The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest-history of Illinois-history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc., Part 67

Author: Johnson & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Johnson & Company
Number of Pages: 932

USA > Illinois > Peoria County > The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest-history of Illinois-history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc. > Part 67

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The alarm was a cruel hoax, and the scenes attending were full of the ludicrous, but none of them were more laughable than the fright, toilet and antics of the postmaster, and he never heard the last of it as long as he remained at Galena. As with Mother Bennett, so with American women in every struggle in which the country has been involved, devoted and brave to the death.

In the War of the Rebellion, the women of the country were the soldiers most faith- ful and devoted friends, At home, they anticipated every want of the " Boys in Blue, " and labored almost day and night to supply their suffering needs. Among the wounded after battles and in the hospital, women were present as ministering angels. Protestants, Catholics, daughters of America, Germany, England, Ireland, of nearly nation of the civilized world, contributed to the alleviation of the necessities and sufferings of the soldiers.

PEORIA WOMEN AT WORK.

Almost as soon as enlistments commenced, the women of Peoria, full of patriotic devotion to the country's cause and with a sympathetic desire to do something for the soldiers in the field, inaugurated measures that secured a perfect co-operation in all under- takings looking to a successful prosecution of the war and the comfort and care, so far as possible, of the brave men who went out from their midst with their lives in their hands. These women met together from week to week, and busied themselves in doing whatever seemed best to be done in aid of the cause in which they volunteered. Fairs were held

414

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

and entertainments given, and the proceeds applied for the benefit of their country's defenders. Arrangements were perfected and carried into execution which secured an enthusiastic and hearty reception of companies and regiments when they returned home from fields of battle and of danger. Such receptions as they gave! Each of them was enough to inspire the brave fellows to go through the same experiences and hardships and exposures aud dangers again. Such love, such sympathy, such care, such forethought as the women of Peoria gave to the soldiers would nerve the men of any nation to face any danger. to espouse battle for any cause of justice, truth and right, no matter how great the odds.

WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE.

June 3, 1563, a meeting of the women of Peoria was held in Rouse's Hall for the purpose of organizing a League known as above. This meeting was largely attended and was presided over by Hon. E. A. Leavitt, of Cincinnati.

THE PLEDGE.

We the undersigned women of Peoria beleving that in this hour of national peril to our country every influence. moral as well as military, should be brought to bear in the great struggle for national existence against a wicked rebellion, and that while our fathers, husbands, sons and brothers are giving their treasure and their blood it is our duty to contribute the influence which God has given us in our social sphere to the same holy cause ; and that in this solemn crisis loyalty to our country is bound to be outspoken even in the case of women, as Irue loyalty to our God.

We therefore do con titule ourselves an association to be known as " The Women's National league of Peoria." and do pledge our unconditional adhesion to our National government in its struggle against the present rebellion. engaging to assist it by whatever means may be in our power, in the maintenance of our National U'nion, and of the integrity of our National domain.

To this end we further resolve and pledge ourselves to encourage and sustain our brave soldiers by deeds of kindness and by words of cheer, to use every fitting opportunity of expressing our unflinching determination to stand by " the dear old flag " and to honor those who light in its defense, until the day of its sure and certain triumph : and to prove in every way we can that we consider loyalty to our country a part of our allegiance to our God."

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE t. The object of this League shall be lo bind together all loyal women with a determination in ac- cordance with the pledges to use every effort in our power to discountenance secession, to sustain the National gov- ernment in its present peril, and to administer in every suitable manner to the relief and comfort of our noble soldiers in the field and in hospitals.

ART. 2. Ladies may become members of the League by signing the pledge.

ART. 3. Its officers shall be a President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary. Treasurer, and tweive Managers.

ART. 4. It shall be the duty of the President, by and with the advice of the other officers, tocall meetings through

the city press a day previous, and to preside at the meetings.

ART. 5. It shall be the duty of the Vice l'residents to fulfill the duties of the President in her absence.

