USA > Indiana > Henry County > Hazzard's history of Henry county, Indiana, 1822-1906, Volume I > Part 69
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He was appointed and confirmed as Commissioner, June 5, 1900, and entered upon the discharge of the duties of the position on June 15th. As Commissioner. he was a member of the Executive Council, a body charged with special powers in relation to sundry matters, and which constitutes the Senate of the Legislative
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Assembly. As the head of the Department of the Interior, he had charge of all public lands and buildings, the construction, maintenance and repair of roads, the supervision of all franchises, the management of the health interests and telegraph system, and control of docks and harbors. An average of twelve hundred em- ployes were under his direction and the expenditures of the department were seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars per annum.
Much progress was made during the four years of Mr. Elliott's administra- tion of the Department of the Interior, and his work was very interesting. But there came a time when he realized that he must leave it and return to his home. When his term expired in June, 1904, he was tendered, but felt compelled to decline, a promotion. As the President, however, did not wish to appoint his successor at that time, and as it suited Mr. Elliott's plans, he continued to serve until December 1, 1904. His resignation was accepted by the President in the following gracious letter :
WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, November 17, 1904.
My dear Commissioner Elliott :- In accepting your resignation, I wish to express my hearty acknowledgement of the honorable and faithful service you have rendered in the Island of Porto Rico. I regret that you feel obliged to leave. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
Hon. W. H. Elliott, New Castle, Indiana.
In the meantime Mr. Elliott had returned to New Castle, installed his family in the old homestead and resumed his relation as manager of the New Castle Courier, in association with his son, George A. Elliott.
Mr. Elliott was joined in marriage, January 12, 1869, with Catharine Powell, daughter of Simon T. and Elizabeth Powell. An extended sketch of Mr. Powell and incidentally of his family appears elsewhere in this history. Mrs. Elliott died July 5, 1875, without issue. On October 20, 1876, Mr. Elliott was joined in marriage with Emma Eleanor Conner, daughter of Levi L. and Lucinda (Rogers) Conner, and granddaughter of Ezekiel and Eleanor Rogers. Mr. Rogers was a pioneer settler in the Sugar Grove neighborhood, west of New Castle. The issue of the marriage with Miss Conner were: George Armentrout, born March 25, 1878; Hannah Tos, born January 10, 1880; Jean, born October 5, 1885, and Ruth, born December 31, 1891.
GEORGE ARMENTROUT ELLIOTT AND SISTERS.
George A. Elliott, the son above mentioned, graduated from the New Castle High School in 1897, and attended the Indiana State University at Bloomington. He joined his father in Porto Rico in June, 1899, and acted as secretary to the Director General of Posts until May 1, 1900, when he was appointed secretary to the Commissioner of the Interior of Porto Rico, and continued in that relation until October 1, 1902, when he resigned and returned to New Castle. Meantime, on May 24, 1900, he was married to Lillian, daughter of J. E. and Antis Blair (Willis) Smith, of New Castle. He is now joint owner, with his father, and assistant manager of the New Castle Courier.
Miss H. Tos Elliott graduated from the New Castle High School in 1899, and
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entered the New England Conservatory of Music in 1900. Returning to Porto Rico in 1902, she was employed as supervisor of music in the public schools of Ponce one year and was then transferred to San Juan, where she served in the same capacity another year.
Miss Jean Elliott graduated from the Girls' High School of Boston in 1902, where Mrs. Elliott had spent the past year with her three daughters for better educational advantages. Miss Jean returned to Porto Rico in 1902 and was immediately employed as teacher of English in the Ponce de Leon graded school at San Juan, and continued in that relation for two years, her school in the mean- time winning a silk banner awarded to the school showing the greatest progress in English. She is now a student at the State University, Bloomington.
ANCESTRY OF MRS. WILLIAM H. (CONNOR) ELLIOTT.
The paternal ancestors of Mrs. Emma Eleanor (Connor) Elliott came from Virginia and settled first in Fayette County, Indiana, moving later to Howard County, and from there in 1850 her father, Levi L. Connor, came to Henry County. Through lapse of time it is impossible to give more detailed information about her paternal ancestry.
