USA > Ohio > Union County > History of Union County, Ohio; its people, industries and institutions > Part 34
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Col. George Ruehlen retired from the United States Army, September. 1912. He is now superintendent of the grounds and buildings of the Sol- dlier's Home at Washington, D. C.
Col. O. S. Heistand, formerly of Richwood, is now ranking colonel in the United States Army, and is in the adjutant general's department.
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Col. Henry R. Brinkerhoff, who entered the army during the Civil War as a volunteer, was retired a few years ago as colonel. He enlisted from Jerome township and was in the United States Army until his retirement. He was colonel of the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is now an instructor at the State University of Illinois, Champaign, and resides at Oak Park.
E. M. Fullington served as state auditor two terms and made an ex- cellent public official. During the Spanish-American war of 1898 he served as aid-de-camp on the staff of Gen. James H. Wilson. He is now serving as budget commissioner of the state, by appointment of the governor.
LOG CABIN CAMPAIGN OF 1840.
During the eight years of Jackson's administration and the four years of Van Buren's the veins and arteries of the government, as is the case gen- erally when a party has been too long in power, had become more or less corrupted. Many of those who were the collectors and custodians of the public moneys, had become defaulters-among the number Price and Swart- out-and the whole of them denominated as "Spoilsmen and Leg-Treasur- ers." Add to this the belief which was chronic in the minds of many offi- cials, incumbents and oracles, that the party had the right of succession to the government, and was so solidly seated in the affections of the people that no human power could displace it, and we have the key that inaugurated the furore of 1840. Their grievances aroused and combined all the latent op- posing forces in the country, and, when aroused, they assumed a spirit of earnestness that foreboded victory from the very start.
It may be interesting, especially to the older class of readers, to recall to their memory a few of the facts and incidents connected with the never- to-be-forgotten "Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign of 1840." when the presidential contest was between Martin Van Buren, then Democratic in- cumbent of the office, and Gen. William Henry Harrison, who was the can- didate of the Whig party. That was a campaign which no one who passed through it will ever forget. It was a year noted for its large meetings and its endless hurrahs. The campaign began early in the year, and was kept up with unceasing energy till the day of election. Many people did very little else for a period of seven or eight months than attend the massmeetings and hurrah for "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." The devices to be hauled about in processions were almost endless and as diversified as the ingenuity of man could make them. The Whigs were confident of victory. They felt it in
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their bones, as they expressed it, and hence labored with increasing zeal and energy. The very atmosphere seemed to be full of victory for them. The Democrats were correspondingly dispirited, and felt more than half whipped for the six months preceding the election. People went in wagons, carriages, on horseback and on foot, to attend all the large gatherings within a radius of fifty miles or more, stopping for neither rains nor mud. It was nothing unusual to hear of crowds estimated at from fifty thousand to one hundred thousand persons, and even more. Women engaged in the contest as en- thusiastically as the men.
Thomas Corwin, the most powerful orator of his day, was elected gov- ernor of Ohio that year, and contributed no small share in getting up the excitement of that memorable campaign, and the victory which followed. The country at that time was full of brilliant orators, but Corwin was more than the peer of them all. He visited all or nearly all the counties in the state, and his meetings were made the occasion of a general rally, not only for the county, but for all the surrounding counties. He could carry his crowd to any point of enthusiasm desired, and could come as near saying what he desired to say as any man living. He often made his audience laugh and weep in the same eloquent strain. No man since his day has been able to draw as many hearty cheers from an audience as he did.
The campaign received its force largely from the remarkable Whig state convention held in the city of Columbus on the 22nd day of February of that year. It was a mass convention, and every county in the state was represented by hundreds of delegates. The city, small then, was fairly over- whelmed with delegates. It was out of the question to obtain lodging apart- ments at hotels and boarding houses, and many private houses were thrown open and people laid down to rest at night wherever they could find a va- cant spot. V. W. Smith, who was one of the Ohio State Journal staff of writers, gave a brilliant description of that grand outpouring, which no pen has ever equaled since. It would be interesting to reproduce it here, were it relevant to the design of this work.
The contest of that year was known also as "The Song Campaign." Nearly every Whig could sing, and about every tenth one turned poet. which multiplied songs by the thousand, taking in every phase of the issues between the two parties. These had their effect in producing the results which followed.
