History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 89

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 89

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

console her who bent under the stroke? the courage and fortitude was not displayed on the battle line. By thousands of hearth- stones, here and there through the land, came occasions for great courage and great forti- tude, especially when it was the bread-winner stricken down in his prime, leaving a young family, with none to provide.

Who can tell to what extent the loyal homes at the North influenced men in the field. The brave words sent, the noble sentiments penned by fair hands, all glowing with patri- ·otism and love of country. All honor to the noble women of the great North.

UNION SOLDIERS RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

On Monday, October 28, 1861, 75 ladies of Marietta and Harmar met at the vestry of the Episcopal Church, pursuant to a call of the United States Sanitary Commission, and organized by electing Mrs. Mumford, presi- dent: Mrs. Stephen Newton, vice-president ; and Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary; Mrs. James Dunn, Mrs. Pardon Cooke, Mrs. T. P. Harshberger, Miss M. Woodbridge, Mrs. William S. Ward, Mrs. M. P. Wells, Mrs. C. B. Hall, Miss Phebe Fuller, Mrs. C. Reg- nier, Mrs. O'Leary, Mrs. Paul Bradbeck, Mrs. McLeod and Mrs. S. R. Turner, receiving committee : Mrs. James Ball, Mrs. Judge Green, Mrs. William Pearce, Mrs. L. Hath- away. Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. Beman Gates, Mrs. I. W. Andrews, Mrs. D. R. Sniffen, Mrs. H. Hill, Mrs. Levi Barber, Mrs. Oscar Chapin, Mrs. E. R. Cadwallader, committee for pre- paratory work.

The society was called the Union Soldiers' Relief Association. Each member paid a small initiation fee with liberty to contribute as much more as possible. Application was made at once for material to make up into quilts, socks, slippers, comforts, etc. Dona- tions of canton-flannel, fruits, half-worn cali- co, etc., were also received, which were speed- ily made up, boxed and ready to ship. Galli- polis Hospital was the first place supplied, there being many men from Washington County

lying there sick and destitute. Two boxes were sent within a few days, one filled with bedding and clothing from Marietta ; the other with wine, jellies and fruit from Harmar.

The society met at the lecture room of the Episcopal Church during all the war, varying the frequency of its meetings with the demand made upon them-usually meeting once a week.

. Mrs. Rolston, in the first report, dated April 28, 1862, a semi-annual one, says :

We have had 31 regular meetings, and three extra ones. The attendance has ranged from 70 to 80, and the average about 25, and at no time has the interest flagged, for when few were here they worked the faster. 7 * * We have met from week to week, and this gathering has been a source of pleasure as well as profit, and will long be remembered a bright day amid the dark horrors of this war. The merry peals of laughter have lightened many a heart that came here sad. * When we learn through reports from the different hospitals of the West, how much the suffer- ings of our wounded soldiers have been alleviated by the Sanitary Commission, we are amply repaid, and must feel like continuing our labors unwearied.

The German ladies of Marietta also formed a society, as did the ladies of Water- ford, Barlow and Salem townships, and oth- ers of which we have no record.

In April, 1863, the Beverly Advertiser contained the following: "No accurate rec- ord of the contributions of the Waterford Township Soldiers' Aid Society for three- fourths of its existence can be procured, but recently its records show items, viz: $175 cash, 143 shirts, 174 pairs socks, 68 blankets, 53 handkerchiefs, with canned fruits, lint, bandages, etc., in abundance."

In this connection it should be said that the first woman to subscribe to the Soldiers' Relief Fund in the county was Mrs. William R. Putnam. On December 15 and 16, 1863. a special effort was made by the society at Marietta to raise funds by a sanitary fair. Contributions were sent in from all the town- ships in the vicinity, in money, apples, quinces, potatoes, turnips, onions, cabbages, pumpkins, butter, cheese, eggs, chickens, honey, dried and canned fruits, flour, buckets, ornamental

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and fruit trees, blankets, socks, furniture, and many other things-"almost everything that could be turned into money, or sent to the sol- diers." From Union and Muskingum town- ships, large lots of fruits, vegetables and trees were received. From Rainbow, $50 in cash -Lowell, $86 in cash and a large contribu- tion in socks and canned fruits. Belpre, War- ren, Barlow, Fearing, Salem, and Newport, all gave large contributions. A dinner was donated by the citizens of Marietta, which added largely to the receipts, the net amount cleared being $1,991.75.

