USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 47
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0. 11. Browning, an Adams' County volun- teer. afterwards United States Senator from Illinois, kept a diary during the period of his enlistment, and from this record we learn im- portant facts of the campaign and the movement of the troops through Schuyler County.
Under date of April 25. 1832, Mr. Browning writes that his company left Quincy. They had no tents, and when dismounted stood ankle deep
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
in mnd. On Friday, April 27th, they reached Rushville, and marched three miles east of town, where the troops were collecting from various places. On Monday, the 20th, the whole army, consisting of 1,300 horsemen and some on foot. removed seven miles and went into camp, four miles north of Rushville. Here the regiment commanded by Col. Jacob Fry, of Greene County. was organized and minor officer- elected. The army was now . fully organized and under the command of Gen, Sammel Whitesides, and Goy. Reynolds also accompanied the army on its march.
From Rushville the line of march was to Yel- low Banks (now Oqnawka), on the Mississippi River, which was reached on May 3d. By rea- son of delay in the arrival of the boat with provisions, the army was compelled to remain the 4th, 5th and 6th in camp. On the morning of the 7th the march was continued to the mouth of Rock River, which was reached about night- fall. From here the army marched to Prophet's Town, and then on to Dixon's Ferry. The sea- son was unusually rainy and, by the time the troops had reached Dixon's Ferry. they were nearly . exhausted with fording creeks and tow- ing unmanageable keel-boats up the river, mauy times wading waist-deep in mire and water.
It was at Dixon's Ferry that the troop first heard of Stillman's defeat on May 14th, and the meager news first brought in by stragglers al- most caused a panie, as the number of Indians swarming down upon the army was fixed at fif- teen thousand.
Rev. Chauncey Hobart, a Schuyler County volunteer, in "The Recollection of His Life." states that they were awakened about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 15th by a straggler from Stillnan's battalion, who stated there had been a desperate fight with Black Hawk's band and that Stillman and all his men had been killed.
"This aroused the camp," says Rev. Hobart, "The men were sent to bring in the horses- many of them miles away. Our scanty breakfast was hastily eaten and by sunrise we were two miles out on the prairie. During the march up Rock River to the battle field, we met squads of Stillman's men, who were perfectly demoralized and saying we would find Indians by the thous- ands just ahead of us.
"When we proceeded about twenty miles we came upon the indications of the fight; dead horses, blankets, guns and other articles, which
had been dropped in the flight. And before we had reached Stillman's camp, we had found the bodies of ten white men and two Indians, who had been killed. These we buried and then camped on the battle field."
The wily Black Hawk lost no time in making a hasty retreat, following this slaughter of the overconfident volunteer soldiers, and when the main army came up he was marching across the border into Wisconsin. The prospect of a long campaign was disheartening to the volunteers, who, for the second season, had neglected their crops at a time when it meant a considerable loss to them, and there was a general clamor to return home. Inasmuch as Black Hawk had left the State, and the federal troops were in close pursuit. the volunteer army under General Whitesides was disbanded and the soldier's re- ceived their discharge at Ottawa, May 28, 1832.
A number of the Schuyler boys under Capt. William C. Ralls, reenlisted to avenge the In- dian Creek massacre, following Stillman's defeat. and they served until June 15th.
In response to the second call for troops fol- lowing Stillman's defeat. Capt. John Stennett formed a company in Schuyler County, which was attached to the Odd Battalion of Mounted Rangers, and mustered into service, May 30, 1832. This company ranged between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers during the summer. to protect the settlers from a surprise by any strag- gling bands of Indians. They were mustered ont. September 4, 1832.
In the organization of troops for the Black Hawk War. the two Schuyler companies, under command of Capt. Moses G. Wilson and Capt. Wm. C. Ralls, were attached to the Fourth Regiment, the other company being commanded by Capt. Abraham Lincoln. This intimate as- sociation in camp, where sports and games were a feature, brought the Schuyler volunteers into close contact with Lincoln, and many of them were afterward his stanehest friends and sup- porters, though, perhaps, they never could really understand how he had outstripped them in after life and won renown and imperishable fame as the nation's most beloved and exalted executive.
