USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Bloomington > Historic treasures: true tales of deeds with interesting data in the life of Bloomington, Indiana University and Monroe County--written in simple language and about real people, with other important things and illustrations > Part 22
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While it is physically impossible at this late time to give a minute detail of each little incident, we have been enabled to find and piece together an account which may give a glimpse to the future generations of the very honorable military activities of our early citizens, of which we may be proud, indeed.
First County Militia.
Monroe County, Indiana, was no sooner organized than it was consti- tuted the district for the organization of the 20th Regiment of Indiana mil- itia, in 1819, and John Storm was com- missioned as first Colonel of the regi- ment.
This was soon after the war of 1812-13, when the recollection of dan- ger from the savages was fresh in the minds of settlers, and when the appre- hension of danger from the same source was still a matter of daily con- cern, as the native Indians were yet
a few miles north, in what we know as the New Purchase.
The old habits of watchfulness on the frontier could not easily be aban- doned, and, accordingly, for several years the militia was mustered often and kept in readiness for any out- break of the Indians.
After the removal by the Govern- ment of the Indians to western lands, the muster was still kept up for a number of years, although steadily lessening in concern, and at last, late in the twenties, became little better than a farce.
Became Holiday.
In truth, the system which had been so efficient during the Indian wars, now that danger from that or any other source seemed past, it degener- ated into a holiday, in which dram- drinking, horse-racing and athletic sports claimed the sole attention of a boisterous crowd.
In 1822 John Ketcham succeeded John Storm as Colonel of the 20th Regiment of State Militia, at Bloom- ington, but after that time the regi- mental officers cannot be ascertained for certainty. But, we do know that William Lowe was Brigadier-General of the Monroe County Battalion for a time. The only circumstances that aroused the militia was the war with Mexico in 1846-47.
CAPT. SLUSS AND DANIEL LUNDERMAN HEADED TWO COMPANIES OF MONROE COUNTY MEN IN BATTLES OF MEXICAN WAR
Monroe county furnished two full companies for the Mexican war.
Soon after the call for volunteers, in May, 1846, the militia of the coun- ty met in Bloomington for regimental or battalion muster.
The excitement over the war was great, a call was made, and a full company was raised and ready for ac- tion by the first of June. The offi- cers for this first company formed in Bloomington, were John M. Sluss, captain; John Eller, first lieutenant; Aquilla Rogers, second lieutenant. This company became A company of the 3rd regiment, which rendezvoused at New Albany, Ind. They left Bloomington, June 15, 1846.
Ladies Present Flag.
A beautiful flag was presented to the boys at their departure by the ladies of Bloomington, Miss Sarah Markle making the presentation speech.
Campany A was in the famous bat- tle of Buena Vista, where four of Monroe county's brave boys were killed-Buskirk, Eller, Stout and Holland-and probably five oth- ers were wounded. The company was
mustered out of service at the end of the year.
Muster Roll of Capt. Sluss's Company.
These old Muster rolls of the Monroe coun- ty men who went into the Mexican war in Captain Sluss's company, and took part in the battles of Beuna Vista, were preserved by Robert R. Strong, 209 East First street, a resident of Bloomington, whose father, Robert Strong, was in this company, and later when the War of 1862-65 came, this son and his father both went into the Rebellion on the side of the North, one as a drummer boy, and the other as a veteran of the Mexican campaign.
Muster roll of Captain John M. Sluss's com- pany, in the 3d Regiment of Indiana Foot Volunteers, commanded by Colonel James L. V. Law, called to the service of the United States, by the President, under the act of Congress, approved May 13, 1846, for the term of twelve months, from the 31st day of De- cember, 1846, when last mustered, to the 28th day of February, 1847 :
John M. Sluss, captain ; Henry R. Seall, first lieutenant ; Allen Crocker, second lieu- tenant ; Thomas Rogers, second lieutenant ; Isaac S. Buskirk, first sergeant; William C. Foster, Jr., James Frits, Edward I. Pallen, sergeants ; Richard Radcliff, Robert K. Nel- son, Daniel Iseminger, Dudley Rogers, cor- porals,
Privates, William B. Crocker, E. E. Harvey, Owen Adkins, Oliver Adkins, John M. Arm- strong, W. G. Applegate, Morris L. Baker, George A. Buskirk, Benjamin Banner, Wil- liam Boyd, William Campbell, James A. Dale, James J. Davis, Christopher C. Flenner, Gar-
lin F. Fleener, James Fleener, John B. Ginins, Robert W. Graham, William F. Harvey, Adam Hunter, William F. Hardesty, Samuel L. Jamison, William Johnson, John Knight, John B. Longwell, Isaac A. Leabo, James Little, William Lampkins, William I. Lake, John Martain, Elijah L. Morgan, Thomas Mc- Naught, Traydess Wize, James Matlock, John Nuckles, John Orsbono, Joseph W. Pullen, John Philips, William Roe, Randolph R. Sloan, Addison C. Smith, Sylvester Stonegar, Strather Stonegar, Robert Strong, Leoniedis P. Skirmin, Simpson S. Skircan, John F. Strain, L. R. Thompson, Suster Trenit, Samuel S. Taylor, Solon O. Whitson, Neosica M. Whit- son, Richard G. Walker ..
