HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 313

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR-FIRST NEWS IN MANSFIELD-PUBLIC MEETINGS-MAJ. MCLAUGHLIN AND THE FIRST COMPANY - DEPARTURE FOR COLUMBUS-MILLER MOODY'S COMPANY-THE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH REGIMENTS IN THE FIELD - THEIR RETURN -CAPT. M. R. DICKEY'S COMPANY - CAPT. A. C. CUMMINS' COMPANY - OTHER COMPANIES - RETURN OF THE THREE - MONTHS TROOPS.

THE first gun fired on Fort Sumter sent its reverberations around the world. Not an inland hamlet in the whole United States existed without its influence an hour after it occurred. Telegraph wires flashed the news to all railroad towns; expresses were sent on foot and on horseback to all interior towns; neighbor hastened to tell it to neighbor, and thus, almost before evening of the same day, all parts of, the Union felt the news and prepared to act. The nation was attacked, and it should be defended.

The bombardment of Sumter began April 12, 1861. January 9 preceding, the insurgents had attacked a vessel "Star of the West " when on its way to the fort, and even then the surrender of the fort was demanded. By the 12th of April, the rebellion had assumed a more formidable organization, and then the war was considered fairly opened. It awakened the nation. The attack was known in all parts of the North before the dawning of the next day, and steps for organizing troops to defend the country began to be made.

April 14, President Lincoln issued his proclamation for 75,000 troops to serve three months. Then the magnitude of the rebellion was not comprehended, else the call would have been very much larger, and for a longer term of service. Ohio's quota was 10,153 men; more than thirty regiments were offered; 12,357 men were accepted, and the State provided quarters for the remainder, mainly at her own expense.

In this county, the foremost man was Gen. William McLaughlin, an old tried veteran of the Mexican war. Tall, erect, and manly in his bearing, the very personification of the soldier, with flowing white hair and beard (he was then nearly seventy years of age) giving a venerable., commanding presence-no man was better prepared than he, and no man more ready. He had been a gallant officer in the Mexican war, fifteen years before, and there learned something of the privations and requirements of a soldier's life. Patriotic to the heart's core, he had long scented the danger to which the nation was exposed, and prepared himself, as a " minute man" of the Revolution, ready at a moment's notice.

Fort Sumter surrendered Saturday at 1:30 o'clock. Telegraphic news conveyed the word to all parts of the Union that evening. But that was all that was known. The next day was Sabbath, and no one in remote towns could get accurate and full details till the issue of the Monday morning papers. That day was a bonanza to those dailies which contained a full report. Early Monday morning, Gen. R.. Brinkerhoff went to the railroad where it entered the city, and procuring an Ohio State Journal from the train boy, brought the sheet up to the court house, where many of the lawyers had assembled prior to the opening of court. He went into the court room, where the majority of them were, and soon the account and the call for troops as they were printed in that paper were

314 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

known to all. A short silence ensued at its close. Mr. William Johnston was the first to speak. "I suppose some of you will he volunteering now," said he. "Very likely we will," replied some one. The conversation soon became general. The situation of national affairs was surely serious. hen the news became generally known over the city, groups of talkers could be seen earnestly engaged in conversation. Trade was in the background just then. Farmers came in from the country to learn the latest word, and remained to discuss the situation. or hurried home to inform their neighbors. At dinner that day, the subject engrossed the entire family conversation. In the afternoon, posters were seen all over the city, bearing the following patriotic appeal

CITIZENS

AND LOVERS OF THE COUNTRY

and

THE UNION,

Come together st the

COURT HOUSE

THIS EVENING.

Gen. McLaughlin and other speakers will address the meeting.

"About dark." says the Herald, "a large crowd assembled, and soon the old court house was filled to overflowing. The crowd continued pouring in until the stairs were filled, and two or three hundred more collected on the outside.

