Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 8

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962

USA > Indiana > Whitley County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 8
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 8

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).

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

of the party remained in charge of the vessel and cargo, while the other came home on foot, about fifty miles. and collected some teams and went after the freight. When they arrived with the provisions, there was great rejoicing in the neighborhoods; the meal and bacon were distributed partly in the vicinity of where Dodgertown is now located, in Kosciusko County. It is not positively known whether that event had anything to do with furnishing a name for that town. The other part of the cargo was distributed in this county, in the vicinity of Collamer. After roasting ears and potatoes in due course of growth were ready for eating, the inhabitants fared sumptuously. There were plenty of deer and some bear in the country, and plenty of fish in the streams; but men could not hunt, fish and clear a farm at the same time, and hence there were but few professional hunters in the country in those days.

The lands in this county were very productive when first improved and cultivated, and many of the early pioneers reared large families of children ; not unfrequently were found families numbering ten, eleven and sometimes a dozen children, healthy and vigorous. But there has been a great change brought about for some cause within the last few years. There is rarely now seen a family of more than from two to six children. What this unproduct- iveness is to be attributed to, the reader is left to conjecture.

CHAPTER IV.

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED.

WAR HISTORY-SOLDIERS OF 1812 AND OF THE MEXICAN WAR-A SKETCH OF THEIR SERVICES-PUBLIC SENTIMENT IN WHITLEY COUNTY WHEN SUMTER FELL-THE FIRST WAR MEETING, AND THE FIRST COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS -INTENSE EXCITEMENT - PROGRESS OF THE ENLISTMENT- LOYALTY AND DISLOYALTY-THE ARREST OF DESERTERS-THE DRAFT-THE "NEWS" AND THE "REPUBLICAN"-AID SOCIETIES AND BOUNTY-SKETCHES OF THE REGI- MENTS-WHITLEY COUNTY'S "ROLL OF HONOR."

TT is not known that any Revolutionary soldiers ever settled within the limits of Whitley County ; but it is known that their descendants, proud of the military services of their fathers, are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the land. Years passed by, leaving no hearts rent with anguish at the separ- ation from loved ones who had gone to the wars. At last, the Eastern horizon was obscured by the black clouds of war with the mother country ; and brave men were called out to maintain the prerogatives of the nation. Among those who stepped forth, in 1812, at their country's call, was Daniel Hemmick, who served as Orderly Sergeant in one of the militia regiments under Gen. Harrison. He thus fought the Indians in Indiana, and was very probably at the battle of Tippecanoe in November, 1811, and at the various other smaller battles which made the name of Harrison famous. He lived to an old age, but is now at rest in the grave. Thomas Walker served in a Virginia regiment. He lived east

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

of Columbia City. James Jones also went out from the Old Dominion to fight his country's battles. John Jackson, who lives west of town, also served his country in 1812. William James, yet living some distance from Columbia City, was a soldier in the war of 1812; but in what regiment, or from what State, has not been learned. Mr. Maring, who lived near Forest for a number of years, was among the number. These are all the names of soldiers of 1812 that could be learned that ever resided in "Little Whitley," although there were several others.

In the Mexican war, there were Thomas Kelley, John Sleesman, William Smith, Joseph Crow, James Van Ness, Mr. Disbrow, Edward McMahon, Peter McMahon, William McMahon, Charles Howe and James E. Serjeant. So far as known, all these served with Gen. Taylor along the Rio Grande, except William Smith, who claims to have been with Gen. Scott. Some of these men did not go from this county. Charles Howe was in Van Arnim's regi- ment from Chicago. The most of the others were in the First Regiment, Com- pany E, the officers being : Captain, J. W. McLain ; First Lieutenant, Thomas Lewis ; Second Lieutenant, Charles Colerick ; Third Lieutenant, George Humphrey. The boys of this county enlisted at Fort Wayne. In June or July, 1846, the regiment reached New Orleans, and was then transported across the Gulf to Point Isabel. It occupied Brownsville, Beretta, Monterey, Buena Vista and other places of less importance, doing guard duty the most of the time. It took the regiment thirteen days to cross the Gulf coming back, owing to a terrific storm that swept away all the masts of the schooner " Maria Thomas." When within several miles of the mouth of the Mississippi, and when the storm had spent its fury, a steamer came out at the end of two days and pulled the disabled vessel and the half-starved soldiers into port. We must not forget our soldiers of the older wars, under the gigantic shadow of our last civil war. Let their names be recorded and remembered with gratitude.

