USA > Iowa > Jones County > The history of Jones County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of citizens history of the Northwest, history of Iowa > Part 41
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The Committee of Arrangements had done as well as could be hoped for in the short time allowed them, and better than could have been expected. On the rather steep slope of a spur, north of the road, a staging had been erected facing up the slope, and, in front of this, seats sufficient to accommodate, per- haps, one thousand persons. Back of the stage, and at the bottom of the ravine, a well had been dug some ten or more feet deep, and, at the bottom, a barrel fixed. It was a comical sort of a well, but it served the purpose, in a measure, for some hours.
On another ridge and back of the wall, stood the six-pounder, manned by the Wyoming Artillery Company, in gray shirts, under Capt. Walker. The other military companies were the Canton Company, Capt. Hanna; they wore
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red military coats, were armed with rifles and were fine looking; the Rough and Readys, of Rome. Capt. L. A. Roberts, with blue military coats, white pants and glazed eaps, sixty-five men, also fine looking : Carpenter's Company. Rome, Capt. Carpenter, eighty men, with gray coats, likewise made a fine appearance; the Greenfield Company. mounting eighty men, John Secrist, Commander: these were in frock eoats and wore white plumes; they, too. showed well, and still more in drill and fitness for the most desperate fighting; the Seoteh Grove Guards, from Scotch Grove. Capt. Magee, formed a large company; these wore no uniforms, but their appearance indicated they were the right men for fighting. There were six companies of young men, all formed and drilled, in the space of three months. It appears that all these entered the army in due time and did good service.
The proceedings at the stand were patriotic and entertaining. During the reading of the Declaration of Independence, the general attention was close. and the responsibilities of the hour seemed to impress all minds. The singing, with the Marshal waving the star-spangled banner to the words, was very effective. The address was by a Mr. Utley-a good Union speech, and was very generally approved. Music by the various military bands was abundant and lively. The pienie that followed was much enjoyed by all who partook of the dainties provided for the occasion. The military went through with some of their exercises and then the proceedings of the afternoon began, which con- sisted of speeches from different persons, when, owing to a want of an abun- dant supply of water, the vast assembly was dispersed at a much earlier hour than it otherwise would have been.
It was evident that the loyalty of Jones County could be relied upon, and that her citizens were ready to do their full duty in crushing out treason.
INCIDENTS OF ENLISTMENT.
Up to the 19th of July, 1861, Jones County had sent no company of its own to the war, but had contributed many of its best citizens to companies raised in adjoining counties.
At least a half-dozen men went into Capt. Leffingwell's mounted company. Four went from the village of Bowen's Prairie, viz .. Howard Smith, Orin Crane, Theodore Hopkins and Isaac White. Their departure for the seat of war was the occasion of a very pleasant scene which occurred at their roulez- vous in the beautiful grove near the residence of Otis Whittemore. The Home Guards of that town, under command of Lieut. Isaac Willard, escorted them some miles on their way, after a solemn leave-taking and addresses by Messrs. Bates, Searle. Johnson, O. Whittemore; Willard, Briggs and Hopkins. Rev. Mr. Searle was with the mountedl escort, and offered, on horseback, a prayer that was alike impressive in itself and in the circumstances and situation of its delivery.
Mr. White had not volunteered with the rest. but sat watching the proceed- ings, when Curtis Stone. Esq., rode up on a fine horse, the best he owned. "If I had that horse," said White, " I would go too." " Take it." was the reply. " It is yours." No sooner sail than done. White vaulted into the saddle and started to fight for his country.
Ifere is another incident, which we take from the Dubuque Times (dlated in July, 1st1) :
" A Patriotic Clergyman .- A gentleman from this city has been enlisting men in Jones County for the cavalry company of which Col. Heath is Lieu- tenant. In Scotch Grove Town-hip, a young man eulisted and went to a
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clergyman to buy a horse. The reverend gentleman said he had no horse sell to for this war, but, pointing to the best one he had, 'There's one,' said he, ' which you are welcome to.'"
Such patriotism is praiseworthy.
FIRST COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS.
