Mississippi Railroad Bridge Report

FOR THE WEEK ENDING FEB. 15, 1862.

DATE	Stage of Water Above l. w. mark.	Mercury Above & Below
		6 A.M	12 M.	6 P.M
Feb. 9	7 feet 0 inches	-8	11	36
Feb. 10	7 feet 4 inches	23	30	33
Feb. 11	7 feet 5 inches	35	25	33
Feb. 12	7 feet 5 inches	31	37	33
Feb. 13	7 feet 5 inches	27	14	1
Feb. 15	7 feet 5 inches	-18	-9	-8
Feb. 16	7 feet 5 inches	-2	-3	-4

The number of footmen that crossed the bridge during the week was 212.

J. H. THORINGTON, Bridge Master.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Meteorological Observations

(Under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution.)

Made at Griswold College, Davenport,

BY WM. P. DUNWOODY.

Latitude 41.30. North – Longigude 13.30 West.  Height above the sea, 737 feet.

Date	Barometer			Thermometer			Snow Inch
	7 A.M.	2 P.M.	9 P.M.	7 A.M.	2 P.M.	9 P.M.
Feb. 10	29.05	28.91	28.64	19	20	31	.5
Feb. 11	28.88	28.81	28.84	31	32	29
Feb. 12	29.98	29.67	29.14	28	35	28
Feb. 13	29.26	29.40	29.48	28	7	-7
Feb. 14	29.54	29.48	29.40	-22	-6	-7
Feb. 15	29.34	29.20	29.22	-3	3	3
Feb. 16	29.23	29.21	29.19	7	31	22

Mean height of Barometer, 29.13 inches; mean Temperature, 15 degrees; mean amount of couds 7; general direction of winds, N. W. S. W.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Substitutes For Coffee . . .

. . . are all the go now-a-days, and many of our town’s people have dropped the pure original beverage, and taken to some of the mixtures and decoctions which are recommended by those who have tried them, as they say.  We have just discovered some new ones in our exchanges.  Sorghum molasses is recommended as a substitute for coffee.  The molasses is boiled down to the consistency of taffy and then allowed to burn.  The Advertiser considers it the best equivalent for coffee yet discovered.  Of course it is.  That the matter with all of them.  But we think the climax has been reached by a correspondent of the Muscatine Journal, in the following recipe, which we submit to the thoughtful consideration of our friend Jones, the coffee-man.  The materials are so very plenty, the compound will probably cost considerably less than nothing.

“Take of catnip one ounce and pulverize it well with two ounces of snake weed, add a strong decoction of smart weed mixed with a solution of wild cherry bark, and you will have a substitute for coffee that can’t be told from the original Java.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

James A. Seevers

In the days of slavery there were many Southerners, who, although brought up in familiarity with that peculiar institution, yet felt that they could not conscientiously give it support or encouragement; hence it was that in the settlement of the great Northwest many of the old slave-holding families of the South followed the tide of emigration and did their part in establishing and upbuilding a freer and a healthier civilization. The subject of this sketch was a member of such a family. He was born in Jefferson County, Va., March 6, 1832, and in 1842 came to Iowa with his father, James Seevers, who left him in school at Burlington, while he with the rest of the family came to Mahaska County. Young James' longing for the western home he had never seen, combined with the fever of immigration of which he had had a taste, proved stronger than his love for school, and accordingly he left Burlington without leave and walked to the Oskaloosa of that day, of which the main business buildings were a log blacksmith-shop and grocery store. In 1853, Mr. Seevers, having studied law with his brother, Judge William H. Seevers, was admitted to the bar and soon after formed a partnership with Judge J. A. L. Crookham. In 1856 he was elected County Attorney, and dissolving his connection with Judge Crookham. formed a partnership with his brother and Hon. M. T. Williams, with whom he continued in business until the outbreak of the Civil War.

