Freeport Township (part 2 of 10)

The Panic Of 1857

Such was the condition of affairs when the spring of 1857 aroused the inhabitants of the county from their season of hibernation to renewed labor, and a faith in the future intensified by experience. As spring graduated into summer and the heated term was drawing to its close, appearances failed to indicate the coming of the storm that threatened to involve the entire country in ruin. During the latter part of August, the suspension of the Life Insurance and Trust Company at Cincinnati, with liabilities quoted at five millions, came with unexpected suddenness, and created a havoc in financial ranks from which recovery has only been accomplished after years of industry, pluck and unmeasured confidence. This crash was succeeded by others, as is well known, with similar depressing and ruinous results. These warnings preceded the advance of the foe into the West, and caused people to reflect on what might be in store for them. There were many, doubtless, admonished by their prophetic souls of what was coming ; but, a majority, flattering their peace of mind with the thought that the city and county would escape unscathed, declined to outline their connections regarding impending troubles until too late to provide any remedy to mitigate their severity. There were some, however, who saw the horizon dark and portentous with the coming storm, and put their house in order to resist its violence. When it came, as a consequence, if not protected entirely, they were sufficiently so as to escape permanent paralysis.

Its immediate presence was first manifested by the falling-ofi" in trade, the absence of new arrivals, the depreciation in property values, and other insignias of coming calamities which, though strange to the West and her people, carried with them a dread of what was to follow in their wake. Soon after, more pronounced symptoms were to be observed. Lots and lands were without markets, and none but the choicest of either was worth the cost of assessment. Visionaries, who had dwelt in castles constructed by fancy, fled from the scene of their creations, appalled at the storm which they had aided in provoking. Substantial merchants, who heard the muttering, hastily, and in every instance when it was too late, sought to take their latitude and ascertain how far they could be driven from their true course and yet survive. Nearer and nearer approached the crisis, closer and closer came the advance of that intangible agency, which was to wreck so many hopes, strand so many enterprises and commit the fruits of years of labor to an adversity both remediless and hopeless.

The crash succeeded these premonitions of its coming, and carried all before it. Hundreds were irretrievably ruined in an hour, and men who felicitated themselves upon the possession of resources, ascertained, when beyond salvation, that these resources were unavailable. Some survived, but the majority went down in the storm, and were heard of no more.

The events which followed this crisis are familiar to many who are alive to-day. Gloom and discouragement usurped the places of hope and prosperity. Farm lands were cultivated only that the necessaries of life might be harvested. In some remote instances they lay idle. There was no money in the country, and this absence of a circulating medium prevented the sale of the crops. Merchants, for similar reasons, were unable to buy or sell commodities, and the most terrible distresses followed, threatening almost permanent poverty, if not complete annihilation. In 1861, when the war broke out, there was a brief revival of business and exchange for a season, which gave a temporary impetus to trade, but in a brief time business resumed its sluggish channel. Thus were cast the lines of life in Stephenson County - not in pleasant places, truly.

Inquiry was instituted to discover, if possible, the causa of these unfortunate effects, and the endeavor made to ascertain if their recurrence could be prevented. In all former revulsions, it was reasoned, the blame might be fairly attributed to a variety of co-operating causes, but not in the case under consideration. There were no patent reasons for the failures, of which that of the trust company was the beginning, a failuz'e unequaled in its extent and disastrous results since the collapse of the United States Bank. Reasonings induced the conclusion that the ruin which at one time hung over the country and the people, was due almost entirely to the system of paper currency and bank credits, exciting wild speculations and gambling in stocks. So long as the amount of the paper currency, bank loans and discounts of the country should be left to the discretion of irresponsible banking institutions, which, from the very law of their nature, consult the interests of the stockholders rather than the public, a repetition of these experiences would come at intervals. This had been the financial history of the country for years. It had been a history of extravagant expansions followed by ruinous contractions. At successive intervals the most enterprising men had been tempted to their ruin bv bank loans of mere paper credit, exciting them to speculations and ruinous and demoralizing stock operations. In a vain endeavor to redeem their liabilities in specie, they were compelled to contract their loans and their issues, and when their assistance was most needed, they and their debtors sank into insolvency.

Deplorable, however, as were the prospects, the people indulged in bright hopes for the future. No other nation ever existed which could have endured such violent expansions and contractions of the currency, and live. But the buoyancy of youth, the energies of the people, and the spirit which never quails before diflBculties, enabled the country to recover from this financial embarrassment. Its coming was long delayed, but it came at last and dissipated the troubles existent, without permitting the people to forget the lesson these troubles inculcated.

The wheat crop of 1861 was sold for gold and silver, and, though the price paid was comparatively less than was expected, it was the beginning of the end of the crisis. As the war continued, and fresh levies were made upon the State and county, the demand for supplies increased proportionately, and necessitated their production. The demand augmented almost with every month, until in 1863 it had become so generous that it seemed as if the denials and privations of the people were about to yield precedence to days of plenty. The crops were constantly on the move, money became easier, and merchants experienced difficulty in keeping pace with the wants of their customers. Lands iricreased in value, and the area upon which cultivation had been wholly or in part abandoned, was replanted and harvested with profit. The towns also revived under these benign influences, and that better days had come indeed, was a conclusion both cheerful and universal.

The experiences through which this people passed in these years of woe, were not, however, without results to the county and city, which have proved advantageous and beneficial. Speculators, adventurers, soldiers of fortune and visionaries were weeded out. The dross was separated from the pure gold ; the country was shorn of its superficial inhabitants, and men only remained, consoling compensations for the ruin that had been wrought, who are motive powers by which communities are sustained and characters for manhood and integrity created.

The decade in which were included occurrences of which mention has been made, consisted of a series of years, characterized by events, as has been seen, which tended to the civilization of the age, the education of the world by example, and the discipline of humanity by experience. Commencing at a period in the history of Stephenson County, when the days of trial were yielding place to more auspicious seasons, running the gauntlet of an experience both varied and checkered, and closing amid surroundings calculated both to encourage and approve, illustrates how nations, peoples and communities, like individuals, are subject to causes and motions, to results and promises, as unexpected as they are gratifying, and as incomprehensible as they are irresistible.

The ensuing ten years were passed in war and rumors of war by the nation, in which the county, through its volunteers, enacted the role assigned them ift this drama for real" life, with a fidelity that has commanded perpetual applause. When the war began its initial struggles with peace, not a few of those who subsequently became identified with the contest, hoped for a peaceable solution of the difficulties that threatened to result in separation, and discouraged the expectation of war. The maintenance of the Union and enforcement of the laws was urged without dissent, but many believed that these objects could be better accomplished by the employment of influences other than those sought to be invoked.

During these inaugural struggles a temporal prosperity was shadowed in the near future, and, notwithstanding the signs of depression apparent in every department of local progress, this promise was not without a prospect of realization at an early day. Business to some extent was restored, but it was up-hill work, and enterprises hesitated before development, with more of apprehension than had ever before been felt. Emigration had come in with the railroads years previous, and the county was generally settled ; yet increased facilities for trade and an extended territory only partially roused business men from their coma condition of despondency, and but partially revived corporations that had become lifeless through inactivity and embarrassments. What a contrast to ten years before! " 'Twas Greece, but living Greece no more." The contrast struck a chill into many a saddened heart, and not a few, still revolving the changed condition of affairs, turned themselves adrift, " the wide world before them where to choose."

When the surrender of Sumter cut off" all hope of compromising the existing differences and compelled a decision as to what side should command their support, the people of Stephenson County, like the rushing of a mighty wind, became united in their tender of support to the Federal authorities. There was no half-way sympathy and love manifested for the Union ; it was united and complete. Treason was made odious ; its toleration not permitted. The war brought with it, at home and in the field, the same features witnessed elsewhere. The lives of the citizens were cast in patriotic grooves ; pronounced in the support of the cause, in procuring the enlistment of troops ; and all that loyal impulse prompted or could accomplish was done to remind the volunteers that those who remained behind were waiting and watching on their return. The soldiers who left their lives on the field of battle, in the hospitals or prisons, in putting off" the corruptible and assuming the immortal, are not forgotten, but remembered as their forms seem to fade away through the gloaming when the sunlight filters through green leaves and hazy clouds.

'Tis now a score of years since a war for the perpetuation of a nation " conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created free and equal," was commenced and fought to the end. The lessons taught have been as varied as the races which mingled in the contest. They are not confined in their benefits to States, districts or counties ; but every locality inhabited by Americans is vested with the admonitions they- embody. The people and the army, in which Illinois, Stephenson County and the towns within her borders, were prominent integers, are truly celebrated, less so for the suppression of war equally disastrous as the invasion of foreign levies, than for exterminating in America the causes which precipitated its advent and continuance.

The effects of the war were to increase the volume of business in this vicinity, creating demands for future consignments, and supplying resources for the revival and conducting of business. There was no immigration into the county worthy of mention immediately after the close of the last act in the bloody drama at Appomattox Court House, where the Confederate Government became a thing of the past, and for years the places of soldiers who came not back were left unfilled. Emigrants and speculators passed by on the roads which pass through the county, but, instead of halting, pushed onward to the gold fields of Colorado, deeming the uncertainties of a life amid the surroundings of wealth, the procurement of which was a " lottery," with associations which are measured by their excesses rather than their absence, far preferable to comfort, contentment, and a moderate income on the borders of civilization.

When peace resumed dominion over the entire country, many of the evils that follow in the wake of war were far from dissipated, and if not mitigated by the influences its coming exerted, were at least tempered. There were towns in the county which had sprung into existence with the railroads ; in these, the breaking out of the war caused the suspension of operations. If none of these retrograded, none improved to any appreciable extent ; and, if none amassed wealth, none contracted liabilities which involved them in bankruptcy. After the war, building was resumed and trade increased. Elevators were erected, banks established, operators from abroad came in, and these, with other combinations, laid the foundation for shipments of cereals and live-stock, that have grown into a magnitude and importance that can scarcely be approximated.

