USA > Iowa > Washington County > The history of Washington 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, portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 63
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were Lush Taes and captain Kellogg. They spun yarns five or six hours. Lush preached a discourse to a lot of yelling bummers on the defunct war, passed a panegyric on general Grant and a blistering anathema on Jeff. Davis, and brought down the house by relating the story of the little bald- headed deacon in his father's rural church who called people to church by. blowing a horn instead of ringing a bell, auctioneer fashion. During the week he and some wild boys put assafœtida or its equivalent in said horn. Next Sunday the deacon seized it to blow a gospel blast, but dropped it to make the unregenerate remark that he was a small man, a bald-headed man, and he had always tried to be a meek and lowly Christian, but he would be - if he couldn't whip the infernal cuss that stuffed that horn. Two
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years later Lush and two wicked fellows were at camp-meeting, when the deacon importuned Lush to go to the mourner's circle. No, he was too vile a sinner. 'You have sworn and stolen, I suppose,' queried the dea- con. 'Worse than that,' groaned the sinner. 'You perhaps have com- mitted burglary, or greenbackism, or arson, or fusion,' said the devout man. 'Ah, worse than that.' 'Can't be possible that you have mur- dered anybody?' 'Worse than that,' said Lush. The deacon laid his hat on a stump, shucked his coat, and looking at the elder said, 'I've found the son of a gun who fixed that horn.' Lush came away then.
"ATTACKS.
" Three charges were made on the battery, but the booming guns were not taken, and no rat-tailed files were driven into their little jokers. The Muscatine Guards were assailed; the first charge was repulsed with ' fearful slaughter,' but in the next sally they lost several prisoners, and some arms, etc. They, in turn, assaulted headquarters, and Colonel Cowles owes his ride to them. About fifteen Muscatiners were captured this way: Fellows would slip in behind the skirmish line, ‘gather in' a man, snake him off and chuck him over the fence. Each of these victims would keep still, and let the same grab game be played on the next fellow.
" So wore away the night in a perfect abandon of deviltry. The boys could not sleep on account of the noise; and then the graybacks bothered them. A lot of these were imported for that occasion, Kellogg says, and they seemed to enjoy the re-union as much as anybody.
"SECOND DAY-THE CROWD.
" By seven and eight o'clock teams began pouring into the fair grounds from the country. A man counted till he got tired, and left off when two thousand four hundred wagons averaging five or six to the vehicle, had passed. The crowd that day was full fifteen thousand. Many put it five thousand higher. It was the greatest jam ever known here. The spacious grounds were packed full, and several buggies were crushed in the jam, while teams were hitched on either side of the road for a distance of half or three-fourths of a mile.
" Pending the gathering of the clans, an election of officers was held, viz: D. J. Palmer, colonel; H. R. Cowles, lieutenant-colonel; A. Bunker, major. The prize for drill was also awarded to the Muscatine Guards. 'As stated above, they moved with the precision of clock-work, and plainly won the prize, a fine flag afterward exchanged for a cup, as they already had colors.
"THE OLD WAR GOVERNOR, 1. 1
Senator Kirkwood, was escorted to the grounds at 11 and talked to the boys for twenty minutes. He insisted that in the late war we were on the right side. The rebels believed they were on the right side, and we on the wrong. They so teach their children, with much bitterness of hostile feel- ing toward us, their superiors in numbers and power. He had been in Louisiana and South Carolina and knows that they still teach the doctrines that inspired the revolt. They put up in Virginia a monument to Stone- wall Jackson, inscribed, 'Died in defense of constitutional liberty.' . If
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that were a fact, then our effort was to tear liberty down. Who can believe it? He scouted the sentimentalism which detected no difference in the character of the sentiments which animated either side, and which would raise, impartially or indifferently, altars to the heroism and honor of the combatants on each side. You fought for nationality, he said, they for a sectionalism based on the alien, unchristian, uncivilized idea of slavery. He admonished them to cherish the principles that carried them into the war and through the experience of the hardships that they so patriotically, heroically endured.
