The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 46

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 46

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May 30 was designated by the Grand Commander of the National En- caipment of the Grand Army of the Republic to be celebrated each year by I decoration and strewing of flowers on the graves of deceased Union sol- drs. Soldiers and citizens all over the land promptly responded to the sen- tient, and. by common consent and practice, it is to all intent a national hiday. Here in Dayton, each year, all join in the patriotic duty of doing h or to the noble dead; flowers are gathered by all classes; friends and rela- ti 's of the dead soldiers unite in the beautiful ceremony. Surviving comrades grd with zealous care the record of service of the fallen messmate, and an- syr the appeal of the widow and orphan.

Of the organizations in which were representatives from the county of Antgomery, two in particular had large numbers, and these were the First a). the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The number in each will be 66/1 by reference to the preceding table. The experience of these two regi- mats while in the field was similar in many respects, and the ground over

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

which they traveled and fought was nearly the same, except that the Fire served its first term of enlistment three months -- with the Eastern army. brief synopsis of the movements of the two commands during their three-years service is here given, from Reid's "Ohio in the War."

The First Regiment was organized for the three-years' service betwee August and October. 1861, at Camp Corwin, near Dayton. On the 31st of th latter month, it departed for Cincinnati, where, on the 4th of November, : received its arms. Proceeding to Louisville on the 5th, it moved from thei on the 8th to West Point, at the mouth of Salt River. and was soon after br gaded with the First Kentucky, Sixth Indiana, First Battalion Fifteent United States Infantry, and battalions of the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Ii fantry, forming the Fourth Brigade, Second Division. At Munfordsville, Ky the regiment looked for the first time on the serious side of war, although no engaged. Several wounded men from another regiment which had been in th fight were brought in, and the men realized to what scenes they must becom inured before their term of service was over. Not long after-April 7, 1862 they met the foe in deadly earnest at Shiloh, the regiment being then con manded by Col. B. F. Smith, of the regular army. Later, it was under Ger A. M. McCook; with Buell in the hot race to reach Louisville ahead of Brag; in September, 1862; in the battle of Perryville, October 11, 1862; and, iate i the year, was assigned to the Second Division, Fourteenth Corps, Army of il Cumberland, with Gen. J. W. Sill commanding the division. The regimer saw hot service at the memorable battle of Stone River, beginning Decembe 31, 1862. and on the re-organization of the army, in January, 1863, was place in the Second Division of the Twentieth Army Corps. It participated in mi merous engagements, great and small, in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama including that at Chattanooga in the fall of 1863. About the 20th of October when the Fourth Corps was consolidated with the Twentieth, the regiment wa brigaded, with others, under Gen. Hazen, in the Third Division of the conso idated corps. It was engaged at Orchard Knob, Mission Ridge (where it los five color-bearers), in the East Tennessee and Atlanta campaigns, and, 800 after the Kenesaw Mountain fight, in 1864, began to be mustered out by com panies, the last one being mustered out October 14, 1864. The regiment ha been in twenty-four battles and skirmishes, and had 527 officers and men kille and wounded. Its first fight and its last were severe ones-Pittsburg Landin and Atlanta-and it saw little but hard service during its entire term of er listment. It marched about 2,500 miles, and was transported by rail an steamer 950 miles, making the total distance traversed during the three year 3,450 ıniles.

The Ninety-third Regiment, when it left Dayton, had a numerical strengt of 39 officers and 929 men. It proceeded to Lexington, Ky., thence to Loni ville, at which latter place it was assigned to the Fifth Brigade, McCook division, and, on arriving at Frankfort, to the Third Brigade, Second Division of McCook's command. Moving with the army to Nashville, Tenn., it was, i December, 1862, while on duty guarding a forage train, attacked by rebels, an, in this, its first engagement, lost one man killed and three wounded. TH regiment suffered severely at Stone River, and afterward (September, 1863) . Chickamauga, where it performed gallant service. In October, 1863, the reg iment was assigned to the Second Brigade (Hazen's), Third Division (Wood's Fourth Army Corps. It participated in the Orchard Knob fight November 2; 1863, having six men shot down while carrying the regimental colors, amon them Maj. William Birch, who was commanding the regiment. Its losses wer heavy also in the following battle of Mission Ridge, which engagement wa pictured for the world in the masterly language of Benjamin F. Taylor, tha

Eliga He Coles JEFFERSON , TP.

