Peoria County, Illinois - Chapter 13: War Record. ^, 1880 (part 2 of 2)

" T came at your call from the far East, where the blue waves of the Atlantic wash the granite based shores of New England, to aid in embalming for all time the deeds of the glorious dead of the prairies of the West, almost as boundless. Ijut teeming with vigorous life, fertility and civilization. This peculiar coincidence is of itself fall of promise for the unity, strength and prosperity of our institutions. The East answers to the West with the same spirit of fidelty, loyalty and devotion to the country, in the same love of kindred institutions, with unity of thought and full harmony of action. " He then referred to the battles of the revolution, especially the battle of Lexington, and the monument that had been erected there, to Concord and to Charleston, the first burning sacrifice of the country to Britisli brutality, where another granite shaft pierces the sky to mark the first victory of the revolution at Bunker Hill, and to other places where the patriots of the days of seventy-six sealed their devotion to the principles of American independence with their blood and their lives ; to Ladd and to Whitney, the first martyrs to the accursed spirit of the rebellion, who fell at Baltimore on their march to defend the National Capital. Thus mingling the recollections of the war of American Independence with the deeds of the war of preservation, the speaker continued: "Is there not a peculiar significance in your invitation to meet my comrades here to do honor to five tliousand soldiers who went forth from one of the central counties of the great State of Illinois, more than eight hundred of whose names are inscribed upon this shaft as dying in tlie noblest cause for which men ever fought ? That'each and all these revolutionary monuments of valor were dedicated to commemorate the heroism of the common soldier, ever the first martyrs in the cause of Liberty and Right, is most suggestive that the gratitude of the Repul)iic will, as it ought to be, paid to those, her defenders, who, in the ranks with musket in hand, haversack at side and knapsack on the shoulder, have always marched at the call of the country, to meet danger, privations and death itself; there can be no higher subject of thought, no grander theme of contemplation, no more glorious topic of eulogy, than the patriotism, courage, coustancj", fidelity and loyalty of her soldiers in tlie ranks to the flag of the country. "

The speaker then passed on to review some of the leading features of the War of the Rebellion, the patriotic spirit of the people, and the heroic men who fell in defense of the Union, and closed with these words:

" Is it not, therefore, fit that this monument should be raised to them, and upon it their names inscribed as a perjietual memorial to their children and ours, as an object of gratitude, of love, of emulation and of leverence to those that shall come after them ? Our children, and our children's children, shall be inspired to deeds of heroic valor by their example in the field as soldiers ; our posterity will bless their memories and keep them green forever, for their preservation of popular government and free institutions, as citizens. And we may not on this sad, though yet joyous occasion, forget the true ofiicers, regular and volunteer, who led them, of whom, when we say they were captains worthy of such soldiers, we pronounce their highest eulogy. Yet the living will pardon us, and the dead will smile upon us, for putting before them in the foremost ranks of honor, as they stood before tiiem in the front rank of battle, the true defenders of their countr}- - the private soldiers.

" It is well, again we say, to raise these monuments to the memories of both, and inscribe upon them their names, so that in all time to come the father shall lead his son here, as to his country's altar, and, as Hamilcar swore the infant Hannibal to eternal hatred of the enemies of the country, so shall the American sire here dedicate his son to loyalty, devotion to his country, and to fidelity to its flag, the symbol of its glory and its fame. In each following year, through the long cycles of ages, shall the memories of the virtues of tliese our fallen heroes grow greener and greener, and their sacrifices shall be remembered as the shining examples of the best daj's of the Republic.

"And now we of the present hour must not forget to profit by the lesson the)- have taught us, and to value above and l)efore all the unity of the country for which they fought ; the true idea of American liberty which the\" upheld, and to cherish and maintain in every field, in every forum, against all odds, and at every hazard, the institution and popular government which, by the sacrifices of their lives, they have secured. They have bequeathed to us a sacred privilege to enjoy, and an equally sacred duty to maintain - the fruits of the victory they have won. We will i)e false to tlieir glorious memories, to their gallant sacrifices and privations, to their heroic deaths and to their hallowed graves, if wc suffer one jot or tittle of the rights for which they fought and fell, to be tarnished in transmission to their and to our posterity'.

