The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 45

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 45

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Under the militia law, each ward in the city was, on the 9th of July, ¢ vided into three " military districts," and each district was required to orga ize a company of militia, and July 15, each company elected its office These organizations were dubbed "Flat Foots." Early in July, the famc Morgan raid began. On the 8th, the rebel cavalry crossed the Ohio River a were advancing through Indiana. Their movements were rapid. All kinds reports were in circulation, and telegraphed all over the country; every to in Southern Ohio expected to be laid in ashes. The militia were hastily gaf ered. July 12, Gov. Tod ordered out the militia, and the companies from th county were ordered to Camp Dennison. July 13, the Mayor of Dayton issu a proclamation requesting the suspension of all business, and that the citize

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vuld assemble at the engine houses to organize companies to be sent to Ham- ion.

The Military Committee appealed to the people to arm themselves for de-

fase. Silver-ware and valuables were buried or sent North; horses were also In North for security. The two infantry companies that were stationed here -one of them mounted-were sent to Hamilton. Those of our citizens who Id horses and could get guns were organized into a company of scouts and Et to the front to patrol the country roads. They reached Middletown at tyht, and scoured the territory as far west as Winchester. At one place they Tre taken for Morgan raiders. They returned to Dayton on the evening of the 14th. The recruits for the six-months cavalry company organized and erted in the pursuit and captured fifteen of the rebels, turned them over to on. Burnside and returned to Dayton on the 15th. On the 17th, the militia cnpanies returned from Hamilton, and the big scare was over. While the r litia were gone, all remaining able-bodied men were organized into compa- Les and squads for defense. Pickets were thrown out on all the roads. The tvn was thoroughly patroled. The butchers coming to market were terribly

Ightened at the challenge, "Who goes there?" The "outpost " down the rer road was re-enforced and held in line of battle behind the fence till day- 1;ht, only to find that its cause of alarm was three cows feeding along the road. Je companies that were sent to Hamilton were poorly armed and had no am- finition. The horses for an artillery company were being taken overland from ndlay to Cincinnati, and halted near the suburbs of Dayton. One of the Don, strolling through the town, was picked up as a rebel spy, but was soon ileased.

The six-months cavalry company was recruited in August and September, 163, and assigned to the Fourth Ohio Independent Battalion. In this com- ¡ny were ninety Dayton men. They were mustered into service at Cincin- iti. and left Covington September 16 for the interior of Kentucky. For the 1xt eight months, they were kept continually scouting. After their time had 1: two months expired, they were returned to Cincinnati and mustered out of ta service. In September, five men were recruited in Dayton for the Twelfth Gio Cavalry, which regiment was organized at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland. ( the 10th of September, 1863, the "Flat Foots " went into camp at Camp Miami, near Piqua, where they remained two days, and had as much expe- Ince, to let them tell it, as the veterans of three years. On the 7th of No- mber following, another large wood procession was formed in Dayton by the rmers, 350 loads of wood and provisions being in line. The boys of the city verward organized themselves into clubs, bearing such euphonious titles as Miami City Club," "Oregon Bucks," " West-Enders," "Central Club," "Cal- bornia Tigers," "Oregon Champions," "Frenchtown Rangers." " Independent "ingers," "Water Street Bucks," " Bucklot Rangers," "Buckeye Rangers," 3., for the purpose of sawing on the wood brought in for soldiers' families. he clubs were formed into a regiment, and they marched by companies Trough the streets, bearing their saws, bucks and axes. and whenever a le of wood was found at a soldier's door. it was speedily worked up ready r the stove. A grand "bazar" was opened in the Beckel House on the ening of December 23, 1863, and continued until the night of January 1864. It was arranged by committees from the numerous Soldiers' Aid So- eties of the city, and donations came from all directions. It was a complete ccess, the net proceeds amounting to about $20,000.

