Relief Fund

The whole amount raised yesterday for the relief of wounded Soldiers was $615.  Dr. McCarn, chairman of the relief committee, received $300, and the balance will be held subject to the call of the committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Rock Island County War Fund

Our neighbors across the river have done nobly in providing for the families of those who have enlisted in the war.  The total amount thus far rendered is $4,021.84, and the number of families relieved is 154, the average to each family being $26.11

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Lying Rumors

Among the rumors started on the street yesterday was one to the effect that Capt. Bob Littler had been killed and his company cut to pieces.  Of course it was manufactured out of whole cloth, and the miscreant who started it ought to have his head shaved and not be permitted to wear a hat the balance of the winter.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Regiments At Fort Donelson

An article copied from the Chicago Tribune into the GAZETTE yesterday placed the number of Iowa regiments engaged in the storming of Fort Donelson at seven.  We doubt if there were more than four, or at most five present, as the 11th and 13th at latest accounts were still in Missouri, the former at Fulton and California and the latter at Jefferson City.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Mr. L. C. Burwell left with . . .

. . . the committee last evening for Cairo at his own expense, wishing to do all he could to alleviate the sufferings of any of our brave boys who may have been wounded at Fort Donelson.  Messrs. Gifford and Linderman also left for Cairo last evening at their own expense.  Mr. Henry Slaymaker also left, his expenses being defrayed by the committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Death Of Captain Slaymaker

The telegraph yesterday morning announced the death of Captain Slaymaker, of the Seventh Iowa.  As there is no such name, or any resembling it, on the roll of that regiment, among either officers or privates.  We are forced to the melancholy conclusion that the beloved and popular Captain Slaymaker, of our city, is fallen.  This news has spread sadness through this entire community, for all who knew captain Slaymaker, he was sincerely respected and beloved.  We will give to-morrow a more extended notice of the deceased.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Second Iowa

In speaking of the insult offered the State of Iowa by a pair of petty officials in St. Louis in degrading a whole regiment for the suspected misdemeanors of a few, the Des Moines Register says – ‘In the name of the people of Polk county, we thank Senators Redfield and Hatch and Representative Mitchell, for their prompt vindication in the Legislature, of Company D, Second Iowa Regiment.’  In behalf of the people of Scott county we thank Senator Leake for his vindication in the Legislature of companies B and C, of this regiment of the brave sons of our state.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Henry Kratz

HENRY KRATZ, one of the enterprising farmers of Franklin Township, having his home on section 19, was born in Germany, September 8,1846. His parents, John Philip and Mary Catharine Kratz, were both natives of the German Empire, who left the vine-clad hills of the land of their birth and came to the New World in search of a home in 1851. They settled in Pottawattamie County, this State, where they remained until 1856, at which date they came to Monona County, being among its earliest pioneers, and located on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 20. Here the father died in January, 1866. The mother is still living, and resides at Randolph, Cedar County, Neb.

Henry Kratz was the third child in a family of six born to his parents, and crossed the stormy Atlantic with the family in 1851. The days of his youth were passed in Pottawattamie and this county, receiving his education in the pioneer schools of the period. These rude cradles of learning were erected of unhewn logs and covered in with a dirt roof. Later on he attended school at Onawa.

During the trying times of the late Civil War, Henry Kratz's heart beat in response to the calls of his adopted country, and in September, 1864,he enlisted in Company I, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and joined his regiment at Atlanta, Ga. He participated with that heroic body of men in their march through the heart of the Confederacy to the sea, under their matchless leader, General Sherman, and in all the battles and skirmishes of that famous campaign. After taking part in the Grand Review at Washington in the summer of 1865, he was mustered out of service, receiving his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, September 5, 1865. He immediately returned to his home in this county and resumed his agricultural labors. He has but a small farm, but devoting the bulk of his attention to the raising of small fruit for the market, derives considerable revenue from it.

