USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby 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 30
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the issue of August 29th, the Volunteer contained the following summary of the troops already furnished for the war: "We think no one will dispute that Shelby County has done her duty in the way of furnishing men for the present war. The company now being organized by Capt. Blair and Lieut. Flynn. makes five she has turned out, viz .: Shelby Guards of IIonor, Capt. McFarland; Fairland Invincibles, Capt. Judkins: Waldron Guards, Capt. Donel- son; Dumont Guards, Capt. McCrea; Shelby Guards, Capt. Blair. Besides these, parts of two companies ostensibly raised in Bar- tholomew County were recruited out of this county, and several of the Shelby boys are in artillery and cavalry companies at Indian- apolis. It is safe to estimate that full 500 men from this county have gone forth to sustain the flag and maintain the integrity of the Union."
As the fall advanced there was a more earnest stand taken by all parties. Instead of being a " before breakfast " job, the put- ting down of the rebellion had grown into such proportions as to almost appal the stoutest heart on the northern side. The whole country began to hold conventions that "resolved" no end of contrary ideas. In this county several of the townships held such meetings. But the one of most interest in this locality, was the county convention held by the Democrats on the 14th of Septem- ber. At this meeting Thomas A. Hendricks and Martin M. Ray, were the principal speakers. The former contended that parties were then as essential to act as a check upon the usurpations and corruptions of those in power as at any previous epoch in our his- tory - not to oppose the administration in a prosecution of the war, but to hold it accountable for its stewardship to the people. It is now expending two millions of dollars per day and was it not right that the people should know what was done with the money - whether it was applied to the legitimate expenses of the Govern- ment or a large portion absorbed by speculators and favorites. In relation to the war he held that it should be vigorously and energetically prosecuted to a successful termination. For him- self he entertained no doubt that the government would triumph, and that speedily, if it judiciously used the means and force placed at its disposal by the people, Congress having recognized by law that war exists, it was the duty of every loyal citizen to stand by and sustain the Government.
Mr. Ray made a forcible and eloquent speech in which he ad- vocated the same opinions as Mr. Hendricks.
The resolutions are too long for insertion here, but they were almost exclusively devoted to the war. They arraigned the " fanatics and Abolitionists north, as well fire-eaters and Rebels
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south," for bringing on the war, and advocated a compromise or peace that should be honorable to both sides. They declared that the Democratic party was still in the right and still supporting the Constitution and the Union. Perhaps the two most important res- olutions bearing upon the war question were the following:
Resolved, That while we believe it is our duty to sustain and aid the present Adminis- tration in a vigorous prosecution of the war for the protection of the Government and the Union - and upon this question there should be no division of sentiment or action among the American people - yet let it be understood that in doing this we do not think it neces- sary to abandon our party organization and principle, nor to justify the causes which led to the war, endorse the odious doctrines and doings of the Republican party or any or the un- wise and unconstitutional acts of the present Administration.
Resolved, That the Democracy of Shelby County will sustain no war, nor countenance any peace, tending to the separation of these States, and that they will regard any attempt to pervert this conflict into a war for the emancipation of the slaves, as fatal to all the hopes of the restoration of the Union, and a return of peace and prosperity to the country.
Such were the expressions of the assembled Democracy of Shelby County in the fall of 1861. This party was then, and nearly always has been, the dominant political organization of the county and its expressions can safely be taken as the opinions of the majority of the people in the county.
It must not be presumed that there was no sentiment in the county adverse to this, or even opposed to the war. The Sugar Creek resolutions, already given, indicate that there were some in the county who could fairly be classed among what were then known as "Southern Sympathizers." In the vicinity of Shelbyville and in other parts of the county there were a few who even went so far as to uphold the cause and doings of the Southern Seces- sionists, but they were in such an extreme minority that their influence counted for nothing.
Other Companies for the War .- The next company ready for the war from this county was that of Capt. Donalson. It was raised in the vicinity of Waldron, and during its entire term of ser- vice, which lasted until August, 1865, the company had the following commissioned officers : Captains-Samuel Donalson, July 15, 1861; Abraham B. Lowes, December 9, 1862; John W. Hickman, August 10, 1864; Benjamin S. Fisher, July 20, 1865. First Lieutenants- Elijah N. Wines. July 15, 1861; Abraham B. Lowes, April 1, 1862; Alexander Leechman, December 9, 1862; Thomas L. Haymond, April 9, 1863; John W. Hickman, August 8, 1863; Benjamin S. Fisher, April 10, 1865; James H. Cook, July 20, 1865. Second Lieutenants -Michael Imhoff, July 15, 1861 ; Alexander Leechman, April 1, 1862; Thomas L. Haymond, December 9, 1862; John W. Hickman, April 9, 1863; Joseph W. Higgins, July 20, 1865.
