USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 14
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The officers elected and installed at the first meeting, August 26. 1882. were: Commander, C. K. Erwin ; S. V. C., George Gra- ham ; J. V. C., E. L. Bolton ; Q. M .. J. A. Wells : surgeon. W. D. Stannard; chaplain, II. S. Beardsley; O. D., H. C. Spaulding ; O. G., Thomas MeCanl : adjutant, George Robinson ; S. M .. J. B. Adams : Q. M. S .. William Alexander : sentinels, Jacob Wells and John Organ.
ROSTER OF MEMBERS.
J. B. Adams, C. A. Adams, William Alexander. W. N. Alver- son, O. V. Auton, M. C. Alton. C. Bohn, W. T. Bristol, J. H. Beardsley. C. C. Boomer. R. E. Braman, John Brecker, D. F. Crandall. E. L. Craig. W. H. Calkins, C. A. Crawford, II. Camp- bell, N. Cary, A. N. Hickox, H. C. Spaulding. R. Toombs, E. Win- nie, C. A. Adams, E. L. Bolton, J. H. Crossett. W. H. Foote. E. N. Griswold, E. W. Iloward, N. Calkins. M. Flint, I. Perry, B. Rhodes, O. Root, H. Miller, Con. Merril, J. M. MeCurdy, D. II. Spooner. D. Thompson. A. D. Woodruff, W. N. Alverson, II. S. Beardsley, John Fryer, B. Kennedy, A. W. Sowle, O. T. Sowle. Sam Sutton, Con. Sullivan, John Organ, William Plunkett, George Persons, M. Robertson, G. B. Robinson, L. Richards, H. Rogga, George Waltenberg, D. B. Bon, C. G. Walker, John Whitfield, Z. E. Underwood, J. G. Williams, G. Woodard.
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PRESENT MEMBERSHIP.
M. C. Alton, J. Burnham, J. H. Beardsley, C. C. Boomer, W. B. Cassels, E. M. Cowles, B. Durham, E. A. Crocker. George Graham, O. Il. Hastings, L. Sweet, C. Vandervort, L. Van Voorhes. L. D. Wyatt, Thomas Hancock, A. B. Hoover, D. R. Jones, S. P. Janes, (. Il. Kellogg. A. E. Logan. M. Larkin, C. E. Loomer, Il. Lea, George M. Trowbridge, J. Vandervort, L. E. Vanloon. J. A. Wells, V. Mistle, C. F. Miller, Thomas MeCanl. A. N. Maltbie, R. Parker, S. Pokrand, J. Peterson, Thomas Reikie, D. P. Rockwood, I. Vandervort, M. Vandervort. F. Wise, George Walker.
PRESENT OFFICERS.
Commander, J. R. Burnham ; S. V. C., C. Il. Kellogg; J. V. C., B. Durham; surgeon, Thomas Reikie: chaplain, Robert Parker: adjutant, E. M. Cowles; Q. M., D. P. Rockwood; P. 1 .. George Graham ; O. D., E. A. Crocker : O. G., C. Vandervort ; S. M., W. B. Cassels; Q. M. S .. A. N. Maltby; delegate, C. Il. Kellogg: alternate, W. B. Cassels; trustee, Robert Parker; color bearer, George Trowbridge.
The post has a present membership of forty, and as the years roll on its members are growing steadily less, and the value of its associations greater to the comrades.
ALBERT E. HOLLISTER.
The following paper was read by Mr. Hollister before the Henry W. Cressy post, February 11, 1888:
"I was born May 26, 1845, in the county of Livingston, state of New York. My parents moved to Cass county. Michigan, when I was three years old. I lived on a farm until I enlisted. In Angust. 1862, I enlisted in Company A. Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. Being only seventeen, my father demanded my release of the cap- tain who enlisted me, which was readily granted. Among the number of our neighborhood was a cousin whom I will call Frank. We had been brought up together and had enlisted together, and I did not want to go home unless Frank did. So, rather than go home. I hired out to work on a farm. After working for a few days I took a 'lay-off' to visit camp and see the boys. After thinking the matter over I came to the conclusion that I was not to blame for being too young, and as I was older than Frank was, I would not stay at home and let him go. After staying around camp awhile. I offered myself. but the captain who enlisted me before. and in whose company Frank was, would' not
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take me again. We soon found a lieutenant whose company was not full and I offered myself. Ile asked my age and I told him eighteen. He told me to go with him up to the captain's office. The first inquiry of the captain was. 'How old are you?' 'Eight- een. sir,' was my answer. 'When will you be eighteen?' was his next question. 'Last May, sir,' was my reply. . I don't believe it,' he said. Ilere Frank thought he would help me a little and said to the captain, 'He is older than I am.' 'Were von there when he was born ?' asked the captain. As I was ten weeks older than Frank he had to admit he was not there.