May 29, 1855, Mr. Seevers married Miss Mary Collins. She was the eldest daughter of one of Marion County's first pioneers, and still resides with her family in Oskaloosa. Three sons were born to them — Charles A., Albert Collins and James E .— the second of whom died in infancy; and one daughter, Eva, who is still living.

Mr. Seevers was a strong adherent to the political faith of Stephen A. Douglas, and during the stormy period preceding the war took an active part in the affairs of the Democratic party. When in 1861 all hopes of a peaceful settlement of the difficulties between the North and South were abandoned, Mr. Seevers espoused without hesitancy the cause of the Union, and assisted in organizing a company of volunteers, largely composed of men of his own political faith. In October, 1861, he was elected Captain of Company C, 15th Iowa Regiment, and spent the winter of 1861-62 in quarters at Keokuk, Iowa. Capt. Seevers took part with his company in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and in the smaller affairs of Iuka and Boliver, suffering a loss in the first two engagements of five men killed and twenty-one wounded. In both battles Capt. Seevers received honorable mention for gallantry in action. The 15th Iowa arrived at Shiloh, by steamer, on the morning of the first day of that battle, and as the men marched to the front with bright guns and new uniforms they were taken by the retreating Federals for regular troops. In an hour the 15th Iowa was also slowly retreating before the impetuous advance of the confederates.  In a forced march through heavy timber from Corinth to Grand Junction, Capt. Seevers fell, and received injuries in the side, which obliged him to resign his commission.

On returning from the army the Captain re-engaged in the practice of law, as much as his impaired health would permit. But the injuries he had received caused the formation of a tumor, which, growing continually worse, caused his death Nov. 5, 1865, at the age of thirty-three years, when it might truly be said he was only fairly commencing life. He was once a candidate for the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, but was not successful. He canvassed the county for his party, and as a public speaker was a fluent one, and a man of much influence in the counsels of his party.

SOURCE: Portrait And Biographical Album Of Mahaska County, Iowa, published by Chapman Brothers, Chicago, Illinois, 1887, p. 246-7

Local Matters

SOME INTERESTING details of the fight at Fort Donelson will be found on our second page.

THE SNOW disappeared rapidly yesterday before the mild weather.  Sleighs crowded our streets as though the good people were disposed to make the most of the snow while it did last.

THE Presbytery of LeClaire, of the United Presbyterian Church, meets at DeWitt on Wednesday morning.  This presbytery comprises many of the churches of that denomination of this county, and we believe includes that of this city.

REJOICINGS. – The little iron cannon was brought out last evening by some of our citizens, and several rounds were fired in honor of the victory achieved by our forces.  During the day quite a number of flags were displayed, and at night the Burtis House was brilliantly illuminated.

*~*~*~*~*

THE adjourned semi-annual meeting of the Scott county Republican Club for the election of officers, will meet at the Court House on Tuesday evening next, at 7 o’clock, Feb. 18, 1861 [sic].

By order of,

JOHN COLLINS, Pres.

J. W. Guiteau, Cor. Secy.

*~*~*~*~*

IF ANY of the fair are disappointed at not receiving their expected valentines, let them step into the post-office, and they may find them there, snug as you please, but deficient in a blue stamp.  An immense amount of sweetness has been lost in the desert air from that cause.

SUPPER AT THE DAVENPORT HOUSE. – On Saturday evening, one of the finest repasts of the season was spread out by Mr. G. Hickox, of the Davenport House before a large number of guests.  Lobsters and other rare fish were served up in delightful abundance, and many Easterners filled up to an alarming extent, especially in one or two cases we have heard of.

SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS. – The school in Pleasant Valley township had a celebration on Friday evening last.  Mrs. Miriam Fenno and Miss Jennie Allen presided at the piano.  The vocal music is also said to have been very fine.  Mr. J. McHarg addressed the scholars.  These neighborhood school exhibitions are largely attended and the results are highly beneficial to the scholars in encouraging a proper degree of emulation among them.

