Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa, Part 22

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 484

USA > Iowa > Story County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa > Part 22

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).

A company could have been formed at once, however, but Capt. S. B. McCall, of Boone, had raised a company and it was desired that these should be consolidated, as but one com- pany would be received from this region. Capt. McCall and about forty men came on to Ne- vada and reorganized with the following offi- cers: Captain, John Scott: first lieutenant, S. B. McCall; second lieutenant, W. A. Wise, of Iowa Center. "There was quite a scram- ble for those offices," says Col. Scott, " but the war lasted long enough to enable those who were disappointed on this occasion to satisfy their ambition by getting like positions in other organizations." The company was en- rolled as Company E, Third Iowa Infantry, on

May 21, 1861, scarcely a month after the firing on Sumter, and was ordered to Keokuk at once to join the regiment. It took about a week to finish all preparations. There were ninety-five men at first; eight were added afterward; several were from other counties. It may be of interest to know who the Story men among them were: Capt. John Scott, George W. Crosley (who afterward became first lieutenant), W. A. Wise, Robert J. Camp- bell, Jesse R. Wood, Thomas Dent, Nathaniel Jennings, Samuel A. Daniel, Guilford Mullen, W. H. McCowan, Jesse Bowen, E. B. Craig, W. H. Casebolt, David H. Dill, Mich. D. Deal, J. N. Dye, Thomas M. Davis, Charles F. Elli- son, Joseph A. Fitzpatrick, W. W. Fitzpatrick, George W. Groves, E. F. Hampton, H. H. Hally, George Jones, Ed. D. John, I. N. Johnston, Charles B. Maxwell, J. H. Miller, I. U. Riddle, Moses J. Riddle, John Sessions, John U. Schoonover, L. M. Vincent, W. R. White, W. C. White and Asa Walker. The oldest of these was but forty-one and the youngest eighteen, while the most of them were in the twenties. The Keokuk rendez- vous was 178 miles away. On May 28 they started in wagons, and on reaching Iowa Cen- ter were feasted in royal style. Four days later, on June 1, they reached Keokuk, and on June 8 were mustered into service by Lieut. Alexander Chambers, U. S. A. Their movements will be traced farther on.

National events were crowding upon each other very fast by this time, and after this first departure of troops from the county, the real situation began to be more fully realized. Every sort of opinion arose from the most rabid Abo- litionist down to the avowed Secessionist, with a great bulk of stout Unionists between. Among those, at various times, who were prominent Union speakers were John Scott, T. C. McCall, G. M. Maxwell, D. P. Ballard, J. L. Dana, L.

164

HISTORY OF IOWA.

Q. Hoggatt, George A. Kellogg and others. War-meetings were a common occurrence in every settlement. The public meetings were all Union, although there were meetings that opposed the Government politically, but not openly in sympathy with the South. From the campaign of the fall of 1860 on, the fight grew in bitterness. The Republicans were dubbed " Black Republicans," "Negro Worshipers," "Flat Noses," "Long Heels," " Amalgama- tionists," etc., while the opposition received such titles as "Copperheads," " Knights of the Golden Circle," " Ku Klux," etc. In Indian Creek Township, on one occasion, there were speakers from abroad who verged very closely on the open advocacy of Southern sympathy. On a certain occasion, too, a song was sung in burlesque of Gov. Kirkwood's supposed aid to Coppoc, one of the adherents of John Brown; the refrain ended with "Samnel Johnson Cop- poc Kirkwood."

During the summer, constant recruiting was going on in a scattered way. Many joined with troops from other counties, so that by the close of the war, Story County was represented in not less than twenty-seven different regi- ments. Among these were the First, Second, Third, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-third, Thirty-second, Thir- ty-seventh, Fortieth, Forty-fourth, Forty- seventh and Forty-eighth Regiments of In- fantry; the Second and Fourth of Artillery, and the Second, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Cavalry. In July, 1861, Paul A. Queal recruited abont forty men for Company B, Second Cavalry, and became, successively, its first lientenant and captain. This company was ordered into quarters at Davenport, July 30, 1861, and mustered into service August 31. Excepting six, who were rejected, those from Story County in this company were Panl

A. Queal, Joseph W. Brown, Elijah Pervis, Thomas Booth, William J. Deal, P. J. Webb, J. C. McHone, P. H. Rheam, F. M. Coffelt, H. H. Boyce, George Bruhard, W. F. Baker, H. D. Ballard, G. W. Boyes,* J. W. Clarke, W. M. Freeman, H. F. Ferguson, James Mc- Collister, W. C. Roberson, A. M. See, W. R. Schreckondcost, N. H. Schooler, William Thomas, James M. Tanner, David Wanmick and G. P. Yokum. Of these, J. C. McHone deserted, and was never after heard from. Their career will be traced farther on in an account of the regiment.

