Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 59

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), 1844-1928. 4n; Scofield, Charles J. (Charles Josiah), 1853- 4n
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1174

USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II > Part 59

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Some interesting extracts are here given from Hancock County newspapers.

In an issue of the Carthage Republican in December, 1861, the following concerning the 16th Regiment appears :

"Letter from the 16th Regiment, located at St. Joseph, says boys in fine condition; that Lieut. Wesley Clowes was best trained officer

in the regiment, and a strict disciplinarian ; Capt. Cahill the most popular man and Lieut. Isaac Davis the next popular in the company ; William Sommerville, Orderly, the most inde- pendent and care-free and F. J. Russell the best clerk in the regiment."

From the Carthage Republican of Feb. 19, 1863 :

MORTALITY OF COMPANY B OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT

"We are indebted to Sergt. James Sample of Co. B, 118tlı Ill. Vols. for the following memorandum of deaths in said company, whichi includes all that have died since the regiment left Camp Butler, up to the 26th of Jan., as shown by the company record : William Sleater, of brain fever, at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 19, 1862; David Bayles, of typhoid fever, at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1862; Mortimer Bayles, of measles, on board the steamer Crescent City, on the Yazoo River, Dec. 30, 1862; Edwin C. Stevens, of wounds received on the 2d of Jan., 1863, as the boats were leaving the landing on the Yazoo River, Jan. 6, 1863; Francis War- ner, at Mound City, Ill., Jan. 4, 1863; Jesse Edgington, at Mound City, Ill., of chronic diarrhea, Jan. 12, 1863."

From one of the Carthage newspapers under date of May 28, 1863 :

"List of killed and wounded in the 118th Ill. Inf. in the battle of 'Thompson's Hill,' Miss., May 1st, 1863. Company A-William Yetter, wounded in hand ; Wm. Alton, wounded in neck, severely. Company B-Wm. M. Grisham, killed; David Sholl, wounded in shoulder, se- verely ; John Roseberry, wounded in left hand, slight; John M. C. Parsons, shot through both legs, severely. Company C-Samuel Crawford, shot in neck, severely. Company D-Charles Fisher, wounded in hand. Company E-David Smith, in back, dangerous; John Shunebraker, in hand; William Massyan in wrist;

Bouney, flesh wound in leg. Company G-Wm. Bunger, in leg, since amputated; J. D. Ecklin, in chest, dangerous; Jacob Bunger, forefinger right hand off. Company H-Taylor Staley, through both hips, severely ; Lieut. Moore, flesh wound in thigh, very slight."

From the Carthage Republican of July 23, 1863 :

"We learn that Lieut. James Sample and Pri- vate John Wallace, of Company B, One Hun-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

dred and Eighteenth Regiment of Illinois Volun- teers were both seriously wounded by bush- whacking guerrillas, whilst on a scout near Edward's Station, between Black River and Jackson, Miss., on the 1st inst. For some days it was believed that Lieut. Sample's wound must prove fatal, the shot being through the lungs. But we have heard from him as late as the Sth inst., and he was then doing well, and strong hopes were entertained of his recovery. John Wallace is getting well. These are both brave and good men. Lieut. Sample has been in all the battles fought by Grant's army from the crossing near Grand Gulf to the taking of Vicks- burg, and has proved himself to be one of the bravest of the brave. He commanded Company B in the Arkansas Post fight, and in several subsequent battles."

From the Carthage Gazette of Oct. 12, 1865:

"SOLDIERS' RECEPTION

"Great out-pouring of Men, Women and Chil- dren! 7,000 to 10,000 persons present! 1,500 Soldiers 'Rally Round the Flag.' Speeches by Gov. Oglesbee, Col. Matheny, and Chaplain Teter, of Iowa.

"Saturday, the 7th day of October, 1865, was one of the proudest days for the soldiers and Union citizens of this county, which a glorious sun has ever dawned upon. From early morn till past noon every conceivable kind of vehicle could be seen bringing in their full and precious cargoes-all friends of the soldiers and of the government. The cars also, by running extra trips, brought in thousands of people, who soon crowded the streets and square, all eager to assist in welcoming back the multitude of sol- diers, who, judging from the past, had never expected such a greeting from Old Hancock. Great was their surprise and joyful their dis- appointment to find everything so excellently catered to their amusement.

