Hancock County, Indiana - Chapter 7: Military, 1916 (part 2 of 2)

In the fall of 1863, when President Lincoln made a call for three hundred thousand volunteers, it became evident that larger bounties would have to be offered if the county was to escape the draft. The county commissioners did not want to take upon themselves the entire responsibility of so great a matter, which involved so heavy an indebtedness upon the county, without knowing pretty definitely how the people of the county felt about it.

A citizens' mass meeting was held at Greenfield on Saturday, November 8, 1863, to give an expression upon the propriety of giving a bounty through Ihe county commissioners to volunteers under the late call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand troops. Captain Riley was chosen president, and Robert P. Brown, secretary. Dr. B. F. Duncan offered the following resolution :

"Whereas, the President of the United States has recently issued his proclamation for three hundred thousand volunteers to infuse new life and vigor into the prosecution of the war for its suppression ; and

"Whereas, it is desirable that the quota allotted to Hancock county should be raised by volunteers prior to the 5th day of January, 1864, therefore,

"Resolved, that as an inducement to our fellow citizens to volunteer in the common defense of our country, and in addition to the bounty offered by the general government, the board of county commissioners of Hancock county are hereby authorized and instructed by this meeting of citizens and laxpayers of the county to cause an order upon the county treasurer for the sum of one hundred dollars to be issued to each and every person who shall or may volunteer under the present call for three hundred thousand volunteers, and be accepted as a recruit in the United States service, and be accredited upon the quota allotted to Hancock county. This bounty to be continued until the quota shall have been filled.

"Resolved, that the secretary present the action of this meeting to the board of commissioners at the meeting of said board on Monday, November 9, 1863."

in the volunteering, with authority to appoint additional committees for each township, was then adopted. The president appointed William Mitchell, Morgan Chandler, George H. Walker, John W. Ryon and John C. Rardin as such committee.

The above resolutions were duly presented to the commissioners on Monday, November 9, 1863, and the board received them with due courtesy, but having been called for a specific purpose could transact no business other than that for which they had been called. A special meeting of the board of commissioners was called for Saturday, November 21, 1863, to determine the matter.

In order to satisfy and assure the county commissioners of the feeling of the taxpayers upon the matter of the bounties, petitions were circulated in each of the townships for the signatures of taxpayers asking for the allowance of such bounty.

"We, the undersigned, citizens and taxpayers of Hancock county. Indiana, hereby request the board of county commissioners to give a bounty of one hundred dollars to every person who volunteers, and shall be accepted as a soldier in the United States service from this county under the last call of the President for three hundred thousand volunteers to prosecute the present war, provided that no bounty be given after the quota of the county is filled."

The following gentlemen were appointed as township committees to circulate the petitions and report to the central committee : Blue River, James P. New, N. D. Coffin; Brown, Dr. William Trees, W. L. Garriott; Buck- Creek, Thomas J. Hanna, James Collins ; Brandywine, Alfred Potts, John Roberts ; Center, William F. Pratt, William Mitchell ; Green, Edward Voluntine, Robison Jarrett ; Jackson, John Barrett, George W. Sample ; Sugar Creek, Robert P. Brown, Dr. William Dye ; Vernon, Nimrod Lightfoot, Rev. William Anderson.

Satisfied with the showing thus made the board of county commissioners at a special meeting on November 21, 1863, made another order allowing a bounty of one hundred dollars on county orders "to each volunteer who may be accepted from this county under the call of the President of the United States for three hundred thousand volunteers.

"Under said call in making this allowance the county commissioners would appeal to the citizens of the county to take up these orders when issued at par upon the following terms and conditions to-wit :. If the quota of the county was proportionately divided among the townships the following would be the result: Blue River, 12; Brown, 13; Brandywine, 11; Buck Creek, 12; Center, 33; Green, 13; Jackson, 21 ; Sugar Creek, 17; Vernon, 18.

"It is recommended that the citizens of each township take up these orders to an amount equal to the number of volunteers each would have to furnish, where the volunteer does not take the orders himself. And further, that when the citizens of a township fail to take up the orders within fifteen days after the issuing of the same any citizens of the county may have the privilege of taking the same."

Though a very earnest effort was made during the latter part of the war when the heavy calls for volunteers were made to replace the men whose terms were expiring, to fill the county's quota by volunteers without having a man drafted, the endeavor did not wholly succeed. Loyal men gave of their time and energy, and the young men came forward and enlisted, so that when the drafts were made the numbers still required were small.

