USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania > Part 16
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" The Bugle will commence sounding at Greenville, and sound both ways for the time of starting.
" The lovers of sport are determined to have it, independent of what may be procured in the circle, having now on hand three live Foxes ; and offer two dollars a head for four more delivered uninjured, within a week of the chase, to the Committee.1
" JAMES STEUART. JOHN C. M'NUTT. JOHN M. BRINKER."
To complete the series we will illustrate ; Politics (and the Art of Reporting) in '60 :
1 Clarion Democrat, February 24, 1860.
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FROM IRON ERA TO CIVIL WAR.
" STRATTANVILLE MASS MEETING .- Decorations, Banners, Speeches, &c. - One of the greatest political gatherings ever witnessed in this county was held at Strattanville on Thursday, Oct. 25th. The weather for a few days pre- vious presented unfavorable indications, but that morning the Eastern horizon was illuminated by the rays of an October sun - casting its shadows over the Autumnal scenery, rendering to the expectant people the pleasing knowledge that the smiles of an all-wise Providence favored on this occasion their wishes.
" In point of numbers as well as enthusiasm it has never been excelled in this county, even by the 'grand, unterrified Democracy' of this 'Berks of the West.' It was the inauguration of a series of meetings, that is destined to carry dismay into the ranks of the dissatisfied, discordant and belligerent nigger- driving Democracy of this county. This was the place of universal consent, where the great Republican Rally should be held, being the borough in the county giving the largest majority for the Gubernatorial and Congressional candidates.
" The following call was published in the Banner, aside from a printed bill, extensively circulated throughout this and the adjoining county :
" 'LINCOLN, HAMLIN AND VICTORY !
"'Grand Mass Convention at Strattanville, on Thursday, October 25th, 1860.
" ' All persons in favor of Free Homes, Free Men and Free Speech, turn out in your might for Lincoln and Hamlin. The Wide Awakes of the whole country will be present. And a Grand Torch Light Procession will take place in the evening, &c.'
" It was the most impressive, spirited, dignified and picturesque manifesta- tion that has ever been made by the people of this county to the hearty devotion of the interests of that party which will protect the laboring man in all branches of industry. The very appearance of so many true, honest voters, avowing together their adherences to that mighty man of Springfield, Illinois, who will guide the Ship of State for four years, hereafter, was calculated to excite in the minds of earnest Republicans and liberal Democrats, great enthusiasm.
"Great credit is due to the citizens of Strattanville for the manner in which they acquitted themselves. By persistent, hard work, they accomplished what is done in few towns of the same population. Despite the unfavorable reports as to numbers, they prepared to receive all in such a manner that demonstrated their feelings were enlisted in the cause ; and we are glad to announce they rendered universal satisfaction. From personal observation, we can attest to their ceaseless working on the day and night of Wednesday - not to mention the preceding days, of which we are credibly informed were wholly occupied in preparing devices, emblems and decorations, which we will describe here- after.
" At an early hour the different avenues leading to the village were thronged
140
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
with gaily dressed men and women (in their holiday attire), to witness the gor- geous spectacle existing in their imaginations, which was soon after exempli- fied in reality. By 10 o'clock the different delegations approached, added con- tinually to the increasing procession ; and the never ceasing shouts that went up from thousands of voices, greeting their brother Republicans in thunder- tones, bespoke in stronger Saxon than we can indite with the feeble pen, that the people of Clarion county, in sympathy with other Democratic strongholds, desired to relieve that old Corrupt Public Functionary from his position, and substitute a man capable of administering the Government on principles - not sectionally. The display confirmed it. It was a scene that will not be eradi- cated from the minds of those who witnessed it until they cross the deep valley whose shadow is death.
