USA > Missouri > Carroll County > History of Carroll County, Missouri : carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri ; the Constitution of the United States, and State of Missouri ; a military record of its volunteers in either army of the Great Civil War ; general and local statistics ; miscellany ; reminiscences, grave, tragic and humorous ; biographical sketches of prominent men and citizens identified with the interests of the country > Part 34
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R. S. BEVIER, Colonel and Division Inspector, 3d Military District of Mo.
A large number of men offered to volunteer under this order, and it was seen that there would be but little difficulty in forming not only one com- ยท pany, but a battallion "to do the state some service."
MEETINGS IN MORRIS AND HURRICANE TOWNSHIPS.
A meeting of the citizens of Morris township was held at Mandeville on Saturday, May 11, 1861. Jonathan Traughber was called to the chair and I. R. Brown was chosen secretary. A committee on resolutions was appointed, consisting of Thos. S. Steel, J. H. Graham, John E. Mayo, J. L. McDaniel, and W. H. Glaze. Resolutions were reported and unani- mously adopted: Declaring it the imperative duty of Missouri to institute means at once to organize, arm, and equip the military for home defense; approving and endorsing the action of Gov. Jackson in refusing troops to coerce the south; opposing the passage of any troops from either of the contending parties through this state for the purpose of waging war against each other; declaring that on the call of Gov. Jackson " Morris township will respond with a company in proportion to her honor and population, for the defense of the state," etc., etc.
A company was formed, composed of about 100 men, and the following officers chosen: Captain, J. L. Traughber; 1st lieutenant, John E. Mayo; 2d lieutenant, James Stovall; orderly sergeant, I. R. Brown.
*Mr. Eads states that it was in obedience to the instruction of the last resolution, delivered to him by Mr. Hiram Wilcoxson, that he voted for the " military bill," carrying out the wishes of his constituents as embodied in the resolution next to the last.
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
On the same day a meeting of the citizens of Hurricane township was held, which was well attended. Stephen Hancock was chosen chairman, and D. I. Maxon, secretary. Messrs. W. R. Creel, Dr. Garner, Dr. Brown, John W. Staton, A. J. Carson, and Thos. H. Ballou composed the committee on resolutions. Mr. Wm. Scott delivered an address. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS, The citizens of the county of Carroll, in view of the present distracted condition of our once prosperous and beloved union, deem it necessary to call a meeting in each township of the county for the purpose of organizing a military company for home and mutual protection; there- fore,
Resolved, That we, the citizens of Hurricane township, whose names are hereunto subscribed, volunteer our services to the county for the pur- poses above mentioned.
Resolved, That every member of this company hold himself in readi- ness, at the shortest notice to aid in repelling any invasion or attack that may be made upon us or our property, or upon the persons or property of this or any of the adjacent counties.
Resolved, That each member of this company shall look well to any fire-arms in his possession, and keep them in good condition for immediate service until such time as we can procure arms from the county.
Resolved, That after a company of fifty shall have been enrolled, we will proceed to elect officers and organize in due military form. .
A company of fifty-one men enrolled, and proceeded to elect officers: Captain, B. C. Woods; first lieutenant, A. Gillespie; second lieutenant, A. J. Cason; orderly sergeant, John M. Cottingham. After a short time, spent in drilling, the company adjourned to meet the following Saturday, for the purpose of additional drill and military instruction.
AFTER THE CAMP JACKSON AFFAIR.
The great excitement in the county prior to the capture of Camp Jack- son, May 10, was intensified upon the receipt of the news in Carroll county. Said the Carrollton Democrat, of May 18: "From morning till night, since last Monday, crowds from all parts of our county are in town, and companies forming, drilling, and marching to the heavy beat of the drum. Here in town we have two military companies-one of infantry the other of cavalry-and in every township in the county is one company or more." In the same paper also appeared the following:
To the Young Men of Carroll County :- Your state has been invaded by a foreign enemy! The blood of the women and children of Missouri has stained the soil of the state! The capital is threatened by invaders! Come forward, and join the Carroll infantry immediately. The company is organized for service forthwith, and will leave for the scene of action as soon as they number sufficiently. The county court will equip the com- pany. Be on hand immediately .*
*The company had left for Jefferson City before this notice appeared.
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
Notice was also given of a meeting of the citizens of Grand River town- ship, at Chicken Point, for the purpose of organizing a military company and to meet once a week for the purpose of drill.