Freeport, more benefited by the war in limine, experienced more sensibly the effects of the reaction when the "flush " of trade was over. The drain upon its resources, as a result of the panic, had not been fully balanced, and the " spurt" in business the war excited, though temporary, was sufficient to, in a measure, compensate for the long season of dullness and inactivity, then at its height. From thence on trade gradually revived, until it boomed in 1865 when soldiers returned with money. Considerable was put in circulation by them, and a suspicion that hard times had gone away to return no more was generally indulged.

Improvements were made all over the county between 1860 and 1870, and of a superior order in every particular. The houses are patterns of comfort, being composed of brick and frame, and the beauty and finish of the surroundings are only surpassed by the domestic felicities found within doors.

The system of agriculture had undergone great changes since the days when the farmer cultivated four acres of gro,und and harvested his crop for home consumption, and these changes are not completed in this day, either. Mechanical skill and genius had conspired to place the farmer in as independent an attitude with regard to the cost of labor and, consequently, productions, as the manufacturer. He ploughed, sowed, cultivated, reaped, bound, stacked and thrashed with machinery. Money that was paid to hands for performing these various duties ten years before, was then appropriated to the cultivation of the farm and supplying it with superior strains of blood for the improvement of stock, for the erection and furnishing of commodious homes, the education of the young idea, and the many other purposes which for years had been denied the people by reason of their inability to pay therefor.

Throughout the county, while private enterprise had not been delayed, public improvements became equally as numerous and valuable. Roads were opened, graded and made available, streams "dammed" or drained as the necessities of trade or health demanded, railroad enterprises inaugurated and carried to a finality, and other advances made along the line of progress.

The system of education adopted in 1855, was working with benefits to all who came within the circle of its influence, and the cause of religion was ably sustained, both in the city and county.

Politically, the county became more pronouncedly Republican with each succeeding year. In early days, as has been noted, the Whig and Democratic parties were the rival organizations, under whose direction the political affairs of the county were manipulated. This continued without change until 1856, when the birth of the Republican party absorbed a majority of the Whig element, together with a limited number of anti-slavery Democrats. These successors to the organizations of the old regime flourished up to the breaking out of the war with varying success. During the continuance of that struggle the Republican party gained a very decided ascendancy, notwithstanding the Democrats maintained strict party lines. Some opposition was manifested by the latter while the contest lasted, but it never became organized, and obtained no decided prominence in the community. Since the war the Republicans have remained in the ascendant, and to-day control the offices, influence and patronage in the county, by a majority estimated at 500.

The inhabitants of the 30unty are composed of the best classes of all nationalities. The farmers are intelligent, scientific workers, as a rule independent, with many of them wealthy, cultivating from 160 to 700 acres of land, and raising crops which command ready sale and at the best market rates. The merchants are enterprising, substantial, responsible and honorable men, who add to the character of the population not less than to the wealth of the communities in which they reside. The professions are represented by men of dignity, capacity and intelligence, many of whom have won distinction on the bench, where their opinions have shed a luster upon the pages of jurisprudence in Illinois, and at the bar, where their reasoning power and superior judgment have commanded admiration ; as physicians, whose advice and opinions have been accepted as authority on the subject-matter to which they relate; as ministers of the gospel, whose charity illustrates the greatest of virtues ; as editors, the conservators of public opinion and public morality ; and in the less prominent walks of life, her citizens have evinced the possession of those characteristics which constitute the composition of men who make a State.

During the past ten years the new court house has been completed and occupied, and improvements of great value and utility supplied the place of imperfect machinery. Railroads and highways afford easy access to the East, West, North and South, and all things have combined to render the happiness and prosperity of the people universal.

One can hardly realize the changes that have been wrought in this section of Northern Illinois in less than a half-century. A brief interval has elapsed since the county was a wilderness inhabited by the Indians; where the county seat now stands was located the village of Winneshiek and his tribe. A remarkable, indeed miraculous, change has come since then, due in part to the careful and laborious thrift of the people, as also to the broad-gauge principle upon which business is conducted. The golden-clad fields, laden at this season of the year with plenteous harvests, indicate the fertility of the soil, and how Nature has endowed these broad prairies. Nor has she been sparing in her contributions of beautiful scenery; a more exquisite panorama than is to be seen from eligible points in Stephenson County, the eye never rested upon. From elevations in West Point Township a more delightful landscape can scarcely be imagined ; stretching away to the south and west are a range of mounds, crossing Apple River to Galena ; in the extreme west Sinsiniwa Mound lifts its head, crowned with age ; to the northwest a range of hills, in which the glistening ore of commerce is said to lie imbedded; away to the north a line of mounds greets the gaze, while oiF toward Mineral Point lies a belt of woodland, defining the course of the Pecatonica.

With railroad facilities for communication with the East and North and South, the county is placed in direct connection with markets and places of resort, as also in a position with reference to the future that admits of no misunderstanding. Banks and commercial establishments flourish where once the Indian met in council, and farms are cultivated where once he pursued the fleeing game.

So, too, in moral, intellectual and educational improvements, the people have kept pace with the times. Churches, schools, libraries and other avenues of improvement are open to the admission of all who may seek their portals, accessible to whomsoever may apply for permission to avail himself of the privileges.

The old settlers of to-day are scarcely able to realize the changes that have been made and the improvements completed since they first came into this new country, when they were younger than they are now. The past rises up before them in characters of life-like fidelity, reminding them of days long since moldering with the dead, and of friends years ago entombed in Mother Earth. Again they are at their place of birth, the home of their nativity, sanctified by a mother's presence and a mother's love. They are carried back to the day, when, cutting loose from that home and its sacred associations, they took up the burden of life and began their weary pilgrimage across its sands and drifts. They recall the day when, weary and footsore, but exuberant with youth and hope and determination, they came upon the scene, and, gazing out upon the landscape, rejoiced at the spectacle which greeted their vision. The scene itself is pictured to them as they saw it then, in all the exquisite beauty of its rural simplicity ; immense forests, wherein the foot of man ne'er left its impress; boundless prairies, flowing in the colors of variegated blossoms. No genial spirit welcomed them to the hospitalities of a home, no cheerful notes of gladness were sounded at their approach. The stillness of solitude, and solitude itself, alone awaited their acceptance and guarded them against the advance of human foes.

But the wand of progress touches the wilderness, and it falls never to hop e more. It touches the rolling prairies, and they are changed into fruitful fields ; it touches the solitudes and peoples them with a race whose career has been marked with success at every mile-stone on the route. What a change, what a wonderful change, has been worked by the ingenuity and industry of man ! The forest has yielded .precedence, and the wilderness become sources of wealth. The rolling prairie has been converted into productive fields, and the harvest song is heard where once the war-cries of the savages resounded.

The past ten years have been years of profit to the county and its inhabitants. Buildings have gone up, improvements concluded and much been accomplished. The county has had little to discourage its advance during the past ten years less to prevent a full and complete fruition in the future. The county is completely out of debt, with resources almost unlimited, and of an excellence beyond comparison. The prosperity that came with time was accompanied by refining influences also ; and the county, having passed that period in the history of great endeavors when failure is to be apprehended, is drawing nearer and nearer unto a perfect day.

County Buildings

Court House. - On the 6th of December, 1837, Hon. Thomas J. Turner,, since deceased, at that time a carpenter and joiner, concluded a contract with Lemuel W. Streeter, Isaac G. Forbesand Julius Smith, County Commissioners, to build a court house and jail on the site of the present edifice, in the squarebounded by Stephenson street. Galena avenue, Bridge and Van Buren streets. During the winter of 1837-38, the timbers for the old court house were hewn in the woods, under the immediate supervision of Julius Smith. These completed, the same were " framed " and erected, standing from 1838 to 1870, and, with the exception of the sill beneath the front door, which had long been exposed tothe weather, not a timber decayed. That plain old temple of justice, when built, surpassed in size and elegance all other buildings west of Detroit and north of St. Louis, but long since the county outgrew it, and, like some of the old settlers, it was obliged to take up the line of march to humbler quarters. Within its bar, in early times, gathered men whose names have become historical, including Thomas Drummond. Joseph L. Hoge, Thompson Campbell, Joseph Knox, James L. Loop, Jason Marsh, Martin P. Sweet, Seth B. FarwelU Benjamin R. Sheldon and others, the latter presiding therein as Circuit Judge for the space of twenty years.

This old building served its purpose well until advancing civilization, increased prosperity and population demanded that the abode of justice should be somewhat in harmony with the surroundings, when steps were inaugurated which were concluded with the erection of the present edifice.

On the 27th of April, 1869, the first practicable movement was made toward the object in hand. The Board of Supervisors at that time was made up of Ralph Sabin, A. A. Babcock, Charles H. Rosenstiel, John M. Williams, George Osterhout, J. A. Grimes, John Burrell, C. F. Mayer, H. H. Becker, Francis Boeke, James McFatrick, S. K. Fisher, Peter Marlin, James A. Templeton, H. 0. Frankeberger, Andrew Hinds and Samuel Wilber, and, on motion, the committee appointed to receive plans and specifications was continued, with instructions to procure the same for a new court house at an expense not to exceed $80,000.

At the next session of the board, the plans and specifications of E. E, Myers were adopted, and on February 22, 1870, the committee reported that it had closed a contract to erect the new court house with A. Walbaum & Co., which was also adopted, and the chairman authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the people. On the 23d of April following, S. K. Fisher, Ralph Sabin, George Osterhout, A. P. Goddard, Peter Marlin and Andrew Hind& were appointed the Building Committee, and arrangements were completed for the laying of the corner-stone, which occurred during the summer of the same year. From that event no delay in the building was experienced, the same being labored upon uninterruptedly until its dedication on the 22d of February, 1873, after which the undertaking was delivered into the hands of the county authorities complete in every particular, and costing a total for building and furnishing, of $130,413.56.

