The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 51

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 51

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WAR OF 1812.

The arrogance of England had compelled the United States to declare war, and, in June, 1812, the edict was sent forth. Gov. Meigs called for troops, and Franklinton, Urbana and Dayton were designated as general

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

places of rendezvous for this portion of Ohio. Capts. John Moore and Elias Langham were recruiting officers at London. The militia of Madison County were divided into classes, so as to be in readiness when called upon. All able-bodied men. between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, were required to respond to such a call. A company of seventy men was raised soon after the war broke out, and sent to Mill Creek, in what is now the southern part of Union County. A block-house was built on the north bank of the stream, and general preparations made to defend the county against the Indians. Jonathan Alder was in this company, and, after remaining there about four weeks, he and John Johnson concocted a scheme to break up the camp and return to their homes. They were sent out scouting, and after making many moccasin tracks in the vicinity of a mud hole, returned to the camp and reported that Indian signs were numerous, at the same time offering to conduct a squad to the place, for the purpose of investigat- ing the matter. This news created consternation among the men, and Alder, Johnson and Andrew Clerno were detailed on picket duty that night. ' Cler- no was informed of the plot, and, about 11 o'clock, while the camp was in repose, all three fired off their guns at an imaginary foe, and rushed back to the fort. A general stampede ensued, the men running like a frightened herd of cattle, pell-mell, in every direction through the forest. The shouts of the officers calling upon them to halt were of no avail. Many ludicrous scenes took place, as well as a few accidents through coming in contact with the trees; while two brave (?) boys plunged across Mill Creek irre- spective of danger by drowning. The ruse succeeded, for, by 10 o'clock the following morning, all of the men were discharged and on their way to their homes. Much sport has been made of this event, and many of the worthy pioneer fathers were the butt of the jokers throughout their lives on account of their participation in this first campaign of the war.

As late as 1813, the Indian boundary was only about sixty miles from London. There was a great feeling of relief, therefore, when, on June 21. of that year, the Indians, at a council held in Franklinton, solemnly agreed to remain at peace, thus satisfying the spirit of all former treaties. An eloquent description of this council has been prepared, and as the event formed a pleasant scene, which practically concludes the Indian history of this part of the State, we cannot do better than to present it to the reader. The council was held on the grounds of Lucas Sullivant. The memorial says:

" The Delaware, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca tribes were represented by about fifty warriors. Gen. Harrison represented the Government, and with him were his staff and a brilliant array of officers in full uniform. Behind them was a detachment of soldiers. In his front were the Indians. Around all were the inhabitants of this region, far and near. The object was to induce these tribes, who had heretofore remained neutral in the war, to take an active part in the ensuing campaign for the United States, or at least give a guarantee of their peaceful intention by remaining with their families within the settlements.

" The General began to speak in calm and measured tones, befitting the grave occasion, but an undefined oppression seemed to hold all in sus- pense, as with silent and almost breathless attention. they awaited the result of the General's words. These seemed to fall on dull ears, as the Indians sat with unmoved countenances and smoked on in stolid silence. At length the persuasive voice of the great commander struck a responsive chord, and Tarhe, or the Crane. the great Wyandot chief, slowly rose to his feet.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Standing for a moment in a graceful and commanding attitude, he made a brief reply. When he, with others, passed forward to grasp the hand of Harrison, in token not only of amity, but in agreement to stand as a barrier on our exposed frontier, a terrible doubt and apprehension were lifted from the hearts of all. Jubilant shouts rent the air, women wept for joy, and stalwart men thrilled with pleasure as they thought of the assured safety of their wives and children from a cruel and stealthy foe. They prepared at once, with alacrity, to go forth to the impending battles."

The Indians were faithful to this agreement, and the country was spared a re-enactment of the bloody scenes of her earlier history.

During the siege of Fort Meigs, in May, 1813, runners were sent throughout the State, urging the male inhabitants to assemble immediately at certain points and take measures to relieve the besieged fort. The mili- tia from this county hurried to Urbana, where a large force was organized under the command of Col. Duncan McArthur. It started for Fort Meigs, but after a four days' forced march through the wilderness, was met by William Oliver, John McAdams and Capt. John, the Shawnee chief, who brought the intelligence that the siege had been abandoned. The troops returned to Urbana and were discharged. Maj. David Gwynne, one of the Gwynne brothers, who settled in Deer Creek Township, was then a Paymas- ter in the regular army, with headquarters at Urbana.

