Mercer County, Illinois - Chapter 8: Military Affairs, 1914 (part 2 of 2)

The 4th of July, 1865, was celebrated with a spirit and earnestness never before witnessed in Mercer County. The war was over, slavery was forever dead, the Union was saved, the soldier boys were at home or on their way home, and why not forget all differences, shout for the flag and unite in praise to God? it was asked. A great celebration was held at Atchison Grove, on which occasion special honor was extended to the soldier boys. The committee on arrangements were J. W. Stewart, O. C. Richardson, J. C. Pepper, J. P. Wycofjf and William A. Lorimer.

A convention of the G. A. R. was held at Aledo, October 23, 1866, on which occasion delegates from all the posts of Mercer County were present - Aledo, Keithsburg, New Boston, Ohio Grove and Pleasant Hill. The object was the organization of this district and the election of the necessary officers. The committee on credentials, one from each post, were as follows: Mannon, Clay, Gilmore, Primley and Lorimer. The following officers were elected to serve until January 1, 1867: Col. I. McManus, district commander; S. D. Paxton, assistant adjutant general; Capt. L. D. Phelps, district quartermaster. W. D. Craig was chairman of this convention. Twentyone delegates participated in the convention.

In January, 1879, there were living in the county the following soldiers of the Black Hawk war: Benjamin F. Brown, Notley Scott, Robert Simms, Swade Garrett, James Garner, B. S. Cunningham, R. H. Spicer, Abraham Crabtree and Foreman Moore.

The most notable reception of soldier boys in the county was the grand military review held at Keithsburg, September 21, 1865, in honor of Gen. Warren Shedd. Hundreds of soldiers were present, and as they marched in splendid order through the packed streets they were greeted with thundering cheers from a. grateful people. Over thirteen companies were represented at this memorable review.

In 1875 a movement to effect a permanent organization of the old soldiers of the county was inaugurated, but at the first called meeting in Bank Hall only three townships were represented, owing to rain. At the second meeting, held August 12, 1875, ten townships were represented by delegates. W. P. Morgan, N. P. Smith, H. B. Frazier, J. E. Harroun, D. M. Candor, W. E. Ellsworth, W. O. Dungan, D. T. Hindman and J. Y. Merritt were appointed a committee on permanent organization. While they were preparing their report the subject of a county soldiers' monument was discussed. The committee reported the following permanent organization:

Maj. D. W. Sedwick, president; J. E. Harroun, vice president; Capt. E. B. David, secretary; E. B. Doughty, assistant secretary; J. E. Gilmore, treasurer. The committee recommended the following name for the organization: "Soldiers and Sailors' Association of Mercer County." It was provided that a reunion should be held October 15th; that a committee of two from each township, one soldier and one citizen, should be appointed to solicit funds for the erection of a soldiers' monument to cost $20,000; that a committee be appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. The following persons were appointed the soliciting committee: North Henderson - William Brown and Joshua Bruner; Rivoli - A. P. Petrie and A. J. Streeter; Richland Grove - J. B. Rathbun; Suez - J. W. Page and B. W. McLaughlin; Greene - H. B. Frazier and B. F. Morey; Preemption - William Hammond and W. C. Gray; Ohio Grove - J. W. Sidwell and Joseph Cams; Mercer - Thomas Merryman and John Holmes; Perryton - John Montgomery and Graham Lee; Abington - Alvah Jay and Frank Strong; Millersburg - J. M. Warwick and John T. McGinnis; Duncan - T. H. Jones and Martin Boyd; Keithsburg - Henry Weaver and George Whiting; New Boston - William A. Wilson and A. D. Keeler; Eliza - L. B. Noble and J. J. Huston. The secretary was instructed to communicate with marble workers and get prices and designs. At this meeting Eli Detwiler served as chairman and E. B. David and L. B. Doughty as secretaries.

On October 15, 1875, the old soldiers again formed into ranks and marched to the courthouse yard, where the representatives of each regiment selected a member who gave an account of the battles and skirmishes through which their flags had passed. Among the other speakers were Rev. S. Brink, Rev. Robert Nourse and Hon. A. J. Streeter. The field officers of the old soldiers' organization were D. \Y. Sedwick, colonel; Stephen Brink, lieutenant-colonel; A. P. Petrie, major; W. O. Dungan, adjutant. The monument committee appointed were Joshua Bruner, A. J. Streeter, W. E. Griffin, Thomas Likely, H. B.Frazier, W. C. Gray, J. N. Markee, Hiram Parkman, William Doak, John McClure, }. T. McGinnis, E. M. Castle, C. C. Wordin, L. H. Scudder and J. Y. Merritt.

