History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 27

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 574

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This firm determined stand of the people and the administration, has had its clear effect in the border States. Maryland, for a time overcome by a bold mob, has received a strengthening of backbone by this evidence of the power and will of the great north. Again the American flag floats throughout all her borders. Again her people in mass meetings declare their fidelity to the Union, and her legislature is forced to frown down the idea of secession. The cry of northern volun- teers, " Through Baltimore, or over it," has made that city almost as patriotic as could be desired, Western Virginia stands boldly up, un- der the inspiration of northern firmness, and declares that she will battle to the death with the secessionists of the eastern part of the State. Missouri, also, as well as Kentucky and Tennessee, dare not declare against the old flag, in view of the glorious uprising of the free States, and the stern determination to drive treason from the land. Treacherous as they were and are still willing to prove with secession triumphant: with a northern army on their borders, and the free States united and determined, they have found it inexpedient to secede, and will probably so continue to find it. Virginia, that demanded so much consideration, that claimed so much power, has gone over to the seced- ers, and this movement has had no other effect than to show how weak she really was, with all her vaporing. Her going has detracted noth- ing from the strength of the Government, and added nothing to the seceders. Her power is now forever broken, because all see that the influence she claimed in the confederacy she could not have possessed. Her pretensions were a mere bubble, and she herself has pricked it.

We hope, then, that the Government will declare, as the people have done, a firm determination to permit no division of our territory, no disruption of the Union.

With that declaration as the basis of its campaigns the free States will make short work of this Rebellion.

ENTHUSIASM EVERYWHERE,

Nor were these Union demonstrations by any means confined to the country seat. Union meetings were be-

ing held at various points in the county. Quasqueton, the pioneer town of old Buchanan, was true to her early record as a place of undaunted enterprise. Volunteers were offering daily at that place and at Littleton, and it was soon apparent that the entire county was a unit for the defence of the Government. Everywhere offers of money for the support of the families of those volun- teering in the defence of the right, testified to the earnest patriotism which swayed the public mind.

An enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Littleton and vicinity was held early in May, with the avowed ob- jeet to organize a military company, whose services should be offered to the governor as soon as the organization was complete. Many ladies were present, giving con- vincing evidence, by their warm interest in the great questions before the people, that they were worthy daugh- ters of the heroic mothers of the Revolution. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Lewis, Leavitt, and Hord, of Independence; and by Reed, Muncy, and San- ford and others of Littleton. Thayer's band, from Barc- lay, was present, and the music of the spirit-stirring fife and drum, as they struck up "Hail, Columbia," "Yankee Doodle," or the "Star Spangled Banner," aroused the patriotism of the people to fever heat.

Another meeting was appointed to be held on the following Saturday evening at Lester. No town, village, or hamlet, was destitute of a flag, and at the county seat, on days of especial interest, such as the reception of war news, or the announcement of Government measures, printing offices and business blocks displayed the stars and stripes in such profusion as to suggest the thought that, unconsciously, the loyal heart of the north was striving by a double meed of allegiance to atone for the indignities offered elsewhere to this sacred emblem of the nations power and majesty.

A LETTER FROM THE HON. WILLIAM VANDEVER.

The following letter of instructions appeared in the Guardian of May 7, 1861:

Dubuque, May 4, 1861.

J. RICH, ESQ., Dear Sır,- Companies when formed should elect officers -one captain, two lieutenants, etc. The muster roll should then be forwarded to Adjutant General Bowen, who will see that the officers are commissioned. It is the desire of the governor that such companies should be formed all over the State, and placed in such a state of prep- aration-without interrupting the usual avocations of the men-as will enable them to respond promptly to any call which may hereafter be made for additional troops. The State will distribute arms as fast as they are received from the General Government. It would be well if men would furnish themselves with some simple style of uniform, say a gray tweed flannel blouse and pants. The legislature, at its session (extra, which met May 15, 1861), will undoubtedly make some provision for arming and equipping several regiments. Companies now formed will have a preference in being called into the service.

Preparation is what is needed, for any exigency that may arise here- after. I trust that in the next regiment required from the State, some of our northern companies will be preferred over those from the river towns.

Truly yours, WILLIAM VANDEVER.

THE SECOND CALL.

The second call for troops was received here as every- where with undisguised satisfaction, The fact that no requisition was to be made upon the several States for

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

the forty thousand volunteers, for three years service, was commented upon as favorable to Iowa troops-all regi- ments offering being accepted until the full number was enrolled.

