History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions, Part 32

Author: Richman, George J
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc.
Number of Pages: 1272

USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 32

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Nelson Hogle. Republican, nominated George Barnett, Democrat, as Union candidate for clerk. Adopted. Joseph B. Atkison, Republican, n. m- inated Taylor W. Thomas, Republican, for sheriff. Adopted. Thomas Bed- good. Republican, nominated Elam 1. Judkins for treasurer. Richard Hackle- man was nominated for commissioner in the eastern district. R. A. Riley nominated Dr. Isaac H. Ballenger, Democrat. for coroner. Adopted.

The following committee on resolutions was then appointed by the chairman: Elias Marsh. Democrat: John Dye, Democrat : Dr. Ballinger. Democrat : R. A. Riley, Republican : J. C. R. Layton, Republican.

This committee reported the following resolutions, which were unani- mously adopted :

"Believing as we do, that when the all-absorbing magnitude of the con- test in which the government is now engaged, shall be fully and universally understood and appreciated, there can be no such thing as a traitor to that government, or a sympathizer with the treason now seeking its overthrow, except the mere desperado.

"The contest is above the organization or perpetuation of the Democratic party, the Republican party, or any other party. Should the rebellion succeed, all the political machinery will be buried in the common ruins of the government.

"The contest involves not only the maintenance of the Constitution and the Union of the States, but also the hopes of the world in the constitutional, political and religious freedom, and man's capability for self-government. Every intelligent Christian philanthropist and every patriot ought, and will be found earnest and willing, against all opposition, to sustain and perpetuate our Constitution and Union.

"The destruction of the Constitution and Union by those engaged in rebellion involves the commission of the following, among other crimes :

"First. Moral perjury, in seeking to overthrow the Constitution they had sworn to support.

"Second. Treason, in levying war against the government and giving aid and comfort to her enemies.

"Third. Murder, in taking the lives of loyal citizens.

"Fourth. Theft, in stealing the public property.

340

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.

"Fifth. Robbery, in taking by force the property of the government and that of private citizens. Who but a desperado could complicate himself with all those crimes, or give sympathy, directly or indirectly encourage, aid or abet those desperate villains in the destruction of liberties? And, knowing that in Union there is strength, while party strife and division is but weakness. and believing as we do, that in the language of the patriotic Holtcomb of Kentucky, 'So long as the rebels have arms in their hands there is nothing left to compromise but the honor of the government.' And that 'no man with a soul above a coward is prepared for such submission' and that 'the word compromise cannot now be uttered except by disloyal lips, or by those speaking directly in the interests of rebellion';

"And that in the language of the lamented Douglas, 'Whoever is not prepared to sacrifice party organizations and platforms on the altar of this country does not deserve the support and countenance of honest people,' and fully realizing that all we are, and all we can hope for ourselves and our children, is wrapped up in the success and perpetuity of our Constitution : therefore

"Resolved, that we will lay aside party platforms and party organiza- tions upon the altar of our common country, that our influence and strength may not be wasted in domestic party feuds and bickerings; but that we may in solid phalanx present but a single voice, influence and action of patriotic and efficient devotion to the maintenance and perpetuity of our glorious Constitution and Union, and a united opposition to disunion, treason and rebellion.

"Resolved, that we fraternally invite all, without distinction of party. 10 unite with us, supporting no one for official place whose patriotism does not and cannot be made to rise above mere party."

The Union ticket placed in the field by the convention was supported by the Republicans and by a number of Democrats. Following are both tickets with the votes received by each candidate in the October election, 1861 :

Clerk-George Barnett, Union, 960: Morgan Chandler, Democrat. 1,127.

Treasurer-Elam I. Judkins, Union. 924: John Addison, Democrat. 1.176.

Sheriff-Taylor W. Thomas, Union, 1.003: Samuel AArcher, Democrat. 1.096.

Commissioner, Eastern District-Richard Hackleman. Union. 877: William New. Democrat, 1. 166.

347

POLITICS.

Although there had been a division in the Democratic party in the nom- inating convention, but one ticket was put into the field and both wings of the party supported it.

