In 1850 illuminating gas was for the first time introduced. Of this event a fuller account will
hereafter be given. A. spirit of progress in street improvement was about the same time
awakened. The Columbus & Xenia Railway had just
been built, and various other railway lines were projected or under construction.
On March 23, 1850, a new charter for the city was passed by the General Assembly ; in short, as
the capital turned the meridian of the century it entered, we may almost say, into a sphere of new
existence.
From 1842 to 1852, says Studer, over thirty additions were made to the city and laid off into lots;
The value of real estate in the city, assessed for taxation in 1852, was set down at $3,113,612 ;
and of personal property at $1,648,305, to which add the amount returned by the banks for
taxation, $1,249,770.73, and the amount returned by insurance companies, $2,197.73 ; and there
is presented a grand total of property in the city, entered on the duplicate for taxation, of
$6,014,185.48.2
One of the notable events of the year 1852 was the burning of the Old Statehouse, of which a
circumstantial account will be given in the history of the Capitol. The conflagation took place on
February 1.
Of the buildings and improvements on Town Street in 1852, we have the following account
under date of May 19:3
We enumerate by commencing at Walcutt's new three story building containing four stores,
offices and a spacious Cancert Hall: We understand the building will be continued east to Centre
Alley aria ultimately west to High Street. The congregation of Zion Chapel have erected a most
tasteful and substantial parsonage—an ornament to the street and a credit to the church. Nearly
opposite, our fellow citizen, P. Bain, has become the owner of the Espy property and made
extensive repairs. Colonel Brown has fixed up very comfortable buildings on the corner of Town
and Third. Farther east is Mr. C. P. L. Butler's cottage, the most elegant and tasteful, by all odds,
in the city. On the opposite side is the new dwelling of Mr. Denig. Next is the beautiful cottage
of General Olmsted, where everything is arranged in order, and where the General can enjoy
himself as a person ought to in the evening of his days. On the same side of the street is the new
dwelling of Mr. V. Barkley ; and on the opposite side, those of Adams Stewart, D. S. Farman,
and H. N. Hubbell, all new and substantial buildings.
East of the Deaf and Dumb Institution, Thomas Sparrow, Esq., and Mr. Bart-let are finishing
elegant and tasteful mansions, and M. Northrup, Esq. (whilom of the Capital), and P. T.
Snowden, Esq., have just commenced building. Hon. Samuel Galloway has become the owner of
the large lot on the southwest corner of Town Street and East Public Lane, and we understand he
purposes building the present season.
At the east end of Town Street is the commanding residence of our fellow citizen George M.
Parsons, Esq., outside of the city limit's. . . . As we return west we cannot but admire the taste
displayed at the beautiful mansion of our friend Kelsey, of the American [Hotel]. Evergreens,
roses and shrubbery of all kinds, with a great variety of fruit and vegetables display themselves in
abundance. So it is at Mr. Kimball's, adjoining him on the west, while opposite both is [are] the
tasteful building and grounds of the Ohio Deaf and Dumb Institution. Coming on west our
attention is next attracted by the cottage of Mr. Carrington,
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 57
who has just commenced ornamenting his grounds in a manner worthy of imitation. Next is the
plain dwelling of Mr. Glenn, an old typo (though yet apparently young in years) with the most
tasteful lot for its size on the street. The shrubbery and fruit trees, we are informed, have not been
planted over two years. . . . We understand Mr. Glenn has about twenty varieties of grapes in
cultivation, with quite a variety of fruits. . . . Next comes what is considered by those residing in
the neighborhood as an eyesore and a nuisance— the corner of Town and Sixth streets, right
under the shadow of the magnificent edifice of the Starling Medical College. It is the wonder of
every passerby that such a nuisance is permitted to offend the eyes and nostrils of our citizens.
This street is paved on the south side as far as Seventh, and we understand an ordinance has been
passed to pave the north side ,to its terminus at East Public Lane. The citizens are also
determined to have a good coat of gravel put on the street, from Fourth Street east. There are
many beautiful shade trees on this street, and we hope the owners of property who have not
planted these beautiful and necessary ornaments will not let another season pass without doing
so.
The residence grounds of Generals Olmsted and Stockton are mentioned as being particularly
embellished by trees. Of Rich Street in 1852 the following account was published May 25 :4
Between Pearl and Third are the private residences, made of brick, of Thomas Woods and Mrs.
Barcus ; adjoining is that of Mr. Cleveland, whose garden has every appearance that a man of
taste has been at work there with his hoe, spade and pruning-knife. It is delightful to look at. We
pass the excellent residences of A. P. and D. Stone, and find the Baptist Church, which was
erected in 1836, and a fine edifice it is, which, from present appearances, will serve as a house of
worship for many years. The vacant lots next beyond are the property of Mr. Asbury. Mr. Hare,
we perceive, has erected a good substantial brick dwelling (new) on his lot adjoining. The new
Gothic residence of our friend C. Breyfogle no one would have cause to be ashamed of. It is an
ornament to the street, as also that of our friend S. E. Wright, whose house is also new. Passing
that fine edifice, the Catholic Church, we come to two more new buildings, the private residences
erected by Mr. Worthington and Mr. Howell. No one could object to living in either. The
Fielding property has much to recommend it in its beautiful shrubbery, trees, etc. It is a luxury to
look at it. Next in view are five small cottages, all of which are placed a respectable distance
from the street, and taken together make a very handsome appearance. They are occupied and
owned, we believe, by Mr. Doremus, Mr. Fenton, Mrs. E. Barnhart and D. Barnhart, Esq.
Another large two story brick dwelling is here, and is owned by S. Croswell, Esq. John Bagshaw,
Esq., has not been unmindful this spring, and has gone to work and put up for himself a good two
story brick dwelling.
Passing a large vacant lot, we come to the new dwellings, all brick, of Mr. Taylor, C. Lancaster,
Esq., and Thomas Evans, Esq. Leaving Mr. Knoderer's house, which is next, we find a very large
lot on which there is but one building, intended for two families. . . . This is what might be
termed the end of the street, for here we find the grounds intended for the Capital University, and
which, but for the noble and praiseworthy generosity of Doctor Goodale, our fellowtownsman,
would have been used to build the University buildings on, he having given them a lot in the
north part of the city. This lot [on Rich Street] is DOW for sale, and a friend suggests to us to call
the attention of the city to it —that it would be a suitable place for a City Park.
On the opposite side of the street, on the corner of Washington. Avenue, is the nice little brick
residence, nearly new, of Mr. Justice. Adjoining him are two other brick buildings, one new, with
five beautiful yards attached. A little fur-
58 - HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
ther this way is another new brick building, two and a half stories high and belonging to Mr.
Jones and Mr. Hughes. The residence of Mr. Miller, on the corner of Seventh, strikes us as being
as pleasant a one as is to be found on the street. . . .