" After this service of Attic salt came dinner of salt horse, bean soup, etc., followed by toasts and responses. Capt. Judge Benson talked forty-five minutes to the 'old vets., and really made the speech of the day. He in- sisted that the soldiers fought against the seditious, vicious doctrine of states-rights, and nothing else; that is, they fought to maintain the national authority or supremacy, without which our government, our political fabric, is a rope of sand. He believed we did right, and that it was a duty to teach our children to emulate the example of the Union soldiers. He sketched the experience of the soldiers, and with rare pathos, and closed by calling for three cheers for the flag which they carried to victory, and they were given with a tiger.
"After battalion drill came the spectacular effect of the day, the
" STORMING OF FORT BEAUREGARD.
"This tarred paper structure was situated in Stewart's field, nearly a mile southeast of the grounds. It was manned by the battery, our city guards and L. B. Cochilin's veterans. It stood on rising ground, a slough in front, and the whole scene was open to view by thousands of eager pairs of eyes. The Union skirmish lines were thrown out, advanced, fired, charged, re- treated, advanced again, and went through all the regular maneuvers, the cannons roaring like bulls of Bashan and the muskets cracking as in 'really' war. Some say a few bullets were accidentally fired, but this is probably a mistake. The cannon cartridges were filled up with clay dug beneath a cinder heap, and it was probably the whistle of these particles of slag that was heard. However, no accidents happened. On went the boys in blue, and made a final cheer as the Muscatine Guards went pell-mell into the fort by the left flank, hauling down the flag as the Johnnies set fire to the fort. The thing was very well done, and the sight was much en- joyed by those who had but a small idea of military movements.
This was the signal for a general stampede home. The soldiers marched to the east side of the park for a final dress parade, and at the close Col. Cowles thanked them for their attendance and good coduct, and presented the prizes. Everybody went home feeling tip-top."
WARS NEARER HOME.
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY CAMPAIGN.
The first military exploit of which we can learn anything, occurred in the year 1842, and was not so brilliant an achievement as it might have been, nor so sanguinary as was possible, and yet considerable daring and bravery were displayed. In that year the Indians owned and occupied a por-
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tion of the northwest corner of the county, and were encamped at or near Wassonville. A doctor Lee came down to Washington, displaying much feeling and anxiety concerning a white woman, whom he alleged the Indi- ans held as a prisoner, and who desired to leave them, but that the Indians. would not let her. The Indians were the Sacs and Foxes. Lee so worked upon the sympathies of the people of the town that a company of about thirty men, pretty well armed, went up to Wassonville, some on horses and some in wagons. These commodities being very scarce in those days, every available horse and wagon was "pressed" into the service. Every prepara- tion having been completed, the company started for the "seat of war," where they arrived without any incident, except that upon reaching Eng- lish river, the enemy were perceived marching along in large numbers, whereat one of the valiant men of Washington began to quake in the knees, and ere long deserted, and fled homeward, reaching town the next day: Arriving at the camp of the Indians, a council was held, and a parley had with the Indians, in which a demand was made for the "white woman," but the Indians denied having any "such woman," and refused to accede to the demand. Another council was held by the whites at which it was deter- mined that two of the wigwams should be carried by assault, one of which contained the "white woman," and the other a quantity of arms belonging to the Indians. This was done without serious difficulty, and after securing the "white woman," and conveying her out of the influence of the Indians, it was ascertained: first, that she was not a "white woman," but a half- breed; second, that she was not a "prisoner" desiring to escape, but a will- ing sojourner and the wife of one of the Indians; and third, that they had been most grievously imposed upon, whereat they vamoosed for their homes. During the negotiations much fear was entertained by the company that they would have to fight, and it was with difficulty the more prudent of the party prevented open hostilities, which were very imminent two or three times. But, happily, no outbreak occurred, and "nobody was hurt." The Indians were considerably exasperated about this impertinent invasion of their domiciles, as were also the white settlers in the neighborhood. But the matter finally wore off, until the "Indian War" is wholly forgotten, ex- cept by a few of the participants. Among these but the following gentle- men remained in Washington till late years, and at least one still lives. there who was a veteran of the war: Joseph Keck, M. C. Kilgore, J. H. Wilson, John E. Martin and S. H. Joy.