Noah Cooler

JEFFERSON, TP.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

wom none but Victor Hugo ever wrote of such scenes more true to life, if en that be possible. At one time during the winter of 1863-64, the regiment hl become so greatly reduced that it could only muster four officers and ninety un for duty. It bore a part in the East Tennessee campaign with Burnside, s fering considerably: in the Atlanta campaign, during which it met with hivy losses at Resaca, Adairsville, Dallas, etc., losing in the latter fight foty-eight killed and wounded. July 4, 1864, it was on the extreme left of Orman's army, connected on the flank with the cavalry. In October, 1864, it moved back to Tennessee. and was held in reserve through the fight at Fanklin, on the 30th of November. December 16, in one of the engagements wh the rebel Gen. Hood, near Nashville, the regiment went in with ninety mra, and lost four killed and twenty-one wounded. In the spring of 1865, it writ again into East Tennessee, thence over the mountains near to Ashville, NC., and returned to Nashville about the 1st of May. The regiment was rstered out of the service at Camp Harker, near Nashville, June 8, 1865, and > ceeded to Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, where the men were paid and I charged on the 14th of the same month. Before its muster-out, 8 officers a : 24] men had been discharged for disability; 4 officers and 204 men were wounted for as "died of disease, wounds and killed in action: " 252 men we wounded once, 30 twice, and 8 three times. Upon the record of this reg- n'nt are tales of noble exertions at Stone River, Chickamauga. Brown's Ferry, )hard Knob, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Stion, Franklin and Nashville. Soon after the close of the war, the survivors the regiment organized a re-union association, which has been continued to h present time.

After the close of the war, the large militia force of Ohio was discontin- :16. The Dayton companies were disbanded with the rest. There were no he ones formed until the organization of the Dayton Zouaves, in 1869. The nae of the company was afterward changed to the "Harries Guard." In $5, the Dayton Light Guard and the Emmet Guard were organized. The ne companies were sworn into the State service, and were assigned as Com- ¿ ies A, B and C of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Militia, with the regimental helquarters at Dayton. During the great railroad strike in the summer of $7, the three companies were ordered to Columbus and Newark, Ohio, where hy were on guard for several weeks, acquitting themselves with credit. They Ar armed by the State with the finest breech-loading rifles, and their uniforms rhandsome as well as serviceable, consisting of a dress suit, fatigue suit and s. te pants. Captains of companies, in ordering out their commands, usually de gnate the clothes to be worn, and it does not sound altogether military to e published at the end of an order, "white pants." On one occasion, when t'as desired that the three companies should turn out, it was gravely an- (need that one of them could not do so, as they had not yet received their pons from New York. At another time, an order that had been issued for hite pants " was suddenly countermanded when it looked like rain.

In 1877, the Fifth Ohio (four-gun) Battery was organized in Dayton, un- le the militia law, and re-organized in August, 1878. The guns are Napo- es-three six and one twelve pounder.

The law requires that the militia shall go into camp at least four days th year. Camp King was established August 21, in a beautiful grove about or mile from Carrollton Station, on the west side of the river, and about two mes from Miamisburg. The parade and drill ground was a clover-field ad- joling the woods on the north side. There were 100 wall tents pitched, in aprdance with army regulations, and at the Colonel's tent was the flag-staff, win a garrison flag flying.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

The troops were the Fifth Ohio Battery, three officers and forty-four mer and eight companies of the Fourth Regiment Militia:

Company A, Harries Guard, Dayton, three officers and thirty men.

Company E, Fay Guard, Xenia, two officers and twenty-six men.

Company G. Hamilton Light Infantry, Hamilton. two officers and thirt men.

Color Company C, Emmet Guard, Dayton, three officers and thirty mer Company D, Tytus Guard, Middletown, two officers and thirty men. Company H. Light Guard. Germantown, three officers and thirty-thre men.

Company F, Warren Guard, Lebanon, three officers and twenty-six mer Company B, Light Guard, Dayton, three officers and twenty-six men. The field and staff, and a fine drum corps.

For rations, they had soft bread, hard-tack, beef, pork, beans, tomatoA: coffee, sugar, milk and butter. The following was the order of routine duty 5:30 A. M .- Reveille.

6:00 A. M. - Breakfast.

7:00 A. M .- - Sick call.

7:30 A. M. -- Squad drill.

9.00 A. M .- Guard mounting.

11:00 A. M .- Company drill.

12:00. M .-- Dinner.

2:00 P. M .-- Officers' school of instruction.

3:00 P. M .- Battalion drill.

