U. S.
* * *
HEADQUARTERS, 3D BRIGADE,
1ST DIVISION,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE;
COL. L. F. ROSS, 17TH ILLINOIS.
ESTABLISHED MARCH 21ST,
1862
* * * * *
COL. JULIUS RAITH,
COMMANDING,
APRIL 6TH,
1862.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Hurrah For The Petticoats
A correspondent of the Indianapolis Journal writing from
Martinsburg, Va., illustrates the Union feeling observed along the march from
Paw Paw:
At North Mountain House we experienced the first genuine
Union feeling we have met with since we have been in Virginia. Every house top had on it the flag of the
Union. – At this station, three days before, there were rebel pickets. The genuine Union feeling of the people of
North Mountain I will illustrate by a real occurrence. It seems that the young ladies of North
Mountain House have a very large Union flag, which it was necessary that they
should keep concealed so the rebels would not get it. The young ladies after a mature thought,
concluded to have it worn as a skirt, and selected Miss Mattie Cookers as the
most proper person. Thus encompassed she
lived and moved until Capt. John Wilson’s company of the 13th arrived in
town. When it was know that we were
United States soldiers she took the flag from its place of concealment and
stood undauntedly waving it while the Captain’s company gave it three times
three, and the band to enliven the scene, gave the people Yankee Doodle. An old lady who was present said to us
afterwards that Miss Cookers ought to have taken it from its place of
concealment before we came up, for now that we had found out where the Union
ladies kept their flags concealed we would be looking for them all the
time. We met another old lady there, en
route for a neighbor’s on a visit but she could not go any further, for she
must stay and see the dear soldiers, and that, for her part, she hadn’t felt so
happy since Parson So-and-so had a revival at her house before secession.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
Abraham C. Rarick
A. C. RARICK, one of the old and honored pioneers of Clarke
County, is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born April 12, 1833, a son of Philip
and Sarah (Chenoweth) Rarick. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, a son of
Philip R., Sr. and Susan (Hikeswell) Rarick, who were among the first pioneers
of Darke County, Ohio, locating in that county about the year 1818. They were
the parents of thirteen children. Ten children were born to Philip and Sarah
Rarick of whom our subject is the eldest. Eight of the children still survive –
A. C., Isaac, Jacob, Adam, Charles W., Ira O, Susan and Caroline. David and
Catherine are deceased. A. C. spent his
youth in assisting on the farm, and in attending the district schools. In 1851
he went with his father’s family to Jay County, Indiana, remaining there four
years, completing his education in a college of that county. In the fall of 1855 he started for Iowa,
being about thirty days on the way. He first located in Knox Township, Clarke
County, where he pre-empted a claim in the fall of 1856, proving 160 acres the
following fall, which he still owns. He
was married September 7, 1859, to Mary Hunt born in Virginia, but at the time
of her marriage a resident of Clarke County, Iowa, a daughter of James and
Sarah (Garretson) Hunt. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rarick only
four are living – Monroe, Allen, Alice and Eva. Those deceased are – Sarah,
Sherman, Lydia and Charlie. Mr. Rarick
enlisted in the late war, in July, 1861, a member of Company [F], Sixth Iowa
Infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Jackson, Mississippi, and
siege of Vicksburg. He was wounded in the neck, being struck by a piece of
shell. During the war he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, but resigned this
position August 2, 1863, and returned to his home in Clarke County. In 1864 he was appointed postmaster, holding
that office one year. Mr. Rarick has met with success in his farming and
stock-raising, and is now the owner of 240 acres of well-improved land under a
good state of cultivation. He was appointed deputy surveyor in 1858, and in
1859 was elected county surveyor, and held the same office till 1861, when he
resigned that he might go to the defense of his country’s flag. He is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Leslie Post, No. 189. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Rarick are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are
numbered among the best citizens of Knox Township. In politics Mr. Rarick is a
Greenbacker.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 377
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, December 19, 1861
We reached Jefferson City this morning at sunup after an
uncomfortable night's ride. The water in the river is very low and it seems
that we were fastened on sandbars half the time. Then when the boat was under
way, the boat hands, one on each side of the vessel, were constantly calling
the soundings, “six feet,” “ten feet,” “no bottom,” etc., in that dreadful,
drawling sound, keeping it up all night, and with the thought of that powder on
board — it was not a good night for sleeping. But we landed, and marching out
to the camp, pitched our tents where we were before. We got back all safe and
sound, with one exception, for one of our company took the smallpox and was
left at the pesthouse at Boonville, with only his bunk-mate to care for him.
The weather is quite cool.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 24-5
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
General Albert Sidney Johnston’s Death Site: Shiloh National Military Park
C. S.
GENERAL ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON
COMMANDING THE CONFEDERATE ARMY,
DIED HERE AT 2.30 P.M., APRIL 6, 1862.
_____ ___ __ ___ _____
Senator Isham G. Harris, who was Governor of Tennessee in
1862 and was serving as Volunteer Aid on the staff of Gen. Johnston at Shiloh,
visited this field in 1896 for the express purpose of fixing the place where General
Johnston fell. After a careful examination of the ground over which the advance
was made, he came to the place now marked by the monument and said: “General
Johnston was following the advance of Bowen's brigade; he had sent all the
members of his staff to other parts of the field with orders; I was the last to
leave him, with an order to put Statham’s brigade in motion across the Peach
Orchard. When I returned General
Johnston was alone, sitting on his horse near a large oak tree [where the monument
now stands]. I saw him reel in the
saddle and rode to his side and asked: ‘General, are you hurt?’ He replied: ‘Yes, I fear seriously.’ I
supported him in the saddle and guided the two horses to the ravine in rear;
then lifted him from the horse and placed him on the ground. He was unconscious
and died in a few minutes, at 2.30 p.m.”
Senator Harris fixed the spot where this tablet stands as
the place where General Johnston died.
