USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 27
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"INDIANA BRANCH UNITED STATES CHRISTIAN COMMISSION. "G. W. CLIPPENGER, Pres. "JAMES M. RAY, Treas. "J. H. CROLL, Sec'y. "CHARLES N. TODD, Cor. Sec'y. and Gen. \gt. "MISS FANNIE PIERSON :-
"Your letter and two boxes of nice things came duly to hand. The arti- cles are very acceptable, and in behalf of the Commission I wish to thank you and all your associates for their generous contribution to the cause of the country and the good of the soldiers. We hope you will continue on the good work as long as it may be necessary. In the midst of rejoicing at the pros- pect of returning peace, our hearts are filled with gloom and mourning at the sad news that our good President is dead! What a terrible calamity ! One of the purest and noblest of men has gone.
"Yours truly. "CHARLES N. TODD."
General subscriptions were also made to support the work of the com- missions, and in the issue of May 14. 1863, of the Hancock Democrat, we find the following: "Subscribers to the sanitary fund who have not paid are requested to call on W. R. Hough, who is authorized to receive the same."
LOYALTY.
The patriotic sentiment of the county asserted itself further in expres- sions of loyalty and in the measures taken to support the government. Just after the election of Lincoln, when the dark clouds of war were gathering, the following editorial appeared in the Hancock Democrat. from the pen of its editor, David S. Gooding :
"WATCHMAN! WHAT OF THE NIGHT?
"In the dark hour when clouds lower around us, and gloom hovers over the land: when fearful forebodings of terrible disaster and final overthrow of our government are weighing down and saddening the hearts of patriotic and intelligent men. North and South, East and West, our duty as watch- man upon the walls of our political Zion impels us to cry aloud and spare not.
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and tell our people of their political sins. This we will endeavor to do. Our people must not expect us to cry Peace, when there is no peace. Within the next four months, one or more states of this Union will have gone from among us to return no more forever. God only knows what results will follow. Perhaps Civil War, with all its horrors, and the separation of the free and slave states, with the final disruption of the best government on which the sun ever shone. The handwriting is upon the wall-Mene, Mene. Tekel. Upharsin! In the madness of the hour. the people seem to have forgotten the God of their Fathers, and to have spurned Heaven's favors to them.
"The cloud, which in the days of John C. Calhoun was but the size of a man's hand, has spread until it now overspreads the heavens above us. We will not deceive you, fellow citizens; Northern Abolitionists and Southern Disunionists have fanned the flames of civil discord and sectional hatred until the fiery volcano is about to burst forth, and with it destroy the hopes of the workt. There is but a faint hope, a mere possibility, that the union of these states can be perpetuated and maintained inviolate. For this, while there is hope, however faint, let us, if possible, awake the people to the danger, and labor for the desired end. Let us not forget to look to the God of our Fathers, to calm the agitated sea of public mind, and drive away the black, lowering, tempestuous clouds of disunion and treason."
The following editorial taken from the issue of January 9. 1861. of the Hancock Democrat, also reflects the feeling and state of mind of the people at that time :
"We hope the citizens of the town and vicinity will turn out on Satur- day next to see and hear what the Hancock Guards will have to do and say. 'Grim visaged war.' with its attendant horrors, is brewing in the distance, and the strong arms and stout hearts of our citizen soldiers will be in requisition to sustain the honor and glory of our Nation's flag, and the authority and supremacy of her Constitution and laws.
"Judge Gooding will certainly entertain the Guards, and those who may be present, with an address.
"The Greenfield Sax-Horn Band has consented to be present and enliven the occasion with our national airs and other music."
The report of this meeting made in the issue of January 16, 1861. is also interesting for the spirit it reflects :
"THE HANCOCK GUARDS.
"At a meeting of the company on Saturday last, held pursuant to notice. being participated in by a respectable number of citizens irrespective of party.
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of which Col. George Tague was chosen president, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
"Resolved. By the Hancock Guards and the citizens here assembled, that in view of the present imminent danger to the perpetuity of our country the constitution and laws are our only safety; that we pledge ourselves to stand by those in power who faithfully maintain the one and execute the other ; and that in the language of General Jackson, 'this Uunion must and shall be pre- served '
"Before the adoption of the resolution, the meeting was addressed by Judge Gooding and Major Riley, in appropriate and eloquent language."
