Gibson County, Indiana - Chapter 18: Soldiers Monuments, 1914

Chapter 18: Soldiers Monuments

The idea lor the Ciibson enmity soldiers' iiKinuiiient tncik dehiiite form in April, igio, when .Vreher I'ost. (irand .\rniy of the Ke])ulilie. after discussing inipr(.)\enients which were l)ein.i;" made in the court house S(|uare, appointed a committee to secure signatures to a petition to the county commissioners for a county soldiers' monument, untler the state law which permits a county appropriation of not to exceed fifty thousand dollars for a monument to Civil war soldiers, upon petition of a majority of the legal voters of the county.

One of the leaders in the movement was David Wilson Smith, veteran of Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana A'olunteer Infantry, and another enthusiastic spirit was Joseph K. McGary. .\ monument committee was appointed by Archer Post, with Air. Smith as chairman. James W. Lewis as secretary, anrl the following other members: Joseph Moore, Dr. W. W. Blair, Joseph K. McGary. .\11 worked nobly, and with able assistance from other memljers and patriotic citizens, and on October 6, 1910, petitions were filed with county commissioners bearing four thousand eleven hundred and eleven signatures, a good majority. The petition was fax-orahly acted upon, and on January 4, 191 1, the county council made an ap])ro])riation of twenty-five thousand dollars for the monument.

.\ little later, from many competitive designs, that of Clark lirothers, of Urbana, Illinois, and Princeton, was selected as the most desirable for the monument, and afterward the contract for construction and erection was awarded to Clark brothers, the s])ecifications providing, after consideration of various marbles, that the base should be of Barre granite and the shaft of Montello, Wisconsin, granite. The sub-contract for the bronze figures went to Rudolph Schwarz, noted sculptor, of Indianapolis. The concrete iiase was laid in the fall of iQii. Building of the shaft went forward satisfactorily at the Alontello quarries, so that it was ready for delivery in July of 1912. The bronze figures were also ready a little later, but there was long delay in getting the base from Vermont, and so the shaft was not brought here and erected until September. It was not until November 12, 1912, that the shaft was completed and ready for dedication, and it was on that date that the ceremony of dedication took place. This was a great event for Princeton, and especially for the old veterans of the county, who had worked and waited long for the realization of their hopes.

Every preparation for the dedication had been carefully planned. Invitations to all the neighboring counties had been sent out, an interesting program of music and addresses had been arranged; everything had been arranged except the regulation of the weather. That turned out bad. A heavy rain set in early in the morning which put a damper on all other well regulated arrangements. But the people came from all parts of the county and from surrounding counties. Civil war \eterans were present in goodly numbers from every county in the district. Filled with enthusiasm and the memory of experiences in army life, it required more than such a downpour of rain to dampen their ardor on this occasion. It was only a realistic reminder of old times.

At half past one o'clock in the afternoon the formal dedication ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic was conducted by Archer Post, in the presence of a vast crowd of people, including fifteen hundred children from the public schools. Preceding this there was a parade of about three hundred veterans around the public square, headed by a drum corps composed of veterans.

Owing to the unfavorable weather the other part of the program was given in the United Presbyterian church. This program consisted of patriotic songs by a chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Irene Coolidge, and the following addresses: "The American Flag," by Lucius C. Embree; "Monuments, their History and Significance," by Thomas Duncan; "Indiana Soldiers in the War of 1861 to 1865," by John W. Brady; "One Country and One Flag," bv Arthur P. Twineham ; "Gibson County in the Civil War," by Col. Gil R. Stormont.

This monument stands on the southeast corner of the public square, facing southeast, and it is a credit to the people of Gibson county and to all who had to do with its design and erection. It Is something over sixty feet in height, surmounted by a bronze figure representing a color bearer. Bronze figures are on pedestals around the base, rejiresenting the different branches of the army and navy service. On the front of the first die is the inscription :

Fifty-Eighth Indiana Regiment Monument

"Erected 1012, by the Citizens of Gibson County, Indiana, In Ilonor of the \'alor and Patriotism of the 2,200 Soldiers and Sailors, Wiio luihsted from Gil)son County in the Civil War, of 1861 to 1865. A Tribute to the Memory of the 500 \\'ho Gave the I'ull Measure of Dexotion to Their Countr}-."

"It is rather for us the living, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this Xation, under God, shall have a new liirth of freetloni, and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not jjerish from ih.e earth." - I'>on^ Lincoln's Gettysluirg .\ddress, 1863.

