USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > History of St. Joseph County, Indiana > Part 37
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Amongst the various diseases in which the people of the valley of St. Joseph, as elsewhere, are deeply interested, none enlists more solicitude than that of pulmonary consumption. This disease, aside from collateral causes, may be said to be produced only in those predisposed to it, or hereditarily, or about whom a combina- tion of canses has been operating a sufficient length of time to develop a consumptive diathesis. From the remarkably damp and cold character of the spring seasons in this latitude a superficial observer would be led to suppose that consumption was quite a common disease in this country, although nearly all cases which do occur of this disease are developed by the variable weather of our "open winter" and spring seasons in those predisposed, or who wantonly or indifferently expose themselves. Yet it is not in the West, as a general thing, the great scourge of the human race, as in the Atlantic States, where it is estimated that one- seventh of all the deaths north of the tropics occur from consumption. I believe it is the received opinion of physicians that there are fewer cases of consumption at this time in the St. Joseph valley, in proportion to the number of inhabitants, than there were a few years ago, when congestive forms of chills were more frequent, inducing disease of the lungs by some sanguineons engorgement, which takes place more or less extensively during the cold stage of that formidable type of intermittents. Some persons have come into this climate with marked symptons of pulmonary consumption, and after a few years residence have appeared comparatively restored to health. Many solutions of this problem in physiology have been offered, but none as yet have appeared sufficiently demonstrative to be in- corporated with the truths of science. Among other sugges- tions, we may ask if it may not be accounted for on the principle that the shock sustained by the nervous system during intermit- tent attacks diverts diseased action from the lungs, and by revulsion diffuses it through the system at large, from the effect of which its recuperative energies rescues it from that which would destroy life if concentrated upon a given organ or set of organs. A's before stated, the variable effect of open winters and damp, cold
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spring seasons are productive of most cases of this disease, the evil effects of which can be guarded against by proper precantion- ary measures, such as the use of warm clothing and careful protection of the feet and lower extremities from the effects of humidity and cold.
While on this part of my subject I would make an appeal to parents and guardians in behalf of little girls and misses. Almost one-half of this part of our population are suffering from enlarged tonsils (better known as quinsy), the result of which in most cases is cough from irritation of the throat, imperfect respiration, diffi- culty in swallowing, an impaired voice, and almost entire destruc- tion of the vocal powers, as exhibited in that most useful and charming of all acquirements in young ladies, -- the ability to sing well and effectively. The disease is but rarely seen in men and boys, compared with the number suffering of the opposite sex. The cause can be no other than low-necked, short-sleeved dresses and thin shoes. The preventives are within the reach of all.
There is, perhaps, no class of diseases like those of the lungs that affords so wide a field for the operation of charlatans and mounte- banks in the profession of medicine. It is too often the case that · some traveling lecturer and vender of specifics for consumption, after heralding his advent into our towns and villages by flaming posters, equaled only by circus and Ethiopian minstrel announce- ments, promising to work miracles upon diseased humanity, and from his itinerant character, perfectly irresponsible, reaps a golden harvest from those who are not able to be " fleeced " by exorbitant charges, such as would utterly destroy the reputation and business of any permanently located physician. And it is often the case, those who are thus deceived and cajoled by hopes raised only to be blasted, return to their family physician, soliciting aid and comfort, in a worse condition than before they turned their backs upon professional friends who have a permanent abiding place and a character to sustain, to run after professional new lights.
Nine times out of ten remedies taken by inhalation are a positive injury to the consumptive, from irritation produced by direct con- tact with the delicate and sensitive linings of the air passages of the lungs, though some agents, properly and judiciously used in this manner, may be beneficial.
