Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 57

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Indiana > Brown County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 57
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 57
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 57

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).

Forgetting all past political differences and placing the salvation of the Union above all party and other predilections, we are for the maintenance of the Federal Government against all its enemies at home and abroad.

We will sustain the Federal Government in all its measures for putting down the rebell- ion and call for a vigorous prosecution of the war, until the glorious Union of our fathers be firmly established all over our territory.

David D. Griffin was elected President of the Association, and John C. Headly, Secretary. Late in March, as a train containing several hun- dred rebel prisoners passed through the county seat at night on the way North, the train was boarded at the depot by several disloyal citizens, who informed the rebels that if they would break out they would be harbored and fed, but their Southern brethren refused to "break." As stated else- where, the news of the outbreak in Brown County in April, 1863, caused much excitement in the county and led to the organization of a company

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

to be in readiness for an emergency. The disloyal elements rejoiced. In June, the resistance to the conscript enrollment occurred, an account of which is given elsewhere.

Early in July, 1863, came the news of the defeat of Gen. Lee at Get- tysburg, which caused universal and continued rejoicing. It was then demonstrated that the Army of the Potomac was stronger than the Army of Northern Virginia. On the following day, Tuesday, July 7, came the news of the surrender of Vicksburg to Gen. Grant, and the two great vic- tories were too much joy to pass without public demonstration. " Lee is whipped!" " Vicksburg has surrendered! " were the cries that rang through the county. People felt instinctively that a brighter day had been heralded. Hundreds of people assembled in Bloomington that night to mingle rejoicings and jubilees. An enormous bonfire was lighted on the street, hundreds of guns were brought forth, rockets were sent to the sky, fire-crackers resounded, buildings were illuminated from garret to cellar, and the wild populace shouted themselves hoarse but happy. The Hon. G. A. Buskirk was called out and delivered a brilliant speech. F. T. Butler succeeded him in a speech of extraordinary fire, power and loyalty. It was full of the most brilliant and beautiful sallies of wit and pathos, and was received with loud acclamations and thundering cheers. The hot scorn and invective which he remorselessly poured upon the heads of all traitors, bewildered the crowd with delight. Col. Charles, sick and scarcely able to stand, had sufficient strength under the stimulating news to deliver a rousing speech. The jubilee was continued far into the night.

The political campaign of 1863 was spirited and interesting. One party came out for a cessation of hostilities ; the other for a renewal. Public meetings, where eloquentspeakers advocated the party policy, were held everywhere. The county went Democratic by about 170 majority, in a total vote of 2,050. In February, 1864, a Union mass meeting to elect delegates to the Union State Convention at Indianapolis passed a series of resolutions, two of which were as follows :

Resolved, That the re-nomination of Abraham Lincoln to a second term, and the exten- sion of his constitutional sway as Chief Magistrate over the United States, the loyal as well as the disloyal, will forever demonstrate the stability of the American Government and the justice of the American people.

Resolved, That in view of the eminent services and patriotism of our distinguished Executive, Gov. O. P. Morton, the Union men of this county are in favor of his nomina- tion to the position which he has filled with credit to himself and honor to the State.

In September (the 15th), 1864, the candidates for Congress, of the two parties, were announced to speak at the court house, and a large crowd of both sexes gathered to hear them. As Mr. Harrington, the Democratic candidate, could not be present his time was filled by David Sheeks, Esq., of Bloomington. The speech of Mr. Hill, the Union candidate, was one of great strength and eloquence. A Mr. Gunn, of Kentucky, described the deplorable condition of family and private affairs in his State. The National airs were sung by a select choir of ladies and gentlemen.

On Sunday, September 11, an affray occurred at Simpson's Chapel, near Wayport, over the wearing of butternut breastpins, whereby one or more persons were shot and dangerously wounded by two or three soldiers at home on a furlough.