The amount of money expended by the people of Hancock county to aid the government in suppressing the rebellion and in giving relief to the families at home was enormous, as shown by the reports of the county auditor and the adjutant-general of the state of Indiana. The amount under the head of "Bounty" includes what was paid for substitutes. No report on relief was made by. Brown, Brandywine and Buck Creek townships. The following is a statement of the amounts expended :

Southern Sympathy

It is impossible to arrive at a proper appreciation of the fine loyalty of the people, or form a correct estimate of the strength of southern sympathy without viewing this phase of the county's history in its relation to the state as a whole. "

It became a notorious fact soon after the outbreak of the Civil War, that not only Indiana, but that Illinois, Missouri and other Northern states were honeycombed with a secret organization known as the "Knights of the Golden Circle," and later as the "Sons of Liberty." The purpose of this organization was to give aid to the South. At the trial at Indianapolis, in 1864, of Harrison H. Dodd, grand commander of the "Sons of Liberty," on a charge of treason, the evidence showed that forty-five counties in the state had been fully organized by this secret order; that local lodges or "temples" had been organized in other counties, and that its membership consisted of more than eighteen thousand men. The evidence adduced in that trial further showed that members were sworn to secrecy and to the performance of acts designed to aid the South and embarrass the North. Among the obligations taken were those of supporting Jefferson Davis, North and South; of aiding in the release of Confederate prisoners in the North, and of aiding the Confederates when they should invade the northern states. To weaken the Union arms it was the plan of the order to encourage desertions and to resist recruiting. To this end township organizations were effected for the protection of deserters from the Union army, and open resistance was made to the enforcement of the draft in some counties. The evidence further showed that well defined efforts were made in various ways, to cripple the work of the state authorities in sending reinforcements to the field. These efforts were directed toward securing the passage of legislative acts and resolutions unfavorable to the Union cause; toward securing expressions of popular disapproval of the war, and toward disseminating a disloyal feeling among the people. The Cnion men in the Legislature had to be on their guard constantly to prevent harmful legislation. The following excerpts taken from resolutions adopted by the citizens assembled in mass meetings in six different counties in the state, also illustrate the degree to which these efforts found a response. Many more could be added to the list :

"We declare the proposed draft for five hundred thousand men to be the most damnable of all outrages perpetrated by the administration upon the people.

"Our interest and inclination will demand of us a withdrawal from the political association in a common government with the New England states.

"We regard the lives of white men as of more value than the freedom of the negro, and we have given the last man and the last money we are willing to give for the present abolition war.

"We are opposed to the war under any and all circumstances, and we are opposed to the further continuance of this unholy and unnatural strife,

"The further prosecution of this war will result in the overthrow of the constitution, of civil liberty, of the federal government, in the elevation of the black man and the degradation of the white man in the social and political status of the country.

"That we are unqualifiedly opposed to the further prosecution of this abolition war; and believing that in its continued prosecution there await us only the murderous sacrifice of legions of brave men, ignominious and disgraceful defeat, shame and dishonor at home and abroad, public ruin and the serious endangerment of our liberties, we unhesitatingly declare that we are for peace, the cessation of hostilities, an armistice, and the peaceful settlement of existing difficulties by compromise or negotiation, through a national convention.

"We are unqualifiedly opposed to the further prosecution of this abolition war, and, believing that in its further prosecution there awaits us only the murderous sacrifice of our national honor * * * * we solemnly declare that we will not furnish another man or another dollar to carry on this abolition war."

As set over against the above resolutions, the following were adopted by the citizens of Hancock county, assembled at Greenfield in mass meeting, January 16, 1861 :

"Resolved, by the Hancock Guard and the citizens here assembled, that in view of the present imminent danger to the perpetuity of our country, the Constitution and laws are our only safety; that we pledge ourstelves to stand by those in power who faithfully maintain the one and execute the other; and that in the language of General Jackson this Union must and shall be preserved."

February 3, 1864: "Resolved, that we will still continue to give to the government of the United States, through its legitimately constituted authority, our unhesitating and hearty support in its efforts to suppress the rebellion and conquer a peace."

Though we have these splendid expressions of loyalty the county also had its Southern sympathizers. Thev made known their attitude toward the solution of the problems then before the government by wearing the "butternut'' colors. Men and boys wore "butternut" suits, and women and girls wore butternut garments and decorations. Among the decorations worn, the "butternut pin." made of a cross section of a butternut, - and which, by the way, when polished makes a very pretty pin, - was one of the most popular methods of giving expression to Southern sympathy. Because of the use of the "butternut" colors and pins for such purposes the sympathizers with the South were known as "butternuts." By the abolitionists or radicals who felt that circumstances demanded the application of a stronger term, they were called "copperheads." The men and women who lived in the county during that period have very clear recollections of the extent to which the butternut colors were displayed.

