Isaac B Thatcher

THATCHER, I. B., dealer in grain, lumber, etc., Mt. Sterling; son of Mark C. and Hannah P. Thatcher; born Nov. 2, 1836, in Clinton Co., Ohio; came with his parents to this county in the spring of 1839; settled in this township. Enlisted in Co. E, of the 15th Iowa Inf., Oct 5, 1861, in the battle of Pittsburg Landing was wounded in the right arm; was also in battles of Iuka and Corinth, Miss.; at the latter place, was wounded in the right hand; taken to the St. Louis Hospital; came home; was discharged for disability in March, 1863; in the fall of 1864, assisted in recruiting Co. K, of the 45th Iowa Inf.; was elected Captain of the company; was out about four months, having enlisted in the 100 days service. Married Mary W. S. Morse March 12, 1868; she was born April 17, 1844, in Essex Co., Mass.; have three children — Charlie E., Frank H. and Harry M. Followed farming after the war, till the railroad was built through Mt. Sterling, since which time, he has been engaged in his present business; is also proprietor of the grain scales of the town. Republican. Thatcher, M. O, retired far.; P. O. Mt. Sterling.

SOURCE: The History of Van Buren County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 548

Benjamin Johnston

JOHNSTON, BENJAMIN, attorney, Keosauqua; born March 9,1845, in Keosauqua; his parents came from Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1842. At his country's call, he enlisted in Co. E, of the 15th Iowa V. I., Oct. 13,1861, and re-enlisted as veteran, in December, 1863, and, the following March was promoted as 1st Lieutenant of Co. G, in the 67th U. S. C. Regiment; he was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 14, 1865; returned to Keosauqua and engaged in the drug business, which he continued till 1869, and the following two years he traveled for a Burlington book and stationery house; in 1872, engaged in the dry goods business and continued for one year; he then assumed the charge of the engineer corps for the St. L, K. & St. P. R: R., after which he traveled through Kansas; returned and clerked for Mr. Ed. Manning one winter; in 1875, again commenced the drug business; sold out in 1877, and commenced reading law with Judge Robert Sloan and was admitted to the bar in April, 1 1878; he was recently commissioned as Captain of the military company of Keosauqua ; is also member of the A., F. & A. M. Order; is Generalissimo in the commandery. Was married to Miss Anna Purviance Nov. 7, 1867; she was born in August, 1845, in Jefferson Co , Ohio; have four children — Margaret, James A., Mary B., and Ella C. Member of the Episcopal Church; Republican.

SOURCE: The History of Van Buren County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 520

William A. Gephart

GEBHARDT [sic], W. A.,  County Clerk, Keosauqua; born Dec. 10, 1840, in Pickaway Co., Ohio; came to this county in 1856. Enlisted April 16, 1861, in the 11th Indiana Zouaves for ninety days, after which he returned to Iowa and enlisted in Co. K, of the 15th Iowa Inf., and re-enlisted as a veteran in 1864; was discharged in October, 1864, and promoted to First Lieutenant of the 70th U. S. C. Inf; was mustered out of the service March 4, 1866; he participated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Iuka, siege of Vicksburg; was also with Sherman in his march to the sea. At the close of the war, returned to Keosauqua and went into the County Treasurer's office, and subsequently into the County Judge's office and County Clerk's office, in which last he acted as deputy eight years and was elected to the office in the fall of 1876, by the largest majority ever given to any Republican candidate in the county; he commenced the study of law in 1869, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1874; he has recently been commissioned as Lieut Colonel and Aide-de-camp on Gov. Gear's staff. He married Harriet E. Silver in Ohio April 16, 1869; she was born Nov. 8,1841, in Ohio; have four children — Bessie L., Fred L., George C. and an infant daughter. Republican.

SOURCE: The History of Van Buren County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 517

W. W. Nelson, M. D.

NELSON, W. W., M. D., physician and surgeon, Birmingham; born Nov. 30, 1834, in Wayne Co., Ohio; came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1845, and settled in Washington Tp., where he was employed on his father's farm till of age; then went to Washington College two years; after, to Wooster, Ohio, and commenced reading medicine with Dr. Dane Wilson, and subsequently attended lectures at the Iowa State University, Medical Department, and at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., where he graduated in the spring of 1860; returned to this county, and commenced practicing at Pierceville. Was commissioned as Assistant Surgeon in 1862 in the 15th Iowa V. I., which position he held till the close of the war. Located in Birmingham in 1865; he owns a farm of 100 acres, valued at $3,500. Married Almira Matthews March 20, 1860, in Lawrence Co., Penn.; she was born July 22, 1839; have five children living — Meldon W., Nellie X., Minnie A., Audley E. and Mary L.; lost two — Anna M. and Elizabeth S. Dr. Nelson moved to Sonoma Co., Cal., in 1874, and returned the following year. Member of the U. P. Church; Republican.

