USA > Indiana > Daviess County > History of Daviess County, Indiana : Its people, industries and institutions > Part 24
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Doctor Stephenson foresaw the magnitude of the organization he had
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in mind and spent about two years in working out plans and drafting the ritual. In this work he had the counsel and assistance of a number of his comrades and others who were in sympathy with the movement. Among the latter, Governor Morton, of Indiana, was actively interested and promi- nently identified with the preliminary work. It is related by some who were. on the "inside," that Governor Morton had much to do with the preparation of the manuscript for the rules and regulations, and that it was through his instrumentality that these were printed and put into shape for effective use. It is also a matter of history that the ritual and rules and regulations were first used in Indiana for the muster and organization of posts, and that the first department organized was the department of Indiana. This was in 1866, and from that year dates the beginning of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ORGANIZATION OF POSTS IN INDIANA.
It was sometime in the early part of 1867 before there was an attempt to organize a post of the Grand Army of the Republic in Washington, although there had been a sort of informal organization of the Grand Army prior to that time. This informal organization was before the adoption of the ritual and the rules and regulations, and there was very little ceremony connected with the initiation of members. There was simply the giving of the estab- lished "grip" and countersign, the several members subscribing to an obli- gation. Under the prescribed forms of initiation of the first ritual there was nothing lacking in the way of ceremony. The paraphernalia and neces- sary appointments for the initiation ceremony were of a character to make one's hair stand on end, if he should unexpectedly meet the outfit on a dark night, all alone. Part of the outfit was an old-fashioned gable-roofed coffin, with a grinning skeleton lying therein, and grave-digger's tools conveniently near. The candidate was led to this outfit, blindfolded, and, kneeling down, was required to take a solemn obligation of loyalty. The consequence of the violation of this pledge was revealed when the blind was removed and he caught a glimpse of the suggestive scene before him. The provisions for the muster of recruits under the old ritual· were intended to be profoundly sol- emn and impressively "scary."
The first muster of recruits and the organization of posts under the old ritual was conducted under the administration of Gen. Nathan Kimball, then department commander of Indiana. There was quite an interest in the organization of Grand Army posts in Indiana, and in other states about this time, and the membership of the order increased rapidly during the years
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1867 and 1868. But there was a decline in the years following and the organization was on the wane. This was due, largely, to politics, which was a predominant feature of the organization at that time, and it was intended to be such by those who were chiefly instrumental in forming the constitution and ritual. The organization, in fact, was largely in control of some who were prominently identified with one of the leading political parties of that time, and it easily degenerated into a political machine, operated and con- trolled by designing politicians for selfish purposes. Of course, such an. organization would find no favor among soldiers who were inclined to affil- iate with any other political party; and, in fact, it was not in the favor of many whose sympathies and affiliations were with the party largely controll- ing the organization. A secret political organization, however worthy its purpose, or however worthy its individual membership, can never be a per- manent success; or, at least, should not be a success, nor have approval of true, loyal American citizens.
A few of the posts in this and in other states maintained their organiza- tion during these years of decline, and these formed the nucleus for the greater Grand Army of the Republic that the world knows today. In the meantime, wiser heads gathered in council and a new constitution and ritual, and new regulations, were prepared, by which politics was absolutely pro- hibited in the order. Fraternity, charity and loyalty were made the cardinal principles, the "broad foundation stone, on which the order rests." These new rules and regulations, with the revised and more sensible ritual, were adopted in the early seventies. These met with the approval of the intelli- gent soldier citizens, and from that time the Grand Army of the Republic took on new life. It increased in membership rapidly from that time until it became the greatest semi-military organization the world has ever known, commanding the respect of citizens throughout this and other lands, regard- less of party, creed or nationality.
ORGANIZATION OF THE POST IN WASHINGTON.
