USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnston County, Indiana. From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 16
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The TENTH BATTERY was recruited at Lafayette, and mustered in under Capt. Jerome B. Cox, in January, 1861. Having passed through the Kentucky campaign against Gen. Bragg, it partici- pated in many of the great engagements, and finally returned to report for discharge on the 6th of July, 1864, having, in the mean- time, won a very fair fame.
The ELEVENTH BATTERY was organized at Lafayette, and mus- tered in at Indianapolis under Capt. Arnold Sntermeister, on the 17th of December, 1861. On most of the principal battle-fields, from Shiloh, in 1862, to the capture of Atlanta, it maintained a high reputation for military excellence, and after consolidation with the Eighteenth, mustered out on the 7th of June, 1865.
The TWELFTH BATTERY was recruited at Jeffersonville and sub- sequently mustered in at Indianapolis. On the 6th of March, 1862, it reached Nashville, having been previously assigned to Buell's Army. In April its Captain, G. W. Sterling, resigned, and the position devolved on Capt. James E. White, who, in turn, was sne- eeeded by James A. Dunwoody. The record of the battery holds a first place in the history of the period, and enabled both men and officers to look back with pride npon the battie-fields of the land. It was ordered home in June, 1865, and on reaching Indianapolis, on the 1st of July, was mustered out on the 7th of that month.
The THIRTEENTHI BATTERY was organized under Captain Sewell Coulson, during the winter of 1861, at Indianapolis, and proceeded to the front in February, 1862. During the subsequent months it
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
was oeenpied in the pursuit of John H. Morgan's raiders, and aided effectively in driving them from Kentucky. This artillery company returned from the South on the 4th of July, 1865, and were discharged the day following.
The FOURTEENTH BATTERY, recruited in Wabash, Miami, Lafay- ette, and Huntington counties, under Captain M. II. Kidd, and Lieutenant J. W. H. MeGuire, left Indianapolis on the 11th of April, 1862, and within a few months one portion of it was eap- tured at Lexington by Gen. Forrest's great cavalry command. The main battery lost two guns and two men at Guntown, on the Mis- sissippi, but proved more successful at Nashville and Mobile. It arrived home on the 29th of August, 1865, received a publie wel- come, and its final diselarge.
The FIFTEENTH BATTERY, under Captain I. C. H. Von Sehlin, was retained on duty from the date of its organization, at Indian- apolis, until the 5th of July, 1862, when it was moved to Harper's Ferry. Two months later the gallant defense of Maryland Heights was set at naught by the rebel Stonewall Jackson, and the entire garrison surrendered. Being paroled, it was reorganized at Indian- apolis, and appeared again in the field in March, 1863, where it won a splendid renown on every well-fought field to the close of the war. It was mustered out on the 24th of June, 1865.
The SIXTEENTH BATTERY was organized at Lafayette, under Capt. Charles A. Naylor, and on the 1st of June, 1862, left for Washington. Moving to the front with Gen. Pope's command, it participated in the battle of Slaughter Mountain, on the 9th of August, and South Mountain, and Antietam, under Gen. MeClel- lan. This battery was engaged in a large number of general en- gagements and flying column affairs, won a very favorable record, and returned on the 5th of July, 1865.
The SEVENTEENTH BATTERY, under Capt. Milton L. Miner, was mustered in at Indianapolis, on the 20th of May, 1862, left for the front on the 5th of July, and subsequently engaged in the Gettys- burg expedition, was present at Harper's Ferry, July 6, 1863, and at Opequan on the 19th of September. Fisher's Hill, New Mar- ket, and Cedar Creek brought it additional honors, and won from Gen. Sheridan a tribute of praise for its service on these battle grounds. Ordered from Winchester to Indianapolis it was mus- tered out there on the 3d of July, 1865.
The EIGHTEENTH BATTERY, under Capt. Eli Lilly, left for the
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
front in August, 1862, but did not take a leading part in the can- paign until 1863, when, under Gen. Rosencrans, it appeared prom- inent at Hoover's Gap. From this period to the affairs of West Point and Macon, it performed first-class service, and returned to its State on the 25th of June, 1865.