On the evening of September 3, 1864, the news was received of the

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

capture of Atlanta, and the streets were lighted with bonfires, guns were fired, and speeches were made on the street by Judge Buskirk, Dr. Sabin and others. The entire evening was passed in noisy and happy demon- stration. On the 21st, the news of Sheridan's victory at Opequon Creek. Va., near Wincester, was received, and the rejoicing was repeated with renewed vigor. All felt, now, that the rebellion was receiving its death blows, and all were happy, or nearly all. On the 8th of October, a soldiers' picnic was held at Bloomington, and one of the largest crowds ever in town assembled to pay due respect to the "boys in blue," many of whom were at home on furlough or had been discharged. Long dele- gations in wagons from all parts of the county came in with banners fly- ing and drums beating. Patriotism ran high. "The procession was the largest that was ever seen in town," said the Republican. The speakers were Col. Burgess, of Indianapolis, and Judge Hughes. Both addresses were very ornate, eloquent and patriotic. A dinner fit for the gods was spread out on temporized tables in the court yard, and eaten by several thousand persons. Toasts, loyal and amusing, were announced, and re- sponded to by prominent visitors and townsmen. The wounded or sick soldiers were the lions of the day. Select vocal music-political and national airs-was furnished by select choirs. "It was the most general turn out of the citizens of the county that we have ever witnessed here," said the Republican. In the evening, a deserter named Sherrill was shot and killed at the Orchard House while trying to escape from custody. On the following Monday, Gov. Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, visited Bloomington. and delivered a speech two hours in length on the state of the war to a large assemblage.

THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OF 1864.

The October and November campaigns in the county were fought with all the strength of each party. Each felt that a continuance of the war was to be decided by the contest, and no effort was omitted that promised a contribution to success. Men of great prominence were secured from abroad to voice the policy and sentiments of each party. The result of the October election showed a Republican gain over 1863 of over one hun- dred, and Gov. Morton ran far ahead of his ticket, receiving a majority of four votes, which demonstrated the great popularity of the " War Gov- ernor of Indiana." The result of this election was glorious news to those in favor of continuing the war. The struggle was continued that there might be no decrease in the vote of November. Maj. Popp, of the Eighteenth Regiment, Hon. Henry S. Lane, Gen. Kimball, Col. Ander- son, of the Twelfth Cavalry, Hon. M. R. Hull, of Wayne County, Hon. P. C. Dunning and many others of equal eminence, addressed the citizens of Monroe. The result of the election was a majority of only eight votes for the Democratic electors, showing a gain of about forty over the election of October, and a gain of about one hundred and sixty over the election of 1863. This was most gratifying news for the Union cause.

INCIDENTS.

During the war, as the New Albany Railroad was the principal highway between Kentucky and a large section of country of which Chi-

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

cago was the center, large numbers of regiments were continually passing back and forth. It was customary when it was known that a large body of troops was to pass through Bloomington, especially wounded or sick soldiers from hospitals or battle-fields South, to hastily prepare large quan- tities of provisions of every description, and as soon as the train stopped, board her and distribute the delicacies and substantials. This act was also true of Ellettsville. On the 22d of December, 1861, the Second Indiana Cavalry, which was organized at Indianapolis, marched through town on horseback, and attracted a large crowd of observers. There were 1,200 of them, fully mounted and armed, and followed by a heavy supply train of thirty-eight wagons. This was probably the largest body of troops ever in the county seat at one time. They camped over night just south of town, and were visited by large crowds.

THE CAPTURE OF RICHMOND, AND GEN. LEE'S SURRENDER.

On Tuesday, April 4, 1865, the news was received that Richmond had been evacuated, and that the Army of Northern Virginia, under Gen. Lee, shattered and depleted, was flying before the army of Gen. Grant. This glorious news kindled a degree of universal joy that was unknown in the county during the former four years of war. A large crowd gath- ered on the court house square in Bloomington at night to publicly tes- tify their unbounded gratification. Everything in the town that would make noise or light was brought out. A bonfire was kept burning until nearly midnight. Every man, woman and child seemed to be out on the streets, and all was chaos. Volleys of musketry rang through the night. Bands and glee clubs rendered patriotic music, that was appreciated as it never had been before. Processions of men and boys with torch lights marched gaily around, led by bands of martial music. Buildings were illuminated with hundreds of candles ; children swarmed like pismires disturbed. Eloquent speeches were delivered by Gov. Dunning, Judge Butler and Rev. Bain. A few citizens seemed unhappy, and took no part in the demonstration. They probably belonged to the Southern Army of the North. On Friday evening following, came the news of the surrender of Gen. Lee. The jubilee was taken up where it had been left on Tuesday, and continued for hours with multiplied intensity. The even- ing was, perhaps, the most brilliant ever witnessed by the county seat. Old men, who had learned to love their country, and had constantly prayed for success and peace and national honor, were overcome by the glorious news, and acted like madmen. Tears of joy, which they could not repress, and cared not to conceal, ran down their furrowed cheeks as they clasped each other by the hand and thanked God for the national preservation. "Glory enough for one day !" exclaimed the Republican.

