USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > 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).
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 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
165
HISTORY OF BUCIIANAN COUNTY
Likewise the Democratie Club or Copperheads were holding forth, but their following here was much smaller than the opposition, although equally as enthus- iastie and strennous.
Lorenzo Moore was one of their big chiefs and their principal orator. He never lost an opportunity to indulge in bombastic vitriolie oratory and expressed himself freely and fearlessly in eriticising the administration and its war poli- cies. O. Il. P. Roszell, Leavitt, Albert Clark, Sanford Clark, S. S. Allen, Henry Bright, E. W. Purdy, Jolin Smyser, also were prominent adherents of this politi- cal creed.
Captain Miller, although he had denonnced the Copperheads and their trea- sonable attitude, yet affiliated himself with them and accepted a nomination for treasurer for this county, but in his letter of acceptance he explains his position and fully vindicates himself. Claims to be a Union democrat and believes in supporting the Government. Later he challenges the editor of the Guardian to enlist. To an unbiased mind, it appears that the bitter opposition, wrangling, and animosity between the democrats and republicans, or the "Copperheads" and "Union" men, as they were usually termed, was not a matter of principle, but rather of party. fealty-pure, unadulterated political partisanship. Not for home, country, family or friend ean a real, dyed-in-the-wool politician saeri- fice his loyalty to his party. It seems strange, but it is a proven statement, that men generally are more devoted to their politieal party than to any other eivil institution. Celebrations similar to those held after victorious war news was received were indulged in after election : also an oyster supper was participated in. The soldiers were allowed to vote in camp and their vote counted.
In letters from Colonel Lake, of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, then (Sep- tember, 1863), encamped at Little Rock, Arkansas, and various places thereabont, he reported three more Buchanan County boys dead-Thomas Magill of Buf- falo Grove, Isaae Gill and William Minton. Thomas Magill was killed in a skirmish with the enemy. Isaac Gill, of Independence, died in a hospital at Brownsville, and William Minton, a member of Company C, Twenty-seventh, died at Moseow, Tennessee. All were fine young fellows and died doing their duty.
The Aid Society of Independence elected for the ensuing year the follow- ing officers: President, Mrs. N. T. Bemis; vice president, Mrs. M. P. Woods; secretary. Mrs. II. O. Jones; treasurer, Miss Carrie Curtis. Mrs. P. C. Wil- cox was treasurer, Mrs. A. J. Bowley, vice president, and Miss Gillispie, secre- tary. This society, never weary of well doing, kept constantly at their good work, their last shipment, in October, 1863, was seventeen barrels and a large box of canned fruit, all donated by the liberal, patriotic citizens of the county.
Lient. J. P. Sampson was at this time detailed on the signal eorps, an impor- tant position, and S. A. Reed was lieutenant of a company in the Twelfth Louisi- ana (colored), being promoted to this commission over hundreds of other appli- eants.
Orton's circus was in Independence in October, 1863, and he generously gave the entire proceeds of one performance to the Soldiers' Aid Society, which mate- rially increased their funds. Orton was an Independence man and used to win- ter his show here.
The Ninth Iowa was again in action, near Cherokee Station, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, on the 21st of October, 1863. They formed part of
166
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Sherman's advance and were attacked by rebels. These were only skirmishes, no battle of consequence resulted.
Early in November, 1863, Lincoln issued another call for 300,000 troops. Iowa's quota was 8,910 and Governor Kirkwood was urging volunteers' serv- ice before the draft would be made on Jannary 5th, 1864. The Third District was required to furnish 1,754 and Buchanan County, 96. It was the inten- tion that these recruits raised would fill up the old regiments, and every pos- sible inducement was offered to attract volunteers and hasten the reerniting.
The bonnty money had been raised from $300 to $402, and a month's extra pay to those who would re-enlist (the $2.00 was the premium money), and $302 bounty and premium money and one month's pay to every new reernit, and every volunteer would be allowed to select his own regiment.