5:00 P. M .-- Supper.

6:30 P. M .-- Dress parade.

9:30 P. M .- Tattoo.

10:00 P. M .- Taps.

Company C (Irish) marched from Dayton to camp as escort for the ba tery. After six days of drill, tents were struck and the soldiers returned hom greatly benefited by field maneuvers, drill and camp life.

Of the above companies, C, D and F are not now (May, 1882) a part ( the regiment, the companies composing it being A, B. E, G, H. I (located Miamisburg) and the battery. Company A has about forty men; the othe. keep up to an average strength of about sixty. The battery, which has bee reduced to two guns, has two officers and thirty-eight men. The present reg; mental officers are as follows: Colonel, F. B. Mott, of Dayton; Lieutonar Colonel, George H Phillips, of Hamilton; Major, M. S. Holden, of Daytor Adjutant, W. B. Anderson, of Dayton; Surgeon, J. R. Weaver, of Dayton Assistant Surgeon, -- Lyons, of Miamisburg; Chaplain, J. T. Webster, « Dayton; Quartermaster, H. W. Parrott, of Dayton.

Annual encampments are held at such places as may be ordered. Thi for 1882 will occur June 30, at Piqua. Each regiment in the State holds i own separate encampmont, as they are not brigaded. Col. Mott took commar of the Fourth Regiment in February, 1882, since which time it has been almo entirely re-organized. Changes are being made almost constantly in the rank yet recruits are always plenty to take the places of the men who may be di charged. The regiment is a credit to itself, its officers and the State.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE SOLDIERS HOME.

the following sketch of the Soldiers' Home, it is not our intention to en- I ter into an elaborate description of that institution, and the many bless- .I.s conferred upon the heroes of our country, who have there found a fitting inute to the sacrifices undergone by them during the nation's peril, but to ne briefly its establishment, growth and present prosperity. The history of I home from its inception up to the year 1875 has been written " By a Vet- ein of the Home," and to that work we are indebted for the matter used in tl; article up to that date. At the close of the war, hospitals and soldiers ames were established in most of the loyal States, and everything that med- c skill, care and comfort could suggest was done for the returned soldier. T, gradual disappearance of hospitals and soldiers' retreats resulted in the cntion of national homes, on a more substantial basis, the main object in view ung to enlarge their usefulness and extend their benefits to the disabled sol- h's of the Union. To carry this purpose into effect, an act of Congress was olained and approved March 31, 1865, and a Board of Managers appointed. T, board, at its first meeting, elected Gen. B. F. Butler President, and Hon. LB. Gunckel Secretary. The act of Congress authorized the Board of Man- agrs to establish one or more homes, and under it the Central Home came into eztence, besides three others in different parts of the Union.

In the selection of an eligible site for the Central Home, the attention of the B rd of Managers was directed to the rich and fertile valley of the Miami, and, u ing it admirably adapted to the purposes of a home, they at once entered into cotiations for the purchase of 540 acres of land, about three miles west of the i of Dayton, located principally in Section 1, Jefferson Township, with a n,Il fraction in Section 36, Madison Township. The land, at the time of the piphase, was in the ordinary condition of farm lands throughout the State, oGjessing, however, natural beauty and great facilities of improvement; but . Live all, the supply of water was both abundant and excellent. On the inds are several medicinal springs, two of which have rare mineral prop- T'es. At the request of the Board of Managers, Chaplain T. B. Van Horn, if he United States Army, was detailed by the Secretary of War to lay out the minds. The site overlooks the city of Dayton and the beautiful scenery of h Miami Valley for miles around. The cost of this site was $46,800, and b board was influenced in its selection, as between other nearly equally eligi- l sites, by the munificent donation of $20,000 from the citizens of Dayton, v., under the leadership of Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, Secretary of the Board, iced the liveliest interest in the success of the institution. Most vigorous n sures were taken to get the necessary buildings ready for the accommoda- 14. of the disabled soldiers. Congress had given to the home the lumber ;o posing the temporary buildings at Camp Chase, and, with the aid of this nerial, under the efficient and enthusiastic direction of Mr. Gunckel, build- n'y were most rapidly and economically constructed, which were filled as fast asthey could be got ready. The organization of the Central Home as an in- st ition dates from March 26, 1867, at which date the Hon. L. B. Gunckel. R ident Manager, took formal charge of the disabled soldiers then at the Ohio

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

State Home and transferred them to the nation's care. We cannot do bette here than to quote from a speech made by Mr. Gunckel in the presence of th officers, employes and veterans of the State Home upon the day of the transfer there being also present Gens. Wright, Mitchell and Warner, Gov. Cox an Lieut. Gov. McBurney. Said he: "Although technically the national asylum we wish you still to look upon it as the Soldiers' Home.