Next come four more cottages, the last of which is occupied by Mr. Richards. His yard is
improved in a style very becoming, and by another year will present a very handsome
appearance. Next are six or seven substantial residences, remarkable only for their handsome
dooryards. . . . Isaac Austin, Esq., has a very large brick dwelling nearly new in this vicinity. The
residence of P. Rose, Esq., is newly painted, and looks cheerful and pleasant enough for anyone.
We noticed no place on the street that is more deserving of remark than that of Mr. McClelland's,
not so much from the building as the elegant yard that surrounds it. " It is a bed of roses " . . .
With the residences of Mr. Harrison and W. B. Hubbard must we close our notice of private
residences on this street. They are both fine structures. . . . Several offices and millinery shops are
between Mr. H's and friend Schneider's Drugstore, which is located on the corner. . . . There are
but a few business houses on this street, and what there are may be found between High and
Third.
The general improvement of the city during the early fifties was very active, and the demand for
dwellings was considerably in excess of the supply. In 1852 the Neil House was so improved as
to give better light and ventilation to that socalled "enormous structure," and in July of that year
Goodale Park, which had recently been donated to the city, was, for the first time, apparently,
surrounded by a fence. In May, 1852, it was announced as an important fact that a " city
express" had been established for the convenience of persons "wishing to send packages into
different parts of the city," and nearly at the same time the following additional evidence of
progress was communicated to the public: " There is an omnibus that now runs to and from the
cars every day to accommodate persons wishing to go on the evening packets. It also calls at the
different hotels, for which no charge is made." In 1854 the first step in the direction of systematic
water supply was taken, of which more hereafter. The first delivery of ice for family use seems to
date from 1854; likewise the use of roofing slate in building. Speaking of the general outlook for
the prosperity of the capital in 1853 the Ohio State Journal of March 23, in that year, said :
Never did a season open more propitiously than this spring of 1853 at the Capital of Ohio. In
every portion of the city progress is the order of the day. The busy hum of industry is heard on
every street and alley. New buildings are going up in every direction, and old ones are being
repaired and improved. Large blocks of valuable stores are projected and contracted for. Quite a
number of first class dwellings are planned, and some are under way. Real estate is rapidly rising
in value in all parts of the city. We hear rumors of magnificent factories and heavy
establishments of various kinds in contemplation.
The most rapid growth, the same paper informs us, had been " in the northeast part of the city, in
the neighborhood of the New Catholic Church." From the same source, and on dates of the same
season we have these interesting statements :
Several substantial dwellings are going up on Broad Street. Time will line that fine street with
dwellings to the Lunatic Asylum, when Broad will rank among the most splendid streets in the
city.
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 59
Mr. Hayden is preparing to erect a good business house on High Street, adjoining the Buckeye
Block. Another wood building is also to be erected adjoining it. The old crazy buildings
gradually disappear from the business streets.
John Field is tearing down the twostory brick on his lot east of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum
preparatory to erecting a new residence for himself.
John L. Gill is excavating his lot on High, between Gay and Long, for a large business house.
The large twostory frame building which stood next to the Buckeye Block, on High Street is
being removed; the frame building which stood next is also to be cleaned out.—Ohio Statesman,
May 29, 1853.
Our city just now looks enticing, even to one who has arrived from the rural districts. The neat
yard plots, with their profusion of flowers, give a rural freshness to Columbus which cannot but
render it attractive.—Ohio State Journal, May 31, 1853.
The Ohio Statesman, under different dates in the building season of 1854, contained the
following notes of improvements then in progress :
Doctor J. B. Thompson has nearly completed an elegant and substantial brick block four stories
high, on the southeast corner of High and Gay streets.
William Neil is excavating for three new stores on the east side of High Street, between Broad
and Gay.
D. W. Deshler is preparing to build on the site of the City Hotel, southeast corner of High and
Town streets.
Doctor Parsons is erecting a fine threestory block with a stone front on High Street, near Rich. . .
. Adjoining this, and uniform with it, be contemplates erecting a large store on the corner of High
and Rich.
The workmen have commenced removing the materials from the old wood buildings on High
Street, north of the American. A new and elegant structure will soon grace the spot.
Much inconvenience is felt for the want of another bridge over the Scioto, to connect the central
portion of the city with the flourishing settlement upon the West Side.
Iron fronts are coming into vogue. We see Mr. [D. W.] Deshler is using them in his splendid
block on the corner of High and Town.
State Journal, February 24, 1855:
The old buildings on High, below State Street, now occupied by Doctor Buck [and] Messrs.
Buck, Crawford and Sessions will be torn down early in April [to make way for a fourstory
business block].
State Journal, April 9, 1855:
Workmen are now engaged in tearing away the old buildings on High Street below the Clinton
Bank, preparatory to the erection of a splendid new block of stores. . . . The first twostory house
ever built in Columbus [the old Globe Inn, where the Johnson Building now stands] has just been
torn down to make room for a splendid block of stone buildings about to be erected by Orange
Johnson, Esq.
Ohio Statesman, May 5, 1855:
The old frame house adjoining the splendid block of Mr. [D. W.] Deshler on High Street is to be
removed next week [to give place to a threestory brick].
State Journal, June 19, 1855 :
United States Courthouse.—This old and ugly building that has so long obstructed the view in
front of the Neil House is being torn down. . . . Like the
60 -HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
old square structure [Old Statehouse] with the steeple on it, that formerly stood on the corner, its
destruction will be a source of gratification, for it has long been an eyesore and has stood in the
way of the new improvements now rapidly approaching completion. We wish we could say with
truth that the new work [New Statehouse] has far enough advanced to admit of taking down that
hideous board fence, but that is a happiness we do not expect to enjoy for some years to come.
State Journal, November 8, 1855:
Deshler's large and commodious Hall on the corner of High and Town Streets was brilliantly
illuminated last evening and the doors were thrown open for the inspection of the public. `he
room is one hundred feet long by forty feet wide and will seat comfortably seven hundred
persons.
Ohio Statesman, March 17, 1859 :
Rents have become remarkably high in this city during the current season —higher than they
have been within the memory of the oldest inhabitant.
Ohio Statesman. July 9, 1859:
The old frame building on the corner of High and Friend streets, known as the Eagle Hotel is
soon to be torn down and its place to be occupied by a spacious three story brick by the
proprietors, Messrs. Kannemacher & Reel.
Ohio Statesman, July 28, 1859:
More fine new buildings are going up than during any former year. A beautiful residence for Mr.
W. G. Deshler is being erected on the corner of Broad and Third streets. It is thought that this
will be one of the most elegant and complete dwelling houses in the city. Tho architect is Mr.
Schlapp, and the house is being build by Mr. Vosswinkle.