The writer well remembers when a lad listen- ing to the stories, told by John Brown, a Black Ilawk War veteran. and the name of Lincoln was oftentimes mentioned in the recitals, which filled our boyish heart with wonder and excite- ment. but the details have long since passed
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
from memory, but there is no mist: king the fact that John Brown was one of the iren who knew Lincoln intimately in those stirring pioneer days.
Much has been written concerning the cele- brated wrestling match indulged in by Lincoln, when in the Black Hawk War, and there is now good authority for stating that the historie bout took place in Schuyler County.
Col. Risdon M. Moore, now United States In- ternal Revenue Collector at San Antonio, Texas, has written an account of the wrestling match. as be heard it from his father, and from Mr. Lincoln himself, and the same has been published in the "Transactions of the Illinois Historical Society." We quote as follows:
"The place where the contest came off was near Beardstown, on the Illinois River, perhaps just across the river on the west side. It was when the volunteers were meeting there prepara- tory to taking the field against Black Hawk, in the spring of 1832. The occasion of the 'wrassel' was this: \ company of mounted volunteers from near Belleville, in St. Clair County, com- manded by my uncle. Capt. William Moore, and one from Sangamon County under Capt. Abra- ham Lincoln, arrived at the same place at the general rendezvous at about the same time, and both wanted the same camping ground, which was just large enough, with conveniences of wood and water, for one company. but not large enough for two.
"The proposition to wrestle for choice of camp grounds came from the Sangamon Company, that the two captains, my uncle and Mr. Lincoln. wrestle for it. My uncle declined this banter. and then my father, Jonathan Moore, who was then Orderly Sergeant, designated Dow Thomp- son to represent the St. Clair Company."
Mr. Moore then tells of a meeting with Lin- coln at Springfield on August S. 1560, when this now famous wrestle was referred to, and his narrative as stated by Lincoln, reads:
"Gentlemen, I felt of Mr. Thompson, the St. Clair champion, and told my boys I could throw him, and they could bet what they pleased. You see. I had never been thrown, or dusted. as the phrase then was, and, I believe Thompson said the same to the St. Clair boys, that they might bet their bottom dollars that he could down me. You may think a wrestle, or 'wrassle." as we called such contests of skill and strength. was a small matter, but I tell you the whole army was out to see it. We took our holds, his choice
first. a side hold. I then realized from his grip for the first time that he was a powerful man and that I would have no easy job. The struggle was a severe one, but after many passes and efforts he threw me. My boys yelled out 'a dog fall' which meant then a drawn battle, but I told my boys it was fair, and then said to Thompson, 'now it's your turn to go down,' as it was my hold then. Indian hug. We took our holds again, and after the fiervest struggle of the kind that I ever had. he threw me again, almost as easily at my hold as at his own. My men raised another protest, but I again told them it was a fair down. Why, gentlemen, that man could throw a grizzly bear."
Biographers of Lincoln have alven eredit to this celebrated wrestle with Thompson and. in- asmuch as the troops were assembled and camped for several days in Schuyler County, the natural conclusion is that the bout occurred at the camp three miles cast of Rushville.
Military discipline was unknown to the raw- recruits composing Gen. Whiteside's Brigade, and the action of the troops on the march and in eamp eaused Gov. Reynolds much annoyance and chagrin. And so it was, that the celebrated General Order of April 30th, was issued, while the troops were in camp north of Rushville. A manuscript copy of this order has been preserved and it reads as follows:
"Headquarters near Rushville. April 30, 1832.
(GENERAL ORDER. )
"There is to be no firing of guns in the lines or encampment without permission from the field officers under whose command the applicant may be placed, nor will any other disorderly conduct whatever be allowed in the brigade. At 12 sounds of the bugle officers and soldiers will rise up and prepare for the business of the day; at 6 sounds they will catch horses; at S sounds sad- dle up ; at 10 sounds parade ; at 3 sounds mareh ; at 4 sounds halt; at 11 sounds officers to at- tend headquarters for orders.