DEPARTURE OF THE FIRST MILITARY COMPANY.
On the 16th of May, the Carroll light infantry, C. M. Morrison com- manding, left the county, at the call of the governor, to defend the capital from an apprehended attack by the federal forces at St. Louis, under com- mand of Gen. Lyon and Col. F. P. Blair. This was the first company to leave the county to engage in hostilities against the federal authority.
Before leaving Carrollton, a fine flag was presented to the company, by Miss Ophelia Walling, on behalf of the ladies of Carrollton. Miss W. afterwards became Mrs. Dr. Winfrey.
The following account of the movements of the company is from the diary of Orderly Sergeant Chas. E. Blackwell, afterwards captain of the company, and killed at the battle of Oak Hill, or Wilson's Creek:
May 16 .- We left Hill's Landing on the steamer W. H. Russell. Our company numbers sixty-five men. We lay at Snowden's wood-yard all night. Found on board two fine companies, one from Jackson and one from Clay county. The boat is crowded with passengers, among whom is a Colonel Todd, who claims relationship with Mrs. Lincoln. He claims to be a confident of Jeff Davis (bosh!), and seems to know a little of everything. There is also a Mr. Matheny: he knows it all. He is a great "secesh;" wants others to do, and to do nothing himself, like many in our own county.
May 17 .- We passed Miami, Cowbridge and Glasgow. At these places we found banners flying and handkerchiefs waving, but no sol- diers/ At Arrow Rock, Boonville and Rocheport the situation was the same. The people said the soldiers had gone down. The pulse runs high with the kid-gloved men, especially among those just able to raise a mustache. I see none of the bone and sinew of the country hallooing for Dixie.
May 18 .- We reached Jefferson City early in the morning, and were greeted. by the soldiers and citizens. We marched up to the female sem- inary, which we made our headquarters. After we were settled and be- came a little quiet, a general disposition to leave camp pervaded the company. Our captain disappears; the lieutenants are similarly affected, and require the orderly sergeant to perform all their duties. In the even- ing I called on Mr. Houston, who was very kind, and took me to the ad- jutant general's and the quartermaster's office.
May 19 .- We are left by the officers to look out for ourselves. The soldiers are scattered all over the city. This evening we drilled, and I think ours the best disciplined. company, save a few that have been here for some time. Kelley's company, from St. Louis, is very fine. There is general disorder throughout the camps, and we are in more danger from our own men than from the enemy.
May 20 .- The boys all scatter again. Some kick up a fuss with the Dutch; a few others and myself try to get the boys together, but find it hard work, and quit almost in despair. .
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
May 21 .- The morning passed off without much of interest. In the evening the governor and General Price arrived from St. Louis. We re- elected officers; no change. We were sworn into the state service; vis- ited the adjutant general's office and got copies of the military law; spent some two hours looking around the capitol; saw portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Clay and Benton; afterward I walked about the city with serious thoughts. We saw General Price; he is a good-looking man. He made us a speech. Gov. Jackson also made a speech. He told us to go home. He is a good talker, but has hard looks. I was dis- appointed in his appearance. He is a foxy old 'coon.
May 22 .- We left on the steamer McDowell for home.
May 24 .- Reached home this morning. Stored our camp equipage, and each man took his own course for home. If we ever meet again, time will tell.
WILCOXSON'S POWDER.
About the time the "military bill" was passed, May 10, there were 12,000 kegs of powder in Jefferson City. Anticipating an attack on the capital, the railroad bridge across the Osage river was burned, and this powder was sent out into the country by Gov. Jackson, and secreted, be- ing distributed through Cooper, Saline, Howard, Chariton, Carroll and other counties.
Mr. Hiram Wilcoxson had been sent as Carroll county's commissioner to Jefferson City to instruct Representative Eads to vote for the "military bill," and to arrange for the arming and equipment of the troops of this county. By him a large quantity of this powder was brought to the county by steamer, landed at Hill's Landing and placed in what were supposed to be safe places. Some of it was hidden in hemp shocks, some of it in cellars, and it is said some of it yet lies hidden in the woods sur- rounding Carrollton.
MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS OF THE PEOPLE.
