USA > Iowa > Fayette County > The history of Fayette County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 49
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417
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Immediately upon the surrender of Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln- America's martyr President-who, but a few short weeks before, had taken the oath of office as the nation's Chief Executive, issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers for three months. The last word had scarcely been taken from the electric wires before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hundreds and thousands. The people who loved their whole government could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school house, every calling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes, in defense of the government's honor and unity. Party lines were for the time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were . forgotten and forgiven; and, joining hands in a common cause, they repeated the oath of America's soldier-statesman: "By the Great Eternal, the Union must and shall be preserved !"
Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it began to look as if there would not be men enough in all the Free States to crush out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call, either for men or money, there was a willing and ready response. And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there were women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to have offered themselves as sacrifices on their country's altar. Such were the impulses, motives and actions of the patriotic men of the North, among whom the sons of Fayette County made a conspicuous and praiseworthy record. Of the offerings made by these people during the great and final struggle between free- dom and slavery, it is the purpose now to write.
April 14, A. D. 1861, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, issued the following :
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, The laws of the United States have been, and now are, violently opposed in sev- eral States by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way, I, therefore, call for the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, to suppress said combination and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens to facilitate and aid in this effort to maintain the laws, the integrity and the perpetuity of the popular government, and redress the wrongs long enough endured. The first service assigned to the forces, probably, will be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union. Let the utmost care be taken, consistent with the object, to avoid devastation, destruction, or interfer- ence with the property of peaceful citizens in any part of the country ; and I hereby command persons composing the aforesaid combination to disperse within twenty days from date.
I hereby convene both Houses of Congress for the 4th day of July next, to determine upon measures for the public safety which the interest of the subject demands.
WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States.
The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors of the South was accepted-not, however, in the spirit with which insolence meets insolence-but with a firm, determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the President was plain, under the Constitution and the laws, and above and beyond all, the people, from whom political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the rebellion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representatives and executive officers.
It is impossible to render full justice to the patriotism and spirit of the peo- ple of Fayette County in the early days of America's gigantic and bloody struggle against rebellion, and the liberal contributions to maintain the integrity
418
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
of this glorious Union. It is a proud record. for from their midst went out gallant officers and brave soldiers to aid in the grand struggle for the mainten- ance and perpetuity of a Republican form of Government.
A union of lakes, a union of lands, A union that none can sever ; A union of hearts, a union of hands- The American Union forever.
Never before in the world's history was witnessed such an uprising of the masses, such unanimity of sentiment, such willingness to sacrifice life and money on the altar of patriotism.
When the first companies were being raised, measures were inaugurated and carried out to raise money by subscription for the support of the families of the volunteers. But there were so many calls for men, and the number and needs of these families whose providers had gone to defend the life of the nation, that it became an impossibility for private purses, however willing their holders, to supply all the demand, and the county authorities made frequent and liberal appropriations from the public treasury for that purpose. Private liberality still continued. This money was raised in the midst of the excitement of war, when the exigencies of the times demanded it, and the generous people never thought to inquire how much was given. Aside from the sums appropriated by county authority, no account was ever kept. Had there been, the sum would now seem almost fabulous.
PATRIOTIC MEETING.
At a meeting of the citizens of Eldorado, convened April 23, 1861, for the purpose of hoisting the flag of our nation, Mr. L. Iliff was called to the chair and Wm. C. Marr chosen Secretary.
The object of the meeting having been stated, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, The Constitution and laws of the United States, and the authority of the General Government have been set at defiance, the property of the United States seized with a high hand, private citizens subjected to mob violence, in certain States, without redress, and,
WHEREAS, Certain of the States of this Union have formed a treasonable combination, and levied war against this Government, therefore,
Resolved, That it is the duty of every good citizen to stand by the Government in its efforts to put down treason and rebellion, and defend the American flag, wherever it may wave, and more especially upon its own soil.
Resolved, That he who deserts his country in this hour of peril, deserves the obloquy and contempt of all good men, and the execration of posterity.
Resolved, That we fully indorse the course of the present administration, it being the most mild and lenient that could have been pursued, short of yielding to the unreasonable demands of a combination of traitors.
