Fayette County, Indiana - Chapter 10, 1917

Chapter 10

Fayette county has had a part in the four wars waged by the United States: War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War and Spanish-American War. Ahhough the county was not organized until 18 19 it played a part in the War of 1812 and there seems to be evidence of participation by some of the settlers of the territory now within the county in an Indian raid even as early as 18 10. Reference has already been made to the settlement of John Conner on the present site of Connersville about 1808. Some time before 18 10 Conner and other citizens built a rude log fort or stockade in the village for protection against marauding Indians, and it was from this fort that William Abernathy, then living at Fairfield, in Franklin county, lead a company of volunteers in 1810 against some hostile Indians on Blue river. The expedition proved successful and evidently convinced the Indians that the settlements in the White Water valley were amply able to protect themselves; at least, there is no evidence that the Indians ever attacked any of the settlements in the valley.

There is no record extant of the names of these courageous settlers of 1810 who made the foray against the Indians, but it is probable that most of them were from the vicinity of Brookville and Fairfield. Franklin county was not yet organized, all the territory north of the present county of Dearborn which had been purchased from the Indians being a part of that county. There were undoubtedly a few of the settlers from Conner's Post, as it was then called, who joined the expedition, but the}- could not have been many in number.

It is not generally known that a company of soldiers was stationed in the blockhouse in Connersville some time during 1812 and 1813. It is known that William Helm, later an associate judge of the county (1819-26), commanded the troops, but how many there were, or who they were, is a point concerning which no record has been found. All the facts obtainable of this military station in Connersville have been collected by J. L. Heinemann,. of Connersville, and set forth in his brochure, "The Indian Trail Down the White Water Valley," which may be seen in another chapter in this volume.

The Military Period, 1816-1846

When the forty-three delegates representing the fifteen organize<l counties met in June, 1816, they made ample provision for a state militia (Art. VII). All able-bodied white citizens between the ages of eighteen and fortyfive, except those conscientiously opposed to bearing arms, were required to be enrolled in some militia company and undergo such training as might be prescriljed by statute. The article in the constitution was a lengthy one of ten sections and prescribed in detail how the military arm of the state was to be built up. Subsequently statutory provisions elaborated upon the constitution, until it might be said that the state really, inaugurated what we might now call a system of "militarism."

This complex military .system was in operation for thirty years, although after the danger from Indian uprisings had subsided the system gradually fell into decay. Little change was made in the system from the time of the first Legislature until 183 1. In 1828 the adjutant-general of the state reported that there were sixty-five regiments, organized into eighteen brigades, enrolling a total of forty thousand officers and privates. This sounds like the people were militant, and especially so in view of the fact that the state experienced diflicult\- in 1916 in raising onlv three regiments for duty on the Mexican front. !>ut these volunteers of the twenties, not to be classed as volunteers as they are known toda}', knew that they were not in any immediate danger of being called out for duty.

In 183 1 the Legislature revised the militia laws of the state, but from that time interest gradually died out in local militia. The year following the revision of the militia laws, the adjutant-general reported 50,913 ofiicers and privates and this marks the high mark in the numl>er of enlisted men under the law of 183 1. The one reason why the militia was kept up was the annual muster of all enlisted men.

Muster Day

Holidays were few and far between in the early days of Indiana, but there was one day in the year tti which old and young looked forward with pleasant anticipation. This was the annual muster day - the day on which the local militia donned their uniforms, shouldered their muskets and side-arms, and paraded before an admiring public. Records have not been kept in Fayette county which show the number of men in the local militia companies, but they must have numbered several hundred. Regimental mus- ters were held either in the spring or fall, usually at the county seat, and on a level tract known as the "parade grounds." On this eventful day everybody in the county who could possibly get away was present. They came on horseback, on foot and in wagons; the young and the old; men and women, and, as one early settler said, there were as many dogs present as militiamen. The people came partly to see the muster, partly to see each other - and many came to eat and drink. More blood was shed in fistic encounters on this day than all the rest of the year put together.

The muster itself must have been an interesting sight. The men had to parade whether they had uniforms or not, and the great majority of them were not uniformed. They wore all sorts of hats, or no hats at all; hundreds of them were barefoot; most of them were in their shirt sleeves or at best with linsey wamuses. As for arms, they lined up with all sorts of weapons. Some had their old squirrel rifles, others had canes, others bore hoop-poles, some were equipped with corn-stalks, still others had fence rails. And this motley arrayed and strangely armed soldiery paraded for hours to their own glorification and the amusement of the onlookers. They marched two abreast, four abreast and ten abreast ; some were drunk, some sober. Ludicrous as this must have been, yet it constituted a muster in the eyes of the law.

This annual performance continued in much the same manner up to the time of the Mexican War, although by the close of the thirties it had ceased to have the importance that it had previously enjoyed. No effort was made to keep the companies full, or the men equipped according to law. The Indians had all been removed from the state; England was no longer to be feared and consequently there did not appear to the hard-headed Hoosier any good reason why he should spend so much time in drilling and parading. During the progress of the Mexican War the Legislature passed an act putting an end to the local militia - and thus the muster days of our forefathers came to a legal end.

Mexican War

An examination of the official records of the Mexican War shows that Fayette county did not have a regularly organized company in any one of the five regimeni^s which the state raised- for that struggle. Furthermore, a detailed study of the rosters of these regiments does not disclose any volunteers from the county, although the method of crediting enlistments does not make it possible to determine the counties from which they were made. In that struggle of the latter forties (1846-48) the counties were not required to liirnisli a definite nuiiil-)er of men. hence tlie official records furnisii no clue as to the nuniher who may have come from Fayette county. It is known, however, that there were a number of enlistments from the county and also that a number of Mexican Wnv veterans from other counties in the state later settled in the county.

The Civil War

On Sunday morning, April 14, 1861, the streets of Connersville were filled with people discussing the fall of Ft. Sumter, which had taken place the day previous. Il is doubtful whether a more solemn Sabbath had ever been observed in the United States. For more than a decade there had Jjeen threats of disunion, though no one really believed that the South would ever openly secede - but the fall of Ft. Sumter was conclusive proof that the long expected break between the North and the South had finally come. To tell in detail the story of Fayette county and of the i)art it played in the Civil War would take more space than could be given in this work.