It was at this time that the Soldiers' Association organized a centennial brigade to take part as such in the centennial services during the coming year. They made full preparation, ordered uniforms and arms and effected subordinate organizations in all parts of the county. During the public services of 1876, in commemoration of the founding of the Republic, they were present at all the ceremonials and were received with unbounded enthusiasm.

The committee on monument kept steadily at work and had collected means enough by the latter part of 1877 t0 commence work on the shaft. Bids were called for and the contract was finally awarded to W. \Y. Webster, of Muscatine. It was admitted that Capt. E. B. David did more to make the monument movement a success than any other individual. Finally the shaft was brought here and preparations on a grand scale for its appropriate unveiling on July 4, 1878, were made. It was put in place late in June and the ground was sodded and prepared. The Village of Aledo did all that was necessary to make the occasion a notable success. A double arch was erected at College Avenue and Seventh Street and a single arch at College Avenue and Fifth Street. Two twelvepound howitzers were secured from the Rock Island Arsenal; also a squad of artillerymen who knew how to use them.

The Fourth was ushered in with salutes from the cannon and soon afterward the delegations began to arrive. It was estimated that between fifteen and twenty thousand people were present. They came from all the surrounding counties to hear General Logan speak and witness the unveiling. It was the largest assemblage of people ever in the county up to that time. Mr. Frick was chief marshal. During the forenoon all was bustle and confusion incident to the arrivals, but after dinner order was secured. The grand parade took place at 1.30 P. M. and was as follows:

At the conclusion of the parade the great audience assembled at the grand stand. Order was called by Col. J. M. Mannon and a committee of ten was appointed to solicit funds to be applied on the monument debt. The exercises then were opened by the Viola Cornet Band, followed by a prayer by Rev. O. W. Van Osdel and music by the Aledo Light Guard Band. The Declaration of Independence was read by Hon. J. C. Pepper. An octette led by Alexander Woods then sang "Wrap the Flag Around Me Boys." Gen. John A. Logan then delivered one of his best and most eloquent orations, one of superior logic, patriotism and eloquence, which address was published in full in the Aledo Record. At the conclusion of his address the monument was unveiled amid the deafening cheers of the multitude. Music bv the bands and a national salute bv the artillery closed the day's proceedings. On the grand stand during the services were John Rainey and Father Moore, who had served in the War of 18 1 2. At night fireworks were set off from the roof of the county office building. General Logan refused to take pay for his services, nor would he allow his expenses to be paid. At this time there was yet uncollected on the monument subscription $600, and an additional debt of $525 to be provided for. Aledo raised about five hundred dollars to cover expenses, of which about one hundred dollars was left on hand ; this was turned over to the monument fund.

On June 8, 1883, pursuant to call a meeting of old soldiers was held at the Ancient Order United Workmen Hall, Aledo, for the purpose of organizing a post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Forty-three were present and many came from a considerable distance - Joy, Viola, Sunbeam, Millersburg, Perryton and other points. Special Mustering Officer J. O. Anderson and eleven comrades of Ellsworth Post at Oquawka came to institute the post and install the officers, all of which was done to the satisfaction of the old soldiers of this county present. The new post was called Warren Shedd Post, No. 262, Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the

B. F. Mawby, officer of the guard; R. H. Boyd, adjutant; W. T. Brown, sergeant-major; L. B. Doughty, quartermaster-sergeant. A general invitation was extended to all old soldiers in the county to join the post.

