Jackson County, Indiana - Chapter 16, 1886

Chapter 16

Military - The Early Militia - War with Mexico - Public Senti¬ ment Prior to the Civil War - The News from Fort Sumpter- Early Volunteering - Meetings of the Citizens - First Compa¬ nies - Public Meetings - Renewed Volunteering - Companies for the Fiftieth - Organization of the Sixtieth Regiment- Public Sentiment in 1843 - Other Regiments - The Drafts - Com¬ panies of the Legion - Arrest of Jason B. Brown - Bounty and Relief.

FOR nearly half a century prior to 1861, the settlement and progress of Jackson County had been almost wholly uninter¬ rupted by any of the stirring scenes attendant upon a nation at war. The militia which had done such effective service during the wars with the Indians, was fostered by early laws of the Territorial and State Governments. All able-bodied men, of proper age, were enrolled, and required to attend certain days in each year for the purpose of drilling in military tactics. For several years after this the "general training" days were the grand county holidays. At first the people took active interest in learning the different military movements, and studied, in their homely way, the strategies of war. Each man furnished a gun in the begin¬ ning, and all were skilled in the manual of arms. Until the time of the Mexican war, this system of militia organization was kept up in Jackson County, although for a part of the time only nom¬ inally so. The musters were generally held at the county seat, or some other important point in the county. They were always attended by large and noisy crowds. As the men were privileged fcfrom arrest on "training" days, the occasion became one of general jollification, and fun of the rougher sort, such as

War With Mexico

In that brief, and perhaps not inglorious, compaign which the United States waged against Mexico, Indiana was well rep¬ resented. Jackson County shared the enthusiasm which attended the opening of that war. An organized company was too late to be accepted, as the quota of the State was full. William G. Lux was made captain of Jackson County Guards; David Cody, first lieutenant, and Barton H. Burrell, second lieutenant Their commissions were dated June 13, 1846. A few citizens of the county found their way into this war, however, through other channels. Some of them were Frank Emerson, Samuel T. Wells, James W. Owen, Joseph England, Dennis Callahan, Ruel Stewart, Norvel Hamilton, B. W. Wilson, William Leason and a Mr. Brown. They volunteered early in 1847, and some saw consid¬ erable active service.

Condition Of Public Sentiment

For several years prior to 1861 the country had been drifting surely toward civil war, but this is not a place for the discussion of such matters. Suffice it to say that the people of Jackson County had always taken an active interest in the stirring issues that brought around the unhappy condition of affairs that con¬ fronted the Government at the beginning of 1861. The election of Lincoln to the Presidency, the Southern States accepted as a menace to their institutions, which had long existed with sanction and apparent right It was followed not long after by the secession of several of those States in which slavery existed. All over the North there was a divided sentiment in regard to the cause and responsibility of this attempt to sever the Union. There were many who believed that if the South wanted to with¬ draw from the Union, there was no legitimate way of preventing it The condition of affairs was so strained that meetings were held all over the country to discuss the state of the Union and advise the best course to pursue. No meetings of this kind were held in Jackson before the fall of Fort Sumter.

The News Of Fort Sumter

The first news of the bombardment of Fort Sumter reached both Brownstown and Seymour early on Monday, the 15th of April It spread rapidly, and the whole country was soon aroused. The people poured into town to hear the latest news, and gathered in anxious groups to discuss the probable result of the deed. Calls for meetings were issued to be held in both places in the evening of the following day. The Jackson Union , then edited by William Frysinger, in its issue of April 18, gives accounts of these meetings as follows: " A large meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, irrespective of party, was held in the court house in Brownstown on Tuesday evening, to take into con¬ sideration the present critical condition of our country. Hon. John F. Carr was called to the chair, and W. T. Dobbs and Thomas Robertson chosen secretaries. After a few brief explan¬ atory remarks, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

Resolved , That we will form a company of volunteers in this county to meet the requisition of the President of the United States upon the governors of the several States.

"After this the meeting was addressed by Maj. J. J. Cummins, Jason B. Brown, Thomas B. Tanner, D. H. Long and S. W. Holmes." The meeting then adjourned, to meet on Saturday fol¬ lowing.

"At a Union meeting held in Woodmansee's Hall in the town of Seymour, Jackson County, on the 16th of April, 1861, J. L. Ford was chosen president; Samuel Smith, Sr., and S. L. Beal, vice-presidents ; W. E. Marshall and G. Woodmansee, secretaries. On motion of F. A. Jones a committee was appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. F. A. Jones, S. L. Ewing and John Allen being appointed said commit¬ tee, reported the following :

Resolved, That we, as loyal citizens of Jackson County, without distinction of party, pledge to the support of the Government our lives, our fortunes and our most sacred honor.

These actions speak well for the patriotism of the county at the outbreak of the war. The same issue of the paper contains these extracts from an editorial: "As we surmised last week, Fort Sumter has been attacked by the Southern rebels, and is now in their possession, Maj. Anderson having surrendered after a lively bombardment of thirty-six hours. The loyal, patriotic American heart has never received a keener shock than when the thrilling news flashed across the telegraph wires; nor has there ever been a time when the spirit which animated the Revolution¬ ary sires of '76 was more unmistakably or more patriotically manifested by their sons than upon the receipt of this dastardly, cowardly act of domestic traitors. * * * * Treason has triumphed thus far, but this first act of actual war - of attacking an almost defenceless fort - has enkindled a flame in every patri¬ otic Union- loving heart in the land of pure devotion to the American flag, blended with the firm resolve that force must be met by force, even though the country be drenched in blood from center to circumference, and a million of lives be sacrificed. * * * * We have, therefore, but one sentiment to express, long as that glorious banner waves 'over the land of the free and the home of the brave,' 'not a star erased, not a stripe polluted.' When called upon to decide between Union and disunion, we an¬ swer freely, fearlessly, emphatically, without qualification or equivocation, the Union to the last."