During the first four months of 1864, most of the regiments in which Day- n men had enlisted were re-enlisted as veterans for three years longer, and are returned to their homes on a thirty-days' furlough. Heartily were they

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

welcomed by friends and family; the people all treated them with the respect they deserved, and the boys greatly enjoyed the rest and relief from camp duty. The members of the different companies took advantage of the efforts of the citizens to enlist men enough to free the city from the draft, and tried to se cure the recruits for their own regiments. In this way there were about eighty Dayton men enlisted for old regiments and taken to the front. As the spring opened, it became apparent to all that the crisis of the war was approaching The great number of men in the field, and the President's call for more, was ? serious matter by reason of the great financial strain. as well as taking an ad ditional number of men from every community. In Dayton, the fear of the draft and a desire to aid the Government caused the renewal of the efforts of the previous year to recruit men for the army. Large bounties were offered Wards and townships placed their money in the hands of brokers, to be used anywhere to secure men to be credited to them. Many who were not liable to military duty, by reason of old age or other physical disability, had men en listed to represent them in the war. May 11, the draft occurred. The whole county was clear except the First Ward and Mad River Township. In the former there were twenty-four drafted, and in the latter twenty-one. Before the men were ordered to report, the ward had secured men enough to free. it self, and Dayton had once more sent her quota to the front. The recruiting agents were generally located at or near the "Ohio Block," on Third street just west of the canal. where the Provost Marshal had his office, and where the terrible draft machine was kept.

Men from Dayton, by the 1st of May, 1864, were with Grant before Rich mond, Sherman in Georgia, Crook in the mountains of West Virginia, Hante in the Shenandoah Valley, Banks in the Red River region at Knoxville Charleston Harbor and in Florida. Great anxiety was manifested by all a home, for from the front came news of serious casualties almost every day, and the battle-scarred remains of gallant soldiers were often sent home for burial The papers were eagerly scanned for news. With fear and trembling. the de tails of every battle were sought for. The true history of the woe in the lam can never be told. The grief of a family but added to the anxiety of th neighbors.

The call for the 100-days men was a genuine sensation. Our merchants manufacturers, lawyers, doctors, preachers, bankers and farmers had organizer companies of "Home Guards," that were assigned to State regiments of militia April 25, these companies and regiments were ordered out by Gov. Brough fo 100 days' service in the Union army. This call caused many hardships an much suffering, but the prompt response of the men showed that they ha learned the most valuable lesson to the soldier-obedience to orders. May 2 the Dayton companies, with the other companies from the townships composin; the Second Regiment, and several companies of the Twelfth Regiment Ohi Militia, assembled at " Camp Lowe," at the lower end of Main street. May 4 they were furloughed until the 10th, when they again assembled. and wer regularly mustered into the United States service. When the companies fror the townships came through the city on their way to camp, they were accom panied by their wives and families, sweethearts and friends, in carriages, wag ons, horseback and on foot. They, with our townspeople, formed a large es cort for the boys from the camp through the town and back to the depot. Th companies were taken by rail to Camp Chase, where the two battalions wer consolidated, forming the One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment Ohio Na tional Guard. The four Dayton companies were assigned as A, B, C and I amounting in the aggregate to 365 Dayton men. May 15, the regiment wa ordered to Baltimore for garrison duty in the United States forts near the city

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

were they remained until August 19. when they returned to Camp Chase and vre mustered out August 25.

! About twenty of the colored citizens of Dayton enlisted, but were scattered in the regiments of other States. They served principally in Charleston Har- b" and before Petersburg and Richmond, and on their record as soldiers there 1 20 stain. The First Regiment of United States Veteran Volunteer Engi- mers was organized early in September, 1864, from the pioneer brigade, the tun of the latter having expired. This regiment consisted of three battalions- wose post was at the front, where they were engaged as pioneers and ponton- ils, building fortifications, bridges, etc. Eighteen Dayton men enlisted i September, 1864, at the " Ohio Block" for a term of one year. They were t. en to Camp Chase and assigned to Company K, One Hundred and Seventy- math Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Their regiment reached Nashville on the 8th o October, and was assigned to the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twen- tth Army Corps, participating in the battle at Nashville December 15 and 16, al remaining on duty at that point until discharged, June 18, 1865.

Means for escaping a draft were devised after the President's call for 500, - ()) men in July, 1864, but, after strenuous efforts, four of the wards of Day- t. and four of the townships failed to fill, and the following draft was made - louble the number required, but so ordered that a sufficient number of men f the front should be insured: First Ward, Dayton, 48 men; Fourth Ward, 6 Fifth Ward, 86; Sixth Ward, 76; Miami Township, 94; German Town- 9 p, 50; Mad River Township, 52; Harrison Township, 54.