In December. 1863, the citizens began holding war meetings again, all through the county, probably in an effort to revive enthusiasm and interest in the cause, which had suffered somewhat of a reaction, but was soon rampant again, and patriotie sentiment and loyalty was kindled anew.
It was reported that Maj. W. S. Marshall of the Fifth lowa, and six members of Company E, had been taken prisoners in the recent engagement of Sherman's division, which had been in the hottest of the fight at Missionary Ridge and suffered severely. They met the enemy at the point of the bayonet and routed them completely. No list of casualties had been received and the people here at home were in dread suspense.
Later this report about Major Marshall and his men was confirmed when Reverend Mr. Boggs received letters from Major Marshall, who with his men, were taken prisoners at Chattanoooga. He arrived at Richmond on the 8th of Derember. 1863, and was confined in Libby Prison, but the privates were sent to some other place of confinement.
Those of Company E who were prisoners were: Messrs. Morse, Whitman, Stewart, Priekett, Sayers and Whait. The remarkable escape of Madison Bryan, a member of Company E, was told. Major Marshall and his men were com- pletely surrounded by the rebels and at his command had laid down their arms, but Madison, when he beheld the hated ensign of secession waving over his head conld stand it no longer, so volubly expressing himself to the effect that "he didn't enlist to fight under such a rag," he started off at a pace that bid fair to distance all pursuers, and although a whole volley was fired at him, twenty balls penetrating his hat, coat, pants, and even his boots, yet none of them drew blood, and he made good his escape. This tale has a moral that sometimes it is better to run than fight an enemy. "He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day."
The rebels graciously permitted private supplies to be sent to the prisoners. Friends at home availed themselves of this privilege and sent things to them at intervals, which although they seldom ever reached their intended destination. probably did some poor sollier good. They were treating the prisoners much more humanely now, and had ceased the barbarities which characterized the treatment of Union prisoners at Richmond, a few months since. The railroad companies generously carried donations to the soldiers for half fare, and the express companies too were generous in that way.
167
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
The last recruiting was going on slowly, although $1,400 had been raised by a subscription to be divided equally among the reernits as soon as the neces- sary fourteen were secured, probably owing to the fact that the $1,400 was not to be distributed until the entire number were recruited. Quasqueton had fulfilled all her obligations in this matter and had given each reeruit a purse of $50; this sum was raised by the citizens of that town alone. A premium of $15 was given to any person reeruiting a soldier. In January, 1864, notice was given that many of the soldiers whose time had expired had re-enlisted, and they were expected home to recruit until spring. The Ninth Regiment, like many others in the state, had enlisted almost to the man. These re-enlistments had a tendeney to inspire confidence in the new recruits.
Companies E and C of the Fifth and Ninth Iowa Infantry, who had been in the service three years, were expected home about the first of the year, and great plans were being made to give them a royal reeeption and a most pleasant stay while at home.
The previons call of the President for 300,000 troops had been raised to 500,000, to enlist for three years' service or during the war, and if they were not forthcoming by the 10th of March, were to be drafted. The $400 preminm expired the 1st of March, so speedy volunteering was urged in order to obtain the premium. This, of course, again raised Buchanan's quota, Governor Kirk- wood, on the 22d of February, issued an embargo on all persons leaving the state prior to the 10th of March, on aceonnt of the draft to be enforced. Many were floeking to the newly discovered gold fields in Montana, Idaho and at Pike's Peak, and this embargo by the governor greatly disconcerted their plans. The Unionists in Independence accused the democrats, some of whom the gold craze had ensnared and who had made their plans to go West, of embracing this as an exeuse to escape military duty.
Captain Noble had resigned and returned home the 1st of February, 1864. He was obliged to resign on account of ill health, a fact which everyone regretted, because he had been a very efficient and valuable offieer. It was a noticeable fact that most of Buchanan County's captains were compelled to resign their commands and return home.