Mr. Kratz was married June 3, 1872, to Miss Martha A. Brown. The lady was born in Ohio, January 30, 1856, and is a daughter of James and Priscilla (Robinet) Brown, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother of Virginia, who were married in Ohio, and settled in Iowa County, this State, in 1857. The family came to Monona County in 1869, and located in West Fork Township, but a short time after removed to Franklin Township, and engaged in farming. Her father died here March 5, 1885, having attained the age of eighty years; her mother still resides here in the township. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Kratz have been the parents of seven children — Ida J., born September 16, 1872, who died October 3, 1873; Elizabeth, born July 5, 1874, who died February 5, 1875; Eva, born August 3, 1875; Frank A., August 3, 1876; Sarah J., September 5, 1878, who died February 5, 1880; Willie, born February 16, 1882, who died in July, 1882; and John E., born July 28, 1883. Mr. Kratz was one of the charter members of Hanscom Post, No. 97, G. A. R., at Onawa, with which he still holds connection.

SOURCE: History of Monona County, Iowa, National Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1890, p. 614-5

A Legal Point

A friend of ours says he paid three dollars for his dog “Fannie,” has her all registered with a collar and fixed up nice.  And recently he says he has learned with considerable alarm that another fellow is coming round for two dollars more to have her registered again and wants to know what he shall do – what if the other fellow kills Fannie? – Where and how will he get his three dollars back again?

Here is a nice legal point.  We are no lawyer, to be sure, but our opinion is that “Fannie, having paid taxes and had her name properly enrolled is a Constitutional” dog, having inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of rats.  Fanny is a State dog, entitled to the protection of the Governor, Members of the Legislature, Supreme Court, Adjutant-General, our twenty odd Regiments of Volunteers, the Home Guards and Militia, “subject only to the Constitution of the United States.”  Our advice to our friend is, if the City Marshal “or any other man” comes round after a city dog tax, set the dog on him.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

We are glad to see that . . .

. . . some action is being taken by our officers in regard to enforcing the law regulating the sale of intoxicating liquor to minors.  Of late, it has become a common spectacle to see boys, barely in their teens seated in Beer Saloons, handling dirty cards and guzzling beer with all the gusto of mature gamblers.  Every saloon keeper who derives profit from such a source should receive the severest punishment that the law inflicts.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

B. F. Hutchinson, of the Iowa Sixth . . .

. . . who lost his left arm at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, arrived here yesterday, on his way home to Mt. Pleasant.  His wounds were dressed by Brigade Surgeon Nassau, and all desirable attention paid to the brave young soldier while here.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

Drowned

D. A. McMichael, aged about 19, a son of Mr. H. McMichael, of Dodgeville, in this county, met his death by drowning on Tuesday, the 17th inst., at DeSoto, Minnesota.  The young man was on board the steamer Northerner, on his way to attend to some business in Minnesota, and fell overboard at the place above named.  He was a young man of good habits and highly esteemed by his friends, and his untimely death will fill them with sorrow.  At last accounts his body had not yet been recovered.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

Particulars of the Terrible Battle at Fort Donelson

The Troops Engaged.

Daring Bravery of the Iowa Boys.

The 2d and 7th Iowa Charge at the Point of the Bayonet.

They are the First to mount the Enemy’s Works.

The Correspondence relative to the Surrender.

BATTLE-FIELD NEAR FT. DONELSON,

February 16.

A most bloody battle was fought yesterday on the right wing of our force in the rear of the enemy’s works, in which the first and second brigades of Gen. McClernand’s division were engaged.  The fights commenced at daylight by the enemy firing some grape into the 31st & 29th Illinois regiments, which were encamped near the right.  The west brigade, Col. R. I. Oglesby commanding, was immediately drawn up in line, after the following order – the 18th Illinois, Col. Lander, on the extreme right; 8th Ills., Lieut. Col. Rhodes commanding; 38th Ills., Lieut. Col. Dennis commanding, followed by the 29th, Col. Reardon, which supported the right of Stewart’s battery of light artillery, with the 31st, Col. John A. Logan, on the extreme left and supporting the left of Stewart’s battery – all Illinois regiments.

