Hardin County, Ohio - Chapter 12, 1883

Chapter 12

MILITARY HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY - WAR OF 1812 - OPENING OF HUL'il TRAIL, AND ERECTION OF FORT m'ARTHUR - INCIDENTS CONNECTED AYITH THAT FORT, AND ITS SUBSEQUENT ABANDONMENT - GOV.

QiE VENT Y- ONE years ago, the arrogance of the English Governrcl brought on the war of 1812, and though it closed five years prior to erection of Hardin County, this territory was so closely identified with S( of the leading events in that second struggle against the same tyranrj power that we deem it appropriate to relate briefly its connection thereAv] On the 4th of June, 1812, a resolution declaring war against England passed by the House of Representatives; on the 17th of the same mol] the bill received the sanction of the Senate, and two days afterward Pi| dent James Madison issued his proclamation of war. Vigorous prepl tions for the impending conflict were made by Congress. 25,000 reg*| troops and 50,000 volunteers were ordered to be raised by the General (j ernment, while at the same time the several States were requested to out 100,000 militia for the defense of the coast and harbors. Ohio been preparing for the coming struggle, and prior to the declaratiol war, troops began to rendezvous at Dayton, Springfield, Urbana and o| points, in obedience to the call of Gov. Meigs. Early in June, 1812, Duncan McArthur, with a regiment of soldiers, was detached from Urll to open a road in advance of Gen. Hull as far as the Scioto River. Haj passed Manary' s block-house, three miles north of Bellefontaine, buill Capt. James Manary 's company, of Ross County, also Solomon's Tom small Shawnee village north of the Greenville treaty line, the detachi commenced its labors through the dense forest. It entered what is Hardin County in Survey 9,991, Taylor Creek Township, and, takit northeast course, passed through Surveys 12,051 and 12,167 ; thence thnl the southeast corner of Survey 10,013 and northwest corner of Sal 10,014, striking the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad Silver Creek Station, continuing the same course through Surveys 12| and 9,935, Lynn Township, until it strikes the western boundary lii Buck Township, at Survey 11,067; thence through the northwest corDij the latter subdivision to the Scioto.

Having reached the river, they began erecting a fortification, for tection against the enemy, which was named " Fort McArthur, " in hi of their gallant commander. The site was a low, flat place on the i bank of the Scioto, and had little communication with the settlements, person could go from one to the other but at the peril of his life, the fJ being alive with hostile Indians. The fort was a weak stockade, inclc about half an acre. There were two block-houses, one in the north and the other in the southeast angle, constructed of round logs of froi teen to eighteen inches in diameter. The lower stories were about tv feet square to the height of about eight feet, then the second story projected on all sides six or eight inches to enable the inmates to defend themselves more successfully against an assault. In addition to this, there were portholes through the log walls, above and below. The whole structure was covered with clapboards, and heavy-weight poles to hold them solid. There was one door in each building, made of heavy puncheons, four inches thick, hung on wooden hinges and fastened on the inside with strong wooden cross-bars. Seventy or eighty feet of the inclosure was composed of a row of log com cribs, covered with a shed roof sloping toward the inside. A part of the pickets were of split timber, and lapped at the edges; others were round logs, set up endways, and touching each other. The rows of huts for the garrison were a few feet from the wal Is. It was a post of much danger, liable at any moment to be attacked.

The site of this old fort is in the northwest corner of Buck Township, about three miles west of Kenton. Several men died at Fort McArthur during the war, and the graves of sixteen gallant soldiers may be plainly seen on the north side of the river in Cessna Township. Their graves remain unmarked, and their names are, doubtless, " lost mid the rubbish of forgotten things." Here the brave fellows who went forth to defend the homes of their loved ones against the ruthless savage and his treacherous English ally, found rest from the hardships of the camp and the toils of military life.

