HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 225 phen H. Pitkin, of Akron, as Assistant Secretary. David L. King, Esq., of Akron, briefly stated the objects of the meeting, saying that the project of a road down the valley of the Cuyahoga, from Akron to Cleveland, and south from Akron to Canton and Wheeling, was no new project. Such a road, Mr. King said, would develop large quantities of coal and other minerals south of Akron, and a locomotive, after drawing an ordinary train to Akron, could by reason of continuous down grade, .draw as many loaded cars from Akron, as the same locomotive could draw empty cars back. The importance and feasibility of the road was conceded by all, the discussion being mainly over the question of gauge, estimates being presented showing the comparative cost of both the standard, four feet eight and one-half inches, and the narrow, three feet tracks. At the conclusion of the discussion, the following resolution was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That it be the sense of this meeting that all our efforts be devoted to raising stock for the ordinary four-foot eight and one-half inch gauge. Subscription books were opened at Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and intermediate points on the 15th day of January, 1872, and a vigorous campaign opened " all along the line," for raising the necessary funds to build the road. Cleveland parties were pledged to raise $500,000, the quota assigned to Akron and Canton being $150,000 each, with such additional amounts as could be raised at intermediate points in the several counties interested. Meetings were held, speeches were made and subscriptions were obtained with commendable celerity. Canton was the first to announce that her full share was raised, Akron coming in soon afterward with a similar good report. Cleveland, however, was backward, trusting to the plan of raising the requisite amount, under the Boessel law, by a tax upon the city. The proposition, however, was voted down, though the amount pledged was subsequently raised by voluntary subscriptions to the capital stock of the company through the vigorous efforts of her soliciting committees. Other localities subscribed more or less liberally, so that the total amount subscribed in each of the three counties was as follows : Cuyahoga, $508,250 ; Summit, $191,700 ; Stark, $149,750. The first stockholder's meeting was held April 24, 1872, at which .James Farmer, Ambrose B. Stone, and Nathan B. Payne, of Cleveland ; David L. King and John F. Sieberling, of Akron, and James A. Saxton and George Cook, of Canton, were elected Directors. At a subsequent meeting of the Directors the same day, James Farmer was elected President ; David L. King, Vice President, and Warwick Price, Secretary and Treasurer. At a meeting of the Directors held May 10, 1872, Plymouth H. Dudley, of Akron, was appointed chief engineer for the road. The route was finally agreed upon, and the contract for building the entire line from Cleveland to Bowerston was awarded to Nicholas E. Van-sickle and Arthur L. Conger, of Akron, on the 3d day of February, 1873. The work was commenced at once, and a report made to the Board of Directors on the 5th of August, 1873, stated that nearly two thirds of the distance from Cleveland to Canton were graded, and that with favorable weather the remainder could be completed and ready for track-laying by the 1st of October. These anticipations, however, were not realized, and a difference of . opinion having arisen between the Directors and contractors, Messrs. Vansickle and Conger, the contract was canceled, and the work suspended on the 16th of May, 1874.- Reuben Hitchcock was elected President of the company, April 24, 1874, but on account of failing health, a few months later, was compelled to tender his resignation, and David L. King was elected in his place, on- the 25th of September, with James Farmer as Vice President. The general stagnation of business, and especially of all new railroad enterprises, following the failure of Jay Cooke & Co., rendered the immediate resumption of work impossible. The Directors, as a condition precedent to Mr. King's acceptance of the Presidency, individually assumed the entire liabilities of the company, which, owing to inability to collect stock subscriptions, amounted to over $150,000 —a burden from which the Directors were not relieved until April, 1879. But, by the self-sacrificing assumption of this responsibility, the life of the company was saved through the long period of financial distress the country was then experiencing. Failing, through the stringency of the times, to secure aid in this country to complete the road, at the earnest solicitation of the board, Mr. King sailed for England, on the 6th day of February, 1875, to present the advantages, of the investment to the capitalists of London. After weeks of pa- 226 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY. tient effort, struggle and disappointment, he finally succeeded in securing a proposition for the sale of the company's bonds on highly advantageous terms, and a time was fixed for the execution of the contract. On the morning of the day agreed upon for closing the matter up, the publication, in the London papers, of the report of a committee of the House of Cornmons, discrediting the value of American securities in general, and railroad securities in particular, together with a cable dispatch received from New York, published in the same papers, that the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad (a very large amount of the bonds of this road being held in London) had passed into the hands of a Receiver. By the advice of the parties with whom he had been in negotiation, Mr. King returned home without having accomplished the object of his mission, to "await the logic of events," as it was considered damaging to future sales, on the return of prosperity at home, to urge the bonds of the company further upon the attention of English capitalists at that time. The merits of the line were, from time to time, brought by President King before the capitalists of Cleveland and the East, and a succession of struggles to keep the enterprise alive were continued for three years longer, happily resulting in placing the bonds on highly favorable terms at home with Cleveland and New York capitalists, the capital stock having in the meantime (April 13, 1876) been increased from $3,000,000 to $6.500,000. On the 7th day of August, 1878, the work on the line between Cleveland and Canton was resumed by the new contractors, Messrs. Walsh and Moynahan the first rail upon the line being laid and the first spike driven by President King, at Akron, at a point near the " Old Forge," at 12 o'clock M., on the 26th day of October, 1878, track-laying being immediately proceeded with from this point both ways, and also commenced in Cleveland a few days thereafter. The operations of the