Early in 1862 the canse was agitated with increasing vigor. This is well illustrated in the brief but pointed salutatory of Editor George F. Schoonover, who issued the first number of the Republican Reveille on June 5, 1862; he says: " Its political feature is Republican-con- servative and just, uttering its sentiments with candor, fearlessness and independence, and for the prosecution of the war against treason until the last rebel has laid down his arms."

In this number also appears an army letter from H. H. Boyes, of the Second Cavalry, which illustrates a prominent feature of the pages of the county paper from this time until the close of the war. "Camp near Corinthi, Miss., May 11, 1862 .- Dear friend: * * This morning finds me seated on the ground with an old barrel-head on my knee, and pen, ink, and paper, that I have been obliged to borrow, cheerfully trying to comply with your wishes, and shall give you as nearly as possi- ble a synopsis of the affairs and proceedings of Company B, since arriving in this part of Uncle Sam's dominions. We have had some quite active service since the advance com- menced, and yesterday the Second Iowa made one of the greatest cavalry charges on record. It was about noon when the bugle sounded

* These names are spelled as given in the adjutant's report.

-------- --

--- ------ 1 1

165

STORY COUNTY.

' boots and saddles,' and in five minutes we were 'all saddled, all bridled and fit for a fight,' and were under way for the battle-field, which, by the rapid roar of the cannon, fully warned us that the battle had opened in real earnest. Arriving there, we were drawn up in line and waited for orders, and there we stood while cannon balls and shells played havoc among us, expecting each moment would be our last. We were in fine view and made a conspicuous mark, and you had better believe they improved it; they had four batteries of four guns each, and two of six, while we had only one of six and that unsupported by infantry, and that was obliged to fall back when the rebels advanced theirs and formed in open field. Then was our time; our line was formed, and we were ready and getting impatient to either get out or in, for there is nothing that tires a man like stand- ing under fire doing nothing. But pres- ently the word 'draw sabre' came, and out they flashed in an instant; 'Forward, charge!' rang out next, and in a moment more the Sec- ond Iowa went into it, 'neck or nothing,' with those twenty-eight guns in front and thousands of infantry on each side pouring death among ns with very rapid volleys. We entered in line, but before we had gone far, Company B led the van, and such a shout as they set up you never heard, I will bet. I had not got a hundred yards before I had jumped my horse over more than a dozen dead horses and men, but I knew he was sure-footed and I gave him the spur, and on he went like a streak. while I held a firm grip to my butter-knife, and thought of the blood of one spilled on Pitts- burg battle-ground, and those that are heldl prisoners by these vile hellhounds. Well, we made them get out of that, and quick, too, but our loss was quite severe-sixty men and one hundred horses from the regiment. Walker is among the missing. Freeman, J. S. Brush, Dan-

iel Craft, Cland Brock are wounded. John Williams was killed in a skirmish that we had on the 8th, and Johny Burg wounded. Bill Pax- ton was killed in a skirmish we had about two weeks ago. There are quite a number at home on a furlough. *

* We are bound to give it to ' Sesesh ' here at Corinth, and that I believe will be the last hard battle of this war. I don't think they can hold out much longer; they are about played out, and will soon have to acknowledge 'Uncle's ' capability to take care of the affairs of his extensive farm without any dividing line between the cotton-field and corn-field." "Uncle" had several Corinths to pass through, however, after May, 1862.

Such letters had a powerful influence on public feeling at home. It even blazed forth in advertising head lines: "No Compromise with Rebels, at the Hoosier Store!" "Chicago not taken by the Rebels, but by Otis Briggs, Druggist, etc!"

A call was made, also, for a public meeting for August 5 (1862), by E. G. Day, J. H. Talbott and W. S. Garrett, at which a Soldiers' Aid Society was organized. The society passed through various experiences, but did much good.

A letter from Benton Barracks, St. Louis, dated July 26, 1862, by J. A. Fitzpatrick, pre- sents another phase of service: " Affairs pre- sent rather a poor aspect at present for the Union cause. It seems that the tide has turned in favor of the enemy, but it is no time for us to doubt the holiness of our cause, or the suc- cess of our arms-let not the free sons of the North falter one moment on account of our re- verses, but let it be a stimulant to hasten them to action. The President calls for 300,000 men ; they are needed, and if they do not vol- untarily come to the standard, they will be drafted, so I think every young man in the

166

HISTORY OF IOWA.