Resolred, That a Government that has stood the test of three-quarters of a century, that has been a source of innumerable blessings, and of unparalleled prosperity at home, and of respect and dignity abroad. and that has commanded the admiration of the world, is not to be broken up by a crew of disappointed politicians, goading to madness an unsuspecting people.
Resolved, That we believe that there is yet sufficient patriotism in the American people to preserve this Government and the honor of its flag, and however politicians may plot, the great masses, without distinction of party or place. will yet rise up in their might, put down all trea- sonable combinations, bury the perpetrators of the present nefarious attempt to destroy the Union in eternal infamy, and show to traitors everywhere, that " the Union must and shall be pre- served.'
Resolved, That we raise this flag as a mark of devotion to our country, and our determina- tion to stand by it through every emergency.
Mr. S. D. Thompson was then called upon and delivered a short but most excellent speech, replete with patriotism and good sense; after which the Rev. Mr. Gould addressed the meeting, and gave some excellent advice, which was well received.
419
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Three cheers were then given for our flag, three for Major Anderson, three for the present administration and three for the Union.
FAYETTE FIRST TO MOVE.
The first meeting in the county for enlisting volunteers, was held in the University Chapel, Fayette, on Wednesday evening, April 24th. Leroy Tem- pleton was Chairman. Mr. W. B. Lakin made the first speech, followed by Prof. Brush, Rev. J. Webb, L. Templeton, J. Mckenzie, D. B. Henderson, G. E. Dibble, J. L. Paine and M. P. Mills. The Chairman then presented a paper, asking all who were ready to defend the laws of their country to enlist.
The first to enroll his name, at the meeting and in the county, was Jacob Abernethy, followed by James H. Lakin, Aaron Brown, Jacob Swank, J. J. Earle, D. D. Finch, Leroy Templeton, J. P. Patrick. H. D. Norton, P. S. Hulburt, S. T. Betts, Frederick Whitney, Charles L. Clark, J. W. Hawn, J. A. Downing, M. W. Chapman, E. H. Kenyen and one other, making eighteen.
WEST UNION.
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held at the Court House April 26th. The meeting was called to order by L. C. Noble, on whose motion William McClintock was called to the Chair. Jacob W. Rogers was elected Secretary. L. L. Ainsworth presented a letter from the Adjutant General, authorizing and requesting him to raise a company of seventy-eight volunteers, which letter was read. Stirring speeches were made by L. L. Ainsworth, Milo McGlathery and J. W. Rogers. John Gharky spoke in favor of supporting the Government right or wrong, and the Administration when right.
The Clermont Band played the " The Star Spangled Banner," which was followed by three hearty cheers.
L. L. Ainsworth, L. C. Noble, William Larrabee, Leroy Templeton and James McMasters were appointed a Committee on Resolutions.
Joseph Hobson, L. L. Ainsworth, William Larrabee, Aaron Brown and J. P. Webster were appointed a Central Committee, to superintend the organiza- tion of a millitary company. Here Aaron Brown passed up a roll of eighteen persons who had volunteered at Fayette. S. S. Ainsworth, J. W. Towner, Rev. Mr. Williams, Lee Templeton, Charles Chadwick and others, made ringing speeches.
The Committee on Resolutions reported, but their report is lost.
A committee of one from each township in the county was appointed to co-operate with the Central Committee, as follows : E. E. Edwards, Auburn ; O. T. Fox, Banks; L. Templeton, Center; E. Button, Clermont ; Thomas Kincaid, Dover ; J. N. House, Eden; M. C. Sperry, Fairfield ; H. W. Zim- merman, Fremont; Harvey Sessons, Harlan; R. A. Richardson, Illyria ; Thos. Berkley, Jefferson ; J. T. Babcock, Oran; Benjamin Diamond, Pleasant Valley ; William J. Rowland, Putnam ; E. Ober, Richland; J. C. Crosby, Scott ; Lyman Mitchell, Smithfield ; William Holliday, Windsor ; Charles Chadwick, West Union ; S. D. Gray, Westfield.