Of her maternal ancestors, more definite information is obtainable. Her maternal grandparents were Ezekiel and Eleanor (Hinshaw) Rogers, pioneers of Henry County. Ezekiel Rogers was born in Nova Scotia, September II, 1801, and when a child was taken by his parents to North Carolina, where the family lived in Franklin, Iredell and Surrey counties. On September II, 1823, in the "Old North State," Ezekiel Rogers married Eleanor Hinshaw, and in 1828 emi- grated with his family to Wayne County, Indiana. In 1833 he moved to Henry County, where he entered, cleared and improved a farm, two and a half miles west of New Castle. He continued to reside on this farm until his death, November 12, 1883. It is worthy of note that he lived continuously on this land, which he entered from the Government, until his death. His widow who was born in Surrey County, North Carolina, December 7, 1799, died at the old home, July 16, 1885. They are both buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, west of New Castle.
Ezekiel and Eleanor (Hinshaw) Rogers were the parents of eleven children, namely : William A., born April 30, 1824; died at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 28, 1865, while serving as a private in Company E, Ninth Indiana Cavalry ; he is buried in grave number 1,201, in the National Cemetery at Baton Rouge ; he was married to Rachel Draper and they were the parents of Adolph Rogers, of New Castle. Edward M., born October 26, 1825; married Lavina Dyson ; died at New Castle and is buried in South Mound Cemetery. Harriet, afterwards Mrs. John Scott Connor, born June 21, 1827; died October 16, 1862; Elizabeth, afterwards Mrs. Zepheniah Leonard, born April 21, 1829; died at Logansport, Indiana. All of the foregoing were born in North Carolina. Lucinda, afterwards Mrs. Levi L. Connor, born May 29, 1831; died April 9, 1883; Joseph B., born March 15, 1833 ; married to Phoebe Hunt ; died March 12, 1863, while a soldier in Company C, 36th Indiana Infantry. Catharine, now Mrs. Moses Bowers, born November 26. 1834; married to Moses Bowers, April 2, 1863, and resides two miles west and within sight of New Castle. Mr. Bowers was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in
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Company F, 57th Indiana Infantry. Mary, afterwards Mrs. Clayton Osborne, born June 4, 1837; died April 26, 1888; George W., born February 23, 1839; never married; died February 9, 1864, while a soldier in Company C, 36th Indiana Infantry ; Lydia, born May 30, 1841 ; never married; died June 21, 1862; John C., a farmer living two miles west of New Castle, born February 20, 1844; married Elmira Irwin, May 21, 1872; she died February 12, 1886, and he married Abigail Turner, April 20, 1890. Of the above, described as deceased, Harriet. Joseph B., Mary, George W., and Lydia are buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery.
Ezekiel Rogers came of a strong and sturdy stock and his own physical strength well fitted him for the struggle of life. He and his estimable companion began their married life with but few material possessions, but by industry, fru- gality, proper economy and good management, they were able to provide well for their large family and to accumulate sufficient for later years. Mr. Rogers was a man of sterling worth and integrity and was held in the highest esteem as citizen, friend and neighbor. He and his wife were devout Christians, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and constant in attendance upon divine service, from which they derived great joy and comfort. In their old age, they put their duty to God ahead of all other earthly obligations and although not bigoted in their belief, they found their greatest solace in the study of religion and religious subjects. They did their full duty in the Civil War, sending three sons into the army, never to return. The precise military service of each of these soldiers will be found set forth in this History in their respective regimental and company rosters, and the records of their deaths and burials will be found in the chapter entitled the "Roll of Honor."
Levi L. and Lucinda (Rogers) Connor were the parents of Mrs. William H. Elliott. The mother was the first of the Rogers' children to be born in Indiana. She was reared on the home farm west of New Castle. She was a devout, Christian woman and was devotedly attached to her husband, her family, her home and her friends and neighbors. Levi L. Connor, the father, was born March 22, 1828, in Fayette County, Indiana, and died at his home in New Castle, September 17, 1904. During his youthful days, his parents moved from Fayette to Howard County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He learned the trade of a carpenter and was regarded as an expert workman. He came to Henry County, Indiana, in 1850 and from that date until his death made his home principally at New Castle. He married Lucinda, daughter of Ezekiel and Eleanor (Hinshaw) Rogers April 3 1852. To them were born six children, namely : Martha, deceased; Emma Eleanor, born July 6, 1855, and married to William H. Elliott, as stated in the preceding sketch of her husband; John Sherman, died in Washington, D. C., where he was employed in the government printing office ; George Alva, deceased ; William Bowers, deceased; and Marshall Homer, now and for a number of years past with the New Castle Courier. The children of Mrs. William H. Elliott are named and appropriately referred to in the sketch of William H. Elliott, above mentioned.
