USA > Illinois > Mercer County > Past and present of Mercer County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 16
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At the meeting there was borne in the parade by a democrat a banner, on which was depicted a white man embracing a negress. A democrat in the crowd thought it was a republican banner and represented what would actually occur should the republicans elect Mr. Lincoln. He declared that he would not belong to a party that would carry a banner like that. "Why that is a Douglas banner," he was told, whereupon he subsided, thinking it strange that the democrats should predict or desire such a state of affairs.
The Republican County Convention was held September 12, 1860, at Aledo. J. W. Miles was elected chairman and H. G. Calhoun, secretary. The following were the delegates present : Richland Grove -Thomas S. Kincaid, John M. Waugh, Elisha Beardsley and E. S.
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Roberts; Rivoli-J. W. Miles, J. B. Loughley and C. F. Durston ; North Henderson-B. F. Brown, E. E. Kendall, J. B. Hoag and J. H. Hunter; Preemption-H. Boone, J. M. Carver, Allen Trego and G. F. Morey; Greene-Henry Hoagland, E. S. Fugate, S. E. Russell and David Summerville; Suez-R. Caldwell, D. W. Sed- wick, John Blair and W. T. McLelland; Perryton-S. D. Trego, J. L. Ruth, Alvah Coffman and C. C. Phillips; Mercer-T. Candor, W. W. McCandless, J. S. Paxton, H. Lee, W. A. Wilson, L. S. Moore and E. C. Partlett; Ohio Grove-J. B. Gilmore, J. P. Gil- more, William Calhoun, J. McGee and S. Miller; Millersburg- J. T. McGinness, A. Eddy, W. M. Brown, O. H. Stratton and J. S. Bissell; Abington-F. Jones, S. G. Wright, J. Mains, T. Glancey; Keithsburg-C. J. Simpson, B. D. Ellett, H. S. Scott, H. G. Calhoun, J. M. Weidner, S. Boden, R. C. Cabeen and O. C. Richardson ; Duncan-A. J. McGrew, T. McWhorter and J. N. Close; Eliza- D. W. Noble, S. Duffield and William Shields; New Boston-R. W. Kyle, E. Commons, A. Kirlin, E. Crapnell, L. Woodard, L. W. Myers, C. Hall, S. V. Prentiss, S. Chidester and Van Willits.
At this convention James M. Mannon was nominated for circuit clerk; S. H. Rodgers, for sheriff; and Charles Hall, for coroner. Hall was nominated by acclamation, but there was a sharp contest for the other two offices. As a whole the convention was quiet and harmonious.
The republican flag pole, which had been raised with so much ceremony and glee at Aledo by the members of that party, was blown down, much to the amusement of the democrats, who declared it presaged the fall of republicanism in November. However, another pole, 100 feet tall, with a brush or broom at the top, signifying a clean sweep by the republicans in November, was erected on the same spot in September. The democrats determined to raise a higher one and accordingly sent to Keithsburg for Mr. Murphy and machinery with which to raise it. While being raised, it broke in two sections, fell to the ground with a crash and seriously injured two men. They were obliged to erect it shorter than the republican pole.
One of the greatest meetings of this memorable campaign was held at Rock Island on October 12th. It was estimated that twenty thousand freemen attended the gathering. The speakers, all famous orators, were Owen Lovejoy, Joseph Knox, John A. Kasson and Henry O'Connor, the latter two coming from Iowa. Many present were from that state. Mercer County was well represented there. The Keithsburg Wide Awakes under Captain Cabeen; the New Boston Wide Awakes under Colonel Myers; Aledo Wide Awakes Vol. 1-11
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under Captain Scott; delegations from Preemption; fifty teams from Richland Grove, Rivoli, Perryton, Millersburg, Greene, Ohio Grove and nearly every township in the county were present and participated in the parades and heard the great orators. There were twenty-four companies of Wide Awakes in the parade, and as they marched through the streets of the city they presented a picture of enthusiasm and patriotism never before surpassed in this portion of the state. In the parade were hundreds of young ladies representing the states and various phases of political advancement and social order. The speaking took place in the courthouse square. Many bands furnished splendid music for the occasion. The fiery and impassioned address . of Mr. Lovejoy was never forgotten by those who heard it. The other speakers were equally eloquent and effective. In the evening Judge Fowler, of New York, delivered a speech of unusual power to the large audience that remained. The Wide Awakes went over to Davenport for the evening parades and mass meetings and there the great speakers again held forth. It had been advertised that Charles Sumner would be present, but he was unable to come. Re- publican enthusiasm along the Mississippi attained its climax at this great meeting.