L. C. Noble, Mrs. Hinkley, H. B. Budlong, Mrs. H. D. Gray, William Larrabee and Mrs. Edwin Stedman, were appointed a committee to raise money by subscription, for the support of the families of those who volunteer.
An enlistment roll was announced as being ready, and by Saturday night, April 27, nineteen names were enrolled.
420
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
AT ELGIN.
In pursuance of a call made by the recruiting officer in Elgin, Mr. B. Dia- mond, a large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of the village and surrounding country, was held at the school house in the village, on the 4th day of May, for the purpose of forming an independent volunteer company for home protection, and also to enroll the names of any who might desire to volunteer to hold themselves in readiness as minute men, to march to the seat of war.
The meeting organized by appointing I. A. Taylor, Chairman, and J. J. Arbuckle, Secretary.
A committee of three, consisting of E. Follett, J. Conner and J. B. Steph- enson, was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the meeting.
The resolutions reported by the committee embodied the sentiments of warm sympathy for, and unwavering attachment to the Government of the United States, as our fathers made it and handed it down to us in its purity.
High commendation of the policy pursued by President Lincoln and his Cabinet in the present crisis, utter denial of the constitutional right of any State to secede, the denunciation of the rebellious and treasonable acts of the South, the deprecation of the policy of neutrality contemplated by Kentucky and other border States, in this unparalleled crisis forced upon our nation by the high-handed rebellion and treason committed by the secessionists, and a willing- ness on the part of our citizens to sacrifice their property, their lives, and all that is dear, if necessary, in executing law and inflicting summary punishment for those high and daring mis- demeanors.
The report was unanimously adopted by the mixed multitude of Republicans and Democrats, grey headed and youth, with great enthusiasm, and a fixed determination to assist in wiping from our country's flag the stain which has defaced it, and the disgrace which has befallen it.
Speeches were made by Rev. Wm. Allbright, Rev. S. Hutchinson, Rev. Jos. Forbes, P. R. Moore, S. J. Butcher, S. Conner and others, setting forth the multiplied encroachments of the South ; the long forbearance of the North, and their solemn resolve to assist with their means, and their lives if needs be, in prosecuting a war so perfectly justifiable on the part of the North, to the direst extremity.
After the addresses were concluded, three cheers were proposed for the Stars and Stripes, and the voice of the multitude arose as the voice of one man with long and loud huzzas for the glorious old banner which our sires of the Rev- olution fought, bled and died to defend, as the ensign of liberty to a free and independent people.
There was a sufficient number enrolled their names to form a very respect- able company. They called themselves the Elgin Home Guards.
They elected J. B. Stephenson their Captain ; T. J. Butcher, First Lieuten- ant ; J. Reed, Second Lieutenant ; Jos. Lyon, Corporal, and E. Follett, ensign bearer.
Capt. Stephenson took them out on the public square, drilled them a short time, marched through the village to martial music furnished by Messrs. Wood and Jackman, halted near the liberty pole, and with the Stars and Stripes float- ing in the breeze over their heads, gave three enthusiastic cheers for the flag of our country, three for Abraham Lincoln, and three for the old hero of Lundy's Lane.
The company then marched to the school house, where they listened to a patriotic speech from their leader, and some remarks from A. F. Owen and S. Hutchinson.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
After this they attended to some business pertaining to their permanent organization, raised funds sufficient by subscription and otherwise to purchase two additional snare drums and two fifes for the use of their martial band, and then adjourned to meet on Saturday of each week, at 1 o'clock, to drill.
The day passed off very pleasantly and with a demonstration of devotion to our common country and an enthusiasm never before witnessed in our midst.
GRAND DEMONSTRATION AT WEST UNION.
On Friday, April 26, Hon. L. L. Ainsworth commenced raising a company of seventy-eight volunteers, and on Wednesday afternoon, May 1st, the company was full, and a patriotic and enthusiastic meeting was held at the Court House. From every direction people poured into town with drums beating and banners flying. Fayette and the southern part of the county turned out largely. Auburn, Eldorado, Clermont and Elgin were well represented ; and as squad after squad arrived at the public square, hearty cheers rent the air.