No better description of conditions in Connersville on the eve of this great struggle can be given than that contained in the issue of the Coiiiicrsvillc Times of April 25, 1861. This was written during the week the events here chronicled were taking place and presents a vixid picture of the actual state of affairs at that time :

The greatest entliusitism has existed during the piist week. Meetings of all the citizens of all the parties express a determination to aid the government with means and money to be utmost capabilities of Fayette county, if need be. A cannon squadhas been organized under the command of W. W. Frybarger, tendered to the governor of the state, and accepted. They comprise a small band of brave hearts and stout arms, and they will preserve the honor of Fayette county untarnished in the trying hour.

A company of volunteers of over a hundred men has been organized, tendered to the governor and accepted. The company is 'styled the "Fayette County Guards," and is officered as follows: Captain, Joseph Marshall: first lieutenant, Joseph (Jreer; second lieutenant, Thomas J. Powell: third, lieutenant, Jesse Holton : first ensign, John Kensler; orderly sergeant, John lleOleary.

* * * * A Zouave company is being formed. A large luniiluM- (it <iii/,cns t<f Fayette county assembled in the court house square in Connersville on .\pril 2(illi for ilie purpose of providing men and means for the defense and support of the constilnlion of llie United States, and the laws passed by congress in pursuance thereof.

On motion. Elisha Vance was chosen president: William H. Beck inid William Watton. vice-presidents: Henry Goodlander and Confucius B. Edward.s, secretaries. After music by the Connersville band, the ladies and gentlemen comprising a choir for the occasion sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," which was received with immense applause.

On motion a committee of three from Connersville township and one from each of the other townships was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of Ilic scnlinients of tbe iieople of tlie county. The comiuittee consisted of the following seutlenien ; Oonnersville, Benjnmin F. CUinwol, Judge Reid, Judge Wilson; Orange, .S;inuiel Little: Jennings, Josejih D. Ross; Jackson, James Smith; Columbia, Hemnn Jones; Fairview, John D. Lewis; Harrison, Thomas Jloffltt ; Posey. Isaac Powell; Waterloo, William C. Forrey.

Late Develin, of Cambridge City, was called to the stand and m,ule ;in eloquent anil piitriolic speech. Subsequently the committee on resolutions snlmiitted .-i series of resiiliitions, wliirh were unanimously adopted with great applause. Patriotic speeches were made liy Rev. George Camiibell, Rev. P. Carlaud, Captain Joseph JIarshall and I'.-iptain XewkirU. The resolutions were as follows:

"Whereas. In certain states of our county, citizens thereof having taken up arms and are now in open rebellion against the same; and whereas for the purpose of putting down said rebellion, maintaining the laws and authority of the governmeut, and prosecuting the property of the same, the President of the United States has issued his proclamation calling upon the loyal citizens of the same to volunteer their services andplaee themselves at the disposal of the government; and whereas, divers good and loyal citizens of the county of Fayette, have, pureuant to the said proclamation, tendea'ed their services. Therefore, in consideration of the premises aforesaid, it is hereby

-'Ordered hii the Board of County Commissionerf<, That the sum of five thousand dollars of the funds of the county be and the same is hereby appropriated, to be paid out on orders to be issued from time to time, as may be necessary, for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the families of such iiersons as have volunteered or may volunteer, as may stand in need of assistance during the absence of the persons ;ibove referred to.

That the board of commissioners be instructed to appoint such .agents in each i(i«iiship, .-is may be necessary for the purpose of acting as receiving and dishursing .igc^nls in order to supply the families of the absent volunteers, who may re(|uirc .issisiance and support in maintaining the same.

That our senator and representative in the General Assembly be requested to vote .-It the called session of the Legislature for an efficient, judicious and military law. and for the appropriation of all money needed for a vigorous prosecution of the war in which our country is now involved.

-RrsiiJrvd. That it may be necessary for the volunteers to furnish themselves with uniforms and articles necessai-y for their comfort at the opening of the campaign, it is requested that, in addition to the necessary uniform, each volunteer furnish himself with one conunun blanket, one spoon, knife and fork, and file his voucher for the cost thereof with the captain of his company for the reimbursement of the same.

snircil. 'I'h.it the county commissioners employ some competent person or house to funiisli llie necessary uniforms for the voliiiiteei-s. and that proper vouchers be taken for till' cdst thereof, so that the county may lie indemnified by the state or central govei-niiient.

siilicd. That Misses Roxa Edmonds, Oallie Disuey, Augusta Mason, Fannie Newkirk, F,-niuie Durnan, Sophia Fi-ybarger, of Counersville township; Misses Matilda Stone, Kitty Wagniicr and E, A. Irwin, of Orange township; Misses Harriet Thrasher, Mary Bates and .lane .McCrory, of Fairview township; Misses Eda McMullen, Eliza Jones and Sallie Cnlc. of Waterloo township; Misses Mary Munger, Frances Ix)der and Lizzie Cole, of Posey township ; Misses Margaret Thomas, JIary Dale and Rosa Thomas, of Harrison township; Misses Mary Jones, Mary Webb and Lydia A. Jlessersmith. of lictnlrcd. That the county conunissioners he inslruileil lo huy the eanumi helouiriu^' to W. W. Frybarger, for the use of the county, it heiii- uuderslood ih.-il said Kryhar;.'<Mwill sell the same at cost and carriage."

May 10, 1861, marked a day long- to he remembered in Connersville and Fayette connty. .\t ten o'clock on the morning of that day the "hXyette Connty Uni(_in Gnards" were drawn up in line in the court house yard, where Cajitain .Marshall sjioke a few words and Rev. William Pelan delivered a pathetic farewell address to the departing .soldiers, manv of whom were de.stined neyer to return. .\t the close of the ceremonies each volunteer was presented \yith a small Testament. .-Vmid the waxing of flags and the sound of patriotic music the soldiers departed for the camji. Party lines were wholly obliterated and there was Init one aim anrl (jne cause and that was the preservation of the L'nion.