SOURCE: The History of Van Buren County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 596

Nathaniel Livingston

Corporal, Co. H, 77th Illinois Infantry

Written on the back:

Yours Truly

Nathaniel Livingston

Co H 77" Ill Vol Inft

New Orleans, La

February 10" 1865

Cotton – Suggestive Statistics

In the Mobile Advertiser we find the usual comparative statement of the receipts of cotton at all the ports for the first four months of the cotton year, viz.: from the 1st of September to the 1st December.

The following is the result:

Bales Received at -	1860	1861
New Orleans	901,075	1,759
Mobile	326,370	22
Savannah	33,280	130
Charleston	331,868	4,591
Memphis	70,310	3,328

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

The New Orleans Delta complains bitterly . . .

. . . of the loss of the Calhoun, a vessel which ran the blockade from New Orleans to Havana, and was captured when returning.  The Delta says:

“Her cargo, consisting in part of forty tons of gunpowder, a large quantity of rifles and other munitions of war, besides articles of the value of some $300,000.”

The Delta says, in the article from which we quote above, “the taking of the Calhoun was equal to the loss of a battle.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

James Getty

GETTY, JAMES, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Louden; was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Aug. 20, 1844; he lived there until 4 years of age; his parents then moved to Allegheny Co., Penn., where they lived four years and then came West to Lyons, Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1851; his home was there until 1867.

He enlisted in the army Oct. 4, 1861, in Co. A., 15th Iowa; he re-enlisted March 1,1864; was wounded at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864; he was taken prisoner and confined in the Andereonville prison until Nov. 20, [1864]; he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1865. He came to this county in 1868; owns 120 acres of land. He married Rebecca H. Todd Oct. 17, 1872, a native of Ohio; no family.

SOURCE: The History of Cedar County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 640

Texas' Ordinance of Secession

AN ORDINANCE

To dissolve the union between the State of Texas and the other States, united under the compact styled "The Constitution of the United States of America."

Whereas, the Federal Government has failed to accomplish the purposes of the compact of union between the States, in giving protection either to the persons of our people upon an exposed frontier, or to the property of our citizens; and, whereas, the action of the Northern States of the Union is violative of the compact between the States and the guarantees of the Constitution; and, whereas, the recent developments in Federal affairs, make it evident that the power of the Federal Government is sought to be made a weapon with which to strike down the interest and prosperity of the people of Texas and her sister slaveholding States, instead of permitting it to be, as was intended, our shield against outrage and aggression: therefore,

Section 1. We, the People of the State of Texas, by delegates in Convention assembled, Do declare and ordain, that the ordinance adopted by our convention of delegates, on the 4th day of July, A. D. 1845, and afterwards ratified by us, under which the Republic of Texas was admitted into union with other States and became a party to the compact styled "The Constitution of the United States of America," be, and is hereby repealed and annulled; that all the powers, which by said compact were delegated by Texas to the Federal Government, are revoked and resumed; that Texas is of right absolved from all restraints and obligations incurred by said compact, and is a separate sovereign State, and that her citizens and people are absolved from all allegiance to the United States, or the Government thereof.

Sec. 2. This ordinance shall be submitted to the people of Texas for their ratification or rejection by the qualified voters thereof, on the 23d day of February, 1861, and, unless rejected by a majority of the votes cast, shall take effect and be in force on and after the 2d day of March, A. D. 1861. Provided, that in the Representative district of El Paso, said election may be held on the 18th day of February, 1861.

Adopted in Convention, at Austin City, the first day of February, 1861.

SOURCE: H. P. N. Gammel, Compiler, The Laws of Texas 1822-1897, Vol. 4 p. 1519-20

State Items

Water at length has been found at the depth of 980 feed in the Artesian well at Mount Pleasant Insane Asylum.  The Journal of Mt. Pleasant says an abundant supply of water will be procured in a short time.

An Irishman at Mount Pleasant was arrested for selling liquor to soldiers.  He was sentenced by Lieut. Col. Drummond to stand 12 hours on the end of his whiskey barrels.  The sentence was duly executed.

The Dubuque Times says that “Charlie Gilman’s little boy swallowed a silver quarter of a dollar.  The father thinks it would not do him injury if he could get it changed into five cent pieces.  A friend proposes to make him swallow three more quarters, and then present a dollar bill of the State Bank of Iowa, Dubuque branch, and demand specie payment.  Charlie thinks there is no need of this; he says it was a good quarter, and he is quite sure it will pass anywhere.”

A circular from the officers of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. G. T. of Iowa, addressed to subordinate Lodges says that there are Lodges in the 3d, 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th infantry Regiments and in the 2nd Cavalry.

The gross earnings of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad for the year 1861, from all sources, were $199,410.11.

An invitation has been extended to the Legislature of Iowa, through the Governor, by J. F. Tracy, Superintendent of the Chicago, Rock Island and Mississippi and Missouri Railroads, to visit Chicago. Mr. T. says that a special train will be at the service of the members, should they see fit to accept of the invitation.