The design was furnished by E. E. Myers, of Springfield, 111. The style of architecture should properly be called American, and the artist has displayed an exquisite' taste in blending the different styles to combine the useful and ornamental, and to give the whole the appearance of grandeur both simple and bold. The building is of stone, from the crystalline marble quarries, 99x80, four stories high, including basement, which is six feet above grade line, the upper story being known as the Mansard or French style.

The entrance fronting on Stephenson street, is reached by a flight of marble steps, and opens into a lobby, thence to corridors, leading to the Clerk's, Recorder's, Sheriff's and Treasurer's offices, County Court room and Board of Supervisors. A broad, open flight of stairs leads to the next floors above, on which are located the State's Attorney's, Surveyor's and other offices, together with the Circuit Court room. The style adopted in the interior finish of the building is Corinthian, the wood finish being walnut with white ash inlaid. The Circuit Court room is 56x76 and 28 feet high, frescoed in oil, and finished in the highest style of the art. From this floor two flights of stairs lead to the upper story, which comprehends six rooms, designed for consultation and jury rooms, and from this floor the dome is reached, containing the clock, and affording to visitors an unsurpassed view of the surrounding country.

The clock was placed in the tower by A. W. Ford immediately upon its completion, and is conveniently accessible to those who desire to see it in motion. It weighs 2,000 pounds, with a pendulum eight and a half feet long, and weights necessary to running the clock aggregating 950 pounds. It was built by Seth Thomas & Sons, of Connecticut, and is famous not only for its beauty and finish, but also for its regularity and accurate time. The bell was also furnished by A, W. Ford, from the foundry of E. A. & G. R. Meneley, of Troy, N. Y. ; weighs 1850 pounds, and is of superior tone.

The old court house still remains intact, occupying the northwest corner of Clay and Adams streets, where it is used as a tobacco warehouse. The new court house is a source of admiration to strangers as well as citizens, and is in truth and in deed a temple of justice, where the rights of the widow and orphan are guarded, and the heritage left them by the dead is saved from the avarice of the living. No bonds were ever issued, and no debt hangs over the county for the cost of its erection. No law-suits or entanglements have grown out of the work, and none can or will, as everything was fully settled and adjusted on the day when its formal dedication took place.

County Jail. - The first jail erected in the county was that, doubtless, built under the supervision of Thomas J. Turner, under his contract made with the County Commissioners in 1839. The building was commenced during the same year, but remained incomplete and so uninhabitable for some time that the citizens were often obliged to shoulder their guns and stand guard, to prevent the escap6 of prisoners. It was built of logs, after the most primitive, not to say original, style of architecture, and occupied the present site of the high school, where it remained until the actual necessities of the case compelled the authorities to seek more commodious and secure quarters. In early days, counterfeiters, horse-thieves and the felonious scum, it might be said, indigenous to a new settlement, were here in force, and, as a consequence, the little log jail was almost constantly filled to repletion with these classes of citizens, awaiting trial or transportation. The jail was the reverse of secure, and its occupants the opposite of obtuse, and upon every occasion they made it apparent to the freeholders about Freeport that, unless extraordinary diligence was practiced, the building could not be held responsible for the retention of those incarcerated. This knowledge led to the organization of a " night watch," it is said, who paced their beats about the jail at an hour when graveyards yawn, as a security against being revisited and depredated upon by those who were temporarily immured in its Chillon-like dungeons. In time, this was relieved of that spice of variety it added to frontier life, and the decision was made to remove into a stone jail, to the rear of the present structure, corner of Bridge street and Galena avenue. Possession was taken thereof as soon as the premises could be adapted to the occupation of criminals, and, as it was deemed impossible to escape from, no thought was taken of the possible repetition of experiences suffered in the log jail. For some years this flattering unction was enjoyed, when a lapse in the habits of the officers, or inability of the premises to longer retain the prisoner panting for liberty, caused a ripple of excitement, and induced a conclusion in the minds of citizens that in the jail construction things were not entirely as they seemed. Some fault existed which demanded immediate correction. Whatever this may have been, it was, presumably, corrected, for no more complaints proceeding from similar causes arose, until recent years, when drafts upon the confidence of people in the stability and reliability of the ''little stone jug" became so numerous and heavy that they were finally dishonored, in 1875. During the fall of that year, an exodus from the jail prompted the Supervisors to act decisively, at a meeting of that body convened on November 4, of that year, when a resolution for the building of a new jail, to cost a sum not exceeding $35,000, was adopted nem con. This being passed, a committee, consisting of Andrew Hinds, F. A. Darling, John Ex-fert and J. H. Pierce, were appointed to procure specifications, and authorized to visit Rockford, Joliet, Dixon and a superior structure at Monroe, Wis., and, from their observations at these points, formulate plans to be employed in the construction of a jail that should be absolutely proof against the attempts of inmates. The visits were extended and the observations made, but the committee's report was without recommendation.

Thereupon a contract was made with W. H. Myers, of Fort Wayne, Ind., for the building of the jail, which was undertaken, completed and occupied during 1876. The building is erected from plans furnished by T. J. Tolan & Son, architects, also of Fort Wayne, and is certainly as handsome, architecturally, as it is represented as being substantial. It is built of brick and stone, contains the Sheriff's home and County Jail, and is an ornament to the city, as also an honor to the taste and skill of the builders. The jail proper is completed in stone, containing accommodations for fourteen prisoners, and is every way comfortable and secure. The premises cost, completed, $40,553, and a glance at their arrangements will preclude a suspicion as to their strength, durability and security.

The County Poor House. - One of the first matters disposed of after the county of Stephenson had been set apart and organized, was provision for the poor and afl^icted. At an early day a home was established for mendicants, in what now is Silver Creek Township, about two miles south of the city, which was occupied by paupers and the insane until February, 1859.

On the night of Friday, February 28, of that year, the poor house was burned to the ground, and Lavina Kohn, one of the inmates, met a horrible death, while Elizabeth Smiley, also a pauper, was badly burned. The fire, it seems, originated in the room occupied by Lavina Kohn, who, on account of the impossibility of restraining, was placed in an apartment by herself, under lock and key. The evening of the fire, Mrs. Wilson, the Matron, made her rounds of the building, previous to retiring, and found everything secure. Some time after, the alarm was sounded, and being without effective means for subduing the flames, the building was destroyed, entailing a loss of |3,523.95, upon which there was no insurance.

The Board of Supervisors convened on March 1, and adopted a resolution providing for the issue of |4,000 in bonds, to be appropriated to the rebuilding of the premises. The same were begun at once, completed in time, and are still used. The almshouse proper is a large two-story stone structure, containg seven rooms and a dining-hall on the first floor, with ten apartments on the floor above. To the rear of this is the insane department, being constructed of brick, 30x45, one story high, and containing ten cells. In 1872 the board caused the erection of a commodious dwelling house, to the north of the main building, which is used for residence purposes by the Superintendent. The whole are located on a farm of 160 acres, forty of which are cultivated for the benefit of the corporation, the balance being rented out, the rental being one-third of that produced thereon.

The charity is supported by the townships, which are charged the actual cost of support of those sent them by the Supervisor thereof. The expenses incident to maintaining the poor house, including a salary of $750 paid Jacob S. Reisinger, Superintedent, are estimated at $3,500 per annum.

was organized on the 10th day of July, 1878, the lineal descendant of the Stephenson County Medical Society. The latter was established in 1865, and for some few years its affairs were conducted regularly. In time, the attendance became small, duties were neglected, and the society, being unable to rally sufficient members to constitute a quorum, lapsed into forgetful n ess.

In June, 1878, the question of reviving the old society or creating a new organization from its wreck, was generally canvassed among the profession throughout the county, which ended in the convening of meetings to take measures looking to the latter object. At the date above mentioned, a meeting was held in the Supervisor's office, court house building, Dr. C. M. Hillebrand presiding, Louis Stoskopf officiating as Secretary, when a constitution and by-laws were adopted after debate, and the following officers elected and members signed the roster of membership : F. W. Hance, M. D., President ; L. A. Mease, M. D., Vice President; Louis Stoskopf, M. D., Secretary and Treasurer; Drs. Claries Brundage, Buena Vista; L. A. Mease, F. W. Hance, and Louis Stoskopf, Freeport ; I. P. Fishburn and S. K. Martin, Dakota ; E. A. Carpenter, Baileyville ; C. B. Wright Florence, and T. L. Carey, Lena.

The present officers are : Louis Stoskopf, M. D., President ; L. G. Voigt, M. D., Vice President and B. H. Bradshaw, M. D., Secretary and Treasurer.

was organized at a meeting of agriculturists, held at the court house on August 3, 1875, and incorporated soon after under an act of the Legislature providing therefor. The objects of the association are stated to be those of buying, manufacturing and selling such articles and implements as are used or needed by the farmer ; also to sell, ship or exchange their products in the markets of the world. The capital stock was placed at $6,000, represented by six hundred shares, and the duration of the corporate existence was limited to ninety-nine years.

At the first election of officers, Ira Crippen was chosen President, H. S. Blakeway, Treasurer, and J. M. Chambers, Secretary, with Ira Crippen, H. S. Blakeway, W. P. Miller, J. F. Strunk, and Hiram Snyder as the Board of Directors, and at a meeting convened October 6, 1875, the business of the county Grange, similar in character, was purchased by the Farmers' Association. The latter's officers took possession of the Grange warehouse, at the southwest corner of Adams and Stephenson streets, obtained a complete supply

So abundantly was this promise realized, that the capital stock was increased to 116,000, and other steps taken to accommodate the increase of business. About this time, the owners of the premises occupied insisted on an advance in the rent. The association declined to accede to this demand, and decided to erect a building adapted to the uses of its trade. Accordingly, a lot on the southeast corner of Adams and Stephenson streets was purchased of J. H. Haines for |5,000, and the erection of the present edifice commenced early in the spring of 1877. Before its completion, however, their lease expired, and the business of the society was transferred to the " curb," where it continued until May, when possession of the new quarters was taken, and where the farmers, co-operatively inclined, have sold and purchased from that date to the present time.