This company was assigned the position of K, in the Eighteenth Regiment commanded by Thomas Pattison, of Aurora, as Colonel.
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It was mustered into the service August 16th and at once started for the southwest where it took part in the Missouri and Arkansas campaigns, under Generals Fremont and Pope, until the spring of 1863. It then joined Grant's movement against Vicksburg, and in that memorable campaign the Eighteenth took a conspicuous part in nearly all important battles. After the fall of Vicksburg it went to New Orleans, whence it made several short campaigns of importance. Early in 1864, it came home on veteran furlough and at the expiration of that, it joined General Butlers's forces at Ber- muda Hundred. In August it was placed under the command of General Sheridan, in Virginia, where it was actively engaged until January, 1865, when it started for Savannah, Georgia, in which State it remained until it was mustered out August 28, 1865, having served a little more than four years.
Thirty-third Regiment. - Company D, of the Thirty-third Regiment, was the next full company mustered into the service that was composed of Shelby County men. The date of its mus- ter was September 16th, 1861. Officers of the company, with dates of their commissions, were as follows: Captains -Edward T. McCrea, September 6, 1861; William Chandler, October 1, 1864. First Lieutenants -John C. Maze, September 6, 1861; William Chandler, November 20, 1863; David A. Fately, October 1, 1864. Second Lieutenants - William H. Miller, September 6, 1861 : John
E. Smith, May 1, 1865. Lieut. Maze was promoted Captain of Company G, November 20, 1863, and Major of the regiment May 4, 1865. In Company C, of this regiment, Amos J. Thomas, of Shelbyville, became First Lieutenant and Captain. At the begin- ning of its term of service, Company D had ninety-eight enlisted men, and was afterward recruited with 106. These recruits nearly all came in at the end of the three years for which the men first enlisted. Of these, thirty-five died and seven deserted.
The Thirty-third Regiment was engaged in Kentucky until April, 1862, most of the time doing garrison duty. At that time it joined Gen. Morgan's forces against Cumberland Gap, and after the evacuation of that place it returned as escort to the amunition convoy to Kentucky, in which State it remained, doing but little hard service until January, 1863, when it was transferred to Nash- ville. From that time on the regiment saw much hard service, at Columbia, Thompson's Station and Franklin. Early in 1864, the regiment re-enlisted and came home on veteran furlough. On its return to the field, it joined in the Atlanta campaign, and was en- gaged at the following places: Resacca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Golgotha, Culp's Farm, Kenesaw, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, and the seige of Atlanta. On September 2, Atlanta was
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surrendered to Col. Coburn, of this regiment. In this campaign the regiment lost more than 300 killed and wounded. It remained in camp at Atlanta until November 15, when it started in the cele- brated " March to the Sea," in which it took a distinguished part. After that it started north through the Carolinas, and was several times engaged with the enemy. The Thirty-third was one of the strongest regiments engaged in the war, and was always well re- cruited and kept together. It was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 21, 1865.
Fifty-first Regiment .- Taken in the order of their numbers, the next regiment that had a considerable number of men credited to Shelby County was the Fifty-first. Company F was raised in Shelbyville and vicinity. Its officers for its entire term of service were: Captains-James E. McGuire, October 11, 1861: John M. Flinn, October 25. 1862: Joel A. Delano. December 15, 1864; Le- onidas Smith, October I. 1865. First Lieutenants-John M. Flinn. October II, 1861: Joel A. Delano, October 25, 1862: Leon- idas Smith, April 10, 1865: Thomas A. Morrison, October I, I865. Second Lieutenants-Joel A. Delano, October 11, 1861; Gideon T. Hand. October 25, 1862; Leonidas Smith, April 7, 1865: Thomas A. Morrison. April 10, 1865: Joel Gatewood, Oct- ober 1, 1865. In Company D. Sylvester R. Brown, of Shelbyville, became Captain at its organization. October 11, 1861. Of the regi- mental officers, David Adams served for a short time as assistant surgeon. William H. Colescott was the first Major of the regi- ment. and in June, 1862, he was promoted Lieutenant Colonel. Capt. Delano was promoted Major, October 1, 1865.