We have thus traced in general outline the current of improvement down to 1860. The financial
stress of 1857 arrested it briefly, but the Civil War rather stimulated than retarded it. Let us now
recapitulate briefly the events hitherto untouched, antecedent to that era.
In August, 1851, Narcisco Lopez, a native Venezuelan, sailed from New Orleans with five
hundred filibusters and landed in Cuba for the purpose of inciting a revolt among the people of
that island against the Spanish yoke. His expedition failed, many of his men were captured, and
fifty of those taken were shot. Cuban independence being ardently desired by a large portion of
the American people, this massacre was deeply deplored. In accordance with this popular feeling
a meeting of citizens of Columbus was held at the 'City Hall, August 28, 1851, to express
sympathy for the Cuban revolutionists and " deprecation of the [then] recent inhuman butchery of
fifty American citizens without even the formalities of a court martial." Charles Breyfogle was
chairman of this meeting and R. H. Thompson secretary. Remarks were made by Joseph
Sullivant and S. Medary. General Worthington also addressed the meeting and favored the
annexation of Cuba to the United States. The assembly adopted resolutions expressive of its
sentiments and closed with "three cheers for Cuban independence."
On June 12, 1852,. a public meeting was held at the City Hall to express sympathy for the Irish
revolutionist, Thomas Francis Meagher, who had just escaped to .the United States from the
penal colony in Tasmania, to which, after
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 61
having been sentenced to death, he had been exiled for life. John Geary presided
at this meeting, which is said to have been large and enthusiastic. Addresses
were delivered by Samuel Medary, William Dennison and John Cradlebaugh, and
resolutions were adopted denouncing Meagher's expatriation. At a subsequent
meeting, held June 18, 1852, Eli F. Jennings, chairman, a committee of twentyfive
was appointed, with Colonel John Noble at its head, to invite Meagher to the city.
This meeting was addressed by William Dennison, William F. Wheeler, E. Butler
and Henry D. Motter.
The first Säengerfest held in Columbus took place June fifth to seventh, 1852,
and will be described in its proper connection.
On July 7, in the same year the honors of the city were paid to the remains of the Kentucky
statesman, Henry Clay, whose death had occurred in Washington City on the twentyninth of
June. A print placard, an original copy of which has been submitted to the inspection of the
writer by Mr. John N. Champion, announced the ceremonies of the occasion as follows :
REMAINS OF MR. CLAY.
The remains of Henry Clay will reach Columbus on the Express Train this afternoon
(Wednesday, July 7,) at 7i o'clock and will be received at the Station and escorted to the Masonic
Hall, where they will remain until morning. Train left Cleveland at ti o'clock.
In order to pay the respects due to the remains of Mr. Clay, a procession will form at 6 ½ o'clock
on High Street, the right resting on State Street, as follows: 1. Committee of arrangements in
carriages. 2. City Council in carriages. 3. Firemen. 4. Captain Schneider's Morgan Volunteers. 5.
Citizens in carriages.
The procession will proceed to the Railway Station and on the arrival of the cars the remains will
be received by William Dennison, Jr., Esq., on behalf of the city, and will then be transferred to
the Hearse. The procession will form as follows :
1. Firemen. 2. Volunteers —Hearse —Volunteers. 3. Committee of arrangements of the City of
Columbus as pallbearers. 4. Committee of U. S. Senate in carriages. 5. Committees from
Kentucky and Cincinnati in carriages. 6. Committees from other towns and cities in carriages. 7.
City Council of Columbus in carriages. 8. Citizens in carriages.
The procession will move to the Masonic Hall where the remains of Mr. Clay will be placed.
The Military and Firemen will parade at the Old Council Chamber at 6 ½ o'clock. All who appear
in the procession are requested to wear appropriate badges of mourning. It is requested that all
business houses be closed at six o'clock. The City Marshal will have charge of an efficient police
force to preserve order. Captain Schneider will detail a Guard of Honor to attend the remains of
Mr. Clay during the night.
The procession will be under charge of A1.3X E. Glenn as Chief Marshal and F. K. Hulburd and
J. P. Bruck as assistants.
The bells of the City will commence tolling at six o'clock. The citizens will meet at Neil's New
Hall at 8 P. M., when appropriate resolutions will be offered and addresses delivered.
By order of the Committee of Arrangements.
Wednesday, July 7th, 1852.
62 - HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
Draperies of crape were borne upon the flags and vehicles in the procession, during the
movement of which minuteguns were fired. At the deposit of the remains brief addresses were
delivered by Governor Jones, of Tennessee, and William Dennison, of Columbus. The chairman
of the evening meeting was Joseph Ridgway, and the secretary C. T. Solis. An invocation was
offered by Rev. Doctor James Hoge, resolutions reported by R. P. L. Baber were adopted, and
orations were pronounced by William Dennison and Aaron F. Perry.
The fierce prejudices excited by the socalled Know Nothing movement in the polities of 1855
produced in Columbus, as in many other places, some serious disturbances. On May 29 the
German Turnverein, numbering about forty members, paraded through the streets and marched to
its appointed rendezvous about two miles below the city for the purpose of holding a picnic.
During the parade the society's colorbearer carried a red silk flag bordered with black and
inscribed with mottoes in yellow German letters. In the course of the day, while the Turners were
enjoying their festivities in the woods, a rumor was circulated that this banner was none other
than the " Red Republican flag of Germany," and that it was inscribed with sentiments hostile to
American institutions. Fired by this suggestion, some misguided disciples of the partisan
Americanism then prevailing met the returning Turners in the evening at the canal bridge, near
which the corporation line was then drawn, on Friend Street, and demanded that the flag be
lowered, declaring that no such emblem should be carried through the city. The demand being
refused, one of the assailing party undertook to wrest the banner from its custodian, and a scuffle
ensued, during which the flag was torn and several persons were considerably though not
seriously hurt. " The assault," said one account, " was commenced by throwing stones into the
procession, followed by a demand for the flag." At the beginning of the affray, continues this
account, " the musicians and boys in the procession fled and were followed soon after by the
Turners. The rowdies pursued to Front Street, still throwing stones. A body of young loafers
joined in pursuit and were hissed and hallooed on by older men." 5 In the course of the evening
further disturbances, consisting mostly of stonethrowing, took place on South and Front Streets,
and at the corner of High and Mound. In these encounters some of the Germans are said to have
been severely beaten. On May 31 a flag similar to that of the Turnverein was raised on the
dwelling of Mr. Zehnacker, but such was the excited condition of public feeling that the police
requested the owner of the emblem to remove it, which he did.
