The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 43

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 43

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Dayton Rifles, Company B-Maj. Luther Giddings, Capt. David Long, Capt DeCamp Brecount and Lieut. Nathan Allen, Sergt. G. Coon, Privates David Tay lor, William Howell and Edward Cummins (eolored).

Dayton National Guard, Company C-Capt. L. Hormell, Lieuts. Williali Egry, Christ Kneelit, Sr., and Ernst Kohlresor, Privates George Egerly, Charles Nickel, William Spangler, Jacob Jacobs - Poock.

All of the volunteers under the first call having served their term and beer discharged, the War Department called upon Ohio for another regiment. Unde this call a company was raised in Dayton and named the " Dayton German Grena diers," and organized as follows :

Captain, John Werner; First Lieutenant, John Fries; Second Lieutenant Henry Toepfer, and one hundred enlisted men-thirty-five men from this county twenty-five from Columbus, and the rest were enlisted in the vicinity of Bremen Ohio. They were ordered to report at Camp Washington, and on May 31 wer escorted by the militia and citizens to the public landing, where, after severa, speeches in German and English and a salute from the artillery, they boarded the packet for Cincinnati, where they were assigned to the Fourth Ohio Regiment, and Capt. Werner was made Lieutenant Colonel ; Lieut. Fries was promoted to th Captainey, Henry Toepfer received the First Lieutenant's commission and Willian Graebe was elected Second Lieutenant. The regiment was organized with C. H Brough as Colonel. John Werner, Lieutenant Colonel, and - Young, of Butle County, Major. They were with Gen. Seott at Contreras, Churubusco and Cha pultepee, and with him marehed in triumph into the City of Mexico.

At the storming of the works before the City of Mexico, the Company suffered severely. Lieut. Toepfer was killed and a number of his men. Capt. John Frie:

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w3 wounded. In February, 1848, the regiment was doing garrison duty at Puebla. I July, 1848, the company returned to Dayton with but thirty-six men, and were glen a reception and dinner by their friends. Upon their arrival, they were esorted by the " National Guard" and artillery to the common just east of Bain- b Ige street, near Third. The tables were set on the ground now occupied by ddard's Agricultural Works. Philip Wegeman is the only member of this capany now living.

The Fifth Ohio Regiment was organized in September. 1847. Colonel, Will- ift Irvin, Lancaster ; Lieutenant Colonel. William H. Latham, of Columbus ; )jor, - Link, of Circleville.

1848 To 1861 .*

After the close of the Mexican war, the organization of the " Junior Artiller- is" was continued. The members were uniformed and armed with flint-lock b 'se-pistols-truly formidable ! That portion of the German Company of " Na- thal Guards," which remained at home, kept up its organization, and after the we consolidated with the company that returned. The gun squad, having been a) continued, re-organized about 1852, and received an additional gun, making it armament a battery of two 12-pound brass pieces. A large cavalry company w3 raised about the same time under the militia law, and a second was organized, enposed of young men, but neither company existed over a year.

" From about 1856 until 1861, were Dayton's grandest militia days. The E gadier General with his brilliant Staff, their clanking swords, large plumes and by brass spurs and gay steeds, as they pranced at the head of a column, was a dplay of splendor that drew the populace in admiring crowds. Every button one as if of gold ; every horse and every officer stood firm and stern at his post, n ther looking to the right nor to the left, but steady to the front."

The Dayton militia then consisted of five companies of infantry and a 2-gun t.tcry, composed of grown persons-business men and mechanics. The term of e istment was five years. Each company selected its own uniform ; the arms vec furnished by the State ; the uniforms were handsome, and the organizations wre very creditable. On parade days people came from near and far to witness t evolutions and feast their gaze on the glittering uniforms.

The largest military demonstration ever held in Dayton was on Saturday, the 3 of July, 1858, when the troops were reviewed by the Governor, Salmon P. Chase. Ir weeks in advance, the town was occupied with the arrangements ; flaming post- e were sent out for this " State military celebration," under the "direction of the I'st Regiment of Ohio Volunteers," announcing that " several Revolutionary he- res would be present ; " that " there would be prize drills " for " silver medals," € :. , etc.

