USA > Iowa > Warren County > The history of Warren County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics &c > Part 65
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The following men transact the official business for the township:
Justices-Fred Johnson, W. F. Warthen; Constables-J. Story, T. S. Mitchell, Trustees-J. H. Drummond, Jno. Hossack, J. W. Bryant; Clerk- F. Keller; Assessor-H. H. Benwear.
LIBERTY.
This township lies still farther east, on the line between Warren and Clark counties, and is considered the best township in that tier.
The first settlers were Asa Mosher, Joseph P. Mosher, James Coles, Sam-
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
uel James, Mark Williams, Joseph Hall, James Hall, who came along from 1850 to 1854.
Asa Mosher and Mark Williams were two of the trustees upon the or- ganization of the township.
The first election was held at Asa Mosher's house in 1855.
The township was organized in 1854, and its name was given it because the majority of the settlers were Abolitionists even in that early day and they wished to leave the fact on record.
The first religious services in the township were held by Todd and Con- nard, Methodist ministers, in 1856, when the great revival spread over the county.
The first school-house was built by subscription, and John Coles taught the first school in the winter of 1854.
. In the early days Indianola was the post-office.
The Christian Church now stands on the site of the first school-house, and the neighborhood cemetery is also located there.
The Methodist Church was organized at an early day, but its church · edifice was not built until 1871. Of the church and its dedication we find the following in the Indianola Journal of Nov. 9, 1871:
"On last Sabbath, the beautiful church edifice at Liberty Center, was dedicated by Dr. Burns, President of the Simpson Centenary College, In- dianola. The sermon was an able one from the text-' stand fast in the faith,' 1 Cor., 16, 13. The doctor stated plainly and concisely in what the christian faith consisted; and gave also the principle arguments by which it is supported, and by which the authenticity of the scriptures is proved, in language so plain that the most illiterate could not fail to perceive their force, or feel their logic. Prior to the dedicatory service, $600 remained to be pledged, the cost of the building having been $2,300. No one who saw the freedom and ease with which the amount was secured, after the first $200 was pledged, could fail to see the appropriateness of the name of the place-Liberty Center. One man who had given liberally responded with an additional $100. An elderly lady, whose husband had donated a large amount, pledged $25 more, thus showing that she was in favor of ' woman's rights,' in practice at least. Some young ladies who labor out at $1.50 per week, pledged $2.00. A little boy of nine or ten gave 25 cents. A far- mer not having funds at hand offered a fine colt to the trustees. These facts are worthy of mention, to show with what energy and unanimity the people labored together, to pay for the elegant building they erected, and which was so fittingly dedicated to the service of the master. It is, indeed a monument not only to the taste, energy and religious zeal of the people, but also to the fidelty and perseverance of their excellent pastor, Rev. Smith, under whose administration the enterprise was so well begun and so completely finished."
The following constitute the official directory of the township:
Justices-J. J. Cozad, F. M. Bierce; Constables-J. W. Proctor, E. R. Crisman; Trustees-N. Hite, J. M. Kimsey, W. E. Vanderventer; Clerk- A Frank; Assessor-W. H. Grater.
WHITEBREAST.
This is the southwest county of the township. breast creek, and some of its smaller tributaries.
It is drained ;by White-
529
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
The surface of this township is rough and broken-the mnost so of any township in the county. Most of the land, however, is susceptible to culti- vation and in places are some of the best farms in the county. The town- ship is well adapted to stock-raising from the abundance of water furnished by the streams and numerous springs.
The Willises came to this township in 1846, and are, therefore, among. the early settlers of the county, as well as the very first in the township ..
E. G. Bartlett was also an early settler, and put out the first orchard in. the township.
The first election was held at the house of John Mills, in 1851, and John Willis, justice of the peace; William Willis, clerk ; Henry Willis, constable; James Purcell, Joseph Howard and Anderson Willis, trustees, were chosen the first township officers. J. H. Dinwiddie, now a citizen of Marion county, was the first road commissioner to view roads in the. township.
The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway runs entirely through the township, thus giving it fine transportation facilities, and Lacona is one of the principal stations.