Other Expressions Of Public Sentiment

The meeting which was adjourned to Saturday, in Brownstown, was largely attended from all parts of the county. Great spirit and enthusiasm was manifested. Maj. Cummins called the meeting to order, and J. L. Ford was chosen president, John Downing and Thomas D. Sutherland, vice-presidents; W. T. Dobbs, Thomas Robertson, and George T. B. Carr, secretaries. A very enthusiastic speech was made by Dr. Ford, and in an al¬ lusion to the flag the audience applauded with the most deafen¬ ing cheers. W. E. Marshall, S. W. Holmes, John D. Scott, S. E. Nelson and T. B. Tanner were appointed a committee on resolu¬ tions. The resolutions adopted were strong in Union sentiment, declaring against the Southern States and approving the action of the Government, condemning the Baltimore mob. A resolu¬ tion was offered by G. T. B. Carr, and after some opposition from S. W. Holmes, was finally adopted as follows : " Resolved , That the Constitution of the United States is not a league, confederacy or compact between the people of the several States in their sov¬ ereign capacity, but a government proper founded on the adoption of the people and creating direct relations between itself and in¬ dividuals ; that no State authority has power to destroy relations ; that nothing can dissolve them but revolution, and that conse¬ quently there can be no such thing as secession without revolution." A committee consisting of these five men, D. H. Long, S. W. Holmes, Judge Emerson, W. T. Dobbs and R. E. Moore was appointed to see that the necessary means were provided for the volunteers until they were received by the State, and their fami- lies provided for. Each township was requested to form a company of home guards. An opportunity was offered for volunteers, and quite a number enlisted, and a large sum of money was raised to defray their expenses.

Early Volunteering

But few if any counties in the State exceeded Jackson in its first enthusiasm at the breaking out of the Rebellion. In one week more than a full company had been organized at Seymour and had left for Indianapolis. Before taking the train on Monday evening, April 22, the men were formed in line in the presence of the immense multitude that had gathered to see them leave. Eloquent and patriotic addresses were made by Dr. Ford, M. W. Shields and S. W. Holmes, and so affecting was the scene there was scarcely a dry eye to be seen in the vast assemblage of men, women and children. This was the company of Capk Fielder A. Jones. The first lieutenant was Stephen Story, and the second lieutenant Calvin B. Trumbo. The non-commissioned officers were: Sergeants, Frank Johnson, Lewis Boots, Gabriel Woodmansee, John Stockdell; corporals, Matthias Zenor, Jacob' Mitchell, Simeon Smith, Charles Lewis ; musicians, Aaron Grenie, John Hamilton. This company was assigned the position of H, in the Sixth Regiment Their term of enlistment was for three months, and they were mustered in April 24. After the expira¬ tion of their term of service, Capt Jones re-entered the service as lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-ninth Regiment The Sixth Regiment was the first one raised in Indiana for the civil war,* and on the morning of the 3d of June, took part in the first bat¬ tle of the war, at Philippi, W. Ya. In Morris' Brigade it was engaged at Gamick's Ford with Garnet's rebel force on the 12th of July. Soon after it was returned to Indianapolis, and discharged August 2. The total number of non-commissioned officers and privates was seventy-four. The enlisting at Brownstown was scarcely less vigorous than at Seymour. A company of home guards was at once organized under the name of the "Jackson Guards." and was composed of the most prominent men of the place. Drills were begun and kept up with tolerable regularity. Union meetings were held in all parts of the county, and were well attended by the crowds full of patriotism and devotion to the Union. At Crothersville, on* Tuesday, April 23, a large meeting was held at which John Hamacher was appointed president, Dan¬ iel and Thomas W. Baker, vice presidents; T. N. Jordon and John B. Taulman, secretaries. A stirring speech was made by Rev. William Gillaspy, and the following committee of five ap¬ pointed to draft resolutions ; James Gillaspy, Dr. B. Hudson, W. H. Nading, Charles G. Trueblood, and Henry T. Lewis. At Houston a meeting was held in the office of Dr. Richards. The meeting was opened by singing and prayer, and short patriotic speeches were made. A series of vigorous resolutions were adopted, denouncing the Rebellion and approving the course of the President. There were present these men who took part in the proceedings : Rev. J. T. Richards, John Scott, G. M. Findley, Dr. Richards, J. W. Newkirk, Ira Cormitt, Hiram Noe and Luther Hinote. A patriotic meeting was held at Vallonia, at which A. J. Burrell presided. Speeches were made by T. B. Tanner, J. B. Brown, S. W. Holmes, T. A. Wilson, John Tanner and C. P. Hollis. Notwithstanding this apparent unparalleled enthusiasm of the citizens throughout the county, there was an under-current setting in in opposition to the war. Many thought the Government had exceeded its constitutional authority in its conduct with the Southern States, and that instead of aggression the Rebellion ought to be met with conciliation and compromise. Many of the settlers of the county had come from the Southern States, and they had always acted with the South politically, thus forming an attachment for that portion of the country which was hard to overcome. Their teachings had been the same as the large majority of that section, and they believed many of the fal¬ lacies that attended the doctrine of secession. However, it was hard for them to concede a disruption of the Union, in which they had so long lived in contentment. There was a fond¬ ness for the old flag that could not be destroyed at a single blow, hardly with a long course of systematic teaching. During the month of May, a circumstance occurred at Seymour, that was the subject of considerable comment at the time. A Dr. Ewing, who had formerly been a citizen of the county, but at that time lived in Kentucky, while on a visit to that town was waited upon by a large number of the people there and presented with a letter which he had written to a friend, saying that he intended to cast his lot with the Confederate cause. He was requested to take an oath of allegiance to the United States, but this he refused to do. The crowd was almost turned into a mob, and under threats of violence he was finally compelled to take the oath. The spirit was then caught up, and the crowd demanded that others who lived in town and were suspected of disloyalty, should be compelled to do likewise. By the coolness and judgment of a few men the crowd was finally dispersed without doing any violence. This was a timely warning to those who may have held notions obnoxious to the cause of the Union.