Soon afterward, they were again called out and marched to Sandusky, where they remained for a short time. A portion of the men were dis- charged, the balance subsequently returned to Franklinton and were sent to their homes. At a special term of the Court of Common Pleas, held Octo- ber 4, 1813, a number of military fines were remitted. They had been as- sessed by the County Board of Military Officers, for neglect of duty in the prosecution of the war, then being waged against England. It is not our intention in this article to attempt to give the names of the volunteers from Madison County who fought in many of the battles of that war. At this late day, success, in such an undertaking would be impossible; but many of their names will be found recorded in the biographical sketches given by their descendants, and the memory of their deeds will be cherished as long as the nation lives.

After the return of peace, in 1815, Congress passed a law. re-organiz- ing the militia and making it obligatory for all males, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to perform military duty. This county was divided into military divisions, and certain points designated in each for the militia to meet and receive instruction in the art of war. This was called " Com- pany Muster." Once a year the different companies throughout the county were required to meet at London, or some other point, to attend to what was called the " General Muster." The militia could not draw military equip- ments from the Government, but at these musters armed themselves with rifles, shot guns, broom-handles, sticks, or any implement by which they could be put through the manual exercise. The law also provided that if any company would furnish their own uniforms, and otherwise comply with the law, the State should supply them with arms and munitions. Several companies of this class were organized in the county. They were required to perform military duty for seven years in time of peace, which, complied with, exempted them from poll tax. Training days, among all classes, were looked upon with much favor; they were days of recreation, social joys and friendly greetings.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

MEXICAN WAR.

The disputed territory between the Rivers Neuces and Rio Grande was the direct cause of the war between the United States and Mexico. Texas, which had first won its independence, and subsequently been admitted into the Union, claimed the Rio Grande as the boundary line, while Mexico said it was the Nences River. The American Government proposed to settle the controversy by negotiation, but the authorities of Mexico scornfully refused. Gen. Taylor was then ordered to advance his army, and, in November, 1845, had established a camp of about 5.000 men at Corpus Christi, near the month of the Neuces River. In March, 1846. he advanced to the Rio Grande and erected Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras. On the 26th of April, Gen. Arista, the Mexican commander, notified Gen. Taylor that hos- tilities had begun, and on the same day a company of American dragoons, commanded by Capt. Thornton, was attacked by a body of Mexicans, east of the Rio Grande, and here occurred the first bloodshed of the war.

It made no great stir among the people of Madison County, though the progress of the victorious troops from the Rio Grande to the halls of the Montezumas was hailed with an enthusiasm similar to that over the country generally. The Whig leaders claimed to see in the war a scheme for the extension of slavery, and on this ground made many bitter speeches against it: but the patriotism of the nation was aroused, and all opposition was swept away before the grand outburst of indignation which it caused. We have been unable to find any record of the soldiers who enlisted from Madi- son County, and there are no newspaper files of the London press reaching that far back: but we have picked up the following names of Madison County men who went into the Mexican war, viz .: Joel H. Worthington, Edward Hill, Samuel Creamer, Oscar McCormick, George W. Athey, Lewis Dun. William Justice, William Frost. Adam Bidwell, Este Bidwell, Samuel Armstrong, Edward Sager, and Mortimer A. Garlick. Let their names be honored for assisting to uphold the nation's flag in her hour of need.

CIVIL WAR.

Two days after the fall of Fort Sumter, and immediately after the re - ceipt of the proclamation of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers, a meeting of the citizens of London was held in the town hall, which was or- ganized by calling H. W. Smith to the chair and appointing A. Downing Secretary. Ou taking the chair, Mr. Smith addressed the meeting in a few appropriate remarks. He was followed by Dr. A. Toland, Col. P. W. Tay- lor, William Jones. George Lincoln, W. H. Squires, John McGaffey and several other citizens, in patriotic speeches. Richard Cowling, Dr. Toland and William Jones were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expres- sive of the sense of the meeting. Col. Taylor read his orders from the Ad- jutant General to proceed in enrolling a company of volunteers, and also the general orders from the same officer. A call was made for volunteers. but none answered at the time. A. Downing was authorized to enroll all volunteers who should subsequently make application. The committee re-

ported the following resolutions:

WHEREAS, The flag of our country having been dishonored by traitors, we deem it our duty to defend that flag at the risk of our lives : therefore,

Resolved, That the citizens of Madison County, as much as they deplore the strife and disunion in our land. they will still cling to the union of these States, and by every honorable means in their power endeavor to maintain their integrity.

