USA > Iowa > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 11
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and hunger. The next morning we marched without breakfast. We marched till about 4 o'clock p. m., when we went into camp and had a very scanty meal prepared from a small quantity of flour which we found buried in a stable. We started on our march the next day about daylight and continued till sundown, expecting to see Indians at any moment, as their camp fires were burning where we camped last. We halted that night near where the town of Estherville now stands. As we were going into camp we saw a mounted horseman approaching us from the north, and he proved to be one of the U. S. soldiers from Fort Ridgley, Minn. He informed us that the company to which he belonged was at Springfield, Minn., and that the Indians had killed or taken prisoners all the settlers at the lakes, and left two or three days before. Here a noble band of men volunteered to go to the lakes and bury the dead. Lieutenant Maxwell has given an account of this march.
The next morning we began our homeward journey. Many were sick, snow- blind and nearly naked, no boots or shoes, and some were barefoot. I well remember my comrade, Mr. Brizee, in that day's march. We were far behind the company and he was discouraged and somewhat deranged, while I was so fatigued and sick I could scarcely move. We plodded along until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when a blizzard set in from the northwest. Brizee begged of me not to leave him on the prairie alone. I assured him that I would stay with him and if it came to the worst we would perish together. Darkness came on, and we had not seen our company for some hours. My comrade was determined to lie down, but I urged him to keep moving for a time, but he finally sank exhausted. Not being able to carry him, I laid down also, wrapping our blankets around us and never expecting to see the sun rise again. Sometime after I was aroused by being shaken. I could hardly believe my senses. Not finding us in camp, our lamented friend, Newton Hathway, had gone in search of us, facing that fearful storm. He found us about two miles from the company. I fully believe that nothing less than Divine Providence directed him to us through such a storm. We arose and he guided us to camp. Next morning we started for the Irish colony. The day was fine and the snow was thawing rapidly. We got on very well until we reached a creek which was much swollen by the thaw. It was very deep and some ten rods wide. At this time occurred the first insubordination among the men. As my captain or lieutenant was not with us, I was in command of Company C. I was driving the team, which consisted of three yoke of oxen. We came to the creek, the water was deep and cold, and every man wanted to ride across ; but being already heavily laden and feeling sure the oxen would have to swim, I refused and the boys plunged in and got through some way. I managed to get the oxen into the water, and when I reached the middle of the stream and the oxen had to swim, the middle team turned around so I had four oxen going one way and two the other. I called for help but no response; therefore I was obliged to get out into the stream and take the yoke from the oxen and get out without assistance. We resumed our march and that night camped at the Irish colony. Many of us slept in an abandoned hog pen, while the rest sat around the camp fire. Major Williams had asked me that evening if I knew of anything in our supplies to cook. I answered "yes" as I remembered having a small amount of flour. About 4 o'clock in the morning I put the kettle on the fire and heated the water to a boil-
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ing point, stirred in the flour and boiled it continuously for two hours. About the time I took it from the fire Comrade Howland came crawling out of the hog pen and asked for something to eat. I told him that was all the food we had or were likely to have for some days, and that it must be equally divided among ninety men. The poor boy burst into tears, saying, "Frank, I'm starving to death." I could not refuse him after this, and I gave him his plateful of this villainous mixture that was worse than melted lead-the stomach of a mule could not have digested it.
The morning was bright and warm and the snow was melting rapidly. About 9 o'clock the rain began to fall in torrents and continued till late in the afternoon. About 4 o'clock we arrived at Cylinder creek, which ordinarily was a small stream, but the descending rain and the melting snow had swollen it to the dimensions of a large river. We were now drenched to the skin and as the wind had shifted to the northwest it was rapidly growing cold. It was not many minutes until our clothes were frozen stiff. We were very scantily dressed- few of the men having more than an undershirt and a pair of pants. I was as well dressed as any of them and all I had to brave that fearful storm with, was a flannel shirt, a pair of pants with one leg torn off at the knee, and the seam in the other ripped from top to bottom, one boot with the leg cut off-the mate having been burned a few days previous. We began to look around for a place to sleep. Some of the boys spread their blankets upon the ground and arranged themselves "spoon fashion." Brizee, Howland, Hathway and myself lay between the hind wheels of a wagon. We got through the night but I hardly know how. as the mercury was about thirty-four degrees below zero. We were all glad to see daylight, but many did not dare to crawl out of their blankets that day. The poor boys were almost freezing and some of them becoming insane. I think we were all more or less insane during a part of that terrible night. Brizee would frequently put his face to mine and beg me to "go down the creek, where only half a mile was a big hotel, and we could get a warm breakfast with hot coffee!" When I would tell him it was only a dream he would sob like a child and still insist that we must go. After daylight I fell into a doze, and dreamed that I was at my dear old mother's home, that I had been away and come home hungry. She and a favorite sister prepared some toast for me. I can see them now as I saw them then.