It was never proven in any court that the Knights of the Golden Circle or Sons of Liberty ever organized a "temple" in Hancock county. There was a very deep-seated conviction, however, in the minds of a vast majority of the people, whether right or wrong, that such an organization did exist, and that among its sworn members were included some of the most prominent families of the county.

Open and combined resistance by overt acts was never offered in the county to the work of the national government. Meetings, however, were held in the county, attended by men who were lukewarm in the Union cause, if not in open sympathy with the Confederacy. Many of them supplied themselves with firearms. Union men also had their meetings, sometimes behind locked doors and in rooms where arms were stored. These conditions gave great concern to the people of the county. Acts of open violence occurred in nearby parts of the state, which intensified this feeling of uneasiness. The "Battle of Pogue's Run," the discovery of arms packed in boxes marked "Sunday School Books." and the efforts, or at least the rumors of efforts, to release the Confederate prisoners at Indianapolis, are still fresh in the memories of the people then residents in this community.

Though open resistance was never offered to the national government, feeling, as stated above, was very intense in the county and frequently found expression in fistic encounters and street brawls. Stones and other missiles sometimes came flying out of the darkness, and people, especially those most active, felt the insecurity of life and property during those years. An instance is still recounted of a stanch Union man who stood in the light of a bonfire listening to a Union speech, and who was unceremoniously awakened from his reverie by being hit on the head with a brick. Another incident is also told of a radical Union man who came down the street and threatened to drive his wagon over the body of a "copperhead" who had been knocked down in a brawl, unless his friends should drag his body out of the way.

Frequently attempts were made to snatch the butternut pins or other emblems from the persons of men and also of women and girls. These little encounters sometimes led to good-natured scraps and sometimes to bitter fights. Such instances, and they could be multiplied, illustrate the mental and nervous strain to which the county was subjected during those years. To appreciate the terribleness of this strain more fully than it can be portrayed here, one needs but to converse with the men and women who lived through it.

Though there were "butternuts'' in the county, and though there was a strong conviction current that many of them were also sworn members of the Knights of the Golden Circle, these matters do not seem to have affected the social relations of the people. Families attended the same church, ladies were members of the same clubs and societies, men engaged in business together, and all people maintained their neighborly relations, to all outward appearances at least, about the same as before the war. Yet, to the minds of the stanch, loyal, Union people the wearing of the "butternut" during that hour of the nation's peril savored of treason. This same attitude toward the Southern sympathizers also found expression in the mass meetings of the citizens of the county. The following resolutions adopted by the people assembled at Fortville on April 23, 1863, must be viewed in this light or their significance is lost :

"Resolved, that the miscreants in our midst, who attempt to create dissatisfaction in the ranks of our gallant soldiers; and induce them to desert the colors made glorious by their valor on repeated battlefields are meaner traitors than the armed rebels of the South ; that they are entitled to and will receive the scorn of all honorable men.

"That we cordially endorse General Burnside's order, transporting Northern rebels beyond the Federal lines, where they legitimately belong."

The following preamble to the resolutions adopted by the citizens assembled in mass meeting at Greenfield, February 13, 1864, contains the same thought :

"Whereas, traitors in arms and their sympathizers not in arms persist in their purpose of overthrowing the government of the United States," etc.

The feeling, excitement and experiences of the people of the county may be viewed from several angles from expressions in letters written at the time. Following are a few illustrations :

"All is excitement here, but thanks to Him who rules the hour, we are not alarmed and exasperated by the arising as yet of one dark monument of infamy, disgrace and shame - a traitor.

"Although the report of political feeling and difficulty a short time ago would have plainly implied the reverse, old Hancock stands almost as a unit for the stars and stripes, the Union with the constitution and the administration. Democratic and Republican parties are for the time erased from the face of sentiment and now we have but one party and that standing bravely for the stars and stripes of the United States of America, for the protection of our great national fabric of liberty, for the enforcement of our laws and for the maintenance of our national dignity. Truly old Hancock is alive and for the first time in her life united in a common cause." (April 23, 1861.)

