USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Ypsilanti > Chronology of Ypsilanti from 1787 to 1865 > Part 4
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ELLIS STREET - named for Elijah Ellis, prominent pioneer and changed in 1926 to Washtenaw when the road was paved making a direct road to Ann Arbor.
At the close of the previous installment of the Historical Outline, we were in the year 1862. Just a brief review of a few interesting items for the previous Decade 1850-1860.
In 1851 the farm animal population was:
342 horses and 304 working oxen in the Ypsilanti area 494 horses in Superior Township
509 horses in Salem Township 5524 sheep in Ypsilanti Area 92,964 sheep in Washtenaw County
Eighteen fifty one was the year of the great fire in Ypsilanti when almost the entire business block of wooden buildings on the north side of Congress Street (Michigan Avenue) between Huron and Washington Street was burned out but soon replaced by brick structures that are there today. And now we return to the days of 'The War Between the States'. According to Official Records, the Fourteenth Michigan Infantry was organized in Ypsilanti in February 1862. Recruiting and enlistment began at once.
One interesting Ypsilanti recruit was Sylvester ( 'Vett') Noble, age 20 living with his parents at 22 S. Huron now 212 S. Huron.
Sylvester Noble was born in Ann Arbor March 27, 1842. Some of his early education was in a one room country school and then his family moved to Ypsilanti. His father, Alonzo Noble, was a photographer specializing in the Daguerreo- type picture and also bought and sold horses, the Army being his best customer.
The old house at 22 South Huron was demolished about 1903 to make way for the handsome fieldstone house built by Darwin Griffin, a very suggessful Ypsilanti attorney. Some of the decorating in that house is reported to have been done by the same man who did the dome in the Nation's Capitol. At any rate, the house is now owned by Joseph D. Lawrence whose progenitors were very prominent in Ypsilanti mercantile history. The two story brick barn still standing on the property, gives evidence of horses and activities of Alonzo Noble the father of Sylvester.
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Vett was a natural story teller, always good naturedly observing and analizing his surroundings. The 135 letters written from the various Army camps in the South to his family show a writing ability far beyond that of the correspondents from the newspapers of that far off day. These letters are in the Archives of the Ypsilanti Historical Museum, thru the great talent of Louis S. White for collecting historical items. These are only part of the letters Vett wrote to his mother during his enlistment as Company Clerk in the 14th Michigan Infantry Regiment. Often critical of Army procedure but never complaining about the rigors and hardships of Army camp or his pay of $13. per
month. He enlisted February 13,1862, a brash, strong, in- telligent young man not quite twenty years old and so able to clearly express himself orally or in writing, and after many campaigns, miles of foot travel, from Nashville to Atlanta, and to the Atlantic Ocean, serving as Clerk for General Tecumseh Sherman, he was discharged July 18 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. After 'The War Between the States', Vett served as City Clerk in Ypsilanti and then joined a cousin in Houston, Texas in the office of the Huston and Texas Central Rairoad. He died in 1916 and is buried in Columbus, Ohio.
Donald W. Disbrow has read and with remarkable talent annotated and edited these 135 letters. His pamphlet, re- printed from the March 1968 CIVIL WAR HISTORY MAGAZINE, is in the Ypsilanti Historical Museum Archives.
Richard Beaham was Captain of Company "H" of the Fourteenth Regiment. The regiment was presented with a handsome flag from the ladies of Ypsilanti and left Ypsilanti in April 1862, after a delay caused by the U.S. not sending in the payroll money.
By April 28th 1862 the Regiment was in Farmington, Tenn., "One and one half miles from the Rebels", according to one of Vett's letters.
1862 - April 6-7 The battle of Shiloh in Southwest, Tenn. General Grant with 33,000 men vs. Beauregard and Johnson with 40,000 men. The North claimed a Union victory, breaking the hold of the Confederacy on western Tennessee.
May 3, 1862 - The Battle of "Fair Oaks", Virginia. Mcclellan
with 42,000 men vs Johnson and Smith with 42,000. A draw. Johnson was wounded and Robert E. Lee became Confederate Commander .
