Marshall County, Indiana - Chapter 14, 1881

Chapter 14

MILITARY RECORD - Bovursbon Licut INFANTRY - THE PLymovutu Greys - MarsHaLL County RANGERS - THe Stare MiInit1a - REBELLION RecoRD - N AMES OF VOLUNTEERS FROM MARSUALL CoUNTY - LIST OF SOLDIERS BuRiIED IN OAK HILL CEMETERY, PLYMOUTH - MEXICAN WAR VETERANS.

Mexican war veteran, who voted for Andrew Jackson for President. The articles of association are in the well known handwriting of Capt. Hedrick, on the 13th day of May, 1854. Those who "enlisted" pledged themselves to continue in the "service" for a period of six years unless sooner discharged. Each member was required to uniform himself with a pair of fine boots with red top fronts, white drilling pantaloons, a red sash at least six feet in length, a black or deep blue frock coat. a black stock, black glazed cap, plait and plume. The company was required to meet at Bourbon for drill on the last Saturday of April, May, June, August and September, in each year, and on the 4th of July of every year. It was provided that each officer who should behave in an "unofficer"-like manner while on parade should be fined one dollar, and each non-commissioned officer and private who should behave in an unsoldier-like manner while on duty should be fined 50 cents. Any member who should get drunk while on duty, if a commissioned officer, should be fined $5, and all others $2, and be liable to be discharged by the Captain. Fines collected were applied to the payment of the musicians and the other necessary expenses of the company.

58 HISTORY OF On application of Rufus Brown, Colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the Indiana Militia, the Board of Commissioners ordered the necessary arms and accouterments to be forwarded to the company by the Governor. The following were elected officers of the company: John ©. Hedrick, Captain; John E. Mooney, First Lieutenant; William Bennett, Second Lieutenant; William Me Whorter, Sergeant; Ralph Curry, Second Sergeant; William Brown, Third Sergeant; E. G. Mulser, Fourth Sergeant; Oliver Morris, Treasurer; John MeWhorter, John Sharley, and John Nidig, drummers; Isaac Noel, First Corporal; Ben Johnson, Second Corporal; Zachariah Senior, Third Corporal; William Gillespie, Fourth Corporal. Among the scarred veterans who still live are the familiar names of Stephen Sharpe, Jeptha Disher, Jesse Burkett. Salathiel Lightner, Harmon Baylor, and John Baxter, in addition to some of the officers above named. Whether the company lived out the allotted time specified in the articles of association is not stated, and the information at hand is con: fined to the above narrative.

The Plymouth Greys

This was a company organized under the State militia law, in June, 1854. William Rudd - * Dick" Rudd, as he was familiarly called - was the Captain. Col. Rufus Brown procured seventyfive rifles and the side arms for the officers. The company was partially umiformed, armed and equipped for the fray, but was never called into active service. No data of its organization remain of record, and hence its history must forever remain hid den from all prying eyes.

Another compeny was uttempted to be formed about that time, but military ardor having somewhat subsided, it died in course of incubation. It was a cavalry company, and was called the " Marshall County Rangers." At the meeting called for its organization, Dayid Vinnedge was chosen Chairman and Rufus Brown, Secretary. On motion of Dr. Brown, the uniform was made to consist of the following gorgeous outfit: Kossuth hat, with ostrich plume, citizen's frock coat (black), sky-blue pants, with stripes (satinet), red sash, and spurs.

Marshall County was favored with commissions from the Goyernor for regimentai officers, under the law organizing the State into regiments by Congressional Districts. HH. B, Dickson was cominissioned Colonel of the Fifth Regiment, Ninth Brigade, but, not being of a military turn of mind, declined the appointment. Nevertheless, the prefix to his name followed him, and he is to this day hailed by the high-sounding title of Colonel Dickson. Rufus Brown was then appointed, and entered upon the discharge of the duties of the position with the enthusiasm that characterized his efforts in everything he undertook, Thomas J. Patterson was appointed Major, but the efforts to organize the regiment were unsuccessful, and the great State military movement died without a hero. This ended Marshall County's part in the military affairs of the country until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, in 1561.