The organization of a Grand Army post in Washington under the old ritual was affected by the unwise policy that controlled the order, and did not long endure. It was several years after the adoption of the new ritual, and the new rules and regulations, before definite steps were taken to revive the interest in the organization there. There was one duty, however, that the veterans of the Civil War had assumed that was not permitted to fall into decline. That was the custom of decorating with flowers the graves of
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deceased comrades on the 30th of May, each year. This custom was estab- lished the year after the close of the war and it has been sacredly observed by the veterans and their friends in Washington. Without some organiza- tion to take charge of arrangements for this observance, the Memorial Day exercises were not always as appropriate as the occasion required, and this, no doubt, had something to do with turning the thoughts of the veterans to the necessity of reorganizing the Grand Army post. It was immediately following Memorial Day, 1882, that this thought took definite form. Appli- cation was made to Gen. James R. Carnahan, then department commander of Indiana, for a charter for the organization of a Grand Army post at Washington. This application was approved and an order given for the muster of the post, a mustering officer being detailed for that purpose. Ac- cordingly, on June 1, 1882, the organization was effected with twenty-three charter members, under the official title of "Gerber Post No. 72, Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic." Following are the names of char- ter members: W. P. Ellis, J. L. Moore, P. B. Kelenberger, J. G. Miller, Joseph Bogner. John A. Scudder, D. V. Creager, J. W. Ramsey, S. R. Mc- Cormick, Rev. R. E. Hawley, Joseph T. Kendall, H. H. Hyatt, S. F. Horrall, Thomas C. Meredith, C. P. Van Trees, Edward Kennedy, Joseph Pierce, William Cox. J. H. Achors. John W. Creager, J. F. Herndon, Dennis Bun and J. M. Achor.
The first officers of the post were: W. P. Ellis, post commander; J. L. Moore, senior vice-commander ; P. B. Kelenberger, junior vice-commander ; J. G. Miller, quartermaster; Joseph Bogner, officer of the day; John A. Scudder, surgeon; D. V. Creager, officer of the guard; J. W. Ramsey, adju- tant; S. R. McCormick, sergeant-major; Rev. R. E. Hawley, chaplain, and Joseph T. Kendall. quartermaster-sergeant.
The following have served as post commanders since the organization, eight or nine of those named having served for two or more terms, each : W. P. Ellis. Joseph Bogner, J. W. Ramsey, George W. Moran, James W. Barr, Edward Kenney, J. F. Herndon, Zack Jones, W. N. Guy, William H. Springer. Philip Hart, Aikman Carnahan, J. W. Kellems, John D. Berry, Joseph S. Streeter, Frank Wise, George W. Snider, John Sullivan, O. H. Brann, William H. Waller. Henry Bell, Charles E. Peek and John H. Davis.
The officers of the post for 1915 are: John H. Davis, commander ; William H. Faris, senior vice-commander : William Wirts, junior vice-com- mander; Thomas Harris, officer of the day: Francis Holtzman, surgeon; Charles E. Peek. chaplain; W. P. Ellis, quartermaster; Joseph Church, of-
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ficer of the guard; Frank A. Evans, adjutant; A. E. Johnson, sergeant- major, and Benjamin Tolson, quartermaster-sergeant.
Under the rules of the Grand Army of the Republic, posts may select names only from persons deceased, if individual names are chosen for the official title of posts. Names of distinguished soldiers of the Civil War are favorite selections for names of posts, but only one post in each depart- ment is permitted to use the same name, and that must be by the approval of the department commander. Names of posts can be changed only by the same approval. On the death of General Grant, in 1885, there was a great rivalry of posts in each department to have their name changed to that of this distinguished soldier. By the prompt action of J. W. Ramsey, who was post commander at that time, the Washington post secured this honor. On receiving news of General Grant's death, Post Commander Ramsey immedi- ately wired Department Commander Foster, at Fort Wayne, requesting that Gerber Post be changed to U. S. Grant Post, which request was granted. Ramsey's telegram was the first of scores of others making like request.
OTHER POSTS IN DAVIESS COUNTY.
A number of other posts have been organized in the county. In almost every town and village, where there was a sufficient number of veterans of the Civil War, a Grand Army post was organized and the organization flourished for a time. But death and the infirmities of age have marked the passing years of the veterans, and so depleted their ranks that most of these smaller posts have given up their charters and disbanded. Some still retain their organization and charter, but do not hold meetings regularly. Among the posts organized in the county are the following: J. W. Thornburg Post No. 474, at Odon, organized August 16, 1886, with the following charter members: H. C. Correll, W. H. Kinnaman, G. W. Critchlow, J. D. Laughlin, H. N. Correll, B. R. Sears, Michael Wallick, Harrison Browning, Eli Helm, G. D. Abraham, Samuel Dunlap, William McBarron, A. K. Lane, Z. V. Garten, John Hubbard, James P. Taylor, William H. Briner, John Stout, John O'Dell, S. L. Ketcham, William Hubbard, Harvey Manning, William Gadberry, D. L. McCarter, Jacob Flinn, G. D. Elsivic, Elias Clark, John B. Phipps, John B. Williams, James Payne, Thomas Wadsworth, Clement Dunlap, William J. Slimp, B. F. McFarland. John Hitchcock, James S. Kinnaman, William Cox. Among those who have served as commanders of the J. W. Thornburg Post are the following: G. M. Critchlow, T. M. Brown, Aaron Hattery, J. P. Taylor.