Strangers who \'isit Princetijn are attracteil by the modest marble shaft which stands in the southwest comer of llie courthouse si|uare, and fre- ([uent in<|uiries are made of citizens and Inisiness men for information as to its histor\', and there are fref|uent visits made lo the monument by the seeker after knowledge of its origin and meaning. But with all this inquiry and investigation, incorrect information and erroneous ideas are often obtained by these seekers after knowledge, for the reason that there are comparatively few of the citizens and business men of the town who are sufficiently informed to give correct answer to the incjuiring stranger. Some of the historians of Gibson county have referred to this monument as evidence of the patriotic regard entertained by the people of the county for the soldiers who laid down their lives for the defense of their country, whereas, the people of the county had nothing whatever to do with the erection of this monument. Neither had the people of Princeton, except to furnish a committee to superintend its construction and secure a place for its erection.

The money for the erection nf this monument came from the survivors of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry Ke^jiment. in honor of whose dead it was erected, and all of this mi>ney was raised liy voluntary donations and subscriptions from members of the regiment while in service. A considerable part of this fund was obtained by appropriating certain money due the members of the regiment on account of an allowance for unused rations, supplemented b}- liberal sul^scriptions by officers and men of the regiment. The contract for the construction of the monument was made in 1863, and it was completed, erected and dedicated before the regiment was discharged from the service. In the manner of its conception, as well as in the manner anil cimditions under which it was erected and dedicated, it is in a class by itself. It was the first regmiental monument erected in the state in memory of the soldiers of the Civil war, and it is the only one in this state, or in the United States, that was erected and dedicated by a regiment in honor of its deceased soldiers while that regiment was still in the service. History has been challenged to show its counterpart in the world and this challenge has not been answered.

In view of these facts, that the truth of history might be preserved, and the present generation and generations to come, might have wherewith to make answer to the inquiry, "What mean these stones?" we submit the following historical sketch, written by the late Lieut.-Col. Joseph Moore, of the Fiftv-eighth Indiana, who was secretary of the regimental monument association :

"In the early months of 1863, the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment was encamped near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as a part of the Army of the Cumberland, under General Rosecrans. During part of this time Lieutenant- Colonel Embree and myself occupied the same tent as quarters, and by us and Quartermaster Samuel Sterne was conceived the idea of erecting a monu- nient by the survivors of the regiment, to perpetuate the memory of our deeeased comrades. Tlie plan was matured antl it was made known and explained to our comrades of the regiment and was heartily approved by them. A plan of organization was drawn up and adopted. Lieutenant-Colonel Embree was elected president, and myself, then major, elected secretary and treasurer. Liberal subscriptions to meet the expense of the proposed monument were made b)- officers and men of the regiment at the time of the organization. It was stipulated that the cost of the monument should not exceed hve thousand dollars, and that no subscription should be solicited nor received from any source outside of the regiment, as it was intended tcj |je a monument of the regiment and erecteil b}- the regiment.

"It was determined by the voice of the regiment that the monument should be erected in the courthouse s(piare, in Princeton, where the regiment was organized. A local committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. Andrew Lewis, Joseph Devin, William Kurtz and John Kell, to carry out the wishes of 'the regiment. The committee advertised for designs, with probable cost of erection, and these designs were forwarded to the regimental organization, then in the field, near Hillsboro, Tennessee. The design of C. Rule antl Coleman of Cincinnati, Ohio, was adopted as the choice of the regiment, and the local committee was instructed to close a contract with this firm. It was stipulated in the contract that the monument should be completed b)- the time the regiment returned from the lield at the expiration of its term of three years' service. This time was, however, extended for nearly a \ear on account of the re-enlistment of the regiment as veterans.

"The design of the monument adopted and as erected was an elegant marble shaft about thirty-three feet in height. On the north side are crossed swords and wreath. On the east side a small shield resting upon oak and myrtle. Underneath is a large wreath encircling the words, "Erected by the Survivors of the Eifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers to the Memory of Their Deceased Comrades." On the south side is a knapsack supporting crossed muskets and flags, and a soldier's cap. On the west side is the coatof-arms of the state of Indiana. On the front in large raised letters are the words, "Honor the Elag." On the several sides of the caps of the dies are the following names of battles in which the regiment engaged : "Stone's River," "Lavergne," "Chickamauga," "Mission Ridge." The American eagle, made of the finest Italian marble, surmounts the shaft, holding in its beak and talons the national ensign."

the shaft at the time of its construction. Names of those who died in the service after its completion were added later. It was not intended that the names of those who died after the regiment was discharged should be inscribed on the monument.