new contractors not proving satisfactory to the company, the contract with them was annulled, on the 25th day of January, 1879, and the" work again temporarily suspended. Subsequently, a new contract was made with Messrs. Strong and Cary, and work resumed on the 3d day of June, 1879. The road was finally completed through from Cleveland to Canton; in the winter of 1879-80. The first continuous train from Cleveland to Canton, with the officers, Directors, and other friends and promoters of the road on board, started from Cleveland at 9:30 A. M., January 28, 1880. Making short stops at the several stations on the route, the train arrived at Canton about 1 o'clock P. k. Starting from Canton' on the return trip at 3 o'clock P. M., the run from Canton to Akron, twenty-two miles, was made in thirty-eight minutes, the entire trip from Canton to Cleveland, fifty-nine miles, being made in two hours—a remarkable run, considering the newness of the road, and evincing a very excellent degree of work in the laying of the track and the ballasting of the road-bed. The first regular trains commenced running February 2, 1880, and have continued uninterruptedly to the present time, with constantly increasing freight and passenger traffic, and though, by reason of the partial occupation of the ground by other similar enterprises and prospective connections, the extension of the road beyond Canton has been indefinitely postponed, the Valley Railway may well be considered a successful venture for its promoters, and a very valuable acquisition to the travel and transportation facilities of the people all along the line. The Tuscarawas Branch of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad touches a corner of two townships in Stark County, passing through Minerva, in Paris Township, and Waynesburg, in Sandy Township. It, however, has but a limited space in the railroad history of the county. It was built a good many years ago, and extends from Bayard to New Philadelphia. Its completion at a time when Stark had few railroads, gave it some importance, but at present, when her system is well nigh perfect, .it is of no material benefit, except to the two towns through which it passes. The latest accession to the railroad system of Stark County is the Connotton Valley Railway. It is a narrow-gauge road (three feet) and though intended more especially for the transportation of coal, its complement of rolling-stock embraces an adequate supply of box freight cars, and elegantly finished and furnished passenger coaches. The southern terminus of the road is at Bowerston, on the Pan Handle road in Harrison County, and its northern terminus Fairport, on Lake Erie, with a branch to the city of Cleveland. The line passes through Carroll, Stark, Summit, Portage and Cuyahoga HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 227   Counties ; the capital stock is $3,000,000, the funds being furnished mainly by Boston capitalists, though a majority of the Directors are the proverbial " Ohio men." The Connotton project grew out of the old Ohio & Toledo road, running from Carrolton to Minerva. This road was bought in 1878-79 by N. A. Smith, C. G. Patterson and others, who extended it to Dell Roy. Some time in 1879 Mr. Patterson conceived the idea and made it public, of running the road from Oneida, the original northern terminus of the Ohio & Toledo road, to Canton. He succeeded in interesting other parties both at home and abroad, resulting in the final organization of the Connotton Valley Railway Company. No aid or donations or bonds were asked, only a free right of way. Work was begun and pushed forward so vigorously that the road was completed to Canton early in May, 1880, and appropriately celebrated by an excursion of its friends from the southeast to Canton, where they were dined and wined to their hearts' content. Its completion to Osnaburg Village a short time previous, was duly celebrated in that suburban burg. Upon the completion of the road to Canton, it was decided to extend it on north to Fairport, on Lake Erie, two miles north of Painesville, with a branch to Cleveland. An effort was made to sell the Alliance & Lake Erie road to the company, but this offer was declined, the company preferring to build a new road, if a free right of way could be obtained, rather than undertake the organization of any more railroad wrecks, as the Ohio & Toledo had been rather expensive in this respect. Work was begun on the northern extension under the most favorable auspices, and at the present writing it is 'being rapidly pushed forward. The entire length of the road is 118, sixty-two miles of which is now (May, 1881) in running order, being completed as far north as Mogadore, in Summit County, and as far south as Dell Roy, in Carroll County, and it is expected that cars will be running over the entire line by July of the present year. This road passes through from sixteen to twenty miles of valuable coal fields, fine beds of iron ore, potters' clay, building-stone, etc., besides having on its line some of the most enterprising manufacturing cities and villages in Northern Ohio. The present officers of the road are as follows : William J. Rotch, of New Bedford, Mass., President ; Samuel Allen, of Dell Roy, Carroll County, Vice President.; A. B. Proval, of Canton, Stark County, Secretary and Treasurer ; W. N. Moffat, formerly of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, Superintendent, and Robert Leamouth, formerly of the Pan Handle road, Roadmaster. The machine and repair shops, and the general offices of the company, are located at Canton. The Depot buildings are among the finest in the country, and an ornament to the city. The main building is 230 feet long and extends from Tuscarawas street to Fifth street, and is 40 feet wide, exclusive of porches which run along the entire building on each side. The structure is built of pressed brick, laid in black mortar, and with white sandstone trimmings, giving it a very handsome appearance. It has a tower on Tuscarawas street, 96 feet high, containing an elegant clock which tells off the passing moments by Columbus time. The first floor is devoted to waiting I rooms, toilette rooms, ticket and telegraph offices, baggage room, etc. Upon the second floor, which is reached by both a front and back stairway, are eleven rooms, used as follows : General manager's office, general business office, Secretary and Treasurer's office ; Auditor's office ; general freight office ; general ticket agent's office ; Conductor's room ; Superintendent's office; train dispatcher's office ; roadmaster's room ; Chief Engineer's office, and Engineer Corps' room, all of which are finished off in the best style, and are well, and even elegantly, furnished. In addition to the railroads of the county now in active operation, or in process of actual construction, there are quite a number, that as yet have only been constructed on paper. The Steubenville, Canton & Lake Erie is one of the latter kind. It is the object of the company advocating this line to. run a road up Wills Creek, and tap the Island Creek road, a few miles from Steubenville. Thence to Salineville where it will tap the Cleveland & Pittsburgh, and also a new road coming down from New Lisbon. Thence it is to go to Minerva and Canton, connecting at the latter place with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago road. From Canton it will have direct communication with Cleveland. It is in the hands of practical and energetic men, and no doubt but it will sooner or later be built. It will be a valuable accession to the Stark County system when completed. 