Excursions were to come on the five railroads. All possible arrangements vre made to provide for the strangers that were expected. Citizens were urged tand did decorate houses and streets. On the 2d, the Governor and his Staff ar- red and were quartered at the Phillips House. "They were furnished with ele- shat horse equipments, manufactured for the occasion.' On the same day, the flowing companies arrived and were assigned as follows : The " Rover Guard," 1 m Cincinnati, with " Mentor's splendid band," were the guests of the Dayton Ight Guard. The " Warren Guard," from Lebanon, were received by the " Mont- gmery Guard." The "Sandusky Artillery " were the guests of the "Steuben Ar- tery." The "Sandusky Yagers " were entertained by the "Lafayette Yagers." ere was a succession of heavy showers all Friday afternoon, thus effectually wa- ting the streets for the morrow, and the money that had been raised to pay for seet sprinkling was appropriated by the committee for more powder. The mili- ty display was described as a magnificent affair. The town was crowded with Hople. At 10 o'clock, the column was formed on Main street, with twenty-two

* Prepared principally from a " Military History of Dayton," written by Ashley Brown, and published in the ton Democrat in 1878.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

companies of artillery, cavalry and infantry, six brass bands, and a number bands of field music. Right resting at Third, line displaying southwardly, the marched north to the head of Main street, counter-marched, and then south to th " grove " (now used as the Southern Ohio Fair Grounds). The ceremony at th grove was short.

Music ; prayer by Chap. D. Winters ; music ; Declaration of Independent read by Maj. D. A. Haynes ; music ; oration by Gen. H. B. Carrington ; music benediction. After which the column was reformed and marched back to the cit and reviewed on Main street by the Governor as Commander-in-chief.

The following is a list of the Generals and their staff officers who were pre: ent : Salmon P. Chase, Governor and Commander-in-chief ; Inspector Gen. H. J Carrington, Quartermaster Gen. A. E. Glenn, Commissary Gen. L. Battles, Chi of Engineers D. L. Wood, Surgeon Gen. W. McMillen, Maj. Gen. Adam Spiec Lieut. Col. D. G. Fitch, Lieut. Col. G. W. Honk, Lieut. Col. F. Loury, Licut. Co D. E. Mead, Lieut. Col. H. G. Carey, Maj. William Lamme, Maj. William Peas Maj. Gen. J. A. Jones, Assist. Adjt. Gen. J. H. Goodman, Assistant Judge Adv cate Gen. J. J. Finch, Assistant Quartermaster Gen. J. A. Fosmer, Aid-de-Cam J. M. Webster, Brig. Gen. C. L. Vallandigham, Maj. D. A. Haynes, Maj. Samu Craighead, Maj. James McDaniel, Maj. C. McDermont, Brig. Gen. F. N. Bill, Ma Van Housen, Capt. W. D. Colt, Capt. H. J. Donahue, Capt. O. Davgenfelt, Brij Gen. Garrison, Maj. W. Young, Brig. Gen. J. F. Whiteman, Maj. Mason, Maj. She labarger, Maj. Snyder, Col. E. A. King, First Regiment Ohio Militia, Lieut. Co Thomas B. Tilton, Adjt. E. A. Parrott, Paymaster B. F. Eaker, Quartermast George Nauerth. There were in line twenty-two companies of artillery, cavali and infantry, as follows : Springfield Artillery, Dayton Light Artillery, Steube Light Artillery, of Dayton, Sandusky Light Artillery, Lafayette Blues, gun squad of Troy, Montgomery Cavalry, of Dayton, Infantry companies from Cincinnat four. Infantry companies from Hamilton, two. Infantry company from Sprins field, one. Infantry company from Fremont, one. Infantry company fror Arlington, Clay Township, one. Infantry company from Sandusky, one. Ir fantry company from Troy, one. Infantry company from Lebanon, one. Ou Dayton companies were the Montgomery Gnard (Irish), Dayton Light Guar (American). National Guard (German), Lafayette Yagers (German). Afte dinner was held the drill for the prizes, which were awarded as follows; The artillery medal went to the Sandusky Light AArtillery. The infantry medal t the Rover Guards, of Cincinnati. The light infantry medal was won by the Day ton Light Guard.

In September, of this year, another German infantry company, called th Washington Guard, was formed. September 22, the Dayton companies bad sham fight. The Mexican side consisted of the National Guard, Washington Guard, Steuben Battery. On the American side were the Light Guard, Moutgon ery Guard, Dayton Light Artillery. After about an hour's hard fighting. the Mex icans were driven off, "loss on our side trifling." For the next two years, th ranks of the militia companies were kept filled to the maximum. They had pa rades, drills, excursions, camps, target practice, entertainments, etc. The Daytoi Zouaves were organized. Their quaint uniform, proficiency in drill and strict dis cipline attracted the attention of the community. Their first appearance on th streets was witnessed by thousands. In the fall, two companies of cadets wer formed from the larger boys of the district schools. They were fully 'armed an equipped, wearing a grey uniform. They became very proficient in drill, and well disciplined.

THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

During the winter of 1860-61, it became apparent to the people of Dayton, as well as to all in the North, that civil war was inevitable, and the progress o events was watched with feverish anxiety by both citizens and militia. Th evacuation of Fort Moultrie. by Maj. Anderson, caused intense excitement, an(

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

vien at last Fort Sumter fell, and the people of the North knew that the ball was cened, they sprang quickly into line at the call of President Lineoln for 75,000 i'n; and the offer of 40,000 from Ohio by Gov. Dennison, the recruiting ich was begun by all of the Dayton companies, and the promptness with which te young men responded to the eall, gave evidence of the desire which the triotie children of the nation possessed to advance and overthrow her enemies. ne recruiting office of the Montgomery Guard was at the armory, southeast ('ner First and St. Clair streets ; that of the Dayton Light Guard at its armory, ( the north side of Third street, midway between Jefferson and Main, and that ( the Lafayette Guard at its armory, at the southwest corner of Jefferson and Market streets.

1 Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock, April 17, 1861, the Dayton Light Guard and t: Montgomery Guard marehed to the depot on Sixth street and took the train for (lumbus. Immense erowds lined the streets and filled the depot. When the (npany flags were unfurled, eheer upon cheer rent the air. Men of all parties j'ned the eseort, and without division assisted in the " enthusiastie God-speed " t the departing volunteers, thus rendering the oceasion one of extraordinary i erest. At 12 o'eloek the same night, the Lafayette Guard departed. The same c wd, that had not left the streets, escorted them with elieers and good wishes to t depot. If there ever was a time when the hearts of the people beat in unison al were filled with the same patriotie spirit, it was then. when the large as- sablage gave expression to sentiments of approval and good wishes to the vol- ubeers.

The same night the Dayton Light Artillery eoneluded to muster into the serv- i as riflemen. They offered their services and were immediately accepted by t Governor, and on Saturday, April 20, they took their departure for Columbus. Teir uniform was red shirts and dark pants and cap. They made a very hand- she appearance as they marehed from their armory. The affection shown by t ir familes, and the great erowd that accompanied them to the depot, exhibited t sympathy shown by all. As the train moved out, showers of blessings and god wishes accompanied them from the deeply moved erowd. On the 19th, re- iting lists of the " Anderson Guard " were opened at their armory in Brown's Ell, on the south side of Third street, half way between Main and Jefferson seets. On the night of the 20th, sixty-four men had enrolled and the company o anized. The next day was Sunday. The armory was one continuous seene of e itement. The day was given up to providing for the volunteers. Lady friends wre busy making flannnel shirts, haveloeks and needle eases. Caps, shoes and bnkets were provided by a committee of eitizens.

The doctors of the town offered their serviees free to families of the volun- tirs; druggists agreed to fill all preseriptions without charge; $5,000 was rsed at a meeting of citizens to supply the immediate wants of families who night need it; donations of all kinds were sent in ; young and old, men, women al children, alike did all in their power to aid in sending off the troops. A ying boy desired to and did enlist; the father hearing of it, went to the re- citing office and erased his name; the excited boy asked his father what he. nant ; the reply was, "I want you to stay at home and help me work." to which t. boy answered, "I'll just tell you what it is. I'll be d-d if I'll work for yit or anybody else till this war is over."

Sunday night the " Anderson Guard " were quartered in Beekel Hall, waiting olers from Columbus. Monday morning the excitement inereased as the hour d'w near for the departure of the company ; the streets were filled with people, th hall was erowded, the soldiers and citizens joined in singing the "Star Spangled Emner," and amid cheers, waving of handkerchiefs and flags, the company filed in the street; every foot of room was oceupied on the streets and sidewalks ; weeping friends were bidding good-bye to their husbands, fathers and brothers ; e dren were erying; the crowds were shouting farewell to the gallant, true- herted volunteers.

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Seenes at the depot eannot be described in a short space. When the trai moved off, the cheering was renewed, and another hundred men had gone, makin a total of 465 men sent from Dayton in response to the first eall for three month enlistments. Upon the arrival at Columbus, the first three Dayton companies we! assigned to the First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as follows : Lafayett Guards as Company B (German), Dayton Light Guards as Company C (color con pany), Montgomery Guards as Company D (Irish).

