USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > A twentieth century history of Trumbull County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 19
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19.
HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
King, Lorenzo Carter, Seth Harrington, Zopher Case, Homer Hine, Eli Baldwin, John Struthers, George Tod, Samuel Tylee, William Bushnell, James Heaton, John Ewalt and John Camp- bell.
The New England people who, carly in the nineteenth con- tury, had gone to Canada to take advantage of the homestead law, as they saw a war with England approaching, came into the northern portion of Ohio, and their numbers increased each year until 1812. For that reason the fourth division was divided into four brigades. The commanders were Gens. Miller, Beall, Miller and Paine. The Third brigade, which the readers of this history will be most interested in, was commanded by General Simon Perkins. Ile was an efficient, brave officer. This Third Brigade, under General Perkins, consisted of three regiments, of which Win. Rayen, J. S. Edwards and Richard Hayes were lieutenant colonels. When Congress increased the United States army in 1812 George Tod was appointed major of the Seventeenth United States Regiment. Governor Tod seemed to be a very versatile man. lle was a scholar, a law maker, a judge, and a soldier. always holding high rank.
General Perkins issued an order in April. 1812, to his lien- tenant colonels, telling them to secure, by enlistment, twenty- three men to serve in the United States army as a detachment from the militia of the state. "If they cannot be seenred by enlistment, thirteen are to be secured by draft."
In reading the history of the war of 1812 it is strange to see how the delays and the jealonsies and the intrigues and the pol- ities entered in exactly as they entered in at the time of the war of 1861, and as they will always enter in till men learn that the greatest thing in the world is love for one's fellow man.
The first men in Trumbull County who saw the necessity of armed forces drilled, and after the militia was formed they had regular appointed "training." These days of training were often made sort of holidays, and the whole community gathered in some spot to see their men, sometimes in uniform colored by home dyes and made by women of the family, go through the manoeuvre of arms. Some years later the sons of wealthy men of Ohio had select companies with real uniforms, brass buttons, and like things, which stirred the envy of homespun soldiers.
The first company in the war of 1812, organized under the government through Gen. Simon Perkins, had for captain John W. Seely ; ensign, James Kerr.
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Ilistorians tell us that President Madison, although a states- man, was not a war president, and his secretary of war was no better. We are inclined to believe this the truth in regard to the latter, since he trusted a war message to the mails of that time. instead of sending it by messenger. The consequence was that the British on the southern shore of Canada knew the dec- laration of war three days before General Inll had been notified. History also tells us that Hull did not advance on Malden, as he was supposed to do, and as it is believed he ought to have done, at the time when his men were ambitions and anxious to fight. Historiaus are not at all reticent in regard to him, but say that he was not a traitor nor a coward, but "an imbecile caused by drunkenness." Anyway, he surrendered at a time when he need not have surrendered, gave to the British the stores, the whole of Michigan, and left the western frontier of northern Ohio the prey to the blood-thirsty Indians and their allies. He himself was captured, but exchanged for thirty Brit- ish prisoners. He was court-martialed and sentenced to be shot for cowardice, but was pardoned by President Madison. The terror which spread over old Trumbull County, at the news of this defeat, can be imagined. However, it did not take long for the hard-headed General Wadsworth to act. He waited for no orders, but issued a command for men to rendezvous at Cleve- land. Colonel Whittlesey says, "The orders were received in the Third and Fourth Brigades like the call of the Scottish chiefs to the highlands." As soon as the Trump of Fame had confirmed the surrender of Hull, the men of Trumbull County who were physically able shouldered their guns ready to fight. They did not wait for any distinct orders. Exaggerated stories came from the mouth of the Cuyahoga by messenger. Women and children who had been in Cleveland and that vicinity, fright- ened to death, came hurrying into Trumbull County for safety, and bore witness to the truth. It happened to be Sunday when the messengers bearing the sad news reached Warren. Meetings which were in session dispersed, guns were cleaned, knives were sharpened, and like preparations were made. Colonel Hayes' regiment mustered at Kinsman's store. This inelnded men from the east side of Trumbull County, and before August 26th the other regiments, under Colonel Rayen and Colonel Edwards. were on their way. In fact, so many men rushed to the defence of their country that General Wadsworth sent part of them back, .
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
to their disgust. He said they were needed to protect the home property and home people. General Perkins was given conmand of the army at the front, and reached Camp Huron on Septent- ber 6th. It is possible that the newly organized troops were in their places ready to defend before anything was known of con- ditions at the war department in Washington. These troops were in the neighborhood of the malarious country, and suffered terribly from sickness. If the enemy had attacked them at that time they would have been easily overcome.
