History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 30

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

USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 30

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

them objects of peculiar interest, and gave them a claim upon the sympathy and the gratitude of all true patriots. The cold, hunger, and exposure, followed by wasting dis- ease and death to many of these brave men, invest every circumstance connected with these last efforts to contribute to their enjoyment with an interest it would not otherwise possess. With these thoughts in our minds, what heart will not glow with a warm satisfaction at the glimpse of comfortable times at Camp Franklin, opened up by the following acknowledgment?

CAMP FRANKLIN, DUBUQUE, --

September 10, 1862. }

EDITOR GUARDIAN :- Permit us, in behalf of Captain J. M. Miller's company, to return our sincere thanks to our friends at home who have furnished us so many "good things."

We would especially remember Mr. Hoover for two pails of honey T. H. Bowen and others for a barrel of eggs, our sporting friends for nearly two hundred prairie chickens; and Mrs. Gill and others for a nice supply of butter.

COMMUNICATEI).

THE EXCURSION.

Later in the month an excursion to Camp was projected which proved in every respect highly successful. And here, it is with great reluctance that a record is made which may seem at first thought to detract from the prestige of the "Light Infantry," the recipient (about a year before) of a like compliment while at the same place, then called Camp Union. This first excursion was con- veyed to Dubuque by a train of nine cars, and its seven hundred excursionists were met at the depot by a fine band, and marched into the city, not with flags flying, but yet with colors hailed with ardent pride by chivalrous men the world over ; not under arms, for the brave men at "Eagle Point" were, for the most part, already parolled prisoners, and were not likely to offer resistance to the invading force to which they had surrendered at dis- cretion, and against whose mild sway they had no thought of becoming rebels. It is not to be supposed that this army from the dominion of home came empty handed, though this they might have done, without abating one jot the enthusiasın of their reception.

Let no flippant, gossiping pen attempt to put into common phrase the communings of such a region-let us leave them the undisturbed enjoyment of that glorious autumn day, overlooking that wondrous panorama spread at their feet, which, intersected by the grandly flowing river, stretches away into the fading distance whichever way the gaze may turn.

A year has passed and two companies of Buchanan county's best were awaiting orders at the same rendezvous, now Camp Franklin. Is it strange, now that battles had been fought, and some who took the parting hand then, were sleeping in southern graves, that a deeper estimate of what was due to our heroes had been gained by the loyal heart of lowa? The demonstration of 1862 was not confined to the immediate friends of the soldiers, but all claimed the privilege to do them honor. Twenty-one cars deposited their crowded inmates at the Dubuque depot-in all else this outpouring of patriotism was a transcript of the subdued enthusiasm of that of Septem- ber, 1861.

A few days later, having been mustered into the United

States service, and having received their advance pay and a furlough from Colonel Gilbert, in view of their speedy transfer to the field, the Dubuque & Sioux City rail- road company called forth loud and hearty praise from the men of the Twenty-seventh, by putting on a train and bringing them through to Independence on quick time, thereby giving them the benefit of another day with the friends at home. The following week the regi- ment left their camp and State and reported at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Six companies were detached to accompany government agents to Millie Lacs for the transaction of business connected with the Indian agencies. During the absence of this portion of the regi- ment, it was transferred from the northern to the southern department, and the four companies still at Fort Snelling left immediately for Cairo. Captain Miller, of company H, left his regiment at Dubuque and visited home on a furlough to recruit his health impaired by exposure in Minnesota. Benjamin Sutton and Morgan Boone, of Independence were left in a critical condition at Fort Snelling, and Nelson J. Boone had been detailed to attend upon the sick. S. Abby was sick, and had gone to Milwaukee on a furlough, and John G. Litts was sick, but still with his company. And this is the record of one company after one month's service, of not exceptional hardship. Captain Miller allowed himself but a short respite, as the following notice, which appeared the week after his return, will show:

Any persons wishing to send letters or likeness to their friends in company H, Twenty-seventh regiment lowa volunteers, can have an opportunity to do so, by leaving the same at my residence, or at the book store of Rev. Mr. Sampson, Independence, until Thursday even- ing of this week. J. M. MILLER.

The following week, the death of young Sutton at Fort Snelling, was announced. He died of typhoid fever. Colonel Lake on his return from the Mille Lacs expedi- tion, finding Morgan Boone convalescent, came to In- dependence, bringing him, with Oliver Bray and Joseph Russell of company C, seriously ill. Walter H. Munger, of company C, who was left at Anoka on the return march from the north, died at that place on the eighth of November. He received the kindest attention from the people, who took him to a private house, nursed him tenderly, and turned out en masse to do honor to his remains.