We cannot learn that any citizen of this county participated in the "Mis- souri War" under Governor Lucas, and so far as can be ascertained, but few were in the Mexican war. No regularly organized company went from this county, although we learn that a "squad" left the county, joining some com- pany in another part of the State. This, however, is not to be wondered at much when we consider that the country was new, containing then a popu- lation of only 3,483, and that armies, save for self defence, are not generally made up in pioneer settlements.
THE SKUNK RIVER WAR.
Most everybody who resided in Keokuk county or near there during the war, or who has since located in the county, has heard of the Skunk river war. Sometimes it is spoken of in jest, but the bitter feeling which is inva- riably aroused, if the jesting is carried too far proves that the incidents of
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that most unfortunate affair are neither too remote nor too trivial to be a serious matter, even at this time. During the period of the civil war there were criminations and recriminations, bickerings and altercations which could not fail to engender strife, and give birth to the most deadly feuds. In many communities throughout the North the rival factions resorted to violence, which resulted in the destruction of life and property. The war party was largely in the majority, and in some instances, doubtless, was ar- rogant and overbearing; but they were entirely excusable when goaded to this course of action by the utterance of disloyal sentiments; for their brothers and sons were at the front, falling like sheep, before the rebel bul- lets. The anti-war party were in the minority, and in some instances made too free a use of the rights of the minority, guaranteed by all civilized nations, in expressing disloyal sentiments and circulating seditious docu- ments; but it must be remembered that their former political allies, and the brothers and sons of many were arrayed on the other side, and the pros- pect of being conscripted into an army to fight those whom they deemed to be their friends, should have mitigated their conduct in the eyes of the opposite party. Great national contests have a right side and a wrong side. At the present time there are few enlightened and progressive men who do not admit that the right side of the war of secession was the side of union, freedom and enfranchisement. But, while there was but one right side, the peculiarities of temperament, early associations and the ties of kindred, are circumstances which went far to modify the wrong of the wrong side, and now that the unhappy strife is over, and the bloody chasm has been bridged by the lapse of years, it is a private virtue, and it is public policy to admit the fact.
In 1848, there came to Keokuk county a family by the name of Tally. They had previously resided in Tennessee, and by birth and education were in sympathy with the "peculiar institution" of the South. Upon the break- ing out of the war they arrayed themselves on the side of the anti-war party, believing, as many thousands throughout the North did believe, that unless the erring sisters could be peaceably prevailed upon to remain, they should be allowed to go in peace.
One of the family, Syphert Tally, was a young man of more than ordi- nary brilliancy of intellect, and though possessed of meagre education, was an orator of great force and ability. A short time prior to the war he had entered the ministry of the Baptist church, and as far as appears from the evidence of those most likely to know, was, in his private character as an individual and in his public character as a minister, above reproach. Some time after the beginning of the war he was called upon to preach the fu- neral of a soldier who had died in the Union army. He consented to do so, the place where the appointment was made being Mt. Zion church, in Steady Run township.
