Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 52

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur 1852-1926. cn; Blanchard, Charles
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : F. A. Battey
Number of Pages: 788


USA > Indiana > Porter County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 52
USA > Indiana > Lake County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 52


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).


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ments.


Lands and Value of


Improve-


ments.


Lots.


ments.


148,870


589,345


204 155


100


1 809 21


1,044.98


80,550


417,725


86


1


578 20


745.12


..


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


..


.


Tax.


Total


Delinquent


Interest.


Special


451


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


CHAPTER III. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED.


THE OLD MILITIA SYSTEM-LAKE COUNTY IN THE MEXICAN WAR-MUSTER ROLL OF CAPT. SMITH'S COMPANY-OPENING SCENES OF THE GREAT REBELLION-THE FIRST CALL TO ARMS-THE ENLISTMENT -LAKE COUNTY LOYALTY-RECRUITING-THE DRAFT-WAR MEETINGS- EX- TRACTS FROM THE REGISTER-SANITARY EFFORTS-BOUNTY AND RELIEF FUND-STATISTICS-THE ROLL OF HONOR.


D URING the early history of the State prior to the formation of Lake County, the old militia system, which had done such excellent service in all the Indian border wars, was adopted and quite rigidly en- forced. From the Indian tribes, depleted by protracted and periodical contests, but little danger was apprehended, though the habits induced in the whites by a life spent amid the alarms of the frontier, forbade the total relinquishment of organized bodies of militia, or the obliteration of that grateful sense of public security which their presence afforded. But the wonderful strides of the State in population and prosperity, and the absence of encounters with predatory Indian bands, soon gave satisfactory assurance of general safety, and, in 1834, the old serviceable system was permitted to die out. In 1852, owing to the unsettled state of internal public affairs, the system was revived by legislative enactment, and each Congressional district was required to thoroughly organize its militia. This law met with general public favor and response. Capt. Joseph P. Smith, who had served the country in the Mexican war, and who, years before, had been the Captain of one of the best-drilled companies in the State of New York, was commissioned Colonel by the Governor, and authorized to form the Third Regiment, Ninth Brigade, Indiana Militia. This was begun and accomplished during the summer of 1853. J. Wheeler was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, and J. Vornhultz, Major. The Second Regiment of the same brigade was formed in Porter County, with L. A. Cass, Colonel, H. E. Woodruff, Lieutenant Colonel, and Mr. Freeman, Major. From this on until about 1859 or 1860, more or less drilling was indulged in, though but little military discipline could be secured by the energetic officers. About half of the townships formed companies, the remainder, through indifference, neglecting to do so, though their militia was enrolled and officers commissioned.


Nothing certain can be stated by the writer concerning the Revolu- tionary ex-soldiers, or the ex-soldiers of the war of 1812; who may have settled in Lake County. It is quite likely that members of both wars


452


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


made the county their pioneer homes, and some of their names and services may be read in the biographical department of this volume.


The Mexican War .- In 1846, when the war with Mexico was de- clared, there was only one man in the county who knew anything of mili- tary tactics, and this was Joseph P. Smith. His fame in this respect had spread abroad, and he received a Captain's commission from the Governor, though in what way it was secured is not known. He was ordered to enlist a company for the war, and, in the spring of 1847, he opened an enlistment office at Crown Point and called for volunteers. This was some time in February or March, 1847. The Western Ranger of April 10th (Valparaiso) had this to say :


LAKE COUNTY RANGERS.


This patriotic company numbers about sixty-seven men. Those of them who have visited this place, and who have enlisted here, are fine martial-looking men, and no doubt will give a good account of themselves.


The Ranger of May 1, contained the following : "Heigh O! the soldiers go Marching away to Mexico."


Captain Smith's Company, having assembled in camp at Crown Point during the first of the week, commenced their march on Thursday, and passed through here on Friday on their way to Newport, Ky., their place of rendezvous.


The same issue of the Ranger contained the following notice :


DESERTERS.


The following men have deserted from the United States recruiting station at Crown Point : John Brewer, Moses Church, Emery Church and George Wirly, for whose arrest and delivery at Newport, Ky., the headquarters of the Sixteenth Regiment, United States Infantry, such an amount will be paid as is provided by the laws of United States.


JOSEPH P. SMITH.


