The war for the Union, 1861-1865. A record of its defenders, living and dead, from Steuben county

132 Pages·2010·28.56 MB·English

Glass ---=-~'-----
Book . c. 1
@Preface.
-.-. -
inancies compeled amature work in the preparation of this record, with
Frhetoric and proof reading at fault there occur many typographical error!'
that would be mortifing to a professional author or a practical printer, but
not being either our pride is less, however, we respectfully ask the publill
to overlook these and pass to, and especialy note, all errors in names
or omission of any soldier in their regiment, company, or the Roll of Honor
and report by postal card. ViVe wishing to prepare a more perfect roster
in the future; tha same to be deposited in the recorder's office.
In the form and character of this record more than mere acknowledgment
due to Comrade R. H. Weamer, fotmaly editor of t.he Steuben Republican,
d also largely indebted to Hon. F. Macartney and Comrades Dr. G. W.
cConneU, Geo. E. Young, A. F. Day, and many others for special remem-
)erances of men and events of 1861. The compiling of this record has been
_ 0 easy task. Correct information dificult to obtain, records not always
reliable, especialy the Adjutant General's Report~, memory at fault, and
often it seems only tradition of persons and events is left to build upon.
Among its own people the part that Steuber. County took in the great
struggle is being rapidly forgotten. This record not withstaU(1ing it many
defects it is hoped will be a st"p towards a more perfect work by a more
able compiler.
Submitted in F. C. L.
JESSE H. CABPE~TEB.
WAR HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY,
PAGE PAGE
Tnt rodnnlioll ,; IInndred and 'l'wenty·ninth Ind, 32
Fomth • I iehic:ran VoJ. Inf't. (l H11ndred and Fifty·~crt'nd Ind.
Futty ~,'c'l1cJ'IIl;n()H; VoJ. In!'t. 9 ~Ti,cl'llar.Eous Euil,hnf'uh
:'Icci"llen's DrHgooll" 11 R cHpitlllation 01 Fnii,Htl ~ren
X;uth InoiaIll' Vol. [Ufl. ]1 Tit" Draft
'l wellty·tit,t Ihdiana \-n' . Inf'!. Jl D(1lmticH
'1 WClIt\" I1iuth TndhuH Vol. Tuft. 12 IndiHl1H Lt·ginn
Forty·fourth Indiana Vol. Tuf"t. Ib Anny SurgE-nIl::; ahd Pen;-.iVll E.
:-;8\"' ~,ty f(lur~h Ind. YoJ. luft. 20 ltlJliu("l'::;
Eight, oight Iud. '-01. Tnf"!. 2-l R"1i of Honnr
One Hll1Hlr{'dth 1m!. Vt'l. Inn. :!:; Ct'lllt:t,-riu·, t)f tIll' ('oun1 y
S,,'\"('uth hl(1. ('a"airy 28 RE.\\llli(lu~ ..
'\\vPlfth Illd. Cavnlry 80
G, A, R. AND W, R. C, POSTS,
H. J",b, 1Ciillntrick P",t. G ,\ McI,ain ro~t No:l :! C A fl
a'-a4'.-'rllC ~O.~h ;;5 I,camon Gritlith ro~t G ,\ R .'0
S, C. \ltlr(,·h p,),t ,-0 l:~R. G.\, ;;8 387. \\' Il C ,'0 111
B..I. ('ro--wlI (P.)st GAR No ]50, H. L. 'l'own.ell<ll'ost ,'0 ~05 GAR
i\-ltl'Xoi\7 ill Re., Ipiln'at'on
;\liddleton 1'.'r(d PM! G \ H No Ex·,nldit'r rt'~id"nb llOt lisH·d in
] 7:~, 'Y H (' -(l !I!l f)" .l.~ (t A H
iHilt>llI. ~rcGuwoll Pas: :;0 1:1!l II"
SONS OF ETEPANS CAMPS,
Pint Hnytler Cn Ill!, • - 0 !l!l 1I. H. Hutler lamp No 26
D . B. FreJerick ('amp .'0 H'~l lh ·rlt-.. V. I,i: n{y C.unp ,'0 ],H
C, H . DanghC'l'ty C'lI:'!) ,-" l:);j
REMINISC[NCI~S,
Reminis~,'nt"ic.' '"Win 1\ ith C'avfllry Boy.-Lafnyett., Burk tt
Battle of RtoUt Ri, er.- :\[. B. Butl~r
The 12:1 h Iml. R' the B,lttles of Franklin and ~a"ll\ille,-E. 8:. 11dendy
Company H 14th Ind. at :\lb"iollary Ridge,-.·,'!son J. L~tts
WAR HISTORY
--01'--
STEUBEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
On Dec. 17th 1860, and subsequent conventions of South Carolina and
other southern states, resolving upon secession from the Federal Unionj
no part of the country exhibited a stronger feeling to crush the hydra
seeds of treason than little Steuben, the northeast couuty of Indiana.
