USA > Iowa > Clayton County > History of Clayton County, Iowa : from the earliest historical times down to the present : including a genealogical and biographical record of many representative families, prepared from data obtained from original sources of information, Volume I > Part 18
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Woman's Part-In November, 1861, the first appeal was made to the women of Clayton county to organize a society to relieve the sick and wounded soldiers. A meeting was called at the Davis house in Elkader, November 22, and a large number of ladies were present. This was called the Sanitary Society and their activities throughout the war form a chapter of history which should not be neglected. The officers of this society were Mrs. S. Ellsworth, president ; Mrs. W. W. Patch, vice-president ; Mrs. H. S. Granger, secretary ; Mrs. V. Boller, treasurer; Mrs. L. G. Davis, depositary. The committee to solicit donations was Mrs. V. Boller, Mrs. L. V. Davis, Mrs. S. Ellsworth, Miss Mary C. Fuller, Mrs. B. Knapp, Miss Mary L. Muzzy, Miss Mal- vina Stewart and Mrs. Milo Adams, and they at once proceeded with the good work, and within a week they were able to report having raised over $40 in cash and supplies donated as follows: Mrs. Buel Knapp, 3 yards ticking; Mrs. V. Boller, 4 pillows; Mrs. L. V. Davis,
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6 pillows, 2 towels, 6 pillow cases ; Mrs. Oglesbee, I quilt; Mrs. P. M. Potter, I dressing gown. On December 2, a branch was formed at Volga City with the following officers: President, Mrs. L. Chapman ; vice-president, Mrs. L. H. Drake; secretary, Miss Abbey White; treasurer, Mrs. J. Chapman; depositary, Mrs. R. Norton; soliciting committee, Mrs. S. Crane, Mrs. S. Bush, Mrs. F. Cummings, Mrs. J. Chapman, Mrs. L. Chapman and Miss Abbey White.
By the middle of December the ladies of McGregor organized for Union Sociables, having same end in view. The officers of this society were: President, Mrs. Hibbard; vice-president, Mrs. Flanders; sec- retary, Miss Updegraff ; treasurer, Miss H. Hammond ; collector, Mrs. Tenney.
Mrs. Ellsworth and Laura Stewart were active in the work at Elkader and there is hardly an issue of the Elkader paper which does not contain some account of their proceedings. At first, direct dona- tions were relied on, but later a series of programs were given. The first of these was given at the Stone Hall in March, 1862. This was a lengthy program of music, readings and tableaux. The receipts were $24 and Mr. Potter gave $1 premium for the silver change. People were in attendance from all over the county. Mrs. Dr. Blanchard was elected president and Mrs. L. Stewart, secretary, Mrs. Stewart being one of the guiding spirits of the society throughout the war. The Clayton society was organized December 12, 1861, and the officers were Mrs. Mary E. Forsythe, president; Mrs. F. Monger, vice-presi- dent ; Mrs. E. M. Jerome, treasurer and secretary.
Dark Days-In March came news of the wounding of A. J. Price, son of Eliphalet Price, and but a few days later the announcement of the death of Capt. A. W. Drips, who was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge, while gallantly leading his brave men in one of the most ter- rible and sanguinary fights of the war. Capt. Drips was the former editor of the Clayton County Herald, moving from this county to Maquoqueta, where he established the Excelsior, a newspaper which is in existence today. Capt. Drips was dearly beloved in this county and his death was greatly mourned. It was at Pea Ridge, also, that Capt. Alvah Bevins gave up his life for his country, and of him the McGregor Times says: "We have not yet learned the details of his death, but only know that he fell in action at the head of his men while dashing upon the enemy. The event has cast a gloom over the whole county, for Capt. Bevins was universally known, loved and respected. He was no holiday soldier, seizing a commission for the honors and emoluments thereof ; he drew his sword because his flag was menaced-because an armed rebellion threatened the division of the glorious old Union of which he was so proud. He has fallen, but standing around his ashes, the loyal men of old Clayton will demand that indemnity be made for the loss of the noble men who have been slaughtered by traitors to the government." The battle of Shiloh claimed a fearful toll from the boys of Clayton county, and the days of 1862 were anything but happy ones for those who loved their country. The army of the Potomac delayed and hesitated, failed to follow up what victories it won and news of defeat and of bloody losses filled the columns of the papers. In Clayton county, however,
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the work of recruiting and the work of furnishing relief went on without interruption. In May, as a result of numerous entertainments, the Sanitary Society of Elkader was able to report $128 receipts during the 3 months preceding. At Garnavillo Mr. and Mrs. Angier turned their house over to relief work. Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Rev. Mathews, Mrs. Brewster, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Dr. Linton, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Barnes and daughter, Miss R. Shaw, and Miss L. Angier were among the Garnavillo women mentioned as active in relief work.