" The streets were lined with ladies, attired in costume most becoming for the day, presenting a sight of rare beauty ; and the bevy of ladies congregated in different places added animation to the scene, and this gave an emphatic recognition to the claims of Abraham Lincoln from the ladies of Clarion county, whose waving handkerchiefs gave an impetus to the gathering. With excus- able inefficiency the marshals were unable to get the vast crowd together be- fore the hands of the clock pointed to the hour of one. Before giving an outline of the procession, we will briefly describe the decorations of the town: At the Western end there was a wreath suspended across the street, on which were five circular wreaths, and 'Lincoln ' in letters 14 inches in length, composed of evergreens. Farther down, near the center of the town were two beautiful arches extending across the street, with round wreaths hanging to the middle and sides. Below this is a 40 foot flag inscribed ' Lincoln and Hamlin, Presi- dent and Vice President.' In the Eastern portion of the town there was an arch differing from the others in regard to shape, they all being composed of hemlock branches. Also a wreath with no inscription ; another arch beauti- fully prepared, requiring much labor to get it up, with 'Lincoln' in letters composed of spruce. Several private houses were adorned in a manner highly creditable to the cause. The speaker's stand in the centre of town was embel- lished by a long wreath, two circular wreaths and an arch, composed of ever- greens and Autumnal flowers. One full length steel engraving of Washington, one of Henry Clay, a bust of Washington, &c.
" At last Grand Marshal Barber succeeded in bringing into line the follow- ing delegations (assisted by 21 marshals.) Sligo and Curllsville Wide Awakes, under command of H. W. Longwell, drawn by six two horse teams ; one teanı of four horses. Caps, capes, lamp posts, miner's lamps, &c., preceded by the Clarion brass band. Then came the Clarion township delegation drawn by one six horse team; two wagons; forty-four one horse buggies; three two- horse carriages, bearing banners with various mottoes, which, in the hurry of the moment we were unable to procure. Next followed the Jefferson county
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FROM IRON ERA TO CIVIL WAR.
delegation, which consisted of nine yoke of oxen drawing one wagon, contain- ing two men making shingles, which were distributed along the streets, calling forth the loudest plaudits from the assembled thousands; one four-horse team ; six two horse wagons; two Phaetons; one rockaway; two one horse carriages; twenty-three horseback riders. We might just here say, that on account of all appearing equally well, it would be difficult to bestow praise on any one delegation.
" Next followed the Porter and Limestone township delegations (majority being from Porter). This consisted of five assistant marshals ; four, four-horse teams, finely decorated with evergreens, bearing flags with appropriate mottoes, among which we noticed ' Hurrah for the Rail-Splitter.' Two teams of two horses each ; one buggy; then came in order ten ladies on horseback from Strattanville-Helen and Mill Creek townships came in with a band of music ; ten men on foot ; four marshals; fifteen yoke of oxen, driver for each yoke. The Garibaldi Wide Awake Club, of Strattanville next appeared, drawn by six horses, in three teams, without uniform. (This company having sent off for the regalia, were disappointed in receiving it in time for this occasion). The Strattanville brass band drawn by four horses was followed by two wagons, filled with the precious freight of thirty-three little girls, in snow white dresses, representing the several States ; and one other larger girl on horseback, dressed in mourning, emblematical of Kansas, entirely deprived of admittance into the Glorious Confederacy of these United States on account of her hostility to Democracy ; twelve young ladies did a considerable quilting, which attracted much attention, and they were frequently greeted with cheers. A regular ' blacksmith shop' was erected on a wagon drawn by two horses. Another wagon contained a saddler making girths, and during the time consumed in marching and counter-marching, we learned twenty-two were manufactured ; also in this conveyance was a boot and shoemaker, who endeavored to keep up the reputation of the 'craft ' for work. Five men in one wagon following -were engaged at the various trades enumerated below. One geared a wheel ; another put together a bedstead, with an assistant ; while the fourth prepared a threshing machine cylinder with a chisel, the crank being turned by the fifth. All the mechanics in the last wagon described wore white hats, to the infinite amusement of the entire party. Immediately following was represented an oil derrick, in full tide of successful operation, attracting from its novelty much attention. The grand feature of the day was thirty-two yoke of oxen, drawing a wagon containing the rail-splitters, who mauled plenty of rails and distrib- uted them along the streets, each yoke of oxen attended by a driver, with chapeaus à la Napoleon. 'For want of space we are compelled to omit a de- scription of several wagons. The Pike Furnace Wide Awakes made a very creditable display, belated it is true, but on account of the distance they came were received more cordially. In the evening, after the torch-light procession
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HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
the citizens of Strattanville tendered them a supper, which was accepted and passed off finely. They were forty-eight in number, accompanied by a mar- tial band ; five two horse teams ; one four horse wagon-horses adorned with plumes tipped with red. They counted ninety-six wagons and buggies as the several delegations came in, but in the large procession they were not all out, as the more timid expressed their fears of accommodations in the thronged condition of the town.