Following the election of 1860, when the rift in the Democratic organ- ization in the county became apparent, each faction posed as the Democratic party. There was much strife between the factions and each said many ugly things about the other, when the other assumed to represent the real Dem- ocratic party of old. To say that feeling between the factions, and especially later between the Democrats and the "Union Democrats," was bitter, is stat- ing it very mildly indeed. After the Union party was organized the mem- bers of the factions of the old Democratic party that remained in the county were openly called "Butternuts." "Traitors," "Rebels." "Secessionists"-in fact, anything that expressed or smacked of disloyalty. But these charges the party answered in resolutions adopted in convention, and those resolu- tions will hereinafter be set out to speak for themselves. Unfortunately, however, for the National Democrats of the county. John C. Breckenridge, whom they had recognized as the "AAble, tried and true opponent of the prin- ciples so dear to every National Democrat." was expelled from the United States Senate within about a year after Lincoln's election, because of his sympathy for the South. He was at once made a major-general in the Con- federate army. Later he became secretary of war of the Southern Confed- eracy. It is needless to comment on the effect of his action upon the people in Hancock county. His followers who had so heartily endorsed him, and in fact all who remained in the Democratic party during that period had to bear the criticism occasioned by his disloyalty.

The rock upon which the local Democratic ship foundered, however, was the manner of dealing with the rebellion. The Douglas Democrats favored a vigorous prosecution of the war. This was also the policy of the Repub- lican party, and of the Union party that came into existence in 1861. The National Democrats, or Breckenridge followers, opposed the vigorous pros- ecution of the war, and advocated compromise for the solution of the nation's difficulties. Throughout the war, after the National Democrats had again merged with those Douglas Democrats that had not joined with the Union party, the Democrats of the county always put great emphasis on the word compromise in their political speeches, resolutions, etc. The Union party. on the other hand held. as they stated in their first series of resolutions adopted in their county convention on September 18. 1861, that "there is nothing left to compromise but the honor of the country." and that "the word compromise cannot now he uttered except by disloyal lips or by those speak-

348

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.

ing directly in the interest of rebellion." This construction put upon the basic principles of the Democracy of the county during the first years of the war, made them traitors. The student of local history will have to determine for himself the correctness of the conclusions enunciated in the various resolu- tions herein set out. It will be accepted without challenge. however, that the divergence between the parties became so great, and that their acts and expressions were held in such a light that it engendered a degree of bitter- ness in the county that the present generation can hardly understand.

Other resolutions adopted at various township and county conventions will throw additional light upon all of these matters. The following resolu- tions, for instance, were adopted by the Democracy of Brandywine township on August 31. 1861 :

"Whereas, our county is now involved in civil war and in difficulties unprecedented: and whereas, these difficulties have been fomented by the Abolitionists of the North, and the Secessionists of the South, both of whom have been disunionists for years, and by the sectional policy of the Repub- lican party, these difficulties have been increased, endangering the safety of the Union and the liberties of the people ; and whereas, the present war could and ought to have been avoided by compromise, and would have been had not the Republican party by a strong effort to ingraft into our government their irrepressible doctrines, and thereby defeated every measure offered by the Democracy to secure a peaceable solution of the sectional troubles ; therefore "Resolved, that we deplore the present civil war as a national calamity. and that its future prosecution by either party will be ruinous to both sections ; . and are therefore solicitous that this war between brethren shall cease the very instant that terms of adjustment can be agreed on alike honorable to all the states and people ; and to that end it is the duty of every patriot to exert all his energies for the adoption of such measures as will prove most effectual in terminating hostilities, and thereby restoring to our beloved country all the blessings of peace.

"Resolved, that the Democracy of Brandywine township yield to none in our devotion to the Union, our attachment to the Constitution, and loyalty to our glorious flag : to vindicate the court, and uphold the Stars and Stripes. and for all other legal and loyal purposes we will contribute our last dollar --- if need be our blood. Our motto is, 'Millions for defense but not one cent for coercion or subjugation of sovereign states.'

"Resolved, that the charge of Republicans against Democrats with being secessionists and disunionists is a foul and infamous falsehood. There is not now-there never has been-a Democrat in the North, in favor of secession

349

POLITICS.

or disunion-they are all for the Union-while every disimionist is against compromise and for the war, that must inevitably sever the Union and render reconstruction impossible.