July 17th The United States authorized Negroes for Military Service freeing some three million blacks.
July 1 "Malvern Hill' battle, Virginia.
Mcclellan with
80,000 men vs. Lee with a like number. Union victory
claimed by the North after almost certain defeat.
August 29-30 - Second Battle of "Bull Run", across the Potomac from Washington. Pope with 64,000 vs. Jackson with 78,000. A Confederate victory and opening the way for
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Lee to invade the North. Burnside removed from Command by the North.
September 11 - William Sidney Porter (0'Henry) born in Greensboro, North Carolina.
September 17 - Battle of"Antietam"-Maryland. McClellan with 82,000 vs. Lee with 40,000. Union victory but Mcclellan was removed from command. Bloodiest battle of the war.
1862 - Ypsilanti - Parmenio Davis was re-elected Mayor of Ypsilanti and Rev. George Tindall was selected as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Edward .Van Pammell appointed Resident Pastor of St. John's Catholic Church.
December 13 - "The Battle of Fredericksberg", Virginia, where. the winters are so often mild. Burnside with 113,000 men vs. Lee with 78,000. A Confederate Victory. Burnside again removed from Command.
Ypsilanti- W.H. Pattison served as Sheriff from 1861 thru 1863.
E. D. Lay was Supervisor 1861 thru 1865.
C.S. Woodard, Surveyor 1861 thru 1869.
Thomas Ninde was Probate Judge 1861 thru 1865.
1863 January 1 - President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing three million blacks all in rebel territory.
It was early in that year that a School for Training Teachers was established as the Michigan State Normal.
The Ypsilanti Historical Archives has a copy of an interest- ing letter from another Ypsilanti recruit.
1863-April 23 Relief Camp of Picket Guard Dear Cousin:
.. We have left our camp at Washington for good now. Our camp is at Fairfax Court House ... and camp Brigade is com- posed of >ti, 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry, is doing picket duty on a line 16 miles long.
We expected an attack ... it rains like sixty. My dogtent leaks ... We have nothing but the shelter tents here perhaps you never saw one of them. They are made of common cotton cloth and in two pieces about 4 1/2 feet square put up in style both ends open so the sun can shine in and rain comes in like now when it rains.
Give my love to your father and mother and all the rest
of the folks. I would like to see you all. fr: John F. Lusk, Corporal C.K. 5th Mich. Cavalry. Washington, D.C.
September 19th, 1864 this young man was killed in action at Winchester, Virginia.
We regret being unable to learn more about this young man, the name of his parents or the 'Dear Cousin'. Mr. and Mrs.
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Charles Roberts have the original letter. Thru the courtesy and kindness of Russella and Agnes Ward- roper we have copies in the Archives of many poignant letters written by Robert Wardroper, a Confederate soldier, age 40, to his wife and children in 1863. We excerpt from letters written by this Confederate soldier.
Monroe Co.Cotton Gin, Miss. April 11, 1863
Dearest Bettie:
Just a week since I left home at Cotton Gin on the Bigby, the extreme head of navigation on that river. At the Bigby took steamboat to Choctaw Bluff, staying on board two days and long enough to get tired of it. The present en- campment is very disagreeable being flat and other forces being encamped here before. Columbus is decidedly a rather pretty place, particularly in the suburbs - Some very handsome fixed up places.
We have stricter rules today than ever before, nobody pass- ing outside the lines without a pass. Whiskey, I think is the cause as there are several stills about. There is one Government one in sight but they neither sell nor give. If you did not get my last letter, the wool to be sold at the highest rates. It will be worth four or five dollars in August if the war continues. If there is a showing for peace, it ought to be sold off quick.
Your affectionate husband, Robert Wardroper
Okolona, June 10th 1863 Dear Eddy :
Your ma wrote me that you are spelling great. I am glad to hear it and when knives come about again, you shall have a fine two blade knife. You must feed the poultry and help keep my garden clean, do to the mill and learn to catch your horse yourself.