"By order of Brig. Gen. S. Whitesides. "N. BUCKMASTER, "Brigade Major."
This order was meant to apply to the volun- teers in the ranks, but it seems as though. Capt. Lincoln, while on the march. indulged in an unseemly display of firearms and, in consequence, was reprimanded and compelled to wear a wooden sword by his superior officer as punish-
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
ment for the offense. No doubt there were other offenders among the volunteers of the Fourth regiment, of which the Schuyler troops formed a part, but history has made no record of it. Of the three captains in this regiment. Moses G. Wilson, of Rushville, was the only one to achieve the distinction of promotion, and he was ad- vanced to the rank of Major.
The record of the services of the Schuyler County soldiers in the second campaign of the Black . Hawk War in 1832 is contained in the report of the Adjutant General of Illinois, pub- lished in 18 2. The Fourth Regiment was com- manded by Sammel M. Thompson, of the Brigade of Mounted Volunteers commanded by Brig. Gen. Samuel Whitesides. There were three com- pauies commanded by Capt. Samuel Hollings- worth, who succeeded Moses G. Wilson, advanced to Major, Capt. Wm. C. Ralls and Capt. Abraham Lincoln.
MUSTER ROLLS.
The muster roll of the Schuyler volunteers is as follows :
Captain-Moses G. Wilson, elected Major, April 30. 1832.
Second Lieutenant-Alex. Hollingsworth, lost horse May 22, 1532, award.
Second Lieutenant -- Harvey Skiles.
Sergeants-John B. Watson, appointed Adj't of 4th Kog .. April 30. 1832: G. W. P. Maxwell, ap- pointed First Sergeant. April 20: resigned May 19: Samuel Hollingsworth. elected Captain. April 30, 1832 ; I. G. Randall, resigned May 19. 1:32.
Corporals-Ava. Hollingsworth, resigned. April 30. 1832: James Martin, appointed First Corporal. April 30, 1532 : David Frayher, appointed Second Sergeant, April 30. 1832: 1 .. B. Skiles appointed Third Cor- poral, April 30, 1532.
Privates-
Abbott, Thomas, furloughied (sick). May 19, 1832. Abbott, A., furloughed to attend sick), May 19. 1832.
Bogart. Samuel, appointed First Sergeant. May 19, 1832. Lost horse. Burnett. Wm. Butler. George,
Cox, William, appointed Fourth Corporal, April 30, 1832. Collins, Elijah. detalled on extra duty.
Dunlap. Adam. appointed First Surgeon's Mate, April 30. 1822. Frakes, James.
Guinn, William,
Harrison, G. IL ..
Hollingsworth, Abe.
Hollingsworth, John, Holliday. I. S., Hobart, Chauncey, appointed Fourth Sergeant, April 30, 1832. Hills, Gamaliel, Horney. Nowien, lost horse May 22, 1832. Ilills, Ishmael. ITorney, Samuel, appointed Quartermaster. April 30. Justus, G. W ..
Kirkham, Ezra, lost horse May 22, 1832. Lockhart. William, Lane, Rutherford, lost horse May 22, 1832.
McFadden, John, appointed Third Sergeant, May 19,
Murphy. Robert, detailed on extra duty. Morgan. L.In. Moore, Willis, Naught, George.
Riley, Pamel. lost horse May 22, 1832.
Kenn. Jonathan, appointed Second Corporal, April 30, 1852.
Shiles. Beni .. Wilson. William L.,
Wallace, MONDs.
Wright, Heniv.
Williams, Eli. Young, William, lost horse May 22, 1832.
Captain-Wm. C. Ralis.
First Lieutenant-James Blackburn, resigned and returned home May 13, 1832. Seentel Lieutenant -- Jobn Stennet, promoted First Lieutenant, Mas 13, 1832. Sprapants- John M. Jones, Geo. W. Penny. James Ilunter. James "' Hinney, promoted Second Lieuten- ant. May 13. 1532.
Corporels -- Theo. Jourdan. Stephen il. St. Cyr, Jere- miah White, Alfred W. Mellatten, appointed Sergeant Major, May 18, 1832.