The method of raising volunteer troo])s in the Civil War was very diiTerent from the plan followed in the Mexican War. Each county was asked lo furnish a number of men on each call of the President, the num- ber asked from each county being proportioned to the number of men of military age. Officials were appointed in each county to have charge of the enrolling of volunteers and they were charged with the duty of seeing that the county furnished the quota proportioned to it.

The following pages list the regiments containing men from Fayette county, together with the commissioned officers and a brief account of the part the regiments took in the war. The muster rolls of the county have not been found and the data given has been compiled from Adjutant-General Terrell's reports.

Company E of the Sixteenth Regiment was one of the several companies raised in Fayette county. Two Connersville men, John M. Orr and William H. Greer, were captain and first lieutenant, respectively.

The regiment was organized at Richmond in May, 1861, with Pleasant A. Hackleman as colonel. The regiment was organized with the intention of remaining within the confines of the state for one year but need of men caused the company to offer their services to the government the same day that the news of the battle of Bull Run reached the North. The regiment departed from Richmond on July 23, and was the first company to march through Baltimore after the firing upon the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment. After reaching Harper's Ferry, the regiment was assigned to the army of General Banks. The regiment was not engaged in any important engagement until October 21 - the fatal day at Ball's Bluff. In the afternoon of the 22nd an attack was made upon the pickets, resulting in two men beingkilled. Immediately the regiment was rushed to the front, on the Bluffs, and in the evening of the 22nd participated in an engagement w^ith the enemy. On the following day the regiment was detailed to picket ditty, and was the last regiment to recross the Potomac, reaching the Maryland shore on the morning of the 24th. Two men were drowned during the expedition. On December 6th the regiment went into winter quarters near Frederick City.

Winter quarters were broken up in February, 1862, and the longexpected movement of the armies began. In March, with a detachment of other troops, a bridge was built across the Shenandoah at Snicker's Ferry, the structure being completed in forty-eight hours. At this point six men of Stonewall Jackson's command were captured by Lieutenant Copeland. On May 12 the regiment started on a march to Washington, D. C, and on the I4tli was mustered out nf the ser\ice and returned to huUana. ( )n April 30 tlie commanding colonel was commissioned a brioadier-general, and on May 13, in the presence of tlie regiment, was presented witli an elegant sword by iiis men.

The regiment was reorganized for the tliree-years service at Indianapolis on May 2-, 1802, with Thomas Lucas as colonel. On August 30 the regiment took ])art in the battle at Richmond, Kentucky, losing two hundred men killed and wounded, and six hundred prisoners. After the defeat the prisoners were paroled and sent to Indianapolis, where they remained in parole cam]) until Xovemljer i, when they were exchanged.

Further Action Of The Regiment

On January 1. 18(^)3, the regiment engaged the enemy at Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg, and was driven back, the brigade to which it was attached losing five hundred men. On the iith it participated in a general engagement near Arkansas Post, and was the first to plant its colors within the fort: its loss was seventy-seven men killed and wounded. On May 16 the regiment went into the trenches near Vicksburg, and participated in all of the operations of the siege until the capitulation on July 4. In the assault on the enemy's works on May 22. the regiment bf>re a conspicuous part, holding an important position for nearly ten hours of continuous fighting, and part of the time was within twenty-five feet of the rebel fort. During the siege the regiment lost sixty men killed and wounded. The regiment then marched to Jackson and thence was transi>orted to New Orleans and distributed along the .Mississij)])i to protect transportation. In October the cavalry corps was ordered on an expedition up the Bayou Tecbe, in which section skirmishes were held with the enemy until Januarv 2. 1864. The regiment was finally reviewed in New Orleans and was mustered out by General Grierson and complimented for having the best horses that had ever been in the department. As a compliment to the men whose terms of service had not then expired, it was ordered that they be transferred to the Thirteenth Indiana cavalry, thus putting together infantry and cavalry for the first time during the war. The regiment was mustered out on June 30, 1865, at New Orleans. On July 10. 1865, it arrived at Indianapolis with three hundred and sixtv-fi\e men and officers. (20)

Thirty-Sixth Regiment

Company H formed a part of the Thirty-sixth Regiment, which was organized at Riclimond, and was mustered into the ser\'ice on September i6, 1861, and immediately left for the front. During the fall and winter of 1862 it marched and encamped with the army from Ohio, and reached Nashville in February, 1862. From there a march was made to the Tennessee river and thence to the field of .Shiloh in time to participate in that great battle, where it sustained a loss of nine killed, thirty-eight wounded and one missing. It took part in the siege of Corinth, pursued Bragg through Kentucky with Buell's army, participated witli Rosecrans' army in the battle at Stone's river, and was at Chickamauga. Subsec|uently it joined Sherman's army in the march to the sea and participated in the marches, skirmishes and engagements of that campaign.

The successive commissioned ofTlcers of the company were as follow : Captains, Gilbert Trusler, William F. Limpus ; first lieutenants, Addison M. Davis, John L. Hensley, William F. Limpus, George Mullikin; second lieutenants, William 1'". Limpus, George Mullikin, James Peterson and Joseph Hilligoss. Gilbert Trusler, of Connersville, was commissioned major of the regiment, June 3, 1863, and resigned in the following December. Daniel D. Hall, also of Connersville, served as a surgeon of the regiment from September, 1861, to March, 1862.

Sixty-Ninth Regiment

Company K formed a part of the Sixty-ninth Regiment, which was organized at Richmond on August 19, 1862. Its successive commissioned officers included the following : Captains, \\''illiam Iverr, Jesse Holton ; first lieutenants, Jesse Holton, William G. Plummer, Joseph Senior. Harvey -\. Zimmerman : second lieutenants, ^Villiam G. Plummer, Joseph Senior. Jed Scott, of Connersville, was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, and William M. Smith and William Stewart, both of Conners\ille. served respectiveh' as quartermaster.