"The meeting was called to order by appointing James Purdy, Esq., President. This gentleman, on taking his seat, stated the object of the meeting in a short speech. The organization was completed by appointing Gen. John Meredith and Joel Myers Vice Presidents, and R. Brinkerhoff, and Eckles McCoy, Secretaries. A committee on resolutions was appointed, consisting of the following gentlemen : R. C. Smith, M. R. Dickey, Z. S. Stocking. N. L. Jeffries and B. S. Runyan. The crowd became so dense by this time, that it was moved that the meeting adjourn to Miller's Hall, and a gentleman was dispatched to see if it could be procured. He returned in a short time, and stated that the hall was lighted, and already half full of people. In the meantime, Gen. McLaughlin had been called upon to make a speech. The meeting adjourned to the hall, which was soon filled, and there the General resumed his speech. It breathed that patriotic fire and devotion to the country for which the old veteran has always been noted. He was frequently loudly applauded.

"After he had concluded, the committee on resolutions reported the following

" WHEREAS, The Government of the United States, when peaceably attempting to provision her starving troops in Fort Sumter, has been wantonly assailed by traitors to our flag and Government, and Fort Sumter compelled to surrender unconditionally, and,

"WHEREAS, The United States authorities have called upon her loyal citizens to furnish men to enable her to maintain her authority and protect the common property of the people.

"Resolved, That we have a Government, and for the support of that Government against enemies without and traitors within, we hereby pledge our lives and fortunes, and our sacred honor.

"Resolved, That we, as loyal citizens, hereby pledge our quota of men, and call upon the Legislature to furnish means to equip the same for service under the time-honored stare and stripes.

"Mr. R. C. Davis sung the 'Star Spangled Banner' with great effect, the audience joining in the chorus. Hon. B. Burns, being called upon made a strong Union speech. He was followed by N. L. Jeffries, Hon. Jacob Brinkerhoff, Judge Geddis, M. R. Dickey and W. W. Smith. The meeting kept until a late hour, and the utmost enthusiasm and excitement were manifested.

" One thing," concludes the Herald, " was demonstrated by the meeting, and that was that all party feeling, was obliterated-the politician was sunk in the patriot-and each vied with the other in expressions of devotion and loyalty to the Union."

PAGE 315 - PICTURE OF JOHN WILER

PAGE 316 - BLANK

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 317

The President's proclamation was made the neat day after Fort Sumter had surrendered, and the paper obtained by Gen. Brinkerhoff Monday morning contained that in addition to the full account of the surrender. The Governor's proclamation was issued the next day Monday, April 15-calling for the organization of companies, and requiring them to notify him. Thirteen regiments were called for immediate service. The next day-Tuesday Gen. McLaughlin telegraphed to the Government, tendering a company of 100 men, when he, in fact, had not yet enlisted a man. The Governor replied in the affirmative. That evening, he opened his muster-roll in the court house, and, in one hour and a half, sixty-three men were enrolled.* " The scene," says the Herald, "as each man came forward, was intensely exciting. The entire number could easily have been filled that night, had not Gen. McLaughlin declared his intention to wait until morning to enlist the balance."

The next morning, those who had enlisted the night before met at Millers Hall. Others had joined. The roll was now seventy-eight, three more than the required number. A meeting of the citizens was also announced to meet at the same place. When they had assembled, Mr. H. Colby was called to the chair, who stated the object of this meeting to be for the purpose of making suitable provision for the families of those who enlisted, and announced the names of nineteen prominent gentlemen as a committee to take this matter in charge. The committee appointed five of their number as those to whom application should be made for such aid.

After this was done, the company proceeded to elect their officers, and organize for active military life. The election resulted in the choice

* There has been a little friendly controversy regarding who the first man was to enroll his name in this company. The facts in the cue are these: When the first call for volunteers was made by Gen. McLaughlin, Joseph Hedges, R. H. Bentley, H. Shelenbarger and T. S. Douglas went forward together. Their names appear as above mentioned. Hence It is probable they enrolled their names in the order given. of Gen. McLaughlin, Captain; Alexander McIlvaine, First Lieutenant; Thomas E. Douglas, Second Lieutenant; and S. E. McFarland, Third Lieutenant.* While the election progressed, and even after, more applications for enlistment were made and accepted. When this was done, the men were dismissed for dinner till 1 o'clock. After dinner they assembled, and, preceded by the brass band, marched to the public square, where a handsome silk flag was presented to them in an energetic and patriotic speech, by William Johnston. It was received by the Captain, on behalf of the company, and given to T. G. Bristor, Ensign of the company. That done, Mrs. C. R. Taft sang, with excellent effect, the "Star Spangled Banner." Each man was presented with a copy of the New Testament, by Mr. H. Colby, on behalf of the Richland County Bible Society. They then marched back to the hall, where they were dismissed, to be on hand at 7 o'clock in the morning, ready to embark for the seat of war. During the afternoon more enlistments followed, and, by night, over one hundred names were-enrolled.