St. Clair Powell
ST. CLAIR POWELL, one of the enterprising and prosperous
farmers of Liberty township, residing on section 35, was born in Marion County,
Indiana, January 31, 1842, a son of Lewis B. and Jane (Smith) Powell. His parents
were born and reared in the State of Virginia, living there till after their
marriage. They were early settlers of Marion County, Indiana, where they made a
home out of the dense forest, both dying at their pioneer home. Their family
consisted of four sons and four daughters, of whom our subject was the seventh
child. Only two besides our subject are now living: Mrs. Frances Morein, living
in Hiawatha, Kansas, and John B., the youngest of the family, living in Grundy
County, Iowa. St.Clair Powell was united
in marriage in June, 1862, to Miss Savilla Shinn, in Henry County, Illinois,
and to this union were born two children – Merrick, who died at the age of
thirteen years and Adella. In August, 1862, Mr. Powell enlisted in Company I,
One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry, and in November, 1862, was broken
down by a forced march of his regiment, going to the relief of Frankfort,
Kentucky. After an attack of bilious fever he rejoined his regiment, but
failing health necessitated his discharge at Gallatin, Tennessee, in March,
1863. Mr. Powell located in Grundy
County, Iowa, in 1865, buying property there with the intention of improving and
making a home, but his wife’s health failing made a change necessary. He then
sold the property and went to Coffey County, Kansas, where his wife died in
October, 1867. Mr. Powell then returned to Grundy County, Iowa, with his two
children, where he remained until coming to Clarke County, Iowa, in March,
1871. He has brought his land from a
wild state to a well-cultivated farm, and has made all the improvements on his
place. Not a tree had been planted nor a furrow turned. Now his buildings are
sheltered by a fine maple grove, raised from seed planted twelve years before,
the trees being now fully twenty feet in height. His fine farm contains 400
acres of as good land as can be found in the township, and the products of the
farm are used for feeding his stock, his attention being devoted to
stock-raising. September 8, 1872, Mr. Powell married for his second wife Miss
Maria J. Barnes, and to them have been born seven children – William J., Lottie
M., Annie B., Charles, Frank E., Bertie and Hattie. In politics Mr. Powell is
an ardent Republican. He is a member of
Unity Lodge, No. 212, A.F. & A.M. of Woodburn, and is a highly-respected
citizen of Liberty Township.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 333
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, December 18, 1861
The four companies of cavalry that accompanied us up the
river (also by boat) went on a scouting expedition yesterday toward the town of
Glasgow. They captured and brought in this morning one hundred and fifty-five
kegs of powder which they found hid in haystacks. We stored the powder in the
hull of our boat, and at 2 p. m. left this place for an all-night run on our
return to Jefferson City. But we are quite uneasy for fear of an explosion from
our cargo of powder.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s
Civil War Diary, p. 24
Publication of the Laws
A bill has passed the House, at Des Moines, requiring the
board of Supervisors to publish the general Acts of the Legislature in at least
one newspaper (that having the largest circulation) in each county. The measure was pretty thoroughly discussed
and passed, yeas 53, nays 39. We are
somewhat surprised that Mr. Caster of this County should speak against a
measure of such evident utility. The
bill was introduced by Mr. Stanton of Washington Co., who, on a motion being made
to strike out “shall” and insert “may” spoke against the amendment and is thus
reported:
Mr. Stanton said he hoped the amendment of the gentlemen
from Lucas would not prevail. That there
was too much discretionary legislation on our statutes. The present law provides the same
discretionary power in relation to the publication of the laws for the benefit
of the people for whom the laws are made.
The compensation therefore was left with the Board of Supervisors – if they
did not see fit to give the usual reasonable compensation they could cut it
down one half, or to whatever figure they pleased. The idea was to have the laws published so
the people could get them, and not for the benefit of the county press, of
which the gentleman had so much fear.
Many members who owed their seats here in no small degree to the
influence of their county papers, come here and turn round and use their
efforts towards cutting down what little patronage the press gets from the
State to the smallest pittance. The
county press was entitled to some consideration at our hands, and there was not
a single paper in the State, in his opinion, that would not be glad to publish the
laws for anything approaching a
reasonable compensation. In many cases
they were publishing them without compensation whatever and hoped the
amendment, which only leaves the laws as at present, would not prevail. While it would give a very limited
compensation to county press for the work of printing and distributing the laws
broadcast, it would confer a much greater benefit upon the people. – [Oskaloosa
Herald.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Christopher C. Perdue
CHRISTOPHER C. PERDUE, farmer, section 22 Liberty Township,
was born in West Virginia, October 11, 1841, the youngest of ten children. When
he was six years old his father died, and at the age of eleven his mother died.
He was then practically thrown upon his own resources. August 9, 1862, he
enlisted in Company H, Eighty third Regiment. His brother Daniel was in the
same company. He was engaged in the third battle of Fort Donelson in February,
1863. In that battle Daniel was shot through the body, and only through the
careful nursing of his brother was his recovery made possible. He was honorably
discharged July 5, 1865, and returned to Warren County, Illinois, and afterward
came to this county. Isaiah, member of the Ninth Iowa, died in Arkansas.