Other Companies Organized

During the spring and summer enlisting continued active throughout the county. In the months of J uly and August, two more full companies were organized and mustered into the service. These were Companies B of the Twenty-second Begiment, and G of the Twenty-fifth. The former was composed of men mostly from the vicinity of Brownstown, and was recruited by Gordon Tanner. The election for officers was held July 4, and Thomas EL B. Tanner chosen captain; James M. Lewis, first lieutenant; Albert G. Black, second lieutenant. This company left Brownstown Tuesday, July 11, for Camp Noble near Madison. The company was escorted to the depot by the Jackson Greys, Lieut. Dobbs in command. At the depot a large crowd of ladies and gentlemen gathered to bid farewell to the patriotic volunteers. They were addressed by Jason B. Brown, and a response was made by Capt. Tanner. The scene was a most impressive and affecting one, and the train left amid deafening shouts and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs. The company at that time had an enrollment of seventy-six men, but was afterward increased to ninety-nine, exclusive of the officers. During its entire term of service it was recruited with ninety-eight men. It lost in died thirty-six, and six deserted. The commissioned officers with the dates of their commission were as follows: Captains, Thomas H. B. Tanner, July 15, 1861; Israel B. Owens, October 9, 1862; Addison D. Sawyer, March 25, 1863 ; Matthew W. Tanner, Feb¬ ruary 20, 1865. First Lieutenants, James M. Lewis, July 15> 1861; John F. C. Tanner, January 4, 1862; Israel B. Owens, April 11, 1862; Addison D. Sawyer, October 9, 1862; William H. Ireland, March 25, 1863; William H. Golden, June, 1865. Second Lieutenants, John F. C. Tanner, July 15, 1861; Israel B. Owen, January 4, 1862; Addison D. Sawyer, April 11, 1862; W. H. Ireland, October 9, 1862; M. W. Tanner, March 25, 1863; W. H. Golden, May 1, 1865 ; David J. Griffith, June 1, 1865. Capt Tanner was promoted lieutenant-colonel October 9, 1862, and was wounded at the battle of Stone River. Gordon Tanner, who had recruited the company, was the first major of the regiment, and he died of wounds October 2, 1862, received near Glasgow, Mo. Few regiments saw more hard and active service than the Twenty-second. It was organized at Madison, and mustered in at Indianapolis ; from there it moved to St. Louis and joined the army of Gen. Fremont. It was engaged in the battle of Pea Ridge, the siege of Corinth, Perryville, where it lost 50 per cent of the men engaged, Stone River, Mission Ridge, and in the campaign of 1864, bore a conspicuous pari It left Chattanooga in May, with Sherman's army, and was engaged at Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, battle of Resaca, Rome, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahooche River, Peach Tree Creek and at Atlanta, from the 28th of July to August 7, Red Oak Station, Jonesboro; and in December, at the siege of Savannah, and then joined in the forward movement through the Carolinas. On the 16th of June, 1865, it was discharged at Indianapolis, and was addressed by Gen. Hovey and Gov. Morton.

Another Company For The Front

Company G of the Twenty-fifth Regiment was organized at Medora, and the second that left the county for active service. It was recruited early in May, 1861, and left for the camp of ren¬ dezvous on the 10th of that month. On the day of their depar¬ ture a beautiful flag was presented to the company by Miss Fe¬ me Robinson, on behalf of the ladies of Medora, accompanied by an appropriate and patriotic speech, which was responded to by Hon. John F. Carr. A large crowd had assembled to bid fare¬ well to the brave boys who had volunteered to defend their coun¬ try's flag. It was a tearful scene when wives, mothers and daugh¬ ters said farewell to husbands, fathers and sons, some of them perhaps for the last time. Upon the organization John W. Pool was elected captain, and Jesse Patterson and Azrial W. Flinn, first and second lieutenants. Their commissions were dated July 17, 1861. The later officers were: Captains William H. Crenshaw, September 29, 1862; John Nelson, January 1, 1865. First Lieutenants, W. H. Crenshaw, April 10, 1862; Daniel L. Eversole, September 29, 1862; John Nilson, August 18, 1864; Jacob L. Hinkle, January 1, 1865. Second Lieutenants, W. H. Crenshaw, March 25, 1862; William Guthrie, April 10, 1862; D. L. Eversole, May 1, 1862; John Daley, September 29, 1862; Jacob L. Hinkle, November 8, 1864; Mahlon E. Williamson,

February 4, 1865. Capt. Pool afterward became major of the Ninety-third Regiment, and Oapt. Crenshaw was promoted major of his own regiment. This company started out with an enroll¬ ment of ninety-seven men and was recruited with a total of fiftyseven. It lost in all thirty-one by death, and five by desertion.

The Twenty-fifth Regiment was organized at Evansville, and mustered into the service on the 19th of August From there it moved to St. Louis and joined Fremont's army. In December, at Warrensburg, it assisted in the capture of 1,300 rebels. These it escorted to St. Louis, and there remained in Benton until Feb¬ ruary following, when it joined the expedition against Forts Henry and Donelson. At the latter place it formed part of* the attack¬ ing force, and in a storming party was the first to enter the outer works. The regiment was later engaged at Pittsburg Landing, with a loss of twenty-seven killed and 122 wounded. In the fall it took part in the pursuit of Price and Van Dorn, and engaged them at Hatchie River ; after this it marched to northern Missis¬ sippi, where it remained doing guard duty and chasing guerrillas until September, 1862. It was engaged with a large force of the enemy at Holly Springs. In January following (1863), it was moved to Memphis, and there remained on provost duty until January, 1864, when it joined Sherman's army on its raid through Mississippi. After its veteran furlough, in the early part of 1864, it proceeded to Decatur, Ala., and there remained some time. From the 8th to the 26th of August, it took part in the siege of Atlanta. It then marched around that place, and was in the bat¬ tle at Jonesboro. In October it moved from Atlanta in pursuit of Hood's army, and fought the battle of Snake Creek Gap. It returned in time to take part in the "march to the sea" and the siege of Savannah. From there it moved northward through the Carolinas, and fought in several battles and skirmishes. It was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 17, 1865, and a few days later was finally discharged at Indianapolis.

Public Opinion

As the summer advanced the people had come to a realization of the true condition of affairs. A strong sentiment set in against the Administration. The Democrats of this locality were ardent for the preservation of the Union, but were stoutly opposed to the party in power, and the methods used, to a large extent, to maintain the Union unimpaired. It was not the object, but the means, that they opposed. The Jackson Union , in an editorial of its issue August 29, 1861, speaking of the opposition in the county to its course in regard to the war, said: "We are glad to learn, however, that we speak the universal sentiment of the De¬ mocracy of Jackson County, as well as of the conservative portion of the Republican party. While we might consider it our duty as conductor of the organ of the party in Jackson County to yield individual opinion upon a point, involving no great principle, upon the question of Union or no Union, Government or no Govern¬ ment, which is a purely national question, and has no rele¬ vance to political parties, we have no concessions to make, no demands with which to comply, no duty to perform save that of a good citizen and loyal patriot. But if we know the Democracy of Jackson County, and we think we do, there will be no occasion for us to be brought in antagonism with them upon the momentous issue at stake. They are for the Union ; so are we. They are for the Constitution ; so are we. They are for peace, if peace can be had consistently with the national honor and dignity, and so are we. Hence, we stand upon the same plat¬ form." On Monday, September 2, 1861, the Democrats of the county held a mass convention at Brownstown. Among the reso¬ lutions adopted is found the following: "That we are not pre¬ pared to abandon our country in this, the day and hour of her trouble; but that now, as in all her previous trials, the Demo¬ cratic arm will ever be ready to strike down our country's foes, either at home or abroad; that the corruption, extravagance, in- competency and favoritism shown in the war department of the Federal Government deserve, and should receive, oar unqualified condemnation; that the present deplorable civil war has been forced upon the country by disunionists of the Southern States, now in revolt against the Constitutional Government and in arms around the Capital." This last resolution was added at the special instance of George W. Carr and Jason B. Brown. These will give a good idea of public sentiment in the summer of 1861.