"During all this time," says the Herald, "the excitement on the street was most intense. Drums were beating in every direction, flags flying from the roofs and windows of houses. excited men walking to and fro-all presenting a scene of animation and bustle, reminding us of the dreadful scenes of the battle-field, and impressing upon all the reality of the scene."

Early Thursday morning, people were astir and thronging the streets. Volunteers could be seen on every- hand, bidding friends good-bye and preparing for a hasty departure. At half past 7 o'clock, the company formal into line. and marched to the depot with Gen. McLaughlin at its head. The "old war horse " marched with the tread of a soldier. As the company came opposite his residence they were drawn tip in front of it, and the General parted from his family with a military salute, and a hearty

* This office was afterward abolished.

318 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

God bless you all," that touched many a heart and brought tears to many an eye. The company then re-formed and proceeded. As they came opposite the foundry of Hall & Allen, the workmen came out in procession and escorted them to the depot. It was indeed a proud moment. At the depot the scene was quite thrilling. Friends parted from friends, brothers from brothers and sisters, husbands from wives, fathers and mothers from sons, lovers from lovers. "Many a manly fellow," says one who saw it all, "felt the tear rush unbidden from his eye." Many a " God bless and preserve you " was heard as the train came in and left, while hearty cheers went up from the bystanders as this, the first company from Richland County, started on its mission of patriotism.

On the way to Columbus, but little happened, Mr. George W. Grubb * now a resident of Lexington, in a letter describes the trip as one full of fun, yet not unmixed with sadness. They had left homes and dear ones behind, not knowing they would see them again. Yet they were determined to be brave, and mirth ruled the hour. He narrates an incident well worth preserving, which shows the ideas then held by new recruits regarding the discipline in an army.

Mr. Thomas E. Douglas was the Second Lieutenant, and had been assigned charge of part of the men. While on the way, on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, he had occasion to reprove a soldier for some boisterous conduct. The soldier, not knowing his rank, and not relishing the reproof, looked in Lieut. Douglas' face and very blandly and coolly remarked, ''And who the devil are you, sir ? " The joke was pretty good, and. was relished by the rest of the boys, if not by the Lieutenant.

Arriving at Columbus, the company reported to the Governor. That official and his Adju-

• Mr. Grubb was the first man to enlist from Troy Township, and he thinks, the fifth in the county. He was afterward a member the Sixth Ohio Battery.

tant found themselves suddenly with two or three regiments on hand, and no place to keep them. Hotels were utilized until a camp could be selected, and better means provided The company, whose history is now being written, was assigned to the First Ohio Volunteers. While here, Joseph Hedges was appointed First Sergeant, R. H. Bentley, Second; T. G. Bristor,* Third, and James D. McBride, Fourth; thus completing the organization of the company, which was known in the regiment as " Company I."

Owing to the chaotic state of military matters at Camp Jackson, the men, in common with many other companies, did not get any supper until late at night, and found a place to sleep as best they could about the camp. At 2 o'clock in the morning, they were marched to the depot, and, with a few other companies, were soon on the way to the front. At Harrisburg, the company remained over Sunday, and then went on to Lancaster, where it went into camp on the fair grounds, about a mile from the city. Both Ohio regiments, the First anti Second, numbering about one thousand six hundred men, were there. Regimental officers had been elected while at Harrisburg, and, Sunday afternoon, April 29, the Colonel, Alexander McCook, arrived, and mustered the regi-

* There is rather an amusing anecdote connected with the appointment of some of these officers that in worth preserving .