The flag which was the ostensible cause of these disorders was wholly inoffensive and under
ordinary circumstances would scarcely have attracted serious attention, much less provoked
assault. Three German young ladies — Misses Wendell, Schneider and Zimmerman — had
bought the silk of which it was composed with money subscribed by citizens of the town, had
made the banner with their own hands, and had presented it to the Turners. On one side it bore
the motto: Frisch, Fröhlich and Frei (Blithe, Merry and Free) ; on the other side were the words:
Durch Uebung zur Kraft; durch Forschung zur Erkenntniss. Bahnfrei ; (Through exercise,
strength ; through investigation, knowledge. Freedom.)
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 63
The society had intended to carry also a United States flag in its parade, but the committee
appointed to procure one had not been successful. 6
While these events were taking place, the Männerchor Society of Columbus was absent in
attendance upon a musical festival in Cleveland. The singers were expected to return during the
evening of May 31, and rumors were current that they would be assaulted and their banner
wrestled from them. A large crowd collected to meet them at the railway station, and a
detachment of guards from the Penitentiary was present for their protection. When the members
of the society alighted from their train, they assembled in the street, unfurled the "Stars and
Stripes," and marched unmolested to their headquarters.
Thus the troubles were quieted for the time being, but a smouldering feeling remained which
caused them to break out afresh on another occasion with still more deplorable results.
On July 4, 1855, at about 6: 30 r. m., a fire company of the South Ward, a German Infantry
Company and a society of Turners, all of whom had been holding a celebration of the
anniversary, marched in procession through the city, following State Street across High to Front,
then moving along Front to Town and up Town to High, intending to turn down High Street to
their places of rendezvous. The Turners, seventyeight in number, wore in rear of the procession,
at the head of which they carried the American flag. Their society banner was also borne by one
of their number and is said to have been a subject of threats from bystanders as the parade
crossed High Street on State. No trouble occurred, however, until the head of the column had
turned down High Street from Town and the Turners, yet on Town Street, were approaching the
alley next west of High, where, it was claimed, stones were thrown at them and they wore
insulted by shouts, jeers and abusive epithets. There was much dispute as to individual acts of
violence, and the testimony subsequently taken as to the provocations given was confused and
somewhat contradictory, but in the prosecutions instituted the attorneys for the state admitted that
the first assault was received, not delivered, by the Turners. The Ohio State Journal, which
ardently espoused the socalled "American " side of the case, stated as to the beginning of the
fracas:
At about half past six r. M., with two fine bands of music, they [the companies above named]
marched in procession through Front Street to Town. They then passed up Town to High and
down High toward the south end of the city. The Turners were in the rear of the procession. As
the rear of this company came up Town Street, a boy apparently about fifteen years old, was seen
having a quarrel with one of the Turners. He threw a stone and hit the one with whom he
appeared to have the dispute. One of the company near him stepped out and threw a stone at the
boy, who then followed up street to the rear of the United States Hotel, where he picked up
another stone and appeared to be about to throw it, when Mr. Simonton, the landlord of the
United States, seized him and took the stone from his hands. At this time, John White, who was
standing in a door opposite, knowing the boy, and fearing that he might get into difficulty, passed
over the street, took him from Simonton and forcibly carried him across the street. When nearly
on the south side he was attacked by the Turners, and stones were hurled at him and the boy. By
some signal or cry the portion of the Turners who had passed around the corner and into High
Street halted, and the
64 - HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
most of them broke ranks and rushed back to Town Street. They seized the stones, of which there
was an abundance on that street, and commenced throwing them towards the United States Hotel
and the persons who happened to be on the pavement near it. Four windows of the hotel were
broken, a portion of them in the second story, which were filled with ladies who had been called
to them by the fine music and the procession. Exasperated by this attack, a few persons who
happened to be near seized stones to repel them, when the Turners rushed up Town and High in a
confused mass. The people on the pavement, seeing stones flying rather too thick and too near to
be comfortable, fled in all directions to places of safety. After the Turners reached High Street
they drew their revolvers and commenced firing on those around them. Several shots in rapid
succession followed, while the stones continued to fly through the air. Foster, the unfortunate
young man who was shot, was on the east side of High. There are different reports as to his acts.
It is positively asserted that he had his pocketbook out to pay some one a sum of money, while
others assert that he had thrown stones. Several of our citizens saw the man who took deliberate
aim and shot him. We understand he is identified, and we hope this is the case. The ball
penetrated the right shoulder, and passed through the lungs. He fell, but soon raised himself up
and staggered to the corner of Hughes & Beebe's shop, a few feet from where he was shot. He
was then taken to Cook's drugstore, where he was examined by the doctors. It was soon evident
that the wound was fatal, and ho died about half an hour after. . . . The firemen and military
company halted after the Turners ran back, but did not leave their ranks, or in any way partake in
the affair. When the firing ceased they passed on down the street, but we think the Turners did
not again form in the procession. The whole affair did not occupy probably three minutes. The
companies proceeded to the South end of the city and dispersed.
The Ohio Statesman's account ran thus :
As the procession passed along Town Street it was greeted with all sorts of insulting shouts, jeers
and abuse by various crowds gathered at the corners. As they marched along High Street the
noise was in no degree diminished, the crowd in town being unusually large, and no little aid
being furnished to swell the disposition to riot, doubtless by persons who did not belong to the
city. The chief act in the riot occurred near the United States Hotel. There is no end to the variety
of statements in relation to this portion of the affair, the main point on which the different
versions turn being, who committed at this particular scene the first act of violence, the Germans
or the Know Nothings. Up to this moment there is no dispute that the procession was peaceable
and perfectly orderly and that repeated manifestations of a hostile disposition had been made
against those composing it as they proceeded along Front and crossed other streets. We have
heard direct statements that the first pistol shot came from the vacant space in front of the
basement of the United States and was fired at the Turners, who had already been assaulted with
stones and the firing of pistols, in the midst of which young Foster was shot and killed. . . . After
this engagement at the United States, the principal excitement of the evening consisted in the
arrests of Germans suspected of having been engaged in the affair. Some nineteen, many who
were undoubtedly innocent, were taken and lodged in jail. A large crowd joined in this pursuit,
some flourishing and in some instances hurling boulders, swearing, cursing and making night
hideous with yells and shouts, calling on the officers to hang up to the lampposts and telegraph
poles the Germans as fast as they were brought up to the jail, or as they were marched along the
streets.
On July 5 the nineteen men arrested issued from the County Jail an address to the people in
which they denied that, as charged, they bad voted " for the prin-
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 65
ciples expressed in the Nebraska Bill ;" affirmed that every member of their association " who
was naturalized and entitled to vote had voted the Republican ticket ;" and concluded with these
declarations :
On the day of that most glorious of human achievements recorded on the pages of history, the
anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our association showed their love and
admiration for the illustrious Fathers of this great Republic and the happy result of their
endeayors, by a procession and several speeches, both liberal and republican. On our return from
Stewart's Grove, while marching through the streets of our city, we were assailed in front of the
United States Hotel ; rocks were thrown and pistols fired at us; and in the evening the policemen
took upon themselves the responsibility to arrest and imprison us, the undersigned, without
showing warrants or any proper authority. They broke into houses and took some of us out of our
beds; and others walking peaceably along were seized in the street. . . .