The Warren Shedd Woman's Relief Corps, No. 20, was organized May 21, 1895, by Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Beatty, of Moline, with the following charter members: Abbie G. Morey, Marv P. Merritt, Florence E. Wells, Mary K. Marquis, Emelie F. Rice, Olive M. Hammond, Lizzie Winders, L. Cora David, Bessie Merritt, Jewel Richey, Elizabeth Killey, Carrie Lord, Sarah M. Brown, Maggie Kinsloe, Emma Candor, Jane Rubert, Maggie McGuffin, Lizzie Kinsloe, Jamima Dihel, Maggie Johnston, Lucy Butcher, Elmira McKinney, Sarah Trovillo, Sarah J. McCormick, Emilie J. Spence, Clara D. Doughty, Ann Roberts, Zulah Kinsloe, Isabel Parkinson, Delilah Guthrie, Hannah McPherran, Elizabeth David, Hattie Bigelow, Carrie Graham, Mary E. Pickup, Mae Butcher and Mary C. Holmes. The first president was Mrs. Abbie G. Morev, and the first secretary, Mrs. Florence E. Wells. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Hattie Gibson; secretary, Mrs. Foley Reed.

A G. A. R. post was established at Keithsburg, May 21, 1884, by Commander F. C. Cunningham of the Warren Shedd Post of Aledo, and at first there were twenty-two members. L. G. Mertz was the first commander. About the same time another post was established at Viola by the same officer.

Roll Of Honor

One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, Company B - Henry Debaun, Isaac A. Linn, Andrew Landreth, J. Martindale, David Van Meter, James M. Rodgers, Jacob Fender, George Lavery, Clisby Landreth, James Swartout, George Volkal.

One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Company F - Edward B. Harris, Jonathan Mounts, Joseph W. Shawver, John W. Maury, Alfred B. Noble, Z. P. Warren.

Miscellaneous Organizations - William Swarts, Twenty-ninth Illinois, Company I; J. W. Warwick, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Illinois, Company H; Edward Bruner, Fifty-fifth Illinois, Company I; A. Cook, Fifty-first Illinois, Company K; E. R. Cooper,

Spanish-American War

The destruction of the Maine in Havana Harbor early in 1898 did not cause much excitement in this county. The subject of war was discussed at every cross-roads and every village store, but no one believed that war was certain until after the Maine disaster had been declared by the investigating committee to have been the work of a mine - a Spanish mine, of course. Even then many thought the matter would be settled without a call to arms. But in the meantime, as early as the middle of March, a company was partly recruited at Keithsburg with the expectation of entering the service in case war should be declared. Captain Hardy was the recruiting officer and the first volunteers were Charles Dryden, Lucien Murphy, Frank Duffy, W. C. Porter, John Shawley and Henry Wishar. The volunteers decided that Frank Duffy should be their captain. But as time passed and war was not declared, the company was discontinued.

No sooner did President McKinley declare, in 1898, that a state of war existed between Spain and the United States than a large massmeeting assembled at Aledo to consider the question of taking steps to raise a companv and of otherwise showing the patriotism of the county. The meeting was under the leadership of the Grand Army of the Republic and numbered over twelve hundred people who gathered in the skating rink. W. J. Graham called the meeting to order and Judge J. H. Connell was made permanent chairman. The first speaker was Colonel Sobieski, a temperance lecturer, who was here at the time; he delivered an eloquent and patriotic address. Other speakers were Guy C. Scott, Dr. M. G. Reynolds, J. M. Breces, Rev. W. S. Davis and Rev. A. M. Stocking. All favored action by the county to meet the demands of the governor and the President. Mr. Graham, who had received three years military training at the University of Illinois and had just been commissioned bv the governor to raise a companv, explained the situation and conditions and then called for volunteers and the following at once signed the roll: Charles Smith, Joy Galloway, George Hawks, James Palmer, William H. Dunlap, Louis C. Trovillo, Arthur C. Damp. James G. Gorman, Henry E. Abercrombie, James H. Bjorkman, Fred N. Taylor, Gussie Mohl, Charles P. Swanson, William E. Fox, Zachariah Partridge, Louis F. Chamberlin, John F. Mardock, J. H. Tomlinson, W. J. Graham, George R. Bitts, William

