History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 19

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > History of La Salle County, Illinois > Part 19

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W. T. Hopkins being called upon addressed the meeting in his eloquent style.

Mr. Bronson Murray presented the following resolution, which motion was adopted :

"Resolved, That this convention hereby names the 16th day of August next and the city of Bloomington as a suitable time and place for holding a state mass meeting of those favorable to these views, and we ask our fellow-citizens to meet us then and there."

Similar organizations took place in other states, but I cannot state definitely to which state be- longs the honor of taking the first steps toward forming the party which has since become the dominant one in the nation. My impression is that the call for the mass meeting in this county was prior to the commencement of a similar or- ganization elsewhere, and that it may be said that the party had its origin in the county of La Salle, in this state. The first starting of the new party in this state, and in some of the others, in- duced by the same cause, was, however, so nearly at the same time, that it is of little moment which was actually first. The name the party adopted was one known in the earlier history of the par- ties in the United States, and the signification of the word 'Republican' was deemed an appro- priate one for the new party. I do not recollect distinctly whether the name had been suggested to me prior to the time I inserted it in the fifth resolution, but my impression is that I heard of the name being used in Michigan previous to the time I wrote the resolution. At the time I wrote the call, in June, I was not aware of any similar move elsewhere, though I then supposed that similar causes would produce similar effects in other states.

On the 30th day of August, A. D. 1854, the first Republican county convention was held, at which, according to the account published in the Ottawa Republican of September 2, 1854. Ab- ner A. Fisher was selected as chairman and James Strain, of La Salle, and Oliver C. Gray, of Ottawa, as secretaries.

The convention selected as congressional dele- gates David Strawn, E. T. Bridges, P. Behrend, Alson Woodruff, J. C. Champlin. J. F. Linton, James Smith, Wells Wait. D. L. Hough, Sam-

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uel R. Lewis and William H. Price, and as dele- gates to the representative convention : Oliver C. Gray, H. J. Reed, William H. Price, Bronson Murray, F. Dean, John Hosford, H. S. Bebee, William Cullen, Elmer Baldwin, E. L. Water- man, and A. McGirr; and as county executive committee : Alson Woodruff, Bronson Murray, Richard Thorne, Philo Lindley, E. T. Bridges, B. F. Demeritt and F. S. Day. The chairman also selected Bronson Murray, John C. Champlin, S. Austin, Wells Wait and D. P. Jackson as a Committee of Resolutions, who reported the plat- form and resolutions of the mass meeting, which, with one or two others, were adopted.

Francis Warner was nominated for sheriff, and Azro C. Putnam for coroner, and they were elected over the Democratic nominees-Lucian B. Delano for sheriff and John Morris for coroner. 1

At the Republican convention to nominate rep- resentatives to the state Legislature, held at Otta- wa, September 2, 1854, Frederick S. Day and Da- vid Straw11 were nominated and afterward elected.

At the congressional convention held at Bloom- ington, on September 12, 1854, the Hon. Jesse O. Norton was nominated. There was a great deal of discussion as to whether Norton should be nominated as a 'Republican' candidate, but finally the Ottawa platform, name and all, was adopted, and he was nominated and elected as the Republican candidate. The mass meeting called under the resolution of Mr. Murray, for August 16, 1854, had been postponed until the time appointed for the congressional convention, and at this time it was further postponed to be held at Springfield, October 5, 1854. Of course, many prominent politicians opposed to the Demo- cratic party were at Bloomington on the 12th of September and the opposition to the new name was considerable in and out of, the congressional convention. Among those who did not yet deem it wise to apply the name of 'Republican' to those who were the opponents of the then Democratic National administration, was Abraham Lincoln, afterward the first Republican president of the United States.

The state mass meeting heretofore mentioned was held at Springfield on the 5th day of Octo- ber, but it was not named in the account of the proceedings as a Republican meeting. In the ac- count, as published in the Ottawa Republican of October 14, 1854. it is called an 'anti-Nebraska State mass meeting.'

The convention was called to order by Tuthill King, Esq., of Cook County, and A. G. Troop was made president and C. C. Flint, secretary. The following named gentlemen were appointed

as a committee on resolutions : Joseph T. Marsh, of Woodford County ; Erastus White, of Sanga- mon ; Dr. Henry Wing, of Madison; Bronson Murray, of La Salle; Jesse Penrose, of White- side; T. B. Hurlburt, of Madison; Dr. H. K. Jones, of Morgan ; S. N. Coe, of Whiteside ; Wil- liam Butler, of Lee : and N. B. Geer, of Lake.