Discussion followed by activity in organization in defence of the Union waS
the order of the day. How prompt the patriotic Sons of the county rallied
and the thoroughness of their work is a record of history, from the birth of the
Palmetto Snake at Charlston, South Carolina, until its death at Appomattox
Court House, Va. Steuben (Jounty Soldiers were at the front from the first
to the last. Dr. Geo. W. McConnell, one of the first settlers of the county and
a prominent man of the State, imbuded with vim, energy, and patriotism al-
ways manifested by him in public matters, kept communication open between
Indianapolis, the state capital, and Steuben County, going their often during
the winter of 1860-61, promising the governor any aid he might ask from
Steuben County.
" On receipt of the news of firing upon Fort Sumpter, Dr. McConnell called
the first wa. meeting, over which Hon. A. W. Hendry presided, and citizens of
all parties w.th unity participated with patriotic enthusiasm. Resolutions
were passedj that, "The Uuion must and shall be preservedj" and, "Party lines
must be no more until the end of the strngle." This meeting resulted in the
following incident, worthy of record.
Two nice party poles. tall, elegant and shapely, one Republican one Dem-
ocrat, stood on the Public Square of Angola. Committees were selected from
each party, and in the presence of the people, these poles were cut down and
cut up. A signification that Steuben's distinct party lines were no more, but
were mingled and united for the Union.
B. J. Cro8swait. Dr. W. C. Weicht, T. D. Jones, and others acquainted with
Military tactics commenced to drill the men of the county early in the spring
of 1861, and at President Lincoln's first oall for 75,000 men a company was
immediately organized, but situated as they were in the northeast corner of the
6
state. without direct railroad or telegraph communication, they
to get their application to the Governor in time, and when they did. with
regret informed them that the state quoto of 6,000 men, under the President'F
call was filled, but so determined and enthuRed were some, that they sought
places in regiments of other states.
FOURTH MICHIGAN VOL. INF'T.
Mustered, June 20, 1861.
Organized, May 16, 1861 .
Among the first to benefit from Steuben County was the 4th Mich. then beil:.!
a
ing organized in an adjoining county of that state. The following wert ;;
{,
Steuben County Boys of III
COMPL'IT B. 4TH MICH. VOL. INFT, Il
Aldrich, Eugene. Croxton, L. J. Meech, Fred. ". .)
Allan, Charles H. Crocket, Leroy Meek, David 1
Adair, James H . Day, Adelbert F. Morse, Sanford
BateF-, Charles Davis, Enoch Nichols, Hem'y
Baker, W. T. Divelbess, George W. Prese, GeoTge
Bixler, F. M. Fisher, Homer E . Prese, Mathias
Bender, David Fuller, Orson Peirce, William J.
Britton, William Fitch, Edson J. Richardson, John.
Burns, E. C. Hacket, Andrew Shaffer, Alfonzo.
BTyun, Joseph Jones, Timothy T. Shick, Charles.
Caswell, A. D. Jones. Tholllas D. 'T'asker, Richard
Campbell, J. E. Kemery, Absolem Tillotson, George.
Carver, Orville Kingley, A. J. "heaton. Andrew.
Carpenter, W. W. Monger, T. J. Young, George E.
A few more of Steuben Boys were in other Companics, but owing to want 0
records and othor causes, their names cannot be gi'l'en; however two Boye art
well remembered, Lester Scholfield and Henry PetriE, both were badly wonnd
ed in battle. Lester Scholfield now iiYIl~ in Kansas, and Henry rctrie is a
noted Physician of Oregon.