ART. 6. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend to the correspondence of the League, and to keep a record of its meetings and of the names and residences of its members in a book prepared for the purpose.

ART. 7. The Treasurer shall receive and, by order of the Managers, shall disburse funds belonging to the League. ART. S. It shall be the duty of the Board of Managers to devise and from time to time to bring before the League measures by which its appropriate objects may be promoted.

ART. 9. Officers shall be elected by ballot by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a stated meeting called in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

ART. 10. Alterations may be made in the above Constitution by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a meeting called in accordance with the fourth article of the Constitution.

FIRST OFFICERS.

President, Mrs. A. t ;. Curtenius. Vice Presidents, Mrs. Frances B. M Brotherson, Mrs. Isaac Underhill.

Secretary, Mrs. L. R. Webb.

Treasurer, Mrs. W. A. Herron.

BOARD OF MANAGERS.

Mrs. William Dodge, Mrs. George C. Bestor. Mrs, Charles R. Day, Mrs. H. S. Austen, Mrs. W. E. Robinson, Mrs. George Field, Mrs. W. II. Ly in. Mr. Wm. Truesdale. Mrs. James Irons, Mrs. A. B. Hartlett, Mrs. Alfred Freeman, Mrs. W. G Wheaton.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

Many of these officers served during the entire existence of the League, but una- voidable removals and changes made the election of some new officers necessary.

The membership of the League was as follows :

Mrs. Eliza N. Aiken.

Mrs. Sophia Burdette.

Miss Julia H. Johnson.

Mrs. H. Whittemore.

Miss N. B. Arnold,

Mrs. E. Burnham.

Mrs. J. W. Johnson. Miss Mary Moore.

Mrs. E. B. Babcock.

Miss Jennie Cunningham. Miss Laura Jones. Mrs. A. C. Morse.

Miss Jane E. Babcock.

Mrs. T. L. Currie. Miss Emma Keener.

Miss M. A. Nelson.

Mrs. E. F. Bacon.

Mrs. A. L. Curtenius.

Mrs. M. F. Keener.

Mrs. L. M. Nixon.

Miss Mary J. Bacon.

Mrs. N. B. Curtiss.

Miss Melissa Keller.

Mrs. Mary Nolte.

Mrs. S. R. Baker.

Mrs. Pleny Curtiss.

Mrs .Cynthia W. Kerr. Miss E. J. Normington.

Mrs. Charles Ballance.

Miss Martha Cutts.

Mrs. Clarissa King.

Mrs. E. D. Offeld.

Miss Josie Ballance.

Mrs. E. Daniels.

Mrs. H. C. King.

Mrs. Otes.

Miss Julia Ballance.

Mrs. W. Davis.

Mrs. J. W. King. Miss Julia Lathrop.

Miss Page.

Miss Mary Ballance.

Miss Flora Day.

Mrs. C. Godfrey.

Mrs. M. A. Palmer.

Mrs. Maria Barnes.

Mrs. Elizabeth Delano.

Mrs. Mary Godfrey.

Mrs. S. A. Parkhurst.

Mrs. A. P. Bartlett.

Mrs. C. F. Dickenson.

Mrs. Goldsborough.

Mrs. Parks.

Miss Mary Bartlett.

Mrs. L. J. Dickey.

Mrs. Samuel Gordon.

Miss Mary M. Peters.

Miss Sarah Bartlett.

Miss Annie Dinwiddie.

Mrs H. W. Green.

Mrs. William Peters.

Mrs. H. D. Baston.

Miss L. C. Dinwiddie.

Mrs. C. B. Greenleaf.

Mrs. J. H. Pierce.

Mrs. W. D. Baston.

Miss Emma Dinwiddie.

Mrs. C. W. Greenleaf.

Mrs. N. H. Purple.

Miss Sarah Baston.

Miss Alice Dodge.

Miss H. F. Grennell.

Miss C. Quimby.

Mrs. M. G. Batchelder.

Mrs. Wm. M. Dodge.

Mrs. J. C. Greer.

Mrs. Rankin.

Miss Fanny Batchelder.