CROWN POINT, Ind., April 29, 1847.


In the issue of the following week appeared this notice :


Capt. Smith and his company of 107 men crossed the Tippecanoe on their way to Madison, Ind. (not Newport, Ky.), last Wednesday. An election of officers resulted, Daniel May, First Lieutenant ; S. N. Whitcomb, Second Lieutenant, John C. Howe, Third Lieutenant.


In 1846, three regiments were raised in Indiana for the Mexican war, and in 1847 two more, though Capt. Smith's company was in neither. His men became Company H, Sixteenth United States Infantry. The regimental commander was Col. John W. Tibbatts. The company was mustered into the service in May, 1847, either at Madison or New Or- leans, though, while yet in the States, eighteen deserted upon learning that they were to receive only $7 per month instead of $10, as they had been led to understand. By the close of the first week in June, the company was in Matamoras, Mexico. It continued to serve along the Rio Grande River, guarding military stores, having an occasional


453


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


" brush " with guerrillas, and suffering terribly from camp diseases, and from the hot and peculiar climate of Mexico, until July, 1848, when they were ordered home. On the 31st of July, they were mustered out and discharged. Under the gigantic shadow of the last great war, the brave boys who went to Mexico must not be forgotten. Some of them sleep in forgotton graves in that distant land, and the rugged cactus comes and garlands with its crimson blossoms the lonely spot where they rest. The rich flowers of the stately magnolia shed their fragrant perfume around ; the long festoons of silvery moss hang pendant from the dripping branches above the silent mounds, apparently weeping for the bright young lives that went out so untimely, and over all the strange golden hued birds of the woods chant the sad sweet requiem of triumphant death. The boys are dead, but their deeds live on.


The following information was obtained by the writer from Washing- ton, D. C., after a great deal of trouble, during which some six urgent letters were written, one affidavit was made out, and the magnetic influ- ence of a Congressman was enlisted :


MUSTER ROLL OF CAPT. JOSEPH P. SMITH'S COMPANY (H) OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY U. S. A., FROM THE 30TH OF APRIL, 1848, TO THE 31ST OF JULY, 1848 .*


NAME.


Rank.


When Enrolled. Where Enrolled.


By Whom.


Joseph P. Smith.


Captain


William U. Slade.


First Lieut.


Samuel N. Whitcomb


Second Lieut ..


Wallace Willcox


First Sergt ..


April 12.


La Porte ..


Capt. Smith.


Daniel Roudabaugh.


Sergeant


March 25


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Newell Pulsifer.


Sergeant


April 2.


Valparaiso .


Capt. Smith.


Daniel Brown


Sergeant


April 1.


Valparaiso


Capt. Smith.


Alfred Fry


Corporal


March 20.


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


William M. Cloud.


Corporal


March 22.


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Schuyler Bailey


Corporal


April 17.


La Porte .


Capt. Smith.


Francis Benton.


Corporal


March 30.


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Marco Sandoval


Fifer.


October 29


Monterey


Col. Tibbatts.


Jacob Alyea ..


Private


April 3


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


M. I. Brown


Private.


April 15.


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


William Biddle.


Private


April 9


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


M. M. Boggs.


Private


April 17


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


William Barnett.


Private.


August 21.


Galena Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


Millard Church.


Private


March 20.


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Ichabod Clark


Private.


April 6,


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


Schuyler Conant


Private


April 9


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


I. H. Cundiff.


Private.


August 17


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


Jason Daniels.


Private.


March 28


Crown Point .. Capt. Smith.


George W. Dixon


Private.


April 17


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


Cornelius Dunn


Private.


July 30.


Mineral Point


Lieut. Ramsey.


Joseph S. English.


Private.


April 30.


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


Martin Eller ..


Private


April 29


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


James Elliott.


Private


August 24


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


John Fridmana.


Private


June 10


Reynosa


Capt. Smith.


Hudson S. Farwell


Private.


April 2.


Valparaiso ... Capt. Smith.


Ambrose I. Flanagan.


Private


April 19.


Michigan City Capt. Smith.


Elisha Ford


Private.


March 20.


Crown Point .. Capt. Smith.


..


Lieut. Ramsey.


George Burdick


Private


March 17


454


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


NAME.


Rank.


When Enrolled.


Where Enrolled.


By Whom.


Edward Gilford.


Private.