May 17, Representative Eads returned from Jefferson City (the legisla- ture having adjourned), and immediately a crowd gathered about him and demanded an account of his stewardship. All repaired to the court house, where Mr. Eads made a speech explaining his course on the mili- tary, to which he said he had been strongly opposed for various reasons, but for which he voted in obedience to the demand made upon him by his constituents. He also stated that because of his opposition to the bill he had incurred the displeasure of the governor, who had taken the op- portunity to express his indignation toward him in the presence of the commissioner, Mr. Hiram Wilcoxson, who had been sent from this county to Jefferson City to purchase arms, etc .*
At the conclusion of Eads' speech there was considerable dissent from his views and sentiments, and it is said that a violent altercation .occurred
*Carrollton Democrat, May 25, 1861
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
between him and Mr. Austin, growing out of the differences in opinion.
Meetings were held in nearly every township every week, and muster- ing, drilling, and organizing, together with a great deluge of "war talk " engrossed the time and attention of the people. Business of all kinds was neglected to prepare for imminent battle and bloodshed. Very soon Letwich's or Brewster's company of cavalry was organized and enlisted by Col. James W. Buchanan, who was enrolling officer for the county for the " Missouri State Guard." Capt. J. L. Traughber's company, from Morris township, numbering.100 men, next made its appearance in Car- rollton. All of the members of this company were mounted, and pre- sented an excellent appearance, as they marched into town. As they formed on the public square, " Three cheers for the Mandeville company " were called for, and given with a will. A meeting was being held in the court house and the company marched in and was greeted with great applause. Capt. Traughber, in response to enthusiastic calls, mounted the rostrum and made an impassioned speech, of which the following is said to be the substance:
Fellow Citizens :-* * * The time has come when every true patriot must defend his country to the best of his ability. We must defend our homes and firesides against the mercenary legions of Abraham Lincoln to the last. (Applause). In this contest there must be no shirk- ing and no shrinking. (Applause). Every man must do his part. For my part, I am getting along in years, and there are some things I cannot do; but I want you all to know that I come of a breed of dogs that never get too old to fight. (Wild applause). I hope I shallever be found defend- ing my country from assaults from every quarter, and especially in this contest do I desire to do my duty. I hope you will all see this as I do. I have here before me one hundred of my brave Shelbydines, (alluding to the members of his company whom he called by this fanciful name*) and we intend to stand by our state and our country till the last drop of blood is shed, if necessary; and I have four sons that I am willing shall go forth to serve their country. (Applause). Let us all do our duty and the war will soon be over. You must all do something. If you can't fish you must cut bait. I hope we will all do our duty in this crisis and save our country from the perils that threaten her. (Applause).
A the conclusion of Capt. Traughber's speech, Col. Buchanan, the mus- tering officer, rose and said: "Capt. Traughber, please form your com- pany in the square, and they will be sworn into the service immediately." All at once there seemed to be a hitch in the proceedings, somewhere. Nobody had expected this or desired it. The men had come away from home unprepared for taking the field or leaving the county at once, and only a few expressed a willingness to be sworn in. Even the " old fighting dog," Capt. Traughber, found, upon contemplation, that his business was in such condition that it demanded his personal attention for a considerable
*What a "Shelbydine" is, the dictionaries do not state.
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portion of future time. The result was that the Mandeville company was not mustered in on that day.
Afterward, the Morris township company and that of Hurricane were consolidated, forming Pritchard's company, afterwards Minick's, when Pritchard was elected lieutenant colonel of the regiment (Rives'). It was a splendid company and performed important service for the confederate cause.
The county authorities took some action in the premises. Petitioned to appropriate $10,000 for the arming and equipping of trooops-or loan that amount to the state, equivalant to the same thing-the county court refused, " for want of authority ;" but did appropriate, indirectly, $746.19, as appears on the records.
"Ordered that a warrant issue to Hiram Wilcoxson, commissioner, for $746.19, as a loan to the state of Missouri, for the purpose of equipping and paying the expenses of a military company, sent from this county to Jeffer- son city by order of the governor, and that said Wilcoxson be and is hereby appointed commissioner to receive and refund to the county the amount of the above warrant, when paid by the state or the proper offi- cer."
If any further or other sums were appropriated, they have not been found. The county court at that time consisted of T. G. Dobbins, Thomas Minnis, and James Trotter. The latter only is now living in Carroll county. He says that the county court made an order to loan $10,000 to the state, but that only the amount paid Wilcoxson, was ever expended. There is no record of the further disbursement.
