USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Historic days in Cumberland County, New Jersey, 1855-1865 : political and war time reminiscences > Part 17
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Company H, composed principally of Cumberland County boys, returned to Bridgeton, quietly August Ist, and was given a warm welcome by families and friends.
Eleven of this splendid company either died of disease or were killed in action. Seven were transferred to other companies, and seven discharged because of wounds and disability.
The following is a list of those who arrived in Bridge- ton safe and sound: Sylvanus Murphy, William M. Nor- ton. Charles S. Wallen, Joseph HI. Fithian, Louis Schaible, Theodore A. Dare. William C. Lore, Howard Minot, Charles Clark, Robert Potts, Franklin W. Buzby, Benja-
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min Barracliff, Andrew R. Snyder. John L. Smith, Theo- dore F. Sheppard, Elai Crozier. Theodore F. Strang, John E. Garton, Henry Allison, George F. Baker, Henry C. Beebe. Jonathan Berger. George P. Baker. Peter Boyle, Enoch Brooks, William E. Brooks, Charles B. Buck, George S. Buck, William Clark, Robert G. Clymer, Charles G. Ed- wards, Edward Flynn, Jacob Fritz, James Garrison, Enoch B. Garrison. Thomas Herbert, Levi J. Harker, Samuel Harris, Joseph Johnson, Henry Johnson, Elias M. Keeler, William Keeler, George Master, Jonathan McCowan, Har- rison McNeeley, Edward McQuillan, Joseph Mills, Matthias Murphy, Daniel Newcomb, William Nichols, Isaiah Palmer, Daniel Robinson, George W. Robinson, Leonard L. Roray, Aaron Schellenger. Samuel Strang, Henry Snyder, Daniel R. Seeds, Michael Sliger, William Stetson, Jamies Sheerin, Isaac Swing, James Rynear, John Trimble, William Tullis, John Valentine, Walter G. West. Several other members of Company H, returned at a later date being detained in Washington and Trenton, on special duties.
Company HI took part in thirty-four engagements all in the space of one year. Few organizations had done bet- ter in the entire course of the war.
Captain Ethan T. Harris, the company's first com- mander, returned with the honors of Major.
The Union Republican County Convention met in the Town Hall, Millville, at 10 o'clock A. M., October 4th, 1865. Charles K. Landis, founder of Vineland, was elected chairman, with John S. Mitchell, of Bridgeton, and John IV. Newlin, editor of the Millville Republican, as secretaries.
Hon. John T. Nixon and Colonel Hawkins, of Tennes- see, the latter having commanded a regiment in the civil war, addressed the convention, and were loudly applauded.
For the first time in the history of the Republican party in Cumberland County, the names of all the delegates were read and printed in the papers. The following is a com- plete list of the delegates :
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Bridgeton-First ward-Robert M. Seeley, George WV. Johnson, John R. Graham, Edward R. Broomall, George W. Finlaw. Second ward-Isaac B. Dare, Samuel B. Poole. Wallace Taylor, Henry B. Harker, Samuel S. Sparks. Third ward-Daniel M. Woodruff, Enoch Han- thorn, John S. Mitchell, David Sithens. Lawrence Wood- ruff.
Millville-Lewis Mulford, Isaac B. Mulford, E. G. MeClong, Samuel F. Freas, John W. Newlin.
Downe-Allen Sheppard, Jefferson Lore, Charles Sharp, Fithian S. Parvin, George Sloan.
Deerfield-Elwell Nichols, Enoch Riley, John Han- non, Lucius Moore, Jesse Finley.
Fairfield-Richard Stanton, Richard D. Bateman. Theophilus Trenchard. James Campbell. Jr., Richard Lan- ing.
Greenwich-Charles L. Watson, Morris Bacon, Job Bacon, Seeley Shute. Elmer Ogden.
Hopewell-Richard Minch. C. Henry Sheppard. Theophilus P. Davis, John S. Bonham, Ellis A. Davis.
Stow Creek-Lewis Howell, Isaac W. Elwell, William Ogden, Richard West. George Bonhanı.
Landis-Charles K. Landis, John Kandle, J. S. Hoard, John Tompkins, William A. House.