228 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY. The Cleveland, Canton, Coshocton & Straitsville Railroad, is an enterprise that was organized some years ago, and at one time seemed likely to develop into a reality. A company was formed, a charter granted for a standard gauge, to connect with the Valley Railway at Canton, considerable stock subscribed, and work actually begun on the line of road, and a good deal of grading was done. But from some cause it languished and work finally ceased. Recently (May, 1881) it was purchased by the Connotton Valley Railway, and will be finished immediately as a narrow-gauge road. It is to be extended 105 miles in a southwesterly direction from Canton, passing through Massillon, Coshocton, Straitsville and the Hocking Valley coal district, reaching many important towns, notably Zanesville and Coshocton, and terminating at a central point in the Hocking Valley coal-field. It will be a valuable feeder to the Connotton Valley system, and of the greatest advantage to Canton, in bringing immense quantities of coal and other freight to its doors for transfer and re-shipment. The property acquired by the Connotton in this purchase, involves the right of way through the central part of Ohio for 50 miles, and an amount of grading, upon which was expended some $400,000. Work was begun on this extension under the auspices of the new management, and it is believed that much of it will be finished during the present summer. The Baltimore, Pittsburgh & Chicago Railway, which we believe is also a narrow gauge, is another paper railroad, at least so far. From the agitation of the project, however, it is altogether possible to build such a road, especially if it is sufficiently pushed forward in the present great railroad boom now passing over the entire country. The surveyors of this projected road have just surveyed a route through Minerva, in this county, and down the Sandy Valley, and of this route they speak in high favor. The Canton & Canal Dover Railroad is an other of the prospective reads of Stark County. It has been incorporated and a company formed with a capital of $750,000. It will be 23 miles in length and will connect the Valley Railway with the Pittsburgh roads, and will also form the connecting link between Marietta on the Ohio River and Cleveland. This road, though short, will be an important one to Canton and to the county at large. How many more railroad irons Stark County has in the fire it is impossible to say, but doubtless there are a number of projected roads that have not yet come to the surface. We have noticed all the roads of the county that have been completed, as well as those cbntemplated, so far as we have been able to obtain facts regarding them. If any have been omitted it is an oversight and occurred through the multiplicity of roads to be looked after and written up. The railroads form an important part of county's history, but space allows but a brief sketch of them in a work of this character, and we leave the subject without further remark. HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 229 CHAPTER V.* WAR HISTORY—THE REVOLUTION—CAPT. STIDGER'S COMPANY OF 1812—STARK COUNTY DURING THE MEXICAN WAR—OPENING SCENES OF THE GREAT REBELLION—SKETCHES OF THE REGIMENTS—THE DRAFT—AID AND OTHER SOCIETIES—GREAT RE-UNION OF 1880—OBSERVANCE OF DECORATION DAY. When the long years have rolled slowly away, E'en to the dawn of earth's funeral day; When at the Archangel's trumpet and tread, Rise up the faces and forms of the dead; * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Then the glad ears of each war-martyred son Proudly shall hear the glad tidings " well done." Blessings for garlands shall cover them over, Parent and husband and brother and lover, God will reward those dead heroes of ours, And cover them over with beautiful flowers. —Carleton. DIFFERENCES of opinion have been adjusted from time immemorial by the arbitrament of war. Individuals, dissatisfied with existing relations, have invoked the god of battles, and turned the red hand of slaughter against their brethren. Others, instigated by passion, ambition or caprice, have, by the powers of will or genius, strewn the earth with human clay, and filled the heavens with woful lamentations. Nations, delighting in conquest, and, seemingly, in slaughter, have shaken the earth with their elephantine tread, and scattered the hard-earned products of civilization with infinite disregard. Others have united in hideous schemes to deluge the world with blood, until the name of civilization has seemed a synonym for unlimited reproach. Enlightened man converts into an art the barbarous plans of human destruction, and establishes institutions of learning wherein are taught the most gigantic and expeditious modes of terminating life. The world witnesses a strange paradox when man, after thousands Of years of moral and intellectual advancement, still resorts to his physical nature to secure subservience to his desires. Might, not right, still rules the world with despotic sway. War, as a result of dissimilar views, necessarily follows from conflicting enlightenment in all departments of human thought. So long as * Contributed by W. A. Goodspeed minds refuse to see alike, conflicts will occur, storms of war will trouble the earth, and the reign of peace will be clouded. The first war with which Stark County had any connection was the Revolution. Although at that time no white men lived within the present limits of the county, except, perhaps, a few missionaries, whose object was peace, yet so many of the settlers who afterward came to the county were in the struggle for independence, that reference, though brief, must be made to that war. The causes of the Revolution and the terms by which the colonies became free and independent, are too familiar to be detailed here. It is thought that the hardest times the country has ever seen immediately succeeded the establishment of peace. The colonies were no less than bankrupt, and privations and hardships in the most direful degree were willingly borne when victory and peace were secured. The paper money, by means of which the war was carried on, was worthless, and the harvests, of necessity, had been so nearly neglected that