The resolutions were somewhat similar in senti- ment to those of the Ottawa mass meeting.

On motion of Owen Lovejoy, seconded by Ichabod Codding, John E. McClun, of McLean County, was nominated for state treasurer. Mc- Clun afterward declined to accept the nomination, and as the time was so short before election James Miller, of McLean, at the request in writ- ing of some prominent citizens, was substituted as a candidate, and was voted for by Whigs, Re- publicans and anti-Nebraska men, afterward fused and blended, as Republicans. The major- ity at the mass meeting at Springfield, like Mr. Lincoln, was not quite ready then to adopt the name 'Republican.' Miller was defeated by the Democratic candidate, John Moore.

As is usually the case with new parties, there was not the same eagerness to join it before it became strong that there was afterward. Its growth was, however, quite rapid from 1854 until the election of Abraham Lincoln, its candidate for president, in 1860. The history of the party after the name 'Republican' was fully adopted by the state and national organizations, is so well known that I have traced its history only up to the mass meeting at Springfield, Octo- ber 5, 1854. The opposition party was called anti-Nebraska for a while, but finally the name 'Republican' was universally accepted. The fore- going account with its dates, can be relied upon as accurate. The new party was composed of those who had previously been members of the Democratic, Whig and Abolition parties, respect- ively, with a much larger portion of the latter two than of the former. If it be of sufficient im- portance to ascertain in what county and state the first attempt at organizing the Republican party was made, perhaps this communication, if made public, may lead to a settlement of the question. The affinity between the northern poli- ticians who entertained the hope of assistance heretofore mentioned and the people of the south- ern states, was perceptible during the war of the Rebellion, and notwithstanding the war, it does not seem to have been yet entirely obliterated. There is a change, however, going on, and stranger things have happened than it would be to see friendly relations, and an affinity estab- lished between those who were the most bitter enemies during the war. 'When the reason for a

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rule ceases the rule ceases.' Slavery dead, the animosities it created should be buried with it. Let us have peace."

The election in 1855 was close. The Repub- licans elected the circuit clerk and the Democrats elected treasurer, surveyor and school commis- sioncr. The election of 1856 has been noted. That of 1857 was very close, the Republicans winning by very small majorities.

The election of 1858, the year of the Lincoln- Douglas debate, the Republicans won by majori- ties ranging from 700 to 800. The vote was the heaviest ever cast. The effect of the debate is apparent.

In 1860 Lincoln's majority over Douglas was 954. In 1861 no partisan nominations were made. There was but one ticket-called the Un- ion. The Democrats again won in 1862. After this the county went Republican except for an oc- casional county officer until 1882, when Cleveland Democrats carricd the county by 247. It re -- mained Democratic until 1894 and has been Re- publican since to 1906.

LA SALLE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.

The election of 1858 resulted in a majority of the members of the General Assembly in favor of Mr. Douglas for the Senate. Mr. Lincoln was unsuccessful in his canvass for that office. but the debate with Mr. Douglas not only gave him prestige at home, but made him known al! over the country. His friends at home began to look upon him as the best man for president in 1860. They were successful in making him the nominee at the meeting of the National Con- vention at Chicago in 1860.

The southern leaders became more bold and now openly threatened to secede from the Union and proposed to form a government of their own with slavery as one of its foundation stones. Douglas was the logical candidate of the Demo- cratic party. His doctrine was popular with the masses of the people. The idea that the people themselves shall decide all questions of govern- ment took deep hold upon them. Douglas him- self was sincere in this thoroughly democratic doctrine. Hc was such an adept at winning and holding popular favor that he was almost wor- shiped by his partisans. Had he been nomi- nated and supported by the united party, he would easily have been successful at the polls. But the Southerners who were bent on secession knew that Douglas was too much of a patriot for their purposes and his doctrine of squatter sovereignty was only seemingly in their favor. For the North could settle territories faster than the South and thus slavery must lose in the end.