It may not be inappropriate with the design of this work to give a short paragraph upon the origin of this song campaign. which became general all
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over the country preceding the presidential election. The first impulse to it, so far as can be ascertained, was given by Otway Curry, a citizen of Marys- ville. He was a poet of national fame, and wrote in February, 1840, what soon became known all over the country as the "Log-cabin Song." This was published in slips and circulated at the state convention, and was sung there with marvelous effect by the young Whigs. Almost every delegate carried one of these songs home with him, and in less than a week it was reverberat- ing from every hillside and through every valley in the state.
As a matter of history so intimately connected with Union county, the song, for better preservation, is worth a place in this work. Its genius is incomparable. its conceptions pointed and forcible, its sentiments pointed for the best effect : its rhythm perfect ; its general appropriateness faultless ; and the tune selected for its conveyance to the understanding of the masses, . towering and popular in its lofty intonations. It was an inspiration that literally set the whole nation on fire with enthusiasm, which swept over the country like an irresistible hurricane to accomplish the work of political regeneration. A writer of that day stated that "it was sung from Maine to Georgia."
LOG-CABIN SONG. Tune-Highland Laddie.
Oh, where, tell me where, was your Buckeye Cabin made ? Oh, where, tell me where, was your Buckeye Cabin made? 'Twas built among the merry boys who wield the plow and spade, Where the Log Cabins stand in the bonnie Buckeye shade.
Chorus-'Twas built, etc.
Oh, what, tell me what, is to be your cabin's fate? Oh, what, tell me what, is to be your cabin's fate? We'll wheel it to the Capital, and place it there elate, As a token and a sign of the bonnie Buckeye State.
Chorus-We'll wheel it, etc.
Oh, why, tell me why, does your Buckeye cabin go? Oh, why, tell me why, does your Buckeye cabin go? It goes against the spoilsmen for well its builders know, It was Harrison that fought for the cabins long ago.
Chorus-It goes against, etc.
.
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Oh, who fell before him in battle-tell me who? Oh, who fell before him in battle-tell me who? He drove the savage legions, and British Army, too, At the Rapids and the Thames and old Tippecanoe.
Chorus-He drove, etc.
By whom, tell me whom, will the battle next be won? By whom, tell me whom, will the battle next be won? The spoilsmen and leg-treasurers will soon begin to run! And the Log-cabin Candidate will march to Washington!
Chorus-The spoilsmen, etc.
Oh, what, tell me what, then will little Martin do? Oh, what, tell me what, then will little Martin do? He'll follow in the footsteps of Price and Swartout too, While the log cabins ring again with old Tippecanoe!
Chorus-He'll follow, etc.
Having stated in a preceding part of this sketch that this campaign was known as the "Song Campaign," it is proper to add that it is now referred to as the "Log-cabin Campaign of 1840." It may, therefore, be interesting and proper to conclude by showing how the log-cabin came into the cam- paign as an important factor in the same, and also give a brief history of the part taken by the citizens of Marysville on that memorable occasion. The idea of the log cabin as a political element in the contest was first suggested by a scurrilous article, published in a newspaper, in the interest of the party supporting Mr. Van Buren for re-election to the presidency. The author of said article had visited North Bend, Ohio, the home of General Harrison, soon after the nomination of the latter as a presidential candidate, was cor- dially received and hospitably entertained by him in his humble home. In giving an account of this visit to some newspaper, he spoke disparagingly of Harrison's abilities and stated, among other things, that he lived in a log cabin and drank hard cider, affirming that he had no ambition to occupy the position to which he had been nominated, nor abilities to discharge the duties thereof, and concluded by asserting that if the people of the country would furnish him with a sufficient supply of dry crackers and hard cider, he would be contented to live in his log-cabin home during the remainder of the time allotted to him on earth. This article was soon published in all or
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nearly all of the newspapers opposing the election of General Harrison ; this aroused his friends, and the newspapers in his interest published the article, with bitter editorial comments relating to its tone and spirit. The people were reminded of the days when they dwelt in log cabins, were taught in log schoolhouses and worshipped their Creator in the same rude structures ; hence, the log cabin was soon brought into the campaign as an element of strength, and as such served its purpose and has become historical.