"The band from Bowensburg was early upon the ground, and considering the short period of their organization, furnished most excellent music, and received the encomiums of a ma- jority of the people.

"The Turner's Band, of Keokuk, was highly complimented by an appreciative people. Be- sides the discoursing of most superb music, the gentlemen composing it are of that accommo-

dating class who are 'bound to win' among the citizens of any community.

"At 11 o'clock, the soldiers were formed on North Main Street, under the direction of Brig .- Gen. Smith, late of the 16th Illinois, assisted by the following aids :

"Capt. B. W. Worrell, 78th Ill. Inf .; Capt. Thos. C. Miller, 7th Mo. Cav .; Capt. Em'd Hag- gard, 37th Ill. Inf .; Lieut. Thos. Worthen, 118th Ill. Inf .; Lieut. Jerome Oran, 64th Ill. Inf .; Lieut. James Foy, 2d Ill. Cav .; Lieut. Samuel Mourning, 12th Ill. Cav .; Lieut. Henry King, 50th Ill. Inf .; Sergt. George Mcclintock, 2d Ill. Cav .; Sergt. Maxwell Dickey, 16th Ill. Inf .; and from thence escorted by the Keokuk Band, marched to the Fair Grounds, where a dinner, sufficient to have fed 15,000 people, was spread upon the numerous tables, and as fast as they were cleared, 'reinforcements' were brought on, until every person, old or young, who was so disposed, was amply provided for-there was no lack. Here some of our most beautiful ladies (such as only Old Hancock can produce), were prompt in catering to the wants of the soldiers, providing water and eatables without stint.

"At one o'clock the Keokuk Band mounted the stand and discoursed a number of most beauti- ful tunes to the vast audience; after which a most loyal and impressive prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Northrup, of the Baptist Church, in this place. Then followed an appropriate, most telling, and effective speech by Chaplain Teter, of Keokuk, which was very often ap- plauded by the soldiers to such an extent as to interrupt the speaker for several minutes.

"Mr. Teter was followed by Col. Matheny, of Springfield, in an excellent, impressive and argumentative speech, of about one hour, which will be long remembered. Then came a speech such as has not been heard by the people of this section for a long time. The people, as a unit, were charmed by the incontrovertible arguments used in favor of the past and present acts of the administration by Gov. Oglesbee. Without blackguard, without harsh language, he interested the great body of the people, espe- cially the soldiers, for nearly two hours, and when he closed, it was with cries from the multitude of 'Go on,' 'go on" The performance closed with music by the band, when the crowd moved slowly toward town, as though reluctant to give up the grand enjoyments of the day.

"It was intended to have a dance after the speaking, and to close the festivities of the

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

day, but the lateness of the hour at the close of the speech (it being nearly dark) prevented.

"We have on hand a number of communica- tions, signed by soldiers in various parts of the county, returning thanks to the committees, gentlemen and ladies, for the manner in which everything was gotten up and carried out."

IN RETROSPECT

If a full history of the participation of Han- cock County soldiers in the Civil War should be written, it would fill many volumes. But in the limited space assigned for this purpose, only a condensed account can be given, drawn from sources immediately available.

Those who lived through the period of the Civil War, looking back on what occurred then, after the lapse of from fifty-five to sixty years, are able to appreciate how difficult were the problems which were presented to the govern- ment and which were so satisfactorily solved, not without some mistakes, but with a result in the main conservative of the interests of our common country. In Hancock County, as in many other counties of this and other Union states, there was a tendency on the part of some to criticise the administration, while at the same time announcing adherence to the general proposition of the suppression of the rebellion and the preservation of the Union. Notwithstanding this, the war was so conducted as to develop practically the maximum of ef- fort on the part of the Union for the accom- plishment of the great end in view. In Han- cock County there was no serious disturbance except that which was associated with the kill- ing of Ossman and Ritter in the summer of 1863, an account of which is elsewhere given in this volume. And even that episode might have occurred if no war had been in progress. The sheriff and Ossman, while engaged in serv- ing a warrant, were fired upon by Ritter, and a large number of citizens followed Ritter, and one of them shot him while hiding in the brush. Similar events have occurred in times of peace. In view of the war, however, the situation nat- urally engendered intense feeling, and it was feared by the government that further lawless- ness upon the one side or the other might ensue. For this reason a company of soldiers was sent to Carthage and stationed there for some months for the preservation of the peace in

case of an outbreak of violence. But nothing further occurred, and the condition became nor- mal, considering the fact that the county was involved in a great war, which affected it so intimately, although not carried on within its borders.

Husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, friends, had gone voluntarily into the service, and there was constant anxiety in many a household, and yet the ordinary course of affairs continued in large part as if no war was in progress. Farmers planted and raised crops and marketed the produce as usual; merchants bought and sold goods ; physicians attended their patients ; lawyers practiced in the courts and the ses- sions of the courts were held as usual ; elec- tions for county and township officers were held and results were declared and acquiesced in by those who were defeated at the polls; schools were in session and children attended them with as much interest as if battles were not in progress at the front; and there were no striking deviations from the normal except where gloom enveloped a household from the death or wounding of a soldier, and except in the effect of the war upon the price or scarcity of commodities. The editor was in school, as a little child, during that period, and remem- bers of but one day in which the school was suspended from fear of danger, and that was on the day of the tragedy above mentioned, on which day the teachers dismissed the Carthage schools, with instructions to the pupils to pro- ceed directly to their homes.

Although differences of opinion may have divided communities during the stress of war, at the present day there are no such differences, but the whole nation pays its tribute of praise to the men in blue who pressed the war to a victorious close. Valiant in battle, these sol- diers have been equally deserving in peace. From the rattle of musketry and the roaring of cannon, they came back to the enjoyment of the peaceful sounds of the shop and farm. Some returned to occupy the presidential chair ; others to hold seats in congress or legislature ; others to serve on the bench; others to become leaders in great industrial or commercial enter- prises, and others, many others, to discharge the humbler, but not less important, duties of a less conspicuous service. And their civil life has been in worthy succession to their life in the field.

JACOB P. GRINDLE

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

This war is sometimes called the American- Spanish War, or simply the War with Spain.

Cuba is so close to Florida and so intimately connected in business with this country that the repeated wars between Spain and the Cuban part of its territory seriously affected the United States and resulted in creating a strong sentiment among our people in favor of the emancipation of Cuba from Spanish domination. This feeling was intensified during the years preceding the destruction of the Maine and particularly during the months immediately pre- ceding that event. Necessarily, such a state of feeling on the part of our people resulted in some degree of constraint, if not of fric- tion, in the dealings between the two nations. Particularly obnoxious to Americans were the methods adopted by Gen. Weyler to terrorize, intimidate and subjugate the Cubans. Stories of the suffering and miseries of men, women and children under the reconcentrado system provoked sympathy and resentment among our people. The government began to take meas- ures to meet contingencies which might arise, and American war vessels went southward to cruise during the winter in the vicinity of Cuba. The Battleship Maine was ordered to Havana on Jan. 24, 1898, and this was recog- nized by the Spanish minister at Washington as a proper proceeding. Spanish warships had visited America, and it was regarded as accord- ing to usage for American warships to visit Cuba. The Spanish ambassador, Senor de Lome, wrote a letter to a friend in Spain, in which he challenged the good faith of the United States in negotiations with Spain. This let- ter fell into the hands of a Cuban committee and was published. This government forth- with suggested to the Spanish government that de Lome's recall was expected. He anticipated such action by resignation. The feeling grew more hostile. Senator Mason said in Congress : "If we are to have war, let it be a war in de- fense of humanity. Let it be a war in defense of the weak against the strong."

Soon afterwards, at 9:40 in the evening of Feb. 15, 1898, the Maine, while lying at anchor in the harbor of Havana, was suddenly de- stroyed by an explosion and 253 of the 354 men and officers on board were killed or drowned. Great excitement followed the receipt of the

news of this calamity in the United States, but the officials and even the people, held them- selves nevertheless under commendable control. Investigations were undertaken by both govern- ments. There was no direct evidence that the destruction of the Maine had been `planned or ordered by the Spanish government. Direct responsibility for the act was denied. The con- clusions of the Court of Inquiry was reported by President Mckinley to Congress, to the ef- fect that the loss of the Maine was not due to fault or negligence on the part of the officers or crew, but that the ship had been destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, causing the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines, and that no evidence had been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the destruction of the Maine upon any person or persons.