Killed in Battle.
William Holland, Isaac M. Buskirk, David I. Stout, James Eller. Aquilla Rogers re- signed.
Raise Second Company.
In the year 1847, the United States Government made a call for three more regiments from Indiana, and Daniel Lunderman began the task of raising a company for one of these regiments from Monroe county. The company was soon completed and lat- er became company G of the 4th Regi- ment.
This company was given a public farewell by the citizens of Blooming- ton, who presented the company with a national banner.
This Bloomington company was with General Scott on his historic march from Vera Cruz to the Mexi- can capital, and participated in near- ly all the battles on that memor- able and triumphant route.
A number of Monroe county boys were killed during this march, but unfortunately, we are unable to get their names at this time. The com- pany returned to Bloomington about the end of 1847, honored and trium- phant. The citizens made their re- turn a happy one, although several of the company's members had been left in honored graves in the land of the Montezumas.
SMITHVILL SPRANG
UP WITH RAILROAD
When the New Albany railroad was established through Monroe county, Smithville sprang into existence, in 1852-53. The town was laid out in November, 1851, by Mansfield Ben- nett and George Smith, on Section 3, in Clear Creek township.
Thirty-eight lots were in the orig- inal plat of the village, and were situated on both sides of the railroad track.
Mr. Smith probably opened the first store, and was soon joined by a blacksmith with a number of other families who located there. Davis & Humphries were also in there about this time. business
Business was lively while the rail- road was being built. It is thought that the stores were started before the town was laid out. P., and J. Holland also were early storekeepers in Smithville. One or two stores have usually been kept in the village ever since.
Palestine Now Deserted.
Palestine was another early town of the county, founded by Alex- ander Sutherland, during the thir- ties. He was the first storekeeper, but later moved to Harrodsburg. Thomas Shipman probably succeeded Mr. Alexander. A man named Koons also sold goods at the place.
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CRISIS, JUST BEFORE WAR OF REBELLION, FELT KEENLY BY MONROE COUNTY CITIZENS
Mass Meetings Held in Bloomington and Resolutions Adopted-Feeling Ran
High-Opinion Was Divided on Slave Question, But Great Interest of Hoosiers Centered on "Keeping the Union" Intact.
Just prior to the actual outbreak of the war which meant the freeing of the slaves of Southern States, when the whole nation was at a high pitch of mental excitement-during that cri- sis, when each state, every commun- ity, and even the individual citizen felt that soon the time would come when a firm decision must be made-citi- zens of Bloomington and Monroe County took upon their shoulders the responsibility of trying to choose just what was the right course for them in the national conflict which was sure to mean war.
Before Fall of Ft. Sumter.
February 2, 1860, pursuant to no- tice, the citizens of Bloomington and vicinity, irrespective of party, met at the Monroe County courthouse to take into consideration the state of the Union.
Judge G. A. Buskirk was made chairman of the meeting, and C. P. Tuley and J. B. Mulky secretaries. M. C. Hunter, Benjamin Wolfe, Dr. W. C. Foster, F. T. Butler and Elias Abel were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
Gov. Dunning Called Upon.
While the committee was preparing its report for presentation to the meeting, Governor Dunning, of India- na, was called for by the people as- sembled, who insisted that the Gover- nor speak to them.
In his speech, Governor Dunning stated that he was a member of no political party until the existing diffi- culties between the two sections of the country were settled.
Professor John Young then spoke against the "Crittenden Compromise," and said he stood firmly in favor of the United States Constitution as it stood, but said he was willing to ac- cept the "Border State Resolutions." The committee then presented the fol- lowing report:
Resolutions Presented.
"RESOLVED, That we, the people of Monroe County, are in favor of the resolutions known as the 'Border State Resolutions,' which are as follows:
"1. Recommending the repeal of the Personal Liberty Bills.