Howdy Davy for me and tell the black ones they must be smart or provisions will be scarce.
I want to see you very much but soldiers cannot do as they please. It seems strange for me to live here in Mississippi while you live at home in Alabama three or four hundred miles apart.
Goodbye. Kiss me in your thoughts. Your affectionate father
New Albany, Sept 30, 1863 Dear Bettie:
... I feel in much better spirit myself owing to Bragg's success and the tone of the French Emperor and I think the Confederacy is looking up a little. I am writing under a tent of my own construction which is my blanket stretched over a pole, the corners tied out, and a little trench round =
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the edges, which will keep me dry as a bone. It is now raining, the first in two months ... Robert Wardroper
June 16 1864 Forsyth, Hardie Hospital, Georgia
Dear Wife:
I arrived here today worn out with work and attacks of diarrhea. I am here sleeping under a roof and on a bunk away from that eternal skirmishing. Sick at the craw but now expect to get strong again. Johnson has not given away any now for 20 days and I am in hopes he will be able to hold his grounds as the yanks have enough of Georgia, and the wheat growing portion too.
Two of my company were wounded and our Colonel is supposed to be killed if not a prisoner. Sink a twenty dollar bill, if you have a new issue, in your next letter. We are on the railroad between Atlanta and Macon.
I may stay here three weeks or three months. Kiss and hug the children for me and also consider £
yourself fully remembered in loving kindness by your affectionate husband, Robert Wardroper
Love to John and Davy
August 7, 1864 Forsyth, Georgia
Madam:
It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your husband, Robert Wardroper, who died in Hardie Hospital on the 16th of July.
Knowing you would like the particulars concerning his sinckness and death, but for the past two months we have been so crowded with sick and wounded, and their attentions divided so the nature of his sickness and length of time he was confined to his room I am unable to tell you.
Those men I inquired of spoke of Mr. Wardroper in terms of praise. He seemed to be mush resigned to his sickness and never complained. He is buried in the soldier's burying ground at this place and his name is marked on his head board so you will have no difficulty in finding his grave if you ever visit this place. Very respectfully yours, T.W. Myers, Clerk Hardie Hospital Forsyth, Georgia
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1863- April 1 - The 27th Michigan Regiment recruited in the counties touching Lake Superior and the 28th Regiment was at Ypsilanti. Both were slow in signing Recruits. The 27th was ordered to Port Huron and then to Ypsilanti where the two Regiments combined and thereafter known as the 27th Michigan Regiment reaching full strength by April 10 1863.
July 24- War Department, Washington:
Governor H. Barnes, Esq., of Detroit has applied to this Department for authority to raise a regiment of colored troops in your State. The department is very anxious that such regiments should be raised and authorizes you to raise them ..
Edwin M. Stanton Secretary of War
To: His Excellency, Austin Blair Governor of Michigan, Jackson
War Department Adjutant General's Office July 25 1863
Sir:
I am instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you that you are hereby authorized to raise one regiment to be composed of colored men, to be mustered into the United States Service for three years, or during the war.
To these troops no bounties will be paid. They will receive ten dollars per month and one ration per day, three dollars of which monthly pay may be in clothing ... I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C.W.Foster, Assistant Adjutant General
The recruiting of the regiment commenced April 12 1863 under Colonel Henry Barnes. Peter E. Mead from Ypsilanti is listed as 2nd Lieutenant in Co. B. He became Ist Lieu- tenant November 16 1864 and served to Honorable Discharge September 30 1865.
First Colored Michigan Volunteer Infantry and a list of those from Ypsilanti - October 26 1863 to March 25 1865. Note the wide range of ages - 15 to 44.