The next morning was still and bright. Mr. Howland and myself concluded to cross the creek. We staggered to our frozen feet and arm in arm hobbled toward the stream. All eyes were upon us as we went upon the ice. We began to feel encouraged, but when we neared the center of the creek we found open water. This open space was about thirty feet wide and very deep. We had resolved never to return to that camp again. Looking up the stream we saw a clump of willows and went to them. Here we found that ice had floated down, lodged against the willows and frozen, thus forming a complete bridge. After passing the channel we signaled back, when a truly joyous shout went up from those poor, half insane boys. I will here state that there was not a man among our number-about eighty-who had strength enough to reach the opposite shore. ] do not understand why they were so affected-it seemed to be weak- ness and a shortage of breath. Every man's mouth was open wide, their tongues hanging out, and in some instances blood running from their noses or mouths.
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Shippey's cabin, where Major Williams, Captains Duncombe and Richards and Private Smith had been during the storm, was two and a half miles southeast of the creek. Howland and I kept together until we reached the cabin, being among the last to arrive; he, being the stronger, had rendered me considerable assistance, for which, now after thirty years, I thank him most sincerely. Major Williams met us with great big tears streaming down his furrowed cheeks. Those who remained at the cabin rendered us all the assistance in their power.
We soon devoured the provisions they provided and all sank down in the warmth of the sun and slept. We were allowed to sleep till about 3 p. m., when we were aroused from our slumbers and a consultation was held. It was de- cided to disband, separate into small squads and strike out for the nearest settle- ment. Every man was ordered to leave all baggage except blankets. We all did so to a man except my friend Hathway (brother of George and Miss Hath- way, of this city), and he, being deranged, left his riffe, blanket, etc., but gathered up a lot of rubbish which was useless to him and every one else. As I had been as far north as the head timber on Lot's creek the summer before, I was detailed to pilot our Webster City men across the prairie to that point, about eighteen miles from us.
After bidding adieu to our comrades we took up our march in a south- easterly direction. Immediately after starting, our friend Hathway took the back track. When we were about half a mile from him I went back to where he stood and putting my hand upon his shoulder urged him to come along; but his eyes fairly flashed fire as he resolutely refused. I signaled for help and John Gates came to my assistance-a tower of strength and manliness, a man who never flinched from the performance of a duty. We approached Hathway; the fire had disappeared from his eyes, and he fell into our willing arms nearly helpless. John and I carried him almost every rod of the way by taking turns. Occasionally he would arouse from his stupor; at such times we would cross our hands together, forming a seat for him, but when he was too weak to sit erect we would take him in our arms or upon our backs. About dark the boys all complained of hunger and exhaustion, and often asked me how far it was to the timber. I admit I prevaricated some, telling them the distance was much less than I really thought it was. I had learned that a person could imagine seeing almost anything at night on the prairie that he wished. I looked to the southeast and asked them if they could not see the timber; they looked and in a few moments all exclaimed, "Frank, you are right!" But it was merely imagination. We struggled along until about 11 o'clock, when we reached the timber. Then came the question I had so much dreaded: "Frank, where is the house you told us about?" I was somewhat dumbfounded and confused-no house could we see. We ascended a little elevation about eighty rods south of the grove and scraped away the snow and otherwise prepared to stay there during the balance of the night. We had nothing to eat and were nearly naked. Exhausted and discouraged, heart-sick and freezing, the boys lay down upon the snow-clad ground to rest and sleep. I was blamed by all for not leading them to the house. I lay on the ground with my hand supporting my head. I felt that I had assumed too much, but that the reprimand was uncalled for, and I cried like a child. I thought I could never forgive them for saying so many unkind things which pierced my heart like a dagger. But, thank God! I did
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forgive them, and that too before another day. Yes, comrades, all of you, I do not in my bosom entertain anything toward you except brotherly love.
We were there probably an hour when I heard a woman's voice. I feared my senses were leaving me and that it was only a delusion. She spoke again, asking me who we were. I told her who we were and of our condition and asked her where she lived and what her name was. She said her name was Mrs. Collins, and she lived only a little way north of us. She and her husband had been to a neighbor's and in returning home had accidently found us. I asked if she would give us something to eat and a place in her house for Hathway and Emery Gates, who had given out about two hours before. She answered me in these words : "We will do all we can for thee." God bless these Quaker wives ! I have one myself.
A fire was soon started after we arrived at their house, and as the room began to warm, Hathway and Gates fainted. Mr. Collins put them on the bed and administered to their wants. Mrs. Collins' larder seemed to be well supplied with flour, meat and molasses, and she immediately commenced to bake biscuits and fry meat ; that, with molasses, was the grandest meal I ever ate. After we had satisfied our hunger, Mrs. Collins turned her attention to our sick comrades, nursing them until morning. We slept in the loft of the cabin that night and rested well. The next morning we were out carly, but Mrs. Collins had already prepared our breakfast. We ate heartily and were then in joyous spirits, as our hunger was appeased and we were only forty miles from home. We made arrangements with Mr. and Mrs. Collins to take care of Gates and Hathway until they were able to be moved; but these good people were unwilling to accept any compensation for their services. In behalf of my com- rades-some living and some dead-1 thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Collins, and may God bless you always !
We spoke a few cheering words to Hathway and Gates and then started on our homeward journey. We pushed rapidly forward until we came to the east fork of the Des Moines river. The ice had broken up and some had gone; where it had not been carried away by the current the water was so deep along the edges that we were unable to reach the ice. We went south (were now between Lot's Creek and Bloody Run) and waded Bloody Run, but found no place to cross the river. We retraced our steps and went north to Lot's creek, which we waded, and found a place in the river where the ice had come down and formed what is commonly called a jam; we, quickly crossed and I cannot describe our joy after getting safely over. We were now getting hungry. In the haste of our departure from the Collins house we had forgotten to get a lunch, which I know Mr. and Mrs. Collins would have gladly given us. We again resumed our march and about 4 o'clock came in sight of Boone river timber. It had never looked so good before and we felt that we were at home. We were about two miles from the Cosort farm and our progress was very slow. We ascended a knoll and made a halt for rest. Darkness came on. Candles were lighted in the house and we were mustering our courage to make another effort to reach this refuge. I tokl the men one of my best stories, of which, in those days, I had a goodly supply. It seemed to stimulate us and we pushed on with all our energy. We walked and crawled on our hands and knees, and in this manner succeeded in reaching Cosort's house about 10 o'clock.
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The family were all in bed. We routed them and the first person coming to the door was Mr. Wesley Camp, of this town, who was spending the night there on his return trip to the north. He seemed to be much surprised and did not recognize any of us though in a lighted room. He at once went to the stable and mounting a horse rode to Webster City, aroused the people and told them he had seen the survivors of the Spirit Lake expedition; that all but nine were dead, and who they were he could not tell. Of course, all who had friends in the expedition feared they were lost.
Mrs. Cosort prepared supper for us and after eating we went to bed but not to sleep, as our frozen limbs pained us so we could not lie still. We arose early next morning, and as Mr. Cosort was coming to town with his team and wagon, we paid our bill and started, feeling as well as circumstances would permit, and arrived at the Willson House (now the Hamilton House), about 11 o'clock a. m. Mr. Cosort demanded from us and we paid him $14.50 for the twelve- mile ride. Most, if not all of the men borrowed the money to pay him. This climate soon became distasteful to him and he left the country. Our friends met us and with a hearty good will welcomed us home again.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN JOHNSON
All who went out with the expedition finally returned safely to their homes except the gallant Captain Johnson of Hamilton county, and Burkholder of Webster county. These two became separated from the rest and becoming lost, perished on the bleak prairie. Eleven years passed before their bones were found and the place where they gave up their lives was at last made known.
Of all the heroes of ancient or modern times, none endured greater hardships or died in a nobler or more unselfish death. Their fame is safe in the grateful memory of the people of Iowa.
TIIE GREAT INDIAN SCARE
After the return to Webster and Hamilton counties of the volunteers and fugitives, the stories told by them of the murders and cruelties committed by the Indians, filled the hearts of all with affright, ready to turn upon the slightest pretext into terror and a stampede.
These stories were told on the streets, in the places of business, and around the firesides. Vague rumors filled the air to the effect that the relentless Sioux, having had a taste of blood, and having escaped without a scratch, were prepar- ing to make a descent upon the settlements along the Boone and Des Moines rivers. And these rumors held such credence in the minds of the people that scouts were detailed to make excursions to the frontier settlements and beyond, to note if savage Indians were to be seen and inform the settlers in time for them to escape or prepare for defense.
These precautions were entirely unnecessary, as what we have already written as well as the sequel will show. But the settler did not know then, what we do now, and the desire for the safety of their families justified the vigilance which they adopted and which led to scenes which we are about to describe.
On the 27th day of April, as two of the scouts (we believe they were John
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Maxwell and W. L. Church) were returning from an expedition far up the Boone river, and when they were about fifteen miles north of Webster City, another scout, going out, saw them in the distance and mistook them for Indians. They wore shawls, as the weather was chilly, and no doubt looked like Indians. But the scout not only saw them, and mistook them for the enemy, but his imagination pictured farther to the north the tepees of a numerous encampment of redmen. He immediately turned and began to make for home. The two scouts saw him, too, and from his actions, guessed that he had mistaken them for the enemy, and, supposing they could overtake him before he reached the city, drew their shawls over their heads and started after him, single file, on the gallop. Their actions were seen by the lone scout. Now thoroughly convinced that the Indians were coming, he threw down his whiskey bottle and powder horn in the road, in the hope that they would find them and be delayed, for a time at least, and rode with might and main for town, avoiding the road and high grounds, however, and keeping down the ravines and out of sight. He gave the alarm at every cabin on the way, and aroused the town as soon as he could possibly ride in. From his statements it was supposed that a large force of mounted Indians were hurrying down upon the settlements and that Webster City would be attacked that night. The news spread through the settlements up the Boone like wild fire and almost on the heels of the scout came rolling into town the terror stricken settlers. Three or four farmers from south of town who had not yet gone home, heard the news and hurried home. arousing the neighbors on the way, so that in a comparatively short time the whole neigh- borhood was in a panic.
The people north of town came in and the work of organizing and preparing for defense was commenced. South of town, the settlers fled down the river to look's Point and Boonsboro and by the time the runaways reached Homer and Hook's Point, the story had grown until reports had it that all the settlers north of Fort Dodge had been killed and that town was then besieged and the people were liable to be all murdered during the night ; that a large force was rapidly approaching Webster City, killing the settlers and destroying their prop- erty as they came. So perfectly panic stricken and wild had the people become, that they paid no heed to anything that did not lend additional fuel to the flame of fright. For instance, Judge Doane had been at Fort Dodge that day and when he left in the afternoon, all was quiet and serene. When he reached Homer, the people were gathered in groups on the streets, telling how Fort Dodge was under siege, and when he told them he had just come from there and there was nothing in the story so far as that town was concerned, they paid no heed to him. but ran away all the same. It is said that Judge Pierce and Judge Doane and their families alone stayed at home, but inquiry shows that even these stayed because Doane didn't have a team to run away with, and Pierce had loaned his wagon to Mr. Royster further down the river, who, when he heard the news, hitched onto the borrowed wagon and made tracks for the south. and left Judge Pierce with no wagon or other vehicle to run away with. As the women folks were unable to walk with any hope of outrunning their pursuers if they were really coming, they concluded to stay and take chances.
The two scouts, having lost sight of the fleeing one, thought no more of the matter and rode leisurely along until they found the whiskey bottle and powder
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horn, and again the idea that they were mistaken for Indians came into their heads, and it was exceedingly funny, too, to them. They drank the whiskey and laughed at the fellow's folly, but when they got to town and found the uproar the people were in, they did not dare to make the true statement of the case, but averred that they had been far up the country, and that they had seen no Indians nor any signs of them, and that it was all folly to be scared at all about it. While their story had a quieting effect, the work of guarding the town was not abandoned and not a few of the settlers declared that both the scouts were so drunk that they wouldn't know an Indian if they saw one.
All night long, and until the next afternoon, the settlers from the north kept coming into town, and it seemed that when one started to run, his imagination turned many objects in the rear into the likeness of Indian pursuers, and so not a few that came to town asserted that they had seen the foe with their own eyes. Thus again was the reassuring report of the two scouts discredited, and the theory of their being drunk strengthened. Josiah Downing's people, six miles north of town were engaged in making maple sugar and had a quantity of sap just ready to "sugar off," but everything was quickly abandoned. Mr. Downing used to declare afterwards that his one regret at leaving was that he had no poison to put into the sap, that the Indians when they came might eat it and be poisoned, and he always declared that if he had had any he certainly would have put it in. It is well, however, that he had none, for several of the younger men scouting up in that direction before the return of the family, finding there were no Indians, went to the camp and ate their fill of the sugar, and among those was Angus McLaughlin, whose earthly career would undoubtedly have closed then and there for he filled himself full of that deserted sweetness.
South of town the panic was even wilder than north of it. Many settlers left their tables setting on the floor with meals prepared, and ran away, in some cases neglecting even to shut the door. One settler whose name we refrain from mentioning, had put what corn he had left under the bed to save it better, left his house and everything in it with the door open. When he returned, the hogs and cattle had taken possession and his corn was all gone, while the room was in a state of destruction that even the Indians, had they come, could scarcely have made worse. Almost everybody ran away and some never stopped running, we fear, for they never returned.
J. T. McConnell, who then resided on the Robison farm north of Hook's Point, relates that about 10 o'clock that night, Press Bell came to his cabin and told the news and went on over the river to tell the other settlers. After lie had gone, McConnell went out, and could hear the rumble of wagon wheels and see numerous lantern lights all moving south. His wife insisted on going too. He hitched up his team, brought it up to the door and proceeded to load on such things as they could easily carry along, but while loading, the team took fright and ran away. They ran into a field, however, and after a time ran against a fence and stopped. He brought them back and loading in his wife and child, went to Hook's Point. Here he found a number of settlers, with others con- stantly coming, while some had already passed on, going to Boonsboro. A parley was held and it was decided to remain there together 'till morning, when. if no authentic news came, scouts were to be sent north to find out something reliable in relation to the danger. Morning came, and still no one had seen an
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Indian or seen anybody who had. Mr. Mckinney furnished two horses and Mr. Hook one, and McConnell, Smith ( who afterwards killed Gatchell), and Jones, were sent out to reconnoiter while the others were to remain until they were heard from. The scouts were charged if they found danger, not to spare the horses but to bring in the news quickly at all hazards. When these men got to Homer, they found that a courier had been over from Webster City the night before and purchased all the powder and lead there was in town. They there- fore hurried on to Webster City, but when they got there they found the excite- ment dying down and the settlers starting out north to their homes again. They concluded that no danger was to be apprehended and Jones went back by way of Homer to tell the news, and the other two went down the river. About half way down, they saw a couple of ox teams and a horse team coming up. These settlers were returning home. Anxious to let them know, they started towards them on a gallop, but the returning settlers, seeing them coming on a gallop. jumped at the conclusion that the Indians were after them and without waiting for them to come up, turned their teams, laid on the "gad." and were running away again for dear life. They made such good time that it was quite a while before the horsemen could get near enough to tell them there was no danger.
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