The ahove list was the larg-est , ody of men from Steuben County that was
connected with the Army of the potomac.
Some of these boys never returned, killed in battle or died from woulldR and.,
diRease~, others' from woundg and di"ahilities inci 1ent to a soldier's life were
discharged. A majority of whom, on regaining health. reinlisted in other
organizations for the war. The balance sf'rved their full time,
veteraned in the same regiment.
The 4th Mich. was at the front to the lust moment of its time. Its loss in
battle of men and officers was a largo per c('nt above the average of other
regiments.
7
At Gettysburg 296 men entered the battle, 75 were taken prisoners, '100
"IV lUnd ed, and 50 killed. In every engagement during the war, they made a
I '~.'l, having five Colonels killed in battle and a correspondely large per cent of
I 'ne officers and men.
LIST OF IMPORTANT BATTLES L'l WHICH THE 4TH MICH. W}..S ENGAGED.
Bull Run, Malvern Hill, Chancellorsville,
8eige of Yorktown, Harrison Landing, Upperville,
New Bridga, Gainesville, Gettysburg,
Hanover C. H. Bull Run, Brandy Station,
.i.Iechanicsville, Antietum, Bristoe Station,
Gaines' Mill, Shephardstown Ford, Rappahannoch Station,
2':ew Market, Fredericksburgh, Mine Run.
Petersburg.
In the month of September, 1861 a detail from Co. B. was doing picket
t1uty on Vanderburgs Hill, which locality was noted at that time for its sharp
picket firing, and the boys becoming disgusted with it, determined to punish
the Johnes'. So ona morning Second Sergeant Thos. D. Jones gethered a
, few of Co. B. Loys around him, and they determinded to attack a strong pick-
et post. It was just at the peep of day when they started, but it was not long
before they found what they were looking for·- a fight- nor was it long be-
fore that picket post was driven in,badly whiped losing all their equipments.
The plundor captured by Sergeant Jones and his sqnad was divided as far as
it went, and the boys concluded they had glory enough for one day.
On the 23 of May, 1862 the 4th Mich. with the rest of the fifth COlpS was en
the march one of the Steuben boy's Homar E. Fisher being fatigued was ullow-
'ed by the Captain to fall in the rear of the company. the Major of the regiment
rode up to FishsI' and ordered him into the ranks. An altercation ensued in
which th" ~fajor got the worst of it. Of oourse Fisher was arrested for
insubordination, and that night tried by drum head court martial and con-
victed. The next morning th9 regiment was sent out on a l'econnaissance to
ascertain the site of New Bridge which had been distroyed by the rebels.
Fisher hearing of the probabilities of a fight begged to go along. Hewas allow-
e1 to go and in th9 fight that followed on the banks of the Chickahomany, he
became separated from his company, and going alone down to the left,
compbtly destroyed a strong piket post of five rebelL For his good con-
duct that day his sentance of the night before was commuied. This wa3 the
third time that a reconnaissance had been made to I'Jcate this passage of the
Chickahomany River, and to the glory of rhe 4 h M;ch. be it said they d 'd
their work well. They forded the river to get at the enemy, aud dro'l"e u
brigade of Louisianians from their works, with a loss of three men killed and
8
11 . ,,-.und 1. Oll their r' tunl to cuml' . the rc~~illl(nt wes mEt hy cLn . )lc
<. 1 <Po \~~.() C( n: Ill-n~n.<ti them ,eT) h'~hJy for tlwir wOl·k (,n : .f.t ('cca~ion.