Name Age
Company Name
Age
Company
Anderson, John 30
A Gay, John 34
C
Bonson, Donridge 26
I Goings, Daniel 18
C
Carter, Wilborn 18
F Gray, John E. 22 Davis, Thomas I. 44
C
F
B Grayson, Henry 19 Dotson, John 23
K Harper, Benjamin 20 F
Embrose, William 32
C Hart, John K. 30 C
1
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Name Age Company
Name Age
Hawkins, Washington 35
C
Porter, John 21
Hays, William 21
C
Price, John 20
A
Hopkins, Henry 18
E
Pritchard, Isiah 20
K
Hyatt, James 18
K
Ratliff, Albert J.19 F
Johnson, Sylvester 19
G
Scott, Alexander 36
G
Johnson, William R.
44
D
Scroggins, Alexander 19
K
Jones, Wilbourn
43
G
Sterling, Martia8
Stewart, Jesse 18
K
Laker , Henry 18
K
Thomas, George 34
F
Lewis, Robert E. 40
D
Ward, James R. 28
F
Lewis, Wilbourn B.
18
D
Washington, George 25
F
Long, Frederick 18
D
Watts, Alexander 35
C
Lowe, Edward 29
G
Weaver, William P.
27
H G
Morgan, George H.
21
E
Wilson, John
33
G
Oliver, Jesse 30
F
Wilson, William H.
40
H
Patton, Jeremiah
41
E
Winslow, Oliver
18
F
York, David
18
B
York, George
15
B
Thru the diligent research of A. P. Marshall we are able to list these names. So far as known this is the first time these colored recruits have been recognized in Ypsilanti. Act of July 1 1862 6th Section made it the duty of any person liable to Income Tax on or before first Monday in May each year to list his annual income.
On July 12 1862 the Congress established the Medal of Honor and the first awards were March 25 1863 for the Army and April 3 1863 for the Navy.
Three men in the 'Normal Company' were awarded the Medal of Honor in 1863, they were: Andrew J. Kelly, Irwin Shep- herd and David Mc Call.
March 3-1863 Conscription began causing riots in New York and other large cities. ( The Confederate States passed a Draft Law April 16 1862).
During the 'War Between the States', composers of Music were busy. George F. Root composed several sad ones : "Just Before The Battle Mother", "In A Prison Cell I Sit". "Lorena"was composed in 1857 by Rev. Henry DeLafayette Webster and became a favorite of both Yanks and Rebels during the War. The Confederates often sang that sad ballad and after 1865 some of the Confederate Generals blamed the loss of the War on that song, adding to the homesick- ness of the Rebel troops and causing wide desertion. After every big battle, someone wrote a song about it. James Pierpont wrote many songs for the Confederacy but today he is only remembered for his "Jingle Bells". "The Yellow Rose of Texas" was very popular with both sides,
Company K
King, William 19
K
Moore, George H. 29 C
Wilson, Edward
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40
words changed to fit the South or North as were so many
songs in those days. 1863-David Edwards served as Ypsilanti's Treasurer At the May 2 - Battle of Chancellersville, Virginia.
close of this great Confederacy triumph, Thomas Jonathan ( Stonewall) Jackson, one of the great Military Captains of all times, riding ahead of his outposts in the gloam- ing, as all firing ceased, a single shot by a faroff outpost, brought on firing on both sides.
In the confusion of the twilight, Jackson was accidently shot by one of his own men. He is reported to have said
before he died: "Let us cross over the river and rest
under the shade of the trees". A very touching and lengthy statement for a man whose arm had been sawed off without anesthetics in a crude field hospital.
May 18 - Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi. U.S. Grant vs J. C. Pemberton. A Union victory and cutting the Confederacy in two and opening the Mississippi River. June 20-Sate of W. Virginia established as the 35th State giving the Union men more men and materials. July 1-3 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Meade with
93,500 men vs Robert E. Lee with 70,000 men. Union
victory and turning point of the long war.
July 2 Land Grant Bill passed to establish Agriculture Colleges, allowing 13 million acres to be distributed to the various States with a State being able to receive as many as 30,000 acres within its borders.
September 19-20 Battle of Chicamauga-William S.Rosencrans with 55,000 men vs. Braxton Bragg with 70,000. Chattanooga as kept in Union hands.