starvation stared the colonies in the face. Time alone, and at last, retrieved the -havoc of war. When the country had in a measure recovered from the stroke, enterprising men and women began to push Westward. The Government offered extra inducements to settlers, and finally the rush for the West became so great that the settlers began to unlawfully invade the territory of the Western Indians. This brought down upon them numerous and bloody wars with the savages. Soon after Ohio, as a State, was created, settlers began to boldly appear, regardless of the rights of their red neighbors It has been estimated that 10 per cent of the white men who located in the county prior to 1815 had been engaged 'in the war for independence. The names of many of them will be found in   230 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY. the biographical department of this volume. At last another war with Great Britain cast its dark shadow over the land. When it became known in the West that war was inevitable, and had really been declared, the settlements were filled with distrustful forebodings. A coalition between the British and the Indians was anticipated, and, as soon as it became certain that this dreaded alliance had been effected, the pioneers throughout Eastern Ohio made hasty preparations for defense. Blockhouses were erected in the more exposed localities, and in all places the militia mustered and equipped themselves with the implements of war. In almost every settlement in the eastern part of the State, companies were organized for a determined resistance against any foe that might appear. A large blockhouse, about eighty feet square, was built at Wooster, but Canton, being an older settlement, in a less-exposed situation, and well supplied with brave men, concluded to forego the luxury of such a building. As nearly as can be ascertained, Canton, at that time, was the headquarters of the Third Regiment of the Second Brigade of the Fourth Division of Ohio Militia. Several companies belonging to this regiment had been accustomed, for a number of years, to muster in different portions of the county, principaly at the county seat. At last a call for troops was issued, and a movement was instituted to effect the organization of a company at Canton from the militia. George Stidger, who had seen active service in former years in the Eastern States, and who, it is said, had been honored with a General,s commission, was elected, or appointed, Captain. The company was yet incomplete, when a draft was ordered, and enough men were secured to form a respectable company of about seventy. Several men were drafted, who, from the fact that they had families dependent upon them for support, found it extremely inconvenient to leave home, and substitutes were called for. One hundred dollars became the prevailing price for a substitute, and a sufficient number to meet the demand were secured at this figure. The following is a complete list of the members of this company, secured after a great deal of trouble, from the Third Auditor of the United States Treasury, where the rosters of the Ohio volunteers of the war of 1812 are on file: George Stidger, Captain; Robert Cameron, Lieutenant; Daniel McClure, Ensign; John Miller, John Shorb, William V. Chamberlain, Christian Flickinger, Sergeants; George Cribs, Jacob Essig, John Rowland, Moses Andrews, Corporals; Thomas Neily, Bugler; and the following privates: Ezekiel Alexander, William Andrews, James Andrews, Thomas Alexander, William Brouse, James Black, Phillip Brouse, John Brouse, John Cutshall (perhaps Gotshall), John Clinger, George Crasimore, John Carper, Benjamin Croninger, Garret Cruson, Alexander Cameron, Samuel Duck, George Dewalt, Adam Essig, John Elder, Daniel Farber, James Gaff, Robert Gaff, Thomas Hoffard, John Kroft, John Koontz, George Kirkpatrick, Henry Livingston, Samuel McClellin, George Monroe, Jacob Myers, James Moore, John Potts, Samuel Patton, John Rogers, Abraham Roose, James Riddle, John Rise, Jacob Swigert, John Slusser, William Smith, Daniel Stephens, Thomas Shields, John Shineberger, Jacob Slusser, Robert Sorrels and Bezaleel Thompson. It is not known whether this is the roster at the time of muster in or muster out.. It is probable that others than those mentioned above served in this company, in which case their names would appear on the roll, as made out by the officers of the company at the time such men served. Such rolls are probably long ago destroyed. It is probable that the company was ordered into the service of the Government during the summer of 1812. The period of enlistment was six months. The British and the Indians were congregating at or near Detroit, and to hold them in check, several companies, organized in the eastern part of the State, and in Pennsylvania and Virginia, were ordered to the Maumee River, where they were to mass and unite on a means of attack or defense. Capt. Stidger,s company was first ordered to Wooster, where the troops remained a month or more, doing guard duty and enjoying themselves in a multitude of ways. Their base of supplies was at Canton, where beef, corn-meal, flour and other provisions were prepared and forwarded by wagon. Scouts were dispatched to inspect the neighboring Indian villages, and to notify the troops and the set- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 231 tlements of impending danger. Finally, the company received orders to proceed westward to Perrysburg, on the Maumee River, and to report there to the commanding General. The Stark County boys remained in this vicinity, enjoying themselves in every manner except encountering the enemy, until a short time before their period of enlistment had expired, when they were discharged and sent home. They had seen no active service, much to their declared disappointment. After this, although they were not in the service, yet, knowing that the war was not over, and that attacks from Indians might be expected at any moment, they did not disband, but mustered regularly one or more times a week, to, be in readiness for a possible attack, or for another call from the Government. However, they were not called out again. During the early stages of the war, a regiment of soldiers from Pennsylvania, passing through Canton with some thirty pieces of ordnance, stopped for the night. It is related by Daniel Dewalt, whose father kept a tavern, that one of the men in charge of a cannon traded both his horses, which were good ones, but used up by the journey, for one horse belonging to the former, giving at the same time $80 to boot. "As I sold one of the horses soon afterward for $100, that," says Mr. Dewalt, " was the best horse trade I ever made." Many interesting incidents are related of circumstances growing out of the war. On one occasion, it was reported by several men who had just arrived from the North, that the British were coming, that they had been seen disembarking from vessels on