USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 31
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"But our opinion is, that the Democracy will hold a secret caucus, and back out from this one-sided convention. It matters not, however, as the Whigs will make a clean sweep this year in Hancock. Chapman will crow no longer, although in his concluding remarks he offered the olive branch to the Whigs! We know how to meet that old arch intriguer. We have not time for a further account this week .- more anon."
In that copy of the Greenfield Reveille the following political announce- ments also appear : Congress. Thomas D. Walpole: assessor. Isaac King. auditor, Harry Pierson. Josephus I. Williams: sheriff, William P. Rush. Jonathan Dunbar. William H. Anderson; county commissioner, David W. Odell: representative. William .A. Franklin, Esq.
The political announcements of that day were not quite as formal as those appearing in our local papers now. In several announcements the can- didates present arguments in their behalf, some of which wouldl hardly be offered at this time. For instance, the following :
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POLITICS.
"TO THE VOTERS OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
"Fellow Citizen : I offer myself as a candidate for the office of Assessor; and my reason for doing so is. that Noble Warrum (the present incumbent )' pledged himself two years ago, that if I would then use my influence for him. (which 1 did) he would support me at the coming election.
"ISAAC KING."
A few years later David S. Gooding entered into the local campaigns. first as a Whig. later as a Democrat. In 1847 he made his first race and was elected as a Whig to the lower house of the Legislature. Later he was hon- ored with numerous elections to various offices. In time his political influence reached far beyond the bounds of his county, and no name probably is written larger on the pages of its history.
It seems that in 1852 a number of leading men in the county came into the ranks of the Democratic party. For a decade after that time Thomas D. Walpole, Jonathan Dunbar, David S. Gooding and Noble Warrum were all in the Democratic alignment and the party developed the strength that it has always maintained in this county except during the period of the Civil War. Though this is true, things were far from harmonious at all times within the party itself. It is impossible now to state the cause of some of the dissensions among its leaders, yet it is certain that there was sufficient internal strife to cause the defeat of some of the candidates. In 1855 Dunbar sought the Democratic nomination for treasurer: A break occurred between him and Walpole, and Dunbar was defeated. In 1857 Noble Warrum was a candidate for sheriff against Taylor W. Thomas. Walpole, and Elijah Cooper, who was the Democratic candidate for county treasurer, threw their influence against Warrum and defeated him. During this campaign, 1857. it seems that a reconciliation was affected between Walpole and Dunbar.
The Democratic ticket during the latter part of the decade just prior to the Civil War was generally opposed by "Fusion tickets." for which support was sought from the ranks of the Know-Nothings, Whigs and Republicans. Though the "Fusionists" were not successful in electing their entire tickets. they did succeed in electing a man now and then who had a strong personal following.
THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD.
In the campaign of 1860 the unity of the Democratic party was broken by the factions that followed the conventions at Charleston and Baltimore. Although the Douglas wing of the party polled by far the greater number of votes. the Breckenridge wing of the party also had a county organization.
336
HANCOCK COUNTY. INDIANA.
The followers of Breckenridge were known as the "National Democrats." James H. Leary seems to have been the county chairman of the National Democratic county central committee in that campaign. Dr. J. A. Hall was the chairman of the Democratic county central committee, and James P. Foley of the Republican county central committee.
The National Democrats held a county mass convention at Greenfield on July 28, 1860. for the purpose, as stated by James HI. Leary, chairman. "to endorse Breckenridge and Lane as the candidates for President and Vice- President of the United States and to take steps to effect a county organiza- tion." The following were the officers of this meeting: James H. Leary. chairman: Thomas Glascock, Henry Duncan, vice-presidents : James H. Carr. secretary.
The chairman of the convention appointed David Vanlaningham, Andrew Childers and Richard Stokes as a committee on resolutions. Before the adjournment of the meeting this committee offered the following, which were unanimously adopted :
"Whereas, the late national conventions, both at Charleston and Balti- more, failed to nominate a candidate for President and Vice-President in accordance with the time-known usage of the National Democratic party. thereby causing a separation of the convention with two distinct bodies; the one resolving to support Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, and Hushel V. John- son, of Georgia, the other John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, and Joseph Lane, of Oregon: therefore
"Resolved, that it is the imperative duty of National Democrats to yield a willing and cordial support to the candidate for the President and Vice- President of the United States whose principles are in harmony with the court. the equality of the states, and equal rights of all the citizens of the several states in the territory belonging to the United States, and who are in favor of non-intervention by Congress and territorial legislatures with slavery in the territories.