On the evening of the 19th of June, 1812, Gen. Hull arrived with the residue of his army, and encamped on the north side of the river, and on the 21st, Col. James Findlay's regiment was detached for the purpose of cutting the road to Blanchard's Fork of the Auglaize. On the next morning he moved forward, with the exception of part of Capt. Dill's company, which was left at Fort McArthur for the double purpose of protecting the sick and defending the fort in case of attack. The following was the formation of the army as announced in a general order: The Fourth United

States Regiment on the right. Col. McArthur on the left; Col. Findlay on the left of the F ourth, and Col. Cass on the right of Col. McArthur; the cavalry on the right of the whole. In marching, the riHemen of the respective regiments formed the hank guards, and on the days the army marched they were excluded from other duty. From Fort McArthur to the rapids of the Maumee, the route of the army was through a thick and almost trackless forest, through a country where numerous creeks and rivers have their origin. The soil of the land was rich and moist. As there were a great many baggage wagons attached to the army, it became necessary to open a road the whole distance. The weather was rainy, and men and horses had to travel middle deep in mud; frequently the van had to halt for the rear, which was often detained in its march in relieving wagons and horses from the mire.

Crossing the southeast corner of what is now Cessna Township, the - road passed north through the western portion of Pleasant Township and crossed Cessna Creek on the farm of A. Treager; thence taking a northwest course until it again crossed the line into Cessna Township; leaving that subdivision near its northeast corner, it turned into Blanchard; thence ran in a northerly direction unti] passing through the farm of Alonzo Lynch, when it deviated to the northeast and crossed the line into Washington Township on the land of P. P. Trump, leaving Dunkirk about half a mile to the east; thence continuing the same general course, and striking the county line near Ihe center of Section I, Washington Township. Just across the line in Hancock Councy, the army encamped on a swampy piece of ground, where the mud was ankle-deep in the tents. Here a block-house was erected and named "Fort Necessity." While here, Gen. Hull received dispatches from Mr. Atwater, Acting Governor of Michigan Territory. In consequence of the muddy roads, the General detailed every man capable of making a pack-saddle, and ordered the baggage conveyed on horses instead of on wagons out subsequently rescinded the order for reasons best known to himself. The army marched north from Fort Necessity, built Fort Findlay on Blanchard's Fork, and reached the Maumee on the 30th of June, 1812, which it crossed near the foot of the rapids. Our readers are, doubtless, well aware of the disastrous termination of that campaign, through the disgraceful surrender of his brave army by Gen. Hull at Detroit, on the l6th of August, 1812, without firing a shot against the enemy. Not a vestige of Fort McArthur now remains, but the line of the old military road is well remembered, while remnants of the corduroy can yet be traced through portions of the county.

In July, 1812, Gen. Edward W. Tupper, of Gallia County, Ohio, raised 1,000 men from his portion of the * State, and at the head of this force marched north upon Hull's trail. He established his base of supplies at Fort McArthur, and then pushed forward to the Maumee. The Indians appeared on the opposite bank, and Tupper attempted to cross the river that night, but on account of the rapidity of the current, and the feeble, half- starved condition of his men and horses, the attempt failed. The enemy soon after took the offensive and attacked the American camp, but were defeated with considerable loss. They retired to Detroit, while Tupper returned to Fort McArthur.

The following incidents connected with this old fortification we have culled from Howe's Historical Collections. He says: " In January, 1813,

Blackhoof, the celebrated Shawnee chief, visited Gen. Tupper's camp at Fort McArthur, and while there about ten o'clock one night, when sitting by the fire in company with the General and several other officers, some one fired a pistol through a hole in the wall of the hut and shot Blackhoof in the face. The ball entered the cheek, glanced against the bone, and finally lodged in his neck; he fell, and for some time was supposed to be dead, but revived and afterward recovered from this severe wound. The most prompt and diligent inquiry as to the author of this cruel and dastardly act, failed to lead to his detection. No doubt was entertained that this attempt at assassination was made by a white man, stimulated, perhaps, by no better excuse than the memory of some actual or ideal wrong, inflicted on some of his own race by an unknown hand of kindred color with that of his intended victim.

" The fort was, at one time during the war of 1812, commanded by Capt. Robert McClelland, who subsequently died in Greene County, Ohio. He was a brave man and, when roused, brave to rashness. While he commanded at Fort McArthur, one of his men had gone a short distance from the walls for the purpose of peeling bark. Thus engaged at a tree, he was shot twice through the body, by a couple of Indians in ambush, whose rifles went off so near together that the reports were barely distinguishable. He uttered one piercing scream of agony, and ran with almost superhuman speed, but fell before he reached the fort. In an instant, alarm was spread through the garrison, as no doubt was entertained but that this was the commencement of a general attack, which had been long expected. Instead of shutting the gates to keep out danger, McClelland seized his rifle, and calling on some of his men to follow, of which but few obeyed, he hastened to the place of ambush and made diligent search for the enemy, who, by an instant and rapid retreat, had effected their escape; nor did he return until he had scoured the woods all around in the vicinity of the fort.