As Mrs. Wienkool, of Lyons, a few days since was filling a coal oil lamp while burning the oil became ignited, and the fire catching in her clothing, she was severely burned before the flames could be extinguished.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

Geo. B. Crittenden

The Kentucky rebels are highly indignant at the charge of cowardice and treachery, raised in Nashville, against Gen. Geo. B. Crittenden, on account of the defeat of Zollicoffer.  One of them writing to the Bowling Green Courier, says:

It is the duty of every brother exile of a gallant man to hurl back in the teeth of the base scullions who dare to make it, the foul charge of treason and cowardice.  And in one case, at least, that duty shall be performed with alacrity and the most hearty good will.  The man who says George B. Crittenden is tainted with either cowardice or treason, is a blacker-hearted liar than the devil himself, and he who would, at such a time as this, when the chivalric spirit of a gallant man is chafing with defeat – unavoidable defeat – heap denunciations on him to weigh him down when he is temporarily fallen, would, had he lived in that time, underbid Judas Iscariot, and sold his master for twenty pieces of silver.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

Joseph Husman

Private, Co. D, 31st Iowa Infantry

John F. St. John

ST. JOHN, JOHN F., of St. John Bros., lumber merchants, office and yard cor. Second and Elm sts.; residence on Third, between Main and Oak sts; born in Kilbourn, Van Buren Co., Iowa, in 1843; removed to Moulton in August, 1876; owns one-half interest in several town lots; eighty acres of land in Clay Co.; twenty-five acres in this county; interest in a coal bank near Caldwell, on what is known as Coal Siding, with notes and accounts all valued at $15,000. Married Miss Marion F. Janison in 1867; she was born in Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1847; they have two children — Richard M., born in 1868; Maggie M., born in 1877. Democrat; Liberal in religion; has been a delegate to a Democratic convention twice; is a member of I. O. O. F., 297, also Prairie General Encampment No. 81; a Knight of Pythias, Myrtle Lodge No. 6. Enlisted in the 15th Iowa Inf., Gen. Belknap, Co. K, Capt. Hedrick, in September, 1861, as Orderly Sergeant; participated at Shiloh, all through the campaign; at and about Corinth; two battles of Corinth in 1862; Champion Hills, Black River Bridge; at Vicksburg all through; veteranized Jan. 1, 1863; participated in the capture of Atlanta; promoted to First Lieutenant of 80th U. S. Colored Infantry, by a general order; mustered out in October, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa.

SOURCE:  The History of Appanoose County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 516-7

The Shriver Brothers

SHRIVER, GEORGE W., farmer; born in Armstrong Co., Penn., 1817; moved to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in 1856, and located in this county in 1874. Married Elizabeth Ellenburger in 1844; she was born in the same county and State in 1820; have ten children — Thomas, Charles, Andrew, James, Addison, Joseph, Elizabeth, Sarah, Emma and Ida. They are Presbyterians; he is Republican. Thomas and Charles enlisted, by permit from their father, they being under age, in the 15th Iowa Vols., 1861 — the former re-enlisted as veteran; mustered out at close of the war; the latter served the full term of his enlistment. He owns a good house and ten acres in the corporation, valued at $5,000.

SOURCE:  The History of Appanoose County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 501

Dover Hotel, February 16, 1862

When General Ulysses S. Grant road up here on Sunday morning, he had already received a letter from the rebel commander agreeing to the surrender of Fort Donelson and the Confederate forces occupying Dover.  Grant had come to meet the defeated general, Simon B. Buckner, at his temporary headquarters at the Dover Hotel (now restored).

Ironically, the two generals had been friends before the war and students together at West point.  Now after four days of skirmishing and better fighting, ending with Grant’s demand for “unconditional surrender,” the two soldiers met again.

Their conversation was friendly.  Grant conveyed his respect for his opponent’s ability, while Buckner bore the defeat with dignity.  After the war they would renew their friendship.  Buckner would become Governor of Kentucky, and Grant the 18th President of the United States.

SOURCE:  NPS Historical Marker Placed in front of the Dover Hotel (at right).

Fort Donelson

Most of our readers have formed, from recent reports, a pretty accurate idea where Fort Donelson is.  It is a fortification made of earth, and was constructed about the same time last summer as Fort Henry. – Situated at Dover, on the west bank of the Cumberland, where that river washed and obtuse angle, it is twelve miles south east of the latter fort, and mounts about ten 24 and 32-pounders.  Some seven or eight post roads interest at this point, and the Memphis and [Clarksville] railroad passes but four miles south of it.  The position is important as controlling the river as far up as Clarksville, and, in conjunction with Fort Henry and Tennessee bridge, as breaking off from the rebels some twenty miles of railroad communication.

Clarksville, where the railroad crosses the Cumberland, is about thirty miles from Dover.  Extensive and formidable rebel works have been in construction here for two or three months, and a large number of heavy guns shipped thither, it is said for the protection of the bridges and communication with Nashville.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

The rebels considered a . . .