Thomas, in Thirty-second Iowa, now lives in Nebraska. Christopher worked on
rented land until he purchased his present home in the spring of 1869. August 29, 1866 he was married to Miss Nancy
La Follette, daughter of William La Follette, who settled in Liberty Township
in 1855. Both parents are deceased, the mother dying in February, 1868, and the
father in February, 1881, aged sixty-one years. Mrs. Perdue was born in Boone
County, Indiana, September 21, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Perdue have nine children
James W., Francis M., Ella May, Clarence E., Hattie V., Giles C., Susan A.,
Martha J. and Mary E., twins. Ella May died at the age of two years. Mr. Perdue
commenced here on wild land. He first purchased eighty acres and now owns 185,
120 under cultivation. He has held every position of public trust in the
township except justice of the peace. In politics he is identified with the
Greenback party.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 306-7
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, December 17, 1861
This morning we entered the town and made a search of all
the houses for “secesh.” We took seven
prisoners, besides some arms and ammunition. This being a great apple country,
we found stores of apples in the houses, and helping ourselves, we filled our
haversacks. By one o’clock we had finished sacking the town and started back to
our boats, arriving there at dark.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark,
Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 24
Monday, October 8, 2012
William O. Parrish
WILLIAM O. PARRISH, M.D., one of the leading physicians and
surgeons of Hopeville, is a native of Jackson County, Michigan, born March 8,
1839, a son of Orrin H. Parrish, who was born in Ohio, and is now deceased. His
father being a farmer, our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, passing
his youth on his father’s
farm. He received good educational advantages, and for a time attended
Central University at Pella, Marion County, Iowa, his parents having settled in
that county in 1857. He was a soldier in
the late war, enlisting in Company B., Third Iowa Infantry, and serving over
four years. He took part in the engagements at Blue Mills, Pittsburg Landing,
Shiloh, Hatchie River, sieges of Vicksburg and Atlanta, with Sherman to the
sea; thence to Richmond, and from there went to Washington where he
participated in the grand review. Our
subject attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk,
Iowa, from which institution he graduated February 25, 1868, and the same year
located in Galesburg, Iowa, where he began his life’s work. November
22, 1871, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma A. Butin, a daughter of
Madison Moore. Five children have been born to them, of whom four still survive
– Earl O., Guy D., Jennie M. and William L. The doctor followed his profession
in Galesburg till 1877, when he came to Hopeville, where he has since resided,
and since coming here has become well and favorably known as a skillful
practitioner, and has succeeded in establishing a large and lucrative practice.
Doctor Parrish is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and also
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Christian
church.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 239-40
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, December 16, 1861
We reached Boonville at sunup, and landing, remained there
about two hours, when we again boarded the boat and crossed to the other side
of the river. We lay on the boat here till dark, when Company E and three other
companies started for Boonesboro, seven or eight miles distant. Reaching the
town we surrounded it and waited for daylight. On our way out we marched
through some very heavy timber, where the sound of our tramping and the rattle
of our bayonets aroused the many wood owls, and of all the hideous noises I
ever listened to — it made my hair stand on end!
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 24
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Private Enos Hammer, Co. G 7th Iowa Cavalry, to his sister, March 21, 1864 [Fragment]
Cottonwood Springs
Monday March 21st
Dear Sister
I take the present time to write you a few lines in answer
to yours of the 8th. I am well and
enjoying myself bully. I was but but a
hunting yesterday and went all over
Nebraska Territory all but what it lacked.
It is a snowing a little today but I think [illegible] [a] off in the
course of 5 minutes. Has Ira got
religion or not. I believe you was a [illegible]
does Luisa ever talk of getting it.
There has been several revivals out here about a week ago there was a
great revival in camp one man got his snoot squished. An other got the mug put on him. And they went to the gard house to seek
salvation. There is not much difference
in all revivals in [missing text] some talk
of the [missing text] driving us from land of [kanion] . . .
SOURCE: Letter listed
for auction on www.ebay.com, July 17, 2012. Only the 1st page of the letter was displayed
with a tear in the lower left corner and a watermark in the middle of the page
covering some of the text.
Sergeant Job S. Beals, Co. G 7th Iowa Cavalry, to Henry Hammer, July 11, 1864 [Fragment]
Topeka Kansas,
July 11th/64
Respected Cousins,
I take my pen this evening to drop you a few lines to let
you know how Enos is as I supposed you would be anxious to know he [does not
seem to be getting] better than when I
wrote to you before, he wil be apt to take a change one way or the other pretty
soon. The rest of the Newton boys are
all enjoying pretty good health at present.
I have not time to write much at present
I wil writ again in a few days, and let you know how Enos is getting
along. This leaves me well and before it
wil . . .
SOURCE: Letter listed
for auction on www.ebay.com, July 17, 2012, only the 1st page of the letter was shown with a watermark over the bracketed text. No transcription of the letter was offered on the listing.
Sherow W. Parker
SHEROW W. PARKER, an active and enterprising farmer, and the
present justice of the peace of Madison Township, residing on section 15, was
born in Harrison County, Ohio, April 22, 1840, his father, Richard Parker, who
is now deceased, being a native of the same county, and a carpenter and farmer
by occupation. Sherow W. Parker attended
the common schools of his native county, where he received a fair education. He
was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made his life’s work, and by
his persevering, industry and good management he has met with success. He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting
in Company C, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, and during his term of service he was
sick at Jeffersonville, Indiana, for five months. He participated in a number
of engagements, among which were, Perryville, Kentucky, Chickamauga, Buzzard’s
Roost, Rome, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain.
Mr. Parker was married March 20, 1866, to Miss Lizette Crew, a daughter
of the late James Crew. Twelve children have been born to them – Katie,
Sherman, Charles, Richard, Franklin, Homer, Alburtus, John, Lizetta M., Josiah,
George and one deceased. Mr. Parker
located in Fulton County, Illinois, in the fall of 1865, living near Canton
till the fall of 1869. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and the following
spring settled on the farm where he has since been engaged in farming and
stock-raising, his farm containing 156 acres of choice land. Mr. Parker has
held several offices of trust since locating in Madison Township, serving as
township clerk, road supervisor, assessor and justice of the peace, and for
eight or ten years has been clerk of the School Board. He is a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 285-6
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, December 15, 1861
We landed at the little town of Providence, Missouri, about
sunup and experienced our first day's march after the “secesh.” It was a
delightful day. The few belated grasshoppers and crickets which escaped the
cold spells were singing their farewell songs. We were all awake and keyed to
the highest pitch, felt prepared to meet ten thousand “secesh” at any moment. A
detail of cavalry was leading the way, and when at times our marching was
delayed, each man anxiously wanting to know the cause, would peer forward over
the shoulder of his file leader; but there was nothing to see.
