Perryton Township (part 4 of 4)

The engagement was fought mainly by the 20th corps. The formation of the line on which the shock fell was in the following order beginning on the left : Newton's division, 4-th corps ; Ward's, Geary's, and Williams' divisions, 20tli coi-ps \ and one brigade of Johnson's division, 14th corps. The 20th coi-jds met the enemy without protection of any kind ; the other commands fought behind light parapets. The former also had not established its line, and was caught without a premonition while in the act of change ; tlie second (Geary's) division was but partly deployed, some of the regiments were closed cm masse, drawing rations and cooking. The first (Harrison's) brigade was entirely on open ground, the right and left flanks resting against wooded eminences. It was on the right of the divison and was arranged with the 102d on the right, and the 79th Ohio and the 129th Illinois in succession toward the left. The 105th Illinois and the 70th Indiana were in the rear, but when the left of the brigade was hotly engaged they advanced and took part in the hand-to-hand combat. On the right of the 102d was a battery which opened the battle in our front as soon as the enemy debouched from the woods, and before the main line reached the summit. When the column halted on the ridge there was a sudden and tumultuous roar as if it had been the crack of doom. The open vista was swarming with the enemy advancing steadily without skirmishers, in the Russian style, in deej) masses, and in easy musket range. In front of the 102d was a clump of trees and a stream ; the latter bent north across our line, forming a ravine having long sloping sides. The brigade lay across this ravine with its flanks resting above and overlooking the center. The stream turned the rebels oif from the immediate front of the 102d, and this regiment was free to take an oblique and enfilading fire which was directed to the left u})on the crowded columns pressing the brigade in that <juarter. The TOth Ohio, on the left and the battery on the right, were obliged to concentrate theirs on the same ground. Tlie effect of this converging fire was appalling. The rebels went down by scores. Ragged gaps were torn through their ranks faster than the men could close up. They fire as they come bending down to catch the least of the storm and looking toward the torrent that comes from the Spencer rifles. Their flag bearers crowd to the front and jjress forward, waving their colors defiantly to encourage and animate men who move amidst rampant slaughter as if they had come to die. As flags go down they are picked up by new carriers who flaunt them and urge on with marvelous fortitude. The battery, the 102d and the T9th have wrapped the hill whereon they stand in lambent flame. With desperate energy the whole brigade is gathering the lai'gest advantage on the first equal field. But what can check that surging, resistless assault? The column has passed the line and the ordeal of our enfilading and plunging fire rolls on wildly to dash itself against the unsupported ranks of the TOth, the 105th, and the 129th. Tlie shock would have overborne these regiments but for the terrible reduction of the enemy's numbers before the commingled encounter. At length, forced to yield the field, the bleeding, decimated remnant returns in precipitate disorder only to run again the gauntlet of that withering fire which broke the rebels' strength but could not daunt their corn-age.

While the events we have described were taking place on the left:, a threatening situation was developed on our right. Geary's division being unexpectedly assailed before it was well in position, the brigade connecting with Ward's division was forced back, and the rebels came upon our right flank, enfilading the line, momentarily capturing the batteiy at the head of the 102d, and firing one or two ineffectual shots down our ranks. They were evidently about to fall ujjon our rear when an aid dashed up to Capt. Wilson who was commanding the regiment (Lieut. Col. Mannon being sick but on the field), and told him that if he remained in that position his connnand would be captured in less than five minutes. But no heed was given to this, and in a few minutes more the brigade that had given way was rallied and recovered its ground. The battery at one time in the hands of the foe, was taken down the hill under whip and spur, but was brought back to remain.

Taking into account the time and number engaged, and tlie number authors de coimbat^ it was tlie most sanguinary battle of the cam|)aign. The iield on our left front was covered with the slain, and it would have been no trouble to walk over it without stepping upon the ground. Gen. SheiTnan reported 500 rebels dead. In the hospital of the third division were over 600 wounded rebels, and most of them bore more than a single wound. The enemy's loss was estimated by Gen. Hooker at 6,000; our own loss was 1,907. The favorable position of the 102d shielded it from heavy loss. Two were killed and nine wounded. But it had done unexampled execution; 5,000 rounds of Spencer ammunition alone were estimated to have been used. The brigade captured three stands of colors. As soon as the fighting was over. Gen. Hooker sent word that the third division had saved the day, and thanked the first brigade for its gallant behavior.

After the battle, when prisoners were taken and asked how many were left in their army, their sad answer was : ' ' Enough for another killing."

Hood ha\'ing fallen back to Atlanta, on the 22d our lines were advanced and contracted around the devoted city, the first brigade occupying a place three-fourths of a mile east of the railroad. The 102d was warmly shelled until the evening of the 25th, and had two wounded. Advancing a hundred yards it was under fire twenty-four hours and one severely wounded. It then moved to the rear and right, taking a place in the second line, where it was shelled more vigorously than ever. During the progress of the battle on the 28th the division was ordered to the support of those engaged ; but this was countermanded and the troops marched back, the first brigade going into camp east of the railroad. On the following morning the division marched to the extreme right of the army and formed a line perpendicular to the rear to protect the flank. On the 2d of August, being relieved, it marched back, and next day was assigned a position on the left of the 14th corps and just west of the railroad. The line was advanced a short distance on the 5th and the 13th. Col. Smith rejoined the regiment on the 10th.

On the 25th orders looking to the placing of the main body of the army south of Atlanta and directly upon Hood's communications were received, the defense of the Chattahoochee being assigned to the 20th corps. The signal for withdrawal, previously arranged, was for the field-bands t(j begin |)laying, as usual, about twilight, and close the evening ])ertormance with Yankee Doodle precisely at eight, when the columns were to move noiselessly out of the intrechments. The bugles sounded "retreat" at the customary hour, of eight, and half an lioui* later "tattoo.'" How iinjn-essive and tremulous those long strains ! Our brigade moved a mile to the rear and lay there till half past two in the mornino;. Tlie pickets remained at their posts till near daylight. We reached the river just as day broke forth.

In the afternoon of the 27th our brigade crossed to the north side of the river, and was separately disposed, the 102d being stationed behind a light parapet which the rebels once threw up on the heights. On the night of the 1st of Sejjtember we lie in our bunks listening to the explosions in Atlanta. They tell their story. Xext day the city is formally surrendered to Gen. Ward ; and ' 'Atlanta is ours and fairly won.''

The following from Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, the ablest commander in the confederacy, will be interesting to those who toiled and fought so valiantly against his consummate generalship ; and none who were aiTayed against his own men will doubt the justness of his tribute to their military virtues. Alluding to the Atlanta campaign, he is reported to have said : " There is nothing in the history of war that can equal many of the maneuvers of that important campaign. History does not record such marvelous ability to overcome obstacles and prepare the pathway for any army as were exhibited on many occasions by Gen. Sherman's engineers. It was just four days fi"om the time they reached the Chattahoochee river and pointed out the standing timber to the vigorous axmen, before they had ti*ains moving across the river over a substantial bridge several hundred feet long [and nearly a hundred feet high], but of unhewn timber. Again, in Ko]"th Carolina, they marched nine miles a day and corduroyed every foot of the road, a feat never before approached in the history of army movements. Gen. Hampton came to me one day and said he had obstructed a cut in the Xortli Carolina railroad in such a manner as to prevent Sherman's advance some week's ; but we were never able to discern that it any way intert'ered with his progress. I look upon the ability of the army under my command with its meager resources of everything to make successftil warfare, to resist Sherman's march as well as it did, as an achievement worthy of their matchless valor and endurance. Ko soldiers ever suft'ered and endured more for their homes and country ; none ever fought harder or with greater bravery. "

AVe have already exceeded the space allotted to this sketch, and while aware that it is only an outline of the history of the regiment, can barely skeletonize the remainder.

leave of absence and Col. Smith succeeded to the command of the brigade. Lieut. Col. Mannon having a short time before resigned on account of disability, Capt. W. A. Wilson, being the ranking line officer, assumed command of the regiment until he resigned in October. Capt. II. H. Clav, of company D, succeeded, and was finally commissioned and mustered as major.

On the 1st of October the brigade marched back to the Chattahoochee, where it lay cantoned until* the 14th of Xovember. The railroad north of the river was destroyed on the 12th, and the next day it was torn up on the south side. On the evening of the 13th and the moi-ning of the 14th the brigade was pulled into the river. At ten o'clock on the last day the command took up the march for Atlanta to plunge, on the morrow, into the unknown destinies. The soldiers felt that the destination was to be Savannah or Mobile ; but when om' column pointed in the direction of Stone mountain about noon of the 15tli, "Savannah" was the watchword ; . though at this time the objective, owing to the contingencies of war, was not certainly fixed in the mind of the commanding general. There was a magical fascination in it, for all were sure that this expedition would be one of the renowned achievements of the war.