FIGHTING ON THE ICE. – The boys of this place and Rock Island are in the habit every Sunday, as is well known, of imitating on the ice the movements of their elders down South.  Last Sunday, the belligerent boys were out in strong force, and fought most of the afternoon.  Now the Rock Island boys would drive the Davenporters to this side, when he latter would receive reinforcements and drive back their opponents.  This was continued with varying success for several hours.  One boy we are told, was badly hurt, his head being cut, so that it bled very much.  This style of Sabbath observance has gone on about long enough, and energetic measures should be taken to prevent any recurrence of these scenes in the future.

“ANYTHING FURTHER?” – We didn’t count – indeed we couldn’t – how many times we were asked this question and kindred ones yesterday.  When we have important news, or any such is expected, the good nature of newspapermen is put to a pretty severe test.  The public are impatient to hear the very latest news, and the telegraph and daily paper offices are besieged by an army of news seekers.  Well, we for our part don’t complain of it; and for the sake of such good news as we had yesterday, we can stand being bored every day.  But if there should happen any more  Bull Run affairs, we don’t want any questions asked about them; it shows a morbid curiosity to inquire about such subjects, and we don’t mean to encourage it.  Go to our neighbor for news of that kind.  As it is, we intend to use all the alleys and by-ways for some days, so that we don’t have too much talking to do; while to such abstract and complicated questions as: How did Floyd escape? (stole away, perhaps)  How many have we lost? When will you get out the next extra?  When will the war end?  To these questions we desire to plead general “know-nothingingism.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Expected Evacuation of Manassas – The Rebels ask for Arbitration

NEW YORK, Feb. 16.

The Times special Washington dispatch says it is believed by military men that Manassas will be evacuated by the rebels as Bowling Green has been.

As soon as Tennessee is released from rebel despotism, the carrying of United States mails will be renewed on the established routes.

It is sincerely believed that the proposition recently brought by the rebel flag of truce was to refer the present dispute to foreign arbitration.

The Herald’s dispatch says the work of thoroughly re-organizing the War Department, is rapidly progressing.  To-day a number of clerks were notified to leave, and prohibited from revisiting the Department again.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, February 17.

Mr. Colfax asked and readily obtained permission to make a statement relative to Fort Donelson.  Amid profound silence, Mr. Colfax said that Gen. McClellan had authorized him to inform the House that he had just received a dispatch from Cairo, informing him of the arrival of the gun boat Carondelet at that place, bringing the news of the capture of Fort Donelson, yesterday, by the land forces of the U. S., and 15,000 prisoners, including Gen. A. Sidney Johnson [sic] and Gen Buckner.  Gen. Floyd ran and escaped.  The loss of both sides is very heavy.  (Applause greeted the dispatch.)

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Franklin Spots

Resident of Saylor Township, Polk County, where his father now resides; a recruit; joined the army Oct. 3, 1864, after a residence in Polk County, Iowa, of about ten years. He was assigned to Company H, 15th Iowa Infantry, and served until July 4, 1865, when he died of disease at Nashville, Tenn. He was born in Erie County, Penn., July 4,1841. At home, a hard-working farmer boy; in the army, a dutiful soldier. I was well acquainted with Franklin Spots, and always held him in high esteem. He had many friends in the neighborhood where he lived; and I think he had no enemies.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 229



Whereabouts of Price

Special to St. Louis Democrat.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 16.

According to the latest advices, the Federal army was in vigorous pursuit of the rebels.  Price’s army was on Crane Creek, twenty nine miles from here, on Friday evening and our forces five miles in the rear, preparing to make an early start in pursuit next morning.  Price had placed his train in advance.  About 100 wagons containing supplies for him were brought into this place, from Forsyth, only a few days before retreat.  Rebel sympathizers here claim that Price will be reinforced by twelve or fifteen regiments from Bentville [sic], Ark., under Gen. Van Doron [sic], but Gen. Sigel, who was advancing on the rebel column by a different route than that pursued by Gen. Curtis, may strike a blow on their flank and upset Prices calculations.