At the meeting in the Court House, Leroy Templeton was Chairman and J. J. Berkey Secretary. Mr. Templeton announced the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of enlisting volunteers and taking final action in organiz- ing a military company in the county.
Earnest and spirited speeches were made by L. L. Ainsworth, Aaron Brown, Clark Newcomb, Carmen A. Newcomb, Henry Jones, Joseph Hobsen and John Webb. Eighteen dollars was raised by contribution to pay hotel bills and purchase clothing for volunteers destitute of money and poorly clad.
Mr. Ainsworth stated that an extra session of the Legislature, of which he was a member, had been called ; he felt it his duty to attend, and was obliged to hand his appointment as captain to some other person. He thought C. A. Newcomb would be patriotic enough to accept it, and transferred it to him. Mr. Newcomb signed the enlistment roll amid the cheers of the entire audience.
A committee, consisting of Dr. Hart, Clark Newcomb, P. L. Hinkley, Mrs. James Bell, Mrs. W. W. Barnard and Mrs. Morley, of Taylorsville, was appointed to raise a fund by voluntary subscription, to assist in purchasing out- fits for the volunteers. C. A. Newcomb was elected Treasurer of this com- mittee.
After the meeting adjourned, the company elected officers as follows : Cap- tain, C. A. Newcomb ; First Lieutenant, Lee Templeton ; Second Lieutenant, Aaron Brown ; Ensign, Jacob Swank.
This was the first company of volunteers organized in Fayette County.
A Cavalry company was being recruited at the same time, and on the 18th of May, 1861, the members met at the Court House for the purpose of perfecting their organization. A. H. Fox was Chairman, and A. S. Barnes, Secretary of the meeting, but, owing to the stormy weather, the meeting adjourned until Satur- day, June 1st.
A military company was organized in Auburn in May, 1861. Hiram Hoagland was elected Captain ; J. C. Williams, Lieutenant ; A. G. M. Neff, Ensign or Second Lieutenant.
Clermont and Elgin were also actively engaged in raising companies.
The Cavalry company organized June 1st, by electing Milo McGlathery, Captain ; J. P. Webster, First Lieutenant; L. C. Noble, Second Lieutenant ; Clark Newcomb, Third Lieutenant, and S. B. Zeigler, First Sergeant.
But the first Fayette company had received orders to march. The patriotic ladies made a beautiful flag, which was presented to the company on the Public Square, on Wednesday afternoon, June 28. Thirty-four young ladies, dressed
422
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY,
in white, represented the thirty-four States. On behalf of the ladies of Fayette County, Mr. Mellie Washburn presented the flag in a brief but eloquent speech, as follows :
Officers and members of Capt. Newcomb's company of Fayette County Volunteers :
In behalf of the ladies of this county, I have the pleasure of presenting you with this flag, made by their hands, as a token of their regard and patriotism in their country's cause.
We know that you are brave men and true men, and, therefore, we have no directions to give for its use. If amid the havoc of pestilence and sorrow-when the fever has burned your taper of life down to the socket, or the din and smoke and terror of battle are beginning to bewilder you, it will cheer your noble hearts to know that true women are sending out their hearts after you, with the most earnest prayers to Heaven for your welfare. Then look upon this banner, if happily its folds shall be within range of your vision, and let your hearts be cheered. For know that, for every silken thread wrought into its workmanship, there is a stronger cord of love binding you to the hearts of those whose hands have wrought it, and who now hand it to you, praying that God's blessing may be upon it, and upon you always.
Capt. Newcomb replied, in substance, as follows :
Ladies, for this emblem of our nation's freedom, wrought with your own hands, I return you the heartfelt thanks of this company. It is accepted not so much for its pecuniary worth as for the spirit in which it is given, the by-gone scenes it brings fresh to our memories, and the love, adoration and reverence we have and ever shall have for it. While all the nations of the world have paid their respects to it, on the 13th of April it was torn from its staff, trampled under foot and trailed in the dust by a lawless set of traitors in the Southern States belonging to our confederacy. We shall go forth to battle for the right, and to wipe out the stain that was thus put upon that banner. Around that flag the bravest of men, possessed of the stoutest and most patriotic hearts, have rallied ; beneath its folds the best men of our country have marched ; and every American heart has ever leaped with joy at the proud mention of its name. Long may it wave.
