USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Historical, pictorial and biographical record, of Chariton County, Missouri > Part 6
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SECESSION.
It was on December 17, 1860, that a convention assembled at Charleston, S. C., and passed a resolution declaring that the relations hitherto existing between that state and others, under the name of the United States of America, was at an end. This measure had almost the unanimous support of all the cotton-growing states, and by Feb- ruary 1, 1861, six other states - Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Geor- gia, Louisiana and Texas-had withdrawn from the Union. Nearly all the congressmen from these states, resigned their seats in congress and joined the disunionists.
On the 4th day of Februry, 1861, six delegates from each of the seceded states met in Montgomery and proceeded to form a new gov- ernment to be called the Confederate States of America. The govern- ment was organized by the election of Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, on the Sth day of the same month, as provisional president, with Alexander H. Stevens as his Vice-President. When the representa- tive slaveholders declared in Congress in 1850, that unless California should be admitted as a slave state, they would dissolve the Union, albeit, they would do it "calmly and peaceably," Daniel Webster arose in his majesty and in a few words uttering a remarkable and prophetic warning, said: "I hear with pain, anguish and distress the words seces- sion; peaceable secession. Sir, your eyes and mine are never distined to see that miracle-the dismemberment of this vast country-without convulsion! The breaking up of the fountains of the deep without ruffling the surface! Who is so foolish as to expect to see such a thing? Sir, he who sees these states now revolving in harmony around the common center, and expects to see them quit their places and fly off without convulsion, may look the next hour to see the heav- enly bodies rush from their spheres and jostle against each other in realms
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of space, without producing the crash of the universe. There can be no such thing as peaceable secession! Peaceable secession is an utter impossibility. Is the great constitution under which we live here, covering the whole country, is it to be thawed and melted by seces- sion, as the snows of the mountains melt under the influence of the vernal sun, disappear almost unobserved and die off? No sir! No sir! I see it as plainly as I see the sun in the heaven. I see disruption must produce such a war as I will not describe in its two-fold character."
BEGINNING OF HOSTILITIES.
This great American Nation seemed almost on the verge of ruin, and for the time being the government was paralyzed. President Buchanan was distracted with hesitancy and the contradictory councils of friends. With the exception of Forts Moultrie and Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, Fort Pickens, near Pensacola, and Fortress Mon- roe, in the Chesapeake, all the important posts in the seceded states had been seized and occupied by the Confederates, even before the organization of their government.
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated in March, as President of the United States, with Win. H. Seward, of New York, Secretary of State; Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury; Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War, and Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, as members of his Cabinet, but it was not until April 15, 1861, that he issued a proclamation declaring the South to be in a state of rebellion and calling for 75,000 militia to "repossess the forts, places and property seized from the Union." Both Houses of Congress were summoned to assemble in extraordinary session on July 4, 1861. Jefferson Davis also issued a proclamation two days later than the one of Lincoln, calling upon "The good people of the Confederacy," to rally and drive out "the invaders." On the same day Virginia seceded from the Union and was followed by Arkansas May 6, and North Carolina on the 20th of the same month. East Tennessee was strongly opposed to disunion and it was not until June Sth that a secession ordinance could be passed. Maryland's people were divided in their opinions, but the disunion sentiment prevailed largely. As will be seen presently, in Missouri the movement result- ed in civil war, while in Kentucky a proclamation of neutrality was issued by the authorities.
The first bloodshed in the civil war was at Harper's Ferry, when on April 19, some Massachusetts regiments were passing through Balti- more on their way to Washington, were attacked by the citizens with
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stones and fire arms, at which time three men were killed. The next battle was on the 20th of the month when a company of Virginians at- tacked the great navy yard at Norfolk. The federal officers in com- mand fired the buildings, sank the vessels, spiked the guns and with- drew their forces. Most of the vessels and cannons were afterwards recovered by the confederates. The property thus captured amounted to about $10,000,000. So stood the opposing powers in the beginning of the summer of 1861.
THE ATTITUDE OF MISSOURI.
