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 15
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During the spring of 1863 Murfreesboro was fortified. A pioneer brigade had been organized, and I was detached to the Second Battalion, called the Pontoon Battalion. On the 25th day of June, 1863, our army commenced to march to the Tennessee river. General Rosecrans from here moved on to Chattanooga, remaining at Bridgeport some time. In October we moved on to Chattanooga over the Cumberland mountains. Just before we reached the mountain General Wheeler had destroyed a supply train of about 150 wagons. Arriving at Chattanooga we con- structed another pontoon bridge. One day the rebel artillery sent
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a fifty-pound shell into our camp from Lookont mountain, but it exploded high in the air. October 16th General Rosecrans was relieved of his command, and Gen. U. S. Grant took command. On the evening of November 22nd we were ordered to march on the north side of the Tennessee river, a distance of three miles. Dur- ing the night we passed a brigade of Sherman's troops across the river. Early in the morning a pontoon bridge was laid for General Sherman to cross the Tennessee. About 10 o'clock the bridge was completed and the signal sergeant signaled to headquarters. Gen- eral Sherman moved over the pontoon bridge and another corps from the Tennessee army started from Chattanooga and joined General Sherman in the afternoon. We returned to Chattanooga. In the evening a division of General Hooker's corps was moved down, partly on boats, to storm Lookout mountain during the night by moonlight. About 12 o'clock the firing ceased and Look- out was taken next day. General Sherman on the left. General Hooker on the right, and General Thomas in the center, the army of the Cumberland made a charge on Mission Ridge, and before night Mission, was taken. Sixty-eight pieces of artillery and 11,000 prisoners, including two brigadier generals, were captured. Next day the rebel prisoners marched over the pontoon bridge to go north. As they formed into line on the north side of the river one of our bands of music played the "Star Spangled Banner." A hurrah for the Union followed from all the camps near by.
In December I and sixty other mechanies were sent to Nash- ville to make new canvas pontoon boats, returning to Chattanooga in March. On May 5, 1864, our army started for Dalton. On the 6th my battalion was ordered with our canvas pontoon train. Arriving at a river north of Resaca. on the right wing. a regi- ment of rebels were in a good position in a lot of heavy timber. disputing our right to cross the river. We crossed a battalion of sharpshooters to dislodge the rebels, and a number of our boys were killed and wounded. From here we marched with a division to Rome, Ga .. on a point between two rivers. Crossing on a pon- toon bridge we took possession of Rome. We crossed the Yazoo river on the south side, where on a little mountain the rebels had some fortifications, but as Johnson's army had fallen back to AAtlanta by this time they evacuated the place and we marched on to Marietta and remained in camp at this place for some time. The latter part of June we were ordered back to Chattanooga. In July 1. with my detachment, was ordered to Bridgeport, Ala., to take charge of a pontoon bridge, and we remained at this place until September 20, 1864.
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HENRY W. CRESSY POST
The adjutant from our regiment ordered us to get ready to go to St. Louis to be mustered out. Arriving at St. Louis with about two hundred and twenty men left in our regiment, we marched to Washington hall. On the 29th day of September my regiment was mustered out on expiration of term.
I respectfully remain.
FRED NOTII, Sergt. Co. E, 2nd Mo. Vol. Inf.
CHAPTER XVI. JOHN W. LYNN POST.
John W. Lynn Post No. 30, Department of Wisconsin, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized May 8, 1882, at Sparta, county of Monroe, and state of Wisconsin, with fifty-seven charter members as follows, to-wit :
James Davidson, fifty-seven years, old, formerly major of the Fifth New York cavalry, afterwards department commander of the Department of Wisconsin, and died at Wichita, Kansas, March 16, 1891. a native of the state of New York.
Samuel Hoyt, sixty-three years of age, served as sergeant of the First Wisconsin battery over four years, was honorably dis- charged and died at Sparta on the third day of June, 1898.
Edwin W. Olin was born in the state of New York: aged thirty-nine when the post was organized ; served as first lienten- ant of Company "E." One Hundred and Twenty-first regiment, New York infantry vohmteers. and was finally mustered out at Sparta, Wis., on the 27th day of January, 1907. Was post com- mander and quartermaster.
L. C. Herrick was sixty-two years of age, was a private of Company "D." Eighteenth Wisconsin infantry, and passed out of this life on the 22nd day of May, 1898. Held the offices of chaplain and musician.