The Southern Democrats bolted the conven- tion and nominated Breckenridge and adopted 2 platform favorable to slavery. The Northern Democrats nominated Stephen A. Douglas and adopted a platform embodying his ideas of pop- ular rule. Still other Democrats nominated John Bell, decrying slavery agitation and favoring the Union. Thus divided success for the Demo- cratic party was hopeless.

The canvass of 1860 was spirited on the part of the Republicans, for success seemed certain. But plans for secession went forward at the South and as soon as the result of the election was known secession· began. By the 4th of March when Lincoln was to be inaugurated the Southern Confederacy had been organized. So well had the Southerners laid their plans that six weeks after the election South Carolina held a convention and seceded from the Union. On February 4th, a month before Mr. Lincoln's in- auguration, the Southern Confederacy was a completely organized government.

During these anxious months a peace conven- tion was held. But all to no purpose. The bloody conflict was at hand.

In the election of 1860 the state went for Lin- coln and the county cast a majority of about 1,000 votes for him. The people were keenly alive to the issue. The Republicans intensely loyal to Lincoln, and the Democrats equally loyal to Douglas, although they saw the hopelessness of his cause. This brought them real grief. It was not simply friendship for him, though that was strong, but they thought Republican triumph must bring war and destroy the Union, while Douglas' triumph would avert war and save the Union. Events after the election of Lincoln in November caused many a loyal man to think seriously. When the fatal day came and the Southerners fired upon the flag on April 12. 1861, the partisans of Douglas were ready to join those of Lincoln in the preservation of the Union, by war if it could be preserved no other way.

Mr. Douglas took a decisive stand in support of the administration to preserve the Union, peaceably if possible. by war if necessary, and did more than any other man to show how wrong and how unnecessary was secession. He pre- pared the way for a united North. A million men who voted for him, followed him in his de- termination to prevent the destruction of the Na- tion. At the close of the session of the Senate, he came home and made a speech before the General Assembly at Springfield in which he said there were now only two parties in the coun- try, patriots and traitors. He died on the 3d day of June. His death was a great calamity to this country. James G. Blaine truly says :

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"His last days were his best days. The hour of his death was the hour of his greatest fame. In his political career he had experienced the ex- tremes of popular odium and of popular ap- proval. His name had at different periods been attended with as great obloquy as ever beset a public man. It was his happy fate to have changed this before his death, and to have se- cured the enthusiastic approbation of every lover of the Union." Nowhere was this union of members of all parties to help preserve the Union more in evidence than in La Salle County.

When the news came that Fort Sumter had been fired on, the people met in the Court House and listened to speeches by O. C. Gray, William Reddick, J. O. Glover and H. W. Hopkins. On . the 18th of April the Court House was crowded. Judge Dickey, William Reddick and L. B. De- lano voiced the sentiment of the people. This resolution was unanimously adopted: "Re- solved, That we will stand by the flag of our country in this, her most trying hour, cost what it may of blood and treasure." By the 18th of April Captain Houghtaling had organized a com- pany. By the 20th Captain W. L. Gibson's com- pany had organized and by the 23d Captain T. C. Gibson's was ready. On the 22d the first two were accepted by the governor and were on their way to Springfield. Captain T. C. Gibson's fol- lowed in a few days.

Two other companies were formed, but were not accepted. That of Captain Burleson, a vet- eran of the War of 1812, was composed of men above the age of forty-five. That of Captain Reed's was composed of Germans. The mem- bers of the Turner Society formed the greater part of it.

The excitement was so great that business was almost suspended. The people gave them- selves up to preparing for the war. The young men eagerly rushed into it. The fathers and mothers knew much better than they what it meant. Every young man expected to get back home having achieved glory or at least have had the outing of his life. But fathers and mothers felt that they were looking upon their loved ones the last time.

The young men busied themselves in getting ready and getting their comrades to enlist. The ladies occupied themselves with needles prepar- ing clothing and flags. When Captain Hough- taling's company left for Springfield they marched to the Court House square, where many thousand people from all over the county awaited them. The ladies had embroidered a beautiful silk flag which was presented in their behalf bv O. C. Gray. Captain Houghtaling accepted it for the company. Captain W. L. Gibson's com- pany marched to the residence of Miss Sarah

Miles, where a flag was presented. The pre- sentation speech was made by Miss Ellen Fisher. She said :

"Beloved soldiers: We present you this ban- ner. It is the flag of our native land. It rep- resents our dearest hopes for country, home and life. Our hands have made it, yours must de- fend it; and if needed for that purpose, the choicest blood in your veins, we doubt not, will be freely poured out. Our best wishes attend you. Our prayers will follow you; and if you fall in your country's cause, we promise that your names shall be often spoken with tender pride, so long as we shall live. See to it that this flag is never insulted with impunity. God biess you ; and God bless our native land. Fare- well!" Mayor W. H. L. Wallace responded most eloquently. The great throng of people escorted the companies to the three o'clock train and they were off for the front.