The first. real engagement of the regiment was at Richmond, Kentucky, where two hundred and eighteen men were lost. The captured soldiers were sent to the parole camp, and upon being exchanged the regiment was reorganized at Indianapolis and left that place on November 27, 1862, for Memphis, Tennessee, in command of Colonel Thomas ^V. Bennett. The regiment was tlien detached down tlie Mississippi river with Sheldon's tjrigade of Morgan's division of Sherman's wing of Grant's army, on the expedition to Vicksburg. After engaging in several minor engagements, the regiment began to advance in the movement against Vicksburg, March 30. On reaching Roiindaway Bayou, a rebel force was met and put to riight. On April 30 the regiment began a march to Port Gibson, where on May I, occurred the battle of Thompson's Hill. In this engagement Ihe regiment lost se\enty-()ne men killed and wounded. After numerous skirmishes, on May J3, the regiment went with the Osterhaus division to the Black river bridge, where it remained during the remainder of the siege of Vicksburg.

On l'>bruary 13, 1864, the regiment began its return to Indianapolis, and after reorganization, departed on March 13 for Matagorda Island. Beginning with March 27, it made a march through Florida and southern Alabama, arri\ing in the rear of Blakely on April i.

On July 5, 1865, the battalion was mustered out of service (the regiment was consolidated into a battalion) at Mobile, and on the 7th left for Indianapolis, having sixteen officers and two hundred and eighty-four men. This regiment left its dead in eleven states and participated in the battles of Richmond, Kentucky, Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansaw Post, Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, and the capture of Blakely, Alabama, which latter xictory caused the surrender of Mobile.

Second C.Walkv, Forty-First Regiment

Company L formed a part of the Second Cavalry of the Fortv-first Regiment, that was organized at Indianapolis in September, 1861, with John A. Bridgeland as colonel. The successive officers of the company included the following: Captains. Isaiah D. Walker, Christian Beck, James (i. Hackleman : first lieutenants. Christian Beck, James G. Hackleman, Probasco Thomas; second lieutenants, James A. Smith, James G. Hackleman, Probasco Thomas. Rev. \\\ Pelan was a chaplain. Flarvey Y. Burt sei-ved as an adjutant for a short period and Charles Mount as commissary for a year.

In l'>l>ruary, 1862, the regiment marched towarfl Nashville and from that point to the Tennessee river, reaching the field of Shiloh after the battle. During the next month it was actively engaged at Pea Ridge, Tennessee, and at Tuscumbia, .Alabama, losing several men in each case. In August the .same year it was again in Tennessee and contested with the enem)' at Gallatin and McMinnville. In September, a march was made into Kentucky, participating in the Buell and Bragg campaigns. On November 30, while the regiment was still at Nashville, a detachment under command of Major Samuel Hill was highly complimented by General Rosecrans, in special field orders, for having recaptured a government train, defeating a rebel army, killing and capturing two hundred.

While at Mossy Creek, Tennessee, the regiment re-enlisted, January 10, 1864, and during the winter and spring was engaged in numerous scouts and skirmishes, losing several men. In May, 1864, the regiment participated in Sherman's campaign against Atlanta, engaging in many skirmishes and battles. The non-veterans were mustered out when Atlanta was taken, and in September, 1864, the remaining veterans were consolidated into a battalion of four companies and placed under the command of Major Roswell S. Hill. After a raid through Alabama antl Georgia, the regiment was mustered out at Nashville. July 22, 1865.

One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Regiment

Company A formed a part of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment that was mustered into the service on March 10, 1864, with James Burgess as colonel. The regiment was first sent to Nashville and there was assigned to the division of General Hovey. On April 5, the regiment left Nashville for the front. The Twenty-third corps, to which the regiment was assigned, arrived in front of Buzzard's Roost on May 8. On June i the regiment was engaged in sharp skirmishes in the vicinity of Allatoona and Pumpkin Vine Creek, and took a position opposite and near Lost Mountain. After the enemy had evacuated the position, the regiment took position on the right of Kenesaw Mountain. The regiment took part in many engagements prior to the siege of Atlanta, in which it played an important part.

On October 4, the regiment began its pursuit of General Hood, moving by the way of Marietta to Allatoona, and thence, through Cassville and Kingston, to Rome. The pursuit continued through Snake creek and White's Gap to Summerville, and down the Chattanooga valley to Gaylesville, Alabama, where the pursuit was discontinued. Subsequently the regiment was transported to Na.shville, where it arrived on November 9. On November 21, the regiment constructed temporary breastworks at Columbia, and for two days was engaged with the- enemy under General Hood. At Spring Hill a severe skirmish occurred during which Company C was captured by tlie enemy. On December 15 tiie army, nnder (ieneral Tliomas, advanced from its fortifications aronnd X'ashville upon the army of General Hood, and after two days of fioiiting', (lecisi\ely defeated the rebels.

In February, 1865, the regiment proceeded to North Carolina. Upon reaching- Wise's Fork the enemy was encountered and repulsed in confusion. On October 15 it crossed the Neuse river and marched to Kingston, thence to Goldslx)ro, where the junction was formed with the victorious army of Sherman, who had marched from Atlanta to the sea. The regiment was mustered out at Greenslx)ro, August 31, 1865.

The successive commissioned officers for Company A follow : Captains, John M. Orr, John M'. Hannah ; first lieutenants, John W. Hannah, Martin S. Bush: second lieutenants, Martin S. Bush, Lot H. C. Pumphrey; George F. Stewart, of Connersville, was a first and second lieutenant in Company E : John B. Schissler, 'a first lieutenant in Company F. Quite a numljer of pri\-ates from Company G were from Fayette county.

Third Battery

On August 5, 1861, the Third Battery, Light Artillery, was organized at Connersville, and was mustered into the service on August 24, 1861, with W. W. Frybarger as captain. The battery was dispatched to St. Louis and there became a part of General Fremont's army in the campaign through southwest Missouri. When the campaign came to a close Captain Frybarger was promoted to the office of major and was ordered to Indianapolis to organize batteries. Lieut. James M. Cockefair was promoted to captain. During the summer and fall of 1862 parts of the Third Battery were dispatched to different portions of Missouri, and engaged in numerous encounters and skirmishes with the enemy, but no decisive battles were fought. During the winter of 1862 and until late in 1863, the battery was located in and around the vicinity of Springfield. In November, 1863, a majority of the members re-enlisted as veterans. Under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith, it moved through western Tennessee and on to Memphis, and with its division proceeded to \'icksburg by boat, thence to Meridian, ^Mississippi. After having destroyed the enemy's communications, the battery returned with the army to Tennessee. In the summer of 1864 the battery was engaged almost constantly in covering the retreat of Banks' army, until it reached INIorganza Bend, on the Mississippi river. Thence it embarked to Vicksburg and on to Mississippi, where an extensive campaign was conducted. In the fall of 1864, the battery moved with the Sixteenth Army Corps to St. Louis and joined the forces of

General Rosecrans in the pursuit of General Price. After making a march of eight hundred miles in twenty-four days without overtaking the enemy, the battery returned to St. Louis and thence to Nashville, Tennessee. Combined with the army of General Thomas, the battery took part in the decisive battle in front of Nashville, on December 15 and 16, 1864. As a result Hood's army was completely routed. Later the battery was placed under the command of General Canby, and operated with his army in the vicinity of Mobile. It was actively engaged in the capture of Ft. Blakely, an event which compelled the surrender of Mobile. The Third Battery was mustered, out at Indianapolis on August 21, 1865.