About the 10th of August, 1861, William T. Shaw, Esq., who had been appointed Commissary by the Governor, was notified that a company of volun- teers would be accepted, and he immediately went to work to raise it. The various companies of Home Guards were invited to come to Anamosa, and on Monday, the 12th of August, twenty-eight wagons came in from Rome, Hale, Jackson and Madison Townships. bringing a company under Capt. Carpenter. Tuesday, some eighteen or twenty wagons arrived from Scotch Grove, with thirty-five men, under Capt. Magee, and accompanied by thirty ladies. This latter company was met at the depot by those who came the day previous and the Greenfield Home Guards. who escorted them to the Fisher House, the Scotch Grove ladies falling into the procession behind, and remaining in line with them until dismissed for dinner.
In the afternoon, a meeting was held at the City Hall, for the purpose of filling the company, electing officers, etc. But, unfortunately, a split occurred in regard to the destination of the company. The Scotch Grove boys said they volunteered under a promise to be taken to Washington, and did not want to go anywhere else, while Mr. Shaw had orders for the company to proceed to Davenport, from whence they were to go to Missouri. The Scotch Grove boys and fifteen volunteers from Bowen's Prairie finally withdrew, declaring they would make up another company.
The company under Capt. Carpenter remained, and most of them signed the muster-roll. The election resulted in the unanimous choice of D. A. Carpenter for Captain. The company not being full. men were sent out to drum up recruits, and at the time of starting, the company numbered sixty-three men.
Thursday morning was the time fixed upon for the departure of the com- pany. At an early hour, the friends of the volunteers came pouring into town by hundreds. The men were formed into line in front of the Fisher House, and each one was presented with a Testament by the Jones County Bible Society, Rev. Mr. Eberhart making a few appropriate remarks during the presentation.
Mr. Buell was then called upon, and briefly addressed the company, giving them some good advice, wishing them God-speed and a safe return, and bid- ding them farewell.
The company was then marched to the depot, where was assembled the largest crowd seen in the town for a long time. Many ladies were present through the entire morning and up to the moment the cars startedl. There were many sad faces and a few cheerful ones ; many tears, and some manly tears, too, were shed. The boys took their seats, the conductor gave the word, and the cars and their precious load were off.
Thus the first Jones County company was formed and took its departure for the seat of war.
GRAND TURN-OUT OF MILITARY AND CITIZENS.
Monday, the 19th of August, 1861, was an epoch in the history of Jones County. If any one had ever doubted the patriotic feeling of its citizens, they
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could no longer do so. The fires of patriotism burned brightly in their bosoms. and their devotion to the cause of civil and religious liberty was clearly evinced by their ardor in responding to the call of their country, and showed, beyond a doubt, that the noble blood of '76 was still coursing in their veins : and they were prepared, if necessary, to shed their blood for the preservation of those rights and that liberty which were won by the blood and sacrifices of our fathers. It had been announced that on Monday, the 19th inst., the company of Jones County volunteers, under Capt. Harper, would meet at the picnic grounds near Monticello, and be presented with a flag by the ladies of Bowen's Prairie. About noon, the volunteers from Scotch Grove, Clay and vicinity, began to arrive at Monticello accompanied by a large concourse of friends. After par- taking of dinner provided by the landlord at Monticello, the procession, consist- ing of sixty-four teams, proceeded to the grounds with banners flying and drums beating. Upon arriving at the grounds, the procession from Bowen's Prairie was seen winding its way into the grove, consisting of volunteers, people, colors and music. The two processions soon formed themselves around the speaker's stand, and the meeting was organized by calling John D. Walworth to act as President. An appropriate and eloquent prayer was then offered by the Rev. Mr. Bates, of Cascade. Mr. Clark then sang the " Red, White and Blue." After the song. Miss Emma Crane, in behalf of the ladies of Bowen's Prairie, then presented the company with an elegant flag accompanied by the following address :
"Jones County Volunteers : As the representative of and in behalf of the ladies of Bowen's Prairie, I appear before you holding in my hand the emblem of our country's purity, liberty and greatness - the Stars and Stripes. I have the honor and pleasure of bestowing upon you and consigning to your charge this banner, as the free gift of the ladies of Bowen's Prairie ; and, upon your reception of this simple favor, may I be allowed the privilege of briefly expressing the sentiments of its donors : and I would especially impress upon your minds the idea that I come not fresh from the school-girl's sanctum, with a labored essay of fairy scenes and flowery fields, to quiet your minds to a standard of peaceful home life. No ! I come to speak to you of the agitated state of your country, in which woman feels, or should