USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals > Part 20
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Chapter IX.
MILITARY HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
O NE of the great problems yet unsolved is the power to which nations will continue to that, in the Divine economy, it was found appeal for the settlement of controversies, the necessary for human progress and devel- future can only determine. The grandest cap- opment in this world, that war should prevail tain of the age-U. S. Grant-by the establish- and become popular. From the earliest period ment of the Geneva Convention, inaugurated known to history, down to our own time, war a new power, which meets the approbation of seems to have been the means, not only of set- all good people throughout the world, and it is tling dffiiculties between communities, tribes to be hoped that in the settlements of disputes and nations, but the means by which states and in the future, it will be adopted by all nations nations have been established, and by which and governments.
they have grown in intelligence and refinement.
Neither this county nor the state was settled
And if we may credit the Scriptures, God not early enough to send out men to participate in only sanctioned war, but took a direct part in the war of the Revolution, but three of the it. The verdict of history is that through the most prominent pioneers of Muskingum coun- bloody carnage of war, through its untold suf- ty, settled there soon after the close of that ferings and miseries, the cause of liberty has war. They were Generals Rufus Putnam, Ben- been promoted and civilization has been ad- jamin Tupper and Colonel Ichabod Nye. The vanced. By war this great Nation came into two former were not only confidential friends existence, founded upon the principles of free- of the great Washington, but his able lieuten- dom and human liberty, and by war it threw off ants in the great struggle for liberty. that deadly incubus-slavery-which marred its The Indian war in the Northwestern Ter- bright escutcheon, and made freedom exultant ritory, or the territory north of the Ohio, throughout the world. Whether war will con- which followed the war of the Revolu- tinue to be the potent factor of human progress, tion, was too early to affect the territory
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II7
HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
now embraced within the limits of Musk- and in the regular service and in volunteer ingum county. There were a few Indians militia, the soldiers acquitted themselves with inhabiting that territory at the time that were honor. When the first murmurings of the im- in the Indian war, but there were no battles pending conflict were heard, the attention of fought on its soil; nor is it known that there the government was directed to Ohio as the were any white men living in the territory that most suitable ground for organization and the were in the war.
base of operations in the Northwestern fron-
When the Indians discovered that they could tier. It was held as certain that the Eng- no longer depend upon their former ally, the lish would depend upon and would secure British, for aid, they became satisfied that they the aid of the dreaded allies, the Indians. could not cope with the power of the United Ohio was the frontier territory and the pop- States, and were willing and ready to accept ulation was much scattered, being at that the terms of the treaty of peace, that had period the youngest of the States. In view been proposed by our government. The prin- of the exposed condition of the frontier cipal features of this treaty were: The cessation and the almost certain coalition of the In- of hostilities; the restoration of all prisoners of dians under their noted chief, Tecumseh, war; the establishment of boundary lines, with the government determined to send a body further cession of lands by the Indians, and of regular troops from Southern Ohio to the compensation on the part of the govern- northwestern frontier, the Detroit river, to se- ment for all additional lands ceded. The cure the command of Lake Erie. A force of Indians were to acknowledge themselves un- 1,500 men, which had been drawn together at der the protection of the United States, and Cincinnati, and known as the Northwestern no other power, and to sell off their reserved army, was given to Brig .- Gen. William Hull. lands to no other power; the Indians or the Gen. Hull left Cincinnati with these troops United States, to remove or punish intruders on May 14, 1812. At Urbana he was joined by one the Indian lands. Trade was to be opened as regiment of Ohio volunteers, under command of provided in the Fort Harmer treaty; all injur- Col. James Findley; one company of Cincin- ies to be settled by law, and any hostile plans nati light infantry, commanded by Capt. John known to one party to be revealed to the other. F. Mansfield; one regiment from the Scioto All previous treaties annulled.