The situation grew more and more intoler- able. Sympathy for the Cubans increased. In- dignation against the Spanish government be- came intensified. Finally both Houses of Con- gress passed a resolution declaring that Cuba ought to be free, that it was the duty of the United States to demand, and that the govern- ment did demand by the resolution, that Spain relinquish its authority and government in Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom, and that the President be directed and empowered to use all the United States forces and to call into actual service the militia of the several states as far as necessary to carry the resolu- tion into effect. The resolution also contained the following statement: "That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or in- tention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island, except for the pacifica- tion thereof; and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the govern- ment and control of the island to its people." The Spanish government delivered to our am- bassador his letters of safe conduct, and he left for Paris. The Spanish ambassador, Senor Barnabe, demanded his passports and went to Canada. From April 21, 1898, the two nations were at war, and the Congress unanimously so declared.

It is not the purpose of this history to give an account of the interesting and rapidly-oc- curring events which brought victory to the American armies within a little more than three months, resulting in the signing of the

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

protocol on August 12th by M. Cambon on behalf of Spain, and by Secretary Day for the United States, at 4:33 in the afternoon, in the cabinet room of the White House, following which President .Mckinley issued a proclamation sus- pending hostilities. Later, a treaty of peace was a greed upon, which was ratified by the Senate on Feb. 6, 1899, by a vote of 57 to 27. The negative vote was composed largely of sena- "tors who agreed with the resolution introduced by Senator Hoar of Massachusetts on Jan. 14th, declaring that the people of the Philippine Is- lands ouglit of right to be free and independent. The majority of the senators favored assum- ing the responsibility of training the people of the Philippine Islands for self-government, and in the meantime retaining jurisdiction over the islands.

The report of the Adjutant-General of this state shows that Illinois furnished men for the army and performed her whole duty to the nation in the War with Spain. The National Guards were called into the service. Illinois responded with the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Infantry, Illinois National Guards, Battery A, Illinois National Guards, and the 1st Cavalry, all of which were mustered into the service of the United States from May 7 to May 21, 189S. Later there was a second call, under which the quota of Illinois was two regiments of infantry, and Illinois furnished the 9th Illinois Infantry, mustered into the service July 4th-11th, 1898, and the 8th Infan- try on July 22, 1898, each of which regiments had its maximum membership. The 8th Infan- try was composed wholly of men of the Afro- American race.

The Adjutant-General's report showing the officers and soldiers of these regiments pur- ports to give the place of residence of each man, and all the editor can do is to go through these reports and give the names of men credited to this county, or any of its cities and villages. There were at that time no National Guards in Hancock County, so that this county did not furnish any considerable number of men for the War with Spain. Some names are given in the reports, however, and doubtless there are Hancock County men who went into the service from other points who are not cred- ited to Hancock County. The names of Han- cock County men given in these reports are the following: Leone S. Grey, Augusta, 4th Reg., mustered out May 2, 1899; Fred Mickle,

Augusta, 5th Reg., mustered out Oct. 16, 1898; John E. Newcomb, Augusta, 5th Reg., mustered out Oct. 16, 189S; John F. White, Augusta, 5th Reg,, mustered out Oct. 16, 1898; Walter Swaun, Augusta, 5th Reg., mustered out Oct. 16, 1898; Charles S. S. Morrison, Augusta, Sth Reg., mustered out April 3, 1899; Samuel K. Empey, Augusta, 1st Cav., mustered out Oct. 11, 1898.

According to these reports the medal is due to Augusta for services in the War with Spain.

If it shall appear that any name has been overlooked in going through the Adjutant-Gen- eral's report, it will be a matter of regret to the editor.