Another death, that of Mr. Holdridge, brother of Representative Holdridge, occurred in Independence, in February, 1864. He was not a member of the Independence companies, however.
The long-expected day and hour when "Lo, the conquering hero comes," arrived. For days the citizens of Independence had been on the tip-toe of expee- tation over the anticipated home-coming of the soldiers of the Fifth and Ninth, who were coming home to recruit, before the renewal of duties.
All sorts of rumors had been prevalent as to the date of their arrival, but at last telegraphic dispatch settled the question, with the assurance that Company C. of the Ninth, would be in Independence on Saturday, February 13, 1864.
Everyone was wild with joy. They left lluntsville, Alabama, reached Corinth, Tennessee, on the 10th, and arrived in Dubuque on the 12th. IIere they met a glorious reception from the citizens, who prepared a bounteous break- fast, dinner and supper for them, and turned over to them hospitalities of the eity.
168
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Doctor Warne of this city had gone down to eseort them home and, although the time was exceedingly short, our citizens planned a dinner for them at Morse's Hall immediately upon their arrival. Old feuds and party animosities were buried and forgotten in the engulfing concern of giving the "boys" a grand reception. Harmony and good feeling and mutual pride and eagerness to assist in the soldiers' welcome prevailed. The winter atmosphere was warm and springlike, great erowds from all over the county were in town and everyone was happy and busy. Everything angured a splendid affair.
The town was decorated with flags and mottoes, the town flag was suspended from Morse's Hall to the bell frame, a elever one suspended from the Guardian office bore the following motto. "Ilonor to whom honor is due. Iowa Ninth, Bully for you." Mr. Hegee heralded the return of the noble veterans at the (lepot with a volley from his ever ready and responsive artillery, to which the Yanks aboard the train responded, "Lay down. the Rebs are firing on our fanks." Such a reception and such a banquet are not soon forgotten by the recipients of the favors. The boys in blue formed in line and marched to the music of the band with military precision from the depot to the hall. in spite of the disregard of military etiquette and the onrush and confusion of the enthusiastic crowd. These gallant soldiers, inred to the task of overcoming every obstacle, commeneed a heavy onslaught upon the vulnerable array of gas- tronomical fortifieations and kept up a continuous battle with these elements until they were forced to a complete and unconditional surrender. That the soldiers thoroughly relished and enjoyed their dinner was satisfaction complete. At the close of the dinner Captain Little extended the thanks of himself and his company to the generous citizens who had so royally entertained them, after which three cheers were given for Company C, the Ninth Regiment and the Union. Captain Little had unexpectedly accompanied Company C home, having but a short time previous rejoined the company, and in his impatience to be at the front, had gone while erutehes were still a necessity, but suffered so greatly that he was compelled to go into the hospital at Paducah, Kentucky.
Company C then numbered thirty-four privates who had all re-enlisted, besides others in hospitals and on detached service who were expected to do so.
The boys left their guns and accoutrements at Dubuque, where they were to report for duty after the expiration of their furlough.
Company E also was expected home soon and the present guests were all cordially invited to attend the festivities which would be accorded Company E's return. The day's festivities closed with a grand cotillion party in the evening and was a brilliant and successful affair.
Company C certainly deserved this honor. They had seen hard service for almost three years and been in desperate and deadly encounters first at Pea Ridge, Chickasaw, Arkansas Post, Jackson and Champion Hills and Vicksburg, and in spite of the joyousness and hilarity manifested on this occasion, yet there was many a heartache and blinding tear for the noble departed heroes who had given their lives for their country and lay buried on many a distant battlefield.