" Let us then go on in the path of duty which they so nobly marked out. and maintain the institutions which they preserved a^rainst every attack, insidious or open, from whatever quarter or in whatever guise ; and thus In" our action do honor to their memories far greater, higher, nobkr and moie fitting than sculptured marble or monumental stone."

At the close of the oration, three cheers were called for the hero of New Orleans, which were heartilj' given. Bouquets were thrown toliim in profusion and handkerchiefs were waved from fair hands. Loud calls were made for General Logan, and his appearance at the front of the stand was the si'^nal for atiother shower of bouquets and storm of applause.

The Monument

This commemorative column is composed of ten pieces of stone and marble as it now stands. The first base is five feet eight inches square and sixteen inches high. The second base is six feet five inches square and eight inches high. Third base, octagon, five feet three inches by five feet three inches and one foot three inches high. These bases are made of neatly dressed Ellettsville limestone. A tin box. containing relics, is deposited in crypt cut in the top of the third base. The fourth base, octagon, is four feet square, and one foot three inches high, is made of Rutland (^Vermont) marble. The die is octagonal three feet by three feet, and four feet high. The luuues of the deceased soldiers, whose memory this monument was designed to honor and perpetuate, are inscribed on the eight sides of this die, and cover its almost entire surface. The octagon cap is four feet two inclies by four feet two inches, and one foot three inches high, with moulding finish. The sub-die is two feet six by two feet six inches, and tiiree feet high, on four sides of which are carved, in bas relief, figures representing the Goddess of Liberty. The spire is two feet bj' two feet, and eleven feet six inches high. The cap is one foot eight by one foot eight inches square, and eight inches high, surmounted by a marble figure of a perclied eagle, two feet six inches high, with wings partially extended and looking to tlie north.

The monument was originally planted near the center of the Main street side of the Court-house stpiare, where it remained until the grade of the square was commenced in the Kail of iHT'.t, when it was removed to its present po.sition on the Jefferson street front. At the time of removal, and before it was re-sei, tiie entire .shaft was worked over, repolished, antl about fifty names added to tlmse " who had gone before." The three lower bases, which had begun to shell off and to grow unsightly, were replaced with new ones. The work of removing, re-polishing and resetting this monumental shaft, was entrusted to Messrs. Triebel and Son, who succes.sfully and satisfactorily accomplished the undertaking.

Woman'S Work

In the War of the American Revolution, a struggle for national independence, the women bore a noble part in helping their patriot fathers, husbands, sons and brothers. In the many Indian wars, from one end of the country to the otlier, including the Black Hawk war in 1832, they were never backward or reluctant, but by ever}- possible means, contributed to the success of the cause in defense of which their natural protectors pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors. In more than one struggle the mothers, wives and daughters made bullets, cut patching (when the old-fashioned rifle was the approved style of fire arm), and loaded the guns as fast as they were discharged. Acts of this kind are related in connection with the Black Hawk war. In some instances the women were more courageous than men, and evinced greater bravery. Here is a case in point relating to one of the pioueer mothers of Illinois :

At Galena, during the Black Hawk war, when the stockade was nearly completed. Colonel Strrjde, the commandant of that post, so planned as to secure a false alarm in the night time. At midnight, May 4, 1832, a cannon was discharged, which awakened the citizens from their slumbers. Thus suddenly awakened from their sleep, and believing the Indians were upon them, they jumped into their clothes and hurried to the stockade as fast as fright and their feet could carry them. Some of them arrived at the stockade with toilets not more than half completed. Among others who were badly frightened was the Galena postmaster, who didn't stop to put on his trousers when he sprang from his bed, but jerked the sheet and wrapped it around him as he ran, and as he entered the fort commenced calling for some one to bring him a pair of pants. A large number of women were there, and a Mrs. Bennet was making bullets and otherwise encouraging the men. The postmaster kept flying from place to place calling for a pair of pants. His antics can be easily imagined by the reader, as described by the writer. At length, tired of his chassezing around, and thinking he could fight as well without pants as with them, and that that was neither the time nor the place '' for fooling,"' Mother Bennett picked up a gun and placed it in his hands with the injunction, " Here, you old coward, take this gunand get into position to be killed like a brave man; and don't be scared to death."