Henry Foster, the young man who was fatally shot during the melee, fell between the northeast
and northwest corners of Town and High streets. His remains were attended to the grave on July
5 by the Fame Fire Company, of which he was a member. Besides his fatal wound in the chest, a
shot pierced his left arm. The Coroner's Jury 7 returned a verdict that he was killed by a
pistol-shot fired by Gottlieb Mayer, but on further investigation the evidence failed to identify
Mayer as the person who had discharged the fatal shot, and on July 24 he was discharged. The
arrested Turners employed Swayne & Baber, Warden & Rankin, and Galloway & Matthews as
their attorneys, and were all discharged unconditionally except six who were each held on five
hundred dollars bail.8 This practically ended the judicial proceedings in the affair. The testimony,
of which a brief synopsis is given in the notes appended to this chapters 9, showed that there had
been much violence on both sides, and proved to a reasonable certainty' that the Turners had been
assailed in the first instance and without provocation. The trouble clearly had its beginning with
the assault made on the Turnverein at the Friend Street Bridge on May 29. After that affair the
Turners seem to have thought they were justified in arming themselves for future emergencies,
and it needed only the excitement and bewilderment of another street attack to evoke the use of
their weapons. Many shots were fired, and the front of the United States Hotel and of Doctor
Parsons's house bore numerous marks of the bullets discharged. The deplorable affair was an
impressive illustration, less bloody and disgraceful than many other cities furnished during that
stormy period, of the explosive and destructive quality of race prejudice, and of its disturbing
character when nurtured and inflamed for partisan purposes.
On February 16, 1857, Elisha Kent Kane, celebrated as an explorer of the arctic regions, died in
Havana, aged thirty-seven. A son of Judge John K. Kane, of Philadelphia, a physician by
profession and an accomplished naturalist, he had led the expedition of 1853-5, dispatched by
Henry Grinnel and George Peabody in search of Sir John Franklin, In the course of the
explorations of that expedition the circumpolar open sea was discovered.
About noon on Friday, March 6, 1855, information reached Columbus from Cincinnati that
Doctor Kane's remains would rest in the city during the follow.
5*
66 - HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
ing Sunday, and would arrive, en route to Philadelphia, during the night of the seventh. The
General Assembly, then in session, immediately appointed a joint committee to cooperate on its
behalf in the arrangement of proper ceremonial tributes of respect to the distinguished dead.
During the ensuing evening a meeting of citizens was held at the Neil House, and the following
named persons were appointed to act on behalf of the people of Columbus in receiving the
remains and caring for the same while in the city. Noah H. Swayne, Joseph Sullivant, S. W.
Andrews, William Dennison, Lucian Buttles, William Schouler, William T. Martin, J. H. Geiger,
Richard Nevins and N. Gay. The Masonic Grand Lodge of Ohio, convened in special
communication, also appointed a committee to take part in the arrangements and ceremonies of
the occasion. At a joint meeting of these committees held the same evening, two members of
each one were delegated to intercept the funeral cortege at Xenia and bear it company from
thence to Columbus, and to Wheeling. The State Fencibles, Captain J. 0. Reamey, volunteered
their services, which were accepted. The following programme was arranged:
1. A committee representing each of the participating bodies to meet the remains at Xenia, and
accompany them to Columbus 2. The church bells to be tolled, on arrival of the body until it
should be deposited at its temporary resting-place. 3. The body to be received at the railway
station by the committees, and escorted by the State Fencibles to the Senate Chamber, there to
remain under guard of the Fencibles until Monday morning. 4. Divine service to be held at the
Senate Chamber on Sunday, at eleven A. M. 5. At 8 A. M. on Monday the General Assembly and
various participating bodies to assemble at the Statehouse and escort the remains to the railway
station in time for the ten A. M. train of the Central Ohio to the East, a committee of six from the
medical profession, and one of like number from the Masonic Fraternity to act as pallbearers.
Lucian Buttles was appointed Chief Marshal of the escort, and Richard Nevins, Henry
M. Neil and Walter C. Brown his assistants. The pallbearers appointed were Doctors W. M. Awl,
R. Thompson, S. Parsons, R. Patterson, S. M. Smith and John Dawson on the part of the
physicians; and W. B. Hubbard, W. B. Thrall, N. H. Swayne, Gustavus Swan, L. Goodale and D.
T. Woodbury on the part of the Masons.
The escort for the departure was arranged in the following order : 1. Chief Marshal and
Assistants. 2. State Fencibles, Captain J. 0. Reamey. 3. Columbus Cadets, Captain Tyler. 4.
Hearse and Pallbearers, with Guard of Honor. 5. Relatives of the Deceased. 6. The Reverend
Clergy. 7. Masonic Fraternity. 8. Governor of Ohio. 9. State Officers. 10. General Assembly. 11.
Mayor, City Council, Judges and City Officers. 12. Medical Profession. 13. Citizens. The bells to
be tolled until the train leaves.
The car in which the remains were brought from Cincinnati was suitably dressed with mourning
draperies and was accompanied by Colonel Kane, Robert P. Kane and Joseph R. Kane, brothers
of the deceased, and by Lieutenant William Morton, who was one of the companions of his arctic
voyages. The train to which this car was attached arrived about one o'clock A. M. on Sunday
morning,
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 67
and was awaited at the station by four hundred people. The night was clear, and the moon shed
her pensive rays upon the procession as it moved up High Street to the beat of muffled drums and
the cadence of a slow march played by Goodman's Band. The bells of the churches were tolled
meanwhile, and the sidewalks along the route were crowded with silent observers. At the Senate
Chamber, the coffin was deposited on a catafalque in front of the President's desk, and after it
had been covered with a black cloth a brief but eloquent address was delivered on behalf of the
Cincinnati committee by Hon. Charles Anderson. Hon. William Dennison responded accepting
custody of the remains in behalf of the Columbus committees, whereupon a guard of honor
detailed from the Fencibles under Lieutenant J. K. Jones took charge of the body for the night.
The religious services in the Senate Chamber at eleven A. M. on Sunday were attended by as
many persons as the apartment would hold. The services were opened with a touching prayer by
Rev. J. M. Steele, of the Congregational Church, fbllowed by music from the choir of that church
; a discourse by Rev. Dr. Hoge, of the First Presbyterian Church ; an anthem sung by the choir ;
and concluding collects and benediction by Rev La Fourrette, of St. Paul's- Episcopal Church.
From two until five o'clock r. M. the Senate Chamber was open to all citizens who wished to
signify by visitation their respect for the dead. Thousands of all classes availed themselves of this
opportunity.