feel, the same spirit of animation that governs your purposes and actions. And if, in thus assuming this prerogative, my language should seem uncouth or lack versatility, I hope I may receive the charitable indulgence of all, for, you must be aware, to com- municate upon a topic that very seldom falls to the lot of a woman, and in a time and under circumstances that have never before presented themselves to the women of our country, is an effort that demands the tongue of excellence. "We now look upon you in a military capacity, organized as a band of soldiers, and each of you more or less animated by the enthusiasm that universally per- vades every true American heart at this time. While looking out upon the scene before you. of mighty convulsions, an extensive civil war threatening the very foundation of the noble institutions of our government upon which our individual prosperity is based, we come to ask of you : What is the standard of your enthusiasm ? Is it a lofty standard of public morality ? Do pure and exalted conceptions of truth and justice pervade your hearts? We shall acknowledge nothing less than this from each of you. You want our reasons ? You shall have them. This is no time for idle speeulations or timid misgivings. For a score or more of years the mighty sluice-ways of political corruption have been opening and swelling, fed and fostered by an arbitrary disposition on the part of a few, to curtail and crush out the noble privileges enjoyed by the
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masses, till the people see looming fires of destruction in the distance. and awake at once to a sense of their danger and act as exigency dictates. Our country's traitors are aroused. and announce their right to destroy the Union. and they have placed themselves in an attitude to carry out their intentions at the point of the bayonet. * Soldiers ! we have put to you one plain question, and we will now submit one still plainer. Are you afraid to fight ? If so, you are not worthy recipients of that flag which was purchased. and that dearly, by blood : and it must be sustained and protected, however difficult. by the same element, else look at the result-the country broken and ruined in all her institutions, and naught left but here and there the segments of what it once was. * We have too much confidence in you and in our country's defenders to suppose that such a state of things can ever exist in our land. Ilere we see men ripe with patriotism, sound in sentiment, full of vigor, quick in conception to thus early see and do their duty and their country's need. full of pride. ambition and native dignity. freely responding to their country's call. And now, soldiers. divesting myself of every disposition to flattery. we have reason to feel proud of you-Jones County has reason to feel proud of you- that thus you so willingly enroll yourselves. and freely leave your homes, your firesides, your parents, brothers, sisters and families to support your country's flag. Now take this flag, and may its folls proudly wave above your heads wherever your country calls ! Let no dishonor ever stain this emblem, and in advance upon the foe may it be found in the van ! Take it! Go with willing hearts! Defend ! Sustain it ! Bring it back untarnished! Then look for happy homes and ever-greeting friends."
The presentation address was replied to by Capt. Harper. on behalf of the company, in a few appropriate remarks, thanking the ladies for their beautiful gift, and pledging themselves to bear it aloft in the van and to defend it while one was alive to uphold it, and return with it or on it. Rev. Mr. Bates, of Cascade, was then called upon. and made an eloquent speech in behalf of the Union and the Constitution, and. among other things; urged the necessity not only of praying. but fighting. Rev. Mr. Russell addressed the crowd in a few appropriate remarks upon the necessity of maintaining the Government and sustaining law and order at any sacrifice and at any cost. Rev. Mr. Benton. of Anamosa, also spoke to the volunteers words of encouragement, and assured them of the sympathy and confidence of their friends. and maintained that the cause for which they were engaging to fight was a righteous one and must be triumphant.
In accordance with a resolution of the Jones County Bible Society, a Testament was presented to each of the volunteers. in behalf of the Society, by the Rev. James McKean. of Scotch Grove. In making the presentation, Mr. Mckean briefly addressed the company, urging each to be governed by the precepts taught in that book. John Russell. of Clay Township, replied in behalf of the company. Appropriate remarks were made by the Chairman, urging the duty of volunteering for the defense of our country, our dearest rights and our blood-bought principles. The recruits then fell in and were marched to the table, where they and a large number of others partook of a bountiful collation, prepared by the generous-hearted people of Bowen's Prairie.
After partaking of refreshments, a large portion of the crowd dispersed, while some remained to listen to other patriotic addresses. The day was one long to be remembered by the patriotic citizens of Jones County, and fraught with bursts of enthusiasm for Liberty and Union.
Capt. Harper's company was the second sent out from Jones County.
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FLAG PRESENTATION AND DEPARTURE.