The second brigade, Col. W H. Wallace commanding, consisted of the 11th, Lieut. Col. Ransom in command; 20th, Col. C. Carroll Marsh, and 45th – all Illinois regiments – with McAllister’s and Taylor’s batteries, and four siege guns.  The attacking force of the enemy was about 12,000 men.  The position of the ground was such that not more than one of our regiments could operate at the same time, while the rebels could bring nearly their whole force to bear against us.

The first regiment to receive the rebels was the 18th, which fought with a desperate courage until their ammunition became exhausted, when they were forced to retire with a loss of officers and men, and were replaced by the 8th regiment, which fought with like bravery, but they, too, were driven back after disbursing their ammunition and in turn were replaced by the 18th, which also fell back in turn.  Meanwhile the other regiments were lending such feeble aid as their position would admit.

Lew Wallace was then ordered to reinforce McClernand, and he sent two brigades of his division from the center.

The 31st regiment, Col. Logan, fought like veterans who never had any other occupation, and struggled, defending Capt. Schwartz’s battery, under the most galling fire of the enemy, until every horse at the battery was killed, with the officers who had charge of the guns, as well as Lieut. Col. White.

Capt. Rigby, acting Major, and seven Captains, and a number of Lieutenants, of the 31st had been killed, with Col. Logan wounded.

Being nearly surrounded by the rebels, Capt. Edwin S. Cook, who was left in command, drew the regiment, or what remained of it, off the field; but not until their last round was expended, and they had commenced to drive the rebels before them.

The second brigade now came up and took the place of the retired one and fought desperately, loosing a great number in killed and wounded, when, with the assistance of a portion of Wallace’s division, the 49th and 59th Ohio, with Taylor’s battery, which was stationed on a hill near by us, the rebels came up they opened fire upon them and drove a portion of them back into their entrenchments, while a large portion still occupied the ground they had gained.  The object of the rebels was evidently to cut their way through our troops.

In the afternoon Gen. Grant saw that something should be done to restore the spirits of our disheartened troops, and ordered Gen. Smith to make an assault on the west wing of the enemy’s works.  Gen. Smith, as quick as horse flesh could carry him, rode along his lines, and ordered his men to prepare for a charge, which caused shouts of joy to ring along his lines.  Without a moment’s unnecessary delay, Col. Lauman’s brigade – the 2d and 7th Iowa, and the 11th and 25th Indiana – charged up to the enemy’s redoubt, driving the rebels before them at the point of the bayonet like frightened sheep, and gaining possession of their outworks.

Gen. Smith behaved like one inspired with the determination of gaining continual victories.  He could be seen riding along the lines, with his hat swinging on the top of his sword, in the thickest of the fight, encouraging his men and cheering them on to victory, regardless of the deadly missiles flying around him.

The Colonel of the 2d Iowa was the first to mount the enemy’s works with his men close in his wake.

The storming was complete.  Our troops gained a position inside of their works when they lay on their arms all night, prepared to follow up their success in the morning.

The 7th Illinois, Col. Cook, followed up as a reserve and part of his regiment got into the action, while the balance acted as skirmishers with the sharpshooters.  After Gen. Smith had gained his position inside the entrenchments Gen. Grant sent word of his success to the right wing and ordered Gen. McClernand and Wallace to return their attack, when the 1st and 2d brigades, which had been in the bloody affair in the morning, with McClernand’s division and 2d brigade of Wallace’s division, made a fresh assault upon the enemy, regained the ground they had lost and pushed forward close to the left of their fortifications, and then lay on their arms prepared to act in concert with Gen. Smith’s column this Sunday morning, when a most desperate attempt will be made to carry the whole of the rebels batteries and fortifications.

We will either be in possession of the fort this noon, or suffer the most bloody defeat that ever befell an army.  It is now six o’clock and yet I have heard no firing of any account this morning.  There appears to be a lull that is not understood.