the lake, and that their appearance might be expected at any moment. This was sufficient to rouse the citizens to the utmost, and immediate preparations were made to receive the enemy in a fitting manner. Dwellings were barricaded, scouts were sent out to reconnoiter, and, amidst great excitement, an informal organization of militia was effected. Finally, a few ragged, half-clothed men appeared, who announced that they and their comrades were the parties that had landed at the lake. They were a portion of Gen. Hull's paroled soldiers. The citizens slowly relaxed their vigilance, though they continued to guard all points against an unexspected attack. While an attack from the British was possible, it was not regarded as probable, and the settlers in Stark County were not apprehensive on that score; but the Indians were looked upon in a different light. Large numbers were not far distant during the war, and reports were often in swift circulation that they meditated an attack on the whites. Two companies of militia were mustered in the county, one under Capt. Downing and the other under Capt. Sloane. While these companies were not in the service of the Government, they mustered regularly, and were kept in readiness to be called out at any moment, for the protection of the neighboring settlements, in case of an attack from the redskins. Comparatively nothing is remembered of these militia companies. It is quite certain that they took one or more excursions with a view of holding hands of Indians in check, who were thought to be contemplating an 'attack. Stark County took a prominent part in the war with Mexico. All are familiar with the circumstances resulting in this war. Briefly, the causes grew out of the admission of Texas into the Union. The "Lone Star State " had been a province of Mexico, but, a few years previous to its annexation to the United States, had thrown off the burdensome Spanish yoke, and organized an independent government. War followed between Texas and Mexico, and, at the battle of San Jacinto, which occurred in 1836, the Texans captured Santa Anna, Dictator of Mexico, together with a large part of his army, and succeeded in compelling him to acknowledge their independence, which he did very much after the fashion of the man referred to in Butler's Hudibras: "He that complies against his will, Is of his own opinion still." The succeeding treaty was wholly disregarded by the Mexicans, who continued their former, policy toward the hostile province. From this time onward, petitions were frequently presented to the United States by the Texans, praying for admission into the Union. There was a strong political element in the country opposed to this; and, to strengthen the feeling, and prevent, if possible, the United States from complying with the prayer, Mexico 282 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY. declared that the admission of Texas would be regarded as sufficient cause for a declaration of war with the States. In the Presidential canvass of 1844, the annexation of Texas was one of the leading issues before the people, and Mr. Polk, whose party favored the admission of Texas, being elected, this was taken as a public declaration on the subject. After this, Congress had no hesitancy in granting the petition of Texas, and, on the 1st of March, 1845, formally received her into the sisterhood of States. Mexico at once broke off all diplomatic relations with the United States, recalling her Minister and making immediate preparations for war. In May, 1846, Congress passed an act authorizing the President to accept the services of 50,000 volunteers, and appropriating $10,000,000 for the prosecution of the war. Immediately following this was a requisition by the President on the Governor of Ohio for 2,400 volunteers, in three regiments, and the Secretary of War urged all possible expedition in their enlistment. The call was for infantry, or riflemen, who were to organize and report at Camp Washington, Cincinnati. At this time, the old militia law was in force throughout the State, requiring the enrollment of all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, for military duty. Massillon was the headquarters of the Sixth Division of the Ohio Militia, the division commander being Maj. Gen. Dwight Jarvis, of that city. On the 25th of May, 1846, he issued an order to the several commandants of brigades in the Sixth Division, requiring them to muster their commands, to ascertain how many men could be got in readiness for war. Canton was the headquarters of the Second Brigade of the Sixth Division, the brigade commander being Brig. Gen. Samuel Lahm, who immediately ordered the organized militia of Stark County to muster as follows: The First Battalion of Light Infantry, at Canton, on the 5th of June; the First Regiment of Infantry, at Osnaburg, on the 6th of June; the Second Regiment of Infantry, at Bethlehem, on the 8th of June; and the Third Regiment of Infantry, at New Berlin, on the 9th of June. This order was followed by others to the same effect, from the various regimental command ers, and from Lieut. Col. Daniel Gotshall, of the First Battalion. On Friday, the 5th. of June, the First Battalion, consisting of one company from Canal Fulton, one from Bethlehem, one from Greentown, one from Louisville, one from Osnaburg and one from Canton —in all, six companies, of- about 400 fine-looking men—mustered at Canton, and, as a body, offered their services for the war. A few weeks prior to this event, Capt. James Allen, who had commanded a company in Texas in 1836, opened an enlistment office at Canton and issued a call for volunteers. Men came promptly forward, and, by the 5th of June, the company was nearly half completed. The 5th was an animating day, for bands of martial music paraded the streets to fire the dormant spirits of the citizens with the glory of war. Thrilling speeches were made, and many were added to the company of Capt. Allen. In the afternoon, the splendid ceremony of forming a hollow square was executed by the militia, and a fine sword was presented to Capt. Allen, amidst the rattle of musketry and the roll of drums. The partially formed company were in full uniform, and kindled the admiration of all as they marched, with wonderful regularity and precision, through the crowded streets of the county seat. It required but a short time after this memorable day to complete the enrollment of the necessary number of men, and Capt. Allen notified his superiors that his company was ready for marching orders. The call of the Governor for 2,400 volunteers was so promptly filled that, on the 8th day of June, he announced that many more than the required number had enlisted, a portion of whom could not be accepted. It is said that, when the militia throughout the State were called upon to muster and ascertain how many could be got in readiness for the war, 30 volunteered at Xenia; 36 in Warren County; 26 in- Muskingum; 