USA > Indiana > Pulaski County > Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 6
USA > Indiana > White County > Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 6
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Resolved unanimously by the People of Monticello and vicinity now assembled in the court room to consider the state of the Union, That we send our fraternal greeting and the ex- pression of our warmest sympathies to our brethren now in the field engaged in main- taining the honor of our national standard and the integrity of our American Union ; and that we express ourselves as ready to follow the glorious example of our Revolution- ary fathers, and for the defense of the institutions they founded to " pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."
THOMAS D. CROW, DAVID TURPIE.
The First Aid to Soldiers .- Thomas Bushnell reported that a subscrip- tion was being raised to furnish the White County boys in the field with necessary blankets, oil-cloth capes, clothing, etc. This was the first movement in the county to aid the soldiers, and undoubtedly one of the very first in the State. The meeting for the organization of a vigilance committee was held, but a division as to the propriety of such a move- ment occurred, not owing to a lack of loyalty, but to quiet the fears of possible public disturbance at home, and as a precautionary measure against unforeseen disaster to society. Levi Reynolds, Thomas Bush- nell and T. D. Crow objected to the movement, while James Wallace, J. C. Brown and many others favored it. The mass of people present were so thoroughly in earnest, however, and determined to permit no oppor- tunity of general safety to pass unheeded, that the measure passed by a
56
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
large majority in a standing vote. Scarcely anything was done, however, to carry out the measure, as new questions arose that required constant attention and energy. Another large war meeting was announced for Saturday night, May 18th, Judge Turpie being announced as principal speaker.
The Spectator of May 17th, said :
During the past week the citizens of Monticello have been doing a work of love and patriotism that will not only distinguish the place, but be a source of pleasant remem- brance in all time to come. The men and boys contributed money and material and the women and girls have been busily engaged in making shirts, blankets, cakes, etc., for the volunteers from this county now at Camp Morton. Some fifty flannel shirts and two boxes of nice provisions are the result of this labor, which were sent to Indianapolis yesterday morning. This donation will do an immense amount of good, not because the luxuries are greater than camp-life affords, nor the comforts needed. but because they are from the hands and hearts of dear friends who appreciate the sacrifices their noble sons are offering for the cause of freedom.
It has been the pleasure of the writer of this chapter for several years past to critically review the military history of some twelve counties in Indiana and Ohio ; but in all such experience not a county was found to equal White in the intensity and activity of loyal work from the begin- ning to the end of the war. No act in the past can be pointed to with greater pride than this. Too great praise can not be given, in view of the obstacles overcome and the sacrifices made.
War Meetings .- On the 18th of May another rousing meeting was held at the court house with Levi Reynolds, President, Zebulon Sheets and D. D. Dale, Vice Presidents, and James Spencer and J. W. Mc- Ewen, Secretaries. W. S. Haymond, Lucius Pierce, F. G. Kendall, Thomas Bushnell and Orlando Mcconahay were appointed a Commit- tee to draft resolutions. In a few minutes the committee reported a se- ries of twelve, which was adopted amid rounds of cheers, and ordered printed in the county newspapers. Messrs. Turpie, Belford and Hay- mond, in turn, then addressed the audience. This was, in fact, a Demo- cratic Union meeting, the event passing harmoniously, with strong denunciations of the rebellion, and earnest declarations to maintain the Government. Other meetings were held in almost every township, but no record was kept of the proceedings. The excitement continued through the month of June, the numerous letters received from the field serving to fan the flames to a white heat. It was decided to have an enthusiastic demonstration at Monticello on the fourth of July. Several thousand people assembled at the grove about a half a mile north of town, and were called to order by the President of the day. Several of the citizens addressed the multitude, after which dinner was served under the
57
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
shade of the trees. After enjoying the repast, the following men re- sponded to toasts : W. S. Haymond, David Turpie, J. B. Belford, E. Hughes, James Wallace, G. W. Pickrell, W. P. Koutz, J. C. Brown, Dr. Wilson, G. W. Spencer, A. R. Orton, D. M. Tilton, B. S. Smith, John Reynolds, Levi Reynolds, William Wright, Rowland Hughes, George Inman, A. W. Reynolds, L. Butler and J. W. Elliott. It was a most enjoyable day. The evening was made brilliant with bonfires, rockets, firecrackers, and deafening cheers.