Some of the most prominent men of the town were in the list. However, uney enough was raised after the draft to send agents to the large cities, were enough substitutes were enlisted to clear the county. From the time t. call was issued until the day of the draft, it is estimated that about ninety I yton men were enlisted and sent to the field.

In October. $300 had been raised to buy a small cannon, with which to a,ist in the celebration of Union victories. A committee purchased the little sel gun now in use, paying for it $160. It was first used in firing a salute the levee, Monday evening. September 14, 1864, by the veterans of the Irst. Ohio (Jackass) Battery. At that time, the gun was called "Uncle Joe." Je different aid societies were constantly busy preparing and forwarding sup- l'es to the army and to the Sanitary Commission. In November, a special I was made upon Dayton for lint and bandages. A meeting was called for liday evening, November 18. Soliciting committees were appointed, that vre active through the whole winter in soliciting such supplies. Immense cantities were sent to the designated places. not only by the regular societies, It by individuals and clubs of young people. The Governor, by proclamation, apart Saturday, November 26, as a day for contributions to the fund for the rief of soldiers' families. Dayton responded with a subscription of $10,000, d quantities of provisions and other supplies. The townships each raised money, fuel and produce as their share toward the comfort of our soldiers' 1 nilies. Thus again did our people nobly fulfill their pledges.

December 21, another call was issued for 300,000 troops, of which Ohio is to furnish ten regiments. The quota of Montgomery County was 598; of yton, 200. Recruiting at once began in earnest. People of all classes were terested, from patriotic motives, as it was well understood that the rebellion lis on its last legs: Sherman's march to the sea, Thomas at Nashville, Sher- an in the Shenandoah Valley, Grant at Richmond and Foster in South Caro- ha, had demonstrated that the end was near. Men were recruited in Dayton r five of the new one-year regiments; the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth, men; the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth, 5 men; the One Hundred and

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Eighty-seventh, 10 men; One Hundred and Eighty-eighth, 5 men; Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth, 25 men. These regiments were all organ- ized at Camp Chase, within the first five days of March, 1865, and were sent immediately to Nashville. Recruiting was continued in Dayton. Large bounties were offered. Men were allowed to choose their regiments, and en list for either one, two or three years. With these inducements, many of the returned soldiers re-enlisted, and it is estimated that about one hundred were recruited in this way and sent to the different Ohio regiments in the field. Thursday, March 30, the draft came off in the wards and townships that bad not filled their quotas, as follows: First Ward, 29; Fifth Ward, 33; Sixth Ward, 28; Madison Township, 1; Miami Township, 2: Harrison Town- ship, l.

The Fourth Ward was six short, and Mad River Township ten short, but no draft occurred until April 11 for those two districts, as they had promised to fill their quotas; but on that day, the wheel was turned for the number stated above. The war was so near at an end that all the conscripts were good-na- tured about it, and stood out in the rain before the Provost Marshal's office while the wheel was being turned, and joked each man as his name was called On Sunday, February 5, a train of sixteen empty cars, with 130 citizens who had volunteered, went to Brookville to load and bring in 100 cords of wood that had been bought by the Relief Committee for soldiers' families. A like trip was made in March.

The news of the occupation of Charleston by the Union forces arrived appropriately, on the 22d of February, 1865, and on the 3d of April, the watchman, waiting with bated breath, caught the murmur from afar that Richmond had fallen, and rang the glad tidings forth upon the air, even as the bellman of 1776 announced, through the brazen tones of his bell, that this was declared a land of liberty. People rushed through the streets like mad. shaking hands, shouting, singing, and throwing up their hats; flags were hung out, cannons roared and the bells were ringing; a procession was formed, and. with a band at the head, marched through the streets rejoicing. Sunday nighi. April 9, the glorious news of the surrender of Lee and the collapse of the Con- federacy spread through the city like wildfire. Citizens dressed hastily and marched the streets all night, singing patriotic songs and congratulating every-) body. Private houses were thrown open, impromptu serenades were gotten up. the air was full of shouts of rejoicing, and above all was heard the ringing off bells and firing of cannons. A jubilee was arranged for Friday, April 14. All business was suspended. The town was given up to rejoicing, and in the evening, after the national salute by the artillery, there were fireworks and speeches at the court house. The city was gayly illuminated. and the demon- stration did not subside till after midnight.