"The greatest excitement prevails here. Union meetings are being held almost every evening. Patriotic speeches are being made and troops raised to defend our country. The second company in this place was filled out yesterday. The first one to Indianapolis last Saturday evening. The others are

"I parted with some very near friends on Saturday, two dear teachers and several class mates. It wras hard indeed to part with them, but I could bid them Godspeed for I knew they were engaged in a glorious cause - the cause of liberty, and what more could they fight for? It was really a distressing sight to see parents parting with sons - perhaps the only one - sisters with brothers, and friends with friends, but it was most affecting to see husbands and wives parting. Mr. R. A. Riley is captain of the company. A company of the ladies intend going out to the camp today." (April 28, 1861.)

determine which to open first, but as sister was anxious to hear the news T tore brother's open and read far enough to find that he had not yet repented of his treachery. I then threw it down and took up yours, which I knew to be from a true-hearted loyalist." (July 12, 1861.)

here at home surrounded by kind friends and all the blessings of life, while you are in a strange land, exposed to every imaginable hardship and danger, surrounded by enemies who are seeking your life, and not knowing when you lie down "at night that you will be permitted to behold the dawn of another day. Although such thoughts are continually revolving in my mind I would not have you for a moment think that I wish you to abandon the cause. Xo, , duty calls loudly upon every loyal citizen to aid in suppressing this

"Much as I would like to see you I would not have you neglect your duty a single day to gratify my desire." (From a young lady to her soldier friend, September 22, 186 1.)

organize the Home Guards, then those vile copperheads must square themselves to the American eagle or leave the country. Saw the boys in Taylor Thomas' company - all looking hearty." (From a soldier, March 31, 1863.)

Current Phrases

The all-absorbing topic of conversation at the outbreak of the Civil War and during the war was the Union. Would the Union prevail or would disunion triumph ? Everywhere, on the street corners, in the country stores, at the meeting places, and in the homes, people were discussing the state of the Union. "Union" and "Dis-union" could be heard on all occasions. They became catch words. Though conditions were serious, people did not lose their sense of humor. The following advertisements taken from the local papers of the county show how the advertisers took advantage of the use of these words to attract popular attention :

The Union

"At the Burk Allen house, on the evening of the 24th, by Rev. J. Hill, Mr. D. McCarter, M. D., to Miss Cornelia Thorpe, of Anderson. Thus has another single state seceded, not from but into the union. May the union he perpetual and blissful and may no 'irrepressible conflicts' arise to disturb it."

Decoration Day

The decoration of soldiers' graves was not generally observed in this county for several years after the close of the war. The first definite steps, it seems, were taken in 1869. A petition was circulated on which about fifty names were secured, calling a meeting of the citizens at the court house at Greenfield on Tuesday evening, May 25, 1869, at the ringing of the bell. The purpose of the meeting was to make arrangements for decorating the soldiers' graves. This petition was published over the following names in the Hancock Democrat: Lot Edwards, George W. Dove, C. C. Mays, James H. Carr, Benjamin F. Rains, Andrew J. Banks, Robert E. Barnett, Henry B. Wilson, Thomas Kane, William Wilkins, Nelson Bradley, C. F. Lockwood, M. Marsh, William R. Hough, Hammet J. Williams, John C. Dunbar, Phil H. Boyd, A. Hough, R. A. Riley. M. L. Paullus, Amos C. Green, John C. Rardin, Lionel E. Rumrill, D. S. Gooding, Henry A. Swope, A. K. Branham, Hamilton J. Dunbar, William Mitchell. Andrew T. Hart, William S. Wood, Thomas Carr. Stephen D. Lyon, Noble P. Howard, R. P. Brown, John Tague, E. B. Grose, John A. Riley, Pressley Guymon, J. A. J. Martin, Henry C. Chapman, Samuel W. Barnett, F. H. Crawford, Frank Hafner, O. D. Hughes, John A. Hughes, M. M. Adams, Charles G. Offutt, Jacob T. Barnett, J. Wlard Walker.

The meeting at the court house was well attended. On motion of Judge Walker, Monday, May 31, was selected as the day for decorating the graves. Capt. M. L. Paullus was appointed marshal for the day, and Capt. Adams L. Ogg and Maj. Lee O. Harris, assistant marshals. The following committees were appointed :

This service was largely attended. Decoration day, however, did not become established at once as it is now, and judging from the newspaper reports not much interest was taken in it for several years. In 1877 a number of soldiers again called a meeting of our citizens at the court house to arrange for a decoration service. This call was as follows :

"We, the undersigned soldiers of the late war, desire that the 30th of May be observed in memory of our fallen heroes, and request the citizens of Greenfield and Hancock county, irrespective of party, to meet at the court house next Saturday evening, the 19th inst. to make necessary preparations. (Signed) W. T. Snider, Edmond P. Thayer, J. Andrews, Harrison D. Spangler, Henry C. Rum rill, E. C. Duncan, J. C. Meek, T. W. Thomas, Alonzo Ford, David Bixler, James Mahan,"