The following are among the killed and wounded.  Killed – Lt. Col. Smith, 48th Illinois; Lt. Col. Cowan, 20th Illinois; Lt. Col. White, 31st Ill.  Wounded – Col. John A. Logan, 31st Illinois, slightly; Col. M. K. Lawless, 18th Ill., slightly; Col. O. Carroll Marsh, 20th Ill, slightly; Col. W. R. Morrison, 49th Ill., slightly; Lt. Col. Ransom, 11th Ill., slightly.

SECOND DISPATCH.

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 16.

Fort Donelson is ours.  The garrison, consisting of 15,000 men, and Gens. Buckner and Johnson, surrendered to Gen. Grant this morning.  Our troops now occupy the fort.

Floyd and Pillow have escaped.  Some say that Floyd was shot by his own men in attempting to do so.  Particulars will follow this as soon as they can be obtained.

The number of cannon captured is 48 field pieces, and 17 heavy guns in position; also, and incalculable amount of quartermaster and commissary stores.

THIRD DISPATCH.

FT. DONELSON, Feb. 16.

The force of the rebels quartered here according to the statement of their Adjutant General, was 25,000.  This whole force, with the exception of four regiments which escaped last night and those lost in action, have fallen into our hands.

The General Johnson taken is Gen. D. B. [sic] Johnson, of Tennessee.

The loss of the rebels in yesterday’s fight, according to their own accounts, range from 8,000 to 10,000.

As many of the prisoners as can be carried will immediately be sent to Cairo, in charge of Capt. W. S. [Hillyer], aid to Gen. Grant.

The following correspondence passed between Gen. Grant, commanding the Federal forces and Gen. S. B Buckner, commanding the Confederates:

GEN. BUCKNER TO GEN. GRANT.

HEADQUARTERS, FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 16.

SIR: – In consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of  affairs at this station, I propose to the commanding officer of the federal forces the appointment of commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and post under my command, and in that view suggest an armistice until 2 o’clock to-day.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your ob’t serv’t,

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen’l C. S. A.

To Brig. Gen’l U. S. GRANT, Brig. Gen’l U. S. A.

LETTER OF INSTRUCITON TO THE BEARER OF THE DISPATCH.

HEADQUARTERS, FORT DONELSON,

February 16th.

Maj. Crosby will take or send by an officer to the nearest picket of the enemy, the accompanying communication to Gen. Grant and request information of the point where future communication will reach him.  Also inform him that my headquarters will be for the present in Dover.

S. B. BUCKNER.

P. S. Have the white flag hoisted on Ft. Donelson, not on the battery.

(Signed,)

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen.

GEN GRANT’S REPLY.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,

NEAR FT. DONELSON, Feb. 16.

To Gen. Buckner, Confederate Army:

Yours of this date, proposing an armistice and appointment of commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received.  No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender will be accepted.  I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am very respectfully, Your ob’t serv’t,

(Signed,)

U. S. GRANT,

Brig.-Gen. Commanding.

GEN. BUCKNER’S LETTER OF SURRENDER.

Headquarters, Dover, Tenn., Feb. 16.

Brig. Gen. Grant, U. S. A. – Sir:  The distribution of the forces under my command incident to an unexpected change of commanders, and the overwhelming force under your command, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the Confederate arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you propose.  I am, dear sir, your very ob’t servant.

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen. C. S. A.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

The Iowa State Medical Society

POSTPONEMENT – Owing to the absence of so many members of the society in the public service, it has been deemed expedient to post pone the Annual meeting till next year, of which the notice will be given.

J. F. HENRY, Prest.

H. T. CLEAVER, Vice Prest.

P. M. McLAREN, Treas.

J. H. EALY, Secy.

Iowa City, May 5th, 1862

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

Solomon Sturges, of Chicago . . .

. . . an old man of great wealth, has been declared insane by a Chicago Court.  He formerly lived at Zanesville, Ohio.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

It seems to us . . .

. . . at this distance, that Gov. Yates and Mrs. Major Bell Reynolds are doing a large amount of steamboating on the Tennessee River this spring.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The Cumberland Expedition

Officers and Troops Engaged.