The NINETEENTH BATTERY was mustered into service at Indian- apolis, on the 5th of Angust, 1862, under Capt. S. J. Ilarris, and proceeded immediately afterward to the front, where it participated in the campaign against Gen. Bragg. It was present at every post of danger to the end of the war, when, after the surrender of John- son's army, it returned to Indianapolis. Reaching that city on the 6th of June, 1865, it was treated to a public reception and received the congratulations of Gov. Morton. Four days later it was discharged.
The TWENTIETH BATTERY, organized under Capt. Frank A. Rose, left the State capital on the 17th of December, 1862, for the front, and reported immediately at Henderson, Kentucky. Subsequently Captain Rose resigned, and, in 1863, under Capt. Osborn, turned over its guns to the 11th Indiana Battery, and was assigned to the charge of siege guns at Nashville. Gov. Morton had the battery supplied with new field pieces, and by the 5th of October, 1863, it was again in the field, where it won many honors under Sherman, and continued to exercise a great influence until its return on the 23d of June, 1865.
The TWENTY- FIRST BATTERY recruited at Indianapolis, under the direction of Captain W. W. Andrew, left on the 9th of September, 1862, for Covington, Kentucky, to aid in its defense against the advancing forces of Gen. Kirby Smith. It was engaged in numerous military affairs and may be said to acquire many honors, although its record is stained with the names of seven deserters. The battery was discharged on the 21st of June, 1865.
The TWENTY-SECOND BATTERY was mustered in at Indianapolis on the 15th of December, 1862, under Capt. B. F. Denning, and moved at once to the front. It took a very conspicuous part in the pursuit of Morgan's Cavalry, and in many other affairs. . It threw the first shot into Atlanta, and lost its Captain, who was killed in the skirmish line, on the 1st of July. While the list of casualties numbers only 35, that of desertions numbers 37. This battery was received with public honors on its return, the 25th of June, 1865, and mustered out on the 7th of the same month.
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
The TWENTY-THIRD BATTERY, recruited in October 1862, and mustered in on the Sth of November, under Capt. I. H. Myers, pro- ceeded south, after having rendered very efficient services at home in guarding the eamps of rebel prisoners. In July, 1865, the battery took an active part, under General Boyle's command, in routing and capturing the raiders at Brandenburgh, and subsequently to the close of the war performed very brilliant exploits, reaching Indianapolis in June, 1865. It was discharged on the 27th of that month.
The TWENTY-FOURTH BATTERY, under Capt. I. A. Simms, was enrolled for service on the 29th of November, 1862; remained at Indianapolis on duty until the 13thof March, 1863, when it left for the field. From its participation in the Cumberland River campaign, to its last engagement at Columbia, Tennessee, it aided materially in bringing victory to the Union ranks and made for itself a widespread fame. Arriving at Indianapolis on the 28th of July, it was publicly received, and in five days later disembodied.
The TWENTY-FIFTH BATTERY was recruited in September and Oc- tober, 1864, and mustered into service for one year, under Capt. Frederick C. Sturm. December 13th, it reported at Nashville, and took a prominent part in the defeat of Gen. Hood's army. Its duties until July, 1865, were continnous, when it returned to report for final discharge.
The TWENTY-SIXTH BATTERY, or "WILDER'S BATTERY," was re- cruited under Capt. I. T. Wilder, of Greensburg, in May, 1861; but was not mustered in as an artillery company. Incorporating itself with a regiment then forming at Indianapolis it was mustered as company "A," of the 17th Infantry, with Wilder as Lientenant- Colonel of the regiment. Subsequently, at Elk Water, Virginia, it was converted into the "First Independent Battery," and became known as " Rigby's Battery." The record of this battery is as brilliant as any won during the war. On every field it has won a distinct reputation; it was well worthy the enthusiastic reception given to it on its return to Indianapolis on the 11th and 12th of July, 1865. During its term of service it was subject to many transmutations; but in every phase of its brief history, areputation for gallantry and patriotism was maintained which now forms a living testimonial to its services to the public.
The total number of battles in the " War of the Rebellion " in which the patriotic citizens of the great and noble State of Indiana were more or less engaged, was as follows:
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
Locality.
No. of Battles.
Locality.
No. of Battles.