At noon we stacked arms and ate our first lunch upon a
march, and in the ‘secesh’s” country at that. Here we rested about two hours,
until the cavalry returned. They reported that there was not a “secesh” to be
seen in that part of the country, and I guess all heaved a sigh of relief in
the thought that there would be no fighting today. We were ten miles out from
our landing. Hastening our return march, we reached our boat at sundown, and
boarding it, proceeded up the river.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 23-4
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Jonathan S. Nelson
 |
| Private, Co. E, 36th Iowa Infantry |
SOURCE: Listed for auction at www.ebay.com October 5, 2012
Mr. Seward On The Peace Policy Of The United States
The policy of the United States is set forth in a few golden
sentences, which Secretary Seward writes to Mr. Harper Twelitree, who lately
presided at a London meeting of congratulation over the settlement of the
dispute between the two countries:
“The policy of the American people Sir, is a policy of peace
at home, peace abroad, peace with all nations – a policy of freedom for
themselves, of freedom in their extending empire, and a policy hopeful of and
conducive to the ultimate freedom of all classes and conditions of men. Whoever shall wage war against the American
people, will find themselves obliged, not only to commit the first wrong, but
to become, when they enter the contest, the enemies, not only of order, peace
and progress on this continent, but of human nature itself.”
The letter which contains these remarkable expressions –
which find sympathetic response throughout all the loyal States at least – is published
in the London papers. One would suppose
it should forever give the lie to the misrepresentations which certain British
journals persistently make, of the views of the Cabinet and Mr. Seward in
particular.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington,
Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
Forty-four kegs of powder were captured . . .
. . . from a boat at Philadelphia on Friday by the revenue
officers, who suspected from the motions of the boat that the ammunition was to
be used for illegal purposes.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
All the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canals . . .
. . . will probably be open for navigation of the first of next
week. The New York Canals will not be
ready before the latter part of April.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
James C. Painter
JAMES C. PAINTER, proprietor of the flour-mills at Osceola,
is a native of England, born in Berks County. He came to America when quite young,
locating in the State of Illinois. He began learning the miller’s trade in
Fulton County, Illinois, finishing his trade at Peoria. He enlisted in the Union Army in 1862 in
Company F, Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry to serve three months. At the
expiration of his term of service he reenlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, in
which he served till June 30, 1863. Mr. Painter is a thorough, practical
miller, and has been connected with the milling business since 1861. He came to Clarke County, Iowa, in 1868, and
for about ten months worked for Raymond & Kelley, proprietors of the City
Mills, at Osceola. He then went to Union County, Iowa, becoming a partner in
the Afton Mills, being associated with the Grant Brothers, under the firm name
of Grant, Painter & Grant. About five years later he disposed of his
interest in the Afton Mills and returned to Osceola, Clarke County, forming a
partnership with D. R. Raymond, which continued until June, 1881, when he sold
his interest to his partner, and in October of the same year built his present
mills, which are the principal flouring mills in the county. It is run by the
roller process and turn out about forty barrels in twenty-four hours.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 390
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, December 14, 1861
We struck our tents early this morning and at sunup marched
down to the landing on the Missouri river, where under the quartermaster a
large detail of men worked nearly all day loading our commissariat on board the
boats. At sundown our regiment, with a part of the Second Illinois Cavalry,
started up the river.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 23
Friday, October 5, 2012
William Green Otis
WILLIAM GREEN OTIS, one of the oldest pioneers of Knox
Township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, October 28, 1829, a son of James
and Ellice (Bainter) Otis, the father a native of Vermont, who served in the
war of 1812, and the mother born in Zanesville, Ohio. Her father was a
wheelwright by trade, and was the first mechanic who settled in Zanesville. He
was of German descent. James Otis was a son of Barnabas Otis, a descendant of the
Puritans who came to America in the Mayflower, he being a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. James Otis were the parents of six children –
Lydia M., James H., William G., Henry Clay, John B., and one who died in
infancy. William G. was nine years of
age when his parents removed to Marion County, where he was reared. His early
life was spent in helping with the farm work, and in attending the subscription
schools of his neighborhood. In 1848 he
came to Iowa, and in the spring of 1849 he started on a trip through the State.
He then returned to Ohio, and in September, 1850, came again to Iowa with a
two-horse team, when he entered land from the Government on section 8, Knox
township, where he has since resided. During
the late war he enlisted in the defense of his county, August 22, 1862, in
Company K, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and participated in several skirmishes
and engagements. Prior to this he had
joined the Iowa State Militia, and had marched through St. Joe, Missouri, where
he was on guard duty for sometime. He received an honorable discharge at
Washington City, June 5, 1865, when he returned to his home in Knox Township,
where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Otis was united in marriage February 25,
1872, to Miss E. M. Morgan. Six children have been born to this union – Mary
Estella, Elinor Morgan, Martha Ellen and three who died in infancy. Mr. Otis
was elected justice of the peace in 1884, and served justice in an impartial
manner to all who called before his jurisdiction, filling the office with
credit for himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he casts
his suffrage with the Greenback party. He is a comrade of Knox Post, G.A.R. He
has a snug farm of fifty-six acres, his land being under fine cultivation. His
residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious, and he has one of
the best spring houses in the county.
SOURCE: Biographical
and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago,
Illinois, 1886 p. 244
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, December 13, 1861
The Eleventh Iowa is at home now in wedge tents, with four
men to a tent, and we are experiencing more changes in living. Irish potatoes
have been dropped from our rations and we have no tables now at which to eat
our meals. When the orderly sergeant draws the rations, the company cook calls
out for every man to come and get his portion — of hardtack, bacon, sugar,
salt, pepper, soap and candles. The cook makes the coffee, boils the beans and
salt beef (fresh beef twice a week), and at noon calls each man to get his
day's rations of bean soup and meat. The coffee he makes three times a day,
each man having his own tin cup for his coffee. Each one prepares his own bacon
to suit his taste, many eating it raw between two pieces of hard-tack. Every
one has his own plate, knife and fork.
Our regiment received marching orders with ten days’
rations, and so we have to leave just as we were getting settled in our tent
camp.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 23
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Censorship
Mr. Wilson of Iowa has made a report from the Judiciary
committee, upon the censorship of the press.
It speaks of the Censor as almost entirely destitute of all the requirements
for the discharge of his delicate duties, ignorant of public affairs, and
frequently going even beyond his instructions, which went too far in that they
empowered him to deal with dispatches relating to civil as well as military
matters.