Volunteers-The Elkader Journal has the following to say con- cerning enlistments in the summer of 1862: "The majority of the townships are doing nobly in the way of volunteering. Some of them are turning out extraordinarily ; Little Buena Vista leads the van by sending 50 per cent of all the men in the township liable to military duty. Four companies were full August 15. Capt. William Crooke's company left on Saturday for Dubuque to take its place in the Twenty- first Regiment as Company B, with 104 men. Capt. Elisha Boardman has enrolled about 115 and Lieut. Grannis started with a portion of his company for Dubuque on Tuesday morning, via Strawberry Point and the railroad. Capt. Thomas G. Drips' company elected officers at Farmersburg on Monday. This company joined the Twenty-seventh Iowa. Capt. Benton's company also elected officers and is ready to depart for camp at any time. Woolsencroft, Shepherd and Williard are raising a company at Monona. Cleghorn and Frank Hammer are raising still another company at McGregor. Capt. Boardman's com- pany was presented with a banner by the ladies at Elkader, Miss Estella Griswold making the presentation speech, which was replied to by B. T. Hunt. At Dubuque, Squire Hutchins presented a flag to Capt. Drips' company and Sergeant G. Williams replied, thanking the patriotic citizens of Farmersburg, Monona, Grand Meadow and Wag- ner townships and pledged the company to shed the last drop of blood rather than see the flag trailing in the dust."
Concerning these melancholy days of 1862, the Elkader Journal says : "All is dark and gloomy. No news to gladden the American patriot's heart. No victories to cheer the lonely widow and the doting mother, but sad, sad reports of our struggling armies. No hope for a speedy suppression of the rebellion and a restoration of peace; but all is dark. All the bright prospects of a few months since have van- ished; all the hopes then fondly entertained are now gone, and to all of this we are expected not to murmur. Can we avoid it? This is the darkest hour of our country's affliction. Never has a nation had more cause for desponding than we now have." In response to an appeal for relief provisions, made by the Governor, a war meeting was called at the court house, over which Thomas Updegraff presided, with Alpheus Scott, as secretary. This meeting began active efforts, both to increase enlistments and secure supplies. It is recorded that the ladies did not wait for a meeting, but that two of them started out with a team and solicited provisions. Mrs. E. M. Jerome, as secretary of the Clayton Aid Society, makes the report and a list of contributions fills half a column of the Journal. One of the pleasant events of the wartime was the presentation of a sword to Capt. E. Boardman. The Stone Hall was crowded and B. T. Hunt, Douglas Rogers and (J. O.
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Crosby were the speakers. An Irish regiment was formed at Dubuque and Col. Eiboeck, who had returned from the war on account of ill health, went into the southwestern tier of townships to obtain volun- teers.
In November, 1862, Eliphalet Price, then of Guttenberg, pro- posed the erection of a monument to the Clayton county soldiers who lost their lives on the field of battle. He suggested as a committee Mrs. Alvah Rogers and Mrs. Laura Stewart of Elkader; Mrs. Bixby, Lodomillo; Mrs. D. Scott, Monona; Mrs. John Stoneman and Mrs. C. F. Remick of McGregor and Mrs. Bosecker of Guttenberg as the committee. This suggestion was acted upon and a county organiza- tion formed and a prospective site selected, but, although revived from time to time, the necessity of caring for the living was all that could be done, and it remained for this generation to provide the beautiful monuments which are now to be found in Clayton county cemeteries in memory of the soldier dead.
More Enlistments-In August, 1862, D. E. Meyer organized the Stuben Guards, a company largely composed of Germans and recruited in Guttenberg. This was the fifth company organized in Clayton county. A war meeting was held at Guttenberg which was attended by a large delegation from McGregor and Prairie du Chien. Reuben Noble delivered the address and it is said that the company was filled within two days. Samuel Merrill of McGregor was commissioned Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment and left, in September, 1862, to take command of his regiment. In spite of all these voluntary enlist- ments, so great was the need of troops that it was feared the draft must be used and all persons between 18 and 45 were listed in prepara- tion. The time for volunteering was extended, however, and the dreaded draft was not employed in Iowa, in 1862. Commissioner Crosby enrolled 4,792 men in this county, as subject to military duty. The threat of a draft stimulated enlistment, as the advantages of being a volunteer were many, as they received better pay and large bounty. In some townships, organizations were formed which paid bounties to volunteers in order that the draft might be avoided. In October, a cavalry company was formed to join Wilson's Independent Regiment. Erin S. Ames was elected captain and Hiram A. Park, Alpheus Scott and Sam B. Coil were elected lieutenants. This company was mus- tered in, in the spring of 1863, and was part of the Sixth Cavalry, which was assigned to duty against the Indians along the Upper Missouri.