The first Independence military company was an- nounced as on a firm footing, in the same issue as the second call of the Government for eighty-three thousand additional troops, May 14th. The company was organized with a view to active service, the oath being administered to each recruit as he presented himself. Quasqueton was reported at the same date to have enrolled a home guard of nearly one hundred members, and to have com- menced drilling with an earnestness of spirit which showed that their ultimate aim was a more serious one than cannonading the effigies of the enemies of their country.

On June 1, 1861, the Independence guards, having completed their roll, held a meeting for the election of officers, which resulted as follows: D. S. Lee, captain ; G. C. Jordan, first lieutenant; W. S. Marshall, second lieutenant; C. L. White, first sergeant; R. S. Marlin, second sergeant; T. Blonden, third sergeant; J. D. C. Garrison, fourth sergeant; C. J. Reed, first corporal; E. A. Woodruff, second corporal; J. H. McWilliams, third corporal; O. J. M. Fuller, fourth corporal.

The company being fully organized, Captain Lee went to Iowa City to tender their services to the governor, with the expectation of being accepted and sent imme- diately into active service. Meanwh le squad drills were held at Morse's hall every evening: and on the race ground, on the west side of the river, every morning be- tween 4 and 6 o'clock; thus rising up early, and late taking rest, that they might honor themselves and the county which they represented; but, most of all, the sacred cause which, taking their lives in their hands, they were to go forth to defend.

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR.

Though assured of their acceptance, the guards were not assigned to a regiment until the last week in June- as appears from the following letter of Governor Kirk- wood :

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, IOWA CITY, { June 25, 1861.

CAPTAIN LEE, Independence Guards.

DEAR SIR :- Your company is assigned to the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa volunteers, and under the recent call of the war department will be sent to rendezvous at Burlington as soon as arrangements can be perfected-perhaps next week. Fill up your ranks to not less than eighty-four, nor more than one hundred and one men. if you can avoid it, do not go into quarters at home, as I have no money, and shall have none till the State bonds are sold.

If you cannot possibly avoid going into quarters, do so, but not otherwise.

As soon as matters are arranged, I will send you orders to march to Burlington.

I enclose a printed circular, and call your special attention to that part relating to clothing, and hope you may be able to conform to the suggestions therein contained.

Please answer immediately.

Very respectfully, SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

The following extract from the circular comprises the suggestions in regard to the outfit of volunteers:

It is very desirable that, in case you be called into active service, you

have a change of clothing. I therefore suggest that your men procure for themselves, with the aid of your neighbors, the following articles for each man: A gray or black felt hat-gray is the best; two good gray flannel shirts; one pair stout gray satinet or cloth pants, lined, with black stripe up the seam; two pair socks, and one pair stout, well made brogans or laced boots. These articles will answer, with a good blanket, which will be furnished by the State, when you may be called out, until a uniform can be furnished by the State, and will continue to answer for a fatigue dress, or a change in case of being caught in the rain-and thus conduce to health. The State cannot furnish these things, but I hope your neighbors will aid you in procuring them. In case you shall not be called out, they can be worn as ordinary dress, and thus no loss will be sustained by the men.

The following call takes its place naturally, as the re- sult of the publication of the governor's letter and cir- cular :

PUBLIC MEETING

As the Independence guards have been accepted by the governor of this State to form part of the Fifth Regiment of lowa volunteers, and as the governor has recommended the people of the county to give the cmopany a temporary uniform, which may hereafter be used as a fatigue dress, and conduce to the comfort of the men; and as it will also be necessary to provide for the keeping of many of the members of the company until they are ordered to the rendezvous at Burlington, we therefore invite the people of Buchanan county to meet at the court house, in Independence, on Tuesday evening, July 2d, to take steps to provide the necessary means for these purposes.

H. S. CHASE, J. RICH, J. S. WOODWARD, C. P. HINSLEY,

JAMES JAMISON, L. MOORE,

M. GILLETT, C. F. LEAVITT,

W. CHANDLER, O. H. P. ROSZELL,

D. S. DUNHAM, E. W. PURDY,

T. B. BULLENE, J. D. MYERS, JED LAKE.

A. INGALLS,

The Guardian had a generous tribute to the " boys," and spoke out in regard to their claims upon those who were to remain at home. It spoke also with the utmost positiveness as to this company being the only one to go from the county, and used it as an argument for en- listment, with all who wished to enter the service of the Government. A later enlistment would compel citizens of Buchanan to enter a company from some other lo- cality.