When the election for company officers was held in Mansfield, T. G. Bristor and T. E. Douglas were both candidates for a Lieutenant's place. An it happened, however, neither of them knew the difference between the positions of Lieutenant and Sergeant, each thinking they were about the same. It was agreed that Bristor should support Douglas for Lieutenant, and he, Bristor for Sergeant. Douglas was elected, and, not long after. Bristor learned that his office depended on the Captain, who appointed Sergeants. He naturally felt a little chagrined at his easy defeat. After the company got to Columbus, Mr. B., wanted to go to the city, but found a guard around camp. None of them knowing much about the requirements of war, Mr. B, when confronted by the guard deliberately snatched the muskets out his hands and went on his way. He knew Gen. McLaughlin had a weakness for whisky, and, after imbibing a quantity himself; returned to camp, where he was informed that the Captain would "see to his case at the proper time." Looking around for that official, he found him sound asleep on a board. B. sat down by him and patiently awaited his waking. When that occurred, the first object that confronted the Captain

was Private B, who, without giving him a chance to say anything, invited him to "take something."The Captain could not resist, and, retiring to an obscure corner, was treated to a choice drink. Smacking his lips, the old veteran patted Private Bristor on the shoulder, and very kindly called him "Sergeant Bristor, Sergeant Bristor, sir!" Private Bristor had gained his point

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 319

ment into service. At first, the officers peremptorily refused to accept Capt. McLaughlin, owing to his age, claiming he could not stand the marches, should they be necessary. He was, however, finally given a commission. He was determined to go to the war, and, had an officer's commission been denied him, the "old war horse " would have shouldered a musket and gone, as he expressed it, " on his own hook." While in camp, Hon. John Sherman joined the company, and was made color bearer. He, however, was not mustered in, his duties as Senator occupying his time. The regiments went to Philadelphia, May 1, where they were until near the last of the month, when they were ordered forward to the defense of Washington. While at Washington, Capt. McLaughlin was offered a captain's commission in the regular army, but declined it. On the 23d of the month, they left the vicinity of Washington and marched to Arlington Heights, where they remained till June 18, when they received orders to cross over into Virginia. In that State, they went into Camp Lincoln, remaining there two days, when they, in company with a large force of troops, were sent forward to guard the railroad. Near the town of Vienna, they encountered a masked battery, and a short, sharp fight ensued, in which the Federal troops were driven back. The troops left along the road hurried forward to aid their comrades, but met them too late to do any good, and together they retreated in good order to the road leading from Georgetown to Fairfax, where a detachment had been left, and, with them, went into camp, naming it Camp Upton. This was the first touch of war for any of Richland County's troops. It is said that in this retreat the "old war horse" was as active as any, despite his lameness ; but the men were all fresh, and; in after years, looked upon this first exploit with considerable feeling of mirth.

Not long after this, the great battle of Bull Run the first real battle of the war occurred: The First Regiment was in the active part of the battle. It did good service, also, in conducting the retreat, and in re-forming the broken Federal lines. It is due to Mr. T. E. Douglas to say, that, when the rout began at that battle, he was the first man to call a rally of Ohio troops. Springing on a stump, he shouted, " Soldiers of Company I, rally! rally! A few gathered about him ; others came; soon the regiment was called in, and an orderly retreat made, covering other flying troops, and saving the credit of Ohio.

The term of enlistment of the three-months men began to expire about the 1st of August. The magnitude of the contest was now apparent, and, ere the day came to disband the first called soldiers, the President's call for 300,000 troops went over the land. Many of the three months men re-enlisted. They were, however, allowed a short furlough, and came home. Friday, August 6, Capt. Miller's company, which had been in the Fifteenth Regiment, arrived in Mansfield. A great concourse of citizens met them at the depot and escorted them uptown. Speeches were made, and a happy- reunion experienced. But one man had been' killed. That was Mr. N. O. Smith, who lost his life in a skirmish between a squad of rebels and his and the Sixteenth Regiments, on the 29th of June. He was Richland's first offering in the war.*

The next day after Capt. Miller's company (enlisted under Capt. M. R. Dickey) came Capt. McLaughlin's company arrived. He had lost but two men, James Morris (t) and Edward Horstack. The first named was missing; the latter died at Lancaster of disease. The Plymouth company, Capt. Hiram Miller, the Shelby company, Capt. A. C. Cummins, and the

* When his comrades-in arms received their pay in August, each one contributed to a common fund, and erected a beautiful monument over his grave In the little graveyard at Windsor, whither a great concourse of people laid him away forever at rest.