The part Marshall County took in the war of the rebellion would fill a large volume, and in a work of this kind it is impossible, for reasons that will readily suggest themselves, to do the subject justice. The information to make the record complete is not at hand, and cannot be obtained. The hundreds who enlisted at their country's call, some of whom were on almost every battle field, demeaned themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on themselves and honor on their patriotic constituents.

Reception To Paroled Soldiers

In June, 1863, about one hundred of Capt. Matt. Boyd's and Capt. William M. Kendall's companies, captured in a raid made by Col. Streight, having been paroled, returned home, and were accorded two grand receptions and banquets. The first was held at Corbin's Hall on a Saturday night following their return. The hall was crowded, there being fully five hundred present, and the audience was addressed by ©. H. Reeve, Horace Corbin and John G. Osborn, while a crowd fully as large in the street in front of Becker's store was addressed by M. A. O. Packard. The banquet was one of the finest ever spread in town prior to that time. A Glee Club furnished excellent vocal music, one of the pieces having been written especially for the occasion by Mr. Reeve. The war and political excitement ran high at that time, and the reception and banquet at the hall was called by the Republicans a "Copperhead" arrangement, and many refused to attend on that account. In consequence of this feeling, a reception and banquet under the direction of the Republicans exclusively was given at the Seminary Grove, on the Monday following, at which John L. Westervelt presided as Chairman. A large concourse of people was in attendance, and the reception was considered a grand success by those who superintended the arrangements. The Warsaw Glee Club, assisted by some local talent, furnished the music, and Rev. A. Fuller, Rey. J. E. Chapin, Rev. Johnson, of Valparaiso, Rey. Webb and Rey. Brooke were the orators of the day. Of course, the Demoerats called this reception a woolly-headed, Black Republican Abolition arrangement, and both parties having exhausted the vocabulary of naughty names, the boys, in whose honor this reception had been given, after a few days' rest and recreation, returned to their respective regiments and resumed aggressive operations. The poem referred to above, written by Mr. Reeve, is as follows:

Welcome Them Home

'Welcome them home, welcome them home For rol) of the drums and the call of the bugle, Welcome them home, welcome them home With smiles and with greetings of love, .

Hark, hark, hark, The muffled drums beating, The flag draped in mourning, Hark, hark, hark, The volley tired over their graves Tells of the dead gone to their rest, Back to their firesides never returning. Honored they died, at their country's behest, Those soldier boys honest and brave.

"Welcome them home, welcome them home, Long may they live 'neath the flag they defended, Welcome them home, welcome them home, The soldier boys honest and brave. Home once more, From camp and from field. for the wars are all over; Huzzah! huzzah! huzzah!

History Ninth Indiana Regiment

The Ninth Indiana Regiment was organized at La Porte, August 27, 1861. Shortly after its organization, it was moved to West Virginia. The regiment participated in the following battles: Greenbrier, October 3, 1861; Alleghany, December 13, 1861; the second day's fight at Shiloh, Perryville, Danville, Wild- Cat Mountain, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge. After its re-organization as a veteran regiment, it participated in the Atlanta campaign, and took part in the engagements of Taylor's Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro and Lovejoy. It also participated in the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. It was afterward transferred to the vicinity of New Orleans, and later to Texas, where it remained as a part of Gen. Sheridan's Army of Occupation, until September, 1865, when it was mustered out.

Twentieth Indiana Regiment

The Twentieth Indiana Regiment, of which Companies C and D were a part, was organized and mustered in July 22, 1861, at La Fayette, Indiana. The regiment moved to the East, and the first engagement it participated in was between the Merrimac, Cumberland and Congress, at Newport News, March 8, 1862. On May 10, it moved to Norfolk, and participated in the capture of that city, after which it joined the Army of the Potomac, on the Peninsula. On the Sth of June, the regiment was severely engaged with the enemy, at Fair Oaks battle-ground. June 25, it participated in the battle of the "Orchards," sustaining a loss of 144 men and officers, in killed, wounded and missing. It covered the retreat of the Third Corps, in the celebrated Seven Days' Fight, participating in all the battles, especially that of "Glendale," or Frazier's Farm, in which the regiment lost heavily. The Twentieth formed a portion of the flank guard of the Army of the Potomac during its march across the Peninsula, to Yorktown. Taking steamer there, it proceeded to Alexandria, and from thence moved to the Rappahannock, and again to Manassas Plains, where, on the 29th of August, it took part in the battle, the brave Col. Brown falling early in the action. On the 1st of September, it was engaged in the battle of Chantilly. It was also engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg, also of Chancellorsville, in which it captured the whole of the Twenty-Third Georgia, numbering more than its own men. Afterward, it pursued Lee through Maryland, and into Pennsylvania, reaching Gettysburg in time to participate in the second day's battle. After this, it joined in the pursuit, crossing the Potomac at Har- 'per's Ferry, and overtaking the rear guard of Lee's army at Man assas Gap, attacked and defeated the enemy. It also participated in the battles of Locust Grove and Mine Run, in November, and later, in the battles of the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Fox River, Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor, after which it was consolidated with the Fourteenth Regiment, and was finally mustered out, July 12, 1865.