At nine o'clock on Monday morning the coffin was taken from the Capitol and placed upon a
hearse drawn by six gray horses, each led by an attendant dressed in black and wearing a white
scarf. The escorting procession was then formed and moved from the Capitol Square to the
Railway Station in the order arranged. Although the weather was inclement, the pageant was very
imposing, and was witnessed by a large crowd of people. " We have never witnessed more deep
personal feeling," says a contemporary account, " than has been exhibited on this occasion. . . . It
appeared as if grief were seated in every man's heart. There was no noise, no attempt at gaudy
display. . • . The military under Captain Reamey deserve especial notice. They did their duty with
precision, and without ostentation. The Highschool Cadets under Captain Tyler performed what
they had to do with like good taste. The Independent Hook and Ladder Company closed up the
procession with full ranks and with order. . .. The Masonic fraternity turned out in large
numbers."'̊
No committee having been appointed to receive the remains at Wheeling, the Columbus
Committee accompanied them to Baltimore, where they were delivered, with appropriate
remarks, to a committee of that city by Doctor S. M. Smith.
On the morning of June 13, 1857, the people of Columbus, and of the entire State, were startled
by the following announcement :
We are advised that W. H. Gibson has resigned his office as Treasurer of State, and that the
Governor has appointed A. P. Stone of this city to fill the vacancy. We are authorized to state that
a deficit of $550,000 has been found to exist in the Treasury, which deficit is stated by Mr.
Gibson to have existed when he came into the office, and to have been caused by the defalcation
of the former Treasurer, John G. Breslin. The Governor [Chase] has appointed William
Dennison, Jr., of this city, under the act of last winter, to make, in conjunction with
68 - HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
the Auditor, or one of his clerks, a full examination into the condition of the Treasury. The July
interest, notwithstanding this deficiency, will be paid."
The indignation produced by the discovery of this fraud was so great that a public meeting to
give it expression was held during the evening of June 18 in front of the City Bank at the corner
of High and State streets. Doctor R. N. Barr presided at this meeting, and W. T. Bascom, James
H. Stauring, Henry Miller, W. T. Day, William Miller and C. Breyfogle were appointed to draw
appropriate resolutions, which were reported and adopted. The meeting was addressed by R. N.
Barr, H. B. Carrington, S. S. Cox, William Dennison, William Trevitt, W. T. Bascom, Henry
Miller and Joseph H. Geiger. The speakers condemned with great severity the gross outrage
which had been committed upon the taxpayers of the State and admonished them to vote in
future for honest and capable men, irrespective of party attachments. The resolutions adopted
demanded investigation and expressed satisfaction that the credit of the State had not been
ruined.
Breslin and Gibson, the one a Democrat and the other a Republican in party politics, were
brothers-in-law and fellow townsmen, both resident at Tiffin. The following additional
particulars as to the discovery .of the fraud which the one had committed and the other concealed
are taken from the Ohio State Journal of June 16, 1857 :
The interest on the state debt which falls due on the first of July had to be provided for and the
State Auditor, Mr. Wright, had an interview on Wednesday with Mr. Gibson in relation to it.
Then it was that Mr. Gibson first disclosed the existence of the deficit in the Treasury. Mr.
Gibson stated to Mr. Wright that when he came into office he found Mr. Breslin, his predecessor
in the Treasury office, to be a large defaulter, and that he was induced by representations made to
him by Breslin to the effect that if nothing was said in regard to the default, and if time was given
him, that the whole deficit would be made up, and that the State would not lose anything by his
operations with the State funds. In an evil hour Mr. Gibson agreed to the proposition made_to
him by Mr. Breslin, and from that time until the present he had been shouldering this vast load of
debt. The whole amount of deficit in the Treasury, exclusive of the sum of $225,819.30 long
since made public at the time Mr. Gibson entered upon his duties, was about $550,000. Mr.
Gibson further stated that not one dollar of the public funds had been taken by him or used
illegally by him since he had been in office, and that the entire default was the work of Mr.
Breslin.
The Auditor of State, in his report for 1856, says : " The books of this office show, on the
fifteenth day of November, 1856, a balance in the Treasury of $579,517.57 ; of this sum, I am
informed by the Treasurer of State, there is $225,819.30 which has not been paid over into his
hands." This amount was deposited in sums varying in amount as follows:
In the Commercial Bank of Toledo, - $26,271 23
W. W. Cones & Co., Cincinnati, - 47,768.00
City Bank of Cincinnati, - 79,811.95
With Daniel Becket, Dayton, - 50,785.48
Which, with the further sum of - 21,182.64
charged and retained by the late Treasurer as amount paid by him for exchange during four years
of his administration, make up the aggregate named above. Not any of this money, we believe,
has ever been received into the Treasury. How much of it can be recovered from the depositors,
or from Mr. Breslin, is
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 69
wholly uncertain. A large proportion of it is lost, without doubt. The whole amount of the deficit
under Mr. Breslin's administration is about $775,000.
On the same day, after making the disclosure, Mr. Gibson left Columbus for Tiffin, from whence
he did not return till late on .Friday night. In the meantime and at the earliest possible moment,
Mr. Wright communicated the state of affairs to the Governor. A dispatch was sent to the
Attorney-General at Cincinnati requiring his presence, and early on Saturday morning the
Governor and Fund Commissioners had an interview with Mr. Gibson, the result of which was
his resignation in the afternoon. In the meantime the keys of the safes had been placed by Mr.
Gibson in the hands of the Governor, who retained them until he handed them over to Colonel
Stone, his successor, who was appointed immediately after the resignation, and proceeded at
once to obtain the necessary sureties on his bond required by law to be given in the sum of
$250,000, with not less than six sureties. This, of course, with the execution of the bond, with the
necessary certificates of sufficiency .. . was the work of some time. The Governor did not leave
his office on Saturday evening until all was accomplished — the bond given, the oath taken, and
the new Treasurer in his office.
This morning (Monday) Mr. Stone, on receiving the keys of the safes from the Governor, invited
Mr .Dennison and Mr. Sparrow, late postmaster of Columbus, to be present at the opening of
them and to assist him in taking an inventory of everything found in the Treasury. Mr. Dennison
has also been appointed by the Governor, under the act of last winter, to make in conjunction
with the Auditor of State or one of his clerks the examination of the Treasury required by that act
to be made once in three months. Mr. [William D.] Morgan, late Auditor of State, was invited by
the Governor to act with Mr. Dennison in making this examination, but, being obliged by his
engagements to decline, recommended the appointment of W. S. V. Prentiss" who, we
understand, has consented to act.
These we believe are all the facts that are yet fully known. Mr. Breslin is absent from the city on
a visit to Nebraska. He was expected home on Saturday evening but did not come. Mr. Gibson
left the city on Saturday night for his home in Tiffin, but will be here again tomorrow.