We marched almost continuously until after dark on the 16tli, the brigade being on detail the fii'st day and night as train-guard. The 102d was in advance of the division on the 17th, and moved at daylight. Impressment of stock and pro\dsions began by regular foraging parties. We marched on the 18th through the quiet, pleasant country village of Social Circle, and the railroad hamlet called Rutledge, and went into camp after dark. On the 19th Madison, county seat of Morgan county, was passed; and on the 20th the command started before daylight, the 102d in the advance. We camped at half-past three o'clock tw<:) miles north of Eatonton. We marched through this place next morning. It had rained the two previous nights, and rained all this day; the roads were very heavy; still, no hardship in that; the soldiers were living off* the country ! Every man is now a traveling commissariat, carrying flour, meal, yams, preserves, molasses, fowls, mutton, choice cuts of undressed pork, etc. The men dash into houses hunting for soda, flour, meal, and choicer edibles. It would be an error to suppose that all the troops ran helter-skelter ; but then there were enough who went in this manner to get all the provisions that were needed.

The 22d was a bleak, ehillv dav. Startino; at ten o'clock, our column, at four in the afternoon, marched into the sleepy town of Milledgeville. The whites had mostly left, and the capital was in the liands of the colored people. Sullen composure reigned. The army rested here the 23d. Officers, for a i)rank, collected in the hall of representatives, repealed the ordinance of secession, and solemnly declared the "sovereign" State of Georgia back in the union. Crossing the Oconee river on the morning of the 24th, we at once left the high, rolling country for the level, sandy, swamjty region which stretclies hence to the coast. Camj* was pitched at midnight. The di\-ision guarded the wagon-train on the 25th. Roads were execrable ; teams' stalled in tlie mire ; progress was very slow. A burned bridge caused the train to park and the division to encamp only five miles foi-ward from the bivouac of the night before. Skirmishing in front with "Wheeler's cavalry. Some skirmishing on the 20th. The command halted early at night at Sandersville. The following of contrabands was becoming numerous. At sundown on the 27th the column was at Davisboro. Some light skirmishing was done, and a part of the corps was engaged in destroving the Georgia Central railroad. Soldiers in jubilant spirits. The march was resumed at eleven on the 2Sth. and the troops went into camp at night near the Ogeechee river. The 14th corps crossed that night on our road. Lying in camp on the 29th till two in the afternoon, the command crossed the river on a pontoon bridge ; marching five mOes it bivouacked at the countv-town of Louisville. The first and second divisions were tearing lip the railroad, and our division was with the wagon-train. The 30th was passed in camp. December 1 tlie column moved .five or six miles. A party of foragers had a runninff fiirht with the rebel cavalrv, and three of the 102d were taken prisoners. On the 2d the first brigade was in the rear, and the troops had a night march of several hours. Millen, one of the rebel starvingpens for union ])risoners. was left to the right on the 3d. Tearing up of the Savannah Sc Augusta railroad gave employment to a number of brigades this dav. The famous cypress swamj)s are reached. The 4th passed without incident, the column marching ten miles and halting after dark. The third division liad the advance on the 5th, moved eight miles, and camped early in the afternoon. Tlie rebels amused themselves felling trees across the road on the 6th. Full of the inspiration of our great leader, we marched 'round them. Found camp just as the bugle was blowing "retreat." On the 7th the column, with the 102d in advance, moved on Sj)ringfield. county seat of Effingham county, which was reached without other opposition than the barricading of roads. The brigade halted in the town, where it lay over all the next day. The forward movement was resumed after dark the 8th, the brigade taking the rear. Tlie command was under motion during the night and the next day until eight in the evening, and proceeded eighteen miles. On the 10th the 102d was again the advance. A little after noon we came up against the defenses of Savannah, and bivouacked on the line of investment four and a half miles from the city. The line was corrected and permanently located on the 11th.

The two things to absorb thought and energy now were subsistence and a passage for attack over the swamp in front. Yast quantities of rice were stored on the liver. Mills were put in operation, the negroes set to work, soldiers takhig a hand with them. Company I was sent seven miles up the Savannah river to an island called Tied Knoll, where several days were spent grinding corn and threshing rice. "Hardtack " was issued on the 20tli ; rice was almost the sole article of diet for ten days.

The experiment of bridging the swamp was engaged in day and night, with the water from two to four feet deep, full of every obstruction that could accumulate in a forest, and all underlain witli a black, sticky mud. Working in the water at this season, and under the rebel guns, which "went hunting " for the boys with exasperating diligence, was hardly comfortable employment. It is scarcely worth the while to say that this was a practical failure. Some members of the regiment waded the swamp in the daytime and made an inspection of the rebel breastworks.

On the morning of the 2l8t the 20tli corps hoisted the stars and stripes over the city hall in Sa^'annah ; and the holidays were bright and happy at loyal firesides when tidings of this ' ' Christmas gift " thrilled the great heart of the north.

The first foothold gained in South Carolina was obtained by crossing directly fr5m the city. The 102d accomplished the initial movement on January 1, 1865. A halt was made at Clieves' plantation five miles north of the river, until the 4th, when the brigade moved forward a mile, establishing itself at the Hardee farm, known to some as Black Mingo. The road ha^^ing been corduroyed out from the river, on the ITth the command moved from Hardeeville, twelve miles, and occupied a position on the Charleston & Savannah railroad. On the 29th this place in turn was left behind, and on the following day we arrived at Robertsville, twenty-five miles farther inland. At this place on the 2d of February, as a part of the great army, we severed our communication watli the outside world.

From this date to our arrival at Goldsboro', March 24th, there is a hiatus in our own notes, and we depend exclusively on the reliable history of the 102d by our old comrade, sergeant major S. F. Fleharty, with what little aid our recollection can furnish.

On the departure from Eobertsville the first brigade had the advance, the 105th 111. leading. On approaching Lawtonville in the afternoon, and when within a mile of the town, the enemy, holding a strip of timber, disputed our progress. The TOtli, the 102d, and the 105th were formed in line of battle, while the Y9th and the 129th were sent on a detour to the left, when the rebels were shortly routed. The 102d lost one man killed and two wounded. Moving from this place next day, we marched urgently until the morning of the 6tli, when we crossed the Salkehatchie at Beaufort bride-e, which was defended bv a strong earthwork, from which the enemy had retired when routed by the 15th corps at Rivers' bridge below. The Charleston <k Augusta railroad was the point of junction for the whole army, tlie two wings having set out from different bases, and our column was urged forward with spirit to make timely connection with the anny of the Tennessee. The Ttli was cold, rainy, cheerless ; the troops corduroyed, crossed swamps, built bridges, and late in the evening struck the railroad at Graham. During the 8th, 9th, and 10th we were destroying the road, and our brigade worked at different points from Graham to Williston, fifteen miles apart, Blackville being intermediate, and the command entering all three of the places.

The march was continued on the 11th ; the South Edisto was crossed the same day ; and the pine barrens and level country were succeeded by a bolder and more rugged surface. Camp that night was made on a tributarv of the North Edisto. The weather was cold, and next morning the air was frosty and biting. Just as the sun was up the men plunged into the freezing current; it was not wide, but for a hundred rods they had to splash through shallow water before reaching the other side of the swamp. Oji the morning of the l.Stli the North Edisto was passed, the first brigade hax-ing the advance. The TOth Ind., the head of the column, had sharp skirmishing. Bivouac was made on the 14th at the junction of the Lexington and the Columbia and Augusta wagon roads. The leading division encountered heavy skirmishing on the 15th. Camp was made two miles south of Lexington and nine west of Columbia, Leaving the former to the right, the 16th brought us within two or three miles of the city, and from our position on a range of high bluffs which confine the Congaree, we had a bird's-eye view of the famed capital.