Mr. Wilson has given a history of the censorship from the
dark days of April, when it was the Secretary of the Treasury’s prerogative, to
the time of its transference through the Secretary of War to the Secretary of
State, and after the assumption of the Present Secretary of war, to that of the
War Department again. He shows how,
under Seward’s regime, it was perverted from its original intent; how stock
jobbing dispatch – one from Bull Run Russell – got over the wires, while their
use was debarred to correspondents of loyal journals, as in the case of the
Trent affair decision; and now an extract from the President’s Message was
telegraphed to the New York Herald, while dispatches touching the message to
other journals were suppressed. The
report recommends the passage of a resolution indicating the sense of congress
that the supervisorship be strictly confined to such intelligence concerning
projected naval or military movements as is likely to give aid and comfort to
the enemy, unless the Government require to take exclusive possession of the
wires, then to act strictly under the authority of law. The Committee express surprise that the order
modifying Stanton’s first order was not signed by Stanton instead of Sanford,
and find no fault with the present censorship since confined, so far as known
to the Committee on Military Matters.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
The New Demand Notes
Thirteen million dollars of the new demand notes are
expected to be ready in Washington on or about the first of April, the smaller
denominations being issued first. The
whole ninety millions will not be completed, probably, before the middle of
May. The National Bank Note Company, by
the arrangement, prints only the $50 and $100 notes.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1
Dedication of the Iowa Monuments at Shiloh National Military Park: Governor Cummins and Staff
 |
| Governor and Mrs. Cummins Members of the Governor's Staff and their Wives Photograph taken in front of the Iowa Monument at Shiloh. |
John Newsome
JOHN NEWSOME has been a resident of Clarke County since
1868. His home is in the northeast quarter of section 2, Franklin Township. He
has a fine stock farm of 215 acres, consisting of upland, meadow and timber
land, on the main branch of Whitebreast Creek. He has made nearly all of the
improvements since he occupied the place.
Mr. Newsome was born November 13, 1834, in West Riding, Yorkshire,
England. His parents were James and Rebecca (Illingworth) Newsome, who reared a
family of ten children, all of whom are living and prospering. All except the
eldest, William, are living in the United States. James Newsome, in early life,
was a weaver by occupation, and his son John, the subject of this sketch, was
reared to the same calling. He embarked
from Liverpool for the United States on the “City of Manchester,” March 21,
1854, reaching Philadelphia May 10. Near this point he engaged work in a cotton
mill for a short time. In June, of the same year, he went to work in a woolen
mill at Rockdale, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where he remained until he
volunteered in defense of his adopted country, under the first call of
President Lincoln for volunteers. He
enlisted in the Anderson guards, Philadelphia, April 16, 1861, and would have
started for Washington, D.C., on the evening of the 19th, but for the attack of
the Baltimore mob on the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers and three companies of
their regiment, who were unarmed and got back to Philadelphia with great
difficulty. They were eventually mustered into the United States service on May
25, as Company B., Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Colonel Small,
for three years or during the war. August, 1861, Company B was detached to
guard Government stores, in Washington, D.C. In the spring of 1862, when General McClellan
was about to start on the Peninsula campaign, Sergeant Newsome wrote a petition
which all the non-commissioned officers signed, asking to take the field with
the regiment. The petition failed, but a second petition, January, 1863, was
granted by General Hooker, who formerly commanded their brigade, and was then
commanding the Army of the Potomac. The company met its baptism of fire at
Chancellorsville, losing very heavily. Sergeant Newsome was wounded in the
right thigh and taken prisoner. He was exchanged and rejoined his regiment the
following September. In the movements of the army, before the close of 1863,
Mr. Newsome bore an honorable part. He re-enlisted as a veteran in January,
1864. While on furlough, March 10, 1864,
he was married at Rockdale, to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, who was born in
Philadelphia, December 25, 1836. She was a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth
Murphy. Rejoining the Army of the
Potomac, he was mustered in as Lieutenant of his company, in April 1864, and
from that time until the 27th of May, took part in the battles under Grant. June 18 he was honorably discharged at
Philadelphia. During the raid of General Early on Washington, Lieutenant
Newsome again tendered his services, but was not accepted owing to disease
contracted in the service. Mr. and Mrs.
Newsome continued to live in Rockdale until 1868 and then came to Clarke
County. Mr. Newsome’s record has been, in all respects, an honorable one. They
have four children – Frank, Bertha, Rebecca E. and Mabel. James H., a twin brother, died at the age of
three months. The parents of Mr. Newsome
came to the United States in 1856. They died in Union township, Lucas County.
Of their sons and daughters living in the United States, besides John, there
are James, Samuel, Daniel, Mrs. Sarah Gore, Mrs. Rebecca Gore, reside in
Delaware County, Pennsylvania; Wright, Mrs. Ann Perkins, and Mrs. Mary Maloney
live in Lucas County.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County,
Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 307-8
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, December 12, 1861
We received our first month's pay today. Each man in Company
E received pay for twenty-six days of service in the month of October,
amounting to $11.25, a little less than a full month's pay. I received my first
Government pay as a soldier in the United States service, getting a ten-dollar
gold piece1 and one dollar and twenty-five cents in silver. I
expressed $10.00 home.
1This was the first gold I had seen for months
and, as it proved, the last I saw during the war. — A. G. D.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 23
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Letter of Captain Elisha Hammer, Co. G 7th Iowa Cavalry, to his brother, Henry Hammer, July 17, 1864
Topeka Kansas
July 17th 1864
3 o clock P. M
Dear Brother
Enos is about the same as he was when I last wrote. I do not
think there is much hope of his recovery still he may. He has every attention
that he could have at any place if he should get well I will send him home as
soon as he is able to travel. I have
nothing of importance to write
Elisha Hammer
To
Henry Hammer
SOURCE: Letter listed for auction at www.ebay.com, July 21, 2012
Iowa Shiloh Battlefield Monument Commission and Its Work
THE COMMISSION AND
ITS WORK.
