USA > Virginia > Augusta County > Augusta County > Annals of Augusta County, Virginia, with reminiscences illustrative of the vicissitudes of its pioneer settlers (A Supplement) > Part 27
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A Methodist church was built in Staunton before the close of the last century, probably in 1797, although the name of " Staunton circuit " first appears on the minutes of the Methodist Episcopal church in the year 1806. Mr. Samson Eagon, who lived on the top of the hill, south- west corner of Main and Coalter streets, was one of the founders of the church in this community. He was a zealous and good man, uni- versally respected, and held religious services at times in his wagon- maker's shop, which stood In the same lot as his dwelling. Hence the eminence on which he lived was called "Gospel Hill." The present church building in Staunton is the third which has occupied the same spot. There is now a Methodist church at nearly every village in the county, the number of churches and chapels being eighteen, besides several colored Methodist churches.
The German Reformed church in the county dates back to the last century. For many years this denomination held jointly with the Luthe- rans, St. John's church, near Middlebrook, St. Peter's, at Churchville, and Zion's, near Waynesborough. The Rev. John Brown ministered to these churches many years, till 1833. From 1835 to 1858 the Rev. J. C. Hensel officiated at St. John's. New Bethany church, at Newport, was founded in 1845, and a church was built at Mint Spring in 1882.
The Tunker, or German Baptist church, was organized in the county about the year 1790. Its places of worship are known as Mt. Vernon,
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
Barren Ridge, Valley District and Moscow, with branches at several places.
The United Brethren have fifteen organized churches in the county, and eleven houses of worship.
The Catholic church in Staunton was built in 1850. A school con- nected with the church is conducted by Sisters of Charity.
A Baptist church was organized in Staunton in 1853 and the present house of worship was built in 1855. There are now six Baptist churches of the same connection in the county -at Waynesborough, Greenville, &c .- besides two colored churches in Staunton.
VOTE OF AUGUSTA COUNTY IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.
1844.
For Clay. 1,398
For Polk 665
1848.
" Taylor
1,34I
=
Cass
720
1852.
Scott
1,674
Pierce
1,388
1856.
" Fillmore
1,904
Buchanan. 1,499
1860. Bell, 2,553; for Douglas, 1,094; for Breckenridge, 218.
I868. (Southern States not allowed to vote.)
1872. For Greeley 1,943
For Grant
. 1,008
1876. Tilden "
4,137
Hayes
1,317
Hancock (D.) .. 3,377
Garfield 1,40I
1880. " (Read.) 724
I884.
Cleveland . .. 4,103
Blaine. 2,97I
For want of a more suitable place, we may mention here three of our county-men who achieved more or less distinction abroad.
John Hall was born in Augusta in 1769. He removed to North Caro- lina, and became a judge of the Supreme Court of that State. His 'death occurred January 29, 1833. He was an uncle of the late Alexander S. Hall and Dr. Isaac Hall.
James Haggerty was a poor boy, born in Staunton. Colonel Robert Gamble found him working in a brickyard, took him into his store, first in Staunton, and afterwards in Richmond, trained him to business, and sent him to England. He became a prosperous merchant in Liverpool, and in 1841, was appointed United States Consul at that port.
Joseph G. Baldwin, a nephew of General Briscoe G. Baldwin, was reared in Staunton. He went to Alabama to practice law, wrote and published two popular books-"Flush Times in Alabama " and "Party Leaders"-and at the time of his death was a judge of the Supreme Court of California.
CHAPTER XIII.
AUGUSTA COUNTY AND THE WAR OF SECESSION-1860-'2.
It is not expected that we should give here a history of the recent war, from 1861 to 1865; but a brief account of the state of affairs in the county during that period will be attempted. Much has been written and published about the battles of the war and the life of soldiers in the field ; we propose to relate succinctly how the people at home fared, what they saw and heard, what they thought, and how they felt.
Until the war actually arose, the sentiment of the people of Augusta, with the exception of a few individuals, was earnestly in favor of maintaining the Union. At the Presidential election, Breckenridge, who was regarded as the secession candidate (although most of his supporters denied that he was), received only 218 votes in the county, while Bell received 2,553, and Douglas, 1,094.