Mrs. C. H. Donley.

Mrs. R. C. Grier.

Mrs Henry Rattle.

Mrs. Daniel Burrows.

Mrs. L. M. Doup.

Miss Sarah Grier.

Miss Carrie Rattle.

Mrs. John A. Bush.

Mrs. D. H. Downing.

Mrs. John L. Griswold.

Mrs. E. Smiley.

Mrs. A. W. Bushnell.

Mrs. H. W. Dredge.

Mrs. Matthew Griswold.

Miss Anna H. Smith.

Mrs. E. E. Calligan.

Mrs. C. Dunham.

Miss Kate Grove.

Mrs. C, H. Smith.

Miss Lizzie Calligan.

Mrs. H. Dunn.

Miss Kate Guerin.

Mrs. J. M'Clay Smith.

Miss M. C. Camp.

Miss Malvina Durkee.

Mrs. Jacob Guyer.

Miss Rebecca B. Smith.

Miss Mary Chamberlain.

Miss Nellie Durst,

Mrs. A. J. Hamilton.

Miss Bonnie Snow.

Mrs. Abbie P. Chapin.

Mrs. Hetty Easton.

Mrs. G. C. Hamlin.

Miss Sarah Snow.

Mrs. C. S. Clarke.

Mrs. F. E. Eaton.

Miss Maria Hamlin.

Mrs. C. R. Snyder.

Mrs. Horace Clarke.

Mrs. Sarah C. Ely.

Miss Vickie G. Hamlin.

Miss Josephine Snyder.

Mrs. E. Clarkson.

Mrs. Enoch Emery.

Miss Maggie Hankinear.

Miss Annie Summers.

Mrs. Caroline Cockle.

Mrs. Grace Emery.

Mrs. W. T. Hanna.

Miss Rachael Steer.

Miss Susie T. Cockle.

Mrs, Eppy.

Mrs. J. W. Hansell.

Mrs. F. Sterling.

Miss Julia F. Cockle.

Miss Mary Eppy.

Mrs. Phineas Harlow.

Mrs. William Steltinuis.

Mrs. E. M. Colburn.

Mrs. J. M. Evans.

Miss M. Harris.

Miss Julia M. Stone.

Mrs. H. H. Cole.

Mrs. K. Farnsworth.

Miss Helen Lathrop.

Miss Lacetta Stone.

Mrs. A. S. Cooper.

Mrs. E. N. Fay.

Miss Maria Lathrop.

Mrs. Margaret Stone.

Miss A. A. Cook.

Mrs. George Field.

Miss Mary Lathrop.

Miss A. Storey.

Mrs. J. K. Cooper,

Mrs. Frank Field.

Mrs. M. J. Lathrop.

Mrs. S. M. Stickler.

Mrs. M. A. Couch.

Mrs. Julia Finley.

Mrs. L. Laurie.

Mrs. Belinda Thomas.

Miss Kate Crane.

Mrs. Charles Fisher.

Miss Langhten.

Mrs. D. S. Thompson.

Miss Mary A. Crane. Mrs. William H. Cruger.

Mrs. B. Foster.

Mrs. E. A. Little.

Mis Laura A. Thompson.

Mrs. N. C. Culbertson.

Mrs. A. G. Freeman.

Miss E. Littell.

Miss Lucretia Thompson.

Mrs. H. S. Austen.

Mrs. Wm. French.

Miss H. A. Littell.

Mrs. M. A. Thompson.

Miss Nora Beall.

Mrs. H. F. Frink.

Mrs. W. B. Lyon.

Mrs. L .. Raymond.

Miss N J. Bennett.

Mrs. Mary Gibson.

Mrs. J. P. McLean.

Miss Addie Raymond.

Mrs. Merritt Benton.

Miss Beulah Gilbert.

Mrs. M. A. Marlin.

Mrs. Sarah Redingbon.

Miss S. C. Benton.

Miss Celestine Gilbert.

Miss Eliza W. Mason.

Mrs. Bell Reynolds.