"2. That the Fugitive Slave Law be amended for the preventing of kidnap- ing, and so as to provide for the equal- ization of the Commisioner's fee, etc.
"3. That the Constitution be so amended as to prohibit any interfer- ence with slavery in any of the States where it now exists.
"4. That Congress shall not abolish slavery in the Southern dockyards, ar- senals, etc., nor in the District of Co- lumbia, without the consent of the in-
habitants of the District, nor without compensaion.
"5. That Congress shall not inter- fere with the Inter-state slave trade.
"6. That there shall be a perpetual prohibition of the African slave trade. "7. That the line of 36 degrees, 30 minutes shall be run through all the existing territory of the United States; that in all the north of that line slavery shall be prohibited, and that south of that line neither Con- gress nor the Territorial Legislature shall hereafter pass any law abolish- ing, prohibiting, or in any manner in- terfering with African slavery; and that when any Territory containing sufficient population for one Member
of Congress in any area of 60,000 square miles shall apply for admis- sion as a State it shall be admitted, with or without slavery, as its Consti- tution may determine."
Report on Crittenden Compromise.
The committee of the meeting also reported the fifth resolution of the "Crittenden Compromise," which follows:
"5. Congress shall have power by law to pay an owner, who shall apply, the full value of a fugitive slave in all cases when the Marshal is prevented from discharging his duty by force of rescue made after arrest. In all cases, the owner shall have power to sue the county in which such violence or res- cue was made, and the county shall have the right to sue individuals who committed the wrong in the same manner as the owner could sue."
Before these resolutions could be passed upon by the meeting, Dr. Fos- ter reported the following additional resolution :
"RESOLVED, That 'while the lamp holds out to burn, the vilest sinner mav return.' That in view of this Bible doctrine, we hold that all concili- atory measures should be adopted to prevent a collision between the South and the North, and when all the argu- ments are exhausted, and a concilia- tion rejected. then we advise coercive measures to be pursued to prevent the desecration and dissolution of the Union. The Union must be preserved at all hazards.
Warm Discussion Follows.
After a warm discussion, the Border State Resolutions were unanimously adopted. The fifth resolution of th~ Crittenden Compromise met with greater opposition, but was finally passed by a fair majority.
The resolution presented by Dr. Foster was handled severely, and fi- nally rejected by a majority vote. In the discussion on this resolution, vio- lent and eloquent speeches were made against the adoption of any measure of coercion with the seceded States.
Dr. J. G. McPheeters then offered the following:
"RESOLVED, That the citizens of Monroe County, always loyal to the Union and the Constitution, in view of existing difficulties which threaten the existence of our glorious confed- eracy, would tender the foregoing (meaning the Border State Resolu- tion) compromise as a basis of settle- ment; but in the event of rejection, are ready to declare for the Union as it is, the Constitution as it is, and the enforcement of the laws."
Resolution Adopted.
This resolution also met with fiery opposition. A motion to table it was lost. Messrs. Marlin, Wolfe, B. F. Williams and David Sheeks denounced the resolution as coercive in meaning; but after a sharp war of words and passions, the resolution was finally adopted, and the meeting of Bloon :- ington and Monroe County citizens adjourned.
Prominent Men Present.
The meeting was largely attended, the court room being crowded to its utmost capacity; among those present were: Governor Dunning, Dr. W. S. Foster, Judge G. A. Buskirk, S. H. Buskirk, C. P. Tuley, J. B. Mulky, Isaac Adkins, Isaac Cox, Abraham Smith, M. C. Hunter, Benjamin Wolfe, F. T. Butler, Elias Abel, Professor John Young, P. L. D. Mitchell, Hugh Marlin, Johnson McCulloch, Dr. J. G. McPheeters and David Sheeks.
Various political sentiments mani- fested at this meeting illustrate the feeling in the county at the time, just before the war of the Rebellion of 1860-1864.
The most noticeable featur~ of the meeting was the strong sentiment publicly and ardently manifested not to use coercive measures in case the South rejected all overtures.
On the other hand, a few citizens who attended the meeting, warmly advanced views of the Abolitionists.
WAYPORT AND HINDOOSTAN
Washington Township, in Monroe County, Indiana, can boast of but two villages, the first being Wayport. This village was laid out in sections 28 and 33, in April, 1851, by Isaac Gillaspy, Thomas Gillaspy and G. W. Smith, proprietors, and James Wash- burn, surveyor. Sixteen lots were laid out, and one store, a blacksmith shop, post office, etc., sum up the history of the place.
