History of the city of Columbus, capital of Ohio, Volume II, Part 11

Author: Lee, Alfred Emory, 1838-; W. W. Munsell & Co
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York and Chicago : Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1196

USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > History of the city of Columbus, capital of Ohio, Volume II > Part 11

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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

Stockton presided and a committee was appointed to solicit names to the new roll. An anonymous newspaper card published in the following May stated that the Guards had won more renown than any other independent military company in the West, and deplored the fact that it had nevertheless been reduced to about twenty members. In July, 1842, it seems to have been rehabilitated, as we read that on the seventh of that month it held a very fine parade under its leader, Captain Stockton, and after the military exercises of that occasion sat down to a dinner at the City House, where toasts were drank and speeches made. On August 29, 1843, the following paper, drawn by Matthew J. Gilbert, a prominent attorney, was circulated for signatures:

Whereas, the young gentlemen who formerly composed the brilliant military company styled the Columbus Guards (now numbering abont forty), are desirous of reviving said company and restoring it to its former splendor and distinction ; we, the undersigned, willing to give countenance to this praiseworthy undertak- ing, and wishing to see this company established upon a permanent basis, do hereby promise to pay in aid of this enterprise to the said company, or their author- ized agent, on or before the first day of October next, the several sums placed opposite our names.

Doubtless as a result of this effort a meeting which took place November 14, 1843, was held, at which the following officers of the company were elected : Captain, W. F. Sanderson ; First Lieutenant, John M. Kerr; Second Lieutenant, A. L. Olmsted ; Ensign, E. Hall ; Commissary, H. Z. Mills. On February 9, 1844, the Guards performed service under requisition of the Sheriff of Franklin County at the execution of William Clark for the murder of Cyrus Sells, one of their num- ber, who was a guard at the Penitentiary. Esther Foster, a negro woman, was executed at the same time. A more particular account of these events will be given in the history of the Ohio Penitentiary. After this episode the Columbus Guards again dropped out of sight until reorganized early in 1846 as the Mont- gomery Guards, Captain J. T. Mickum.5

Early in January, 1839, a State Military Convention was held at the Court- house in Columbus, and was fairly attended. General Samuel Stokely, of Jeffer- son County, was chosen to preside, with Generals Goddard, of Muskingum, and Reynolds, of Franklin, Colonel Medill, of Fairfield, Major Chase, of Lucas, and Captain Brady, of Tuscarawas, as Vice Presidents. Captains Edward H. Cumming, of Clark, and Joseph Sullivant, of Franklin, were chosen Secretaries. Generals James Reynolds, of Franklin, William Reese, of Fairfield, Worthington, of Ross, Watkins, of Muskingum, and Jacob Medary, of Franklin, were appointed to pre- pare a plan for reorganization of the militia. The report of this committee expressed satisfaction that the suggestions of the preceding convention had been enacted into law; estimated the existing strength of the Ohio militia at about two hundred thousand men, and recommended: 1, That officer musters should continue four days in tents ; 2, that volunteer companies, not more than four in number and each comprising not over forty, rank and file, should be selected by each brigade commander to meet and drill with the officers; 3, that officers should be daily selected, without regard to rank, by the brigadier-general for the instruction of the battalions so formed ; 4, that tents should be provided by the

CITIZEN MILITARY BEFORE 1860.

State, one for each six men, and one marquée to each regiment, the whole to be under the superintendence of the brigade quartermaster; 5, that an arsenal should be provided at the countyseat of each county, in which arms and camp equipage might be stored ; 6, that all militia trainings should be dispensed with except company, battalion and regimental parades of uniformed troops; 7, that the General Assembly should offer such further inducements to the maintenance of volunteer organizations as might seem proper.

A burlesque company called the " Earthquakes," intended as a caricature of the militia, obtained mention during the summer of 1839. These mock soldiers were also called the " Fantasticals." During the same year the Executive Horse Guards are mentioned ; also the Archers, which was the title adopted by a company of boys, " all dressed in flaunting tartans," and armed with lances. The Captain of the Archers was Master Latham.

The great political meeting known as the Harrison State Convention, which was held in Columbus February 22, 1840, was attended by the following independ- ent military companies, which took part in the parade : Zanesville Guards, Cap- tain Dulty ; uniform, " blue coatee and pantaloons, sugarloaf cap, white plume tipped with blue." Putnam Grays, Captain Hatch ; gray uniform, trimmed with black. Warren Greens, a rifle company of Zanesville, Captain Hazlett; uniform, " a green froek and pantaloons faced with black silk velvet and trimmed with yel- low." Jefferson Guards, Captain Hare ; uniform, blue coats and pantaloons. The Greens, together with the Guards and Grays, formed one battalion under Colonel Curtis, and were accompanied by Brigadier-General Watkins and Staff.