. . . bayonet charge by the Federalists as a splendid joke.  They went off at Mill Spring fast enough, when they saw the point.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

Horrible Railroad Accident

One of the most deplorable casualties ever known in this region occurred on Monday last.  A switch engine on the New York and Erie railroad, while crossing a road near the Dunkirk Station, ran against a sleigh occupied by Mr. Janes, of Sheridan, and his wife.  The latter jumped to the track immediately in front of the engine, and was instantly crushed beneath it.  Mr. Janes escaped harm, but on seeing his wife thus mangled, leaped from his sleigh exclaiming “You have killed my wife!” and fell to the earth dead. – Buffalo Commercial

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

A rebel paper published at Nashville . . .

. . . thus seeks to extenuate the flight of the rebel troops from Fort Henry, when attacked by the Union forces.  Wonder what it will have to say of the taking of Fort Donelson:

It seems now that our authorities in charge of that fort, finding that the high water would prevent them from holding it concluded to evacuate it, retaining only enough men there to manage the guns.  The infantry, ammunition, provisions and sick, it is believed, were almost entirely removed before the attack commenced, and hence the Federals found an easy and barren victory.  Our forces retired to Ft. Donelson, while the steamboats bore away a good portion of the valuables up Tennessee river.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

A soldier in the rebel army . . .

. . .  writing home to a friend says: –

“I well remember your enthusiastic shouts when the Manassas victory was won, but did you ever dream for a moment that it was our last grand victory!  God forbid, and yet it looks so.  A Zollicoffer has fallen; a Marshall, has had a retreat; Johnson as fallen back; Hardin is mum; Buckner has gone to the sunny South, and we, with Hindman, are loafing around the camp and Barren county, stealing everything that we can lay our hands upon.”

That soldier, if living, might now add a postscript of still more goomy aspect, and include in it Johnson’s and Buckner’s present condition.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

The Slander against Mrs. Lincoln

Stories are being circulated throughout the country reflecting on the loyalty of the President’s wife, some going so far as to aver even that she boldly avows her sympathy with secession!  As to the “avowal part” we can at least speak by authority, and brand it as a whole cloth fabrication.  Mrs. Lincoln does indignantly deny sympathy with secession in any shape or form and is less charitable towards the “peculiar institution” than is her husband.  In this vindictive of the fair fame of our Lady President we have the attest of Senator Browning, and intimately acquainted as he has long been with the President’s family, his opportunity for judging as to Mrs. Lincoln’s loyalty ought to be satisfactory. – Quincy Whig.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

Declaration for Original Invalid Pension of Abram O. Blanding

Palmer, Fla.  Mar 6, 1891 –

Declaration for Original Invalid Pension

Had a good many attacks but can’t now state time & place.  Except a very severe attack of Dengue, a form of Malarial fever followed by jaundice, bilious disease about 1st Aug 1864 at Brazos Santiago, coast of Texas doctored myself as was no other Surgeon there.  All the troops had gone the week before to Fort Morgan, Ala.  I was detailed to [remain a for] day with Col of our Reg. who was detained on some extra duty when got to N.O., was not fit for duty, was loosing rather than gaining.  So applied for sick leave went North, some sixty days, joined Reg out at Duvals Bluff Ark, was never sick in Hospital except Regimental was never detailed from Reg to Hospital on my other duty, always with Reg & always in the field all times in Malarial Country & exposed to all kinds of weather. Doctored self when sick & attended duty most of time, other assistants where [sic] on detached service a good deal & Surgeon away on sick leave a good deal & when with Reg let me do most of work.  

Since leaving the army have had repeated attacks of Malarial fever which has been more severe yet nothing to cure. 

A.O. Blanding, Enrolled Sept 1_, 1862 [In] 20 Iowa Inf Asst Surgeon, Vol commanded by Wm McE. Dye, honorably discharged Clinton Co, 30/day Aug 1865.

Dr. A. O. Blanding, Asst-Surgeon, of 20 Iowa Inft Vol.  Enlisted about Sept 1_ 1862 at in Clinton, Iowa.  In fall of 62 & winter 62 & 63 was in N.O. & Ark in battle of Prairie Grove, Dec 7th 1862, at the Seige [sic] of Vicksburg in June 1863, after fall of Vicksburg, was some time in Miss & La.   Then on Coast of Texas, was not with the Reg at Fort Morgan in Aug 1864.  was sick.  Was at the battle of Blakeley in Apr 1865.

First time sick with Malarial fever poisoning at Vicksburg Miss, June on or about 18th 1863.  A number of attacks after the most severe one at Brazos Santiago, Coast of Texas, Aug 1864.  It was followed by a severe attacked of jaundice, deafness caused by in[illegible]ing quinine.

Agent –

Geo. Bancroft & Co., No 604 fifth St N.W. Washington, DC  Applied at about July 1890 after new law also under old law.   Age 67 years. high 5 feet 9 inches.

Light complection [sic], light hair, grey eyes.  In line of duty, Vicksburg, Miss, about June 18th 1863 malarial poisoning contracted.



The War News

GLORIOUS NEWS.

Fort Donelson Captured.

15,000 Prisoners Taken.

CAPTURE OF GENS. PILLOW, BUCKENER AND JOHNSTON.