"Resolved, that we recognize in John C. Breckenridge and John Lane, able, tried and true exponents of these principles so dear to every National Democrat, and we hereby pledge a hearty and zealous support to the nom- inations of these distinguished statesmen.
"Resolved, that we cordially approve of the platform of principles adopted by the National Democracy at Baltimore, and especially their unequivocal affirmation of the rights of every citizen of the United States to take his property of any kind into the common territories belonging equally to all the
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POLITICS.
states of the Confederacy, and peacefully and rightfully enjoy it during the existence of a territorial government.
"Resolved, that "squatter sovereignty" in the territories, as defined by Stephen A. Douglas, the Benedict . Irnold of the Democratic party, and endorsed by his deluded followers, meets our unqualified disapproval; and that in its practical application to the territories, internecine war, bloodshed and anarchy have been its legitimate fruits."
The following county central committee was appointed by this conven- tion : Center, David Vanlaningham and James Carr; Buck Creek, James Mc- Mane; Vernon, Richard Stokes; Green, Elijah Cooper: Brown, John Hays ; Jackson, Robert Chambers ; Blue River. Samuel Cottrell: Brandywine, Philan- der Curry; Sugar Creek, Aquilla Shockley.
The Hon. Delana R. Eckels, of Putnam, addressed the convention. The report of the address given to the "Old Line Guard" by James 11. Carr. secretary, and reprinted in the Hancock Democrat on August 2, 1861, indi- cates that the speaker convinced his audience of the statesmanship of John C. Breckenridge, and that he "paid his respects" to the Douglas Democrats as well as to the Republicans.
In the annual October election of 1860, at which certain county officers were elected, the following tickets were in the field, each candidate receiving the number of voted indicated :
Representative-John S. Hatfield, Republican, 1, 190: Noble Warrum, Democrat. 1.332.
Recorder-Henry A. Swope, Republican, 1,174: William R. West. Democrat. 1.298.
Commissioner, Middle District-Robinson Jarrett, Republican, 1,169: Hiram Tyner, Democrat. 1.364.
Commissioner, Western District-Benjamin Freeman, Republican, 1,172 : Elias McCord. Democrat. 1.364.
Coroner-Jacob Wills, Republican, 1,163: Barnabus B. Gray, Democrat. 1,370.
Surveyor -- Samuel B. Ilill. Republican: 1.118; James K. King, Democrat, 1.328.
The Democrats, although divided on national issues, voted together on this occasion and their candidates were elected by a majority of approximately 175 votes. The total number of votes cast in the October election of 1860 was 2.563.
In the presidential election held a few weeks later, on November 6, 1860. ( 22)
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
Stephen A. Douglas received 1,289 votes ; Abraham Lincoln, 1,201 votes; Breckenridge. 97 votes, and Bell, 26 votes. Following is the vote of the county in 1860, as reported by the townships :
Lincoln.
Douglas. Breckenridge. Bell
Blue River
1 32
70
1
I
Brandywine
71
115
IO
0
Brown
63
149
12
2
Buck Creek
117
71
1
0
Center
252
233
16
1
Green
79
152
十
O
Jackson
201
137
1I
()
Sugar Creek
136
197
3
I
Vernon
150
159
6
15
Total
1.201
1.289
97
26
-
The presidential campaign in Hancock county was very similar to the campaign in other parts of the state. When the result became known there was a great jollification by the Republicans because of their first national victory. Dr. Howard. an ardent Republican, presented to his friend, but political opponent. Judge Gooding, the editor at that time of the Hancock Democrat, a "Pass up Salt River":
SALT RIVER PACKET Pass David S. Gooding over Salt River On the "Fusion Packet" until November 6. 1864. Not transferable. S. A. Douglas, President.