NEWS OF THE ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN.

One week later, while the people were yet rejoicing, the news came that Lincoln had been assassinated at Ford's Theater. So horrible was the sensation produced that people at first refused to believe it, and waited anxiously for details. When the dreadful truth became confirmed on the 15th, the deepest gloom of horror and despair seized every heart. A stagnation like paralysis fell upon all business pursuits. Men had no

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

heart to think of anything but the national calamity. Crape was instinc- tively hung on dwellings and public buildings. On Sunday, memorial services were held in the churches, in honor of the beloved dead. On Monday, April 17, pursuant to call, a large crowd of sorrowing citizens assembled at the court house, to give public expression to the sentiments agonizing all ; to listen to eulogies of the life and nobility of the martyred President, and to adopt resolutions of sorrow and hope. A large portrait of the dead was hung before the audience and draped with national colors, wreaths of evergreen and choice flowers, and the black crape of death. Rev. William Turner was chosen Chairman, and John H. Louden, Sec- retary. Dr. E. H. Sabin, Gov. P. C. Dunning, Rev. T. M. Hopkins, William F. Browning, Esq., and Rev. S. T. Gillett, were appointed to

prepare suitable resolutions. While this was being done, Dr. Nutt, Pres- ident of the State University, delivered a brief address of great pathos. There was scarcely a dry eye when he finished speaking. The following resolutions were presented and unanimously adopted :

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, our President, has been assassinated-an event extra- ordinary in a civilized age and nation and wholly at variance with the spirit and genius of a free government, therefore

Resolved, That we meet to-day not as partisans but as an afflicted and grief-stricken people to express our sympathies, sentiments and sorrows.

Resolved, While this event we regard as a great national calamity and affliction and as suddenly changing the hands that have been guiding the ship of State and transferring to other minds cares and responsibilities of great magnitude, and which we deemed our President amply competent to discharge, we must not forget that there is a " Divinity that shapes our ends," a Providence, a God that reigns.

Resolved, That in the strongest terms we can use we condemn this atrocious act of rebellion against justice, humanity and God, and regard it as prompted by the same wicked spirit in which the rebellion originated, the conquering of which has cost the best life-blood of the nation.

Resolved, That we recommend to the proper authorities to bring to strict and prompt punishment the perpetrators of this crime and all who are connected with it.

Resolved, That we will faithfully observe such a day as may be designated by the public authorities for the funeral obsequies of our deceased Chief Magistrate by closing business and resorting to our accustomed places of worship.

Resolved, That we express our heartfelt sympathy with the afflicted widow and orphan children of our deceased President, and with our revered Secretary of State and his two sons who have been attacked by a murderous assassin, praying most fervently that the family of Mr. Lincoln may have consolation in this dark hour of their deep affliction, and that the wounded Secretary may yet be preserved to render our afflicted country his invaluable services for years to come.

Resolved, That we tender our hearty support to Andrew Johnson, as President of the United States, and will withhold from him nothing that is necessary to bring to a speedy termination the direful rebellion which has for so many years been raging in our land.

Eulogies of the dead were delivered by Gov. Dunning, Maj. Mulky and Samuel H. Buskirk, and the meeting sadly adjourned. On Wednesday following, in accordance with the recommendation of the Governor. all business was suspended, buildings were draped in mourning, bells were tolled, and services were held in all the churches. In the afternoon, all the citizens, including the Masons and Odd Fellows in full regalia, held a union memorial meeting in the college chapel. "We have never seen a day set apart for such a purpose as this so duly observed by our citizens," said the Republican.

CLOSING SCENES OF THE REBELLION.