William H. Blyton had arrived at the age of thirty-nine years, born in New York state, served in Company "C." Nineteenth Wisconsin infantry, as quartermaster sergeant and as first lien- tenant and quartermaster of the Fourth United States infantry. Has served in the post as post commander several terms and as adjutant and quartermaster.
Alonzo E. Howard was forty-four years of age, born in New York state, served in Company "A." Ninety-second New York. as first sergeant and lientenant, and in Company "K." Ninety- sixth New York infantry, as first lieutenant. Has held the offices of sergeant, major, adjutant and post commander.
Hugh T. Hogue was born in Pennsylvania, enlisted October 21st. 1861, in the Third Wisconsin cavalry, Company "A," served
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JOIIN W. LYNN POST
three years and three months. Was a valued member of the post, always taking an active interest in its proceedings, but died in Big Creek, May 16, 1896.
Alfred Dunbar had reached the age of fifty-three years, a na- tive of New York state. was a private of Company "C," Thirty- sixth Wisconsin infantry, the snare drummer of the post. a very active member on all memorial days, but departed this life on the 10th of September, 1903.
William Waste, forty-eight years old, was from New York state and was a member of Company "I," Twenty-third Ohio in- fantry ; served four years and two months and was badly broken down on being discharged; died many years ago, but the date was not entered in the post records.
William Kerrigan, another New York state man. fifty-one years of age at the organization of the post; was a member of Company "C." Nineteenth Wisconsin infantry, serving about three years and six months. and during his membership in the post was its chief musician and fifer. Died June 29, 1897.
Charles A. Hunt, another New York boy, fifty-three years old at the organization of the post, was first lieutenant and captain, Company "K." Twenty-fifth Wisconsin infantry, was one of our strong and active members, adding strength and interest to the organization. He was finally mustered out at Melvina and his remains interred in the Melvina cemetery.
James E. Perry, forty-four years old, at the time a native of New York, served in the army from September 22. 1861, to June 23. 1865, as corporal of Company "I," Twenty-seventh Massachu- setts infantry. Removed to Tomah and joined Henry W. Cressey post of that city.
George A. Fisk, captain of Company "C," Thirty-sixth Wis- consin infantry, was a gallant soldier and a good Grand Army man, but only remained with us to August 10, 1886, when he joined the majority.
George Graham, of Tomah, joined the post but commenced immediately to aid in the organization of the post at Tomah.
George W. Shepherd was a charter member and served in Com- pany "C," of the Nineteenth Wisconsin infantry. He has passed the Dark river.
Sylvanus Holmes was born in New York and sixty-seven years old at the date of organization. He enlisted as private in Com- pany "I," Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania infantry, and was mustered out a captain. He was one of the strong members and served as
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
senior vice commander and commander of the post. and moved beyond on the 3rd of January, 1895.
William J. Summerfield, forty-five years old. a charter member, was a sergeant in the First Wisconsin battery, serving from 1861 to 1865: was an active comrade for years, but on account of in- firmities of age has withdrawn.
DeWitt C. Beebe, forty-four years old and a native of Vermont. was surgeon of the Fourth New York cavalry. served till the close of the war. Dr. Beebe was many years the surgeon of the post and held the office of post commander; one of the faithful mem- bers, but he passed over the river on the Fourth of July. 1908.
Ira A. Hill was forty years old, born in New Hampshire, and served as sergeant of Company "A," Nineteenth New Hampshire infantry. Ile was the first quartermaster of the post. was for many years one of its trustees, and served as post commander one term. Comrade Hill was always interested and did much to pro- mote the welfare of the organization. He was mustered into the larger army beyond on the 20th day of March, 1904.
E. W. Robie was a native of Vermont, forty-four years old : served three years and two months in the Third Vermont infantry, a faithful Grand Army man, but died February 23. 1894.
M. J. McOmber, aged thirty-seven, was a native of New York. was adjutant of the post for two years, served in the Sixth Pen- sylvania reserve corps, lost a leg at the battle of Gettysburg. died in Sparta on the 3rd of February, 1890.
Lucian A. McWithy, fifty years of age, was born in New York state. was an efficient member of the Third Wisconsin cavalry. Company "A," and though suffering from inability to see has been one of the most persistent and regular attendants at the post meetings.
John Burk, forty-four years old, was born in Ireland, but gave assurance that he was a faithful American citizen by serving the country three years and one month in the Tenth Wisconsin in- fantry. in Company "D." but he is with us no more.
John Winters, a native of Germany, was a member of Company "D." of the Eighteenth Wisconsin infantry. the service and his continuing to serve the state making good his claim on the nation.