Monday, the 4th of November, 1861, witnessed a large turn-out of the inhabitants of Anamosa and vicinity to attend two flag presentations; one to Capt. Buell's company and one to Capt. Warner's company, and the departure of Capt. Buell's company for camp at Davenport. Capt. Warner's company having already left for the same place the week previous.
Early in the morning, teams and people began to come. and Capt. Buell's company formed in front of the Fisher House, under First Lieut. Calkins, pre- ceded by the Anamosa Brass Band. and next by the ladies who got up and were to present the flags. and followed by the soldiers in ranks. the procession marched to the hill west of the depot, where the ceremonies took place.
The Committees were: For Capt. Buell's company-Mrs. L. A. Eber- hart, Miss Eliza Istell and Miss Emma May ; Standard Bearers, Miss Emma May and Miss Lecia Hopkins. For Capt. Warner's Company-Mrs. P. Smith, Miss Carrie Heacox and Miss Emma Crane ; Standard Bearers. Miss Alice Crane and Miss Marcia Crane. Miss Eliza Isbell presented the flag to Capt. Buell's company, with the following eloquent remarks :
CAPT. BUELL: It is with intense emotion that we are called to mingle in these passing scenes. That the present state of our country requires the sacrifice of such a noble band of men, is a fact which thrills our hearts with pain. Yet we greatly admire that lofty patriotism which leads you thus to turn away from the comforts and endearments of home to serve our country. It requires far more than ordinary devotion to the enuse of freedom, and it is in token of our appreciation of such devotion that we present to you these our national colors. Never have we loved the Stars and Stripes as we do now. They have indeed become a bond of union between the hearts of all true American freemen, and never will we yield our glorious standard to the hand of tyranny or oppression.
We give it to you, knowing that you love it, that you will protect it, that you will fight until our flag shall wave from North to South, from shore to shore of our loved and native land. Our patriotic enthusiasm is aroused as we begin to realize the glory of those deeds which have been accomplished under the shadow of our national banner. But it is mingled with thoughts of indignation against those who trample it in the dust.
From our hearts we bid you God-speed in the contest between liberty and despotism. * *
Then accept this humble offering from the ladies of Anamosa : and whilst you are engaged in the strife abroad, we, with weaker hands, but with patriotie hearts, will plead with the Invisible One in behalf of those who defend our rights, and for the speedy triumph of our holy cau-e. That the shield of the Eternal may be your defense, that each one of you may return to your homes. erowned with the glory of successful warfare, that you may yer behold this nation restored to prosperity, and so purised by this fearful-struggle as to become a nit model to the nations of the earth, is a prayer in which our inmost souls shall daily join. But should any of these proud forms be laid low by traitors' hands, it will be filling nobly. Our grateful hearts shall cherish the memory of your patriotism, and if you are as faithful in the service of God as we believe you will be in that of your country, it will be puissing away with earthly laurels on your brows to unfading crowns above.
Capt. Buell responded in a feeling manner, thanking the ladies for their beau- tiful gift, and pledging hinself to defend it to the best of his ability. Three cheers were then given for the ladies of Anninosa, three more for the Stars and Stripes, and three more for the Jones County Volunteers.
The next flag was now brought forward and presented to Capt. Warner, who had tarried behind his company for a few days. Miss Carrie Heacox made the presentation in few but feeling words, as follows :
CAPT. WARNER : In behalf of the loties of Anamosa, I present you this Hag, and with it, I assure you, go our spontaneone sympathies and our heartfelt considerations for you and yours. Go, brave men, to defend the American Hag and the sacred rights guaranteed to u- by car glorious Constitution. With you go our fervent prayers and fondest hopes that you may return with this tag vietorious, and that it may ever wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave. God bless you, Captain, and your noble-hearted men. We bid you an affectionate farewell.
-
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Capt Warner thanked the ladies in behalf of his company, for the flag, and said they would always hold them in grateful remembrance.
The flags were got np handsomely by the ladies of Anamosa, and the his- torian takes pleasure in recording the event to their honor. The presentation, and. in short, the whole affair. showed the depth and intensity of the feeling which pervaded the whole community, in regard to the war and its objects. The cars had now arrived from Springville; the noble boys and their officers entered, and away they went toward the seat of war.
FAREWELL SUPPER.