Maurice River-Daniel Harris, Theodore Rogers. Ephraim Sharp, Nathan Baner, Franklin Allen.
The personnel of this convention was high. Among the number were many of the most prominent citizens of the county, men of character and standing in the com- munities they had come to represent. The Republican party had been in existence barely a decade, yet under its banner a large portion of the best element had enlisted in behalf of political principles the success of which they deemed to be of the highest importance for the welfare of the nation. There was no taint of corruption in that remarkable con- vention of the early days. Each delegate expressed his choice free and untrammeled.
Editor John W. Newlin from the Committee on Res-
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olutions, reported the following which were unanimously adopted :
Resolved. That we rejoice over the successful issue which has crowned the efforts of the Union arms; that an honorable peace has been established; that the authority of the Government has been vindicated, and the stability and permanency of our institutions forever assured.
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the brave soldiers and sailors of the Republic, who have proved the ability of the Government, to meet domestic foes with as much success as it has met foreign enemies, and that we offer them not merely "lip service" to catch votes, but the warm affection of grateful hearts.
Resolved, That we endorse the policy inaugurated by our Jate lamented President, and which has been so faith- fully and successfully carried out by his successor.
Resolved, That we endorse the nomination of Marcus L. Ward, for Governor of New Jersey, and pledge our most earnest efforts for his election; that we also endorse the nominations this day made by this convention, and hereby pledge all honorable means to secure the election of the en- tire ticket.
Convention proceeded to nominations. The names of Hon. Providence Ludlam, Hon. B. Rush Bateman and Jonathan Elmer were presented. A ballot was taken with the following result: Ludlam, 46; Bateman 7; Elmer, 7; Senator Ludlam's renomination was then made unanimous amid cheers.
Hon. Robert More, was unanimously renominated for Assembly, First District; Hon. James HI. Nixon for As- sembly. Second District.
Dayton Wallen, of Millville; James M. Riley, of Bridgeton : Elmer Y. Robinson, of Maurice River, were nominated for Coroners.
The Democrats of Cumberland County, met in con- vention at the Court House in Bridgeton, October 19th.
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1865, and made out a strong ticket in opposition to that presented by the Union-Republican Convention. Sherrard Sockwell, of Fairfield township, was nominated for State Senator, Samuel Rammell, of Deerfield, was named for Assembly, First District : George W. Dummett, of Millville. Second District: Ephraim E. Johnson, of Bridgeton : Charles L. Parker, of Maurice River, and Benoni MI. Chance, of Downe, were selected as candidates for Coroner. The resolutions were patterned after those adopted in the State Democratic Convention and were strongly Bourbon Sherrard Sockwell, the nominee for Senator, was a Union man, strong in his convictions of duty, but warmly attached to the Democratic party as the faith of his fathers. He was a man of considerable ability, could make a good speech, being forcible and vigorous in the expression of his opinions. He was one of a type of good men who have long since disappeared from local politics-quaint, honest characters, whom all respected, though widely divergent in political views. "Uncle Sherrard" had lost a son in one of the great battles in Virginia, an only son, whose maimed body he had personally brought from the South to be interred in the cemetery at the old home. His heart was sore because of the loss of the boy whom he loved, and he made an affecting appeal to the voters of the county from the stump. specially effective for its sorrowful patriotism. One of the common people all his life his candidacy strongly appealed to the farmer and oysterman. Added to this was the rumor of friction in the Republican ranks over the renomination of Senator Ludlam. "Provie" had made an excellent Senator ; his course had been patriotic and creditable. But, as the special advocate of labor, introducing bills for the abolition of orders on factory stores, he had incurred the enmity of certain manufacturers. For this reason the Democrats thought him weak and had hopes. Labor, however, rallied to his support both in the primaries and at the election, and he won by a large plurality, the heaviest up to that day, that had been given a Republican candidate for Senator in Cumberland County, and returned to Trenton with flying colors.