Renewed Volunteering

Up to this time the President had made three calls for troops, aggregating more than 315,000 men. Under these calls volun¬ teering went on rapidly in nearly all parts of the North. Jackson County was not behind. Becruiting offices were established in all portions of the county, and ample opportunity was afforded for all to enlist who desired. The next company from the county was K, in the Eighth Cavalry (Thirty-ninth) Begiment of Indi¬ ana Volunteers. This company was recruited mostly from Sey¬ mour and vicinity, and was composed largely of the men that had been in Caph Jones' company of three months' volunteers in the Sixth Begiment At the organization of the regiment Capt Jones became lieutenant-colonel. Company K was mustered into the service August 19, 1861, with ninety-four men, besides its of¬ ficers. The commissioned officers during its whole term of service were as follows: Captains, Charles A. Gordon, September 2, 1861 ; Jacob Mitchell, March 7, 1864. First Lieutenants, John A. Stockdell, September 2, 1861 ; George W. Gordon, April 3, 1862 ; Jacob Mitchell, July 18, 1862; John Hamilton, March 7, 1864; James Thompson, January, 1865. Second Lieutenants, Gabriel Woodmansee, September 2, 1861 ; Andrew J. Coleman, April 15, 1862; John Hamilton, October 20, 1862; Albert Downing, March 7, 1864; Bobert Shilling, May 10, 1864; George D. Bigle, Janu¬ ary 1, 1865. The company was recruited with a total of seventy- seven men, and lost in died twenty-three and by desertion seven. They were originally organized as sharpshooters, but were after¬ ward mounted as cavalry. Soon after organization they went to Kentucky, and remained in the Green River country until the fol¬ lowing spring. Thq regiment was engaged at the battle of Shiloh, at Corinth, and then moved through northern Alabama to Nash¬ ville. From there it went through Kentucky in pursuit of Gen. Bragg. It took part in the battle of Stone River with a severe loss. In April, 1863, it was mounted and served in that capacity throughout the campaign. It was engaged in many skirmishes in various portions of the South and many of the important bat¬ tles. It saw service in the Sherman campaign against Atlanta and Savannah, and later through the Carolinas. It was discharged at Indianapolis during the last week of July, 1865. Few regi¬ ments did more effective service than this one.

The Companies Fob The Fiftieth Regiment

Early in the fall of 1861 Cyrus L. Dunham was commissioned a colonel to organize the Fiftieth Regiment Col. Dunham had for several years been a resident of Jackson County, but a few years prior to that time had moved to New Albany. A camp of rendezvous was established at Seymour, known as Camp Heffren. Under these circumstances Jackson County people came to the front with four companies. Company A was recruited from the south¬ eastern portion of this county, and was officered as follows : Captains, Samuel T. Wells, September 11, 1861; Andrew J. Burrell, March 1, 1862; Malaich McCoy, April 4. 1863, Residuary Battalion. Company A, Thomas B. Boyatt, October 20, 1864. First-Lieu¬ tenants, Andrew J. Burrell, September 12, 1861 ; Henry C. Hous¬ ton, March 6, 1862; Malaich McCoy, November 28, 1862; John Judy, April 4, 1863, Residuary Battalion. Levi B. Davis, Octo¬ ber 20, 1864; Albert Owen, March 2, 1865. Second Lieutenants, Malaich McCoy, September 12, 1861; John F. Leonard, Novem- ber 28, 1862; Frederick Miller, April 4, 1863, Besiduary Bat¬ talion. Albert Owen, October 20, 1864; Alva West, July 30, 1864. The original muster roll of the company con¬ tained 101 names, during its entire term of service received forty-five recruits ; seven deserted and twenty-seven died. Com¬ pany B, was officered as follows: Captains, Burr Peck, Septem- 12, 1861 ; Thomas B. Boyatt, October 20, 1864, Besiduary Bat¬ talion. George W. Taylor, November 11, 1864. First Lieuten¬ ants, John B. Davies, September 12, 1861 ; Thomas B. Boyatt, May 20, 1864; Levi B. Davis, October 20, i864, Besiduary Battalion. John Bowman, November 14, 1864. Second Lieuten¬ ants, Thomas B. Boyatt, September 12, 1861; Levi B. Davis, August 5, 1864; Albert Owen, October 20, 1864, Besiduary Battalion, July 30, 1864. This company started out with 102 men and was afterward recruited with fifty-one, a total of 153; eighteen died and eight deserted. Company H of this regiment was organized mostly from men in the northwestern part of the county in the vicinity of Houston. Its officers were: Captains, John Scott, September 12, 1861; George W. Taylor, November 11, 1864. First Lieutenants, Cyrus B. Hunter, September 12, 1861; George W. Taylor, October 31, 1862; John Bowman, No¬ vember 14, 1864 Second Lieutenants, George W. Taylor, Septem¬ ber 12, 1861; George W. Hays, October 31, 1862. The original enlistment of this company was ninety-nine, and its total number of recruits was twenty-nine. Its loss by death was twenty-two and by desertion three. The fourth company in this regiment from Jackson County was assigned the position of K, and had for its officers the following men: Captains, Bichard McComick, September 12, 1864; James Johnson, November 13, 1864. First Lieutenant, Francis W. Johnson, September 12, 1861. Second Lieutenants, William McForgey, September 12, 1861 ; William Mahon, February 15, 1862; Edward Harbison, March 1, 1862; James H. Johnson, June 5, 1863; Joseph McNelly, November

13, 1864. Out of an original enlistment of ninety-five, and twenty-six recruits, fourteen died and three deserted. In addi¬ tion to these companies, which were composed almost entirely of Jackson County men, the Fiftieth Regiment had a considerable number of men in other companies. The regimental officers from this county were: Colonel, Samuel T. Wells, November 19, 1863, having been both major and lieutenant-colonel before then. John Scott, lieutenant-colonel of Residuary Battalion, September 10, 1862; James R. Monroe, surgeon, October 2, 1862; Amos M. Durand, July 2, 1863.

