef, and occasionally to relieve the monotony we get the sweepings of some old confederate mill, consisting of rye screenings, dirt, and old wheat ground together and dealt out in three-fourths of a pound per day rations. Then, to cap the climax of hospitality, there is sometimes a ration of shelled corn. There are none here with whom I ever was acquainted, never-
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT IN CEDAR COUNTY
339
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
theless I always find friends who are always ready to do a brother's part. You ask, where are my comrades? They were sent to Camp Gross, Hempstead, Texas. And, why am I not there? I was out on short "French" as the boys term it, and did not get back in time to go. I was gone four days and was captured by a bushwhacker and brought back. I had rather a rich time of it all alone without map, compass, or companions. My health is good; I enjoy a continual feast,-a contented mind, knowing that it is for my country I suffer. We have meetings every evening, Bible class in the morning, and singing school in the afternoon.
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.