The morning of the 15th, all was changed to mourning. Like a thunder- bolt came the news of the assassination of President Lincoln. All was given up to grief over the national calamity; business was entirely suspended; the streets were filled with anxious groups, who slowly gathered at the court house. as if for strength to bear the blow; private houses and public buildings were clothed with emblems of mourning. and flags were hung at half mast. April 19, religious services were held in all of the churches, and business was en- tirely suspended throughout the city from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M. All the church and fire bells were tolled at mid-day. A committee of 100 citizens was appoint- ed to meet the remains of the President at Columbus, and, as representatives of Dayton, participate in the obsequies.

The following is a summary, by companies and regiments, of the men en- listed at Dayton in the United States service from 1861 to 1865:

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

THREE MONTHS' ENLISTMENTS.

First Ohio Infantry-La Fayette Guard .. 85

First Ohio Infantry-Dayton Light Guard. 70

First Ohio Infantry-Montgomery Guard .. 85

Eleventh Ohio Infantry-Dayton Riflemen 100

Eleventh Ohio Infantry-Andersou Guard .. 55

Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry-Buckeye Guard. 87

Eighty-fourth Ohio Infantry, summer of 1862 26

Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry, summer of 1862. 4

Total three months' men 512

SIX MONTHS' ENLISTMENTS. 90

Fourth Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion.

ONE YEAR ENLISTMENTS.

One Hundred and Seventy-Ninth Ohio Infantry, Company K. 18

One Hundred aud Eighty-fourth Ohio Infantry. 6

One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry 5

One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Infantry 10

One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry. 5

One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio Infantry, Company K. 25

Enlisted during excitement prior to draft of March 30, 1865. 100

Drafted March 30, 1865, and entered serviee. 40

Total one year men 209

THREE YEARS' ENLISTMEETS.

Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry .. 50

Eleventh Ohio Infantry, Company A. 70

Eleventh Ohio Infantry, Company I. 20

Twelfth Ohio Infantry, Company I. 25

Enlisted by United States recruiting officers for infantry service, reg- ular army . 80

First Ohio Infautry, Company B. 100

First Ohio Infantry, Company C.

First Ohio Infantry, Company E. 60

First Ohio Infantry, Company F.

100

Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, Company H.

Twenty-seeond Ohio Infantry.

Second Ohio Infantry.

Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry

Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry.

Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry.

Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry, Company A

Seventy-first Ohio Infantry.

Sixty-first Ohio Infantry.

Fifty-second Ohio Infantry.

Fiftieth Ohio Infantry ..

One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Infantry.

One Hundred and Eighth Ohio Infantry, Company E 43

One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry 10

Recruited for various regiments, including substitutes, during excite- ment of the draft that occurred October 1, 1862. 25

One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Infantry. 22

Tenth Tennessee Infantry. 7

First Regiment Ohio Heavy Artillery, Company K (served as infantry) 60

Seeond Ohio Heavy Artillery Company C (served as infantry). 11

Recruited from various regiments during excitement prior to draft of May 11, 1864 .. 80

One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Infantry. 10

After the draft, to clear First Ward. 5

Colored enlistments at various times. 20

First United States Veteran Volunteer Engineer Corps. 20

Recruited for various regiments during excitement prior to draft of

May 11, 1864 90

Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry 95

Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry, Company G.

Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, Companies A, I, G, K.

200

Sixty-third Ohio Infantry. .

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Enlisted in other Ohio regiments of infantry 45

Enlisted in the United States Navy 15

First Ohio Independent Battery. . 20

Eighth Ohio Independent Battery. 80

Seventeenth Ohio Independent Battery 15

Enlisted in other Ohio batteries. 10

Fourth Regiment Ohio Cavalry 50

Second Regiment Ohio Cavalry. 37

Twelfth Regiment Ohio Cavalry.

Enlisted in other Ohio cavalry regiments.

Total three years' troops 1888

SPECIAL CALLS IN EMERGENCIES.

Zouave Rangers, State Guard-1861. 50

Squirrel Hunters (Kirby Smith raid)-1862. 830

Morgan raid-1863. 240

Ohio National Guard (100-days' men)-1864. 365

Total militia service. 985

RECAPITULATION.