Missouri had been deeply involved in the agitation caused by the territorial questions connected with the subject of slavery, and as the state was largely populated by emigrants from Kentucky, Virginia and other southern states, or by their descendants, there was nat- urally a strong and widespread sympathy with the secessionists. But notwithstanding this sympathy, there was considerable conservatism among her people, and they were not, in the language of Governor Stewart's message, to be frightened from their property by the past unfriendly legislation of the North, or be compelled to submit to seces- sion by the restrictive legislation of the extreme South.
Claiborne F. Jackson, author of the "Jackson Resolution," was inaugurated governor January 4, 1861, having been elected by the Douglas democrats. While Governor Stewart's farewell message con- cluded with an eloquont appeal for the maintenance of the Union, he depicted the ruin and bloodshed that must attend secession. While on the other hand Governor Jackson in his inaugural address insisted that "the interest of all slave-holding states were identical; that in case the Union were really divided, it would be the duty and privilege of Mis- souri to stand by the South; that the state was in favor of remaining in the Union so long as there was any hope of maintaining the guar- antees of the constitution, but, that in any event, he was utterly opposed to coercion."
Believing that Missouri had the right to a voice in the settlement of this question then pending in the country, he recommended the calling of a state convention immediately, that the will of the people might be ascertained. The convention was called by Governor Jack- son, in accordance with the act of the legislature, and met at Jefferson City February 28, 1861. Ninety-nine members were present and the convention elected the following officers and was permanently organ- ized: Sterling Price of Chariton county, president, (he was regarded as a decided Union man); Robert Wilson of Andrew county, vice-pres-
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ident; Samuel A. Lowe of Pettis county, secretary; Robert A. Camp- bell of St. Louis, assistant secretary; C. P. Anderson of Moniteau county, doorkeeper, and W. B. Grover, sergeant-at-arms.
Upon President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men, Missouri's qnoto was fixed at four regiments which Governor Jackson was to furnish, but in replying to Secretary of War Cameron, he said: "There can be, I apprehend, no doubt, but these men are intended to form a part of the president's army to make war upon the people of the seceded states. Your requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconstitutional and revolutionary in its objects; inhuman and diabolical and cannot be complied with. Not one man will the state of Missouri furnish to carry on such a crusade." Signed, C. F. Jackson, Governor of Mis- souri.
Pursuant to a proclamation of Governor Jackson the state legisla- ture met in extra session May 2, 1861, and in his message to that body, the Governor reiterated the declaration that the interests of Missouri were identical with those of the slave-holding states and recommended that it would be policy to arm the people and place the state in an at- titude of defence. The legislature responded and passed several im- portant measures among which were the following: "To authorize counties to loan money not exceeding $30,000 each, to the state; to au- thorize the banks of Missouri to issue one, two and three dollar notes to the amount of $1,500,000 instead of the same amount in larger notes. To authorize the Governor to purchase or lease David Ballen- tine's foundry at Boonville for the manufacture of arms and ammuni- tion for the war; to authorize the Governor to appoint one major-gen- eral, who in time of insurrection, invasion or war, should command the entire military force in the field, and to authorize the governor to. borrow $1,000,000, to arm and equip the militia of the state in such a manner as to enable the protection of the lives and property of the people." And in the midst of this body of busy legislators dropped the news that Camp Jackson had been taken at St. Louis.
By order of Governor Jackson the United States arsenal at Liberty had been seized April 20, 1861. Upon the capture of Camp Jackson and the consequent disasterous collision between some of the United States troops and the people, the wildest excitement prevailed through- out the state. The most essential reports flew abroad of the brutal murder of men, women and children by infuriated soldiery. People in various localities rose to avenge the reported terrible slaughter and the whole state was in a frenzy of indignation.
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A conference was held in St. Louis between Gen. Lyon, Col. Blair, jr., and Maj. Conant on one side, and Governor Jackson, Gen. Sterling Price and Col. Thos. L. Sneed, on the other. The interview lasted six hours but resulted in nothing except to make a terrible truth evident, that their differences could not be adjusted peaceably. Gov. Jackson died at a farm house on the Arkansas river opposite Little Rock, Dec. 6, 1862. Hamilton R. Gamble was elected governor in July, 1861.