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Plainview Post No. 532, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized' at Plainville, May 3, 1892. The present membership is fourteen. Meet- ings are held irregularly. David H. Dyer, Allen Daugherty and D. V. Ellis are among those who have served as commanders of this post.
MI. B. Cutler Post No. 537, at Elnora, was organized in 1892, with a good list of charter members. The following have served as commanders. of this post: John Edmondson, Milton Farris, William Slimp and W. New. The post's regular time of meeting is the first Saturday evening of each month.
McCarty Post No. 251, at Alfordsville, was organized in 1886. This post has a good membership and was in a flourishing condition for several years. The name does not appear in the Grand Army roster for 1914, and it is presumed that the charter had been surrendered and the post disbanded prior to that time. Among those who have served as commanders of Mc- Carty post are the following : Alfred Webber, Joseph Arvin, G. W. Cochran, William Patrick, John G. Leming, Philip Scales and James W. Gilley.
LADIES OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
U. S. Grant Circle No. 19, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized on July 24, 1897, by Mattie C. Smith, of Lafayette, Indiana. This organization is allied with the U. S. Grant Post, Grand Army of the Republic. and its object is to work in harmony with the Grand Army in the relief of needy and distressed soldiers of the Civil War, and the families of those deceased. and to teach patriotism in the public schools and inculcate a spirit of patriotism and devotion to the flag among the people of the com- munity. Eligibility to membership in this order is based on relationship to a soldier or sailor who had honorable service in the Civil War-a wife, or daughter. or lineal female descendant of a veteran. Following are the names of the charter members of U. S. Grant Circle: Mrs. Sudie P. Dowden, Mrs. Rebecca E. Hollis. Mrs. Hattie Schurz, Mrs. Mary C. Fitts, Mrs. Fay E: Wagoner. Mrs. Tillie Jacobs. Mrs. Clara Carnahan, Mrs. Margaret Gilley. Mrs. Lavinia Lemmon. Mrs. Eliza Ramsey. Mrs. Mary E. Gold, Mrs. Gertie Tilston, Mrs. S. S. Boaz. Mrs. Harriet Summers, Mrs. Edward Kennedy. Miss Maud Clark. Miss Mattie Roberson. Miss Edith Waller, Mrs. Maggie Berry. Mrs. Hugh Sullivan. Mrs. Mary E. Fullerton, Mrs. Emma Nixon. Miss Etta Blackwell.
The first officers were: Mrs. Mary C. Fitts. president; Mrs. Rebecca E. Hollis, secretary: Mrs. Lavina Lemmon, treasurer.
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The present officers are: Mrs. Mary Ellis, president; Mrs. Sarepta Summers, senior vice-president; Mrs. Belle Farris, junior vice-president ; Mrs. Sarah Jackman, chaplain; Mrs. Agnes Dove, conductress; Mrs. Harriet Burris, assistant conductress; Mrs. Fannie Bruner, guard; Hattie Eslinger, assistant guard; Mrs. Vina Truelove, patriotic instructor; Mrs. Etta Dear- min, treasurer; Mrs. Margaret Padgett, secretary.
The membership of the order on May 20, 1915, was one hundred and sixty-seven. This includes forty-one veterans and eleven sons of veterans, who are entitled to honorary membership in the order.
SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organ- ized in Washington, D. C., October 11, 1890. It has for its object the perpetuation of the memory of those who achieved American independence, the collection of relics of earlier American days, the protection of historical spots, the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution, and the preservation of the records of individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots. The National Society of the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution has members in every state, and in nearly every territory of the United States. The society as a whole has a charter granted by the Congress of the United States; a national constitution, a national treasury, and the governing body, the continental congress. Formal organization of the society occurred on October 11, 1890, and the dark blue and white of Washington's staff was chosen for the society's colors. The design of a golden spinning-wheel was chosen for a badge. The first chapter was formed in Chicago, Illinois.
ORGANIZATION OF THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER.