We have no report of the number of citizens attending this meeting, but various committees were appointed and arrangements were made for the observance of the day. In giving a report of the exercises, however, the writer in the Hancock Democrat said :

"Yesterday was Decoration day and we are sorry to say it was not generally observed by our citizens. The ceremonies at the graveyards were solemn and interesting. The speech of our young friend, Mr. James A. New, at the new cemetery, is well spoken of by all who heard the address. At the old graveyard, Captain Riley entertained the people with a. few of his eloquent remarks. Mr. Martin, who was appointed to deliver the oration, was absent from the city. If these ceremonies are to be kept up in the future, it would be well for all citizens to meet and pay a proper tribute to the nation's honored dead."

The day was observed by the soldiers of the county from year to year after 1869, but it was not until fifteen or twenty years after the war that the general public took such an interest in the ceremonies as the day deserved. Usually a patriotic address was made, and either a choir or a band furnished music for the occasion. The following is the program that was followed at Greenfield in 1879:

In 1884 the following was the program on Decoration day: Marshals of the day, E. P. Thayer, Joseph Baldwin; members of the Grand Army of the Republic met at their post room at one o'clock p. m. sharp, and ;it half past one o'clock formed in front of the court house in line of march in the following order:

Program

During the first ten or fifteen years of the observance of this day it was the custom at Greenfield to have addresses made at both cemeteries. In fact it seems to have been the custom in most parts of the county to have the address given at the cemetery, or in a grove near the cemetery, if the weather permitted. This was continued for a number of years until the soldiers became advanced in years and were unable to endure the strain of standing while listening to an address.

On May 31, 19 15, fifty years after their return from the front, the decoration of the graves of their heroes was observed at Greenfield in the usual manner. Committees had been appointed as follows: Flowers and evergreen. John A. Barr, E. A. Henby; Outside cemeteries, Philadelphia, William Hutton; Sugar Creek, Squire McKinzie; Mt. Lebanon, Alexander Osborn ; Curry's Chapel, Joseph Martin, Edward Martin; Caldwell, George Crider; Hinchman, Daniel Wirtz; Marking graves, John A. Barr, Jerry Ferrin, George W. Johnson; Finance, W. W. McCole, Harry G. Strickland, Hays Smith, Frank Lynam; Publication, Marshall Winslow, Elmer T. Swope; Program, Henry Winslow, - Dr. J. M. Larimore; Conveyances, Stephen D. Jackson, John H. Duncan; Music, John Barr, Taylor Morford; Marshal of the day, James Shelton.

The line was formed at the court house, led by the marshal of the day; the Greenfield band, followed by the soldiers ; Sunday school children marched single file on either side of the double column, carrying small American flags. The procession was followed by the Relief Corps, civic orders, citizens and vehicles.

The veterans and citizens met at the court house at one o'clock and proceeded to the Christian church at 1 45. There a patriotic address was delivered by William A. Hough. Following the services at the church the procession formed on East street, marched to Main, thence west to State, thence south to cemetery, and thence east to the mound in Park cemetery. At the mound the usual services were observed, including the reading of the general order for the observance of Decoration day, parts of the ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the firing of the salute. Following the services at the mound the graves of the soldiers were decorated with flowers that had been gathered by the veterans or that had been contributed by patriotic citizens. After these services the line reformed and marched north on Meek street to South street, thence east to the old cemetery, when the salute was again fired and the graves decorated. At the close of the services at the old cemetery the procession moved north to Main street, and thence west ro the court house.

The above is typical of the manner in which the day has been observed at Greenfield for the past fifteen or twenty years. It is also typical of the manner in which the day has been observed for many years in different parts of the county.

Just a half century has passed since the men returned from the front. Their numher has grown small, and the survivors no longer tread with the firm step with which they once advanced. Many of them are no longer able to "fall in" and march with their comrades on this hallowed day. Patriotic and loving friends are glad to attend them. Children march with them and carry flowers for them or wave their little flags in patriotic salute. When another half century shall have passed away the memory of these things will have become sacred to them. That they saw the veterans of the great Civil War and participated in their ceremonies will be one of the sweet stories to tell their children's children.