From the Chicago Tribune.

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant of Ohio in command of the Federal Forces in the attack on Fort Donelson, entered West Point in 1839, was appointed to the 4th Infantry, U. S. A., in 1843, with rank of Second-Lieutenant.  He was transferred to the 17th infantry in 1845, was brevetted for gallant service at Moline del Ray in Mexico, and again at Chepultepec.  He was a captain in 1853, resigning the service the year following.  He resided in Galena at the outbreak of the rebellion and was appointed a Brigadier-General succeeding on such appointment General Prentiss on command at Cairo.

The following is Gen. Grant’s Staff:

Acting Major General	Brig. Gen. U. S. Grant
STAFF
Assistant Adj’t Gen	Maj. J. A. Rawlins
Quatermaster	Capt. Lawton
Medical Director	Maj. Jas. Simmons, M. D.
First Aid	Captain C. B. Lagone
Second Aid	Captain W. S. Hiller
Volunteer Aid	Captain Graham
Acting Chief Engineer	Colonel Webster
Brigade Surgeon	Captain Brinton, M. D.

THE GUNBOAT[S] AND THEIR OFFICERS.

The following are the officers in command of the fleet, which was brought into action and of each boat:

OFFICERS OF THE FLEET
Flag officers	ANDEREW H. FOOTE, U. S. N.
Fleet Captain	Commander A. M. Pennock, U. S. N.
Ordnance Officer	Lieutenant J. P. Sanford, U. S. N.
Ordnance Lieutenant	Byron Wilson
Flag Lieutenant	James N. Prickett
Flag Officer’s Secretary and Acting Paymaster-in-Chief	S. Heariques

GUNBOAT ESSEX.

Commander, H. D. Porter, U. S. N., first master, Robert K. Riley; Second Master, James Lanning

GUNBOAT CARONDELET.

Commander, Henry Walker, U. S. N.; First master, Richard K. Wade; Second Master, Jno. Dorety.

GUNBOAT CINCINNATI.

Commander, R. N. Stembel, U. S. N.; First Master, vacant; Second Master, ___ Pratt.

GUNBOAT ST. LOUIS.

Lieutenant Commanding, Leonard Paulding, U. S. N.; First Master, Saml. Black; Second Master, Jamey Y. Clemson.

GUNBOAT CONESTOGA.

Lieutenant commanding, Phelps, U. S. N.; First Master, John A. Duble; Second Master, Charles P. Nobel.

GUNBOAT TAYLOR.

Leitenant Commanding, W. Gwin, U. S. N.; First Master, Edward Saw; Second Master, Jason Goudy.

GUNBOAT LEXINGTON.

Lieutenant Commanding, J. W. Shirk, U. S. N.; First Master, Jacob S. Hurd; Second Master, Martin Dunn.

ARMAMENTS OF THE GUNBOATS

	Guns
Essex	9
Carondelet	18
Cincinnati	18
St. Louis	18
Conestoga	9
Taylor	9
Lexington	9

These guns are all in battery, and none are less than 32-pounders – some are 42-pounders, some 64-pounders, and one (on the Essex) throws a shell weighing one hundred and twenty-eight pounds.  In addition of these, each boat carries a Dahlgren rifled 12-pounder boat howitzer on the upper deck.  Several of the larger guns on each boat are rifled.

LIST OF THE LAND FORCES.

We give below a list of forty-two regiments and seven batteries, forming Gen. Grant’s army, to which should be added Gen. T. L. Crittenden’s command that has lately joined him, from Calhoun, Ky.  The entire force under Gen. Grant is hardly less than 50,000 men – an immense column, almost wholly the creation fo the last ten days.  Indeed regiments have been moving about so fast that it is next to impossible to keep track of them, and for this reason it is difficult to tell how the brigades and divisions have been formed.  The troops are as follows:

IOWA INFANTRY.

2d Iowa – Col. J. M. Tuttle.

3d Iowa – Col. N. G. Williams.