Days of '63-The year 1862 closed with the news of the battle of Fredericksburg with the tremendous Union losses and it is not to be wondered that there were dissensions and misgivings among the Union men and that various projects of compromise with the south were seri- ously considered. Slavery had grown to be the paramount issue of the war. The president had issued a proclamation freeing many of the slaves and this advanced step had caused disruption in his cabinet. The incomplete victory and the defeat of the Union arms had discour- aged the people and it was not without foundation that the Elkader Journal said in its New Year's editorial, "We may well look back with awe and reverence on 1862. It has passed, but the recollections
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of it will never pass away. Its great events will live green in the memory of scores of future generations; and happy may those deem themselves that were permitted to take a part in its important trans- actions, for their names and their deeds will live forever. But 1863 claims our attention now; a year that promises more, even, than the past has given us. This year is to see the accomplishment of all that for which we have been contending for two years. This, the third year, is to see the actual downfall of slavery ; and today, a proclama- tion partly to that effect, becomes a fact. This insuring as it does the success of the Union cause, establishes the principle of self-govern- ment forever and throughout the world. Then, all hail to 1863."
"Peace Party"- The dark days of 1862 continued through the first half of 1863; in fact the crisis became more acute in every way. The non-success of the Union arms bred an army of critics of Lincoln and created a large "Peace Party" who believed that the south could not be beaten, who were not in sympathy with the freeing of the slaves and who held that there was nothing left but to offer an acceptable compromise to the south. The Union men argued that these criti- cisms and talks of compromise served only to encourage the south. Party feeling which had been lost sight of at the beginning of the war again developed. The politicians of the Republican party wished to reap, for themselves, the reward of the great impetus the war had given their party. Very naturally, this was distasteful to the former Demo- cratic leaders, especially those Union Democrats, who felt that the Republicans had no copyright to patriotism. All this led to much bitterness and to suspicion and distrust among the people of the north. In Clayton county Union clubs were formed in nearly every town. These meetings were largely attended, fiery addresses were made, attacking the Copperheads and strong resolutions were passed. These were somewhat in the nature of secret societies; at Guttenberg, it required a two-thirds vote to admit a new member. On the other hand, every man who did not attend or ask to join was looked upon with distrust and as disloyal to the Union. That there were grounds for this feeling is undeniable.
In the light of history it seems incredible that any man could have said the things attributed to speakers at the Peace Convention in the report of that meeting given in the Elkader Journal. According to Col. Eiboeck one of the speakers said: "It is an Abolition war. I am a peace man now, but, if the government interferes with my freedom of speech, I am a war man! The Union can't be saved. The south is too strong for it. They have gained all the victories and they will continue to do so. It is useless for us to fight." This speaker is said to have called Lincoln "a usurper" and to have called upon the people "to resist the tyranny of Lincoln." Another is quoted as saying, "I will suffer my right arm to be severed from my side before I will sup- port the government." In the following issue the Journal insists that these words were spoken at the convention and that the speakers were correctly quoted. It is needless to give the names of these men, for something must be allowed for the partisan report of the meeting and the men themselves doubtless lived to bitterly regret their words.
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There were reports, or rather rumors, that lodges of the Knights of the Golden Circle existed in the county. This was a secret order of northern sympathizers with the south, and to its door were laid many atrocities, such as the poisoning of wells, the spread of epidemic diseases and the attempt to conspire with Canada for a British inva- sion. The Journal asserts that there were branches of this order at McGregor and at Garnavillo and "thinks" there was one at Elkader. There is no proof of this, however, and it is better to put it down as a mere rumor, based upon the intense loyalty of the writer. The answer to these "peace meetings" was given at the Union Convention held at Elkader and at the great mass meeting held at McGregor, at which Col. D. B. Henderson "of Postville" makes his first speech in this county, and at which William B. Allison was also a speaker.