Much of the scrofulons and consumptive diathesis in our native population is the result of our habits in diet, dress, want of hygienic cleanliness, and the construction of our houses, in relation to the laws of respiration. There is, perhaps, no article of diet so uni- versal in use that contributes so much to produce and develop scrofulous diseases in its protean forms as pork. So common is it found constituting one of the staples of the American table, among all classes, that pork-eating may be said to constitute a national trait of character. That swine are afflicted with scrofula and tubercles has been demonstrated time and time again, and much of the scrofula witnessed by physicians is attributable to this
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
universal pork-eating. The indigestibility of swine flesh is a well established fact, and the hog should be raised in a great measure for the fat and oil furnished by him. Beef, mutton and poultry of a good quality are much superiorto pork as articles of diet, and if more generally used would add greatly to the health of the masses. It is unquestionably the duty of every physician to discourage so general a use of pork among those to whom he sustains the relation of medical adviser. Our native German and English citizens are striking illustrations of the truth of this position, with reference to the effects of large indulgence in swine's flesh. They use but little pork diet compared with the quantity used by Americans. Consumption is rarely seen in either of the two classes named, and this is no doubt attributable to their comparative abstinence from pork. This, conjoined to the national trait of character in the German, giving vigorous exercise to the lungs and auxiliary organs in vocal music, in which the English indulge to a certain extent; also, add to this the universal habit of the two classes men- tioned of warm and substantial clothing, especially for the feet and lower extremities, and we are again more than fortified in our position.
A large majority of cases of pulmonary consumption are first developed by indigestion (dyspepsia), induced by repeated violation of the physiological laws of digestion. The use of large quanti- ties of stimulating food of any kind will produce derangement of the functions of digestion. Perhaps no one popular custom con- tributes so much to produce indigestion and its, sequel, disease of the lungs, as that of meeting together socially, in crowded apart- ments, and at very late hours of the night, indulging freely in eating nearly every kind of indigestible food, most generally accompanied by large draughts of strong hot coffee and tea, and, immediately after, dispersing to their homes to spend the remainder of the night in fruitless efforts to sleep, and to leave their beds the ensuing morning with aching heads, finshed countenances, nausea of the stomach, and almost entire loathing of nutritions food. This absurd practice should receive the unqualified condemnation of every right-thinking man and woman.
The pleasures of the appetite are legitimate pleasures, but our Creator did not implant the sense of taste in mankind to ruin the beautiful structure of the body, or impair the noble faculties of the soul. Like all other appetites, that for food may be abused. If its proper condition be violated, loss of power, premature decay and untimely death are inevitable. The life of the offender is deprived of its own enjoyment and of its power of being useful to others.
Another habit of our people which contributes largely to develop disease of the lungs, is the small and almost air-tight sleeping apartments so generally used, the temperature of which, during hours of sleep, in cold weather, is often raised to summer heat by means of air-tight stoves. The deleterious effect of all this upon
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
the Inngs and general system must be obvious to every thinking mind. A full supply of oxygen from the air we breathe is neces- sary to sustain life, which after being inhaled by the lungs, is con- verted into carbonic acid, one of the most destructive agents to animal life. To effect this change the oxygen must unite with cer- tain portions of the blood, thus producing a species of combustion. The blood contains two combustible materials, carbon and hydrogen. By the union of these with oxygen a great amount of heat will be evolved, while the product of this combustion will be carbonic acid and water, the same that results from the combustion of wood in your grate, or a candle on your table. Life is really a process of combustion, and the smoke evolved, or in other words, the carbonic acid and water, are continually passing off through the lungs and skin. Thus, we see that the human machine is furnished with facilities for preserving a comfortable temperature, in a great meas- ure, independent of artificial heat; but, in order to do this, it must have an abundant supply of oxygen, the agent of combustion. In small, tight sleeping apartments, how is it possible the requisite supply of oxygen can be obtained, when there is not sufficient to keep up a healthy action of the lungs of the sleeping ininates for a few hours, much less a whole night? Disease of the lungs must be induced, to a greater or less extent, when there is nothing for their sustentation but an atmosphere almost deprived of the life- giving principle of oxygen, and loaded with poisonous carbonic acid and unhealthy exhalations from the bodies of the sleeping occupants.