While the matter of organizing a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington was under consideration by those who would be eligible to membership for some time prior to 1906, it was not. until the latter part of that year that definite action towards an organization was taken. In response to a call, several of those who were members of the order in other chapters held a meeting and decided to proceed to the organization of a local chapter. In accordance with this decision an organ- ization was effected on October 2. 1906, under the name of White River Chapter No. 429, Daughters of the American Revolution. Following are
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the names of the charter members: Mrs. Matilda Scudder, Mrs. Elva Bon Durant Cabel, Miss L. Josephine Chapman, Mrs. Alice Evans Corning, Mrs. Elizabeth Scudder Hall, Miss Pansy Horrall, Mrs. Ella C. Peek McKernan, Mrs. Pearle Horrall Redford, Miss Margaret Ellen Scudder, Miss Lucretia Wood,. Mrs. Mary C. Shirley, Mrs. Matilda Boyd.
The organization was perfected by the election of the following to serve as the first officers of the society: Mrs. Elva Bon Durant Cabel, regent ; Mrs. Alice Corning, vice-regent; Mrs. Mary C. Shirley, recording secretary ; Miss L. J. Chapman, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Matilda Boyd, registrar ; Mrs. Elizabeth S. Hall, treasurer; Miss Pansy Horrall, historian.
Following are the names of those who have served as regents since the organization : Mrs. Elva Bon Durant Cabel, Mrs. Mary C. Shirley, Mrs. Mary F. Borders, Mrs. Stella McCafferty, Mrs. Elizabeth Bogner.
In the line of special work done by the chapter, the purchase of the old Lashly cemetery and the placing of markers at the graves of Revolu- tionary soldiers buried therein. are notable examples. One of these graves is that of George Lashly, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, after whom the cemetery took its name. The chapter has made contributions of money to the poor fund of the city and to the county hospital fund. It also has done a commendable, patriotic work in the presentation of silk flags to all the primary departments of the city public schools. The regular meetings of the chapter are on the first Friday of each month. It has a membership. of thirty-seven. all actively interested in the work of the chapter and in the increase of its membership and usefulness. The regular work of the chapter is along historical lines, a program of topics for historical research for each meeting being outlined in their year-book.
The requirements for establishing eligibility to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. as prescribed by the rules of the national organization. are very strict. All applications for membership must be submitted to the national authority, and evidence of the eligibility of the applicant must be established by authentic documentary proof that the appli- cant is a lineal descendant of a Revolutionary soldier, or one who rendered patriotic service in that war. Traditional or hearsay evidence is not accepted as proof of eligibility. Because of the exact requirements to establish proof of their lineage. those whose applications have passed approval, and eligibility to membershilp verified, may be justified in feeling a considerable degree of pride in the inherited honor.
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LINEAGE OF MEMBERS OF WHITE RIVER CHAPTER.
Following is a list of members of White River chapter, and the Revo- lutionary ancestor of each, by whom eligibility to membership is established : Mrs. Lillian Armstrong, descendant of Lieut .- Col. James Johnson, of Penn- sylvania; Mrs. Elizabeth Bogner, descendant of Lieut. Henry Chase, of Massachusetts; Mrs. Matilda Boyd, descendant of Col. Nathaniel Scudder, of New Jersey; Mrs. Mary Borders, descendant of Sergt. John Scott, of South Carolina ; Mrs. Elva B. Cabel, descendant of Lieut. Josiah Tanner and Corporal Darby McGannon, of South Carolina; Miss Josephine Chapman,. descendant of Private John Wallace, of Virginia; Mrs. Mary K. Chapman, descendant of Lieut .- Col. George Wilson, of Pennsylvania ; Mrs. Alice Corn- ing, descendant of Private Joseph Neely, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, descendant of Col. Nathaniel Scudder, of New Jersey; Miss Pansy Horrall, descendant of Private John Wallace, of Virginia; Mrs. Nancy Horrall, descendant of Lieut .- Col. James Johnson, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Anna Lycan, descendant of Captain Andrew Mann and Captain James. Martin, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Stella McCafferty, descendant of Sergeant John Waller, of Virginia; Mrs. Mary McKernan, descendant of Private. John Wallace, of Virginia; Mrs. Ella Peek, descendant of Private John Wallace, of Virginia; Mrs. Pearl Redford, descendant of Private John Wallace, of Virginia; Mrs. Harriet Radspinner, descendant of Private Asa Shattuck, of Massachusetts; Mrs. Grace Rodarmel, descendant of Lieut .- Col. George Wilson, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Cleo Reed, descendant of Lieut .- Col. James Johnson, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Mary Shirley, descendant of Samuel Dakin, minute-man and sergeant, Private Daniel Brooks, Capt .. Daniel Chute, Capt. Joseph Poore, James Chute, minute-man, all of Massa- chusetts; Miss Margaret E. Scudder, descendant of Col. Nathaniel Scudder, of New Jersey; Mrs. Sarepta Summers, descendant of Lieut .- Col. James- Johnson, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Lucretia Bonham, descendant of Surgeon John Anderson Scudder, of New Jersey; Mrs. Elizabeth William, descend- ant of Private John Wallace, of Virginia; Mrs. Charles Seifrit, Mrs. Harry Hyatt, Mrs. Joseph Graham, Miss Mary Waller, all descendants of Ser- geant John Waller, of Virginia; Mrs. Edith Boultman, descendant of Lieut .- Col. James Johnson, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Jennie Lemmon, Miss Anna Lemmon and Miss-Edith Lemmon, all descendants of Sergeant Elijah Hammond, private secretary to Gen. George Washington; Miss Laura Davis, descendant of Spencer Lacey, drummer, of Delaware; and Mrs. Lucia Craw -- ford, descendant of Lieut. Henry Chase, of Massachusetts.
