USA > Iowa > Story County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa > Part 12
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Some of the benevolent people of the State early conceived the idea of establishing a home for such of the children of deceased soldiers as might be left in destitute circumstances. This idea first took form in 1863, and in the follow-
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
ing year a home was opened at Farmington, Van Buren County, in a building leased for that purpose, and which soon became filled to its utmost capacity. The institution received liberal donations from the general public, and also from the soldiers in the field. In 1865 it became necessary to provide increased accom- modations for the large number of children who were seeking the benefits of its care. This was done by establishing a branch at Cedar Falls, in Black Hawk County, and by securing, during the same year, for the use of the parent home, Camp Kinsman, near the city of Davenport. This property was soon after- ward donated to the instution by act of Con- gress.
In 1866, in pursuance of a law enacted for that purpose, the Soldiers' Orphans' Home (which then contained about 450 inmates) be- came a State institution, and thereafter the sums necessary for its support were appropri- ated from the State treasury. A second branch was established at Glenwood, Mills County. Convenient tracts were secured and valuable improvements made at all the different points. Schools were also established, and employ- ments provided for such of the children as were of suitable age. In all ways the pro- vision made for these wards of the State has been such as to challenge the approval of every benevolent mind. The number of children who have been inmates of the home from its foundation to the present time is considerably more than 2,000.
At the beginning of the war the population of Iowa included about 150,000 men presuma- bly liable to render military service. The State raised, for general service, thirty-nine regiments of infantry, nine regiments of cav- alry and four companies of artillery, composed of three years' men; one regiment of infantry composed of three months' men, and four reg-
iments and one battalion of infantry composed of 100 days' men. The original enlistments in these various organizations, including 1,727 men raised by draft, numbered a little more than 69,000. The re-enlistments, including upward of 7,000 veterans, numbered very nearly 8,000. The enlistments in the regular army and navy, and organizations of other States, will, if added, raise the total to upward of 80,000. The number of men who, under special enlistments and as militia, took part at different times in the operations on the ex- posed borders of the State, was probably as many as 5,000.
Iowa paid no bounty on account of the men she placed in the field. In some instances, toward the close of the war, bounty to a com- paratively small amount was paid by cities and towns. On only one occasion-that of the call of July 18, 1864-was a draft made in Iowa. This did not occur on account of her proper liability, as established by previous rulings of the war department, to supply men under that call, but grew out of the great necessity that then existed for raising men. The gov- ernment insisted on temporarily setting aside, in part, the former rule of settlements, and en- forcing a draft in all cases where subdistricts in any of the States should be found deficient in their supply of men. In no instance was Iowa, as a whole, found to be indebted to the general Government for men, on a settlement of her quota accounts.
It is to be said to the honor and credit of Iowa that while many of the loyal States, older and larger in population and wealth, incurred heavy State debts for the purpose of fulfilling their obligations to the general Government, Iowa, while she was foremost in duty, while she promptly discharged all her obligations to her sister States and the Union, found her- self at the close of the war without any ma-
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terial addition to her pecuniary liabilities in- curred before the war commenced. Upon final settlement after the restoration of peace, her claims upon the Federal Government were found to be fully equal to the amount of her
bonds issued and sold during the war to pro- vide the means for raising and equipping her troops sent into the field, and to meet the in- evitable demands upon her treasury in conse- quence of the war.
NUMBER OF TROOPS FURNISHED BY THE STATE OF IOWA DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, TO JANUARY 1, 1865.
No. Regiment.
No. of Men.
No. Regiment.
No. of Men.
Ist Iowa Infantry.
950
38th Iowa Infantry
910
2d Iowa Infantry
1,247
39th Iowa Infantry .
933
3d Iowa Infantry .
1,074
40th Iowa Infantry.
900
4th Iowa Infantry .
1,184
41st Battalion Iowa Infantry
294
5th Iowa Infantry
1,037
44th Infantry (100-day men).
867
6th Iowa Infantry
1,013
45th Infantry (100-day men).
912
7th Iowa Infantry
1,138
46th Infantry (100-day men).
892
8th Iowa Infantry.
1,027
47th Infantry (100-day men) ..