The Loss Severe on both Sides.

FLOYD, THE THIEF AND COWARD, ESCAPES.

Great Rejoicing throughout the North.

Gens. Curtis and Siegel close on Price’s Heels.

CAPTURE OF A PORTION OF HIS MEN.

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

Des Moines Correspondence

DES MOINES, February 13, 1862.

MR. EDITOR: – I see your correspondent ‘Union’ is calling upon the Legislators in poetic strains, for a stringent bachelor law, if I may be allowed the expression for a heavy tax upon bachelors.  What an idea!  Would she compel them to marry?  (I say she because no single man would write thus, and the married men have too many trials and afflictions not to envy those who are free.)  Let me ask her to advocate another bill introduced some time since.  It is stiled [sic] an act to protect young men’s rights.  That sounds like it.  Woman’s rights have long been talked of and now it is a pleasing sight to see a Representative rise in his seat and speak for the young men.  He would except a certain amount of their property from execution.  How does this measure strike our friend ‘Union?’

Since last I wrote you the Legislature has transacted some business of great importance.  First and most prominent is the passage of the Jury Bill, as it is styled.  This bill originated in the Senate, and has passed both Houses; but not without strong opposition.  The bill provides that the per diem of the Juror shall hereafter be but $1.50 instead of $2.00, as at present.  It further provides that the losing party on each jury trial shall be charged a jury fee of $6.00.  At present the whole expense of the juries in the District Court is paid by the county.  This expense in some counties amounts to thousands of dollars, and is paid from the money raised by a direct tax upon the people.  Any sound measure which looks to a reduction of this tax should and will meet with general favor.  The author of this bill estimates that by its provisions there will be saved to the State annually, through its county taxes, at least $80,000.  Such a retrenchment at a time like this is of vast importance, and I venture the assertion that no law enacted by this Assembly will meet with a more hearty approval from the people.  What could be more just than this bill? Especially the last mentioned provision.  Who should pay the cost of litigation, if not the men who engage in it?  Shall the thriving farmer who avoids all complications, all legal snares, and who as a consequence seldom sees the inside of the Court room, and then only as he is called there to help settle other men’s difficulties – shall he be compelled to pay the expenses of this constant litigation?  So thought not the author of this bill, himself a farmer, if I mistake not.

And now, since full justice should be meted out when it is deserved, it is but just that I make a passing notice of the father of this bill.  And I do it with greater pleasure because you are so familiar with his name, and will be glad to hear that he is reflecting credit upon the county he in part represents.

Mr. Gue, one of the Senators from Scott, is the author of this measure, and he deserves great credit, both for the perfection of the bill itself, and for his untiring efforts in sustaining it and bringing it safely through to its final passage against a very bitter opposition.  Few men better understand the business of legislation than he; none are more faithful and earnest.  A Young and unassuming man, he watches attentively the business of the Legislature, and the interests of his constituents and of the State will never suffer through his neglect.  A member of the House during the last regular session, he won for himself an enviable reputation as one of the leading members of that body.  His speech, delivered at the extra session, of May last, was regarded by many the most telling one of the session.  With this reputation, he has been sent by his constituents to represent them in the Upper House.  In that body he occupies an honorable position.  While other members do an abundance of speaking in favor of their cause, he is shrewd enough to perceive that more good can be done outside of the hall than in it.  I notice that in his advocacy of this bill he has omitted no good opportunity to present its prominent features favorable to the notice of the members of the assembly and of the people.  He understands all those little appliances, which, brought to bear in the right place, time and manner, often determine the fate of a bill.  This characteristic will give a man greater influence and accomplish more than logic and rhetoric combined.  With this shrewdness, and with a goodly supply of the last named accomplishments, your young Senator is eminently fitted for a legislator, and will ever take a high rank in that capacity.

Another measure which will be hailed by the people is the passage of the Bank Note bill.  Its opponents in the Senate fought it to the very last, and will a determination which at times made its friends doubt their ability to carry it through.  It passed the Senate this morning by a larger vote than was expected.  It is amended somewhat, but not to such a way as will induce the House to refuse a concurrence.  The notes of our State Bank will be received for taxes.  All the tax-payers may rejoice at this, especially those who live so far from the banks that their gold would cost them a premium as great as the taxes themselves.

This is only a temporary measure, something to meet the present necessities of the people.  There will be much legislation of this character during the present session.  There seems to be a current desire among the members from all sections to make the necessary burdens of the people in this crisis as light as a prudent regard for the interests and financial reputation of the State will admit.

It is with pleasure that I notice your member, Mr. Lane, in his seat once more.  He looks hale and hearty, as the ride over the prairies and a brief visit to his home invigorated him.

The township collector bill was discussed all this afternoon, in the House, but it is hard telling what will be done with it.  It meets with a determined opposition.  Messrs. Lane, Lake and others strongly urged its passage, but for the present it has gone to the committee of ways and means.