Public sentiment in Whitley County on the question of the impending civil war between the States, prior to the tragic fall of Sumter, was somewhat bitterly divided. It is probable that no living representative of Southern policy and principles resided in the county when the war burst upon the nation ; but but there were all gradations, from those who believed, on the one extreme, that, rather than have a gigantic civil war, it was better to let the " erring sis- ters" go out of the Union, with all their coveted rights of secession, State sovereignty and power to expand slave territory, to those who believed. on the other extreme, that the Union must be preserved, and the principles of seces- sion, State sovereignty and growth of slavery be forever blotted out of hearts that had been taught to love the name of liberty. Between these extremes there were the " War Democrats," who were willing to fight solely for the preserva- tion of the Union, without regard to the claims of the Secessionists on one hand or the demands of the Abolitionists on the other. The majority of the Republicans were confident that secession and State sovereignty were unconsti-

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

tutional. The bulk of the Democracy was ready to fight to preserve the Union, therefore saying by their action that they opposed the right of the Southern (or any other) people to secede. This was about the condition of opinion in Whitley County early in 1861.

As the news of the fall of Sumter was received, and doubt was changed to certainty, the excitement became intense. Occupations and pursuits were almost wholly neglected, and the loyal men of all parties announced their read- iness to follow their country's call. The great mass of the Democracy of the county came loyally forward, and the citizens as a whole immediately united on the question that the "Jeff Davis rebellion " must be promptly put down. The country became almost deserted, and the towns and news-stations were thronged with excited Republicans and Democrats, asking for the latest news from the seat of war. The following extracts are taken from the Columbia City Republican of April 17, 1861 :

Since the news of the attack made upon Fort Sumter by the Southern traitors, our town has been a scene of continual excitement. Look which way you might, you would see crowds of angry, excited men on the streets, all talking about the Southern rebellion. The policy of the President, as recently developed, meets with almost universal approbation here, and when the news reached us that Fort Sumter was to be supplied with provisions at all hazards, joy and gladness were exhibited in the countenance of nearly every one. We doubt if Columbia City was ever in such a state of excitement as during the past week.

Whatever difference of opinion may have existed in the minds of our citizens as to the policy to be pursued by the Administration, now that a blow has been struck and actual war in- augurated by the rebels, we rejoice to hear an almost unanimous expression of opinion that the Government must and shall be sustained. It is no longer a question as to what policy ought to have been pursued in the past ; but war is upon us, our Government has been attacked, and one of its strongholds has been taken at the mouth of the cannon, and we must now be either for or against the Government. Men of Whitley County ! we appeal to you-not as Republicans or Democrats, but as American citizens-and say to you, Rally as one man to the support of this Government. Let the past bury the past, let by-gones be by-gones, and let us look only at the present and the future. As sure as we are living men, so sure is it that our very existence as a nation depends upon sustaining the Government at all hazard and at any cost. It is a question involving all that is sacred to us in the future. Let there be no faltering in this hour of our coun- ry's peril.

The Democratic paper, the News, came out with loyal editorials, and the excitement, instead of subsiding, continued to increase, until at last notices. were posted in public places that a mass meeting of the citizens would be held at the court-house on Saturday, the 20th of April. The following is quoted from the Republican of April 24:

Pursuant to notice, a very large and enthusiastic meeting met at the court house on the 20th of April, 1861, for the purpose of raising a volunteer company to respond to the call of our country. On motion, Mr. J. C. Cotton was called to the Chair and H. D. Wilson appointed Sec- retary. The Chairman, on taking his seat, made a patriotic speech, explaining the object of the meeting and urging prompt action in support of the Government. Addresses were delivered by Hon. J. S. Collins, Hon. A. Y. Hooper, H. D. Wilson, Dr. C. Kinderman, I. B. McDonald, C. W. Hughes, T. Washburn, Dr. D. G. Linvill, A. W. Myers and E. W. Brown. The speakers were frequently interrupted by immense applause from the audience, and the whole scene was enliv- ened by the stirring strains of martial music. On motion of H. D. Wilson, the following reso- lutions were unanimously adopted :

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

Resolved, That we support this Government because we love it.

Resolved, That we will follow the stars and stripes wherever they lawfully lead.

Resolved, That the constitution must and shall be maintained.

Resolved, That, laying aside, for the time being, all party feelings and prejudices, the pres- ent administration, in this trying emergency, must and shall be sustained.

Volunteers to respond to the call of the country were then called for by George Stough, and fifty-four names were quickly enrolled. On motion of A. Y. Hooper, the following addi- tional resolutions were unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That if those who shall volunteer in this county shall be called into service, we will contribute of our money and means to maintain and support their families while they shall be in the service of their country.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to carry into effect the above resolution.