William Shepherd did not furnish us his full record, but he was a member of Company "C," of the Nineteenth Wisconsin infantry. for many years a resident of the town of Angelo and one of its good citizens.
James O'Connor, forty-two years old. a native of New York state. served four years and three months in the Second Michigan
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Infantry, Company "D," was for many years one of the best known citizens, but after removing from Sparta withdrew from the post.
Joseph Jones, a native of England, enlisted September 7, 1861, in Company "D," of the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania infantry, and was mustered out December 24, 1864, thus proving his loyalty to his adopted country. He has joined the majority on the other side.
Franklin Campbell, aged thirty-eight, was a native of Wis- consin. was a member of the Tenth Wisconsin battery. He with- drew from the post after a few years and has since been reported (lead.
Michael McPeak, forty-one years old, born in Ireland. Ilis service was in Company "E," First Michigan volunteers; still residing in Sparta.
Chauncy Bunce, fifty-two years old, born in Connecticut, en- listed January 5. 1864, in the Twelfth Wisconsin infantry, Com- pany " E." and was mustered out July 15, 1865, but on account of age and residence at a distance from the city withdrew after a time and he has passed to the other shore.
Charles Slaver, thirty-eight years of age, another acquisition from Germany, was a member of Company "I," Forty-eighth Wisconsin infantry, proved his right to citizenship by his patriotism.
Nathan B. Aldrich, a Vermonter, was forty-eight years old, was a member of Company "D," Twenty-fifth Wisconsin infantry, from August 8, 1862. to May 10, 1865; a good citizen of Sparta, but died July 22. 1902.
Joseph W. Potter, born in Ohio, was forty years old, was a corporal of Company "C," Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry, from February 29, 1864, to June 10, 1865. Served with the post as its bass drummer until disabled, and left us to be mustered in the new army March 2. 1910.
Edward J. Hodgkin enlisted July 2, 1861, in Company "I," Fourth Wisconsin infantry. and was mustered out July 18, 1865, a member of the First Wisconsin battery. Ile withdrew from the post as he resided too far out to meet with it, and has since left this life. He was born in New York and was thirty-nine years old at the organization of the post.
William J. Jordan was forty-one years old and served in the Fiftieth New York engineers from August 31, 1861, to June 13, 1865. Hle died on the 16th of March, 1891.
Adelbert E. Bleekman was a native of New York state, served
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
in the Fifth Ohio cavalry, Company "A." Was the post com- mander in 1883 and 1884. He removed to LaCrosse and became a member of the post there. A good Grand Army man and a successful attorney. He has gone to his reward for all the activi- ties of an earnest life.
Bruce E. McCoy was fifty-one years old, born in New York stato, and served as captain of Company -. Forty-third Wiscon- sin infantry from its muster in to the end of its term. and con- tiunes a valued member of the post.
Rufus S. Dodge served as sergeant of Company "K," Six- teenth New York infantry, during the entire term of its service. was a native of New York state. For many years he was trustee of the post and passed away July 31, 1908.
Ulrich Wettstein was thirty-four years old. a native of Ger- many, was a member of Company "C." Fifty-third Wisconsin infantry: has gone out but date is not recorded.
Charles A. Bunce was forty years old and a native of Con- necticut. He served in Company "K," Eleventh Massachusetts infantry ; was discharged at his own request.
Lucius M. Stevens, forty years old, a native of New York, was a member of Company "I." One Hundred and Fifty-sixth New York infantry, was post commander in 1885 and has removed to Minneapolis.
John W. Carter was a native of Ohio, a member of Company "D." Eighteenth Wisconsin infantry, was thirty-seven years old at his muster in the post, and was the first death after our organ- ization.
William A. DeLong, thirty-nine years old. a native of New York state, was a corporal in Company "A." Third Wisconsin cavalry. He withdrew from the post.
Chauncy K. Kennedy, aged fifty-eight. a New Yorker by birth, was a member of Company "A," Nineteenth Wisconsin infantry, but he lived only a short time after joining the post.
John Jarrett, forty years old, a native of Pennsylvania. Serv- ice was in Company "D," Seventh Pennsylvania cavalry. He removed from the city and withdrew from the post.
Jeremiah Van Kirk, a native of New York state, was a mem- ber of Company "D." Twenty-fifth Wisconsin infantry, was thirty-seven years of age and is still with us.
E. Crocker, born in Ohio, was thirty-seven years old, a mem- ber of Company "D." Eighteenth Wisconsin infantry, was wounded and discharged. Has moved away and withdrawn from the post.