At noon of the 17th we moved up to the Saluda river, and the brigade was sent out to watch for Cheatham's force. No enemy was seen, and moving again in the direction of the river, we camped in proximity to a wagon train, which was crossing all night. By noon of tlie IStli the last "white cover" was over and we had the right of way, when we marched to within five miles of Broad river. On the evening of the 19th camp was pitched on the hills overlooking that stream. Orders were received here to cut down baggage, burn the w^all tents, reserving only the "flies," and to prepare to continue the campaign forty days. The brigade was again in the rear on the 20th, waiting restlessly all day long for the immense wagon train to cross, and all the troops to pass whose turn it was to go ahead. Night fell before we went over ; a mile back from the jiver we dozed in the cold air by blazing fires; "an hour and a half later the brigade refrain, 'Hail Columbia, Happy Land,' aroused us, and we continued on after the slow-moving column." A night march. 'No intermission till the night of the 21st. Winnsboro, in an elevated region, was reached at noon ; the column marched in review before Gens. Sherman and Slocum, and bivouacked two miles beyond the town. Arriving at Rocky Mount on the 22d, camp was made on the south bank of the Catawba ; but after many had rolled up cosily in their blankets beneath the "dog tents," an order was received to cross the river. Having got ready and waited some hours for other troops to make the passage, our turn came at midnight, and we found a camping place a mile the other side. Breakfast was omitted on the morning of the 23d till the command had moved three miles to a place in the dense woods. Heavy rains commenced falling and continued until the night of the 25th ; the pontoon bridge was swept away, leaving the 14th corps on the south side of the Catawba, which rises ra])idly, and is a raging stream when up. Nearly a week's detention of the army of Georgia was the result. Gen. Sherman says: "The roads were infamous, so I halted the 20th corps at Hanging Rock some days to allow time for the 14th corps to get over." Advancing again on the 26th, and corduro}dng, the brigade encamped before noon near Hanging Rock, a place of natural curiosity as well as of revolutionary interest. Lying there during the 2Tth, on the 28th the march was continued in the direction of Cheraw, the soldiers corduroying two-thirds of the way.

This day the regimental foragers, under Capt. Wooley, captured the bank of Camden, which was secreted in the woods. It was discovered by Jesse McQuade, of company I, and Charles Hartsell, of company E. They were fired upon by men guarding it, and McQuade was severely wounded. Hartsell notified the detachment and the capture was made. There were four safes, and the treasure consisted of $700 in specie, $2,. 500 in bullion, and $35,000 in confederate bonds, besides the silver plate, jewelry, horses, mules, and wagons. The property was delivered by Capt. Wooley at corps headquarters.

Until March 3 the column was advancing on Chesterlield. It corduroyed several miles of wretched road that day, and passed through and camped a mile beyond the town. On the ith a diversion was made on the Wadesboro road, and the third division crossed into JS^ortli Carolina. No further move took place till the 6th ; then at noon the division headed for Clieraw. Arrived there, it passed one of those fatiguing, comfortless nights waiting to cross the river, and when its turn had come it was nearlv morning.

Tliis day Lieut. T. G. Brown, of company E, went out from the regiment before it broke camp in command of twenty men, and secured a lot of forage near Wadesboro, but was furiously set upon by 150 rebels, whereupon his party "issued their hams and meal quicker than any commissary could have done it." First a running, commingled fight ; then a stand was made, and the Spencers won. The " bummers" not only held the rebels at bay, but followed and drove them. " We saw four of the poor devils that we had shot, one of them was not quite dead," wrote the lieutenant. Brown's loss was four captured and one very slightly wounded. They had an exciting and romantic time getting back to our anny, as a rebel division had cut oif their direct return ; but they found the 14th coq^s at one o'clock in the morning, and overtook the 102d at eleven the next night.

The command marched eighteen miles from Cheraw and camped at Laurel Hill. Tlie 8th was a rainy day, and the route lay through the solitary pine barrens. Camp was made five miles south of Lumber river. The bridge was burned, and the brigade, wet, cold, hungry, spent all the next day in fruitless waiting near that stream. The 10th was passed on the road from six in the morning till ten at night ; the journey of seven miles was varied between wading swamps and toiling through the mud in a crowded road. On the morning of the 11th the men made three miles of corduroy ; in the afternoon they struck a plank road and marched twenty miles by ten o'clock, and arrived at Fayette^^lle.

Moving again on the 13th the column was re\aewed by Gen. Sherman and crossed the Cape Fear river. The 102d was sent forward on a reconnoissance. Tlie foragers drove the rebels before the regiment, and the latter j^itched camp five miles in advance. Reconnoitering was continued the next day, two other regiments being added to the force. The foragers, with their usual entei-prise and boldness, cleared several barricades of the rebels ; but at Silver Run, on the Raleigh road, the enemy defied their irregular, predatory attacks. Companies

A, I, C, and E, of the 102d, were deployed and had a lively skirmish. A respectable force being developed, the party drew oiF at dark and retumed to camp, a distance of nine miles.

On the loth the left wing (army of Georgia) advanced by this road, encountering feeble resistance at Silver creek, just north of which the brigade encamped, while the rain descended in torrents. There was heavv' skirmishing in the evening by our cavahy. Indications promised fighting, which came on the 16th. "The troops moved early and soon found the enemy. When about four miles south of Averysboro heavy firing commenced in front. The first brigade, except the TOth Indiana, which was th6 train-guard, was formed on the right of the road in line of battle, and preparations were made for an advance. Finally we moved by the left flank, crossed the road, and made a detour of about three-fourths of a mile to the left. Then moved to the front, the skii-mishers becoming quickly engaged. As we advanced cautiously through the young pines to the edge of an open field, it was perceived that the brigade had completely flanked the rebel position. Not more than a hundred and twenty-five yards in advance they were visible in great numbers, running forward to their front line of works to re-inforce the rebels then- engaged. At that instant a number of our men yelled out, ' Don't fii-e, they are om- own men.' For a moment our line was undecided. It was thought barely possible that we had become bewildered and were about to charge our own troops. Many months of active campaigning had rendered the uniform of the opposing armies almost indistinguishable. Many of the rebels wore blue, and many of the federals, having worn out then- blue, were dressed in citizen's gray. The enemy in the meantime had kept up a galling skirmish fire, and heavy artillery and infantry firing was going on in the fi-ont, where the third brigade confronted their breastworks. Soon aU doubts as to the identity of the rebels in our front were dispelled. . The brigade raised a yell, and, as if by an intuitive perception of the duty required, rushed forward, the 102d on the right, the 79th on our left, the 129th and the 105th in the second line. The rebels, completely surprised and outflanked, instantly broke. Yelling like wild men, the brigade swept magnificently forward, directly in rear of and parallel with the rebel line of works. Three pieces of artillery fell into our hands and many prisoners, recumbent in a trench behmd then- works, held up their hands and handkerchiefs begging for mercy. But the main body of the charging column rushed by them and continued on after the flying enemy, who abandoned blankets, haversacks, canteens, guns, cartridge boxes, everything that could impede their progress. Reacliing heavy timber the pursuing column halted, reformed the line of battle, and rested for a time, keejnni; up a sharp skirmish lire with the enemy. ... At length, other troops lla^^ng moved forward to our support, a general advance was made. The second line of rebel works was found abandoned, but as we approached the third, which was very strong, we were met by a rapid lire of musketry and artillery, the enemy throwing grape shot and shells. . . . Finally the brigade threw up breastworks a hundred and twentv-five yards from the enemv's line. Xij^ht came on with rain. It had been a day of excitement and fatigue. Cold and wet. we passed a miserable night. ""

The rebels retreated on Smithtield, in the darkness, over bottomless roads, leaving their dead and wounded in the houses around Averysboro. One house contained sixteen of their dead ; in the town itself were found thirty wounded men. Gen. Sherman's report showed that the division captm-ed ''three guns and 217 prisoners, of which 6S were wounded," and that " 100 rebel dead were buried by us." The casualties in the 102d were two killed and nineteen wounded.

The division set out on the morning of the 18th to follow the main armv. and were on the road all nis:lit, travelintr only three miles between sunset and sunrise. The whole country was a quagmire. In the afternoon of the 19th, when the division was in rear with the wagon-train, Johnston's army assailed the 14th corps at Bentonville. The command was dispatched to its assistance, and formed on the extreme left and erected breastworks, but did not become engaged. Johnston fell back on Smithtield on the night of the 21st. During that day Gen. Schofield's armv was arriving at Goldsboro from Newbern ; and Gen. Terry, coming up from Wilmington, secured the crossing of the Neuse river and laid a pontoon bridge, thus completing the junction of the three armies. Our army concentrated at Goldsboro on the 23d and the 24th. The 102d marched into the town with the wagon-train at sunrise on the morning of the 24th, and camped two miles north of the village and constructed breastworks.

The regiment lost during the cam]iaign forty-four killed, wounded and ca];)tured. The march through Georgia extended over S(M) miles and consumed twenty-six days ; the campaign of the Carolinas, more tedious, prolonged and difficult, covered tifty days and 425 miles actually marched !