The First Company .- It was about this time that word was received from Gov. Morton that the " Monticello Rifles " had been accepted and would move to Camp Tippecanoe, Lafayette, on the 5th of July. This created intense enthusiasm. The Spectator of Friday, July 12th, said :
DEPARTURE OF CAPTAIN REED'S COMPANY !
WHITE COUNTY REDEEMED !
The most interesting scene since the opening of the war, so far as relates to our town and county, occurred in this place the first of the present week. On Tuesday the glad news came that Captain Reed's company, which was being organized in our midst, had been accepted and would march next day to Camp Tippecanoe, taking position in Col. Brown's regiment. It was immediately announced that there would be a farewell mect- ing at the court house in the evening. The parents and friends of the volunteers flocked ont until the house was crowded. Proceedings were opened with prayer and music. Then followed speeches of lofty patriotism, fervent hope and kind advice * ** * *
After the company had formed in line and everybody had shaken hands with the brave boys and bid them good-bye, the meeting adjourned to assemble next morning at the railroad, where a nice flag was presented the company, Rev. Mr. Smith making the specch, and more farewells were said.
About the middle of August, the boys who had left the county for the three months service returned. They had been delayed at Indianapolis in getting their pay, but when they came at last, hundreds of all sexes and ages assembled at the depot to receive them. As the train came in, and the boys in tattered uniforms, empty sleeves or horrid scars, stepped upon the platform, they were welcomed with the wildest demonstrations of joy. Mothers, wives, sweethearts, sisters, fathers and brothers-all were there to look again into the eyes of their loved ones, to hear the old tones, and to feel once more the warm pressure of loving hands. The brave boys were escorted to the residence of Captain Reed, whose lady and others had prepared an ample repast of the most tempting delicacies. Ah, how sweet and nice everything was, how the joke went round, how the flashes of merriment set the table in a roar, how the hush of sorrow fell upon all at the mention of names of boys-sons, brothers, husbands -lying in southern graves ! Not satisfied that they had done enough
58
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
for the boys, the citizens gave them another elegant supper the following night at the residence of Peter Price.
Subsequent Enlistments .- Immediately after this, J. G. Staley and Watson Brown opened an enlistment office, and called for volunteers. They were greatly aided by Rev. Thomas Callahan and other citizens, who traversed the county, holding war meetings, and receiving the names of volunteers. During the latter part of September and the first of Oc- tober Dr. William Spencer, Eli R. Herman, Henry Snyder and others enlisted an entire company in the county. The first part of October the company, though not quite full, was ordered to Logansport. Before starting the boys listened to a farewell address from the court house steps by T. D. Crow, Esq., to which Captain Spencer replied. Good-byes were spoken, and the company was gone. This was the 15th of October.
The Spectator of October 18th, said :
Now for Captain R. W. Sill's company ! Let it be filled up immediately, and cursed be the craven-hearted cur that offers opposition to it .* It is a double duty we owe to Mr. Sill and our bleeding country to help the matter on. Let's do it like men.
Flag and Sword Presentation .- Much of Captain Sill's company was enlisted while Spencer's was being organized. Mr. Sill, Joseph D. Cowdin, John M. Berkey and others were especially active in securing volunteers. The work rapidly continued, and finally the 21st of November was set for the departure of the company. A splendid dinner had been prepared at the house of J. C. Reynold's by the sisters of Captain Sill and the ladies of Monticello, and for two hours the feast continued, the company and others to the number of over three hundred enjoying the tempting viands. At two o'clock p. m. a large delegation packed the court house to witness the ceremonies of flag and sword presentation. Levi Reynolds was made President, and after the house had been called to order, a group of ladies entered the. door bearing a magnificent silk banner. The house thundered at the sight, and when order was restored, Miss Ophelia H. Reynolds presented the flag to the company in a most eloquent address. Captain Sill briefly replied. The "Star Spangled Banner" was sung with great effect, after which Col. Fitch, of the 46th Regiment, entertained the audience in a speech two hours in length. At the conclusion of his speech, Judge Turpie, on behalf of the ladies of Reynolds and Honey Creek Township, presented Captain Sill with an elegant sword. The Captain again responded and the audience then listened to an eloquent speech from Mr. DeHart. The ceremonies were over, and the boys marched away, followed by loving words and tears of sincerest sorrow.
* The italics are those of the editor of the newspaper, and are comparative, indicating that opposi- tion had been encountered in enlisting the company of Captain Spencer.