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JOHN W. LYNN POST
Henry T. Bell, a native of New York, served three years in Company "K," Seventh New York heavy artillery, has been an efficient officer of the day of the post, and is still doing duty with it.
Robert Rathbun did not furnish his war record and withdrew soon after joining.
W. H. Washburn was forty-one years old and a native of New York state, was a member of Company "C," Thirty-sixth Wis- consin infantry, was transferred to the George A. Fisk post at Cataract.
Walter A. Wodd, forty-three years old, a native of New York, was corporal of Company "A." Tenth Wisconsin infantry, serv- ing four years. He removed to Oakland, California, and was transferred to a post in that city.
Byron M. Dunham was forty-one years old, born in Michigan, served in Company "D," Fourteenth Wisconsin infantry four years; died January 6, 1902.
William N. Wilcox furnished no record of service and with- drew after a short time.
S. F. Ketcham was thirty-six years of age, born in Pennsyl- vania, was a private in Company "L," Sixth New York heavy artillery, withdrew from the post soon after its organization.
Abram Heath, thirty-eight years old, born in New Hampshire, a member of Company "G," Twelfth Wisconsin infantry; re- mained a member but a short time.
Edward Busby, forty-seven years old, a native of Ohio, served nearly four years in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth in- fantry ; has continued a member and is, and has been, for many years entirely blind.
James P. Larry was forty-five years old, born in Ohio, a mem- ber of Company "I," Forty-second Wisconsin infantry, and died April 17, 1902.
Of the above fifty-seven charter members, thirty-seven have passed into larger ranks and have been mustered beyond the dark river; eleven remain in Sparta and nine have moved away.
One hundred and eighty-two have been mustered into our ranks since, of whom eighty-six died and forty-six have with- drawn, some to move to other states and some for their own reasons not known to us, and there remains in good standing in the post at this writing sixty seasoned veterans, many of them so feeble and weak from age and infirmities that they are not able to meet with us, especially those living at a distance in the country.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
The executive officers of the post since its organization have been :
In 1882 James Davidson, post commander, and William H. Blyton, adjutant ; in 1883, Adelbert E. Bleekman, post com- mander. and William II. Blyton, adjutant ; in 1884, Adelbert E. Bleekman, post commander, and Michael J. MeOmber, adjutant ; in 1885. Alonzo E. Howard, post commander, and Michael J. MeOmber, adjutant : in 1886, Lucins M. Stevens was post com- mander, and Alonzo E. Howard, adjutant ; in 1887, John A. Sholts was the chief executive officer, and Alonzo E. Howard has held the office of post adjutant to the present time. Elorus W. Babcock served as post commander in 1888, William II. Blyton in 1889, Arthur L. Page in 1890. William P. Meyer in 1891, Sylvanus Holmes in 1892. Russell Brownell in 1893. David C. Hope in 1894. Edward E. Olin in 1895, Ira A. Hill in 1896, N. J. Kemp in 1897, Thomas Hobson in 1898, De Witt (. Beebe in 1899, A. R. Benzie in 1900 and 1901, John A. Sholts in 1902-03. Andrew C. Cole in 1904, Russell Brownell in 1905, and William H. Blyton in 1906-07-08-09- 10-11.
Immediately on the organization of the post active opera- tions were inaugurated to suitably decorate the graves of all deceased comrades of all wars for the preservation or defense of the nation, and in 1886 there was added to the by-laws of the post one requiring the quartermaster of the post to place a memorial tablet at the head of the graves of all defenders of the country buried in the several cemeteries within our jurisdiction, and at the head of the graves of all such who should thereafter be in- terred in such cemeteries.
The post has so far as its means would allow assisted and cared for the sick and needy soldiers, attended to the proper burial of all its deceased members, carried out faithfully its duty of celebrating Memorial Day by decorating the graves and pro- viding suitable patriotic memorial addresses and by patriotic Sabbath services on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day, has procured the erection in the city park of a beautiful soldiers' monument, dedicated to " Our Nation's Defenders." has for years held patriotic services and addresses in our public schools to instill patriotism in the minds of our coming citizens, has co- operated with the national order in promoting the welfare of those who faithfully served the country and suffered, and has by every means in its power promoted good citizenship and love of country.
CAPT. M. E. LEONARD
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JOHN W. LYNN POST
CAPT. M. E. LEONARD'S WAR RECORD.