PREPARING FOR THE START.

July 2d the announcement is made that Captain Lee had been notified by Colonel Worthington (of the Fifth) that the guards would probably receive orders to move to the rendezvous on the following Monday. And now the notes of preparation were heard on every hand, and everybody seemed anxious not only to send the brave fellows into the field as comfortably equipped as possible, but with hearts so warmed by kindness and attention, as to cheer them on to noble deeds for friends and for country.

As the result of the meeting held in response to the call, which we have given above, and of subscriptions made subsequent to the meeting, four hundred dollars had been raised; and this, with contributions of mate- rial, by merchants and others, had accumulated a mass of goods at the company's depot in Morse's hall which looked sufficiently formidable, when it was remembered that but one short week remained in which to fashion it into garments required by the gallant men, who were so soon to stand as the defenders of a beneficent Govern- ment, assailed by those of its own household.

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

But where was the corps which could be detailed to make an advance movement in the face of this breast- work of satinet? And where was the money to pay them if they were found? It was evident that the War Department had neglected to provide a much needed pioneer force, and therefore it turned out, that in Bu- chanan county, the honor of being first "called into active service" fell to the ladies. It is but a simple act of justice to the heroines of the hour, whose names should grace the page of history, that a full company, fully equipped, reported at the rendezvous, at the first call of their country. The second day, Saturday. fully one hundred and fifty were in attendance. Sunday was given to the "work of mercy and necessity," and with an industry, zeal, and even enthusiasnı which knew no flag- ging, the work went on until the seventh day, when at evening, the entire company had been provided with uniforms-an aggregate of nearly three hundred gar- ments. In addition, each soldier had received from the ladies a needle case containing a pair of scissors and a full supply of pins, needles, buttons, and thread. As this was the evening of their last day "at home," a social meeting was improvised at the court house, to give the citizens and the citizen soldiers the opportunity for a friendly and farewell greeting.

Mr. Leavitt presided at this interesting gathering, and words were spoken which, it may be hoped, cheered the hearts of those brave men in many a trying hour of the future. Captain Lee was called out, and in a few ear- nest words acknowledged the obligation of himself and his men, for the many kindnesses and services received at the hands of the people of the county at large, and from the citizens and ladies of Independence.

THE DEPARTURE.

The departure of the Guards on the following morn- ing, Friday, June 12th, is best described by the pen of the editor, an eye witness of the scene.

Friday, the day of departure, came, and a sad day it was to most of us. In the morning, at nine o'clock, the guards drew up in front of the Montour House, and were each presented with a Testament by a committee of the Buchanan County Bible society. Rev. Mr. Boggs made a presentation address, and was followed in a stirring speech by Rev. Mr. Fulton. Rev. Mr. Samson, at the close of the addresses, made an excellent prayer. The boys were then dismissed, that they might take leave of their friends. The town was crowded with people from the country, who had come to give a parting greeting to the noble fellows. Mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, clung to sons, hus- bands, fathers, and brothers, with the tearful energy of a fearing affec- tion. On nearly every countenance were traces of tears, and everyone seemed too full for words. Hands were shaken in silence, the lips refusing to speak the blessings that each knew were in the heart. A more solemn occasion we never witnessed, and hope never again to witness a similar one.

But the time for departure came, and at the tap of the drum the boys fell into line. The Independence band led the way to the depot, the Benton company followed, and our own noble fellows brought up the rear, surrounded by many hundreds of friends, of both sexes. At the depot, while waiting for the cars, another scene of leave-taking occurred. All along the line friends and relatives were clinging, with tears and sobs, to the soldiers, while they, in their turn no less affected, were trying to impart comfort to the objects of affection so soon to be left behind. Pledges of love and friendship were exchanged, and nearly every man in the ranks carried a pretty bouquet of flowers. The boys pronounced this leave-taking more unmanning than marching up to the mouth of cannon.

But gradually these manifestations of feeling were mastered, and

before the train arrived they took to cheering " The Vinton Boys," "Soldiers' Wives and Sweethearts," etc .; and the great crowd sur- rounding the depot, several thousand in number, responded with cheers for the soldiers. But the friendly arrival of the train cut short this prolonged tension upon the feelings of the brave fellows and their friends. The cars brought the Hardin county company, and the Ben- ton and Buchanan boys were soon on board. The whistle sounded, and amid the firing of cannon, the waving of handkerchiefs, and the wildest cheers from both soldiers and friends, the train moved off taking away many courageous hearts and leaving thousands of heavy ones, but equally courageous, behind.