Levi L. Connor was twice married, his second wife being Sarah Starbuck, who survives him. He was a quiet, unobtrusive man, methodical in his movement and action, and was never more pleased than when receiving or imparting information. He was a constant reader, kept abreast of current events and was in all respects
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a thoroughly well informed man. Touching religion and morals he possessed high ideals. His faith in God was strong and in all of his association with his fellow men, he adhered to the golden rule. He was an almost life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He early in life joined the Masonic fra- ternity, taking all of the degrees of Ancient York Masonry and later the degrees pertaining to the Royal Arch Chapter. He gave the order his enthusiastic support. Mr. Connor was an honest man, a worthy citizen, a good and obliging neighbor, a devoted husband and an indulgent father.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
LOSS OF THE SULTANA.
HISTORY OF THE SULTANA DISASTER-CAHABA PRISON, ALABAMA-HENRY COUNTY SOLDIERS ON BOARD THE ILL-FATED VESSEL-SKETCH OF HIRAM ALLISON-JOHN FRANKLIN CHENOWETH-JAMES M. FLETCHER-THOMAS JEFFERSON GINN-WILLIAM C. HOOBER-THOMAS LABOYTEAUX-ENOCH THOMPSON NATION - THORNTON TOLIVER WATKINS - PERSONAL NAR- RATIVES OF ROBERT WESLEY GILBREATH-LEWIS JOHNSON-ANDREW JACK- SON MCCORMACK-WILLIAM HENRY PEACOCK.
The Steamer Sultana was built at Cincinnati, Ohio, January, 1863, and was registered at 1,719 tons. She was a regular St. Louis and New Orleans packet, and left the latter port on her fatal trip, April 21. 1865, arriving at Vicksburg, Mississippi, with about two hundred passengers and crew on board. She re- mained there little more than one day, repairing one of her boilers and receiving on board 1,965 Federal soldiers and thirty five officers, just released from the Confederate prisons at Cahaba, Alabama, Macon and Andersonville, Georgia, and belonging to the States of Ohio, Indiana. Michigan, Tennessee and West Virginia. Besides these there were two companies of infantry, under arms, making a grand total of 2,300 souls on board. There were also a number of horses and mules and over one hundred hogsheads of sugar, the latter being in the hold of the boat and serving as ballast.
Leaving Helena, the boat arrived at Memphis, Tennessee, about seven o'clock p. m., of the 26th of April. Here the sugar was unloaded, many of the exchanged prisoners helping the crew, thus making a little money for themselves. Sometime in the evening, probably well towards midnight, the boat steamed across the river to the coal bins or barges and, after taking on her supply of coal, started on, up the river, to Cairo, Illinois. All was quiet and peaceful, many of the soldiers, no doubt, after their long, unwilling fast in Confederate prisons. were dreaming of home and the good things in store for them there, but alas! those beautiful visions were dissipated by a terrific explosion. About two o'clock in the morning of the 27th, as the boat was passing through a group of islands known as the "Old Hen and Chickens," and while about opposite Tagleman's Landing, she burst one of her boilers and almost immediately caught fire, for the fragments of the boiler had cut the cabin and the hurricane deck in two and the splintered pieces had fallen, many of them, back upon the burning coal fires that were now left exposed. The light, dry wood of the cabins burned like tinder and it was but a short time ere the boat was wrapped in flames, burning to the water's edge and sinking. Hundreds were forced into the water and drowned
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SULTANA
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in squads, those who could swim being unable to free themselves from those who could not and consequently perishing with them.
One thing favorable for the men was the fact that there was a little wind, hence the bow of the boat, having no cabin above it, would face the wind until the cabin was burned off the stern, then the boat gradually swung around, the unburned part of the boat above the water acting as a sail while that below acted as a rudder, and finally drove the men into the water. A part of the crowd was driven at a time, thus giving many of those who could swim or had secured fragments of the wreck an opportunity to escape. But there was one thing that was unfavorable, and that was the pitchy darkness of the night. It was raining a little, or had been, and occasional glimpses of timber were all that could be seen, even when the flames were the brightest, consequently the men did not know what direction to take. Another thing that added greatly to the loss of life is the fact that the river at this place is three miles wide, and at the time of the accident was very high and had overflown its banks, and many, doubtless, perished after reaching the timber, being unable to climb a tree or crawl upon a log and thus get out of the water.