One Hundred And Fourth Regiment, Minute Men

Company K of the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment, Minute Men, was from Fayette county. The regiment was formally organized at Greensburg on July 10, 1863, with James Gavin as colonel. Including privates and ofificers the company was composed of seven hundred and nineteen men. The regiment marched from Greensburg to Sunman's station, thence to Lawrenceburg, and on to Harrison, Ohio. After Morgan's eventful dash through Indiana and Ohio, the regiment returned to Greensburg and was mustered out on July 18, 1863.

Company F of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment, One-Hundred-Day Volunteers, originated in Fayette county. The regiment was mustered into the service at Indianapolis June 8, 1864, with George Humphrey as colonel. From Indianapolis the regiment moved direct to Nashville, Tennessee, where it was assigned to duty along the lines of the Nashville & Chattanooga, Tennessee & Alabama, and Memphis & Charleston railroads. These lines were being used by General Sherman for the transportation of supplies to his army then advancing on Atlanta and due vigilance was recjuired to insure constant transportation and communication. The regiment served beyond the period of one hundred days, and returned to Indianapolis, where it was finally discharged from the service.

In addition to the above-named companies the county was represented in various other organizations, among which were the Eighty- fourth Regi- iiieiit, Xelsoii Truslcr lieiiii^' at niie time a colonel; llattorv I-i,!;"lit Artillery; Third Qivalry ( Forty-litth ) ; Sixth Cavalry Battalion (Seventyfirst) ; Thirty-fifth, Fourth Regiment (Hancock's Corps), One Hundred and Forty-seventli Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and Seventh Cavalry, Indiana Volunteers. Dr. Joshua Cliitwood served as assistant surgeon and surgeon of the Seventh Cavalry, Indiana \'olunteers, in 1863- 1864. Christian Beck was a major of the Thirty-fifth regiment in 1863, and in 1864 was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Ninth Ca\alrv.

The summer of 1863 furnished Fayette county with the most exciting time it experienced during the Civil War. Many persons are still living who recall the excitement aroused by the news that General Morgan had crossed the Ohio in Harrison county and was reported to be headed for Indianapolis with his cavalry command.

While Morgan's men never reached the limits of Fayette ct)unty, yet Colonel Claypool, with the F'ayette Minute Men and the i^shland Home Guards played a very important part in the preparation for defense, as will be noted in the following account of Morgan's raid through Indiana.

On Wednesda}- morning, July 8, 1863. General Morgan crossed the line from Kentucky tn Indiana. He had four thousand mounted men with him. and for the next five days created more consternation in Indiana than the state has ever known. It is not the purpose of this paragraph to give in detail the story of Morgan's raid in Indiana, only in so far as it is concerned with Fayette and incidentally FVanklin counties. Morgan first appeared before Corydon, and at that place three volunteers were killed and one mortally wounded. On the afternoon of the 9th Morgan marched out of Corydon and soon appeared before Palmyra in the northern part of Harrison county. Here Morgan separated his forces, part going to Greenville, part to Paoli and the rest going to \'ienna. Flis forces came together at Salem at nine o'clock on the morning of the loth. From Salem, Morgan started in an easterly direction, having found out that it was not prudent to advance toward Indianapolis, as he originally intended to do. Some of his men went through Brownstown and others through Canton and New Philadelphia and spent the night at Lexington in Scott county. On Saturday afternoon, the nth, Morgan came in sight of Vernon, but there was too strong a force posted there, so he passed the town without making an attempt to capture it. On Saturday night Morgan camped near Dupont, about eight miles southeast of Vernon. About four o'clock on the morning of Sunday, July 12, Morgan passed through Dupont on the way to Versailles in Ripley county. He reached that place at half-past one o'clock, captured Col. J. H. Cravens with three hundred militia, and robbed the county treasury of five thousand dollars of public funds.

Citizen Soldiery On Guard

It was on this memorable Sunday that the citizens of Fayette and Franklin counties received their first-hand experience of the Civil War. The knowledge that Morgan with his band of marauders was in Ripley and Dearborn counties on that day created the wildest excitement. The gallantry and the alacrity with which the citizen soldiery rushed to arms in the defense of their hofnes was praiseworthy and commendable in the highest degree. From early Sunday morning until Morgan crossed the line into Ohio on Monday night, the wildest excitement prevailed in both counties and preparations for defense were to be seen on every hand.

The Franklin Democrat, of Brookville, in the issue of Juh- 17, 1863, gives the following graphic description of those exciting days in the town and surrounding country:

"lu our town, witb the most generous enthusiasm, the people have hastened to take up arms to drive out the impudent invaders of our soil. With a zeal and alacrity almost without parallel, they have dropped the sickle and plow, and, rifie in hand, have joined in pursuit of the freebooters. On Sunday, learnius that the rebels were in the vicinit.v of Sunman's Station, every conceivable mode of conveyance was procured to convey our armed citizens to the locality where it was suppo-sed a collision would take place. In his march, Morgan is making a wholesale work in the way of stealing horses and his men are mounted on the finest stock in the countr.v. Several of the citizens of this county were relieved of tlioir horses by this freebooter and his men. Among the citizens of the county who contributed horses to Morgan's cause, against their own will, were John P. Case, of New Trenton, and Dr. John Cleaver, of Drewersburg. In addition to robbing the stables, the marauding band did not hesitate to appropriate any articles which met their fancy as they rode through the country.