The alarm was a cruel hoax, and the scenes attending were full of the ludicrous, but none of them were more laughable than the fright, toilet and antics of the postmaster, and he never heard the last of it as long as he remained at Galena. As with Mother Bennett, so with American women in every struggle in which the country has been involved, devoted and brave to the death.

In the War of the Rebellion, the women of the country wei'e the soldiers most faithful and devoted friends. At home, they anticipated every want of the " Boys in Blue, " and labored almost day and night to supply their suffering needs. Among the wounded after battles and in the hospital, women were present as ministering angels. Protestants, Catholics, daughters of America, German}', England, Ireland, of nearly nation of the civilized world, contributed to the alleviation of the necessities and sufferings of the soldiers.

Peoria Women At Work

Almost as soon as enlistments commenced, the women of Peoria, full of patriotic devotion to the country's cause and with a sympathetic desire to do something for the soldiers in the field, inaugurated measures that secured a perfect co-operation in all undertakings looking to a successful prosecution of the war and the comfort and care, so far as possible, of the brave men who went out from tlieir midst with their lives in their hands. These women met together from week to week, and busied themselves in doing whatever seemed best to be done in aid of the cause in which they volunteered. Fairs were held and entertainments given, and the proceeds applied for tlie licnefit of their country's defendei-s. Arrangements were perfected and carried into execution which secured an enthusiastic and hearty reception of companies and regiments when they returned home from fields of battle and of danger. Such receptions as tliey gave ! Each of them was enough to inspire the brave fellows to go through the same experiences and hardships and exj)osures and dangers again. Such love, such .sympathy, such care, such forethought as the women of Peoria gave to the soldiers would uerve the men of any nation to face any danger, to espouse battle for any cause of justice, truth and right, no matter how gieat the odds.

Women'S National League

June 3, 1863, a meeting of the women of Peoria was held in Rouse's Hall for the purpose of organizing a League known as above. This meeting was largely attended and was presided over by Hon. E. A. Leavitt, of Cincinnati.

We the uiuiersigned women of I'coria believing that in this hour of national peril u> our country every influence, moral as well a-, military, should be brought to bear in the grcit struggle for national existence again),! a wicked rebellion, and that while our fathers, husbands, sons and brothers are giving their treasure and their blood it is our duty to contribute the influence which God has given us in our social sphere to the :^an1c holy cause : and that in this solemn crisis loyalty to our country is bound to be outspoken even in the case of women, as true loyalty to our God.

We therefore do constitute ourselves an association to be known as " T he Women's National League of I'eoria." and do pledge our unconditional adhesion to our National government in its struggle against the present rebellion, engaging to assist it by whatever means may be in our power, in the maintenance of our National Union, and of the integrity of our National domain.

To this end we further resolve and p'.edgc ourselves to encourage and sustain our brave soldiers by deeds of kindness and by words of cheer, to use every fitting opportunity of expressing our unHinching determination to stand by " the dear old flag " and to honor those who light in its defense, until the day of its sure and certain triumph ; and to prove in every way we can that we consider loyalty to our country a part of our allegiance to our God."

Artici.K I. The object of this Le.igue shall be to bind together all loyal women with a determination in ac cordance with the pledges to use every effort in our power to discountenance secession, to sustain the National government in its present peril, and to administer in ever)- suitable manner to the relief and comfort of our noble soldiers in the field and in hospitals.

.^RT. 4. It shall be th'- duty of the President, by and with the advice of tlie other officers, tocall meetings through the city press a day previous, and to preside at the meetings.

.-\RT. 6. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend to the correspondence of the League, and to keep a record of its meetings and of the names an<l residences of its members in a book prepared for the purpose.

Art. 8. It shall be the duty of the board of Managers to devise and from time to time to bring before the League measures by which its appropriate objects may be promoted.

Art. 9. Officers shall be elected by ballot by a vote of two-lhirds of the members present at a slated meeting called in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Art. 10. .'Mteraiions may be made in the above Constitution by a vole of two-thirds of the members present at a meeting called in accordance with the fourth article of the Constitution.