"After a short consultation with the lieutenant, he concluded to take me, and accordingly I was enlisted in Company II and assigned to quarters. The only incident for some time in which I was in any way more interested than the rest of the boys hap- pened about two weeks after my enlistment. An acquaintance of mine came into eamp one day and picked up my gun. After looking at it a moment he made a motion as if to stick the bayo- net into my foot. I thought he would not strike and stood still. Hle thought I would jump and struck. Then I jumped. I was mad and he was badly frightened. . My G -! ' he exclaimed, 'I thought you would jump. Take off your shoe.' Taking off my shoe I found my foot bleeding, but not seriously injured. My father, hearing that I had been gone for some time from where he supposed I was. came to camp to look for me, but after finding that I had enlisted as eighteen, and as he thought that I was unwilling to leave. went home and left me. In a few days we were mustered into the United States service.
"After we broke ranks and went to our quarters I went to see Frank. He was but seventeen and could not be mustered. I was in a fix. I did not want to go unless Frank went. He tried another company but they would not take him. What would I do? I thought of a number of ways to get out, but did not want to be laughed at. All Frank could do was to go home. All I could do was to stay. I thought I would stick to it as it was my fault that I was so old. That night I could not sleep. The next day I did not see anything around camp to interest me. I felt pretty sober. In a week I did not have a grain of sand left. The first time my father came to see me I told him I would go home with him if he could get me out. He went to the colonel and was referred to the mustering officer. That official said they could not hold me if my parents objected to my going. The colonel swore at me for making so much trouble until the muster- ing officer told him to stop, as hundreds of boys were doing that
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every day. Men were more willing to enlist at that time than a year or so later, or I could not have got out of my scrape as easily as I did. I went home. I had been a soldier long enough. so I thought at that time.
"I stayed at home about a year. My regiment, or the regi- ment in which I had enlisted, had all been captured, and we would occasionally hear where they were. They finally brought up in Libby prison. Soon they were paroled and some of them came on what they called 'French furlough.' After listening to their accounts of the battle in which they were captured and bidding them good-bye as they started back after being exchanged, 1 began to feel more patriotic. Soon the Ninth Michigan cavalry began recruiting in our neighborhood. I concluded to go. I went to see Frank. He would go, but not in the cavalry. He said if I would go as a reeruit in the Nineteenth. himself. Deacon Grinnell and Rev. Gilbert would go with me. In February. 1864, we all enlisted and were sent to Camp Blair, at Jackson. Michi- gan. Here Frank had the measles, which was the cause of his never doing any active service. While there I. among others, was detailed to cook for the men in barracks No. 4. While acting in that capacity the Rev. Gilbert and myself, through a misunder- standing of facts on the part of the officer of the day. were arrested and confined in the guard-house, leaving no one to get supper for the boys. By morning there had been men detailed to take our places, and about 10:00 o'clock they brought us our breakfast. About noon we were taken out under guard and put to work serubbing offices and privies until about 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon. when we were released and returned to our quarters.
"May 13 we were sent South. On our way we made short stops at Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga and Kingston. From Chattanooga to Kingston we were obliged to ride on top of box cars. At the latter place we found everything in confusion. The rebel General Wheeler had made a raid and killed several negroes and one or two soldiers. My three companions were sick and lay down in an old barn. I was ordered to assist in hauling a couple of pieces of artillery to an elevation north of town. Returning to my companions I found them as I had left them. Toward night Frank went with the other two to the hospital. Just after dark he returned and said he would go to the regiment if he did not live a day after he got there : but by the next morning he was siek enough to go to the hospital without being urged. He had caught cold and the measles had settled on his lungs. I was
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alone again. I had to go on further South and they returned North. I was in excellent health and spirits and did not get homesiek again. When I started for the front I had a knapsack well filled with what I supposed were necessary articles. I had not marched more than half a day when I threw away my over- coat. Before night I left my blacking-brush, looking-glass, etc .. on the corner of the fence. The next morning I changed under- clothing, and threw away what I took off. Before noon we heard the boom of artillery, and it was not the Fourth of July either. In the afternoon we could hear the musketry. Soon we came to a hospital and here I found one of Company K. of my regiment, who was wounded in the calf of the leg. I gave him my blanket and went on. The artillery was pounding away, but infantry was quiet most of the time. I got to the regiment just before night. Soon the 'Johnnies' made a charge, but were repulsed. Here I was, on my nineteenth birthday, under fire for the first time. Comrades, most of you know how I felt. We were lying behind the line of light earthworks. During the night the enemy made another assault but were repulsed. I was asleep when the first volley was fired. Which side fired first I do not know. I sprang to my feet and looked around. To the left was one con- tinnous blaze. Around me I could hear the zip and whizz of bullets. I could see the smallest twigs on the trees. I was so confounded or frightened 1 did not know enough to lie down. li was not long before I could lie down as close to the ground as anyone. and lie down quick. I would rather lie down a half dozen times when it was not necessary than to miss once when it was. I never could get over the habit of dodging when I heard the whizz of a ball.