Early in February of this year, the leading citizens of Marysville, friendly to General Harrison, decided to attend a mass convention to be held at Columbus, on the 22nd of that month. It was further decided that the dele- gation should be a large one. and in all its appointments and paraphernalia should equal if not excel that of any other entering Columbus on that occa- sion. They went diligently to work to carry out their purpose. A log cabin, composed of Buckeye logs, was to be constructed, of magnificent design and proportions, to be taken along as a central figure in the procession. The material was procured from the forest in the vicinity of the town and the building rapidly progressed, under the supervision of Levi Phelps, William W. Steele, A. C. Jennings, James W. Evans, Stephen McLain and Mains Wason. Jackson G. Sprague was the architeet and master builder. This is believed to have been the first log cabin eonstrueted for a like purpose in the state, certainly it was one of the best and most capacious, as well as one of the most beautiful in workmanship and design. As it neared completion, the parties in charge of the work concluded it must, when completed. be dedicated with appropriate ceremonies ; whereupon, a committee of the lead- ing citizens of the town waited upon Otway Curry with an earnest request that he would write a song for the occasion. After deliberating awhile. he consented to make the effort, immediately repaired to his residence and set about the work, and in an exceedingly brief space of time submitted the re- sult of his labors in the song herein given. It was immediately printed on slips, a band of singers organized, and the author with his flute ( an instru- ment on which he exeelled) met with the band in the office of the elerk of the common pleas court, where it was for the first time heard in tuneful notes, as it came from the voices of the band, accompanied by the flute in the hands of the author.
The cabin was, soon after this rehearsal, completed. furnished and duly dedicated, on which occasion the song for the first time was heard sung in public, at which time it elicited rounds of applause. The band of singers was composed of the following named persons: Judge Levi Phelps, Will- iam W. Steele, Stephen McLain, A. C. Jennings, the author and doubtless
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many others whose names are forgotten. After the ceremonies of dedica- tion were over, the structure was placed on a wagon, and on the morning of February 21st, the day preceding the convention, it was started toward Co- lumbus, going by the way of Pleasant Valley (now Plain City), Amity and West Jefferson ; four horses were required to haul it, and tliese were furnished by Benjamin F. Kelsey and Chester Farnum, each furnishing two, and acting as drivers, alternating with each other.
A large delegation followed from Marysville, which gathered in num- bers as the procession moved forward through the county. West Jefferson was reached the first night, where the delegation remained till morning, and then started for Columbus on the National road.
At the latter place, a large delegation from Springfield and Clark county joined the procession. On nearing Columbus, the band of singers already named, including the author of the song, with probably others, took posi- tions in and on the cabin, and moved to and through the city, their voices ringing out on the air, in what might very justly be termed a triumphal song. The cabin was decorated with a coon skin nailed on the outside, while in- side was furnished with a liberal supply of corn bread and hard cider, with gourds wherewith to drink the beverage. The delegation remained in Columbus during the day and the succeeding night, and then with their cabin returned home in triumph. Some time during the summer of the same year a large delegation from Marysville and Union county went to Urbana with this cabin to attend a mass convention held there, the same band of singers accompanying it as on the former occasion with William C. Malin added thereto. The delegation entered the town singing their favorite and now deservedly popular song, and were greeted with a storm of cheers from admiring thousands gathered there. General Harrison was present, viewed the cabin and listened to the song. The cabin and song were the center of attraction, dividing the honors of the occasion with "Old Tip," as General Harrison was familiarly called at that time. This was the last appearance of this famous structure outside of the limits of Union county. On its re- turn from Urbana, it served its builders until after the election, the result of which is well known, when it retired from the field of politics in a blaze of glory, and in time crumbled in decay, the common lot of all earthly things.
