USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 29
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"All is excitement here, but thanks to Him who rules the hour, we are not alarmed and exasperated by the arising as yet of one dark monument of infamy, disgrace and shame-a traitor.
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"Although the report of political feeling and difficulty a short time ago would have plainly implied the reverse, old Hancock stands almost as a unit for the stars and stripes, the Union with the constitution and the admin- istration. Democratic and Republican parties are for the time erased from the face of sentiment and now we have but one party and that standing bravely for the stars and stripes of the United States of America, for the protection of our great national fabric of liberty, for the enforcement of our laws and for the maintenance of our national dignity. Truly old Hancock is alive and for the first time in her life united in a common cause." (April 23. 1801.)
"The greatest excitement prevails here. Union meetings are being held almost every evening. Patriotic speeches are being made and troops raised to defend our country. The second company in this place was filled out vester- clay. The first one to Indianapolis last Saturday evening. The others are ready to go at any time they are called. Your brother belongs to the second company.
"I parted with some very near friends on Saturday, two dear teachers and several class mates. It was hard indeed to part with them, but I couldl bid them Godspeed for I knew they were engaged in a glorious cause-the cause of liberty, and what more could they fight for? It was really a dis- tressing sight to see parents parting with sons-perhaps the only one-sis- ters with brothers, and friends with friends, but it was most affecting to see husbands and wives parting. Mr. R. A. Riley is captain of the company. . 1 company of the ladies intend going out to the camp today " (April 28, 1861.) "Your letter and another was brought me; the moment my eyes fell upon them I recognized them as from ---- , and my brother-in-law, whom I heard had fallen at I held them for some time before I could determine which to open first, but as sister was anxious to hear the news I tore brother's open and read far enough to find that he had not yet repented of his treachery. I then threw it down and took up yours, which I knew to le from a true-hearted loyalist." (July 12. 1861.)
"Each night as I lie down to rest the question naturally comes up. "Where is tonight ?" Then I can but contrast your condition with mine: I. here at home surrounded by kind friends and all the blessings of life, while von are in a strange land. exposed to every imaginable hardship and danger. surrounded by enemies who are seeking your life, and not knowing when you lie down at night that you will be permitted to behold the dawn of another day. Although such thoughts are continually revolving in my mind I would not have you for a moment think that I wish you to abandon the cause. No. . duty calls loudly upon every loyal citizen to aid in suppressing this
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rebellion and I hope and pray that God will give you health and strength to continue your efforts.
"Much as I would like to see you I would not have you neglect your duty a single day to gratify my desire." ( From a young lady to her soklier friend, September 22, 1861.) "Tell - - - that I will be at home bye and bye and she and I will organize the Home Guards, then those vile copperheads must square them- selves to the American eagle or leave the country. Saw the boys in Taylor Thomas' company-all looking hearty." ( From a soldier, March 31. 1863.)
CURRENT PIERASES.
The all-absorbing topic of conversation at the outbreak of the Civil War and during the war was the Union. Would the Union prevail or would dis- union triumph? Everywhere, on the street corners. in the country stores, at the meeting places, and in the homes, people were discussing the state of the Union. "Union" and "Dis-union" could be heard on all occasions. They became catch words. Though conditions were serious, people did not lose their sense of humor. The following advertisements taken from the local papers of the county show how the advertisers took advantage of the use of these words to attract popular attention :
THE UNION PRESERVED Second Grand Annual Sale of Fall and Winter Dry Goods, etc. W. S. Morton & Co. HOLLIDAY SECEDES !! New York Store removed! E. B. Holliday having removed his New York Store to the Masonic Temple, etc.
DIS-UNION! TAKE NOTICE!
Greenfield, Hancock County. Nov. 17, 1860. AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
Those indebted to the School Funds of the County who have failed to pay their installment of interest due, etc.
1. SPARKS, A. II. C.
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"MARRIAGES.
".At the Burk Allen house, on the evening of the 24th, by Rev. J. Hill. Mr. D). McCarter. M. D .. to Miss Cornelia Thorpe, of Anderson. Thus has another single state seceded. not from but into the union. May the union he perpetual and blissful and may no 'irrepressible conflicts' arise to disturb it."
DECORATION DAY.