The Sham Battles

During the eighties the soldiers were inspired on several occasions to live over again the experiences of the Civil War in so far as that could be done without harm to anyone. On October 1, 1884, a sham battle was planned for Boyd's grove, just north of the city of Greenfield, which has since become known as the fair grounds. This event was "written up" in the issue of the Hancock Democrat of October 2, 1884, as follows :

"Although the soldiers' reunion was throughout a very enjoyable affair, the sham battle on Friday was perhaps the most interesting part to most of our citizens, especially to the young people, giving them a very good idea of actual war. The fight took place in the field north of the grove and was in plain view of the crowd. At two o'clock the rebel forces, under command of Comrade Jefferson C. Patterson, repaired to the west side of the field, posted a piece of artillery and awaited the attack. The Union forces, led by Capt. E. P. Thayer, also accompanied by a piece of artillery, marched from the camp east through the woods and entered the field from the east. A- rebel picket, under charge of Comrade G. W. Watts, was posted at the southeast corner of the field and opened fire as soon as the Union forces wrere descried. Commander Patterson at once ordered a skirmish line under command of Capt. Lee O. Harris, which deployed in front of the advancing forces and the fight began between these and a picket line on the Union side under command of Comrade A. J. Bridges. The Union line continued steadily to advance, and as soon as they reached the brow of the hill opened with their artillery. This was the signal for the skirmishers to fall back, and the rebel line advanced to the attack under command of Capt. J. H. Carr, assisted by Col. R. A. Black, while Comrade G. W. Duncan led on the Union line. The two commanders, Thayer and Patterson, were ubiquitous, galloping here and there over the field where their presence was most heeded. Marshall Gooding served Commander Patterson as a volunteer and did valiant service. The first advantage was gained by the Union forces, who came near turning the left flank of the rebels, but reinforcements were promptly sent and they were driven back. Then the same maneuver was tried by the rebels on the Union left flank, but without proper support, and Captain Thayer promptly threw forward a force and captured it. A countercharge was made, however, and, after a sharp fight the rebels recaptured their guns. After the fight had progressed, with varying success, for some time, the Union gun became exposed without sufficient support and was captured, but was promptly retaken. Finally, as per program, the rebel gun was captured and held. Their force was outflanked and surrendered and were marched as prisoners into camp amid the general shouts of everybody, including the prisoners themselves. And so ended one of the most enjoyable affairs ever witnessed in Greenfield. Persons who had seen numerous sham contests of this kind declared this the best they ever saw."

Grant Memorial Services

When General Grant died in 1885, services were held in different parts of the county in his memory, and tributes were paid to his patriotism and his great leadership. At Greenfield a meeting was held August 8, at the Masonic Hall. Alexander K. Branham called the meeting to order, after which the funeral service of the Grand Army was read. Capt. R. A. Riley made a few appropriate remarks and Hon. William R. Hough, chairman of the memorial committee, offered a series of resolutions which was adopted. A large number of people attended this meeting.

"A week before this memorial took place a number of our citizens met at the Methodist Episcopal church for the purpose of making arrangements in appointing committees for the different purposes. Some of these committees were composed of fire and brimstone and the composition was thought a mistake, but they all harmonized and tried to do the best they know how to make the affair creditable in honor to the deceased General Grant. The arrangements were completed and the day came. At five o'clock in the morning the roar of the cannon announced that the day set apart for the burial service of the nation's loved one was at hand. This was followed by the tolling of the different church' and school house bells in town. Many of our citizens went to work and draped their residences and business places in mourning, and some were profusely and exceedingly fine and attracted much attention. Arrangements had been made, if the weather was favorable, to hold the services in the grove, which looked discouraging for a while, but the day turned out the best that could be expected. At one o'clock the church bells commenced ringing, which was the signal for forming a procession to march to thegrove ; and the same was composed of all classes and nationalties, and men who fought under Grant and under Lee marched by the side of one another. A citizen of this township served in Lee's army from the beginning to the surrender, and he marched with the boys in blue in this procession. The procession was marshaled by James Greer, an old soldier, with the New Palestine Military Band at the head, which played several melodies and funeral dirges as they passed through the streets; next, the veterans of the war, who were represented in large numbers ; next, the Sunday schools, citizens on foot, and next the vehicles. They marched west on Mill street, south on Walnut to Main, east on Main to Bittner street, thence south to Joseph Fritts' grove. The procession eclipsed everything ever witnessed heretofore. Arriving at the grove appropriate arrangements had been made in the way of seats, and the speaker's stand draped in mourning, which gave a mournful appearance. Some one thousand and five hundred people had congregated to pay the last tribute of respect to the nation's illustrious dead. David M. Dove acted as president on the occasion, and the ceremonies were carried out according to program, which consisted of vocal music by the choir, prayer and reading Scripture by Rev. Lowden. Hon. Charles G. Offutt was orator of the day. He delivered an eloquent oration,' eulogistic of the life and achievements of General Grant. He lauded Grant as a military leader, and said he was one of those who thought General Grant made a mistake when he left the army. He showed that General Grant was a man of a noble character, which he exhibited at Lee's surrender. Offutt's address was well received and one and all whom we have heard speak of it were much pleased with the same and spoke of it in the highest terms of praise. Rev. Lowden, A. Black and James Greer followed in short addresses, which were all appropriate and eulogistic in honor of the great captain of the age. The presiding officer, in the name of the citizens assembled, thanked the orators of the occasion and the New Palestine Military Band for their kind attendance. A universal solemnity, well fitted for the occasion, prevailed, and thus ended the service in New Palestine in honor of America's dead heroes, such as the people of our town had never seen before. Business was entirely suspended.