884
9th Iowa Infantry
1,090
48th Battalion (100-day men)
346
10th lowa Infantry
1,027
Ist lowa Cavalry
1,478
11th Iowa Infantry
1,022
2d Iowa Cavalry
1,394
12th Iowa Infantry
3d Iowa Cavalry
1,360
13th Iowa Infantry
4th Iowa Cavalry
1,297
14th Iowa Infantry
840
5th Iowa Cavalry
1,245
15th Iowa Infantry
1,196
1,125
16th Jowa Infantry ..
7th Iowa Cavalry
562
17th Iowa Infantry .
8th Iowa Cavalry
1,234
18th Iowa Infantry.
9th Iowa Cavalry
1,178
19th Iowa Infantry
985
Sionx City Cavalry*
93
20th Iowa Infantry
925
Company A, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
87
21st Iowa Infantry
1st Battery Artillery.
149
22d Iowa Infantry.
2d Battery Artillery
123
23d Jowa Infantry
3d Battery Artillery
142
24th Iowa Infantry
979
4th Battery Artillery.
152
25th Iowa Infantry
995
1st lowa African Infantry, 60th U. S.t.
903
26th Iowa Infantry
919
Dodge's Brigade Band.
14
27th Iowa Infantry.
940
Band of 2d Iowa Infantry ..
10
28th Iowa Infantry
956
Enlistments as far as reported to January 1, 1864. for the older Iowa regiments. .
2,765
30th Iowa Infantry
978
Enlistments of Iowa men in regiments of other States, over.
2,500
32d Iowa Infantry
925
33d Iowa Infantry
985
Total
61,653
34th Iowa Infantry
953
Re-enlisted veterans for different regiments.
7,202
35th Iowa Infantry
984
Additional enlistments.
6,664
36th Iowa Infantry.
986
37th Iowa Infantry
914
Grand total as far as reported up to Jannary 1, 1865. 75,519
This does not include those lowa men who veteran- ized in the regiments of other States, nor the names of men who enlisted during 1864, in regiments of other States.
* Afterward consolidated with Seventh Cavalry.
+ Only a portion of this regiment was credited to the State.
31st Iowa Infantry
977
1,005
29th Iowa Infantry
1,008
961
6th Iowa Cavalry
919
956
875
980
981
989
HISTORY OF IOWA.
G
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
CHAPTER XI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE GOVERNORS OF IOWA TERRITORY AND THE STATE OF IOWA, GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR ANCESTRAL ORIGIN, THEIR EARLY TRAINING, THEIR ENTRANCE INTO THAT PUBLIC LIFE UPON WHICH THEY REFLECTED THE HIGHEST RENOWN, AND THE GREAT ACTS WHICH HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN BUILDING UP ONE OF THE NOBLEST IN THE SISTERHOOD OF STATES-STATE INSTITUTIONS OF PROMINENCE-THEIR RISE AND PROGRESS-UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGES-INSTITUTES FOR THE
AFFLICTED-PENITENTIARY-SUNDRY SOCIETIES.
The gen'ral voice Sounds him, for courtesy, behaviour, language, And ev'ry fair demeanor, an example; Titles of honour add not to his worth, Who is himself an honour to his title .- Ford.
OBERT LUCAS, first governor of Iowa Territory, was born at Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Va., in 1771, a direct descendant of William Penn. His father was a Revo- lutionary patriot, and a man to whom the son owed not a lit- tle for his success in after years. Robert was the pupil of a sturdy old Scotchman in his youth, and became well versed in surveying and mathe- matics. In 1803 he made his first appearance in public life as county surveyor of Scioto County, Ohio, whither he had moved shortly before. Later he was com- missioned justice of the peace by the governor. From an appointment as lieutenant of militia he rose to major-general of militia of the State; was a brigadier-general at the outbreak of the War of 1812, later a captain, and finally
lieutenant-colonel and colonel. Col. Lucas served nineteen years, consecutively, in the Ohio Legislature; was twice chosen presidential elector, and in 1832 and 1834 was elected gov- ernor of Ohio. Under the act approved in 1838, establishing the Territorial government of Iowa, he was made at the head of affairs in the new Territory, his first act having to do with its division into districts. During his official term he demonstrated his ability as an individual of wisdom and foresight. He held office until succeeded by John Chambers in 1841, and afterward lived a retired life until his death in 1853. He was twice married.