7th Iowa – Col. John G. Louman.

11th Iowa – Col. Abraham F. Hare.

12th Iowa – Col. Jackson S. Wood.

13th Iowa – Col. Marcellus M. Crocker.

14th Iowa – Col. William T. Shaw.

ILLINOIS INFANTRY.

7th – Col. John Cook, acting Brigadier General; Lieutenant Colonel, Andrew J. Babcock.

8th – Col. Richard J. Oglesby, Acting Brigadier General; Lieutenant Colonel, Frank L. Rhodes.

9th – Col. Augustus Mersey.

10th – Col. James D. Morgan.

11th – Col. Thomas E. R. Ransom.

12th – Col. John McArthur.

16th – Col. Robert F. Smith.

18th – Col. Michael K. Lawler.

20th – Col. Carroll A Marsh.

22d – Col Henry Dougherty, (invalid); Lieut. Co. H. E. Hart.

27th – Col. Napoleon B. Buford.

28th -  Col. Amory K. Johnson.

29th – Col. James S. Reardon.

30th – Col. Philip B. Fouke, absent; Lieut. Colonel, E. L. Dennis.

31st – Col. John A. Logan.

32d – Col John Logan.

41st – Col. Isaac C. Pugh.

45th – Col. John E. Smith.

46th – Col. John A. Davis.

48th – Col. Isham N. Haynie.

49th – Col. Wm. R. Morrison, wounded; Lieut. Colonel, Thomas G. Allen.

50th – Col. – Moses M. Bane.

52d – Lieut. Col. John S. Wilcox.

55th – Col. David Stuart.

57th – Col. S. D. Baldwin.

ILLINOIS CAVALRY.

2d Regiment – Col. Silas Noble.

3d Regiment – Col. Eugene A. Carr.

4th Regiment Col. T. Lyle Dickey.

7th Regiment – Col. Wm. Pitt Kellogg.

ILLINOIS ARTILLERY.

Batteries – Schwartz’s, Dresser’s, Taylor’s McAllister’s, Richardson’s, Willard’s and Buell’s, in all thirty four guns.

TROOPS FROM OTHER STATES.

8th Missouri – Col. Morgan L. Smith.

13th Missouri – Col Crafts J. Wright.

1st Mo. Artillery – Col. Totten.

11th Indiana – Col. Geo. F. McGinnis.

23d Indiana – Col. Wm. L. Sanderson.

48th Indiana – Col. Norman Eddy.

52d Indiana – Col. James M. Smith.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

Another Marine Monster

The plating of the steam frigate Roanoke – mate of the defunct Merrimac – was commenced in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Tuesday.  The plates are four inches thick, and reach some four feet below [the] watermark.  The spar deck and the old bulwarks, down to a level with the gun deck, have been completely cut away.  The turrets will shortly be forthcoming, and the guns are rapidly preparing by the ordnance authorities, but their number and weight must remain a mystery to the public for the present.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

Rebel Tack Ticks

The Vallandighammers are telling the Irish voters that the “Black Republicans” are trying to abolish slavery in order to have the “Nagers” all in the free states where they will get all the work, and, of course, throw the Irish out of business.  This is a good story and should be generally disseminated and well stuck to.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The Leavenworth Conservative says . . .

. . . the real name of the great jayhawker, Cleveland was Metz.  He used to drive a stage out of Cleveland, Ohio and hence adopted that name.  He was born in that vicinity.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The passage of the Homestead bill . . .

. . . will no doubt be considered an unconstitutional and fanatical proceeding by the Vallandighammers, as it may operate to prevent the rebel slave-owners and breeders from turning the public domain into large plantations, and give it in small farms to white men.  Is it not an aggravated violation of Southern Rights?