Four rebel officers and thirteen privates fell into our hands on Friday, and are now here.  The officers are the notorious Col. Freeman, Maj. Bery, aid-de-camp to Gen. McBride, Capt. Dickinson, chief engineer, Capt. Donnell, quartermaster.

A pony express, with relay posts, has been established between Rolla and this point, by Capt. Baldwin.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Moses J. H. Parker

Lived near Lavish Grove, in Polk County, Iowa; left a wife and children; was sent forward as a recruit October, 1864; accompanied Sherman's army on its march through Georgia, South and North Carolina and Virginia; was discharged; lay sick for some time in Davenport; came home, and died in three days after his return, July 15, 1865 ; — born in Huntington County, Penn., May 23,1827. He was a member of the Christian Church, a Freemason and Odd Fellow, and a good citizen. He belonged to Company A, 15th Iowa Infantry.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 229

Levi Wells

A Recruit accredited to Des Moines, Polk County, age, twenty-six, native of Illinois; enlisted March 22d, 1864; wounded in left shoulder, at Atlanta, July 23, 1864; died August 12, 1864, at Rome, Ga., of wounds.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 228

Corporal Jacob R. Kelsey

The name of one soldier belonging to Company B, and enlisting from Polk County, on the first organization of the company, and who doubtless lost his life, has been omitted in the foregoing record. Captain Studer kindly furnished the following history: —

"CORPORAL JACOB R. KELSEY, Resident of Des Moines, native of Ohio, was a splendid man, and one of the best and promptest non-commissioned officers in the regiment, wherever placed on duty. Some time previous to the departure of the regiment for the field, he had a heavy attack of typhoid fever, at Keokuk, hence was not enabled to participate in the battle of Shiloh; but shortly thereafter returned to his company, and performed, without interruption, faithful duty up to the battle of Corinth, after which battle he was never seen or heard of again. The fight being for some time most desperate, and the regiment under a heavy cross-fire, and nearly flanked, and the order having been given three times by General Crocker for the regiment to fall back on a new line before it was executed (such was the ardor of the men), this soldier fell, most probably wounded, into the hands of the enemy, and must have been carried away by them on their precipitate retreat, when he must have died, or been abandoned dying. At any rate, he was borne on the roll of the company as missing to the end of the war, and no clew of him could be obtained. If any man should endeavor to tarnish this soldier's record by saying that he perhaps went over to the enemy in that battle, I can no more than scorn such an idea, because he was too patriotic, faithful, and brave a man to be guilty of such a charge, all the more because a discharge from the service had been repeatedly offered to him while sick in hospital at Keokuk, which at all times he most emphatically refused to accept, saying that he enlisted to fight Rebels, and that he was bound to do it."

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 227-8

Calvin Lloyd

Enlisted from Walnut Township, Polk County, Sept. 26, 1861; age, twenty-seven; a native of Indiana. Died at St. Louis — date unknown to me.

Says Captain Studer: —

"A good man. Was taken sick after the battle of Shiloh; fought bravely there. A very stern, steady man; had little to say; of firm and determined nature; faithful and dutiful."

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 227

The Seevers Family

JAMES SEEVERS, deceased, an honored pioneer of Mahaska County, of 1843, was born: in Frederick County, Va., Oct. 12,1792. His; parents, Henry and Martha Seevers, were descended from the French Huguenots. The family: removed from France to Germany, and thence to: America in colonial times and settled in Pennsylvania. Later the branch from which our subject: sprang was established in Virginia. James served an apprenticeship to the tanner's trade, at which he worked but a few years, and then engaged in farming.