LilA 'cst C""I.il ent fr( In t'le Jolmie~. The rq~imfnt W!l~ r<t"iDCU up to
t' (' I t '1llll'!ent "f il~ th"£o ~·earB ;;erncc.'. tI,e l'~t uay !llill huur it
W'" u£fpr.J till' IlH'D'Y·;; work~ ~.i I'ett'r~!Jurg . Y: . On the ngimeut boin~
w ~ ~ lr.\\VIl i,p' lli~('ll'n'J ' a prH'tins :-,hot irt the Hhn.pc of n l'Hlg conical u ... e
S., -II wa~ f't.'llt fter thl"p.' . l·ut f"i]('u 1(, c·.·,l de. Orville Car,el" pickEU it lip
and ltl~'~ -11 it (.r rn cigl.t lIllie march to tlll' trnn~po·tt til'1' \,,,,,t,. He \., s
o{l.n t n 1't ,1 f(l tilr,," it r.w:-~- ,m :.cccunt of it;; gn·,.t \,.. :gl.t, In,! he
l,e .;.,:0 i nllll i. )w it i~ l.,('k~U upon aH an int('t~st;ng l·elic but c"nfnlly l,:m-
dle(1. ao; it .~ ;;fi11 !')aucll with distmction.
£. n~') ' ..\T. :!a 1.1 I '!:-i C :CE".-', OF n~'E ( p C(1. F."1iO ~. WHn :n:C'n.l,~TTI _\. D ~O,,' LI\"t'"G
J'" rL ~ cn "T"', P "'0",- l~ .•"!' r~ nl I ...~r""". r·Oi. ITlt..... A;D O'E ...OCL\.L 8'1.\ ..~nI~U.
\. J .1.::::-",": Ie. I. \', ir :filleu th" fn!l (1ut o d :' ~()itlie\' durin;; the ui lit'
v;a~. t'\~{l-n l.tl~dllCl' :It th inp :;' i\liU, June '27, Ibr~. whilL tl'y:ll}.( to rcJ-'CUC a
W) rl 1 'll. COl1r:Hle fruIn the Clli:ray. ('Quv{'y(d to Lihhy l'd::H'E v,llcl'o hf' \\n:-;
h o l<1 :lb'Hlt ~i;~ w{,pk:-; tlud e~chn.Dh{'d, wns ngaiu taken prboluT ht (('ttJ'~hl1r~
1<T.,l E .j 'y~d the h"RI'ita]ity "f Be·lie IG~t' for uc-nrly tW() 11 outh" al\d thrl u;.th
,trat bY ~n hoodwinking the C01111t ()f thenbd ofiiccrR,t\h' ;;ccclld t·meR(curt'd
lie ,ete1"'lH.'t1 in the ~nlL( C')n11 {ll!y
an € ·,change <Hid t"'joinp<l hiR TC'giln!'nt .
lie i" Dnw ('('uul)" R,·C,)l"UH.
an,l '"tlR Olll' of tllp la·-' to return hOUl(' .
()R\"I~LF rAi.\ H. ",i1\ rn;-c ~~')fJd furtull" nCYC'l" wn~ al..~ent a Inil€' (r llHlT('h.
hatt e ,n' ~ "il'l':.l \ in wlJ.ich hi.:; ('vrJ'!WI1Y \;"(:~ ellbtlg~l1. t r 1\1:-' l't gulr.r turn f t 1
pil'ket cllty. or tl rq;ul:'r ,",tien i%uetl dUril;g l.·~ thne S~ar" >'",vic!', alll
.",.ap~tI all without h in~ ,].> bled either loy lmild (r (l""tl~. Aft. r the l x
p .a ion of t:.r,t) y"a"" ~_rvico h~ r- lnli;;tl'Li llllIucc(1c!'" ':ct~I l' Corps ,,1\,1 re
mainpd un(-ill1V' cl(l~.: cf the \\-"1.1'. fruce tht ~ r OC"'UpillM a prolniru.:.at htJ.:,i
ll~'" l'u~ition as tlru~~i"t at A.l'g"k. l'. <I . Ta"t"r f( .. r.lfi'lY yt'f.l , nI,d fill d
oth,," public trt1~;~, [lnll i~ now 11'0 cL ;SOl Ft.l!t j",lllntur 'Gr "ltlul;eu anti L't-
G'ran:!e counti~:3.