The following are the items :

Cash Contributions $ 427 00

Receipts from door

234 70

from dinner 108 00

from supper

245 25

from fancy tables

243 10

from cake table

163 36

from grab box

39 30

from toys and confectionery

49 57

from pictures

43 00

from pipe of peace

33 50

from ring cakes

30 00

from guess cake

32 45

from auction

82 00

Sums from various sources

73 49

Receipts from Harmar table

339 30

Total

2160 52

Expenses

174 77

Net

$1991 75

Part of the above amount was paid over to the Harmar association-how much we can- not ascertain.

In Belpre the Ladies Union Circle on Feb- ruary 22, 1864. held a festival "for the aid of soldiers in the field." and cleared $370, and so in all parts of the county the generous-hearted women devoted themselves to the work.

At Bonn, in Salem township, they formed a branch-No. 420-of what was called the "Union League of Loyal Women of Ameri- ca." an organization which originated in Illi- nois, having the same purpose as similar so- cities. This was begun in the fall of 1864 and continued during the balance of the war. It had between sixty and seventy members. and notwithstanding the lateness of the start

they forwarded a number of invoices of sani- tary supplies to the Cincinnati branch of the United States Sanitary Commission, amount- ing in all to about $too. The fund remain- ing at the close of the war, amounted, August 2, 1865, to $17.20, which was donated to the Washington County Soldiers' Monument .Is- sociation.

Among the many women of Washington County deserving ot special mention, we can only notice one whose talents and industry gave her special prominence-Mrs. Francis Dana Gage, "Aunt Fanny Gage." She ac- quired a national reputation by her devotion to the cause of the freedmen and her untiring energy in working for the Sanitary Commis- sion: "Through all the inclement winter weather ( 1863-64). through Pennsylvania. New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri, she pursued her labors of love, never omitting an evening, when she could get an audience to address, speaking for soldiers' aid societies, and giving proceeds to those who worked only for the soldiers,-then for freedmen's associ- ations. She worked without fee or reward, asking only of those who were willing, to give enough to defray her expenses-for herself- thankful if she received, cheerful if she did not." Mrs. Gage was the daughter of Joseph Barker, late of this county, and Elizabeth Dana, a descendant of Mary Bancroft, thus being allied on the maternal side to the well- known Massachusetts families of Dana and Bancroft. She has also acquired a reputation in literature from the beauty and pathos of her numerous poems.

On December 2, 1865. Mrs. Rolston made her final report, showing the work of the Mari- etta Soldiers' Relief Association from October, 1861. to June. 1865. when the meetings ceased. as follows :

During the three and a half years over two thou- sand garments were made. Articles made: One thou- and forty shirts, three hundred and seventy-five pairs of drawer-, sixty comforters, one hundred and sixteen sheets, two hundred and sixteen pillow-cases, fifty- nine pillows, two hundred and three towels, thirty- one pairs of slippers, two hundred and seventy-one. pairs of socks, thirty four pairs of mittens, twelve pairs

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

suspenders, three hundred and thirty-four pocket-hand- kerchiefs, twenty-one dressing-gowns; in all, two thou- sand eight hundred and thirty, besides many other articles for hospital use.

The association has been well supplied with ma- terial, which was made into bandages, compresses, towels, pocket-handkerchiefs, lint, etc.

There have been bought four thousand three hun- dred and thiry yards of cotton and flannel. besides much donated. Goods were sent once a month. or oftener, where most needed, generally to the Cincinnati branch of the United States Sanitary Commission : but the hospitals here (at Marietta), and those at Parkers- burg, Charleston and Cairo, and sometimes regiments in the field have been supplied.

Boxes sent: Sixty-five-containing shirts, sheets, drawers, socks, mittens, blankets, towels, etc., to the number of three thousand five hundred and forty-three. besides slings, wound-supporters. eye-shades. pin-cush- ions, compresses, bandages, lint, etc., too numerous to mention.

In February, 1863. the hospital at Marietta hav- ing been abandoned, the military committee gave the goods remaining there to the association.

More than six hundred cans and jars of fruit. | at least forty gallons of pick'es, several barr. I- sauerkraut, more than twenty bushels of dried fruit. with various articles of hospital aid have been sent.