The monument was formally dedicated on Tuesday, July 4, 1865. As has been stated, the regiment was still in the service at this time, but they were at Louisville waiting for their discharge. Many of the officers and men received furloughs and were present at the dedication. Addresses were made by Dr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. John McMaster, Chaplain John J. Hight of the Fifty-eighth, and others. The dedication of this monument was a great day in Princeton. Thousands of people were present, including many of the Gibson countv soldiers who bail returned from the war, all rejoicing in victory and peace.

But amid this rejoicing there were many in sorrow and tears because of the absence of loved ones whose names were inscribed on the monument to be dedicated. The names are still there, but most of those who mingled tears with rejoicing at the dedication of this monument, iDearing the names of loved ones, have passed away. The monument itself is yielding to the ravages of time and is crumbling away, but it is none the less entitled to the highest honor, reverence and respect from the citizens of Princeton, young and old, and from the stranger as well, who comes within our gates. For nearly half a century this monument has stood in this most public place, a silent testimony of th.e priceless heritage that is enjoyed by this generation. It stands as a memento of the patriotism, love, sacrifice and comradeship of soldiers, who, from their small pittance in the army, created the fund for its erection. Time has dimmed its artistic beauty. As an object of the sculptor's art it has lost much of its former attractiveness. As compared with other monuments of modern construction, it may appear obscure and insignificant. But in its meaning, in sacrifice, sentiment and comradeship, it looms far above and be}-ond them all.

Company F, Forty-Second Indiana, Monument

On a little triangular piece of ground near the track of the Southern railroad, in Oaklantl City, there stands a modest appearing shaft which attracts the attention of people passing by on the train. If these passing people are interested enough and inquisitive enough to ask someone what this modest shaft represents, the information will probably be that this is a monument erected by the surviving members of Company F, Forty-second

The monument was erected during the summer of 1893 'i""^! ^^'^^ dedicated in September of that j-ear. The initial steps were taken at a reunion of the company a year prior to that time, when a committee was api)ointed to raise the necessary funds. This committee was composed of Col. W. M. Cockruni, John W. Corder, James T. Bell, John 1'. Simpson and Washing- Con Strickland. Dr. George C. ]\Iason acted as an ad\isor_\- nieml)er and ga\-e much financial and advi.sory aitl which was greatly appreciated by the company. L'ol. ^^'. M. Cockrum executed a deed to Gibson C(junty for the lot on which the monument stands.

The contract for the monument was awarded to ^^'illianl Kellev of Oaklantl City at a cost of near one thousand dollars. The material used was oolitic limestone. The monument stands on a base seven feet square and is twenty-eight feet in height. On the top is the figure of a soldier carved in stone. On the several sides of the dies are the names of all the original members of the company and the recruits, one hundred and forty-three in number.

On a panel for that purpose are the names of the original field and stafif officers of the regiment. On another side of the shaft there is a scroll in which is inscribed, "Starved to Death at Andersonville," and underneath are the names of eleven members of the company who gave this supreme test of their devotion to their country. Following are the names : Chesterfield P. Dill, Alford Farmer, J. M. Hunter, H. H. Hunter, John H. Martin, Adam Canon, William A. Reavis, W. W. Oliver, .\. H. Mariner, Jacob Strickland and A. C. Coleman. These all were taken prisoners at the battle of Chickamauga and died at Andersonville.

In appropriate places on the shaft appear the names of battles in which the company participated. There are as follows: Perr)rville, Stone's River, Stevenson. Flint River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Buzzard Roost, Big Shanty, Snake Creek Gap, Chattahoochie River, Bentonville.

As stated, this monument was dedicated in September. 1893. .\t the dedication there was a large assemblage of the surviving members of the company and regiment, soldiers from other regiments, citizens and friends. These all gathered around the monument where an appropriate address was flelivered by Capt. A. J. ^IcCutchan, of Company A, Forty-second Regiment. It was a proud day for the veterans of this company when they could look upon the completion of this monument as the crowning triumph of the cause for wiTich they fought, even though this rejoicing was mingled with tears in memory of those whose names were inscribed on the monument who had given up their Hves for that cause.