1
59
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Continued Efforts .- During the colder months of 1861-2, the enlist- ment of men was almost at a standstill. Letters from the boys of Cap- tain Reed's company of the 20th, Captain Spencer's company of the 46th, and Captain Sill's company of the 46th, and from the 9th, 15th and other regiments, were published in every issue of the two county papers. News of the death of some boy was received every few days. Many a house was draped with crape, and many a family overwhelmed with keenest sorrow, when the news was received that some loved one had given his life to his country. In March, 1862, Sergeant W. H. H. Rader and others appeared and began to enlist recruits for Captain Sill's company. At the same time Lieutenant Benney and others recruited for the 9th regiment. On the 29th of March, the citizens of Reynolds presented a fine sword, publicly, to Captain M. F. Johnson. Dr. Alden called the meeting to order. and J. C. Suit, Esq., delivered the presenta- tion speech, which was replied to by Captain Johnson. Johnson Gregory followed in a short speech, at the conclusion of which Mr. Suit " coming forward held the audience enchained with words of burning eloquence and patriotism in a speech of an hour and a half." A very hopeful feel- ing seemed to pervade the county at this time, for the Herald of April 11th said :
Three short months ago, if any one had hazarded the assertion that our flag would float in triumph in every State in the Union, and the rebels would be completely sub- dued before the first of May, he would have been considered a mad enthusiast. Now, who doubts but that in the next twenty days every fortification in the rebellious States will have been taken, and the stars and stripes wave defiantly in the face of treason.
The full magnitude of the rebellion was not yet comprehended. Early in 1862, when the Republican newspapers throughout the north were severely criticising the dilatory policy of Gen. McClellan, and when many of them openly declared in favor of a belief that he was at heart a traitor and was shuffling his cards for the benefit of the South, Milton M. Sill, editor of the Monticello Herald, appeared in an editorial, insist- ing that McClellan was an incompetent, was sacrificing the Army of the Potomac and perhaps the Union cause, and should be displaced and an officer appointed who could successfully oppose the army of Northern Virginia under Gen. Lee. Within ten days after this article appeared, about thirty prominent citizens of the county-Democrats and Republi- cans -- called at the Herald office and ordered their papers discontinued. The Democrats were very irritable on the subject of Mcclellan's in- competency, and many Republicans were satisfied that he was doing about all that a man in his place could do.
Additional Volunteers .- During the early months of 1862, Captain
60
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
M. F. Johnson, Lieutenant Joseph W. Davis, and others enlisted about two thirds of a company, which afterward became D of the 63d Regiment. In August Captain John Holloway, Lieutenant George W. Jewett, Lieu- tenant Aden Nordyke and others enlisted Company G of the 63d. During this period-from January to August-more than two hundred men left the county, about one hundred and fifty entering the 63d, and the re- mainder going as recruits into the 9th, 20th, 46th and other regiments. A few entered the 72d and 73d, and a few the 86th. The enlistment during July and August was especially active. About twenty men of Company H of the 87th were from White. In August Captain Sidney W. Sea and others enlisted about one half of Company K of the 90th (Fifth Cavalry). These men were obtained mostly from the western part of the county. At the same time Brookston and vicinity came forward with a full company enlisted mostly by Captain George H. Gwinn, Lieu- tenant Andrew Cochran, Lieutenant G. S. Walker and others. This ex- cellent company entered the 99th regiment.
Bowman's Company .- In June, 1862, White County had more than one fourth of her voting population in the field. In July George Bow- man was authorized to raise a company for the 12th regiment, which was being reorganized. War meetings were held during July in various portions of the county, and fiery speeches were made to kindle the love of country, and induce men to append their names to the fatal enlistment roll. An enthusiastic war meeting was held at Idaville on the 26th of July, on which occasion Belford, Callahan and Wallace, loyal Democrats, delivered patriotic addresses, and urged all men, without regard to party, to stand by the Union. A rousing meeting was also held at Monticello. On the same day of the meeting at Idaville, two meetings were held in Liberty Township, where eight volunteers joined Captain Bowman's company. Early in August the company received marching orders. On the 5th of August the boys were given a picnic dinner at Norway, on which occasion C. J. L. Foster and others spoke to the large crowd that had assembled to bid the boys good-bye. Essays were read by Miss Arnold and others; and patriotic toasts were responded to amid the en- thusiastic cheers of the populace and the shrill rattle of fife and drum. . The following officers had been chosen on the 1st of August : George Bowman, Captain ; J. A. Blackwell, First Lieutenant; Benjamin Price, Second Lieutenant. On the same day a large meeting was held, Rev. J. W. T. McMullen delivering the oration. One hundred dollars were raised in a few minutes for the families of the boys who were on the eve' of departure for the uncertainties of the field of war. On the 5th, at the conclusion of the picnic at Norway, the company started for Indianapolis, followed by the sorrowing farewells of friends. In less than two weeks
61
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
the company, with its regiment, the 12th, marched out in battle array on the field of Richmond, Ky., fought gallantly, was captured, paroled, and scattered, and many of its bravest boys were consigned to soldiers' graves.