The association has never asked in vain for any- thing that could be of service to the soldier, nor have the citizens ever failed to respond to the call for money. The association has not been for one day out of funds. Voluntary contributions of ninety-tthree dollars and fifty cents have been received from different sources. The military committee gave, at different times, forty- five dollars: four public entertainments realized one thousand six hundred and seventy-six dollars and sixty- seven eents : a fee of five cents per month from niem- bers raised fifty-two dollars and ninety cents; with one hundred and fifteen dollars and fifty-eight cents interest on the money deposited, gives the total re- ceipts one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three dol- lars and sixty-five cents.

The expenditures have been chiefly for materials for work, with incidentals, such as fuel, boxes, although most of these have been donated. About fifty dollars have been given in small sums to soldiers and their families.

Receipts $1.983 65 Expenditures 1.274 15

Balance in treasury 709 50

This balance, by vote of the association, was given as follows: Two hundred dollars to the Washington County Soldiers' Monument Association : and five hun- dred and nine dollars and fifty cents to the Marietta Charitable Association.

After a vote of thanks to the vestry of St. L"+1. church for the use of the lecture room for over three years, the association dissolved.

S. C. ROLSTON, Secretary and Treasurer.

The officers of the Marietta and Harmar society were as follows: 1861-Mrs. T. F. Mumford, president; Mrs. Stephen Newton, vice-president ; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer. Work committee : Mrs. James Booth, Mrs. Beman Gates, Mrs. Davis Green, Mrs. Luther Hathaway, Mr. I. W. Andrews. Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. D. R. Sniffen, Mrs. Levi Barber, Mrs. Oscar Chapin, Mrs. E. R. Cadwallader.

1862-Mrs. Nahum Ward, president ; Mrs. Melvin Clarke, vice-president; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer.

1863-Mrs. Nahum Ward, president ; Mrs. William A. Whittlesey, vice-president ; Mrs. R. P. James, second vice-president ; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer. Work committee : Miss McFarland, Miss Hobby, Mrs. R. E. Harte, Mrs. Joseph Lovell.

1864 and 1865-Mrs. William A. Whit- tlesey, president : Mrs. B. W. Lovell, vice- president ; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer. Work committee : Miss McFar- land. Miss Hobby and Mrs. R. E. Harte.

The Harmar ladies formed a separate as- sociation in 1862.

After the first year the Harmar ladies had their own association, an account of which, by Mrs. John Pool, is given herewith.

SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY OF HARMAR.

Immediately following the departure of our volunteers from Marietta, Harmar and the adjoining towns, in response to President Lincoln's call for troops in 1861, to suppress the great Rebellion,-the loyal women, all aglow with the patriotism which had inspired the hearts of those who had so recently left- anxiously inquired in what way they, too, could serve their country.

The weeks preceding had been eventful and stirring times in the history of our quiet town, for the call for troops had met with a hearty and ready response. Students from the college, mechanics from factories and workshops, clerks from offices and stores, and young men from country homes had volun-

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teered their services-companies had been formed and drilled in military tactics,-while over dwellings and stores the stars and stripes waved, and the streets resounded with the notes of warlike preparation.

At length marching orders were received. and the volunteers had left, and then to the mothers, wives and children of these-some of whom were sick and destitute, the atten- tion and sympathy of the patriotic women was directed. Subscriptions had already been re- ceived from many of the citizens, to meet the present necessities of such as needed help, and as far as possible, generous assistance had been proffered.

Then, followed letters from our volunteers in camp, or on the march, some of whom, un- accustomed to exposure, were sick, and re- quiring home comforts or articles of cloth- ing. These supplies were immediately sent from private sources until, as the wants be- came greater, committees were appointed, who went from house to house soliciting donations.

Meanwhile, our troops had moved south- ward, rumors of anticipated battles were re- ported, and as the necessity of hospital sup- plies became apparent, meetings were held for consultation to meet the approaching en er- gency.

The various benevolent and church organ- izations were merged into soldiers' aid soci- eties, and articles for the comfort of the sick and wounded were in constant preparation. The following ladies were prominently con- nected with the Harmar Aid Society, and until the close of the war closely identified with its interests: Mrs. Levi Barber, president : Mrs. Harlow Chapin, Mrs. Douglas Putnam, Mrs. David Putnam, Mrs. Henry Fearing. Mrs. Oscar Chapin, Mrs. Dr. Frank Hart, Mrs. L. Wheeler, Mrs. Dr. L. Hart, Mrs. S. Stratton. Mrs. W. Crawford, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Rev. Wakefield, Mrs. Newton, Mrs. Fuller, and Mrs. 1 .. Reppert.

