USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > History of Muskingum County, Ohio ; with illustrations and biographical sketches of prominent men and pioneers, 1794 > Part 63
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The ground of this confidence is the peculiar property that carbonic oxide has of reducing the oxide of iron at a comparatively low temperature. If we put a few grains of pulverized iron ore with some carbonaceous substance, in a test tube, and heat this over a spirit lamp to a red heat, 1,000 or 1,200 degrees, the ore is immediately decom- posed, its oxygen uniting with the carbon, and grains of metallic iron become visible. This is the theory of the Renton process, the process of Dr. Smith, and what is known as Chenot's pro- cess, but up to the present time all these methods have been practically unsuccessful, from a diffi- culty in regulating the temperature; for it is a remarkable fact that when the temperature is raised above 1,400 degrees, fusion begins, sili- cates are formed, and the mass is agglutinated together in such a way as to be unmanageable, while the access of the gas to the ore is prevent- ed. Several eminent metallurgists are, however, at work on this problem, and it seems that their efforts must ultimately be crowned with success. I need not dwell upon the benefits that would ac- crue to society and civilization, by a diminution
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of say one-half in the cost of production of bar iron. So great would be this benefit, that there is hardly a family in any civilized community who would not sensibly feel it. On the other hand, the Bessemer process has reduced the price of steel in an equal degree, and now the cheap- ening of bar iron has become the great metal- lurgic desideration.
THE MANUFACTURE OF STEEL-THE BESSE- MER PROCESS .- Perhaps the best illustration of the progressive character of iron manufacture is furnished by recent improvements in the manu- facture of steel. It will be remembered that steel is iron, with one per cent. of carbon, or cast iron from which three-fourths of the carbon has been removed. Twenty-five years ago, all our steel was made by what is called the "cementation' process, so well known that I need not describe it. About this time, Mr. Bessemer, an English iron-master, conceived the plan of forcing com- mon air into melted pig iron, and thus, by bring- ing its oxygen in contact with the carbon, to in- duce the formation of carbonic acid, eliminate the carbon and produce malleable iron ; or, by arrest- ing the process at a certain point, to leave the fluid metal in the condition of cast steel. Upon trial, the injection of even cold air into molten iron, instead of chilling it, as many predicted, produced ignition and intense heat. This was the germ of the famous Bessemer process for the manufacture of steel-a process by which fully one-half of the steel now made is produced, and by which, as has been stated, the cost of steel has been reduced at least one-half. Many years elapsed before Mr. Bessemer succeeded in over- coming all the mechanical difficulties which stood in his way, and in silencing the opposition which the conservatism of the iron manufacture offered. Now the process may be said to be not only a success, but a triumph, and its author deserves to be regarded as one of the greatest benefactors of the human race. For the production of steel, Mr. Bessemer first proposed to arrest the combus- tion of the carbon in the iron, so as to leave about one per cent. unconsumed. This point was found difficult to hit, and he ultimately adopted the method of adding, after the process was complete, the requisite quantity of carbon, in the form of "spiegelcion," a highly carbonized cast iron. This is the course now generally adopted, and steel is being thus made in large quantities, not only in Europe, but in our own country, and our own State.
The Siemens-Martin process-invented and largely employed in France, and in use at Tren- ton, New Jersey-is a simple and perfectly man- ageable method of producing steel, but it is doubt- ful if it can rival, in simplicity and cheapness, the Bessemer process.
THE BARRON PROCESS .- This is a new method, and one, perhaps, not yet beyond the condition of an experiment, but it has, at least, sufliced for the production of steel of as fine a quality as has ever been made by any other means. The whole process consists in exposing malleable iron to the action of gaseous hydro-carbons, at a temperature
just below fusion. Under these circumstances, the iron rapidly and regularly absorbs the carbon of the gas, and becomes steel. By the Barron process, shapes of iron are converted into steel without change of form, and this is the most sat- isfactory application of it I have seen. For ex- ample, tools or implements, of any kind, may be moulded and cast, these shapes made malleable by the ordinary process, and then, by impregna- tion, converted into steel, coming out scissors, knives, axes, or other implements, of the very best quality, with no forging whatever. Wheth- er this method is capable of effecting cheaply the conversion of large masses of iron, is not yet dem- onstrated, though it is claimed ; but from the fact that a piece of iron may, by this means, be cov- ered with a sheet of enamel, or coated with a lay- er of any desired thickness of steel, while yet re- taining all the toughness of its iron core, and, by a coating of clay, the absorption of carbon may be limited to any portion of the surface acted upon, it is evident that this method is destined to have extensive application in the arts. The quality of steel made by this process is such as leaves noth- ing to be desired. With tailors' shears, cast in form, made malleable, then converted by the Barron process, I have cut Florence silk so nicely as to prove the edge perfect ; then, with the same shears have cut up sheets of tin and untempered steel, returning to the silk, have found the edge wholly unimpaired, and this after a repetition of the trial more than twenty times.