Our subject was united in marriage, in 1820, to: Miss Rebecca Wilkins, who was born Nov. 23,1797. They were the parents of six children who lived to maturity; two died in infancy, and one in childhood. William H., the eldest, is now Judge: of the Supreme Court of Iowa, and a resident of Oskaloosa; he married Miss Caroline M. Lee (see sketch elsewhere in this work). Virginia R. is the widow of M. T. Williams, and a resident of Oskaloosa; Thomas F. married Louisa Knight, and his: death occurred in 1853; John M. was a soldier of the late war, being a private of the 3d Iowa Infantry, and died in 1862 in the hospital, from disease contracted in the service; Theodore L. was a : Lieutenant of the 33d Iowa Infantry; he married: Miss Eliza Boswell, and resides at Marshalltown, Iowa; James A. was a Captain in the 15th Iowa Infantry; he married Mary Collins, and died from disease contracted in the army.

Mr. Seevers emigrated from Virginia to Iowa in 1842. He spent one winter in Jefferson County, and in the spring of 1843 came to Oskaloosa, locating about a mile outside the city, and engaged in farming. He was the first Justice of the Peace in Mahaska County, and held the office many years. He was a true and consistent Christian, holding membership with the Lutheran Church, and was an upright, honorable man, who commanded the respect and good-will of his fellow-citizens. His demise took place at the ripe age of eighty-six years, April 6, 1879. His wife, the cherished partner of his joys and sorrows for many years, and a most estimable lady, died July 4, 1873.

SOURCE: Portrait And Biographical Album Of Mahaska County, Iowa, published by Chapman Brothers, Chicago, Illinois, 1887, p. 240-1

Amos Wymore

AMOS WYMORE, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 5, White Oak Township. He was born in Indiana March 1, 1842, and is the son of William H. and Rutha (Snook) Wymore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. They followed the occupation of farming, and came to Iowa about the year 1836; he died in 1876, and she in May, 1884. The subject of this sketch, Amos Wymore, was married, May 10, 1866, to Mrs. Mary Tanner, nee Bolton, who is a daughter of Abraham and Martha (Goodchild) Bolton, who were natives of England, came to this county from Illinois in 1846, and are both deceased. The former died in 1852 and the latter in May, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Wymore became the parents of seven children, of whom only two are living: Julian and Hattie; five died in infancy.

Alva Tanner, the first husband of Mrs. Wymore, was a soldier in the late war, and was killed on the 9th day of August, 1863. He was a member of Co. C, 15th Iowa Vol. Inf., enlisted in the fall of 1861, and had veteranized in the spring of the same year that he lost his life; he was a Sergeant in his company. He was the father of two children: Orin, now deceased, and one who died in infancy.

The subject of this sketch, Amos Wymore, was a soldier during the late war, and a member of Co. C, 15th Iowa Vol. Inf., commanded by Capt. James A. Seevers. He enlisted Oct. 22,1861, and served fourteen months, when he was discharged by reason of disability contracted in the service. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, and was also present during the siege of Corinth, where, in December, 1862, he was discharged as above stated.

Politically Mr. Wymore is a Republican, and has filled the offices of Supervisor and member of the School Board in his township. He is the owner of 114 acres of excellent land, all in a good state of cultivation, and with the best class of improvements. He has a good frame dwelling, and a commodious barn, 36x40 feet, with basement. He has a fine orchard upon the place of thrifty trees in good bearing. The entire farm is kept neat and in good order, and is the best evidence of the thrift and enterprise of its owner, who has been fairly successful in his business. Personally and socially Mr. and Mrs. Wymore are greatly esteemed among their friends and acquaintances.

SOURCE: Portrait And Biographical Album Of Mahaska County, Iowa, published by Chapman Brothers, Chicago, Illinois, 1887, p. 263-4

Demonstrations of Joy throughout the North

BOSTON, February 17.

The news of the capture of Ft. Donelson created a perfect furore [sic] of patriotic jubilation in Boston to-day.  There has never been so much joy manifested.

DETROIT, Feb. 17.