"June 15 found ns near Lost Mountain, Georgia. Just after noon we were ordered to support the First Brigade, Third Divi- sion. Twentieth Corps, in an assault upon the enemy's works. The First brigade made the attack just as we moved out across a field. They were in the woods. The heavy clouds of smoke were rolling up among the trees and as we advanced the wounded began to come to the rear. It seemed as though the smoke was full of wounded men. There was no wind and the smoke did not move off. Soon we were in the woods. There was a battery in front of us that had been firing all the forenoon, and as we were to support a brigade I concluded we were moving to the support of the battery. We were ordered to lie down. By this time it was dark. After lying down for a short time we were ordered forward. Imagine my feelings as we came into an opening and
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found we were in front instead of the rear of the battery. We could look into the months of those guns at every discharge, and by the flash we could see their infantry standing behind the works. I was a recruit and not well posted in movements, but l don't think they knew where we were, for they were throwing their shells over our line and into a ravine some distance in our rear. We were not more than one-third the distance from them to where their shells were dropping. We lay down again in the rear of the First brigade. In a short time the line in our front rose upon their knees and waited until the discharge from the battery and all fired full at the gunners. Their infantry replied immediately but the artillery waited some little time. Their musketry made it unpleasant for us. The line in front of us rose up and went to the rear double quick. We had to take it. They had got our position. They poured shell and canister or grape (don't know which it was) into ns. Our major was killed, the ball striking him in the breast. 'Oh, my wife and boys!' were his only words. Several privates were wounded. I could hear their comrades telling them to keep still and not let the 'sons of h- know where to shoot.' Then a shell exploded in Company 1 and tore the limbs from the bodies of two sergeants. one of them dying in a few moments. I heard the other moaning and saving. 'Boys, I know it is no use to make a fuss, but I can't help it. Give me some water. Good-bye, boys. Kiss me. George. Good- bye.' All this time we were merely lying there for them to shoot at, we making no reply. It must have been midnight or after when things began to be more quiet and we were ordered to the left and rear. the order being given in a whisper. Soon we went to building works and were busy until it began to grow light. I had three pretty close calls within less than five minutes. Soon a comrade was shot by my side. When I heard the ball strike I looked up and saw him begin to reel and tremble. I threw my arms around him and helped him to lie down. Then we got a stretcher and undertook to carry him to a place of safety. We had not gone far before one of the men helping carry him was shot. We got behind some trees and went back. Soon one of my messmates was killed. Then we lost our lieutenant. The day before our company had thirteen men: now we had only nine. We were ordered to the rear and sent to gnard supply trains. Our first trip was to Big Shanty, Georgia. We stayed three or four days and as we moved out with loaded wagons to return to camp we saw a division crossing the open level plain between Big Shanty and Kenesaw mountain. They advanced in splendid
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order for some time. Occasionally a man would fall and be left behind. Soon they began to stoop forward and quieken their pace, and finally began to double-quick for the woods.
"About July 15 were were relieved by a detachment to the Thirty-third Massachusetts. Found our regiment on picket along the Chattahoocheeiver. That night we moved with Sherman's advance and crossed the river on pontoons. We marched until near morning before we were permitted to lie down. It did not seem as though I could take another step. Some of the boys made coffee, but I spread my blanket and lay down.