Sanitary Society-To complete the picture of the first half of 1863 it must be noted that the ladies' Sanitary Society was hard at work all over the county and that even the children were enlisted in the cause, the "Juvenile Mite Society" contributing regularly. The Cenotaph Society was busy under the management of Laura Stewart. Every paper carried lists of the dead and wounded among the Clayton county soldiers. Maimed and crippled soldiers were returning from the front. Col. Merrill was at home, having been wounded at Black Ridge. There were also inspiring stories of the bravery of Clayton county men. Col. Merrill reports that "Capt. Boardman of Company D won imperishable fame by a single act before the rebel works at Vicksburg. During the hot action attending our assault and repulse before the strong works of the enemy, the Twenty-first Iowa Regiment suffered severely. The color bearer who was a member of Capt. Boardman's company, fell, wounded, right before the rebel works, and with all the killed and wounded was left behind when our forces fell back. Notwithstanding, heretofore the enemy's sharp-shooters had unerringly picked off those who returned after the wounded, Capt. Boardman said he would take off his men himself, or fall beside them in the effort. Divesting himself of his coat, sword and belt, he went boldly upon the field and finding the color-bearer lifted him up and bore him from the field. Whether impressed by his audacity or not, the rebels reserved their fire, and others, inspired by the captain's glorious example, went forward, and the wounded were taken off and cared for." With such stories to inspire them there were many enlist- ments, but the demand for troops was greater than the supply and it seemed that the dreaded draft was inevitable. In June, the whole state was divided into recruiting districts. There were five districts in this county and C. C. Schader, Homer Butler, Charles W. Richardson, James Davis and Nicholas Ellis, were the officers of the draft in this county.
War-tide Turns-On July 4, 1863, the tide of battle turned. The great battle of Gettysburg was fought and won, and Lee's army was driven from northern soil; in the west, the splendid army under Gen- eral Grant, had captured Vicksburg, and Pemberton had been forced to "unconditional surrender." From this time on, confidence replaced doubt, and the critics and peace advocates were largely silenced. These
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victories, too, encouraged enlistments and there was a determination to avoid drafts if possible. A war meeting at Volga City was attended by a large delegation from Elkader, who went with flying colors and martial music. Twenty men from Boardman township volunteered for the Eighth Iowa Cavalry and prepared to go immediately after harvest. The Journal says, "The draft is certainly coming. The clothing for the drafted men has arrived at Dubuque." In August, the official notice of the draft was published and provost marshals were empowered to call for aid to enforce its provisions. The election of 1863, turned upon support of the administration and its war policy and resulted in a sweeping victory for the Union party, the majorities ranging from 300 to 400, and this was largely increased when the soldier vote was added. In Buena Vista the vote was 40 for the Union ticket, and I against.
It was found that a mistake had been made in figuring Iowa's quota, and that instead of being subject to draft it had already sent 6,000 soldiers in excess of its quota. At this time, however, the pres- ident issued a call for 300,000 additional volunteers and this made the draft inevitable. It was decided to draft by townships and all eligible men were enrolled and it was figured that 285 men must be drafted from the county. . Buena Vista lacked but 3 men of having furnished its quota, Elk but 4, and Marion but 5, while from Mendon 61 were needed. With these figures before them, the people made strenuous efforts to avoid the draft by securing volunteers. A bounty of $402 for reenlistment and $302 for new recruits was offered by Joseph Eiboeck as recruiting officer for Boardman township. By February, 1864, Garnavillo had filled its quota of 14 men, the citizens paying an added bounty of $100 for each volunteer. At Farmersburg, also, the quota was filled by a bounty offer of $150, to each volunteer. The Garnavillo recruits marched to McGregor, crossed the river and entrained for Davenport. Lieut. Charles Williams and Sergeant Everall escorted them, but returned to continue recruiting. At this time came the news of another call for 500,000 men, for a period of 3 years or until the close of the war. And to this call N. B. Baker, Adjt. General of Iowa, responded: "To President Lincoln : I have just received your dispatch for a draft of 500,000 troops after March 10. There will be no draft in Iowa. You shall have your quota without it. 'We are coming, Father Abraham, with five hundred thousand more'. By order Governor Stone. N. B. Baker, Adjt. General."