Resolved, That they will try to sustain the General Government in maintaining its authority in enforcing the laws and upholding the flag of the Union.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

The resolutions after reading were unanimously adopted, and the meet- ing adjourned after three hearty cheers for the flag of the country.

The stars and stripes were raised above the court house on Monday, April 16. On Wednesday, a beautiful flag, made by the ladies of London, was raised above the academy building, on the occasion of which patriotic speeches were made by JJ. S. Burnham, J. D. Stine, Emery Smith and others. Another flag floated from the Toland warehouse, one from Peter Weber's, one from Van Wagner & Athey's grocery, one from the Cowling House and many smaller ones from several other business houses. Up to the 18th, about twenty young men had taken the required oath, and several other names had been received. A requisition was made by the Governor for seventy-five men from Col. Taylor's volunteers, to be in readiness to march on Wednesday, the 28th inst.

During the first week or ten days after the fall of Fort Sumter, the county was in a continual state of excitement. Almost every branch of business was suspended. and the people generally did nothing but stand about the street corners of the towns and villages and rush to each train that arrived for news and to cheer the passing volunteers. The stars and stripes floated from the churches, the court house, two beautiful poles that were erected in the streets of London, and from alnost every business house and many private dwellings. Squads of men were drilling on the streets and the hotels were thronged with recruits. Party ties were completely obliter- ated, and every man, no matter what may have been his political tendency, affirmed that it was now his duty to support the Government, and lend a helping hand in its defense. The first company enrolled in accordance with Gov. Dennison's call was christened by Col. Taylor, "The Eagle Guards." They were commanded by Capt. Thomas Acton. and left for Lancaster, Ohio, April 27, 1861.

Before leaving for camp, the Eagle Guards were presented with a bean- tiful flag by the ladies of London, who had also made for them from goods purchased by the Council, one hundred flannel shirts.

The care of those whoin the defenders of their country's honor left be- hind was gladly assumed by the citizens. A letter on this point from Richard Cowling to the County Treasurer, dated London, April 23, 1861, reads as follows:

" I have this day left with W. H. Chandler, County Treasurer, $1,000, to be applied to the comfort of the two volunteer companies that go from this place -- one-half ($500) to be equally divided between the two compa- nies, subject to the order of their Captains in trust for their respective com- panies. The other half ($500) to be applied to the care of the soldiers' families, under the direction of the following committee: W. H. Chandler, H. W. Smith, B. F. Clark, A. A. Hume, O. P. Crabb and W. H. Squires. The Government shall be sustained as long as I have a dollar."

A purse of $300 was immediately raised among the citizens of London, for the use of the volunteers; while all over the county money was pledged to aid the good cause. Peter Buffenburgh subscribed $1.000 toward the volunteer fund, and many other citizens did equally as much according to their means. In May, 1863, Col. Peter W. Taylor deeded 1,600 acres of Missouri land to H. W. Smith. B. F. Clark. Jacob Pectrey, M. Lemen and James Kinney, to be held in trust for the benefit of disabled soldiers from Madison County.

The ladies of the county were indefatigable in their ministrations to the soldiers. They organized the "Ladies' Hospital Relief Society of

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Madison County," which was unceasing in its efforts. They were constantly sending to the hospitals of Ohio regiments boxes of fruit and other delica- cies, with large supplies of woolen blankets, socks, underwear, sheets, pillow- cases, books, papers, magazines, and, in fact, everything to contribute to the comfort and happiness of the soldiers, while also supplying their loved ones at home with the necessaries of life.

On the 19th of July, 1862, Gov. Dennison appointed the following military committee for Madison County: Dr. Milton Lemen, Robert Arm- strong, William Curtain, Gabriel Prugh and Judge B. F. Clark, all of whom had taken an active interest in raising money and volunteers to defend the flag of their country. Prior to this time, there had been raised in this county $11,668, for the purpose of paying bounties to its soldiers. We · have examined this subscription list and find some very wealthy men with an insignificant amount opposite their respective names, while many poor men gave liberally of their means. It is a fair indication of the patriot- ism possessed by each. On the 24th of June, 1863, the military committee was re-organized, and the following gentlemen appointed by Gov. Tod. Robert Armstrong, Judge B. F. Clark, Gabriel Prugh, Thomas P. Jones and O. P. Crabb, who served until the war ended and the starry banner floated in peace from the lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

ROLL OF HONOR.