"July 20 found us near Peach Tree creek, with things looking a little strange. We were called up about 2:00 o'clock and got ready to move. We would go a short distance and halt and then move on again. I noticed a number of orderlies in our front riding in every direction. I asked one of the boys of my company what was up. His reply was, 'We are going to catch h -- be- for night; if your gun is not loaded you had better load it.' As we came to a halt again I noticed that about half of the men were loading their guns. As we came into an open field 1 could see the right of the Fourth corps already across the creek, and to their right the Twenty-second Wisconsin deployed as skirmishers. We crossed the creek, built shades and made coffee. Just as our dinner was about ready there was brisk firing in our front and our skirmishers fell back on the main line. We were ordered forward and just as Major Baker gave the order he clutched his thigh with both hands, threw up his leg and called Captain Anderson to take command. Before he let go of his leg the blood began to run between his fingers. It was but a flesh wound, but I never saw him again. 'Guide left, guide left,' was the order as we moved across the open field. As we came to the top of a ridge the 'Johnnies' opened on us from the ridge beyond. Several men went down close to me. My knees began to feel weak. Soon one of Company G was shot and tried to start for the rear, but fell in front of me. As he fell he gave one of the most blood-curdling shrieks I ever heard. It made my hair stand on end. I could feel the wind blow on top of my head, under my hat. My back was cold as ice ; I shook all over. How I kept up I don't know, but as soon as we fired the first volley I had no more fear. I could see some of the boys turn their guns and club them. We would break them and they would reform and charge again. For some time all I could see of them were their legs below the smoke. I think it must have been at least two hours before they began to fall back as though they had got enough of it. The
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vomrade who told me in the morning what we were going to catch before night swung his hat and said, "Let's go for them; come on " Gaining the top of the ridge we could see them some- thing like a half-mile away, forming as if to charge again. They would move out from the timber and then go back again. We could see the officers riding in front. but they did not come near us again. not even to look after their wounded. The next morn- ing I took a look over the field. In three places I saw fifty-one. twenty-seven and thirty-two Confederate dead. Guns. sabers, cartridge boxes, canteens, etc., were scattered in every direction. Now let me describe scenes that would move the most hardened to tears. The first is a colonel with his horse lying near him. Next. a man with a gaping wound in his forehead. still alive. the brains oozing out and lying down over his eyes. Next, a dead man with a Jetter in his hand-the last kind words he will ever receive from the loved ones in his far-away home in Mississippi. Then several with Bibles in their hands. Knowing their hour had come. they had sought to obtain consolation and relief from their suffering from the word of God. The next was lying on his back. his cartridge-box under his head. In his hands he was holding the photograph of a woman and child. He had died gaz- ing on the features of those who were as dear to him. and he to them, as any from our Northern homes. The thought would come to my mind : Did I fire the fatal shot that made a widow and an orphan? Perhaps: but this is war. This was the last battle in which I was actively engaged.
"August 19 I was near Atlanta. About 4:00 o'clock p. m .. as I was getting some supper. I suddenly found myself trying to get up off the ground. This was the first notice I had that anything was wrong. I had no feeling. was in no pain. but knew I was shot. I tried several times to rise, but would fall back. I gave it np. I could hardly get my breath. Soon I began to spit blood. Then the boys pointed to my breast. I saw my shirt bosom was covered with blood. I opened my shirt. I thought my time had come. . My G -. ' said one of the boys. 'see where it came ont.' I asked him where. They told me I had been shot clear through. I began to feel faint and thought surely I was going to die. 1 wanted water every few minutes. I gave my watch to one of my comrades and asked him to send it home if he could. An ambi- lance came and I bade the boys good-bye. as I had heard many do before. I certainly never expected to see them or my home again. I was taken to the field hospital. The first question of the dortor was. 'Have you bled freely ? If you have there is a fight-
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ing chance for you. If you have bled internally I can't save you.' Hle called several men to his assistance and dressed my wound. Next morning as I woke up alive I began to have some hopes. The next day I felt quite encouraged, and, thanks to kind nurses, a strong constitution and good morals, after running the chances of gangrene and small-pox (both of which I was exposed to), and after having a run of lung fever, I am thankful to meet you, my comrades, here today."
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR.
By Fred Noth.
I was born March 6, 1839, State of Lippe. Germany. At the age of twenty I emigrated to New Orleans in the fall of '59. Shortly after the election of Abraham Lincoln, preparations com- meneed for the war. Not willing to fight for slavery, I took pas- sage on a steamboat to St. Louis. During May and June I served in a company of militia in St. Charles county to guard railroad bridges. On the 21st day of July. 1861, I enlisted in Company E. second Missouri Volunteer Infantry. I was ap- pointed a sergeant and color bearer of the regiment. Part of our regiment was ordered to Potosie to guard the Iron Mountain Railroad, returning to St. Louis for mustering in September. The regiment in October was ordered to JJefferson City, Tipton and Sedalia. Returning to Tipton, preparations were made for a march to Springfield, Mo. Arriving at Springfield, the Fremont Ilussars having the lead, they encountered the enemy, about 2.000 strong. and made a brilliant charge, scattering the enemy in all directions. Late in the fall we marched to Rolla, a station on the Pacific branch, for winter quarters. Early in February, '62, our march was again for Springfield. Two new two-pounder howitzers mounted on mules and used on the enemy's flank caused a great deal of fun. After a lively skirmish. General Price va- cated Springfield and retreated to Fort Smith. Our army fol- lowed close after him, into Arkansas, going into camp at a place called Pea Ridge. Being 240 miles from railroad communication, our provision train failed to come in time. One ear of corn was issued for a ration for a day ; next day orders for foraging were given. A place where about 500 bushels of apples were piled was found, and before night came none were left. My regiment was ordered to a four mill in the corner of Indian Territory, or the so-called Oklahoma. Taking possession of the mill, we found about 400 bushels of good winter wheat and ten barrels of lard in a store.