The building is a substantial three-story brick, 60x110, finished in a neat but inexpensive manner, and cost an aggregate of $11,000. The ground floor is occupied as an office and warehouse, the upper floors by an agricultural implement exhibition hall, 40x50, also a society hall of the same dimensions, equipped and fui^nished, and a commercial school.

The present officers are : Ira Crippen, President ; Daniel Musser, Vice President ; J. M. Chambers, Secretary ; William Bear, Treasurer, and John Hart, Agent. Annual meetings are held in January, when the election of officers is had, also meetings of the Board of Directors, which are convened quarterly.

The corporation own property worth $20,000, carry stock valued at $25,000, and hold stock of the organization representing a valuation of $30,000.

an association which, up to very recent date, has been prominent in the county, was organized as a private corporation, in 1852, by a number of agriculturists and horticulturists, who believed in the encouragement of their several arts. Immediately preparations were concluded for the holding of a county fair, which was held and attended with so gratifying a success that the experiment was repeated annually until 1861. That year, and in 1862, its grounds were occupied for the quartering of troops, which monopoly prevented exhibitions being given, and the society remained quiescent. These were resumed, however, in 1863, and have been continued with varying success until the present season.

In 1871, the society became incorporated under the State laws, changed its title to the "Stephenson County Agricultural Board," and received subscriptions of stock to the amount of $8,000. The grounds were enlarged and improved, the buildings thereon located being reconstructed and redecorated, and every eff'ort made to conquer a success of the undertaking. Regular exhibits were given until 1877, when the grounds were appropriated to the uses of the State Fair Expositions, and again in 1878.

In 1879, a fair was held on the Taylor Driving Park, and, though begun under the most favorable auspices, was so seriously interfered with by rain that the society was unable to liquidate the demands of exhibitors entitled to premiums. In addition to this, an indebtedness had been created by improvements made in 1875, and, being without funds, the grounds, consisting of about thirty acres, located in the southwestern portion of the city, were disposed of by sale, Jere Pattison and Capt. William Young becoming the purchasers.

The society to-day, is without a home of its own, but, as soon as the will warrant their doing so, the stockholders design effecting a re-organization.

The present officers are William Young, President ; Godfrey Vought, Vice-President ; Jacob Krohn, Treasurer, and William Trembor, Secretary.

This association of agriculturists, for mutual protection and improvement, was formally organized about the 20th of February, 1874, though granges now tributary, had been in active operation previous to that date. The charter offi- were Daniel Musser, President ; W. P. Miller, Treasurer, and J. M. Chambers, Secretary.

At present the grange consists of thirteen working lodges, with a total membership of 260, and the following oflBcers : Daniel Musser, President ; F.

On Thursday, December 16, 1869, a meeting of old settlers was held at the court house in Freeport, to take measures for the organization of a society old settlers residing in Stephenson County, and to provide ways and means for a social re-union of those who became citizens of Stephenson County prior to 1850.

D, A. Knowlton was called to preside, and L. W. Guiteau officiated as Secretary. After a general interchange of views, a committee, consisting of the following gentlemen, was appointed to make arrangements for the re-union, as also to further the object for which the meeting had been convened, after which, an adjournment until Saturday evening following, was carried : James Turnbull and Samuel Gunsaul, Winslow ; Levi Robey and Samuel K. Fisher, Waddams ; Luman Montague and Thomas French, West Point ; Williard P. Naramore and Jacob Gable, Kent; Andrew Hinds and Bissell P. Belknap, Oneco ; John H. Addams and James M. Smith, Buckeye ; Robert Bell and William B. Mitchell, Lancaster ; Calvin Preston and Samuel Chambers, Rock Grove ; S. E. M. Carnefex and Stephen Seeley, Rock Run ; John Brown and Harrison Diemer, Dakota ; A. J. Niles and D. W. C. Mallory, Ridott ; Charles H. Rosenstiel and Fred Baker, Silver Creek ; Conrad Van Brocklin and Anson A. Babcock, Florence ; Ralph Sabin and John Lamb, Loran ; Samuel Hayes, Jefferson ; Pascal L, Wright and Perez A. Tisdel, Harlem ; Thomas Kaufman and Alanson Bacon, Erin ; E. Ordway, William Smith, W. G. Waddell, Thomas

At the meeting on Saturday evening thereafter, a committee, consisting of George Purinton, L. W. Guiteau, M. Hettinger, D, A. Knowlton and W. S. Gray, was appointed to make permanent the organization, draft a constitution and by-laws, and arrange for future meetings.

X Finally, the society was organized on the 1st of January, 1870, at a meeting held on that day, and the following officers elected : Levi Robey, President; W. H. Eels, B. P. Belknap, Charles T. Kleckner, John Brown, William B. Mitchell, A. W. Lucas, H. P. Waters, F. Baker, Benjamin Goddard, Pascal Wright, C. Van Brocklin, Luman Montague, Hubbard Graves, Jacob Gable,

Since that date the society has been in active existence, meeting annually on the last Wednesday in August, and numbering upon its roster of members all who have been identified with the early settlement and subsequent building up of Stephenson County.

The oflScers elected at the meeting convened in 1879, were : Levi Robey, President ; S. Chambers, Rock Grove ; M. Gift, Oneco ; H. Eels, Winslow ; R. Baysinger, West Point ; W. Dively, Waddams ; John H. Addaras, Buckeye ; George Walker, Dakota ; Elijah Clark, Rock Run ; Thomas Bell, Lancaster ; Aaron Kostenbader, Harlem ; J. W. Pickard, Erin ; L. W. Mogle, Kent; S. Hayes, Jeflferson ; Reuben Babb, Loran ; John Aspinwall, Florence ; Fred Baker, Silver Creek ; W. G. Woodruff, Ridott, and J. B. Smith, Freeport, Vice-Presidents ; W. Wright, Treasurer, and Jackson Richart, Secretary.

Criminal Records

The Crossen Murder. - A horrible murder was committed on Sunday^ March 23, 1856, at Craine's Grove, by an Irishman, named John Crossen, the victim being his helpless wife. It seems that Crossen had been celebrating the holiday (Easter Sunday), and became intoxicated. Immediately upon the departure of a companion who bad indulged a similar weakness and left the premises, Crossen began a brutal attack upon his wife, beating her most unmercifully with a poker, and inflicting wounds from the effects of which she died before assistance could reach the scene of the tragedy. When the officers who were summoned reached the spot, they found the poor woman dead, her back and limbs beaten to a jelly, and her arm horribly fractured by the blows she had endeavored to prevent reaching her head. Crossen was at once arrested and confined in jail in Freeport, utterly indifferent to his fate ; he admitted he beat his wife, but denied that his intention was to kill her, having frequently beaten her much more severely without serious results.

The Lauher Murder. - About three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, June 7, 1859, a German named William Lauber was stabbed by a man named Lauth, of Elkhorn Grove, and died almost instantly. The affair happened near where the "Branch " crosses the railroad track, just below the machine shop. The deceased, commonly known as "Butcher Bill," claimed that Lauth owed him, and for some time previous had been persistently dunning him. During the forenoon of the day upon which the homicide occurred, Lauth had made threats and exhibited a butcher-knife which he carried, as was inferred from his remarks, to aid in his attack upon deceased. When first noticed, the latter was demanding his pay from Lauth, to which reply was made " Keep away, and leave me alone." The dispute waxed warm, until finally Lauth drew a knife and plunged it into the heart of his antagonist. Lauber died instantly, and Lauth was arrested and held on a charge of murder.

The accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the September term, 1859, of the Circuit Court, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for eight years.

The Arnd Tragedy. - During the summer of 1859, a German named Peter Arnd, accompanied by his family, consisting of a wife and four children, settled in this county on a place belonging to George Boardman, five miles above Cedarville. He was employed by Boardman as a field-hand, and generally regarded as a capable, responsible man. No attention was paid to his domestic - affairs, nor was it believed that any difficulty existed in that quarter, his wife

On Tuesday morning, July 26, 1859, he proceeded to work, but returned about ten o'clock on account of a sore hand, and sent his wife to do the work assigned him. She worked until noon, when she returned to the house to care for the children and provide dinner, remaining but a short time ere she resumed work in the field. When night came on she ceased from her labors, and once more returned in the direction of her home, another woman accompanying her thither. As they reached the house and were passing an open window a most horrible sight met their gaze, transfixing them with terror, and for the time incapacitating either of them from sounding an alarm. Her four children lay upon the floor weltering in their blood, and manifesting no sign of life. The father stood by, an ax in his hand, with which he had done the deed, gazing in a senseless manner upon the upturned faces of his dying sons and daughters, but making no efforts to escape. By this time the witnesses of this dread result made an outcry and caused the murderer's apprehension. He was committed to jail, after an inquest had been held, at which a verdict in accordance with the facts was rendered, and held for trial.

During his confinement he exhibited signs of mental weakness, and within two weeks from the date of his incarceration died from softening of the brain, superinduced by sunstroke, and confirming the belief that he was not responsible for his acts when he committed the deed.

The Shooting of Mrs. George Whitney. - About 11 o'clock on the morning of Saturday, August 8, 1866. Dakalb Walton, a soldier in the threemonths service attached to Capt. Crane's company, shot and instantly killed Mrs. George Whitney, wife of a soldier in the Fifteenth Regiment. The affair occurred directly opposite the Stephenson House, and Walton, after he had inflicted the fatal wound upon his victim, attempted suicide by shooting himself.