" The crowd was variously estimated, and conflicting opinions expressed in regard to the number of thousands, but we will not discuss that point here. At length after the 'inner man ' was bountifully supplied, the assembled thou- sands congregated about the stand ; Samuel Wilson, of Strattanville, called the meeting to order by appointing Hon. C. Myers, President, who was assisted by a large number of Vice Presidents ; several Secretaries were nominated, and took their respective stations. The President returned thanks for the honor of presiding over so vast an assemblage of Republicans, and congratulated them on the result of the last election-he would not make a speech (cries of go on) to the great crowd here; if there were but twenty of them present in a log school-house he could do better. He then introduced G. W. Lathy, Esq., who was received with three hearty cheers. He delivered in an hour one of his learned, powerful and pleasing speeches on the various topics of the day, which was listened to with great attention ; we are sorry our space will not permit us to publish it entire, as furnished us-together with the synopsis of the other speeches. Mr. Hickok, Ex-State Superintendent, then followed. The balance of the speakers were Messrs. Finley, Craig, Amos Myers, C. Myers, of Clarion, and M. A. Dowling, of Jefferson.
" The torch-light procession was a brilliant display, although it was not so large as expected, being one hundred and sixty lamps and twenty-two trans- parencies. The proceedings did not terminate until a late hour." 1
CHAPTER XIII.
THE SOLDIERS OF CLARION COUNTY IN THE REBELLION.2
INTRODUCTION.
I
T has been said that human history never has been and never can be written. Let this sentiment here apply. The history of Clarion county's soldiers never has been written, and it never can be written in such a manner as justly
1 Clarion Banner November 2, 1860.
2 This and the following chapters, giving the history of Clarion County military organizations in the War of the Rebellion, are prepared by Mr. W. A. BEER.
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CLARION COUNTY IN THE REBELLION.
to pass down to future generations all that was done by them worthy of emu- lation, or deserving of condemnation.
Every community has a history ; which history, if written, would not all be clean, honest, noble, and inspiring. It could not be. A true history is a record of motives and purposes that bring about events, as well as a record of tran- spired events. Alas ! too often, therefore, history, if truly written, would bear upon its pages the sophistical palaver of the knave, and the untempered har- angues of the fool ; the unjust murmurings of disappointed ambition, and the unwept tears of broken-hearted love; the midnight skulkings of the coward, and the inhuman acts of the villain and the murderer.
Concerning a community of 24,988 souls, which was the population of Clarion county in 1860, posterity would scarcely expect to find the history of that community's nearly three thousand soldiers to be entirely without some of those darker pages. As they went forth to the struggle well might it be said :
Some few may cause a noble wife to weep ; Some few may break a mother's Spartan heart ; Some few may fail their martial vows to keep ; Some few, too weak, may play the coward's part ; But see the HEROES in that band !
Heroes, indeed ! The writer has in mind instances of suffering and devotion, of patriotism and bravery, and of complete and perfect manliness as exempli- fied by the lives of some Clarion county soldiers, that would stand in splendor on history's page side by side with the most notable exploits of the soldiers of Miltiades at Marathon, or those of Leonidas at Thermopyla, or of those of Napoleon at Austerlitz. It is a truth of history, for which every true son of Clarion county has cause to be proud, that the number of dishonest men, cow- ards, or worse men, who went to the war from Clarion county was exceedingly small.
Believing that human inspirations and aspirations are identical the world over, when human beings stand on the same plane of civilization and enlight- enment, it is reasonable to conclude that some of our soldiers entered the army for gain, and some for mere adventure. It has been so in all time. Men have, in other times, walked over the ground sanctified by the blood of the slain, to gather indications of a " deal," and why not some of these ? Men have, in other times, shared the prison of comrades and intensified that prison's damnable memories by setting unnatural and unholy prices upon that which they had " to sell " to a suffering companion, and why not some of these ? Men have - in other times, stolen a fellow soldier's meager pay, or stolen away from duty, willing to be known as a " deserter," and why not some of these ?
Some did make for themselves records like these in the memories of their comrades, and that fact emphasizes the grandeur of the lives of the great ma- jority, who had kindled upon their hearthstones the fires of patriotism long before they ever thought of seeing them burn upon the battle-field ; who would
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HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
scorn to traffic for profit where the dead were buried or where the wounded suffered, while they were not armed and equipped to defend the flag; who shared their last pinch of salt, for nothing, with a comrade ; who would sooner die than rob a soldier ; and who would rather stand by the flag and suffer than forsake it.