The following gentlemen were appointed on said committee : Messrs. Hooper, Washburn, Linvill, Foust and Keefer. On motion of Dr. Linvill, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for suitable outfit for Whitley County volunteers : A. A. Bainbridge, C. W. Hughes and I. B. McDonald. A telegraphic dispatch was just then received, announcing that Fort Pickens had been attacked by the secessionists and 300 of them killed by the well-aimed fire of Lieut. Slemmer. Unanimous cheering! After giving three cheers for our flag, three cheers for our Government, three cheers for Lieut. Slemmer and three cheers for our patriotic volunteers of Whitley County, the meeting adjourned amidst the wildest enthusiasm and the patriotic music of fife and drum.

We noticed in circulation yesterday a petition asking the Board of Commissioners to make an appropriation for the support of the families of those who shall volunteer from this county. This is a good move in the right direction, and should be acted upon promptly and a generous appropriation made by the board.

The formation of the volunteer company was continued and soon com- pleted. In the meantime, anxiety, loyalty and enthusiasm were displayed everywhere. War seemed the only topic of discussion. Even the usual re- marks regarding the weather and the health, strange as it may seem, were neglected and apparently forgotten. The loyal ceremony of raising poles and hoisting flags was freely indulged in; and, of course, the actions of the older members of the community were reflected by the transparent spirits of the youths, who raised poles, organized companies, filled the air with discordant martial music, fought mock battles, where rebels were always worsted, and, in short, imitated the example of patriotism exhibited by their elders. About this time, Union pole-raisings by both parties were very popular. Five or six were erected in different portions of Columbia City and scores throughout the county. In the Republican of May 1, 1861, appeared the following :

During the past week, the excitement of our citizens on the war question was intense. And no wonder, for, amidst the firing of guns, the thrilling notes of the fife, the beating of drums and the parading of soldiers, who could help being excited? Whitley County is thor- oughly aroused and even the children are rushing to arms. The ladies, too, who were never known to falter in the hour of our country's need, are fully awake to their duty, and have gotten up quite a large company of infantry. Below we publish the roll of the Whitley Volun- teers. The company is composed of the right kind of material-mostly young men, who are fearless and brave-and, if called into active service, we expect to hear of their coming off vic- torious at every engagement. Certain it is, that they never will allow their flag to trail in the dust. The company is ready and waiting for marching orders. Their worthy Captain, Mr. Stough, is daily putting the boys through the drill, and we notice that they are making rapid advancement toward perfection. The ladies of this place are engaged in making a splendid silk banner, which will be presented to the volunteers at the proper time.

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

Officers-George W. Stough, Captain ; James E. Serjeant, First Lieutenant; Isaiah B. McDonald, Second Lieutenant ; Nimrod Smith, James K. Ward, Cyrus J. Ward, John F. Drury- am, John J. Weiler, Sergeants ; Edward B. Beeson, David Garver, E. A. Mossman, D. R. Hem- mick, J. M. Hartman, William L. Birney, D M. Shoemaker, T. J. Gardner, Corporals ; Nicholas Beesack and John Ward, Musicians ; Jacob J. Conrad, Wagoner.

Privates-Nimrod Asbury, Henry Banta, William M. Barnhill, Nicholas Bear, Joseph Beesack, B. F. Bennett, John Bennett, William Brubaker, W. S. Collins, G. P. Connett, Jacob Dinsmore, Oliver Droud, A. B. Dudley, Russel Earle, Joseph Effert, G. W. Elder, Samuel English, F. G. Ford, James Force, Franklin Freese, Joseph Fries, Otis J. Gandy, Samuel J. Goodin, J- H. Gurt, William Grimes, M. V. Hammond, Isaac Harrison, Lewis Hartman, G. W. Hartsock, James O. Harvey, Conrad Hilligas, J. W. Hyler, W. F. Johnson, Charles S. Keech, N. H. King, Jesse Kyler, G. W. Lamson, J. W. Lawhorn, Isaac Leaman, G. F. Loveless, J. G. N. Marks, George Marsh, Conrad Miller, Henry Moore, J. H. Nelson R. H. Norton, Samuel Parke, H. R. Pegg, T. W. Piper, Joseph Plummer, J. A. Poff, H. C. Pressler, R. S. Pumphrey, C. W. Ramsey, John Raypole, G. T. Rolly, F. L. Rhodes, Jesse Rowles, J. E. Sherrod, S. O. Shoup, Isaac Shin- neman, Alexander Showalter, John Simpson, J. H. Slagle, F. M. Slagle, John Smith, H. D. Smith, Frederick Smith, T. A. Smith, Henry Snavely, Anderson Spear, Peter Stephens, David Stough, William B. Summy, Anthony Seymour, Jr., Sidney Tuttle, Allen Underhill, W. H. West, Lewis Whiteman, Milton Whiteman, C. L. Wilder and John Wireman. Total officers and men. 101. [This was the first muster-in-roll of the company, and was made by Lieut. I. B. McDonald on the 11th of June, 1861, at Camp Morton, Indianapolis .- ED.]