The people gradually recovered from the shock of Lincoln's death. They joyfully saw the rebellion close, and made preparations to publicly

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

receive the returning soldiers. The news of the capture of Jeff Davis, while endeavoring to escape in woman's attire, created much amuse- ment, and all said with the Republican: " Hang him like Haman be- tween Heaven and earth as being fit for neither." Thursday, June 1, the day set apart by President Johnson as one of humiliation and prayer on account of the assassination of Lincoln, was duly observed in Bloom- ington and throughout the county. On the Fourth of July, 1865, a re- ception and fine dinner were given the boys, many of whom had come from the war. The venerable Gen. Jacob B. Lowe was President of the Day ; Maj. Mulky, Marshal, assisted by Col. McCrea and Capt. Cookerly. Early in the morning of this sultry day, wagons and carriages loaded with country folk began to arrive through the dust. Many of the townships sent organized processions, with martial music and banners, and all were dressed in the light, airy garb of summer. About 10 o'clock, one grand procession about a mile in length was formed on and near the public square, and the march to the college campus was commenced in the fol- lowing order: 1. The Bloomington Silver Band. 2. Officers of the Day, Orator, Reader, Chaplain and distinguished guests. 3. Soldiers of the war of 1812. 4. Thirteen small girls dressed in white, with badges, representing the thirteen original States. 5. Soldiers of the late war for the defense of the Union and the suppression of the rebellion. 6. The Goddess of Liberty, bearing the national flag, and thirty-six young ladies, dressed in white, representing all the States of the Union. 7. Citizens generally-men, women and children. The reception speech, one of unusual fervor and eloquence, was delivered by Rev. S. T. Gillett, and was responded to by Col. M. C. Hunter, of the Eighty-second Regi- ment. The latter gave several graphic descriptions of experiences on the battle-field, especially on that of bloody Chickamauga, where over one-half of his own regiment fell, killed or wounded. These addresses were short, and were followed by that of Col. W. C. L. Taylor, of the Twentieth Regi- ment, Orator of the Day. It was a long speech of great power and feeling, and moved scores in the audience to tears. Then came the dinner, and what a feast for the brave boys ! Eight long tables were heaped with the richest viands " Old Monroe " could furnish, and stood groaning under the burden until relieved by the hungry multitude. Thousands ate of the bounty of the citizens, but the soldiers were given the choicest of all and were " kings of the carnival." It was a grand day grandly spent.

RELIEF AND BOUNTY.

During the first few months of the war nothing was done by the citi- zens, as a mass, in the way of relief, either for soldiers or their families. While the first companies were yet in camp at the places of rendezvous, they had been sent blankets, towels, clothing and luxuries to tempt the appetite, but nothing farther had been done. As the cold months ap- proached, Gov. Morton suggested that each county should thoroughly organize its relief or aid societies, and in response to this appeal the ladies of Bloomington met at Dunn's Hall, on the 14th of October, to form such a society. Mrs. Meginniss was elected President of the society ; Louise Wylie, Secretary ; Mrs. Robert C. Foster, Treasurer ; Mrs. Dr. Dodds, Mrs. David Batterton, Mrs. W. O. Fee, Mrs. Paul

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

Slocum, Mrs. Leonard, Mrs. Hibben, Mrs. Jacob Young, Mrs. James Gordon, Mrs. Press Harbison, Mrs. James Small, Mrs. Sweringen and Miss Fullerton, Directresses. On the following Thursday, the society met again, bringing in many contributions of money and supplies for field and hospital. Two barrels of supplies were sent to the company of Capt. Kelley, and large quantities to those of Capts. Lunderman, Charles and McCalla. The value of the stores shipped at this time was not less than $300. Early in November, a large quantity of supplies. principally for the sick and wounded, was sent to the Monroe County boys with Lieut. M. L. Mccullough. As the cold weather came on, urgent appeals for clothing and supplies of all kinds from the army were received and pub- lished in the Republican. Every company from the county had one or more correspondents for the home paper. The terrible effects of the rav- ages of disease and the want of sufficient food and clothing and comfort- able quarters were painted in a manner to wring the hearts of friends at home, and renewed efforts were made to obtain money and supplies. A large box of hospital stores was sent in December to the company of Capt. Dains, and another large box was sent to Dr. McPheeters for the use of the sick of the Thirty-third Regiment. On the 23d of January, 1862, the Secretary of the Ladies' Aid Society reported that up to that time there bad been sent two boxes of supplies to Capt. Kelley's company in Virginia, two to Capt. Lunderman's company in Missouri, one to Capt. Charles' company, one to Capt. McCalla's company in Kentucky, one to Capt. Dains' company, one to the Thirty-third Regiment in Ken- tucky, one box to Capt. Kop's company, four boxes and barrels to the hospitals of Louisville, and considerable local assistance to sick soldiers. The following articles were sent as above specified : 77 shirts, 68 pairs drawers, 47 blankets, 17 coverlets, 17 comforts, 7 quilts, 50 towels, 20 sheets, 100 pillow slips, 31 pillows, 45 pairs of gloves and mittens, 165 pairs of socks, 49 cans of fruit, 11 sacks of dried fruit, 16 dozen eggs, 20 pounds of butter, 2 turkeys, 72 chickens, and a large quantity of hand- kerchiefs, bandages, hospital stores, sugar, rice, corn-starch, tumblers, spoons, soap, wine, etc. Besides these articles, there was on hand thirty- two packages containing similar supplies, a large box of supplies just ready to be shipped to Capt. McCalla's company, and five boxes and bar- rels full of provisions for the Louisville hospitals. The Treasurer's cash report up to this time was as follows :