CHAPTER XXX.
MILITARY HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
PRIOR TO THE REBELLION-LIGIIT HORSE COMP.A- NY-BRIGADE ORDERS-ARTILLERY COMPANY- THE FANTASTICALS-THE ZANESVILLE GUARDS -PUTNAM GRAYS-ZANESVILLE LIGHT INFANT- RY-ZANESVILLE LANCERS-MUSKINGUM IN THE REBELLION-COMPILED FROM "OHIO IN THE WAR," AND THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE. AT WASHINGTON, D. C., AND COLUMBUS, OHIO- THE FIRST COMPANY-THE 3D, ISTII, 24TH. 32D). 15TH, 16THI, 62D, 67TH, 78TIL, 97TH. O. V. I .- 9TII O. V. C :- 122D, 2D. O. V. I .- 5TH INDE- PENDENT BATTALION 13TH O. V. C .- 159TH. 160TH, 178TH, 195TH, 196TIL, 198TII, O. V. I .- ROSTERS OF THESE TROOPS FOLLOWING THE CHAPTER-ROLL OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY'S DEAD SOLDIERS-GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC- HAZLETT POST, NO. 81.
The first military organization was termed a "Light Horse Company," commanded by Cap- tain Benoni Pierce. They were mustered in by Samuel Thompson, in 1809. This was probably the first cavalry company in Southeastern Ohio. and took an active part in the war with the Indi- ans, and "the War of ' 12." Captain Pierce was killed in a battle with Indians. John Alter, Sr .. (father of John Alter, who died in Zanesville,
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September 30th, 1879) was a member of this company. The last named furnished this infor- mation.
The "Muskingum Messenger" and "Ohio In- telligencer," of January, 18-, contained the fol- lowing :
"BRIGADE ORDERS .- The commissioned offi- cers of the First Battalion, in the First Regiment of the Fourth Brigade, will meet at the court house in Zanesville, on Friday, the first day of February, next, at ten o'clock, A. M., for the pur- pose of electing a Colonel of said regiment. The commissioned officers of the Second Battalion will meet for the same purpose, on Saturday, the 2d of February, next, at ten o'clock, A. M., at the house of William Burnam, Esq., in Springfield. The cavalry officers attached to the First Battal- ion Regiment will vote with the First Battalion.
"LEWIS CASS, "Brig. Gen., 4th B., 3d Div."
In 1812, James Herron was appointed a captain in the regular army, and had charge of one of the recruiting stations in Zanestown. His office was first in "Mud Hollow," and then on South Fifth street.
"In the fall of 1818, an artillery company was formed. It was the first after the war of '12." July 4th, 1825, this company, commanded by Captain John Stanton, proceeded to Licking Summit, and assisted in the celebration of the completion of the Ohio canal. Their skill in ar- tillery practice was much admired. Colonel John Sockman handled a six-pounder so well, that the Zanestown company received the honors in the contest in gunnery.
MILITIA TRAINING .- Under the old regime this was kept up long after any necessity for it existed, and the citizens seemed powerless to abolish it. On this account, some waggish citizens deter- mined to try the effect of ridicule, and, about 1833, organized the "Fantasticals," for the purpose of burlesquing the militia.
"The dull burlesque appeared with impudence, And pleased by novelty, in spite of sense."