In the course of a political address delivered at Cincinnati, August 20, 1857, Governor Chase,
after reviewing the antecedent history of the defalcation, made this statement :
When I discovered the deficit, Mr. Gibson was absent from Columbus. It was eleven o'clock at
night when he returned. I had an interview with him immediately. I demanded that he should
resign. He didn't want to resign. 1 insisted again and he reiterated his disinclination for reasons
that cannot be considered culpable. But the keys of the Treasury were put in my hands and they
did not leave my possession until he did resign. I then appointed an officer in whose integrity I
have entire confidence and who demands and receives the surest possible security from every
depository in the State.
On June 28, Judge James L. Bates, of the Franklin County Common Pleas, called the attention of
the Grand Jury to the Breslin defalcation, as a matter demanding its attention and report.
Accordingly, on July 18,1857, the jury brought in bills of indictment against John G. Breslin and
William H. Gibson, late Treasurers of State, for embezzlement. Mr. Gibson's attorneys moved
that he be admitted to bail, claiming that he was not guilty and that the charge of embezzlement,
so far as it applied to him, was merely technical. Thereupon the Court fixed the amount of bail on
the indictment for embezzlement of bonds at $10,000, and on the other indictment at $100,000,
the amount alleged to have been embez-
70 - HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
zled. Mr. Gibson gave as his sureties Robert G. Pennington, Abel Rawson and John D. Loomis,
each of whom swore that he was worth at least forty thousand dollars. These sureties
acknowledged themselves as bail for Mr. Gibson's appearance on the first day of the next term of
court, to be held in the ensuing October. In March,1858, Judge Bates, after argumemt, reduced
the amount of bail required from $110,000 to $20,000, and accepted Robert G. Pennington, of
Tiffin, and Richard Nevins, of Columbus, as sureties. At a subsequent term of the court both
Breslin and, Gibson were found guilty, but Gibson's attorneys moved for a new trial which was
granted. The case was never brought to a final hearing. Mr. Gibson served his country bravely in
the Civil War which soon followed, and whatever wrong he may have committed in the Breslin
matter seems now to have been fully condoned by the people of Ohio.
In August, 1857, a report upon the defalcation was made by a commission appointed by
Governor Chase for its investigation. The commissioners were Thomas Sparrow, of Columbus,
and Francis M. Wright, Auditor of State. The report was written by Mr. Sparrow, a member of
the Democratic party, and was regarded as a courageous and able document. The amount of
defalcation found by the commissioners was $574,112.96. The default, the report stated, had
occurred during Breslin's term and had extended over a course of years. Breslin took charge of
the Treasury in 1852. Gibson declared that he received from his predecessor but $303,865.34. He
was one of Breslin's sureties, and to have exposed him would have been his financial ruin. The
report concludes : " It is our opinion that John G. Breslin abstracted the money from the
Treasury, and that William H. Gibson, by concealing the defalcation and denying its existence,
has disregarded truth and his sworn official duty. Whatever may be their respective legal
liabilities, we are not able to discover any difference in the moral character of their actions."
Still, there was a difference, and time has made it plainer than it was or could have been during
the excitement and passion which followed the discovery of the fraud. Blame as well as praise
should be awarded in due proportion, and History should neither censure nor exculpate
indiscriminately.
Further investigation of the defalcation was made and further proceedings in regard to it were
had, but these belong rather to the history of the State than to that of the Capital.
NOTES.
1. Ohio State Journal, May 17, 1849.
2. Columbus, Ohio: Its History, Resources and Progress ; by Jacob H. Studer. 1873.
3. Ohio State Journal.
4. Ibid.
5. Ohio Statesman.
6. Ohio State Journal.
7. The jurymen were George W. Marie, Harrison Clausin, John Jones, Ebenezer McDowell,
Luther Hillery and Augustus Platt.
8. The trial took place before Justice William Field.
CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES - 71
9. In the investigation before Justice Field, M. M. Corderey, a witness for the State, said : " I-
thought him [Foster] imprudent in running toward the procession and throwing stones." Kitchley,
another witness, testified that he saw Foster throw two stones ; was near him. Bernhard Steinlein
testified that Foster threw one stone at him. George Fisher stated that Foster stood at the corner
of the Deshler Building ; that he threw a stone and knocked a man down, and that he had another
stone in his hand when he fell. Daniel Wendell declared that he saw Foster throw stones at the
Turners ; that he was throwing them just before he fell. Henry Rossnagel saw the man who was
shot throwing stones ; saw him throw three or four ; said he had a big stone in his hand when he
was shot. Francis Birch said the fight lasted five minutes ; saw Foster throw stones ; about four
minutes before Fester fell, saw the. shooting out of the United States Hotel windows. Charles
Miller received a stone in the forehead, and was disabled fourteen days. John M. Walcutt saw "
lots of stones " thrown at the Turners. Mr. Simonton, landlord of the United States Hotel, thought
no shots were fired from his building; did not see any ; saw several boys throwing stones at the
Turners ; stopped one of them, named Crawford. Jacob Wellner saw smoke from the hotel
windows. Doctor Raskill examined the wound on Farnuth's forehead ; it was made by a small
bullet or a big shot.
10. Ohio State Journal.
11. Ibid.
12. Mr. Prentiss was a secret agent of the United States.
CHAPTER VII.
CITIZEN MILITARY BEFORE 1860.
As we have now approached the outbreak of the great war for the Union, the time is appropriate
for a retrospect of the military associations which had prior to that event been identified with the
history of the capital. The first two of these associations of which we have any record were the
Franklinton Riflemen and Franklin Dragoons, which were volunteer militia companies developed
by the war of 1812 and were maintained many years after that episode had passed. Mr. Joseph
Sullivant says of them:
These companies were the wonder, the pride and glory of my early boyhood. I had the most
unbounded faith in their prowess, which I had frequently seen tested in sham battles; and I knew
that on parade days they consumed prodigious quantities of tobacco and whisky, exploits only
then possible to hardy men. When the Grand Duke of Saxe Weimar visited this country he passed
through Columbus, staying all night. Clinton Work, John Overdier, Israel Crosby, myself and
other boys were very anxious that this representative of the crowned heads of Europe should be
duly impressed with the power and greatness of our country, and especially with the martial
bearing of our people ; in fact, we rather wished to intimidate him and prove that it would be
exceedingly dangerous for any European nation to meddle with us. For this purpose we
concluded the very best thing was to give him a sight of the Franklinton Riflemen, whose
uniform was quite showy; white breeches and a yellow cotton-cloth hunting shirt with white
fringe; a leather belt around the waist, carrying a hunting knife in a black scabbard in front, and
in many instances a tomahawk behind. The plume in the hat was tall but rather stiff, being
composed of white Chicken-feathers tied on around a stick. Each man carried an old fashioned
rifle with shOt pouch and powderhorn. We tried very hard to get a parade, even offering to help
pay for an extra drum and fife and furnish free whisky, but the time was too short, and greatly to
our regret the Grand Duke left without witnessing the martial display intended to impress him.