"Resolved, that the frequent violations of the Constitution of the United States by the present executive and those under his authority deserve and should receive the strong condemnation of every friend of constitutional government.

"Resolved, that the Democratic party, by its wise and patriotic action in the past, presents itself to the nation as the only party capable of guiding our country through these perilous times, and in our opinion the only hope for the Union and our free institutions is to restore the administration of the government to the wisdom and guidance of Democratic statesmen, and we are, therefore, utterly opposed to fusing with the Republicans in making our nominations, as is proposed by a few unsafe and weak-kneed Democrats.

"Resolved, that we receive with profound sorrow the news of the' hattle of Manassas, and the defeat of our army; and while we mourn the fate of those who bravely fell, we are constrained to believe the humiliating blow was in consequence of the negligence and mismanagement of the President and his cabinet in their utter disregard of the military knowledge of General Scott, and the country will hold them responsible for all the disasters of that ill-turned and ill-directed battle; that no such overwhelming defeat could! have come upon us, with troops as brave and patriotic as our noble volunteers, had they been efficiently officered and properly cared for.

"JOUN P. BANKS, "Chairman of Resolution Committee."

On the same day. August 31, 1861, the Jackson township Democratic convention was also held. On motion of Noble Warrum. A. V. B. Sample was elected chairman: E. C. Reeves, vice-president, and Edward P. Scott, secretary. The chairman appointed the following committee on resolutions : Burd Lacy, T. G. Walker, Thomas Glascock, Noble Warrum, George W. Sample.

This committee offered the following resolutions, which were unani- mously adopted :

"Resolved. that we are opposed to proscription either in religion or politics ; that we are in favor of a strict construction of the Constitution and no assumption of doubtful powers, either by the national or state governments.

"Resolved, that retaining that veneration for the Constitution, the Union and the laws, which has ever characterized our party, we deprecate and

350

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.

denounce all men, both North and South, who may lend their aid and coun- tenance to destroy our government, or any of its constitutional guarantees.

"Resolved, that the Democratic party has ever advocated union and harmony between the conflicting portions of our country, and a peaceable solution of all our troubles, yielding to every section its constitutional rights; and we therefore declare that we are in no wise responsible for the troubles that now afflict our beloved country.

"Resolved, that we congratulate the brave men of Indiana who have vol- unteered at the call of their country, upon the success that has thus far attended their arms; and that we endorse the action of those Democrats in the Congress of the United States who voted men and money at the call of the government: but we hold it to be the duty of the civil authorities to see that our soldiers are battling in a necessary as well as a just cause, and therefore, the olive branch of peace should go with the sword, and that. therefore. Congress should have adopted the resolutions offered by Mr. Cox, or some other proposition of the same nature and effect.

"Resolved, that we regard as vital, the constitutional right of free speech, the freedom of the press, and the writ of habeas corpus, and that they should be held sacred by the American people, as the priceless heritage given to us by our fathers.

"Resolved, that the Democrats of Jackson township are, as ever, loyal to the Constitution and the laws-that we are in favor of their rigid enforce- ment, everywhere throughout the United States upon all occasions: that we will sustain the administration in all its constitutional efforts to maintain the government, and we declare our disapprobation of all violations of the fundamental laws of the country, as well in the President and his cabinet as in the humblest citizen.

"Resolved, that, forgetting all past differences in our party, we will unite for the sake of the Union of the States, and the maintenance of the Con- stitution : that we denounce all attempts to divide our ranks by appeals to former divisions, and rejoice in the return of peace and harmony in our party. as the harbinger of the peace and harmony of our country.

"Resolved, that we have no sympathy, aid or comfort for Northern Abolitionists or Southern Secessionists, for we view both as the cause of our present great difficulties-each alike guilty.

Resolved, that we have no confidence in the good faith and efficiency of many of the present self-constituted Union savers, who have heretofore acted in such a fanatical manner as to destroy confidence in the different sections of our beloved country."

35I

POLITICS.