Every sleeping apartment should be large, or at least well ven- tilated and supplied with fresh air, and no artificial heat, especially by means of stoves, as the body, for reasons already set forth, will generate its own warmth if supplied with a sufficiency of material for combustion to the lungs, through a healthy animation and a frec supply of the agent essential to the process. Another dnty that should be enjoined by physicians upon those who are accus- tomed to look to them for advice respecting health, especially the preservation of a healthy condition of the lungs, is the use of cold- water bathing not the "plunge" bath, the "sitz " bath, the " shower " bath, or the " wet-sheet " pack, but the simple applica- tion of water to the entire surfaceof the body by means of a sponge or towel, followed by brisk friction for the purpose of cleaning and preserving a healthy action of the skin. Every person should know the close alliance that exists between the functions of the skin and air passages of the lungs, that a healthy performance of one aids materially the healthy performance of the other. Bathing should be resorted to in the manner indicated two or three times a week in cold weather, [and much oftener in warm or temperate weather. The best time to bathe is in the morning. Under no circumstances should the water be applied so freely, or so cold, as to produce a disagreeable shock to the system, by which the equi- librium of the circulation may be disturbed, and thereby induce
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
diseased action, but always at such a temperature as to be followed by pleasurable sensations of warmth. Bathing should never be resorted to until sufficient vital heat is supplied by fire or exercise to resist and overcome the slight shock resulting from the applica- tion of water. We should begin the sponge bath in a guarded manner. Persons of delicate constitutions should use water of the temperature of the body only, and in a warm apartment. Let there be sufficient exercise before and after the bath to maintain the general, glow. In this way bathing may be enjoyed, not as a physiological duty, but as a refreshing luxury. By pursuing this course we can gradually lower the temperature of the water to any degree desired. When we have thus far succeeded, we have overcome our morbid sensibility, increased our vital forces, and given such a tone to the constitution as will protect us from colds and other agencies so pro- lific of Inng diseases. The bath, thus nsed, I believe entitled to muclı consideration, not as a curative agent, but as a preventive of disease, especially diseases of the lungs.
To concinde, the valley of the St. Joseph, as also the West generally, from the observations of medical men and others, is, beyond doubt becoming from year to year more healthy. The exemption of our entire population from diseases of all kinds the past two or three years has been most remarkable. The universal good health which prevailed during the year 1856 is mainly attrib- utable to the uniform dryness of the seasons of that year. The health enjoyed through the year 1857 being fully equal to the pre- ceding year, is the result of the opposite,-uniformity in the periods of rain. Whether the position that an excited state of the public mind (politically or from other causes) conduces to health, as has been stated, is correct or not, can only be determined by statistics of the past and careful observations of the future. The year 1857 being almost entirely frce from any general public excite- ment, and the year 1832, the great cholera year, and noted in the annals of our country for the tempest of political excitement that swept over the whole Union, would seem to controvert the truth of that position.
Whenever our State Legislature can be induced to pass such registration laws and other enactments necessary, by which a fair and just comparison can be instituted between the West and the Atlantic States in respect to health, the preponderance will be found to be largely in favor of the former as the most healthy locality, especially that portion embraced within our beautiful val- ley and its surroundings.
CHAPTER VI.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY IN THE WAR .- RESPONSE TO THE CALL .- REMEMBER BUENA VISTA .- NINTH REGIMENT INFANTRY .- FIFTEENTH .- TWENTY- NINTH .- FORTY-EIGHTH .- SEVENTY-THIRD .- EIGHTY-SEVENTII .- ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHTH .- ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY -FIFTH .- TWELFTH CAVALRY .-- TWENTY-FIRST BATTERY .- ROLL OF HONOR .- DECORATION DAY.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY IN THE WAR.
In 1860, when some of the Southern leaders threatened a disso- lution of the Union in the event of the election of Abraham Lin- coln to the Presidency, there were very few men in the North who believed they were in earnest. In consequence of the division in the Democratic party, the election of Lincoln was an easy matter. In pursuance of their threat, one after another of the Southern States to the number of twelve passed acts of secession, and organ- ized an independent government under the name of the "Confed- erate States of America."
Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office as President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1861, and immediately took steps to strengthen the Government. Already the rebels were making preparations for the capture of Fort Sumter, then occupied by the gallant Major Anderson and a handful of men. On the 12th day of April, after first demanding its surrender, the rebels opened fire upon the fort. The first shot sent an electric thrill through every loyal heart in the North, and immediately the cry went up for vengeance. The news of the fall of Sumter was received on Sunday morning, April 14. On that day the loyal people of the United States abandoned the field of argument and ceased to dis- cuss measures and plans for the peaceable restoration of the national authority in the revolted States, and with singular unanimity and determination accepted the issue of war as the only means left to save and perpetnate the National existence and the priceless liber- ties so long enjoyed.
On the morning of the 15th the telegraph bore the following message from Governor Morton to President Lincoln at Wash- ington:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA, INDIANAPOLIS, April 15, 1861.
To ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States:
On behalf of the State of Indiana I tender to you, for the defense of the Na- tion, and to uphold the authority of the Government, ten thousand men.
(408)
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
The same day the President issued his proclamation calling for the militia of the several States of the Union, to the number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress the Rebellion and canse the laws to be duly executed. The quota of Indiana was subse- quently fixed by the Secretary of War at six regiments of infantry, or riflemen, comprising, in officers and men, 4,683, to serve for a period of three months unless sooner discharged. Instructions were issued in general orders by the Adjutant-General of the State, for the formation of companies; the several military departments were speedily organized for business, and all available measures taken to fill the quota with the least possible delay. In the mean- time, every class of the community manifested the wildest enthu- siasm and most intense excitement. Public meetings to facilitate the formation of companies, and to give expression to the senti- ments of the people touching their duty in the pending crisis, were held in every city, town and neighborhood, and an ardent and un- quenchable military spirit was at once aroused that bid fair to embrace in its sweep every able-bodied man in the State. The day after the call was made five hundred men were in camp, and the Governor, apprehensive (as was the whole country at the time) that an effort would be made by the rebels to take possession of the Fed- eral capital, proposed to send forward half a regiment if required, although unable to furnish the necessary arms and equipments. Receiving no reply to this offer from the War Department, it was renewed the day following, and the number increased to one thon- sand men. By the 19th-three days after thecall-there were 2,400 men in camp, and arrivals continued by every train. So rapidly did volunteering proceed, in less than seven days more than 12,000 men, or nearly three times the quota required, had been tendered. Contests to secure the acceptance of companies were earnest and frequent. The question was not " Who will go?" but, " Who will be allowed to go?" In many cases companies came forward with- out orders, or rather in defiance of orders, in the hope that they could be received, or that a second call would at once be made, and frequently their enlistment rolls contained twice, and even thrice, the number of names required. Hundreds who were unable to get into companies at home, came singly and in squads to the general rendezvons on their own responsibility, and, by combining with others in like condition, and with fragments of companies having a surplus, formed new companies and joined in the clamor for acceptance. The response was as gratifying as it was universal, and left no doubt as to the entire and lasting devotion of Indiana to the fortunes of the Union. Like the sun-light the "war fever " permeated every locality. The "Old Flag" at once became sacred and was proudly displayed in every breeze from the highest peaks of churches, school-houses and private dwellings. The presenta- tion of a stand of National colors by patriotic ladies to each com- pany was rarely omitted, and, wherever practicable, brass bands were provided to escort them to the general camp.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