COL. BUCHANAN'S ORDER.
Mr. James W. Buchanan, public administrator of the county, having been appointed an enrolling officer for this military district, as well as division inspector, by Gen. price, issued the following invitation on the 8th of June:
To the people of Carroll County :- The military law of this state, passed at the recent session of the legislature, requires all able bodied free white male inhabitants, over 18 and under 45 years of age, to be enrolled in the Missouri State Guards in their respective districts, and be held in readi- ness to enter state service whenever called for.
The undersigned, assistant division inspector for the 4th military district, will be at the brick church on the state road, five miles east of Carrollton, on Saturday the 15th inst., to muster into service and administer the oath to all of those who are willing to enlist in the state service. The good people of this county are earnestly requested to organize themselves into companies, and elect such officers as they may prefer to serve under when called into actual service. Let us stand as a united people in defence of
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the rights and honor of our state, forgetting all past dissensions, and cheerfully and promptly obey the laws of the state in which we live. Very respectfully,
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, Assistant Division Inspector of the 4th Military District.
DEPARTURE OF THE STATE GUARDS FOR "THE FRONT."
In the early part of June (1861), Gov. Jackson ordered the Carrol county troops to rendezvous at Lexington. Accordingly the companies then organized, together with a number of new volunteers, took up the line of march. Brewster's company of cavalry, Morrison's company, Pritchard's company, and other organizations, numbering in all about 300 men, moved out. On Crooked river, an alarm was given that the federals were in large force in front, and threatening an attack. A line was formed and there were very many amusing incidents as the squadrons were set. Luckily there was no battle. The alarm was caused, it is said, by the advance discovering some ladies riding across the prairies at a distance.
The line was not compactly formed, and there was not much regular- ity or order in the march; but the men, for the most part, were amateurs, and had much to learn. The forces were armed with shot guns, hunting rifles, and revolvers, and carried their own commissary and quartermas- ter's stores in farm wagons. For uniforms, each man dressed to please his own particular taste and fancy.
At Lexington, the companies went into camp and into organization. The regiment to which most of the Carroll men belonged was commanded by Col. Rives, of Ray County, and upon its organization Capt. Pritchard was chosen lieutenant-colonel. This regiment fought its first battle at Carthage; its subsequent history is given elsewhere.
UNION MEETINGS.
Meantime, the Union citizens of Carroll county, those who were opposed to secession and to secessionists, kept a little quiet, but bided their time. They became outspoken and active as soon as the State Guards left the county, and indeed, some of them had not held their peace before. Very many who had, at the inception of the troubles, been warmly opposed to Federal coercion and favored peaceable secession in preference to war, now became ardent supporters of the Federal administration and resolved to stand by it.
Accordingly "Union meetings" were called and held in nearly every part of the county, participated in, in same instances, by men who had taken part in "Southern" meetings only a few weeks before. The con- version of some individuals from secessionists to Unionists was very strik-
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
ing indeed. Some of Capt. Traughber's " brave Shelbydines," for exam- ple, in a few days went over to the "enemy," and, making their way to Chillicothe where a Federal regiment, the 2d Iowa Infantry, was stationed, enlisted to put down the " wicked rebellion." It is stated that when it was known that the Federal authorities were engaged in moving troops into and across the State, via the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railway, it was deter- mined by some of the Carroll county Southern men to burn the railroad bridge across Grand River. Upon one occasion, the Morris township " Shelbydines " concluded to undertake the demolition of the structure. Volunteers were called for, and among those who rode out was John E. Mayo, the first lieutenant of the company. Not enough men could be induced to volunteer, and those who did afterward reconsidered their deter- mination when it was learned that there was a strong force of Federal soldiers at Chillicothe. Some time thereafter Lieut. Mayo and certain other members of the company went to Chillicothe and entered the Federal service. Mayo eventually became major of the 13th Missouri Cavalry, (Union), and was a brave and gallant fighter against the cause which he first espoused. He was drowned in the Platte River, Nebraska, after the close of the war, but while still in the service of the Government against then Indians.
MEETING AT THE BURR OAK SCHOOL HOUSE.