The Union party, which had a county organization perfected in the fall of 1861, and which was composed of Republicans and many Douglas Dem- ocrats, adopted a part of the last speech of Stephen .A. Douglas as its plat- form on the solution of the problems that were before the country.

The Hancock Democrat, with David S. Gooding as editor-in-chief. in February became its organ and the following excerpt from the last speech of Douglas was published at the head of its editorial column in practically every issue after 1861 :

"Whoever is not prepared to sacrifice party organizations and platforms on the altar of his country does not deserve the support and countenance of honest meu. How are we to overcome partisan antipathies in the minds of men of all parties so as to present a united front in support of our country? We must cease discussing party issues, make no allusion to old party tests. have no criminations and recriminations, indulge in no taunts one against the other as to who has been the cause of these troubles.

"When we shall have rescued the government and country from its perils. and seen its flag floating in triumph over every inch of American soil, it will then be time enough to inquire as to who and what have brought these troubles upon us. When we shall have a country and a government for our children to live in peace and happiness, it shall be time for each of us to return to our party banners according to our convictions of right and duty. Let him be marked as no true patriot who will not abandon all such issues in times like these."

During the remainder of the war the two principal parties in Hancock county were the Democratic party and the Union party. In the spring of 1862 the second call for a Union convention appeared in the columns of the Hancock Democrat. This call contained a fuller statement of the policy of the Union party and was signed "Many Democrats and Many Republicans." The following is the call as published :

"UNION CONVENTION-CENTER TOWNSHIP.

"Will be hekl Saturday, 29th day of March, 1862, at i o'clock P. M .. at the Court House in Greenfield, for the purpose of nominating the proper can- didates to be voted for at the April election, by all patriotic men, irrespective of party. All patriotic Democrats and Republicans, who earnestly and heartily support the government in the vigorous prosecution of the war for the sup- pression of this wanton and wicked rebellion, are invited to participate in the

352

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.

selection of candidates, whose merits and patriotism are unquestioned. . A full attendance of the masses is important and very desirable.

"MANY DEMOCRATS, "MANY REPUBLICANS."

"March 19, A. D. 1862.

At the April township elections in 1862, the Union party elected some of its candidates in several of the townships, including Blue River. Center and Buck Creek.

On July 19, 1862, the Democratic county convention was held at Green- field. James L. Mason called the meeting to order, and the following officers were elected : John Foster, president : George Tagne, William Handy, William Potts and John Sample, vice-presidents; Alfred Shaw and George West. secretaries.

This convention appointed the following delegates to the congressional convention, to be held later: Wellington Collyer, William New. Andrew Childers, Joseph Wright, Dr. B. W. Cooper, Neri Jarrett, Edward P. Scott, Dr. Paul Esby, William Shore.

The following county ticket was nominated: Representative. Noble Warrum: joint representative. James L. Mason : surveyor, George W. Sam- ple : commissioner western district, E. S. Bottsford.

The following men composed the committee on resolutions: William Handy, John P. Banks, Montgomery Marsh, John Collins, William Fries, Edward Valentine, George W. Sample, Ernest H. Faut. William Jackson.

This committee offered the following, which were unanimously adopted :

"Il'hercas, this government has been administered by conservatives and conservative principles almost exclusively from its organization up to the time of the triumph of the sectional Republican party, by the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency in 1800; and governed, too, with equal and exact justice to every portion of the country. East, West, North and South; gov- erned in such manner and upon such principles as to insure respectful obedi- ence to the Constitution and laws of our country, thereby insuring industry, happiness and brotherly kindness between sections, and making us one of the great nations of the earth commercially, politically, socially and religiously : therefore, be it

"Resolved, that we stand by that good old conservative party and con- servative principles that have controlled and sustained our government from the days of Washington. Jefferson and other patriots to the present time. firmly believing that if the Constitution is to be maintained and the Union

353

POLITICS.

restored and cemented to its former greatness and power, it must be done on conservative Democratic principles.

"Resolved, that as Democrats and conservatives, we will render all the aid in our power, in a constitutional and legal manner, for the suppression of the present wicked and formidable rebellion, at the same time solemnly pro- testing against the reckless and fanatical emancipation and abolition schemes that have recently been enacted in our national legislature, and demanding from the authorities at our national capital and elsewhere, that there shall be no more fraud, corruption and public plundering of our own hard-earned and needy national and state treasuries.