As soon as the result of the election was known, the people of South Carolina took steps to secede from the Union ; and there- upon many citizens of Augusta published a call for a county mass- meeting on Saturday, November 17, to consult as to what course was necessary " for the preservation of the Union in the present alarming condition of our country." The meeting was held in the courthouse on the day named, and was large and enthusiastic. Alexander H. H. Stuart presided, and John L. Peyton acted as secretary. It was resolved to appoint a commit- tee of thirteen to report to a meeting at November court such resolutions as they might deem proper for the people of Augusta to adopt. By vote of the meeting, Mr. Stuart was made chair-
281
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
man of the committee, and the other members were Hugh W. Sheffey, George Baylor, John B. Baldwin, John L. Peyton, Ken- ton Harper, John D. Imboden, George M. Cochran, Jr., Joseph A. Waddell, John McCue, Benjamin Crawford, Gerard B. Stuart, and Robert Guy.
.
On November court day (the 26th) the courthouse was crowded with people anxious to participate in the proceedings, and never were more interest and anxiety exhibited by a popular assembly. A series of resolutions, written by Hugh W. Sheffey, and with some modifications adopted by the committee of thirteen, was reported to the meeting. One of the resolutions declared the Constitution of the United States to be "the easiest yoke of government a free people ever bore, and yet the strongest pro- tector of rights the wisdom of man ever contrived." Another expressed sympathy with the people of the extreme Southern States in their aggrieved feeling at the election of Lincoln, but appealed to them to unite with Virginia "in testing the efficacy of remedies provided by the Constitution and within the Union." The last resolution was as follows : "That our senator and dele- gates be requested, in the discharge of the responsible duties which will soon devolve upon them, in the spirit of harmony and conciliation attempted to be expressed in these resolves, to bend all their energies to keep Virginia to her moorings as 'the Flag Ship of the Union,' and to induce her, placed as she is between the North and the extreme South, with moderation, forbearance and wisdom worthy of her ancient renown, to exert her power and influence to preserve, on the one hand, the known and equal rights of her own people as citizens of a common country, and, on the other, the harmony of the Union and the integrity of the Constitution."
Every attempt to change the resolutions was voted down, and they were adopted by an overwhelming majority. A resolution in favor of a State Convention, to be called by the Legislature, was also defeated, Union men considering that a step in the direction of secession. Thus the people of Augusta took their stand in favor of the Union, and against every measure which it was feared might tend to its dissolution. But while in favor of the Union, they were opposed to all measures of coercion by the Federal Government, regarding an enforced union of States, by means of military power, as inconsistent with our theory of gov-
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
ernment, and not to be desired. They preferred to allow any State, resolved upon secession, to try the experiment without let or hindrance. For themselves, they proposed to remain in the Union. And although seeking peace, they reserved the right to determine on which side they would fight, if fight they must.
During the months of December and January, the course of events was watched with intense anxiety. President Buchanan having appointed Friday, January 4, 1861, as National Fast Day, on account of the disturbed condition of the country, the occa- sion was observed in Staunton in a remarkable manner. The whole people appeared to feel the solemnity of the crisis. All the stores were closed, and business generally was suspended. Sermons were preached in the various churches by the respective pastors at II o'clock, A. M., and at 3 a Union prayer-meeting was held in the Lutheran church, which was crowded to over- flowing. Vain was the help of man-God was earnestly en- treated to interpose and save the country from ruin.
Contrary to the wishes of the people of Augusta, the Legisla- ture passed an act providing for a State Convention. The elec- tion was held on the 4th of February, and Alexander H. H. Stuart, John B. Baldwin and George Baylor were chosen, as Union men, to represent Augusta county.
The Convention met in February, and, being largely composed of men opposed to secession, if it could be avoided, for two months labored to prevent disunion, and restore peace to the distracted country. It seemed to our people that a correspond- ing spirit was not exhibited by the Federal government and the North generally. A great revolution was in progress in many of the Southern States, but the authorities at Washington persisted in treating it as the ebullition of a mob. President Lincoln hav- ing been inaugurated, formidable military and naval preparations were set on foot. Finally, Fort Sumter having surrendered to the Carolinians, the President issued a proclamation on April 15th calling for seventy thousand volunteers. Virginia was asked to furnish her quota of troops, and Staunton was named as one of the places of rendezvous. The proclamation precipitated the action of the Convention, and an ordinance of secession, subject to the vote of the people, was passed April 17, 1861. From that day, however, a state of war between Virginia and the United States was recognized as existing. Our people almost unanimously
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
took side with the Southern States. Which side-North or South-was to blame, we sliall not discuss here, but the people of Augusta, and, indeed, of the whole State, have always felt that they were not responsible for the conflict.