Privates -- allard. Nonh B., sick and furloughed. May 26. 1832. Drines, Roswell. Crisco, John, Bonthe. John.
Coonrod. Jefferson,
Combs, Stephen,
Crawford, John D.,
Chapman. Johnson,
De Wirt. Gab'l.,
Davis. John.
Edmonston. David,
Earnest. Aaron. detailed in wagon service.
Glenn. Robert 11 ..
Gay. Lewis.
liayden. Thomas.
llambangh. Stephen, appointed Fourth Sergeant, May IL. Hill. James, Ives, Joil.
Killion, Michael, sick and furloughed. May 26.
Morris, William,
Moore, Daniel,
Mchee. William,
Owen. Luke. Palmer. Benj., Rose. Win. B ..
Richardson. Jacob.
Richardson. Aaron,
Redick, Thomas.
Starr, John 11 ..
Sellars. Thomas,
Seward. Luster,
Till. Flemming, sick and furloughed. May 10. 1532. Van Winkle. Alex ..
Vandewenter, Cornelius, furloughed. May 26, 1\32. Vanwalter. John, sick and furloughed. May 19. IN32. Wilkerson. Jacob, appointed Fourth Corporal, May 18. 1×32.
Wilson, Benjamin,
ODD BATTALION MOUNTED RANGERS,-The Odd Battalion of the Brigade of Mounted Rangers. called into the service of the United States, on the requisition of Gen. Atkinson, by the Gov- ernor's proclamation, dated May 20, 1532, was mustered out of service September 4, 1532. The company was enrolled at Rushville, June 6.
THOMAS HABER AND FAMIIA
كب ١ - مخصص الاتحاديين
۔۔ حداد
اسطممعمد بالأطعم محمد
كلاسيك ، ماناً أن يجد طلاب الخاصبا والأتفيد
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
Captain-John Stennett. First Lieutenant-Daniel Matheney.
Second Lieutenant- Joel Pennington, absent on fur- lough from Aug. 27 to this dale. Sergeants-John B. Smith, Samuel L. Dark, Norris Hobart, Phillip Horney. Corporals-Robert Martin, Eli Williams, James Bell, absent on furlough from Aug. 27 to this date; Isaiah I'rice.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
Privates- Allen, William, absent on furlough from Aug. 27 to this date. Brown, William, Bristow, Isaac,
Bristow, Mathew C .. Briggs, Elias,
Brakewell, Charles, sick on way home. Busan, Jesse, Friend, Abel. Glenn, Fielding T., Golston, Benjamin,
Howard, James.
Hartley, Eli, abyent on furlough from Aug. 27 to this date. Hunter, Jesse, Holliday, Sanford. Harrison, George II ..
Rice, Nicholas,
Itose, Stephen,
Rose, John S .. Rigg, William T., Smith. George. Smith, Samuel. Smith, Hugh.
Horney, Samuel, appoint- ed Quartermaster of battalion, June 15. Isaac, Allen,
Sallie, Oliver P., Stewart. Samuel, Tullis, Joel, Van Winkle. John, Williams, Mervin,
Jones, John MI .. Kennett, William. Luster, Jesse, absent on extra duty.
White, Jeremiah.
INDEPENDENT COMPANY .- After the volunteers were mustered out of service at Ottawa, many of them reenlisted and Capt. Wm. C. Ralls was pnt in command of one of these independent companies. There were volunteers from many other regiments included. and the company served until June 15, 1832.
Captain-William C. Ralls, Schuyler County.
First Lieutenant - Radford M. Wyatt. Monroe County.
Sergeants-John M. Jones. Schuyler County : Sam- uel M. Pierce, Adams County : Stephen A. St. Cyr, St. Louis ; S. G. Bond, Monroe County.
Privates- Bristow, John, Schuyler County.
Brooks, Stephen, Monroe County. Beebe, Erastus, Adams County. Crawford, John D., Schuyler County.
Coonrod. Jefferson, Schuyler County.
Chapman. Johnson, Schuyler County.