Mrs. N. E. Best.

Mrs. Francis A. Headley.

Miss Ellen Maxwell.

Mrs. H. W. Reynolds.

Mrs. Geo. C. Bestor.

Mrs. H. Henderson.

Mrs. M. Burnie.

Miss Martha Bestor.

Mrs. J. F. Henry.

Miss Martha A. McCoy.

Mfss Carrie Richardson. Miss Lucy Richardson. Miss Mary E. Ripley. Mrs. Howell Robinson.

Mrs. Roswell Bills.

Mrs. S. B. Herson.

Mrs. Ann E. McCulloch.

Miss Mary Robison.

Miss Lillie Bishop.

Mrs. Samuel Ilibbeon.

Mrs. G. II. Mcilvaine.

Mrs. W. E. Robinson.

Mrs. B. L. T. Bourland.

Miss Addie Higgins.

Mrs. McLaughlen. Miss Hattie McLean.

Miss Mary Rouse.

Miss Minnie Bowen.

Miss S. D. Hurd.

Mrs. D. W. McWilliams.

Miss Jennie Rover.

Mrs. F. B. M. Brotherson.

Mrs. A. Hurlburt.

Mrs. M. J. Mercer.

Mrs. Ilenry I. Ragg.

Mrs. A. W. Brown.

Mrs. B. F. Miles.

Miss Lucy Ragg.

Miss Eliza Buck.

Mrs. II. M. Ireland. Mrs. James Irons.

Mrs. A. Miller.

Mrs. Mary Sanger.

Miss Mary Burdette.

Mrs. Jane G. Johnston.

Mrs. Henry Miller.

Miss Louisa Schinebley.

Miss A. Bewsher.

Mrs. Jacob Hepperly.

Mrs. Phebe T. McClallen.

Miss Eliza Bewsher.

Mrs. R W. Herder.

Miss Sarah McClure.

Miss Carrie S. Rogers.

Mrs. Electa Bowen.

Mrs. Hurd.

Mrs. Henry Forsyth.

Mrs. Columbus Lindsay.

Miss Helen W. Thompson.

Mrs. L. W. Page.

Miss Lillie Ballance.

Mrs. C. B. Day.

415

416

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

Miss Tryphenia Sehnebley. Mrs. Ann Todhunter.

Mrs. Lucia B. Tyng. Mrs. John Wiggerman.

Miss Mary E. Scott. Miss Olive 11. Tracy. Mrs. Isaac Underhill. Mrs. Margaret B. Wies.

Miss Sarah Scott. Mrs. J. A. Troup. Mrs. Elizabeth Vaneps.

Mrs. W. G. Wheaton.

Mrs. T. J. Scott.

Mrs. Moses Troyer. Mrs. M. B. Van Myr.

Miss E. E. White.

Mrs. Shutts.

Mrs. J. M. Troyer.

Mrs. Thos. L. P'etherbridge. Miss N. E. White.

Miss M. Shutts. Mrs. J. G. Truesdale.

Mrs. A. J. Hardin.

Mrs. A. R. Winchell.

Mrs. K. Simpson.

Mrs. William Truesdale.

Miss Millie Wanser.

Mrs, I. A. Warder.

Miss Ella R. Sloan. Miss Abbie Truesdale.

Mrs. C. O. Washburn. Miss N. L. Wood.

Mrs. M. E. Thompson.

Miss Lucy Truesdale.

Miss Helen A. Washburn.

Miss Lou Woodbury.

Mrs. R. Thompson.

Mrs. Eliza Tucker.

Mrs. Lysande: R. Webb.

Mrs. E. W. Woodcock.

Mrs. Alfred Thurlow.

Mrs. Dan Tyler.

Mrs. John J Weed.

Mrs. Woodbury,

Mrs. George Todd.

" Doubtless," says Mrs. A. G. Tyng, who was Secretary of the League, and from whom these facts are obtained, " there were other names added during the existence of the League, but this is the only record I have. In this, as in all societies, the active work was done by comparatively few."