country, commanded by Col. Duncan McAr-
This treaty was concluded and signed by thur, and another regiment from the Muskin- Gen. Wayne and the representatives of the gum country, commanded by Col. Lewis Cass. Indian tribes and nations of the Northwest, at In the latter regiment there were about 250 Greenville, August 3, 1795, and was ratified by men from Muskingum county. Of this num- the United States Senate, December 22, 1795. ber about twenty were killed in the war. The amicable adjustment of the Indian troubles Northern Ohio, Lake Erie, Michigan and was the initiatory step to the rapid settlement Canada comprised the principal theatre of the of this section of the country. war in the West; and among the events of note
War of 1812 .- The impressment of Ameri- were Col. Croghan's defense of Fort Stephen- can naturalized citizens on the high seas by son, on the present site of Fremont, Ohio; the British government, the attempt to incite Commodore Perry's victory on Lake Erie; Hull's the New England states to a dismemberment surrender at Detroit; the defeat of the British of the Union, the intrigues by her emissa- under Gen. Proctor; the defeat of the Indians ries with the Indians of the Northwest to under Tecumseh, by Gen. Harrison, at the bat- induce them to again make war against tle of the Thames, in which the great Indian the United States, were the principal causes chief was killed, and the gallant and ever- that brought on the war of 1812. The British memorable defense of New Orleans by Gen. government thought that if they could again in- Jackson.
cite the Indians to war against the settlers of the
The war closed, victory resting with the Northwest, they would be forever compelled arms of the republic; the volunteers returned to abandon that territory north of the Ohio, to their homes, and the treaty (Ghent) was thereby making the Ohio river the boundary signed by the representatives of the United line, and ultimately it would be able to add States and Great Britain December 24, 1814. that magnificent domain to its own possessions.
The Mexican War .- The battle of San Jacinto,
In June, 1812, war was declared by the United which was fought April 21, 1836, terminated States against Great Britain. In this war the the fierce struggle between Mexico and Texas, soil of Ohio was the scene of most momentous and secured to the latter her independence, engagements of the army of the Northwest; which she maintained up to the year 1845.
II8
HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
Mexico, however, submitted to her defeat, and command who would enroll themselves for the the loss of her magnificent territory with ill war. The next day General Arthur issued the grace, and nursed the hope that she would following order: ultimately regain it. When the question of the HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, annexation of the Texas Republic to the United FIFTEENTH DIVISION OF THE MILITIA OF OHIO, States came up, Mexico used all her influ- ZANESVILLE, May 23, 1845. ence with our government to prevent it, claim- Sir: I have this day received an order from the major-general of this Division to take measures to as- certain the number of volunteers in this brigade, who ing that as she had not recognized the inde- pendence of Texas, that territory was still will enrole themselves as such to serve as infantry or a part of her domain. The efforts of the Mex- riflemen in the war now existing between the United States and Mexico. The ununiformed militia are ex- empt from active military service only in time of peace. It is intended by this order that all the militia of this brigade shall parade on the day designated. You will therefore proceed to notify the forces under your com- mand for parade in Zanesville on Tuesday, May 28, at 9 o'clock A. M. Particulars as to the period of service, the place of rendezvous, and the time at which the vol- unteers will be required to appear at the place of ren- dezvous, will be fully communicated on the day of parade. ican government, aided by the anti-slavery ele- ment in the United States, were not strong enough to resist the powerful pressure for annexation, and February 24, 1843, a joint resolution for the admission of Texas passed both houses of Congress; the following day it was signed by President Tyler, and thus that grand empire became a part of this great na- tion.
By order of Brig .- Gen. John T. Arthur, D. W. RHODES, Brigadier Inspector.
This act was regarded by the Mexican gov- ernment as unjust and as an encroachment on From eighteen to forty-five years was the age within which the militia were subject to duty. Another call was made from Robert Hazlett. its rights, and soon after the inauguration of President Polk, the Mexican minister called for his passports. Texas was admitted into the Union July 4, 1845; diplomatic relations between the two countries ceased, and both FIRST LIGHT INFANTRY BATTALION, SECOND BRIGADE, FIFTEENTH DIVISION OHIO MILITIA, You are ordered to parade in front of court house nations began preparations for war. General Zachary Taylor was sent into Texas with 1, 500 on Tuesday. May 28, 1846, at 9 o'clock A. M., prop- men, which was subsequently increased. He erly armed and equipped. (Summer uniform.)