To this committee a corps of young ladies was added. as follows: Miss Julia Barber. Miss V. Reppert. Miss Martha Putnam, Miss J. Wheeler, Miss E. Stratton, Miss E. Barber.

Miss M. F. Newton, Miss Mary Hart, Miss A. Reppert. Through the newspapers, from the pulpit, and in every available way, urgent appeals were made for assistance, and from individuals and churches liberal donations were sent. From country societies and from sources unknown to us, supplies of delicacies, jellies, canned and dried fruits were added. which to the stores of clothing in readiness were carefully packed and consigned to sur- geons in various regimental hospitals, who by letter had specified previously the articles most needed. From month to month this work went on, varied only by sad tidings of battles fought and the intelligence of many of our brave soldiers wounded or sick in hospitals. requiring special supplies, when boxes of bandages, lint, and the various appliances for hospital use were hastily prepared and dis- patched. No official record has been pre- served of shipments made to Western Vir- ginia, Louisville. Pittsburg Landing, Mur- freesborough and other points, which were for- warded in request of surgeons and officers in Ohio regiments, with whom our Society was in direct communication.

While sending supplies to distant hospitals, the ladies of the Aid Society and others were not unmindful of the present wants and needs of the Union soldiers at our doors, to whom a helping hand could be extended. There were regiments encamped temporarily within the precincts of our own town-some await- ing transportation to the front or for regi- mental supplies, which had been detained or interrupted on the route thither, in consequence of which the soldiers were exhausted from want of proper food. The presence of these troops would stimulate anew the patriotism of the citizens, whose generosity was unbounded ; and everything which could be provided for their comfort was most freely bestowed.

In these kindly offices of hospitality, of which also no record has been preserved, the capacity of the dwellings and the resources of the larder were often tested to their ntmost limit : our doors were thrown wide open, and all who could be accommodated were most

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

cordially invited to enter and served with impromptu meals, calling forth, as our guests departed, their warmest thanks, and leaving us with the cheering thought that we had "done what we could."

There were also unwritten kindnesses which could be rendered our Union soldiers on these occasions-sometimes in writing let- ters at their dictation, to wives, mothers, and sisters, far distant, bearing messages of com- fort and cheer; to others some forgotten or lost article could be supplied, or some needed repair of clothing made, while to all words of encouragement and kindness could be spoken, which were always gratefully appreciated. To those regiments, also, who were in transit to distant points, and who for long, weary hours were detained in railroad cars near the town, awaiting orders to move on-to these we could render service. On many a cold and chilly morning the intelligence would come that these soldiers, too, were within reach of sympathy and help: and as speedily as possible messen- gers would be dispatched with plentiful sup- plies of hot coffee and sandwiches, distributed amid the cheers of the soldiers, to whom this unexpected repast was a welcome surprise.

Each day brought special demands upon the time and attention of our Aid Society, either in supplying the wants of our troops passing through the town, or in preparing boxes of sanitary stores for points already designated.

There were also the families of our volun- teers who needed assistance. Liberal sub- scriptions had been repeatedly made for this purpose, by the citizens, and also for the pur- chase of hospital supplies. Numerous collec- tions had been taken in the churches for the same object; and as the larger cities and towns had raised sums of money by means of sanitary fairs and entertainments, it was pro- posed that a fair be held in Marietta, in which the ladies of Harmar be invited to unite. This plan met with hearty approval, and a commit- tee was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Levi Barber and Mrs. John Poole, to make neces- sary arrangements. Subsequently other com-

mittees were added, to obtain articles of beauty and utility to be placed on sale, and for re- freshumments, etc., who canvassed the town thor- oughly. After weeks of preparation the fair was opened, with an admiring throng of visi- tors in attendance, and its sucess was assured. The receipts were unexpectedly large, many pleasant acquaintances formed, harmonious feelings prevailed, and results were in every respect satisfactory. The receipts, of which the ladies of Harmar received a fair propor- tion, were expended for the relief of soldiers' families, and paid in weekly installments, after a careful investigation of the circumstances of each family had been made. The fund, amounting to several hundred dollars, was ju- diciously and systematically disbursed, bring- ing much comfort to the recipients and grati- fication to all those who by personal effort or influence had secured these results.

In all these beneficent efforts, extending through the war, and never ceasing until the conflict was over, the Aid Society was indebted to many of the citizens of Harmar for invalu- able assistance, rendered in the prosecution of their work, at home and abroad, for which services, we record in behalf of the society, our appreciation and thanks.