When the congregation had assembled, and after Tally had taken his place in the pulpit, the question of his loyalty was raised by some of the brethren and, at their suggestion, another Baptist minister who was pres- ent went into the pulpit and informed him that his loyalty was questioned, and if rumors were true as to certain sentiments which he was reported to have uttered, there were those in the audience who preferred not to listen to his discourse. After a short consultation Tally arose and announced that as there appeared to be objections to his preaching from that pulpit he would dismiss the congregation and those who desired to hear him should go
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to a certain school-house near by. He thereupon left the church and started for the school-house followed by the greater part of the audience, but upon his arrival at the place found the school-house locked and the sub-director refused to give up the key. They then went to a grove where the funeral sermon was preached and the audience dismissed. The circumstances at- tending the preaching of this funeral gave rise to bitter disputes and bick- erings in the neighborhood and party feeling ran high. Encouraged by his friends Tally became still more pronounced in the expression of his politi- cal views and soon after abandoned the pulpit and took the stump. Numer- ous opposition meetings were held in the county and Tally was invariably the chief speaker. He soon became quite a hero and received and accepted invitations to speak in various parts of the adjoining counties. On every hand he was extolled and lionized by those of a like political faith. Thus flattered and petted it is not at all remarkable that as young a man as Tally should become bold to commit some very indiscreet deeds and make some very unwise statements. In his public speeches he used language which was very offensive to the war party and threats were made in some parts of the county that Tally could not speak there. Whenever such threats were made the friends of Tally seemed to be particularly anxious that he should speak at those very places, and urged forward by the injudicious counsels of these friends improved the very first opportunities which presented them- selves in making good the assertion that he could speak and would speak at any place in the county where he chose to. To these meetings people from all parts of the county would flock, many of them well armed. Such was the condition of affairs when occurred the tragic event which put an end to the eventful career of young Tally.
On Saturday, August 1, 1863, a Democratic mass-meeting was held near English river, in Keokuk county. The speaking occurred in a grove, about one-half mile from town. The chief speaker was Tally. Several hundred persons were present at this meeting, most of whom had come in wagons, in the bottom of which was hay or straw, and therein secreted were arms of different kinds, which fact was developed at a later hour in the day. Speeches were made during the forenoon, and as some Republicans were present, party spirit ran high. As an illustration of the excitement. it is related that in a stripping of butternut badges the clothing was almost torn from a couple of ladies present who displayed the objectionable em- blem. Wild and perhaps idle threats were made that the party would come up in the afternoon and clean out the town of South English, which was quite a Radical stronghold. Reports of these threats were carried up into the town, where, from the balcony of a hotel, a Republican was addressing a meeting of his party, and in the town the Radical feeling was also quite strong. To be prepared for emergencies, the citizens were armed as far as there were weapons for their use. In the afternoon the Tally party came up to the town in wagons. In the front wagon were several men, including Tally, who stood up in the rear part. The Republican meeting had just closed, and arms were freely displayed. Some persons warned Tally that he had best not go through the town, as there would be trouble; but he claimed he meant no injury to any one, and merely asked the privilege of the street. As the first wagon came into the crowd, there were cries from the street of "coward!" "copperhead!" "afraid to shoot!" etc. Previous to this time no weapons had been displayed by the party in the wagon, but upon these cries they came up from the bottom of the conveyance. Just
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then the street became so crowded that it was necessary to stop the wagon for a moment. At that instant a citizen accidentally, as he claimed, dis- charged one barrel of his revolver into the ground. This was the occasion for a general firing, and it is marvelous that the loss of life was not much greater. It has been estimated that one hundred and fifty shots were fired, which is evidently a great exaggeration. Tally stood in the back part of the wagon, with revolver and bowie-knife in hand; he evidently fired twice, as two chambers were empty, when he fell from the wagon dead, having been shot once through the head and twice through the body. One of the horses attached to the wagon was wounded, which caused the team to run, and probably avoided more serious consequences. The only other party seriously wounded was a man by the name of Wyant, who recovered. Up- on receiving the fatal shot, Tally fell prostrate in the wagon, and it was not known that he was dead until the driver of the team succeeded in con- trolling the horses, when an examination revealed the fact that life had already departed. The next day being Sunday, preparations were being made at the home of Tally, whither his remains had been conveyed the previous evening, for the funeral, while messages were sent in every direc- tion informing Tally's friends of his death, and calling upon them to avenge it. At the solicitation of certain influential citizens of Sigourney and else- where, a committee, consisting of S. A. Evans, Wm. H. Brunt, Presley Doggett and others, proceeded to the Tally neighborhood on the Monday following. When they arrived Tally had already been buried, and about one hundred people, from various parts of the county had assembled, de- termined on revenge. The committee said that they had come in the in- terests of peace, and that they were authorized to guarantee the arrest and speedy trial of the person or persons who killed Tally. Their words seem to have had little effect on the crowd, and they departed. All this time wagon-loads of men were on their way from Wapello, Mahaska and Powe- shiek counties to the place of rendezvous on Skunk river. Probably as many as 150 came from Mahaska county alone. These volunteers formed what is currently known as the Skunk River Army.