It is believed that the first union meeting participated in by those who were willing to fight for their faith was held in Morris township, or in ivhat is now Fairfield. This meeting was held on the 16th of May at the Burr Oak school house. The chairman of the meeting was John Taylor, and Thomas Roney officiated as secretary. The secretary's report says that a committee of resolutions, was appointed consisting of Chas. Misner, Robt. McFeran and John Bud, and after a few remarks by some two or three persons, the meeting adjourned until Tuesday, the 21st, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Following is the secretary's report of the adjourned meeting:
May 21st. Met pursuant to adjournment. The committee was called for and came forward and presented the following preamble and resolu- tions:
In the perilous times in which our country is thrown, we trust it will not be deemed improper in us to express to our fellow-citizens our united opinion as to the course and duty of our State in the present crisis.
There has been a collision at St. Louis, as is known to all between the seceded party and the national government which resulted in the capture of the seceded party by the government forces; in view of this event and other acts growing out of the secession of the southern states, the president calling help from our state, the state, through her exec- utive, refused to obey the call, and we do not indorse the governor's act in the refusal, for we, with all our heart, disapprove of secession, both
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as being constitutional and as a remedy for existing evils. We hold our- selves loyal to whom loyalty is due, for we have not been instrumental in bringing about the present warfare, and now stand ready and willing, at all times, to do anything in our power to stop it.
1. Resolved, That we will not voluntarily join either extreme party, for in so doing we would at once terminate our grand mission of peace -. makers between the two extreme parties.
2. Resolved, That we believe it is the duty of the president to enforce the laws of the United States in any part thereof.
3. Resolved, That we believe no state can withdraw herself from the union-that once in the union always in the union.
4. Resolved, That we as a body agree to use all means in our power to suppress all mob law or got up parties for the purpose of marring the peace of civil community.
5. Resolved, That we will hold ourselves subject to the laws and con- stitution of the United States, and therefore enroll our names in token of the same.
6. Resolved, That we disapprove of the county court granting the secession organization of Carroll county, Missouri, any money out of the county treasury, and that we will hold the court accountable for the same, unless they had first placed the case before the people of the county, and let the poll books govern them in such case.
The above preamble and resolutions were read to a large congregation, which seemingly was aroused to a feeling sense of great enthusiasm. It was moved that the question and vote be taken on each resolution sepa- rate and carried almost unanimously. Then it was agreed on by motion, and seconded, that we meet on the next Tuesday afternoon, in order to enroll our names. Then adjourned until Tuesday, the 28th of May, 1861.
Met on the 28th, according to arrangement, and after two or three short addresses, we proceeded to enroll our names in token of our pledge to the same.
JOHN TAYLOR, Chairman.
THOMAS RONEY, Secretary.
E. B. Wright, John Taylor, Charles Grigsby, Wm. McFeran, Abel Lee, John Charlton, John Caseldine, Benjamin Shields, David Mathews, Drury B. Savage, Levi Wheeler, Joseph Silkey, Daniel McDaniel, John Roney, James Durham, A. F. Rhodes, John Whitworth, Elijah Lane, Kendel Elder, Drury Elder, Jr., Daniel McCalahan, R. T. Robinson, Loama O. Mott, Perry G. Burros, John Budd, Edwin Nichols, Thos. J. McFeran, Thomas House, John W. Shively, Drury Durham, Wiley B. Lee, Drury Elder, Sr., Thadeus Cox, James C. Cox, Truman Nichols, Charles Misner, Robt. McFeran, James Chapin.
After enrolling the names, then, by motion, it was agreed on to meet the 4th of June, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at Baleyville, at C. Mis- ner's, and then adjourned.
The published report of the Burr Oak meeting closed with the follow- ing invitation: "Union men, one and all, come and see whether or not we be in the faith."
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THE MEETING AT WINFREY'S GROVE.
From the Carrollton Democrat, June 8, 1861:
One of the largest neighborhood meetings ever held in Carroll county convened at Winfrey's Grove, at the place known as the Rosebud School- house, about seven miles south-east of Carrollton, on Saturday, the 1st June, to deliberate on the present aspect of the times. Notwithstanding the rain was pouring down, the crowd came in from all quarters, each man seeming determined to stand forth before the world as a defender of the old banner of Washington and Jackson, and to sustain the Union by which "nobody has ever been hurt.". Several of the old pioneers of the county were there. Men who reclaimed this county from the wild wilder- ness and have made it the garden of the State . were there, with their sons and grandsons, all warm, ardent, determined and resolved to oppose Secessionism, Abolitionism, or any other fanaticism that threatens the liberties of the people.
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