The foregoing pages comprise but a frag- mentary and imperfect report of the work ac- complished by the Soldiers' Aid Society of Harmar; but are submitted in the hope that they may be of some interest to the home workers, who were thus privileged to minister to some of the Union soldiers, without expecta- tion of either mention or reward but grateful then and now for the opportunity of express- ing, in the slightest degree, their gratitude to those brave men who were willing to sacrifice their lives in the service of our country.

The foregoing is a brief record of the part taken by the workiren of Washington County during the great war for the preservation of the Union. It does not fully record their work. No historian will attempt to do it; for who could ever hope to adequately describe the burden of heart, the burden of work, and the burden of patriotism borne by the devoted

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women of the north during that eventful strug- gle. Let us honor then , and let posterity hold them in grateful remen brance.

THE MARIETTA MILITARY HOSPITAL.

About May 26, 1861, a hospital was opened for the soldiers then in Camp Putnam. . It was located on the upper or eastern side of Second street, a short distance from the camp, and was conducted and supported by the ladies of Marietta and Washington County, assisted by the officers in command at the camp. Drs. Frank Hart. Samuel Hart and George (. Hil- dreth were in attendance when their services were needed, and always without pay. No records of this hospital have been preserved, but it was used more or less all through the war.

SHORT SKETCHES OF THE MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS FROM THE COUNTY.

Battery C, First West L'irginia Light Artillery.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Captain Frank Buell, mustered March 30. 1862, died from the effects of wounds at battle of Freeman's Ford, August 23. 1862: Captain Wallace Hill, mustered August 1, 1862, promoted to captain August 1, 1862; First Lieutenant Dennis O'Leary, mustered March 30, 1862; First Lieutenant John G. Theis, mustered August I. 1862, promoted to junior first lieutenant : Second Lieutenant Theodore G. Field. mustered December 23. 1863, promoted to first sergeant August 1, 1862, to sec- ond lieutenant December 23. 1863. vice Langley, re- signed: Second Lieutenant Johh W. Jacobs, mustered December 20. 1863, promoted from corporal, vice Miner. resigned, December 20, 1863.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

First Sergeant William H. Goldsmith, mustered March 31. 1864. veteran ; Quartermaster Sergent Thomas Phelps, mustered March 31. 1864. veteran ; Ser- geant Owen O'Neil, mustered March 31 186: veteran ; Sergeant Alexander 11. Bukey, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran ; Sergeant L. R. Miraben, mustered March 31, 1864. veteran : Sergeant David Dow, mustered March 31, 1861. veteran ; Sergeant Adam B. Rook. mustered Feb- fuary 24. 1864. veteran : Corporal Turrell Cusack. mus- tered March 31. 1864. veteran ; Corporal Jolm Meghan, mustered March 31. 1864. veteran ; Corporal William F. Min-ter, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran: Coor-

poral Charles Clogson, mustered March 31, 1864, vet- eran, promoted January 1, 1864: Corporal William H. Ranger, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran; Corporal Milton 11. Laughlin, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran; Corporal John Lehnhard, mustered September 2, 1862, promoted to corporal September 1. 1862: Corporal George W. Stanley, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran ; Corporal Jeremiah H. Dooley, mustered March 31, 1864. veteran; Corporal John 11. Miner. mustercd March 31, 1864, veteran ; Corporal James Wright, mus- tered March 31, 1864. veteran, wounded at Bull Run, August 30, 1862; Corporal Frank R. Benan, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran; Corporal William Jenvey, mustered March 30, 1862.

When President Lincoln made his first call for troops to serve three months, a company of infantry, under command of Capt. Frank Buell, left Marietta in April. 1861, and as heretofore noticed, became Company B. Eight- tenth Ohio volunteer militia. The other of- ficers were Dennis O'Leary, first lieutenant ;. William Bisbee, second lieutenant, who was afterward elected major of the regiment, and Wallace Hill elected to fill the vacancy.

The company served in West Virginia in- dler General Hill, and was most of the time guarding railroads. There was no engage- ment with the enemy and it was mustered out in August, 1801. This company re-enlisted almost entire, as a battery of light artillery .. the re-enlistment dating from september I. 1861. Owing to a misunderstanding among those in authority in Ohio, the service of the battery was offered to Governor Pierpont, of West Virginia, and accepted, and was named by the captain in the Governor's honor.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 89

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490