On the 28th of September volunteers were called for to go against the Indians, who were making themselves obnoxious in the neighborhood, and on the next day an engagement took place in which six men were killed, ten were wounded. Among the latter was Joseph McMahon, of Salt Springs fame. He escaped death at that time, but was killed on the way home.
A good many soldiers from Trumbull County were in the ranks when Harrison won his splendid victory in the fall of 1813.
The men who lent their aid in establishing the civil govern- ment of old Trumbull County were the men who defended the frontier and helped to carry to successful termination the war. Among these was Elijah Wadsworth, who suffered greatly from personal debt, which he contracted for the goverment in raising the troops. This is a shameful statement for anyone to have to record. General Perkins, Judge Tod, Calvin Pease, whose his- tory we have read, gave their splendid talents to the govern- ment service. Rev. Joseph Badger was postmaster. chaplain and nurse. Ile manufactured one of the old time hand-grinding mills and, from the meal he made, prepared mush which filled the stomachs of the half-sick soldiers. He was very popular among his men for like actions.
Although the war of 1812 maimed and killed many. de- stroyed families and wrought great hardships, it brought the people of Trumbull County to the idea that there must be general military organizations and that each man must be willing to do his duty as a soldier. From that time on the militia was more popular, trainings were had often, and ammunition was always on hand.
It would be useless to attempt to give the causes of the war of 1861, or anything more than a mention of the part which Trumbull County people took in it. The first men-to go from Trumbull County reported at Cleveland in the spring of 1861 in answer to Lincoln's call for troops. These men were largely
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merchants and professional men from the towns. There were few farmers. The company from Trumbull County was known as " Company Il." Its captain was Joel F. Asper, the first lien- tenant was George L. Wood. (His daughter, Grace Wood Schmidt, now resides in Warren.) After the promotion of Wood to captain, Asper having been promoted to lieutenant-colonel, Holbert C. Case became first lieutenant, and James P. Brisbane second lieutenant. Among the non-commissioned officers who were mustered out at the time the company was were First Ser- geant Joseph Pollock, Sergeant John L. Davis, Sergeant John A. Chaffee, Sergeant John Pollock; Corporals Henry H. Pierce, David L. Herst, Samuel L. Vance; Privates Steven Burrows, Reuben W. Bower, Seth J. Coon, William Hunter, William A. Leavens, Jacob Il. Mohler, Eurastus C. Palmer, George W. Parker, Samuel S. Pelton, Hiram Shaffer, William Hl. Tracey, Alfred Webster, Benjamin Wilson, Adison White, Henry A. Weir. Of the non-commissioned officers who were wounded, Sergeant Ellis Fox, Corporals Charles Glendening, Joseph Kin- raid, David Wintersteen, and Wagoner James Moser were re- ported. Eleven of this company were killed in battle, ten died, six are not reported, forty-five were discharged before the ex- piration of service, and two were transferred.
Company HI belonged to the 7th Ohio Regiment, Volunteer Infantry. They gathered at Camp Taylor, marched into Cleve- land in citizens' clothes, went to Cincinnati, where Camp Den- nison, a horrid place, awaited them. It was so early in the war that proper preparations had not been made, and they suffered greatly from cold. Joel B. Tyler, of Ravenna, Ohio, was elected colonel, William Creighton, lieutenant colonel, and John S. Case- ment. major. General Casement was a popular, brave young officer, and is still living. He has been a prosperous man, is now as then optimistic and generous. This regiment went to West Virginia, camping at Clarksburg. They were ordered to march to Weston to procure $65,000 in gold which had been left in the bank there. They then proceeded to Glenville, to reinforce the 17th Ohio. They were then ordered to establish commications with General Cox. A little later they had a conflict with General Floyd's forces, in which 120 men, killed, wounded and prisoners, were left upon the field. Part of the regiment went to Gauley, and while there received a stand of arms from people of the Western Reserve. General Dyer assumed command in October, 1861, and the regiment started in pursuit of General Floyd. It
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soon was at the very front. During that winter the sokliers suf- fered greatly from cold, and General Lander, having died, was suceceded by General Shields. The first real battle which the 7th participated in was that of Winchester. In this battle, four- teen were killed, 51 wounded, and several taken prisoners. After this battle the 7th was ordered to Fredericksburg. This was 132 miles off, and was a nine-day march. In the battle of Shenandoah the 5th and 7th Regiments fought under the cover of standing wheat, 3,000 men against 14,000. When they finally had to retreat the 7th Regiment was in the rear guard, and it never broke line, but even sometimes halted to fire on the enemy. They went to join MeClellan, and came under the command of General Banks. The 7th was present at the Battle of Antietam, but was held