According to the evidence elicited at the coroner's inquest, deceased and her would-be assassin had been living together at Oneco for some time prior to the tragedy, or since her husband, who was Sergeant of Company A, Fifteenth Regiment, had enlisted. On the Saturday of the killing, Walton and Mrs. Whitney had visited the brewery and drank beer, after which the former disclaimed his ignorance of what had passed until he realized consciousness in jail. The jury directed his imprisonment on a charge of murder, to await the action of the Grand Jury.

The Schmidtz Mystery. - About the 30th of April, 1869, thebody of a man named Henry Schmidtz, a former resident of Freeport, was found lying by the side of a slough in the town of Lancaster, in an advanced state of decomposition, and bearing marks indicating that he had met his death by violence. The body was recovered by Thomas S. Leach and William Peters, and taken to Freeport, where an inquest was held and evidence elicited tending to show that he had received $300 a short time previous to the discovery of the body, and when last seen was in the company of a man by the name of Casper Stoffels, whom he had employed to assist him in his business, being that of peddling.

The Wood Murder. - Between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock, on the morning of June 7, 1872, a shooting affray took place at the Kraft House, opposite the Western Union Depot, resulting in the death of Frank Wood, at the hands of John L. Thompson. Both had been together since the Thursday previous and up to the time of the affray, consorting with a pair of disreputable women named Rosa Bell and Flora Kennedy, and all drinking to excess. The quarrel began about these women, both of whom accompanied Thompson to the hotel a short time prior to the tragedy, followed by Wood. An altercation succeeded Wood's arrival at the house, during which the latter struck Thompson in the face, at the same time accompanying his blow with threats and insulting epithets. Thereupon Thompson drew a revolver and fired at his assailant, inflicting wounds from which death resulted immediately. Thompson was arrested.

He was placed on trial, at the December term, 1872, of the Circuit Court, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year.

The Thompson Defalcation. - During the month of May, 1874, rumors were rife throughout Stephenson County that George Thompson, ex-County Clerk, had, while in oflBce, falsified the records, forged numerous county orders, and re-issued others that had already been redeemed by the County Treasurer.

The facts which led to the discovery of these frauds first came to the surface on Saturday, May 7, 1874, when Thompson called upon Aaron Wolfe and offered for sale an order dated September 14, 1871, payable to himself, for ^1,220.05. The order bore an indorsement by the County Treasurer that the same had. been "presented for payment and registered by me, this May 2, 1874 - 0. P. McCool, County Treasurer," misleading Wolfe, who purchased the security. Subsequent reflection induced the holder to investigate the facts, tending to trace the paper into the possession of Thompson. After an examination, it was ascertained that an order of a similar tenor and date had been paid in 1872, and so reported to the County Clerk for cancellation by the Finance Committee. As the investigation progressed, the fraud and decepti on practiced by Thompson became more apparent, and his victim impressed with the position in which he had been placed.

In the mean time, Thompson left the city and proceeded to Chicago, whence he returned to Freeport, however, and redeemed the order purchased by Mr. Wolfe. After the discovery of his frauds, others, who had become the holders of similar property as collaterals, repaired to the records and found that spurious orders, representing a face valuation of about ^4,000, had been disposed of as collaterals and by transfer of ownership, to Knowlton & Sons, the Second National Bank, Joseph Emmert, First National Bank, James Mitchell & Co., and others. The public were naturally exercised at these discoveries, and considerable excitement prevailed throughout the county. Thompson had enjoyed universal confidence in the political, social, financial and Christian circles, had been a leading spirit in Sabbath-schools and church organizations, and was generally regarded as one whose daily life had commended him to general respect. The Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors made an investigation into the charges alleged against Thompson, and found that, imposing on the credulity of the public, he had been able to swindle that too confiding unknown quantity out of about $5,000. A warrant was at once issued for his arrest, but before he could be apprehended the accused absconded and its service was prevented. He fled to Canada, thence to California, where he established a ranche, meantime paying off the liabilities he had left unsettled in Freeport, and remaining absent until the fall of 1878, at which time he returned to the scene of his crime, pleaded guilty to one of the number of indictments that had been returned against him, and was sentenced to the penitentiary. He remained in Joliet two years and was pardoned, returning to California, where he now is.

HalTs Haul. - The defalcation of A. W. Hall should not be forgotten, either. He was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was inducted into office the first in the county under the provision of the constitution abolishing fees and substituting therefor a salary.

Hall refused to recognize the equity of this change, insisting upon it that he was entitled to the fees accruing, and declining to pay them over according to law. The Supervisors instituted suit against him to test the points held by both parties, and obtained judgment. An appeal was taken by Hall, but the Supreme Court affirmed the judgment, and by this time, his term of office having expired, Hall disappeared, defaulter to the extent of $3,184, and has never been heard of since. He was indicted, and his bondsmen liquidated $2,000 of his liability, leaving $1,184 with interest unpaid, which was lost by the county.

The Goodhue Defalcation. - Charles. F. Goodhue, Treasurer of Stephenson County, was indicted at the December (1878) term of the Circuit Court for -embezzlement, as County Treasurer, of the sum of $5,000 of moneys in his possession by virtue of his official position. A change of venue was taken by Goodhue to the Circuit Court of Rockford, Winnebago County, and at the January (1879) term, he was tried, convicted and sentenced to four years in the penitentiary. His attorney, J. A. Crain, appealed the case, by writ of error, to the Supreme Court, and at the September term, 1879, of that tribunal, the judgment was reversed, and the case remanded for a new trial. At the January term, 1880, just one year from the first trial, Goodhue, after laying thirteen months behind the bars of Winnebago County Jail, was again tried, and, under the rulings of the Supreme Court, as applied to his case, acquitted.

At the December term 1879, of the Stephenson County Court, two additional indictments were found against him, one for the embezzlement and another for of jail orders, amounting to $22.12 ; these, with two other indictments which had been found, one for the embezzlement of $100, and the other for falsifying a public record, came up for hearing in the Stephenson County Circuit Court at the April term, 1880, and Goodhue's attorney took a change of venue on all four of the cases to DeKalb County. At this stage of the proceedings, the Board of Supervisors of Stephenson County met and passed a resolution, instructing the Finance Committee to employ the ablest legal assistance, in their judgment, in the State of Illinois, to assist J. S. Cochran in the prosecution of the case. Clothed with this authority, Mr. H. Lichtenberger, Chairman of the Finance Committee, retained Charles H. Reed, of Chicago, who had been for twelve years the State's Attorney of Cook County, to assist in the prosecution. The case came to trial on Friday, June 25, the indictment on which the test was based being the embezzlement of the jail orders. The defense proved by Mr. Lichtenberger, one of the witnesses against Goodhue, that he (Lichtenberger) had ordered Goodhue to draw the money on the orders, which he did, and placed $600 in each of three Banks of Freeport, and the balance, $412, in the safe of the Treasurer's office. They also proved by Miss Kate Goodhue, who was acting in the capacity of clerk in the Treasurer's office at that time, that Goodhue had paid out every dollar of this money to liquidate authorized claims against the county, thus showing there was no case against Goodhue from a legal standpoint, and on the 1st day of July, 1880, after a week's protraction, the trial ended, and the jury rendered a verdict fully acquitting him, and, the other indictments having been abandoned, Charles F. Goodhue once more breathed the pure air of freedom.

War Record

A traveler sailing up the Bay of Athens sees, while yet afar off, the shining splendors of the " Eye of Greece, Mother of Arts and Eloquence." " There are marble palaces and columns, rising white against the vineries and olive groves which deck the mountain landscape with a foliage of endless green. The hum of early traffic mingles with the shoutings of the crews of Alexandrian corn ships hoisting the anchors. Sheer and rugged in the foreground rises the Acropolis. On its summit the citadel, and crowning that the colossal statue of Minerva, her golden shield catching the morning light and flashing it back in brightness that dazzles while still enchanting the eye."

In a like manner, as one approaches the theme The Union, and the contest for its preservation, does he find himself encompassed with glories born of the most perfect civilization. Art, science and literature were in the enjoyment of a golden age, and the roll-call of names of those who excelled in each was surrounded by the glories of America, as were the names of Homer, Herodotus, Plato, Euclid, Praxiteles, Demosthenes and others, around whom the glories of Athens have gathered for thousands of years.

Twenty eventful annuals have become merged into the sounding past since the coming of the days which are now consecrated to the memories of the sad, triumphant period in the nation's history, with which the world is familiar. Those were perfect days. It seemed as if science, art, the laws, the people and God aided at their birth and development. Peace and happiness went hand in hand ; the laws were observed, and their violation was visited with the severest penalties. Each section contributed to the wealth of the opposite portion of the Union ; in fact, nothing was wanted to complete the picture of universal prosperity then exhibited to the world by the United States. Su^^h, imperfectly, was the condition of affairs as they existed upon the dawn of 1861 in both sections of the country, which rivaled in all that tended to complete a make-up of brilliancy and wealth, emeralds and rubies set in burnished gold. But the notes of the impending storm were heard before the advancing winter was ushered in with the New Year, and the people had begun to conclude that the summer of the nation, Avith all its glories, had gone to be laid in the great storehouse of the past.