The judge accepted the "ticket" in good humor, and if we bear in mind past political conditions we cannot fail to appreciate the keen wit in his acknowledgment thereof. made through the columns of the Democrat :
"It was handed us by our friend. Dr. Howard, who has just returned from quite a lengthy voyage in the Salt River country. He assures us that he has spent the greater and better portion of his life in that country ; that it is very healthful, productive, and in all respects desirable ; so much so that he expects to return on the next trip of 'Fusion Packet.' We gladly accept and return our profoundest acknowledgment for the free pass. Mr. Douglas
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POLITICS.
wisely selected an old and well-tried packet : one that has carried the opposi- tion up Salt River safely for the past twenty years. This being our first voyage up Salt River, we will keep our friends advised from time to time of the incidents of the voyage," etc.
If the people of Hancock county thought during the campaign of 1860 that they were passing through a campaign like all other campaigns, and that after the election all excitement would be allayed, they were thoroughly (lis-illusioned before many months had passed. Their eyes were also opened to the fact that existing conditions were imposing severer tests than political parties had ever before borne.
On April 13, 1861. a Democratic mass meeting was held at the court house at Greenfield. The officers of the meeting were: Jacob Slifer, presi- dent : Joseph Clayton and Presley Guymon, vice-presidents ; William J. Fos- ter and David S. Scott, secretaries.
.A great number of Democrats were in attendance. The Sax-horn band stirred up enthusiasm with patriotic strains of music, and James L. Mason, Dr. J. A. Hall and George Barnett delivered addresses. At the close of the speaking Judge Gooding offered the following resolutions which were unani- mously adopted :
"Whereas, we have never failed to oppose the political and also the general policy of the Republican party; and whereas, during the last Presi- (lential campaign and at the election, we zealously and consistently opposed and voted against Abraham Lincoln; and whereas, a majority of the people in a constitutional manner saw proper so to vote as to elect Mr. Lincoln President :
"Whereas, for some cause not clearly defined, seven states, since said election have seen proper at their own option and consultation, and in defiance of the general government, to assert their independence and secede from the Union ; and whereas, said states have organized a government and by authority of that government Ft. Sumter has been attacked and war commenced upon the United States by the southein Confederacy: now therefore,
"Resolved, that it is the duty of all patriotic citizens, irrespective of party names and distinctions, ignoring for the present all past dissuasions and party bitterness, to unite as one people in support of her common government.
"Resolved, that the success in a presential campaign of any political party now in existence is not a good or sufficient cause for secession or revolution.
"Resolved, that as Democrats and patriots we will vie with our political opponents of other parties in our devotion to the Union, and in our support
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
of the lawfully constituted authority of the government in the faithful execution of their duties."
On April 17. 1861, the following appeal was made to the party through the columns of the Hancock Democrat :
"Fellow Democrats! Our country is engaged in a war involving its honor and its very existence. It is not time for party dissensions or party strifes. The past cannot now be recalled, but the present and the future must be looked to and we must decide without delay whether we will support and defend our own government as true patriots or whether we will prove false to the Union cemented by the blood of our fathers. We cannot doubt you in this emergency of your country. We know that you will not dishonor that good old party which has contributed so largely to maintain the rights and honor of our glorious old flag in the face of the British Lion.
"Democrats of Hancock county! Let us be a united party, and heartily cooperate with all patriots of whatever party, who faithfully live and support the government of the United States."
Later in the summer, when the time came for nominating the candi- dates for the annual October election. 1861. new problems presented them- selves, especially to the Democracy of the county. On August 3. 186 !. the Democratic county central committee had a meeting at Greenfickl. Dr. Hall acted as chairman of the meeting and on motion of Montgomery Marsh. Benjamin F. Caldwell was appointed secretary, with William Mitchell. assistant. The central committee at that time was composed of the following men : Blue River. William New : Brown. Montgomery Marsh : Brandywine. Alfred Potts: Buck Creek. James Collins: Center. Dr. J. \. Hall; Green. Edward Barrett: Jackson. Benjamin F. Caldwell: Sugar Creek, not rep- resented : Vernon. Wiet Denney.