The officials now in office are: Justices-Uriah Hodson, Jos. McCollam ;. Constables-C. W. Jenkins, Mat. Wilson; Trustees-, W. Foutz, H. H. Goode, Jacob Sommars; Clerk-John Miller; Assessor, Thos. McConnell.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FOR 1880.
The following is a list of township officers elected in the different town- ships in Warren county at the general election, October 14, 1879, which was received too late for incorporation in the history of the individ- ual townships:
ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-J. N. Hargis; Clerk -- H. M. Moore; Assessor-Geo. Yount; Constables-Wm. Buchanan and O. Rule. Each received one hundred and twelve votes.
BELMONT TOWNSHIP.
Justice of the Peace-Robt. McClelland; Trustee-G. D. Bloom; Clerk -D. Harkin; Assessor-Robt. Reeves.
GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Trustees-H. Tilton and J. R. Ashworth. Each had ninety-seven votes ;; Clerk-A. D. Stark; Assessor-Robt. Pilmer.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-P. Brownrig; Clerk-M. Crawford; Assessor-John Hall ;. Constable-John Churchman.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-T. Luke; Clerk-M. Gillespie; Assessor-J. S. Hufty; Con- stable-D. Summerville.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
Trustees-J. Spencer, long term; J. Lamb, short term; Clerk-W. Law; Assessor-G. L. Matson; Constable-D. Stapleford.
LINN TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-J. McClees; Clerk-Thos. Barkley; Assessor-J. J. Bell.
OTTER TOWNSHIP.
Justice of Peace-S. W. Conrad; Trustee-H. M. Reed; Clerk-F. O. Nutting; - Assessor-J. McClelland.
PALMYRA TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-N. Bernard; Clerk-W. W. Marshall; Assessor-G. W. Bar- tholomew.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 1
Trustee-L. P. Creighton; Clerk-Wm. J. Saville; Assessor-J. I. Rawson.
SQUAW TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-J. W. Stacy; Clerk-H. Burmister; Assessor-H. Benwear; Constable-C. E. Drummond.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
Trustees-J. Sandy and N. R. Beaman; Clerk -- W. J. Brown; Assessor -H. J. Fetters.
VIRGINIA TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-Henry LaAvendale; Clerk-J. S. Turner; Assessor-J. W. Harsh.
WHITEBREAST TOWNSHIP.
Trustee-H. H. Goode; Clerk-C. W. Jenkins; Assessor-W. Starr.
·
WHITE OAK TOWNSHIP
Trustee-H. H. Trimble; Clerk-B. F. Lucas; Assessor-W. L. Morris.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Trustee -- Geo. Cavitt; Clerk-W. F. Powell; Assessor-C. L. True- blood.
WAR HISTORY.
WARREN COUNTY WAR RECORD.
IF there is any one thing more than another of which the people of the North have reason to be proud, it is the record they made during the dark and bloody days of the " War of the Rebellion." When the war was forced upon the country the people were pursuing the even tenor of their ways, doing whatever their hands found to do; working the mines, making farms, or cultivating those already made, erecting homes, founding cities and towns, building shops, and manufactories; in short the country was alive with in- dustry and liopes for the future. The people were just recovering from the depression and losses incident to the financial panic of 1857. The future looked bright aud promising, and the industrious and patriotic sons and danghters of the free States were buoyant with hope-looking forward to the perfecting of new plans to ensure comfort and competence in their de- clining years. They little heeded the mutterings and threatenings of treason's children in the slave States of the South. Trne sons and descendants of the heroes of the "times that tried men's souls "-the struggle for American Independence-they never dreamed that there was even one so base as to dare attempt the destruction of the Union of their fathers-a government baptized with the best blood the world ever knew.
While immediately surrounded with peace and tranquillity, they paid but little attention to the rumored plots and plans of those who lived and grew rich from the sweat and toil, blood and flesh, of others; aye, even trafficked in the offspring of their own loins. Nevertheless, the war came with all its attendant horrors. April 12, 1861, Fort Sumpter, at Charleston, South Carolina, Major Anderson, U. S. A., commandant, was fired upon by rebels in arms. Although basest treason, this first act in the bloody reality that followed was looked upon as a mere bravado of a few hot-heads -- the act of a few fire-eaters whose sectional bias and freedom hatred were crazed by the excessive indulgence in intoxicating potations. When a day later the news was borne along the telegraph wires that Major Anderson liad been forced to surrender to what had at first been regarded as a drunken mob, the patri- otic people of the North were startled from their dreams of the future- from undertakings half complete -- and made to realize that behind that mob there was a dark, deep and well organized plan to destroy the government, and rend the Union in twain, and ont of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their rights to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black, or who, perchance, through practices of lustful natures, were half or quarter removed from the color God for his own purpose had given them.
