History of Sandusky County Ohio with Illustrations 1882, Part 79

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side of an all-absorbing issue, and an Administration at Washington generally unpopular, all these obstacles in the way of victory had to be overcome, and who should be chosen to lead in the unequal contest? General Hayes, as in 1864 he had been sought out of the army to be chosen to Congress; as in 1867 he had been recalled from Congress to lead in a doubtful State campaign, against his will and solemn protest, was in 1875 forced from his pleasant and quiet home to lead in a campaign which was to decide, not only the immediate destiny of parties, but to formulate important National legislation. General Hayes was the spontaneous choice of the rank and file of the Republican party in that great political emergency. There were grave doubts, however, as to whether he would accept the nomination, and they were not without reason. To all who had approached him on the subject he had expressed extreme disinclination, and he discouraged, at every opportunity, the use

of his name. Nevertheless Republican sentiment asserted itself, and grew in volume until, by the time the State Convention met, It was simply overwhelming. The only other name proposed was that of Judge Taft, of Cincinnati, whose high standing and ability were beyond question. When the convention assembled Judge Taft was presented as a candidate. There was also placed before the convention a dispatch from General Hayes positively declining to be a candidate. He sincerely desired relief from public life, and on convention day confidently supposed that he had set at rest the movement toward his own. nomination. While the convention was assembling at Columbus, General Hayes, at Fremont, was quietly directing some farm work. The feeling of the convention was unmistakable, and its demands irresistible. Mr. Hayes did not realize

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the situation on that day until a bundle of sixteen dispatches was delivered to him imploring a withdrawal of his positive declination and another dispatch received soon after, notified him of his nomination by a vote of more than three-fourths of the delegates. Judge Taft, by his representative, moved to make the nomination unanimous, and General Hayes, after consultation with his friends here, telegraphed: "In obedience to the wishes of the convention I yield my preferences and accept the nomination."

General Hayes entered that campaign with all his force, fighting not Allen and Cary but the theory of finance which their party advanced, and which he believed to be pernicious. Few Ohio campaigns have been so free from personality. The candidates of both parties were men of the highest integrity, and with honorable records. The contest was not for the Governorship but for the triumph of a principle which had an intimate relation to the Nation's most vital interests. General Hayes was master of the campaign which he led, having at the outset, in a speech before the central committee,

conspicuous for clearness, defined the issues which he desired to have placed before the people. That speech, occupying less than five minutes in its delivery, was the Republican keynote, on which the campaign was fought, the result of which brought its author prominently into the circle of Presidential candidates. The Ohio election of 1875 was the turning point in the course of party destiny. The political revolution of the previous two years was brought to a stand- still, and restored to Republicans all over the country confidence in their ability to maintain ascendency in the affairs of the Nation. Pennsylvania, largely influenced by Ohio, was a month later carried by the Republicans. The results in these two powerful and

pivotal States gave assurance of success in the approaching Presidential contest, and it was about this time that Governor Hayes' nomination for the Presidency became a subject of serious discussion. The Governor himself, though plainly seeing the possibility of his nomination, was free from that intense ambition which led some other candidates to push themselves to the front. Therein was a secret of his success. If he was to be the standard-bearer of his party, the nomination had to be offered to him. He did not seek the high honor, and by not seeking, antagonized the ardent partisans of none of those who were candidates in the full sense of the term.

When the National Republican convention assembled in Cincinnati, Governor Hayes' eligibility as a candidate was universally recognized, although his delegate support outside of his own State was small. But six ineffectual ballots exhausted personal enthusiasm, and on the seventh the man whose fitness was universally recognized, was nominated.

The result of he convention was most gratifying to the people of this county, ir- respective of party differences, This was shown by the brilliant reception tendered Governor Hayes on the occasion of his visit home, June 24. For three days the city was alive with the excitement of preparation. Dwellings, business houses, and public buildings were tastefully decorated and brilliantly illuminated. The reception was held in the evening, and participated in by fifteen thousand people. The event was a most fitting tribute of respect to a fellow- citizen who had been designated by the dominant party for the first place in the Government.