The decoration of soldiers' graves was not generally observed in this county for several years after the close of the war. The first definite steps, it seems, were taken in 1869. . \ petition was circulated on which about fifty names were secured, calling a meeting of the citizens at the court house at Greenfield on Tuesday evening, May 25, 1869, at the ringing of the bell. The purpose of the meeting was to make arrangements for decorating the soldiers' graves. This petition was published over the following names in the Hancock Democrat : Lot Edwards, George W. Dove, C. C. Mays, James H. Carr. Benjamin F. Rains, Andrew J. Banks, Robert E. Barnett, Henry B. Wilson, Thomas Kane. William Wilkins. Nelson Bradley, C. F. Lockwood, M. Marsh, William R. Hough, Hammet J. Williams, John C. Dunbar, Phil H. Boyd. . 1. Hough, R. A. Riley. M. L. Paulus, Amos C. Green. John C. Rardin, Lionel E. Rumrill. D. S. Gooding, Henry \. Swope. . \. K. Branham. Hamilton J. Dunbar, William Mitchell, Andrew T. Hart, William S. Wood, Thomas Carr. Stephen D. Lyon, Noble P. Howard, R. P. Brown, John Tague. F. B. Grose. John A. Riley, Pressley Guymon, J. A. J. Martin, Henry C. Chapman, Samuel W. Barnett. F. H. Crawford, Frank Hafner, Q. D. Hughes, John .\. Hughes, 31. 31. Adams, Charles G. Offutt. Jacob T. Barnett, J. Ward Walker.
The meeting at the court house was well attended. On motion of Judge Walker, Monday, May 31, was selected as the day for decorating the graves. Capt. M. L. Paullus was appointed marshal for the day, and Capt. Adams L. Ogg and Maj. Lee O. Harris, assistant marshals. The following committees were appointed :
On Battle Flags -. A. P. Williams, William Mitchell. H. A. Swope.
To Place Flags on Graves-William M. Johnson, Thomas Carr, Shelton Osborn.
On Flowers and Evergreens-First ward. Mrs. E. P. Thayer. F. H. Crawford, E. B. Grose: second ward, Mrs. M. L. Paulus, .A. P. Williams. Nelson Bradley : third ward, Mrs. J. Ward Walker, George Y. Atkison, O. D. Ilughes. L. W. Gooding: fourth ward. Mrs. H. J. Williams. S. W. Barnett. J. L. Mason : fifth ward. Mrs. H. B. Thayer. Lot Edwards, A. J. Banks, M. M. Adams.
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To Carry Flowers and Strew Flowers on Graves-Maggie Galbreath, Hattie Stitz, Alice Chittenden, Emma Lineback, Lizzie McGregor, Sallie Dove, Sallie Walker, Lou Offutt. Mollie Carmikle, Minerva Dennis, Anna Tague, Ella Crawford, Fannie Foley. Jennie Sloan, Emma Boyd, Pet Guy- mion, Clara Preston, Ella Barnett, Lizzie Dunbar, Dollie Skinner, Vira Good- ing, Linda Ogle, Mollie Price, Annie Hammel. Annie Thomas, Sue Wilson, Nice Barnett, Fannie Pierson, Mellie Ryon, Rose Bedgood, Maggie Barnett. Linda Osborn, Mollie Oakes, Cinda Gebhart, Fannie Branham, Ella Barnett, Cassie Rardin, Bell Gorman, Laura Brown, Vessie Montfort, Pauline King. Alice Winn, Fannie Carr, Bell Reed, Fannie Kiefer, Eliza Chandler, Minnie Sebastian, Mittie Carr.
The following order of formation of the procession was adopted :
Band Battle Flags Wounded Soldiers Clergyman Families of Deceased Soldiers Young Ladies Carrying Baskets and Evergreens Soldiers of War of 1812 and Mexican War Soldiers of War of 1861-5 Ladies Citizens
This service was largely attended. Decoration day, however, did not become established at once as it is now, and judging from the newspaper reports not much interest was taken in it for several years. In 1877 a num- ber of soldiers again called a meeting of our citizens at the court house to arrange for a decoration service. This call was as follows:
"We, the undersigned soldiers of the late war, desire that the 30th of May be observed in memory of our fallen heroes, and request the citizens of Greenfield and Hancock county, irrespective of party, to meet at the court house next Saturday evening, the 19th inst. to make necessary preparations. (Signed) W. T. Snider. Edmond P. Thayer, J. Andrews, Harrison D. Spangler, Henry C. Rumrill, E. C. Duncan. J. C. Meek, T. W. Thomas. Alonzo Ford, David Bixler, James Mahan."