Finally, the rebellion reached a stage when the crisis was at hand - a crisis which compelled every man to side either with law and order or with mob rule and sectional despotism. No rights of the South were endangered by the Union, or could be enforced by rebellion. The assumption that the ascendency of the party in power threatened danger to the rights and peace of the South was regarded as entirely without force by the people of the North, and as importing anarchy against law and order. Upon such a question, which vitally concerned every man's safety in business as it concerned the existence of the Government, decisive expressions of opinion were heard all over the North. There was little disposition to talk, but a determined purpose to act developed; a purpose equal to the emergency. There was but one Government and one system of laws, to which every man should be compelled to feel there was allegiance. Acting upon this conclusion, a demand was made for respect for the laws by men who had no thought of flinching, and who expressed the matured judgment of a majority. That the law was resisted was a calamity, but greater calamities would attend the general anarchy which must follow if a rigorous execution of the laws was prevented or restrained.

Such were the views of the citizens of Stephenson County, when the surrender of Fort Sumter and the call for troops were promulgated. On the evening of Thursday, April 18, 1861, Plymouth Hall was crowded by an eager, anxious multitude, assemlded in response to a call issued at noon of that day, appealing to the lovers of the stars and stripes to rally and ; rally they did, in numbers overwhelming, made up of Republicans and Democrats, for all were Americans.

During the absence of the Committee on Resolutions, composed of J. W. Shaffer, James Mitchell, C. K. Judson, J. R. Scroggs and A. H. Stone, speeches were made by S. D. Atkins, C. Betts, C. S. Bagg and Mr. Wagner, editor of the Anzeiger, the latter in German. Resolutions were adopted declaratory of the love for the Union felt by citizens of Freeport, and their determination to aid, so far as lay within their power, the General Government in its enforcement of the laws. The meeting was then adjourned, but the spirit manifested became intensified as time progressed. The following day recruiting was begun, and on Saturday, April 20, 1861, the first company enlisted in the county was filled and the oath administered to the following officers and privates: S. D. Atkins, Captain; M. E. Newcomer, First,^nd S. W. Field, Second Lieutenant: F. T. Goodrich, H. A. Sheetz, William Polk and R. W. Hulburt, Sergeants ; C. T. Dunham, J. 0. Churchill, R. H. Rodearmel and W. W. Lott, Corporals ; C. E. Cotton, drummer, and J. R. Harding, fifer; W. W. Allen, J. W. Brewster, Robert Brennan, W. N. Blakeman, A. S. Best, H. P. Parker, W. H. Brown, Frank Bellman, J. S. Chambers, J. M. Chown, Thomas Chattaway, A. Coppersmith, F. Dreener, J. W. Duncan, J. P. Davis, M. Eshelman, William Eddy, J. Geiser, J. R. Hayes, E. J. Hurlburt, W. J. Hoover, L. Hall, T. J. Hathaway, J. E. Hershey, J. F. Harnish, F. M. DeArmit, W. W. Hunt, W. J. Irvin, S. H. Ingham, Nicholas Kassel, D. L. Farmer, 0. F. Lamb, J. H. Loveland, S. Lindeman, S. Lebkicker, J. H. McGee, U. B. McDowell, W. T. McLaughlin, F. Murphy, D. McCormick, J. M. Miller, F. R. McLaughlin, J. P. Owen, J. Pratt, A. Patterson, G. L. Piersol, N. Smith, L. Strong, J. S. Stout, 0. F. Smith, M. Slough, C. Sched, J. S. Sills, C. G. Stafford, T. Wishart, W. P. Waggoner, M. S. Weaver, J. Walton, Stephens Waterbury, J. Walkey and J. Work.

The company left Freeport for Springfield on Wednesday morning, May 1, 1861, escorted to the depot by Capt. M. B. Mills' company and the Union Cornet Band, and cheered by the presence of not less than 3,000 people, who were there to bid them good-bye, and implore God's blessing upon the efforts inaugurated in behalf of their country. Upon arriving in camp, the " boys " were assigned to the Eleventh Regiment, making up the roster of Company A.

Soon after the departure of the volunteers under the command of Capt. Atkins, W. J. McKim enlisted a second company^ the following being the roster : W. J. McKim, Captain ; Henry Setley and Philip Arno, Lieutenants ; Carl F. Wagner, Jacob Hoebel, D. A. Galpin and Theodore Grove, Sergeants ; Joseph Meyer, Jacob Fiscus, E. Wike, John Bauscher, L. Lehman, Amos D. Hemmig, Joseph Boni, George Moggly, Dietrich Sweden, John Kruse, Meinhard Herren, C. H. Gramp, Jacob Steinhauer, Mat Allard, John Berry, Peter E. Smith, James Holmes, Henry Groenewald, Albert Kocher, Thomas Burling, C. Protexter, David Stocks, Henry Luttig, Thomas Shuler, Adam Haiser, Andrew Olnhausen, E. Neese, David French, J. H. Maynard, A. Borches, Jacob Doll, John A. Raymer, Jacob Ernst, Leonard Sherman, Frederick

From this, beginning the work went bravely on. Lena furnished a compnay which was attached to the Fifteenth Regiment, and rendezvoused at Camp Scott, a camp established on the grounds of the Stephenson County Agricultural Association, near Freeport, and recruits were drawn from every township to swell the contributions of the county to the suppression of treason. Those who were unable to proceed to the front remained at home to aid the efforts inaugurated there for the preservation of the Union and the enforcement of the laws. Relief and aid societies were formed, sanitary associations organized, and every agency that could aid in promoting the comfort of the soldiers was successfully invoked in that behalf.

On the morning of June 19, 1^61, the Fifteenth Regiment, commanded by Col. T. J. Turner, one of the oldest and most promient residents of Stephenson County, left Camp Scott and proceeded to Alton. The day was one of the most exciting and memorable in the history of the present city. When the huge train moved out it bore with it the earnest prayers of assembled thousands, that those who were passengers, may-hap for the opposite shore, might be returned to their homes in safety.

As all are familiar with, the three-months service of volunteers concluded with the battle of Manassas. The defeat sustained in that engagement in no manner disheartened the men of the North. The sad intelligence spread a general gloom over the country, and carried sorrow and mourning into many a household, whence some loved member had gone forth to return no more. Yet the people faltered not in this dark hour of trial, but were spurred on to renewed efforts in behalf of the Government. The public mind was roused to a keener appreciation of the dangers that threatened and the difficulties that surrounded the country, and this call upon the people's patriotism was responded to by thousands, who pledged themselves to the defense of the old flag. Capt. Atkins' company was re-organized and re-enlisted for the war. Recruits were also furnished from Stephenson County to the formation of Company " B," of the Twenty-sixth Regiment, and Companies A, B, C, D, G, and K, of the Fortysixth Regiment, these latter coming from Buckeye, Oneco, Rock Grove, Lancaster and Florence Townships, being organized for service on the 28th of December, 1861, Truly, the spirit was not yet dead. Patriotism and patriotic impulse found as earnest,. expression in Stephenson County with the dawn of 1862, as was witnessed when the first call to arms was sounded. Like strains of martial music will the story of their patriotism roll down through listless ages, till Time shall pause in his career, and the race of man is run. The patriotic spirit burned in every breast, flashed from every eye, thrilled every nerve and quivered in every muscle, and the arm of him who fought for home proved mightier far than the mad ambition of him who fought for treason. Though 1861 had gone, leaving its mark upon each brow, and shadow in each heart, the nation pursued the object of its contest, and waited trustfully, but with hushed hearts and tear-filled eyes, for the shining of the bow of promise.

The year 1862, as all know, opened discouraginlgy, and it was not until the capture of Fort Donelson, in February of that year, that the gleam of promise, set by God among the clouds, first began to flicker in the horizon of the future. The regiments, in which volunteers from Stephenson County were enrolled, participating in that engagement, were the Eleventh, Forty-fifth, " Forty-sixth " and perhaps more. Many there were, from these organizations, who yielded up their lives, a holocaust at their country's call, and, though history may never record their humble names or chronicle their deeds, yet they belong to the nobility of earth, and in that kingdom which comes after earth, each one is crowned with more than Olympic laurels.

In September, 1862, the Ninety-second Regiment was enlisted, organized and mustered into service. The thought indulged, with the first call for troops, that three months only would be required to conquer the South, had by this time been thoroughly dissipated. The people were ignorant of war, and it was not until the return of the sick, the wounded and the dead, the latter in rough pine boxes,' with their soldiers' coats about them, that the " folks at home " began to realize that war was abroad. The frequent calls for men, the repeated repulses, not to say defeats, intensified this reality ; and when it became necessary to have recourse to the draft to restore the shattered regiments ; to somewhat of a resemblance to their former appearance, then was the conviction forced without demurrer. The Ninety-second contained soldiers enlisted in Lancaster, Buckeye, Erin, Kent and Jefferson Townships, of Stephenson County, and the fidelity they exhibited to the cause in which they embarked is found in the killed, wounded and missing that depleted its ranks.