This regiment and the Second Ohio were ordered and started, by railroad, 1 Washington on Friday, April 19. They had the usual experience of raw troop whose first duty always seems to be grumbling at the imaginary poor grub aa hard beds. They were detained at Harrisburg for a few days, where the time w: oceupied in drilling and writing letters home. They then moved to Laneaster 1 be armed and equipped, thenee to Washington and their first fight at Vienna. A the battle of Bull Run they covered themselves with glory, and in the retreat the army the regiment was in the brigade under Gen. R. C. Schenck. Their ter of enlistment having expired, they were diselarged, and reaened Dayton Fridla evening, August 2. They were received at the depot by the militia companie fire department and a vast concourse of citizens, with shouts of weleome, patriot speeches and salutes by the artillery, escorted to the court house and dismisse each man to narrate again and again to his friends his three months' experien in Unele Sanı's army. The great demonstration was enthusiastie in the extreme- a just tribute to their gallantry. They were the heroes of the hour and the homes the center of attraction, and the petted soldiers felt their importance. good story was told on one of them, living in a prominent corner house up tow He asked his mother and insisted that his bed should be placed in the yard und the trees, as he had been so used to sleeping out doors that he could not rest the house. He soon got over that after his eomrades heard of it.

The "Dayton Riflemen " and the "Anderson Guard" were ordered to Camp Jac son, within the limits of the city of Columbus, and on the formation of the Elevent Ohio Volunteer Infantry were assigned to that regiment, the riflemen as Company and the Guards as Company G, and commeneed drill, and complain of the territ grub-no soft bread, no butter ; it was awful. Then they expected to be in bat; within a day or two after leaving home, and were disappointed. Washington w safe and the first danger had passed. The Government determined to hold the troops in Ohio as a reserve, and for more perfect organization the regiment, wi others, was ordered to a point on Little Miami River, distant fifteen miles fro Cineinnati, where they assisted in the arranging and construction of Camp Den son. All of the thirteen Ohio regiments (except the First and Second) that we organized under the President's first eall for troops were stationed here, an.l we kept constantly drilling for the next six or seven weeks, when they were re-orga ized for the three years' serviee. June 20, the Eleventh Regiment was re-organize Company A re-enlisting for the three years' serviee. A portion of Company returned to Dayton, the rest enlisting in other companies and regiments.

With the necessity for soldiers came the need of furnishing them with varic artieles of clothing, and the little conveniences which fair and willing hands knd so well how to bring into existence from the storehouses devoted to the cau Meetings were held at all available places ; churches and ladies' societies took t work in hand, and the manufacture of shirts, soeks, elothing, blankets, etc., w entered into with spirit. The departing soldiers were well supplied, and espec care was taken also to look after the needs of their families. Large sums of mon were raised by private subseription ; the City Council and the Board of Coun Commissioners appropriated $10,000 each, for the relief of soldiers' families ; cieties and incorporated companies of all kinds, also the fire department. contributi liberally from their resources, and certainly neither the volunteers nor their family had eause to complain that they were not comfortably provided for. Not or was this the ease in the beginning, but throughout the entire term of strife. Da

أبو

Respectfully

PROP. OF THE DAYTON STAR NURSERIES

yours Truly J. Games

PROPRIETOR OF THE DAYTON STAR NURSERIES.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

I( and the noble county around her, won the lasting gratitude of the soldier boys : l their families, and there is to-day a feeling of pride at the recollection of Ities performed when the war-cloud hung darkly over the land.

On the evening of Tuesday, April 16, 1861, the " Zouave Rangers." a t roughly armed and equipped organization, passed a resolution as follows : 'esolved, That the Zouave Rangers of Dayton tender their services to the Gover- of Ohio, as a home-guard, to do services within the limits of the State only." le company was accepted by the Governor, and departed for Columbus on the ning of the 22d of April. Remaining at that point for some time, doing garri- duty. they were stationed as a guard at the east end of the Marietta Railroad, : I after three months of service, returned to Dayton on the 25th of July. The · uckeye Guard " opened its armory and recruiting lists at Brown's Hall, on Third et, April 24, in view of being ready as soon as another company should be ac- ted. Having become fully organized, they tendered their services on the 29th, il were at once accepted. They left for Hamilton, eighty-seven strong, on the 2d May, and going into camp at that city, remained until the 20th of the same nth, when they returned to Dayton to recruit for the three years service.