The following rolls are an eloquent tribute to the twenty-nine hundred men and more whose names constitute the honor roll of Clarion county. The man who deserted because he expected to get "bounty " by returning, certainly de- served a death ignominious. The man who fled the carnival of death because of mortal terror, deserved to be pitied. God made him as he was. The man who forsook the flag, fearing that his loved ones at home would not be cared for, might well renounce his share of the government in which he had not faith enough to trust it with his all. These things are all a part of the history of the wars in which mankind participates.
To judge of the deed, the motive should be known, so if by the following pages any one soldier is shown in the light of facts to have been not a true sol- dier, it is hoped that the mantle of charity will be thrown over the errors of both the living and the dead, to the end that the descendants of the dead may not feel the iron in their souls, but may be loyal, patriotic, brave and useful citizens ; and that the undutiful living may live down the mistakes of the past and bequeath to their children a correct conception of duty to our country.
The noble women of Clarion county who kept watch by day and vigil by night during these four deathless years, deserve a more fitting tribute than this poor pen can give. Their reward is for the future.
The sturdy yeomanry who remained at home to work and to encourrge the bereaved ones, and care for the widow and the orphan, and do the duties that devolved upon them as civilians, are worthy of commendation, and no true history will question the motives or challenge the sentiments of that honorable class of our population, unless perhaps it might be to call in question the loyalty of some particular individual or individuals. With the hope that this sketch of the mil- itary achievements of the men of Clarion county may have a correct influence upon posterity, it is respectfully dedicated to the soldiers of Clarion county, by their friend, THE AUTHOR.
145
COMPANY H, 37TH REGIMENT.
CHAPTER XIV.
COMPANY H, THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT - EIGHTH RESERVE,
Organization - Service in the Field - Roll of the Company.
C
OMPANY H, of the Eighth Reserve, was the first company recruited in Clarion county with a view to entering the war. It was recruited at Strat- tanville April 30, 1861, by Captain William Lemon, at which time fifty-four men joined the company.1 Before being mustered into the State service at Pitts- burgh, about the 28th of June, the company was increased to seventy-five men, and when mustered into the United States service at Washington on Meridian Hill, July 27, 1861, it numbered eighty-four men.
Company H was recruited for the three months service and proceeded from Clarion to Camp Wilkins near Pittsburgh. It was not accepted. It removed from Camp Wilkins to Camp Wright, twelve miles above Pittsburgh on the Allegheny River. Here it remained with forty-two other companies, which had been recruited for three months service, but not accepted. None of the companies, except those belonging to the Erie Regiment, had any regimental organization. Colonel John W. McClane was in command of the camp. Early in June General McCall visited the camp and selected the companies to form the Eighth Regiment. Captain Lemon's company was designated as Company H of this regiment, and on the 28th of June it was organized and officered as follows : George S. Hays, M. D., of Allegheny county, colonel ; S. D. Oli- phant, lieutenant-colonel, and J. B. Gardner, major.
The regiment having been armed and uniformed at Camp Wright, it was ordered to Washington on the 20th of July. By rail it went to Harrisburg; there it received other equipments, and proceeded thence to Baltimore. At Baltimore it received tents, and then went on to Washington, where it arrived July 23, and went into camp on Meridian Hill, where it was mustered into the service of the United States, July 27.
It remained here till August 2, when it was ordered to the Reserve Camp at Tenallytown. At Tenallytown the Eighth was assigned to the First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General John F. Reynolds. At this time the Eighth numbered eight hundred and ninety men, armed with muskets of improved pattern and with rifles. Company H numbered eighty-two men ; it had eighty- four when mustered in July 27, but two had deserted July 29, leaving the num- ber stated. Soon after being assigned to the First Brigade the regiment was ordered to support the Seventh, which was on picket duty at Great Falls, and was being shelled vigorously by the enemy. The Eighth remained on duty in
1 Bates says in roster of Company H, on page 778 that John H. Beck was recruited April I. This seems to be an error ; however, it is not important, and if correct the company numbered fifty-five on the 30th of April.