According to the best information obtainable, there were only about ten of Morgan's men in this community. Two troopers appeared at Oldenburg in Franklin county on Saturday afternoon, and riding iuto the blacksmith shop of 3. H. Kessing, they told him they wanted their horses shod at once. They insisted on having new shoes put on their horses, but Kessing told them he did not have any, although he did ha^e some hanging from the ceiling of the shop. There were some farmers in the shop, but the troopers demanded that their horses be shod at once, and told Kessing that when he had them shod to bring them to the Kuntz saloon, and they would pay for the work. He shod them and took them to the saloon, but they immediately jumped upon them and rode away without paying. They rode off toward St. Marys, and

<»n Sunday ten of Morgan's men appo.iicd ai llic Imiii ihree miles west of St. Peters, and asked to hi' fiMl. Wliilf something for them to eat tliey visited the haiii to looU ;i he had heard of their coming and had hidden liis liorses any horses, they satisfied themselves liy taking three sliirt After eating the meal prepared for tlieni hy Mrs. l>iidlcy, farm of Frank Bosfelt, in tlie same lowiisliip :iii(l look a .-oiipU" of liorsis. They continued on east, and on the otliei- side of New 'rrcnlou inot the oiiinihus L,'oiii^' up the Miami hill and comiielled all of the passengers to li.ind over their nioney .iiid valual)les. One man from Hrookville. Alliert ("ooper. escaped some way or otiicr. while the others were relieved of their money, and hid in an oais field near tlie road. The onmibus company lost twelve horses.

It was expected that Brookville woiihl ho hy .M(iru:ni and coii-^cqiu'iilly every effort was made to defend the town. Colonel Cl.iypool. hroiii;lil to Hrookville on Sunday the Fayette Minute Men .inil the .\shland Ibnne Guards, numhering. altogether, about one hundred and fifty men. The mounted troops remained in Hrookville until Thursday morning and carried away with them the heartfelt wi.shes of every member of this community for the soldierly bearing and gentlemanly deiiortment which characterized the whole troop during their stay. As an evidence of the nniuner in which they were treated by our citizens, the following resolution w.is nn.inimonsly passed liy them .lust previous to their depart lire:

That the heartfelt thanks of the Fayette .Minute .Men and the Ashland H<mie (Juards be hereby tendereil to the citizens of Brookville. for their generous hospit.-ility and kindness during the time that said conip.-inies have hwn ipi.-irteied in their midst, and that this resolution he imlilished in the Uriiidiiiit and iHfrndn

As the war advanced it became increasingly difficult to fill the quota of the county and toward the latter part of the war it was filled with considerable difficulty. Drafts and the offer of lx)unties became necessary to meet the demands of the state authorities. On October 6, 1862, a draft assignment was inade to Fayette county as follows: Connersville township, six; Orange township, one ; Harrison township, five ; Posey township, t\\ent\-se\'en : \\'aterloo township, eighteen ; Fairview township, thirteen.

With the exception of a very few the (juota of Fayette county was composed of volunteers. The county, with a total militia enrollment in September, 1862, of one thousand six hundred and eighty-one men, had sent to the field five hundred and sixty men. recjuiring the foUowiiig month the small draft of seventy.

Suffering And Anguish

A detailed story of the part Fayette county took in this conflict will never be told ; it is one of those events which cannot be pictured. As far as a recital of the battles and marches of the various regiments containing Fayette county men is concerned, that is a mere matter of official record. But no pen will ever trace the story of the suffering and anguish experienced by the women and children who were left behind ; that account was indelibly stamped on their hearts and minds and most of it never even found vocal expression, and certainly none of it ever found its way into the official records. The county officials and groups of citizens in a private capacity ministered to the material wants of those dependent upon the soldiers in the field, but they did not have the power to assuage their grief or offer compensation for the loss of a father, son or husband. And thus a vital part of the Civil War history of Fayette county must be dismissed as being of such a character that the chronicler cannot record it.

Relief And Bounties

The material assistance rendered the dependent families during the progress of the war is a matter of official record. The county funds for this purpose during the entire war were in charge of James Elliott, who was designated as the "county agent." He distributed a total of $64,366.37 for the relief of soldiers' famihes, and an additional amount of $9,201.45 for other ptirposes of a charitable nature. This total of $73,567.82 represented only a part of the money expended in behalf of the dependent families. The various townships voted funds to the amount of $190,664, part of which was for relief and part in the shape of lx)unties offered for enlistments. In the latter case the amount, that is, the bounty money, was sufficient to take care of the family during the absence of the father, husband or son at the front. Before the end of the war the total bounty - state, county and township - paid the individual recruit amounted to five hundred dollars. The county itself paid bounties totaling $190,764.

Nor was this the full extent of the aid extended to those who needed help. Not only did every church have an organization which actively assisted in this charitable work among the needy at home, but there were scores of other organizations working along the same line. The soldiers in the field Avere the recipients of food, clothing and other comforts from their loved ones at home. The farmers in the various townsliips donated wood and food to the cause. A notice in the newspapers on October 22, 1863, gives the information that two hundred and fifty cords of wood had been donated for needy families. Other references in the newspaper files note donations of wood from time to time. On one day the farmers of Waterloo township alone contributed seventeen loads of wood; on another occasion forty loads were credited to the Lockhart neighborhood, and other townships and separate communities contributed in proportion. Connersville township reported donations of fifty-two loads of wood at one time. The largest number of loads at any one time was reported at one hundred, that number l>eing contributed in December, 1864.