North should volunteer immediately, and not wait until they are compelled to go, whether they want to or not. Some will object to en- listing on account of negroes being allowed to enlist, but if they should happen to be drafted, before they are in the service six months they will wish that there were a few more 'niggers' to work on entrenchments and let them rest. The army needs at least 150,000 negroes to work on fortifications, and do the drudgery of the camp. We are now having a big time in St. Louis. Every man that is able to bear arms is called into the service of the State. The 'dandys' have a hard time of it-they can't leave the city without a pass, and they can't get that. The office of the British consul is crowded from morning till night with persons claiming British protection, and wanting pass- ports to Canada. Irish, that have been voting here for the last fifteen or twenty years, swear they have never been naturalized, and claim British protection. There are two strings of soldiers from the door of the office reaching across the street, and whenever a man gets a passport, he must run the gauntlet, subject to a kick from each of the bystanders. The Union Aid Society of St. Louis, composed of ladies, took pity on ns the other day, and presented each of us with a towel, handkerchief, fine comb and a cake of soap; we stood greatly in need of these articles, for we are rather a dirty set."

About this time a new company was formed by D. P. Ballard, and largely of Story County 1

men. Said he, in a letter from Des Moines, August 15, 1862: "Company A, Twenty- third Iowa Infantry, is now full-numbering 101 able-bodied men. Our officers are L. B. Houston, captain; D. P. Ballard, first lieuten- ant; T. G. Cree, second lieutenant, with our old friend, S. P. O'Brien, as orderly. Story County can claim from fifty-five to sixty of the men of

this company, and consequently she must share one-half the honor or dishonor of its doings. One thousand Enfield rifles, with other para- phernalia are here, and our 'brass coats with blue buttons' are on the road." Their after career will appear with the sketch of the Twell- ty-third Infantry. The Story County men were D. P. Ballard, S. P. O'Brien, Richard Jones, Ira Bailey, Charles P. Miller, G. W. Smiley, N. A. Alfred, Charles M. Banning, H. P. Banning, J. E. Banning, G. C. Baldock, J. Bevington, J. O. Booth, J. Born, P. Brown, A. C. Chamberlain, I. H. Craig, A. Cofman, J. J. Deal, N. V. Foote, D. V. Foster, J. R. Foster, S. W. Gossard, J. A. Grove, T. J. Harrison, T. Hegland, I. P. Helphrey, I. Helphrey, Jr., H. J. Hiestand, A. Hiestand, C. Hussong, J. Howard, J. P. Jenkins, A. Kintsley, R. May, T. J. Miller, D. W. McCoy, C. Ness, T. Opstoet, L. Stratton, O. Scott, C. Snyder, G. W. Taylor, S. Teastel, C. Torkelson, D. J. Walters, O. Weeks, J. J. Wiltse and P. Zenor. They were mustered into service September 19, 1862.

About the same time ( August, 1862) a fourth company was formed, for the Thirty second Iowa Infantry, with the following officers: Jo- seph Cadwałader, captain; Gideon Wheeler, first lieutenant, and George Child, second lieu- tenant. Their Story members were as follows: Joseph Cadwalader (of Iowa Center). George Child (of Nevada), V. Tomlinson, J. Burger, Nat. A. Mount, I. S. French, F. M. Anderson, Jonas Duea, W. M. Edwards, G. H. Dunlap, Cyrus Davis, A. Prouty, A. O. Hall, H. Apple- gate, J. M. Applegate, I. N. Alderman, L. F. Brown, S. M. Childs, N. A. Cole, O. Egeland, W. M. Edwards, H. Eliasson, P. Egeland, R. French, D. Funk, E. A. Grubb, J. L. Hark- ness, H. B. Henryson, E. Hefley, G. F. Hilton, H. S. Halleck, J. A. Howard, J. R. Hand, J. B. Jacobson, A. Josleyn, T. A. Lein, E. R. Lar- son, J. P. Mecum, W. McGuire, D. A. Moore,

- -- --- - --- 1 i 1 1

167

STORY COUNTY.

J. Middleton, W. Mccullough, John Nelson, N. L. Nelson, J. C. Russell, John Ritland, T. I. Spiller, S. N. See, C. M. Sellers, J. S. Stark, E. L. Sheldahl, J. F. Smith and J. S. Wood. They had a total of ninety-six men, and were ordered into quarters by the governor on Sep- tember 8. 1862, and mustered into service at Dubuque on October 6, 1862. But before they left Nevada, a committee, composed of Misses Nancy Loucks, Mattie E. Dunning, Julia Barnes, and Messrs. John Diffenbacher, F. D. Thompson and J. D. Ferner, announced that "Capt. Cad's " company would be royally entertained by the citizens on September 12, and the expectation of all were fully realized when the day arrived. It may be of interest to add that A. O. Hall and Adolphus Prouty were the fifer and drummer of this company.