In January, 1862, President Lincoln issued one of the most im- portant documents of the modern times-the emancipation proclama- tion. As the state of Missouri was loyal to the Union, and was at the time of the proclamation represented in congress by her chosen repre- sentatives, the provisions of that document had no effect upon slavery within her borders.
Thus after an existance of more than two hundred and fifty years, the intitution of African slavery was swept away. Although it was the purpose of the general government to do away, to discriminate carefully between Union and non-Union slave-holders, and to suffic- iently indemnify against all losses occasioned by the freeing of their slaves, yet in many cases loyal men were ruined financially in this great overthrow of southern institutions and all classes suffered together.
CAMPAIGN OF 1861.
Battle of Boonville, better known as the "Boonville races;" won by Federals, who took possession of Camp Vest and Boonville.
Battle of Carthage, between forces of Gen. Sigel and Gov. Jack- son, fought July 5, 1861; victory for Confederates with loss of 250 or 300 men, several horses, guns, etc.
Gen. John Fremont assumed command of the Western Department with headquarters at St. Louis, July 26, 1861.
Battle of Wilson Creek, between the forces under General Lyon and General McCulloch Aug. 10, 1861. This was one of the fiercest battles that took place in Missouri. Gen. Lyon was killed and was succeeded by General Sturgis.
Governor Gamble issued a proclamation August 24, 1861, calling for 32,000 men for six months to protect the property and lives of the citizens of the state.
On August 30, 1861, General Fremont declared martial law and declared that the slaves of all persons who should thereafter take an active part with the enemies of the Government should be free.
At daybreak on September 12, 1861, General Price began an at-
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tack at Lexington on Col. Mulligan's forces, who worked night and day to strengthen their fortifications, but Price's forces were too strong for him and on the 20th Col. Mulligan with 2640 men surren- dered to Price, the white flag was raised, and the seige of Lexington was at an end with big gains for the Confederate forces.
On October 16, 1861, Maj. White, with his "prairie scouts" con- sisting of 185 cavelry, captured seventy-five Confederates and released all the Union prisoners at Lexington, confined by Price a short time before.
The Battle of Springfield took place Oct. 25, 1861, with a loss to Union side.
Martial law was declared in St. Louis, Dec. 23-25,1861, and the adjacent country, and covering all the railroad lines.
CAMPAIGN OF 1862.
The first engagement of any note in 1862 was the Battle of Pca Ridge which commenced March 6, at early morning, and after two days hard fighting the Federals came out victorious. The Confederate Generals McCulloch and McIntosh were both killed in this battle.
Battle of Cherry Grove took place in June, 1862.
Battle of Pierce's Mill was fought in June, 1862.
Florida Battle took place July 22, 1862.
On July 28, 1862, a hard fought battle took place at Moore's Mill, where Porter was defeated.
The Battle of Kirksville was fought Aug. 6, 1862, with a heavy loss to the Confederate forces.
Battle of Lone Jaek was won by Federal forces, August 16, 1862.
Battle of Newtonia took place Sept. 13, 1862, and was ivon by the Confederates.
On Sept. 25, 1862, ten Confederate prisoners were executed at Macon City by order of General McNeill.
CAMPAIGN OF 1863.
The first battle of 1863 was fought at Springfield on Jan. 8th.
Battle of Cape Girardeau, April 26, 1863, resulted in the defeat of the Confederates.
On Aug. 26, 1863, General Thomas Ewing issued his celebrated order No. 11, at Kansas City, Missouri.
CAMPAIGN OF 1864.
October 13, Battle of Marshall.
January, 1864, Gen. Rosecrans takes charge of the department. On October 8, 1864, Battle of Glasgow took place.
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CENTRALIA MASSACRE.