Twenty-Ninth Indiana Regiment

It was the original intention to give historical sketches of each of the companies recruited in Marshall County, but it has been impossible to procure the necessary data to do so in a satis-

Capt. James E. Houghton, of Plymouth, by request, furnished a complete history of Company I, Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment, giving the details of all the engagements participated in, and other matters of historical interest, which would be inserted in full here were it possible to do so, without encroaching on space set apart for other matter that cannot be omitted. Capt. Houghton seryed three years without leave of absence, participating in all the engagements of hiscompany. He was mustered in as First Lieutenant, but afterward took charge of his company as Captain, as will be seen further on. From his sketch, the following condensation is made.

Recruiting for Company I, Twenty-Ninth Indiana, commenced July 12, 1861, under the direction of Capt. Daniel Casey, and in the space of eight or ten days, a sufficient number had been secured to muster in, which was done at Camp Jackson, near La Porte. About October 1, 1561, the company moved tw Indianapolis, where they were furnished with supplies, and left for the seat of war, passing throngh Lonisville, Ky., and calling a halt at a place they named Camp Nevin, about fifty miles south of Louisville, at which place large numbers of rebels were found. Here they remained about six weeks, and were joined by the Thirtieth and Thirty-fourth, Indiana, and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, which formed Gen. A. McD. MecCook's Brigade. While here, the measles broke out, and at almost all hours of the day, the sad notes of the muffled drum told that the mortal remains of some soldier was being carried to his narrow home. About the Ist of December, 1861, the company moved to Murfreesyille, and went into camp near the town, where, in addition to the measles, the small-pox broke out among the troops. It was hero that R. B. Patterson (little Bob Pat, as he was familiarly called), was stricken down and sent to Louisville, where he died. At this time the company was so depleted by sickness, that at times not more than ten men could be mustered for duty, Two or three dashes of rebel cavalry, and an occasional foraging expedition, were all that broke the monotony of camp life.

On the 18th of February, 1862, the company moved toward Bowling Green, where a strong force of the enemy was encamped. They tramped through the mud and rain, a distance of twentythree miles, and went in biyouac near Bell's Tavern, whose proprietor was a Colonel in the rebel army. About the 28th of February, while trying to dry themselves from the drenching they had received the night before while on picket, the sound of the bugle was heard. No one knew where they were going. In fact, soldiers in line never knew where they were going. The company moved out in line, and soon ascertained that their destination was Bowling Green. The Rebels were ontgeneraled and outflanked, and the place was captured without the firing of a gun. After a few days they left the place with five days' rations, leaving teams behind for the purpose of making a detour through the country. Near Franklin, Tenn., the rations run out. Arriving at Franklin, they found supplies had arrived, and abont 8,000 had one of the largest and best patronized picnics ever held in any grove. It was a feast - -a royal feast, ever to be remembered. Leaving Franklin the next morning, they marched to within four miles of Nashville, where they remained about two weeks. On a bright and beautiful Sunday morning, they heard the rattle of the long roll, which called them to arms. It was found to be the dash of a squadron of rebel cayalry on the picket line. Threo or four were killed and one prisoner taken by the Union soldiers.