On the 5th of April sjiecial intelligence of the capture of Richmond was received with exultant joy. On the 10th the army was put in motion for Raleigh, and at the end of the second day we were in bivouac around Smithtield. Xext morning the surrender of Lee's army was announced, and produced the most extravagant demonstra- tions of rejoicing. Raleigh was readied on tlie fourtli day, and orders were given to move the following moiTiing, the 14th, at six o'clock, in pursuit of Johnston, who had departed with his forces the night before. Meantime the rebel general proposed an interview with Gen. Sherman, and the order was countermanded. While waiting for the ratification or rejection by the government at Washington of the arrangement formulated by the two chiefs, the startling news of the assassination of President Lincoln came, and after the violent shock a sadness as tender and noble as the gentle nature of the stricken great man overspread the stout-hearted army and deepened into painful gloom.

The terms of the negotiation having been disapproved, on the 25th we moved out fifteen miles on the Holly Springs road. Johnston surrendered his forces, and we lay there till the 2Sth and then returned. On the 30th the line of march was taken up for Washington. Arriving at Richmond the 9th of May, we rested one day and on the 11th marched through the city, receiving from the people many kind attentions.

On August 16 Adjutant J. H, Snyder, and Private W. O. Jones, of company I, mounted orderly, left the column to visit the Wilderness battle-ground, and fell, it is supposed, into the hands of bushwhackers, as no trace of them was ever obtained. The adjutant was a man of genial nature, finely organized, of great personal worth and courage, and closely endeared to the regiment. His sad, mysterious end was a cruel shock to his admiring comrades. His companion was a superior soldier and young man.

The ai-my arrived at Alexandria on the 19th, and on the 24th entered Washington, 60,000 under arms, in all the panoply of war. "The pride and strength of the great west swept down Pennsylvania avenue." All daylong did "Sherman's army," marching in column by companies at half distance, surge past the reviewing stand with perfect alignments and soldierly bearing. The first brigade camped that night around the northeast corner stone of the District of Columbia. The grand review was over ; the war was over ; we were on the borderland of peace, sweet peace ; and we rested in triumph from our labors.

The regiment was discharged at Washington on the 6th of June, and on that day took the cars for Chicago. It was past midnight of the 7th when we rolled into Pittsburgh, but the wide-awake, generous, patriotic citizens of that city had been busy preparing refreshments for us. Marching to the city hall these were partaken of with keen relish and thankfulness. Noble and generous Pittsburgh. How vivid is that memory after eighteen years ! Arriving at Chicago on the 9tli, the regiment was quartered at Camp Fry, and tliere, on the 14th, the members were paid oft" and disbanded, and they returned at once to the embrace of friends and tlie (piiet walks of civil life.

Some notice of Cob Isaac McManus, a brave and useful otticer of the l()2d, who has died since the disbandmeut of the regiment, is demanded in tliis connection.

Cob McManus was a native of Indiana, but resided in Mercer county a number of years. He was a school-teacher by profession, and as such will be remembered by numerous citizens of the county who are advanced to middle life. He had traveled over a large extent of his native land and had tilled his mind with practical knowledge, lie had an aptitude for business, a liberal understanding, and much executive capacity. It was in politics and war that he made his mark as a public man, though he was cut otf just at the rising of his power, when his splendid strength of character had laid the foundation for a strong public influence. By education a democrat, he followed the fortunes of his party and contended for its principles with his characteristic zeal and energy, up to a time when his partisanship was lost sight of in the army in the one absorbing consideration and employment of patriotism. In the year 1862 his party, a majority of which, emboldened by much power in the state, was outspoken and active in opposition to the war, held a state convention in Peoria, to which he was an accredited delegate. The committee on resc^lutions submitted a majority and a minority report, the former demanding a withdrawal of the army to make room for compromise negotiations, while the latter insisted upon no compromise with traitors, but instead a vigorous prosecution of the war. McManus, with true chivalrous spirit, supported the latter, not having yet forgotten the recent sage* and dying advice of his lamented party leader, Douglas, that "the shortest way now to peace is the most stupendous and unanimous preparations for war." Returning home he went to work, and by personal application and speeclies assisted in raising company G, 102d reg., and was elected first lieutenant. He soon became captain and served with his company until he was wounded, as previously noticed, at Golgotha church, in Georgia, a rebel ball shattering the bone in his left arm and rendering that limb forever useless. He returned from the hospital to his home, and in the autumn of 1864 did much service for the union party in making political speeches. He was kept on detailed service awhile ; then he rejoined his regiment after the campaign of the Carolinas, with a commission as lieutenant colonel. He was never mustered, owing to the reduction of the regiment below the minimnm number, tlie offices of colonel and major being already filled. After the war lie entered with much enthusiasm into politics ; and being both a ready and forcible writer and sj^eaker, he contributed largely to the success of his party in the exciting political campaigns of 1S66 and 1868. After an able and thorough canyass in 1868 he was elected by a large majority of his republican supporters to represent the 14th district in the state senate. He was recognized in that body as a man of independent conyictions and untiring industry, and was placed on some of the most important committees. He died of small-pox January 14, 1870, aged forty-three years. Col. McManus belonged to that class of men who make strong friends and strong enemies. His superlatiye energy made it impossible for his nature to consort with rest. He was ambitious and desired to be in action. Endowed wath a highly combatiye organization, his tastes found their legitimate actiyity in conflict. On the sanguinary field his daring amounted almost to recklessness. It seemed as though the breath of battle was a soft relief to his chafing, fiery soul. He was at home in the tempest ; his companions were the thunder and the lightning. In ciyil life his rugged,^ restless mind found a congenial theater in the political arena.

[The Instory of the 102d regiment, as above, was written by Mr. E. S. Eicker, a member of that regiment who followed its fortunes throughout its brilliant career. He took ample notes during the whole time of his service, and we doubt if there is a man living more competent to write the record of this brave regiment. - Ed.]

Ohio Grove Toavxship

" We, the rightful lords of yore, Are the rightful lords no more. Like the silver mists we fail ; Like the red leaves in the gale - Fail like shadows when the dawning Wqves the black flag of the morning."

Their history is not written in classic language ; it illumes no scroll ; it lives on few pages ; but in silent eloquence it speaks in a myriad of forms in their beautiful and significant names that still, and

It is astonishing to the children of to-day to be reminded that on the lawn on which they play ; that in yonder grove of hardy oaks that now shelter those sleek kine ; tliat on yonder expanse now blooming for the coming harvest ; that on yonder plat where all is hurry and bustle, and trade and music and fashion, a hundred years ago was the hunting-ground of the Fox, or the Sac, or the Potawatomie, or the bloody iield of contest between ti'ibe and tribe of savage men ; that here, too, the green sod drank the life-blood of the white man spilled by the tomahawk of the bloodthii-sty Indian ; that here the red man, proud and haughty from success in the hunt or battle, compelled his women to abject slavery, treating them as beasts of burden, and mere objects of convenience, never allowing them to join in the amusements, but permitted to sit with their children as "spectators around the fires of war-dances or the horrid orgies after a victor v," holding even their lives at their weapons' points. Fifty years ago the Indian, somewhat tamed by contact wdth pioneer civilization, and by an aggressive and overpowering government, still lingered in his hunting-grounds, mourned the hamlets of the dead warriors he must leave behind, or stayed to drink the "hemlock" furnished by his treacherous foemen, the wily and unprincipled among the pale-faces. Verily the white man kindled the lire that burned his own home and the passion that slaughtered his own household.

An Indian trail extended across the northwest comer of Ohio Grove township, including sections 5, 6 and 7, crossing Pope creek in section 6. On section 5 in Indian Grove, some forty or tifty of the natives camped as late as about 1836 or 1837. Tliey disappeared and nothing more was known of them for several years when a few returned, but to cast one long, lingering, last look upon the once unmolested spot they had been wont to call what we would term "home.'" Some are yet living who witnessed the dusky faces as they indulged in their ludicrous amusements and performed feats jjeculiar only to the race. The McBrides, Cabeens, Candors, Browns, Stei)henses, Ilardys, Dillys and McPherrens, have watched their antics and marked their cunning, Alexander Brown, according to his own story, gained his amusement for the first three winters of his residence here, in the camps of these red men. Trading was carried on between Indiali and wliite man in a way usually amicable. The women of those days, too, had their experiences, which were not altogether agreeable. The boldness, yet with cunning, made the Indians tit subjects to be watched, and more than once was a woman made to tremble by their audacitv. But they have gone, most of them, over the hills to their new hunting-grounds from whence they retui-n, according to their own ideas, in spirit only. Another race, and far different, must fill with events the historic page. The march of empire is westward in America, as truly as it was in the orient.