20 in Fairfield; 6 in Lorain; 63 in Ross; 9 in Darke; over 40 in Portage; 208 in Clermont; 49 in Seneca; 30 in Sandusky; 41 in Licking; and nearly 400 in Stark. Massillon was made a secondary depot, where companies raised and supplies obtained in this portion of the State were ordered to report for the inspection of Gen. Jarvis. Capt. Allen's company was accepted by the Governor before the 10th of June, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 233 and, on the 13th, received orders to report at Camp Washington, Cincinnati. Before starting, the company received from the citizens of Massillon money and supplies to the value of about $200. The ladies of that city prepared a fine flag, which was presented in their names to the company, in a fine speech by Gen. Jarvis, to which Capt. Alien responded in the following glowing and eloquent words: "For the distinguished mark of respect and confidence just extended us by the ladies whom you represent, I would, in my own behalf, and in behalf of the company with whose command I have been honored, endeavor to thank you, were I gifted with fitting language to express our common gratitude. This beautiful flag, an offering of generous and holy hearts, shall be to us a hallowed treasure. The gift of pure and lovely women, we shall look upon it as a consecrated emblem, and our hearts draw inspiration of goodness from its contemplation. It is bequeathed to us from bosoms as pure and true as the unstained azure of its field, and from affections as bright as the stars in its mimic galaxy; and it shall be our pride and duty to love and honor and protect it while life throbs in our pulses and strength lingers in our arms. Present our adieux to the ladies who have thus so highly honored us, and say- to them that we have sworn never to prove unworthy of their confidence----never to disgrace this flag." The company "sailed" for Cincinnati on the 13th of June, followed by the tears and loving farewells of friends, and the well-wishes of all. Soon after reaching Camp Washington, the " Stark Rangers," as they were called, were assigned to the Third Regiment, which comprised ten companies, as follows: Allen's, of Stark County; Woodruff's, of Norwalk; Ford's, of Mansfield; Patterson's, of St. Clairsville; Nole's, of Zanesville; Moore's, of Wooster; McLaughlin's, of Mansfield; McCook's, of Steubenville; Meredith's, of Coshocton; and Chapman's, of Seneca County. The organization and equipment of . this regiment were soon effected, and, on the 3d of June, 1846, it was ordered, first to New Orleans, and thence across the gulf to Point Isabel, Texas. Capt. Allen's company consisted of eighty-four fine-looking men, as follows: James Allen, Captain; Sam- uel Beatty, First Lieutenant; Jacob G. Frick, Second Lieutenant; Abijah W. Baker, First Sergeant; William Hilbert, Second Sergeant; William S. Hartman, Third Sergeant; Louis E. Clement, Fourth Sergeant; Ralph S. Courtney, First Corporal; William McCurdy, Second Corporal; Robert Clayton, Third Corporal; Alonzo Waters, Fourth Corporal; and the following privates: Theodore Gibbons, James R. Stall, Findley McGrew, John L. Cross, W. C. Torrence, John Shannon, Isaac Doxey, Philip Martin, William Yawkey, Louis Heminger, Charles Bradley, Myron Monroe, John Link, John Dickas, Jereboam Creighton, Frederic Kisner, Jacob W. Rex, John Ulam, Charles H. Coombs, Andrew P. Gallaher, Ferdinand W. Haack, Thomas Thompson, Jacob Sebold, Jacob Eversole, Mathias Fox, John W. Wagner, John Matson, John R. Walter, George Stitzel, Joel B. Martin, Ambrose Essner, Samuel Stall, Jacob Fontainheim, Peter Kroft, Michael Matter, John -Stephens John Mun- grew, Martin Bohrer, Mathias Hoover, Jacob Reed, George M. Bolinger, John B. Collins, Robert M. Shilling, George A. Klingel, John Cotwinkle, John Garret, Wm. Dobson, Abraham Metz, John Fitzsimmons, Patrick Fitzpatrick, Isaiah Keltner, George Toffler, John Ankeney, Frederic Souter, Frederic Hobel, William H. Christmas, James Elliott, Charles Floom, Dewitt C. Whiting, William W. Has- tings Augustus Overtel, John Schlink, Fred- eric Marsh, Ambrose Meeks, John C. Meloney, Frederic Vogelgesong, Alexander Shirer, John Brischt, Peter Finney, Thomas Barnd, Samuel C. Fry, Christian Ledig and John Cox. This company, as given, left Massillon, but all did not return. Some of the poor boys fell under the stroke of the deadly diseases of the South, and their graves, like the tomb of Moses, are unknown. The company was designated K, and its position was on the extreme left wing of the Third Regiment. It was about ten days in going from Cincinnati by boat to New Orleans. After remaining encamped about ten days at Camp Jackson, near New Orleans, and on the site of Gen. Jackson's celebrated battle-field, the right wink of the regiment was ordered on board a schooner, and directed to report at Point Isabel, Texas. The left wing, of which the "Stark Rangers" formed a 234 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY. part, embarked on board a brig, commanded by Capt. Thompson, and, after a short, stormy passage, landed at Brazos Island. After a few weeks, the regiment was ordered to the mouth of the Rio Grande, and soon afterward to Bereta, thence to Brownsville, and finally to Matamoras, arriving at that point about the 1st of August, 1846. After remaining encamped for a short time, the regiment was divided, and the companies sent to different towns along the Rio Grande, to guard Government stores and repel sundry attacks from Mexican guerrillas. Company K was ordered into winter quarters at Fort Perides, where it remained until the 2d of January, 184'7, when marching orders were received to proceed to Camargo, where the troops arrived three days later. Some time afterward, they were ordered to Monterey, and, when on the way, learned of the battle of Buena Vista., They were met by Gen. Taylor when within about twenty-five miles of Monterey, who ordered a portion of the regiment in pursuit of a fragment of the defeated Mexican army. After a harassing though bloodless pursuit of three or four days, the troops returned and proceeded to Monterey, and encamped opposite Black Fort, but soon afterward were ordered to Saltillo. Here the small-pox broke out among the citizens, and,' to avoid the' contagion, the troops were ordered to pitch their tents on the battle-field of BuenaVista. The "Stark Rangers" remained in this vicinity until some time in May, 1847, when they were ordered to the Rio Grande, thence by boat to Brazos Island, and finally to New Orleans, where, on the 24th of June, 1847, their term of enlistment having expired, they were -mustered out of service, and the boys, those re maining, with light hearts, turned their faces toward their homes in Ohio. The " Stark Rangers" had participated in no engagement during the campaign, except perhaps a few shots with Mexican guerrillas. It is related by Mr. F. W. Haack, one of the company yet living at Canton, that the