Notices like the following appeared almost weekly in the local papers :
"ATTENTION, GUARDS !
"You are hereby commanded to appear at your armory in full dress on Saturday, January 12. at two o'clock. P. M. The Hon. David S. Gooding will address the company, and such others as may be present. immediately after parade, in the court room.
"By Order of the Captain. "WM. MITCHELL, O. S."
The following editorial, taken from the issue of January 16. 1861, of the Hancock Democrat, shows that the feeling of the people in relation to seces- sion was becoming more clearly defined. It also reflects the arguments then current among those who were opposed to a vigorous prosecution of the war. This is another editorial from the pen of Judge Gooding :
"COERCION-WAR ON THE SOUTH.
"Much is being -aid and written by the sympathizers with South Car- olina in her treason to the government of our fathers, against 'coercion' and 'war on the South." We know of no sane man who proposes to make war on the States or people of the South, to compel them to remain in the Union. but we do know patriotic citizens who are in favor of all public officers doing their sworn duty. not excepting the President of the United States, whose duty it is to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.' and who regard it as the duty of all good citizens to aid and assist in the execution of the laws if necessary. In the faithful execution of the laws, no war is made on any state or section. There can be no war growing out of the faithful execution of the laws, unless resistance is made to the law ful authority of the govern- ment. If such resistance is made. the responsibility and consequences will be
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on those who resist and defy the government. Our government always has 'coerced' lawless men to obey the laws or submit to the punishment. When- ever it ceases to 'coerce' it will cease to be a government. All governments 'coerce' obedience to the laws. \ government without this power would be impotent for good, and a miserable delusion. Only such persons as commit treason or resist the execution of the laws must be subdued. Men in the South who are patriots, must be protected in person and in property as fully and completely as any others are protected. In short, treason and resistance to law must be put down whenever they occur, and by whomsoever committed in any and every part of the country. When law-defying men seize the prop- erty of the government, some men cry out. "Don't coerce them to yield it up. let southern ultraists get "mad" and make civil war." We are disgusted with such miserable stuff. If we are men let us talk and act like men. If we are patriots, let us show it by taking the side of our government in a war with traitors."
On February 20, 1861, a county Union mass meeting was held at Green- field for the purpose of appointing delegates to the 220 of February mass meeting at Indianapolis. The people assembled elected Jacob Sliter, presi- dent : Landen Eastes and James Collins, vice-presidents. and M. C. Foley and William Mitchell, secretaries. At this meeting every citizen of the county favorable to the Union and the Constitution was appointed a delegate to the state mass meeting. Dr. Hervey, Judge Gooding. W. R. Hough and James L. Mason addressed the meeting, after which Judge Gooding offered the following resolution, which was adopted unanimously :
"Resolved, that as citizens of Hancock county, we are in favor of any reasonable and honorable compromise that will restore peace, harmony and prosperity to the country, and that to make such compromise effective. we tre in favor of maintaining the Union, the Constitution, and the Laws."
The quality of the loyalty of the citizens assembled at this meeting is further evidenced by their refusal to adopt the following resolution. It was mabled with hardly a dissenting vote :
"Resolved, that we are opposed to what is termed 'coercion.' lut are in favor of an honorable and peaceable adjustment of the present difficulties."
On Monday, April 12, 1861. there was a patriotic demonstration of the people at Greenfieldl, at which the principal feature was the raising of the flag on the cupola of the court house, "to wave until peace is restored." The Sax-Horn band was in attendance, and the people were addressed by James P. Foley, Judge Gooding and W. R. Hough.
On April 16, 1801, a meeting was held at the court house for the pur-
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pose of making arrangements for a county mass meeting to express the feel- ings and sentiments of our people in regard to national troubles. . I. K. Branham was called to the chair. R. A. Riley made an eloquent and soul- stirring speech, instilling into the minds and hearts of the audience venera- tion for the constitution. obedience to the laws, and love for the flag. . 1 committee was appointed to make arrangements for a county mass meeting to be held on Saturday, April 20, 1861. On this committee were placed the names of David S. Gooding, E. I. Judkins, M. W. Hamilton, George Barnett. William Mitchell. R. A. Riley. Dr. J. \. Hall. A. T. Hart. A. R. Wallace and Morris Pierson.