Tlie spot to which these lines are limited was one of inviting character. Its contents are circumscribed by an invisible boundry. It embraces what became when surveyed, all pf T. 13 jST, , R. 3 W. of the 4th P. M. It has Mercer township on its north, Abington townshij) on its west, Warren county on its south, and Suez township on the east. Here were thirty-six square miles of earth, the tilling of which was destined to yield a harvest to the toiler. It would seem that earth had been gamboling and leaping at play when all became at once stationary, leaving the surface rolling and delectable. Here and there the waters of the ages have washed a gutter, a ditch, a creeklet, a creek which to-day forms nature's system of drainage, which rapidly carries the burden of the element hurrying on to the "father of waters." In the north of this plat is Pope creek, supposed to have derived its name from a man so so called. It runs through sections 4, 5 and 6. It is chiefly along this creek that the early emigrants hither chose frontier homes, for here was a fair growth of timber suitable for fuel and building purposes. In early times about one-ninth or four sections of the township were timber, consisting of red oak, white oak, black oak, burr oak, black walnut, white walnut, cherry, red elm, white elm, hickory, soft maple, sugar maple, hackberry, ash, cotton, sycamore, box-elder, etc.

Through the cente* of the township is the tortuous stream, North Henderson creek. It has a number of small tributaries uniting and draining the central part of the township. It runs through sections 20 and 30, where it has on its either side. Hickory grove. In the southern part of the township is Duck creek. Not so called because any feathered flocks, fond oi' water, frequent it, but from the fact that in 1833, an early day, William I. Nevius, James H. Bain and others made an exploring expedition from Warren county, Illinois, through this section of country. Arriving at this stream they found it coated with ice. Nothing of that kind could turn a pioneer's march through a new country, so over the ice they started. Nature had not intended her cl-ystal bridge to be completed and ready for use quite so soon.

The structure being yet somewhat weak, attraction of one })article for another was destroyed, and the party (h-agged down by gravitation to their waists in tlie cokl element beU)w. In tlie ]>opuhir hinguage of the day, they were "ducked," and some one of the party believing in names, christened the stream Duck creek. The party continued their exploration, and when the country was spied out returned to their families and cabin homes.

The soil of this part of Mercer county is a rich, black loam of an average depth of- about one foot. Coal and stone are present in small (piantities, the former of which is inferior in quality and quantity. The soil in early days was very abundant in its ]>roduction of wheat. William I. Xevius bought a piece of land, and in one crop ]>aid for the land, all expenses connected with its cropping, and had a surplus fund besides. But when we mention this fact it should be remembered that land in those days did not command fifty dollars per acre, as it does to-day, hence that fact does not indicate failure in the ability of the soil still to ])roduce abundant harvests. Says William I. Nevius: "corn is the chief product, which, in a good season, 3uelds seventy bushels to the acre.'' He further says, "wheat is raised, but, from some indefinite cause, the quantity and qualit}- is inferior to that of early years." Grains, cereals, vegetables and fruits of great variety have long been produced from this fertile soil, and for pasturage it is second to none. Water of a superior, cold, jnire quality is secured b}^ digging from twelve to forty feet. With all these attractions and promises wisely did the early seeker for such advantages and fortunes accept the proffered gifts of nature and settle upon this spot. No iron ribs had yet been supplied for this part of the old lady "Earth." No great massive ir<^n UKjnster came puffing and rumbling and rushing, hurrying land seekers over l)lain, among the hills, over stream, or through tunnel at the rate of thirty or fifty miles an hour. Not so came the sturdy, slow plodding, sure ])ioneer ; but with ox team or horse team, big wagon filled witli his family and a very few pieces of furniture, home-made products of genius and a jack knife or an ax, he started to wend his way across endless |)rairie, through trackless forest, over unbridged stream, through almost bottomless swamp towards the setting sun, leaving here and there a camp fire burning or its ashes, and ni'ter a journey of four to sev^en weeks halting on this spot for a permanent home in the ''great West." Instead of this journey many "drifted" down the Muskingum and Ohio rivers on fiat boats, and slowly urged their way up the Mississippi river to Oquawka, and later to Keithsburg where they landed their families and goods, then walked or were hauled to their wild homes.

The first comers were from Ohio. They settled near Pope creek, in the northern part of the township, giving to tlie grove of that section tlie name of their native state, Ohio. In after years the township was voted the combined appellation, "Ohio Grove." There were explorations made by different ones prior to any settlement. Prior to 1835, a cabin had been thrown together on the northwest corner of Sec. 3, T. 13 K, R 3 W. of the 1th P. M., but its builder is unknown. This rude hut gave sheher to those wlio had come to stay. It also became the seat of merchandise where William Mackey sold a few sim- ])le goods sudi as a pioneer could buy. This was the first "store.*'

September 21, 1835, there started from Muskingum county, Ohio, George McPherren, who had buried his wife in Ohio, In his family were : Mary, James, Susanna, Easter, Daniel, Nancy, Fannie, Sarah and George ; Benjamin Decker, the prospective husband of Miss Fannie McPherren; John Walker, husband of Easter McPherren. Some of the family taking sick, a short stay was made at Washington, Illinois. George McPhen-en, Sr., accompanied by George Long and Matthew Finley pushed on to find a satisfactory location. Mr. Long afterward located in Ivnox county, and Finley in Henderson. The family made another stay at Little York, where just previous Hughy Martin liad been killed by the Indians. Leaving some of the party at the fort, Mr. McPherren, John Walker, Benjamin Decker, and Daniel McPherren came to Mercer county and built a log house on the northeast quarter of section 4, in what is now Ohio Grove township. This "lone mansion " of the country was about 16 X 18, one story, one room. Some rough boards were hauled fi-om Ebenezer Crisweirs saw mill, on Eliza creek, at least fifteen miles distant. This was used for floor. The roof was of clapboards, the window of greased paper. Nails had been brought with them, but were used as sparsely as possible. When ready for ' ' dobbing " the weather was so cold that water had to be boiled for mixing the "mud." The following summer the mortar peeled oft' on account of its having frozen when put on. The new log "castle" was occupied by the family of eight on Christmas day, 1835. This house was furnished with the old "continental bedstead" of two poles, one leg and two sides of the house and clapboards, etc. Stools served as chairs for a number of years. The other furniture, if it existed, was fashioned to correspond. The house stood close to the section line, one fourth of a mile from the township line. The small log cabin before mentioned, abc)ut a mile to the east, was occupied by part of the family in order to hold the claim to the (quarter on which it stO(Kl. Thus were the first permanent Settlers located after a journey of six weeks overland, with all the obstacles and hindrances incident to the times, and their waitings at different places ere a home was found. Where are the McPherrens now ? The father sleeps beneath the sod where all nnist lie. Benjamin Decker is dead, but his wife^ Fannie, owns a farm in Ohio Grove. James is near Reynolds, Sarah is in Iowa, Susanna died in Iowa, John AValker is dead, and his wife is Mrs. Bover, near Viola. George, son of George, owns over 400 acres of land in Ohio Grove.

In the same year, 1835, it is thought George Smith, Richard Rice, James Moore, and William Moore made their advent. John Moorehead, a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time resident of Muskingum county, Ohio, also settled in the McPherren neighborhood in 1835. He died in August, 1836, the first instance of mortality in this new settlement. He had lived on section 2. His wife survived him till 1862 or 1863. In their family were seven children, one of whom was buried in Warren county. The six were pioneers here. But two are living at this writing (May 12, 1882): Mrs. Ashford Hardy and Mrs. George Smith. Both are venerable ladies, examples of women of busy lives from the beginning to the present of this township's history.

The year 1836 witnessed several additicms to the little group of Ohio Grove. Ashford Hardy, born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1802, moved to AVarren county, Illinois, in 1835, and in the following year bought the N. W. I of Sec. 1, T. 13, Mercer county. He married Sophia Moorehead in an early day. He also early purchased a quarter section in what is now Mercer township. He lived on his first purchase till his death, July 18, 1871. His children were: George, Sarah, Elizabeth, Noah, and Delilah.

James McBride, having heard of the exceeding rich land and the immense quantities of it in Illinois, left Muskingum county, Ohio, early in April, 1836, embarking at Wheeling. He was attracted to Rock Island by reports of the s<jil, etc., but upon arriving found prices so high, and having a friend, George Jay, at Keithsburg, he determined to land there, which he did. Mr. McBride camped on the N. W. i Sec. 4, T. 13, on May 10. He bought two quarters, the N. W. i Sec. 4, and the N. E. i Sec. 5, T. 13 K, R. 3 W. of the 4th P. M. A small log square had been thrown together by some squatter. Here Mr. McBride brought his family by ox teams furnished by George McPherren and others of the few already here. In his family were wife and five children: John H., Almeda, James C, Elvira J., and Sarah E. Mr. McBride improved his farm, besides his milling enterprise to be hereafter mentioned. He died November 14, 1847.