A ball was held on March 8, 1864. at Morse's Hall in commemoration of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which was fought on March 8, 1862, and Company C was one of the valiant companies which stood dauntless before the deadly onslaught of the enemy. The veterans of Company C at home certainly could appreciate
169
IIISTORY OF BUCIIANAN COUNTY
daneing to the tune of that glorious victory where they had achieved great honor and distinction. About this time Corp. William Codling of Company E, Fifth Iowa Infantry, arrived in Independence. having been discharged from the service ou account of a severe wound he received at the battle of Jaekson, Mississippi, and reported news that Company E would soon be home on furlough.
Company C of the Ninth received marching orders requiring them to ren- dezvous at Davenport, and they left on the 14th of March, some weeks earlier than they expected. Their stay at home had been made so pleasant that they were loath to depart, yet, like good, true soldiers, they did not murmur or repine.
Doctor Wright, who for weeks had been recruiting men throughout the county to the number of eighty, had taken them to Davenport, where they would be assigned to their different regiments. The following is the complete list from the different townships :
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
Arthur Merriman, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; John Bessey, First Cavalry ; L. Whait, First Cavalry ; J. B. Ilill, First Cavalry ; Martin Stebbins, Fifth Infantry ; John J. Miller, Fifth Infantry; Harry Samuels, First Cavalry; Thomas W. Melody, First Cavalry: Samuel Brayton, First Cavalry; L. J. Hale, First Cavalry; Robert J. Young, First Cavalry; Augustus Ritner, First Cavalry; Solomon Rufe, First Cavalry; Henry Cummings, First Cavalry; Thompson Lewis, First Cavalry ; James H. Laughlin, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; Hiram M. Thurston, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; William Plevert, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; Samuel II. Pierce, Third Battery; W. S. Wallace, Fourth Cavalry; Theodore Powers, Fourth Cavalry; John Donovan, Fifth Infantry; Charles Gordon, Seventh Infantry.
-
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP
George W. Wells, First Cavalry ; Andrew Brownson, First Cavalry; Daniel Swartzel, First Cavalry; William Miller, First Cavalry; R. W. Bodell, First Cavalry : George W. Markly, First Cavalry ; William J. Washburn, First Cavalry ; S. W. Hardin, First Cavalry; Amos Andrews, First Cavalry ; J. T. Washburn, First Cavalry ; B. H. Hall, First Cavalry ; Ralph Henningan, First Cavalry ; Silas Henningan, First Cavalry ; D. W. Ring, First Cavalry.
NEWTON TOWNSIIIP
W. T. Wallon. First Cavalry ; Charles Bunee, veteran, First Cavalry ; H. II. Ramsey, Twenty-seventh Infantry; Abraham Blaek, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; James A. Waldron, Twenty-seventh Infantry.
CONO TOWNSHIP
Charles G. Neuele, First Cavalry ; A. Sanford, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; J. Booth, Twenty-seventh Infantry.
170
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
FAIRBANK TOWNSHIP
II. G. Balcom, First Cavalry ; S. C. Hines, First Cavalry; H. S. Hopkins, First Cavalry : J. H. Kent, First Cavalry ; Allen Brant, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; S. W. Patterson, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; William E. Cairn, veteran, Twenty- seventh Infantry.
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP
William H. Sutton, First Cavalry; Samuel 11. Messenger, First Cavalry ; Samuel Bullis, First Cavalry; T. C. Canfield, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; George D. Smith, Twenty-seventh infantry.
ILAZLETON TOWNSHIP
D. A. Todd, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; A. D. Allen, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; II. D. Barry, Twenty-seventh Infantry ; Ileney Hardy, Twenty-seventh Infantry; C. M. Wheelock, First Cavalry ; Rufus Bunee, First Cavalry ; Martin Hayes, Twenty-seventh Infantry : R. Merril. Sr., Twenty-seventh Infantry ; R. Merril, Jr., Twenty-seventh Infantry.
FREMONT TOWNSHIP
Peter Gilford, First Cavalry ; M. S. Malloy, First Cavalry ; James Flenning, First Cavalry.