Three months' enlistments. 512

Six months' enlistments. 90

One year enlistments. 209

Three years' troops. .1888

Total number of Dayton men enlisted in the United States serviee during the war of the rebellion. 2699

Under special calls of the State .. 985

EVENTS IN MILITARY CIRCLES SINCE 1865.

Within a year after the close of the war, nearly all the Dayton soldie; had been discharged. returned to their homes, and had taken up again th peaceful avocations which they had relinquished at the call to arms. In th month of August, 1878, it was estimated that about one thousand honorab] discharged Union soldiers were residing in the city of Dayton, not to mer. tion those whose homes were in various localities throughout the county.

In October, 1866. King Encampment, Post No. 20, Grand Army of th Republic, was organized in Dayton. The post had 308 members. All wer eligible who had served in the Union army or navy during the rebellion, ar who had an honorable discharge therefrom. In February. 1867, Allen Ex campment, Post No. 152, was organized, and shortly afterward the Germa Post, No. 67, Dister Encampment, was organized. In 1868. there were 1,00 members of the Grand Army of the Republic living in Dayton. Active, ar with the best interest of the soldiers at heart, great good was accomplishe for the order and for the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers. Conspici, ous among the good works was the influence exerted toward the establishmer of the Ohio Soldiers' and Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Xenia. In Februar 1868, a week's entertainment was provided, under the auspices of the Gran Army of the Republic, at Music Hall, consisting of military tableaux and th "Drummer Boy " allegory. The whole people were at once interested; crowd attended nightly. Scenes at the music stores, where tickets were on sale. we without a parallel. People crowded in masses to get tickets; the rush was great as to overturn counters and break show-cases. Hundreds were turned awd from the exhibitions for the want of even standing room. So great was the ja that it became necessary to dismiss the audience with military precision 7 avoid crushing people to death. The piece was presented with excellent effe by 200 of our veterans, who had been in real conflict. The audience was fa cinated with the thrilling scenes from the battle-field, and moved to tears (

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

s'npathy. The committee arranged for a sham battle upon the streets for the It day of the exhibition, Saturday, April 30. The forces were divided as flows: The Union army being represented by three companies of infantry. a attery and small escort of cavalry, the commanding General, with a brill- it staff, all being in regular United States uniform. The rebel side con- s ted of two companies of infantry, two twelve-pounders, a squad of cavalry. t1 General and his staff, all wearing the Confederate gray. The general plan o the battle was that the rebels should be driven in general retreat through the cy, but the boisterous sympathy of the crowd for the Union side so excited t. combatants that it was difficult to control them sufficiently to follow the pn as agreed upon. For instance, when they reached the point where the b tery was to be captured, the "rebs " fought desperately and refused to obey tir officers by giving up the guns.

Early in the morning of the day announced for the fight to come off, the 8 bets began to fill up with our own people and strangers from the surround- 11: country and towns. The streets and sidewalks were quickly filled; awn- is and sign-posts were covered with men and boys; every available window al door was occupied, and the roofs of the houses covered with people. It w3 the most captivating entertainment ever provided for the public. Main steet was a grand sight, as the mass of people crowded to see the rebel force a .they marched from the river bridge to the tune of "Dixie " down to attack tl Union forces in camp at the canal bridge. Skirmishers were thrown out. pkets driven in, re-enforcements arrived, the sharp roll of musketry and roar o the artillery was evidence that the battle was on. They fought with vary- il success up Main to Third street, where, after a hot little brush, the "John- n s" captured the Union colors. Could the people stand that? Not much. Is women screamed and rushed with the men to aid in the recapture; and it w; with difficulty that they were convinced that it was a part of the play, and wild be retaken at the canal bridge, and they followed, determined that it sl uld be done. The Union boys were cheered to the echo. The crowd would roice and shout with them at every advantage gained, and regret every re- Y 3. In fact, they followed the rear guard, ready to aid at the front if the ei my pressed the soldiers too hard. The rebels continued the retreat out Trd to Wayne, then to Fifth, then to Main, halting near the court house. were a truce was declared, and coffee and " grub " served to both sides, and tl street show ended. Then came the great rush of men. women and children the hall, where the matinee was to be held. Every seat was filled, and all standing room occupied. The doors were closed, and as many were sent away ache number that gained admittance. It was a day long to be remembered.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 45

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