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AAbout ten days later, one night at eleven o'clock, the bugle sounded, tents down, marching orders. The advance of the enemy was reported within one-half mile of our camp. Marching during the night we reached General Sigel at noon. at Benton- ville, where we waited the approach of the rebels. Our regiment was ordered one mile further. there to await his orders, when all at once about 2,000 Texas Rangers stepped in between us and ent General Sigel off. The Rangers made an attack on my regi- ment. killing captain of Company A and a member of men. Gen- oral Sigel with a battalion of Benton Hussars ent a gap through the Rangers and we all marched to the main part of the army, the rebels following close behind. Arriving at Sugar Creek val- ley, the rebel army was about 30,000 in number and was com- manded by Generals MeCollough and McIntosh. The battle of Pea Ridge began next morning. Our army, numbering about 14.000, was commanded by Generals Curtis, Sigel. Arboth and Jeff. C. Davis. The fighting on the 7th was mostly with musketry. The rebels had about 2,000 Indians on their side who were led on to a battery. but they soon retreated, yelling "IInh! huh! big gun." On the 8th at daybreak, our artillery commenced the fire. General Sigel was ordered to report to the Department of the Potomac. About three weeks later we came marching over the Ozark mountains to Cape Girardeau, crossing the Corinth and White rivers, Three and Five Forks and some other rivers. About half-way, on Sunday, we had a day of rest. An officer and some recruits had arrived and presented a new silk flag to my regi- ment from the German ladies of St. Lonis. From this place part of our troops marched south in the direction of Island No. 10, while our brigade marched to Cape Girardeau. About a week later we embarked on steamboats down the Mississippi, up the Ohio and Tennessee rivers and landed at Pittsburg Landing. In marching over the battlefield of Shiloh to Corinth, General Ilal- leck had a well organized army. After a little skirmish a few days later, the rebels during one night vacated Corinth. From there our brigade marched to Riance, Miss., where we remained during the summer. Early in September, 1862. we received or- ders to go to Cincinnati. Arriving at Cincinnati we marched to Market Hall. About a week later we embarked on steamboats for Louisville, where our army was reorganized by General Buell, and Philip Sheridan was assigned to the command of our First Division, Fourteenth Corps.
On the evening of October 7th, we arrived in front of Perry- ville. General Bragg had prepared for a battle. At sunrise on
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the morning of the 8th, my regiment was ordered to make a charge on some Arkansas troops in double quick, and after about an hour of hard fighting, the rebels retreated. My regiment had lost twenty-three killed, including our major, and fifty-six wounded. In the afternoon General Hardy made an attack on our division, formed in line on a ridge in a half cirele. The rebels were badly beaten in this fight. The most of them were left dead or wounded on the field. The next day General Bragg evacuated Perryville. As we marched on to Perryville we passed a stack of arms about a mile long. It appeared as if half of Gen- eral Bragg's men had left for home. From here we marched to Nashville, passing Mammoth Cave. Fourteen miles south of Nashville we went into camp. Being on picket duty one day, thirty volunteers were called, officers and non-commissioned to ascertain the position of the rebel pickets three miles off. We reached them just at dark. A sergeant from my camp shot the rebel sentinel and at the same time he received a shot through the lungs and died the next morning. Some days later my regi- ment and a battery was ordered out on a scouting expedition. We encountered the enemy about five miles from camp. After a little skirmish the rebels retreated. In the latter part of December we marched for Murfreesboro. On the last day of December, early in the morning, when our artillery had taken their horses to water, General Longstreet unexpectedly attacked our Fourteenth Corps. Our right wing was entirely repulsed, hard fighting going on all day. As soon as we reached the railroad embankment Longstreet's forces were checked. The colonel com- manding our brigade at this place was shot through the throat and died. The next day, January 1st, General Rosecrans pushed his left wing, the Twenty-first Corps, across Stone river and the rebels commeneed to evacuate Murfreesboro. At the place where the fighting had commenced eighty comrades of our division were buried in one grave.
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