boys .at times received rough usage from their commanding officers. He states that, when the company were being conveyed on board the brig across the gulf from the mouth of the Mississippi to Brazos Island, the provisions were brought out and scattered along on deck, just as. the farmer scatters the corn for his swine. They were subjected to the severest military discipline while encamped at different points along the Rio Grande, and when one of their number died—Martin Bohrer--he was not given a decent burial, although he left abundant means which could be used for that purpose. Mr. Haack says that the boys were strictly forbidden to forage, but that they often disobeyed orders in this respect. One day, when on the march, he had charge of one of the wagons in the commissary train, and, seeing a number of fine fowls at one of the Mexican farms, he caught quite a number and secured them in his wagon. When he reached the next encampment and was unloading his live freight, he was suddenly approached by old "Rough' and Ready," who was sitting sideways, in a dirty and dilapidated suit of clothing, on. a bony old horse. The General noticed the fowls, and instantly inquired, in a loud tone: "Where in h-1 did you get those chickens?" Mr. Haack, with some misgivings, informed him, whereupon the General, after a pause, said, in a low tone, reflectively: "Y-e-e-s; well, you may cook one of them for me, and I'll be around shortly." Mr. Haack -did as ordered, preparing it in his best style, with an abundance of rich and excellent gravy. The General appeared promptly, sat down to the meal, and continued to eat and eat, until Mr. Haack thought he would never get enough. Finally, when all had disappeared, he arose from the camp-stool, and, walking up to Mr. Haack, said, quietly: "Look here, you prepare another of those chickens the same way, and I'll send around" (naming a favorite subordinate officer). Mr. Haack did so, whereupon the officer came forward and dispatched the fowl with even greater celerity than had the General. When nothing was left, he departed, with heart filled with glowing panegyrics for the skill of the cook. Great hardships were endured by the boys, on account of the extremely hot weather and the inferior quality and quantity of their rations. They were often compelled to drink water from ponds covered with a filthy green scum, and it is no wonder that their robust physical development often succumbed to the deadly Mexican miasma. Capt. Allen, in a HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 235 letter to some friend in Massillon, dated at Camargo, February 22, 1847, reports the following regarding his company: "John Brischt died August 8, 1846; William H. Christmas died August 12, 1846; 0. C. Billings died August 17, 1846; John Ankeny died October 20, 1846; William Hilbert died November 24, 1846; Martin Bohrer accidentally drowned in the Rio Grande December 27, 1846; George Stitzel died December 29, 1846; Frederick Habel died January 8, 1847. All these deaths occurred at Matamoras, and were mostly caused by raging fevers. In the meantime, the following were discharged for various reasons: Robert Clayton, who died at Cincinnati on his return home; Joel B. Martin; Abijah W. Baker; George Toffier; William Dobson; Mathias Hoover; Alexander Scheirer; Frederick Marsh; John Hendershot, who died at Springfield, Ohio, on his return; Samuel C. Fry; Mathias Fox; and Peter Kroft, who died at Cincinnati on his way home, and was buried in the potter's field. One of the company, Ralph S. Courtney, had deserted, and joined, it is supposed, one of the Indiana companies. The Captain also reported that his company had received recruits until it mustered about seventy men. Early in July, 1847, the company reached home, and, on the evening of the 17th of July, 1847, they were given a splendid reception and supper at the residence of Christian Cramer. Although the company had been discharged, the war was not over, and Capt. Taneyhill was authorized to enlist a company in Stark County, and, by the 17th of July, 1847, he had secured about sixteen volunteers, but the company was never completed. When the Third Regiment was mustered out of service, Col. Curtis volunteered again for the war, and was soon afterward appointed Governor of Saltillo. Many years have passed away since the Mexican war, and many of the " Stark Rangers" are laid at rest in the grave. The brave Mexican soldiers must not be forgotten amidst the glories and grand achievements of the last great war. So far as known, all of Capt. Allen's company are dead except the following: Samuel Beatty, living in Stark County; Jacob G. Frick, William S. Hartman, Louis E. Clement, in California; Theodore Gibbons, in California; John L. Cross, in Ohio; John Shannon, in Indiana; Isaac Doxey, near Massillon; Jereboam Creighton, in Summit County; John Ulam, in Indiana; Andrew P. Gallagher, in Stark County; Ferdinand W. Haack, near Canton; Thomas Thompson, at Akron; Jacob Se-bold, in Stark County ; Jacob Eversole, in Canton; John W. Wagner, in California ; John R. Walter, in Stark County ; Ambrose Essner, in Canton; Samuel Stall, in Indiana; Jacob Fontainheim, in Wayne County; George M. Bollinger, in Massillon; John Fitzsimmons, in Illinois; Isaiah Kiltner, in Ohio; Charles Floom, in Stark County; Dewitt C. Whiting, in Tuscarawas County; and Frederick Vogelgesong, in Canton. Thus ends the brief record of the part borne by Stark County in the war with Mexico. It may be said that several of the boys who had served with Capt. Allen in Mexico also enlisted and served in the last great war between the States. It is unnecessary to give a lengthy summary of the causes which led to the war of the rebellion. Occurring as it did but twenty years ago, its weary marches, dreadful sufferings from disease, and daring achievements on the field of battle, are yet green in the recollection of maimed and honored participants. Continued and extensive preparations for war were made in the South long before the North ceased to believe that the differences which bitterly divided the two factions of the Government might be amicably adjusted. Armed and hostile band's of the rebellious citizens of the South seized, at every opportunity, large quantities of military stores, and took forcible possession of important strategic points; but still the North was hopeful that peace would prevail. President Lincoln, with that kind forbearance—that magnanimous philanthropy or charity which ever distinguished him, and which enrolls his name on the brightest page of moral and intellectual greatness—wisely hesitated to begin the contest, -in hope that the South would accede to the demands of the Government and lay down the weapons of war. Hot-blooded Abolitionists in the North urged him repeatedly to strangle the hydra of secession in its infancy, but still he hesitated. He knew well the desolation that would deluge 236 