This company was scarcely settled at the Dubuque rendezvous of the regiment (the Thirty-second), when it was found a Story County man was its colonel and one its quar- termaster, the former being Col. John Scott and the latter Hon. T. C. McCall. Of the lat- ter a paper said: "We know that no better ap- pointment could have been made." Of Col. Scott the Dubuque Times chronicled a very pleasant affair: " Company I, of the Thirty- second, determined, after making the acquaint- ance of their colonel, and witnessing his labors in the work of organizing the regiment, to evi- dence to him in a substantial manner their appre- ciation of him as an officer and a man. By the unanimous consent of the members, it was de- termined that they should present him with a horse. Great pains were taken in the selec- tion, which finally resulted in the purchase of a splendid dark bay gelding, six years old last spring, and one of the best saddle horses ever seen in this section." Rev. L. S. Coffin of the company made the presentation, and among other things said: " This horse, sir, is a pledge

on our part that we will obey. We present him to you, praying that that Being who has 'given him strength and clothed his neck with thunder, and made the glory of his nos- trils terrible,' may give you that terribleness of prowess that you too ' may mock at fear and not be affrighted,' and that ' amid the thunders of the captains and the shouting,' you may not 'turn back from the sword,' though the quiver against you may rattle and the spear glitter; and may you like him on the ‘ white horse.' 'ride forth from conquering unto con- quer.'" Col. Scott's response, made with evi- dent feeling, closed with: " And now, as befits this pleasant occasion, before Him who hath given the horse strength, who hath clothed his neck with thunder, let us renew our service vows to stand as comrades should, shoulder to shoulder, and to discharge our every duty to our country, imperiled but more loved, until we shall be permitted one and all to return to our loved homes in pride and peace. That this may be the lot of all now here, shall be my my effort, as it is my prayer."

During these months, too, Story County was carrying on her political campaign. The lead- ing feature was the activity of the party op- posed to the administration, among the leaders of which were Hon. E. B. Potter, J. S. Frazier and others. The Republicans were charged with responsibility for the war, and belief was expressed that the difficulty could have been settled by compromise. Early in 1863 they issued a new party organ at Nevada called the Nevada Democrat. It was under the manage- ment of Messrs. Potter, Frazier and Hawthorn. Its motto was: "The Constitution as it is and the Union as it was." No files of this paper are accessible. Its career was brief, but it was a noticeable figure in Story's war career.

In December, 1862, an order for thirty-four more men from Story County before January

168

HISTORY OF IOWA.

1, 1863, or the alternate of a draft on that date caused a flutter of wonder and consternation among certain classes. Says Editor Schoon- over: "We know that there were in this county 820 persons reported ' fit for duty.' According to the adjutant-general's report, Story County's quota is only 298, and we are credited with 259. We are informed by the drafting commission- er that we have sent 320 volunteers to the army, and it was so reported to the governor, yet thirty-four men are required to fill out her quota." This proved to be an error as was supposed, and no draft was made.

A year later, however, another demand was made on Story for sixty-four men to meet another call of the President, and a draft was to take place January, 5, 1864, if the quota was not filled before. The time was afterward extended to March 10. In the quiet humor of another's* words: " This announcement caused great consternation among the home guards, and a regular epidemic appeared to have at once broken out all over the county among those who had heretofore been considered in good health. Doctors were in great demand, and they reaped a rich harvest. Nearly every- body turned agent and tried to prevail on his neighbor to enlist. Great was the running to and fro, and finally only twenty (eighteen, more exactly ) were wanting to make out the required number. The draft was ordered, and that number of our patriotic citizens were drafted. Some of the unlucky ones submitted to it gracefully, and some who had the funds hired substitutes. This ordeal having passed, quiet reigned and people became more healthy."

"January 1, 1863, is the commencement of the year of Jubilee," says the Reveille of that date. "On this day Old Abe's proclamation takes effect, and thousands of loyal men in the South will be found enrolled in the grand army

of the Union and Freedom. The shackles will fall from the manacled limbs of thousands of now voiceless maidens. There is nothing in either ancient or modern history, save only the proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia, who lib- erated the Jewish prisoners who repaired to Jerusalem again to help rebuild the house of the Lord, that will compare with the event of this day." An emancipation meeting was held that day at the court-house, with overflowing doors. E. G. Day was made chairman, and F. D. 1 Thompson, secretary, while eloquent speeches were made by Rev. Hankins, Lient. D. P. Bal- lard and L. Q. Hoggatt, Esq. ; and appropriate resolutions, prepared by T. J. Ross, R. D. Col- dren, L. Q. Hoggatt, A. H. Ingersoll and I. Walker, were adopted.