SUMNER TOWNSHIP
R. Metcalf, First Cavalry.
MADISON TOWNSHIP
Mort Smith, Twenty-seventh Infantry; Gustavus Jackway, Twenty-seventh Infantry : Benjamin Crocker, Twenty-seventh Infantry.
PERRY TOWNSHIP
Preston Reinhart, Twenty-seventh Infantry.
BYRON TOWNSHIP
Robert Buth, Twenty-seventh Infantry.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
J. F. Henderson, Twenty-seventh Infantry : R. II. Wilson. Twenty-seventh Infantry ; J. Dawson, Twenty-seventh infantry.
171
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
There were also eight men from Oran Township, Fayette County. Although this was guaranteed to be the last call for volunteers, and this supply of our quota would preclude any further draft from this county, it was not long until the President issued another call for 200,000 more for the military, navy and marine corps, and Buchanan County was again urged to her duty. No particular news of the Twenty-seventh had been received for some weeks past, until Lieutenant-Colonel Lake and Lieutenant Donnan came home the last of March, 1864, for a two weeks' furlough and reported that the Twenty-seventh was par- ticipating with Sherman in the Red River expedition. A benefit ball was given for the veterans of Company B, Fourth Cavalry, on the 31st of March, 1864. Captain Parsons was director of the affair and it was a financial and social success. A soldiers' sanitary fair meeting was held on the 25th of March, 1864, at the instigation of the state committee for the purpose of perfecting county and township organizations. A state sanitary fair was to be held in Dubuque on the 24th of May and generous donations were requested. Several men and women from Dubuque and Chicago were present and addressed the meeting, urging the people to assist in this very necessary and humane work. Lieutenant Donnan also was present and addressed the meeting in a speech replete with patriotism and incidents of the war. A committee of six was appointed to solicit subscriptions of money and vegetables. Doetor Warne, Doctor Wright, C. J. Reed, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Dunham, and Mrs. Warne constituted the committee.
Committees of two from each township were appointed to act in conjunction with the Ladies' Aid Society of Independence to proeure and forward supplies to the Northern Iowa Sanitary Fair. Mrs. Bemis was president of the fair for Buchanan County and in a short time thirty-eight barrels had been received at the postoffice and were ready to forward to Dubuque. Later Doetor Warne shipped 100 barrels of potatoes. Every available means and opportunity were enlisted to raise funds and provisions for the sanitary board by the Ladies' Aid Society. The express companies carried all packages for the soldiers for half fare.
For three years they had been actively and tirelessly at work, giving constantly of their time, money and energy. At the evening reception given to Company E they collected over one hundred dollars in voluntary subscriptions, raffled a cake and made $100.00, and yet had the cake left to donate to the Sanitary Fair at Dubuque. Another festival soon after that netted them $64.00. A mush and milk and popcorn and milk soeiable was another novel feature to which the aid society resorted to raise funds. In all the other towns in the county organiza- tions were working for the Iowa Sanitary Fair. Quasqueton always was active and liberal in everything pertaining to the benefit of the soldiers. Hazleton had up to the last of May, 1864, raised something like $150. Fairbank, Littleton and Buffalo Grove were zealously at work.
Another society known as the Soldiers' Friend Association was organized the last of March, 1864. It met at the Masonic Hall. Mrs. Snow acted as chair- man and Mrs. Henshaw as secretary. In the election which followed the organiza- tion Mrs. P. C. Wileox was elected president, Mrs. Purdy vice president, Mrs. Hedges secretary. Miss Gillispie treasurer, and Miss Homans corresponding secretary.