By Monday night affairs began to present quite a dangerous aspect to the people of South English and Sigourney, and that night two citizens of the later place made their way to Washington on horseback, and there, procuring a hand-car, proceeded to Wilton Junction, where they took a train for Davenport, in order to consult Governor Kirkwood, who was known to be there at that time. They found the Governor early on Tues- day morning, and stated the facts; his first reply was a verbal order for three hundred stands of arms, which he then gave the gentlemen in writ- ing, and told them to procure the arms and return to Keokuk county. One of the gentlemen replied: "My God! Governor, am I to understand you to return home and shoot down our neighbors?" The Governor replied: "On second thought I guess I'll go myself." And go he did, just as he was, without collar or neck-tie, and attired in the careless dress which he was accustomed to wear when at his regular employment. The Governor arrived on Wednesday evening at Sigourney; troops and a couple of can- nons followed soon after. That night he made a speech in front of the court-house.
The popular story of the Governor's threats of minie balls and canister to the Skunk river army, and of their terror-stricken flight from their camp is a myth, the truth being that there was no considerable number of armed
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men nearer English river than Skunk river, which is sixteen miles from the town. The project of armed resistance had been practically abandoned be- fore Governor Kirkwood reached the town, many of the Mahaska county troops having returned to their homes on Monday or Tuesday. It is probable that there were still some men assembled at the time of Governor Kirkwood's visit, and that his proclamation was read to them which gave rise to the more extravagant story. There was nobody badly frightened on either side, and no particular cowardice manifested. It is highly probable that if Bill Tally had continued as leader that the result would have been quite disastrous.
The Skunk river army has been variously estimated at numbers ranging from five hundred to four thousand; the first figure is probably not far from the truth.
According to the Adjutant-General's report, the following list of com- panies were engage in various parts of Keokuk county in suppressing disturbances during August, 1863: Muscatine Rangers, Washington Pro- vost Guards, Brighton Guards, Richland Home Guards, Fairfield Prairie Guards, Fairfield Union Guards, Abington Home Guards, Libertyville Guards, Mt. Pleasant Artillery, and Sigourney Home Guards-eleven com- panies.
The grand jury, at the following term of the District Court, took the Tally matter under consideration, but no one was indicted, and up to the present time it has not been found out who fired the fatal shot. It is highly probable, however, from the nature of the wound, that the shot was not an accidental one, but well-aimed, and from an unerring hand.
ACCIDENT AND CRIME.
In the matter of frightful accidents Washington county has probably . been more fortunate than many others, but notwithstanding the fact that a high moral sentiment has always prevailed, yet the inhabitants have been cursed with a sprinkling of vicious and reckless men, and the county has been disgraced by the commission of all the crimes known to the decalogue. There seem to have been manias for crime which came periodically. In the earlier records are found several cases of perjury, passing counterfeit money, horse-stealing, and one for fornication. Of the crime of murder but five cases appear of record up to the year 1860, and one of these occurred in what is now called Mahaska county, at the time attached to Washington for judicial purposes. The case having been tried in Wash- ington, the history of the case is given.
From 1860 to 1869 the county was remarkably free from crime, but dur- ing the last ten years murders and suicides have occurred with deplorable frequency, no less than five shocking murders having been committed, and during that period four suicides be ing committed within the space of one week. Suicides in this as well as other counties are of surprising frequency ; they occur much oftener than any one, who has not investigated the matter, would suppose; moreover, much oftener than the average citizen would be inclined to believe. Shall we say that the number of these revolting crimes averages one a month the year round in all the leading counties of the State? This may be a little above the average, but upon careful investiga- tion we are inclined to the opinion that the estimate is not far from the truth. These crimes being of such frequent occurrence it is not our pur-
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