During the same year, about June, a company of three-months troops was partially made up of volunteers from Stephenson County, and entered the service at Camp Douglas. It was commanded by James W. Crane, with Stephen Allen and Lorenzo Willard as Lieutenants ; John Stine, James R. Bake, Charles A. Dodge, John D. Lamb and Harrison W. Sigworth, Sergeants ; C. D. Bently, Theodore A. Cronk, Oliver T. Steinmetz, Ambrose Martin, Sidney Robins, H. S. Ritz, W. H. Heyt and W. H. Battle, Corporals. The Ninety-second was raised for three years or the war, in response to a requisition made by the Government for nine regiments from the State of Illinois, to fill up the ranks depleted in the five-days fight about Richmond, but the three-months troops were appropriated mostly to provost duty. Notwithstanding the liberality with which the county responded, it was feared that a draft would become necessary to supply Governmental demands, and during the same year the Ninetysecond was mustered into service (1862), an enrollment of the county was made, and 3,000 residents reported as liable to duty under the provisions of an act amending Chapter 70, Revised Statutes. About chis. time, war meetings were convened at various points, notably at Freeport, Lena, Cedarville and elsewhere, which were addressed by E. B. Washburne, T. J. Turner, Adjutant General Fuller and others. These meetings had the effect of increasing enlistments, which were assigned to companies in the Eleventh, Twenty-sixth and other regiments, and of postponing the draft, which was delayed for two years. In October following, Capt. Irvin enlisted a company about Freeport, which was assigned to the Seventy-fourth Regiment, and included upon the roster of that organization as Company I. The year 1862 passed without much more being done than is cited. The defeat at Fredericksburg increased the surrounding gloom, and the campaign in the valley, early in 1863, rather aggravated than lessened the gravity of the situation. With each call for troops succeeding calamities gave birth to, Stephenson County responded cheerfully, though available material had been comparatively exhausted by the drafts made on her resources. The season of 1863 was a repetition of those which had preceded its advent. Meetings were convened to further enlistments, and provide for the soldiers. Money was subscribed for the support of families whose heads were at the front, and the payment of bounties. Fairs were held, and other mediums employed that would remotely aid in the gigantic undertaking. But little occurred to encourage the people, or bind up the broken hearts that pulsated with grief for the loss of those who perished in Virginia and the Southwest. Among the most prominent killed during this year was Holden Putnam, Colonel of the Ninety-third Regiment, which had been in existence about one year. But many of those who went out from Stephenson County with high hopes and creditable ambitions, passed away before 1863 was included among the years that have gone. Grievous, sore and terrible were the blows that fell upon the North that year, aad many a lonely wife and fatherless little one looked to God for fresh hope and courage, and to help them to remember that this life is but the vestibule to a glorious hereafter. The principal events, notably the capture of Vicksburg, the issue of the emancipation proclamation, battle of Gettysburg, etc., served to temporarily dispel the clouds which surrounded the cause, and inspire new plans for the closing year of the war. Early in January, 1864, the Forty-sixth regiment re-enlisted, and returned to Freeport, where they met with a hearty welcome. But these were days when the finality of that contest which had been raging for nearly four years <vas drawing nigh ; when the surrender of the rebel forces had resolved itself into a question of certainty, the time of that event being in the near future. Day was breaking to the watchers in the tower of American liberty, and the coming dawn announced its presence through the mist and clouds, sublime with the glories of the breaking morn, when error should decay, truth be strengthened and right rule supreme o'er vanquished wrong; when jealousies and hate should give way to joy and peace and brotherhood. And, although the advent of the smiling stranger was prolonged another year, it came at last. Peace shed its gentle rays over the scenes of war and desolation, and a rosy radiance, gleaming from afar, melted in the dawning of the perfect day. " Well done, watchers on the lonely tower." Broad daylight finally broke upon the plain, and to-day soars unfettered, as its God designed.

With the peace at Appomattox, the soldiers for the Union returned to their homes in Stephenson County, where they were welcomed as the defenders of faith in that form of government which must not perish from ofi" the face of the earth.

In addition to the enlistments quoted, Stephenson County had representatives in every branch of the service, and her citizens remember the names of those who fought the good fight unto the end, and returned to receive the reward of faithful stewards.

But there were many who did not return, and many still who were returned in the arms of Death. Some sleep the sleep of the just in the village churchyard, where their little white headstones dispute for prominence with the daisies and white-topped clovers. Their lives and death are shrined in the Pantheon of patriotic hearts to an immortal memory. Some sleep in the land of the jasmine and orange blossom. Neither are forgotten. Both are remembered as they slumber, "each in his windowless cell," the slumbers of sanctified rest.

During the war, Stephenson County furnished a total of 3,168 soldiers, and bounties, subscriptions and supplies aggregating upward of half a million of dollars. The draft was enforced but once.

Eleventh Infantry

The regiment was called into service under proclamation of the President, April 16, 1861 ; organized at Springfield, and mustered into service April 30, 1861, by Capt. Pope, for three months.

During this term of service, the regiment was stationed at Villa Ridge, 111., to June 20th, then removed to Bird's Point, Mo., where it remained, performing garrison and iield duty, until July 30th, when the regiment was mustered out, and re-enlisted for three-years service. During the three-months term, the lowest aggregate was 882, and the highest 933, and at the muster-out was 916.

Upon the re-muster, July l;^th, the aggregate was 288. During the months of August, September, October and November, the regiment was recruited to an aggregate of 801. In the mean time were doing garrison and field duty, participating in the following expeditions: September 9th to 11th, expedition toward New Madrid ; October 6th to 11th, to Charleston, Mo.; November 3d to 12th, to Bloomfield, Mo., via Commerce, returning via Cape Girardeau; January 7th and 8th, expedition to Charleston, Mo., skirmished with a portion of the command of Jeff Thompson ; January 13th to 20th, reconnoissance of Columbus, Ky., under Gen. Grant ; January 25th to 28th, to Sikestown, Mo.; February 2d, embarked on transports to Fort Henry, participating in campaign against that place ; February 11th, moved toward Fort Donelson ; February 12th, 13th and 14th, occupied in investing that place, 12th heavily engaged with the enemy about five hours, losing 329 killed, wounded and missing, out of about -500 engaged, of whom 72 were killed and 182 wounded ; March 4th and .5th. en route to Fort Henry ; 5th to 13th, en route to Savannah, Tenn., in transports; 23d to 25th, en route from Savannah to Pittsburg Landing ; April 6th and 7th, engaged in battle of Shiloh, losing 27 killed and wounded, out of 150 engaged ; April 24th to June 4th, participated in siege of Corinth, thence marched to .Jackson, Tenn., making headquarters there to August 2d ; participated in two engagements. July 1st and 2d, toward Trenton, Tenn. ; July 23d to 28th, to Lexington, Tenn. ; August 2d, moved to Cairo, 111., for purpose of recruiting ; remained at that point until August 23 ; thence to Paducah, Ky., remaining there until November 20th ; in the mean time engaged in two expeditions - August 24th to September 16th, to Clarksville, Tenn,, via Forts Henry and Donelson - October 31st to November 13th, expedition to Hopkinsville, Ky. ; November 20th to 14th, en route to La Grange, Tenn., where the regiment reported and was assigned to Brig. Gen. McArthur's Division, Left Wing, 13th Army Corps. From this time to .Jan. 12, 1863, participated in campaign in Northern Mississippi, marching via Tallahatchie (where the regiment was engaged in a sharp skirmish) ; from thence to Abbeville ; thence seven miles below Oxford ; thence to Holly Springs, Moscow and Memphis, Tenn. Remained in Memphis until the 17th, when it embarked on transport and en route to Young's Point until 24th, remaining there until February 11th ; then moved to Lake Providence, and assigned to the Seventeenth Army Corps, making headquarters there until April 20th, participating in expedition to American Bend, from March 17th to 28th. April 23, 1863, the One Hundred and Ninth Illinois Infantry was transferred to the Eleventh, 589 being the aggregate gained by the transfer. April 26th, regiment moved with column to rear of Vicksburg, via Richmond, Perkins' Landing, Grand Gulf, Raymond and Black River, arriving before the works May 18th ; May 19th and 22d, engaged in assaults on the enemy's works ; then in the advance siege works to July 4th, at time of surrender : the regiment losing in the siege and assault one field officer (Col. Garrett Nevins) killed ; three line officers wounded, and forty men killed and wounded. .July 17th, moved with expedition to Natchez, Miss., participating in expedition to Woodville, Miss. October 12th, returned to Vicksburg, Miss., making headquarters there to July 29, 1864 ; in the mean time engaged in the following expeditions : February 1st to March 8th, up Yazoo River to Greenwood, .\iiss.. having a skirmish at Liverpool Heights, February 5th, losing four killed and nine wounded ; action at Yazoo City, March 5th, losing one line officer killed, eight men killed, twenty-four wounded and twelve missing ; April 6th to 28th, at Black River Bridge; May 4th to 2lst, expedition to Yazoo City, Benton, and Vaughn' s Station, Miss., taking a prominent part in three important skirmishes ; July 1st to 7th, with an expedition to Jackson, Miss., under Maj Gen. Slocum, engaged with the enemy three times ; July 29th, moved to Morganza, and was assigned to Nineteenth Army Corps, staying there to September 3d ; in the mean time participating in an expedition to Clinton, La., August 24th to 29th ; September 3d, moved to mouth of White River, Ark.; October 8th, moved to Memphis, Tenn., returning to White River October 27th ; November 6th and 7th, expedition to Gaines' Landing ; November 8th, moved to Duvall's Bluff, Ark.; November 30th to December 4th, en route to Memphis, Tenn.; December 20th to 31st, expedition to Moscow, Tenu.; January 1st to 5th, en route to Kenner, La.; February 4th to 7th, en route to Dauphine Island, via Lake Pontchartrain ; March 17th to April 12th, engaged in operations against Mobile, Ala., marching from Fort Morgan, participating in the investment and siege, and final capture of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, and in the assault on the latter : April 12th, marched into and took possession of the city of Mobile, staying there until the 27th of May, when embarked in transport and moved via Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans; from thence to Alexandria, La., remaining there until June 22d ; thence to Baton Rouge, La., to be mustered oat of service ; mustered out July 14, 1865, and left for Springfield, 111., for p lyment and final discharge.

Field and staff, tbree years' service... 53 The following general officers have been in the regiment: Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, Gen. T. E. G. Ransom, Gen. Smith D. Atkins.

The following field officers of other regiments were members of this regiment : Col. Hotchkiss, Col. Hopeman, Col. H. H. Dean, Col. G. L. Fort, Lieut. Col. McCalb, Maj. S. B. Dean, Maj. Widmer.