The next and one of the most atrocious slaughters ever perpetrated in the history of the state was the noted Centralia Massacre. On Monday night, Sept. 26, 1864, Anderson's Guerrillas, numbering from two to four hundred, encamped about three miles southeast of Cen- tralia, which was situated on the North Missouri railroad (now known as the Wabash) in Boone county. On Tuesday morning at about ten o'clock seventy-five or one hundred of this band went into town and at onee commenced plundering the stores and depot. At 11:30 a pas- senger train from St. Louis came in sight and immediately the Guer- rillas commenced throwing obstructions on the track and firing at the engineer, James Clark, who was running the train at the time, and, who is at present running an engine on the Centralia Branch of the Wabash. After the train stopped the robbers entered the coaches where they relieved men, women and children of money and other valuables. There were twenty-three Federal soldiers aboard the train who were marched into town and shot down like dogs. The Guerrillas burned the depot and six box ears that were standing near. After robbing every one that crossed their path, they set fire to the train and started it on its way to Sturgeon. It only ran a short distance before it was stopped and entirely consumed. In the afternoon of the same day Maj. Johnson and Col. Kutzner's rigiments of Missouri volunteers arrived upon the scene with one hundred and fifty mounted infantry. An incounter took place in an open field southeast of town, Maj. Johnson's men being armed with long guns, were ordered to dis- mount. They only fired one volley before the Guerrillas dashed in among them splendidly mounted, each carrying three or four revol. vers. Part of Joshson's men were still on horseback and started to rum, but were followed and shot down. Maj. Johnson was killed. There were only four or five of the infantry left and they were wound. ed. The Guerrillas had but three killed and seven wounded. The remains of companies A. G. and H. of Thirty-ninth regiment were buried at Centralia on the 27th of Sept, 1864. Since the close of the war their remains have been taken up and buried at Jefferson City in the National Cemetery.
· ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Pere Marquette, La Salle and others of Catholic persuasion, were the first representatives of religious thought to penetrate the Missouri and Mississippi valleys, where they at once began performing mission- ary labors among the Indians. The Protestants came about a century
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afterwards and in the course of time the Protestantial seeds were scat- tered along the courses of the two greatest rivers in the world, which form the eastern and western borders of Missouri and still a little later they had penetrated the inland country, until the present time, when church spires can be seen pointing heavenward from every city, town and hamlet in the state.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first Baptist church organized in what is now known as the state of Missouri was founded in Cape Girardeau county, near the Mississippi river, in 1806, under the labors of Rev. D. Green. The growth of this denomination has been marked, and it has gone on in- creasing until, now it marshals a great host, and it is still rapidly en- larging in members, and advancing in intelligence and general thrift. This denomination has been a great blessing to the state in the way of organizing educational institutions, among which are William Jewell college of Liberty, that has a world wide reputation as an institution of higher education; Stephens college of Columbia and the Baptist Fe- male college of Lexington, which are also gaining much prominence.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This is one of the largest denominations in Missouri, and was first organized in the state some time previous to 1829, and has established many literary institutions, among which are Christian college of Co- lumbia; Woodland college of Independence, and many other prominent colleges that are all in a thrifty condition. This denomination now has many publications throughout the state, and in many other ways is doing much to christianize the people of Missouri.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The first Trinitarian Congregational church was organized in St. Louis in 1852, with Rev. T. M. Post, D. D., as pastor. In 1864-65, fifteen churches were organized in towns along the Hannibal & St. Joe railroad. In 1875, the denomination had five distriet associations, seventy churches and forty-one ministers. Among their educational instituions are Drury college of Springfield and Thayer college of Kid- edr, which have made rapid progress since they were first opened.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first services of the Protestant Episcopal church held in Mis- souri was on Oct. 24, 1819, and Christ church was organized in St. Louis Nov. 1, of the same year. Rev. John Ward, previously of Lex- ington, Kentucky, was the first rector. This denomination controls
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several secular schools that are doing much in an educational way.
THE ISRAELITE CHURCH.