It was at first the intention of this excellent company to get into the Twelfth Regiment ; but, failing in that, they next tried for the Sixteenth, and again met with failure, though immediately after this they were assigned to the Seventeenth, remaining a part of the same throughout the war. While they remained at Columbia City, they were daily subjected to drill and discipline to fit them for active service. Great enthusiasm and pride were manifested by the citizens over the boys, who performed the manual of arms so skillfully, and executed the military maneuvers so gracefully while on parade. They were permitted to participate in an engagement, as the following, from the Republican of May 22, will show :

Our citizens were thrown into a fever of excitement on Thursday of last week, upon the receipt of intelligence to the effect that a secession fort, from the walls of which floated the Confederate flag, had actually been erected west of this place, and that from all appearance an attack upon our city was about to be made. So speedily had the work of erecting this fort been accomplished, that our citizens were at a loss to understand how it could be. But no time was to be lost. All saw at a glance the perilous situation of our city, and vigorous measures were at once resolved upon for the storming of the fort. Lieut. Serjeant was immediately detailed on a reconnoitering expedition. Upon his return, he reported the rumors correct, and that three ten-inch Columbiads were leveled directly upon the town. Our brave volunteers were immedi- ately marched to the walls of the fort, showing thereby that they were not afraid to face the cannon's mouth in defense of the stars and stripes. An attack upon the fort was ordered, and, with a daring worthy of older and more experienced soldiers, our volunteers stood their ground, though the cannon of the enemy was playing heavily upon them. The battle was brisk, and in a very short time our soldiers had the fort silenced. The Captain of the fort was captured, and marched through the streets as a prisoner of war. The fort. in honor of its builder, had been named " Pap Shoemaker's Fort."

It should be noticed at this point, that, about the time the company was preparing for the field, the two newspapers at Columbia City-the Republican and the News-were indulging in rather bitter personal attacks upon those who

Mary J. B. Mª Donald COLUMBIA CITY.

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

opposed the policy of the party, of which each was the organ. These animosi- ties have no place in a volume of this character, though they serve to shed light on subsequent events. The following extracts are taken from the papers of May, 1861, as showing, in a general way, the progress of events, and to some extent the condition of public sentiment :

Much praise is due Mrs. C. H. Pond, Mrs. J. W. Brigg, Miss Carrie Ford and other ladies of this city and vicinity, for their efforts in getting up a nice silk star-spangled banner [the silk was purchased in Indianapolis by I. B. McDonald .- ED. ], for the Whitley County Volunteers. The banner is said to be one of the finest in the State. May it ever wave over and protect the fair women who made it .- News.

The " Lutheran Union Mite Circle" will meet at the residence of W. W. Kepner, on Tues- day evening, May 14. Readers-Rev. Hugh Wells, A. H. Swihart, Mrs. Morehouse and Miss Jennie Kepner. A cordial invitation is extended to all .- News.

An artillery company was organized last evening (May 7), composed of some of our best citizens, and the following officers were elected : Captain, J. C. Bodley ; First Lieutenant. P. Simonson ; Second Lieutenant, A. Avey ; Third Lieutenant, T. B. Hathaway .- Republican.

Those who have given their names for the purpose af forming an independent cavalry Com- pany are requested to meet at the court house on next Saturday, at 1 o'clock, P. M .- Republican.

On yesterday afternoon, at about 3 o'clock (May 7, 1861), the ladies presented to the Whit- ley Volunteers a beautiful silk flag, together with the necessary rigging. The presentation speech was delivered to Judge Bodley in behalf of the ladies, and the flag was received by Capt. Stough in the name of the volunteers, in a few appropriate remarks. Lieut. McDonald also made a few remarks, after which three cheers were given for the ladies of Whitley County, and then three more cheers for the volunteers. The company made a fine appearance, dressed as they were in red flannel shirts, and black pants with red stripes down the legs .- Republican.