Captain Leonard's service to his country began as a recruit- ing officer, which position he held for several months. The gov- ernor, appreciating his fitness to command, appointed him captain and through his services in that capacity did valiant duty. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Company "D," Twenty-fifth Wisconsin regiment ; was mustered in in August the same year, and his regiment was first stationed in Minnesota, near New Ulm, where they participated in the frontier Indian massacre. This company was in charge of Captain Leonard, who guarded the thirty-eight Indians who were now in Mankato, Minnesota. Prior to this they were ordered to scout through Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood to West Mankato, and January Ist were ordered to report at Madison, next to Columbus, Kentucky, where the sub- ject was appointed port officer by General Asbeth. Captain Leonard at this time was first lieutenant and his regiment was ordered to Ilelena, Arkansas, where they were reviewed by Gen- eral Beauford, down the Mississippi river to Vicksburg, being in charge of the subject. the trip being accomplished withont acci- dent. It was the season of what was known as the winter of deep ice and it was with the greatest difficulty that the trip was made. The gunboat was ordered to Helena and returned to Vicksburg in February for Sherman's march through Mississippi to Ala- bama. then returning to Vicksburg, thenee up the river to C'airo. Illinois: thence to Moorsville and to Decatur, Alabama. Thence to the foot of Lookout mountain to Chattanooga, to Tunnel Hill. flanking recours on the right, thence engaging in the severe three- days' fight of Sugar Gap, following which was the battle of Rosackie; to Calhoun's ferry, crossing the river to Kingston : thence to Dallas, Texas, engaging in the battle of Dallas: thence to Altoona, to Kenesaw mountain, to Marietta, Georgia, to Chat- tahoochee at night through dense darkness. Next to Decatur. Georgia, thence six miles to Atlanta, with constant fighting dnr- ing this trip. It was during this time that the regiment lost heavily from the enemy and the wounded and dead were left at Decatur. The balance of the regiment whipped around to the right and entered the siege of Atlanta after whipping General Hood, in which the loss of the men were heavy. The regiment then made a retrograde movement to West Point and over the mountains to the extreme right, and marching during the night to Lovejoy's station, and from there to West Point, to camp.
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Then followed Hood to Altoona, thence to Alabama, Kingston, to Atlanta, moved on to Savannah, fighting and tearing up rail- ways until they reached King's bridge, fifteen miles from Savan- nah. where they remained until the time of surrender. Then the subject became aide to Colonel Rusk and the regiment was or- dered to Thunder Boat bay. Next demonstration was made on Savannah, leaving General Foster's command moving on up the line tearing up the railway between Angusta and Charleston and to the river of seven bridges, fording swamps, until Columbia was reached, extending their line of march to Bentonville, being the scene of the last battle. after running to Goldsborough and Raleigh, N. C., through Virginia, and marched to Grand river, where the captain's service ended.
The regiment was mustered ont June 7, 1865, he having given nearly three years to the service.
CHIAPTER XVII. THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
The movement which culminated in the final completion, erec- tion and dedication of the Soldiers' Monument which now stands in North Park originated on the 9th day of August, 1895, when, at a regular meeting of John W. Lynn Post No 30 Grand Army of the Republic, twelve comrades of the Post were unanimously elected a committee to consider whether or not it was feasible or desirable to erect at Sparta a Soldiers' Monument, and if so to consider the ways and means for its accomplishment and report at the next meeting of the Post. This committee consisted of Edwin E. Olin, chairman ; Ira A. Hill, David C. Hope, Martin R. Gage, John A. Sholts, Alonzo E. Howard, William H. Blyton, Charles A. Hunt, Rufus S. Dodge, William P. Meyer, N. J. Kemp and E. W. Babcock This committee met at the office of Tyler & Hill on the 13th day of August and elected Alonzo E. Howard chairman of the committee; after a careful and thorough discus- sion, the committee decided that such a monument was desirable and a sub-committee consisting of Martin R. Gage, Rufus S. Dodge, Ira A. ITill and William P. Meyer were appointed to devise ways and means ; at a meeting of the committee on August 22nd of the same year, a fair plan for raising funds was proposed by the sub-committee and adopted and reported at the meeting of the Post held on August 23rd, and after some discussion this plan was adopted and the Post added to the committee Comrades De Witt C. Beebe and Thomas IIobson.
At the next meeting of the committee the plan which has been outlined was carried out substantially and Ira A. Hill was elected treasurer of the monument fund and sub-committees were appointed for the following purposes : For soliciting among soldiers, among citizens. to visit other posts and interest them ; a press committee to publish such matter as in the opinion of the committee would interest the public in the enterprise. Sub- scription lists were prepared by the secretary and delivered to the solicitors and work was considered then fully organized.
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