On April 20, 1861. a citizens' meeting was held as had been planned. James Tyner was elected president of the meeting: Robert A. Barr and James P. Foley, vice-presidents, and Thomas Bedgood and William Frost. secretaries. The people were first addressed by Judge Gooding and Capt. R. A. Riley, after which the following resolutions were adopted :
"Whereas, war exists by the rebellious act of the so-called Southern Confederacy in attacking and capturing Fort Sumter, a government fortifi- cation, occupied by government troops, under the command of the gallant Major Anderson ; and whereas, the city of Washington is in immediate and imminent danger of being attacked by forces from said rebellious confederacy. therefore,
"Resolved, that as patriots and loyal citizens of the state of Indiana and of the United States, we will sustain and defend the proper authorities of said government in all constitutional and legal efforts to maintain the Union and defend the rights and honor of the country.
"Resolved, that the public good and national honor requires a vigorous prosecution of the acar, to a speedy and honorable peace.
"Resolved, that our senator and representatives in the State Legislature be requested to co-operate in the appropriation of men and means, with the friends of the vigorous prosecution of the war now existing by the act of the so-called Confederacy."
After the adoption of the above resolutions the people listened to W. R. Ilough. Rev. S. Hood, Elder .\. 1. Hobbs and Rev. J. C. Taylor.
On Saturday, May 4. 1861. a Union meeting was held at New Padestine for the purpose of organizing a company of Home Guards. B. F. Stewart was elected chairman of the meeting, and John C. Shockley, secretary. Speeches were made by Samuel Shockley and Rev. Roberts. The sentiment of the gathering was "strong for the Union and the Stars and Stripes at a !! hazards." David M. Dove. Benjamin Freeman and Rev. Roberts were
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appointed as a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. The company became known as the Anderson Guards, and was under the command of Capt. Themas C. Tuttle during the Morgan raid.
On August 5, 1861, the citizens of the county gave a reception to Captain Riley's "three-months men" who had just returned from western Virginia. The address of welcome was made by Judge Gooding. Captain Riley responded on behalf of his company giving an interesting account of how they had passed the time after leaving Camp MeClellan. He also gave a description of the battle of Rich Mountain. The reception was given in Pierson's grove, which adjoined Greenfield on the southwest and which was located west of Pennsylvania street and south of the railroad. At the noon hour dinner was spread on the green in various places to suit the convenience of the immese crowd. All feasted sumptuously and in the afternoon patri- otic addresses were made by Rev. Hill and Judge Gooding.
About the same time Captain Carland from Connersville was marching over the Brookville road with a company of volunteers. On August 8 1861, they reached New Palestine. The New Palestine band and an escort of horsemen marched out to meet them. About three miles east of town the colors of Captain Craland's company became visible. From this point the procession was headed by Henry Mickle, carrying the stars and stripes, guarded by two men from Captain Riley's company. At seven o'clock p. m., Union Hall ( the second story of the old school house ) at New Palestine was filled to overflowing. B. F. Stewart was chairman of the meeting. and addresses were made by Captain Carland, Rev. B. F. Jones. Rev. Ward and Capt. Thomas C. Tuttle to encourage enlistments.
The citizens of Buck Creek township, without reference to party, gave expression to their feelings at a grand Union picnic near Mt. Comfort on Saturday, August 10. 1861. A basket dinner was enjoyed at the noon hour. The military company of the township was present, and in the afternoon patriotic addresses were made by Dr. Hervey. Judge Gooding and Captain Riley.