Much military enthusiasm prevailed throughout the State after the "John Brown raid," and many volunteer companies were or- ganized in this county. When the war began we had about a dozen, one artillery, two cavalry, and the remainder infantry. All the infantry companies were armed, and the artillery had four pieces of cannon. The West Augusta Guard, of Staunton, the oldest of the organizations, was completely equipped.
On the 13th of April the commissioned officers of seven of the organized companies in the county met in Staunton to form a volunteer regiment, to be designated the Fifth, as provided by law. The following field officers were elected : William S. H. Baylor, Colonel ; Absalom Koiner, Lieutenant-Colonel; Frank- lin F. Sterrett, First Major, and Rudolph Turk, Second Major. Other companies in the county were invited to join the regiment. The organization of the regiment was, however, not completed, the various companies being ordered to the field a few days afterwards and a different arrangement consummated.
April 17, 1861, was a day of intense excitement in Staunton. People from the country poured into town, and all business and labor were suspended. An order had been received by telegraph from Richmond-irregularly issued, it was afterwards ascertained -requiring the various military companies of the county to pre- pare to march. Late in the afternoon of the 17th, the West Augusta Guard, Captain William S. H. Baylor, and the Staun- ton Artillery, Captain John D. Imboden, went eastward by a special railroad train, and it soon afterwards appeared that their destination was Harper's Ferry, by way of the Alexandria and Manassas Gap railroad.
On the 19th the companies from Springhill, (Captain Doyle), Greenville, (Captain Newton), and Middlebrook, (Captain Wil- liams), marched down the Valley. Captain Patrick's troop of cavalry, and Captain Koiner's company of infantry also marched on the 19th without passing through Staunton. The West View company, (Captain Roberts), the Mt. Solon company, (Captain Grinnan), the Mt. Sidney company, (Captain Stuart M. Craw- ford), commanded by Lieutenant William P. Johnston, the cap-
.
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
tain being sick, and Captain A. W. Harman's company, organ ized at Staunton, speedily followed the others down the Valley.
Kenton Harper, Major-General of militia, was ordered by the Governor to proceed to Harper's Ferry and take command. He was, however, superseded by Colonel Thomas J. Jackson before the close of the month.
Eight infantry companies from this county and two more from the lower valley, were organized at Harper's Ferry as the Fifth Virginia regiment. This regiment became a part of the "Stone- wall Brigade," and served during the war, at the close of which very few of the original members survived. The first field offi- cers of the regiment were Kenton Harper, Colonel; William H. Harman, Lieutenant Colonel ; and Wm. S. H. Baylor, Major.
Staunton soon became an important military station, and a great depot for army supplies. M. G. Harman was the first quartermaster of the post, with the rank of major. He, on going to the field, was succeeded for a short time by A. W. Harman. Finally, H. M. Bell was appointed to the office, and held it during the last two and a half years of the war. The first commissary of the post was Captain F. H. Henderson, who was succeeded by Captain E. W. Bayly. Wm. M. Tate, of Augusta, afterwards commissioned commissary, with the rank of major, was stationed at Staunton as agent for the purchase of army subsistence. Extensive hospitals for sick and wounded soldiers were also organized and maintained here during the war. The first surgeon in charge was Dr. J. Alexander Waddell, and after- wards, successively, Dr. Hay and Dr. A. M. Fauntleroy.
During the latter part of April, sixty-nine wagons laded with guns from the Lexington arsenal, arrived in town. Day after day troops also arrived and departed. On May 18, seven com- panies, under command of Colonel John Echols, were tem- porarily quartered here. The ladies were then busily at work making soldiers' garments.
The ordinance of secession was voted on by the people May 23, and ten votes against it were cast in the county. The vote for the ordinance was 3, 130. At the same time Hugh W. Shef- fey, William M. Tate and James Walker were elected to the House of Delegates. Bolivar Christian represented the county in the State Senate.