60 HISTORY ing camp on the 2d day of April, 1562, they marched down through Columbia and Frankfort to Duck River, where they stopped long enough to rebuild a bridge which had been destroyed, going on tu Savannah, on the Tennessee River. About 1 o'clock P. M., April 6, 1862, they heard the booming of cannon, on the gun-boats, and were informed that Gen. Grant was fighting the rebels at Pittsburg Landing. They were at that time recognized as a part of the Army of the Ohio, under command of Gen. Don Carlos Buell. Leaving behind everything that could be got along without, they pulled out for the scene of action, a distance of forty-five miles, which was reached at 11 o'clock at night. The town was one vast hospital, filled with those who had been wounded the day before. The groans of the wounded and dying was anything but pleasant hopes of the coming morrow. At 4 o'clock in the morning they were crowded on board of a boat and steamed up the river to the Landing, where they disembarked, climbed on the high bluff, formed in line and stacked arms. Some filled their canteens from the river, and others laid down on the wet ground to catch what rest they could. Passing over the dead and wounded, which were piled in some places three in a heap, they took a position a little to the right of the left center. They were soon ordered to re-enforce the Thirtieth Indiana, and as they moved forward, Capt. Casey was wounded by a musket ball in the left hand, and thereafter the command of the company devolved on Lieut. Houghton. The rebels were driven back after a hard struggle, and Company C participated in her first victory. On roll-call, quite a number were found to be wounded, and six missing. The Union loss in the engagement was 13,508. The night of the 7th they slept on the battle-field, cold, wet and hungry. They then proceeded to Corinth. Gen. Halleck, Commander of the Department of the Mississippi, took command of the army, and the siege of Corinth commenced about April 15, and the old fossil never knew that the rebels had left until about the 29th of May. The rebels blew up the fort and retired some twenty miles distant. They broke camp in June, 1862, and commenced what is known as Buell's retreat from Mississippi. They spent July 4, 1862, at Bellefont, and then moved through Stevenson, and went into camp near by. Later, they moved with Buell's army through North Alabama and Tennessee, into Kentucky, and followed in the pursuit of Bragg, through the latter State, returning to Nashville in December. Marching with Rosecrans' army toward Murfreesboro, they participated in the battle of Stone River, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the Ist and 2d of January, 1863, losing many men and officers. After the occupation of Murfreesboro, they remained at that place until May, when they moved forward with Rosecrans' army to Tullahoma, and afterwards to Chattanooga. In addition to the engagements before mentioned, after joining Rosecrans' army, they participated in the skirmishes had with the enemy at La Vergne, Triune and Liberty Gap. In the great battle of Chickamauga, they were engaged both days. After this battle they were stationed at Bridgeport, Ala., where the regiment re-enlisted as a veteran organization, on the Ist of January, 1864. They were afterward stationed at Chattanooga, where they remained until December, when they removed to Decatur, Ala., and were engaged in a skirmish at that place on the 27th of December, 1564. Returning to Chattanooga, they remained at that place until May, 1865, when they moved to Dalton, Ga., where they participated in a skirmish with the enemy. Capt. Honghton, and all those whose terms of re-enlistment had not expired, were mustered ont, by reason of expiration of term of service, September 27, 1864.

Forty-Eighth Indiana Regiment

This regiment was organized at Goshen, December 6, 1861, with Norman Eddy as Colonel. It arrived one day too late to engage in the battle of Fort Donelson. It participated in the battles of Corinth, Iuka, Forty Hills, Raymond, Champion Hills, and was actively engaged in the trenches during the long siege of the rebel works at Vicksburg. It was transferred to Sherman's army, and took part in the famous march from Atlanta to the sea, From Savannah, it first moved to Beaufort. and then on the campaign through the Carolinas, going through Columbia, Cheraw, Fayetteville and Goldsboro, to Raleigh. From Raleigh, it moved northward, after the surrender of Johnston's army, making the distance from Raleigh to Petersburg, 165 miles, in six days. It was mustered out July 15, 1865.