A number of Masons and Odd Fellows having joined the companies which had left the county recently, the members of the two Orders united in getting up a supper for the brothers who were going to the war. The supper came off on Friday evening, November 1, 1<61. The members, with a large company of ladies, met in Odd Fellows' Hall about 8 o'clock, J. H. Fisher, Esq., acting as Chairman. After music by the Anamosa Band and singing by Messrs. Shaw, Lamson, Holmes and Smith, Capt. Buell was called for, who came for- ward and made a brief but eloquent and patriotie address.
Lieut. Calkins was then called for, and made a short address.
From this place. those present repaired to the City Hall, where three long tables were spread with the substantials and delicacies.
After all had satisfied their hunger. the Chairman announced that J. D. Walworth had been appointed Toast Reader. The following were the toasts and responses :
The Iowa Volunteers-May they all prove as brave as the Iowa First.
Response, Three cheers for the Iowa First.
Iowa-A model to the States of our Union in hearty response to the call of freedom, and in her devotion to science and literature.
Col. W. T. Shaw-May he command the confidence of the brave men he is appointed to lead.
Response by Capt. Buell.
Music -- The inspirer of our most hallowed religions and patriotic emo- tions; a source of most exalted pleasure, and one which exerts the most power- ful influence upon the destiny of a nation.
Song by Messrs. B. F. Shaw, Lamson, Holmes and Smith.
The Iowa Volunteers-May they put a full Dott to the rebellion.
Response by Robert Dott.
May the fair hands which prepared this sumptuous repast receive ample reward by enjoying the satisfaction that brave hearts have gone forth better prepared for the existing emergency.
Response by John Mc Kean.
The Iowa Volunteers-May Heaven's blessings be theirs.
Response by Rev. S. A. Benton.
Our Country's Arms-The fair arms of daughters and the fire-arms of her sous ; may the embrace of the one ever be the reward of an honorable use of the other.
Response by C. T. Lamson.
After singing Burns' Farewell. the company dispersed.
.
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
SANITARY COMMISSION.
The ladies of Wyoming met November 20. 1861, for the purpose of organ- izing a society auxiliary to the "Army Sanitary Commission of the State of Iowa," having for its object the relief of the sick and wounded in hospitals.
Mrs. W. H. Holmes was called to the chair, after which the following offi- cers were elected : Mrs. O. B. Lowell, President: Mrs. A. W. Pratt. Vice President ; Mrs. J. R. Stillman, Secretary ; Miss Martha White, Treasurer ; Mrs. A. G. Brown, Depositary.
Committee to Solicit Contributions-Mrs. J. McDonough, Mrs. J. De Witt, Mrs. J. Richards, Mrs. R. Freeman, Mrs. D. Hedgeboom, Miss R. Huckle. Miss L. Gilbert and Miss R. Green.
The society voted to meet Tuesday afternoon of each week for the purpose making such articles as are needed in the hospitals and to receive donations for the same object.
The ladies of Monticello formed a " Soldiers' Aid Society " at about the same time with the following officers :
President, Mrs. E. P. Kimball ; Vice President, Mrs. C. E. Wales ; Secre- tary, Mrs. J. Reiger ; Treasurer, Mrs. N. Comstock : Depositary, Mrs. G. S. Eastman. Directors-Mrs. W. II. Merriman, Mrs. J. L. Davenport and Mrs. G. S. Eastman.
Committee of Solicitations-Mrs. T. C. West, Mrs. II. Rosa and Mrs. J. P. Slecper.
The Society met every Wednesday afternoon.
An efficient organization was organized at Anamosa also, abont the same time, with the following officers :
President, Mrs. O. P. Isbell ; Treasurer, Mrs. B. F. Shaw ; Secretary, Miss Eliza Isbell.
Committee on Supplies-Mrs. L. Eberhart, Mrs. Israel Fisher, Miss Mary Work.
Committee on Forwarding-Mrs. L. Deitz, Mrs. E. Littlefield, Miss Eliza Isbell.
These societies did much good and the supplies forwarded at sundry times were properly appreciated by the sick and wounded in the hospitals. A num- ber of other similar organizations were instituted in different parts of the county and almost numberless meetings held. The amount of good done by these organizations throughout the country to alleviate the sick and wounded can hardly be estimated.
FLAG PRESENTATION TO THE IOWA NINTH BY THE BOSTON LADIES.
On the 3d of August, 1862, the Boston ladies made a flag presentation to the Ninth Iowa Regiment ; and, as a goodly number of the Jones County soldiers did noble service in that regiment, we record the details of the event in the Jones County History.
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