" A short time prior to Perry' s victory on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, an incident occurred at this fort that is worthy of mention. Gen. Harrison was encamped at Fort Seneca, a military post nine miles north of the site of Tiffin. The friendly Indians of the Shawnee, Delaware and Seneca tribes had been over to join him, and on their way stopped at Fort McArthur for the purpose of obtaining provisions from Col. McPherson, the Deputy Indian Agent, who then resided there. Among the Shawnees was an Indian called Bine Jacket, but not the celebrated chief of that name. Thi§ wretch had joined the expedition with the avowed purpose of killing Gen. Harrison. He communicated his intention to another Shawnee, and requested his assistance, but the latter, who admired the General, tried to persuade him from carrying out his threat, telling him that he would surely lose his life in the attempt. Blue J acket replied that he would kill the General if he was sure that the guards would cut him to pieces not bigger than his thumb nail.

" During their stay at Fort McArthur, the friend of Blue J acket told the story to Beaver, a young Delaware chief whom Gen. Harrison had greatly befriended; and one day, while Beaver was considering how to save the life of the General and prevent his intended murder. Blue Jacket came up to the Delaware camp, somewhat intoxicated, swearing vengeance on Col. McPherson, who had just turned him out of the fort, and whom he declared he would put to death for the insult he had received. The sight of the traitor aroused the indignation and resentment of Beaver to the highest pitch. Seizing his tomahawk, he advanced toward the culprit and said,

* You must be a great warrior, you will not only kill this white man for serving you as you deserve, but you will also murder our father, the American Chief, and bring disgrace and mischief upon us all; but you shall do neither, I will serve you as I would a mad dog.' A furious blow from the tomahawk of Beaver stretched Blue Jacket at his feet, and a second blow ended his life. ^ There, ' said he to some Shawhees, who had witnessed the affair, ' take him to the camp of his tribe, and tell them who has done the deed.' The Shawnees upheld the conduct of Beaver and rejoiced at their happy escape from the ignominy which the success of Blue Jacket's design would have brought upon them. Gen. Harrison always believed that Blue Jacket came from the English agents at Malden for the purpose of murdering him, but with his death died the knowledge of who were the instigators of the intended crime. At the treaty held at Greeneville, in 1815, Gen. Lewis Cass related the whole story, and while publicly thanking Baaver in behalf of the United States for saving Gen. Harrison's life, he caused a handsome present to be made him out of the goods which had been sent for the purpose of the treaty."

The war was ended by the treaty of peace signed December 24, 1814, though the battle of New Orleans, and a few naval fights occurred early in the following year. In 1816, the Government abandoned Fort McArthur, and A. B. Johnson, in his address before the Pioneer Association of Hardin County, July 4, 1876, tells the following anecdote in connection with that event. He says; " At the time of its abandonment, two of the soldiers had a couple of gallons of whisky, which, being unable to carry, they concluded to bury. So, putting it carefully in a jug tightly corked, they proceeded down the river a short distance and buried it on the river bank^ intending to return at some future time and reclaim it. They never re turned, however, and the people of that vicinity do say that many are the thirsty hunters of Kenton who have made anxious and careful searches after the lost and buried treasure, so that, like the treasures of Capt. Kidd, the story of the whisky has passed into history."

The old Shawnee trace, which passes through the southeast corner of Hardin County, was also utilized during the war of 1812; for we find that, in -September, 1813, Gov. Shelby, of Kentucky, at the head of 4,000 mounted volunteers, passed over that route to Fort Ferree, now Upper Sandusky, on his march to Lake Erie. Upon arriving at Sandusky Bay, he turned his horses out to graze, and there they were left in charge of a guard, while the army went forward on its expedition into Canada. Thus has the territory embraced in Hardin County become historic ground, and many of those brave men who fought in that second war against English aggression, came and made their homes upon its soil. In later times their sons and grandsons, upon many a well-contested battle-field, proved themselves worthy descendants of those noble, patriotic sires who offered their lives in defense of liberty.