General Hayes' letter accepting the nomination for the Presidency, was char- acteristically strong and clear. If there had been any doubt in the public mind as to his

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courage, it was dispelled by the bold and advanced ground upon which the candidate placed himself at the opening of the campaign. His position on the then great questions then occupying the attention of the whole country-reform in the civil service, resumption of specie payments and restoration of fraternity throughout the Union-was especially pronounced and emphatic. With respect to the system of making official appointments, he announced that the "reform should be thorough, radical, and complete." On the currency question then uppermost among business men, he said:

I regard all the laws of the United States relating to the payment of the public indebtedness, the legal tender notes included, as constituting a pledge and moral obligation of the Government, which must in good faith be kept.

His attitude toward the South was equally assuring: "What the South needs is peace, and peace depends upon the supremacy of law." In the last paragraph of the letter is summed up the Republican candidate's pledge to the country.

Let me assure my countrymen of the Southern States that if I shall be charged with the duty of organizing an administration, it will be one which will regard and cherish their truest interests-the interests of the white and the colored people both and equally, which will put forth its best efforts in behalf of a civil policy which will wipe out forever the distinction between North and South in our common country. With a civil service organized upon a system which will secure purity, experience, efficiency, and economy, a strict regard for the public welfare solely in appointments, and the speedy, thorough, and unsparing prosecution and punishment of all public officers who betray official trusts; with a sound currency; with education unsectarian and free to all; with simplicity and frugality in public and private affairs, and with a fraternal spirit of harmony pervading the people of all sections and classes, we may reasonably hope that the second century of our existence as a Nation will, by the blessing of God, be pre-eminent as an era of good feeling and a period of progress, prosperity, and happiness.

We have been endeavoring, so far as a brief sketch will permit, to point out the successive steps by which General Hayes

rose in popular favor and official station. The letter of acceptance was undoubtedly the most influential document in the campaign which terminated in his election to the Presidency. It was the expression of a man of decided convictions and with courage to maintain them. Further than this, it was a clear, concise definition of Republican doctrines, which Republican papers and orators amplified, but to which little was added. Like the brief speech to the State central committee one year before, this letter determined the issues of the campaign.

The election was closely contested on both sides. The doubtful result in three Southern States threw the whole country into a state of anxiety which continued until inauguration day. The events of that memorable winter are beyond our present scope. General Hayes was declared elected by the highest authority in the Government, and his title has never since been vitiated by the strongest tests which partisan enthusiasm could institute.

It is too soon to write the history of the administration from 1877 to 1881. That it gave satisfaction to the people is shown by the renewed growth of the Republican party from inauguration day, and the decisive result of the National election of 1880. Its crowning accomplishment was the resumption of specie payment, and the consequent re-establishment of financial security and promotion of business prosperity. The attitude of the administration toward the South went far toward allaying public prejudices. The immediate result of this measure has been renewed life and activity in that long neglected section of the country. We can only enumerate a few other important measures of administration. An Indian policy was permanently established, securing the red man undisturbed possession of the soil he occupies, and encouraging him

Lucy W. Hayes

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in civilized pursuits. The Mexican border difficulties were settled by radical measures affording greater security to our border citizens than have they enjoyed since the annexation of Texas. Foreign commerce has been aided by requiring from consular posts detailed monthly reports. The most difficult question with which the Hayes administration had to deal was reform in the civil service. A system of political patronage, quietly acquiesced in for forty years could not be displaced in four years. Bold measures were adopted and the results have already received the endorsement of the country.

President Hayes was fortunate in surrounding himself with a Cabinet of able and distinguished men, and holding them, with two exceptions, till the close of his term. The administration devoted itself assiduously to work, and grew more popular as the results of its labors became known. General Hayes retired from the Presidency with the full confidence of the people of all parties. He had traveled in all sections of the country, and was everywhere received with the respect due the Chief Magistrate of the Republic. When he again became a private citizen, and returned to his home in this city, he was tendered a hearty reception as a mark of personal friendship and local pride.