Sketch Of The Fiftieth Regiment

This regiment was organized at Seymour, and in October, 1861, moved to New Albany. In December it marched to Bardstown, Ky., and went into a camp of instruction. From there it went to Bowling Green, and after the occupation of Nashville it was distributed along the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, where it remained until September, 1862. At that time it was ordered to Munfordsville, and with the forces at that place was surren¬ dered. On being paroled the regiment proceeded to Indianapolis, where it remained in parole camp until exchanged. Early in November it started for the field, and at Jackson, Tenn., it was attached to Gen. Sullivan's division. On the 31st of December it engaged the enemy under Gen. Forrest during the whole day, at Parker's Cross-Roads, Tenn., capturing 500 prisoners and seven pieces of artillery. The regiment remained in the vicinity of Jackson until the following spring, then went to Memphis by way of Collierville ; thence it was ordered to Arkansas, and was engaged at Little Rock. In September it moved to Lewisburg, and there remained on garrison duty until May 17, 1864. In March, 350 of the men re-enlisted as veterans. In the Camden expedition, under the command of Steele, it engaged the enemy at the follow¬ ing places: Terre Noir, Prairie Leon, Red Mound, Camden and Sa- line River. In July the regiment came home on veteran furlough, but in September returned to Little Rock and went into garrison duty for some months. December 31, 1864, the non- veterans were mustered out, and the veterans and recruits to the number of 450 consolidated into a battalion of five companies. The battalion left Arkansas in February, and joined Canby's besieging army near Mobile, in the capture of which it participated, and was also engaged at Spanish Fori It was afterward in a skirmish at Wheeler's Station. In May, 1865, the battalion was consolidated with the Fifty-second Regiment In the new organization Capi Thomas B. Boyatt was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. Taylor, major. Three of these Jackson County companies were among the re-enlisted as veterans, and served until the close of the war. This in brief is a sketch of the Fiftieth Regiment, of which Jackson County formed so large a proportion. Its officers acquitted themselves with credit, and many of them are still in the county. At the battle of Parker's Cross Roads Col. Wells was in command, and served with distinction.

Four More Companies

The Sixty-seventh Regiment of Indiana Volunteers was scarcely less conspicuous for the number of men from Jackson County which it contained, than the Fiftieth. This regiment was organized under the call of July, 1862. The camp of rendezvous was fixed at Madison, and when it became known that Judge Frank Emerson was to be the colonel, the activity in volunteering throughout the county was never before nor since equaled. Many, in fact all, who were inclined to enlist saw a favorable opportunity of doing so with a large band of their own acquaint¬ ances, commanded by officers well known to be of the truest kind. An account of each of the four companies furnished for this reg¬ iment is here given in the order they were assigned in the reg¬ iment:

Of Company E, commanded by Byford E. Long, as captain, the Jackson Union of August 14, 1862, says: "On Monday we were again an eye-witness to the impressive scene of husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and lovers bidding an affectionate adieu to their near and dear ones, previous to their departure for camp and initiation into the military service of their country. It was upon the occasion of the departure of Capt B. E. Long's com¬ pany for the rendezvous at Madison. While we felt proud and happy at the valor and patriotism which prompted the men to enlist in the service of their country, yet we experienced the most painful emotions of regret and sorrow as we meditated upon the necessity which required them to abandon the comforts and peace¬ ful pursuits of home in exchange for the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life, and at that moment we fain would have been the executioner to touch the fated spring which would have launched the guilty originators of the existing unhappy war into the uttermost depths of hell and damnation. The company was called together at noon on Monday, when the men partook of a bountiful repast on the court house lawn, prepared by the beauti¬ ful and patriotic ladies of Brownstown, and for which they received the heartfelt thanks and lasting gratitude of the gallant soldiers. After the boys did ample justice to the palatable viands, they, and the assembled concourse of ladies and gentleman, were entertained in a brief speech by Capt. Long. At about half past three o'clock, the company was formed into line and marched to the depot An immense multitude had congregated at the depot to witness the departure of the company. Previous to the arrival of the train, in response to loud calls, patriotic speeches were made by Capt Long and Holmes W. Chadwick." The orig¬ inal enlisted men in this company were ninety-eight Its total loss was thirty-eight, including seven deserters. Capt. Long was the only captain, and his commission was dated August 20, 1862, and was honorably discharged November 6, 1864. The first lieu- tenants were James B. Stilwell, August 20, 1864; Meredith It. Edmunds, September 3, 1863. Second lieutenants: Andrew J. Hamilton, August 20, 1862; Meredith It. Edmunds, June 1, 1863.

Company F was raised in the vicinity of Medora, and was officered by William C. Hall as captain, his commission being dated August 20, 1862. The first lieutenants were James W. Owen, August 20, 1862; Lewis W. Peck, April 25, 1863. Second lieutenants, Charles D. Prow, August 20, 1862; John M. Henderlider, April 25, 1863. The original enrollment was 83, and its recruits were 4. Of these 1 deserted and 11 died. A company was raised at Seymour for the Sixty-seventh, and it was assigned the position of G. At the election of officers Nelson Crabb was elected captain, Stephen Story and George T. Poison lieutenants. Their commissions were dated August 20, 1862. Story was promoted captain September 5, 1863, and at the same time John H. McCormick was commissioned first lieutenant These were the only changes in the company's com¬ missioned officers. Out of a total enrollment of 94 the loss was but five died.