MEMBERS.
George L. Godfrey, Des Moines, Second Iowa infantry.
George W. Crosley, Webster City, Third Iowa infantry.
Alexander J. Miller, Oxford, Sixth Iowa infantry.
Robert G. Reiniger, Charles City, Seventh Iowa infantry.
William B. Bell, Washington, Eighth Iowa infantry.
George O. Morgridge, Muscatine, Eleventh Iowa infantry.
Erastus B. Soper, Emmetsburg, Twelfth Iowa infantry.
Chas. W. Kepler, Mount Vernon, Thirteenth Iowa infantry.
*Daniel Matson, Kossuth, Fourteenth Iowa infantry.
James W. Carson, Woodburn, Fifteenth Iowa infantry.
John Hayes, Red Oak, Sixteenth Iowa infantry.
Chairman:
E. B. Soper,
Emmetsburg;
William Bell,
Washington.
Vice-Chairman:
William Bell,
Washington;
George W. Crosley,
Webster City.
Secretary:
John Hayes, Red Oak.
The Twenty-eighth General Assembly appropriated the sum of
fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of those who
participated in the battle of Shiloh and designating by proper monuments and
markers of granite the positions of the several commands of Iowa Volunteers
there engaged April 6 and 7, 1862.
The act, approved April 6, 1900, provided for the
appointment by the Governor of a commission composed of men who were present
and participated in the battle—one soldier from each of the eleven Iowa regiments
engaged.
*Appointed November
21, 1900, to succeed W. T. Shaw, resigned
SOURCE: Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication
of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 288-9
Chillion W. Neal
CHILION W. NEAL, a resident of section 20, of Jackson
Township, came to Clarke County in 1857 with his parents, James B. and Anna
(Adamson) Neal. He was then but fifteen years of age, having been born October
10, 1841, in Grant County, Indiana, next to the eldest in a family of nine
children, all of whom were with their parents on their emigration to this county.
The names of the others are – Mahlon W., now a resident of Osborn county;
Sarah, died March 29, 1869, aged twenty-four years; John A., died January 29,
1860, aged fifteen years; Mary N., wife of Jeremiah Brisbin, of Franklin
County, Nebraska; Elvira C., died June 29, 1868, aged eighteen years; Joseph
A., died July 7, 1877, aged twenty-six years; Margaret Jane, wife of H. H.
Lowery, died March 19, 1879, aged twenty-five years; Eri R., a resident of
Jewell County, Kansas. Mr. Neal’s
parents made a home on section 36, Jackson township and improved eighty acres
of land. Here they passed the remainder of their lives. The mother belonged to
the Seventh-day Adventists, and died October 22, 1869, aged fifty years. The
father was a member of the Christian church, and died April 4, 1871, aged
fifty-five years. August 15, 1862, the
subject of this sketch enlisted in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry; was first engaged at Parker’s Cross-Roads, in Tennessee, December,
1862; was under the lamented General McPherson at Atlanta; followed Sherman in
his march to the sea, and was in the lines of the review of Sherman’s Grand
Army at the National Capitol. He was honorably discharged at Washington in
June, 1865. June 9, 1867, Mr. Neal was
married to Miss Mary A. Lewis, daughter of John Lewis, the first settler of
Jackson Township. She was born in Monroe County, Iowa, February 27, 1851, and
was six weeks old when her parents moved to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Neal
settled on section 20 April 16, 1869. Their homestead consists of 160 acres of
land, all improved. They have had six children. Their first born died in
infancy. The others are – Lizzie L., Rose A., J. Lewis, Agnes G. and Mary M.
Mr. and Mrs. Neal are Seventh-day Adventists. Mr. Neal has been identified with
the Greenback party.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County,
Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 425
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, December 11, 1861
I am having my first experience of living in a tent. We are
under the strictest military rules, and we are just beginning to realize that a
soldier’s life is not all glory.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 22
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Invasion Of The Union Camps: Shiloh National Military Park
 |
| Union Camps - April 6, 1862 - A.M. |
As the sun rose, Union soldiers camped here and at nearby
sites looked forward to a peaceful and leisurely Sunday. A flood of Rebel infantry, however was about
to engulf them from the southwest.
Whitelaw Reid, a Northern reporter, described the lack of
preparation in the Union camps, “Some, particularly among our officers, were
not yet out of bed. Others were
dressing, others washing, others cooking, a few eating their breakfasts. Many guns were unloaded, accoutrements lying
pell-mell, ammunition was ill-supplied – in short, the camps were virtually
surprised . . . .”
By the end of the day, the Southerners had overrun most of
the camps. Many Union soldiers spent the
night without food, bedding, or other supplies left behind in haste.
“Shells were hurtling through the tents while, before there
was time for thought of preparation, there came rushing through the woods the
lines of battle sweeping the whole fronts of the division camps . . . .”
– Whitelaw Reid
War Correspondent, Cincinnati Gazette
Col. Everett Peabody, already suffering from four wounds,
was killed near his headquarters here when a minié ball struck him in the head. Peabody had wisely sent out a creconnaissance
patrole that discovered the approach of the Confederates.
Letter of Enos Hammer of Company G, 7th Iowa Cavalry, June 3, 1864
Topeka Kansas
June 3rd,
1864
Dear Father
I take the present opportunity to write you a few lines to
let you know that I am well at present. We started from Fort Riley the 30th and
arrived here this morning. Between here and Fort Riley the country is
principally settled by Indians and half breeds they have large farms are pretty
nice houses.
It looks curious to see Indians plowing corn. Topeka is the
capital of Kansas. It is on the south side of the Kansas River 75 miles below
Fort Riley. Our quarters are in the 3rd story of the statehouse. It is about
the center of town I have got a big bile boil and it is big again as it ought
to be I have not any time to write anymore for we have to clean up
Yours truly,
Enos Hammer
Write soon and let me
know where them folks lives at in Kansas. It may be that we ain't very far from
them.