The Fifty-first Regiment was commanded by Abel D. Streight as Colonel, a man whose reputation is by no means local. It was originally organized as a regiment of sharp-shooters. Capt. Mc- Guire had seen considerable service in the Mexican War, in the Second Kentucky Regiment, which was commanded at first by Col. McKee. and afterward by Col. Clay, both graduates of West Point. He was thus. to a considerable extent. prepared for the ac- tive duties of a military life. On Saturday, November 23, 1861, a mass meeting was held at the court house in Shelbyville, at which Gov. Morton, Col. Nichlin, M. M. Ray and other promi- nent men were advertised to speak. None were on hand except Col. Nicklin, who made a stirring speech.
Sword Presentation .- In the program for that meeting was the presentation of a sword, revolver, sash and belt to Capt. McGuire. The presentation speech was made by Eden H. Davis, who said:
CAPTAIN MCGUIRE: Before proceeding to the discharge of a duty assigned to me by the union loving, patriotic citizens of Shelby County, I hope it may not be regarded as in-
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appropriate for me to advert briefly to the circumstances which render the performance of that duty quite a matter of necessity.
Allow me to call your attention to the fact that the inhabitants of almost one-half of the states composing this once happy but now distracted republic, are in a state of rebellion against the constitution and laws thereof. History furnishes no account of a rebellion of equal magnitude, one requiring the same amount of force to put it down. In fact, sir, were all rebellions heretofore known consolidated into one, in magnitude and potency it would not equal the present. But, sir, those rebels must be subdued, and this rebellion put down. With a view to this end, because of your patriotic devotion to and efforts in behalf of your country and her cause, the good people of old Shelby, with their own means, for that purpose freely and voluntarily contributed, have caused to be purchased this sword, sash and revolver, and have directed that the same should this day be presented to you as a small token of their regard and esteem. Therefore, Captain McGuire, in obedience to their wish and directions, and on their behalf, I present you with the same and solicit your ac- ceptance thereof on their account, because of the spirit in which it is presented, having the utmost confidence in your ability and patriotism, they willingly commit the same to your care and keeping. Entertaining not the remotest idea that they will ever have cause to re- gret the bestowal thereof, I have willingly and cheerfully consented to become the instru- ment to present the same, and to communicate at the same time some of their wishes in relation thereto. The sword in all ages of the world has been regarded as an emblem of authority. Therefore, bearing with you this emblem of authority from them, they wish you to repair to the field of battle as their companion, and there engage in the patriot's cause - the cause of our country - use the same in putting down this damnable and un- natural rebellion. And allow me to say that I know you will cheerfully comply with their requests in this partiaular, and on behalf of them I give it to you, strictly in charge. Let your patriotic devotion so shine forth that others seeing your devotion to our common country and her cause, may be thereby induced to follow you to the battlefield and there vie with you in deeds of daring and of patriotism in defense of our common country; and may they, nor you, not falter by the wayside until the American flag again floats in triumph over every hill and every valley, and from the housetops in every city, town and village, north and south, and until the patriot shall have placed the heel of one foot on the head of the rattlesnake of the south and the other foot on the palmetto flag, and while thus standing, clipps the wings of the pelican, and until not one traitor can be found to bear witness that this glorious country was ever in a state of rebellion. Let me in conclusion assure you that when you go hence to the field of battle armed with that sword and revolver, and with your loins girt about with that belt and sash, to do battle for your country, that you will carry with you the prayers and sympathies of a loyal, patriotic, generous and confiding people; and when this rebellion shall cease and peace be again restored to our country, then may you return to your family and friends, and once more enjoy the happiness of their society. And may the God of heaven prosper you in your patriotic undertaking.
In reply to this speech Captain McGuire, in acceptance spoke as follows :
MR. DAVIS- On receiving at your hands this splendid sword, sash and revolver which have been purchased with funds voluntarily contributed by my personal friends, and by you presented to me, permit me to say that I thank you most heartily for the favor you thus confer upon me, and allow me to add that during my eight years' residence in oid Shelby County, I have always been surrounded by friends who are firm, tried and true. I will not boast that I intend to perform great deeds in the future. If I survive this war I do not ex- pect to emerge from it wearing such laurels as crowned the father of our country, I simply expect in my humble way to faithfully and honestly perform all duties assigned me, and when it becomes necessary in the performance of those duties, to buckle on this sword and girt about me this sash, sweet memories of those who have presented them will flash through my brain and nerve my arm for the conflict. Should it be my lot to fall in battle, I could ask no more than just such friends would place me in the silent tomb, where I will wake no more to the voice of my commander, until God shall call and angels muster the long line of resurrection. Hoping that the black cloud of war that now obscures the star of our country's destiny will soon be dissipated, and the bright wing of peace once more hover over a united and happy people, the ship of state riding securely at anchor in a tranquil harbor, the stars and stripes waving over every hill-top and valley on the continent, the soldier restored to the bosom of his family and friends, peace
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and prosperity reign supremely over our whole broad land, the bonds of the Union made so- strong that an occasion for presenting a sword to defend it may never again occur, I bid you adien.