First Officers

Many of these officers served during the entire existence of the League, hut unavoidable removals and changes made the election of some new officers necessary. The membership of the League was as follows :

" Doubtless," siiys Mrs. A. G. T^-ng, who was Secietarv of the League, and from whom these facts are obtained, " there were otlier names added during the existence of the League, but this is the only record I have. In this, as in all societies, the active work was done by eomparativel}' few."

The final meeting of the League was held on the Sth day of July, 1866, when the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer for the entire term of tlie existence of the League were read and adojited, together with this preamble and resolution :

Whereas, We, the members of the Women's National League, have cnjuyed since our lirst organization, the etiicient leadership ami constant co-operation of Mrs. A. Curtenius, whose untiring /cal, energy and vigilance, left no avenue closed through which the objects of our society might be most successfully accomplished ; who, with rare skill and much toil, so planned and presented the labors to be performed as to reiluce the burden and increa.se the benefit ; whose promptness, punctual and constant attendance upon all meetings, acted as a spur to like activity on the part of the members and kept alive the fire of devotion, even until the expiration of our term of enlistment ; and

Whereas, In our Vice President, .Mrs. William Wcis, we have h.vl a co-worker whose hand never lingered, and whose foot never faltered, who early and late has ministered to the suffering, homeless or destitute soldier - a pioneer in the work and faithful to the end ; and

Whereas, Through the systematic performance of all the duties pertaining to the respective offices of Secretary and Treasurer, the League, as the almoner of the bounty of the public, has, by means of the completeness o( its record, been always ready to challenge investigation and render an account of its stewardship, therefore

Keiolved, That we tender to our beloved and much respected officers our sincere thanks, a.s a token of our appreciation of their devotcdness and invaluable services to us and the ciuse for which the League was organized.

Number of boxes sent, 70; barrels, 85 ; kegs, 24 ; rolls bandages, 89 ; packages of rags, 15 ; packages of lint, 4. With regard to the balance on hand in our treasury, it was unanimously decided that it .should be appropriated to the improvement of the soldiers' lot at the Springdale Cemete^'. Lizzie Calligan, Treasurer.

Mem. - During the existence of the League, 1,223 soldiers were entertained at the Rest; receptions given, not including one gern;ral reception, 14 ; regiments received, nth Illinois cavalry, twice ; 17th Ills., 8th Ills, (twice), 8th

Mo., 77th. loSlh, 139th, 80th, load and 47th (three times) Ills.; number of soldiers received in regiments, 2,8oo; number of soldiers buried, 10; number of meetings held by the League, 91 ; average attendance, 18.

Good Bye

After the adoption of these reports, the League was declared to be dissolved, and it only remains for lis to add its last official pronunciamento, as written by the worthy, highly iionored and iiniver.sally respected Secretary, which was in these words:

" In concluding the labor.-s of the League we desire most heartily to express our gratitude for the very generous manner in which the public have responded to our repeated calls for aid in our work for the soldiers. Especially do we desire to thank those genlleinen who have always been ready with their counsel and material aid to co-operate with us in any undertakini;, and lighten our labors so efficiently; and to Col. R. G. IngersoU for the very able and most eloquent lecture delivered by him for our benefit. Upon all who have aided us. and through us the soldiers in any way, shall abide the blessing of Him who said. ' inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' Mrs. A. G. TvvG, Secretary."

Springdale Soldier'S Monument

Very shortly after the disbanding of the Women's National League of Peoria, the active menil)ers of the same organized a new society having for its object the erection of a suitable nionunient to the soldiers who are buried in Springdale cemetery. A lot of about one hundred and lifty feet square had been presented for tiie burial of the soldiers by the Cemetery Association, and the women composing this Association felt that it was a fitting close to their labors of love for their soldiers, to honor their final resting places. Mrs. Curtenius was elected President ; Mrs. \Vm. Weis, Vice President ; Mrs. Thomas Petherbridge, Secretary, and Mrs. William Herron, Treasurer.