The democrats met somewhat informally in convention in Octo- ber, 1860, and nominated T. B. Cabeen, of Keithsburg, for circuit clerk, and Joseph Hogan, of Aledo, for sheriff. The democrats openly boasted that they intended to reduce the republican majority in the county to three hundred or four hundred and cited the activity of that party at Keithsburg and New Boston to prove their claims. At this time every schoolhouse in the county was used for political meetings by members of the various parties.
John C. Pepper was candidate for prosecuting attorney of the Tenth Judicial Circuit (1860). William S. Dilley was an inde- pendent candidate for circuit clerk. A large republican meeting at Keithsburg in October was addressed by Leonard Swett, R. W. Smith and others. The Wide Awakes, in large numbers, paraded the streets. A similar meeting at New Boston was addressed by T. J. Pickett and R. W. Smith. It was stated that 3,000 persons heard the speakers. The Wide Awakes paraded in the evening. Mrs. Joseph Lair, of Mercer Township, was an enthusiastic repub- lican and on the occasion of the republican meeting at Keithsburg she drove a four-horse wagon containing thirty-three young ladies to that town. On the wagon, in large letters, were the words "Old Abe." In the same way she drove to the New Boston meeting.
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At the election in November, 1860, Mercer County went strongly republican. For president, Lincoln (R.) received 615 votes over Douglas (D.) ; for governor, Yates (R.) over Allen (D.), 608; for Congress, Kellogg (R.) over Ingersoll (D.), 600; for state senator, Picket over Mason, 603; for representative, Smith over Streeter, 606; for prosecuting attorney, Stewart (R.) over Pepper (D.), 261; for circuit clerk, Mannon (R.) over Cabeen (D.), 388; for sheriff, Rodgers (R.) over Hogan (D.), 497. The majority for a constitutional convention was 1,420. The electors received the fol- lowing vote : Lincoln's, 1,808; Douglas', 1, 193; Bell's, 35; Breckin- ridge's, 3; Smith's, 4. North Henderson and Abington gave Douglas 126; Mercer gave Lincoln 195 and Douglas 56.
In 1860 the townships of Perryton, Preemption, Rivoli and Suez went democratic, but at the election in April, 1861, all four returned goodly republican majorities.
Under the act of January, 1861, Mercer and Henderson counties were constituted the Thirty-second Representative District, and Mer- cer, Warren, Henderson and McDonough the Fourteenth Senatorial District. The Republican County Congressional Convention was held February 19, 1861, at Aledo and the following delegates were chosen : W. M. Carnahan, E. S. Fugate, J. N. Markee, J. J. Glenn, J. H. Reed, Theodore Glancey, Richard Kiddoo, W. P. Myers, L. H. Scudder, R. H. Day, John C. Welliver, Benjamin Brown.
At the judicial election in 1861, Mr. Lawrence, candidate for judge, received a total of 1,723 votes in this county, there being no opposition. For clerk, Hough received 880 votes, and Mr. Leland, 704.
The convention for the election of delegates to the Berlin Con- vention met here October 12, 1861, and was presided over by B. C. Perkins, with J. E. Griffin, secretary. The delegates selected were A. J. Streeter, S. W. McCoy, J. E. Griffin, E. S. Roberts, A. P. Taylor, David Little, Dr. J. V. Frazier, William M. Hays, Simeon Macy and J. Whitsitt. The committee that named this delegation was composed of three republicans and three democrats. Straight out republicans objected to this fusion of two party members, A. J. Johnson in particular. G
At the Berlin Convention in the fall of 1861, of the counties of Mercer, Rock Island and Henry, J. S. Hinman served as chairman. Whitsitt, of Mercer; North, of Henry, and Dickson, of Rock Island, were.committee on credentials. Drury, of Rock Island; Perkins, of Mercer, and Wilson, of Henry, were committee on resolutions. George W. Pleasants, of Rock Island County, was nominated for
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delegate to the coming Constitutional Convention. The resolutions adopted were thoroughly loyal, the vigorous prosecution of the war being strongly favored as the most vital and important consideration of the present time. It was brought out sharply by the resolutions that party problems and issues should be relegated to the background, while war measures were before the people. Several sections for the new constitution were suggested.
The principal candidates in the fall of 1861 were as follows: For treasurer, Col. W. D. Henderson, Matthew Sheriff, Z. P. Wil- lett and W. I. Ungles; for county clerk, John Ramsey; for county school commissioner, Rev. L. N. Stratton and Rev. J. S. Poage; for surveyor, J. I. Arnold; for county judge, Elias Willits and Henry Hoagland.