(t) By some means, he was detached from the regiment at the battle of Bull Run, and was taken prisoner by the rebels. This was not known when the company returned.

320 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Bellville company, Capt. Miller Moody, had returned with all their men. Thus, in the three-months service, the county sent out four companies, in all of which but four men were lost.

Before proceeding to the history of the three-years service, it will be well to go back and notice the organization of the three companies referred to, and their exploits in the war.

Capt. McLaughlin's company, though the first to enlist men and to leave for the war, was but little in advance of others. He began enlisting men Tuesday night, April 17. In a day or two, his company was full, and on its way to Columbus. Other towns in the county were awaking. The next day after Capt. McLaughlin began enlisting men (Wednesday), Miller Moody. a resident of Bellville began raising a volunteer company, and the following Monday started for Columbus with "about seventy-five men of the right stamp," say the local papers. The Village Council and the citizens raised over $700. and further pledged their aid to the support of the families of volunteers. should any necessity arise where such help would be needed. Mr. Moody was elected Captain of the company ; A. W. Loback, First Lieutenant, and James Riddle. Second Lieutenant. At Columbus, the company was assigned to the Sixteenth Regiment, and passed with it a very creditable campaign in the eastern division of the army. doing guard duty and aiding in repelling invasions toward the north. The regiment came home about the 8th or 9th of August. Capt. Moody's company hall lost not a man. All returned in health and spirits and not long after many re-enlisted in the three-years service.

Other towns were also preparing for the fray. The next Monday evening tiller these two companies had left-the same day that Capt. Moody and his company - left- Moses R. Dickey. now Judge of the Court of Common Pleas began recruiting a company in Mansfield and that

evening it was fully organized, and elected its officers. They were: Captain, Mr. Dickey ; First Lieutenant, Hiram Miller; Second Lieutenant, A. R. Z. Dawson ; First Sergeant, H. L. Avery; Second Sergeant, William Ritter ; Third. Sergeant, S. M. Wilkinson. The company left for Columbus Thursday, April 25, and went into Camp Jackson. There it was assigned to the Fifteenth Regiment, and began drilling and the regular routine of camp life.*

Shelby was also awake. A meeting of the citizens was held April 17. The following notice appeared in the Shelby papers concerning this meeting

In compliance with previous notice, a very large meeting of the citizens of Sharon Township met at Gen. Wilson's Hall, at 7 o'clock, P.. M., to consider the state of the country, and consult together in reference to their duty on the proclamations of the President of the United States and the Governor of the State of Ohio.

The meeting was organized by appointing William Cummins, Chairman, and John H. Cox, Secretary.

A committee of five was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting, to wit: Harrison Mickey, William R. Bricker, D. Anderson, U. Matson and H. B. Gaylord.

In the absence of the committee, Abraham Cummins, being called upon, made an able and patriotic, appeal for the flag of our Union as it is, and the importance of sustaining the laws and liberties of our country.

The committee reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted amid the most enthusiastic unanimity:

Resolved, That the citizens of this community will to the utmost of their ability aid the General Government in maintaining its authority, enforcing the laws, and in upholding the flag of the Union.

Resolved, That we have a Country and a Union, and that to the extent of our ability we pledge our lives and our property to sustain it against all traitors, come from what. quarter they may.

* A significant fact connected with the organization of Capt. Dickey's company is worth recording.

At its first organization, five or six men got together amt arranged the details, themselves forming the nucleus. It we, agreed that no man would be accepted in the company who did not fill the standard regarding weight, size, height, etc. Also that no man would be eligible who would not receive the vote of not less than four-fifths of the members of the company, admitting him to membership. These requirements secured an excellent class of men, of whom it was said at the close of the war, "that not less than forty had held commissions before the conflict ended."