The visiting companies were escorted into town by the Columbus Guards, Captain H. Z. Mills; the Buckeye Rangers, Captain J. T. Blain, and the German Guards, Captain Frankenberg, all Columbus companies, and all under Major Sand- erson, who was accompanied by the field and staff officers of the Columbus Brigade. On the same occasion the German Artillery Company, Captain Frankenberg, was presented by lady friends with a beautiful flag. The presentation address was spoken by Miss Bethje.

Governor Shannon's message of December 8, 1840, contained this passage : " It is admitted by all that our present militia system is greatly defective and has en- tirely failed to secure the great object in view-a well organized militia." So lan- guid had the interest in military organization become that an attempt to hold a State convention of militia officers at Columbus in December, 1841, had to be aband- oned. Efforts to bring the state militia together in a grand encampment at Col- umbus in July, 1842, were equally unsuccessful. In announcing the indefinite postponement of this encampment the committee of arrangements stated that all military ardor and enthusiasm had given place to the "general doubt and depres- sion " pervading the public mind. Nevertheless, the German citizens of Columbus maintained two fine artillery companies, Captains Frankenberg and Jacobs, and the reorganization of the Guards was attempted. On January 8, 1844, a detach- ment of Dayton volunteer artillery under Captain King, visited Columbus, bring- ing a single brass fieldpiece, and was received with " the highest military honors " by the three companies-Guards and German Artillery -- then existing at the capi-

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

tal. The visitors were met at the foot of Broad Street and eseorted to the residence of General Sanderson. At their departure they were accompanied by the local companies " to the west end of the bridge," and were honored with an artillery salute, " which was returned, gun for gun." It is significant of the spirit of the times that the visiting detachment was criticised because a portion of its " driving cannoneers " were colored men.

In 1843 Heman A. Moore, of Columbus, was appointed Adjutant-General of the Ohio Militia by Governor Shannon, and in 1845 Thomas W. H. Mosley, another citizen of the capital, was appointed to that office by Governor Bartley. Military balls and festivals by the German Artillery are mentioned in 1845, and during the same year a Military Hall in the Exchange Buildings on West Broad Street is spoken of. The Montgomery Guards held a " fair and supper " at their armory " over P. Hayden's store," February 3, 1846. The officers of the Guards at that time were: Captain, Charles Stanbery ; First Lieutenant, George E. Walcutt; Second Lieutenant, W. R. Kent; Ensign, J. Armitage ; Orderly Sergeant, J. T. Mickum ; Commissary, L. Backus. A parade of the Guards, accompanied by the German Artillery and " their beautiful brass fieldpiece," on April 6, 1846, is men- tioned.

On May 18, 1846, at which time war with Mexico had just been practically declared, the " First German Artillery " held a meeting and resolved :

That no member of this company can lawfully leave it until he has served five years.

That persons desirous of becoming members of this company can be fur- nished uniforms upon one year's eredit by giving security for the payment thereof. That this company is in readiness to go and serve in defense of their country at any time they may be called upon for that purpose.

Enlistments in the company were at the same time solicited, and several recruits were obtained.

Early in June, 1846, a new rifle company called the Columbus Grays was organized, with nearly one hundred men on its roll. Its first officers were : Captain, J. W. Milligan ; First Lieutenant, I. G. Dryer; Second Lieutenant, A. P. Stone; Ensign, James Milligan. The company was formed in expectation that its services would be accepted in the war with Mexico, and announced its readiness to serve in any contingency that might arise. The presentation of swords to expectant heroes of the pending conflict was at this time a frequent cere- mony. Among the officers thus complimented were Captain George E. Walcutt, Lieutenant J. T. Miekum, Lieutenant D. H. Mooney, of the Guards, and Lieuten- ant Markland of the Cadets. Captain George W. Morgan, of Mount Vernon, was presented with a beautiful sash by Columbus ladies represented by Miss Medary. Copies of the Scriptures were distributed by the Bible Society among the depart- ing volunteers.

A revival of military interest in 1849 resulted in the organization of the Columbus Light Guards, Captain Walcutt, and a company known as the Columbus Light Artillery, of which the officers were as follows : Captain, James A. Markland ; First Lieutenant, Frank K. Hulburd ; Second Lieutenants, M. C. Lilley and E. B. Headley ; Ensign, A. L. Martin.

Javeces. Tilloume. Jones

CITIZEN MILITARY BEFORE 1860.