Eves, Joel. Schuyler County. Johnson, James W., Shelby County. Johnson, Thomas, Adams County.
Kirkham, Ezra, Schuyler County. Lane, Rutherford. Schuyler County. Moore, Daniel. Schuyler County. Morris, William, Schuyler County. Melvan, Andrew, Missourl. Owens, Luke, Schuyler County. Richardson. Jacob, Schuyler County. Richardson, Aaron. Schuvier County. Trail, Xerxes F., Monroe County. Turner, Eben. Adams County. Wilkerson, Jacob. Schuyler County.
McGeehy, William, McKee, William, MeKee, James, Matheney, Daniel, Jr., Martin, Richard D., O'Neill. Simon P'., detalled on extra duty. Osbourne, Joseph, on fur- lough. arm dislocated. Pennington, Riggs, Pennington, S. O .. J'ennington, Riley. Peckingham. Peter, Penningham, Wesley. Pettigrew. George M.,
WAR DUE TO ANNEXATION OF TEXAS APPROVED BY CITIZENS Of SCHUYLER COUNTY-GOV. FORD'S CALL. TOR VOLUNTEERS IS ANSWERED BY DOUBLE THIE NUMBER CALLED FOR-SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTY VOLUNTEERS UNITE TO FORM COMPANY E. FIRST REGIMENT ILLINOIS. UNDER COMMAND OF COL. JOIEN J. HARDIN-THE REGI- MENT. AFTER BEING MUSTERED IN AT ALTON, ILL., REMOVES SUCCESSIVELY TO NEW ORLEANS, MATA- GORDA BAY AND SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS-ADVANCE TO THE RIO GRANDE PRECEDING THIE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA-LIST OF SCHUYLER COUNTY SOL- DIERS KILLED IN THAT BATTLE-MUSTER ROLLS OF COMPANY E AND INDEPENDENT CAVALRY COM - PANY-MEMBERS OF THE LATTER WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Without going into a detailed history of the causes that brought about the Mexican War, it will interest the student of Illinois history to know that the war was sanctioned by the resi- dents of our own State. Snch was not the case in the East, but Illinois people had favored Texas annexation and gave enthusiastic support to the Mexican War, and her soldiers won imper ishable fame and renown by their display of valor on the battlefield.
The war sentiment in Illinois was shown most forcibly when Gov. Ford made his call for troops. Within ten days thirty-five full com- panies had organized and reported, and by the time the place of rendezvous had been selected. the number was increased to seventy-five. The full quota of this State was limited to thirty companies, which meant disappointments for many of the enthusiastie volunteers. It may be of interest to know that the pay of these volun- teer soldiers was $S and commutation, amount- ing in all to $15.50 per month. The men were required to furnish their own uniform for which they later received remuneration.
At the time of the breaking out of the Mexl- can War but little progress had been made In military equipment since the day of the Revo- lution. It is true percussion guns had been in-
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
vented as early as 1810, but only one regiment was supplied with these modern arms and, taken as a whole, the Mexican campaign was fought with the old fashioned flint-lock guns.
In any good general history may be found an account of the Mexican War; and the campaign against Gen. Santa Anna, in which Schuyler troops participated, forms the most thrilling chapter, culminating as it does, in the decisive battle of Buena Vista. We will not, however, attempt to give even a summary of this war, but will confine ourselves to the local history connected with the organization and achieve- ments of the two companies formed at Rushville and commanded by men from Schuyler County.
The first call for volunteers in Illinois was made by Gov. Ford under date of May 25. 1846. Inasmuch as the militia had for several years been in a disorganized state, it was further ordered that the Sheriffs convene the militia regiments or old battalions en masse, and enroll such volunteers as might offer in their respective counties.
Enoch Edmonston was Sheriff of Schuyler County at that time, and Lewis D. Erwin was his deputy, and they posted notices of the Gor- ernor's proclamation in every voting precinct in the county. When the Governor's proclamation was issued, Wm. A. Richardson, one of the lead- ers of the Schuyler bar, was attending court in Carthage, and he wrote to Mr. Erwin that he would be home on Saturday of that week and asked him to see a number of men who were likely to enlist.