Hindostan Not As Old.
The village known as Hindostan is not as old as Wayport, as it was not laid out until 1853, in the month of June, by Charles G. Corr, proprietor, and James Woodburn, surveyor. The site of the town plat was situated on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 14, in Washington township, where twelve lots were laid out on the Martinsville and Blooming- ton state road (now the Dixey High- way), just north of the Columbus and Gosport State road. One store, a few shops and little offices sums up the importance of this little hamlet.
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PEOPLE THROWN INTO FRENZY OF EXCITEMENT WHEN NEWS CAME THAT FT. SUMTER. HAD BEEN TAKEN BY REBELS
Bloomington and Monroe County Citizens Lay Down Political Prejudices and
Try to Consider Matter With Reason-Ablest Speakers Called Upon to Direct Thoughts Clearly-First Company Under Captain Kelley Organized and Depart "For the War."-Pathetic Scenes at Parting.
"Fort Sumter has fallen!"
It is hard for people of today to realize what those four words meant to people living in Monroe county and the whole nation on the historic day, Monday, April 15, 1861.
When the news was received in Bloomington that Fort Sumter had been surrendered to the rebels, great excitement was manifested by all poli- tical parties in Monroe county's seat.
The news spread like a prairie fire throughout the surrounding country, and soon a large crowd of bewildered and anxious citizens had assembled to counsel as to what was best to be done in the awful emergency which they faced, as did citizens of the whole nation.
Many Frightened Badly.
Many people were frightened so badly that their senses and judgement refused to act with usual accuracy, and their first panic-stricken impulse was to fly for Canada or the Pacific coast.
A large public meeting was held in the Monroe County Courthouse, in Bloomington in the evening of April 15, pursuant to a call, to sound the sentiments of the citizens in this dark hour. Unfortunately, a detailed ac- count of this meeting cannot be dis- covered at this time, but we can give the following as true:
Some five or six of the ablest citi- zens made speeches, men whose judg- ment the assemblage was anxious to have, and whom the people were will- ing to trust, were called unon to dircet the general mind through the gloom and panic of approaching war to some definite and speedy action. .
Speeches For and Against War.
Prominent men spoke passionately for an immediate organization of troops to crush the life out of the van- dals who had shamefully outraged the national honor.
Others, with less fire and loyalty, suggested conciliatory measures, and spoke doubtfully of the right of the Government to adopt coercive mea- sures with the rebellious states who were attempting to secede from the Union.
One man spoke severely against the North, especially the Abolitionists, warmly declaring that they were the cause of this fratricidal war; main- tained with great intensity that coer- cive measures were unconstitutional and unjust, and publiclv announced that if he fought at all it would be on the Southern side of the conflict.
Majority Favor Union.
As the meeting progressed it be- came apparent that the majority of citizens were in favor of quellino the rebellion at all hazards, without a mo-
ment's unnecessary delay. A long se- ries of patriotic resolutions was adopt- ed, declaring as the sense of the meet ' ing that the Union must be main- tained, if need be, by an appeal to arms. Several persons present ear- nestly opposed the adoption of one or more of the resolutions presented.
First Volunteers Organize.
A few days later, another big meet- ing of equal, or even greater, fervor and loyalty was held at the courthouse in Bloomington, on which occasion steps were taken to organized a com- pany of volunteers.
The enlistment was continued rather zealously, and on April 20, only five days after the fall of Fort Sumter. the organization was completed, and the company officers elected, then commissioned on April 22.
This company began drilling regu- larly every day, awaiting, in the mean- time for orders to report for muster into the three-months' service, or even into the State service for one year- or, if nothing better could be done, they contemplated entering in the three-years' service-anvthing, just so they were taken into the service of their beloved Union, that they might fight for what they held sacred, their country.
Off for the War.
On May 10, 1861, the day that was finally set for the departure of Bloom- ington's first company to enter the war, for Camp Vigo, situated at Terre Haute, Ind., found a large assemblage of relatives and friends of the bovs gathered in Bloomington to present, them with a flag and see them off with cheers and encouragement.
This was at a time when the senti- ments of patriotism were fresh and strong, and when the noveltv of mili- tary prenarations by this first com- pany of Bloomington's brave boys to offer for service in the great war which was to follow fired people's blood with the vehement loyalty of the hour.
A fine banner was presented, it is said. bv Miss Mitchell. on behalf of the ladies of Bloomington, in a brief speech, which was responded to by Lieutenant Black.
At the conclusion of this beautiful ceremony. the company marched down to the railway station, accompanied by the whole town and most of the coun- ty's population, who had gathered for the occasion.