March 10, 1864, was set as the day for the draft. Throughout the county strenuous efforts were made to secure volunteers. At McGregor the council offered an additional bounty of $100 for Mendon township volunteers and by private subscription $4,000 additional was raised. At that time 21 men were lacking. A great effort was made and by night, 19 men had enlisted and 5 more were enlisted later, mak- ing 3 more than required to escape draft. Marion, Giard and Monona had raised their quota of volunteers and it was reported that nearly every township in the county would escape drafting. Owing to the number of enlistments throughout the country, the draft was post- poned, but the hope that it would not be used was dashed in April, when a call for 200,000 additional troops was made. In May the call
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came for 100,000 volunteers for 100 days, in order to allow the veteran troops to be pushed to the front as it was felt that in this way the war could be rapidly ended. T. C. Young was recruiting officer at Elkader and Dr. J. A. Blanchard, Monroe Snedigar and Hiram Barnam were the first to enlist under the 100 day call. The news from Grant's army continued to be "glorious" and within a week 40 men had enlisted at Elkader.
Election of 1864-In 1864 the question of the presidential election was intimately connected with the war. Upon the nomination of Lincoln and Johnson by the Republicans the following from the McGregor Times may be said to fairly represent the attitude of the opposition. Col. Richardson says, "We shall endeavor to show that the American people have had enough of the dangerous assumption of power which has distinguished, for four years, nearly, the present imbecile administration." The Republicans, however, rejoiced in the renomination of Lincoln and were strong in his support.
Sanitary Fair-Throughout the year great preparations were made in Clayton county for the great "Sanitary Fair" which was held in Dubuque. Delegations of Dubuque people visited the county and appeals of all kinds were made, and festivals were held in many of the towns, the proceeds to be devoted to this affair. The result was that Clayton county was awarded first prize for having the largest exhibit of any county. Many from this county attended the Dubuque fair, at which Clayton occupied a booth with Winneshiek county. The Clayton exhibit was presided over by Mrs. P. M. Potter and Louise Keys of Elkader, and Mrs. H. P. George and Mrs. Robert Grant of McGregor. The proceeds of the fair were more than $64,000 and were used for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers. Next to Dubuque, Clayton county made the largest cash contribution to the fair, the amount being $1,919.80.
On July 27, 1864, the Adjt. General of the state issued an order requiring the enrolled militia of the state (which meant all eligible for military duty) to organize themselves into companies, not less than 40 or exceeding 100 men. Clayton county was required to organize 40 of such companies. The Elkader Journal speaks of this as the darkest hour of the war.
Drafting-Under the new apportionment, to complete the repeated calls for men, 306 volunteers were required from Clayton county. Of these, Jefferson had to furnish the most, 44, and Lodomillo, the few- est, 2. This double call stirred the county. To avoid the draft, clubs were formed, 10 men subscribing $100 each, or 20 men subscribing $50, to be paid a volunteer in case any of the club members were drafted.
A draft was ordered for September 5. At McGregor $6,000 was raised and the following advertisement published : McGregor will pay for one year volunteers $200, for three years $300, in addition to the government bounty of $100. Capt. W. A. Benton, enlisting officer. In compliance with the order to enroll in companies lists of names were printed of those who were required to meet and organize. T. M. Hopkins was captain of national guards at McGregor and John Van Staden was captain of the McGregor Rifles and at Elkader every able bodied man was called out to organize at Stone Hall.
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In October, the draft was a reality in Clayton county. The first township heard from was Cass, where twelve names were drawn to fill the quota of six men required. On October 13, was published the list of men drawn. The deficit to be made up was as follows, Mallory 10, Jefferson 24, Millville 4, Volga 11, Read 4, Farmersburg, 4, Giard 9, Cox Creek, 14, Lodomillo 1, Elk 1, Sperry 4, Grand Meadow 10, Highland 10, Wagner 11, Cass 6, Monona 9, Clayton 2, Boardman 10, Marion 9. Twice the number of names were drawn as were required, in order to provide for exemptions. Of the draft, the Elkader Journal says, "The draft has taken place at last. For the first time in the his- tory of this state, has been felt the always dreaded conscription. For the first time, the citizens of Iowa have realized that anxiety, that dread and that perplexity, incident for a draft for soldiers. But, it is over ; the die is cast. Those whose names were (unfortunately for them, perhaps) drawn, are bound to obey the decision of that mysterious lottery box, unless exempted by some physical disability. We are not disposed to cheer over the result, for it has taken many a man within our knowledge whose family will necessarily be left on the charity of others, men who are poor and have not been able to make provisions for their families. With such men, we sympathize. The rich can procure substitutes, and secessionists will learn an important lesson, viz : that we have a government, and that that government must be sustained at all hazards, while engaged in the prosecution of this war. There was considerable feeling in town about the time the news came; many anxious faces, and many glad ones, afterward. In this town- ship, the draft happened to hit a number of poor family men, and some who are totally incapable, from military disability, from serving as soldiers ; so that it is very probable that another draft will have to be made to fill the quota."
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