Samuel Cabeen, witli wife and six children, Tliomas B., J. W., S. P., R. J., R. B., and Sarah C, emigrated in 1836 overland, transporting themselves and goods in a wagon drawn bv a four-horse team. The S. W. J Sec. 6, was laid claim to and afterward bought. On this a cabin 1 8 X 22 was erected. A very low loft was provided for a bedroom for the "boys." The roof of clapboards, iloor of puncheon, chimney with back wall and jambs of dirt ; two doors. Also a sixlight window, a rare expenditure, glass lights being unfashionable in those days. Mr. Cabeen and George McPherren each had purchased a sash of six lights at Jack's mill, in Henderson county. This house of Mr. Cabeen's frequently gave shelter to tifteen or twenty persons, who also partook of the cookery of the hostess. The furniture of this house, too, was meager. Two continental bed-spreads down stairs, a bureau brought from the ' ' East, " stools in place of chairs, until the following year, when they were displaced by half a dozen split-bottom chairs, the luxury of that day, furnished for company when present, thus necessitating the use of the stools again. The log cabin served for four or tive years, when it gave place to a hewn log house 18x18, almost two stories high. This subsequently received a frame addition, which stands to-day, a relic of the j3ast. Samuel Cabeen died May 1, 1856, his wife surviving him till December G, 1874. The children are spoken of elsewhere. Richard B. owns part of the homestead, his residence being somewhat of a contrast to the iirst cabin.

William Dilley, now hale and hearty at the date of this writing, a wool carder by trade, shipped his carding machine from Ohio in 1836 to Oquawka, Illinois, by river, and in May of that year came, a young man, to blend his future with that of Mercer county. He remained for some time in the McPherren neighborhood, "boarding and working around." In that summer he raised a cabin on a piece of land in what became Green township, and there brought his machine. He married in 1837. He followed wool carding in Green township till 1848, when he sold and settled in what became Ohio Grove township. Here he has imi^roved his farm in sections 1 and 2.

John Wall and wife, a sister of the elder McPherren, were also very early settlers, living in a cabin on Pope creek. Both died in the neighborhood.

Another sturdy pioneer of 1836 was John II. Brown, who emigrated with the Cabeens, bringing wife, Mary (McPherren) and six cliildren: Alexander, George, John, Sarah J., James M., William. He bought no land for about eighteen months, living the first year near New Boston, then near McClure's bridge, then entered eighty acres in Ohio Grove in 1838. He was a poor man, but by his wonderful energy iinally became the possessor of about a thousand acres. A small piece of the land now owned by William Brown was broken in 1836, on which stood a small log cabin. Says William Brown in that year, 1830, the nearest hog to our house was twenty-three miles distant, so that pork was not a common dish for the iirst 3'ear's table. Alexander Brown kept a bachelor's hall for several years. He was the great ox driver of his day. Like his father, he has amassed a large farm.

"A rolling stone gathers no moss." So thought the nucleus of pioneers who settled Ohio Grove. They had come to stay, and staying attracted others. "In union there is strength." All put their hands to the wheel of industry, all aided one another. In trouble sympathy was universal ; in pleasure all participated.

The year 1837 brought new neighbors and good citizens. In the fall of 1836 Thomas Candor and his brother, liobert Candor, made the trip from Pennsylvania to Rock Island, then into Mercer county on horse back. Thomas laid claim to the N. W. J of Sec. 6, T. 13 N., R. 3 AY., also the S. W. ^ of Sec. 7, and cut his name in a large oak standing near what are known as Candor Spnngs. He then left orders with William Sheriff, of Keithsburg, for the building of a cabin on his farm. The Candors then sold their horses and returned by water to Pennsylvania. Robert died in his native state. In the following year Thomas sold his tannery in Pennsylvania and moved his family of wife and live children, John M., Robert, Josiah, Mary H., and Daniel M., with goods, by one big wagon and a spring wagon with two teams. A j)art of his goods he shipped by river. East of the Illinois river he bought some stock which was driven through. Amved in Mercer county, after a short stay in Keithsburg, the family rendezvoused in the log cabin ordered built by Thomas Candor the preceding year. The cabin was 18x18, two-story, the first built in the N. W. of T. 13, and it still stands a relic of bygone times. Could it speak it could tell of many pleasant family circles, friendly hospitalities, merry ]>arties, sacred meetings, as well as burdens and disappointments, and pain and death, followed by tears of bereavement and loss. Mrs. Candor succumbed to the toils of frontier life, dying September 30, 1841, aged forty-two years. Thomas Candor, after a busy life devoted to the good of others as well as himself, died March 13, 1871. The old homestead, owned by Robert Candor, wears a far different aspect from that of forty years ago.

via the rivers from Oliio. He brought a wife and joung children, also some goods with about ten barrels of flour. Flour was a scarce article on the way, and many applications to buy were made but refused. For some reason the party was landed on the Iowa side of the river, near where Keokuk is, by reason of the rapids being so shallow, being told they would be transferred by a special craft. No craft appeared. Finally leaving the family in the wilderness alone, Mr. Nevius secured passage in a skiff" and started in search of some one to haul the family and goods to Monmouth, where his brothers-in-law resided, expecting that by his return all would be conveyed over the river. Finding no settlers he gave word to a man, owner of an inferior river craft, that he would push on to Monmouth if necessary to get conveyances. This man delivered the word to Mrs. Nevius, who had taken shelter in a shanty with her four sick children. Imagine yourself, good woman of this decade, in such circumstances ! The only cabin within miles. All weird and wild without, and lonely and desolate within, the shadow of night falling as a cloak over all. The real or fancied noise of the approach of wild and savage beasts, or more savage men ! The voice at the door calling for admittance and lodging, but sternly and resolutely refused by the heroine within. Anxious to cross the river Mrs. Nevius secured transportation of her goods. She first sent the flour over by the craftsman, who, going home for the night, refused to convey more that day. Next day another load of goods was taken across with the oldest child, small indeed then, to stay with the goods, and a similar postponement of the balance of the work. The mother could see her goods and her child across the water, and must the child remain alone through night in such a place ? So said the craftsman. Finally the woman prevailed and the family united on this side the river.

In time Mr. Nevius returned with ox teams and all were taken to Monmouth. Settlement was first made near Atchison's church, on Cedar creek, in Warren county. In 1835 removal near New Boston was had in time to vote for the organization of Mercer county. In 1837 Mr. Nevius secured the W. ^ of N. E. i, and the E. i of N. W. ^ of Sec. 16, T. 3, and permanently located it. This he improved. lie also bought land north of where Sunbeam is now. Here Mr. Nevius became identified with all the interests of Ohio Grove township. He was very handy with tools. Did general repairing for self and neighbors, whether carpentry, blacksmithing, or other repairing. He was a harness and shoemaker also. Mr. Nevius hauled the first apple trees of Mercer county from Hennepin, Bureau county, Illinois, with an ox team. He divided with the Cabeens and McPherrens. This was in 1837. Mr. Kevins' liouse was the first on the prairie. Mrs. Nevius still lives, tlie heroine of many a pioneer's struggle and a faithful helper in woman's work in Mercer countv.

Immigration continued steadily year by year. In 1838 William C. Brownlee came from New York, settling near Viola, Mercer county, and in the following year located in Ohio Grove township, buying 240 acres on North Henderson creek. Here he still lives, one of the few survivors of those early pioneers. The Burnets must have arrived about this time or little later ; they owned land in the southern part of the township. In this year also came John Stephens, wife and six children: Edward, now of Keithsburg; Peter, in Ohio Grove; Hannah, then Mrs. James Trusler, now of Iowa ; James W. (died about 1840); William J., of Iowa; Catharine (Mrs. James Walters). Mr. Stephens purchased the Vernon interest in the mill ; also 160 acres of land. He sold and in 1846 settled on the prairie, where his death occurred. His wife survived him, but is now dead. 1839 seems to have been a blank year. 1840, more fortunate, brought William T. Patterson. He had purchased a few simple goods, as linen shirtbosoms, jewelry, etc., which he sold as he traveled to such as would buy, or would pay his lodging and board with his wares. He worked awhile for Capt. Bain in the distillery. The captain failing, he received nothing for his work. Before doing this he dug a cellar for Henry Kimel. Thus "he worked around." He soon purchased eighty acres of land, for which he largely paid by building a sod fence. He farmed four or five years where Norwood is. It was not till 1847 that he bought and located permanently in Ohio Grove township, where he became owner of the E. ^ of Sec. 24. In 1842 Joseph Robinson came from Quincy, Illinois, and is yet a resident. In 1843 Hammond Webster settled the S. E. ^ of Sec. 28. He died in 1845. In this year (1843) James Calhoun emigrated from Ohio. He brought his wife and nine children: David, William, John K,, James H., Joseph C, Samuel C, Elizabeth, Franklin, and Alexander T. The family came via the river to Oquawka. Mr. Calhoun died July 15, 1847. James Emery and sons, James and Robert, must have come about this time. In 1845 came Nathaniel Partridge, a carpenter, and probably Levi Butterfield. James Graham had settled in Warren county in 1842, but in 1845 he located on N. W. ^ of Sec. 35, T. 13, Mercer county. This place he improved, and here he was identified with township affairs till his death, November 25, 1879.