August 24.


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


William Gillar


Private


September 8 ..


Jacksonville ..


Lieut. Wilkinson.


William Hardin


Private.


April 6


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Jacob Hurst ...


Private


July 30.


Bloomington .. Lieut. Hughes.


Cornelius D. Hendren


Private


July 7.


Louisville, Ky


Lieut. Evans.


George W. Hartley


Private


August 18


Louisville, Ky


Lieut. Evans.


Alexander P. Hite


Private


October 5.


Louisville, Ky


Lieut. Evans.


Joseph Hase


Private.


August 7.


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


James P. Hickman ..


Private.


September 16. Bloomington ..


Lieut. Hughes.


Clinton Jackson


Private.


April 2.


Valparaiso


Capt. Smith.


John Jackson


Private.


September 23. Bloomington ..


Lieut. Hughes.


William Kethley


Private


September 8 ...


Jacksonville ..


Lieut. Wilkinson.


David Lockwood.


Private


April 19


Plymouth .. ... Capt. Smith.


Jacob Lockwood.


Private


April 10


Mishawaka .. Capt. Smith.


David Mussulman


Private.


April 1


Valparaiso


Capt. Smith. ..


Frederick McCarty


Private


March 20


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


George Miller


Private.


April 15


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Nelson Mclaughlin


Private


April 20


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


Cephas McFarland.


Private


May 1.


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


Elijah Martin.


Private


March 27


Centreville


Capt. Smith.


John V. Moore.


Private


August 20.


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


George W. Morrison


Private.


August 23.


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


John McIlver


Private.


August 24


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


Robert Nicholson


Private


August 4


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


George Ousterhout


Private.


April 17


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


H. H. Pierce


Private.


March 27.


Centreville.


Capt. Smith.


James H. Powers


Private


March 20


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Simeon P. Patterson


Private.


April 9


Valparaiso ...


Capt. Smith.


John H. Pitts.


Private


May 1.


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


William Peacock


Private.


August 20


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


Lewis Russell


Private


April 3.


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


Thomas Rockhill


Private


April 20


Plymouth.


Capt. Smith.


Christian Römer


Private.


March 25


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Ebenezer Richardson


Private


September 1 .. Jacksonville ..


Galena ..


Lieut. Ramsey.


Sidney C. Smith.


Private


April 27


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Peter Schillhas


Private


May 24


Vicksburg.


Capt. Smith.


Orrin Salvage.


Private


April 6.


South Bend ...


Capt. Smith.


Charles Sumption


Private.


April 6


South Bend ...


Capt. Smith.


Nathaniel B. Silence.


Private


May 3.


Marshall Co ...


Capt. Smith.


John Sorrell.


Private


September 24. Jacksonville ..


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Reuben Tozier.


Private.


April 6


La Porte.


Capt. Smith.


William Unruh


Private.


May 3


Marshall Co ...


Capt. Smith.


Wilhelm Ulrich.


Private


August 19


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


Anthony Van Slyke


Private.


March 21


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


James S. Van Horn


Private


May 5.


Louisville, Ky


Lieut. Evans.


Edson Whittemore.


Private.


April 19


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Gilbert Wariner.


Private


April 21


Valparaiso


Capt. Smith.


William A. Williams


Private.


April 29.


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Henry Welch


Private.


April 3


La Porte


Capt. Smith.


George Wibley Ezra Willcox


Private.


April 13


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


James D. Wing.


Private


April 6


Crown Point .. Capt Smith.


Heman Webster


Private


August 17.


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


Casper Wild


Private.


July 14


Galena


Lieut. Ramsey.


John Radmore


Private.


September 28. Jacksonville ..


Lieut. Wilkinson.


James L. Reynolds


Private


August 20.


Lieut. Wilkinson.


John B. Taylor


Private.


April 28 ..


Crown Point ..


Capt. Smith.


Private


March 20.


Lieut. Wilkinson.


DIED.


NAME.


Rank.


When enrolled.


Where enrolled.


By Whon.


Remarks.


Joseph Cochran ..


Private ..


March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Died April 25, 1848, at Ceralvo.


John Cole.


Private .. April 26 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Died June 3, 1848, at Monterey.


G. H. Patterson


Private .. April


7 Crown Point Capt. Smith ...


Died Sept. 21, 1847, at Chico, or Mier.