The excitement in South Bend, Mishawaka, and, in fact, all parts of the county was intense. Says a local writer: "South Carolina has courted the glory of lighting the torch of civil war. Forbear- ance on the part of the Government almost to the extreme of hu- miliation, has been met with arrogance and insult; until, unable to force the United States into any act of bloodslied and violence which they could make a pretext for their act, they have most wickedly precipitated the Republic into war. They have opened the fire of their murderous batteries upon the flag which Washing- ton loved, and which Jackson, Scott and Taylor illuminated with so many glorious trinmphs-a parricidal act as infamous as the ruffian who aims a death-blow at the mother who has borne and nurtured him. They have trampled the Constitution and the laws which they have sworn to support, under their feet, and they avow their purpose to overthrow the Government which they can no longer rule, by the force and power of arms. But the awakened and bounding patriotism of the American people proves that they have reckoned withont their host. Henceforth it is evident that all party divisions are to be forgotten. The question whether our Gov- ernment has a right to exist towers above all others. The only issue is to be between patriots and traitors; and all men must range themselves under the reptile flag of disunion, or the resplendent stars and stripes, every thread of which has been consecrated by the blood of heroes who lived and died under its folds. There can be no nentrals in this struggle. He who is not for the American Union, American Constitution and the American Flag, against treason and rebellion, against perfidy and revolution, against the architects of ruin and the inaugurators of civil war, are in sym- pathy with the traitors, and will be known as the Cow-Boys of 1861, who, like the Cow-Boys of the Revolution, will be regarded in his- tory as lower than the enemies whom they aided and abetted. While, with all loyal men, the motto, 'God and our country,' will unite them as with one heart and soul, for the stern duties of the impending contest,"
On Monday night, April 15, 1861, on a few hours' notice, the court honse at South Bend was crowded with a mass of voters, irrespective of party, who hailed this opportunity of showing their determination to stand by the Government, the Union and the Con- stitution. John A. Henricks, president, A. E. Drapier, editor of the Forum, and Judge Robertson, were made vice-presidents; E. E. Ames, E. R. Farnum and W. H. Drapier, secretaries. Boyne's Cornet Band played the soul-stirring National airs which our fathers loved so well. Speeches were made eliciting the heartiest applause, by Messrs. Henricks, Colfax, Drapier, Miller, George, Anderson, Lynch and Revs. Reed and Moore. A Volunteer Aid Association was organized to equip the company, to be formed at once, and to assist in the support of their families while they were absent, and a committee to solicit subscriptions.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
At Mishawaka, the same night, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held, presided over by George Milburn. Patriotic speeches were made by Milburn, Niles, Merrifield, Cowles, Hurlbut, But- terworth, Thomas, Fuller, Judson and Minzie.
A second meeting was held at South Bend on Friday evening, April 19, at which the following committees were appointed to solicit and collect subscriptions to aid in forming and equipping volunteer companies, and to provide for the families of such volunteers as may need assistance:
Green Township .- Jackson Green, Daniel Green, Thomas L. Holloway.
Clay .- T. P. Bulla, G. E. Benton, Jacob Eaton.
German .- J. F. Ullery, Renben Dunn, A. J. Hatfield.
Olive .- J. H. Service, T. J. Garontte, John Reynolds.
Warren .- J. E. Mikesell, Goble Brown, William Crann. Liberty .- G. H. Loring, C. W. M. Stevens, Samnel Loring.
Union .- John Jackson, John Moon, C. J. Turner.
Centre .- Edwin Pickett, D. R. Leeper, John Rush.
The foregoing committees were instructed to report their pro- ceedings to the Disbursing Committee of Portage township, con- sisting of the following named persons: Isaac Ford, E. V. Clark, Joseph H. Massey, S. L. Cottrell, J. T. Lindsey, J. W. Chess and Caspar Rochstroch.
On Monday, April 23, a meeting was held at the court- house, presided over by Norman Eddy, which resolved to forthwith form a military organization composed of citizens over the age of forty- five years, to arm themselves, and be drilled and held in readiness for duty. In a few minutes upward of 80 names were obtained to the pledge. The company at once elected their officers, as follows: S. L. Cottrell, Captain; Jacob Hardman, First Lieutenant; E. C. Johnson, Second Lieutenant; A. A. Webster, Third Lieutenant. The subordinate officers were then appointed. In the afternoon the company paraded for drill, and marched to the depot, where they saluted the Elkhart Volunteers, who were on the train bound to Indianapolis. This movement was headed by the best men in South Bend, and such was the ardor and enthusiasm manifested, that a number of the most venerable citizens, those who served in the war of 1812 and the various Indian wars, pressed forward with eager- ness to join the ranks and tender their services again to their country.
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