Braucht, H. C. Haverfield, Bert Beach, Omar Bevens, John Dalrymple, W. N. Evans, Harry Decker, Frank Artz, Frank O. Goddard and C. E. Dixon. The meeting adjourned but the work of recruiting was rapidly continued until the full roll of 1 12 men was secured. Great expedition was used in order to get into the service as a unit. Men came from every township of the county and drilled regularly at the county seat. W. J. Graham was elected captain; F. N. Taylor, first lieutenant; George A. Cooke, second lieutenant. But it was found impossible to enter the service as a company and it therefore soon dissolved and many of the men sought service in outside companies. At this time an effort to raise a company at Alexis was made; a large massmeeting assembled at the opera house and a dozen or more signed the roll, but they likewise were compelled to scatter out in order to get into the service, and but few did even under those circumstances. Charles H. Winders joined Company C, Sixth Illinois Regiment, and during the war was the correspondent of the Times Record. J. A. Wells, David Murphy and W. H. Dunlap also joined the Sixth Regiment. J. E. Mardock, Hayes Dool and Evart Farr joined Company L, Third Nebraska Regiment, under Col. W. J. Bryan. Homer A. Galloway went to the Philippines on the United States steamer Charleston. William M. Winders entered the First Washington Regiment, which left San Francisco for Manila late in 1898 and saw arduous service in several severe battles, skirmishes and campaigns. Mr. Winders was himself wounded, but survived. T. R. Awbrey entered the Ninth Illinois Regiment; Charles Thompson the One Hundred and Sixty-first Iowa; Benjamin J. Mitchell, the First Wisconsin; Kenneth Smith, Wentworth Smith and William Davis, the Sixth Illinois. Roe W. Vincent, F. E. Bogart, D. J. Van Meter, Walter B. Primley, C. L. Lutz, W. H. Braucht, John A. Hall, George White, G. T. Mehl, O. E. Carlstrom, I. H. Tomlinson, Clyde McPherren, R. C. Mc- Mullen, William Dungan, Clyde Saunders, G. G. Denning and others from this county saw service in various regiments of this and other states.

In September, 1898, upon the return of the Sixth Illinois Regiment the four Aledo boys were given a public reception at the courthouse, on which occasion they were feasted and otherwise royally treated. On November 3, 1898, all the boys of this county who had returned were given a formal reception at the skating rink. The hall was beautifully decorated with banners and emblems and the best orators of the county were present. Of the eighteen soldiers invited the following only were able to attend : J. A. Wells, Charles

Winders. D. L. Murphy, William Dunlap, J. E. Mardock, William David, and Benjamin Mitchell. N. H. Guthrie was toastmaster. The following were the responses: "Our Honored Guests" - Rev. A. M. Stocking; "The Soldiers of '61" - Col. W. A. Lorimer; "The Soldiers of "98" - Charles Winders; "Effects of the Spanish-American War" - Judge J. H. Connell; "Loyal Women of America" - Judge J. M. Wilson. Several of the boys were yet in the held.

As early as June, 1898, the Woman's Relief Corps and the Grand Army of the Republic of Aledo raised $20 for the relief of the Mercer County boys already in the service. Of this sum $10 was set apart for lemons and ice for the sick in the camp hospitals. This money was sent to Company C, Sixth Regiment. The Relief Corps of Aledo continued to do good and needed service while the war lasted, so far as it was permitted and able to do so. On November 17, 1898, the convention of the Woman's Relief Corps of the Tenth Congressional District met in Aledo under the care of Warren Shedd Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Relief Corps. On this occasion Warren Shedd Post gave a check to cover all the expenses of the banquet and reception tendered the returned soldiers on November 3d. Mrs. Tillie Gregory delivered the welcoming address to the convention delegates. Mrs. Abbie Morey, district president, presided. The report of the Warren Shedd Relief Corps showed that the following expenditures had been made: Garments distributed, $112.40; meals, $2; vegetables, fruits, etc., $3.20; delicacies, $5.95; cash, $3.95; muslin and thread, 40 cents; hospital goods, $75; lemons and ice for the sick, $10; flag fund, $1 ; room in Andersonville College, $1 ; floral tributes, $4; total, $218.90.

After the Civil war the old soldiers almost instinctively began to assemble annually to talk over the stirring and dangerous scenes through which they had passed. Soon annual reunions of the various separate commands were held as the years passed, and a little later Decoration Day came to be a permanent and loved observance, in which not only the old soldiers participated, but the younger generations took part with full appreciation of the heroism of their fathers. The orations on that sacred day, the file of old soldiers growing rapidly less, the grassy graves where sleep the brave men, the flowers and flags and the inspiration that fires the hearts of all beholders cannot be treasured too highlv in view of the permanent land of liberty and law now enjoyed by all.