John Chambers, the Territory's second gov- ernor, was of Irish parentage, though born in New Jersey. The youngest of seven children, he was privileged to enter Transylvania Uni- versity, at Lexington, Ky., but soon returned home, later studied law, was admitted to prac- tice, and in 1803 was enjoying a career of un-
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
usual professional success. He took part in the War of 1812 as aid-de-camp to Harrison; in 1815 found himself in the Legislature, and in 1828 went to Congress. Served two more terms in the Legislature, and was twice ten- dered a position on the supreme bench of Ken- tucky. A Congressional career of four more years, closing in 1839, was followed in 1841 by his entrance upon the duties of governor of Iowa, to which he had been appointed by Presi- dent Harrison. His administration of affairs was most successful, he being especially for- tunate in his dealings with the Indians, who quietly abode by his counsel and suggestions. At the expiration of his first term he was re-ap- pointed, but subsequently removed by Polk, after which, greatly impaired in health, he returned to Kentucky. His latter years were passed in the society of his children, to whom he was devotedly attached, his death occurring in 1852.
The third and last governor under Territorial organization was James Clarke, whose career as an official and whose character as a man are unmarred by the stain of any historical record. Early in life he turned his back upon the familiar scenes of his childhood, determined to carve for himself a name that should stand through ages. A location was found in Wis- consin, where the trade of a printer occupied him until after Iowa's formation as a Territory, when he moved to Burlington. Following Mr. Conway's death, he was appointed secre- tary of the Territory, his official career being especially distinguished for the large amount of business transacted. In other ways also he acquired extensive acquaintance. President Polk having removed Mr. Chambers appointed Mr. Clarke to succeed him in 1845, the latter serving until a new order of affairs necessi- tated the election of a State governor. It was during the term of Mr. Clarke that the friends
of State government succeeded in bringing their desires before the Legislature to a suc- cessful issue. The governor was chosen a delegate to the convention for the framing of a constitution, and aided materially in the selection of laws suited to the needs of the new State. His last public act was a proclamation for a general election, at which Ansel Briggs was made governor. He appeared at the first session of the Legislature under the new regime, but died soon after at Burlington, of cholera. His wife was a sister of General Dodge.
A conservative, harmonious administration of four years covers the term of service of Iowa's first State governor, Ansel Briggs. He was not unlike his two immediate predecessors in having come from that wonderful nursery of progress, New England, where his boy hood was passed, largely in attendance upon the common schools, though after removing to Ohio he occupied himself in establishing stage lines. In what was then considered an early day for this locality, he became a pioneer of this State and settled in Jackson County, re- suming in connection with his former business the carrying of mails between prominent points. As a Democrat he was elected in 1842 to the Territorial House of Representatives, and later as sheriff of his county. He was among the first candidates for governor of the new State, and by a peculiar but fortunate ut- terance at an opportune moment secured the nomination, having a small majority at the en- suing election. In official duties he exhibited an independent firmness not easily shaken, though not savoring of stubbornness. He afterward made his home in Jackson County, until removing to Council Bluffs, where he was well known. He died in Omaha in 1881, surviving by many years his worthy wife (his second), to whose womanly tact, grace and
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
hospitality were due a large share of the gov- ernor's public success.
Mr. Briggs' successor, Stephen Hempstead, deserves a prominent place in the esteem of all Iowans, for during his occupancy of the gubernatorial chair many important acts were passed and remain in force upon the statute books of to-day. Though a native of Connec- ticut, he found a home in the great west while still a boy, engaging in clerking in Galena, Ill., whence he entered into the Black Hawk War. Withdrawing as a student from Illinois College to study law, he made good progress in his new profession, and in 1836 was ad- mitted to practice in the courts of the Terri- tory of Wisconsin. The same year he located at Dubuque, represented the northern portion of the Territory in the Legislative council, and during his second and third terms was presi- dent thereof. In 1848 he aided in revising the laws adopted as the code of Iowa in 1851, and in 1850 was by the choice of the people placed in charge of the affairs of State. The first Legislature under this reign formed fifty- two counties, most of them having at the present time the same names and boundaries. The last year of his term was marked by an era of advancing prosperity, which he had done much to invite. In the latter part of 1854 he re- tired to Dubuque, and for twelve years served as judge, resigning on account of impaired health. He survived, however, until early in 1883.