The Mexican War

The disputed territory between the rivers Neuces and Bio Grande was the direct cause of the war between the United States and Mexico. Texas, which had first won its independence, and subsequently been admitted into the Union, claimed the Bio Grande, as the boundary line, while Mexico said it was the Neuces Biver. The American Government proposed to settle the controversy by negotiation, ^but the authorities of Mexico scornfully refused. Gen, Taylor was then ordered to advance his army, and, in November, 1845, had established a camp of about 5,000 men at Corpus Christi, near the mouth of the Neuces Biver. In March, 1846, he advanced to the Bio Grande and erected Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras. (in the 26th of April, Gen, Arista, the Mexican commander, notified Gen. Taylor that hostilities had begun, and on the same day a company of American dragoons, commanded by Capt. Thornton, was attacked by a body of Mexicans, east of the Bio Grande, and here occurred the first bloodshed of the war.

It made no great stir among the people of Hardin County, though the progress of the victorious troops from the Bio Grande to the halls of the Montezumas was hailed with an enthusiasm similar to that over the country generally. The Whig leaders claimed to see in the war a scheme for the extension of slavery, and on this ground made many bitter speeches against it; but the patriotism of the nation was aroused, and all opposition was swept away before the grand outbarst of indignation which it caused. We have been unable to find any record of the stddiers who enlisted from Hardin County, but have gathered, among the old settlers, the names of the following citizens who went from here and served in that war: Andrew Huff, David Spitzer, Henry Spitzer, George Harding, Jonas Butcher, Hiram Olden, Thomas Sutterfield, Albert Zugschwert, Frederick Traeger; a young lawyer, B. J. Allison, Phillip Bussell, Dr. George W. Kishler and William Lester. Some of these never returned, but found graves in the land of the Aztecs, while of those who did come back none remain in Hardin County to tell of the fierce and bloody conflicts in which the y participated.

On Tuesday evening, April 16, 1861, the citizens of Kenton convened a meeting at the court house, to counsel together and take action for the purpose of responding, in a substantial manner, to the call of President Lincoln for volunteers. Col. James Cantwell was elected Chairman, and David Thompson Secretary. On motion of J. S. Robinson, the following committee was appointed to prepare business for the meeting, viz. - A. S. Ramsey, James Bain, J. N. Absten, Edward Stillings, L. T. Hunt and David Thompson. Col. James Cantwell was subsequently appointed on this committee. B. R. Brunson and R. L. Chase were respectively elected Chairman and Secretary, pro tern.. , of the meeting. During the absence of the committee, H. G. Harris, David Snodgrass, Stilla Powell, Edward Stillings, A. S. Ramsey and others, being called for, responded in brief but patriotic speeches. The news from Fort Sumter obliterated party feeling, and the general tenor of the addresses was the sentiment uttered by Stephen Decatur : " My country ; may she always be right; but right or wrong, My

Resolved, That a meeting of the citizens of Hardin County be called at the court house, in Kenton, on the 18th day of April, at 1 o'clock P. M., to consider the perilous condition of the country; and, in pursuance of the proclamation of the Executive, to enlist volunteers to defend the Government; and.

On motion, three hearty cheers were given for the Stars and Stripes, and a committee of three appointed to raise our national banner on the court house every morning hereafter. Amid deafening cheers for the Union, the meeting adjourned, to meet again on Wednesday evening.

Pursuant to this understanding, the citizens came together at the court house on the evening designated, to perfect arrangements for receiving volunteers.

A committee of five was appointed to raise funds by contribution, for the payment of the expenses of volunteers until they should leave Kenton; also to see that the families of volunteers were provided for during their absence. Benjamin Eglin, Edward Stillings, Hugh Letson, J. S. Robinson and William Cary constituted this committee. David Snodgrass, O. B. Happersett and Stilla Powell were appointed to procure quarters for volunteers, and reported Kinnear's hall as the place of rendezvous. Patriotic speeches were made by Messrs. George Weaver, L. T. Hunt, Edward Stillings, H. G. Harris, J. S. Robinson, S. L. Hoge, David Snodgrass, G. A. Stewart and others, which aroused the audience to the highest pitch of enthusiasm.