Veterans of Other Wars Present.
Old men, who had served their coun- try on the fields of battle in the land of the Montezumas during the previ- ous Mexican war, or even veterans of
the war of 1812, were present, giving the boys a kind word of advice or a pat on the shoulder at parting.
Parents were present, who saw their sons for the last time on earth when they parted with them at the staion.
Wives and mothers who had never known the anguish of separation from their dear ones, at the stern call of a nation at war, stood with pale faces and streaming eyes, tightly clasping the loved forms and regretting, at the last moment, to have them go into that unknown conflict. But, it was here that the true bravery, the bravery of a breaking heart, was manifested as these people sent their sons away with cheers and smiles of assurance, lest they falter when duty was calling them to sacrafice their manhood for their country's honor.
At last, the train came into the sta- tion, fond good-byes were spoken with pale lips, and as the train pulled out of the station great cheers burst forth as the citizens of Bloomington realized that her boys were off for the war.
Company Divided at Camp.
Upon reaching Terre Haute, it was found impossible for these Blooming- ton men to enter the three-month ser- vice, or even the one year service, and the company went into camp of in- struction.
Considerable dissatisfaction seems to have existed over the selection of the company's officers, which finally resulted in the division of the com- pany. This division formed the basis for two company's after the split.
About two-thirds of the Monroe County company remained at Terre Haute under Captain Kelley, while the other one-third of the men was trans- ferred to Indianapolis, under the com- mand of Captain W. S. Charles. Both of these incomplete companies sent their captains and lieutenants back to Bloomington to recruit their numbers to the lawful strength. This was late in May and early in June of 1861.
Cap. Kelly's Company First.
Captain Kelly succeeded in raising enough men in a short while, and com- pleted his company, which was mus- tered into service for three years on June 7, 1861, becoming Company K of the 14th Regiment. This really gave Company K, 14th Regiment the dis- tinction of being Bloomington and Monroe County, Indiana's first body of men to enter the war of the rebellion. The regiment moved to Virginia on July 5, 1861. Milton L. Mccullough was First Lieutenant, and Paul E. Slocum, Second Lieutenant.
Captain Charles was able to increase the number of enlistments in his com- pany to only about fifty from Monroe county, while the rest of the company was made up from various localities. This organization became Company H of the 18th Regiment, three years' service, and was mustered into service August 16, 1861, and on the following day was transferred to St. Louis, Mo. James S. Black, of Indianapolis, was First Lieutenant, and Hiram W. Rook- er, Noblesville, Second.
Sumter's First Gun.
In Erie, Pa., lived a veteran who claimed to have fired the first Union gun of the Rebellion, at Fort Sumter;
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one James Gibbons, a laborer. From him was procured the following in- teresting history of the memorable event.
"It was confidently expected by the garrison of Fort Sumter that the reb- els would open fire upon the Union flag. In December, after it became known that Lincoln had been elected President, Captain Doubleday said, 'There will surely be war,' and the company expected it from that time. Every day for weeks the rebels were making preparations in plain sight of the fort. Then the Star of the West had been fired upon.
"The feelings and sensations of the men on that momentuous day were none but the usual sensations among men. There was no excitement. Four men were playing at poker when a shell came screaming over the para- pet and burst, one-half striking the wall alongside, and the burning pow- der singeing the beard of one of the men, so near was it to him. The only effect it produced, beyond the momen- tary start, was to set the men swear- ing as they got up and dragged their outfit further under a bomb proof.
"On that memorable day, the 12th of April, 1861, the first gun was fired from Fort Johnson at about 5 o'clock in the morning. It was expected, for word to that effect had been communi- cated to them. Soon the first boom and roar was succeeded by another, from Fort Moutrie, and then the shot and shell came thick and fast until 360 shots had been fired at them. For two hours Sumter was silent. The ports were not opened until 7 o'clock.
Captain Doubleday's company rammed two guns on the lower floor of the fort and aimed toward Cummings point. He was a member of the party in charge of gun No. 1, a 42-pounder, and Gibbons himself was No. 3 of the gun squad. His duty was to pull the lanyard. The gun was sighted by Captain Doubleday, and when every- thing was in readiness, the captain; standing about two feet behind him, issued the command 'Fire!' Gibbons pulled the lanyard and Fort Sumter and the Union broke silence. Defi- ance had been hurled back at the rebel crew. In two seconds more gun No. 2 spoke and then the music was kept up from the Union fort in reply to the bombardment from nearly every side.
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