Direct
Co. G 7 Iowa
Topeka Kansas
Dedication of the Iowa Monuments at Shiloh National Military Park: In Conclusion
Two days full of intense interest were spent at Pittsburg
Landing, under the leadership of Colonel Bell, the members of the Iowa Shiloh
commission, and other veterans who helped make history here in this marvelous
contest of brave, resolute, and determined men, north and south. A
distinguished southerner has said of the battle: “The South never smiled after
Shiloh.”
The mission of the Governor and the commissions was
completed. The boats steamed away down the beautiful Tennessee, reaching
Paducah, Kentucky, Saturday morning. The Iowa party spent the day in the city,
the guests of the Elks’ Club in their beautiful new building. Luncheon was
served, and a delightful reception given by officials, prominent citizens, and
ladies of Paducah.
Saturday night the Governor's Special started on the
homeward journey, reaching Chicago Sunday morning, November twenty-fifth. Here
the party left the special train and took separate trains for their homes.
Throughout the trip the arrangements had been most perfect and too much credit
cannot be bestowed upon those who had the comfort of the party in their
keeping. Mr. H. J. Phelps, and F. R. Wheeler represented the Illinois Central
Railway, the latter joining the party at Chattanooga; Captain H. M. Pickell of
Des Moines, an Iowa soldier, represented the Rock Island System; C. A.
Rasmussen of Atlantic was in charge of the band car; Reau Campbell of Chicago,
General Manager of the America Tourist Association, was in charge of the dining
car and commissary and N. H. Martin had direction of the sleeping car service.
SOURCE: Abstracted from Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication
of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 301
Samuel G. Musselman
SAMUEL G. MUSSELMAN, a son of John and Keziah (Odell)
Musselman, was born in Missouri, February 8, 1845. When he was an infant his
mother died, and his father soon after took the family to Darke County, Ohio,
subsequently, however, moving to Clarke County, Iowa, where he remained until
seventeen years of age. In 1862 he
enlisted in defense of his country, and was assigned to Company B, Sixth Iowa
Infantry and served three years. He participated in many severe battles,
including Jackson, Vicksburg and Chattanooga. He started with Sherman to the
sea, but at the battle of Resaca, May 14, 1864, was wounded, and was in the
hospital ten months, rejoining his regiment at Raleigh. He was in line at the
grand review of the army at Washington, and was soon after discharged and
returned home, to Clarke County, Iowa, and went to work by the month. He had saved his salary while in the service,
and with this money bought 100 acres of land, to which he afterward added 206
acres, and this is now his fine farm, which he has improved and brought under a
good state of cultivation. He is one of the substantial citizens of Fremont
Township, and his property, which is one of the finest in the county, has been
acquired by industry and good management.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Osceola Lodge, and also of the
Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Musselman was married December 16, 1866, to
Miss Barbara E. Glenn, and to them have been born five children, two sons and
three daughters – Charles F., Thomas O., Myrtie O., Fanny A. and Susan A. Charles F. and Myrtie O. are deceased.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 396-7
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, December 10, 1861
I was on camp-guard all last night, and until 9 o’clock this
morning, when I was relieved. The order of the day was cleaning up camp and our
clothes. Our camp is on high ground and we have plenty of wood for fires and
for cooking. We also have good water, but have to go a half mile for it.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 22
Monday, October 1, 2012
25th Missouri Infantry Position Marker: Peabody Road, Shiloh National Military Park
U. S.
25TH MISSOURI INFANTRY
PEABODY’S (1ST) BRIG., PRENTISS’ (6TH)
DIV.,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE
_____ _ ___ _ _____
This regiment was engaged here from 8.30 A.M. to 9 A.M.
April 6, 1862.
 |
| In the foreground: Position Marker of the 25th Missouri Infantry In the background (left to right):
|
Letter of Enos Hammer of Company G, 7th Iowa Cavalry, January 11, 1864
Cottonwood, N. T.
Jan 11 1864
Dear Father
I see myself today to write you a few lines to let you know
that I am getting some better. I don't know whether I will get to come home yet
or not Elisha don't want me to go but the doctor was down here last week and
talked with me a little while and told me to come down to the hospital, and he
would fix it up and I went down there this morning and carefully examined me so
I don't know what he is going to do he will ____ if the Capt. hant played
thunder with it so Jim may know how things are working out here I have $100 and
I would like to know what to do with it I don't have anything to do only read
and such like that.
Several of the boys are sick one of the boys from Story
County has got something like the spotted fever the doctor told me he thought
he wouldn't get well.
We have had right smart of snow and cold weather here for
quite some time but it is getting warmer for the last few days. Sergt. Wellman
has lost use of his left arm and leg it was caused by being wounded in the side
the cook is getting some grub for dinner the Capt. is talking of reducing Jim
Allen to the ranks of a private for staying at the sutlers all the time but he
does his duty all the time by standing guard every night Job Beals got a letter
from Jesse about a week ago he has had the lung fever but was about well but
was unable to work you need not be afraid of me a gambling or drinking whiskey
or anything of the kind for I am down on luck as any old strict Quaker
I must bring my letter to a close and remain as ever
Enos Hammer
To Henry Hammer
Please rite soon for I haven't heard from home for a long
time. you can rite 2 times as week
Dedication of the Iowa Monuments at Shiloh National Military Park
Dedication Exercises at the Regimental Monuments
November 22, 1906
_____
9:00 A. M.
9:25 A. M.
9:45 A. M.
10:00 A. M.
10:15 A. M.
10:30 A. M.
10:50 A. M.
11:10 A. M.
11:25 A. M.
11:35 A. M.
11:50 A. M.
Dedication Exercises at the of Iowa State Monument
November 23, 1906
_____
1:30 P. M.
Call To Order:
Colonel W. G.
Crosley, Vice Chairman of the Commission
Music: Fifty-fifth
Iowa Regimental Band
“America”
Invocation:
Rev. Dr. A. L.
Frisbie
“Unto thee, O Lord, belong power and dominion and majesty.