The descriptions of the several regiments herein contained have been compiled from the valuable work by Whitelaw Reid, entitled " Ohio in the War." Slight errors have unavoidably crept into that volume, and wherever we discovered an apparent mistake, we made the necessary correction. The roster has been prepared mainly in the office of the Adjutant General of Ohio, and the names copied verbatim; hence, we cannot be responsible for errors in spelling. In addition to the rolls, we have availed ourselves of every aid within our reach, to make the roster complete. We have consult- ed members of every company, yet doubtless the names of some brave boys will be missing. It is hoped that none are omitted, though, from the im- perfect condition of the rolls, and the carelessness in recording credits, it is highly probable that omissions occur.

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

The nucleus of this regiment was two companies raised in Fairfield County on the first call for troops, in April, 1861. At Lancaster they were subsequently joined by several companies from other counties, among which were those of Capt. Thomas Acton, of London, and Capt. Thomas J. Haynes, of Plain City, Madison County. The regiment was immediately organized by electing field officers. On the 20th of June. the Seventeenth left Zanes- ville, whither it had proceeded, for Bellaire. On arriving at Benwood, on the Ohio River. a fleet of boats was found waiting to receive the troops. On the 23d, all were embarked, arriving at Marietta on Sunday afternoon. The following morning the fleet started for Parkersburg, and in a few hours the Seventeenth was on Virginia soil. It was at once brigaded with the Ninth and Tenth Ohio, Gen. William S. Rosecrans commanding the brigade.

Its first duty was to guard trains to Clarksburg, Va., and return. Company F was first detailed on this service. Companies A and B were detailed as guard to Gen. McClellan. Companies I, F, G and K were sent down the river on an expedition, with sealed orders, not to be opened until Blennerhassett Island was passed. One company was put off at Larne. W.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Va., and the other two proceeded on down to Ripley Landing, and crossed over by land to Ripley, the county seat of Jackson County. Both detach- ments were to operate against the guerrillas of the different localities. The two Wises, father and son, were in command of the rebels in that vicinity, and made their boasts that they would "annihilate the Yankees on sight," but took good care to keep at a respectful distance from said Yankees. Two companies remained at Ravenswood until July 10, when they were or- dered to report to the regiment at Buckhannon, Va., on July 14. The other five companies of the regiment left the railroad at Petroleum and marched across to Buckhannon, at which place. on the 4th of July, they were sur- rounded by about 1,500 rebels, but held the position until re-enforced by the Tenth Ohio.

It was intended to have had the Seventeenth Ohio concentrated in time to participate in the battle of Rich Mountain, but, as it was thought a much better work was being performed in Jackson County by breaking up recruiting camps and preventing many from joining the rebel ranks, it was not done. Shortly after the regiment was consolidated at Buckhannon, it was ordered on an expedition, in company with several other regiments, Col. Tyler commanding, to Sutton, Va. After a long and very hard march, Sutton was occupied and fortified. On the 3d of August, 1861, the Seven- teenth Ohio, having over-served the time some days, started for home, ar- riving at Zanesville, Olio, on the 13th of August, and two days later was mustered out of the service. The two companies from Madison County re- turned to their homes, and many, if not all of the men composing them, subsequently joined other regiments, principally enlisting in the different companies from Madison County that went into the Twenty-sixth. Fortieth, Ninety-fifth and One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiments.

COMPANY C.

This company, originally called the 'Eagle Guards." was organized at London, and mus- tered into The service under the first call for troops in April, 1861. It subsequently was ordered to Lancaster, and there joined the Seventeenth Regiment, with the following roster :

OFFICERS. Captain, Thomas Acton.

First Lieutenant, D. L. DeLand.

Second Lieutenant, Orrin E. Davis.

Sergeant, William Flannagan.

Sergeant, Aquilla Toland.

Sergeant, C. C. McCormack.

Sergeant, Robert M. Hanson.

PRIVATES.

Anderson, William. Carey, Mortimer.

Anderson. Sr., William.

Crabb, F. M.

Arthur, Charles.

Chamberlain, George.

Arthur, John W. Cusick, Patrick.

Allen, Homer. Byerly, William.

Davidson, I. N.

COMPANY G.

On the first call for troops in April, 1861, this company was immediately raised at Plain Vity, and forwarded to Lancaster, where it was mustered into the Seventeenth Regiment on the 5th of June. as follows:

OFFICERS.

Captain, Thomas J. Haynes.

First Lieutenant. Daniel Taylor.

Second Lieutenant, George W. Darety.

Ilowell, David.

Hutchinson, William J.

Houston, Jacob. Haun, Arthur.