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 321

The meeting was then addressed by numerous speakers on the state of the country, and but one feeling prevailed-that the Government must be sustained.

It was further resolved, that the families of volunteers must be cared for, and, on motion of 8. Tucker, the following committee of nine was appointed, to wit: Simeon Tucker, John Dempsey, David Anderson, W. R. Bricker, C. McMiller, J. H. Cox, S. S. Bloom, William Cummins and William Kerr.

(Signed) WILLIAM CUMMINS, Chairman.

J. H. Cox, Secretary.

Mr. A. C. Cummins, now a resident of Mansfield, began raising a company about the same time Capt. Dickey raised his, and, in a short time, had enlisted eighty men. When the officers of the company were chosen, he was elected Captain; T. H. Wiggins, First Lieutenant, and H. B. Gaylord, Second Lieutenant. The Sergeants were J. H. Finefrock, A. M. Burns, S. H. Anderson and Edgar Wilson. The Corporals were John Saltzgarber, H: L. Bingham, William Fletcher and Isaac A. Meyers. A second company was also organized there, of which William Cummins was elected Captain; Rev. A. R. Brown, First Lieutenant, and Thomas H. Mickey, Second Lieutenant. It was, however, not out in the three-months service.

Capt. Dickey's company went to Columbus Thursday, April 25. Capt. Cummins' company had preceded them a few days, and had been also assigned to the Fifteenth Regiment. This regiment was now filled, and ordered into service. Before going, Capt. Dickey had been promoted to the Lieutenant Colonel's place, and Hiram H. Miller, First Lieutenant of the company, elected to fill his place. The regiment left Camp Jackson May 15, and went to Camp Goddard, near Zanesville, where they spent about ten days drilling and waiting for equipments. At the end of that time, the Fifteenth went into West Virginia, crossing the Ohio River near Bellaire, and encamping at Camp Benwood. May 30, they left Camp Benwood, and went on to Camp Burton, the Sixteenth Regiment having preceded them one day. At Camp Burton, seven companies under command of Col. Andrews encamped, and three companies under Lieut. Col. Dickey proceeded to Glover's Gap and camped. Both were doing guard duty on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The regiments did not well relish this service. They desired to get to the front, and, by a stroke of policy, received an order from the General to " move on." They marched to Grafton. While at this place, three companies were detailed, under command of Lieut. Col. Dickey, to go to Philippi. They reached there the day after the fight. None of these companies were from Richland County. The seven companies under Gen. Hill were sent to intercept Gen. Garnett's retreating troops; but, halting a few miles too soon, the rebels passed them in the night, and escaped. Soon after, the skirmishes at Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford occurred. At the latter place the rebels lost Gen. Garnett, one of their best generals. He was killed while endeavoring to rally his men. The term of enlistment of the three-months men had expired before these engagements occurred; but they were induced to remain in response to an urgent appeal from Gen. McClellan, who desired them in the crisis to stand a while longer. After the affairs terminated, the separated regiments were gathered at Grafton, and there took cars for home, arriving in Columbus about the 1st of August. They (the Fifteenth and Sixteenth) had been in almost the same kind of service, principally guard duty. They had performed a large amount of marching, guarding and repairing of bridges along the railroad, and in the discharge of these duties lead been of great value to the Government. The Fifteenth had lost but two men.

Capt. Miller and Capt. Cummins' companies arrived home August 2, Mr. N. O. Smith being the only man missing, and he, the county's first

322 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

offering on the altar of freedom, lay asleep in the cemetery. The next day after Capt. Miller arrived. Capt. McLaughlin's company came; Capt. Moody was also home soon and the three-months soldiers the county had sent were again in their homes, and narrating their exploits on the fields of battle. The war had, however only begun. Their experiences soon gave way before those who had seen longer terms of service. The Government, recognizing the magnitude of the conflict, was now enlisting new men for three years instead of three months. Many who had seen the front began to prepare to return. "As long as the country is in danger, so long will we be ready," said they. The opportunity was at hand. They improved it.