Fifty-Fourth Indiana Regiment

This regiment was organized October, 1862. With few exceptions, the regiment was composed of drafted men, or their substitutes, and the term of service was one year. It embarked with Sherman's expedition to Vicksburg. On the 26th of December, the brigade to which it was attached, moved up Yazoo River, felt the enemy, drew his fire, and fell back under cover of the gun-boats. On the three following days, the regiment was exposed in front, all the time, participating in the two charges made on the rebel works, at Chickasaw Bluffs, near Vicksburg, losing 264 killed, wounded and missing. It was engaged to the expedition to Arkansas Post, and participated in the battle of Thompson's Hill, commonly known as Port Gibson, and in the siege of the enemy's works, at Vicksburg, and in the battle of Jackson. It was mustered out November 1, 1863.

Seventy-Third Indiana Regiment

This regiment was recruited entirely from the Ninth Congressional District, and entered the service 1,010 strong. It was marched to Lexington, and having joined Buell's army, commenced the pursuit of Bragg. At Gallatin, Tenn., it surprised the enemy, driving him out of the place, capturing nineteen prisoners. It was the first of the whole army to cross Stone River, under the fire of the enemy. On the 31st of December, the most terrific fighting occurred. The right wing of our army was driven back two miles. The Seventy-third fonght twenty minutes at very close range, losing more than one-third of the number engaged; and then charging, drove the force in its front from the field, and in turn was compelled to fall back a short distance, by a rebel brigade in its flank. But the euemy's advance was checked, and the right wing and army saved by the desperate fighting at this point. Gen. Rosecrans complimented the regiment, in person, immediately after the battle, and recognized these facts. It also distinguished itself at Crooked Creek, Ala., and Blount's Farm. It was afterward engaged in garrison duty, protecting railroad lines in different parts of Alabama, and participated in many skirmishes. It was mustered out July, 1865, with a public reception at Indianapolis. It made a record of which all who belonged to it felt justly proud.

Miscellaneous Regiments

So many Marshall County boys were assigned to so many dif. ferent regiments, that it would require more space than can be spared to give even a brief sketch of the numerous engagements

Zouave Company

In 1862, a company was formed in Marshall County, called the Zouaves. They were, however, not mustered in as such, but the most of those on the muster-roll were assigned to other companies. The following is the roster:

Twentieth Regiment

TWENTIETH REGIMENT. COMPANY ©, The following is a list of the officers of the regiment, and the names of the officers of the company who were residents of Marshall County:

Forty-Eighth Regiment

The residence of the members of Company C is not given in the Adjutant General's report, and it is impossible to tell who of them were residents of Marshall County, therefore the names as they appear in the list are given:

Miscellaneous Companies

George M. Slater, Company (+, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment, F. M. Baldwin, Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment. William Gibbons, Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment. William Cochran, Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment. James Compton, Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment. George W. Deamer, Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment.

Mexican War Veterans

Of those who took part in the Mexican war, residents of Marshall County, and who reside here at this time, but few remain, as far as is known, and they are as follows:

There may be a few others, but diligent inquiry has failed to find them. The following is a list of soldiers interred in Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth:

John D, Armstrong, Orderly Sergeant Company I. Twenty-ninth [ndian Volunteer Infantry ; died fromthe effects of wound received at the battle of Chickamauga September 15, 1863.

M. CG. Moore, Captain Company D, Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment; captured at battle of Chickamauga September 20, 1862, and confined in Libby Prison ; escaped through a tunnel made by himself and others, and arrived within two miles of the Union lines, when he was recaptured by the rebels and was marched back to prison, He was soon afterward exchanged and started home, and died from disease contracted while in prison.

Wesley Spencer, Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Regiment. Alfred V. Morgan, Company I, One Handred and Fifty-fifth Indiana Iafantry. James Bivens, Company |, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry.

The foregoing is a complete list, so far as it has been possible, from the data at hand, to make it. There are doubtless hundreds who went from the county, whose names cannot be ascertained, from the fact that, in many instances, the residence is not given, and many enrolled themselves with regiments in other States. Tho names of these, of course, it has been impossible to get, but enough has been given to show that Marshall County was not behind any of her sister counties in Northern Indiana, of equal population, in doing her part in suppressing the rebellion. In the beginning of the war, the excitement ran high here, as elsewhere, and much bitterness of feeling was manifested by those in favor of the war and those who opposed it, and as the preparations increased, and company after company enlisted and marched to the scene of the conflict, the excitement increased. Society began to be divided; the churches felt the effects of it; the Masons and Odd Fellows, and other benevolent organizations, were permeated with the virus that came near causing their overthrow. Neighbor was arrayed against neighbor, brother against brother, father against son, and ono political party against the other. For five long years this state of affairs held full sway in our midst. But the rebellion was crushed, peace was declared, and it is gratifying, after the lapse of sixteen years, to be able to record that the wide differences of opinion then existing have entirely disappeared, sto perpetua!