One who speaks of him as his friend, pays this tribute to the fallen soldier :

He was an honest, upright, truthful man, and no one has gone into the army from purer motives of patriotism, or a nobler sense of duty. When we last saw him at Dubuque, he was full of life, energy and good feeling; but now, alas! he is in the silent tomb. May the sod press lightly upon his hosom.

THE LADIES AND THE SOLDIERS.

The lady friends of our boys in the Twenty-seventh sent to them, in care of Colonel Lake, three boxes weighing six or seven hundred pounds, filled with chickens, turkeys, preserves, cakes, cookies, and other good things, which will gladden the hearts of the brave boys im- mensely. God bless our patriotic ladies, will be their prayer, as it certainly is ours. From the Buchanan Guardian.

During the months of January and February, 1863, the deaths of five members of the Twenty-seventh regi- ment were announced in the Guardian. John McBane

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

and John W. Sanders died at Cairo, where they had been left in the hospital in November of 1862. Jacob Glass and William H. Leuder died with the regiment near Jackson, Tennessee, and C. W. Mosher, of Little- ton, a member of Captain Noble's company, died at Memphis. All were highly esteemed by their comrades in arms, as well as by their acquaintances at home.

TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT A. B. LEWIS, OF THE FIFTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS, WHO DIED AT KEOKUK FEBRUARY 25, 1863.

Lieutenant Alexander B. Lewis has sunk into a soldier's grave. But last week we were all rejoicing in the assurance of his recovery and return to active duty. But alas! it was not to be. He was destined to leave his bed of pain, only to lie down in the narrow bed of death. Here, where the cords of sympathy, of friendship, of respect, of admira- tion for him ramified throughout our whole community, there is every- where pain. Among his companions in arms, in whom his patriotism, his bravery, his nobleness of character, had induced a warmth of affec- tion more than brotherly, there must be the poignancy of grief inex- pressible. At his home, where the ties of kindred were strengthened by pride in his manhood and mental promise, there must be the very depths of woe.

Among the thousands of the noble and brilliant, who have given themselves up as sacrifices on the altars of country, few were more worthy than Lieutenant Lewis. Frank and social, he drew around him hosts of friends, while his mental abilities, his industry, his appli- cation, his ambition gave every promise of a successful and brilliant career in his chosen profession as a lawyer. But when the war came, imbued with as true a spirit of patriotism as ever prompted man to action, he without hesitation threw himself into the contest. Ile was almost the first to enlist in this county, and went into the ranks as a private soldier under Captain Lee. He soon, however, attracted the attention of Colonel Worthington, who made him sergeant major of his regiment, the Fifth, and afterwards, on the death of Lieutenant Jordan, procurred his commission as first lieutenant of company E, to the infinite satisfaction of the company, who knew that as far as a man could he would replace the noble friend they had lost in Lieutenant Jordan. At the glorious battle of Iuka, September, 1862, where the fifth made itself a most honored name, Lieutenant Lewis while fighting as each fought, like a hero, received a dangerous wound in the hip. From that time he lay upon a bed of suffering. He tried to reach home, but was only able to get as far as Keokuk. There he lay for months, suffering all that aenteness of pain possible to a sensitive, nervous organization, but bearing all with calmness, with true courage. On the twenty-fifth of last month he died, bringing home to us by his loss a new appreciation of the terrible price the Nation is paying for the great crime of slaveholding. He rests in the patriot's grave, sleeps the patriot's sleep-" Lost, loved, lamented."-Editor Guardian.

FROM A COMPANION IN ARMS.

After the intimacy that existed between us for the last ten years, my regard for him resembles more that of a brother than a stranger. For three years we sat together in the same class, met to- gether in the same societies, roomed and ate together, shared the toils and enjoyed with each other the pleasures of youth, and all the bright anticipations of the great unknown future that lay before us. Together with hearts buoyant with hope, and with spirits light and free from care, we launched our frail barks on the ocean of life. In all places, on all occasions, and under all circumstances, he proved himself the same true and tried friend; a noble, proud spirited and honorable man. With a full knowledge of the dangers and privations he was about to incur, we see him relinquishing the promise of distinction in his profession, the pleasures of home and society, and, refusing po- sition, taking his place in the ranks of that company to which he con- tributed so much labor and means, and in the welfare of which he felt such a deep interest. Together with Lieutenant Jordan, whose noble spirit preceded his to brighter realms, we see him labor day and night for the success of that cause in which his heart and soul was engaged. We follow him to the "tented field " and see him endure disease and pain until brought almost to the brink of the grave. Again restored to health and vigor, and chosen to take the place of the lamented Jordan, we see him discharging every duty of his office with promptness and fidelity; an honor to the regiment and the pride of his company.