We are greatly cheered by the war news.  But one item has saddened us somewhat.  It is the reported disgrace of the Iowa regiment.  A resolution was introduced to-day calling on the Governor to demand an investigation.  I hope justice will be done the brave boys without this action.

J. R. C.

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

Incidents of the Taking of Ft. Donelson

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 16.

A special to the Democrat, dated in rear of Fort Donelson, Friday, says:

Last night was very severe on our troops, rain having set in, which turned to snow.  It is freezing to-day, and old citizens say they have rarely known such cold weather in this latitude.  The more I see of the fort the more convinced am I it cannot be reduced without a terrible battle.  The rear seems almost impregnable.  The outer works and bastions of the fort are located on ridges 150 to 200 feet high, covered with dense timber and undergrowth.  Upon a similar gorge of hills outside these our army is drawn up in line of battle, completely encircling the enemy from the Cumberland, south to the fort, to the backwater of a stream which flanks the fort to the north.

Considerable skirmishing occurred during the night, both forces endeavoring in the darkness to crowd in upon the other.  This morning it was discovered that the enemy had placed logs on the top of their breast works, leaving little spaces for them to shoot through, and much diminishing their risks from the unerring aim of our sharp shooters.

The casualties among our artillery thus far, were very small.  The loss of the enemy as far as can be ascertained, is considerable.

Yesterday afternoon, after the storming party had retired and when the rebels had been thickly crowded together to rebel the assault, Capt. Taylor opened on them with shell with terrible effect.  His practice was superb, creating the greatest consternation in the ranks and causing them to take refuge in their entrenchments.

The gun-boat assault was terrific, exceeding even the Fort Henry bombardment.  It lasted about an hour and a half.

The enemy has fronting on the river two batteries, the lower one of nine, and the upper of four guns, besides a 10-inch columbiad.

The wooden gunboats Tyler and Conestoga were engaged in the fight.  Com. Foot pronounces the engagement the hottest he ever witnessed.  Seven of the nine guns in the lower tier of the enemy’s battery had been silenced, and everything was apparently progressing favorably, when the rudder chain was severed.

The Pittsburgh was damaged in her wheel so as to be unable to stem the current, and the pilot house was knocked away, killing the pilot, and slightly wounding several others, among them Com. Foote.  The fleet were then obliged to retire.

One of our shells struck immediately under one of the enemy’s guns, throwing the gun and bodies of the gunners high in the air.  A great number of dead and wounded could be seen carried up the hill.

Com. Foote’s wounds are slight.

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

John T. Calahan

Private, Co. C, 13th Iowa Infantry

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15.

The railroad operations of the War Department require that there should be a just and efficient system of railroad transport, that would secure to the Government energetic action with a fair tariff of charges.  The Secretary of War, believing that he may safely appeal to the practical experience of the officers of the railroad companies and their patriotic feelings for aid in devising such a system, invites the chief officers of the respective railroad companies of the loyal States to meet and confer with him on this subject at Washington on Thursday, the 20th day of February, 1862.  Hon. Erastus Corning and N. L. Wilson, now in this city are requested to act as a committee of arrangements.

Signed,

EDWIN M. STANTON.

Secretary of War.

Tribune Correspondence.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.

Senator Latham will to-morrow introduce a bill for the survey of a telegraph line from San Francisco to the northwest coast overland, via Behring’s Straights and Asiatic Russia to the mouth of the Amoor river as proposed by McDonald Collins.

The military committee asks for an appropriation of $100,000 and two small vessels, in order to make the preliminary survey.  The enterprise will be under the direction of the President, and other nations will be invited to participate in it.

A board of officers convened to investigate the quality of clothing furnished by contractors, have discovered that at least one third now on hand is entirely worthless.  The facts being reported to the Secretary of War he ordered that payments to the contractors be at once suspended.

Gen. Segwick [sic], a Brigadier-General in General Heintzleman’s division, has been assigned to the command of Gen. Stone’s division.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.

Chief justice Tanney [sic] this morning delivered the opinion in the case of Gordon, the slave trader, denying the motion made by Judge Dean for a writ of probation to prevent his execution, on the ground of a want of power in the Court to review proceedings in criminal cases to restrain the action of a ministerial officer.  The application was based on alleged irregularity in the New York Circuit Court.  Application will be made to the President in behalf of Gordon, on the same grounds.

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

By Telegraph

WASHINGTON, February 17.

Gen. McClellan has received a dispatch fully confirming the capture of Fort Donelson.

ST. LOUIS, February 17.

Dispatches from Gen. Grant to Gen. Halleck announce the surrender of Fort Donelson with 15,000 prisoners, including Johnston [sic], Pillow and Buckner.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

Further official advices from Fort Donelson say Gen. Floyd escaped during the night with 5,000 men, and the rebels in the fort denounced him as a black hearted traitor and coward.

The enemy are known to have had thirty thousand troops, fifteen thousand of whom are our prisoners.  Five thousand escaped, and the balance are reported killed, wounded or otherwise disabled.

Our loss is not stated, but the slaughter in our ranks is mentioned as terribly severe.