The committee decided to hold a "popular vote convention throughout the county on the last Saturday of August. 1861. to nominate a Democratic county ticket, and that such candidates as shall receive the highest votes at the polls shall be declared the successful candidates, to be so proclaimed by a delegate convention to assemble at Greenfield on the first Saturday of September, 1861." But since votes had been cast in the county for Douglas. Breckenridge and Bell. at the Presidential election in 1860. a question now arose as to who should be allowed to vote in the popular vote convention that the committee had just ordered. On this point the following resolution was adopted :
"Resolved, that all men who voted for Stephen A. Douglas, John Bell.
3.41
POLITICS.
or John C. Breckenridge, be entitled to vote at the polls in the nominating convention."
On motion, however, the name of John Bell was stricken from the above resolution as the test of Democracy in the nominating convention.
On August 17, 1861. the Center township Democratic convention was called to order at the court house at two p. m. This convention is interesting because of the fight between the two factions of the Democratic party for the control of the convention. William Frost, township chairman, called the meeting to order. Judge Gooding nominated George Y. Atkison for president : James L. Mason placed the name of William Fries in nomination. The vote for president resulted in the election of Atkison by a large majority.
The election of Atkison gave the Douglas Democrats the committee on resolutions. The chair appointed Judge Gooding, Presley Guymon, William Frost, Charles A. Wiggins and Levi Leary. After the appointment of this committee James L. Mason introduced a series of resolutions directly into the convention. The chair, however, refused to place the resolutions before the convention, but referred them to the committee on resolutions. When this committee reported, Judge Gooding, the chairman of the committee, said that he had been directed to report back Mr. Mason's resolutions with the recommendation that they be laid on the table. He then offered the following resolutions :
"Whereas, our country is involved in civil war involving the very existence of the government itself; therefore, we deem it proper to declare our views of goverment plainly and explicitly at this critical juncture of public affairs; therefore
"Resolved, that we are devotedly attached to the Union of the States, and the Constitution of the United States, and the faithful and impartial execution of the laws made in pursuance thereof, in every part of the government.
"Resolved, that for the purpose of perpetuating the Union, and main- taining the Constitution and executing the laws, we will sustain the govern- ment of the United States in all proper efforts for the suppression of the rebellion, and for such purposes we are in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the present deplorable civil war, in order to bring about a speedy and honor- able peace.
"Resolved, that whenever, from any cause, the rebellion is put down, or eases to exist, then the war shall cease; and all the constitutional and legal rights of states and citizens shall be respected and maintained, and that we
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
oppose the prosecution of the war for any other purpose than to suppress the rebellion.
"Resolved, that as Democrats we reaffirm our faith in the great prin- ciples of popular sovereignty as declared by the lamented Stephen A. Douglas
"Resolved, that all men who now' heartily approve and endorse the platform of principles on which Stephen A. Douglas ran for the Presidency in 1860. are Democrats, and as such have a right to participate in the conven- tions of the party, and none others have such a right.
"Resolved, that we approve and endorse the act of the extra session of Congress in appropriating money and providing soldiers to suppress the rebellion and that we are gratified at the entire unanimity of all patriotic parties in its support.
"Resolved, that we have no political sympathies with northern abolition issues nor southern secession, but repudiate both as dangerous to our government."
Dr. B. W. Cooper entered a protest against the adoption of the fourth resolution, it being a conflict with the principles enunciated by the Brecken- ridge party. James L. Mason also entered his protest to the fifth article. He made a long statement and concluded by offering the following as an amendment :
"Resolved. that all Democrats who voted for Thomas A. Hendricks for governor in 1860 shall be allowed to vote at the ensuing nominating polls of Center township."
This amendment was tabled and the original resolutions were adopted in the form in which they had been offered by the committee.
It will be recalled that in the resolutions adopted on July 28. 1860. by the Breckenridge Democrats. that popular sovereignty, or "squatter sov- creignty." was condemned and that Stephen .\. Douglas was denounced as the Benedict . Arnold of the Democratic party. AArticles four and five, there- fore could not possibly meet with the approval of the Breckenridge Democrats. In fact the adoption of the above resolutions barred them from voting at the convention. The breach between the factions of the party was becoming wider and wider. Though the Douglas Democrats controlled the Center township convention, the end in Center township was not yet. The above resolutions, adopted by the Center township convention on August 17, 1861. expressed the sentiments of the Douglas wing of the party and were pub- lished in every issue of the Hancock County Democrat during the following several years.