The news of the victory at Fort Donelson caused universal joy here.  One hundred guns were fired on receipt of the news, and to-night buildings are illuminated, the fire department, military and citizens out in a grand procession with banners, torches and rockets, to celebrate the great event.

PITTSBURG, February 17.

News of the capture of Fort Donelson was received here with intense delight.  Business during the day was partially suspended.  Bells ring, flags displayed on various business houses and public buildings to-night.  Post-office, Custom House, Dispatch newspaper and other buildings brilliantly illuminated.  Bonfires and other demonstrations to-night.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Samuel Foster & Joel Foster

Were, I think, brothers. Both enlisted at the same time, Nov. 16, 1861. Natives of Ohio; residents of Rising Sun, Polk County. Samuel was eighteen, and Joel twenty-eight years of age.

Samuel Foster died Jan. 29, 1864, at Vicksburg, Miss., of disease. "An excellent little soldier," says Lieutenant Reese Wilkins; "he fought like a hero." And Captain A. G. Studer says: —

"A good, honest, sturdy soldier; one of the real yeomanry. Never flinching; did not know fear; faithful, obedient; ever ready and willing to perform his duties when and wherever required. He fought bravely at Shiloh. After that battle he was taken very ill, and his life was despaired of for some time. After the evacuation of Corinth he recovered, and took part in all the marches, sieges, and duties of the regiment, up to a few days previous to his death. He was sick but a short time, and died at the hospital at Vicksburg, Miss., Jan. 29,1864, of chronic diarrhoea. At Corinth, Oct. 3, 1862, he was conspicuous for his brave and stubborn fighting. On the march he never straggled. His loss was severely felt and cordially lamented in the company."

Joel Foster was discharged June 13, 1862, at Corinth, Miss., for disability, and died at home after a lingering illness.

"A very good man," says Captain Studer; "and if health had permitted, would have made an efficient soldier. He was kind and amiable in his disposition. He did little duty in the army, on account of almost continual illness. He left a wife and child."

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 226-7

Gov. Yates en route for Fort Donelson

TELEGRAPH OFFICE, CHICAGO, Feb. 17.

The following message was received from the Governor this evening:

PULASKI, Ill., Feb. 17.

I am on my way, with Auditor Dubois, Sen. Hatch, and Gen. Wood, to Fort Donelson.  Many sad hearts, but a glorious victory.  People by the thousands on the road and at the stations, with shoutings and with flags.  Thank God that our Union is safe, now and forever.

Send surgeons, friends, and clothing, for the wounded.

Signed,

R. YATES, Governor.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

John S. Greene

Was well known before the war as one of the best school teachers in Polk County, and remarkable as a good disciplinarian. He wrote a great many communications for the "Iowa School Journal" during the years 1859 and 1860. He was well educated, and self-educated. He had been a factory-boy in his native State, Connecticut; came West, and was rapidly working his way up to influence and usefulness. He enlisted Nov. 9, 1861. Says Captain Studer: —

"Greene exhibited, from the day of enlistment, great inclination to become a good and thorough soldier in all the branches. During his leisure hours, unlike most other soldiers, he studied tactics and army regulations. His conduct was exemplary, and he was a good scholar; hence he was made sergeant. He remained with his company from the day he entered the field, conducting himself well on the field of battle, on the march, and in every kind of duty. Owing to his scholarship, he often rendered valuable service in the company. He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and several skirmishes. Was promoted to first sergeant Nov. 1, 1862, but had acted as such for a considerable time previous. When the second lieutenancy became vacant, Captain Studer recommended Sergeant Greene for the position, which he received, to date Dec. 17, 1862; but it did not go into effect before March 19, 1863. He was with his company all through the siege of Vicksburg. After the fall of that city, he obtained leave of absence to go to Iowa; but on his way home he was taken sick at St. Louis, and was sent to the hospital of the Sisters of Charity, where he expired Aug. 20, 1863. He was a true patriot and soldier, and as such should always be remembered."