September 20- Second Lieutenant James M. Wallace married Ellen Davis, daughter of Dr. Parmenio Davis (Ypsilanti ). November 19- President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, almost unheard and unhearalded at the time.
November 23-25 Battle of Lookout Mountain, "above the clouds "-U. S. Grant vs. Braxton Bragg - Union Victory.
November 25 - First National Bank of Ypsilanti organized and granted a Federal Charter, one of the early National
1 Banks in the State and the first such charter in Wash- tenaw County.
1864- Frederic H. Pease whose father founded Oberlin College in Ohio, was appointed Professor of Music for the Normal succeeding E.M. Foote.
January 5- First National Bank opened for business, NE corner Congress (Michigan) and Washington Street. Asa Dow, President; Daniel Lace Quirk, Vice President, Benjamin Follett, cashier.
The exact location for this Bank is uncertain. One re- port says; 'second floor' in the Hewitt Block. A small business card by an attorney reads: "North side of Con- gress over First Natical Bank, north side of Congress
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Utrect". the location was on the north side of Congress but within a year, the First National Bank bought the building at 121. W. Congress and moved there remaining there until 1905.
January 13- Stephen. Collins Foster died in New York City an unknown pauper .
January - David Edwards elected Mayor of Ypsilanti. E.D. Lay served as County Supervisor from Ypsilanti Township 1861- 1865.
March 1- First issue of "Ypsilanti True Democrat" with Charles R. Pattison as beligerant, crusading editor and owner . A well educated man who had been a school teacher and also an ordained Minister. A year later the name of the weekly newspaper was changed to "Ypsilanti Commercial". Charles Woodruff, classical school, an intellectual and able writer, edited a weekly newspaper "The Sentinel" with very opposite views and beliefs.
In 1864 the weekly "Ypsilanti True Democrat" carried many letters from men in the Service and had a column telling of War victories, deaths and failures as well as local events. We list a few:
March 10- Citizens to meet in Hewitt Hall to consider build- ing at the Normal College an Agricultural Museum by the State Agricultural Society. There was great interest in farm- ing and general agriculture all over the country.
March 10- Austin B. Norton family arrived in Ypsilanti coming from Sharon Springs, New York.
March 21-General Ambrose E. Burnside, Union General was on a train which stopped for a few minutes at the Ypsilanti Depot. April 1- "March work for the Farm- Working oxen need to be in good flesh or spring work will pull hard on them".
A business card says: "D.B. Greene, Attorney, will give special attention to all War and Pension Claims at fair rates".
April 2- Governor Austin Blair spoke in Hewitt Hall. Two day exhibit of the Hosler-Vaughan "Polerama" with life-like pictures of Civil War Battle Scenes. April 8 - "The True Democrat" has a real estate item saying the home of Edwin Mills has been sold: "Edwin Mills, a resident of Ypsilanti for only a few years, has been emin- ently successful and is now removing to Jackson, Michigan". Mr. Mills built the large brick structure with its many handsome features in evidence today - the big Tiffany window was removed by Eileen Harrison and other Historical Society members, and it is on display in the Historical Museum - the house is located at 130 North Huron Street right at the end of Washtenaw (old. Ellis Street). Later it was the home of John Starkweather and after Mr. Starkweather's death, Mrs. Starkweather gave the property to the Ladies' Library Association.
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April 22- Captain A.A. VanCleve of the 20th Michigan Infantry has left to rejoin his regiment.
"Colonel Byron M. Cutcheon called on us Tuesday last, and like a true patriot subscribed for our paper. His address at present will be Annapolis, Maryland. He goes to join Burnside's corps. May 6- "In the town of Augusta ( Township) on the 27th ult., Mary Muir, wife of Andrew Muir, deceased, age 94. She died as she lived, a practical Christian". The Muirs were in Augusta Township as early as 1827.
May 6- Battle of the Wilderness-General U.S. Grant with 120,000 trying to dislodge General Robert E. Lee with 62,000 from Eastern Virginia.