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POLITICS.
On August 22. 1861, which was about three weeks after the meeting of the Democratic county central committee, and less than a week after the Center township Democratic convention, the Republican county central com- mittee adopted resolutions, proposing to the Democrats a joint Union county ticket. The resolutions were in the following words :
"Resolved, that we propose through their committee, to the Democratic party of Hancock county, a joint Union ticket, for the offices to be filled at the approaching. election.
"Resolved, that should said Democratic committee accept the proposition of a Union ticket, they are cordially invited to meet this committee at its meeting to be held at the court house, in Greenfield, on Tuesday. September 3, next, at one p. m., where the said committees may agree jointly upon a division of the ticket for the different offices, and name the time for the nomination of candidates.
"Resolved, that the foregoing resolutions be published in the Hancock Democrat.
"E. 1. JUDKINS, Secretary. "JAMES P. FOLEY, Chairman.
"Greenfield, .August 22, 1861."
These resolutions were presented to the Democratic county central com- mittee a few days later. The Democratic candidates, however, had practically made their canvass for the popular vote convention, and the Democratic central committee deemed it inadvisable to take such steps just at that time.
Pursuant to the decision of the Democratic county central committee, made on .August 3, 1861, a Democratic poll was opened in each township on the first Saturday of September, 1861. The Douglas wing of the party polled one hundred and fifty-three votes in Center township, which were cast for candidates and also for delegates to the county convention. The delegates who received the majority of votes in Center township were David S. Good- ing. George Atkison and Presley Guymon. On the same day the National Democrats, or the Breckenridge wing of the party, opened another and sep- arate poll in Center township, where thirty-seven votes were cast for can- clidates and delegates. The delegates receiving the largest number of votes at this poll were James L. Mason. John H. White and Louis Cooper. The delegates named in each poll in Center township presented their credentials as delegates to the Democratic county convention on September 7. A\ con- test at once arose and much confusion followed in the convention. The Douglas Democrats from Center township were finally seated, but from some of the other townships, delegates from the National Democratic wing
344
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
were seated. The convention nominated the following ticket : Clerk. Morgan Chandler : county treasurer, John Addison : sheriff. Samuel Archer; commis- sioner eastern district. William New.
Following the rejection of their proposal by the Democratic central com- mittee, the Republican county central committee on September 3. 1861, adopted the following resolutions :
"Whereas, the government of the United States is sorely beset by a combination of traitors, so powerful as to endanger the preservation of the Union : and as party conventions and party nominations are calculated to engender discussions among the people : and as we earnestly desire unity of action and feeling in relation to our government ; therefore
"Resolved, that we recommend to the Republican party of Hancock county to forego all party conventions and party nominations for the pres- ent, and support for the offices to be filled at the coming election in this county such men as are unconditionally for the Union in heart and soul as well as speech, regardless of former political opinions.
"Ordered that the foregoing be published in the Hancock Democrat. "JAMES P. FOLEY, Chairman. "E. I. JUDKINS, Secretary. "September 3. 1861."
A few days later, on September 11, 1861. the following notice calling for a convention appeared in the columns of the Hancock Democrat :
"UNION MASS MEETING.
"There will be a Union mass meeting at Greenfield on Saturday. Sep- tember 14. 1861, at one p. m., to nominate candidates, irrespective of party, for the several offices to be filled at the ensuing October election. Let all the Union men-all who are willing to sacrifice party organizations and platforms on the altar of their county-be promptly in attendance at the appointed time. The meeting will be held at the court house.
"UNION MEN."
A convention, as announced in the above notice, was held. The weather on September 14. however, was very inclement and only a few people from the outlying townships were present. Dr. Ballenger was chosen president and Joseph B. Atkison and M. V. Chapman, secretaries. The convention then adjourned to meet again at one p. m. on Thursday of the following week, September 18.
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POLITICS.
At the appointed time the convention assembled at the court house and the following proceedings were had : Thomas C. Tuttle, Democrat, of Sugar Creek, was chosen chairman: M. V. Chapman, Democrat, and Joseph B. Atkison, Republican, secretaries; John Dye. Democrat, and Judge Walker. Republican, vice-presidents.
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