The End Of The War

The long struggle finally came to an end with the fall of Richmond in April, 1865, and when the news was received in Connersville it was made the cause of great rejoicing. The Times, in commenting on the receipt of the news that the capital of the Southern Confederacy had fallen, had the following to say in its issue of April 13:

Sueli sceues never liiive ;iud probably uever will occur again in Connersville as were witnessed last Monday. The fall of Iticliuiond was celebrated here in a measure, but then the cup of joy was not yet full, and the surrender of Lee and his army remained to assure our people of the final triumph of the glorious old Army of the Potomac, and to make "assurance doubly sure" that the Rebellion had received its death blow. Early on Monday morning the glad news of that great event was borne us on the telegraph wires, and our pen cannot portray the joy with which our citizens received the news that the army which for four years had given the Rebellion all its vitality, was among the things of the past. Demoralized, battered and broken it had been, but our fondest hopes were consummated when the bleeding remnant of the Army vf Northern Virginia laid down its arms at the feet of that glorious hero, U. S. Grant. Upon the receipt of the news the first notes of rejoicing rang forth from the church bells, which had the day before called their congregations to peaceful worship; to these chimes were soon added those of the court house bell and all other bells, both large and small, in the town, and the clamor had reached its climax when guns and anvils joined in the chorus. The stores were closed, every-day avocations were abandoned instantly, and soon the whole population of the city were jambed into Monroe street. Then who can describe the scene that followed and continued far into the night? Not a countenance but bore a smile. Shouts upon .shouts rent the air amid the shaking of hands and frantic embraces. The people were wild with joy. Col. Nelson Trusler arrived from Indianapolis in the evening, and in resiwnse to the call of his fellowcitizens made a short .si)eech, which aptly illustrated the condition of the people. He said that he left Indianapolis that morning because ever.vbody was drunk, and he wanted to go to some place where he could find sober folks; they captured and detained him awhile at Cambridge City, but there he found the citizens drunker than they were at Indianapolis.

Ivast Siiiulay was a glorious epoch, and if it were not a day for whicli all other days were made, yet it was a day for generations, and our children will hereafter hold it in grateful remembrance so long as the nation sh.ill survive.

Assassination Of President Lincoln

An account of the news of the assassination of President Lincoln was given to the people of Conners\'ille and Fayette county in the Times with its issue of April lo, 1863. It must have been an occasion of impressive moment to judge b}' what the editor has to say :

Ceremonies appropriate of the funeral of the President of the United .States were held in all the churches of Connersville that are regularly oijened for worship, yesterday. The stillness and solemnity of the Sabbath prevails throughout the town. The business houses were closed the entire day, and uiwn all were the emblems of mourning. The court house and many of the private residences were also draped in mourning. Such a scene was never before witnessed in Connersville.

Spanish-American War

I~ayette county did not have a company in the Spanish-American War, but a number of young men from the county, mostly kom Connersville, enlisted in companies recruited in other counties in the stats. An examination of the official roster of the five regiments raised by the state for service in this war shows the following with their residence given as Connersville: Edward L. Cooley, Frank R. Dinger, Charles E. Payne and Harry Wregg, all of Company A, One tlundred and Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, mustered in on June 16, 1898, and mustered out on November 4, 1898: Clinton Crago, Jacob Godar, Joe Morford and Thomas J. Wolfe, of Company D, same regiment ; Basil Middleton, Will Glisson, Harry H. Hall, Charles S. Hoffner, George Holder, Will Myers, George A. Plummer and Ernest L. Ragan. of Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry: George W. Eshelman, Henry A. Hosey, Charles 'M^'illiams, Jr., and Joim F. Hunt, Second United States Volunteers, Engineer Corps : and Aquilla B. Hatton and Clement D. Rowe, Fourteenth United States Signal Corps.

The only enlisted man from Fayette county to rise above the rank of a private was Harry Hall. He was appointed corporal on October i, 1898. The records show that Basil Middleton was mustered in as a musician with the Rushville com])any. All the others were privates.

l'"a}ette county's only na\al ofticer. Lieut. -Coninianck-r Hilary Williams, is now executive officer alioard the "'Xew Hampshire,'" one of the navy's largest fighting ships. Lieut. -Commander Williams, the son of .\m1jrose Williams and wife, was liorn and reared near Harrishuri;- and received all of his elementary etlucation in this county. He was ajipointed to the Xaval .\cadem\- at .\nnapolis in the spring of 1803, -i''"' ^^'^^^ graduated from that noted institution at the beginning of the .Spanish-American war. During the time that the L'nited States fleets and the shi])s of Spain were contesting for supremacy upon the high seas. Williams, then a midshipman, was assigned to duty aboard the historic "Oregon." which made a record-breaking cruise around Cape Horn. He was in the battle of Santiago on board the "Iowa." This naval officer's younger brother. Major Arthur Williams, of the United States army, received an appointment to \\'est I\iint in 1897 ''^''"' ^^''^ graduated from that celebrated institution four years later. He is now stationed at San Francisco as a member of the l'nited States Engineering Corps.

Edward Berling is a Connersville boy who is now in the l'nited States navy. He enlisted at lndiana])olis, January 29, 1916, and after serving a short time at Great Lakes, Illinois, was assigned to the battleship "Oklahoma." He has received se\'eral promotions and is in line to occujiv still higher positions.

In February. 1016, Russell T. \\'agner, of Conners\ille, enlisted in the ser\-ice of the United States nav\- and served the usual ajiprenticeship ;it Great Lakes. Illinois. He remained there until Mav _' [ and then was assigned to the battleship "Florida."

The most recent enlistment in the navy from Connersville was that of Earl Gwinnup who enlisted in January, 1917. He is now at Great Lakes, Illinois, receiving his preliminary training.

It is not known how many of the young men of Fayette county have served for various periods of service in the navy, but one of the most prominent of the number is D. E. Trusler, now editor of the CoimcrsviUc Dailv Examiner. He was in the navy from h;o5 to 1909 and during that time visited every port of any importance in the world, crossing the equator no less than twenty-eight times. He was first stationed on the "Charleston" and later on the "West Virginia."

The only Fayette county boy to invade Mexico with General Pershing in 1916 was Charles J. Drescher. of Connersville. He enlisted, on January

5, 1914, at Atlanta, Georgia, and became attached to Troop D, Eleventh Cavalry, of the regular army. He enlisted as a private and on November I, 1 916, was promoted to coqDoral.

Another Connersville boy who is a member of the regular army is Alvin H. Hall. He enlisted on June 5, 1916, and on August 5, 1916, was sent to Ft. Bhss, Te.xas. He is now stationed at that point and is a member of Troop B, SeA'enteenth Cavalry.

William N. Ochiltree was one of the young men of Connersville to go to the Mexican border with Company I, in the summer of 1916. Upon reaching the border he was promoted to first orderly and was promoted from time to time until he became supply sergeant.