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WARREN COUNTY WAR RECORD.
But they reckoned without their host. Their dreams of the future- their plans for the establishment of an independent Confederacy-were doomed from their inception to sad and bitter disappointment. Immedi- ately upon the surrender of Fort Sumpter, 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 the following proclamation April 15, 1861:
WHEREAS, The laws of the United States have been, and now are, opposed in several States by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in an ordinary way, I, therefore, call upon the militia of the several States of the Union to the aggregate number of 75,000 to sup- press said combination and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens for State aid in this effort to maintain the laws, integrity, National Union, perpetuity of popular govern- ment, and redress wrongs long enough endured.
The first service assigned forces will probably be to re-possess forts, places 'and property which have been seized from the Union. The utmost care should be taken, consistent with our object, to avoid devastation, destruction and interference with the property of peaceful citizens in any part of the country, and I hereby command persons commanding the afore- said combination to disperse within twenty days from date.
I hereby convene both Houses of Congress for the 4th of July next, to determine upon measures for the public safety as its interests may demand.
By W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States.
The last words of that proclamation had scarcely been taken from the electric wires before the call was filled. The people who loved their whole government could not give enough.
Patriotism thrilled, vibrated, and pulsated through every heart. Every calling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes in defense of the gov- ernment's honor and unity. Party ties 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 and statesman, " By the Great Eternal, the Union must and shall be preserved."
Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdne the rebellion, nor were ten times that number. Call followed call.
Then came that well-remembered lull in the conflict, when sanguine men grew more hopeful, and the desponding less in despair; a time when it was hoped the war would soon end, and once more would be " beaten the swords into ploughshares, and the spears into pruning hooks." But soon was the spirit of the North again aronsed, and the blood of chivalry of Warren was sent leaping in boiling currents through veins swollen with righteous wrath, as the terrible news of Shiloh, of thousands slain and sons in Southern prisons, came to fathers, brothers and friends of those who had gone to the front.
The call of President Lincoln, for three hundred thousand men, met a most liberal response from Warren. From the plow, from the workshop and counting-house, leaving the school-room, the desk, the bar, the pulpit, the press, men of every rank of life, of all ages, grey-bearded and youth, those who showed themselves the bravest of the brave, came forth and enrolled their names among those who were ready to face the cannon's month.
It began to look as if there would not be men enough in all the free States to crush out and subdne the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call of either 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.
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WARREN COUNTY WAR RECORD.
were women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to liave 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 men of Warren county bore an honorable part.
We have not the record of the central county meeting held at Indian- ola, to take action on the question of the suppression of the rebellion, but we did succeed in securing some account of meetings held in different por- tions of the county.
In the Indianola Visitor of May 9th, 1861, we find the following:
"The Volunteer Company of Warren County," met pursuant to ap- pointment, on Saturday, the 4th instant, and proceeded to the election of its officers.
Adams L. Ogg, was unanimously chosen Captain; Geo. W. Clark, First Lieutenant; P. G. C. Merrell, Second Lientenant; P. J. Chapman, Musician; C. L. Anderson, first sergeant; W. C. Shepherd, second sergeant; R. T. Harbison, third sergeant; R. Kinsley, fourth sergeant; J. Brown, fifth ser- geant; I. Jones, first corporal; J. McLeod, second corporal; P. Crosthwait, third corporal; N. N. Moshier, fourth corporal.
On motion of P. G. C. Merrell, of Palmyra, the company adopted the name of Warren Guards.
Geo. W. Clark moved this company tender their services to Governor Kirkwood, by mail, or otherwise, without delay. Carried by a unanimous vote.
The utmost unanimity prevailed throughout the entire proceedings.
9 o'clock, A. M.
The Company meets for regular drill on Saturday, the 11th instant, at P. J. CHAPMAN, Secretary.