"We hope soon to furnish you one better deserving the name. Like th pioneer who first builds a log cabin, soon to be replaced by a larger and mor comfortable mansion, so this, your first home, will soon give way to one muc] larger and better. We hope before long to give you one which, in beauty and healthfulness of situation, extent of grounds, and size and character of buildings shall equal that of the richest and best of the land. In addition to chapel an school room, there will be work-shops, where you may learn new and lighte trades. adapted to your several disabilities. We hope, by proper surgical car and nursing, to send many of you again into the world, healthy and able t take care of yourselves, and, by suitable education. to prepare many of yo for teachers, book-keepers, clerks, mechanics, etc., and so be able to enter th lists with the best. Whenever you think you can get along in the world, w prefer that you should try. If you succeed, we bid you Godspeed. If yo fail, we will welcome you back. For here, as long as you live, is your home, f which, if you have left with an honorable discharge, you will be ever welcome.

How thoroughly these noble promises have been fulfilled and carried ou to the letter, a visit to the home will answer; for it would not be an exaggera tion to say that it is now one of the most beautiful spots on God's green foo stool. The grounds where this institution now stands were taken possessio of early in August, 1867, and the first men were sheltered here September : 1867; but it was not until the latter part of that year that the final transfer ( all the disabled soldiers from the Ohio State Home took place. Day by da this institution has grown larger, until it has assumed immense proportion furnishing a comfortable, and, in some respects, luxurious home to 4,000 di: abled veterans, supplying them with amusements. entertainments, literature education. moral and religious instruction. light and suitable employmen clean clothing and linen, and excellent food. To the casual observer who sa this place in 1868, and did not again behold it until 1882, the rapid growth ( the buildings, and the vast improvement and ornamentation of the ground seems a grandeur of design and a miracle of execution. Indeed, to the cor stant observer of this work, it seemed to progress with unexampled rapidit

To Lewis B. Gunckel, and to his zeal and energy in the cause, more tha to any other man, is attributable this wonderful advancement. The work « improvement has been prosecuted most vigorously, and alterations and add tions are being made continually. Although but a few years have elapse since its commencement, the Central Branch may be regarded as the large and most flourishing institution of its class in the world.

As an item of history, we append the following official statements rela ing to the appointment of the Board of Managers:

[Public Resolution. No. 24.]

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congr assembled, That the following persons be and they are hereby appointed Managers of t. National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, under the provisions and conditions the third seetion of the act approved March twenty-third, eighteen hundred and sixty-si Richard J. Oglesby, of Illinois, Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, and Frederic Smythe, of New Hampshire, of the first class, to serve six years; Lewis B. Gunckel, Ohio, Jay Cooke, of Pennsylvania, and P. Joseph Osterhaus, of Missouri, of the secon class, to serve four years; John H. Martindale, of New York, Horatio G. Stebbins, California, and George H. Walker, of Wisconsin, of the third class, to serve two years. Approved, April 21, 1866.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

By a joint resolution approved December 7, 1866, Erastus B., Wolcott of "isconsin, was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of George J Walker; and John S. Cavender, of Missouri, was appointed to fill the va- (ncy caused by the resignation of P. Joseph Osterhaus.

By a joint resolution approved June 9, 1870, Lewis B. Gunckel, Jay Cooke ad John S. Cavender, whose terms expired April 21, 1870, were re-appointed & managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. At the ne time Erastus B. Wolcott and John H. Martindale were re-appointed on te Board of Managers, and Hugh L. Bond. of Maryland. was appointed to f: the vacancy caused by the resignation of Horatio G. Stebbins. Maj. Gen. Thomas O. Osborn, of Chicago, Ill., and Maj. Gen. James S. Negley, of Pitts- Irgh, Penn., became members of the Board of Managers, in place of Richard Oglesby and Jay Cooke. Thus in 1876, the following constituted the reg- Tar Board of Managers:

The President of the United States, ex officio ; the Chief Justice, ex officio. te Secretary of War ex officio: Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler. President; Maj. Gen. H. Martindale, First Vice President; Gov. Frederick Sinythe, Second Vice Jesident; Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, Secretary; Brig. Gen. John S. Cavender, bn. Hugh L. Bond, Dr. Erastus B. Wolcott. Maj. Gen. Thomas O. Osborn, laj. Gen. James S. Negley.