Much improved in health and appearance, after his severe illness, he

continued in the faithful discharge of his duties up to that fatal day when his regiment was called upon to pass through the first ordeal of battle. From the early part of that day until evening, beneath the burning sun, through fields and swamps, and under the fire of the ene- my, he advanced with the line of skirmishers until he reached the bat- tle-field of luka. A few minutes more and everything was swallowed up in the heat of battle. Well do I remember the last time I saw him during that terrible struggle. I never saw him look so well as he did at that moment. A volley of musketry had sent a shower of bullets through our ranks, but he stood at his post with a proud and fearless bearing, calmly discharging his duty. Conscious of the danger he was in, but nerved by the justice of his cause, and flushed with the desire and assurance of victory, he defied the missiles of the enemy. A half hour later, and what remained of the regiment, amidst clouds of smoke and in the shades of nightfall, emerged from the woody battle-ground and formed in line of battle in the open field. Companies reduced to squads began to count their loss and enquire for the missing. Among many others Lieutenant Lewis was absent. Many inquiries were made, but none there could answer. About nine o'clock it was ascertained that he had been wounded and carried to a house near by where he had received proper medical attention. The nature of his wound, and the manner in which he improved for a few days, gave hope that he would speedily recover. It, however, proved the prolongation of a life but for a few months of intense suffering. All that was mortal of him now slumbers in the tomb, but his spirit lives in the region of eternal bliss. It is not all to say that he lived and that he died, but it may in truth be added that he lived uprightly and died happily .- [ Lieutenant Mar- shall.

LATER BUCHANAN RECRUITS, ASSIGNED TO VARIOUS REGI- MENTS.

The following list of recruits was published in the Guardian of March 15, 1864. The enlistments were made by Dr. R. W. Wright, and left Independence for Dubuque under his charge the week previous to the pub- lication of the list.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

Arthur Merriman, Twenty-seventh infantry; John Bessey, First cav- alry; L. Whait, First cavalry; J. B. Hill, First cavalry; Martin Steb- bins, 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 cav- alry; 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 H. 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. Merkly, First cavalry; William J. Washburn, First cavalry; S. W. Hardon, First cavalry; Amos Andrews, First cavalry; ]. T. Washburn, First cavalry ; B. H. Hall, First cavalry; Ralph Henningan, First cavalry; Silas Henningan, First cavalry; D. W. Ring, First cavalry.

NEWTON TOWNSHIP.

W. T. Wallon, First cavalry; Charles Bonch, veteran, First cavalry; H. H. Ransey, Twenty-seventh infantry; Abraham Black, Twenty- seventh infantry; James A. Waldron, Twenty-seventh infantry.

CONO TOWNSHIP.

Charles G. Nencle, First cavalry; S. Bourres, Twenty-seventh infan- try; A. Stanford, Twenty-seventh infantry; J. Booth, Twenty-seventh infantry.

FAIRBANK TOWNSHIP.

H. G. Baleom, First cavalry; S. C. Hines, First cavalry; H. S. Hop" kins, 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. Sulton, First cavalry; Samuel H. Messinger, First cav_ alry; Samuel Bullis, First cavalry; T. C. Canfield, Twenty-seventh in- fantry; George D. Smith, Twenty-seventh infantry.

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

HAZLETON TOWNSHIP.

D. A. Todd, Twenty-seventh infantry; A. D. Allen, Twenty-seventh infantry; H. D. Barry, Twenty-seventh, infantry; Henry Harpy, Twen- ty-seventh infantry; C. M. Wheelock, First cavalry; Rufus Bunce, First cavalry: Martin Hayes. Twenty-seventh infantry; R. Merril, st., Twenty-seventh infantry; R. Merril, jr., Twenty-seventh infantry.

FREMONT TOWNSHIP.

Peter Gelford, First cavalry; M. S. Mallory, First cavalry; James Flenning, First cavalry.

SUMNER TOWNSHIP.

Runsbe 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. H. Wilson, Twenty- seventh infantry; J. Dawson, Twenty-seventh infantry.