At the November election, 1861, for county judge, Griffin re- ceived 617 votes, Hoagland 569, Willits 228; for clerk, Ramsey, no opposition, 1,363; for treasurer, Sheriff 487, Spaulding 432, Henderson 294, Ungles 164, Willett 67; for surveyor, Frew 866, Arnold 392; for school commissioner, Waterman 725, Poage 317, Stratton 293; for the banking law 31, against the banking law 1,231 ; total vote 1,457; for delegate to the Constitutional Convention, Pleas- ants (no opposition) received 1,389 votes.
The State Constitution of 1862 met with considerable opposition in this county. The republicans and generally all in favor of Lin- coln's administration of war matters called it the Secesh Convention. When submitted to the voters it was rejected by the overwhelming majority of 1,537 to 936. The articles to which objection was made were those relating to the management of the negroes in this state.
The Republican County Convention convened at the courthouse, September 9, 1862. B. C. Perkins became chairman and J. H. Reed, secretary. The following committee was appointed to select dele- gates to the State, Cogressional, Senatorial and Representative Con- ventions : J. B. Gilmore, J. Libby, J. Holland, J. Merriman, F. Jones, J. Bruner, C. Hall, E. Gilmore, L. S. Moore and H. Reddle. The following served as committee on resolutions: Andrew Carnes, E. Gilmore, J. H. Reed, B. C. Perkins and E. S. Roberts. The resolu- tions declared that the convention recognized but two parties : Those who were for the Government and those who were either directly or indirectly for its enemies; and announced as its unwavering policy support of the state and national administrations, unconditional sup- port of the Union and a prompt and vigorous prosecution of the war by use of all the means at the command of the Government consistent with the laws of civilized warfare. C. S. Caldwell was nominated
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for sheriff and Charles Hall for coroner. At Monmouth, Judge Charles B. Lawrence was nominated for Congress by the republicans. John McKinney, Sr., received the republican nomination for state senator from the Fourteenth District.
In September, 1862, the Republican and Union Congressional Convention assembled at Monmouth. Mercer County had nine dele- gates. Ephraim Gilmore of this county was a member of the District Senatorial Committee. At this time Mercer County was part of the Fourth Congressional District, part of the Fourteenth State Senatorial District and part of the Thirty-second Representative District.
The Representative Convention was held by the republicans at Keithsburg in 1862, J. C. Graham, of Mercer County, serving as chairman. On the second formal ballot H. S. Senter of Mercer County received the nomination for representative. Loyal resolu- tions were passed. In October, 1862, Charles S. Caldwell, candidate for sheriff, withdrew from the contest in favor of Capt. O. A. Bridg- ford, a wounded soldier.
At the November election, 1862, Mercer County gave large major- ities for the republican candidates with the exception of its nominee for representative. Cabeen (D.) defeated Senter (R.) by the vote of 1,005 to 909; Bridgford (R.) was elected sheriff; Hall (R.) coroner; Judge Lawrence (R.) was defeated for Congress by Mr. Harris (D.), though Mercer County gave the former a majority. This was a democratic year. Only five republican congressmen out of fourteen were elected. The rebels rejoiced at the democratic suc- cesses in the North.
Early in 1863 the democrats throughout the country, and in this county as well, adopted what was called a peace policy, meaning the restoration of peace and in the end the withdrawal of the Federal armies from the field. Thomas B. Cabeen, a prominent democrat in this county, favored these measures and opposed the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by the military authorities. He likewise op- posed the other measures which had been adopted by the Lincoln administration to carry on the war.
The unconditional Union men of the county called a convention to be held at Aledo on October 24, 1863. The call was signed by 210 persons whose names were published in the newspapers. This convention was opposed mainly by men who were in favor of the continuance of the war for the preservation of the Union. Dr. S. Macy served as president, and C. S. Caldwell as secretary. The first vote for county treasurer resulted in a tie for the two candidates, Isaac N. Dunlap and Wilford J. Ungles. On the first formal ballot
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Mr. Ungles received a small majority and was thus nominated. W. L. Campbell was named for school commissioner and W. B. Frew for surveyor. The result of the election in November, 1863, was as follows: For treasurer-Ungles (R.), 1,033; Matlock (D.), 675; for school commissioner-Campbell (R.), 828; Gushee (D.), 459; for surveyor-Frew (R.), 1,212, no opposition ; total vote, 1,782.