Since the above date a complete change has taken place in the Board of Managers, on account of the change in the political complexion of Congress, which controls the appointments. On the 20th of June, 1878, Col. Leonard Harris, of Ohio, Gen. Richard Coulter, of Pennsylvania, and Col. John A. 'artin, of Kansas, were appointed Managers to fill vacancies occasioned by te expirations of the terms of office April 21. 1876, of Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, (n. James S. Negley and Gen. John S. Cavender. By an act approved June 1, 1880, six new members of the Board were appointed, viz .: John M. Pal- ir, of Illinois; William B. Franklin, of Connecticut; and Charles W. Roberts, ( Maine, to fill vacancies which occurred April 21, 1878; and Martin T. Mc- Tihon, of New York; John Love, of Indiana; and David C. Fulton, of Wis- chisin, to fill vacancies which occurred April 21, 1880. The six retiring mem- Les were: Benjamin F. Butler. J. H. Martindale, Frederick Smythe, Hugh L. Ind, Erastus B. Wolcott and James S. Negley. By the death of Gen. John I've, January 29, 1881, a vacancy occurred in the board, and Gen. George B. IClellan, of New Jersey, was appointed to fill said vacancy. The following the gentlemen who now constitute the Board of Managers:

The President of the United States, ex officio: Chief Justice ex officio: te Secretary of War ex officio: Gen. William B. Franklin, President; Col. J'onard A. Harris, First Vice President: Gen. Richard Coulter, Second Vice Jesident; Gen. Martin T. McMahon, Secretary; Col. John A. Martin, Maj. livid C. Fulton, Gen George B. McClellan. Gen. John M. Palmer, Gen. Carles W. Roberts.

THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE HOME.

To attempt a minute description of this institution, with its intricate in - t'ior workings, is foreign to this article, and the reader will bear in mind fat much might be written which would be unimportant from a historical sindpoint, and therefore outside the scope of this work. The Home has two 1.Iroads running into its grounds, viz .: The Home Avenue. and the T. D. and Railroad, the former coming in on the east side. and the latter entering fom the north, and being but recently constructed. Both roads afford ample filties for reaching the Home, and are well patronized, paying institutions; It the Home Avenue Road, being the older one, we will start from its depot our description of this beautiful tribute to the Nation's defenders. On

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

reaching the Home, the visitor alights at a handsome depot, constructed in th Gothic style of architecture, with balconies on each side, supplied with com fortable seats. The interior is fitted up with counter and refreshment tables and attended by veterans of the Home. To the right is a commodious hotel erected in 1878, and paid for by the institution itself; where visitors will find good, comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Passing through the rear entrance of the depot, we reach, by means of rough-hewn stone steps, . broad and sloping avenue, and proceeding farther on arrive at an open space from where a magnificent picture presents itself to the view. At the right i a beautiful flagstaff, with the starry banner unfurled to the breezes of heaven The siege guns and mortars, with pyramids of shot and shell (the gift of a lov ing Government), and a battery in position as in battle, fill the thoughtfu beholder with thrilling memories.

Standing almost directly in front is the Headquarters Building located on the main avenue, an imposing brick structure 130x41 feet three stories, the third being a mansard, surrounded by broad veranda that completely embrace the building, the first story of which is user for the offices of the Governor, Treasurer and Secretary of the Home. Th second and third stories are used for a library and reading room, is 104x4 feet, and nineteen feet from floor to ceiling, lighted by ten windows each or the north and south sides, making it light, airy and cheerful, while at night cone reflector sheds its brilliant rays over all. This room contains the noter "Putnam Library," contributed by Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam, of Boston Mass., as a memorial of her son, William Lowell Putnam, who fell at the bat

tle of Ball's Bluff. This library now contains 5,000 volumes of well-selecter and valuable books. At the opposite end of the room is the "Thomas Library. containing some 7,000 volumes, contributed by the old soldiers and admirer of the lamented Gen. George H. Thomas, and named in his honor. Beside the books, there are regularly received most of the leading magazines, reviews etc., and some 300 daily and weekly newspapers. The formal opening of thi library took place in April, 1871. The room is large and beautiful, the ceiling handsomely frescoed, the walls hung with several hundred pictures, while strew around the walls on tables and in cases are exhibited many interesting relics of the great battles of the war.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 46

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