We have no report of the number of citizens attending this meeting, but various committees were appointed and arrangements were made for the observance of the day. In giving a report of the exercises, however, the writer in the Hancock Democrat said :
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"Yesterday was Decoration day and we are sorry to say it was not gen- erally observed by our citizens. The ceremonies at the graveyards were solemn and interesting. The speech of our young friend. Mr. James A. New. at the new cemetery, is well spoken of by all who heard the address. . At the old graveyard. Captain Riley entertained the people with a few of his eloquent remarks. Mr. Martin, who was appointed to deliver the oration. was absent from the city. If these ceremonies are to be kept up in the future. it would be well for all citizens to meet and pay a proper tribute to the nation's honored dead."
The day was observed by the soldiers of the county from year to year after 1869, but it was not until fifteen or twenty years after the war that the general public took such an interest in the ceremonies as the day deserved. Usually a patriotic address was made, and either a choir or a band furnished music for the occasion. The following is the program that was followed at Greenfield in 1879:
Old Cemetery:
Music by the Band Singing by Choir Oration by George W. Duncan Singing by Choir Poem by Lee O. Harris Music by Band Firing Salute Decoration of Soldiers' Graves.
New Cemetery:
Music by Band Singing by Choir Oration by Capt. . A. L. Ogg Singing by Choir Poem by J. W. Riley Music by Band Firing Salue Decoration of Graves
In 1884 the following was the program on Decoration day : Marshals of the day, F. P. Thayer. Joseph Baldwin: members of the Grand Army of the Republic met at their post room at one o'clock p. m. sharp, and at half past one o'clock formed in front of the court house in line of march in the following order :
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The Greenfield Cornet Band Speakers Officers and members of the G. A. R. Lodges of the City and County The Citizens' Band Mayor and City Council County and ex-County Officers The Philadelphia Brass Band Sunday Schools Ex-Soldiers and Citizens on Foot The Dobbins Band Citizens in Carriages March to the New Cemetery PROGRAM.
Vocal Music, Greenfield Musical Club Prayer, Rev. D. R. Love Address Vocal Music. Greenfield Musical Club Poem read by Mrs. Ephraim Marsh Decorating Graves by Comrades of the G. A. R. Music by the Band Salute the Dead Reformed in same Order. Marched to the Old Cemetery Vocal Music, Greenfield Musical Club Prayer, Rev. William Anderson Address Vocal Music, Greenfield Musical Club Essay, Mrs. I. P. Poulson Decorating Graves by Comrades of the G. A. R. Music by Band Salute the Dead
The above are typical of the programs that were given for a number of years.
During the first ten or fifteen years of the observance of this day it was the custom at Greenfield to have addresses made at both cemeteries. In fact it seems to have been the custom in most parts of the county to have the address given at the cemetery, or in a grove near the cemetery. if the weather
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permitted. This was continued for a number of years until the soldiers became advanced in years and were unable to endure the strain of standing while listening to an address.
On May 31, 1915, fifty years after their return from the front, the dec- oration of the graves of their heroes was observed at Greenfield in the usual manner. Committees had been appointed as follows : Flowers and evergreen. John A. Barr. E. A. Henby: Outside cemeteries. Philadelphia. William Hut- ton ; Sugar Creek, Squire McKinzie : Mt. Lebanon. Alexander Osborn : Curry's Chapel. Joseph Martin. Edward Martin : Caldwell, George Crider : Hlinchman. Daniel Wirtz; Marking graves. John .\. Barr, Jerry Ferrin. George W. Johnson; Finance, W. W. McCole. Harry G. Strickland, Hays Smith, Frank Lynam: Publication, Marshall Winslow, Elmer T. Swope; Program. Henry Winslow. Dr. J. M. Larimore: Conveyances, Stephen D. Jackson. John H. Duncan ; Music. John Barr. Taylor Morford: Marshal of the day. James Shelton.
The line was formed at the court house, led by the marshal of the day : the Greenfield band, followed by the soldiers : Sunday school children marched single file on either side of the double column. carrying small American flags. The procession was followed by the Relief Corps, civic orders, citizens and veliicles.
The veterans and citizens met at the court house at one o'clock and proceeded to the Christian church at 1:45. There a patriotic address was delivered by William A\. Hough. Following the services at the church the procession formed on East street, marched to Main, thence west to State. thence south to cemetery, and thence east to the mound in Park cemetery. At the mound the usual services were observed, including the reading of the general order for the observance of Decoration day, parts of the ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the firing of the salute. Following the services at the mound the graves of the soldiers were decorated with flowers that had been gathered by the veterans or that had been contributed by patri- otic citizens. After these services the line reformed and marched north on Meek street to South street, thence east to the old cemetery, when the salute was again fired and the graves decorated. . At the close of the services at the old cemetery the procession moved north to Main street, and thence west to the court house.