back as a reserve force, and did not have to fight much. In 1862 the ranks of this regiment, which originally had a thousand men, were reduced to less than three hundred. Two hundred men were added to their number, and they went into winter quarters, where they stayed until April, 1863, about two years from the time they had reported at Cleveland. The 7th Regiment was in the hottest part of the dreadful fight of Chan- cellorsville. They held their position, fighting until ordered to retreat, and finally, when the federal forces withdrew, the 7th and two other regiments brought up the rear. When one meets, in business, men who engaged in all the battles of the 7th, one cannot help but wonder how they ever survived snch a terrible ordeal. At Chancellorsville this regiment lost 14 killed and 70 wounded. On June 1st, after hard marching, they were at Gettys- burg. In this fight, one of the most terrible of the Civil war, they were Imrried from point to point, but because of the constant change of position they lost only one man and 17 wounded. From Gettysburg they went to New York to quell the riots, and in August went into camp on Governor's Island. In September they were ordered to the western department, and were under General Hooker. They went into winter quarters in Alabama. Here they expected to have a little warmth and rest, but soon had to leave these good quarters for Lookout Mountain. If they could not have the comfort of camp, they at least had the joy of seeing the Union flag planted on this mountain. However, this was little satisfaction, because very soon they were engaged in the fight of Missionary Ridge, where Colonel Creighton, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Crane fell, and where the slaughter was terrible. The 7th lost 19 killed and 61 wounded. They returned to Bridge-
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port, and in May occurred the battle of Rocky Face Ridge. This battle was a victorious one, with slight loss. When the three years were up, many of the soldiers of the 7th did not want to re-enlist, although some did. Those who did were put in with the 5th, and marched with Sherman through Georgia. The regi- ment was mustered ont on July 8, 1864, and had served more than three years, during which time 1,800 men had served with it. It was in more than twenty battles, "and only two hundred and forty men remained to bring home the colors, riddled by shot and shell. It had served east and west, was always in the van. and participated in the hottest battles of the war."
The 19th Regiment had three companies, B. C and G, which were composed largely of men from Trumbull and Mahoning counties. This regiment reached Cleveland soon after the 7th had left. They went into camp at Columbus. Samuel Beatty was colonel. Company B was among those which were sent to Camp Goddard for drill. The 8th and 10th joined this 19th and made a brigade over which Gen. William S. Rosecrans was placed. This brigade was to do service in West Virginia, and it did its duty well. In the fall of this year there was reorganiza- tion of this regiment. Among the men well remembered in Trumbull County belonging to this regiment were Captain James M. Nash of Canfield, Lieutenant Henry M. Fusselman, Second Lieutenants O. P. Shaffer, Henry D. Stratton, Oscar O. Miller. Job D. Bell, First Lieutenants Homer C. Reid, Asael Adams, Sergeant M. O. Messer, Captain Franklin E. Stowe, First Lien- tenant George M. Ilull, Second Lieutenant Jason Hurd.
The 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry came into existence after the call for volunteers in May, 1861. Charles Whittlesey, a graduate of West Point, was made colonel. Manning F. Force was lieutenant-colonel. This regiment was under heavy fire be- fore Fort Donelson, and after the surrender of the fort was sent north in care of the prisoners, and was scattered. By the middle of March seven companies were called in, gathered on the Ten- nessee. In April these men were fighting at Pittsburg Landing. where they met considerable loss. Lieutenant-Colonel Force was in command. After the fall of Corinth the regiment was trans- ferred to Bolivar, and in Angust it, with two other regiments, repulsed General Armstrong with thirteen. Two companies, C and K, were captured. Because of the gallantry of the men at this time several officers were promoted. In the early winter of '62 the 20th was assigned to duty under General Logan's
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division. It went to Memphis, and then to Clinton, Jackson, Champion Hills. At the latter place it was in an advance posi- tion, but held its place in the regiment until the ammunition gave ont. It was just about to charge in desperation when the 65th Ohio relieved it. This regiment took an honorable place in the Vicksburg campaign, and more than two-thirds of its men re-enlisted in 1864. In March they were allowed veteran's fur- longh, and were in camp at Dermison May 1st. They were trans- ferred to Clifton, Tennessee, and were in the battle of Kenesaw Monntain. Later, they fought at Atlanta, and marched to the sea. They had some skirmishing after that, but their hard days were over, and their joy knew no bounds when they learned that Johnston was to surrender. They participated in the grand review at Washington, and were mustered out at Columbus on June 12th.