In the same issue of the paper that contained the account of Company E, is found the following in relation to Company K: "On Thursday afternoon, last, Hon. Ralph Applewhite, judge of the Court of Common Pleas of this Judicial District, and Rev. Stephen Bowers, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at this place, had posters struck announcing that they were forming a com¬ pany of volunteers, and on Saturday evening had a sufficient number sworn in to secure their admission into camp. The company is now full and over, numbering upward of 125 men, and will leave for the camp at Madison as soon as the preparations are com¬ pleted to receive them. This is decidedly the most expeditious recruiting of which we have yet seen any account, and too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Capt. Applewhite and Rev. Bowers for the indomitable energy they displayed in getting up composed of our most prominent and influential citizens - men of solidity, sobriety and moral integrity - men who are solely induced by love of country to leave home, friends, wives, children and lucrative avocation, to do battle for the Union." The issue of the following week contains this: "On Tuesday evening Capt. Applewhite's company left this place for Camp Emerson, at Madison. We were absent from the town during the day, and therefore cannot speak of the proceedings, scenes and incidents of the day with that detailed accuracy that we would desire to do. A free dinner was served up in the court house square for these gallant men and and their hundreds of friends assembled upon the occasion. During the day speeches were made by Maj. S. P. Mooney, S. W. Tanner, H. W. Chadwick, Jason B. Brown, and, we believe, others whose names we have not learned, interspersed with the music of the ear-piercing fife and sole-stirring drum." The captains of this company were Balph Applewhite, August 20, 1802; Tazwell Vawter, April 7, 1863. First lieutenants, Stephen Bowers, August 20, 1862; Tazwell Vawter, September 1, 1862 ; Oscar F. Lowell, April 7, 1863. ' Second Lieutenants, T. Vawter, August 20, 1862; Gabriel Robinson, September 1, 1862; Robert Callahan, April 7, 1863. Originally the company had 99 men, and afterward received 5 recruits. Out of this number 14 died. These figures are taken from the adjutant general's report.

The Sixty-seventh Regiment was organized in the Third Congressional District of the State. It was mustered into the service August 20, 1862, with Frank Emerson as colonel, and was at once ordered to Louisville. From there it marched to Munfordsville, where it took part in the engagement with the advance of Bragg's army, on the 14th of September. It was subsequently surrendered at that place with the other forces, The loss was forty-three killed and wounded. Having been

Sherman's expedition to Vicksburg. January 11, 1863 ,it partic¬ ipated in the assault on Arkansas Post, and in the charge thatresulted in the capture of the place it bore a conspicuous part and sustained heavy loss. After this it remained at Young's Point until it joined Grant's expedition against Vicksburg. It participated in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, and in the investment and capture of Vicksburg. It also took a leading part in the capture of Jackson. Soon after this it was sent down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, and was transferred to the Deportment of the Gulf, and joined Banks' army. At the battle of Grand Coteau, in November, 1863, 200 men of the regiment were captured. It went on the Red River expedition, and was in the battles of Sabinet Cross- Roads, Cane River and Alexandria, losing heavily. During this expedition Col. Emerson received a second severe wound, which compelled him to resign. Soon after this campaign the regiment joined the expedition against Fort Gaines and Morgan, where it took part in the twenty days' siege that resulted in their capture. After this the regiment returned to Morganza, La., where it remained until December, with the exception of two brief campaigns. On the 21st of December, 1864, the Sixtyseventh was consolidated with the Twenty-fourth, the new organi¬ zation bearing the name of the latter regiment. From that time on the two regiments served together, engaging in the campaign against Mobile and afterward moving to Galveston. At the latter place, on the 19th of July, 1865, all the men formerly of the Sixty-seventh, except the recruits, were mustered out of the service. During its term of service the Sixty-seventh partic¬ ipated in eighteen regular engagements, besides skirmishes. It was under fire 147 days, traveled an aggregate distance of 17,- 000 miles, and at the end of the first year of its service had been under fire seventy days. This is a record almost unsurpassed by any regiment in the civil war.

The sentiment that had been gaining ground against the prosecution of the war probably attained its highest in the sum¬ mer of 1863. This, however, was not a sentiment in favor of the /Bebellion, but was in favor of conciliation, and was willing to con¬ tinue the existence of slavery. The emancipation proclamation, therefore, to those who held these views, was a dangerous and unwarranted proceeding. To them it seemed the Government was waging a war of subjugation and for the abolishment of slavery. Such a course they were heartily opposed to, and from these causes alone, were opposed to the prosecution of the war. They were equally opposed to the breaking up of the Union. A con¬ servative or middle course was what they proposed to follow; but it is doubtful if such a plan could have succeeded at that time. President Lincoln took the smaller horn of the dilemma, and wisely concluded that it was better to destroy slavery than the Union.

The Indiana Legislature of 1863 passed a resolution declar¬ ing in favor of calling a National Peace Convention, and requested the people of Indiana to send representatives to a State Conven¬ tion that should appoint delegates to the National assembly. This gave the opportunity for the various counties to express their sentiment upon the war questions. The one for Jackson County was held at BroWnstown, February 19 of that year. Maj. S. P_ Mooney was chosen chairman, with W. W. Wamsley and Ben Carr, secretaries. The following men were appointed a commit¬ tee on resolutions: Martin Ferris, Martin Henderlider, Samuel Lee, Michael May, L. L. Shields, W. C. A. Bain, Daniel Bar¬ ringer, Andrew Bobertson, Enoch Hunsucker, William Hupp and Alex Heinote. The meeting was addressed by Hons. Thomas Dowling, G. F. Cookerly and H. W. Harrington. The resolutions are too long for insertion here. They declare that the Union has no existence separate from the Constitution, and that the allegi¬ ance of its citizens is due alone to the Constitution, and laws made in pursuance thereof, and not any man, or officer, or admin¬ istration After a detailed arraignment of the party in power for abuses, they declare "that the doctrine of secession, as proclaimed by Southern traitors, is inimical to our institutions and destructive of free government, and that the remedy for all real or imaginary evils in a republican form of government, where majorities rule, is the ballot, and not the bayonet * * That, judging the future by the past and present, it is our deliberate conviction that the union of these States can never be restored by war, and that such restoration can only be brought about by peaceful means through delegates to a national convention, elected fresh from the people of the whole country."

Two days later another mass convention was held at the same place, presided over by John F. Oarr. Among their resolutions were the following: " That the war now being waged against armed rebellion has its foundation in the principles of justice and humanity. * * * That we are unalterably opposed to any armis¬ tice or cessation of hostilities until those in rebellion against the Government of the United States shall manifest an honest desire to return to their allegiance to said Government; and that while this war is not being waged for conquest or subjugation of States, but for the subjugation of traitors, we pledge ourselves that at any time when the people of any seceded State shall cease fight¬ ing against the Government of the United States, acknowledge its allegiance to the Constitution, and manifest an honest purpose to act in obedience to the laws of the same, we will defend them in the enjoyment of whatever property they may hold under the laws of any such State returning to its allegiance to the Federal Government." and patriotism. He had consistently followed out a course that was unquestionably right; but he, nevertheless, had incurred the opposition of some members of his own party, and he withdrew from the public organ of that party. His valedictory, in the issue of June 18, contained the following:

" There is not, we venture to say, a reliable Democrat in Indi¬ ana who believes that earnest, energetic support of the Govern¬ ment against the Rebellion is inconsistent with the teachings of Democracy. Yet we have been voted 'not a Democrat,' by about a dozen men scattered in different sections of the county, for no other reason than that we have been too devotedly attached to the Union, and too heartily in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war to the end of the Rebellion, to endorse and sanction measures which are not only not Democratic, but which are justly obnoxious to every patriot who would see treason and traitors crushed to the earth never to rise again. Our crime is none other, let those who have labored so assiduously for our ejectment say what they may."