Daniel Van Camp.


Private ..


April 24 Plymouth ....


Capt. Smith


Died July 17, 1848, hear Vicksburg.


Adam Harney


Private ..


Aug.


12 Galena


Lieut. Ramsey Died in hospital at Ceralvo, Feb. 22, 1848.


Francis Mclaughlin Private .. April 16 Plymouth


Capt. Smith


Died Oct. 21, 1847, in hospital at Chico or Mier.


William Onion


Private ..


April 26 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Died Dec. 20, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo.


Nathan A. Brown ..


Sergeant


March 22 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Robert Lamplough ... Private ..


March 22 Crown Point Capt. Smith


John Livingston, Jr .. Private .. April


6 Crown Point Capt Smith


John Smith.


Private ..


April 27 Crown Point


Capt. Smith


Died Oct. 12, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo.


Elias I. Alyea


Private ..


May


1 La Porte .....


Adoniram Cornish ... Private ..


March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Oliver Conklin. Private ..


April 6 Valparaiso ...


John B. Cornwall.


Private .. April 22 Plymouth


Nathan Crossman.


Privato ..


May 3 Plymouth ... Capt. Smith


Nathan Gregory ..


Private ..


March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


M. Hopkins.


Private .. April


6 Valparaiso ... Capt. Smith


William Heninger ... Private ..


April 24 Plymoutlı


Cupt. Smith


Ellis N. Johnson


Private .. April


16 Plymouth


Capt. Smith


Cyrus H. Risden


Private .. April


1| Valparaiso ...


Capt. Smith


William S. Ramsey ...


Private ..


April


17 Plymouth


Capt. Smith


Daniel Rowley


Private .. April 13 La Porte.


Capt. Smith


Died July 23, 1847, in camp near Camargo Died June 18, 1847, in hospital at Mata- moras.


John Sparks


Private .. April


7 Valparaiso ... Capt. Smith


Died June 21, 1847, in hospital at Mata- moras.


Ralph Sanders.


Silas South worth


Isaac N. Turner


Private capt. Smith .. March 26 Crown Point Capt. Smith ... Died July 1, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Private .. April 17 La Porte ..... Died Aug. 12, 1847, in hospital at Camargo Died July 20, 1847, in hospital near Ca- Private May 4 Marshall Co. Capt. Smith margo.


William Whitcraft ... Joseph Deck.


Private ..


April


12 Michi'n City Capt. Smith


John Kemplin


Private


April


3 | La Porte ......


Capt. Smith


Edward Littell


Private .. March 23 Crown Point Capt. Smith ...


Isaac Rector.


Private ..


April 20 La Porte .....


Capt. Smith


S. Vosburg


Private ..


April 14 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Conrad Zeilholder.


Private .. March 23 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Died June 10, 1847, in hospital at Mata- moras.


Daniel May ..


Private .. [March 20 Crown Point [Capt. Smith ... [Discharged, and the enlistment torn up


on the recommendation of Col. Tib. batts.


Collins Parker


Private ..


April 20 La Porte .....


Capt. Smith ...


Claimed by his father as a minor, and discharged.


Lewis P. Streeter.


Private ..


April


1 Valparaiso ...


Capt. Smith ... Discharged on issue of a writ of habeas corpus.


Joseph Reading ..


Private ..


April 16 Plymouth ...


Capt. Smith


Discharged January 14, 1848.


Gabriel Alland


Private ..


April


12 Michi'n City


Capt. Smith


Discharged June 14, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability. Discharged July 3, 1848, on enlistment in dragoons.


Washington Lambert Private ..


Aug. 30 Jacksonville Li't. Wilkinson Discharged June 13, 1848, on surgeon's


James M. Manley


Private ..


March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Discharged June 11, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability.


John E. Preston


Drum'er


May 13 Edinburg. ...


Capt. Smith ...


Discharged May 1, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability.


John Wells


Private .. | April


8 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Discharged June 11, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability.


DESERTED.


Miles Adame


Private .. April 12|La Porte ..... Capt. Smith


[Deserted April 27, 1847.


John Brewer.


Private .. March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Deserted April 25, 1847.


Michael Brannon


Private .. April 20 Plymouth ... Capt. Smith


Deserted May 3, 1847.


Emery Church Private .. March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Deserted April 20, 1847.