In 1848 John Seaton laid claim to the N. W. -J- of Sec. 19, first " squatting on it,'' and then pre-empting and finally buying it. He had lived the two years previous in Warren county. Mr. Seaton improved his farm building, the present residence, in 1861. He died Julv 21, 1881. The farm is now the property of George Seaton. 1849 brought William Pepper and Samuel Lafterty. The latter came to Mercer county in 1842, but returned to Ohio till 1846, when he settled in !N^orth Henderson, then in Suez, and finally Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois. He is now old and feeble; he, too, looks back to the time when he shot deer, and wolves howled about the place.

In 1850, Thomas, Francis, and John McClellan made their advent. Thomas and John bought the Butterfield place, which afterward became the property of John alone. Jesse Mounts and family, John Smith and family, and others were early settlers ; all cannot be found. Settlement became more rapid. The advent of another ceased to be a noveltv. Some began to feel crowded and moved awav. Several went to Oregon ; some to California. In 1851 James Robb, Jacob and Barnet Unangst became residents. Barnet Unangst moved his familv of wife and eight children from Xew Jersey, a distance of 1,100 or 1,200 miles, over the country, one team doing the work. They arrived after a journey of fifty-two days. They settled the jS". E. ^ of Sec. 13, entered for them a little before by Jacob Unangst, who had preceded them. A shanty, 12x16, rough fencing lumber, one story, which was occupied January 2, 1852. The frame-work of this residence consisted of poles sunk in the ground in shed style. The furniture was : bedsteads of home make, blocks of saw-logs for stools, dry-goods box for table, and soon a table made of rough boards. Thus, even in 1851, did emigrants live and endure. The country at that time was thinly settled, there being but one house between Ohio Grove township and Keithsburg. It must have been about this time that John Cameron settled in the southwest of section 19, where he improved a farm. He died about 1858. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Seaton, now occupies the place. James Cameron is in DeKalb county ; John died about 1865 ; Sarah became Mrs. Samuel Criswell : Peter is in Mercer countv. In this year also came William R. McCreight. He purchased a farm of six acres of William M. Hayes. AVilliam M. Hayes became a resident here prior to this time, but the exact date cannot now be given. A biography of him may be found in the appropriate place. In 1852 came Thomas S. Robb and others. In 1853 Samuel M. Creighton, Joseph Lafterty, Col. Jonathan Duncan, the Kelloggs and Torbets arrived. Others, as the Findleys, Gilmores, Mclntires, McCutchans, Sprowls, Garrets, Shrulls, Chandlers, Shoemakers, Dittos, Nolands, Gustin, M. M. Cross, the Browns, Milligans, and a few others, may be considered as having become tolerably old settlers.

notices of later settlers. Could those of to-day see those of fifty years ago at their work the fact of progress would be more evident to them by far than these lines can show. Tlie ox-teams, slow but sure, were the stand-bys. The people of this section did their milling at Jack's mills, or Criswell's mills, or sometimes hauled their grain above Moline or to Rockweirs mills. George McPherren and James McBride made the trip, twenty-one miles above Moline, to Cox's mills. Their load was thirty bushels of grain. Each furnished a horse. Arrived at Eock river, McPherren proposed to take the ferry. McBride, a jolly young fellow of high life, jocosely replied, " No ; let's ford the stream and save our money for whisky." McPherren then proposed that James should ride the off horse, to which the latter assented, and with which he immediately complied. In the bed of the stream lay the rocks, covered with their slippery film, which McPherren feared, but which McBride dared. Amved in deep water the "oft"' horse slipped, lost his balance, his foot over the tongue of the wagon, horse and rider down in the water. It required lively work for a few moments to right rider and horse, both of whom were in a dangerous position. The day was cold and freezing, and gladly would James McBride have warmed by a big fire place, with a bowl of bread and milk, instead of traveling in a robe of ice. After that he preferred the ferry. The distance was not often considered in a journey. George McPherren and Ephraim Johnson had made the trip to Oquawka. They were on their return with their ox-team. The winter storm began. The earth was soon mantled in her nightlv gown. The air was full of the downv snow. Iri^ense cold obtained. The party reached Bald bluft'. Still the team pushed on as oxen did push, and hour after hour was traveled. Home surely could not be far, when, to their surprise and disappointment and danger, they found themselves agaip at Bald bluft'. By this time McPherren's feet had somewhat frozen. Johnson opened the bosom of his shirt, and McPherren, placing one foot on each breast, gradually abstracted heat sufticient to warm the frozen members. Again the route homeward was resumed. They arrived after much suffering. These incidents but illustrate the journeys and experiences of manv others.

The elder George McPherren and AVilliam Diliev visited their old home in Ohio. They returned by way of the lakes to Chicago, from which place they walked a distance of 180 miles home. In six days the feat was accomplished. Similar trips have been made to Galena to the land sales.

tlic families. Thej plodded on and on day after day tlirougli the prairie grass, fording creeks, some ha*ang their clothes so badly cut to pieces by the grass that they were compelled to change their iininentionahles 'hind-side before to appear decent in their own crowd, not caring for the outside world, as the face of a human save one of their own crowd was seldom seen on the way." Some of the present might say the expenses of those trips must have equaled the profits, but not so. Food was carried from home for the journey. It was that or starve, for there was only here and there a house (or one here and none there). But little chance offered for expenditure of money. Their wheat was sold for forty-five or fifty cents per bushel, then all returned as happy as lords.

Long trips to mill soon became unnecessary. In the fall and winter of 1836 James McBride and Joseph Vernon built a saw-mill on Pope creek. This did the sawing for many years, but not the grinding. Vernon sold his share to John Stephens, who in turn sold it to Vanscook. The site finally became the property of Henry Kimel, who erected a good flouring-mill. This has given place to a far inore extensive building and apparatus, now owned by James Kimel, although not on the same site as the old mill.

The trades were represented by the elder George McPherren as cooper. His work was scattered far and near, and many pieces still remain in use to testify to the workmanship. William Nevius was carpenter, shoemaker, and blacksmith. His work, too, was made to last and not for repairs. The works of these two men live after them. Since the war George Werts has been the village blacksmith. William Mackey kept the first store in 1836. John Stephens became the merchant in 1839. Since that day C. S. Richey and James Feather have sold goods, while the present firm is JVIcCreight & Co. The first postmaster at Sunbeam was Samuel M. Dihel. Mary J. Williams, afterward Mrs. George McPherren, kept the postoffice for many years. Moses Mclntyre has been postmaster of Duck Creek since its establishment.

The first secular school kept in the township was taught in a barn belonging to Capt. Pichard Rice. The teacher to whom this honor is due was Miss Ruth Conner. The time was 1839, hence it is evident the early pioneers understood the necessity of education even for frontier life. It is said Miss Conner used to punish the children by putting them in the mangers of the stable when they desired other treatment than whipping. The first school-house was built on the S. W. \ of Sec. 4, in 1841. This was built by subscription and so supported. It was not long before Thomas Candor and Samuel Cabeen

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Mercer County, Illinois, by Bassett, Isaac Newton, published 1914; 1,973 words in this source stream.