The 23rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, although recruited largely in Mahoning County, had many members well known in Trumbull County. It was organized at Camp Chase in 1861. W. S. Rosecrans was colonel. Rutherford B. Hayes was major, and later became brigadier-general. This regiment fought at South Mountain, Antietam, Berryville, North Mountain and Cedar Creek. It was mustered out at Cumberland in 1865. Among the men known by Trumbull Comity people were William MeKinley, Jr., who was second lientenant, Dr. John MeCurdy, of Youngs- town. surgeon, Oscar Bosley, who lived many years in Warren, Charles W. MeNabb. Jared D. Porter.
The 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was organized under Lincoln's call for troops, had a company ( F) of Trumbull County men. Its first encounter was near Cheat Mountain, Vir- ginia. A little later it was transferred from the cast to the west division, and in April, 1862, was at Pittsburg Landing. It marched through the deep swamps to Savannah, and reached the battle on the second day. Albert S. Hall, a member of Company F. was severely wounded here. The regiment participated in several skirmishes from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth. In December, 1862, this regiment had only three hundred men. These men, however, were in the battle of Stone River and held an important post. Lieutenant Charles Harmon, of Warren, was killed on the first day of this fight. Among those who are well remembered by Trumbull County people were Lieutenant Harmon, John W. Brooks, Albert S. Hall, Captain Warrington S. Weston, First Lieutenant Emerson Merritt, Sergeant John J.
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Mnsser, Corporal Aaron Robbins and Leonard Blessing, Wallack W. Drake, Amzi C. Williams, Richard Elliott, William R. Spear, John Q. Wilson.
One-half of the men belonging to the 105th Regiment came from Trumbull and Mahoning counties. It did valiant service in Kentucky; it marched from Covington to Louisville, and it was attached to the divisions commanded by Brigadier-General Jackson. The first battle was fought at Perrysburg. The regi- ment was in Murfreesboro in March, and abont fourteen miles from that place gave John Morgan a drubbing. This regiment was in Chattanooga in September, took part in the maneuvering and participated in the battle of Missionary Ridge. It was in the Atlanta campaign, but was not in the heaviest of the fight, and was in the review of Generals Sherman and Schofield at Goldsboro. "The sight was imposing. Full twenty-five per cent of the men were barefooted. They were ragged and dirty. Many in citizens' dress and many in rebel uniform." They had a long march back into Virginia, sometimes covering thirty-five miles a day, and after the grand review in Washington, May 24, 1865, they were mustered ont. Among the persons belonging to this regiment, well known in Trumbull County, were: Lieutenant- Colonel George T. Perkins, Dr. Charles N. Fowler, Marshall W. Wright (quartermaster), Adjutant Ambrose Robbins, Lester D. Tayler, Sergeant-Major, and John Mellard, Porter Watson, William Doty, Daniel B. Stambangh, Peter Himrod, Robert C. Porter, John E. Stambangh, Fred Harrington, Hugh Lowrey, John A. Ewalt, James A. Crawford, Norval B. Cobb, Calvin L. Rawdon, Thomas Quigley, Channeey M. Hunt, Captain William Wallace, Charles A. Brigden, Lncins Perkins. Calvin Rawdon was in the Mexican war, and entered the City of Mexico with Scott. He outlived all Mexican soldiers from Trumbull County.
The 125th Regiment was the regiment known as Opdyke Tigers. It was organized at Camp Cleveland in 1862. It ar- rived in Kentucky early in Jannary. On the 1st of February it started for Nashville, Tennessee, being eight days on the way. It was in advance of the march, had a number of small fights, and was ordered to report to Murfreesboro in June. This was a ter- rible march. It was in the hottest part of the battle of Chieka- manga, on the 19th and 20th of September. It behaved with such bravery at that battle that it really saved the day. This regi- ment was discharged at Camp Chase in September, 1864. Colonel Emerson Opdyke was the commanding officer ; George L. Woods
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was the major. Albert Yeomans was captain of Company B, and other Trumbull County men among the officers and soldiers were Rigley C. Powers, captain, First Lieutenant Ehner Moses, First Lieutenant Ralsey C. Rice. Company C-First Lieutenant Heman R. Harmon. The remaining soldiers of this regiment hold a reunion each year in Warren, and usually call upon Lucy Stevens Opdyke, who was and is so interested in the regiment because it was her husband's pride. Mrs. Opdyke, although living in New York, is usually at the home of her sisters, the Misses Stevens, at the time of the reunion.