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

A Suggestion

As the principal purpose and aim of the Vallandighammers is evidently to hold the niggers all safe and secure so that no loss shall accrue to their rebel masters while they are fighting to overthrow the Government we suggest that they go at once down into Dixie and take charge of and hold this colored property until the war is concluded.  They could not show their love for their “misguided brethren” in a better way, and the employment would certainly be congenial.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

Albert Hunter

Albert Hunter is now living retired in Washington in the enjoyment of well earned rest but for many years was closely associated with farming interests and contributed in large measure to the agricultural development of this county. He started upon life's journey in Knox county, Ohio, September 5, 1845, being one of the eight children of John and Elizabeth Ann (Paul) Hunter, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The paternal grandfather, George Hunter, was a native of Scotland but the opportunities of the new world attracted him and he became one of the early settlers of Ohio, where he was long associated with farming. He married Martha Conner and they reared several children. George Hunter died when past middle life while his wife reached an advanced age. Their son, John Hunter, also chose agricultural pursuits as his life work and, feeling that the new and growing state of Iowa offered attractive opportunities, he arrived within its borders about 1850, locating at Danville, where he remained for a number of years. His last days, however, were passed in New London. For several years he survived his wife who died at the age of thirty-nine years. She was a daughter of William and Jane (Locke) Paul, both of whom lived to a ripe old age. Her father was a native of Virginia, served as a soldier of the war of 1812 and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. Both Mr. and Mrs. John Hunter were consistent members of the Methodist church and their many good qualities won for them the esteem and high regard of all with whom they came in contact. Their children were as follows: Martha, the deceased wife of David McDonald; William, who has also passed away; Mary, who died unmarried; Albert, of this review; Adeline, the deceased wife of Absalom Hite; Margaret, the wife of A. C. White, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Maria, the wife of Hiram Kinkle, of Woodland, California; and Harriet, deceased.

Albert Hunter was a little lad of five years when he came with his parents to Iowa, being reared on the home farm in Des Moines county, during which time he attended the district schools after arriving at the usual age. He was but nine years of age at the time of his mother's death and he then went to live with his grandfather with whom he continued until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company E, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and nine months. He was a youthful patriot of but sixteen years at the time of his enlistment. On one occasion he was struck by a spent ball but was not seriously injured. He served with the rank of sergeant and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg, the entire Atlanta campaign, the memorable march to the sea under Sherman and many skirmishes. He was in the grand review in Washington, the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. Though young in years no veteran of twice his age was more loyal to the interests of the Union.

When the war was over Mr. Hunter returned to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, but later resided for a short time in Page county, Iowa, and then removed to New London, Henry county. He continued his residence there for a few years and subsequently removed to Louisa county, where he purchased eight acres of land. That place was his home for about twenty-two years, during which time he added eighty acres to the original tract while in his farming operations he met with gratifying success, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation. In 1896 he removed to Keokuk county, and in 1899 came to Washington county, living near Ainsworth, where he owned a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Since 1901, however, he has maintained his residence in the city of Washington, for his activity in former years brought to him a substantial competence releasing him from the necessity of former business activity save the care which he gives his investments.

In October, 1869, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Josephine Klingman, a daughter of Cyrus and Emma (West) Klingman. They became parents of a son and a daughter: Tennis W., a resident farmer of Washington township, who married Ella Glaze and has four children: Geneva, Clifford, Willard and Mary: and Jessie E., the wife of Samuel Baird, living on a farm near Ainsworth, by whom she has one son, Homer. The wife and mother, Mrs. Josephine Hunter, passed away in the '70s, and on the 19th of April. 1879, Mr. Hunter was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah E. Ingersoll, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Nancy (Cooper) Ingersoll, who were also natives of the Buckeye state and came to Iowa in 1847, settling near Burlington, where her father died in 1880 at the age of seventy-one years, while her mother passed away in 1876 at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of eleven children, who reached adult age: Mary, the deceased wife of Isaiah Groves: Keziah, the wife of William Blair; Louisa, the deceased wife of William Sharp; Edward; William: Sarah E.; Clara, the wife of Jasper Matlock; Philena. the wife of Augustus Eggleston; Ella, the wife of Ransom Gore; Eugenia, the deceased wife of Frank Smith; and Peter. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Sarah E. Hunter were John and Christina (Hill) Ingersoll, the former a native of Ohio and a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather. John Cooper, was also born in Ohio and followed agricultural pursuits. He married a Miss Symmes, who died in early womanhood.