At Manchester a splendid dinner was given to the soldiers by the people of the town. We are assured that it has never been surpassed in the State. This reflects the greatest credit upon the people of that enterprising town, and entitles them to the heartiest benedictions of the soldiers and their friends.

A reluctance to transcribe the closing paragraph of this interesting article has given way before the convic- tion that the indignation expressed in it is, under all the circumstances, most generous and natural. That the brave men, who were leaving all that the heart holds dear, save the love of country, should have met with anything like an indignity, and that, too, in the presence of their weeping wives and mothers, fathers and brothers, was too much to be borne with equanimity. The good soldier must indeed be inured to hardness, but stern necessity soon enough brings the inevitable discipline, and there could be no excuse for such unseemly haste in anticipating it, and honor the warmth of sympathy which dictated the outspoken reproof :

We cannot refrain from a word of animadversion upon the course of the superintendent of the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad. With sev- eral new passenger cars at the command of the company at Dubuque, and with an empty one on the train, Superintendent Young stowed a part of our company and all of the Vinton company in open cattle cars, rigged with rough board seats, where the hot sun could play upon them and clouds of dust cover them. It does not suffice that Conductor Cawley, to whom all praise is due for his attention to the boys, insisted upon placing the empty passenger car at their disposal after they reached Manchester. The fact is patent that Mr. Young, with abun- dant means at his command to secure the comfort of the soldiers, in- sisted upon treating them as cattle, forcing them to ride in cars that were in every way comfortless. Such a niggardly spirit is worthy of all reprobation, and receives it from the friends of the volunteers in this county. Superintendent Young has neither done himself nor his com- pany any good by this treatment of our friends.

MUSTER ROLL, "INDEPENDENCE GUARDS," FIFTH REGI- MENT, 10WA VOLUNTEERS.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Captain Daniel L. Lee.

First Lieutenant George C. Jordan.

First Lieutenant Alexander B. Lewis.

Second Lieutenant William S. Marshall.

Second Lieutenant Carlos L. White.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

First Seargeant Carlos L. White.

First Sergeant Thomas Blonden.

Second Sergeant Kelsey S. Marlin.

Second Sergeant William S. Peck.

Third Sergeant Thomas Blonden. Third Sergeant Charles F. Putney.

Fourth Sergeant Alexander B. Lewis.

Fourth Sergeant William Bunce.

Fifth Sergeant William S. Peck.

Fifth Sergeant Jerry Rea. First Corporal Cyrus J. Reed.

First Corporal Joseph H. McWilliams. Second Corporal Eugene A. Woodruff. Second corporal, Julius F. Phelps.

Third Corporal Joseph H. McWilliams.

Third Corporal Frank Noble.

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

Fourth Corporal Oscar J. M. Fuller. Forth Corporal Simon L. Shultz. Fifth Corporal Julius F. Phelps. Fifth Corporal John B. Oliver. Sixth Corporal Frank Noble. Sixth Corporal William Codling. Seventh Corporal Leroy F. Funk. Seventh Corporal John Jarrett. Eighth Corporal Charles F. Putney. Eighth Corporal Calvin C'. Pattee. Musician William H. Brown. Wagoner Henry McQueen.

PRIVATES.