Mr. Richardson reached Rushville on the ap- pointed date, and a rousing meeting was held in the old court house yard, where animating strains of martial music were wafted upon the air inspiring the soldierly impulse in the men assembled. Mr. Richardson mounted a box on the west side of the court house and read the Governor's proclamation, following it up with a spirited, patriotic and effective appeal for volun- ters. "I propose to go to Mexico to the relief of Gen. Taylor." exclaimed Mr. Richardson, at the elose of his speech, "and would ask that all the men who will go with me move to the west part of the court house yard." There was in- stant response to this eall for volunteers and the men were there formed in line and marched past the south door of the court house, where Mr. Erwin counted eighty-four men in line, the full quota for a company. Before the men disbanded
they were instructed to meet the following Sat- urday to drill.
During the week following there developed considerable opposition to the war, which was led by Robert Blackwell, one of Rushville's talented and popular lawyers, who afterwards located in Chicago and won for himself a state reputation as an authority on legal practice. Mr. Blackwell was bitterly opposed to the war and he used his influence to get the men to with- draw their names as volunteers. This was plainly evident when the men met for drill on the following Saturday, as there were only fifty present, and it began to look as though the pat- riotie efforts of Mr. Richardson would come to naught. Sheriff Edmonston had not enlisted up to this time as it was the understanding that Mr. Erwin would go to the war, but when Mr. Blackwell incited the men to withdraw their names and referred to the fact that the Sheriff was enlisting men when he himself was not a volunteer, Mr. Edmonston's fighting blood was aronsed and he insisted that Mr. Erwin should take charge of his office while he went to war.
George S. Meyers, of Brown County, had en- deavored to raise a company and failed, and he sent word to Mr. Richardson that he would like to bring his men to Rushville and join the com- pany he was organizing. The offer was accepted and, when the company was organized, Mr. Myers was elected Second Lieutenant.
With the addition of the reernits from Brown County there was more than enough men to fill Mr. Richardson's company, and regular drills were held on the prairie south and west of where the Methodist church now stands. The most of the men had been members of the local militia and knew something of the manual of ans, and they entered heartily into the drills. as they wished to make a good appearance when mustored in with the other troops from Illinois. at Alton. It was on this drill-ground that Lewis D. Erwin took the names of the Schuyler vol- unteers who pledged themselves to go to -the Mexican War. In detailing the occurrence to the editor of this history. Mr. Erwin states that he placed his paper on the head of a big bass drum, and took the name of each volunteer as they marched past. As he remembers, there were abont fifty-three enlisted from this county.
It is most fortunate that the editor of this history has secured an interview with Lnke All- phin, of Camden, who has given us valuable in-
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
formation concerning Company E, First Regi- ment Illinois, which was organized at Rushville. This information is all the more important by reason of the fact that it corrects and supplies Important faets not stated in the Adjutant Gen- eral's report of Illinois on the Mexican War. Mr. Allphin and F. E. Davis, of Rushvile, are the two survivors of Capt. Richardson's com- pany. Mr. Davis' name does not appear in the Adjutant General's report, but this is accounted for by the fact that he received his discharge from the service at San Antonio, Texas, while the company was discharged, June 17, 1817, at Camargo, Mex.
When Capt. Richardson's company reached Al- ton, Ill., the place of rendezvous, it was at- tached to the First Regiment Illinois Volunteers and was designated as Company E. On July 18, 1846, the troops embarked on three steamboats and went down the Mississippi River. landing July 24th, at the battle ground eight miles be- low New Orleans, where Gen. Jackson had de- feated the British under General Pakenham. From there they were transported to Matagorda Bay in Texas, and went into camp on Placideres Creek, at what was known as Camp Irwin. From here they marched to San Antonio, where they went into camp August 24th, at Camp Crockett. On October 2d orders were received to start for Mexico, and after crossing the Rio Grande River, a forced march of 200 miles was made to get the army into position at Parras, and here the troops rested until December, when the his- toric campaign that preceded the battle of Buena Vista was begun.
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