Among the passengers on board were twelve ladies, most of them belonging to the Christian or Sanitary Commission. One of these ladies, with more than ordinary courage, when the flames at last drove all the men from the boat, seeing them fighting like demons in the water in the mad endeavor to save their lives, actually destroying each other by their wild actions, talked to them, urging them to be men, and finally succeeded in getting them quieted down. The flames now began to lap around her with their fiery tongues. The men pleaded and urged her to jump into the water and thus save herself, but she refused, saying : "I might lose my presence of mind and be the means of the death of some of you." And so, rather than run the risk of becoming the cause of death of a single person, she folded her arms quietly over her bosom and burned, a voluntary martyr to the men she had so lately quieted.
It was claimed at the time of the explosion that the same had been pur- posely caused to destroy the lives of the Union soldiers aboard the vessel, but official investigation showed that this was not the case. The boilers of the Sultana had been constructed for the upper Mississippi River trade and had afterwards been put in a boat running on the lower Mississippi to New Orleans. The lower part of the river being muddy caused sediment to sink in the boilers and the boilers became leaky: this added to the fact that the boilers were too light and the vessel loaded to nearly her double capacity, were, in brief, the causes of the explosion. The vessel had been in continuous use and no opportunity given to clean the boilers.
CONFEDERATE PRISON, CAHABA, ALABAMA.
It is a coincidence that the Henry County soldiers on the Sultana, both the lost and saved, were all confined in the same Confederate prison at Cahaba, Alabama ; they were all released at the same time; with other released prisoners. they went across the country to Vicksburg, Mississippi, together; and then, still in company, they boarded the steamer Sultana, which afterwards exploded its boilers and sent so many souls into eternity.
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Cahaba was the first capital of Alabama, situate on the Alabama River, in Dallas County, six miles from the present city of Selma, in that State. No vestige of Alabama's first seat of government now remains. During the Civil War, an old brick cotton shed at Cahaba was turned into a prison for Federal soldiers, and was commonly called "Castle Morgan," after the daring raider of that name.
It is stated that the density of the population of this prison was greater than that of Andersonville and the mortality fully as great. The restricted accom- modations, however, prevented such a large gathering of prisoners here, as at Andersonville. The greatest number confined in Cahaba, at any one time, was less than three thousand, whereas, at Andersonville, at the time of the greatest mortality, there were thirty two thousand. A sketch of each Henry County soldier who was aboard the steamer Sultana, when it was destroyed, is appended.
HIRAM ALLISON.
SURVIVOR.
This soldier lived in Delaware County, just north of the village of Luray, in Henry County, which was at that time the common centre for the surrounding country. When the 9th Indiana Cavalry was recruited and organized, he enlisted with many others from the neighborhood of Luray, in Company G, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, January 21, 1864. He was a faithful, conscientious soldier and received deserved recognition, while in the service, by being appointed a corporal of his company. He was mustered out of the service June 17, 1865. He was a survivor of the Sultana disaster. When the explosion occurred, he was on the hurricane deck, near the wheel house. When he recovered from the shock of the explosion, he wrenched a piece of timber from its fastening and lowered it into the water, where it was seized by a drowning comrade, and he was obliged to let go. Among the hundreds of struggling men, he fought for pieces of the debris. He finally secured a floating board to which he clung and from which he was rescued some seven miles down the river. After his rescue, he returned to his home in Delaware County, where he continued to reside until his death, November 28, 1902. Mr. Allison was a respected and influential citizen of his community, in the welfare of which he was always interested. His remains are buried in Beech Grove Cemetery. Muncie, Indiana.
Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Allison, and four children. namely : Mrs. John Parrott, of Albany; Mrs. Alfred Aoleux, of Swissville. Pennsylvania, and Myrtle and Cassius Allison, who lived with their parents.
JOHN FRANKLIN CHENOWETH.
LOST.