On June 4, news of the encounter with the enemy at Philippa,
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
Barbour county, was received. The Churchville cavalry, Cap- tain Sterrett, was there, which increased the anxiety felt in the community. A considerable body of Virginia troops was soon collected in the northwestern part of the State, beyond the Alle- ghany mountain, and most of the supplies were forwarded from Staunton. For this purpose, in addition to government wagons and teams, many others belonging to farmers were temporarily pressed into service.
Captain R. D. Lilly's company, organized at Staunton, and four other companies from different counties, started to the northwest on June 7. Regiment after regiment and company after company arrived and departed in like manner.
The militia of the county were called out on the 28th of June. On the 15th and 16th of July we had tidings of the disaster in the northwest, and of the death of General Garnett.
From a diary kept by the writer at Staunton during the war, we shall now make sundry extracts, as more likely to interest the reader than any other statement of facts. A contemporary ac- count, written on the spot, will, perhaps, to some extent, enable readers to view things as they were seen by the writer. We quote:
Saturday, July 20, 1861 .- We have had a horrid view of war since my last. On Thursday evening two wagons full of sick soldiers arrived from Monterey, Highland county. Before these could be provided for, others were brought in. The sick men were taken out of the wagons and placed in the sheriff's office and courthouse, many of them on the floors. The sight was a sickening one-one man gasping with asthma, another burning with fever, and another shaking with chills. There are now at least one hundred and fifty sick soldiers in town. The citizens are doing what they can for them. *
* The Arkansas regiment left for the northwest yesterday. Two other regiments left this morn- ing, and a fourth will go to day. The men of one of the companies sang as they moved off: "We'll stand the storm," etc. * * George M. Cochran, Jr., arrived from Winchester yesterday evening, and says General Johnston has gone across the Blue Ridge to reinforce Beaure- gard at Manassas. * * *
Evening .- The sick soldiers have been coming in all day in crowds, and are lying about in every place, suffering for food, etc. * * *
On the 19th we heard by telegraph of some fighting in Fairfax county, which was the beginning of the "First Battle of Ma- nassas."
Monday, July 22 .- The telegraph reported yesterday that the fight
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
near Manassas Junction had been renewed, and this morning there is intelligence of a great battle, lasting from 8 A. M. till 6 P. M. The vic- tory is attributed to our side. The enemy were said to be retreating, pursued by our cavalry. Total loss (on both sides, it is presumed,) ten thousand to twelve thousand. Most of the volunteers from this county were on the field, and we know that at least a part of General Johnston's command was in the engagement. The utmost desire, not without apprehension, is felt to obtain full particulars.
At night the telegraph announced that one member of the Staunton Artillery and two of the Guards (William H. Wood- ward and Joab Seely) had been killed, and that seven men in both companies were wounded.
Tuesday, July 23 .- The town is overflowing with sick soldiers and stragglers from the Northwestern army. There are probably three bun- dred in hospital. No arrangements yet for their comfort at the Institu- tion.
The State Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind had been occupied as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers ; but some time was required for making suitable arrangements.
Wednesday, July 24 .- The streets are full of soldiers, many of whom are lying against the houses and on store boxes. A free negro woman took three of them home with her to get something to eat and a place to lie down. They had arrived from Monterey, broken down and des- titute.
Thursday, July 25 .- A letter was received last night from Lyttelton Waddell, Jr. [of the Staunton Artillery]. He began the letter Sunday morning (21st), and in the first part gives an account of the march from Winchester and the arrival at Manassas. In the midst of a sentence he breaks off to say that he heard the report of cannon and must go to his post. At 5 o'clock P. M. he resumed and told about the battle; but at the close of the letter could not say definitely what was the result. On a separate piece of paper he states that General Johnston had come along and announced a victory ! More troops arrived last night, and a second North Carolina regiment this morning. Others are still here.
Friday, July 26 .- The booty captured after the battle near Manassas is said to be immense. The Federalists seem to have anticipated an easy march to Richmond, and were provided with all sorts of conve- niences and luxuries. Many females and children accompanied their army, and female apparel and even children's toys were found scattered over the ground.
Monday, July 29 .- Two railroad trains arrived yesterday with troops, Tennesseeans, I believe Part of them went on immediately by way of Millborough to the Northwestern army. * * General Lee arrived in the mail train late this evening, and was saluted by a Georgia artillery
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ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY.
company stationed on the left of the Middlebrook road, half a mile from town.