In this sketch of his public services we have deferred mentioning the social and private life of General Hayes and of Mrs. Hayes, who has occupied a conspicuous place in the State and Nation.

LUCY WEBB HAYES.

The personal appearance of Mrs. Hayes and her qualities as a woman are too well known to justify any comment here. She has been before the public many years, and has always been the recipient of the highest favor and praise.

Lucy Webb was the daughter of Dr. James Webb and Maria Cook Webb, and

was born at Chillicothe, Ohio. Her ancestors on both sides were Revolutionary soldiers, on her father's side being Virginians, who came from Kentucky to Ohio, and on her mother's side being from Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Dr. James Webb was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was one of Ball's squadron, which engaged with a party of Indians just south of this city a few days before the battle of Fort Stephenson. He died of cholera in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1833. Maria Cook Webb, the mother of Mrs. Hayes, was a lady of unusual strength of character and deep religious convictions. After the death of Dr. Webb she removed to Delaware, where her sons were being educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University. Miss Webb was instructed at Delaware by the University professors, preparatory to entering the Wesleyan Female College at Cincinnati. It was while attending college at Cincinnati that Mr. Hayes made her acquaintance. Both were spending a short time at Delaware-Miss Webb visiting her mother, Mr. Hayes his old home and birthplace. It is said that the first meeting was at the sulphur spring on the college grounds. Her natural gaiety and attractiveness made a strong impression on Mr. Hayes, who was thenceforth a frequent visitor.

While at school Miss Webb became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She has ever since been ardently attached to the duties and requirements of a Christian life. At college she bore the reputation of being a diligent student, and graduated with good standing.

Her marriage to Mr. Hayes took place December 30, 1852. The ceremony was performed by Dr. L. D. McCabe, of the Wesleyan University, who was also present at the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, celebrated at the White House.

Mrs. Hayes first became known to the

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outside world during the war. A distin- guishing characteristic is the great pleasure she takes in making people happy. In the army, among volunteer soldiers, she found ample opportunity for the exercise of her rare faculties in that direction: Upon learning of the severe wound received by her husband in the battle of South Mountain, she hastened East and joined him at Middletown, Maryland. As soon as he was able to walk, she spent a portion of each day in the hospitals, cheering the wounded of both armies with delicate attentions and, tokens of sympathy. The members of the Twenty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry remember Mrs. Hayes with the kindest affection.

Mrs. Hayes is eminently social and domestic. Her residence has seldom been without visitors, and she has always been, in every station, mistress of her own house- hold. One feature of White House life, during the Hayes administration, has been a subject of much newspaper comment. The use of wines was wholly abandoned. Wine had never been brought "upon the table in their own private residence, and it was the desire of both the President and Mrs. Hayes that their private custom should be maintained, and respected while at the head of the Government.

Spiegel Grove is the name given the home of the ex-President in Fremont. The grounds are located on Buckland avenue, and consist of thirty acres, a large part of which is shaded by forest trees. The house, a substantial two-story brick, stands near the centre. It was built in 1860 by Sardis Birchard, and was his residence until his death in 1874. General Hayes has since made additions to the house. The well-filled library on the first floor indicates the character of the student whose collection it is. Few private libraries in the State will furnish more information on topics relating to our own country

than that of General Hayes. His knowledge of Ohio and Ohio history is especially accurate and extended.

General and Mrs. Hayes have again settled down to the rest and quiet of private life, which, for people of their age, they have indeed had little opportunity to enjoy. Fremont has been for years their home, though for the most of the time not their residence. It is expected that they are now here to remain.

GENERAL R. P. BUCKLAND.