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 225-6

The News

We were so busy reciprocating the congratulations of friends yesterday, on receipt of the good news of the taking of Ft. Donelson, that we had time for little else.  Our city seemed all alive with enthusiasm, and if there were a Southern sympathizer within its purviews, he didn’t dare show his head and express his sentiments.  As one dispatch after another arrived during the day fresh enthusiasm was imparted, until every one appeared to have caught the spirit of rejoicing.  Our telegraph columns this morning give the details of all the news received from our brave boys, up to the time of going to press, at 4 o’clock a.m.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

More Recruits Wanted

THE 16TH REGIMENT WANTS TO MARCH! -   The 16th regiment in camp here only needs one or two companies more to be filled.  Officers and men are aroused by the great news of the last week, and are eager to march.  As this regiment is nearly complete and fully equipped, all but arms, which are daily expected, and will undoubtedly be ordered to march in a short time, there should be hundreds of good men eager to fight ready to join the 16th.  All arriving within the next two weeks can be taken into the regiment, as we have been informed.  So come along, boys, and join in the grand march South.  This is about the last chance to ‘go in,’ as the Union hosts are now sweeping everything before them.  If the war shall close in two months, recruits will get their one hundred dollars bounty just the same.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Sergeant George L. Rees

The following memoir of Sergeant Rees was written by Captain A. G Studer: —

"George L. Rees (native Ohio, residence Polk County) enlisted at Des Moines, Sept. 25, 1861. Learned his drill duties well and fast; showed good taste, love of discipline, and excellent conduct. Was chosen seventh corporal. He took part in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and was conspicuous for great bravery and thorough obedience; a cool, collected, and brave soldier — no trifling about him. To the best of my recollection, he was with his command in all the marches and sieges until his death. Was promoted to fourth sergeant Sept. 15, 1862. Died of smallpox, after a short illness, during the siege of Vicksburg, Feb. 3, 1863, deeply lamented by his comrades in arms, not only as a good soldier and patriot, but as a very good moral man — a pattern to his companions. I never, even under the most trying circumstances; knew him to express even a murmur."

Lieutenant Wilkins says : —

"Rees was a remarkably good soldier. At the battle of Corinth he happened to get into Company G. They were firing near our own men. 'Be careful,' said the captain, 'and do not shoot our own men.' 'Never mind that,' said Rees, 'I take too good aim.' He was one of the coolest soldiers I ever saw in my life."

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 224-5

David Ross Winters

When I reach the name of one who, like David Winters, was one of my school-fellows, a companion of my boyhood days, and an acquaintance and friend for many years, my heart assists my pen, and yet I feel how barren are my words in yielding a tribute for the young life given away. To surrender life in the morning of youth — to die and be buried in the earth in defense of country — is a sacrifice the greatness of which we do not realize. We cannot bestow too much gratitude, let us be ever so liberal. I adore the memory of the soldiers. Poor men! bleeding and suffering; starving in prison; dying in hospitals, away from home and loved ones — for me and for my children; for you and for yours, O reader!

David Ross Winters was born near Steubenville, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1842 — son of Mr. Martin Winters, of Des Moines, He came to this city with his parents in October, 1853, and it was during the winter of 53-4 that I first became acquainted with him, meeting him in the school-room. Many of the old residents of Des Moines remember how well David used to speak in Mr. Nash's school exhibitions in the old Court-house. I remember well with what energy he recited, on one occasion, the eulogy of Lafayette, beginning: "Pile to the clouds the majestic column of glory; let the lips of those who can speak well, hallow the spot where the bones of your bold repose."