They were in their glory in 1834, and afforded infinite amusement to the members, as well as citizens, generally, and successfully brought into contempt the militia trainings, so that they came out against their will. The organization, though composed of the bon ton, carried the day in buffoonery. It is said that they were even hid- eous. The most grotesque costume was the desideratum, and when the "Fantasticals" were out in full feather, the "Cornstalk Militia" made what might be called an involuntary appearance ! Lem. Owens was Colonel Pluck, in command of the Fantasticals, and prided himself in his suit of calico ; the coat cut 'spike tail,' and adorned with white buttons of monster proportions ; the shoulders decorated with enormous sun-flowers, politely termed epaulets. His sword was of burnished tin, ten feet long ; his spurs were on the same liberal pattern, about eighteen inches in diameter; his hat was of dimensions that
would have gratified the most ambitious hussar, and was adorned with a sweeping fox tail ; his hands were stained with poke-berries, in imita- tion of lavender kids ; and his lavender neck-tie was "perfectly excruciating," with ends almost touching the ground, borne now here, now there, by the playful wind. Such was the patriotism that pervaded the community, that even "Parson Jones" was inspired to lend his old mare to Colonel Pluck, for the occasion, notwithstanding the antiquity of the quadruped, and as a com- pliment, in remembrance of her ancestral repu- tation, which, though traditional, was handed down from father to son, with scrupulous fidelity, recounting the different fluids of fine blooded animals that were supposed to course through her veins, but, of course, saying nothing about how long and severely she had been over- strained, remembering her once fiery spirit, when young blood flowed vigorously through the now shadowy form-they named her Bucephalus ! and thought of Alexander, and his famous charger! They bedecked her with gay capari- sons, held her head up and led her forth, so altered in apperance, that the gallant Colonel Pluck scarce knew the old mare. There was a charm about this new created charger; it was her airy form ; it gave unmistakable assurance of offering the least possible resistance to the air through which it passed. And it is not improb- able, notwithstanding her heraldry and pride of birth, that her rider inwardly exclaimed :
" A horse ! A horse, " etc.
And yet, with gravity becoming the occasion,- he caused his orderlies to take position on either side of the steed, ostensibly to hold the stirrups until his feet were adjusted therein, but really to secure him against accident, in case the mare should give way under "the conquering hero." The applause of the multitude, as they beheld this strategic performance, was both long and loud, and not withheld when they beheld the glow of patriotism that illumined the faces of the rank and file, and saw with what alacrity every command was obeyed, convincing even the "Cornstalk Militia" of their warlike bearing. and character.
" Happy he whose inward ear Angel comfortings can hear O'er the rabble's laughter ; And, while hatred's fagots burn, Glimpses through the smoke discern Of the good hereafter. "
With this thought uppermost, "The Fantas- ticals" marched and counter-marched up and down Main street, and over to "John Lee's Tavern," in West Zanesville, the usual rendez- vous of the "Cornstalk Militia," and where they called their roll, in imitation of whom the Fan- tasticals also called their roll. And however dis- ciplinary this part of their performance may have been intended, it was manifest that no member was guilty of absenting himself, or ashamed to
MERKLE'S BREWERY
OFFIC
MERKLE'S BREWERY, Zanesville.
U. & S.
CANNING HOUSE
Gen H.F.DEVOL
------
OLIVETTE
Canning House of UNGEMACH & STERN, Zanesville, Ohio.
IN the spring of 1882 the above gentlemen pur- chased the old Wainwright Brewery, in the Third ward, in close proximity to the banks of the Mus- kingum river. The factory is forty by one hun- dred and sixty feet in the clear, with a canning capacity of fifteen thousand cans per day. In the busy season from two to three hundred men, women and children find profitable employment within its walls. This is the only establishment
of the kind in this section of the country, and is fitted up with all modern improvements. As Muskingum county is known to be in the fruit belt of the State, the success of this house is assured. All fruits and vegetables purchased are carefully selected, prior to canning. Orders flow in almost uninterruptedly, and the firm are kept quite busily engaged in supplying their Eastern and Western trade.
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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
be heard, although their names would have taxed the ability of the nomads of Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and "the rest of man- kind," to pronounce; they responded in sten- torian voice that would have become either of the orators of those people. It was indeed a marvelous demonstration, and the Fantasticals were the acknowledged victors in this bloodless fray, while, with a shout, the cry went up, long live Colonel Pluck and the Fantasticals ! And the militia were permitted to retire to their peaceful homes, and the hospitality of a grateful people !
THE ZANESVILLE GUARDS, was the next or- ganization. This was completed about 1839. The following account, written by a participant, and published in the Zanesville "Courier," was found among E. H. Church's papers :
"The Guards never failed to celebrate the Fourth of July by a parade, and, after the parade, sat down and enjoyed a sumptuous repast, drank toasts, made patriotic speeches. and passed the time away most pleasantly. In those early days, the greed for gold had not eaten into the marrow of the citizens of Zanesville. A man was not valued then by the size of his bank account, or in accordance with the amount of blue blood which coursed through his veins. The ladies of Zanesville were always present upon such occa- sions. And the ladies of those days were intell- igent, graceful and beautiful.