Tuesday, July 30 .- A Tennessee regiment went off last night. There are still, however, many soldiers about town. The drum is beating nearly all the time. The camp fires on Garber's hill Sunday night were very beautiful. * No paper has been issued from the Spectator office for two weeks, Mauzy and all his hands being in the militia. 'A long line of cavalry came in just before dinner from towards Winches- ter. There seemed to be three or four companies. McDonald's Legion they call themselves. The Georgia artillery company left town late this afternoon. More troops passed to-day on the railroad-two trains. I cannot keep count of them.
Wednesday, July 31 .- * * The militia have been greatly exercised for more than two weeks past. The number of men remaining to be furnished by this county, to make up the ten per cent. called for, was, on yesterday, three hundred and fifty. * * One or two more cavalry companies belonging to McDonald's Legion came in last evening. The whole number is said to be seven or eight hundred.
Friday, August 2 .- Troops! troops !! They have been pouring in yesterday and to-day, principally from Southwest Virginia and Tennes- see. They are rough-looking fellows, very free and easy in their man- ners, but generally well-behaved. The Rockbridge militia, some eight hundred strong, arrived day before yesterday. They have arranged to furnish their quota of volunteers, and the remainder will return home. The militia of Augusta, outside of Staunton, have also raised their quota, I believe; but the two town companies are still wrangling. *
* There must be from one thousand to twelve hundred volunteers at this place, recently enlisted, besides regiments stopping in transitu.
Wednesday, August 7 .- The soldiers passing through town make themselves very much at home, and sometimes make ludicrous mistakes. A party of them called at Mr. S.'s the other day and asked for food, which was given to them. An officer afterwards made his appearance, called for a room and dinner, and announced that he would be back to supper, leaving directions as to what he would have prepared. On taking his departure at night, when pay was refused for his entertain- ment, he discovered that he was not in a boarding-house, and expressed great mortification. He saw so many going there to eat he was sure it was a house of public entertainment.
The Augusta militia was discharged on the 7th of August, the quota of volunteers called for having been made up. The Fifty- second Virginia regiment was organized at that time. The field and staff officers were, John B. Baldwin, Colonel; M. G. Har- man, Lieutenant-Colonel; John D. Ross, Major; Dr. Livingston Waddell, Surgeon ; George M. Cochran, Jr., Quartermaster, and Bolivar Christian, Commissary.
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On August 20 the price of salt had gone up to $10 a sack, and on the 24th the price of coffee was forty cents a pound.
Thursday, August 22 .- It was rumored in town on yesterday that St. Louis had been burnt, and that our troops in Northwest Virginia had captured fourteen hundred of the enemy with the loss of General Loring. Neither report could be traced to any reliable source.
Monday, August 26 .- Yesterday afternoon the Rev. Dr. Armistead, of Cumberland county, preached to the soldiers camped on the Institution grounds. There was no pulpit, but the preacher stood under the trees or walked about, while the soldiers and others stood, or sat, or lay at full length in the grove. * * * The ladies are bent upon nursing at the hospital. Perhaps they agree with the Spectator (No. 193) "that there is in military men something graceful in exposing themselves naked." I hear some ludicrous stories of their performances. Mrs. - was very anxious to "do something," and went fussing round till she found one of the doctors. He gave her two prescriptions, which she hastened to administer, but was alarmed afterwards upon discover- ing that she had given a dose of calomel to a typhoid fever patient. It is said these ladies rub the fever patients and dose the rheumatics. One man had his face washed by one lady after another till he was perfectly clean or very tired of it.
This extract refers to a few good women who were entirely unfitted for the business of nursing ; many others proved " min- istering angels " in the hospitals here and elsewhere.
Tuesday, September 3 .- About one hundred Federal prisoners arrived last night from the west by railroad. They were taken in the affair at Gauley river between our troops under Floyd and the Federalists under a Colonel Taylor. Most of them are from Ohio.
Friday, September 6 .- The regiment lately organized here (Bald- win's) is preparing to start, but there is some trouble in the ranks. Moreover, many of the men are absent without leave. * * * The jailor of this county informs me that the Union men brought from Bev- erley when our army retreated from that place, and since then confined in our jail, are in miserable plight-some of them half naked. There are twenty-one of them. We continue to hear sad accounts of the sick- ness at Monterey. Eight deaths there yesterday or the day before.
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