By command of Brigadier-General.
took a position with his forces, which was ROBERT HAZLETT, Senior Captain in Command. called the "army of occupation," near the border of the Rio. Grande. The army These orders for the parade brought together was engaged in defending the territory of the a large and enthusiastic crowd. The brigade new state from Mexican invasion until the was marched to the large field and orchard spring of 1846. Final declaration of war was above West Zanesville, where speeches were made on the part of the United States, May 13, made-Gen. Goddard being one of the principal 1846, and on the part of Mexico May 23d fol- speakers. Party politics was suppressed, and lowing, and active measures for war were at patriotism reigned supreme. After the ad- once taken. A call was made by the President dresses were made, the brigade formed in line, for 43,500 men and a requisition on the State and volunteering began. Forty-six volunteers of Ohio was made for three regiments or 2,400 were enrolled that day.
men. The governor divided the state into two May 20, 1846, Governor Bartley issued his districts, in each of which was one place of proclamation in response to the call of the rendezvous. Gen. Goddard was placed in President on Ohio for three regiments. The command of the eastern district, and Zanes- call was for volunteers in the terms of the law, ville was named as the general place of ren- "Infantry or riflemen to serve twelve months dezvous for the levies of that part of the state, or to the end of the war, unless sooner dis- where they were to embark on transports charged." The governor, in his proclamation, for Cincinnati. The volunteers from Mus- appealed to the patriotism of the people of the kingum and Perry counties rendezvoused at state, and called upon the major-generals to Camp Putnam. There were ninety-three all muster their several divisions, and to determine told. On the morning of June II, the volun- the number of volunteers that could be had in teers held an election for officers, with the cach brigade. May 22, 1846, Maj .- Gen. following result: Captain, Asbury Noles, of Chas. B. Goddard, in response to the govern- Perry county ; First Lieutenant, George Fos- or's proclamation, called on Gen. John T. ter, of Muskingum county ; Second Lieutenant, Arthur of the Second brigade, to proceed to Isaac Delong, of Perry county. June 12th, ascertain the number of volunteers under his the company, amid the enthusiastic cheers of
119
HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
the people, left Zanesville on the May Queen, ment was at Vienna, where the rebels attacked for Cincinnati, where it was assigned to the theirtrains. The First, with the rest of the brigade, Third regiment, commanded by Col. R. S. debarked, formed in line by thetrack, and acquit- Curtis. The troops arrived at New Orleans ted itself handsomely, with the other troops, July 9, and went into camp on the old battle- driving the rebels back. It was on the field at ground. In a few days they left for the seat the battle of Bull Run, but was not actively of war. engaged, but rendered valuable service in cover-
This company did gallant service in the war, ing the retreat of those that were in that dis- and participated in some of the fiercest and astrous battle. Soon after this battle, its term of most deadly battles. At the close of the war service having expired, it was sent home and those that escaped death returned to their mustered out, with very slight loss. During the homes .*
month of August, reorganization for the three
February 3, 1848, treaty of peace was con- years' service begun, its place of rendezvous be- cluded at Guadaloupe, was ratified by both ing at Camp Corwin. October 31, with Col. F. B. governments, and was proclaimed by President Smith in command, it left camp, and proceed- Polk, July 4, 1848. ed to Cincinnati, where it received its arms,
War of 1861-5 .- At the close of the war, and on the 5th of November embarked on the Ohio had in the Union army 200 regiments of steamboat Telegraph, for Louisville, and upon all arms. In the course of the war she furnished its arrival there went into camp at Camp York. 230 regiments, besides 26 independent batteries Leaving Camp York, November 15th, it report- of artillery, 5 independent companies of sharp- ed to Gen. A. McCook at Camp Nevin, and shooters, a large part of 5 regiments accredited was assigned to the Fourth brigade, Second to West Virginia contingent; two regiments division, Army of the Cumberland. About transferred to United States colored troops, and the middle of December it broke camp and a large portion of the rank and file of the 54th and marched to Green river, where it remained 55th Massachusetts. Muskingum county fur- until the 15th of February, 1862, in preparation nished, all told, 3,850 men. It is not the purpose for active field work, when orders were received of this work to give the history of all the regi- to join Gen. Grant, then marching on Fort ments that were enlisted from Ohio for the Henry. On their way, news was received of war of the rebellion, but those in which the fall of Fort Henry, and the regiment soldiers from Muskingum county were mus- returned to Green river, and from there tered.