Following Gov. Hempstead in order of serv- ice appears the name of one whose personal history is linked inseparably with that of the State-James Wilson Grimes, a faithful leader and sound official. He too was of New Hamp- shire nativity, born in 1816, and, though the youngest of a large family, early evinced such a decided taste for learning that he was sent to the district school, also studying Latin and
Greek, and later entered Dartmouth College, after leaving which he engaged in reading law. With the spirit of bold determination and no- ble ambition, he came west to Burlington in 1836, and soon had a substantial reputation as a rising lawyer. At a subsequent time he was a member of a firm which stood at the head of the legal profession in Iowa. Before receiving the nomination from the Whig element as gov- ernor, he had occupied various official positions, several times being called upon to represent his constituency in the Legislative and General Assemblies. In 1854 he assumed executive rule and at once introduced liberal measures to develop the resources of the State. It may be truthfully said that Gov. Grimes reclaimed Iowa from the thraldom of Democracy, and allied it to other truly Republican States. In 1858 he laid down this office to become United States Senator, and was again chosen for a six-year term in 1865. He was a most liberal man, and a warm friend to education. He died sudden- ly in 1872 of heart disease.
No events of especial importance transpired during the administration of Gov. Ralph P. Lowe, Iowa's fourth governor, though it was not a period devoid of anxious solicitude to all classes of citizens. Mr. Lowe was born in Ohio, but settled in Muscatine County, this State, when something over thirty years of age, very soon becoming prominent in local affairs, and of recognized ability in questions of public policy. His service as a member of the Con- stitutional Convention of 1844 was the only part taken by him in public matters for a number of years, but upon removing to Lee County he became district judge, filled the office a number of years, and in the summer of 1857 was nominated by the Republicans as their candidate for the highest office within the gift of the people of the State. Two tickets were in the field at the election following, but the
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Republicans were successful, and Judge Lowe was soon known as Gov. Lowe. The term of office was reduced about this time from four to two years. He was especially active in appeal- ing to the Secretary of the Interior for the payment of the five per cent upon the military land warrants that it seemed the State was en- titled to, but his efforts were in vain. For a second term Gov. Lowe was defeated by Hon. S. J. Kirkwood, but as a compensation for his defeat he was made judge under the new con- stitution, and served, all told, eight years. He finally removed to Washington, and died there in 1883, leaving a large family.
Perhaps no name is held in more grateful remembrance by the people of Iowa than that of its fifth and also its ninth governor, Samuel J. Kirkwood, familiarly though reverently re- ferred to as the " War Governor." A farmer's son by birth, he was born in Harford County, Md., in 1813, the youngest of three children by his father's second marriage, his mother springing direct from stanch Scotch anteced- ents. Samuel was sent when ten years old to a school at Washington, remained four years, and later, until after arriving at manhood, clerked in a drug store, save for about eighteen months passed in school teaching. His law studies were commenced in Ohio, where he was duly admitted to practice, also serving as prose- cuting attorney, and later as representative to the constitutional convention. In 1854 he was driven from the political fields of the pro- slavery Democrats by their position in the Kansas-Nebraska controversy. Coming to Iowa in 1855, he kept aloof from public affairs for awhile, but his record and ability soon followed him, and he was sent to the State Senate. In 1859 he was the standard-bearer of the Repub- licans of the State, and was elected over a pop- ular opponent. Before his first term expired came the Civil War with it horrors, but his
able wisdom and executive management were sufficient to avoid a " draft " for troops, and at the same time to maintain the State's financial credit. In 1861 he was re-elected, and during this term was offered by Lincoln the appoint- ment as minister to Denmark, but private in- terests compelled his subsequent declination. In 1866 he was made United States Senator, and while thus serving won fresh laurels by an outspoken and meritorious opposition of Charles Sumner, whose arrogant course was not pleas- ing to many of even his warmest friends. At the close of his term Gov. Kirkwood resumed the practice of law, later became president of an Iowa City bank, and in 1875 was again elected governor. He served, however, only a little over one year, as a call came in 1877 to be United States Senator. After filling this position four years he resigned to become sec- retary of the interior in Garfield's cabinet, in which office he was succeeded by Teller, of Colorado, in 1882. Gov. Kirkwood still resides at his home in Iowa City, well advanced in years. He was married in 1843.