May 8- Battle of Spotsylvania
May 12- Commander J. E. B.Stuart, one of the greatest and most ingenious Confederates, died of wounds, Yellow Tavern, Virginia. May 13th, 1864 17th Michigan Infantry Captives New Spottsylvania, Virginia
Dear Friends : Yesterday our division, in common with the whole Army, charged the enemy's works, and after much loss at least 100 of our Regiment were taken prisoners. I have no reason to complain of treatment thus far. I am
well and feel in good spirits. As near as I can ascertain brother Frank is all right with his regiment. I wish you to have no fear for me for I am well clad and of a robust constitution.
Very truly, Your son and brother Delos Phillips, Captain 17th Michigan Infantry May 19, 1864 Lynchburg, Virginia
Dear Mother:
I am here a prisoner of war - arrived yesterday. Expect to be soon sent to Georgia. I am entirely well and in good spirits. Be of good cheer and in due time I will be with you.
Your affectionate son, Delos Phillips.
May 18th - Daniel B. Green appointed Ypsilanti Postmaster. John Howland and others bought the Bumpus Tan- nery on the North side of Forest Avenue at the west end of the bridge.
McAndrew (William) and Stanway opened a furniture store at 115 W. Congress (Michigan Avneue) . The Ypsilanti Home Association became "Soldiers' Aid Society" during the War years. Sojourner Truth spoke at one of their meetings.
June 1-3 The Battle of Cold Harbor, Grant vs. Lee, two West Pointers battling each other, with Lee and the Confederates claiming victory. Grant's worst defeat.
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June 10 - "Death of Private Alphonso Hawkins, son of J. K. Hawkins. Alphonso was a student in the Normal College at the time he enlisted. His father enlisted at the same time."
June 18- York Township organized the "Soldier's Aid Society" as more and more Veterans were in need.
June 24-"D. C. Holmes, one of the former proprietors of this printing office ( "True Democrat"), was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness. Dave was a brave soldier, he loved his country and manfully has falled in her defense".
Delos Phillips and two others who escaped from the train taking them to Prison Camp have reached home.
July 4- The payment of money in place of serving in the Union Army ended.
July 6-Lake & Co., Great Western Circus showing in Ypsilanti.
July 11-The Confederates in the outskirts of Washington. July 13- Entry in the 'Diary'of William Lambie confirms the above - "Got in a little wheat - the Rebels said to have taken Washington".
July 14-Highland Cemetery dedicated - the first burial in the new cemetery was that of Elias Norton an early pioneer owning acreage SE of Ypsilanti. The second burial was that of Mrs. Asa Dow. The Dows lived in the brick mansion at 220 North Huron which now houses the Ypsilanti Historical Museum and Archives.
Ypsilanti population 4189. Township 1359 in 1864: new school for blacks built on South Adams below Buffalo Street, 4 grades with John Hall as teacher. The old Presbyterian Church building, a frame structure, on Pearson Street, had been used as a school for Blacks.
August 10- Ypsilanti political convention held in Larzaleer Hall, NW corner of old Congress and Washington Street. Eurotas Morton, Chairman and Charles Holmes, Jr., Secretary. August 12- "James H. Case died in General Hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas, from battle wounds, age 16 years and 5 months. He was in Company "D" 3rd Michigan Cavalry. September 2- The fierce battle for Atlanta which began July 22 was completed.
William Tecumseh Sherman va. John B. Hodd, Confederate General. Union Victory and the city burned, looted and occupied by Union Troops.
Shelley Byron October 19-Two unrelated events on this date. Hutchinson born on family farm in Superior Township. It is also the date the Confederates raided St. Albans, Vermont and escaped into 'British North America' as Canada was called, with $200,000 in cash from the St.Albans bank. One of the most daring of many raids made by the Confederates in Northern New York and Vermont. Once in Canada, the Union could do nothing except fume and deplore that Canada would harbor such outlaws.
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