Other Regiments

Jackson County was represented in the Ninety-third Regiment, although not numerously. .There was no full company from the county in that organization, but the men were in companies that were credited to other counties. At the organization of the regi¬ ment George W. Carr was made lieutenant-colonel, and not long after John W. Poole was commissioned major. Both of these men were from Jackson County. CoL Carr resigned in June, 1863, and Maj. Poole was at once promoted lieutenant-colonel. After the latter's name in the roster of the regimental officers is found the following remark: "Wounded and captured June 10, 1864; died of starvation at Macon, Ga., March 5, 1865." This is

A considerable portion of Company H of the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment were from Jackson County. Thomas J. Richards was captain, and Jhilson P. Cummins was first lieu¬ tenant, both of Mooney, and their commissions were dated Febru¬ ary 29, 1864. They were the only commissioned officers from this county. The company started out with a total of ninetynine men, and was recruited with twenty; of these fifteen died and two deserted This regiment saw considerable active service in the closing battles of the war. Company C of the Tenth Cavalry (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth) Regiment also con¬ tained a large representation of Jackson County men. At the original organization the officers were all of Seymour. They were Joseph W. Swift, captain ; Burdett A. Clifton, first lieutenant, and William C. Crouch, second lieutenant Their commissions were dated in December, 1863, and they were mustered into the service during the following month. The One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers contained a full com¬ pany of Jackson County men. It was assigned the position of K, and was officered as follows: Captain, William Miller; first lieutenant, George M. Irwin; second lieutenant, Noah S. Weddle. It was organized and mustered in during the month of October, 1864. The regiment was under the command of Col. Thomas J. Brady, and remained in the active service until the close of the war, and was discharged in July following. The total enrollment of Company K was ninety-nine men, and of these thirteen died and eight deserted.

The One Hundred And Forty-Fifth

panies F and G were largely composed of Jackson men; among the commissioned officers of the former were William T. Dough¬ erty, as captain, and William P. Boyatt, first lieutenant The others were from Scott County. In Company G, James W. Mc¬ Donald was captain, Frank Williams was first lieutenant, and James T. McDonald, second lieutenant, all of Seymour. Both these companies were organized and mustered into the service about the middle of February, 1865, with William A. Adams as colonel, and was recruited in the Third Congressional District On the 18th of February the regiment left Indianapolis for Nash¬ ville, Tenn., and on the 24th reported to Gen. Steadman, at Chatta¬ nooga. The same day it proceeded to Dalton, Ga., where it was placed on duty guarding the railroad for some time, and was then moved to Marietta, where it remained until the fall of 1865, when it was ordered to Cuthbert. At this place it remained on duty until its muster out, in January, 1866.

The Drafts

The first draft that occurred in Indiana was in October, 1862, On the 20th of September before this, Jackson County, had fur¬ nished her full quota of men necessary to meet the President's third call for troops of 300,000 men, except seventeen. Eight of these were due from Washington Township, and nine from Ham- * ilton. Between that date and the 6th of October, the date of the draft, these seventeen men had been raised, and Jackson County escaped the draft entirely. The draft officers appointed for the county were J. J. Cummins, draft commissioner; Peter Platter, marshal, and Samuel Wort, surgeon. Up to that date the county furnished 1,607 volunteers, of which number 1,519 were then in the service. Under the calls of February 1, March 14 and July 18, 1864, Jackson County furnished a total of 987 men, a surplus of fifty-one over the number required. Of these 146 were drafted in October, 1864, and the balance was raised by volunteering.

The seventh and last call of the President for troops was issued December 19, 1864, when 300,000 men were demanded. Under this call the qnota for the county was 225, and to meet this 67 were drafted and 180 volunteered. The county was cred¬ ited with a total of 247. The total credits of the county for the war amount to 2,753. Of this number 232 were re-enlisted vet¬ erans, leaving an actual count of 2,521 men who served in the war from Jackson County. This is a record of which the county may well be proud.

Draft Sentiments

There may have been some sentiment in the county opposed to the enforcement of the drafts. Indeed, the power of conscrip¬ tion is one which, though generally conceded to governments, is yielded to by the people with the utmost reluctance. It affords such ample opportunity for demagogues to invest themselves with tyrannical powers, and is so apparently opposed to individual rights that it should not be a matter of surprise to find popular opposi¬ tion to its enforcement Notwithstanding this, it is difficult to go the full length of that official report, which says that there was a portion of Jackson County where "the condition of the com¬ munity was for a time only less unsettled and fearful than a con¬ dition of actual war." This seems the more likely to be error, since in this county the "townships or neighborhoods where the disloyal element predominated" were the most prompt to furnish their quota of men for the service, as shown by the report of the same officer.

The early steps for organizing the home guards proved to be an influential move in behalf of the Government Through the militia, many good soldiers were brought into active service. The Jackson Greys were organized as a company of active militia in the Indiana Legion. At a meeting held at the court house July 4, 1861, for the purpose of electing the officers, S. W. Holmes was called to the chair; S. P. Mooney, Jr., and Dr. J. A. Stillwell were made secretaries; John T. Shanks was chosen captain; William T. Dodds, first lieutenant, and S. P. Mooney, Jr., second lieutenant. J. J. Cummins had been appointed colonel of the mili¬ tia for Jackson County. A company of home guards was organized in Salt Creek Township and one in Driftwood ; regular meetings were held for drill and practice in the manual of arms. The name of the Brownstown company was soon after changed to Union Greys, and a company in Owen Township, at Clear Spring, took the name of Jackson Greys. In the Salt Creek com¬ pany John Scott, C. B>. Hunter and George W. Hays were the captain, first and second lieutenants. At Clear Spring they were Jacob L. Tanner, Silas Smith and Thomas Boyatt, and in Drift¬ wood, L. C. Shewmaker, M. Singer and P. L. Davis. In July Samuel W. Holmes was appointed deputy adjutant-general for Jackson County, and he was then a very effective worker and organizer.