172
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
The next thing of importance was when the citizens of Independence were suddenly electrified by a dispatch from Lieutenant Waggoner, dated at Daven- port, announcing the news that the veterans of Company E, Fifth Iowa Infantry, were on their way home. The time of preparing a grand reception was lim- ited, but immediate and active preparations began. The word was circulated throughout the county and when the soldiers landed there was a large and cor- dial crowd there to greet them. Again the cannon boomed forth its welcome and the band played its liveliest airs. A welcome speech was made by Hon. L. W. Hart, state senator from this district. In it he recalled the parting scene of three years ago and recounted their excellent war record, their first great victory at New Madrid, then the bloody- and hotly contested field of Inka and again at Corinth, at Jackson, at Black River Bridge, on the fatal field of Champion Ilills and finally at the siege and surrender of Vicksburg, then later on that memorable and heroie march from Vicksburg to Chattanooga, on half rations, on quarter rations and less, half clad, bareheaded, bare and sorefooted, tearing up their blankets and other garments to make moreasins for their sore and blistered feet, but, nevertheless, joyous, happy and willing. Then after marching this incredible distance in so short a time. plunging immediately into the thickest of the fight at Missionary Ridge, hurling death like a whirlwind among the ranks of the foe.
Hardly in the history of the world has there been such a stupendons under- taking. And so "we, the citizens of Buchanan County, bow in humble adora- tion for the many and great services you have rendered your beloved country, noble state and devoted county." More earnest and sincere praise and wel- come were never uttered than to these the valiant heroes of Company E, Fifth Iowa.
After this effusive and eloquent address, the soldiers, escorted by a large cavalcade of horsemen, the new fire company, a long procession of citizens and headed by the town band. marched to the courthonse, where a feast, equal in every partienlar to that given to Company (, Ninth lowa, was spread. Supper also was given them, and an invitation to attend the Ladies' Aid Society that evening, where nearly all the town turned out to greet them.
Only twenty-four of the sixty which remained in the service came home and were under the command of Lieutenant Peck. Captain Lee and Lieutenant White were both on detached service and could not get away. The captain was acting as division and brigade inspector, and came home later, and Lieutenant White as provost marshal at brigade headquarters. Quartermaster Waggoner came home with the regiment.
Thirty of the company had re-enlisted and were to be furloughed home be- fore beginning on their new enlistment; six of them had stopped at various places on the way home. Fuller, Gray, Kinsel and Conway were in the Invalid Corps. Shay, who was also in this corps, had recently been drowned. Six of the company were still held as prisoners by the enemy. Fourteen were left at IIuntsville, not having re-enlisted. Thus out of the 120 or 130 who originally were recruited in this company hut about sixty remained in the service, showing the direful havoe the war had wrought in just this one company.
The Twenty-seventh Iowa, early in April, 1864, was in Alexandria, Louis- iana. On April 23, 1864, Governor Stone issued a call for ten regiments of the
173
IIISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
state militia to enlist for 100 days' service from the date of mustering in, and they responded by offering the Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Forty- seventh Regiments, and the Forty-eighth Battalion of Infantry, in all 3,901 men. These troops came from all parts of the state and were the voluntary offering of our people, who gave them for the special service contemplated, with- out expectation of any credit on the general calls for volunteers. President Lincoln had agreed to accept 100,000 volunteers offered by the governors of the northwestern states, Wiseonsin, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. The proposition originated in these states in order to increase the fighting strength of the Union forees, and at first met with considerable hostility from the authorities, but was at length adopted, the term of service being established at 100 days. With this augmentation of the army it was confidently expected that the rebellion eould be substantially crushed and exterminated in that length of time. These vol- unteer troops eould relieve others on guard and garrison duty and ocenpy the ground already taken. It served as a defensive organization while the veteran troops could wage an offensive campaign. It was thought that men who had previously served and others who would like to serve for a short time would readily enlist. Graphie pictures of fresh lanrel wreaths, honors, and fame, which were yet to be acquired by any who might enlist, were some of the many indneements held forth in the Government message. The same pay and allow- anee was given as to previous troops. Every company was allowed to choose its own officers, etc. The entire number was to be raised and report to the adjutant-general at Davenport within twenty days.
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.