RECEIPTS.

Donations $20 50

Initiation fees .. 17 05

Mr. Mitchell's collection ... 8 60

Total.

$45 55

Debt for shirts.

$5 50

EXPENDITURES.

Express charges. $20 85

Flannel.

19 10

Mittens

3 15

Shoes

1 50

Total $44 60

AGNES E. FOSTER, Treasurer.

During the winter and spring months of 1862, the aid society did extensive and highly meritorious work in providing soldiers' families at Bloomington and vicinity with flour, meat, potatoes, groceries, etc. This was true of all portions of the county. An aid society at Ellettsville did most excellent work, but, unfortunately, as the reports of the officers were not published, the details cannot be recorded in these pages. Early

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

in May, 1862, the students of the Female Seminary collected the follow - ing supplies and sent them to the hospitals of New Albany for the wounded of the battle of Pittsburg Landing and for the sick : Twenty cans of fruit, 2 cans concentrated chicken, 4 bottles of wine, 2 bottles of catsup, 2 pounds of tea, 5 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of corn starch, 2 pounds of nutmegs, 2 bushels of dried fruit, 9 towels, 64 handkerchiefs, 2 pairs of drawers, 1 shirt, 1 sheet, 1 pair of pillow slips, 1,000 yards bandages and 24 pounds of butter. About the same time the ladies of Stanford sent to the same place a large box of similar supplies and received a letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Commission of that city. Supplies continued to be sent off at intervals during the warm months. In September, several large boxes were shipped to the hospitals. In October, about half a dozen big boxes and barrels of supplies were sent to New Albany for the hospitals. A barrel of nice new apples was sent there, and a letter from the Secretary described how eagerly the sick and wounded boys devoured the mellow fruit. The new officers of the society, elected in about September, were: Mrs. Hibben, President; Lizzie Mc- Pheeters, Secretary.

A meeting of the citizens of Monroe County took place at the Court House on Wednesday, December 24, 1862, pursuant to a call signed by sundry citizens, to devise some plan for the relief of soldiers' families. On motion, Mr. James Small was called to the chair, and L. Forbes chosen Secretary.

P. L. D. Mitchell made a verbal report as a member of a committee appointed at a former meeting. R. C. Foster offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the Township Trustee of each township, with four others, be appointed a committee to inquire into the circumstances of soldiers' families, and solicit subscrip- tions for their benefit.

On motion of Dr. Nutt and others, the following were appointed :

Bean Blossom Township .- James V. Buskirk, Thomas Willson, Ed Pritchet and Lemuel Gentry.

Richland Township .- David Byers, Isam W. Sanders, James Campbell, Burton Acuff. Van Buren Township .- Alexander Jeffry, Benjamin F. Williams, W. C. Sadler and Francis A. Eller.

Indian Creek Township. - It being stated that an organization already existed in this township, the meeting declined to make any appointments, but requested that they meet with and co-operate with us.

Clear Creek Township .- J. Ketcham, Jo. Urmey, Wilford Carter, Samuel B. Perry. Perry Township .- Samuel Mathers, Milton McPhetridge, Rev. William Turner and Matthew McPhetridge.

Bloomington Township .- Elias Abel, Milton Hight, Philip Crabbs, John Blair, Monroe Houston and John Stonger.

Polk Township .- John Todd, William A. Blackwell, Andrew Temple and Lewis Hays. Salt Creek Township .- Isaac Chandler, John Knight, Robert Clark and John Elgor.

Benton Township .- Isaac S. Buskirk, James J. Alexander, Joseph C. Bates and Jonathan Richardson.

Marion Township .- Pres. T. Buckner, John Hendrickson, Thomas Y. Rader and James Woodall.

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Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 57

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co. Number of Pages: 814

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814