From the Visitor of the same date, the following notice is taken of early movements in Union township: "The meeting at Sandyville, on Saturday last, was large and enthusiastic. Mr. Todhunter addressed the meeting, and a call being made for volunteers, a number promptly enrolled their names, E. J. Kuhn, leading the list. The citizens of Union town- ship are sound, and both parties erased the names from the flags used dur- ing the late canvass, and raised them, side by side, thus blending all parties in one national party."
In the same issue, the following in reference to first movements, relating to the war, in Jefferson township, are thus reported and referred to: "Mr. Spencer has furnished us with the proceedings of a meeting held at Stiles' school-house, on Thursday last (May 2d, 1861). Mr. Stiles was called to the chair, and on motion of G. M. Swan a committee of three was ap- pointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. Mr. Swan being called for addressed the meeting, followed by Mr. Todhunter, Captain Ogg, and L. S. Spencer. The resolutions breathe the right spirit, and were unanimously adopted. Owing to the crowded state of our col- umns, we are compelled to omit them. Suffice it to say, Jefferson town- ship is loyal to the stars and stripes, and twelve of her citizens offered their services to the government and are now enrolled with the company here."
MEETING AT CARLISLE.
A meeting of the citizens of Carlisle and vicinity was held on Monday evening, April 29th, 1861, for the purpose of consulting in regard to the
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WARREN COUNTY WAR RECORD.
present crisis, and devising means for protection at home, and aid in sup- porting our government.
M. P. Black was called to the chair, and Geo. P. Ranslow elected secre- tary. The meeting was addressed by Dr. Ward, William Busick, and others, urging immediate action on the part of every good and patriotic citizen. The following resolutions were then presented by Dr. W. H. Ward, and unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The President of the United States has been compelled to make requisition on the State of Iowa, for one regiment of troops to aid in suppressing an armed rebellion against the authority of our government. and
WHEREAS, It has already been indicated that further requisitions may be made on our State for troops, and that the militia of this State will be recognized by the Governor, and should be put in readiness for immediate and active service, therefore,
Resolved, That the undersigned citizens of Allen township and vicinity, for the purpose of perfecting ourselves in military drill and duties. do hereby organize a military company, to be called the "Three River Rangers," subject to such change or alterations as may hereafter be necessary.
Resolved, That we ignore all party names, ties, or affiliation, and with our fellow-citizens, regardless of former political creeds or proclivities, do solemnly bind ourselves to aid the government, subject to the orders and directions of the Governor of this State, in suppress- ing this treasonable conspiracy against our national institutions and time-honored flag, and with our lives and fortunes, if necessary, protect the stars and stripes, from insult and out- rage, whether it may come from enemies abroad or traitors at home, and that we recognize no party names, save those of patriot and traitor.
Resolved, That as civil war is already fully inaugurated, and we are called upon to fight traitors abroad, we will not tolerate traitors at home, but that those who have heretofore enjoyed all the advantages of our government and claimed the protection of our glorions old flag, the stars and stripes, but now openly talk of Southern rights and Northern aggression, who sympathise with the perpetrators of this treasonable attempt to overthrow our govern- ment, thereby giving aid to their Southern allies, will be, and are regarded as traitors to their country, and will meet a traitor's doom.
A company was then organized and some forty names enrolled.
A subscription was raised as Township Fund, for the support of the families of volunteers, and aid in equipping the company, and six hundred dollars pledged.
It was moved and carried that the proceedings be published in the In- dianola Visitor.
GEO. P. RANSLOW, Secretary.
M. P. BLACK, Chairman.
THIRD INFANTRY.
The Third Infantry was made up from nearly every part of the State. It was emphatically a Hawkeye regiment. It rendezvoused at Keokuk, and was mustered into the United States service June 10, 1861. When it embarked on board the train, for the field, July 1, it was magnificently equipped with burnished old Springfield rifles of " 1848." Not a cartridge, not a ration of food, not a round of amunition, not even a field officer above the rank of captain. This was but the prelnde to what subsequently proved the saddest history of all the regiments which Iowa sent to the war. It moved to Northern Missouri, and its first night in the field was near Utica, where, supperless and tired, they threw themselves on the damp ground, without even establishing a picket post, trusting alone in Providence. Near midnight of the 3d they were first introduced to the "Gray-backs." It's first engagement was at Hagar's Woods, where, under command of Col. Smith, of the 16th Illinois, they met the enemy. The force consisted of
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WARREN COUNTY WAR RECORD.