Stephen K. Chenoweth came to Henry County from Ohio and Casandra Perfect came, with her parents, from Marion County, West Virginia. Both settled in Prairie Township, Henry County, where they were married February II, 1841. the ceremony being performed by William H. Williams, a Justice of the Peace-
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They were the parents of five children, three boys and two girls. When the Civil War began, John Franklin Chenoweth, the oldest son, born January 5, 1844, enlisted in Company F, 57th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, November 18, 1861. He was a faithful soldier, veteranized with the regiment and came home on veteran furlough, this being his first visit to his parents, at the old home, since his enlistment in the army. He was slightly wounded in the Atlanta Campaign.
At the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864, he was captured and taken to Cahaba Prison, Alabama, where he remained a prisoner until March, 1865, when he was released. With others of his comrades, he was sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and there going on board the Sultana, became one of the more than seventeen hundred victims of the explosion of the boilers of that vessel. His body was never recovered.
JAMES M. FLETCHER.
LOST.
James M. Fletcher did not enlist from Henry County, but as Company A. 57th Indiana Infantry, to which he belonged, was a distinctively Henry County organization, in the roster of which his name and service are fully set out else- where in this History, it is fitting to make mention of this soldier. When the war began, he and his brother, John W. Fletcher, were residents of Hancock County, Indiana, near the postoffice of Willow Branch. Both enlisted and served as privates in the company and regiment above named. At Kenesaw Mountain. Georgia, June 18, 1864, James M. Fletcher was captured and held in a Con- federate prison, presumably until March, 1865, when he was released in time to reach Vicksburg, Mississippi, and go aboard the Sultana. When the boilers of the steamer exploded, he went down to death in the waters of the Mississippi and his body has never been recovered. The author of this History has made diligent effort to procure more satisfactory information regarding the life of this gallant young soldier, but without success.
ROBERT WESLEY GILBREATH.
SURVIVOR.
Robert Wesley Gilbreath is the son of Jesse and Sarah (Burcham) Gilbreath. His father was born August 14, 1808, and died December 29, 1876. His mother was born June 19, 1808, and died August 15, 1879. The family came to Indiana from North Carolina, in 1851, first settling at Greensboro, Henry County, and afterwards moving to Raysville, Knightstown and Carthage, the last named place in Rush County. For thirty years, Robert W. Gilbreath and wife resided in Indianapolis but they now make Charlottesville, Hancock County, their home.
Robert Wesley Gilbreath was born in North Carolina, July 10, 1844, and on January 19, 1870, married Emily A. White. They have three children, namely : Raymond; Beatrice, now Mrs. Dittrich, of Indianapolis, and Paul W. The two sons live with the parents. Robert had three brothers, John S., born in North Carolina, February 23, 1833, and Joseph F., born September 18, 1846. Both were
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soldiers in the Civil War, the first named in the 19th Indiana Battery and the last named in Company G, 16th Indiana Infantry. Their respective military records will be found elsewhere in this History in connection with those military organizations. Thomas W. Gilbreath, the oldest of the brothers, was born in North Carolina, May 22, 1831, and died December 22, 1861.
Robert Wesley Gilbreath enlisted in Company E, 9th Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered as a private, December 19, 1863. On December 1, 1864, he and others of his regiment were captured near Franklin, Tennessee, and taken eventually to Cahaba Prison, Alabama, where he was kept confined until March, 1865, when he was released on parole and sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was mustered out of the service, August 7, 1865.
His story of privations and dangers courageously endured, culminating in the Sultana holocaust, is best told in his own words. He says :
"After our capture, we were taken to Columbia, just below Frank- lin, and confined in an old fort, for two weeks. The snow was knee deep and crusted so hard, one could walk anywhere without sinking through. There was no water for bathing or cooking and hardly enough fit to satisfy thirst. When we left the old fort, the backs of our coats and trousers were burned off from standing close to the fire to keep warm. We were marched afoot for more than two hundred miles to Corinth, Mississippi, before we were put on a train. At Cherokee Station, we camped for the night in a 'lob-lolly' of a place and in the morning, many of the boys were frozen to the ground. Arriving at Cahaba, everything was taken from us except our clothing. About March Ist, the prison was flooded by the Alabama River and the water in the prison became from three to four feet deep. How the privations of that prison were endured and life remain is still a mystery. Cahaba was in fact 'Starvation Point.' Those who had them, traded their suspenders and the buttons of their clothing, for food. I did not have a button-not a single button-on my clothes, when released, but used, instead, pins made of wood."
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