Captain T. C. Gibson received word on Tues- day that his company had been accepted and on Wednesday he was ready to start. George C. Campbell presented a flag on behalf of a com- mittee of ladies. Julius Avery on behalf of another committee of ladies presented Captain Gibson with a beautiful Knight Templar sword. Captain Reed's and Captain Burleson's companies escorted the company to the train. Thus within ten days of the firing on Sumter, three hundred men left the county for the war for the Union.

It is interesting to note that the men who were so decidedly opposed to each other during the previous years on political questions were now united when the truth of Lincoln over which they had disputed was upon them: "A house divided against itself cannot stand. Neither can this country endure permanently half slave and half free." The Free Trader which had voiced the sentiments of those who were opposed to the Republican policy on slavery, like the great leader of the Democratic party, Senator Douglas, came out strongly for the integrity of the Union. It said :

"This then is our position. We acknowledge allegiance to the government of the United States, of which Abraham Lincoln is the head. When the rightful authority of that government is assailed, its very existence endangered-we care not whether by the folly of the party to which we belong or to which we stand opposed. or by the machinations of enemies from within or without-when that government, we say, is assailed, and the powers the people have chosen to administer its affairs call upon us to come to its defense, we cease to be true men-we become traitors-if we refuse to respond to that call. The time we humbly conceive to discuss the party measure by which the present state of

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things was brought about or could have been avoided, has passed, should be forgotten, and merged in the infinitely greater and common con- cern-the defense of the existence and mainte- nance of the authority of the government."

The Board of Supervisors met in special ses- sion to aid in equipment of soldiers. It voted to give $8 to every volunteer between the first day of April and October, to aid in equipping such volunteers. It voted $10,000 to be expended for the support of families of volunteers in the serv- ice during the first six months. John Hise, S. IV. Cheever and Elmer Baldwin were appointed a committee to expend the money as directed by the Board.

In other parts of the county the enlistments went as bravely on. At Tonica a company was raised in a few hours. C. K. Potter was unan- imously elected captain and George W. Howe first lieutenant. Captain Potter left at once for Springfield to tender his company to the gov- ernor. The ladies of that village began making clothing. Over $1,500 was raised to supply the needs of families of volunteers and to support the company while it was drilling and not ac- cepted.

The people of the city of La Salle raised a company of which Henry H. Carter was elected captain.

There was little prospect of more companies being accepted by the government. But the war spirit would not down. Earlville, Peru and Utica organized "home guards" and drilled them to be in readiness should the government ask for more.

Captain J. B. Ford organized an Irish com - pany at Ottawa. There being no call for its services it disbanded, but soon after was re- organized and became a part of the "Irish Bri- gade" of Chicago, commanded by General Mulli- gan and made a great record during the war.

The German company of Ottawa was accepted and became a part of General Hecker's regiment. In August of 1861 two more companies were raised and became a part of the Irish Brigade. that of Captain Moriarity, of La Salle, called the Douglas Guards and the Earl rifles, raised at Earlville. Other companies were that of Captain Rush, the Ottawa Rifles under Captain Jaque. In all eleven companies or over 1,000 men had gone to the front.

Captain E. J. Shepardson raised a company in the country and came to Ottawa to Camp Hun- ter, where Colonel T. Lyle Dickey was organizing a cavalry regiment. A company of sharp shoot- ers was organized on the ridge in Waltham, Ophir and Freedom. It chose John H. Morrill captain.

Colonel Dickey's cavalry regiment was com-

pleted in October. Ottawa had quite the ap- pearance of a military station. The men were all in uniform and having been well drilled made a fine appearance. When the time of their de- parture came the usual ceremonies of speeches and flag presentations were indulgd in. But when Judge Caton exhibited the flag borne by the La Salle County boys in the battle of Lex- ington, Missouri, all riddled with bullets, war seemed to be a serious matter. Colonel Mulli- gan and his Irish boys had greatly distinguished themselves. It seems here was the place where La Salle soldiers were first in line of battle.