Jc l~ TIl ~.I' .tiD. ):S, n t1'llC hoafst sold:t-'!: \\hIlo in l ine of duty at Gaillt:~' ~t'l1
recl.ivl'U 11;; v re Woulltl of Ill(' ldt arm aml !:mllll, l'1akir..; ,im d.i""hlnl tl r
r "-'. 1-1(\ ret' ived his di:ch:;rt{e ()( l. :~. j~t;~ , I1nu Jl(\ ill n qui.·t n'Hlll t l'
folloWS h·" {r:lU' in .\.ng()lu u,. 1><,,( he c·m for a linlihr· )d, ge I"r'JUS tu ,1 c· U'·
rau (r pal ::;on in Ill'eli. an hOllr,r t.1 and l't .;: P(~'c+ d citiz; 1,
HE.'jl.~ 'H'IIO.~. ca~!cd t\'" hoy~ &t .. ' vdik. <oundcd the ularUl.. nnd oU the
ll16 t p:-; ou h;~ UrUL'l fr')nl ~1~y: l~Cl to 1)1.(' •• !MG:J, .l-O tlt,ubt the ho=,~ l).t ~n
w~shed him nnd hi:-; urulll whp~e SOllll.CrS cren rally wi 11 annf'yence<: , but HnT,!i.
0\" yea ()rtlel"f. :t ltl "Hit all the r' gimPllt could not ha'll d,)L8 v.ithoTjt 1>11 1.
9
~ Age and the results of st'rvice show their marks, may it be distant when the
mustering out taps are ...unded for him.
GEORGE E. YOUNG, waR wounded at New Bridge, ,a., taken prisoner at Get-
tysburg, exchanged after two months confinement at Richmond, and on ac-
count of disability dischnrged, on recuperation was commiRsioned as Ass't.
ProvoRt Marshall, afterwards as Adjt. of the 152 Ind. Vol. Among the pleasant
episodes at the begining vf the war was the marriages of Geo. E. Young to
Elizabeth Freygang, and Fred. W. Meech to Helen Danah, both Angola girls.
These maniages were solemnized by the regimental Chaplain in front of the
regiment at dreRS parade on the eve of it departure. Comrade Young lived
and is now enjoying life with his estimatable wife, but poor Fred. Meech
killed in battle at Gaines' Mill, Va., never returned to greet his bride. Such
is often the fortunes and teriable realities of war.
SANFORD MORSE, a resident of Orland and a soldier from May, 1861 to March,
1866, was recipient of re1>('1 fal'e at Libby Prison for a scason, while there carn-
pd the cognomon of "Doctor" as by his means his comrades received favors
that saved life.
EDSON J. FITCH, after tlnee years service in Co. B. again volunteered to the
end of the war. He was thorough, quiet, and method like in soldier's duties, as
in citizen's work, an exellent accountant, gentlemanly in demenior he served as
Deputy County Auditor wilh ability. His soldier record coupled with his com-
petentcy made him fully deserving of the principal position.
FORTY-SECOND ILL. VOL. INF'T.
More men were called fOr and another block of Steuben County boys, who
sought immediate service. united their fortunes and glory with the 42nd Ill.
Organized in July, 1861
STEUBEN COUNTY BOYS OF co. I. 42SD ILL.
Adams, James, Finch, Robert, Miner, William,
Bullard, Almon, G-reenleaf, A. N. Moorehouse Sherman,
\ Carson, ". 1. Goodale, A. N. Nash, Elijah,
. Carson. John, Hart, Thompson, Nash, John B.
Carpenter, Gordon, Ha-rt, Edwin H. Opie, Benjamin,
Carpenter. Volney, Hewett, Watson J. Opie, William J.
Dickillson, Milton. Hoover, Nicholas, Root, Orrin E.
Dickinson, Geo. L, Jarrard, William' Root, Wallace W.
Evans, Robert, Kale, Henry, Spear, Robt. B.
Eckright, Chas., ~,finer, Thomas, Tuttle, Hesikiah.
These men were ob aiDed nea-r Orland through the medium of a recruiting
officer from Chicago. Their service was in the south and west.