Virginia.
90
Maryland.
7
Tennessee.
51
Texas . ..
3
Georgia
41
South Carolina ..
2
Mississippi.
24
Indian Territory
Q
Arkansas.
19
Pennsylvania. .
1
Kentucky
16
Ohio.
1
Louisana ..
15
Indiana
1
Missouri. .
9
North Carolina.
8 Total
308
The regiments sent forth to the defense of the Republic in the hour of its greatest peril, when a host of her own sons, blinded by some unholy infatuation, leaped to arms that they might trample upon the liberty-giving principles of the nation, have been passed in very brief review. The authorities chosen for the dates, names, and figures are the records of the State, and the main subject is based upon the actions of those 267,000 gallant men of Indiana who rushed to arms in defense of all for which their fathers bled, leaving their wives and children and homes in the guardianship of a truly paternal Government.
The relation of Indiana to the Republic was then established; for when the population of the State, at the time her sons went forth to participate in war for the maintenance of the Union, is brought into comparison with all other States and countries, it will be apparent that the sacrifices made by Indiana from 1861-'65 equal, if not actually exceed, the noblest of those recorded in the history of ancient or modern times.
Unprepared for the terrible inundation of modern wickedness. which threatened to deluge the country in a sea of blood and rob, a people of their richest, their most prized inheritance, the State rose above all precedent, and under the benign influence of patriot- isın, guided by the well-directed zeal of a wise Governor and Government, sent into the field an army that in numbers was gigantic, and in moral and physical excellence never equaled
It is laid down in the official reports, furnished to the War De- partment, that over 200,000 troops were specially organized to aid in crushing the legions of the slave-holder; that no less than 50,000 militia were armed to defend the State, and that the large, but abso- Intely necessary number of commissions issued was 17,114. All this proves the scientific skill and military economy exercised by the Governor, and brought to the aid of the people in a most terri- ble emergency; for he, with some prophetic sense of the gravity of the situation, saw that unless the greatest powers of the Union were put forth to crush the least justifiable and most pernicious
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
of all rebellions holding a place in the record of nations, the best blood of the country would flow in a vain attempt to avert a catas- trophe which, if prolonged for many years, would result in at least the moral and commercial ruin of the country.
The part which Indiana took in the war against the Rebellion is one of which the citizens of the State may well be proud. In the number of troops furnished, and in the amount of voluntary con- tributions rendered, Indiana, in proportion and wealth, stands equal to any of her sister States. " It is also a subject of gratitude and thankfulness," said Gov. Morton, in his message to the Legis- lature, " that, while the number of troops furnished by Indiana alone in this great contest would have done credit to a first-class nation, measured by the standard of previous wars, not a single battery or battalion from this State has brought reproach upon the national flag, and no disaster of the war can be traced to any want of fidelity, courage or efficiency on the part of any Indiana officer. The endurance, heroism, intelligence and skill of the officers and soldiers sent forth by Indiana to do battle for the Union, have shed a luster on our beloved State, of which any people might justly be proud. Without elaiming superiority over our loyal sister States, it is but justice to the brave men who have represented us on almost every battle-field of the war, to say that their deeds have placed Indiana in the front rank of those heroie States which rushed to the rescue of the imperiled Government of the nation. The total number of troops furnished by the State for all terms of service exceeds 200,000 men, inneh the greater portion of them being for three years; and in addition thereto not less than 50,000 State militia have from time to time been called into active service to repel rebel raids and defend our southern border from inva- sion."
AFTER THE WAR.
In 1867 the Legislature comprised 91 Republicans and 59 Dem- ocrats. Soon after the eominencement of the session, Gov. Morton resigned his office in consequence of having been elected to the U. S. Senate, and Lieut .- Gov. Conrad Baker assumed the Executive chair during the remainder of Morton's term. This Legislature, by a very decisive vote, ratified the 14th amendment to the Federal Constitution, constituting all persons born in the country or sub- ject to its jurisdiction, citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside, without regard to race or color; reduc-
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
ing the Congressional representation in any State in which there should be a restriction of the exercise of the elective franchise on account of race or color; disfranchising persons therein named who shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States; and declaring that the validity of the public debt of the United States authorized by law, shall not be questioned.