Moses Church


Private .. March 20 Crown Point Capt. Smith


Deserted April 20, 1847.


Jerome Carpenter. Private .. April 19 Michi'n City Capt. Smith


Deserted April 25, 1847.


John W. Case


Private ..


April


20 Michi'n City Cant. Smith


Deserted April 25, 1847.


Azariah Dunn


Private .. April


12 Plymouth ... Capt. Smith


Deserted May 3, 1847.


J. G. H. Ferguson


Private ..


April


13 South Bend Capt Smith


Deserted April 14, 1847.


Jesse B. Kemp.


Private .. April


7 Mishawaka .. Capt. Smith


Deserted April 10, 1847.


John Mc Lane


Private ... April


12 Michi'n City Capt. Smith


Deserted April 20, 1847.


Henry Norton,


Private .. April


3 La Porte ..... Capt. Smith


Deserted May 29, 1847.


Sheldon Palmer William Rice.


Private .. April


Capt. Smith


Deserted April 30, 1847.


Calvin R. Stillson


Private .. April


12 La Porte ... 10|La Porte ... 17 Plymouth .... Capt. Smith


Deserted April 25, 1847.


Elijah Thornton.


Private .. April


3 La Porte ..... Capt. Smith Deserted May 12, 1847.


David Walker


Private .. April


5 La Porte ..... Capt. Smith Deserted May 29, 1847.


Homer Willcox


Private .. April


6 La Porte ..... Capt. Smith Deserted May 20, 1847.


Pallo Castillo.


Drum'er ; Oct.


29 Monterey ... Col. Tibbatts ...


Deserted from Metamoras July 6, 1848.


Private .. April


15 La Porte ..... Capt. Smith


Died Aug. 8, 1847, in hospital at Mier. Fell overboard into canal near Louis- ville, Ky., and drowned May 20, 1847. Died June 15, 1847, in hospital near Reynosa, Mex.


Died April 24, 1847, at Crown Point. Died May 29, 1847, at New Orleans. Died June 7, 1847, at Matamoras.


DISCHARGED.


Charles Estes ..


Private ..


March 29 Crown Point Capt. Smith


certificate order of disability.


Private .. April


Capt. Smith


Deserted May 20, 1847.


*The year of enrollment was 1847.


Died Sept. 30, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo. Died Sept. 27, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo. Died Aug. 28, 1847, in hospital at Chico. or Mier.


Capt. Smith Died July 17, 1847, in camp near Camargo Died July 7, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Capt. Smith Died Aug. 24, 1847, at hospital at Camargo Died July 11,1847, in camp near Camargo Capt. Smith Died July 22, 1847, in camp near Camargo Died July 5, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Died July 26, 1847, in hospital near Chico or Mier.


Died July 2. 1847, in camp near Camargo. Died Aug. 13, 1847, in hospital at Mier. Died Aug. 6, 1847, in hospital at Mier.


456


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


It may be added, in concluding the Mexican war record, that the muster roll of this company, at the time of the departure for the field, could not be obtained. The names of all the Lake County boys, how- ever, will be found somewhere upon the above record. The account of deaths, discharges, desertions, etc., dates from the time of muster in. The commander of this company lost his life in Hall County, Neb., in 1862. He had gone West, and had located on the Platte River ; and, one day, while chopping in the woods with several companions, includ- ing two sons, was approached by hostile savages, and killed with arrows. They were among the first victims in the terrible Indian massacre of 1862.


The Rebellion .- It is unnecessary to give a summary of the causes which led to the last great war. The protracted and stupendous charac- ter of the struggle is yet green in the memory of maimed and honored participants. Continued and extensive preparations for war were made in the South, long before the North ceased to believe that the differences which bitterly divided the two factions of the Government might be amicably adjusted. Statesmen in the North viewed with reluctance, or contempt, the steady and extensive preparations for war in the South, and refused to believe its presence until the first blow fell like a thunder- bolt upon Fort Sumter, and, at the same time, upon the faithful hearts of loyal people. President Lincoln, with that grand charity which ever distinguished him, wisely hesitated to " unslip the dogs of war," though repeatedly urged by the hot-blooded Abolitionists of the North to strangle the hydra of secession in its infancy. It was currently believed in the North that the rebellion would be quelled in ninety days. But, as time passed on, and the large bodies of troops failed to control or quell the aggressive and daring movements of the Confederate armies, and the sul- len tide of steady reverses swept over almost every field of battle, the hope of the North for peace died out, the gloom of probable national disaster and disunion filled every heart, and for many desolate months the outlook was dark and forbidding.