The above is typical of the manner in which the day has been observed at Greenfield for the past fifteen or twenty years. It is also typical of the manner in which the day has been observed for many years in different parts of the county.
GROUP OF OLD SOLDIERS, MAY 30, 1915, FIFTY YEARS AFTER RETURNING FROM THE FRONT
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Just a half century has passed since the men returned from the front. Their number has grown small, and the survivors no longer tread with the firm step with which they once advanced. Many of them are no longer able to "fall in" and march with their comrades on this hallowed day. Patriotic and loving friends are glad to attend them. Children murch with them and carry flowers for them or wave their little flags in patriotic salute. When another half century shall have passed away the memory of these things will have become sacred to them. That they saw the veterans of the great Civil War and participated in their ceremonies will be one of the sweet stories to tell their children's children.
THE SHAM BATTLES.
During the eighties the soldiers were inspired on several occasions to live over again the experiences of the Civil War in so far as that could be done without harm to anyone. On October 1, 1884, a sham battle was planned for Boyd's grove, just north of the city of Greenfield, which has since become known as the fair grounds. This event was "written up" in the issue of the Hancock Democrat of October 2, 1884, as follows :
"AAlthough the soldiers' reunion was throughout a very enjoyable affair. the sham battle on Friday was perhaps the most interesting part to most of our citizens, especially to the young people, giving them a very good idea of actual war. The fight took place in the field north of the grove and was in plain view of the crowd. At two o'clock the rebel forces, under command of Comrade Jefferson C. Patterson, repaired to the west side of the field. posted a piece of artillery and awaited the attack. The Union forces, led by Capt. E. P. Thayer, also accompanied by a piece of artillery, marched from the camp east through the woods and entered the fieldl from the east. . \ rebel picket, under charge of Comrade G. W. Watts, was posted at the southeast corner of the field and opened fire as soon as the Union forces were deseried. Commander Patterson at once ordered a skirmish line under command of Capt. Lee O. Harris, which deployed in front of the advancing forces and the fight began between these and a picket line on the Union side under command of Comrade .A. J. Bridges. The Union line continued steadily to advance. and as soon as they reached the brow of the hill opened with their artillery. This was the signal for the skirmishers to fall back, and the rebel line advanced to the attack under command of Capt. J. H. Carr, assisted by Col. R. 1. Black, while Comrade G. W. Duncan led on the Union line. The two com- manders, Thayer and Patterson, were ubiquitous, galloping here and there over the field where their presence was most heeded. Marshall Gooding
(21)
·
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served Commander Patterson as a volunteer and did valiant service. The first advantage was gained by the Union forces, who came near turning the left flank of the rebels, but reinforcements were promptly sent and they were driven back. Then the same maneuver was tried by the rebels on the Union left flank, but without proper support, and Captain Thayer promptly threw forward a force and captured it. A countercharge was made, however, and, after a sharp fight the rebels recaptured their guns. After the fight had progressed, with varying success, for some time, the Union gun became exposed without sufficient support and was captured, but was promptly retaken. Finally, as per program, the rebel gun was captured and held. Their force was outflanked and surrendered and were marched as prisoners into camp amid the general shouts of everybody, including the prisoners them- selves. And so ended one of the most enjoyable affairs ever witnessed in Greenfield. Persons who had seen numerous sham contests of this kind declared this the best they ever saw."
Other sham battles were fought in the county, and of course they always aroused a great interest among the people.
GRANT MEMORIAL SERVICES.
When General Grant died in 1885. services were held in different parts of the county in his memory. and tributes were paid to his patriotism and his great leadership. At Greenfield a meeting was held August 8. at the Masonic Hall. Alexander K. Branham called the meeting to order, after which the funeral service of the Grand AArmy was read. Capt. R. A. Riley made a few appropriate remarks and Hon. William R. Hough, chairman of the memorial committee, offered a series of resolutions which was adopted. A large num- ber of people attended this meeting.