The writer hereof has given a lengthy, and what may be termed a de- tailed history of the origin of the idea that led to the introduction of the log cabin into the campaign under consideration, and has dwelt at some length in regard to the cabin built in Marysville, for various reasons, among which
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may be mentioned the following: It serves to perpetuate in enduring form a matter of interest which now, and for all time, will continue to be considered as an interesting event in the history of Union county. It serves also to illus- trate the vanity of human calculations as instanced in the matter of the scur- rilous article referred to. The intention of the writer thereof was to bring General Harrison into contempt and ridicule. He failed of his purpose and produced the opposite result, and reflecting on his work, he may have realized of a truth that
"The best laid plans of mice and men aft gang aglee,"
and moreover, it was the building of this cabin by the citizens of Marysville that gave inspiration to the poetic genius of the author that resulted in the production of the most popular song of that or any other campaign in the history of the politics of our country, the effect of which in rousing the peo- ple throughout the entire nation can scarcely be estimated.
A VETERAN REPUBLICAN VOTER.
In 1888, the following was written concerning pioneer Jolin F. Sabine of Marysville, who was then eighty-six years of age: "He is the oldest Re- publican in Union county and cast his first vote for president in 1824 for John Quincy Adams and again for the same man in 1828. Henry Clay got his vote in 1832 and in 1836 and 1840 William Henry Harrison had it. In 1844 he voted for Clay and in 1848 for Taylor: in 1852 for Gen. Winfield Scott, in 1856 for Gen. John C. Fremont; and for the Republican candidates thereafter."
In 1864. Civil War prices were quoted in the files of the Tribune at Marysville as follows : Wheat, $1.75: corn, $1.05 : oats, $.60; barley, $1.70; rye, $1.25 ; clover seed. $8.00 ; timothy seed, $5.50; flax seed, $3.00; salt, per barrel. $4.50; flour, per hundred weight, $10.00 ; potatoes, per bushel, $1.75 ; wool, per pound. $.90.
UNION COUNTY POSTOFFICES.
In the history of this county there have been the following postoffices. The date of establishment is also here noted: Marysville, 1823: Richwood, 1833; Raymond, 1839; Unionville Center, 1848; Watkins, 1840; Wood- land, 1869; Pottersburg, 1869; Chuckery, April 8, 1898: Plain City, 1871 ; Arbela, October 24, 1897; Darby Creek, 1811; Peoria, 1872; New Dover,
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1856: Milford Center, established as Milford in 1809, changed to Milford Center in 1829; to Flint in 1865; back to Milford Center in 1866. Mag- netic Springs, 1881; Kokosing, 1880, name changed to Pharisburg, Janu- ary 31. 1881 : Claibourne, 1879; Byhalia, 1852; Broadway, 1865; Allen Cen- ter. 1851 ; Boke's Creek, 1854; Arnold, 1894; Jerome, 1894; New Califor- nia, 1850; York, 1844; Rush Creek, Jackson township, July 13, 1848. The present offices are Marysville, Milford Center, Richwood, Peoria, Unionville Center, Irwin, New Dover, Raymond. Broadway and Magnetic Springs.
THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT AT NEW CALIFORNIA.
Union county has a soldiers' monument at New California in this county of which it may be justly proud. This monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1913, with appropriate services in the old United Presbyter- ian church at New California. It was erected as a tribute to the soldiers who enlisted in the Civil War from Jerome township and the money for its erec- tion was all contributed by citizens from this township and those who had lived in the township, but now residing in other states. On this occasion the speakers not only eulogized the soldiers of the sixties but also those who fought in the Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Span- ish-American War.
The monument cost about $1,500 and is of white bronze. Practically all of the citizens of Jerome township and many from other parts of the county and from far distant states were present at the ceremonies. The shaft is twenty-one feet and four inches high, with an heroic figure of an infantryman at the summit. The names of the four hundred Jerome town- ship soldiers are cast on the monument. Inside the base of the shaft are the following historical papers: Roster of all soldiers who enlisted from Je- rome township; names of the committee who had charge of its erection, photographs of sixty Civil War veterans; names of all school children in the township; names of the subscribers to the monument fund; copies of songs sung by children at the dedication, with program of the ceremonies.
The number of soldiers enlisting from this township during the Civil War was one hundred and fifty-one in excess of the voters, or more than one-fourth of the total population of the township. This is, indeed, a most remarkable record of enlistment and challenges comparison with any town- ship of like population in the state. A number of Jerome boys enlisted un- der sixteen years of age and at least one was only fourteen years old.