McPike, John. Mattrie, Benjamin.

llancock, Seneca N. Olney, Justice.

llull, David M.

llale, Benjamin F.

llilderbrand, Eli M.

lIann, Levi.

llann, Joseph.

llarper, Adin.

Reece, Sammuel R.

llilderbrand, John.

Stephens, Thomas J.

Ingalls, Francis M.

Kendall, William C.

Lynch, William.

Sellenberger, llenry.

Lyons, George.

Sullivan, Timothy O.

Long, Jacob.

Scott, Otho H.

Lyons, James C.

Scott. John M.

Lewis, Andrew.

Smith, Emery.

Lewis, Reason L.

Thompson, Thomas.

Masterson, Michael.

Trost, Jacob. Tulley, Stephen.

McCaulla, O. A. Moore, Nathan.

Tracy, W. H. Ward, D. W.

McDaniel, William.

Ware, James.

McDaniel, Ileury.

Welch, John.

McMara, Thomas.

Worley, John.

McLean, John. Worthington, Melanchton.

Converse, Charles.

B-rkimer, Joseph. Bussard, William T.

Fleming, John.

Byers, Isaac W.

Fitzgerald, Thomas.

Bickle, John M. Boling. Martin.

Furrow, Jacob. Fody, Thomas.

Bradley, Henry.

Brittingham, Ethan A.

Goodwin, John.

Burroughs, J. W.

Godfrey. Thomas.

Burroughs, Wilson.

Godfrey, Dennis.

Claridge, Edward.

Gray, John.

Coffey. Dennis.

Haley, Timothy.

Curtis, James. Chamberlin, Timothy. Clark, John C.

Hamilton, William I1.

Sergeant, Titus G Case. Sergeant, Rodney C. MeCloud.

Peck, James C.

Paine, Miner.

Rutter, William.

Rider, John. Real, James M.

Saunders, William.

Surer, Samuel W.

Markley, Wilham.

Emmerson, George.

Fields Jerome.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Sergeant, Robert F. Fleming.

Langstaff, Justin O.

Russel, George,

Sergeant, Albert W. Allen.

Locke, Able.

& cece, Samuel. K.

Corporal, Daniel B. Hager.

Mercer, Leander.

Stanton, James.

Corporal, William F. Bancroft.

More, Albert.

Shirk, John W.

More, A. B.

Sesler, Alan-on.

Mc Dowell, Uriah H.

Stephens, Marion.

McDowell, John P.

Shumway, James.

Mills. James L.

Searfus, Ruben W.

Stomp, Saml. W.

Shumway, Lewellyn.

Allen, George.

Guy, Wilkinson.

Marshall, John.

Tracy, Daniel.

Beales, George W.

Hobert, Leander. .

McCane, David.

Tarpening, Eliphus.

Beach. Joseph.

Huff, Lysander G.

McChung, John.

Taylor, William.

Bradley, Patterson.

Haynes, Richard.

Morris, George.

Walker, George.

Blacke, John T.

llobert Lorenzo.

Patch, E.

Beach, Benjamin.

Hill, Andrew.

Patterson, John E.

Berkstresser, Levi.

Imes, Andrew J.

Perry, John F.

Williams, John.

Black, James

Kent, David.

Perry, Luther.

Worthington, Joel H

Converse, Hiram K.

Kilburry, James M.

Rnebhn, William.

Yennick, Joseph.

Conklin, James E.

Kennedy, George.

Rnehlin, Samuel.

Durboraugh, Wash. Mc.

Lucas, Benj. F.

Donglass, Iliram.

Langstaff, James G.

Drummer, Silas G. Chapman. Fifer, Clark L. Barlow.

TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July, 1861, and as soon as completed it was ordered to the Upper Kanawha Valley, where it performed its first service. It remained in that valley until the following January, and in the movement by Gen. Rosecrans on Sewell Mountain the Twenty-sixth claims to have led the advance and to have brought up the rear on the retreat from that point. Early in 1862, the regiment was trans- ferred from the Department of West Virginia to the Department of the Olio, soon after named the Department of the Cumberland. The brigade of which it formed a part was placed in Gen. Wood's Division, where it re- mained until October. 1863. On the organization of the Army of the Cum - berland into corps, at Louisville, in September, 1862, the division was as- signed to the Twenty-first Corps, but in October, 1863. the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps were consolidated with the Fourth Corps, and the Twen- ty-sixth Regiment became a part of the Second Brigade, Second Division, of the Fourth Corps.

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The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 51

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180