The Soldiers' Rest was instituted by the League in August, 1863, and the Freed- men's Aid Society was formed in January, 1864.

LAST MEETING OF THE LEAGUE - BALANCING THE BOOKS.

The final meeting of the League was held on the 5th day of July, 1866, when the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer for the entire term of the existence of the League were read and adopted, together with this preamble and resolution :

WHEREAS, We, the members of the Women's National League, have enjoyed since our first organization, the efficient leadership and constant co-operation of Mrs. A. Curtenius, whose untiring zeal, energy and vigilance, left no avenue closed through which the objects of our society might be most successfully accomplished ; who, with rare skill and much toil, so planned and presented the labors to be performed as to reduce the burden and increase the bene- fit ; whose promptness, punctual and constant attendance upon all meetings, acted as a spur to like activity on the part of the members and kept alive the fire of devotion, even until the expiration of our term of enlistment ; and WHEREAS, In our Vice President, Mrs. William Weis, we have had a co-worker whose hand never lingered. and whose foot never faltered, who early and late has ministered to the suffering, homeless or destitute soldier - a pioneer in the work and faithful to the end ; and

WHEREAS, Through the systematic performance of all the duties pertaining to the respective offices of Seere- tary and Treasurer, the League, as the almoner of the bounty of the public, has, by means of the completeness of its record, been always ready to challenge investigation and render an account of its stewardship, therefore

Resolved, That we tender to our beloved and much respected officers our sincere thanks, as a token of our ap- preciation of their devotedness and invaluable services to uts and the cause for which the League was organired.

TREASURER'S REPORT.

The following is the Treasurer's report from June 5, 1863, to July 5, 1866 .

RECEIPTS.

Subscriptions and donations from June, 1863, 10 January, 1864, six months. $ 303 58

Monthly contributions.

50 92

Sale of badges. 21 85

From January, 1864 -

Subscriptions and donations

3.362 60

Dinners and festivals.

5.759 49

Receptions.

1.340 95

Dishes

315 20

Monthly contributions

212 15

Sale of badges

5 70

Sale of stove.

11 00

Sale of rags.

1 25

Mr. Ingersoll's lecture.

142 50

Reading by T. B. Read

132 00

Total

$11,602 19

Donation of sanitary stores

1,948 64

Grand total

$13.640 83

417

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

EXPENDITURES.

From June, 1863, to January, 1864, six months :-

Soldiers' Rest.

$ 34 05

Sanitary

158 00

Badges

42 50

Presentation of flag to 77th Ills., and banner sent to Springfield

127 00

January, 1864 :-

Dinners and festivals

1,935 07

Receptions of soldiers

1,419 71

Dishes.

294 75

Soldiers's Rest

2,903 40

Sick Soldiers

1,085 75

Serving.

124 80

Incidentals

99 84

Union Relief Society __

100 00

Freedman's Aid Committee

723 74

Rent of Room

120 00

Decatur Fair

52 35

Refugees_

30 50

Expense of Mr. Ingersoll's Lecture

51 00

Expense of Reading, by T. B. Read.

34 00

Sent to School in Natchez.

25 00

Balance on Hand.

82 19

Total

$11,692 19

Number of boxes sent, 70 ; barrels, 85 ; kegs, 24 : rolls bandages, 89 ; packages of rags, 15 ; packages of lint, 4. With regard to the balance on hand in our treasury, it was unanimously decided that it should be appropriated to the improvement of the soldiers' lot at the Springdale Cemetery. LIZZIE CALLIGAN, Treasurer.

FREEDMAN'S AID COMMITTEE.

The following is a report of the Freedman's Aid Committee of the League, from January, 1864, to July, 1866 :

RECEIPTS.

$ 138 24

Fred Douglass' Lecture ...

94 00

From West Jersey, per Dr. Copestake.

12 25

From Low Point, per D. Fragin

57 10

Donations

80 69

Thanksgiving Collections, New School Presbyterian Church

105 00

Congregational Church.