On July 4, 1850, about fifty surviving volunteers of the Mexican War held a reunion at Stewart's Grove, whither they marched in procession, accompanied by the fire department. At the grove the veterans and their friends listened to an oration by Captain George E. Pugh, and partook of a dinner at which numerous toasts were proposed and responded to.

The German Grenadiers, Captain Snyder, are mentioned in 1851, and the City Guards, alias Morgan Volunteers, Captain Schneider, in 1852. In celebration of July 4, 1853, a parade was formed, comprising " Captain Schneider's infantry company, the artillery company " and two or three fire companies.

On February 2, 1854, a " State Military Convention " of about sixty delegates assembled at Neil's New Hall on High Street, to deliberate upon ways and means for the organization of the state militia. Governor William Medill was chosen to preside, and resolutions were adopted declaring that the time had arrived when the General Assembly should " enact such a law as would encourage the organiza- tion of uniformed citizens and provide for their soldierlike equipment and mainten- ance;" that the citizens should be enrolled for military purposes ; that active military duty should devolve upon uniformed companies; that the Commander-in- Chief should choose subordinates of military experience; and that a committee of ten should be appointed to report a bill to carry out these suggestions. The mem- bers of the committee selected in pursuance of these resolutions were: Major D. Wood and General Ross, Cuyahoga; Captain R. F. Levering, Miami; General G. S. Patterson, Erie; Colonel Demas Adams, Franklin ; Colonel P. J. Sullivan and Captain W. F. Lyons, Hamilton; General L. V. Bieree; Captain M. Schleich, Fairfield ; and Captain J. R. Bond, Lucas. After thanks to the Columbus Grena- diers and Artillery had been passed for the handsome manner in which these organizations had entertained the delegates, the assembly adjourned to reconvene on the first Tuesday in February, 1855. Among the delegates present on this occasion were Captains J. B. Steedman of Lucas, Hazlitt of Muskingum, and M C. Lilley, of Franklin.

Pursuant to adjournment of the year before, the State Military Convention reassembled at the City Hall February 6, 1855, and organized by choosing General Charles H. Sargent, of Hamilton County, as chairman, and Alexander E. Glenn, of Franklin County, as secretary. At this meeting resolutions were adopted recom- mending the enactment of a law embracing the suggestions of the convention of 1854.

In 1855 a new company which adopted the name of Columbus Guards was organized with the following officers: Captain, M. C. Lilley ; First Lieutenant, M. D. Lathrop; Second Lieutenant, James Milligan ; Third Lieutenant, John Winters; Fourth Lieutenant, George Merion ; Orderly Sergeant, J. F. Necreamer ; Ensign, C. C. Neereamer. These officers put themselves under the instruction of Professor Mather, a graduate of the West Point Academy. The uniform adopted comprised darkblue froek coats, "armyblue pants, with buff stripe," and plumed caps similar to those of the Old Columbus Guards. The new Guards hoped to achieve the renown of the old company of that name, but on April 12, 1856, we readº :

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

Last fall two fine companies were about being organized in this city - the State Feneibles and the Columbus Guards. The Fencibles succeeded, uniformed them- selves, paraded, and at once took rank with the best disciplined companies of the State. The Guards, after a vain struggle to maintain themselves, abandoned the effort, dwindled away, and finally gave up the ghost.

Company B, First Regiment State Fencibles, here referred to, was originally organized on July 4, 1855. Its first members were mostly identified with the Franklin Fire and Neptune Hose companies. Its uniform and tactics were those of the United States Army. Being mustered into the Ohio militia, it was armed hy the State with " the latest improved bright barrelled United States muskets." The first parade of the Fencibles, then numbering about fortyfive, took place Jan- uary 25, 1856, and elicited the following comments :10

This fine military company made its first appearance on the streets yesterday and created quite a sensation. The beauty of the uniform, the bright muskets and the glittering bayonets, the perfection of the drill and measured tread of the platoons as they moved onward like pieces of living machinery, the handsome and generous countenances of the men, altogether combined, elicited admiration not only from the crowd that couldn't tear itself away from the march, but from the host of bright eyes gazing from the upper windows.

From this time until 1861 the parades, eneampments and social festivals of the company conspicuously animated the military life of the capital. Many of its members, including its first captain, Henry Z. Mills, had been connected with the Old Columbus Guards. Captain Mills's successors in command, in the order of mention, were Captains J. O. Reamey, James H. Neil, Theodore Jones, Joseph Riley and A. O. Mitchell. At the annual election held June 2, 1856, Captain Mills voluntarily retired, and the following officers were chosen : Captain, J. O. Reamey ; First Lieutenant, J. H. Neil ; Second Lieutenant, Theodore Jones ; En- sign, John Ijams.