moved on to Nashville, and went into camp in
First Ohio Volunteer Infantry .- This regiment an open field, without either tents or blankets. was formed and on its way to Washington, March 16, the regiment received marching under the command of A. M. McCook, within orders and started out for the field of Shiloh, three days after President Lincoln's first call by way of Duck river and Savannah. During for troops, which was made and telegraphed the latter part of the march cannonading was throughout the country April 15, 1861. It was heard in the direction of Shiloh, and double- largely made up from Southwestern Ohio, its quick time was made to Savannah, then to nucleus being formed from the old militia Pittsburg Landing, where they arrived on the companies, and its complement chiefly from morning of the 7th of April. The regiment the young men of that section of the state. immediately formed in line of battle to the Transportation companies at this early stage left of its brigade, and to the right of Gen. of the war were not familiar with the moving Crittenden's division. It was hotly engaged of troops, and many annoying delays were ex- with the enemy until about mid-day, driving it perienced en route to the Potomac, and ere the back, and recapturing General Sherman's camp, regiment arrived at Washington, the first dan- when it retired to replenish its ammunition. ger to the Capitol of the nation from rebel Having prepared for action, the First again arms had passed over. It was attached to took the field, and participated in the general General Schenck's brigade, and its first engage- charge on the rebel lines. During this battle * It is a sad commentary on those upon whom the responsibility rested of preserving the names of the volunteers that enlisted for this war, that none can be found. The historian has searched the files of the news- the First was saved from greater loss by the generalship of its able commander, B. F. Smith. It next participated in the movements on Cor- inth, but did not join in the pursuit of the papers of Zanesville in vain for any record of them. enemy. It remained for a while guarding Only a part of the muster roll of one company even can Corinth, and then was ordered to Nashville. It was engaged in several expeditions and skirmishes on its way, and finally arrived there be found in the adjutant general's office of the state, and this is so mutilated that many of the names are un- intelligible.
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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
September 7th. On the the 10th it crossed the were mustered out September 24, 1864, upon Cumberland river, and joined Buell's army, the expiration of their term of service, and the then in pursuit of Bragg, who was marching on veterans and recruits were transferred to the Louisville. The enemy was beaten in this race, Eighteenth Veteran Ohio Infantry, October 31, and the Union forces arrived at Louisville 1864. It was in twenty-four battles and skir- September 26th. The First participated in all mishes, and had 527 officers and men killed the movements of its brigade, and was on the and wounded. It marched about 2,500 miles field December 31, for the battle of Stone river. and was transported about 1,000 miles. It was After this battle the First marched through initiated at Pittsburg landing and closed its Murfreesboro, and went into camp on the war record in front of Atlanta.
Shelbyville pike. While lying there, the army Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry .- The second was reorganized, and the First was placed in the was organized at Camp Dennison, during the Second division of the Twentieth army corps, months of August and September, 1861. As a
In June, 1863, the movement against Tulla- regiment it had been in the three months' ser- homa begun, which brought on the engagement vice and had participated in the first cam- at Liberty Gap, in which the First participated, paign around Washington. With a full com- principally held in reserve and subjected to a plement of officers, and over nine hundred heavy artillery fire. After this engagement strong, under command of Col. Leonard A. the march was resumed, which severely tested Harris, it left camp in September, by order the endurance of the men, and about the mid- of Gen. O. M. Mitchell, then in command dle of the night of July Ist Tullahoma was of Cincinnati, crossed the Ohio river, and reached. The Chickamauga campaign was in- marched by way of Paris to Olympia Springs, itiated on the 30th of August, and after much in Eastern Kentucky. They were the first marching and counter-marching the First was Union troops to enter that part of the state; it placed in line for that great battle, in which it was engaged principally in scout duty, and in was engaged, with severe losses, to its close. intercepting rebel troops on their way South. On November 22 the Union forces withdrew The first engagement of the Second was and marched into Chattanooga, and the First at West Liberty, October 22, where they had a was placed on the left of the Chattanooga sharp and successful fight with rebel troops road, with its right on the bridge crossing under Jack May. It subsequently