In tiie Spring of 1870 the inuuument was completed and in its place. It was designed and executed by Mr. Robert Campliell, and cost -S-,f'00. It is an impo^ing and attractive structure, and can be seen from all parts of the cemetery. The limestone base is five feet square and a foot and a half high. Above this is a marble base four feet square and a foot and three inches high - upon this is a die which is a three feet cube. On the sides of this die are inscribed the words " Liberty," " Justice," '* Equality," " Pro Patria." A second die is two feet square and three feet high, and above this is the cap two feet ten inches square and one foot four iiudics high. Tiic cap is surmounted by the figure of soldier at " parade rest," the workmanship of Mr. J. J. Jewell. The fi ;ure is six feet six inches high, and the execution of it is good. It faces the burial place of the soldiers. Tiiirty -seven soldiers are buried in this lot at Springdale cemetery. Each grave is provided with a small, neat headstone wilii the name of tin- soldier carveil upon it. Tliere are three unknown graves. The Moiuimcnl Association also paid into the " Trust Fund of tht- Cemetery " one hundred dollars to ensure the perpetual care of this lot for all time. The dedication took i)lacc .May oOth, 1870, Decoration Day. It was a beautiful day and large numbers of people came in from the surrounding country to be present at tiie ceriMiionics. Many hundreds gathered at the soldiers lot. The company were formed into a iiollow sipiare around the graves. A platform hail been erected for the accommodation of the speakers and singers, anil fien. .Ma'4«-f cifficiated as master of ceremonies. Thirty-four little girls, dressed in white, were detailed to strew the Howers. They stood at the graves during the services and at the proper lime placed the flowers on the mounds tenderly and reverently. Prayer was offered by Rev. W. A. Spencer. Misses Hallanue, Truesdale, Tilestoii and Mowatt sang the Decoration Hymn. The statue, wliich had lieeii draped in llic .Vmeriian ling, was then unveiled by Airs. Annie Ctiiteiiius. Tiie dudicalory address was delivered liv Rev. S. A. King.-biny, D.I). After this a soltlier'a reijiiiem was smig b\ Mrs. Frank Field, Mrs. C. H. Allain. Messrs. Charles

F. Bacon and S. S. Patton. The chairman then introduced Col. Lucien H. Kerr, who read the following poem, written for the occasion by Mrs. Frances B. M. Brotherson, of this citj- :

Hail Sentinel

At the conclusion of the reading of the poem, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. John Benson, and the crowd dispersed. In the afternoon of the same day impressive exercises were held at the Soldiers' Monument in the Court-house square, with an eloquent address by Col. R. G. Ingersoll.

Decokation Day

About 1872, Mrs. Curtenius removed to New York, and as the Society wished to perpetuate its existence for the ])arpose of securing the observance of Decoration .Day from year to year. Mrs. Alex. G. Tyng was elected to fill the vacancy made by her absence. Mrs. George A. Wilson was elected Secretary. These oflBcers are still at their posts. A donation of four condemned pieces of artillery was secured from the Government and stand to mark the corners of the soldier's lot at Springdale. At the annual call of the President the women of this society meet with unabated interest, and, with the co-operation of a committee of gentlemen, made arrangements for the proper oliservance of this day. Wliilc these ladies live the soldiers' graves will never be neglected or foigotten, and we do not doubt that as their ranks are thinned i)y death or removal others will come forward to do the work. At these times not only are the graves on the soldier's lot decorated with flags and flowers, but also those of ever3' soldier, officer, and private, buried in Springdale cemetery. On the morning of Decoration Day this sad and yet pleasant office is performed hy a committee of ladies from this society, who, with their own bands, place these tokens of loving remembrance upon the soldier's graves, before the exercises at the soldiers' lot in the afternoon.

It is but a deserved tril)ute in this connection to mention the name of Mrs. Hetty H. Easton one of the most devoted workers ot the League from its liirth, and always one of this committee to <lecorate the scattered graves of the soldiers. To her, a soldier's grave is a hallowed spot. Tliere are over sixty in different parts of the cemetery. A record of these graves is earefuUj" preserved and the name of every new soldier who dies is faithfully added, for the guidance of those into whose bands it will fall wiien we, too, have finished life's battle.

[Asa fitting close to this cha[iter. the following Itcautiful seiitinii'iit spoken i»y one whose gifted elmiuence is not alone admired and honored l)y the people among whom he lived for so many years, but throughout the civilized and educated world, is deemed exceedingly appropriate. - Ed.]

" These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, luuler the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath tiic shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless i)alace of Rest. Earth nniy run red with other wars - they are at pence. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found tlie serenity of death. "