Ralph Pomeroy Buckland was born at Leyden, Massachusetts, on the 20th day of January, 1812. His grandfather and father died from the immediate effects of military service in the cause of our country; the former, Stephen Buckland, who was a captain of artillery in the Revolutionary war, from East Hart-ford; Connecticut, drying in the Jersey prison-ship near New York; the latter, Ralph Buckland; a volunteer in Hull's army during the War of 1812, dying at Ravenna, Ohio from disease contracted while a prisoner of war .* The subject of

*The following is a copy of a letter written by General Buckland's father about one year before his death:

RAVENNA, September 12, 1812.

DEAR SISTER: These lines will inform you that I am well. I have just arrived from Fort Malden in Upper Canada, a prisoner on parole. I belonged to General Hull's army, and was sold with the rest of my brother volunteers to the British and Indians by that traitor and coward, Hull. The distress the inhabitants have undergone by letting the Indians in upon the frontiers is beyond description. Plundered of every article of property and clothing; and hundred of families massacred adds to the scene of distress. But they will have to share the same fate or worse if possible. We have a fine army of ten thou-sand men within a two days' march of here, which will show them that a Hull does not command at this time, Governor Harrison has the command of this army, and will do honor to his country and himself. He commanded at the Wabash last fall at the

R. P. Buckland

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this biography completes the family's mili- tary record by his service in the Great Rebellion.

His father, acting in the capacity of land- agent and surveyor, came to Portage county, Ohio, in 1811. About the close of the following year, during the severe winter, while an unbroken waste of snow stretched from the New England States westward, the father removed his family in a one-horse sleigh, from their Massachusetts home to Ravenna in this State, where, as above stated, he died only a few months after. His mother's maiden name was Anna Kent. Her father died at Mantua, Ohio, where he had moved from Leyden, Massachusetts. Some few years after the death of Ralph's father, his mother married Ur. Luther Hanchett, who then had four children by a former marriage. Six more children were born to them. The family were always in moderate circumstances.

During his earlier years Ralph lived with his stepfather and family on a farm, but the greater part of the time, until he attained the age of eighteen, he lived with and labored for a farmer uncle in Mantua, excepting two years when he worked in. a woollen factory at Kendall, Ohio, and one year spent as a clerk in a store. In the winters he attended country schools, and the last summer, that of 1830, he attended an academy at Tallmadge, Ohio, where he made a commencement in Latin. In the following fall he embarked at Akron, Ohio, on board a flat boat loaded with a cargo of cheese to be transported through

battle of Tippecanoe, and the Indians have not forgotten it. I have enjoyed very good health since I saw you last. Give my love to my mother and all our friends. I am in great haste, and can write no more at present. Yours, RALPH BUCKLAND.

P. S. You will write me an answer soon. I expect to go to Cincinnati in a few days, on public business.

the Ohio canal, down the Muskingum, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Natchez, Mississippi. At Louisville he secured a deck passage on the Daniel Boone, and worked his way by carrying wood on board. When he arrived at Natchez he had less than one dollar in his pocket, but he immediately found employment in a warehouse on the landing, where he remained for a few months, but long enough. to so thoroughly secure the confidence of his employers, that at the end of that time they put him in charge of two flat boats, lashed together, and loaded with twelve hundred barrels of flour for the New Orleans market. On this trip he served his turn with the rest of his crew, as a cook. The voyage was successfully completed, and soon after landing, at the earnest solicitation of his Natchez employers, who had opened a commission house in New Orleans, he remained in their employ in the latter city.

At that time drinking and gambling were quite common with young clerks like himself; but, besides a natural disinclination to indulge in things of this nature, he was further strengthened in his resolution to wholly abstain from these evils, by the untimely death of the book-keeper of the house in which he was employed, who was killed in a duel arising from dissipation. These resolutions have ever since been strictly kept. In his spare moments, of which he had many during the summer months, while at New Orleans, he pursued the study of the Latin and French languages, and several of the common school branches.