"They took pride in the company and its en- tertainments. It was considered an honor to be present on such occasions. Perhaps the people of the present day would like to know what kind of toasts were drank in the olden time at these entertainments given by the Guards. For the instruction of the present generation of young ladies who would shudder, with horror, at the thought of attending a military ball, we give the following toasts :
"The ladies of Zanesville-by the presentation of a flag to the Zanesville Guards, show them- selves the magnanimous daughters of the patri- otic mothers, who strewed with flowers and gar- lands, the path of a retiring and victorious Washington.'
.The ladies of Zanesville-Their modesty, virtue and intelligence, are all-sufficient Guards.'
'The ladies of Zanesville-Fair and patriotic. May patriotism shield them in union and matri- mony in peace.'
.The Union of these States-Let it be en- graven on the heart of every true American.'
.The American-Who always sees stars, but never feels stripes.'
.The ladies of Zanesville and Putnam-Their beauty and worth, only exceeded by the extent of its circulation.'
.The Fourth of July, '76-It has been cele- brated with patriotic enthusiasm for upwards of half a century. For the perpetuity of a custom so glorious, I add, 'Keep time, old foot.'
"The Army of the United States-May the spirit of the Father ever animate the breast of the Son.'
'The Navy of the United States-Hearts of oak, few in number, strong in honor, great in fame.'
'Let the toast be-Dear women.'
"Among those most prominent in getting up toasts for these entertainments, was Colonel N. A. Guille, who was always ready with a good ringing speech, whenever called upon."
The next company was the Putnam Greys, organized under R. N. Dunlap, who was elected Captain, but soon after resigned, and Captain Jesse P. Hatch, who had been their drill master. was elected to fill the vacancy. Matthew Ashmore made their uniforms, which consisted of dark grey cloth, swallow tailed coats, bound with black braid, brass buttons, black waist belts, black leather cartridge boxes, large white metal waist plate, inscribed with the letters P. G., black cord on the side seams of the pants, black leather caps, with white. fountain plumes, tipped with blue. They where armed with flint lock muskets, of the Harper's Ferry pattern.
The other officers were: William Ely, First Lieutenant ; Lawson Wiles, Second Lieutenant ; Waldo B. Guthrie. Orderly Sergeant. [The other officers not named.]
The company numbered, rank and file, eighty- four men. The first appearance in full dress parade, was on the afternoon of October, 10th, 1839 ; at which time, also. first appeared the Zanesville Light Infantry Battalion. Second Brigade, Fifteenth Division, Ohio Militia. Cap- tain Hatch was a graduate of the military school at Norwich, Vermont, and had filled a professor- ship in the Virginia Military Academy. The members of the company were among the lead- ing citizens of Putnam. The following are their names, as far as can now be obtained : Jesse P. Hatch, William Elv, Waldo B. Guthrie, Matthew Ashmore, C. W. Potwin, Nathan Spear, R. N. Dunlap. Z. M. Chandler, Daniel McCarty, Jack- son Ely, William Berkshire, Stephen Il. Guthrie, Albert Gillett, Frank Whipple, Martin Thomas. James Safford, Munroe Avers. James G. Manly, John Goshen, John Miser, Henry Ely, John Van Horne, Jerry Barber, Calvin Baltis, Joshua Josslyn, James Flynn, James McFeters. George Allen, Richard Osborn, Henry Jones, Cyrus Brown, Cornelius McCarty. Luke Stallard. William Munch, Lewis Munch, William Israel. George N. Guthrie, Frank Thompson, Charles Northrop, Welles, Hawes. Davis, Lindsay. Wil- liam Alexander, Benjamin Tuttle, Alfred Jones. Henry Ewing, John Weaver, Frank Taylor, John Irvin, James Launder, William Launder. James Alexander, Leroy Perry, Valentine Best, and John Forgraves. The musicians were : George Allen, fifer ; John Forgraves, snare drummer : and James Safford, bass drummer.
In the winter of 1839-40. the Zanesville Lancers" were recruited by E. H. Church. and regularly organized and mustered in. Henry Clayton was elected Captain : Jacob Sperry. First Lieutenant : John D. Ford. Second Lieu- tenant : and J. L. Fracker. Orderly Sergeant. The members of this company were all boys.
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and numbered one hundred strong. Captain French, of the United States army, then a resi- dent of Zanesville, was their drill-master. Soon after the organization, Samuel S. Cox was elect- ed a member, and was promoted from the posi- tion of "high private" to Orderly Sergeant. It is said that Mr. Cox takes just pride in referring to this event in his life in Zanesville.