W. Siders, who, with Walter L. Piper in control of the job department, urchased the paper at that time. In October, 1878, Mr. Piper sold bis interest to Howard M. Brooke, who, in April, 1879, sold his interest to his brother, Ed 8. Brooke, who had long been employed in the office.

job departments of the paper. Under its present arrangement, the circulation of the paper has rapidly increased, and the office has obtained a reputation for fine job work second to no other office in Northern

John W. Siders

Mr. Siders was born in Highland County, Ohio, March 31, 1839. His early life was passed quietly amid the scenes of a rural home; and, when not in attendance at the schools of his neighborhood, his time was occupied in the performance of farm labor. He accompanied his parents in their removal to McDonough County, IIl., in 1856; and, at the age of eighteen years, adopted the vocation of school teaching, and for about fourteen years taught during the winter seasons, and worked on a farm in the summer. He became proficient in the science of surveying, and was thus engaged at various times, and subsequently accepted the position of Deputy with the County Clerk of McDonough County, Il]. In the fall of 1875, he was elected Treasurer of that county, serving two years. A circumstance in the political history of that county points to the personal popularity of the candidate: For years, the two political parties had been nearly equally divided; and, even in national and State elections, the majority for the candidate of either party had rarely exceeded twenty votes in the entire county, while it sometimes fell as low as one vote. On this occasion, however, Mr. Siders received a majority of 561 votes, and was the only Republican Treasurer who had been elected in that county during a period of ten years. His term expired in 1878, and he retired from the office with the confidence and good will of all whose votes had placed him there. In February of that year, he came to Indiana in quest of a location; and, upon his arrival at Plymouth, found the Republican, a weekly newspaper of this city, for sale. Associated with Walter Piper, he then purchased the office, and entered upon his duties as editor of the paper. In this capacity, he has undoubtedly found his proper sphere. He is a fine writer, and his editorials, while

Indiana. The Repudiican has facilities for doing any kind of job work from the largest poster to the smallest card or finest book work ; and, at this time, does four times as much job work as it did when the present proprietors took charge of it.

The Republican is now a fifty-six column paper, having been enlarged from an eight column folio to a seven column quarto. It is one of the largest papers in the State; contains editorials on almost all subjects ; gives a large amount of literary and miscellaneous matter ; all the local and general news of the day, and is a paper of which Plymouth and Marshall County may well be proud.

they are not flowery or studied, are full of sound logic, and constantly advocate what is for the public and private good of the community. He has built up the character of the Republican, which is the efficient organ of the Republican party in this county, and enjoys an extensive circulation and a liberal patronage. Personally, Mr. Siders is esteemed for his manly qualities, and frank, open-hearted manners. His business transactions are always honorable and prompt, and have gained for him the high esteem of all with whom he has had dealings. He fills an important position in the community, and is one of its valued members.

Ed 8. Brooke

Mr. Brooke was born at Plymouth, Marshall Co., Ind., June 23, 1858. He acquired a good English education in the public schools of this city ; and, at the close of his school life, in 1872, entered upon an apprenticeship as a printer, under Van Valkenburg & McDonald, editors of the Plymouth Democrat. Remaining with these gentlemen for two and a half years, he entered the office of the Plymouth Republican as a journeyman. About a year later, he returned to the Democrat office; and, in February, 1878, entered the employ of Siders & Piper, proprietors of the Republican. In April, 1879, he purchased an interest in the latter paper, with which he is still associated as the junior member of the firm of J. W. Siders & Co. Mr. Brooke has immediate charge of the typographical department of his paper; and, by his experience in this field, is well qualified for the capacity he fills. As a result of his careful supervision, the Republican is a neat, well-printed paper, and this fact has much to do with its extensive circulation. He is well-informed on all subjects of a political and general nature; a good conversationalist, and a young man of more than ordinary ability.