about 450 men, supported by a six-pounder swivel gun, manned by Sergeant Fishbeem. Moving out from Monroe, on the line of the railroad, they came on the enemy's scouts, who at once opened fire upon them. Fish- beem hurried his artillery to the front, and quickly sent the enemy flying in all directions, when Col. Smith, under cover of night, retired. The next movement was from Macon City to Kirksville, to rout the enemy, who, under Green, were in camp on Salt river, which was successfully ac- complished, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Scott.
At Blue Mills landing, September 17, 1861, the regiment fought its first hard fight, which though unsuccessful, was unequaled for bravery, prompt- ness to action, in the whole history of the war in Missouri. It remained in northern Missouri until October 18, 1861, when it went to Quincy, Illinois, whence after a few weeks it moved to St. Louis; thence ont along the North Missouri railroad, where it remained until March, 1862, when it sailed for Savannah, on the Tennessee river. March 17 it disembarked at Pittsburg Landing with the Fourth division under General Hurlbut. It was assigned to the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Williams. In April follow- ing, the regiment took part in the ever memorable battle of Shiloh, making for itself an imperishable record. The divisions of Hurlbut and Smith were in camp in front of the landing. Prentiss, McClernand and Sherman with their divisions, hield the front, from right to left. While the Third were eating breakfast on the morning of the 16th, they were startled by firing at the front, which was soon followed by the call " to arms." Leaving their breakfast unfinished, the Third was quickly in line, and marching to the front, under command of its Major, its Colonel being in command of a bri- gade, and its Lieut .- Colonel sick, and absent. It moved at quick-step to the front, at the right of its brigade, but the left of the entire army. To its right were the First and Second brigades, and Wallace's division in which were the Twenty-seventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa regiments. This position the Third held until four o'clock in the afternoon, until the troops on their right and left had been utterly routed. The Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa were captured. It was at this position the enemy hurled its forces for five hours, in unsuccessful attempt to break it, but which was finally accomplished by flank movements. It has always been a marvel how the Third got through the circling lines of the enemy. Of the 450 officers and men of the regiment, engaged in this battle, more than two hundred were killed and wounded. The correct historian attrib- ntes to the stubborn valor of Iowa troops the saving of Grant's army from capture at Shiloh. During the seige of Corinth, the Third was pres- ent, but took no active part. After the fall of Corinth, the regiment went with Sherman to Memphis, and led the van into the city July 21. Septem- ber 6, the regiment moved back toward Memphis, and October 5, took part in the battle of the Hatchie, with two killed and sixty wounded. Little of importance transpired with the regiment for several months subsequent. May 18, 1864, it left Memphis for Vicksburg, and its days of rest were ended. It shared in the capture of that stronghold, and then set out with Sherman against Johnson, who had planted himself at Jackson, where an unsuccessful attempt was made to dislodge him July 12. The regiment returned to Vicksburg, thence sailed to Natchez and joined Sherman in his march to Meridian. Soon after its term expired, when it re-enlisted as " vets," came North on a furlough, in the spring of 1864. It returned to the front, and joined Sherman in his march to the Sea, and at Atlanta,
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WARREN COUNTY WAR RECORD.
July 22, was put in the front and lost heavily. Its color-sergeant was killed and the colors captured. Subsequently, some of the regiment who had been taken prisoners to Atlanta, saw their colors borne through the streets by a squad of cavalry. They rushed upon them, recaptured the colors and tore it in shreds. The regiment became decimated to 318 men and July 8, consolidated with the Second, and on the 12th, was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky. It literally fought itself ont of existence. War- ren county was represented in this regiment in
COMPANY G .*
Adams L. Ogg, Capt., enlisted May 21, wounded in both hands at Shi- loh April 6, 1862, resigned June 16, 1863.
George W. Clark, First Lieut., en- listed May 21, promoted to Quar- termaster Oct. 22, resigned July 17, 1862, appointed Colonel 34th Infantry Sept. 1, 1862, promoted to brevet Brig .- Gen. March, 13, 1865. He was the first to enlist in Warren county.
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