The marriage of Albert Hunter and Sarah E. Ingersoll has been blessed with three children. Eva, the eldest, is the wife of George H. Paul, of Washington and they have two sons, Maurice and Dwight. Mary is a teacher in the Kalona public schools, and Grace is a stenographer. In his political views Mr. Hunter is a stalwart republican and has served as road supervisor and was township trustee and township clerk in Louisa county, Iowa. He has always been loyal in his citizenship, proving as faithful to his country in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on southern battle fields. He belongs to I. G. White Post, G. A. R. and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is a member of the church board and a class leader in the Methodist church, of which both he and his wife are members. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are both widely known in this county and have an extensive circle of warm friends while the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.

SOURCE: Howard A. Burrell, History of Washington County, Iowa, Vol. 2, p. 78-80

The failure of the mortar boats . . .

. . . in attacking forts and batteries, is an established fact.  The difficulty is not in the power of the mortars or the tremendous destructive capabilities of the shells, but in the impossibility of throwing the shells with accuracy.  Captain Davis has continued mortar practice at Fort Wright.  The tremendous bombardment of Island No. 10 was without effect.  Even the bombardment of the forts below New Orleans was almost useless.  Gen. Butler says the forts were as strong after the bombardment as before.  Rifled and heavy shell guns are the implements.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The Chicago and Burlington Railroad

At the special meeting of the shareholders of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, held in Boston last Saturday, it was resolved to build a separate track from Aurora into Chicago, and an issue of one million of bonds authorized for this purpose.  The meeting, which was composed for the most part of the Directors and other parties largely interested against the settlement of the controversy with the Peoria Road, voted down the following preamble and resolution:

WHEREAS, The officers of this Company have, without the sanction of the stockholders of this Company, made certain contracts with the lessees of the Western Division of the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad Company, incurring liabilities to a very large extent and that they propose to make certain issues of bonds for the purpose of extending this road from Aurora to Chicago.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting that such liabilities and expenditures were entirely without authority of the stockholders of this company, and greatly to their injury, and that the officers of this Company are expressly prohibited from making further expenditures on account of the above named contracts or from issuing any more bonds, until all matters in relation thereto, and the contracts made with the above mentioned parties, are submitted to the stockholders at their next annual meeting, and until the decision in the controversy now pending between the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad Company and this Company may be decided.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The Newbern correspondent . . .

. . . of the New York Tribune reports a reaction in favor of the Union throughout the old North State.  He asserts that the Union party is in the ascendancy, that the secessionists intend to run S. X. Johnson as a candidate for Governor, and that the Union party will nominate the Hon. Wm. A. Graham for the same office, on the first Thursday in August. A great mass meeting of citizens from all parts of the State is announced to be held at Raleigh to nominate Mr. Graham. – It appears that Kenneth Raynor, an ex-member of Congress, had aimed in the State Convention to have an ordinance adopted providing for the punishment of all persons who should show any favor to the Union cause.  His proposition was defeated by an overwhelming vote for indefinite postponement.  The tone of the Raleigh Standard indicates the ultimate re-establishment of law and order all through the State.  That is an old Democratic organ, but early in the campaign abandoned the sinking ship and now sustains the Opposition.  It is also asserted that the State Convention has under consideration the President’s proposition for emancipation, that in the discussions upon this subject the ablest men in the State had asserted that Slavery was the cause of the Rebellion and that it was wise and expedient to regard the Presidential hint with favor.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The War News

The news we give this morning is of a very different tenor from that served up to the public for some time back.  We have had nothing but rebel defeats, surrenders, evacuations, &c., until to-day.  Now we have to chronicle the fact that Gen. Banks has been driven out of the Shenandoah valley and across the Potomac – Baltimore is ready for a rise and Washington is in alarm.  Too much strategy!

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1