The Unconditional Union Convention met again April 19, 1864, at the courthouse, Aledo, and were presided over by William Drury, with H. S. Senter, secretary. H. G. Calhoun, S. V. Prentiss and Washington Wolf were a committee on credentials. For delegates to the Judicial Convention, Gideon Ives, John S. Thompson and Joshua Bruner were nominated; and John W. Miles, S. V. Prentiss, H. S. Senter, W. I. Nevius, Washington Wolf and G. D. Miller to the State Convention. William M. Hays, H. S. Senter, B. F. Thomp- son, William Jones and Josiah Candor were appointed county central committee. The delegates to the Judicial Convention were instructed to support C. B. Lawrence. In order to more effectually carry out the Union program in contemplation, the convention upon motion of Joshua Bruner appointed a township central committee for every township, as follows: North Henderson-E. E. Kendall, George Crosby and William R. Mathers; Rivoli-C. F. Durston, N. P. Smith and J. B. Longley ; Richland Grove-John Scott, W. E. Griffin and L. F. Langford; Suez-G. W. Sedwick, S. R. Moore and C. S. Hart; Greene-W. M. Carnahan, E. S. Fugate and B. C. Perkins; Preemption-David Little, S. H. Rodgers and Hopkins Boone; Ohio Grove-S. M. Dihel, W. R. McCreight and James Smith; Mercer-J. R. Bassett, E. Gilmore and T. J. Willett; Perry- ton-Benjamin Dunn, Josiah Candor and Daniel Ebner; Abington -George Jay, Jerry Purdam and Jesse Wickett; Millersburg-H. W. Thornton, John T. McGinnis and W. M. Brown; Duncan-W. S. Rowe, A. R. Sutton and S. H. Riddell ; Keithsburg-A. B. Sheriff, W. Wolf and H. S. Scott; New Boston-Amos Prouty, G. W. Warner and R. S. Cramer; Eliza-D. F. Noble, John Glancey and S. L. Duffield. The delegates to the State Convention were instructed to use their influence to have delegates to the National Convention appointed, who were in favor of the renomination of Abraham Lin- coln for president. This convention was harmonious and loyal. They were determined that disloyalty in this county should not get the upper hand and become the dominating factor in public affairs. The watchword of the convention was "Union for the sake of Union."
In June, 1864, the Perryton Democratic Club took the lead of that party in the coming campaign. They called a county conven-
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tion to be held at Aledo on May 28th to effect a thorough organiza- tion of the party in accordance with the peace policy that had been outlined by the National democratic authorities. Frederick Frick served as president of the meeting and committees were appointed to effect thorough party work throughout the county. At this time John Whitsitt was president of the County Democratic Committee. This convention passed the following resolutions :
Resolved, That we, the democrats of Mercer County, are in favor of maintaining and preserving the Union and the Constitution as our fathers bequeathed them to us and are determined that the valley of the Mississippi shall never be their grave, the mountains and hills of this country their monument, nor the flag of our country their winding sheet; and further
Resolved, That we believe in this trying crisis the best method of advancing and carrying out practically the sentiment of the above resolution is to use our best and united endeavors to restore again the democratic party to power.
The nomination of Lincoln and Johnson in 1864 was hailed with great joy by the republicans and unconditional Union men of Mercer County. James S. Poage was one of the republican state electors and Richard J. Oglesby was the republican candidate for governor.
At the Union County Convention in August, 1864, James M. Wilson was nominated for circuit clerk; John P. Clay for sheriff ; and C. J. Simpson for coroner. Judge E. Gilmore presided and Theodore Glancey served as secretary. A special committee of one from each township named the delegates to the Congressional, Sena- torial, Judicial and Representative conventions. At the judicial elec- tion in 1864 John S. Thompson received the nomination of the republicans. This convention was held at Monmouth and the dele- gates from this county were I. N. Bassett, W. L. Campbell, T. Glancey, J. Bruner, W. H. Ungles and S. W. McCoy. Thompson won on the second formal ballot. In this county he received 846 votes and his opponent, Judge Craig, received 564.
The Democratic County Convention was held early in September, 1864. They selected delegates to the Congressional, Senatorial and Representative conventions and nominated M. L. Detwiler for cir- cuit clerk and Hugh Campbell for sheriff. The democratic candi- date for governor was James C. Robinson.
The nomination of McClellan for the presidency in 1864 met the warm approval of the democratic party of this county. They held a big ratification meeting at Millersburg, September 17, 1864; it was one of the largest held by the members of that party in this
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county during the war. The Aledo Brass Band furnished the music. One of the speakers was George W. Ford of this county. Large processions attended from different parts of the county. The cam- paign was lively, many candidates and other able speakers taking the stump in this county. Governor Yates spoke here in October, as did also W. P. Kellogg and many others. What delighted the republicans was the fact that General Logan took the stump for Lincoln and Johnson and thus became identified with the republican party. His ability, his former democracy and his skill and promi- nence as a soldier favoring the policy of the administration endeared him to all loyal hearts in this county.