10
LIsT OF nIPORTA~T BArrLES n; WIIIcn THE 42ND ILL. WAt; E~;GAGED.
s nl1{l Xo. ]0, ::\Iis~ion Ridge, Ken.e~aw :'Iountain,
t. PIllow. Tunnel Hill. Pench Tree Creek,
Farmin;;'on, Rocky Face. J on<'tiboro,
o-inth, Bm:z:ud ROORt, Hpring Hill,
tOil" River, Adairvillt-, :Ka~hville.
hica!1l:luga,
A n"ring Exploit of Co, I.- In d...fcnce of IRIand .). 10 the enemy
l,l,mtl'd n battt'r)'. of ~", 64 hen,y riflt:d gUllS, Lehina works at a bend of
)I;~si"ipl'i river nbove the lHlan<1, thu~ commanding the ri,er nbove,
mira! route iufor:,led t he Colonel of the 42nd Ill. that it 'wa" necessary to silence
OJ' ui;;tro~' I hCRe gun~, The .Colonel select('d Co. I. for the lm;;ine;;;;. So one
d rIo night Ihey Jwppcd "HenUy down the rinr in bents with IDufil€a oar"
j<'ulul nnd ,;en\(o<1 the work;; and effectuly "piked every gun, taking the ennDY
,,) coml'letel~' h~ :urpris'" thnt the mischief '<'ffiR dtHle and tht'y away before
lit ('t "my could rally ill def~nce. The nE'xt night the Union gun bonts run
III! blockadE' Iint1 geting below the I~lalld thm; compc·lli.llg its 5unellder with
i.O(jO pl'i~nn~rf.
,[(lim Car,(111 ~lld \Ym. Jt!Tr?rtl wcrc two n'cn,hCTs that are well knowll
fl." COUllty, good citizen", true to eornrtttlc~, liherul to eulls of clbtr€'ss
public ll€,.pa",
'.'·ILL!'.'! JA!<nAllTl, waR in the th"ee months s"nice pdor to joining C(l. 1.
wli'.-'ro h l' .·mnin( d durin~ tho ,,,Tnr. since attentive hJ hir; businl'8~ in a titricfly
quir-t way.
Jo~ CAns(;~. lwd the l'(lHltatil'D of beh'b the lJ{st pl'ovid('r nlH1 forager. in
whkh his comrades all f<hal'cd, bnt the ('c.rinth ~wa"I1p wute,' compelled hi~
tli~cha,ge, He again Ellliskd ill the ]2~th C, V. 1. Iltl hr.R occupied a public
po~.;iiion ftlr mnny ypnrs, an,,-! is noted for prnu. p+lI€~S in its tli:-:charg(:. aud
i" quick to notict' and reSL'nt rn imp"sitiOll 01' ll~glpct to n spldicr.
('anon'" fund of armJ life reminiss!\)le., ',1''' mony, he relates Olle which
rl'o';('o .Jnnard to be the c,igi':1al Jisc()vcl'0l' Gf Ihcllq;ro':; quick nddel'tion to a
"oltlicr'~ drill, 1,ear Seelalir., ;.\10. in D(c.. lHH Co, I \\:!s gnal'd.ing a ~erti"ll (If
l'ai1~';),Hl Jorr:\ru ;.lld G(I1'u(ln CnrI'(utpf ',ll'O ;llacpd (11 u hi'Lt. A uegro cn."'!"":-'-
eel it carryhlg whi,kpy that his I1.h~IC hnJ FOil fIor, d cp"r,e it" il,: tluty
of tl \ ciuard.-i to i.a"·C'.JtiJt1t8 by samplillg, they (lid this 150 well that Cnrrln1t.r
broke his gun. and deprn't£'d f0r camp. bu.t Jarrard ~a'N tho futUl'(. " . the
llt.c.;rO R~ a ~o1die1", and ht:'ld ltim f~·r drill in "[tl;(,ut ftH.'(;' hri~~Lt facc"
·'r-l.urch:' eeL Tho negro's nlnsier bcco1nin~ an i{.n.. cnn.p nloLg to l;.;ok fur
hb I ,'oPC1't;, Jarrard 1I:."a(l him lulllll rs a 1"·crr.it ~'n 1 put Ill( Ir 1;01h tI, ou~h
til ,hill, C'>llll,elling obl'ui~nce to orC!.ers by the t:. t) (f I': !....1~ (,T. t. ,[hu:;
1h r'j wl2ro luund marchil1g np f~nd d;.,}wn the rnilrond tr \"k h~ t1H.' r lief guard.