On Thursday, April 18, a large and enthusiastic meeting filled the court house to overflowing. It was a gathering of the people from every section of the county, and served to convince every loyal heart that the people were for the Government, the enforcement of the laws and the preservation of the Union. The addresses by C. H. Gatch and A. S. Ramsey were eloquent, to the point, had the true ring in them, and the wildest enthusi-

On the previous day, the stars and stripes had been unfurled to the breeze from the flag staff on the court house, amid the shouts of the people and the firing of cannon. The national banner also floated over many of the business houses, private residences and public buildings. Hardin County was thoroughly aroused; its citizens vied with each other in patriotic ardor, and volunteers were rapidly enrolling to uphold the Government.

The " Hardin County Guards," which subsequently became Company D, Fom'th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was soon tilled up. George Weaver was elected Captain; Gordon A. Stewart, First Lieutenant, and Daniel Timmons, Second Lieutenant. Then followed the " Kenton Rangers," with James Cantwell as Captain, J. S. Robinson, First Lieutenant, and Peter Grubb, Second Lieutenant. This company, on the organization of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, became Company G. On Sunday, April 21, divine services were held in front of the Union House and at the railroad depot. A beautiful flag was presented to Capt. Weaver's company by the ladies of Kenton, while the ladies of the county presented a banner to Capt. Cantwell's company, besides furnishing each man with a Bible, blanket and other necessary articles, the supply far exceeding the demand. On Monday, April 22, immense crowds thronged the streets of Kenton; the "ordnance department" reported freely and frequently; a new flag was raised on the court house; martial music was heard and the drilling of volunteers seen at all hours, while the stars and stripes proudly floated in every direction and cheers filled the air as the gallant boys marched past. Speeches were made at every available point, in halls as well as in the open air, and the thrilling scenes of those first days in that great struggle for national life will never be forgotten. About sixty men left Patterson on Monday, April 22, under the command of Capt. Weaver, and were subsequently joined at Crestline by the balance of his company under Lieut. Stewart, and thence proceeded to Camp Jackson, near Columbus, Ohio. Capt. Cantwell's company left Kenton for Columbus on Wednesday, April 24, making 195 men who had been forwarded from Hardin County inside of one week. In all of these demonstrations, the women of Hardin County bore a conspicuous part, both with heart, hand and voice. Many a " God speed you " from these noble women cheered the sons, fathers and brothers who were going forth, perhaps never to return, and steeled their hearts with a firm resolve to do their duty and never forsake the old flag.

After the volunteers had left the county, the women were indefatigable in their efforts to send provisions, delicacies and clothing to the boys in camp. In every town and village of Hardin County, some one was designated to receive donations of such things as could be used, which were forwarded to the soldiers at the front. Many a sick and wavering soldier's heart was upheld and strengthened by these attentions from their loved ones at home; and who can say that many of the victories gained and heroic deeds performed were not the direct results of the material and spiritual assistance of these noble women throughout the nation whose prayers were ever ascending to the God of battles in behalf of the Union armies.

We have taken the pains to ascertain how many soldiers this county furnished for the war up to September 24, 1861, and our investigations show the following figures; Capt. Cantwell took from this county 124 men; Capt. Weaver, 104; Capt. Furney, 60; Capt. Henderson, 28; Capt. Gardner, 80; Mr. Asbury, 32; Col. Gibson, 22; A. Gardner, 80; Marion County. 8; C. H. Gatch, 90; Allen and Wyandot Counties, 50; total, 623, or about one volunteer to every four voters. Truly this is a grand showing of patriotism and devotion to the national cause.

The following military table was officially prepared by the Auditor of Hardin County, August 29, 1862, for the use of the Military Committee of said county, and we here give it for the purpose of showing the relative standing of each township during those dark days in the nation's history:

The first draft in this county occurred May 23, 1864, at which time 37 men were drafted, viz., 11 from Buck Township, 10 from Dudley, 4 from Taylor Creek, 4 from Goshen, 2 from Washington, 2 from Jifarion, 2 from Round Head and 2 from Hale. All the other townships were clear of the draft, having supplied their full quota, with some to spare. Of those taken in this draft, some were exempt from service, and ere the quota was filled two more drafts became necessary, one on the 13th and the other on the 24th of June. In September, 1864, another draft took place, on the call for 500,000 men. After deducting credits, the quotas from the several townships are as follows: Goshen, 26; Cessna, 19; Washington, 23; Marion, 19; Jackson, 29; Blanchard, 24; Liberty, 43; Pleasant, 72; Roundhead, 22; McDonald, 20; Dudley, 29; Taylor Creek, 17; Hale, 32; Buck, 23, and Lynn, 10; total, 408. Thus, we find that the total number of drafted men from Hardin County in the Union army was 415; and that the total number of volunteers, up to the close of 1862, was 1,197; which makes a grand total of 1,642. It is safe to infer that throughout the years 1863-64, a goodly number of volunteers from Hardin County went into the army, and that, therefore, the figures are something larger than here gi\en. There are no reliable means of knowing'the exact number of soldiers who went from any county in Ohio, as many enlisted in other counties and States, to which their services and valorous deeds are duly accredited.