There were also eight men from Oran township, Fayette county.

RETURN AND WELCOME OF THE VETERANS OF COMPANY C, NINTH REGIMENT.

Company C, of the Ninth regiment, though not so early in the field as company E, of the Fifth (the latter leaving Independence early in July, 1861, and the for- mer only a month later), was, for reasons of military expediency, the first to be furloughed as veterans after the reenlistment under the orders of the War Depart- ment, in the early part of 1864.

Early in February, the "friends, countrymen and lovers" of the Buchanan boys in blue, began to be stirred by rumors that soon the heroes, toward whom all eyes were turned, would "come marching home." All this and the final outcome, is well set forth in the article given below, which appeared in the Guardian of Febru- ary 16, 1864. We give it substantially as it first ap- peared :

"GLORIOUS RECEPTION OF COMPANY C, OF THE NINTH."

For days our citizens have been on the tip-toe of expectation over the news that many of the gallant soldiers who first enlisted, were returning to their homes once more, for the purpose of recruiting and paying their friends a visit. The streets were full of rumors as to the time when they might be expected; but, at last, the telegraph settled the question with the assurance that company C, the Ninth lowa, would be in our town on Saturday without fail; and everybody was crazy with joy over the welcome intelligence. They had started from Huntsville, Alabama; reached Cairo on the tenth instant, and arrived in Dubuque at three o'clock A. M., on Friday, the twelfth. Here they met a glorious reception from the citizens, who prepared them a break- fast, dinner, and supper, in the best style, and laid before them the hospitalities of the city.

Dr. Warne had gone down to escort the soldiers to Independence; and, as they were to come on the regular train of Saturday last, very little time was left our citizens in which to make the necessary prepara- tions. It was resolved to give them a dinner at the hall, immediately on their arrival; and soon all parties were at work in earnest. All personal and political animosities were forgotten; the reader of the Herald and the admirer of Horace clasped hands in a fraternal grasp; old feuds and past differences were dropped by mutual consent; unity and harmony pervaded all classes, and the prevailing sentiment that animated the public heart was to give the boys a cordial, whole-souled welcome. Saturday morning in point of loveliness was all that could be desired. The atmosphere was almost of summer warmth, while a gentle and refreshing breeze blew softly from the southwest.

The ladies, with their accustomed independence and assurance of leap-year privileges, took the lead; and soon the obedient lords of creation were seen flying hither and thither in the performance of duties connected with the carrying out of the programme of the day. Committees ad infinitem, walked up and down the streets, peered into every nook and corner where "good things " might be found, ransacked the stores, and waylaid every luckless individual who was suspected of having withheld a half dime from the last assessment. Teams loaded with boxes, lumber, and baskets of provisions, jostled each other on their way to the hall-draymen, for once, were compelled to acknowl- edge that they had a surfeit of business; while unsuspecting farmers were amazed to see some Jehu jump into their vehicles and convert the same into baker's wagons. Hegee with his artillery was early at his post, amply provided with levers, swabs, and sledge hammers, with which to load; and soon the thunderous echoes of his piece proclaimed that the spirit of '76 was to be revived again. Large numbers of people in carriages, in wagons, on horseback, and on foot, began to arrive from the country; and by 12 o'clock M., Main street pre- sented an animated spectacle of moving humanity.

The town flag was suspended from Morse's hall to the bell-tower; while at the Guardian office another was displayed, bearing upon its folds the following motto:

"Honor to whom honor is due- Ninth Iowa, bully for you."

Numerous other flags were displayed with appropriate mottoes and devices. Suffice it to say that our town presented a very happy and picturesque appearance, and one that must long be remembered. Hand bills were distributed, by which the people were notified that the sol- diers were to be met at the depot, where a procession would be formed led by the band, to escort the veterans into town.

As train time approached, the crowd moved to the station, and soon the platform and everp available inch of standing room was occupied. The excitement was intense, but suppressed. Here waited fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, with all the unrest of anticipated joy, for the return of those whose names were never mentioned without bringing a thrill of grateful pride, not only to their immediate friends, but to their countrymen everywhere. How slowly the moments flew ! Had some accident befallen the train? How eagerly every eye was strained and every ear inclined, to receive the first token of its coming ! Hark ! a rumbling sound is heard; a white puff of steam, like a mes- senger of peace, circles above the tree tops; the whistle screams; the bell rings; and, with a puff and a roar, the cars, with their precious and anxiously-expected freight, are at the depot. Hegee now opened with his ponderous artillery, and the echoes of the discharge had hard- ly died away, before it was responded to by the soldiers on board shouting as if in command: "Lie down, boys; the Rebs are firing on our flank !"