60 03

First Presbyterian Church 64 88

.. Second 12 73

Adams Street Baptist Church 3 00

9 00

Collections and Subscription at Union Meeting, May 28

170 00

Episcopal Church

40 00

14 First Baptist Church.

5 75

Mush and Milk Festival and Concert

548 21

Woman's National League

723 74

Shoes and dolls

37 00

Total

$2,162 22

EXPENDITURES.

Sent to Northwestern Freedmen's Aid Committee, cash

$1,148 36

" Freedmen's Department of the Fair, at Chicago

100 00

" In new clothing.

737 61

Expense of Mush and Milk Festival.

73 70

Fred Douglass' Lecture.

50 00

Fancy articles sent to the Mississippi Valley Fair.

52 00

Balence on hand.

Total

$2,162 22 Second hand clothing, books and sanitary articles donated and sent to Chicago_ 739 00

MRS. WILLIAM WEIS, Treasurer F. A. C.

Mem .- During the existence of the League, 1,223 soldiers were entertained at the Rest ; receptions given, not including one general reception, 14 ; regiments received, 11th Illinois cavalry, twice ; 17th Ills., 8th Ills. (twice), 8th

Through Soliciting Committee

German Baptist Church.

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Mo., 77th. 105th. 139th, 50th, 102d and 47th (three times) Ills .; number of soldiers received in regiments, 2,800. number of soldiers buried, 10 ; number of meetings held by the League, 91 , average attendance. IS.

GOOD BYE.

After the adoption of these reports, the League was declared to be dissolved, and it only remains for us to add its last official pronunciamento, as written by the worthy. highly honored and universally respected Secretary, which was in these words :

" In concluding the labors of the League we desire most heartily to express our gratitude for the very generous manner in which the public have responded to our repeated calls for aid in our work for the soldiers. Especially do we desire to thank those gentlemen who have always been ready with their counsel and material aid lo co-operate with us in any undertaking, and lighten our labors so efficiently ; and to Col. R. G. Ingersoll for the very able and inost eloquent lecture delivered by hun for our benelit. Upon all who have aided us, and through us the soldiers in any way, shall abide the blessing of Him who said. 'inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' MRS. A. G. TYNG, Secretary."

SPRINGDALE SOLDIER'S MONUMENT. [BY MRS. A. G. TYNG.]

Very shortly after the disbanding of the Women's National League of Peoria, the active members of the same organized a new society having for its object the erection of a suitable monument to the soldiers who are buried in Springdale cemetery. A lot of about one hundred and fifty feet square had been presented for the burial of the soldiers by the Cemetery Association. and the women composing this Association felt that it was a fitting close to their labors of love for their soldiers, to honor their final resting places. Mrs. Curtenius was elected President ; Mrs. Win. Weis, Vice President : Mrs. Thomas Pethierbridge, Secretary, and Mrs. William Herron, Treasurer.

In the Spring of 1870 the monument was completed and in its place. It was de- signed and executed by Mr. Robert Campbell, and cost $2,500. It is an imposing and at- tractive structure, and can be seen from all parts of the cemetery. The limestone base is five feet square and a foot and a half high. Above this is a marble base four feet square and a foot and three inches high - upon this is a die which is a three feet enbe. On the sides of this die are inscribed the words " Liberty," " Justice. " " Equality." " Pro Patria." A second die is two feet square and three feet high, and above this is the eap two feet ten inches square and one foot four inches high. The cap is surmounted by the figure of soldier at " parade rest," the workmanship of Mr. J. J. Jewell. The figure is six feet six inches high, and the execution of it is good. It faces the burial place of the soldiers. Thirty-seven soldiers are buried in this Jot at Springdale cemetery. Each grave is provided with a small, neat headstone with the name of the soldier carved upon it. There are three unknown graves. The Monument Association also paid into the " Trust Fund of the Cemetery " one hundred dollars to ensure the perpetual care of this lot for all time. The dedication took place May 30th, 1870, Decoration Day. It was a beautiful day and large numbers of people came in from the surrounding country to be present at the ceremonies. Many hundreds gathered at the soldiers lot. The company were formed into a hollow square around the graves. A platform had been erected for the accommodation of the speakers and singers, and Gen. Magce officiated as master of ceremonies. Thirty-four little girls, dressed in white, were detailed to strew the flowers. They stood at the graves during the services and nt the proper time placed the flowers on the mounds tenderly and reverently. Prayer was offered by Rev. W. A. Spencer. Misses Ballance, Truesdale, Tilestou and Mowatt sang the Decoration Hymn. The statue, which had been draped in the American flag, was then unveiled by Mrs. Annie Curtemus. The dedicatory address was delivered by Rev. S. A. Kingsbury, D. D. After this a soldier's requiem wa cung to Mrs. Frank Field, Mrs. C. B. Allain, Messis. Charles