Our patriotic wish will be better appreciated when it is remembered the Duke was almost fresh
from the great battlefields of Europe, where he himself had been a grand commander in the vast
army which the allied sovereigns had put in motion to crush the First Napoleon. However, even
now I have little doubt if the Duke had been fortunate enough to have got a sight of the Franklin
Riflemen, he would have been astonished.
The services of the Franklin Dragoons in the War of 1812, and on special occasions of later date,
including the visit of President Monroe, have already been referred to. The company was
originally organized under Captain Joseph Vance, who assisted director Wright in surveying the
first plat of Columbus, and
[72]
CITIZEN MILITARY BEFORE 1860 - 73
maintained its primary organization until some time in the early thirties. Its successive
commanders were Joseph Vance, Abram I. McDowell, Robert Brotherton, P. H. Olmsted, Joseph
McElvain and David Taylor. " Captain Vance," says Martim, "was a fine military officer and was
in the service, in different grades of office, during the greater part of the war. He was amongst the
early settlers of the county, married in Franklinton in 1805, and remained a resident of the county
the balance of his life.... . He died in 1824."
Captain McDowell, says the same historian, was a man of " portly and commanding appearance."
He subsequetly acquired the rank and title of colonel, as did also his successors, Brotherton,
McElvain and Olmsted. All these men were early settlers and prominent citizens. Jabob Reab
was First Lieutenant of the Dragoons in 1814, as we learn from his official order printed in the
Freeman's Chronicle summoning the company to appear for parade on the public square in
Franklinton, " armed and equipped as the law directs." When the company left Franklinton for
the northern frontier in 1813, it was led by Lieutenant Grate. In August of that year we hear of it
in the field as an escort to General Harrison. A company called the Franklin Dragoons, organized
in pursuance of the militia law of 1821, has been commonly regarded as a lineal successor of its
Franklinton namesake. P. H. Olmsted is mentioned in connection with it as its " Lieutenant
Commanding." S. Shannon was its Orderly Sergeant. In April, 1826, a notice was published
summoning the Franklin Dragoons to parade in front of C. Heyl's Tavern, in Columbus, and
probably an order issued by Captain David Taylor, August 27, 1830, calling the " First Company,
First Squadron, Second Brigade, Seventh Division, Ohio Militia," to parade, refers to the
horsemen of the same organization.
A stringent militia law passed January 29, 1821, seems to have infused the waning military spirit
of the State with fresh activity. The whole body of the militia, then numbering about eighty-five
thousand men, was reorganized by this law and required to hold frequent " musters." On March
6, 1821, the officers of the " Second Brigade, Seventh Division " met in Franklinton at the house
of Brigadier General Joseph Foos, commanding the brigade, to choose field officers for the "
Second Regiment." The choice of the meeting fell upon John McElvain for Colonel, 2 Abram I.
McDowell for Lieutenant-Colonel and Griffith Thomas for Major. The ninth company of this
regiment, led by Captain John Warner, is probably identical with one known at the time as the
Columbus Light Infantry. On February 25, 1822, Colonel McElvain issued from Franklinton the
following order :
The commissioned officers of the Second Regiment, Second Brigade, Seventh Division, Ohio
Militia, will meet at the tavern of Jeremiah Armstrong in Columbus on the second Saturday of
March next, by ten o'clock A. M., for the purpose of altering company bounds, create new
companies if necessary, and such other business as may come before them.
In the Gazette of May 24, 1821, appeared the following notice signed by Captain Eli C. King:
The Columbus Artillery are ordered to parade in front of the Statehouse in Columbus, on
Saturday, the twenty-sixth instant, precisely at one o'clock P. M., in
74 -HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
complete uniform. Every member failing to attend will be fined to the extent of the law. Fair
warning.
This seems to have been one of the earlier and more important of the Columbus companies
organized under the law of 1821. We hear of it again in 1826, 1827 and 1828. Its leader during
the latter year was Captain N. E. Harrington. Its usual place of rendezvous for parade was the
open street " in front of the Statehouse."
The militia musters sometimes took place on the Mound, but most frequently they were held on
the common or sheep pasture, as it was called, comprising the space between Main and Rich
streets, a short distance east of High. The Dragoons paraded on the open ground of the Prison
Hill, extending from the present State Arsenal west. Sometimes the local organizations
assembled for drill at Worthington. An annual muster of the militia by companies took place on
the first Friday in April. Some of the men carried hoop poles, some canes, and some cornstalks.
A Worthington physcian, habitually added to the drollery of the occasion by carrying a curved
scimiter. Between and after the arduous labors of the drill, the Sons of Mars refreshed themselves
on gingerbread and spruce beer, with occasional alcoholic variations.
The following militia story of the War of 1812 was narrated in a communication to Colonel P. H.
Olmsted, Secretary of the Franklin County Pioneer Association : 3
A military company organized at Norton, Delaware County, by Captain Drake, encamped at
Norton. and when expecting to march on the following day for the northern frontier, Captain
Drake, to try the quality of his men, passed outside the setinels, discharged his musket and
shouted " Indians ! " The men sprang to their feet and ran in all directions, and some say "left the
Captain alone in his glory." The panic was rapidly disseminated and grew in its flight. When the
tidings reached Worthington, with all its repetition and exaggeration, it was hardly supposed
there was a white man, woman or child left living between Norton and Worthington, or a cabin
that was not already smouldering. The women and children were hurriedly collected into the
Griswold House. The men and large boys not gone to the army were armed with pitchforks and
clubs, and awaited the onset of the " Indians."
The incidents connected with this alarm must have been witnessed to be appreciated. In the
house some were praying, some arguing, some fainting in momentary expectation of savage
onslaught. Soon after this a similar but less tragic alarm came from Scioto, when the college
building was barricaded as a place of refuge in extreme need, but was never brought into use for
the purposes contemplated.
One of the notable pleasantries incidental to the early militia arose from the appointment of an
ambitious young member of the Columbus bar as Quartermaster-General on the Governor's staff.
This event happened in 1821, and was celebrated by the young warrior, says the writer's
informant, "by having a heavy pair of brass stirrups cast by Hiram Platt and fitted to his saddle."
In the exuberance of the moment the possessor of the stirrups and of the distinction of being
quartermaster to the militia, borrowed a gray charger belonging to another high officer of state,'
and took a ride on High Street in all the bravery of his stirrups and regimentals. Halting in front
of the residence of James B. Gardiner, he summoned
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