There is scarcely a county in the state where at least one dozen or more Jewish families are not settled. Jefferson City, Sedalia, Spring- field, Rolla, Washington, Macon City, Louisiana, Hannibal and many other small cities throughout the state that have wealthy and influen- tial citizens, but too few in number to form independent religious communities. In St. Louis, Kansas City and St. Joseph they have es- tablished congregations, Sunday schools, and houses of worship. They also have several institutions of charity in these cities. The oldest Hebrew congregation in Missouri was organized at St. Louis in 1838. Their churches have grown rapidly since their organization in the state.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The first Lutheran church organized in Missouri was founded in St. Louis in 1839. This church has made rapid strides towards the top round in the ladder, and now has a house of worship in nearly every town of any note within the borders of the state. They now have hospitals and charitable institutions in St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph and many of the smaller cities of the state. They also have many fine institutions of learning of which they may well feel proud, among which are Concordia College and a high school, both located at St. Louis.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
The Methodist Episcopal church in Missouri dates from an early period in the history of the state. Indeed, several societies were formed before it became a state, and those were part of the old Illi- nois Conference. When the separation of 1844-45 took place and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was formed, the societies in Mis- souri were broken up with few exceptions and the members either joined that organization or remained unable to effect a reorganization of their own until 1848, when the Missouri Conference resumed its sessions. During the Civil War the preachers and members were driven from nearly all the stations and districts. There were probably less than three thousand persons in actual fellowship in 1861-62. In May, 1862, the General Conference added Arkansas to the Missouri Conference and it bore the name of "The Missouri and Arkansas Conference" until 1868, when it was divided, the societies north of the Missouri river retaining the old name, Missouri Conference; and the societies south of the river, and those in Arkansas being formed into
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the St. Louis Conference. In 1872 the societies, in Missouri, south of the river became the St. Louis Conference. Those in Arkansas the Arkansas Conference. They have many educational institutions throughout the state.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.
John Clark was the name of the first Protestant minister who preached the Gospel in this state and was a Methodist local preacher. He resided where Alton now stands and occasionally crossed the river to a settlement of Americans near Florisant. The first regularly ap- pointed Methodist preacher was Rev. John Travis, who received an appointment from Bishop Asbury in 1806. He formed two circuits and at the end of one year returned one hundred members. These circuits were called "Missouri" and "Meramec;" and at the Conference of 1807, Jesse Walker was sent to supply the former and Edmond Wilcox the latter. As time has gone on this denomination has flour- ished, and have built and have under their control many magnificent schools all over the State.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN.
This church was first organized in Missouri in the spring of 1820, in Pike county. The Presbytery comprised all of Missouri and Arkansas and Western Illinois, with four ministers, two of whom resided in Missouri at one time. There are now in the State fourteen Presbyteries and one Synod. They have under their control many first-class high schools that are in a prosperous condition.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN.
The organization of this denomination dates back to 1816 at Bell- vue settlement, eight miles from St. Louis, but its missionary efforts date back to 1814, two years before the church was organized. The church was divided throughout the United States in 1838, and was known as the Old and New Synods. The Old School Synod was divid- ed on political questions springing out of the war in 1861. The Old and New School Presbyterians united in 1870, and since that time have steadily increased in membership.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
This church was first organized in the city of St. Louis in ' 1819, at which time the missionary enterprises of this denomination began in Missouri. In 1836, organizations of this church were made in Fayette, Boonville, St. Charles, Hannibal and other points and has had a wonderful increase in the State, and have control of a number of charitable institutions,
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UNITED PRESBYTERIAN.
This denomination was first organized in Missouri, in Johnson county, at Warrensburg, in 1867, and has had a rapid increase in membership since its organization.
UNITARIAN.
The first congregation of the Unitarian church in Missouri was organized in St. Louis in 1834, by Rev. W. G. Eliot. Up to the present time it has a small following.
ROMAN CATHOLIC.
The first written record we have of the organization of this church in the State, dates back to 1760, and shows that Father Watrin, who performed ministerial services in Ste. Genevieve, where the organi- zation took place. In 1766 a church was organized in St. Louis, and a small log church was erected in that city in 1770 by Father Menrin In 1818 there were four chapels, and for upper Louisiana seven priests. They opened up their first Seminary west of the Mississippi river, in Perry county, about this period, for the education of the young. In 1826 Father Rosatti was appointed Bishop of St. Louis. and through his efforts the Sisters of Charity, Sisters of St. Joseph, and of the Visitation, were founded, besides many other benevolent and charitable institutions. In 1834 he completed the present cathe- dral. After this, churches were built in all parts of the State. In 1847 an Arch-diocese, with Bishop Kenrick, Archbishop (deceased in 1896). This church has prospered and increased in membership very rapidly since its organization over one hundred years ago.
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