The Fourth of July, 1862 .- The Fourth of July, 1862, was celebrated at three different places in the county, one being Monticello. A vast crowd assembled to enjoy the occasion. Gaily decorated processions in wagons and on horseback came to town from all points of the compass, carrying banners and loyal mottoes, and following a band of stirring martial music. The indispensable and omnipresent small boy was pres- ent en masse, strutting proudly around in suits of soldiers' blue which had been hurriedly prepared for the occasion by the fond mother, and filling the air with confusion and discordant noises. Wagon loads of young ladies dressed in white, with gay ribbons of red and blue and bright garlands of summer flowers, passed through the thronging streets of the county seat. The vast procession was formed at the court house and marched out to the fair ground where the ceremonies of the national day were to be held. Rev. McMasters, D. D., opened the occasion with prayer ; John Shultz read that wonderful document, the Declaration of Independence; and Hon. Charles H. Test delivered an oration of unusual power and eloquence. The following toasts were responded to: "The Union " by George Bowman ; "Our Country " by C. J. L. Foster ; " The Great Rebellion," by Rev. Thomas Callahan. The occasion was enlivened with vocal patriotic music sung by sweet-voiced quartets. Soldiers in full uniform were present, and were the center of all eyes and the heroes of the occasion. After the tumult of the day the crowd dispersed to their homes.
County Conventions .- The county conventions of the two parties in 1862 were well attended and enthusiastic. The Democratic platform favored a continuance of the war to maintain the Union. One plank of the Re- publican platform was as follows:
Resolved, That who seeks in any way to embarrass and cripple the power of the Pres- 'ident and the army, is an enemy of his country, and merits the unconditional con- demnation of all his fellow citizens.
The Draft of 1862 .- After the departure of Captain Bowman's com- pany, it was found that the county was not wholly free from the ap- proaching draft of September 15th, and measures were immediately in- stituted to fill the required quota. Lieutenant J. W. Berkey opened a recruiting office, as did, also, others. One of the largest war meetings held during the rebellion assembled at the court house on the 11th of August to raise volunteers. It was advertised that Colfax and Col.
62
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Hathaway would be present, and this brought out a vast crowd; but these distinguished men were unable to attend, and home talent was called upon. The following statement of county affairs was made out about the 1st of September :
Townships.
Militia.
Volunteers.
Exempts.
Conscientious.
Volunteers in
Service.
Number sub-
ject to Draft.
Prairie .
275
137
42
136
233
Big Creek
106
41
22
39
84
Union
216
139
49
10
128
157
Monon .
127
64
25
55
102
Liberty
120
52
20
44
100
Jackson
175
85
41
5
81
120
Princeton
95
95
18
2
91
75
West Point
60
42
10
36
50
Honey Creek.
74
55
17
52
57
Cass.
65
27
13
3
24
46
Round Grove,
27
15
1
14
26
Total
1337
751
258
20
700
1059
Sergeant Henry Billings began raising recruits for Company E of the 46th, about the middle of September. War meetings were held at every town and at almost every schoolhouse. The exertions of the citizens saved the county from the draft of October 6th, White being one of the only fifteen counties in the State to accomplish this result. The draft had been fixed for the 15th of September, but at the last moment, to give every township abundant opportunity, it was postponed to October 6th. The county was justly proud of its activity and loyalty. In October the following appeared in the county paper :
A HUSBAND WANTED.
I, the undersigned, a girl about twenty years of age, good-looking, dark hair, blue eyes, of good moral character and will make a good wife, wish to marry a man, hand- some, industrious, a good Union man and a soldier if possible. Address Miss A. W., Seafield, White County, Indiana.