"Resolved, that as Democrats and conservatives, we earnestly and deeply sympathize and pray fervently for the success of our brave volunteers from every section of our country, but more particularly for those brave and hardy sons of Hancock that have imperiled their lives, their fortunes and their all. in defense and for the maintenance of the Constitution as it is, and the restor- ation of the Union as it was.

"Resolved, that we treat with utter contempt the charge that Democrats are disunionists and sympathizers with the rebels in their efforts to subvert the laws and overthrow the government and we hereby hurl back the slander- ous charge, and brand our slanderers with being the only secessionists and aiders of rebellion in their efforts to overthrow the government, and look upon the Abolitionists North and Secessionists South as equally opposed to the government and laboring for the same ends."

The convention also left no doubt in the mind of anyone as to where they placed the Hancock Democrat. On this point the following resolution was adopted :

"Resolved, that as there is no Democratic paper published in Hancock county, we request the Indiana State Sentinel and the Shelbyville Volunteer to publish the proceedings of this convention."

Thomas A. Hendricks addressed the people assembled in this convention.

At the same time that the Democratic county convention was being held at Greenfield on July 19, 1862, a Union meeting was being held at Charlottes- ville. Judge Gooding addressed a large congregation of people for almost three hours. John Wood, Democrat, presided at the meeting. Benjamin Reeves, Democrat, was chosen vice-president, and John Smith, Republican, for secretary.

Just a week later there was also a Union meeting and pole raising at AAllen's Corner, in Blue River township.

(23)

354

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.

Immediately following the Democratic county convention the following notice appeared in the issue of July 23. 1862. of the Hancock Democrat :

MASS

UNION .CONVENTION

in HANCOCK COUNTY on1 SATURDAY, 2ND DAY OF AUGUST, 1862, At 10 o'clock A. M. At Greenfield. GOV'NOR JOSEPHI A. WRIGHT ! and others will address the people.

All Democrats, Republicans, and others who are Union men, and in favor of uniting all patriots, without regard to party differences, in a common effort to save the country, and restore the Union as it was and maintain the Constitution as it is, by a augorous prosecu- tion of the war to suppress this wicked and canseless rebellion, are hereby urged to partici- pate in the convention.

Nominations will be made for Representative, County Commissioner and Surveyor.

COME OUT, PATRIOTS, with your families and let us have a GRAND DAY-A GENERAL REUNION OF PATRIOTIC HEARTS.

MANY DEMOCRATS. MANY REPUBLICANS.

It was said that this call brought out the largest mass nominating con- vention held in the county up to that time. It was held at Pierson's grove. T. J. Hanna called the convention to order. David S. Gooding was elected chairman. The following vice-presidents were elected : Blue River. Richard Hackleman, Elijah Tyner ; Brown, Alfred Thomas. Thomas Collins : Brandy- wine. Peter Pope. S. and William Workman: Buck Creek. S. H. Arnett. William Steele : Center, R. A. Riley, John Martin ; Green, Meredith Gosney. W. R. Ferrell: Jackson, Andrew Pauley, John Barrett : Sugar Creek, Adam Hawk, George Leachman: Vernon, Henry N. Thompson, Elias McCord.

William Mitchell. William P. Barrett and William R. Hough acted as secretaries of the convention. The chairman appointed the following com- mittee on resolutions : Blue River. John 1. Hatfield, Ezekial Tyner: Brandy- wine. I. N. Pope. John Roberts: Brown, Dr. William Trees, John Sparks : Buck Creek, Thomas J. Hanna, William Stecle: Center. William R. Hough, -: Green, Jefferson Ferrell, H. Moore; Jackson. Sam- nel Smith. John Woods: Sugar Creek. Thomas C. Tuttle, James E. Smith: Vernon. Solomon Jackson, William F. McCord.

William R. Ilough was elected chairman of the committee on resolu- tions. He offered the following, which were adopted :

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions, Part 32

Author: Richman, George J Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc. Number of Pages: 1272

Author: Richman, George J
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc.
Number of Pages: 1272