When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter swept over the country like a flame of fire, the most intense excitement in all places prevailed. The suspense in Lake County was sickening. The rural districts were almost wholly depopulated, and the news stations were thronged with scores of angry and indignant citizens. Men everywhere forgot their daily employ- ment, and gathered at the cross-roads and villages to discuss the political situation and encourage one another with hopeful words. The thought ofthe universal desolation that must ensue, the partings of parents and chil- dren, of husbands and wives, of brothers and sisters and of lovers with sweet vows of eternal fidelity, blanched many a cheek, dimmed many an.


457


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


eye, and hushed the swift throbbings of many a heart. But the sickening fear soon gave place to dauntless courage, and to an intense determina- tion to quell the rebellion at all hazards and at any cost. Democrats and Republicans forgot their faith, and joined hands and hearts in saving the Union. The prompt call of the President for 75,000 volunteers sent a wave of relief throughout the county, and kindled an immediate re- sponse. A public meeting was called at the court house in Crown Point, and stirring resolutions were adopted, and fiery speeches made, to uphold the Constitution and support the administration in crushing the rebellion. Unfortunately, the details of this meeting cannot be given. Soon after this, or perhaps before the meeting was called, in response to the call to arms, not less than some thirty men left the county for the three months' service, going out in the Ninth, Twelfth, and other Indiana regiments, and in regiments that were raised in Northeastern Illinois. In fact, the greater number of these estimated thirty men went from the northern part of the county and joined Chicago Regiments. Six regiments were called for from Indiana, but five times the number required volunteered, and announced their readiness to take the field. The boys who left the county and enlisted in three months' regiments, were credited to other counties and States.


Within two weeks after the fall of Sumter, the organization of a com- pany was begun at Crown Point, with sub-recruiting stations at Lowell, Hobart, and perhaps one or two other places in the county, and, in less than a week, the necessary number was enrolled, and an election of offi- cers resulted as follows : John Wheeler, Captain ; Charles A. Bell, First Lieutenant ; Michael Sheehan, Second Lieutenant. This company left the county June 24, 1861; was transferred to Lafayette, and became Company B, of the Twentieth Regiment, William L. Brown, Colonel. It was mustered into the service on the 22d of July. The Register said the company was really entitled to become " A," but waived that right in favor of a company from Miami County.


This company was no sooner dispatched to the field than the forma- tion of a new one was begun, but the enlistment was not hurried, and was finally permitted to stop, and the men went out of the county in order to get into the service. There was scarcely a regiment raised in the northwestern part of the State that did not contain men from Lake County. The fall of 1861, the winter of 1861-62, and the spring of 1862, passed without a concerted effort to raise a company, though sur- rounding counties, and especially Illinois, steadily drained Lake of her strength. In June, 1862, the enlistment of another company was begun, recruiting stations being opened at Crown Point, Lowell, Hobart, and perhaps Dyer. In July, the company was full, and an election of officers


4 58


HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.


resulted as follows : William Krimbill, Captain ; Richard W. Price, First Lieutenant ; Philip Reed, Second Lieutenant. The company was so quickly formed, and so prompt in reaching South Bend, the place of ren- dezvous, that it became Company A, of the Seventy-third Regiment. The regiment was mustered into the service August 16, 1862. Company A was the first raised in the Ninth District, or the "Bloody Ninth," as it was called, under the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 men. No bounty was offered, and the ranks were filled without effort or urging, thus showing the strength of the county in case of an emergency. Dr. Teegarden, of La Porte, presented the company $100, his offered prize for the first company under the call. No sooner had this company departed than another was commenced to free the county quota, and so rapid was the work that, by the 21st of August, the ranks were full, and the com- pany ready for muster with the following officers : Daniel F. Sawyer, Captain ; Kellogg M. Burnham, First Lieutenant; James M. D. Craft, Second Lieutenant. It was sent to South Bend, the place of rendezvous, and became Company A, of the Ninety-ninth Regiment. In the issue of the Register, August 21, 1862, appeared the following :




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