Major Edward Chrisman. son of Jesse Chrisman and wife, was appointed to West Point Academy in 1884 and graduated in 1888. After graduation he was stationed at Omaha, Nebraska, for a short time and then spent one year in the torpedo school at Willets Paint near Brooklyn. When war was declared between the United States and Spain, he entered the army as a first lieutenant, finally being promoted to captain. He was in the memorable siege of San Juan Hill and has seen service in the Philippine Islands. He is now stationed in the canal zone, in Panama.

A Connersville boy who has made an enviable record in the regular army is Basil Middleton, now instructor at Culver Military Academy. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he enlisted with Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a Inigler. During the Mexican activity of 191 6 he served as captain, and adjutant of the First Regiment, Indiana National Guard, stationed along the Llano Grande river. He is an expert rifleman and has won many honors on account of his excellent markmanship.

Military Organizations

There are two organizations in the county which are based on wars in which the United States has engaged. One is the Daughters of the American Revolution and the other the Grand Army of the Republic. There was formerly an organization of the Sons of Veterans in Connersville, but it has ceased its existence as an active organization.

Daughters Of The American Revolution

Connersville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized on April lo, 1909, with the following charter members: Flora Caldwell Broaddus, Mrs. Sophia Alice Chitwood, Cornelia Disney Conwell, Annie Disney Conwell, Lillian Chambers, Margaret I. Dickson, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Carver, Mrs. Irene Pepper Johnson, Mrs. Isabel Morrison Kensler, Mrs. Mary Susan Pepper and Sophia Ethel Pepper. The first officers were as follows: Regent, Mrs. Tracy B. Johnson; vice-regent. Miss Cornelia Conwell; recording secretary, ]\liss Margaret T. Dick.^^on : registrar, Mrs. P. H. Kensler; treasurer, Mrs. K. \'. Hawkins; historian. Flora Broaddus: chaplain, Mrs. Mary Pepper.

Since the organization of the local chapter it has lost only two by death : Mrs. Martha Anna Brumfiel, died July 5, 191 3: Mrs. Mary Susan Pepper, died December 31, 191 5.

The chapter has made an effort to locate the graves of all the Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in the county, and thus far has located ten: Jonathan Davis (1760-1845), Springersville cemetery; James Hamer, Union cemetery; Daniel Bloomhart (died in 1837), Jonathan Gillian (1758- 1833), James Justice (1742-1832), Nicholas Keemar (died in 1828) and James Pierce, Orange township cemetery: Amos Milner (died in 1851), Mt. Garrison cemetery: Robert Groves (died in 1855) and Samuel Isles (died in 1855), Fairview cemetery.

The chapter has presented a flag to the public library of the city and a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence to each of the five school buildings in the city. On April iq of each year the chapter gives three prizes to the pupils of the eighth grade for the best essay on a Revolutionary subject. It has contributed to the Southern Industrial Institution, and to the purchase of Turkey Run. As a Centennial Memorial it selected a site for a boulder on which will be inscribed "To the Defenders of Our Country."

The officers for the year 1916-1917 are as follow: Regent, Mrs. C. C. Hull; vice-regent, Mrs. Scott Michener; recording secretary, Mrs. Fanny Nevin ; registrar, Mrs. P. H. Kensler ; treasurer, Mrs. J. E. Page ; historian, Mrs. W. F. L. Sanders: chaplain, Mrs. A. L. Chrisman.

Grand Army Of The Republic

Connersville Post No. 126, Grand Army of the Republic, was instituted on January 9, 1883, in accordance with the charter granted on December 20, 1882. The installation ceremonies were in charge of P. C. Iliff, O. D. \\'ebster. Adjutant Pixell and Quartermaster-Sergeant Campbell, of Richmond, Indiana. Of the original thirt3^-six charter members only twelve are now living. Their names are Justin K. Proctor, ^^'illiam N. Young, James M. Waldrip, George S. Johnson, Joseph S. Hoover, Samuel Kirkham, John Payne, Harvev Smith, Lycurgus L. Cooley, James S. Scott, George F. Stewart and John H. Whiteford. The deceased charter members are William J. Jewiss, Frank W. Reynolds, S. W. Johnson, Robert Utter, John A. Dunn, William Cotton, Thomas J. Clark, Noah Lyons, Homer B. Woodcock, Wil-

This is the only post which has ever been established in the county and has had a total membership of alwut three hundred during its entire career. The membership at any one time has not reached this number. Since its organization it. has held regular meetings. At first they were held weekly, but for several years the post has met only twice each month. The hall, which is over the First National Bank, is furnished by the county commissioners. It should be mentioned in this connection that the county commissioners are authorized by law not only to pay for the rental of the hall, but also to allow fifty dollars for the burial expenses of each old soldier. In 1916 the appropriation for the hall was one hundred and fifty dollars, while seven hundred dollars was appropriated for the burial of old soldiers. There are now two soldiers of the county in the National Soldiers Home at Dayton, Ohio, but none in either the National Home at Marion, Indiana, or the State Soldiers Home at Lafayette. The best estimate of the present number of Civil War veterans in the county places the number at one hundred and twelve, of whom thirty-seven are now members of the post.

Officers Of The Post

The officers for the year 1917 are as follow: George Williams, post commander; Elbert DeHaven, senior vice-commander; Oscar Caswell, junior vice-commander; William T. Murray, adjutant; George F. Stewart, quartermaster ; Justin K. Proctor, sergeant : John Whiteford, chaplain ; Lycurgus L. Cooley, officer of the day ; Frank Mason, officer of the guard ; Peter Cline, sergeant-major; A. Y. Neff, quartermaster-sergeant. (21)

Sons Of Veterans

Davis Camp No. 4, Sons of Veterans, was instituted at Connersville on March 7, 1884, by Col. J. E. Edmondson, assisted by the members of the Connersville Post. The camp was organized with nineteen members and named in honor of Lieut. A. M. Davis, who was wounded at the battle of Shiloh and afterwards died from the effects of the wound. About 1906 the order was revived, Camp Frank I-. Johnson being instituted and at one time having a membership of seventy-five, but after two or three years the camp died because its members were too busy to keep up regular meetings.