At New Palestine services were also held, a report of which appeared in the Hancock Democrat as follows :
"A week before this memorial took place a number of our citizens met at the Methodist Episcopal church for the purpose of making arrangements in appointing committees for the different purposes. Some of these committees were composed of fire and brimstone and the composition was thought a mistake, but they all harmonized and tried to do the best they know how · to make the affair creditable in honor to the deceased General Grant. The arrangements were completed and the day came. . At five o'clock in the morn- ing the roar of the cannon announced that the day set apart for the burial service of the nation's loved one was at hand. This was followed by the tolling of the different church and school house bells in town. Many of our
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citizens went to work and draped their residences and business places in mourning, and some were profusely and exceedingly fine and attracted much attention. Arrangements had been made, if the weather was favorable, to hold the services in the grove, which looked discouraging for a while, but the day turned out the best that could be expected. At one o'clock the church bells commenced ringing, which was the signal for forming a procession to march to the grove ; and the same was composed of all classes and nationalties, and men who fought under Grant and under Lee marched by the side of one another. A citizen of this township served in Lee's army from the beginning to the surrender, and he marched with the boys in blue in this procession. The procession was marshaled by James Greer, an old soldier, with the New Palestine Military Band at the head, which played several melodies and funeral dirges as they passed through the streets; next, the veterans of the war, who were represented in large numbers : next, the Sunday schools, citi- zens on foot, and next the vehicles. They marched west on Mill street, south on Walnut to Main, east on Main to Bittner street, thence south to Joseph Fritts' grove. The procession eclipsed everything ever witnessed heretofore. Arriving at the grove appropriate arrangements had been made in the way of seats, and the speaker's stand draped in mourning, which gave a mournful appearance. Some one thousand and five hundred people had congregated to pay the last tribute of respect to the nation's illustrious dead. David M. Dove acted as president on the occasion, and the ceremonies were carried out according to program, which consisted of vocal music by the choir, prayer and reading Scripture by Rev. Lowden. Hon. Charles G. Offutt was orator of the day. He delivered an eloquent oration, eulogistic of the life and achieve- ments of General Grant. He lauded Grant as a military leader, and said he was one of those who thought General Grant made a mistake when he left the army. He showed that General Grant was a man of a noble char- acter, which he exhibited at Lee's surrender. Offutt's address was well received and one and all whom we have heard speak of it were much pleased with the same and spoke of it in the highest terms of praise. Rev. Lowden. A. Black and James Greer followed in short addresses, which were all appro- priate and eulogistic in honor of the great captain of the age. The presiding officer, in the name of the citizens assembled, thanked the orators of the occasion and the New Palestine Military Band for their kind attendance. A universal solemnity, well fitted for the occasion, prevailed, and thus ended the service in New Palestine in honor of America's dead heroes, such as the people of our town had never seen before. Business was entirely suspended.
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THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Patriotic enthusiasm soon became very intense in the county when war was declared against Spain in 1898. Solomon D. Kempton Post. Grand Army of the Republic. at Fortville, offered their services to the government. and adopted resolutions endorsing the course of President Mckinley. \ com- pany of young men was also organized at Fortville, but never succeeded in being mustered in because of the great number offering their services from all parts of the state. Hundreds of young men from all parts of the county were eager to enlist but only a few were taken. Edwin P. Thayer. Jr., of Greenfield, lieutenant-colonel of the Second regiment. Indiana National Guards, was commissioned as lieutenant colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth regiment. Indiana Volunteers. This regiment was mustered into service May 10, 1898. It moved to Chickamauga May 16, but on account of the unsanitary condition of the camp location was moved to Camp Poland. near Knoxville. Tenn., on August 25. It was ordered back to Indianapolis on September 12 and given a furlough of thirty days. On October 17 it reassembled and was discharged on November 4. The following men from Hancock county were in the regiment :
Edwin P. Thayer, lieutenant-colonel: Horace Swope, commissary- sergeant.
COMPANY B
Samuel M. Seward.
COMPANY D.
John Fisher, Geordie Slifer. Ehmer Thomson. Bernard Rider. Clar- ence C. Wiley. Winfield Roland. Edward Shelby. Paul Morford, Charles W. Baker, Robert W. Gough. John M. Walton, Juett Messick. Frank T. Atkison. William Patterson, Arthur G. Lunsford. Charles New. Albert Baker, Thomas T. Owens, Edward Lewis.
COMPANY E.
Albert C. Barnes, George Kiger. Clinton M. Reeves, Edward Williams. Jesse S. Grigsby, Osro H. Coffin, David O. Scott. Jesse Barrett. Oral O. King. William E. Smith.
COMPANY F.
Henry Hubig. Mack Warrum.
COMPANY G.
George Mealey. Charles .A. Gordon, Water O. Stuart.
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