In 1840, this company occupied the post of honor in welcoming General William H. Harri- son, Whig candidate for President, to this city. The meeting was held under the old elm tree, on North Sixth street. Here General Harrison de- livered his last political speech.
The members of the Lancers, as far as can now be learned, were: William Culbertson, John D. Ford, Joseph T. Ford, J. L. Fracker, William Dulty, Crosley, Caldwell, Charles Hunt- ington, William Mizer, Henry Clayton, Jacob Sperry. James Warner, Hiram Davidson, John P. Fox, Henry Stulson, H. Bell, George Covey, George Ross, Nat. Dutro, H. Parish, Richard Ball, Thomas Pierce, Henry I. Pierce, James Thompson, William Bailey, Wesley Hatton, Isaac Fell, Victor Fell, Solomon Brock, David Sheward, H. T. Pierce, John Winn, Henry Wil- ley, James Van Buren, and Owen and Albert Langworthy.
These military companies demonstrated the latent military talent of the people-how readily they can take up arms, and how easily lay them down again. This ability, so completely dor- mant when peace reigns within our borders, has been found of the highest order when war's stern necessity called it forth, as the host of he- roes on many a hard fought battle field attest.
MUSKINGUM COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
When the Nation, striving only to enforce its laws and maintain its lawfully elected rulers, suddenly found itself plunged in a war that promised to envelop half its territory, it confided its "grand army" to the leadership of an Ohio general-Irvin McDowell ; and when beaten at the outset, less by the enemy than by its own rawness, that army retreated in disorder from the field it had fairly won, and the panic of the first Bull Run seemed to freeze the currents of National life, another Ohio general -- George B. McClellan -- was called to the command, as he came fresh from the first successful campaign, to restore confidence and reorganize the army. And, as invading the enemy's country-whose preparations for war, hitherto not comprehend- ed, were found general and desperate-the diffi- culties so multiplied that the Nation found itself distrusting men of known sagacity, military skill, and courage, yet a new commander was sought, and this time the trust was reposed in William S. Rosecrans.
As the war expanded, the State of Ohio con- tinued to preserve a similar prominence. Through three campaigns, the greatest of the National armies remained under the leadership of an Ohio general. This officer also succeeded
the veteran, Scott, as General-in-Chief, in com- mand of all our armies. Yet another Ohioan, General Don Carlos Buell, commanded the great department which lay south of Ohio, till, after pushing back the war from the border to the Al- abama line, he was caught and submerged in its refluent tide, and another Ohio general was summoned from fields of victory in the South- west, to take his place. General O. M. Mitch- ell, of Cincinnati, commanded the Department of the South, until death came to his release. And to another Ohioan, General Q. A. Gillmore, was reserved the honor of revolutionizing gun- nery-in destroying the fort around which the war had opened, and in the downfall of which was echoed the doom of the Rebellion."
"Ah! never shall the land forget How gushed the life-blood of her brave- Gushed, warm with hope and courage yet, Upon the soil they fought to save."
Fathers, mothers, wives, sisters-aye, and brothers, too-mourn the loss of dear ones ; and many an empty sleeve and absent limb, shat- tered hand, and scar, remind us of the ravages of that war ; and it is but a slight tribute to those patriots, who, with their lives and treasure, sub- dued our enemies and saved our grand republic. that their names should be enrolled with what- ever of praise we are capable of bestowing, for, whereas we were in greatest peril.
"Now, all is calm, and fresh, and still ; Alone the chirp of flitting bird, And talk of children on the hill, And bell of murmuring kine, are heard ;"
And, from o'er the hills, we hear-like a sweet refrain-the welcome song.
"Reign, gentle peace, The din of war is heard no more ; The storm is past, The cloud is o'er."
And Ohio hears, with pride, the names of U. S. Grant, P. H. Sheridan, and W. T. Sherman, praised by the Nation ; and yet, with a pride that language cannot fully express. would she perpetuate the memory of those who filled her regiments, made statesmen and generals ; they merit more praise than all others.
And in doing this, she would not forget the patriot fathers and mothers, who counted their sons and sent them forth. They followed them to the camps, saw them waste in action, and die of disease ; saw them led by the inexperienced. to slaughter. Stricken with anguish, they still maintained their purpose, and numbered the people again, and sent fresh thousands. They followed them with generous gifts, and prayers. They cared for the stricken families, and made otherwise desolate lives beautiful with the chari- ties of a gracious Christianity. They infused a religious zeal into the contest. They held their soldiers to be engaged in a holy war. They
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truly believed that through battle, and siege, and reverse, God was waiting, in His own good time, to give them the victory.
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