The Spanish-American War

Patriotic enthusiasm soon became very intense in the county when war was declared against Spain in 1898. Solomon D. Kempton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Fortville, offered their services to the government, and adopted resolutions endorsing the course of President McKinley. A company of young men was also organized at Fortville, but never succeeded in being mustered in because of the great number offering their services from all parts of the state. Hundreds of young men from all parts of the county were eager to enlist but only a few were taken. Edwin P. Thayer, Jr., of Greenfield, lieutenant-colonel of the Second regiment, Indiana National Guards, was commissioned as lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth regiment, Indiana Volunteers. This regiment was mustered into service May 10, 1898. It moved to Chickamauga May 16, but on account of the unsanitary condition of the camp location was moved to Camp Poland, near Knoxville, Tenn., on August 25. It was ordered back to Indianapolis on September 12 and given a furlough of thirty days. On October 17 it reassembled and was discharged on November 4. The following men from Hancock county were in the regiment :

William Cloud, also of Sugar Creek township, who happened to be in Texas at the time, enlisted with the famous "Rough Riders," organized by Col. Theodore Roosevelt. He was stricken with typhoid fever, however, while in camp at Tampa, Fla., and was unable to proceed with his regiment.

Militia

Several companies of militia have been organized in the county since the Civil War that have not been called into active service. The first of these companies was organized on January 23, 1874, with forty-eight members and was known as the

Branham Rifles

The company was named in honor of Maj. A. K. Branham, though Mr. Branham never had any personal connection with the company. Within about a year the company enrolled about one hundred men from Greenfield and vicinity. Its first officers were James N. Wilson, captain; R. A. Black, first lieutenant; Newton L. Wray, first sergeant; George W. Johnson, first corporal.

In October, 1889, another company was organized by Capt. E. P. Thayer, Jr. At home this company was known as the "Greenfield Light Infantry." Officially it was at first designated as the Third Separate Cbmp&ny in the "Legion of Indiana." On February 3, 1891, it was assigned to the Second Regiment, Indiana National Guard, as Company F. The officers of the company were: Captains, Edwin P. Thayer, Walter O. Bragg; first lieutenants, Harry G. Strickland, Walter O. Bragg, Homer A. Bragg; second lieutenants, Walter O. Bragg, Noble Warrum, Clare Clark, W. C. Creviston, Stephen G. White was first orderly sergeant of the company. The company was mustered out in 1892.

Another company was organized by Capt. Walter O. Bragg on July 25, 1900. Its first officers were : Walter O. Bragg, captain; Clifford Gery, first lieutenant; John C. Jenkins, second lieutenant. It was maintained until about

1907. Clifford Gery, Albert L. Barnes and Frien B. Atherton each in turn served as captain of the company. The boys took part in several state encampments and participated each year in the Decoration day services at Greenfield. After the organization of Company F, mentioned above, Captain Thayer was promoted to the rank of major in the Second regiment, Indiana National Guard. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he was commissioned as lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and accompanied the regiment to Camp Poland, near Knoxville, Tenn. Much to the disappointment of Colonel Thayer and his comrades the regiment was not permitted to proceed to the front. After the discharge of the regiment Mr. Thayer was appointed colonel of the Second regiment, Indiana National Guard, which rank he held for a year or two until he withdrew from the militia.

West Point Graduates

Hancock county has had two graduates from the United States Military Academy, at West Point. The first was Gen. Oliver P. Gooding. He received his appointment in July, 1853, and graduated in July, 1856. He entered the regular army as a second lieutenant and was advanced until he was breveted brigadier general of volunteers, on March 13, 1865. He received this recognition for gallant conduct in the assaults on the enemy's works at Port Hudson, Louisiana, in 1863, and for distinguishing conduct throughout the Red River campaign in 1864.