This company started out with an enrollment of eighty-one men and received in all seventy-three recruits: twenty-three died in the service and twelve deserted. The regiment did not see much ac- tive service until the seige of Corinth, in which it took part. Under Gen. Buell it returned to Kentucky, and after the campaign in that State, moved again to Nashville, whence it marched with Rosecrans' army in December, 1862. It was in the battle of Stone River losing in killed, wounded and missing, forty-nine. Soon after this it left on the Streight expedition. This was a provisional brigade organized by Col. Streight, and consisted of the Fifty-first and Sev- enty-third Indiana, Third Ohio and Eightieth Illinois regiments, with two cavalry companies and two pieces of artillery. It proceeded to Palmyra, on the Cumberland River, and later reached the base of Sand mountains on the 29th of April, 1863, where a battle en- sued with Forrest's Cavalry, which resulted disastrously to the latter. On the Ist of May, another fight took place at Crooked Creek, in which the enemy was repulsed and again defeated at Blunt's farm. The command pushed forward with the hopes of capturing Rome, Ga., but on the 3d of May was overtaken at Gaylesville, Ala., by Gen. Forrest and compelled to surrender. The whole force was consigned to a Rebel prison, but after some time the enlisted men were paroled for exchange. On the 9th of February Col. Streight escaped from Libby Prison by means of a tunnel. In No- vember, 1863, the regiment was exchanged and at once returned to the field. In February, 1864, a portion of the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and, on the 14th of December, the non-veterans were mustered out of service. On the 15th it took part in the battle of Nashville. In the following year the regiment moved to New Or- leans, and thence to Texas, where it was mustered out at San Antonio December 13, 1865. It arrived at Indianapolis January IO, 1866, with twenty-three officers and 286 men.
Company I, of the Fifty-first regiment, also contained in all about fifty men from Shelby County, nearly all of whom lived in the vicinity of London and Fairland. The captains of the com- pany were Marquis L. Johnson, October II. 1865: James W. Haley, December 31, IS62; James W. Barlow, May 1, 1865; George W. McCauley, July 1, 1865. First Lieutenants - James S. Reeves, October 11, 1861: Fred. J. Brownell, December 31, 1862; George W. McCauley, May 1, 1865; Albert S. Hartley, July 1, I865. Second Lieutenants -John Bowman, October 11, 1861; James W. Barlow, February 14, 1863; Samuel Astley, May 1, 1865.
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Excepting Capt. Haley, these officers are all credited to London. Capt. Barlow was " mustered out a prisoner of war."
The Seventieth Regiment .- Shelby County had two companies almost entirely composed of her men in the Seventieth Regiment. These were B and F. Company B was made up largely of men who had already served one year in the war in the Sixteenth Reg- iment. Its commissioned officers were: Captains-Thomas A. McFarland, August 1. 1862: David T. Sleeth, September 1, 1862; John C. Newton, November 14, 1864. First Lieutenants-David T. Sleeth, August 1, 1862: Edward L. Davison, September 1, 1862; John C. Newton. January 4, 1863; James A. Stafford, November 14, 1864. Second Lieutenants-E. L. Davison, August 1, 1862; John C. Newton, September 1, 1862; Samuel B. Robertson, Jan- uary 4. 1863: James A. Stafford, August 6, 1864; James C. Bennett. January 17, 1865. Nearly all of the men in this company were credited to Shelbyville. The company started out with 1oo men. received forty-eight recruits. It lost thirty-three that died in the service and four by desertion. Company F was raised in the vicinity of Fairland, and was officered by the following men: Captain-Henry M. Endsley, August 8, 1862, who served until the regiment was mustered out. First Lieutenants -Thomas B. Carey, August 8, 1862; George W. Grubbs, September 7, 1863; Isham Reed. January 21, 1865. Second Lieutenants -Coleman F. Storus. August 8. 1862: William W. Thomas, February 7, 1863: Isham Reed. March 1, 1864: John S. Parker, February II, 1865. The original enrollment was ninety-eight and the number of recruits forty-seven. Of these, twelve deserted and twenty-five died while in the service. The Seventieth Regiment was organized at Indianapolis in August, 1862, with Benjamin Harrison as Colonel, and was the first regiment in the field under the July call of 1862. It moved to Bowling Green, Ky., in the vicinity of which it remained until November, 1862. It then went to Gallatin, Tenn., and in December it was posted along the railroad between that place and Nashville on guard duty. It remained in that vicinity until June, 1863. In August of that year it was stationed at Nashville, where it remained until January, 1864. At that time it marched to Wauhatchie, Tenn., and from that place in May following it started on the Atlanta cam- paign in which it took an active part. It was engaged at Resacca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Lost and Kenesaw Mountains, Marietta. Peach Tree Creek and the Siege of Atlanta. In this campaign its loss was forty-one killed in action, forty-three died of wounds, and I91 wounded: total, 275. It marched with Sherman to Savannah, and then north to Raleigh, where it was at the time
7
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of Lee's surrender. After this the men were mustered out at the expiration of their terms of enlistment.