At the Union Representative Convention held at Keithsburg October 1, 1864, Erastus Rice served as chairman and Horace Bigelow, publisher of the Record, as secretary. Mercer County was represented by the following delegates: S. H. Redman, W. A. Dryden, H. H. Roberts, Horace Bigelow, M. R. Good and C. S. Caldwell. Jonathan Simpson was nominated for representative.
The campaign of 1864 was one of the most strenuous, aggressive and vindictive ever conducted in this county. The issues were for a continuance of the war along the lines laid down by President Lincoln's administration or along the so-called peace lines proposed and advocated by the enemies of the administration. Local orators of both parties were aided by brilliant men from abroad and large crowds assembled at all meetings to hear the issues discussed, so great was the general interest. Such meetings were held at every village and city and at all the principal schoolhouses. The grand Union rally at Aledo on October 12th was the largest affair of the kind ever staged in the county. The day was bright and fair and all loyal hearts beat high with the spirit of the hour. Early in the morning the crowd began to gather. First came single teams and then groups of wagons resplendent with banners and emblems and joyous citizens. Gloom had departed, because all felt that the rebel- lion was already within the power of the Government. A large pole had been raised on the streets and there the people met to exchange patriotic bon mots and cheer the Stars and Stripes. By 10 o'clock the township delegations began to wind in from the country in long streams of color and enthusiasm. Nearly all were accompanied by some sort of music. As high as twenty delegations thus arrived, several containing as high as forty wagons, each filled with men, women and children.
About II o'clock a large delegation was observed approaching from the west. All knew that it was the escort of the great orators
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who were to fire the hearts of the citizens that eventful day with renewed pledges of fidelity and allegiance-Governor Richard Yates, Gen. A. C. Harding and others. At once a delegation headed by the Aledo Brass Band advanced to meet and greet the cavalcade and escort them to the city. They met about a mile outside and there united and formed the most imposing parade that ever entered the county seat-a shouting and enthusiastic army of brilliancy and loyalty. The scene was grand in the extreme when the long line advanced to the flag-pole, surrounded it and gave way to their pent-up loyalty in round after round of thundering cheers.
After dinner all gathered at the stand, where, first, General Hard- ing was introduced to the audience by James S. Poage, and delivered a powerful, analytical and argumentative address. At its conclusion Mr. Poage introduced Governor Yates who at once received an uproarious welcome. His speech took up more of the home and senti- mental side of the great war questions and was frequently interrupted with cheers. It lasted two hours and was followed throughout with the closest attention. Judge McLean, of McHenry County, then spoke briefly and the ceremonies ended with cheers and music. In the evening a large crowd heard J. S. Poage in the courthouse.
The democrats held a large meeting at Keithsburg the next day. October 13, 1864. S. Corning Judd delivered the principal address. He was democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. The Aledo Brass Band furnished the music. The meeting was large and enthusi- astic. J. A. J. Birdsall, editor of the Keithsburg Observer, was democratic candidate for representative in 1864 and was nominated at the convention held at Keithsburg, October 4.
In October a joint debate of the political and war issues was held at New Boston by Mr. Strain (R.) and Mr. Peffer (D.). There was a large attendance of the members of both parties. James A. Mckenzie spoke at Aledo, October 20. He also spoke elsewhere in the county. Jonathan Simpson, John R. Bassett, S. W. McCoy and L. W. Thompson addressed audiences throughout the county.
The election in November, 1864, filled all loyal hearts with intense joy. Lincoln's majority over Mcclellan's in this county was 659, a gain of forty-four over the vote of 1860. The republicans gave every man from president to coroner a handsome majority, the average being a little over 600. For state senator, Strain beat Peffer 1,760 to 1,100; for representative, Simpson beat Birdsall by 1,758 to 1,099; for circuit clerk, Wilson beat Detwiler by 1,633 to 1,221 ; for sheriff, Clay beat Campbell by 1,747 to 1, 113 ; for coroner, Simpson heat Suter by 1,743 to 1,111. The republican or Union
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successes all over the country gave unbounded gratification to all who favored the course of President Lincoln's administration. Gen- eral Harding was elected to Congress over Mr. Harris by 855 majority and Simpson was elected to the Legislature over Birdsall by 987 majority. Two years before Cabeen (D.) was elected repre- sentative by sixty-three majority. Oglesby (R.) was elected governor by a large majority. The triumph of the republicans was complete. It meant the vigorous continuance of the war along the program of President Lincoln's administration.
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