Legion Drill

In the early part of October, 1861, a meeting of all the home guards of the county was held* at Brownstown. It was a grand success, and a large crowd was present from all portions of the oounty. An address was delivered by the Hon. C. L. Dunham. This was perhaps the most successful drill ever held in the county by the legion. Large numbers of its men had entered the active service, and its efficiency greatly impaired. It continued its or¬ ganization, however, during most of the war, and at the time of Morgan's raid was called together under Meedy W. Shields, its commander.

The Morgan Raid

Perhaps nothing ever stirred the people of southern Indiana so deeply, or spread such universal alarm among the inhabitants, as the news that the rebel Gen. John H. Morgan had crossed the the Ohio Saver with his regiment of cavalry on a raid through

Hi8Tory Op Jackson County

Indiana. Every community in the southern portion of the State deemed itself the object of attack, and was excited to the highest pitch of active resistance. The farmer left the plow and the mer¬ chant his store, and all united, with whatever weapon could be procured, to drive the invader back. Jackson County shared the excitement in the fullest degree. When it became known with some certainty of the whereabouts of Morgan, two companies of the legion were stationed on the road leading to Salem, under the command of Capt M. W. Shields. At that time it was supposed that the object of the rebel commander's attack was Indianapolis, and that his route would be by this road through Brownstown. Great relief was afforded when news came that from Salem the course of the invaders was more to the east It was later learned that the probable course would bring them to Vernon, in Jennings County. At that time a considerable force was at Seymour, un¬ der Gen. Love, and this was ordered to Vernon, where it at once proceeded by the Ohio & Mississippi Bailroad.

Arrest Of Hon. Jason Brown

In the calm which has followed the awful maelstrom of civil war, it is difficult for a later generation to catch the spirit that animated the leaders of that day. In the two great political par¬ ties of that day the partisan spirit ran high, and no doubt errors were committed by both sides. Too much talk on one side brought about the suspension of newspapers and the arrest of citizens by the other. A military force ruled the land, and, intoxicated with its new power, doubtless often went beyond the laxer rules of the civil law. One of the most notorious of the arrests made during the early part of the war, was that of Jason B. Brown, at Sey¬ mour, September 5, 1862. The following account of it is from the Jackson Union , of September 11: of a speech at Seymor on Friday, in a joint discussion with John F. Carr, his competitor, was approached by Lieut Bosler and of¬ ficiously informed that he must change the tenor of his speech or he would be arrested. Mr. Brown asked him to hear him through, and then judge for himself whether or not he changed its tenor. Mr. Brown then continued. He had not, however, proceeded far, before another man in soldier's clothes stepped up¬ on the platform, and, presenting a cocked pistol, informed Mr. Brown that he had authority to arrest him. Mr. Brown demand¬ ed to see it. The soldier refused to show it. Mr. Brown asked the audience whether or not they desired him to finish his speech. A spontaneous shout of 4 Yes,' 4 Yes,' 4 Go on with your speech,'

4 We want to hear you through,' etc., was the response. He then informed the officer that if he attempted to arrest him then, he would do it at his peril, telling him at the same time that so soon as he finished speaking he would go with him. The officer then desired to know if there were not some good Union men present who would assist in the arrest, but as none volunteered their services, he allowed Mr. Brown to proceed with his speech.

44 His speech concluded, Mr. Brown was about departing with his military escort, when a general clamor arose, the crowd evinc¬ ing a disposition to release him from custody. Mr. Brown exhorted them to be quiet and submissive. He said Democrats were peaceable and law-abiding citizens, and, although his arrest was made without authority of law and in clear violation of the Constitution, yet he waived all legal technicalities and was will¬ ing to accompany his escort The crowd, however, continued tumultuous, and it was only after Mr. Brown was released, upon his promise to be at th>e depot at car time, that the manifested indignation of the throng subsided into peaceable submission.

44 Mr. Brown was conveyed to Indianapolis, and taken to the United States Marshal's office. The marshal being absent, the deputy, not wishing to assume the responsibility of retaining Mr.

Jason B. Brown, of Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana, did this day use treasonable language in public against the Gov¬ ernment of the United States of America.

It is said that the charges against Mr. Brown were dismissed without trial. Whether the above charge of uttering 44 treason¬ able language " was true or not, is a matter not to be discussed here. The dismissal of the cause without trial would be a strong oircumstance in his favor. But this is only given as an example of the method of proceeding in many instances jof the time. Such a charge as this could have no footing in the civil courts.

The citizens of the county took early steps to have the fami¬ lies of volunteers cared for in their absence. In the first part of the summer of 1861, a committee was organized in Brownstown for the purpose of attending to this business; William T. Dobbs was made chairman. The county board made liberal allow&nces tor soldiers9 families, of from $2 to $8 per month. This was con¬ tinued until June, 1864, when it was stopped. In addition to this the ladies held fairs, and formed societies for supplying the soldiers in the field with various articles necessary to their com¬ fort. Boxes of quilts, mittens, socks, blankets, caps and other things of a like nature were alihost constantly going to the front, and doubtless found hearty welcome by the boys, who thus knew they were remembered at home, and that warm hearts and ready hands were guarding their interests.

At a special session of the county board, in August, 1862, held "for the purpose of taking action in regard to offering boun¬ ties for volunteers, making provision for the support of volun¬ teers' families, and to levy a tax to pay the same," it was ordered that 12,600 be, and the same is, hereby appropriated to be ex¬ pended by the several township trustees, under the same rules and regulations that apply in relation to the expenditures for the transient poor, for the benefit of the families of volunteers, in the service of the United States, or those who may hereafter volunteer ; and that the sum of 3 cents be, and the same is hereby levied upon each $100 valuation of real estate and personal prop¬ erty for the year 1862, to pay the same.

At the December term, 1864, after the call of December 19, the county board offered a bounty of $300 to volunteers. But this was not to, apply to any township that offered separate boun¬ ties, or in which individuals offered bounties. County bonds were to be issued to the amount of $50,000 to be paid in one, two and three years.

Under the provisions of an act passed by the Legislature, in March, 1865, there was apportioned to Jackson County, for the relief of soldiers' families, the sum of $35,721.68. The number of beneficiaries in the county was 4,421. This fund was known as the soldiers' relief fund, and was under the control of the

This makes a total of $167,129.41 for bounty and relief raised by Jackson County. The small amount of bounty and large amount of relief is a favorable comment on the patriotism and generosity of the people of the county.