The matrimonial opportunity of soldiers at this time seems to have been without a cloud. It is stated by those who ought to know that Miss A. W. found the man she wanted. But the war still continued- down south.
War Meetings .- In February, 1863, a large Union meeting was held at Monticello to consider the state of the country. Rev. Thomas Calla-
JOHN BURNS.
MRS. MELINDA BURNS. ( DECEASED.)
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX INF TILDEN FOUNDATIONE
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HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
han was president, and Milton M. Sill, Secretary. J. B. Belford, Van McCulloch, William Orr, John Roberts and Thomas Wiley reported a long series of patriotic resolutions, which was adopted. Callahan and Belford delivered speeches. A little later a Democratic meeting was held in Liberty Township " to devise means to prevent illegal arrests." Nothing serious was enacted. In June, the following enrollment was made, which included all of suitable age, sound and unsound : Prairie, 278; Big Creek, 97; Union, 194; Monon, 119; Liberty, 113; Jackson, 168; Princeton, 98; West Point, 72; Honey Creek, 68; Cass, 56; Round Grove, 28; total, 1,291.
The Fourth of July, 1863 .- One of the largest assemblages ever in Monticello met on the Fourth of July, 1863. At an early hour the pro- cessions began to arrive, coming from the country in clouds of dust, and headed by martial bands. The train brought a vast delegation from the eastern part of the county. About 9:30 o'clock in the morning Orlando Mcconahay, Marshal of the day, began to unite the scattered fragments into one grand procession which marched through the principal street amid the wildest enthusiasm. Monticello had never before witnessed a pageant so brilliant and imposing. The clarion voice of the fife rang out above the deep roll of the drum and the heavier thunders of anvil and cannon ; and the wild waves of huzzahs that swept over the ocean of up- turned faces and the hundreds of flaunting banners and decorations, fired the soul of the dullest with the flames of patriotism. This gay cavalcade marched to the beautiful grove of Lucien Pierce about half a mile north of town, where the ceremonies of the day were to be enjoyed. F. G. Kendall, President of the day, called the assembled citizens to order, and Rev. Mr. Kerr uttered a fervent prayer. " America " was sung by all with great power. Danicl D. Dale read the Declaration of Independence, after which a splendid picnic dinner was spread out and eaten with (possibly) patriotic appetite. Toasts: "The Day we Celebrate" by Ellis Hughes, Esq .; " The Signers of the Declaration of Independence " by Thomas Bushnell, Esq .; " Our Country " by Dr. W. S. Haymond ; " The Press " by Captain Alfred Reed ; " The Army " by Rev. Thomas Callahan ; "Peace " by Hon. David Turpie. A bevy of sweet-faced little girls, dressed in national colors, and crowned with wreaths of roses and evergreen, sang a beautiful song ; and their childish voices rang out on the cool air of the grove like the melody of the nightingale. In- dividuals were present with butternut breastpins fastened to their coats with ribbon. Some found it difficult to work the following day, owing to black eyes and sore heads. The day was greatly enjoyed.
On the evening of the Fourth the news was received of the surrender of Vicksburg. Monticello could scarcely contain herself. The citizens
5
66
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
gathered at the court house to mingle rejoicings. A huge bonfire of barrels and boxes was lighted on the street, bells were rung, guns and anvils were fired, speeches were made, and fire crackers and shouts filled the air with noise. Many of the country folk remained to enjoy the spectacle. A few men went around with long faces, wanting to bet (the drinks) that Vicksburg was not " took." They were "took" up immc- diately by loyal, though convivial, neighbors. The long-faced individuals were out a few dollars when the official returns were in.
Renewed Efforts -Soon after this, news of John Morgan's raid was received, and a company of forty men was formed in a few hours by O. Mcconahay and others, and its service to repel the invader was tendered the Governor, but word was received that it was not wanted. It was about this time, also, that considerable disloyalty began to be publicly manifested in the county. Two men in the northern part had a serious altercation about butternuts. Several young men in the western part were involved in a savage fight. The aggressors were fined before a Justice of the Peace. Sometimes ladies attempted to settle disputes of a political nature by an appeal to arms. Witnesses of the encounters solemnly testify that the affrays were the most terrific ever recorded in the annals of war ; gowns were torn to ribbons, piercing " yells " more horrid than those of rebels rent the air, and mysterious articles of apparel were strewn in profusion upon the ground. These items more properly belong to profane history, possibly.
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