Fifteenth Infantry

The Fifteenth Regiment Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Freeport, 111., and mustered into the United States service May 24, 1861 - being the first regiment organized from the State for the three-years service. It then proceeded to Alton, 111., remaining there six weeks for instruction. Left Alton for St. Charles, Mo.; thence by rail to Mexico, Mo. Marched to Hannibal, Mo.; thence by steamboat to Jefiferson Barracks : then by rail to Rolla, Mo. Arrived in time to cover Gen. Siegel's retreat from Wilson's Creek; thence to Tipton, Mo., and thence joined Gen. Fremont's army. Marched from there to Springfield, Mo.; thence back to Tipton ; then to Sedalia, with Gen. Pope, and assisted in the capture of 1,300 of the enemy a few miles from the latter place ; then marched to Otterville, Mo., where it went into winter quarters December 26, 1861. Remained there until February 1, 1862. Then marched to .Jefiferson City ; thence to St. Louis by rail ; embarked on transports for Fort Donelson, arriving there the day of the surrender.

The regiment was then assigned to the Fourth Division, Gen. Hurlbut commanding, and marched to Fort Henry. Then embarked on transports for Pittsburg Landing. Participated in the battles of the 6th and 7th of April, losing 252 men killed and wounded. Among the former were Lieut. Col. E. T. W. Ellis, Maj. Goddard, Capts. Brownell and Wayne, and Lieut. .John W. Puterbaugh. Capt. A(lam Nase, wounded and taken prisoner. The regiment then marched to Corinth, participating in various skirmishes and the siege of that place, losing a number of men killed and wounded. After the evacuation of Corinth, the regiment marched to Grand Junction ; thence to Holly Springs ; back to Grand Junction ; thence to La Grange ; thence to Memphis, arriving there .July 21, 1862, and remained there until September 6. Then marched to Bolivar ; thence to ihe Hatchie River, and participated in the battle of the Hatchie. Lost fifty killed and wounded in that engagement. Then returned to Bolivar ; frora thence to La Grange ; thence, with Gen. Grant, down through Mississippi to Cofifeeville. returning to La Grange and Memphis ; thence to Vicksburg, taking an active part in the siege of that place. After the surrender of Vicksburg, marched with Sherman to Jackson, Miss.; then returned to Vicksburg and embarked for Natchez. M.^rched thence to Kingston ; returned to Natchez ; then to Harrisonburg, La., capturing Fort Beauregard, on the Washita River. Returned to Natchez, remained there until November 10, 1863. Proceeded to Vicksburg ar.d went into winter quarters. Here the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, remaining until February 1, 1864, when it moved with Gen. Sherman through Mississippi. On Champion Hills had a severe engagement with rebel Carney. Marched to" Meridian ; thence south to Enterprise ; thence back to Vicksburg. Was then ordered to Illinois on veteran furlough. On expiration of furlough joined Seventeenth Army Corps, and proceeded up the Tennessee River to Clifton ; thence to Huntsville, Ala.; thence to Decatur and Rome, Ga.; thence to Kingston, and joined Gen. Sherman's Army, marching on Atlanta.

At Allatoona Pass, the Fifteenth and the Fourteenth Infantry were consolidated, and the organization was known as the Veteran Battalion Fourteenth and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and numbering 625 men. From Allatoona Pass it proceeded to Ackworth, and was then assigned to duty, guarding the Chattanooga & Atlanta Railroad. While engaged in this duty, the regimeut being scattered along the line of road, the rebel Gen. Hood, marching north, struck the road at Big Shanty and Ackworth, and captured about 300 of the command. The remainder retreated to Marietta, were mounted, and acted as scouts for Gen. Vandever. They were afterward transferred to Gen. F. P. Blair, and marched with Gen. Sherman through Georgia.

After the capture of Savannah, the regi.uent proceeded to Beaufort, S. C; thence to Salkahatchie River, participating in the various skirmishes in that vicinity - Columbia, S. C; Fayetteville, N. C; battle of Bentonville - losing a number wounded : thence to Goldsboro and Raleigh. At Raleigh, recruits sufficient to fill up both regiments were received, and the organization of the Veteran Battalion discontinued, and the Fifteenth re-organized. The campaign of Gen. Sherman ended by the surrender of Gen. Johnston. The regiment then marched with the army to Washington, D. C, via Richmond and Fredericksburg, and participated in the grand review at Washington, May 24, 18G--) ; remain 2, there two weeks. Proceeded, by rail and steamboat, to Louisville,

Ky.; remained at Louisville two weeiis. The regiment was then detached from the Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and proceeded by steamer to St. Louis; from thence to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., arriving there July 1, 1865. Joined the army serving on the plains. Arrived at Fort Kearney August 14 : then ordered to return to Fort Leavenworth Septem- 1 1865, where the regiment was mustered out of the service and placed en route for Springfield, 111., for final payment and dischargehaving served four years and four months.

Twenty-Sixth Infantry

The Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was mustered into the United States service, with seven companies, at Camp Butler, Illinoie, August 31, 1861. and were ordered to Quincy, 111., for the protection of that place. Not having been armed, the regiment did guard duty with hickory clubs. During the autumn, the regiment did guard duty on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and were armed with old English Tower muskets - Col. John Mason Loomis commanding post at Hannibal. Prior to January 1, 1862, three more companies were raised, completing the organization. February 19, 1862, they left Hannibal, Mo., for the South, stopping at Commerce, where the regiment was assigned to Brig. Gen. J. B. Plummer's Brigade, Brig. Gen. Schuyler Hamilton's Division, Maj. Gen. John Pope's Corps. They arrived at New Madrid March 3, and were engaged in action there ; marched to Point Pleasant, and, arriving on the 6th, engaged rebel gunboats with sharp-shooters and prevented the landing of the enemy; marched to intercept the flying enemy from Island Number 10, and assisted in capturing many prisoners. After remaining some time at New Madrid, joined an expedition against Fort Pillow ; returning, proceeded up the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, to Hamburg Landing ; took part in the siege of Corinth ; May 8 and 9, were engaged at Farmington, the regiment losing five killed and thirty wounded, Lieut. Col. Charles J. Tinkham was among the wounded; Col. Loomis commanded the brigade, and Gen. Stanley the division. May 28, engaged the enemy one mile from Corinth, the regiment losing four killed and twenty-five wounded ; Maj. Gilmore wag wounded. Company G, of the Twentysixth, was the first to enter Corinth on evacuation by the enemy ; engaged in the pursuit to Booneville, and returned to Clear Creek, four miles from Corinth. .June 23, ordered to Danville, Miss., where we remained till August 18, 1862, at which time we joined the brigade commanded by Col. R. C. Murphy, Eighth Wisconsin, and marched for Tuscumbia ; arrived 21st ; September 8, with Forty-seventh and Twenty-sixth, Lieut. Col. Tinkham commanding, marched to Clear Creek ; September 18, marched for luka ; 19th, were engaged with the enemy, in a brigade commanded by Lieut. Col. .J. A. Mower, of the Eleventh .Missouri ; the enemy evacuating in the night, we joined in the pursuit, arriving at Corinth October 3, and participating in the battle of Corinth ; after the battle, followed the retreating enemy as far as Ripley. Ten days afterward, arrived again at Corinth, where we stayed until November 2. Marched, via Holly Junction, Holly Springs and Lumpkin's Mill toward Tallahatchie River, the enemy being fortified on the south side of the river. The regiment was here detailed to guard a commissary train to Hudsonville, during the trip, losing two men killed and two wounded by guerrillas ; ordered to Holly Springs for guard duty ; thence to Oxford, Miss., where we remained until December 20; ordered to Holly Springs, to prevent the capture of that place : on the 2lst, reached that place, the enemy having fled ; remained here during the year. Col. Loomis commanding the post, and Lieut. Col. Gilmore as chief of outposts.

In the beginning of the year 1863, the post at Holly Springs was broken up and the army fell back to La Grange, Tenn., where the regiment was assigned to duty as provost guard. Col. Loomis commanding the post. Here it remained until March 8.

March 3, the regiment was brigaded with the Ninetieth Illinois, Twelfth and One Hundredth Indiana, Col. Loomis commanding. March 8, the brigade marched from La Grange to Collierville, Tenn., where they remained three months, engaged in fortifying the place and defending the railroad against guerrillas and bushwhackers. .June 7, left Collierville for Memphis. The following day they embarked for Haines' BluflF. The regiment subsequently went into camp at Oak Ridge, where it remained until after the fall of Vicksburg. On the afternoon of .July 4, started in pursuit of the retreating forces of Gen. .Johnson. The siege of Jackson was marked by severe skirmishing, in one of which Capt. .James A. Dugger, of Company C, was instantly killed by a round shot through the breast, and a number of men were killed and wounded. About the 22d of July, began the march back to Vicksburg, and when the troops crossed Black River they went into camp for the summer. September 28, the encampment was broken up and the regiment marched into Vicksburg, and there embarked for Memphis, where it arrived on the 7th of

October. Here a few days were given for the purpose of outfitting the men, preparatory for the long march across the country from Memphis to Chattanooga, to relieve the besieged Army of the Cumberland. The march began at 8 A. M., October 11 ; arrived at Bridgeport November 15, and, on the 24th and 25th, took an active part in the battle of Mission Ridge, losing, in killed and wounded, one hundred and one officers and men. Among the officers severely wounded were Lieut. Col. Gilmore, Capt. James P. Davis, Company B, Adjutant Edward A. Tucker and Lieut. William Polk, Company B. The next morning, started before daylight, in pursuit of the defeated and flying enemy; followed them to Ringgold, Ga.; burnt the bridges and destroyed the railroad ; then turned to make the march of two hundred miles, without supplies, cooking utensils, camp equipage, or change of clothing, to the relief of Gen. Burnside, at Knoxville ; returned to Br.dgeport in the latter part of December ; were reclothed, paid ofi", and marched to Scottsboro, Ala., and went into winter quarters.

January 1, 1864, there were five hundred and fifteen men present for duty, of whom four hundred and sixty-three re-enlisted as veterans. Of sixty-one men present in Company K, sixty re-enlisted.