William Milo Stone was the sixth to fill the office of governor under the State organization, and served from 1864 to 1868. He was born in 1827, of ancestors who gladly took up arms in defense of the young republic when war against the mother country was a neces- sity. When six years old he was taken to Ohio, and on the canal there spent two seasons as team-driver, his educational advantages be- ing limited to perhaps twelve months' attend- ance at a common school. While completing his apprenticeship to the chair-maker's trade, he read law during his leisure moments, care- fully prepared himself, and in 1851 was ad- mitted to the bar. After three years of practice at Coshocton, he settled at Knoxville, Iowa, his present home. He became a prime mover in forming the Republican party in this State,
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
was a presidential elector on that ticket in 1856, and the following year was chosen judge of the Eleventh Judicial District; was judge of the Sixth District under the new constitu- . Bridge, and then returned to McGregor to re- tion, and was so serving when the war broke out. Immediately enlisting as a private, he was afterward appointed colonel by Gov. Kirk- wood, and won honorable distinction on the field of battle, attaining to such wide popular- ity that he was made governor in 1863, and remained in office until 1868. He made a very energetic and efficient executive. Since the expiration of his term he has devoted him- self principally to interests of a private nature, though in 1877 he was elected to the General Assembly for one term. His marriage in 1857 resulted in the birth of one son.
Col. Samuel Merrill was the seventh occu- pant of Iowa's seat of honor, being one of the few deserving men who have been called from private life to positions of public trust on account of a peculiar fitness for office. He is of English antecedents, his mother being a descendant of Peter Hill, from whom have sprung most of the Hills in America. Samuel was the youngest son and next to the youngest child of eight children. When sixteen years old he accompanied his parents to Buxton, Me., alternately teaching and attending school until arriving at maturity, when, determined to fol- low the occupation of teaching, he set out for the South, only to find the political elements of that clime too uncongenial for one born so far north. He returned to Maine and thence to New Hampshire, being successful in busi- ness until 1856, when he established a branchı house at McGregor, Iowa. During this time he took a quiet but active part in political af- fairs, and was twice elected to the New Hamp- shire Legislature. In this State also he served in a like capacity as a member of a regular and an extra session. In 1862 he was
commissioned colonel, took a brilliant part in the military affairs of the Civil War, was wounded through the hips at Black River cover. In 1867 he was chosen governor, and again in 1869. He is now a resident of Des Moines, occupied in the banking business.
By reason of years of active and useful pub- lic service, Cyrus C. Carpenter, the successor of Gov. Merrill, is deserving of mention as one of Iowa's foremost men. Of Pennsylvania origin, he was deprived of parental care at the age of twelve years by the death of both his father and mother. Not discouraged, however, he attended school a few months each year until 1846, then taught and further prosecuted his studies, and finally started westward, reach- ing Des Moines in 1854. A little later he found his way to Fort Dodge, with but half a dollar in his pocket. From surveying, teach- ing, etc., he was led into the land business, and at every opportunity devoted his attention to reading law, with the intention of following that profession. During the war he entered field service as a commissioned captain, attain- ing the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and being mustered out as brevet-colonel. Various offi- cial capacities have demanded his attention since then. In 1857 he was elected representa- tive to the General Assembly, and four years served as register of the land office. In 1871, and again in 1873, he was elected governor of the State, and at the expiration of his second term was appointed second comptroller of the United States treasury. He resigned in fifteen months, and from 1881 to 1883 was in the XLVIIth Congress, also representing Webster County in the Twentieth General Assembly. He now lives the life of a private citizen at Fort Dodge, with his wife and adopted daugh- ter.
Tenth in order of service appears Joshua G.
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Newbold, still a resident of Mount Pleasant, a stanch supporter of the cardinal principles of the Republican party, and a man of honest re- ligious sentiments. Painstaking care and busi- ness-like methods in dealing with the interests of the State mark his official career. He comes originally from that sect known as Friends, and like so many of them grew up as a farmer boy in his native State of Pennsylvania. His educational advantages were quite good, and after assisting his father in running a flouring- mill some years he began the study of medi- cine, but later abandoned the idea of becoming a physician. In 1854 he moved to Iowa, being occupied in farming and mercantile pursuits in Henry County when the Rebellion with all its attending horrors burst upon the country. After three years' service as captain he resigned on account of disability, though his regiment was one that made Iowa troops famous. Re- turning home he resumed business, was three times a member of the General Assembly (once serving as speaker), and in 1875 was elected lieutenant-colonel on the ticket with Gov. Kirk- wood. The latter having been chosen to the United States Senate, Mr. Newbold became governor and served until succeeded by John H. Gear. He is now only about sixty years of age, beloved by all. His worthy wife, whom he married in 1850, has borne five children, three now living.
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