Previous to the surrender our forces en route had most all arrived.

Gen. Halleck intended to leave to-day, but orders for preparations were countermanded on receipt of Fort Donelson dispatches.

The steamer John Warner left to-day with Gen. Hamilton, the 25th Mo. Regiment and 3d Mich. Battery, for the Tennessee river.

The greatest activity prevails at the Arsenal here, backing cartridges and loading shell for shipment down the river.

It is reported on high military authority that Gen. Curtis captured most of Price’s men after leaving Springfield, including his Chief Adjutant.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

Fort Donelson surrendered at 9 o’clock yesterday morning to the land force.  The gun boats were present at the time.

An immense amount of war material is among the trophies of the victory.

Floyd skulked away the night before the surrender.

The gun boat Carondolet, Capt. Walker, arrived at Cairo with the news.

A large number of our wounded have been brought to the Paducah and Cairo Hospitals.

This city is wild with excitement and joy.  The news was received at the Union Merchants exchange, creating the most intense enthusiasm.  The Star Spangled Banner, the flag of our Union, and Red White and Blue were sung by all present, after which they adjourned and marched to the army headquarters, 120 to 150 strong, where three rousing cheers were given for Halleck and Foote.  Halleck appeared at the window and thanked the people for their hearty demonstrations and said: “I promised, when I came here, that with your aid I would drive the enemies of our flag from your State.  This has been done and they are virtually out of Kentucky and soon will be out of Tennessee.”

More cheers were given for the Union, the Star Spangled Banner was repeated, and the crowd dispersed.

Judge Holt wept for joy when he heard the news.  Many stores are closed, and the city is being decorated with flags, and evidences of great joy are everywhere manifest.

Gov. Yates, Sec. Hatch and Auditor Dubois, of Ills., left for Ft. Donelson this forenoon, to look after the wounded Illinois troops.

A requisition has been made for all the steamboats in this vicinity, to be held in readiness for the transportation of troops and Government stores.

ST. LOUIS, February 17.

The casualties on the gun-boats at Fort Donelson are as follows: St. Louis, 3 killed, including P. R. Riley of Cincinnati.  Two wounded, among them Lieut. Kendall, slightly.  Louisville, 5 sailors killed; 4 slightly wounded and 2 severely, each having both arms shot away.  Carondelet, 4 killed and 6 badly wounded, including Wm. Hunter.  Pilot, 2 severely.  Pittsburg, 2 wounded.

The force en route for Fort Donelson, had mostly come up and were located on the left.

Gen. Lew Wallace, with the 8th Missouri and 11th Indiana arrived Friday.

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

George Anderson

ANDERSON, GEORGE, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Avery; born in 1814 in Jefferson Co., Ind.; in 1839, came to Iowa; in March, 1840, returned to Indiana; in 1841, came to Washington Co., Iowa; in 1843, come to Monroe Co., Iowa. He was one of the first white settlers in this county; owns 230 acres of land. Married Mary Dennison February, 1848; she was born Nov. 16, 1817. in Washington Co., Penn.; had five children, three living — John S., Martha C. and Nancy A.; two died in infancy. Mrs. A. had two children by a former marriage — Lucy J. and Dennison; lost James S. in infancy. Mr. A. enlisted in 1861 in Co. I, 15th Iowa V. I.; in the Spring of 1862 was transferred to Co. K. 17th Iowa V. I.; served about nine months; was discharged on account of disability. Member of Associate Presbyterian Church.

SOURCE: The History Of Monroe County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1878, p. 480

Isaac M. Christy

ISAAC M. CHRISTY was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 18, 1844; he died in Phoenix, Arizona, April 1, 1905. He came with his parents to Clarke county in 1854, where they settled on a farm. He served throughout the civil war in Co. I, 15th Iowa Infantry and was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg and the Atlanta campaign. In 1871 he engaged in business in Burlington. He located in the southwest some years ago and was treasurer of the territory of Arizona at the time of his death.

SOURCE: Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 7, No. 2, July, 1905, p. 159