During 1863 Union war meetings were numerous all over the county. Letters from the field were frequent and full of interest and patriotism. The common appearance of such terms as "copperhead " and "abolitionist," showed the intensity of feeling, yet with all of this Story agitated for a railway. News of the army vote was a matter of great interest. Oc- casional return of the army " boys " were times of pleasure. The new editorial advocate of the Union-John M. Brainard-succeeded Mr. Schoonover, who volunteered. Recruiting offi- cers were abroad. In December, 1863, the board of supervisors decreed that each volun- teer from that time on should receive $100, or if married, $150, while soldiers' families were all voted $100. After the war this was still further augmented, so that all together there was paid out of the county treasury to soldiers' widows and orphans over $46,000.

The year 1864 came, and with it a railroad, daily papers, telegraph and the like. News from the field brought accounts of great cas- ualties for Story county. All eyes were turned on Richmond. In October the Nevada Gnards

*Col. John Scott.

169

STORY COUNTY.

of Home Militia were organized with eighty- two members. The officers were: Captain, J. L. Dana; first lieutenant, Isaac Walker; second lieutenant, John M. Brainard. The only occa- sion they found for active service was in cor- raling a squad of Irish railway " paddies," who resisted the enrolling officer. They were cap- tured on Indian Creek and taken to Des Moines. In November, 1864, another draft for twenty- three men was found necessary. It was car- ried on at Marshalltown.

Scarcely four years had passed since the war meeting in the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church and other places in the county, when the joyful news of " Richmond taken!" on Mon- day, April 3, 1865, roused the people of the county to a demonstration. An Aegis local says: " The news of the capture of Richmond was received by our people about noon on Monday last, by favor of Mr. Mills, the tele- graph operator here, and was at first hardly credited, but by noon of the next day, we all knew it was a sure thing, and the bunting was flung out. At this writing (Tuesday) the big flag floats from the top of the school-house. The Aegis office has its rag out, the bells are ringing and the boys and men are bawling until all are hoarse. Posters are out calling the people together for a grand jubilee to-night at the court-house, and all feel gay. Business is irksome, and all feel-' Let her swing!'" The town was illuminated and speeches were made by Capt. Hambleton, Col. Scott, Sheriff Hog- gatt and others.

It was but ten days later (April 14) when the operator took from the wires another dis- patch: " As the stunning intelligence flew from mouth to mouth, each lip became palid in the communication; proud heads bowed as the stricken oak before the storm, and tears un- bidden started from eyes long unused to weep. Old men turned away their heads and wept,

and young men, strong in conscious youth, ground their teeth and stamped their feet in conscious rage. There was only wanting some tangible object to give vent to their feelings. Mothers and sisters, who had mourned a hus- band, brother, father, offered up at the shrine of their country's altar, again unsealed the fountains of their tears, and mourned anew the loss of our National Father." Business houses were closed; crape was on every door, and flags were at half mast. The night of the 14th and the early morning of the 15th were spent by crowds in the court-house listening to dispatches. Touching but brief remarks were made by Col. Scott, Rev. Reid, Capt. Hamble- ton and Mr. Alderman, while a committee was appointed, composed of Col. Scott, J. H. Tal- bott, John M. Brainard, A. S. Condon, G. A. Kellogg, Rev. I. Reid, Rev. J. Hestwood, Dr. Sinclair and Major Hawthorn, to arrange for funeral services for the martyred President. This is a fair picture of the whole country. On Thursday, the 28th of April, solemn serv- ices were held at the south square; remarks were made by Col. Scott, and were listened to by an immense concourse of people.

The war was over. Very soon attention was given to the returning soldiers, and the joy of their friends, or to the widows and or- phans of those who would never return. The empty sleeve and the crutches began to be familiar sights, and on every heart the war, the long, bloody war, had left scars that will never be removed. A quarter of a century has passed, and still these scars are common sights on every hand. But. notwithstanding all this, Story County turned with vigor to re- cuperation-to a growth made possible by the new railway, which opened to her a new career.

But what of Story's men in the field? Out of 820 able-bodied men reported fit for duty in 1861, considerably over half found their way

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.

Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa, Part 22

Author: Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Goodspeed Number of Pages: 484

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 484