The 171st Ohio Volunteers, National Guards, was mustered into service in 1864. Companies A, B, C, D, G. II and I were from Trumbull County. The going away of this regiment was one of the events of war time in Warren. In the first place, it was late, and people were thoroughly aroused, and, in the second place, the men composing these companies were well known in social and professional life. Its first duty was on Johnson's Island, and it was ordered to Kentucky in June, really in defense of Cincinnati. Morgan was really foraging for supplies and loot, but his boldness drove fear to the hearts of the people in his vicinity. They proceeded to Cynthiana to reinforce the 168th Ohio. They were surrounded by the enemy, who largely out- numbered them, and after a hot fight were captured. The losses on both sides were very heavy. The prisoners taken were made to travel double-quick most of the way for forty-five miles. They were afterwards paroled, returned to duty on Johnson's Island and were mustered out at the end of the hundred days. The stubborn resistance of this regiment prevented Morgan from reaching Cincinnati. Joel F. Asper was the colonel, Heman R. Harmon lieutenant-colonel, Manning A. Flower major, F. C. Applegate surgeon. Among the men well known in this county in this regiment were: George Stiles, Captain Frank E. Huteh- ins, Lieutenant Fred Kinsman, Lieutenant Frank J. Mackey, George N. Hapgood, William A. Camp, James H. Smith, Henry J. Lane. Jefferson Wilson, Jules Vantrot, George W. Pond, Will- iam B. Brown, Kirtland M. Fitch, Charles Burton, Amzi Hoyt. William H. Brett, William H. Dana, E. C. Andrews, Philip Art- man, E. Il. Ensign, Charles P. Fusselman. Romeo II. Freer, Wallace Giler, George Holland, Henry Iddings, George Jame- son, John Kinsman. Theodore MeConell, Henry AA. Potter, Ed- ward K. Patch, B. Il. Peck, William Peffers, Henry Riekseker, John Rush, Jr., Ezra B. Taylor, George H. Tayler, George Van-
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Gorder, Amzi C. Williamson, Hugh Watson, Edward Woodrow. John Woodrow and Washington Webb. Captain of Company B was Richard Odell Swindler; Company (, Joseph M. Jackson ; Company D. Evan Morris; Company, H, Harlan Hatch: Com- pany I, Cyrus Mason.
The 197th Regiment was organized in response to the last one-year call by President Lincoln. It was made up from vet- erans of other regiments mostly, and was mustered out at Balti- more in 1865. It was composed largely of young men. The captain of Company B was George B. Kennedy; Henry Iddings, Alonzo Brooks, Wm. H. Brett, Charles F. Harrington, Josiah S. Ratliff, Plomb Sntliff, were among the soldiers.
The 2nd Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was recruited by Hon. B. F. Wade and Hon. John Hutchins in the summer of 1861. It was a cavalry regiment, and those joining were from the best families and highest vocations in the community. In the early winter it went to Camp Denison, and early in '62 to Missouri. It raided this state and engaged in an encounter with Quantrell's forces. Although this was a short encounter, our regiment was successful. Later it captured Fort Gibson. It was under the command of General Blumt in the fall, and fought at Carthage, Newtonia. Cow Hill, Wolf Creek, White River, Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Captain V. Kantz, who was a son-in-law of Governor Tod, was made colonel of this regiment after Charles Doubleday had been promoted to brigadier-general. Colonel Kantz's brigade pursued John Morgan and captured him at Bluffington Island. It was in active service, joined Rosecrans' army, and when the time came for enlistment many men re-enlisted. It became a part of Sheridan's cavalry, and assisted in the capture of Early's army. It captured a large amount of horses, wagons, and so on, and participated in the grand review at Washington. It is estimated that this regiment marched 27,000 miles and par- ticipated in 97 engagements. As we have said, the colonels were Charles Doubleday, V. Kantz, A. B. Nettleton and Dudley Stew- art. Robert W. Ratliff was lieutenant-colonel, George L. Pur- rington, Henry L. Burnett were among the majors. Gaylord B. Hawkins was the chaplain. L. D. Bosworth was second lieuten- ant, and among the non-commissioned officers and privates who were known in Trumbull County were Byron M. Peck, Frederick Brice, George W. Kennedy, Orin J. Chalker.
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