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In the series of gatherings held throughout the State, in the famous Kilpatrick-Rogers debate. the greatest po- litical colloquy ever heard in New Jersey, the meeting for Cumberland County was set down for October 11, 1865. In the early evening thousands of people blocked Laurel street and the vacant square back of Grosscup's Hall. A large platform had been erected immediately in the rear of the hall froin which the speakers had a splen- did view of the audience and an excellent reach of voice. It was decided by the local leaders of the two great political parties that each should be represented in the government of the meeting. Hon. John T. Nixon was selected to rep- resent the Republicans, and Doctor Joseph C. Kirby, the Democrats, both representative gentlemen of their respec- tive parties.
The two orators stepped upon the platform on time. The band discoursed several lively airs, and the gladiators prepared for the struggle. Andrew Jackson Rogers, who was to open the debate in the first half hour, was a man of stalwart frame, able, affable and splendid voice. As a mem- ber of Congress from the Fourth Congressional District of the State, he had distinguished himself in the House of Representatives as an exponent of Northern Democracy. A fiery talker was "Jack" and at times bitter. the latter at- tribute obtaining for him the label "Copperhead" at the mouths and pens of his political opponents. Democratic chairman Kirby arose, introduced the Honorable "Jack," and the fun began. His theme was "equal taxation," with a vindictive attack on what he believed to be an outrage and a crime, the exemption from tax of the income from gov- ernment bonds. Congress had a right, in his judgment, to repeal the act exempting government bonds from taxa- tion. There is "nothing in the Federal Constitution," said "Jack." "to prevent repudiation of the National debt saddled upon the people by an unjust and uncalled for war." Dur- ing the second half-hour allotted him in the closing of the debate Rogers attacked the proposition looking toward negro suffrage, ridiculed its advocates and exalted the vir-
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tues of the Democratic party, which he claimed was the party of the people, and the party which believed in a white man's government.
Congressman Rogers was loudly cheered by his friends in the audience at the conclusion of his opening and closing argument. Many persons present while disagreeing with the speaker's sentiments, warmly complimented the delivery and diction of the orator.
One hour was given to Kilpatrick to present the Re- publican view of the political situation. General Judson Kilpatrick was one of the heroic figures of the great civil war. Of medium height, good face, and long flowing side whiskers playing havoc in the breeze as he excitedly tra- versed the platform, General Kilpatrick was a picture which the rostrum has rarely produced in our great national dis- cussions of political questions and issues. Fresh from vic- tories won by the army of the Potomac and the glories of Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea, the form of the doughty General loomed in the eye of the patriotic Ameri- can in a halo of splendor reflective of many bloody fields. Hence, his soldier history carried much weight with the audience, and "Little Kil" was the hero of the hour in the many debates of the Marcus L. Ward campaign.
Republican chairman Nixon introduced the General in a few well-timed remarks, and the reply began which never ceased in volume until the umpires announced "time." and then it seemed as though the orator had just cleverly touched his subject.
"There are other things more important than the sub- ject of equal taxation," said the General. "The Demo- cratic party is responsible for the war, and the taxes of which my learned friend Rogers complains. Last Fall- 1864 -- we were trying to prove the war not a failure, and to hand down the Government as it was received from the Fathers. Had MeClellan been elected, the fourth of March would have brought a cessation of hostilities, and a dis-
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graceful peace. All this to be brought about at a time when victory was crowning our arms. We are trying this Fall -- 1865-to reap the rich fruits of victory over rebellion, to unite the Union, and to vindicate the principles for which the soldiers fought, and in whose behalf we are willing to again draw the sword. In regard to equal taxation the Democratic platform says that that party is in favor of tax- ing government bonds. Does it say anything about taxing State and railroad bonds? Do you know, hearer, that there are nearly four millions of dollars' worth of State bonds untaxed by a "Copperhead Legislature," and fifty-six mil- lion dollars of railroad bonds untaxed by the State? If the latter were reached by taxation the people of New Jer- sey would have no other taxes to pay. Government bonds cannot be taxed, because it would be unconstitutional. The Constitution of the United States expressly declares that Congress shall pass no law impairing the validity of con- tracts. The Democrats are dishonest in their statements as they know it cannot be done."