Seventy-sixth Regiment. - In July, 1862, a small band of rebel guerillas under command of Adam Johnson made a raid on New- burgh Indiana. It was the first invasion of Northern soil that occurred during the war, and, although insignificant in itself, the alarm that it created in Southern Indiana was little short of panic. In less than forth-eight hours a regiment was raised to repel and punish the invaders. This was the Seventy-sixth Regiment in which Shelby County had a company. Its position was F, and its officers were: Elijah N. Wines, Captain: John R. Stogsdoll and John McCain, Lieutenants, all of Waldron. The regiment was only raised for thirty days and this term was all spent in the region of Henderson, Kentucky, having several skirmishes with guerillas.
The Thirteenth Cavalry, One Hundred and Thirty-first Regi- ment, had one company from Shelby County. Its position was I, and its officers were: Captains - George Muth, March 1, 1864; George Haney, November 16, 1865. First Lieutenants - George Haney, March 1, 1864; Elisha Weakley, February 6, 1865; Jas. S. McFadden, October 1, 1865. Second Lieutenants-James R. Fry, March 1, 1864: Fortune L. Bailey, February 6, 1865; Ed- ward P. Kent, October 1. 1865. The company started out with eighty-eight men, was recuited with twenty-two. lost nine by death and one by desertion. This was the last cavalry regiment raised in Indiana. It was mustered into the service April 29. 1864, and the next day it left Indianapolis for Nashville. Early in June it was stationed at Huntsville, Alabama, where it remained until October, having several light engagements with the enemy. Until this time it had been doing infantry service, but was then mounted and fully equipped as cavalry. Early in December, companies A, C, D, F, H and I under Gen. Rousseau took part in the battles at Overall's Creek. Wilkinson's Pike and twelve skirmishes with a loss of sixty-five men killed and wounded out of 325 engaged. February II, 1865, it embarked on transports for New Orleans and from there early in March to Mobile Bay where, under Gen. Canby, it assisted in the operations against the forts and defenses of Mobile. After the fall of that place it started on a raid of Soo miles through Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, under Gen. Grierson. It ar- rived at Columbus, Mississippi, May 22. From there it proceeded to Macon, garrisoning that point and sixty miles of railroad and taking possession of immense army supplies. In June it returned to Columbus where it remained until mustered . out of service, November 18, 1865.
Early in 1864, the Governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and
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Wisconsin, offered to raise a volunteer force to serve 100 days. These troops were to do duty in the service of the United States, but were not to receive army bounty. They were to aid in making the campaign of 1864 more successful and decisive by relieving the veterans from guard and garrison duty, thus enabling them to join in the active campaigns. Eight of these 100 days' regiments were raised in Indiana. Shelby County furnished eighty-eight men for this service. in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regi- ment. The company officers were: Stephen Allen, Captain, May 5, 1864: Anderson C. Winterrowd, May 5, 1864, and Wm. H. Miller, May 25, 1864, First Lieutenants: James C. Morrison, May 10, 1864, Second Lieutenant. They were all mustered in May, 1864, and served in Tennessee most of the time guarding railroads and lines of communications used by Gen. Sherman for transporting supplies to his army then advancing on the Atlanta campaign.
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