Hardin County always responded bravely to every call for troops, and her soldiers, whether officers or privates, always did their duty. Many - oh, how many! - went forth never to return. They went down to death in the midst of fierce conflict, where individuality was lost, or passed away in far off hospitals, half attended or wholly neglected, unsolaced, save by the fevered dreams of far away homes, bringing the images of cool hands and loving faces, whom they shall meet only in the silent land. The proudest, the noblest, the best fell in the struggle, and naught now remains of them but their memories, cherished in the afiections of a grateful people; and all over this broad land, that people have piled up the storied marble, to which the thronging generations of the future shall come and learn lessons of heroism and self-sacrifice.

Under the first call of President Lincoln, for 75,000 volunteers, Hardin County responded by presenting two full companies, which were assigned to the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Capt. George Weaver, an old veteran of the Mexican war, was Captain of Company D; G. A. Stewart, First Lieutenant; Daniel Timmons, Second Lieutenant. James S. Robinson was Captain of Company G, Peter Grubb, First Lieutenant and William Surgeson, Second Lieutenant. James Cantwell, who was first elected Captain was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment.

In August, 1861, Capt. C, H. Gatch, assisted by First Lieut. W. W. Nixon and Second Lieut. David McConnell, recruited a full company for the service, which was assigned, as Company K, to the Thirty-third Ohio Regiment. The regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland. It participated in the campaigns of that army, and finally accompanied Sherman in his march to the sea.

In July and August, of 1861, Capt. Luther Furney, assisted by Lieut. Asa Carter, recruited Company D for the Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was assigned to duty with Gen. J. D. Cox, on the Gaiiley, W. Va. It formed a part of Gen. Hayes' brigade. The regiment performed much hard service in West Virginia and in the Shenandoah Valley. Capt. Furney was subsequently promoted to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the regiment.

Capt. Daniel Ammerman, Lieut. Nelson G. Franklin, and Capt. Comfort H. Stanley and Lieut. A. K. Rarey, assisted by Lieut. Col. A. S. Ramsey, recruited two full companies for the Forty-fifth Ohio Regiment in August, 1862. The regiment was assigned to duty in Kentucky, and afterward, in August, 1863, joined Gen. Burnside's command. The regiment was in the famous campaign against Knoxville, Tenn. In May, 1863, the regiment was transferred to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, thus enabling it to participate in the campaign against Atlanta. In June following, the regiment was transferred to th« Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps. It concluded its services in the battles of Franklin and Nashville.

In the winter of 1862, a company was recruited by Lieut. David Snodgrass and Lieut. P. W. Stumm, which was assigned, as Company H, to the Seventy-fourth Ohio Regiment. Lieut. Snodgrass was appointed Captain of the company. The regiment was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and was assigned to the Fourteenth Corps. It was in the campaign against Atlanta, and accompanied Sherman in the campaign to Richmond and Washington, via Savannah.

History Or Hardin Countf

The Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment was recruited in November and December, 1861, and rendezvoused at Camp Simon Kenton, Kenton, Ohio. It was organized by Col. James Cantwell, Lieut. Col. B. R. Durfee and Maj. James S. Robinson, all officers of the Fourth Ohio Regiment, with Dr. A. W. Munson as Assistant Surgeon. Four full companies were recruited from Hardin County, and a portion of Company E, Capt. Main's company, was recruited from Roundhead, Taylor Creek and McDonald Townships.