Gen. William W. Belknap

BELKNAP, WILLIAM W., GEN., is the son of Gen. William G. Belknap, of the United States Army, who distinguished himself in the war of 1812, in the Florida war, and at Resaca and Buena Vista in the war with Mexico, and died in the service in 1851, in Texas. He was born at Newburg, New York, in 1829, and, after attending the high school and academy there, and pursuing his studies in Florida, where his father was stationed, he entered Princeton College in 1846, and graduated in 1848. Alter studying law in Georgetown, D. C, and being admitted to the bar in Washington City, he went, in July, 1851, to Keokuk and commenced the practice of the law, shortly afterward forming a partnership with Hon. R. P. Lowe (who was soon after elected District Judge, and later Governor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State), and brought his mother and two sisters there in 1852. He was a member of the Legislature from Lee County, in 1857, as a representative of the Democratic party; but, being a strong Douglas Democrat, and not uniting with the members of that party who favored what was known as the Lecompton Constitution of Kansas, which was an important and exciting question in the politics of the party, he joined the Republican party. He was appointed Major of the 15th Iowa Vols., by Gov. Kirkwood, in 1861, of which regiment Gen. Hugh T. Reid was Colonel, and participated in that capacity in the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded and had his horse shot under him. He remained in the army until the close of the war, rising gradually through the grades of Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel; was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers, by President Lincoln, in 1864, on the recommendation of his Commanders, Gens. Blair and Sherman, and was brevetted Major General in 1865 for gallant and meritorious services during the war. Having, as Brigadier General of Volunteers commanded the 3d Brigade, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps ( Blair's) of the army of the Tennessee ( McPherson'.s); he was in numerous battles; among them, Shiloh, Corinth, the several battles near Atlanta, and the battle of Bentonville, N. C. He was engaged in the siege of Corinth, Vicksburg and of Atlanta, and commanded his Brigade (composed of the 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa Regiments), under Sherman in his march from Atlanta to the sea; thence to Goldsboro', Raleigh and Washington. He was repeatedly mentioned for coolness and courage, and in the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, he took prisoner Col. Lampley, 45th Alabama, by pulling him over the works by his coat collar. At the close of the war, he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the 1st District of Iowa. On the accession of Gen. Grant to the Presidency, he was offered the choice of either one of three important public positions in another State, and one at Washington, which he declined, and remained Collector of the 1st District (comprising the counties of Lee, Des Moines, Louisa, Washington, Jefferson, Van Buren, Henry, and Davis), until October, 1869, when he was appointed Secretary of War by President Grant, and his many friends point to the records of that office for the proof of his faithful labors for a term of over six years. Prior to this appointment, he was selected as the orator for the Army of the Tennessee at the re-union of all the Western armies, at Crosby's Opera House, Chicago, December, 1868, and delivered the address at the great Re-union of Iowa soldiers, at Des Moines, in September, 1870. After his resignation of the office of Secretary of War, articles of impeachment were presented against him, and, after a protracted and thorough trial, he was acquitted by the Senate. Gen. Belknap married, in 1854, Miss LeRoy, of Keokuk, the sister of Mrs. Hugh T. Reid, and their son, Hugh Reid Belknap, is now a student at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. His present wife, whom he married in 1873, formerly Miss Tomlinson, of Harrodsburg, Ky., is the daughter of the late Dr. John Tomlinson, an able and famous physician of that locality. They have one child, a daughter, Alice Belknap. Since leaving the War Department Gen. Belknap has been engaged in legal practice; his residence is Keokuk, but his business before the Departments at Washington, a large part of which results from his employment as attorney by several Railroad Corporations, requires him to be absent from home during a portion of each year.

SOURCE:  The History of Lee County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, Illiniois, 1879, p. 683-4

Hugh G. Brown

(Born in Pennsylvania. — Appointed from Iowa.)

Military History. — Private 15th Iowa Volunteers, September, 1861. Second Lieutenant 15th Iowa Volunteers, December, 1861, and engaged at the battle of Shiloh. Acting Regimental Adjutant. First Lieutenant 15th Iowa Volunteers, June, 1862. Aide-de-Camp to General Ord, July, 1862. Engaged at the battle of Iuka, and action of David's Bridge, Miss. Temporary duty on the staff of General Wright, commanding Department of the Ohio. On staff of General Ord, and engaged at the siege of Vicksburg, Miss. Captain and Aide-de-Camp U. S. Volunteers, July, 1863. Engaged in Sherman's pursuit of the rebel General Johnston, and General Banks' expedition in Western Louisiana. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General U. S. Forces, in Texas, to the spring of 1864. Temporary duty in the Middle Military Department, during the rebel General Early's raid on Washington, D. C With 18th Corps, in front of Petersburg, Va., and engaged at the battle of the Mine, capture of Fort Harrison, action of Fair Oaks, and in the operations of the Army of the James, terminating in the surrender of General Lee. Brevet Major U. S. Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious services in the campaign of 1864, to date from the capture of Fort Harrison, Va. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. Volunteers, for gallant conduct in the field. Second Lieutenant 18th U. S. Infantry, May, 1866. Transferred to the 36th U. S. Infantry, by the re-organization of the army. First Lieutenant 36th U. S. Infantry, November, 1866. Brevet Captain U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the siege of Vicksburg, Miss. Brevet Major U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the capture of Fort Harrison, Va. Aide-de-Camp to General Ord, commanding Department of the Ohio. Aide-de-Camp to General Ord, commanding the 4th Military District, Vicksburg, Miss., from — to —

SOURCE: Guy Vernor Henry, Military Record of Civilian Appointments in the United States Army, Vol. 1, p. 261

William Pollard

Private, Co. E, 19^th Alabama Infantry, C.S.A.

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa



From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 16.

By a flag of truce to-day, we learn that Fort Donelson surrendered to General Grant yesterday.  Generals Pillow, Floyd, Johnston [sic] and Buckner were taken, with fifteen thousand other prisoners.

We are also informed that fighting has been going on near Savannah, and that the city has probably been captured.

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