Pursuant to call, the residents of Union Township met at Coessa (May 4), for the purpose of raising a Union pole in honor of the glorious flag of our country. At an early hour, the bridge was densely thronged with ladies, and, on the grass plat south of the railroad, the gen- tlemen, both Republicans and Democrats, rallied together to raise the Union pole. On motion of Mr. J. Kaufman, Rev. Mr. Wolf was elected Chairman, H. Cleveland and M. McGinley Vice Pres- idents, and D. F. Manning, Secretary. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting in a few patriotic remarks. A pole, seventy feet long, was then raised, from the top of which floated in the pure air of heaven the stars and stripes. the symbol of American union, liberty and inde- pendence. On motion, three cheers were given for our national banuer, after which short patriotic speeches were delivered by A. J. Douglas, H. D. Wilson, A. W. Myers, Dr. E. Pierce and Simon Kerr. Three hearty cheers were given for the Union, after which the meeting ad- journed .- Republican.

On Saturday, May 11, the residents of Union Township met at Coesse for the purpose of organizing a military company for home defense, S. H. Pierce, Chairman, D. F. Manning, Sec- retary. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting and urged the necessity of being trained to military duties. Upward of fifty names were quickly enrolled, and the following gen- tlemen chosen officers of the company. S. H. Pierce, Captain ; D. P. Spore, First Lieutenant ; G. B. Bonestil, Ensign. On motion, it was decided that the uniform of this company be blue pants, red shirts and glazed caps. Adjourned to meet Saturday, May 25 .- Republican.

On Saturday last (June 25), a Union pole was raised at Huntsville (Larwill). It is said that the flag, which now floats on the breeze at 115 feet, is one of the finest in the county. It was run up by the ladies of the neighborhood, and immediately afterward excellent speeches were made by Rev. Mr. Baker, N. Andrews and E. L. Berber, of this place. Huntsville was never so crowded as on this occasion. We have been informed that the Democrats of Huntsville are about to raise a pole. We hope that we were misinformed, however, for this is not the time to enter into party strife .- Republican.

HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY.

On Monday, the 13th of May, the following dispatch was received by the Whitley vol- unteers :

INDIANAPOLIS, May 13, 1861.

CAPT. STOUGH, Columbia City-Your Company is accepted, and will be ordered here when quarters are provided. JOHN M. WALLACE, Adjutant General.

When the messenger appeared with the dispatch, the boys-who were on parade-threw down their arms, broke ranks, and rushed with a yell to meet him. When the news became known, cheer after cheer rent the air, and the boys seemed wild with delight .- Republican.

On Tuesday evening, May 21, Capt. Stough's command took its departure from this place for headquarters, in pursuance of orders received the day before. At about 10 o'clock, P. M., the order was given to march to the depot, the utmost enthusiasm prevailing, both soldiers and citizens being in good spirits. Messrs. Douglas and Myers entertained soldiers and people in appropriate speeches until the cars arrived. It was a sad spectacle to witness the parting of husband and wife, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers with their sons, the lover with his sweetheart, and friends with their neighbors .- News.

The Republicans of Huntsville erected what they termed a Union pole in the aforesaid vil- lage about a week ago. The pole has three divisions-first ash, then hickory, then ash again- signifying Republicanism, Democracy and Abolitionism. The Democrats did not like the idea of being thus amalgamated to two isms, so they on Saturday last erected a large hickory pole in that village about one hundred and seventy feet high, from which proudly waves the " star spangled banner." Speeches were made by A. W. Myers and D. T. Davis, of this place. Much enthusiasm was manifested and everything passed off agreeably .- News, July 2, 1861.

Public feeling had been wrought up by the strong position taken by each of the two newspapers in the county ; and as time went on and events were devel- oped, the rancor and extreme bitterness became more intense and warlike.

The Fourth of July, 1861, was celebrated at Columbia City by not less than six thousand people. There were present the Whitley Artillery, Capt. Bodley ; Whitley Cavalry, Capt. Keefer ; Richland Township Guards, Capt. Webster ; Union Township Guards, Capt. Bierce; Washington Township Guards, and a martial band from Noble County. On the fair grounds, Rev. L. Dorland opened with prayer; the Declaration of Independence was read by K. B. Miller ; speeches were made by H. D. Wilson and J. S. Collins ; " In- dependence Day " was sung by the children ; a picnic dinner was consumed by all; twenty toasts were read by A. Y. Hooper and A. W. Myers, and re- sponded to by the citizens amid great enthusiasm. Patriotic songs closed the ceremonies of the day.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 8

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ; Number of Pages: 962

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962