David Allen, Samuel C. Allison, Joseph Anson, Madison J. Brvan, William Bunce, James Bell, William W. Baughman, David H. Bill, Charles F. Bliley, Willlam H. H. Coats, Solomon J. Clark, William S. Cushman, Elijah Chittester, William Crawford, William Codling, A. M. Conkling, John A. Davis, Thomas Donnelly, Almon J. Francis, Albert R. Goss, George Gay, James B. Gaylord, John C. Geyer, James Harrigan, Martin Hallock, Morgan Holmes, Sanford Hamilton, John Jarrett, William F. Johnson, Adin B. Kinsel, Wilbur F. Kellogg, Castleton Latherman, Simmeus Mead, John W. Marlin, Charles Marsh, Charles A. Marsh, Rev. J. W. McWilliams, Alexander Mun- ger, James G. Mckenzie, John B. Oliver, Levi Overhulser, Noah Porter, William R. Peters, Calvin C. Pattee, Peter Putnam, Thomas C. Puckett, James C. Perham, William Payne, Thomas Robison, Samnel A. Reed, James Rice, John Richards, Edward Roderick, Jerry Rea, Moses H. Robinson, Jackson Rice, George Sellars, John Shay, James Stack, Rufus W. Safford, Oliver Safford, George B. Sitler, Simon L. Shultz, Heman Sprague, William H. Sayer, Henry W. Snider, Hola C. Sprague, John Snider, John H. Towle, Alden R. Wheeler, James B. Wolf, Cres. W. Waggoner, Ormar R. Whitman, Richard Whait, Nathan Wheeler, Rynear M. Walker, Weetley Wil- liams, M.thlon Williams, Stephen R. Washborn. Additional enlist- ments up to January 1, 1863, John C. (or W.) McCray.

Captain Lee's company (company E, of the Fifth regi- ment of the volunteer infantry) was enrolled in the county of Buchanan, ordered into quarters by the gov- ernor of the State June 29, 1861, and mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant Alexander Chambers, United States Army, at Burlington July 15, 1861, under the proclamation of the President of the United States, bearing date May 3, 1861. From the place where the company was enrolled to its rendezvous is three hundred miles.

A poetic tribute to the guards appeared in the same number of the Guardian as that containing the above chronicle of their departure; and, though without a name, it honors both the writer and those to whom it is in- scribed. It would, therefore, be a manifest wrong done to "Our Brave Boys of the West" if it were not trans- mitted as one of the fragrant blossoms which make up the chaplet offered them by a grateful people.

THE INDEPENDENCE GUARDS. What golden glory doth the sun Flood over all the west, A farewell greeting to the earth, And blossoms on her breast. The cricket chirps its evening tune, Its homely, cheery note, And one last song is trilling forth From out the robin's throat.

But oh, upon our aching hearts, Earth's music sadly swells; We hear through all her perfect choir The echo of farewells.

We've seen our loyal men go forth To plant the flag, which waves

Triumphant over Northern arms, Upon the traitors' graves.

We know whose hands shall bear unsoiled The eagle's golden crest; Whose hands uphold the stripes and stars -- Our brave boys of the west. Give cheers for our devoted band, Our men of words and actions;

And groans, aye three times three, for those Who bear the flag of factions.

May he who counts the ocean's sands, And marks the sparrow's fall, Spread His almighty, loving hands, In merey, over all. And nerve their arms to strike aright, Such hearts have never failed; They'll teach the world how men can fight When freedom is assailed.

Where're they stand in battlefield, With mingled pride and tears,

Our hearts shall follow on to pray God bless our volunteers.

Friday, June 12, 1861.

INCIDENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DONATIONS.

Mr. Noah Porter, living at Good Hill, Bremer county, while on his way to work on Friday (June 28), saw a notice of the acceptance of the "guards," and a call for a meeting of the company on Saturday. He immediately went home, put his team in the stable, bade his wife and children good bye, and walked seventy-five miles to Independence, where he lost no time in enrol- ling himself as a member of the company.

S. Hellman, of Independence, accompanied a dona- tion of one dozen pairs of shoes, and as many of socks, for the use of the company, with the wish that the wearers of them might march to victory, for the glory of the country.

Dr. Chase, of Byron township, as soon as the news of the acceptance came, gave the company ten dollars. Had this example had a general following, and had the resulting fund been invested in rubber blankets, how many lives, sacrificed by sleeping on the damp ground, might have been saved.

G. W. Donnan presented the company with ninety pairs of woollen socks, making, at the same time, a speech, which was received by the company with repeated cheers.

Mrs. William Scott also made a liberal donation of woollen socks-articles of prime importance to the health and comfort of camp life.

COMMENTS AND INCIDENTS.

The Dubuque Times thus speaks of the people and soldiers of Independence:

Much praise is due to the people of Independence for the creditable manner in which they fitted out their volunteers. Through the liberal- ity of the citizens the "boys" were enabled to go into camp with a better outfit than any other company in the regiment. All spectators were struck by the gallant bearing and evident intelligence of this fine corps, and with one accord they were pronounced the star company of the five who left here last Saturday. Much is expected of them, and most assuredly they will not disappoint their friends.

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History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 27

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers Number of Pages: 574

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 574