Unto thee would we render that which is thine, with humble and grateful and
trusting hearts. Teach us, first of all, to acknowledge our obligation to thee;
to remember that thou art indeed, over all, and that thou art also blessed
forever. We know not all thy ways. We understand not all the mysteries of thy
being, but thou dost permit us to know very much of thy Fatherhood, of thy
gracious disposition, thy fatherly spirit, thy love for us. And because thou
hast had these thoughts toward us, thou hast mercifully led us throughout many
years of trial — years of bright and years of sad experience; and thou hast
taught us that our dependence is upon thee. Therefore, we humbly pray that thou
wilt stay near by during all the history we are to make; during all the
development for which we hope. We pray that thou wilt be our Leader, bringing
us through a prosperous voyage to a blessed port.
“We have been making a pilgrimage of blessing, of memory, of
gratitude, and of peace, and as we come to the conclusion of our special duty,
and see now the completion of that which we began, we pray that we may go hence
with hearts prepared to appreciate the multitude of favors we have received. We
have had occasion to commune with the dead.
We have stood where they were buried, who died loyally and faithfully,
giving themselves wholly that they might secure the permanence of this nation.
We thank thee that this Union of states was so precious to them that they held
nothing back, but gave themselves utterly to maintain its permanence. We thank
thee, O Lord, that through all the suffering and martyrdom and battle shock and
pain, these men held steadfast to that which they had begun. And Lord, for
these brave of the brave, the twice five thousand men that stood here meeting
the battle's shock, and the many times five thousand men who on other fields
withstood the shock of battle — for these we give thee our thanks, for we
recognize in them the preservers of the Union. We pray that the people may all
cherish their memories with gratitude; that we may all remember that we have
not come upon these blessings by any manner of accident or of experiment. May
we remember that they have been won by those who devoted themselves with their
best intelligence and highest consecration to secure them; by those who gave
themselves with unfaltering devotion that they might maintain them. May we go hence
with renewed determination that this government of the people, by the people,
and for the people shall not perish from the earth. May we see, and may others
see, more and more, that these mercies have been ours because of infinite
sacrifice. Lord, we pray that thy blessing may be upon our whole land — not
divided, not dismembered, but one land, with one flag, with not a star erased.
“Grant thy favor to this portion of the Union, where all
this was carried on, and where so much of suffering and loss was endured. And
so upon north and south, upon one land, may thine own good light shine through
all the days.
“Accept our thanks, we beseech thee; guide us safely to our
homes. Bless the people of our state who sent us forth upon this mission, and
be so with them and with us that the grace of the Lord Christ may be revealed,
and justice and truth may be everywhere established. Accept our thanks, bear
with us in our weaknesses and guide us in wisdom and love, through Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
Colonel William B.
Bell
Albert B. Cummins,
Governor of Iowa
Colonel Cornelius Cadle
Music: Fifty-fifth
Iowa Regimental Band
“Rock of Ages”
of the Shiloh
National Military Park Commission
Representing Governor
Cox of Tennessee
Music: Fifty-fifth
Iowa Regimental Band
“Onward, Christian
Soldiers”
Music: Fifty-fifth
Iowa Regimental Band
“Star Spangled Banner”
Music: Fifty-fifth
Iowa Regimental Band
“America”
Benediction:
Rev. Dr. A. L.
Frisbie
“Now be the peace of God upon all the resting places of our
myriad dead, and upon the homes of the living, north and south, the peace of
God, forevermore. Amen.”
Taps
After the close of the dedication exercises, a brief sacred
concert was rendered by the Fifty-fifth Iowa regimental band at the National
cemetery, a short distance from the monument.
SOURCE: Abstracted from Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication
of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 201-301
William E. Morrow
WILLIAM E. MORROW, dealer in agricultural implements,
Osceola, and one of the early settlers of Clarke County, was born in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, near Fort Washington, May 15, 1846, a son of Thomas A. and Esther
(Scott) Morrow, the father a native of Belmont County, Ohio, born September 26,
1814, and the mother born August 26, 1815, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The
father is now deceased, his death occurring July 29, 1884. The mother is still
living. They had born to them four children, two sons and two daughters, all of
whom are yet living. William E. Morrow
was brought by his parents to Clarke County, Iowa, when he was but ten years of
age, they locating in Knox Township. He was reared on a farm, his education
being received in the common schools of his neighborhood, and at the graded
school at Garden Grove, Iowa. After finishing his education he began his career
as a teacher, following that profession both winter and summer till after his
marriage when he taught only during the winter terms. He was united in marriage October 20, 1869,
to Mary M. Whisler, of Clarke County, her father, Thomas L. Whisler, having
come to this county in 1854 from Marion County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow have two
sons – Francis E. and Robert E. After
his marriage Mr. Morrow settled on a farm where he followed agricultural
pursuits till 1873, when he moved to Osceola, and became associated with his
father in the agricultural implement business. He disposed of his interest to
his father in 1876, who carried on the business until his death. In the
meantime William E. Morrow had spent a year in Colorado, but on the death of
his father in 1884 he returned to Osceola, and took charge of the business in
which he is still engaged. He keeps a full line of everything pertaining to his
business, and has a well-established trade, his business house being located on
the west side of the square. Mr. Morrow is a member of the Masonic order, and
is a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic.
SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke
County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 264
EDITOR’S NOTE: William E. Morrow was a Private in Company H,
46th Iowa Infantry.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, December 9, 1861
We left the cars and marched up through town, where we were
met by the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, who turned out to receive us,
presenting arms. They took us into camp about a mile southwest of town. Here we
pitched our tents and for the first time went into camp.1 I went on guard.
1We had left our train standing on a siding east
of the city alongside a fine piece of timber, the ground covered with a heavy
sward of blue grass. Some of the boys thought the grass would be just the place
upon which to lay the ponchos and sleep on them for the night, and they did so.
But it was a mistake, for the ground was cold and damp and a number of the boys
caught hard colds from which several of them never recovered. My bunkmate,
James Fossett, was one of those, and with the cold taken that night and later,
he was sent to the hospital suffering from inflammatory rheumatism. He never
again returned to the company, being finally discharged for disability, on
October 17, 1862. — A. G. D.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 22
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