Numerous companies and regiments from other points in Ohio, and from dif- L'ent States, passed through Dayton during the first three months of the war, over railways, and the Committees, who made it their duty to look after those mat- 3, gathered provisions as speedily as possible, and taking them to the depot, fur- bed the men with good lunches. These Committees were composed principally landies, who were very active on such occasions, looking after the comfort of strangers on their way to the front, or to points of rendezvous, with great care. Jny pleasant acquaintances were thus forined, which were continued by corres- idence during the war. On the 21st of May, the First Ohio Regimental Band left i yton to join the regiment at Philadelphia. A purse of $100 in gold was pre- ted to it by friends as the cars were on the point of starting.

There were but few enlistments in the navy from this locality. The recruit- for three years' service began in May. 1861. Several distinguished officers pre from Dayton. At the outbreak of the rebellion, R. C. Schenck tendered his vices to the President. and was at once appointed Brigadier General and ren- ved distinguished services, for which he was promoted to the rank of Major ( neral. In December, 1863, he resigned to take his seat in Congress.

George Crook, who was born near Dayton, graduated at West Point in 1852. s'ved in the Western army until the war broke out: in August, 186], was ap- nted Colonel of the Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and in the spring of 32 was placed in command of a brigade in the Army of West Virginia. In July the same year, his brigade, as a part of the celebrated Kanawha Division. was nsferred to the Army of the Potomac. For distnguished services, he was com- r ssioned Brigadier General of Volunteers. July 20, 1864. he was brevetted Major (neral " for gallantry and efficient services." and about January, 1865, was pro- ted to full Major General of Volunteers, in which capacity he served through war and was mustered out on the 15th day of January, 1866, and ordered to 4 regiment in the regular army as Lieutenant Colonel. and has since been pro- ted to full Brigadier General in the United States Army.

The " Buekeye Guard " opened recruiting lists for three years' service, unless soner discharged, on the morning of the 20th of May, and ten days later moved rail to Camp Jackson. Fifty Dayton men were in this company, which was erward transferred to Camp Chase, four miles east of Columbus, and assigned to t. Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Twenty-five men who had enlisted to ve three years in Company A. Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, left to join it company at Camp Dennison May 29. The company was re-organized for the thee years' service on the 15th of June, retaining its position in the regiment. It qtained seventy Dayton men. On the latter date the "Union Guard" estab- hed an armory in the hall at the southwest corner of Market and Jefferson

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streets, and on the 26th began recruiting for the three years' service. It was fu organized, and mustered into serviee at Camp Dennison, as Company I, Twell Ohio Volunteer Infantry, June 29 ; the company contained twenty-five Dayt men, the rest were from the townships of Montgomery County, and some from 1 eounties of Preble, Greene and Darke.

Twenty men for the First Ohio Battery were recruited at Dayton July 1861, and were soon taken to Camp Dennison, where the battery was organiz From its peculiar service and equipment during its first year's service, it v. always known as the " Jaekass Battery." A recruiting offiee for United Sta regular army was opened at Dayton, July 25, 1861, and continued through 1: war, About one hundred men were enlisted therein, being assigned principally the Fifteenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth United States Infantry. The term serviee had been reduced by Congress from five to three years.

August 5, recruiting for the First Ohio Infantry for the three years' service gan. On the 19th the site for a military camp was selected two and one half mi east of Dayton, on the hill, just south of where the Cleveland, Columbus, Cinc nati & Indianapolis and Dayton & Southeastern Railroads now eross the Springfi pike. The camp was given the name of " Camp Corwin." August 20, a compa of sixty-five men marehed in from the northern part of the county and eamped the fair grounds. In the town, all was military exeitement. There were twe recruiting offiees, four raising companies for the First Ohio Volunteer Infant two for the regular army, one for cavalry, one for the Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunt Infantry, a company of sharpshooters for the Twenty-seeond Ohio Volunteer fantry, an independent company, one company for the Forty-fourth Ohio Infan and one for the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. August 23, the first three cc panies, numbering in the aggregate 200 men, marched to Camp Corwin. Aug 26, General Order No. 1 was issued, and military duty began. September 2. Dayton Cavalry Company was ordered to Camp Corwin. The next two mon were devoted to drilling and organization. Saturday, October 12, notice vis received that the Government could not supply the regiment with blankets. meeting was called at once, and on Monday 1,000 blankets, besides shirts, soc ete., were distributed to the men. Thus nobly did the patriotie people respond the call for aid. October 31, at 8:30 A. M., the regiment marehed in from Ca Corwin and boarded the train at the Union depot. They were a fine body of m four companies were from Dayton-Company B, 100 Dayton men ; Company 80 Dayton men ; Company E. 60 Dayton men ; Company F, 100 Dayton men.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 43

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214