His mother says he always delighted in reading of heroes. He pored over the pages which record the acts of Captain Smith, and of adventurers among the Indians. His favorite books were the lives of Washington and Napoleon, which he read through a great many times. He has said often that he was sorry Be did not live in those days, to serve under Washington or Napoleon. As soon as the Rebellion began he was anxious to enter the service; but, on account of being afflicted with rheumatism, his application to enlist in Company D, 2d Iowa Infantry, was rejected. He finally succeeded in being taken into Company B, 15th Iowa, and says Captain Studer : —

"He was a most excellent and dutiful soldier in every respect, and a splendid young man. Kind, noble, generous, of a jovial disposition, he was a friend among all. To alleviate and nurse his suffering comrades, watching at their bedside by night, yet doing duty by day, was a pleasure to him. While I was lying very ill of typhoid fever in our camp, south of Corinth, this noble boy nursed me and waited on me with the tenderness and devotion of a son or brother. I will ever gratefully remember him. He behaved well at Shiloh, performed faithful duty without interruption during the siege of Corinth, took part in all the marches and duties of the regiment thereafter up to the battle of Corinth, where bravely and stubbornly fighting (Oct. 3, 1862), he received a gunshot wound in his right arm, among the foremost in the battle. After being wounded he refused to be sent to hospital, and had not the surgeon's orders been peremptory, he would have remained with the company, and, perhaps, have been a well man today. His death was deeply regretted throughout the company."

He died Oct. 19, 1863, at Mound City, Ill., in hospital.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 223-4

Capt. Foster . . .

. . . of the 11^th regiment, called upon us yesterday.  He left his regiment on a short furlough last week, and arrived at his home in Leclaire last Friday.  Charlie looks finely and is in good health.  The 11^th is still in central Missouri, but will probably be in Tennessee before many weeks.  Capt. Foster will leave for Missouri next Monday.  Any recruits, desiring to join either the 6^th, 8^th, 11^th, or 13^th regiment, will have an opportunity to go with the Captain.  Letters or packages for either of these regiments may be left at this office, and the Captain will see that they reach their destination.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

The news created quite an excitement . . .

. . . at the court-house yesterday.  When the intelligence of the capture of Fort Donelson was received at that sanctuary of justice, an attorney mentioned the tidings and requested an adjournment.  Judge Dillon replied – ‘Court’s adjourned,’ and gathered on his overcoat.  It is currently reported that the county officials down stairs couldn’t stand the pressure and had several encounters along ‘mit Sigel’ during the rest of the day.  Don’t anybody tell Dr. Jewett of it, though.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

The 51st Illinois regiment . . .

. . . which was to leave Chicago last week for Cairo, contained a Rock Island company, commanded by Rev. J. T. Whitson, of Port Byron, and then company was raised in that vicinity.  Our sister county is well represented in the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Childless

BY CELE SEALY.

(From the Rochester Union and Advertiser.)

Oh, Seth, art thou willing to say then,

Thou ruest we e’er had a son,

Because be his life lost the day when

The Northmen were beat at Bull Run!

We Ne’re should expect to be basking

Through life beneath skies that are warm;

God wills, and we sin when we’re asking;

“In age, who will temper life’s storm?”

Hush, Seth! Though thy wife, I am older

Than thou, by a number of years,

And surely my heart is not colder

Than thine, nor less bitter my tears.

Yet worse might have happened to Peter

Than death – I, his own mother say

To die for his country were sweeter

Than that he should live to betray!

The hoofs of the Southern war horses

Were stamped on the breasts of the slain,

But, oh, from their sanctified corses

The Northmen have thrice wiped the stain;

Then Seth for our boy “dinna” fret so –

His life met a glorious end;

To help quell the strife let’s regret though,

We have not another to send.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 2

Died

May 17^th, 1862, John F. Stryker, son of Rev. A. W. and M. M. Stryker, aged seven years, eight months and eleven days.

In Danville Township, on the 15^th inst., Charlie Nelson, oldest son of N. M. & Emily F. Ives, aged nine years and four months – of malignant Scarlet Fever.  A bright and promising boy, of unusual maturity of mind.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 2

Married

In this city, 22d inst., by Rev. W. Salter, Mr. Peter J. Johnson, of Chicago and Mrs. Caroline M. Gaines of Denmark, Iowa.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 2