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY. the country, for he had seen practical evidences of the fiery spirit which characterized the Southern people. Statesmen in the North viewed with reluctance or contempt the steady and aggressive movements for war in the South, and declared that the people in rebellion would not have the temerity or courage to continue the war longer than ninety days. Finally, the blow fell like a knell upon Sumter, and instantly kindled a flame of fiery indignation throughout the North. People of all parties forgot everything, save that the country given them by their ancestors was in imminent peril. Business was almost wholly suspended, and the citizens gathered in neighboring villages to face the situation and encourage one another with hopeful words. Intense excitement everywhere prevailed Scores of militia regiments tendered their services to the Government, and when, at last, President Lincoln called for 75,000 men to put down the rebellion, a wave of relief swept throughout the North. Ohio alone offered over' 80,000 men, the greater portion of whom were rejected. Massillon was the first place in Stark County to give public expression of the feeling on the subject of the war. Notices were circulated on the 16th of April, 1861, for a mass meeting of the citizens at Madison Hall on the same evening; and the room was packed with excited men of all parties. Gen. Jarvis called the meeting to order, and R. H. Folger, Esq., who was appointed Chairman, announced that the object of the meeting was to consider what the "exigencies of the hour demanded." He reviewed the situation in loyal and eloquent words, and stated that the call of the President for troops must be promptly and abundantly met. At the conclusion of his speech, three times three cheers were given, and immediately thereafter a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The members of .the committee were Gen. Dwight Jarvis, John McClymond and Hon. J. S. Kelley. The following resolutions were prepared, and adopted with a ringing and unanimous vote: WHEREAS, The Government being in imminent danger from formidable and organized bands of lawless men, bound together for the purpose of resisting the execution of the laws; and believing as we do, that it is indispensable that the laws should at all times be kept inviolate and the integrity of the Union preserved, therefore, Resolved, That we will not stop to inquire who is President of the United States in times of danger; but that it is the duty of every good-citizen to sustain the Government with alacrity and with a will. Resolved, That, at such times, we will bury all party feelings, and unite as a band of brothers to strengthen the constituted authorities of our country. Resolved, That the call of the Governor is well-timed and patriotic, and will meet with a prompt response. Resolved, That we cannot afford to have rebels and traitors in our midst, for " He that is not for our country, is against it." Resolved, That we have yet a country and a constitution, which we have inherited from our fathers—a banner under which their blood was shed. Rousing and patriotic speeches were made by many of the prominent citizens, and finally the meeting was adjourned, to meet again on the following Monday night. The Repository of the following week, in speaking of this meeting, said: "The meeting throughout was the grandest exhibition of genuine patriotism we have ever witnessed; and was fully indicative that there is a national party ready to vindicate the honor and integrity of the Government against all traitors, wherever dispersed." At Massillon, the names of 100 young men were enrolled on Thursday and Friday, April 18 and 19. This was the company of which Albert F. Beach was Captain. It was fully organi zed and ready to march to the field on Monday, the 22d of April, 1861. Immediately after - the, meeting at Massillon, others were held at almost every town in the county, and in every instance movements were effected to enlist companies for the war. A rousing meeting was held at Alliance, and many signified their willingness to enlist, and their names were enrolled. Canton was somewhat slow in holding a mass meeting of the citizens. Small assemblages of men convened to listen to loyal words, but no general meeting was held until the 9th of May, when almost the entire county met at Canton to listen to the following speakers: John McSweeney, Esq., Hon. B. F. Leiter, Mr. Upham, H. M. McAbee, Seraphim Meyer, R. H. Folger and others. This was one of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in Stark County. It is stated that, about this time, at least one thousand men in the county sig- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 237 nified their willingness to serve the Government A company had been organized at Canton a number of years before, and was known as the " Canton Zouaves," James Wallace being Captain. Another company, called the "Canton Light Guards," had also been organized under the State militia law. This was commanded by Capt. Samuel Beatty. The headquarters of these two companies were at Canton. A company at Alliance, known as the " Alliance Guards," under Capt. James McGarr, offered its services for the war. The company at Massillon under Capt. Beach was called the "Massillon Light Guards." These four companies, after being re-organized and recruited, left the county early in May, and, by the middle of June, all were on duty in Western Virginia."Williams,' Battery," commanded by Capt. W. S. Williams, went from Canton to Columbus, and finally into Virginia, about the same time. In the meantime and thereafter, the rapid enlistment of Stark County men went on. Every effort was made by prominent men at this time, and afterward, to fill the quota of troops called for, but at last the county was compelled to resort to the draft A military committee was appointed, and a local bounty was offered for volunteers, and the draft was postponed; but at last it came, on the 1st of October, 1862, at which time 571 men were drafted, about 500 of whom were sent into the field. During the progress of the war, and especially at its early stages, there were a number of men in the county, some of them being prominent citizens, who conscientiously thought that the Government had no right to coerce the seceding States. Some of these men were outspoken in their opinions, resisted the progress of the enlistment and the draft, and got into serious difficulty for so doing. . On several occasions, open riots of a mild nature resulted from the clashing of public sentiment on the questions growing out of the war. Several arrests were made, and at last open or public opposition to the war was avoided. About the 7th ofNovember,, 1861, the military committee reported that 854 volunteers had enlisted from Stark. The following is a list of the number of volunteers in the field from the county at the time of the annual. assessment in 1862: