USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > History of Winneshiek and Allamakee counties, Iowa > Part 13
USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > History of Winneshiek and Allamakee counties, Iowa > Part 13
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Other States also clothed their troops, sent forward under the first call of President Lincoln, with gray uniforms, but it was soon found that the Confederate forces were also clothed in gray, and that color was once abandoned by the Union troops. If both armies were clothed alike, annoying if not fatal mistakes were liable to be made.
But while engaged in these efforts to discharge her whole duty, in common with all the other Union-loving States in the great
112
HISTORY OF IOWA.
emergency, Iowa was compelled to make immediate and ample pro- vision for the protection of her own borders, from threatened in- vasion on the south by the Secessionists of Missouri, and from incursions from the west and northwest by bands of hostile Indians, who were freed from the usual restraint imposed upon them by the presence of regular troops stationed at the frontier posts. These troops are withdrawn to meet the greater and more pressing danger threatening the life of the nation at its very heart.
To provide for the adequate defense of her borders from the ravages of both rebels in arms against the Government, and of the more irresistible foes from the Western plains, the Governor of the State was authorized to raise and equip two regiments of infantry, a squadron of cavalry (not less than five companies) and a battalion of artillery (not less than three companies). Only cavalry were enlisted for home defense, however, "but," says Col. Wood, "in times of special danger, or when calls were made by the Unionists of Northern Missouri for assistance against their disloyal enemies, large numbers of militia on foot often turned out, and remained in the field until the necessity for their ser- vices had passed.
"The first order for the Iowa volunteers to move to the field was received on the 13th of June. It was issued by Gen. Lyon, then commanding the United States forces in Missouri. The First and Second Infantry immediately embarked in steamboats, and moved to Hannibal. Some two weeks later, the Third In- fantry was ordered to the same point. These three, together with many other of the earlier organized Iowa regiments, rendered their first field service in Missouri. The First Infantry formed a part of the little army with which Gen. Lyon moved on Spring- field, and fought the bloody battle of Wilson's Creek. It received unqualified praise for its gallant bearing on the field. In the fol- lowing month (September), the Third Iowa, with but very slight support, fought with honor the sanguinary engagement of Blue Mills Landing; and in November, the Seventh Iowa, as a part of a force commanded by Gen. Grant, greatly distinguished itself in the battle of Belmont, where it poured out its blood like water- losing more than half the men it took into action.
"The initial operations in which the battles referred to took place, were followed by the more important movements led by Gen. Grant, Gen. Curtis, of this state, and other commanders, which resulted in defeating the armies defending the chief strategic lines held by the Confederates in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas, and compelling their withdrawal from much of the territory previously controlled by them in those States. In these and other movements, down to the grand cul- minating campaign by which Vicksburg was captured and the Confederacy permanently severed on the line of the Mississippi
›
113
HISTORY OF IOWA.
River, Iowa troops took part in steadily increasing numbers. In the investment and siege of Vicksburg, the State was represented by thirty regiments and two batteries, in addition to which, eight regiments and one battery were employed on the outposts of the besieging army. The brilliancy of their exploits on the many fields where they served, won for them the highest meed of praise, both in military and civil circles. Multiplied were the terms in which expression was given to this sentiment, but these words of one of the journals of a neighboring State, 'The Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes,' embody the spirit of all.
"In the veteran re-enlistments that distinguished the closing months of 1863, above all other periods in the history of re-enlist- ments for the national armies, the Iowa three years' men (who were relatively more numerous than those of any other State) were prompt to set the example of volunteering for another term of equal length, thereby adding many thousands to the great army of those who gave this renewed and practical assurance that the cause of the Union should not be left without defenders.
"In all the important movements of 1864-65, by which the Confederacy was penetrated in every quarter, and its military power finally overthrown, the Iowa troops took part. Their drum-beat was heard on the banks of every great river of the South, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, and everywhere they rendered the same faithful and devoted service, maintaining on all occasions their wonted reputation for valor in the field and en- durance on the march.
"Two Iowa three-year cavalry regiments were employed during the whole term of service in the operations that were in progress from 1863 to 1866 against the hostile Indians of the western plains. A portion of these men were among the last of the vol- unteer troops to be mustered out of service. The State also sup- plied a considerable number of men to the navy, who took part in most of the naval operations prosecuted against the Confederate power on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and the rivers of the \Vest.
"The people of Iowa were early and constant workers in the sanitary field, and by their liberal gifts and personal efforts for the benefit of the soldiery, placed their State in front rank of those who became distinguished for their exhibition of patriotic benevo- lence during the period covered by the war. Agents appointed by the Governor were stationed at points convenient for rendering assistance to the sick and needy soldiers of the State, while others were employed in visiting from time to time, hospitals, camps and armies in the field, and doing whatever the circumstances rendered possible for the health and comfort of such of the Iowa soldiers as might be found there.
"Some of the benevolent people of the State early conceived the idea of establishing a Home for such of the children of' de-
114
HISTORY OF IOWA.
ceased soldiers as might be left in destitute circumstances. This idea first took form in in 1863, and in the following year a Home was opened at Farmington, Van Buren County, in a building leased for that purpose, and which soon became filled to its utmost capacity. The institution received liberal donations from the gen- eral public, and also from the soldiers in the field. In 1865 it be- came necessary to provide increased accommodations for the large . number of children who were seeking the benefits of its care. This was done by establishing a branch at Cedar Falls, in Black Hawk County, and by securing, during the same year, for the use of the parent Home, Camp Kinsman, near the city of Davenport. This property was soon afterward donated to the institution by act of Congress.
"In 1866, in pursuance of a law enacted for that purpose, the Soldiers' Orphans' Home (which then contained about four hun- dred and fifty inmates) became a State institution, and thereafter the sums necessary for its support were appropriated from the State Treasury. A second branch was established at Glenwood, Mills county. Convenient tracts were secured and valuable im- provements made at the different points. Schools were also estab- lished and employments provided for such of the children as were of suitable age. In all ways the provision made for these wards of the State has been such as to challenge the approval of every benevolent mind. The number of children who have been in- mates of the Home from its foundation to the present time is con- siderably more than two thousand.
"At the beginning of the war, the population of Iowa included about one hundred and fifty thousand men, presumably liable to render military service. The State raised, for general service, thirty-nine regiments of infantry, nine regiments of cavalry, and four companies of artillery, composed of three years ' men; one regiment of infantry, composed of three months' men; and four regiments and one battallion of infantry composed of one hundred days' men. The original enlistments in these various organiza- tions, including seventeen hundred and twenty-seven men raised by draft, numbered a little more than sixty-nine thousand. The re-enlistments, including upward of seven thousand veterans, numbered very nearly eight thousand. The enlistments in the regular army and navy, and organizations of other States, will, if added, raise the total to upward of eighty thousand. The number of men who, under special enlistments, and as militia, took part at different times in the operations on the exposed borders of the State, was probably as many as five thousand.
"Iowa paid no bounty on account of the men she placed in the field. In some instances, toward the close of the war, bounty to. a comparatively small amount was paid by cities and towns. On only one occasion-that of the call of July 18, 1864-was a draft made in Iowa. This did not occur on account of her proper liabil-
115
HISTORY OF IOWAA.
ty, as established by previous rulings of the War Department, to supply men under that call, but grew out of the great necessity that there existed for raising men. The Government insisted on temporarily setting aside, in part, the former rule of settlements, and enforcing a draft in all cases where sub-districts in any of the States should be found deficient in their supply of men. In no instance was Iowa, as a whole, found to be indebted to the General Government for men, on a settlement of her quota accounts."
It is to be said to the honor and credit of Iowa, that while many of the loyal States, older and larger in population and wealth, in- curred heavy State debts for the purpose of fulfilling their obli- tions to the General Government, Iowa, while she was foremost in duty, while she promptly discharged all her obligations to her sister States and the Union, found herself at the close of the war without any material addition to her pecuniary liabilities incurred before the war commenced. Upon final settlement after the res- toration of peace, her claims upon the Federal Government were found to be fully equal to the amount of her bonds issued and sold during the war to provide the means for raising and equipping troops sent into the field, and to meet the inevitable demands upon her treasury in consequence of the war.
STATEMENT showing the number of men furnished and casualities in Iowa regiments during the War of the Rebellion.
REGIMENTS.
Men
Total Cas-
ualities.
Killed or
died of
Wounds.
Died of
Ist Battery
149
124
10
51
2d Battery .
123
62
2
29
3d Battery.
142
79
4
33
4th Battery
152
17
5
1st Cavalry
1478
543
54
187
2d Cavalry
1391
602
65
191
3d Cavalry
1360
770
77
224
4th Cavalry
1227
590
48
186
5th Cavalry.
1245
452
43
127
6th Cavalry
1125
193
21
59
7th Cavalry
562
402
40
92
8th Cavalry
1234
274
93
91
9th Cavalry.
1178
258
15
162
Sioux City Cavalry
93
7
Ist Infantry.
959
165
17
7
2d Infantry.
1247
758
72
107
3d Infantry.
1074
749
80
99
2d and 3d Inf. Consolidated.
.
28
18
9
4th Infantry
1184
973
108
237
5th Infantry
1037
699
88
90
6th Infantry .
1013
855
132
124
7th Infantry
..
1138
885
129
135
. . .
87
5
1
4
Co. A, 11th Penn. Cavalry
Number of
Disease.
.
116
HISTORY OF IOWA.
REGIMENTS.
Number of
Men
Total Cas-
ualties
Killed or died of
Wounds.
Died of
8th Infantry
1027
761
93
137
9th Infantry.
1090
973
133
208
10th Infantry
1027
739
91
134
11th Infantry
1022
610
79
148
12th Infantry
981
768
62
243
13th Infantry
989
852
99
182
14th Infantry
840
526
50
122
15th Infantry
1196
1029
130
194
16th Infantry
918
819
89
217
17th Infantry
950
614
61
97
18th Infantry
875
449
33
109
19th Infantry
985
562
86
91
20th Infantry
925
359
13
130
21st Infantry
980
531
66
157
22d Infantry
1108
634
105
126
23d Infantry
961
570
69
196
24th Infantry
959
761
111
197
25th Infantry
995
564
61
199
26th Infantry
919
562
69
204
27th Infantry
940
530
21
162
28th Infantry
956
696
76
180
29th Infantry
I005
511
36
248
30th Infantry
978
646
63
233
31st Infantry.
977
540
27
261
32d Infantry.
925
589
89
203
33d Infantry
985
580
62
196
34th Infantry
953
561
6
228
34th Consolidated.
72
5
13
35th Infantry
984
510
42
182
36th Infantry
9-6
619
59
226
37th Infantry
914
503
3
141
38th Infantry
910
431
1
310
39th Infantry
933
406
54
119
40th Infantry
900
361
15
179
41st Infantry
294
17
2
44th Infantry
867
15
.
I4
45th Infantry
912
22
1
17
46th Infantry
892
28
1
23
47th Infantry
884
47
. .
45
48th Infantry
346
4
4
1st African Infantry
903
383
5
331
Totals
56,364
30,394
3,139| 8,695
Disease.
14th Inf. Res. Batt
11
HISTORY OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
History: Its Basis of Fact, Tradition and Legend; First Settle- ment; First Birth; First Marriage; First Death; First Settle- ments, no Longer Existing; First Public School and School Teacher; County Organization; First Assessment and Tax List ; First Tax-Payers and Settlers by Townships.
When some of the old historians wrote their histories they were forced to admit that fact and legend had become so inter- mingled that it was impossible to clearly separate truth from fic- tion. The legends of the past were such a mixture of facts, tra- ditions and tales of ancestors, varied in many details, as brought down from father to son, that it was a relief to come to common ground on which all were agreed, and where was found a firm basis for the historian.
And though the settlement of Winneshiek County by the whites has little of fable, and is not invested with mythological tales of gods and demi-gods, yet there are always, in recalling the history of early and pioneer life in new countries, fancies and tradi- tions, generally with some kind of basis of truth, that become so in- terwoven with facts, that it is difficult to distinguish the one from the other, and the shrewdest head may become bewildered in the at- tempt. The sooner the separating process is commenced the bet- ter, and it is fortunate that even before the present day important facts have been collected, and in many cases placed on record- facts gathered from the lips of those who were witnesses of the early scenes of pioneer life in this county,-while there are still dwelling among us those who can verify many of the incidents and details of early history.
Our indebtedness to books and papers published in years past is freely and gratefully acknowledged; and it is our purpose to attempt to collate from them, as well as to collect from other sources, and from personal interview and observation, such additional facts and incidents as may help to preserve and continue down to the present time, such history, records and pictures of early life in our county, as we are able to do with the time and resources at our command. Permit us to say at the outset, that we shall draw freely from Mr. C. H. Sparks' history of Winneshiek County, written in 1876, and published early in the year 1878, and from papers from the pen of Mr. A. K. Bailey, quoted in the above volume.
118
HISTORY OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
It was forty years ago that the first steps toward the coming of white settlers into this county were taken, by establishing the Indian Agency at Old Mission, although it was nearly ten years later before actual settlement commenced. We quote as follows from Sparks' History :
"As early as 1835, Rev. D. Lowery, the man who afterwards established the Old Mission, conducted a school of like nature near the mouth of Yellow River. Mr. Lowery emigrated from Tennessee, and was a strict adherent to the sect known as the Cumberland Presbyterians. In his youth he had received the benefits of a thorough education, and was peculiarly qualified for the arduous duties of ameliorating the condition of the Indians. In 1874 he took up his residence in Pierce City, Missouri, where he died on the 19th of January, 1876, at the advanced age of 82 years. Mr. Lowery was a man of marked ability, and during the more active portion of his life was prominent in all that pertained to the history of the country in which he lived. He was, for per- haps more than fifty years, a minister in the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. A man of unusual physical make-up, and pos- sessed of a large brain, which eminently fitted him for the fron- tier life which he led. He was one of our noble men, and will be long remembered by many of our people, and especially by the early settlers of this portion of the great West.
In 1842 Mr. Lowery was appointed Indian Agent for the reser- vation which included the tract of land now known as Winneshiek County. The same year he received instructions from the Gov- ernment to form a Mission and farm on the reservation, for the education of the Indians in husbandry and the English language, in hopes of civilizing and morally benefitting them. The erection of the Mission was commenced, as near as can be ascertained, in June, 1842, the Rev. D. Lowery superintending the work. The Mission was a large, commodious wooden building, located about five miles southeast of Fort Atkinson. A remnant of one of the buildings still exists.
The Government had authorized Mr. Lowery to open a farm for the instruction of the Indians in agricultural pursuits, the ex- penses incurred thereby to be deducted from their annuity. Mr. · Lowery turned over this part of the work to his assistant, Col. Thomas. The first year, under Col. Thomas' supervision, a farm of three hundred acres was opened, and endeavors were made to instruct the Indians how to till the soil, but they were so careless and indolent that but little work could be got out of them. The crops planted began to show neglect. In fact the farm began to retrograde, when Col. Thomas had a force of garrison men de- tailed to cultivate it-they being paid for their labor out of the . Indian annuity. One year served to demonstrate that the Indian as a husbandman was a failure. In 1843, Col. Thomas, under in-
119
HISTORY OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY.
structions from the Government, built the first gristmill in Win- neshiek county. The Mission and farm was continued under Col. Thomas' supervision, until the Indians sold their reservation to the Government, when they were removed, and there was no fur- ther need of these enterprises.
"Lowery continued in charge of the Indian Mission some time after building it, but finally resigned to take charge of a Mission in Minnesota, whereupon Gen. Fletcher was appointed to serve in his stead.
"It is difficult to discriminate, exactly, as to whom belongs the honor of being the first permanent settler. It lies between Mr. A. R. Young, of Fort Atkinson, and Hamilton Campbell and wife, of Bloomfield township. Mr. A. R. Young, residing on his farm, celebrated as the defunct Lewiston, was a member of the garrison stationed at the fort, and the only soldier who remained and be- came a permanent resident. He married a daughter of one of the first comers. If to him is accorded the right of a settler from the time of his coming to the fort as a soldier, then he is the oldest resident beyond all dispute. But if, on the contrary, the honor of being a settler is not accorded to him until after he was muster- ed out of the service and began to till the soil, then to Hamilton Campbell and wife belongs the credit.
"Hamilton Campbell and wife made a claim June 7, 1848, on sections 23 and 26, in what is now Bloomfield township, and there to-day they are honored residents.
Dr. F. Andros, formerly of Decorah, was surgeon at the fort, but on its abandonment he removed to Clayton county, where for twenty-five years he was a useful and honored citizen. [Dr Andros has since, within a year or two, removed to Dakota, to renew his experience in pioneer life].
"From 1842 to 1848, the only resident families on the Winne- bago reservation, except such as were in Government employ, were those of Joel Post and Mr. Wilcox. The latter resided about forty rods south of the fort, on the road leading to the In- dian Agency, or Mission. Both these men were special favorites of office holders, and were permitted by the Indian Agency to keep houses of entertainment for the accommodations of persons visiting the fort and agency. The information to be obtained in relation to Wilcox is very meagre. Beyond the above fact we have been unable to ascertain anything in relation to his history, and it is not believed that he was long a resident.
"Mr. Joel Post was the first farmer, and first actual settler on the reservation. Soon after the Government had decided to es- tablish Old mission and Fort Atkinson, he conceived the idea that a half-way house for the accommodation of parties engaged in transporting building material and supplies from Fort Crawford to Fort Atkinson would prove profitable. He therefore made ap- plication to the General Government to establish such a house on
120
HISTORY OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY.
the reservation, which he was allowed to do. He erected a log house in 1841, on the site where Postville now stands. The same spring, he broke up some ground and raised crops. This preced- ed the mission farm by a year.
"Harmon Snyder was the first blacksmith who worked at his trade in Winneshiek County. He came from Prairie du Chien with the force detailed to build the fort, and was employed, chiefly, in work for the garrison. At the same time, he did a great deal of work for the Indians. They would stand around and watch him while at his work, with wonder and abmiration. How long he remained and whither he went, must remain an untold story, for lack of information.
"The credit of being the first white child born in the county belongs to Miss Mary Jane Tapper, this being her maiden name. She was born at the fort, on the 16th of January, 1841. She is the daughter of Mr. James and Mrs. Ellen Tapper, who were mar- ried in New York city in 1838, and emigrated from there to St. Louis, arriving at their destination on the 10th of May, 1840, Mr. Tapper met Government officials at this place, and with about fifty other mechanics contracted to come out into the then wild and comparatively unknown region of lowa, and construct a fort, said fort being Fort Atkinson. Mr. Tapper is an Englishman, and came to this county in 1828. He now resides two miles southeast of Monona.
"Mary Jane Tapper, the first white child born in the county, married a Mr. Robert M. Boyce, and resides with her husband two miles north of Monona.
"The honor of being the second white child born in the county, so far as can be ascertained, belongs to Miss E. Thomas of Prairie du Chien, a lady of marked talent and pleasing social attainments. She was born in 1844, at the Old Mission, where her parents re- sided, her father, Col. Thomas, being in charge of the Mission at the time.
"The settlement of the county was so rapid that in 1850 the pioneers felt themselves old enough to organize. Prior to that time the land had been surveyed and brought into market. In 1850, J. L. Carson was appointed organizing officer, and an elec- tion for a temporary organizatton ordered. At that time there were fewer polling places than now, there being only three. Their names serve to show where the settlers were located.
They were Decorah, Moneek and Lewiston. Many have asked without re- ceiving an answer, "Where is Lewiston?" 'My researches enable me to answer this query: In 1850 it promised to be a town of note. It was the speculator's "Napoleon;" but Lewis Harkins, then in charge of the Government property, and Mr. Francis Rogers, joint owners of the land, became involved in a quarrel regarding their individual interests in the town plat, which finally resulted in the wreck of all the bright hopes before entertained as to the future
121
HISTORY OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY,
prosperity of Lewiston. To-day there is not a vestige of its re- mains. Even the records give no account of its whereabouts and this one vote is the only recorded evidence of its existence. In another generation this fact would have been buried from the re- searches of the historian, as only a few of the settlers remain who are able to verify the early existence of such a place. Fran- cis Rogers and Lewis Harkins were the proprietors of the land where Lewiston was laid out, and the place derived its name from Harkins' given name. The old settlers say that Lewiston was a regularly laid out town, situated one mile north of Old Mis- sion, on what is now known as the Rogers farm, owned by Aaron Young, who at that time was Second Sergeant of Company C.
"Among the defunct places of notoriety that existed in the early history of Winneshiek County, was a spot bearing the euphoneous name of Grab-all. The place noted by this title was a high bench of timber land, half way between the Iowa trail and Postville. It was given this name because the Government stationed a sergeant's guard there, to "grab all" the Indians pass- ing that way, for removal.
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