By February, 1862, Colonel W. H. W. Cush- man had raised he Fifty-third and left for Chi- cago. His regiment spent some time guarding Confederate sympathizers in Camp Douglas. When Northern men became too outspoken for rebellion, they were arrested and sent to Camp Douglas. The Fifty-third. got to Pittsburg Landing in Tennessee at the conclusion of the battle of Shiloh and just in time to help carry off the wounded and bury the dead.

The Eleventh Regiment, composed principally of La Salle County men, and commanded by Colonel W. H. L. Wallace, has a brilliant history. It was organized at Springfield in May, 1861, and stationed at Villa Ridge, near Cairo. Colonel Wallace named it "Camp Hardin" in honor of his commander in the Mexican war. In the latter part of June the regiment moved to Bird's Point, Missouri. It took part in the engagements of Fredericksburg, Charleston and Belmont in Mis- souri. These were regarded as important before larger ones made them appear insignificant. The summer was spent in equipping and drilling. By the spring of `62 the farmer and shop boys had been transformed into veterans. The Eleventh acted a most brilliant part in the battles of Forts Henry and Donnelson.

General Wallace wrote to his wife on Feb- ruary 17th, two days after the battle: "Our victory, great as it was and great as I hope it will be in its results, has been dearly bought. The Eleventh suffered terribly, much more than any other regiment engaged. We buried on the battlefield today sixty-eight belonging to the Elev- enth, not including Captain Shaw. Lieutenant Boyce and Sergeant Bedard, whose bodies were sent home. I fear the entire loss of killed and wounded will not be less than three hundred, from less than six hundred men on the field. The colors of the Eleventh were riddled with bullets breaking off the spear at the top. Color Ser- geant McCaleb was shot down and Color Cor- poral Armstrong bore it from the field. The color guard consisted of eight men, all of whom were shot down. Tell Eelen Fisher that the pledge that I made to her when she in behalf

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of the Ottawa ladies presented the flag to the company, I have redeemed. The Eleventh lost nearly everything but their flag and their honor. It was the first American flag planted on the inner fortification of Fort Donnelson."

We cannot give the rest of the history of this regiment, only this to show how serious a mat- ter the war became in less than a year and to show how well the La Salle County boys had borne themselves in the heat of battle.

By August, 1862, the war had assumed ini- mense proportions and it became a much more serious matter than at first, when it was thought a few months would see the end. The President had called for 600,000 men. Governor Yates had promised that Illinois would furnish the full quota without a draft. La Salle County was called on to furnish 1,000 men.

In order to fill the quota called for counties offered bounties to men who would enlist. The bounties offered by Chicago drew from La Salle County about 300 men. In order to stop this drain and to fill her own quota the county, through the Board of Supervisors, raised sixty thousand dollars.

The 15th of August was the last day of enlist- ment. Ottawa was crowded with men desiring to enlist. It was difficult to determine whom to take and whom to reject. They could take only 1,000 men. The rule was adopted that those com- panies would be accepted first which had the full number of sworn-in men. As long as a man had not been sworn in he could change his mind, but once in, he had to stay. The recruiting officers became active and calling the name of a man, if he hesitated he was passed by. In this way the thousand men were soon selected and he who was left out had himself to blame.

Twelve companies were raised: I, Captain Wardleigh's company, from Groveland, eighty- five mnen ; 2, Captain Ludington, Wenona, eighty- six men ; 3, Captain Howe, Tonica, one hundred and six men ; 4, Captain Palmer, Peru, eighty- nine men; 5, Captain Shackelton, Eden, eighty- five men; 6, Captain Hazlett, Mendota, eighty- four men; 7, Captain Collins, La Salle, one hun- dred and one men ; 8, Captain Misner, Mission, eighty-eight . men; 9, Captain' Doty, Ottawa, eighty-six men; 10, Leighton and Osman, Otta- wa, eighty-six men; II, Captain Bruce, eighty- five men ; 12, Captain Hudson, Eagle, eighty-six men. Total, 1,085.

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History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 19

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855 Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286