The president of the day was Hon. J. L. Cameron. An address was
GETTYCOURS
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, NEW CALIFORNIA, OHIO
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delivered by Hon. Frank B. Willis and the historical address was delivered by Col. W. L. Curry. In view of the fact that Col. Curry was a veteran of long service in the Civil War from Jerome township, it seems eminently fit- ting that his address on this historic occasion be given here in its entirety, as it is historical :
The citizens from this township may well take a just pride in its citi- zenship, both civil, military and religious, from the first settlement one hun- dred and fifteen years ago. To this township belongs the credit of having the first white settlers within the territory now composing Union county. The first cabin was erected by Joshua and James Ewing on the west bank of Darby creek, one mile from Plain City, in the year 1798.
You have assembled today on historic ground. This land known as the Virginia Military District was ceded by the state of Virginia to the United States with the stipulation that it was to be given to her soldiers for services rendered during the War of the Revolution.
The patent for the land on which you stand today was signed by Presi- dent Andrew Jackson, in favor of a soldier of the Revolution.
When the War of 1812 opened almost every man then a citizen of the township, between the ages of twenty-one and fifty, served in some capacity during the war and names of eleven of these soldiers are engraved on this monument. A company was organized at Plain City largely recruited from Jerome township. The captain of the company was Jonathan Alder, who had been a captive among the Indians for many years. This company marched by order of the governor to a point about three miles north of Marysville, where they erected a blockhouse on the west bank of Mill creek which they garrisoned for a short time. This was done for the protection of the settlers along Darby creek and Sugar run.
Captain Alder, who had lived among the Indians for many years, and knew their mode of warfare, claimed that they would not attack the block- house, but would murder the women and children in the settlement. There- fore. according to his advice, the company returned to their homes. This is the only fort ever erected within the territory of Union county. No attack was made on the settlers during that war, but there were many alarms and the women and children who were left without protection were kept in a constant fear of an outbreak, as visits were frequently made to the settle- ments by roving bands of Indians who claimed to be friendly.
How appropriate it is that this beautiful and substantial monument should be erected on this spot of sacred memory-erected on land given to a soldier of the Revolution for his services for fighting for liberty during
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that war, and to perpetuate the memory of the heroic deeds of our ancestors. Also in memory of their sons, in the War of 1812, who protected the lands so dearly bought as well as the soldiers of the War with Mexico, the soldiers of the Civil War, who saved the government established by their forefathers, and the soldiers of the War with Spain, who fought to free an oppressed people. All were the sons of worthy sires. Your ancestors of the Revolu- tion, the War of 1812, the Civil War and of all our wars, have left you a noble heritage of a republic founded and perpetuated by their valor.
The story of the inception, the progress and completion of this monu- ment, which you dedicate today, is one of patriotic service by the citizens, not only residing in this community, but of many friends of these soldiers residing in other states who have given substantial assistance.
To Robert L. Woodburn, whose generous bequests made it possible to erect this memorial, is due the credit in a larger degree than to any other person. He was born and his boyhood days were passed within sight of this spot. His early school days were spent in the old log schoolhouse in the woods, and in the little brown schoolhouse still standing yonder, a silent wit- ness of this scene. Graduating at Wesleyan College, Delaware, as is well known, he became a successful lawyer and business man and represented the county in the state Legislature with credit. His many generous deeds are well remembered, but it was not that charity that paraded before the world, but the true charity when "the left hand knoweth not what the right doeth."
During all of his busy life he never tired of talking of the old home, old associates and old schooldays. A few years ago in conversation with Robert McCrory and myself, he suggested that he would be pleased if I would write a brief history of the services of the soldiers who enlisted from the township, while some of the old land-marks and buildings were still standing. It was then agreed that they would have photographs of the old church and the old schoolhouse taken and I was assigned to the historical part of the work. The erection of a monument was taken up for considera- tion after the historical work had been commenced. In due time the photo- graphs were produced and from that day some four years ago, I have been endeavoring to fulfil my part of the contract. Before starting on his En- ropean tour, Mr. Woodburn visited me and stated that he had left a bequest in his will for this memorial. I never saw him in life again. But he was true to his promise and with the enthusiastic support of the citizens, and zealous work of your committee, you see before you the result of their land- able efforts.
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