joined the Chattanooga creek. Here it lay for nearly two command of Gen. Nelson and was in the hours under fire of the enemy, unable to make movement toward Prestonburg. It also assisted any return. This position was occupied until in the repulse of the rebels at Ivy Mountain, the night of the 25th, when it fell back pursuing them to Piketown, where an engage- to the second line of works, and was allowed, ment was had. From there they marched for the first time in eight days, to lay aside down the Big Sandy to Louisa, where they em- its accoutrements and take a rest. barked for Louisville. Arriving there, the Sec- In October, the Twentieth and Fourth army ond was brigaded with other troops under the corps were consolidated, and the First was command of Colonel Joshua W. Sill, and placed in Gen. Hazen's brigade, in the Third assigned to the division of Gen. Mitchell. It division of that corps. On the 23d of Novem- went into winter quarters at Bacon Creek, and ber it was engaged in the fight at Orchard was chiefly engaged in drilling and perfecting Knob, which initiated the battle of Mission its dicipline. In February, 1862, the division Ridge, in which the First took a prominent moved in advance of the Army of the Ohio, part. In November the First was among the under command of Gen. Buell, on Bowling regiments that were sent to the relief of Gen. Green, Gallatin and Nashville, occupying the Burnside, at Knoxville. On this march, and in latter place. In March, when the main body the East Tennessee campaign, the troops suf of Gen. Buell's army moved out to join fered terribly from cold, lack of clothing and Gen. Grant at Pittsburg Landing, the Sec- food. They met and had a fight with the rebels ond, with Gen. Mitchell's division, moved on at Strawberry Plains.
Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Fayetteville and
On the 4th of May, 1864, the First joined Huntsville, having several slight engagements Sherman for the Atlanta campaign. It partici- on the way, the principal one being at Bridge- pated in the battles of Buzzards' Roost, Resaca, port, where the Second destroyed the rail-road Adairsville, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mount bridge across the Tennessee. When Gen. and Chattahoochee River. This ended its Bragg invaded Kentucky, the Union forces fell back to Louisville, and the Second Ohio, active fighting.
The original members (except veterans) which was then at Battle Creek, Tenn., was
I2I
HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
ordered out and moved across the mountains, Chickamauga, September 19th and 20th. In through Murfreesboro, Nashville, Bowling this battle the Second lost heavily in men and Green, Green River, to Louisville, under the officers-Lieut-Col. Maxwell, then in com- command of Lieut .- Col. Kell, Col. Harris hav- mand being among the list. Its aggregate loss ing command of the brigade. When the army was 183 officers and men, killed, wounded, was reorganized at Louisville, the Second was and missing. After the battle, the forces assigned to Rosseau's division in Gen. McCook's fell back to Chattanooga. On November 24, was left wing, and participated in the battle of the brigade to which the Second Perryville, October 8, 1862, in which action its attached, was ordered to the assistance of loss was nearly 40 per cent. Gen. Hooker at Lookout Mountain, and par-
The Second joined the army in the pur- ticipated in that battle above the clouds, suit of the enemy as far as Crab Orchard. November 24th. In the battle of Mission At this point, Gen. Buell turned his column Ridge, which occurred on the following day, again toward Nashville, which was reached the Second distinguished itself in the capture October 26th. During this march, however, of the colors. of the Thirty-eighth Alabama. Gen. Buell was superseded by Gen. Rosecrans, The Second was in the pursuit, with its brigade, which gave a brighter aspect to the military of the enemy to Ringgold, Ga., where a halt was situation.
made. In February, 1864, in the reconnoissance to Buzzards' Roost, the Second took the ad- vance. and developed the strength of the enemy
Gen. Rosecrans entered with energy upon his duties, the army was reorganized, the name of the department changed and the army at Dalton. In May it was attached to Sher- rebaptized as the "Army of the Cumberland." man's army for the Atlanta campaign. On May 14, the Second led in the assault to carry the Gen. Rosecrans established his temporary headquarters at Bowling Green. The rebel enemy's entrenched position at Resaca. It army was making its way over the mountains lost in this action thirteen officers and men to Murfreesboro, where another force under killed, and twenty-seven wounded. From this Gen. Breckinridge was stationed. Nashville action it marched with its division to Chatta- was invested with a strong force of cavalry. hoochee river, and participated in the battle of That city was held by a splendid division of Peach Tree Creek, July 21, 1864. In this battle troops, commanded by Gen. Negley, and was re- Adj. John W. Thomas was killed, which was garded as safe. the last sacrifice the regiment made for the
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