Gooding also distinguished himself at the battle of Perryville, Kv., October 8, 1862. In Lossing's " Encyclopedia of United States History" we read . "Meanwhile, Colonel Gooding's brigade had been sent to the aid of McCook and fought with great persistence for two hours against odds, losing fully onethird of its number, its commander being made prisoner." At this battle he was also severely shocked and injured by the bursting of a shell near him, from which he probably never entirely recovered. He resigned from the army March 20, 1865.

Samuel Vinton Ham, son of ex-County Treasurer George W. Ham, of Brown township, was born December 25, 1867. He was appointed to the military academy June 12, 1888, and graduated June 11, 1892. On the day of his graduation he was appointed second lieutenant in the United States regular army. He served five years in Arizona, and in 1897 was appointed professor of military science and tactics at DePauw University. In July, 1898, he was promoted to the rank of captain and assistant quartermaster of United States volunteers and joined the Miles Relief Expedition in Cuba in the Spanish-American war. He also took part in the Porto Rico campaign until the signing of the peace protocol. He was then transferred to Cuba where he served as depot and purchasing quartermaster for the war department until 1902. From 1902 until 1906 he served as construction quartermaster in the defenses of Baltimore Harbor and at Salt Lake City.

He then joined the United States troops in the Philippine Islands, serving hi the campaign in the islands of Leyte and Samar in 1906 and 1907. He was the commanding officer of the United States forces that fought the important engagement near Lapaz, Leyte, Philippine Islands, December 6, 1906, for which action high commendation was paid him by all the commanding generals' on duty in the Philippines. In 1908 he was transferred to California, but in 1 910 was returned to the Philippines. In 191 2 he was sent to Kansas and from 1913 to 1915 he served in Oregon, California and Arizona. At present he is stationed along the Mexican border.

Frien B. Atherton

Frien B. Atherton was for a time captain of Company M, Second regiment, Indiana National Guard. His knowledge .of military tactics had been received during three years of service in the regular army of the United States. He enlisted in the regular army on January 9, 1900. and became a member of Battery A, Third regiment, United States Coast Artillery. With other recruits he was at once sent to the Philippine Islands, where he remained until August, 1 900. At that time the Boxer uprising occurred and his regiment was sent to Tientsin, China. He remained there from August 20 until November 4, 1900. His regiment stood side by side with the German, French and British troops to protect their citizens against the Chinese mobs. In November, 1900, he was ag-ain removed to the Philippine Islands, where he served through the insurrection from November 22, 1900, until July 4. 1902, In the autumn of that year he returned to Angel Island, California, and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1903.

As a young man his life was clean. Soon after entering the service of the United States he was appointed secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, and this membership was maintained during his college life, after his discharge from the army.

Throughout his service in the army he saved his money with the idea of finishing a college course. Like so many other young men, however, who were unaccustomed to the intense heat of the tropical sun, he was unable to withstand the hot climatic conditions of the Islands. Before his discharge symptoms of "falling sickness" developed, and when he reached Angel Island he was physically unable to work. In September, 1903, he had recuperated sufficiently to enter Butler College, and then began one of the most heroic as well as one of the most pathetic struggles ever made in fact or written into fiction. During the next six years he was a student at college, two vears in the preparatory department at Butler, and four years at the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, Ohio. During these years he battled bravely against the weakness contracted in the Islands. His genial, social qualities made him popular with his fellows, and his knowledge of military tactics won him the command of the battalion at Ohio Northern University. Here he also met the young lady who consented to share his life with him. In 1909 he graduated from the university, having majored in mechanical engineering. He passed examinations successfully for admission to the apprentice course offered to college graduates only who have taken as their major mechanical engineering. During the latter years of his college life his affliction became more acute, attacks more frequent and more violent, and at the end of the first year with the Westinghouse concern he suffered a complete physical and mental breakdown. His weakened body had been overtaxed by his long-sustained effort and had reached the limit of its endurance. The company's physician had to tell him that it was unsafe for him longer to work with surrounding machinery; that he must seek the open country and be burdened with no responsibilities whatever. He tried, but God's great out-of-doors could not restore to his mind and body what had been lost.

To this time he had scorned the idea of asking for aid. He was superbly independent. It was this, the finest and manliest of his qualities, that the agents of his government failed to understand or they would have dealt more generously with him. The time had come when he could not maintain himself. The strong will that had carried him forward, the keen intellect that had opened for him the mysteries and niceties of science, the clean, wholesome personality that had made him a world of friends - all were hopelessly wrecked. There was no future. The past was dark, the present hazy, with just enough light to discern the impossibilities - the home, the wife, and the standing with his fellows. In a moment, as a darker shadow passed over him, he drew down the veil of eternity, but he had given to the world a splendid, exalted effort.