This Legislature also passed an act providing for the registry of votes, the punishment of fraudulent practices at elections, and for the apportionment and compensation of a Board of Registration; this Board to consist, in each township, of two freeholders appointed by the County Commissioners, together with the trustee of such township; in cities the freeholders are to be appointed in each ward by the city council. The measures of this law are very strict, and are faithfully executed. No cries of fraud in elections are heard in conncetion with Indiana.
This Legislature also divided the State into eleven Congressional Districts and apportioned their representation; enacted a law for the protection and indemnity of all officers and soldiers of the United States and soldiers of the Indiana Legion, for acts done in the military service of the United States, and in the military ser- vice of the State, and in enforcing the laws and preserving the peace of the country; made definite appropriations to the several benevolent institutions of the State, and adopted several measures for the encouragement of education, etc.
In 1868, Indiana was the first in the field of national politics, both the principal parties holding State conventions early in the year. The Democrats nominated T. A. Hendricks for Governor, and denounced in their platform the reconstruction policy of the Republicans; recommended that United States treasury notes be substituted for national bank eurreney; denied that the General Government had a right to interfere with the question of suffrage in any of the States, and opposed negro suffrage, etc .; while the Republicans nominated Conrad Baker for Governor, defended its reconstruction policy, opposed a further contraction of the currency, ete. The campaign was an exciting one, and Mr. Baker was elected Governor by a majority of only 961. In the Presidential election that soon followed the State gave Grant 9,572 more than Seymour.
During 1868 Indiana presented claims to the Government for about three and a half millions dollars for expenses incurred in the war, and $1,958,917.94 was allowed. Also, this year, a legislative
HUNTING PRAIRIE WOLVES IN AN EARLY DAY.
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
commission reported that $413,599.48 were allowed to parties suf- fering loss by the Morgan raid.
This year Governor Baker obtained a site for the House of Refuge. (See a subsequent page.) The Soldiers' and Seamen's Home, near Knightstown, originally established by private enter- prise and benevolence, and adopted by the Legislature of the previous year, was in a good condition. Up to that date the insti- tution had afforded relief and temporary subsistence to 400 men who had been disabled in the war. A substantial briek building had been built for the home, while the old buildings were used for an orphans' department, in which were gathered 86 children of deceased soldiers.
DIVORCE LAWS.
By some mistake or liberal design, the early statute laws of Indiana on the subject of divoree were rather more loose than those of most other States in this Union; and this subject had been a matter of so much jest among the public, that in 1870 the Governor recommended to the Legislature a reform in this direction, which was pretty effectually carried out. Since that time divorces can be granted only for the following causes: 1. Adultery. 2. Impo- tency existing at the time of marriage. 3. Abandonment for two years. 4. Cruel and inhuman treatment of one party by the other. 5. Habitual drunkenness of either party, or the failure of the hus- band to make reasonable provision for the family. 6 The failure of the husband to make reasonable provision for the family for a period of two years. 7. The conviction of either party of an infamous crime.
FINANCIAL.
Were it not for political government the pioneers would have got along without money much longer than they did. The pressure of governmental needs was somewhat in advance of the monetary income of the first settlers, and the little taxation required to carry on the government seemed great and even oppressive, especially at certain periods.
In November, 1821, Gov. Jennings convened the Legislature in extra session to provide for the payment of interest on the State debt and a part of the principal, amounting to $20,000. It was thought that a sufficient amount would be realized in the notes of the State bank and its branches, although they were considerably depreciated Said the Governor: "It will be oppressive if the State, after the paper of this institution (State bank) was anthor- ized to be circulated in revenue, should be prevented by any assign. ment of the evidences of existing debt, from discharging at least so much of that debt with the paper of the bank as will absorb the collections of the present year; especially when their notes, after being made receivable by the agents of the State, became greatly depreciated by great mismanagement on the part of the bank itself. It ought not to be expected that a public loss to the State should be avoided by resorting to any measures which would not comport with correct views of public justice; nor should it be anticipated that the treasury of the United States would ultimately adopt measures to secure an uncertain debt which would inter- fere with arrangements calculated to adjust the demand against the State without producing any additional embarrassment."