The sentiment of the people of the county was again appropriately voiced in the following editorial in the Hancock Democrat, on the occasion of the boys of Company B of the Eighth regiment taking their departure from Greenfield, about the middle of August, 1861 :
"On Monday last Captain Walls left for Indianapolis with a company of Hancock boys to enter the service of the United States for a term of three years or during the war. It will be a part of the Eighth regiment as reorganized, and will retain its former position in regiment. The scene
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at the depot as the boys passed through, the large number of men. women and children who had gathered in from all points of the county to witness the departure, was sad and sorrowful in the extreme. God bless the noble-hearted boys, and preserve and protect them in the patriotic and hazard- ous duties they have voluntarily taken upon themselves! May they all safely return at the expiration of a term of service to receive the warm embrace of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and kind friends left behind."
On December 21. 1861. another great U'nion meeting was held at Green- field, and resolutions were adopted similar to many others that are given herein. The first year of the war closed with our county stanch and loyal in the support of the Union cause. Whenever an occasion presented itself. expression was given by the people to this feeling of loyalty, and to no one in the county was more credit due for his fearless and outspoken loyalty than to Judge Gooding, whom our younger generation remembers simply as an old man. But the expressions which were so generously made at the opening of the conflict did not become fewer as the war progressed, and as the strain and the burdens became heavier.
During the summer of 1862 the citizens of Brandywine township gave a Union pienie near Rigdon's in that township. A very large gathering of people, estimated at three thousand, was present and listened to the stirring and patriotic appeal of Judge Gooding in the afternoon.
The citizens of Fortville and vicinity held a Union mass meeting at Fort- ville on April 24. 1863. Robert Fancett was elected president of the meet- ing and E. W. Thomas, secretary. The Hon. Thomas C. Stillwell, of .Ander- son, made an address, after which the people assembled adopted the follow- ing resolutions :
"Resolved, that it is an undisputable fact that all political parties, of whatsoever name, have heretofore avowed their unalterable attachment to the Federal U'nion :
"That we hold every man who is now in favor of its dismemberment, as false to all former professions of attachments to it. and a present enemy;
"That as we cannot individually have the conduct of the war, each his own way, we feel it our duty, as good and loyal citizens, to leave its direc- tion to those who have been legally chosen to direct ;
"That resistance to law is revolutionary in its tendency, and that any attempt to embarrass the government in the execution of the revenue, con- scription, or any other law of the United States, will be promptly met and suppressed by the loyal people of Indiana :
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"That we are in favor of all measures adopted by Congress for the sup- pression of the present unrighteous and causeless rebellion :
"That we are in favor of all the measures adopted by the President with the view of sustaining the government and carrying on the war ;
"That we tender Governor Morton our sincerest thanks for his arduous and untiring effort in behalf of the soldiers, the state and the nation, and we feel that he richly merits the enviable title of the soldier's friend ;
"That the miscreants in our midst, who attempt to create dissatisfaction in the ranks of the gallant sokliers, and induce them to desert the colors made glorious by their valor on repeated battle-fiells, are meaner traitors than the armed rebels of the South; that they are entitled to, and will receive. the scorn of all honorable men ;
"That we cordially endorse General Burnsides' order, transporting porthern rebels beyond the Federal lines, where they legitimately belong :
"That we deeply sympathize with our soldiers now in the field, and pledge them our cordial support and earnest prayers, until this ungodly rebellion is crushed. and our flag shall triumphantly wave over our once glorious Union."
On June 6, 1863. a large Union mass meeting was again held at the court house in Greenfield. A feature of the day was a long procession under the command of Captains Walls and Tuttle. Capt. Thomas C. Tuttle, of Sugar Creek township, was elected president of the meeting: James P. Foley and Thomas Collins, vice-presidents : David C. Priddy and Henry B. Wilson. secretaries. The speakers of the day were Capt. R. A. Riley, General Dumont. Judge Gooding and Captain Tuttle. Strong appeals were made for the sup- port of the government. Before adjournment Judge Gooding offered the fol- lowing resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
"Resolved, that this large meeting of Union men and women is devotedly attached to the Union and the Constitution, and for the purpose of perpetual ing the former and maintaining the latter, we are in favor of the vigorous prosecution of the war to suppress the rebellion and reassert the authority of the government over every foot of its territory, and that in our opinion the rebellion and the war ought to cease at the same time.