After the treaty of peace between the United States and Spain had been ratified and the United States had taken over the Philippine Islands, our government undertook the pacifica- tion of these Islands by suppressing insurrec- tion and reducing the Islands to a condition of orderly and well-regulated government. The War with Spain was over but war in the Philip- pine Islands followed. The 30th Infantry, United States Volunteers, was organized under authority of an act of Congress, approved March 2, 1899. Recruiting began at Ft. Sheri- dan, Illinois, on July 9th. By Aug. 5th the regiment had been fully recruited, and consisted of 50 officers and 1,309 enlisted men. It is said that all the officers and 642 of the enlisted men had seen service before in the armies of the United States, and the others, with few excep- tions, had had military training or experience. The roster of this regiment, which was under command of Col. Cornelius Gardener, contains the names of Hancock County men, most of them from Carthage or vicinity. These men were sent to the Philippine Islands. Those lold- ing the rank of sergeant in the band were George E. Sanford, Carl Bird, Joseph B. Helf- rich, Walter S. Lane and Wilford F. Rowe, all of Carthage, Illinois. A private in Co. I of the same regiment was Arthur E. Isham, whose residence was given as Carthage, Illinois, and who was once a student at Carthage College. It is stated in the roster that Mr. Isham had previously served in the 5th Ill. Vol. Inf.

Roy McMechan and Damon Johnson, also of Carthage, Illinois, served in the Philippine Islands in Co. I of the 32d regiment, U. S. V. Doubtless there were others from this county in similar service of whom the editor has no information.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

THE WORLD WAR, 1914-18

On April 6, 1917, by resolution of Congress, it was declared that a state of war existed be- tween Germany and the United States. Pro- ceedings were initiated forthwith to make ade- quate preparations for the conflict. There was a question raised among the people as to whether the large army demanded for our proper partic- ipation in the war should or could be raised by calling for volunteers. This question was settled by the act of Congress which went into effect on May 18, 1917, providing for the registration of all male persons of the United States be- tween the ages of twenty-one and thirty, both inclusive, and authorizing the proper authori- ties to prescribe rules or regulations for accom- plishing this registration on June 5, 1917, and for a drawing to take place at Washington for the purpose of determining the order in which the registrants should be called to the service. This is not the place to enter into details, and it is our intention to give merely an outline of the manner in which the selective service law was made effective.

While, in popular expression, this act was called the draft law, and the operation of it in selecting registrants for service, the draft, yet these were more correctly referred to as the selective service act and the selective serv- ice system. Service under a draft law during the Civil War was regarded as placing the soldier in an inferior position to the man who had volunteered for the service. It was not so under the selective service system in the great war with Germany. Some had volun- teered, and were in the service, in anticipation of war, and they were and are entitled to great honor. But those who were sent to the camps under the selective service system, and who served at home or abroad as the exigencies of the case required, are treated with equal honor. It was the method chosen by Congress for rais- ing an army fairly and impartially to all con- cerned, and it was and is considered the same as if those thus sent into the service had volun- tarily offered themselves as a sacrifice for their country.

It was apprehended by some that there might be resistance, or, at least, difficulty in putting the selective service system into operation. There was a slight disturbance in a few locali- ties, but nothing serious, and the selective serv- ice act was executed with practically unanimous

consent and approval of the people of the United States.

THE FIRST REGISTRATION

On June 5, 1917, occurred the first great regis- tration. We are dealing with Hancock County, and we are speaking for Hancock County only. The registration in this county was under the direction of the county clerk, William E. Miller, who faithfully and efficiently, with the aid of the registration officers in every township, com- pleted the registration and caused the registra- tion cards to be collected together, and copies thereof made, and all deposited in the vault of the county clerk's office in the court-house at Carthage, ready to be delivered to the Local Board, when that board should be appointed and qualified and should begin its services.

The members of the Local Board did not realize at first, and the people generally do not realize now, the magnitude of the work re- quired and accomplished in this first registra- tion.

The number of registrants was 2240. To this list was added afterwards a few names, being the names of persons who were not in position to register on June 5th on account of absence from the United States or for other excusable reason. When completed by these few subse- quent additions to the list, the total number of registrants in this county for the June 5, 1917, registration, was 2259.

It is not known that any citizen of Hancock County, whose duty it was to register, failed in the discharge of this duty. As far as Han- cock County is concerned, this first great regis- tration was a most wonderful manifestation of the obedience of Hancock County citizens to the law and of their willingness to make the great sacrifice if such lot should be theirs under the impartial operation of the selective service system.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 59

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), 1844-1928. 4n; Scofield, Charles J. (Charles Josiah), 1853- 4n Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1174

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), 1844-1928. 4n; Scofield, Charles J. (Charles Josiah), 1853- 4n
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1174