The state of the public debt was indeed embarrassing, as the bonds which had been executed in its behalf had been assigned. The exciting cause of this proceeding consisted in the inachinations of unprincipled speculators. Whatever disposition the principal bank may have made of the funds deposited by the United States, the connection of interest between the steam-inill company and the bank, and the extraordinary accommodations, as well as their amount, effected by arrangements of the steam-mill agency and some of the officers of the bank, were among the principal causes which (194)
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HISTORY OF INDIANA.
had prostrated the paper cireulating medium of the State, so far as it was dependent on the State bank and its branches. An abnormal state of affairs like this very naturally prodneed a blind disburse- ment of the fund to some extent, and this disbursement would be called by almost every one an " unwise administration."
During the first 16 years of this century, the belligerent eondi- tion of Europe called for agricultural supplies from America, and the consequent high price of grain justified even the remote pio- neers of Indiana in undertaking thie tedious transportation of the products of the soil which the times forced upon them. The large disbursements made by the general Government among the peo- ple naturally engendered a rage for speculation; numerous banks with fietitious eapital were established; immense issues of paper were made; and the eireulating medium of the country was in- creased fourfold in the course of two or three years. This infla- tion produced the consequences which always follow such a scheme, namely, unfounded visions of wealth and splendor and the wild investments which result in ruin to the many and wealth to the few. The year 1821 was consequently one of great financial panie, and was the first experienced by the early settlers of the West.
In 1822 the new Governor, William Hendricks, took a hopeful view of the situation, referring particularly to the "agricultural and social happiness of the State." The erops were abundant this year, immigration was setting in heavily and everything seemed to have an upward look. But the customs of the white race still com- pelling them to patronize European industries, combined with the remoteness of the surplus produce of Indiana from European mar- kets, constituted a serious drawback to the accumulation of wealth. Such a state of things naturally changed the habits of the people to some extent, at least for a short time, assimilating them to those of more primitive tribes. This change of enstom, however, was not severe and protracted enough to change the intelligent and social nature of the people, and they arose to their normal height on the very first opportunity.
In 1822-'3, before speculation started up again, the surplus money was invested mainly in domestic manufactories instead of other and wilder commercial enterprises. Home mannfactories were what the people needed to make them more independent. They not only gave employment to thousands whose services were before that valueless, but also created a market for a great portion
196
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
of the surplus produce of the farmers. A part of the surplus cap- ital, however, was also sunk in internal improvements, some of which were unsuccessful for a time, but eventually proved remu- nerative.
Noah Noble occupied the Executive chair of the State from 1831 to 1837, commeneing his duties amid peculiar embarrassınents. The erops of 1832 were short, Asiatic cholera came sweeping along the Ohio and into the interior of the State, and the Black Hawk war raged in the Northwest,-all these at once, and yet the work of internal improvements was actually begun.
STATE BANK.
The State bank of Indiana was established by law January 28, 1834. The act of the Legislature, by its own terms, ceased to be a law, January 1, 1857. At the time of its organization in 1834, its outstanding circulation was $4,208,725, with a debt due to the insti- tution, principally from citizens of the State, of $6,095,368. During the years 1857-'58 the bank redeemed nearly its entire circulation, providing for the redemption of all outstanding obligations; at this time it had collected from most of its debtors the money which they owed. The amounts of the State's interest in the stock of the bank was $1,390,000, and the money thus invested was procured by the issue of five per cent bonds, the last of which was payable July 1, 1866. The nominal profits of the bank were $2,780,604.36. By the law creating the sinking fund, that fund was appropriated, first, to pay the principal and interest on the bonds; secondly, the expenses of the Commissioners; and lastly the cause of common-school educa- tion.
The stoek in all the branches authorized was subscribed by indi- vidnals, and the installment paid as required by the charter. The loan authorized for the payment on the stock allotted to the State, amounting to $500,000, was obtained at a premium of 1.05 per per cent. on five per cent. stock, making the sum of over $5,000 on the amount borrowed. In 1836 we find that the State bank was doing good service; agricultural prodnets were abundant, and the market was good; consequently the people were in the full enjoy- ment of all the blessings of a free government.
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