Supposing this is the last lingering look you take at us and we take at you, we go forth to battle for the rights handed down to us, crimsoned with the best blood of the world ; the right to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience, the protection of our educational institutions, the upholding of a popular government and maintaining inviolate our personal and individual liberties. These are our country ; not our broad and fertile prairies. they are our soil ; not the people, they are the population. No cause ever demanded a greater sacrifice than that which at present exists. Suppose that the 500,000 patriotic men who are now enrolled in their country's cause are made to bite the dust, if bite the dust they must, 500,000 more stand ready to fill the places made vacant by their fall ; and suppose that those are cut down iu like manner, a still greater number will fly to the rescue of our sullied flag and the restoration of peace and good order until the last man of the Northern States has been slain, but there will be left 8,000,000 of ladies in the loyal States, who can hold traitors at bay thousands of years.
Captain Newcomb handed the flag over to Ensign Swank, who returned thanks to the ladies, and pledged himself never to dishonor or forsake it, and appealed to his fellow soldiers to know if they would, when a general response of "No! No! Never !" arose from the ranks. He said he should endeavor to imitate Sergeant Jasper, of Revolutionary notoriety.
Miss Abbie White, the adopted daughter, was present and was introduced to those of the volunteers who had recently joined the company.
These exercises were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, the choir sung the "Star Spangled Banner," the "Red, White and Blue" and "The Union Forever ;" and the brass band played " Hail Columbia " and other national airs. The scene was truly affecting, and many a tear trinkled down cheeks that had seldom been bedewed; stout hearts throbbed and emotions arose that it was impossible for the most unfeeling and hardened to put down or conceal. Fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers came in from all parts of the country to bid adieu to friends and relations, among whom were only sons and only brothers.
Early on Thursday morning, June 29, the company paraded on the square to attend religious services, conducted by Revs. Williams and Ricker.
Farmers living in the vicinity flocked in with their wagons, in which the company was soon on its way to McGregor, the brass band and a large number
L. L. Willinger EDEN TOWNSHIP
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
of citizens accompanying the boys in carriages, buggies and other conveyances.
Ninety-one names were on the list when the company left West Union, and it became Company F, Third Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry.
BOUNTY.
In 1862, it became necessary for the county authorities to adopt active measures to fill up the quota of the county. A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors was called, as follows :
FAYETTE COUNTY, IOWA, July 30, 1862.
Sir :- In view of the urgent necessity of enrolling men to fill up the quota of men called for by the President of the United States, under the recent demand made upon the Executive of this State, and to prevent its citizens from entering the regiments of the adjoining States, the under- signed would respectfully ask that in conformity to the requirements of law, you will issue a call for a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Fayette County, at an early day, to adopt such measures as will best promote the speedy enrollment of the quota required from this county.
To Joseph Hobson, Esq., Clerk of the Board of Supervisors :
[Signed, ] WILLIAM MORRAS, J. B. STEPHENSON, C. D. SHAMBUGH, WILLIAM F. LACKEY, S. C. CROSBY,
J. B. KINGSBURY, SAMUEL CRAWFORD,
E. DEMOTT,
THOMAS DOUGLAS. E. J. STOWE.
Accordingly, the notice was served on the same day of its receipt, and a meeting of the Board was held on the 18th day of August, 1862, when the fol- lowing preamble and resolutions were adopted :
WHEREAS, President Lincoln has issued two calls, each for 300,000 men, to enlist in our armies and put down the rebellion now existing in the Southern States ; and
WHEREAS, The patriots of this county have responded nobly to said call and filled up the quota of this county, without drafting being resorted to, and
WHEREAS, It is the wish of the people of Fayette County that this Board shall give a bounty to each volunteer, and likewise that the volunteers enlisting have been assured that a bounty would be given. Therefore, be it
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