In June, 1834, he started for Ohio on a visit to his mother, leaving New Orleans with the fixed idea of returning and making that city his future home. He had been offered several first-rate situations, but on arriving home, through his mother's solicitations, he was induced to remain in

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the North. After spending one year at Kenyon College he began the study of law in the office of Gregory Powers, at Middlebury, and completed it with Whittlesey & Newton, at Canfield, being admitted to practice in the spring of 1837.

During the winter of the previous year he spent several months pursuing his studies in the office of George B. Way, who was then editor of the Toledo Blade. While the editor- in-chief was temporarily absent at this time, he acted, for a few weeks, as editor pro tent.

Immediately after admission to the Bar, with about fifty dollars in his pocket, loaned him by his uncle, Alson Kent, he started in quest of a favorable location for an attorney. The failure of the wild-cat banks was what settled Ralph P. Buckland in Fremont. On arriving here, at what was then known as Lower Sandusky, he found that he had not enough good money wherewith to pay a week's board. The surroundings could not have appealed very favorable to the young lawyer; but under the circumstances he was compelled to stop. He was trusted, by Thomas L. Hawkins, for a sign, opened a law office, and soon secured enough business to pay, his expenses, which were kept down to the lowest possible point. At this date he was not only without means, but, even worse, he owed three hundred dollars for his expenses while a student, and for a few necessary law books. This, it would seem, to him was but a trifle. He was confident of ultimate success, for, eight months after opening up his law office in Lower Sandusky, while still worth nothing in a pecuniary point of view, he went to Canfield, Ohio, and there married Charlotte Boughton. With his wife he returned here in the following spring. Although, as just spoken of, he was without means, his credit was good. He was

strictly economical, temperate in all things, and diligent in business. His expenses during the first year of married life did not exceed three hundred dollars, and his business steadily increased, so that at the end of three or four years he had all he could attend to. In these early days of his life he was very slender in build, and troubled, to some extent, with dyspepsia, but outdoor exercise, gained in travelling on horseback to the courts of adjoining counties during term time, cured him of that complaint, and gradually increased this weight and physical strength.

Mr. Buckland first entered into politics prominently as a delegate to the Philadelphian convention in 1843, which placed General Taylor in nomination for the Presidency. In the fall of 1855 he was elected to the State Senate as a representative of the Republican party, in that, the first Legislature after its organization. He was re-elected in 1857, serving four years. He was the author of the law for the adoption of children, which was passed during his service in the Senate.

In October, 1861, he began to organize the Seventy-second regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he having, on the 2d of that month, been appointed lieutenant colonel by William Dennison, Governor of Ohio, and given the authority to raise a regiment for three years service in conformity to general orders from the War Department at Washington. The particulars of the organization of this, the Seventy-second regiment, are given in full in the history of that body. In three months it was fully equipped and ready for the field.

On the 10th of January, 1862, he was mustered and sworn into the United States service as colonel of the Seventy-second regiment, and two weeks later with the regiment, in accordance with orders, he arrived, by rail, at Columbus,

Charlotte Buckland

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Ohio, and marched at once for Camp Chase, near the city. At Camp Chase he assumed command, and remained in that position until on the 19th of February he was ordered, with the regiment, to report to General W. T. Sherman at Paducah, Kentucky.

General Sherman placed him in command of the Fourth brigade, First division of the Army of the Tennessee. On March 7, 1862, General Buckland embarked his brigade on steamers on the Tennessee River, under "orders to report to Major General C. F. Smith at Fort Henry. This order complied with; he proceeded, with the rest of Sherman's division, up the Tennessee to Savannah and Pittsburg Landing, and from there he went some fifteen or twenty miles further above, for the purpose of cutting the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, but in consequence of the extreme high water, the latter expedition was a failure, and he returned to the Landing. The battle of Shiloh, which took place in the first week in the following April, and in which General Buckland, with the Fourth brigade, took a prominent part, is given, in all the details, in General Buckland's history of the fight, to be found in another part of this volume.

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History of Sandusky County Ohio with Illustrations 1882, Part 79

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