To attempt a description of the scenes that now ensued would be impossible. Such meetings do not often take place, and the embrac- ings and hand-claspings were unlike those of the common, prosaic, every-day life. Captain Little-no one expected to see him with the company, but there he was, looking healthier and happier by far than when he went away. Captain Little had, but a short time previous, rejoined his regiment after a visit home, and in his impatience to be again at the front, had gone while crutches were still a necessity to him .- E. P.] And then the boys in blue, the boys of whose deeds we had read and wondered, the same gallant spirits who stood in battle- line at Pea Ridge, Arkansas Post, Jackson and Champion Hill, filed slowly out of the cars and formed in company on the tracks, as regu- larly as though going out to the parade ground (although the crowd that surged around them sadly interfered with the command, "Right, dress !")

"Why, boys, how well you look !" was heard from all sides; and, indeed, they were nearly all pictures of perfect health, though finely bronzed by a southern sun. The boys never broke ranks, but the out- siders, who had not studied Scott or Hardee, were utterly regardless of military etiquette, and rushed in upon them from all quarters; but the gallant fellows, inured to the task of overcoming every obstacle, worked their way through to the hall, and filed around tables that were fairly groaning under an endless profusion of delicately-prepared viands. . .At the close of the repast, Captain Little, in a neat little speech, extended the thanks of himself and company to the donors of the entertainment, after which three cheers were proposed and given "with the spirit and with the understanding," for company C, the Ninth regiment, and the L'nion.

It was announced that company E, of the Fifth, would soon be in

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

our midst, and a cordial invitation extended to the guests of the day to participate in the festivities of that occasion. Company C' now num- bers thirty-four privates, who have all re-enlisted; besides others in hospital and detached service, who are expected to do so."

[There are, doubtless, some of the Ninth "boys" who have not for- gotten that, owing to the shortness of their own furlough, which ter- minated early in March, and the delay in the return of the veterans of the fifth, they were not permitted to participate in the reception festiv- ities of the latter, in accordance with the above invitation from their fair entertainers .- E. P.

WELCOME TO THE FIFTH.

SOLDIERS OF THE IOWA FIFTH: 1 am selected, on behalf of the citizens of Independence and Buchanan county, to greet you and wel- come you home again to the embraces of your friends and relatives.

It is now almost three years since we passed along your lines, on nearly the same ground where you now stand; gave you the parting hand, dropped the silent tear, saw you aboard of the cars and away to the battle-field. Since that day, what changes have taken place ! What perils and trials you have undergone we all know well; and, be- lieve me, soldiers, we have not been unmoved spectators of all that has befallen you; and be assured that although we have been absent from you in body, we have been with you in spirit. Our sympathies were with you during your many marches the first winter from home; as you journeyed through rain and sleet and mud, nearly all over the trouble- some State of Missoun. We were with you, too, in the first great victory at New Madrid, and rejoiced with you over that great success. From New Madrid we followed you to the bloody and hotly-contested field of Inka, and again at Corinth. We were with you in warmest sympathy in your many wanderings up and down and across the Mis- sissippi, in peril, not only from the lurking foe, but from death in many forms; and especially was the heart of this people with you in the late and ever memorable campaign of 1863. We crossed the river with you at Fort Gibson; we followed you in your rapid march through that State; we saw you filing in around Jackson, its capital; then at Black River Bridge and the fatal field of Champion Hill; then to Vicksburgh itself, and one continued victory all the way around. And could you then, at the surrender of Vicksburgh, have heard the shouting and seen the leaping and weeping for joy, that was everywhere the sponta- neous expression of the great northern heart, you would have been sat- isfied, if never before, that the heart of this people was in the right place, and with you in all you were doing to save our unhappy coun- try. And let me here assure you, soldiers, that your victories are our victories, that your sufferings are our sufferings, that your country is our country; and permit me humbly to acknowledge the fact that to the soldiers of the Union we owe our national existence-yes, our con- tinned salvation as a nation; and you, soldiers of the Iowa Fifth, have stood as a wall of adamant between all we hold dear and the most un- relenting and cruel foe that ever drew the sword of war. And while we have enjoyed peace and plenty at home, you have stood in battle array against such a foe, that we might in safety enjoy the privileges handed down to us hy our forefathers.

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History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 30

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