On February 25, 1856, the Law Grays, of Baltimore, and the Continentals, of Cumberland, Maryland, halted in Columbus on their homeward journey from Cin- einnati, where they had participated in a military celebration of Washington's birthday anniversary. The visiting companies were escorted about the city by the Feneibles, and in the evening the Grays were entertained at the American House by the hostess of that establishment, Mrs. Kelsey, a Baltimore lady. While en route to the Cincinnati celebration the Grays and Light Artillery, of Cleveland, also received the courtesies of the Feneibles. An armory drill held by that com- pany on the evening of April 29, 1856, was honored by the presence of Governor Chase and staff.

On June 19, 1856, the Fencibles-spoken of at that time as " also the head and front of the Fire Department "-held at their armory a grand strawberry fes- tival and ball at which the Cleveland Grays were their guests. The decorations of the armory, interior and exterior, for this occasion exeited much admiring wonder- ment. A " Temple of Mars," dressed with flags, banners and festoons, was ereeted in the centre of the hall, the walls of which were embellished with " rosettes formed with muskets, swords, dirks, and daggers." The advent of the guests of the occa- sion is thus referred to :11

CITIZEN MILITARY BEFORE 1860.

The Cleveland Grays [Captain Paddock ], accompanied by their celebrated brass band, arrived on the twelve o'clock train today [June 19] and were received at the depot by the State Fencibles with all the military honors due to the occa- sion. The beautiful uniform of the Grays, their great bearskin Cossack caps, and above all their excellent discipline, excited the admiration of the crowd that had assembled to witness their reception and as they marehed [amid clouds of dust] over the villanous plankroad between the depot and the armory, it was conceded by all that they were every way worthy of their reputation. . . . In the evening the Feneibles accompanied their gentlemanly visitors to the festival, which was already crowded with the fairest ladies of the land.

Probably this was the most notable military soirée held in Columbus up to that time. The supper, at ten P. M., was served, it is said, to about twelve hundred ladies and gentlemen. Governor Chase and staff graced the occasion with their presence. Music for the promenade and dancing was furnished by Goodman's Band.

On Jannary 6, 1857, the Cleveland Grays participated in the ceremonies incident to the formal occupation of the new Capitol, and were again the guests of the Fencibles. On the twentythird of the same month the Feneibles attended the anniversary ball of the Grays at Cleveland, and on February 22, same year, they were presented with a flag at their armory by the ladies of Columbus. The address of presentation was delivered by Hon. Allen G. Thurman, and was responded to by Captain Reamey. Dancing followed. The part taken by the company in the Kane obsequies in February of this year, has been elsewhere nar -. rated. On July 25, 1857, the Fencibles joined the Guthrie Grays, of Cincinnati, in an encampment at Middletown, Butler County. The officers of the company at that time were: Captain, James H. Neil; First Lieutenant, Theodore Jones; Second Lieutenant, Robert Gobey ; Third Lieutenant, Edward Fitch. In Decem- ber, 1857, the Fencibles meditated a resolution to disband, but postponed its adop- tion thirty days in order that the people of Columbus might be appealed to for pecuniary assistance. Either because the response to this appeal was satisfactory, or for other reasons, the organization was continued, and in September, 1858, an encampment was held at the County Fairgrounds, in which the following com- panies took part: Fencibles, Captain Joseph H. Riley (elected in July, 1858) ; Columbus Vedettes, Captain Waleutt ; Dublin Invincibles, Captain Olmsted. About this time the Concert Hall of Mr. Neil, on High Street, was fitted up and occupied by the Fencibles as an armory. It was thenceforward known as Armory Hall. On January 1, 1859, the Fencibles elected the following officers: First Lieutenant, A. O. Mitchell ; Second Lieutenant, F. G. McCune; Third Lieutenant, G. W. Earhart.

The Columbus Vedettes, Captain Tyler, were visited October 30, 1857, by the Madison Guards, of London, Ohio. The Vedettes were originally boys of the Highschool. Their " second festival levee" was held at the Columbian Hall February 16, 1858; their " fourth annual festival " at the Concert Hall October 28, 1858. In May, 1858, they elected the following officers : First Lieutenant, Henry Thrall; Second Lientenant, A. Tuther; Third Lieutenant, H. Geary ; Ensign, John Fisk. The Montgomery Guards, another new company with an old

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

name, gave a " benefit ball " on February 17, 1859, at Armory Hall. On the twen- tysecond of the same month a salnte was fired at daybreak, and a joint parade was held by the Fencibles, Vedettes, and ljam's Artillery. The Steuben Guards, Cap- tain Haldy, was mustered into the Fifth Regiment, Ohio Militia, April 6, 1859. It was composed chiefly of Germanborn citizens.