419

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

F. Bacon and S. S. Patton. The chairman then introduced Col. Lucien H. Kerr, who read the following poem, written for the occasion by Mrs. Frances B. M. Brotherson, of this city :

HAIL SENTINEL.

Stand ! in thy manly pride and might. Stand ! with a purpose firm - to keep A tireless, ceaseless watch and ward. Above the calm unbroken sleep Of our dead heroes. They rest well Upon this sunny slope, where falls Purely and fresh the unstained light That gleams from off the jasper walls.

Guard each green hillock - every blade Of grass that trembles in the breeze, And every flower whose fragrance makes A link in Nature's harmonies. Keep faithful vigil o'er the trees - The tall green trees that stand like Thee, So grand and glorious - things of Time That image forth Eternity.

But yet a holier trust is thine - Our patriot and immortal dead ; We give them to thy guardian care, And bless each silent sleeper's head. The fallen braves - whose names we speak With tenderness and tears - who live In grateful memories -and thoughts Which only loyal hearts can give.

Watch lovingly the manly brows Which wore with such an honest pride The cap of blue - and with stern power The haughty rebel foe defied .- Locks which are like the raven's wing Lie there - and those of clustering brows, Love's hand hath smoothed their brightness oft, And Love hath wept to lay them down.

Keep guard ahove the eyes grown dim, Closed in a quiet dreamless sleep, From every vexing vision free, No bitter tears have they to weep. They looked upon war's combat fierce, They caught a glow from victory, And were content to close in death, For the dear flag and liberty.

Guard well the silent lips, whose tones Rang out amid the darkest hour. And shouted death to rebel foes Amid the shot's destroying shower. The echoes of the words they spoke By hearth and home are lingering yet. Love crowns them with enduring grace, The love which never can forget.

Beneath the turf pale hands are crossed Above each silent faithful heart - True hands and good - that were so strong And bore so well their noble part. True hands that proudly held aloft The musket tipped with bayonet bright, And to it clung with deathless power - With a firm strength - a hero's might.

Guard their unconquered feet - we know How proud and brave they marched away, Amid our farewells and huzzas, With stars and stripes and banners gay - We know how firmly and how true They stood upon the crimson field ; They walked 'mid carnage and 'mid flame, But never to the foe did yield.

We miss their homeward coming steps That stand not on the threshold more : No future time shall bring them back, Or win them from the silent shore. Give to these quiet feet fond care Brave sentinel ! and ever keep With faithful vigilance thy watch Above our martyred heroes' sleep.

Not only for the Spring's bright days Claim we for them thy kindly care - Nor for the golden Summer hours, When Earth her coronals doth wear. Nor for the Autumn time when wave Banners of gold and crimson hew, And trees and shrubs so gaily don Their russet mantle, fair to view.

But in the Winter, too - when streams Have hushed their songs of melody, When Nature's myriad voices cease And leafless stands each forest tree - When echoes weird and spirit-like Float mournfully upon the wind And ice and snow hold carnival As with strong chains the earth they bind.

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The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest-history of Illinois-history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc., Part 67

Author: Johnson & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Johnson & Company Number of Pages: 932

Author: Johnson & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Johnson & Company
Number of Pages: 932