In a brilliant peroration General Kilpatrick declared that he favored the emancipation of the black man, but that he was opposed to negro suffrage. Paying a glowing trib- ute to the valor and sacrifices of the sokliers of New Jer- sey now returned from the war. he appealed to them to aid by their votes the restoration of the grand old State to the hands of the party which saved the Union.
Enthusiastic were the cheers that went upward from a thousand throats when Kilpatrick had concluded, an au- gury of coming victory at the polls in Cumberland County.
In his conclusive remarks "Jack" Rogers was fre- quently interrupted by General Kilpatrick, with pertinent questions. all of which the former answered with courtesy. As Rogers finished Kilpatrick brought out a furore of ap- plause from the audience by the ironical exclamation : "Jack, incet me at the depot in the morning !"
Thus ended the great debate-the next morning Kil- patrick and Rogers went to the depot arm-in-arm. ap-
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parently the best of friends, to the great astonishment of fierce partisans who presumed that they were personal enemies, because perchance they had politically differed.
The canvass for the election of a Republican Gov- ernor in New Jersey was productive of great excitement and effort in Cumberland County. Political meetings were held in every school district of the county, a majority of them being addressed by former Congressman John T. Nixon. One of the greatest rallies was held in the school- house at Dividing Creek, where Mr. Nixon delivered the closing speech of the campaign on the night of November 5th. It was a fruitful year for orators and public speakers, as the State was turned upside down and inside out by both political parties. Among the youthful speakers was the writer of this work, and the place was the Baptist Ses- sion House on the main street of the village of Green- wich, where the boys and inen of that staid old borough, whooped things up for Marcus L. Ward, and the whole Republican ticket. It was a delightful meeting. The young ladies had formed a patriotic singing club and they sang war songs with a vim. It was the occasion of our first political speech, a never to be forgotten year with sev- eral of us who are still in Cumberland County, and remem- ber the good, old-fashioned politics which prevailed when men, not money, won seats in Congress and the Legisla- ture.
A rousing result was that of the glorious campaign of 1865. The State House passed from the control of the Democrats, both Executive and Legislative departments be- coming Republican. Marcus 1. Ward was elected Governor by a majority of 2.780 votes in the State over General Theodore Runyon, the Democratic candidate. The Legis- lature stood eleven Republicans and ten Democrats in the Senate : the House had twelve Republican majority, a Re-
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publican majority of thirteen votes on joint ballot. In Cum- berland County, Ward had 887 majority. Providence Lud- lam was re-elected Senator by 870 majority: Robert More. Assembly, First District. 369 majority ; James HI. Nixon. Second District, 493 majority.
The Union League headquarters in Sheppard's Hall, election night, November 6th, was the centre of excitement. Great crowds gathered in front of the building on West Commerce street. and as the results came pouring in of Union Republican majorities in the townships tremendous was the cheering. Telegrams from up State at a late hour brought the final good news that New Jersey had reversed her Democratic allegiance, when with cheers for the success- full candidates the elated Republicans departed for their homes.
In its issue following the election an editorial appeared in the Chronicle, and it read :
"The result is mainly due to the soldiers. Being denied the privilege of voting while in the field, when they were battling for the life of the nation, they promised themselves that as soon as the rebels were subdued and conquered, they would return and vindicate their rights at home. Brave boys-they have nobly done so-they have openly rebuked the wrongs done them, and proved in overwhelming num- bers their gratitude and esteem for the soldiers' friend- Marcus L. Ward."
From Robert Halford to the close of the Civil War was only a decade, but what wonders had God wrought! No more would black "Tom" and black "Joe" bare their backs to the slave driver's whip! No more would "Chloe" and "Phyllis" be separated from bone of their bone. flesh of their flesh. From the new made graves of a half million human souls that had perished in the blood and car- nage of the greatest war in history the smoke of holocaust went up to Heaven. Like the gentle dew upon the sum- mit of Hermon it sparkled and scintillated before the Throne in the crucible of the Master's refining fire !
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Two hundred years of oppression had sped its course, and the end had come. Before the omniscient eye the pano- rama of cruelties and its gory finish was curtained forever. and they who had defied the laws of God had paid the pen- alty in ruined homes, bloody graves, and wrecked hopes.
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