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HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
that vicinity several days, and during that time Company H was initiated into the hardships, but not into the horrors of war; that ordeal was reserved for it till after having experienced the vicissitudes of a winter in camp, as a part of a mighty invading army ; an army destined to be a triumphant and magnani- mous army, in the achievements of which Company H, with the other twenty- five companies recruited wholly or in part in Clarion county, was to bear such a part as could only be borne by an efficient organization of patriotic men.
On the 9th of October the regiment crossed the Potomac to Langley, Va., and took position, with the division, in line with the Army of the Potomac. Here it went into winter quarters. While in its winter camp the Eighth was thoroughly drilled and instructed by its officers. On the 20th of December, the regiment, with the brigade, marched five miles to Difficult Creek, but hear- ing the guns of the enemy who had engaged the Third Brigade at Dranesville, General Reynolds started with his brigade on a double quick to assist General Ord. He reached the field in time to see the steady fire of Ord's victorious troops scatter the rebels and drive them from the field.
After breaking up winter quarters the regiment moved to Hunter's Mills, and, under orders to concentrate to embark for the Peninsula, thence to Alex- andria. While encamped at Alexandria the division was attached to McDow- ell's First Corps, and remained in front of Washington, going from Alexandria to Manassas, thence to Warrenton Junction, and thence to Falmouth. From Falmouth, Reynolds moved across the river and occupied Fredericksburg, and then commenced an advance on the Richmond and Potomac Railroad. The brigade was then recalled, and sent by water to the Peninsula. The regiment landed at White House, and joined McClellan's army at Gaines's Mill.
Meantime on the 20th of May, 1862, before embarking, Lieutenant Wetter, of Company H, was promoted to adjutant. Adjutant Wetter was well known throughout Clarion county as Major Wetter.
June 26, 1862, at Mechanicsville, the Eighth entered upon its stern work of offering human life upon its country's altar. On that day began the terrible experience of guard, and march, and struggle, and bivouac for Company H.
During the Seven Days' fight Company H had some severe fighting at Me- chanicsville, Gaines's Mill, White Oak Swamp, and Charles City Cross Roads. Colonel Lemon, Adjutant Wetter, and Lieutenant A. H. Beck were wounded at Charles City Cross Roads, June 30, 1862. Adjutant Wetter was subse- quently wounded, with loss of leg, at Thoroughfare Gap, August 18, 1862, and he resigned December 28, 1863. Colonel Lemon was mustered out with the regiment, May 24, 1864.
At Bull Run, Hiram McKendree was killed August 29. At South Moun- tain the company was engaged, and Wolfgang Heppinger was killed Septem- ber 14. At Antietam the Eighth occupied the center, being with General Meade. The artillery fire of the enemy beat back the Reserve with severe loss.
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COMPANY H. 37TH REGIMENT.
Company H had Daniel Barr killed, and Jacob Noll and William A. Sipler wounded, September 17.
At Fredericksburg, December 13, the loss of the company was as follows : Colonel Lemon, Captain Keatley, Wilson M. Dorey, Joseph Owen, and Joseph Hoover, all wounded. Owen lost a leg, and Hover died from his wounds.
During the battle of the Wilderness Company H had the following wounded : Stephen D. Myers, William Crooks, Daniel McNany, William O'Brien, and Warren Whitehill. George W. Stover was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864.
During the time the company was in service the following died from wounds received in battle. The dates and names of the battles are unknown to the writer : Robert Cunningham, John Peters, and William B. Showers. The fol- lowing were discharged for wounds; date and battle not known : A. J. Gallo- way, A. M. Brenneman, Carson R. Crisman, Calvin Basim, loss of leg; Albert J. Goble, J. W. Henderson, William Maloney, John M. Ross, John H. Sweeney, John H. Vensil, Daniel Walters, and John Young.
The company went out with eighty-four men. It received six recruits. Captain William Lemon and Lieutenant Wetter were promoted to field offi- cers. Twenty-nine were wounded, four were killed - one accidentally and three in battle; four died from wounds ; eleven died of disease ; twelve were discharged for wounds, and seven for other causes; twenty-five were trans- ferred ; one was taken prisoner ; one was not on the muster-out roll ; five re- signed ; three deserted ; and twenty-one, including the one prisoner, were mus- tered out with the regiment May 24, 1864. Lieutenant Beck and Lieutenant Dunkle have both been sheriff of Clarion county.
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