"That all former party divisions ought to be ignored for the common purpose of saving our imperiled country.
"That we are proud of the gallant Union army in the field against the rebellion, and that we most heartily sympathize with the families and friends of such as have been slain in battle, or otherwise, lost their lives in the service.
"That our honor is pledged that the families of the soldiers from this
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county shall not want in the absence of their husbands and fathers, and that we hereby demand of our county commissioners and gents that our pledge be honorably, faithfully and fully kept; and that the honor and patriotism of Hancock county be not tarnished by a single act of bad faith."
July 4. 1863. was celebrated in many parts of the county with picnics. where people listened to patriotic addresses. Greenfield celebrated at Pier- son's grove. Music was furnished by a choir, and W. R. Hongh made and eloquent and patriotic speech in the afternoon. After speaking, the young people engaged in cotillion dancing until late in the day.
Immediately following this celebration came the news of the fall of Vicksburg, which was the occasion for another celebration. The following report from the local papers reflects the feeling that was aroused in the hearts of the people of the county by the success of the Union army :
"The fall of Vicksburg, though long expected, when officially announced to the country, causing every loyal heart to leap with joy and brought renewed hope to the wavering and doubtful mind of a speedy determination of the present causeless and unnatural fratricidal war, and a closer, more perfect. and fraternal union of all the states at no distant day. Our own people par- took of this joyous feeling and gave vent last evening to their outpouring patriotism by illuminations, bonfires, speeches and all manner of rejoicings. People from the country for miles around quit their harvest fields and came to town to participate in the grand reunion of loyal hearts. All life was animation, and everyone, young and old, seemed pleased with himself and 'the rest of mankind.' It was a grand day, or rather night, for Greenfield. and will long be held in memory by all who love their country and venerate its glorious institutions. All honor to the noble and gallant army, that by its patience, endurance, skill and bravery, under the scorching rays of a southern sun, overcame almost insurmountable obstacles, and gained the most decisive victory of the war.
"During the evening speeches were made by D. S. Gooding. W. R. Hongh' William Martin, Drs. Hall and Ballenger, S. T. Kauble and H. J. Dunbar."
Another mass meeting of peculiar significance was held by the citizens of the county on February 13. 1864. after the draft orders for three hundred thousand volunteers and two hundred thousand volunteers respectively, had been made by the national government. Possibly the firm loyalty of the people never found a nobler expression than in the adoption of the following resolutions by the people assembled at Greenfield on that day. It must be borne in mind that in many counties of the state there was opposition to the
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draft, and in some of them open resistance. This resolution was offered by Judge Gooding and unanimously adopted by the people :
"Whereas, this country is still involved in civil war ; and
"Whereas, traitors in arms, and their sympathizers not in arms, persist in their purpose of overthrowing the government of the United States; and
"Whereas, it will require all the power of a united, loyal people to sup- press the formidable, wicked and causeless rebellion, and thereby restore it permanent peace, so desirable to all Union men ; therefore,
"Resolved, that we will still continue to give to the government of the United States, through its legitimately constituted authority, our unhesitating and hearty support in its efforts to suppress the rebellion, and conquer a peace."
The fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee were announced in large headlines in the local papers, and the news was received with great rejoicing by the people. The issue of the Hancock Democrat of that date gives the following description of the general celebration of the event in the county :
"The reception of the news of the surrender of General Lee and his rebel hordes, in our town early on Monday morning last, was the occasion of great and lasting joy. Bells were rung, bonfires were built, powder was freely used, and all business was suspended for the day. Men, women and children thronged the streets and greeted each other as they had not greeted each other before. The dark hours were past ; the day began to dawn and all was safe. The country, in spite of rebel sympathizers at home and abroad, and difficulties that can not be told, was redeemed, regenerated and disenthralled, and stood up among the nations of the earth, more powerful than when the great struggle began. And our patriotic people rejoiced as became the sons and daughters of freemen-as became the fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers, the wives and children of the brave and gal- lant men who went out from the midst in the dark hours of our peril, to do or die in the effort to save the country from its then impending rutin. Appro- priate, eloquent speeches were made by several of our public speakers.
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