A resolution of the General Assembly directing the Adjutant-General of Ohio to collect the war colors and trophies of the Ohio troops resulted in the delivery of the flag presented by ladies of Columbus to the Montgomery Gnards in the Mexican War, and borne in that war by the Second Ohio lufantry. The core- mony of depositing this flag in the custody of the State took place at the Capitol, March 23, 1859. At 4 P. M. on that date, under escort of the State Fencibles, the survivors of the Second Regiment carried the flag to the Capitol, where, with due ceremony, the original letters tendering and accepting the emblem were read by R. G. Mclain, of Lockbourne, who was a survivor of the Guards, and had taken part in the reception of the colors at Camp Washington After the correspondence had been read, the " powder-grimed and ball-pierced relic," as it was described, was received by Adjutant-General Carrington.

During the earlier fifties the socalled "arms of the State" comprised a few boxes of old flintlock muskets, some rusty pieces of artillery, an assortment of " Colt's dragoon revolvers," a lot of sabres and other military ironware, all kept, in a state of " admirable confusion," in an unfinished twostory brick building at the corner of Fifth Street and South Public Lane. In July, 1856, the serviceable por- tion of these arms was removed by direction of Quartermaster General Glenn to the armory of the State Fencibles. The General Assembly had prior to that time steadfastly refused to appropriate money for the erection of a State arsenal. We read, however, in June, 1859, that a contract for building such an arsenal had been let to George Gibson, and that work upon it would begin as soon as a suitable location for it could be selected.12

The military part of a parade held in celebration of the Fourth of July, 1859, consisted of Captain Ijam's Light Artillery and a battalion of infantry under Lieutenant Colonel H. Z. Mills. These organizations were then component parts of the First Brigade, Thirteenth Division, Ohio Militia. The commander of the brigade was Brigadier General Lucian Buttles. The infantry battalion comprised the following companies : A (Vedettes), Captain Walcutt ; B (Fencibles), Cap- tain Riley ; C, Captain Olmsted ; D (Montgomery Guards), Captain Riches; E (Steuben Guards), Captain Haldy.

In July, 1859, a society of survivors of the Mexican War was organized, with thirty members. The first regular meeting of this organization was appointed for January, 1860.

In September, 1859, the annual encampment of the First Brigade, Thirteenth Division, Ohio Militia, was held at the State Fairgrounds on the Sullivant farm, near Franklinton. The place of arms was named Camp Harrison. Most of the companies were meagerly represented except the Vedettes, of Columbus, and the Guards -- Captain William Cloud -- of Lancaster. The honors of this occasion were borne off by the Vedettes, who were awarded a silver medal as the best drilled

CITIZEN MILITARY BEFORE 1860.

company present. The medal was won in set competition with the Lancaster Guards.

During the evening of November 11, 1859, an impromptu parade of the Columbus companies was summoned by roeket signal fired from the cupola of the Statehouse and the beating of a snare drum on the street. The companies appeared in line promptly, most of them in from five to ten minutes.

On November 5, 1859, the Montgomery Guards elected the following officers : Captain, Owen T. Turney ; Second Lieutenant, D. McAlister; Third Lientenant, P. Burns.

The Governor's Guards, a new company, made its advent soon after the inauguration of Governor Dennison, in January, 1860. Its organization had been in progress some months anterior to that time. An armory for its use was fitted up in the Odeon Building, where a grand ball was given by the company February 22, 1860, on which date a parade was held in which the Governor's Guards were eseorted by the Vedettes. The Fencibles, Montgomery Guards and Artillery also took part in the celebration of this anniversary. Before the opening of the ball in the evening a silk flag was presented to the Governor's Guards, in behalf of lady donors, by Governor Dennison. The Guards wore a uniform of gray, and goldtipped white plumes. They were of independent organization and self- equipped. Their officers were : Captain, Isaac H. Marrow; First Lieutenant, H. M. Neil; Second Lieutenant, William Lamb; Third Lieutenant, Charles E. Bradley.

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History of the city of Columbus, capital of Ohio, Volume II, Part 11

Author: Lee, Alfred Emory, 1838-; W. W. Munsell & Co Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York and Chicago : Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1196

Author: Lee, Alfred Emory, 1838-; W. W. Munsell & Co
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York and Chicago : Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1196