Perryton Township

This portion of the county is one of the best from an agricultural standpoint in this portion of the state. The soil is extremely rich, there being considerable alluvial land along Camp Creek. Originally there was considerable timber scattered in groves over the township. On sections 23 and 24 were about sixty acres of white oak and on section 21 about forty acres of excellent mixed timber. The land between the level and Camp Creek on section 29 contained several very large, old white oak trees, which had not been reached by the prairie fires. North of the creek were white and burr oak groves on sections 18, 17 and 16. There was considerable broken ground in the southeastern corner of the township and there also were small tracts of excellent timber. In places this township is broken up. by sharp ravines, but as a whole there is no better soil in the county for farming purposes. The early settlers concluded that the prairie soil was not of much use for agricultural purposes and thev sought land where grew the white and burr oak groves, believing such soil was richer. Along Camp Creek for several vears after the first white settlers arrived, Indian bands encamped and were frequentlv visited by the whites. Considerable trading occurred between them. In 1845 there were still in existence at least five or six distinct Indian trails, running along Camp Creek and here and there could be seen evidences where the red men had probably made their homes and had cultivated the soil. The big settlement at Sugar Grove by the Millers in 1834 was near enough to this township to be felt in opinion and influence by those who located within its boundaries. They built there an early grist mill which was patronized by the first settlers in Perryton Township. It is stated that a boulder was used to grind the grain. At the same time the Millers were blacksmiths, carpenters and could do almost any work required in the western country among the pioneers.

The greatest handicap in this township in early times was the want of roads and it required time to overcome this obstacle. At first the settlers went to Millersburg for their mail, but in the '40s an office was established in the northern part of the township and

James Gingles was the postmaster. In the '50s an office was established at Hamlet at the house of Graham Lee and finally placed in the store of Josiah Candor. Among the early mechanics were McHard, Gingles, Burrall and others. Philip Miller cut grindstones and grave stones and Mr. Jones conducted a blacksmith shop on section 25 quite early in the '40s. All the early settlers who located on the prairie made it one of their first duties to plant out groves and orchards.

The first settler in Perryton Township arrived in 1835 and located on section 36. This was John Black and his family. Their child born in March of the following year was probably the first birth in the township. In 1836 Maj. Edward Burrall lived on section 28 and broke twenty acres of prairie land that year. At the same time William Moore began work on section 30, where he put up a log structure. At the same time Philip Miller built a log cabin on the same section and occupied it. In 1837 Ed Burrall, Jr., and Alfred Perry, living on the west side of Sugar Grove, established a home on section 28 and Dr. Perry located near him. Linus and A. Wood located on section 26 about the same time and built there a substantial log house. Dr. Perry's house was built during the winter of 1837-8 and was a log structure erected near the timber on section 28. It is stated that the crops raised by the farmers this year in this township were sold to the Geneseo Colony,' the prices being $1 for wheat and 75 cents for corn and potatoes each per bushel. In 1838 Austin Wood arrived in the township and at first took up his residence with his son. Burrall probably built the first frame house in the township on section 28, and this building was rented to Sheldon Woodin. In 1839 James Gingles and William McHard came to the township and purchased the claim of Dr. Perry, to the west half of section 28, for $qoo. It was this year that the general land sale took place and manv of the farmers of this portion of the state who had for years been collecting money for the purpose, went to the land office to pav for their claims. About this time John Harris and J. Gingles moved into the township. Soon afterwards came William Doak with his father and family, and others.

In 1840 McHard and Gingles divided the Perry claim and each built a new house on his portion of the tract. Much of the trading at this time was done at New Boston with the firm of Drury & Willits. In 1844 Hamlet Cooper came and became a prominent resident of the township. He went north of Camp Creek and located on section 9. He probably made the first settlement north of that stream. Other early settlers were John Black, Mr. Burroughs, Austin

Wood, Daniel Ebner, John Crooks, Josiah Lockhard, Graham Lee and Henry Lee, and others. Bv 1850 the township was pretty well settled up and the farmers were in better circumstances than they had ever been before.

The township was duly organized in i H ^4 and the first election took place the next year. The first officers elected in 1856 were as follows: Graham Lee, supervisor; S. D. Trego, clerk; William Mi- Hard, assessor; J. C. Gilmore, collector. These men were chosen under the new township law. Before that date Edward Burrall was elected justice in 1838. William Moore succeeded him in 1842. Then came Joseph G. Gilmore, Edward Burrall, C. G. Taylor, Lee Hollister, John Gingles and others. The first township meeting was held at Gingles Corners. Graham Lee was the moderator and S. D. Trego, clerk. The following year another meeting was held, with William McHard, moderator, and S. D. Trego, clerk.

Perryton for many years has been noted for its excellent live stock. The grades have nearly all disappeared and pure bred animals are the rule and not the exception. In 1869-70 G. D. Miller shipped two carloads of cattle of his own feeding to Chicago. There were thirty-two head, which averaged 1,459 pounds each. They sold in Chicago at eight cents a pound. He fattened large numbers of hogs for the market at that time. In January, 1871, L. V. Willits, of Perryton, sold forty-five hogs that averaged 419 pounds each. They were the Poland China breed. About the same time Joseph Deets sold sixty hogs of the same breed that averaged 41 zYi pounds each.

Hamlet

The Village of Hamlet, located in the north part of the township, was laid out on land of Josiah and Capt. D. M. Candor, in 1868, and was named in honor of Hamlet Cooper, one of the pioneers in that portion of the township. The village did not grow rapidly, there being usually a store and shop and perhaps a few other business establishments, besides the school and religious organizations. Bv March, 1873, it had several business establishments. The first start probably of merchandising was in 1868 by Candor Brothers, who opened a general store. By 1872-3 they were purchasing large quantities of live and dressed hogs which they shipped to market. Mr. Gustin kept a shoemaker's shop there in 1872. Dumbell & Son were blacksmiths. J. R. Doig was the practicing physician. Rev. Mr. Fisk conducted religious services there. Lee Hollister was justice of the peace and Mr. Hartman kept a hotel and the Grangers had a lodge, which met there regularly. Soon there were organizations of the Baptists and Methodists. These few establishments constituted the Hamlet of 1872-3. By 1883 Hamlet had become an important point for the manufacture of sorghum molasses. Gray & Vandalson manufactured there 1,800 gallons of sorghum during that year. They had commenced in 1881. Early in the '80s the Hamlet Library Association was established on a firm foundation and a quantity of books was secured, but the membership was too weak for the association to become permanent. The members from time to time held festivals and other public entertainments to raise means for the purchase of books.

At a little later date the Hamlet Mutual Fire Insurance Company was a flourishing institution, under H. Ketzle, secretary. By December, 1895, tneY 'iaal out 225 policies, covering property worth $S52)3X5- 1° recent years there has been very little business of importance transacted here. Lloyd Girton had an early store; Thomas Lewis was the first blacksmith; Doctor Criswell conducted a drug store; A. T. Hooples and D. M. Dumbell & Son, wagon and blacksmith shop. The first postoffice was located there about 1854 and kept by Graham Lee. In 1914 the population of Hamlet was about fifty and George H. Hartman & Company kept a general store.

Reynolds originated from the construction of the railroad to that point. In 1877 it had one hotel and another nearly completed, two dry goods stores, two drug stores, one furniture store, one shoe store, one hardware and agricultural implement establishment, one harness shop, two blacksmith shops, one photograph gallery, one grain elevator, one lumberyard, a coal yard, a hay press, etc. It was at this time a great shipping point, because it was at the end of the railroad. It was the best potato market in Mercer County about this time. Scores of teams visited the town daily. Among the business men were A. S. Crandall, R. C. Olmsted,' F. Freytag, John C. Clark, W. C. Ellsworth and John Robertson. The village continued to thrive and by October, 1883, was a prosperous town and an important shipping point. There were four dry goods stores here, and elevators, mills and shops of all descriptions. The Reynolds Press was issued early in the '80s and served an important medium. Prof. S. J. Ferguson was principal of the public schools there in the '90s.

Jesse A. Winger was publisher and editor of the Reynolds Press in the 90s. In 1896 the place had over four hundred population. James P. Johnston was president of the town board.

Graham Lee lived on a farm one-half mile south of Hamlet, and was the neatest and most tasteful farmer in Mercer County. He built a nice residence in an early day and set out an Osage orange hedge on each side of the road which passed by his house, and instead of running straight with his farm it meandered, running a little as the tip of a ridge, which made the appearance of the farm most picturesque. Mr. Lee was one of the most prominent men in Mercer County, serving several terms as supervisor of the township, and was active in the Agricultural Society of the county. He was an officer for a number of years of the State Agricultural Society of Illinois and was one of the trustees for quite a number of years of the Asylum or Institution for the Feeble Minded, located at Lincoln, Illinois. He was a most intelligent, excellent citizen, working for the interest of the countv as well as for himself. He is now dead and his son, Elisha Lee, is living at or near the old homestead. William McHard was also one of the early settlers, living south, between Camp Creek and Edwards, near Gingles Corner. He was a prominent and successful farmer and held many township offices, and he has three sons now living in the county: William in Aledo, and Harvey and Samuel in Perryton Township,