Capt. David Thomson, First Lieut. S. L. Hoge and Second Lieut. James B. McConnell recruited the first company for the regiment, which was assigned as Company A. Capt. Thomson was appointed Major, Aprii 9, 1862, and Lieutenant Colonel, August 29, 1862. After Col. Robinson was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieut. Col. Thomson. He continued in command until a few weeks before the close of the war, when he was disabled by a wound at Averysboro, N. C., March 16, 1865. He was brevetted a Brigadier General, for gallant and meritorious service, to rank from the 13th of March, 1865.

L. S. Powell was appointed Captain of Company B, which company he recruited, assisted by First Lieut. David J. Mentzer and Second Lieut. AV. J. Dickson. The latter officer was killed at Resaca May 14, 1864, while acting as Major of the regiment.

Company C was recruited by Capt. P. C. Boslow, First Lieut. John Campbell and Second Lieut. Morgan Simonson. The company was principally recruited in the vicinity of Patterson and Forest. It was assigned as the color company of the regiment, and nobly did it defend its standadr.

Company G was commanded by Capt. James Ewing; First Lieutenant, William Porterfield; Second Lieutenant, Preston Faught. The company was principally recruited in the vicinity of Kenton, and in Blanchard and Liberty Townships.

After the organization of the Eighty-second Regiment, it was assigned to West Virginia. It served in the Fremont campaign against Jackson, joining the Army of the Potomac at the second Bull Run, where Col. James Cantwell was killed, at the head of his regiment, on the 29th of August, 1862. Upon the death of Col. Cantwell, Lieut, Col. James S. Robinson was appointed Colonel of the regiment. On the 1st of May, 1864, he was assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, First Division, Second Army Corps. He was brevetted a Brigadier General December 12, 1864, and appointed a Brigadier General January 12, 1865, and brevetted a Major General March 13, 1865. He was mustered out of the service at the close of the war, August 31, 1865. He was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. The regiment continued to serve in the Army of the Potomac until after the battle of Gettysburg, when it accompanied the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps to the West, where it was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. It remained in that army until the close of the war. It passed through the Atlanta campaign, and accompanied Sherman's excursion through the Carolinas, finally participating in the grand review at Washington. The regiment saw much hard service. It was particularly unfortunate in the loss of its officers. It had 16 officers killed or mortally wounded on the field. From the date of its organization until its final muster out, it numbered over 2,300 names on its rolls.

The One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment was organized at Lima, Ohio, in August, 1862. Capt. Solomon Kraner, First Lieut. Thomas Axtell and Seoond liieut. A. A. Bishop recruited Company B from the vicin- ity of Kound Head. Lieut. Sidney Moore recruited thirty men for the regiment from Liberty Township, which were assigned to Company H. Dr. W. H. Philips, of Kenton, was appointed Surgeon of the regiment. The regiment first served in Kentucky, and afterward participated in the Knoxville campaign, where it saw much hard service and suffered many deprivations. It was assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, and afterward participated in the Atlanta campaign and in the battles at Franklin and Nashville. It was transferred by rail and water to Goldsboro, N. C. ; thence to Washington, D. C., and mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1865.

The cuunty furnished a company for the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, commanded by Capt. L. S. Powell. Also three companies in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guard, under Lieut. Col. C. H. Gatch, which served from May 10, 1864, until September 1, of the same year. Four companies left the county, but upon reaching Camp Jackson, near Columbus, Ohio, a re-organization took place and these companies were consolidated, thus becoming Companies G, H and I, One Hundred and Thirtyfifth Regiment Ohio National Guard. This regiment did guard service in the vicinity of Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry, and participated in a few light skirmishes.

Non-Commissioned Officers And Privates

Sergt. John Rice, Co. G, 4th O. Y. I., e. June 3, 1881; dis. June, 1885; was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, taken to Audersonville, and remained till March, 1865.

On the 12th of April, 1861, at 4 o'clock A. M., the first gun was fired by the rebels against the national flag flying over Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor; and on the 14th of the same month the flag was hauled down and the fort surrendered to the representatives of the slave power. That strange event was celebrated throughout the South as one that would lead to their independence as a nation, and their greatness as a people. Vastly different was the feeling at the North, and, as the news spread from ocean to ocean on that fatal Sunday morning, there was no rejoicing; but a deep and firm resolve went up from the hearts of the loyal millions, that the flag which had been lowered should again float over the walls of Sumter or its ruins. How well that resolution was kept is known to all, for at 12 o'clock on the 14th of April, 1865, Gen. Robert Anderson raised again to its place on Fort Sumter the same flag that four years prior to that date he had been obliged to lower in token of surrender; while the Confederacy lay bleeding and powerless at the mercy of the victors. Her cities sacked and burned; her railroads and public work in ruins; her people in poverty and rags, and her system of human slavery forever destroyed. Such was the righteous retribution meted out to a rebellious people who sought to destroy this free government and upon its ruins found a slave oligarchy.