CHAPTER XVIII.
TOWNSHIPS OF DAVIESS COUNTY.
VEALE TOWNSHIP.
Veale township was named after James Veale, who was one of the most prominent of the first settlers. He came to the territory now within the boundaries of this township about 1807-08. Other settlers who came about the same time were Parmenius Palmer, Christopher Coleman, a Mr. Lett and three sons, William and Elijah Chapman, Moses Morgan, Thomas Wallace and a Mr. Goodwin.
Veale township was organized on May 12, 1817. Its location is in the southwestern part of Daviess county, bounded on the west by Knox county and on the south by Pike county, the west fork of White river being the boundary line on the west, and the east fork of White river the boundary on the south. The junction of these two streams is at the extreme southwest point of Veale township. The first saw-mill established in Daviess county was built and operated by Eli Chapman, on Veale creek, in this township. Veale township was also the location of several other pioneer industries in Daviess county. In its primitive state the land in Veale township was heav- ily timbered with the finest quality of oak, poplar and walnut. It required no small amount of labor to clear the land and bring it into a state of culti- vation, the timber being considered an incumbrance then. It would be con- sidered of great value now. There are some sections of the township in which the land is hilly and broken, but part of it is fertile and productive. A good deal of the river bottom land is highly productive. In 1910 Veale township had a population of one thousand fifty-nine. Stanton Barber is the present township trustee.
FIRST DISTILLERY IN DAVIESS COUNTY.
The first distillery in Daviess county was erected by "Obe" Flint in 1810. Like most of the other early industries hereabout, this institution was
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established in Veale township, two miles south of Maysville. Prior to this there were various kinds of stills brought into use. These were generally known as "teapot" stills and were of simple construction and limited capacity. The capacity, however, was sufficient to supply home consumption. Liquor in the early days was a staple article, as much a family necessity as bread and meat. It was a favorite remedy for the various ills that were prevalent, chief of which were malaria and snake bite. For the latter the whisky was taken straight; for the former it was usually administered in the form of bitters.
The Flint distillery, with larger capacity, was necessary to meet the greater demands on account of the increase of the early settlers. Even with this increase of capacity for the manufacture of whisky, the Flint distillery found a local market for all of its product for several years. The home consumption of the early settlers kept pace with the increase of production. It was not before 1836 or 1838, that more whisky was made than the early settlers needed for home consumption.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Washington township was established on May 12, 1817. It was organ- ized by the county commissioners among the first business transacted after the organization of the county. The township comprised a large part of the territory of the county, as first established. The exact boundary lines are not very definite, as the description appears on the commissioners' record. The description reads: "Beginning at range 7 and 8, township 2, sections 7 and 8, running thence north with section line, including all the inhabitance [inhabitants] north of beginning line." However, this description was sufficiently definite to serve the purpose intended, and it is not probable that the "inhabitance" had any uncertainty as to whether or not they were included in Washington township.
Prior to the organization of Washington township a small village had been established within its boundary. This village was called Liverpool and the design, in the organization of the county, was to make this the county seat. Further details as to how Liverpool lost its identity, by being merged into the town of Washington, are set out in another chapter. The popula- tion of-Washington township in 1910, including the city of Washington, was eleven thousand four hundred and four. The present trustee is James E. Gilley.
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