At a meeting of the citizens held at the court house in Kenton, on Tuesday evening, April 11, 1865, it was resolved to have an appropriate celebration on Friday, April 14, in honor of the recent Union victories and the surrender of Lee's army on the 9th of April, at Appomattox. Committees were appointed and every preparation made to insure a celebration worthy of the occasion.

At 6 o'clock A. M. on the day designated, the bells pealed out in gladsome notes, cannon was fired and flags thrown to the breeze in great profusion. The people flocked in from the surrounding country for miles in every direction. Company A, Ohio National Guards, under the command of Capt. Bogardus, was called out, took position in front of the court house, fired several volleys and then returned to the armory. At 10 o'clock A. M., union services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and appropriate addresses delivered by several of the ministers present. At 12 o'clock, the bells were again ruhg and salutes fired by Company A, Ohio National Guards, and the artillery. At 2 o'clock, P. M. , the people assembled at the court house and listened to stirring speeches from J. C. Stevens, W. L. Walker and Rev. A. Harmount, who were repeatedly and enthusiastically cheered. Large numbers could not gain admittance, and an outside meeting was organized, which was addressed by H. H. Ingersoll, William T. Cessna and Judge James Bain.

The scene in the evening surpassed anything of the kind that has ever taken place in Kenton. At 6 o'clock P. M.,the bells once more rang out the glad news, while volleys from the Guards and the boom of the cannon added much tothe joyous occasion. As soon as it was dark, the buildings around the square were brilliantly illuminated, as was also the court house, and about 8 o'clock, Mr. Chapman sent up a large ballof)n, which sailed away to the northward and reached a great altitude. Immediately afterward, fireworks were set off from the top of the brick building then occupied by G. R.

Moore and others, while at the same time a cannon, which was placed at the southwest corner of the square, belched forth in thunder tones, making the scene decidedly grand. Calls were made for speeches, to which Judge Anthony' Banning and Col. C. H. Gatch responded, entertaining the immense gathering until a late hour, and sending them to their homes thankful, joyous and happy over the termination of the greatest war in modern history. The numbers present in the evening equaled, if not exceeded any former gathering of the people within the history of Hardin County.

In the midst of this unbounded joy, when every loyal heart was thanking the God of battle for the end of the war and the dawn of a glorious peace, the terrible news flashed over the wires, "Lincoln is dead," assassinated by a sympathizer of the great rebellion which he had crushed so completely on the bloody field. The man who, but a few short hours before, was the hope of the nation - whose hand was never raised to smite in anger, and whose voice was heard only in kindness - lies stilled in death. had fallen a martyr to his country in the hour of her triumph; but he left a name and a fame that has grown brighter and brighter with the lapse of time, and millions yet to come will praise him as the great, the wise, the good.

From the pinnacle of joy the people all over this broad land were plunged into an abyss of grief and despair. On Sunday, April 16, the services in the churches of Hardin County were of the most impressive character. Draped flags and emblems of mourning were conspicuously displayed, and a deep feeling of gloom pervaded the entire county. It was as though death had entered every home and taken therefrom the head of the family circle. On Wednesday, April 19, union services were held in the United Presbyterian Church, conducted by the several ministers of Kenton. Brief addresses were delivered on the life and services of Abraham Lincoln and his devotion to the great cause of human liberty. The speakers also referred touchingly to the many brave men from Hardin County, who, not unlike their martyred President, had sacrificed their lives on the altar of their country. Their records belong to the nation as distinctly as the principles for which they fought belong to man. Participating in all the sufferings and triumphs of the national army, their record is a record of the war. The result of their devotion is, therefore, national and universal, for they fought as man for man, the rights for which they shed their blood being the rights of the human race. They depend not upon local annals for the abiding history of their achievements, but find it traced in living characters upon the hearts of a liberty- loving nation. In this national capacity, they secured for themselves the grateful benedictions of that posterity for whom they preserved a land of liberty, unity and peace.