Sac County IAGenWeb - 1914 History - Chapter XII

While it should be remembered in reading this chapter that Sac county was unsettled to any great extent at the opening years of the Civil War period and long after all the other great conflicts of this country had been fought, hence had no part in such wars as the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, yet it was not without loyalty to the flag of the country. When her people had an opportunity to speak and act in defense of the starry banner during the Civil War, a goodly number responded to the call of President Lincoln, as well as to the call of President William McKinley during the Spanish-American struggle in 1898. But it is not without profit to the reader of local annals to be posted also as to the issues and final call to arms in struggles which have gone down into history, even though but few of the brave sons of the few men who resided on Sac county soil were permitted to engage in these wars fought for the upbuilding of the state and nation's honor and integrity.

Of the Civil War of the sixties it should be stated that the institution of slavery had long been a source of trouble between the free and slave-holding states. The latter were always troubled with the thought that the former would encroach upon their rights, and nothmg could be done to shake this belief. Compromise measures were adopted from time to time. Threats of secession were frequently made by the slave-holding states, but as some measures of a conciliatory character were passed, no attempts were made to carry out their threats. Finally came the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the adoption of a measure styled the Kansas-Nebraska bill. This bill in Congress opened up territory north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes latitude to slavery, which, under the Compromise of 1820, was forever to be free. About the time of the passage of this act, the Whig political party was in a state of dissolution and the great body of that party were opposed to the passage of the bill. These, with a few Democrats, joined together and formed the Republican party early in the fifties. It had for its object the prevention of the extension of slavery into other territory. The people of the South believed, or rather imagined, they saw in this new party not only an organized effort to prevent the extension of slavery, but one that would eventually be used to destroy slavery in those states in which it already existed.

In 1860 four presidential tickets were in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the Republicans, Stephen A. Douglas of the National Democrats, John C. Breckenridge of the Pro-Slavery interests, and John Bell of the Constitutional-Union party. The latter party was chiefly made up from the old American or Know-Nothing party. Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in case Lincoln was elected President. But the people were so accustomed to threats from the South that little heed was paid to it.

On December 20, i860. South Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared "That the Union now existing between South Carolina and the other states of the American Federation is dissolved, and that the state of South Carolina has resumed her position among the nations of the earth as a free and sovereign and independent state, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all things which independent states may of right do."

On the 24th Governor Pickens issued a proclamation declaring that "South Carolina is, and has the right to be, free and independent as a state, and as such has right to levy war, conclude peace, and do all acts whatsoever that rightfully appertain to a free and independent state."

On the 26th Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor. Two days previously he wrote President Buchanan's secretary of war, John B. Floyd, as follows: "When I inform you that my garrison consists of only sixty effective men. and that we are in very indifferent works, the walls of which are only fourteen feet high; and that we have, within one hundred and sixty yards of our fort, sand hills which command our works and which afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for sharpshooters; and that besides this there are numerous houses, some of which are in pistol range, and you will at once see that if attacked in force, headed bv anyone but a simpleton, there is scarcely a possibility of our being able to hold out long enough for our friends to come to our succor."

His appeals for reinforcements were seconded by Gen. Winfield Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan, and entirely ignored by Secretary of War John B. Floyd.

On the 28th South Carolina troops occupied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney and hoisted the Palmetto flag on the ramparts. On the 29th John B. Floyd resigned his place in the cabinet, charging that the President, in refusing to remove Major Anderson from Charleston harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil war. and added: "I cannot consent to be the agent of such a calamity."

On that same day the South Carolina commissioners presented their official credentials at Washington, which on the next day were declined. Georgia declared secession January 2, 1861, and took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta and Forts Pulaski and Jackson. The Southern states, one by one, kept "going out of the Union," as secession was termed. On February 1st the rebels seized the United States mint at New Orleans. February 9th that year, a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it being the constitution of the United States "reconstructed" to suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen president, and Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, vice-president of the "Confederate States of North America." Jeff Davis was inaugurated February 18, 1861, and President Lincoln on March 4th. April 12, 1861, the surrender of Fort Sumter was demanded of Major Anderson, but he stoutly protested. Fire was at once commenced upon the little garrison of about sixty men by thousands of guns in the hands of the rebel troops. Sunday morning, April 14th, the news flashed everywhere over the country that Fort Sumter had been surrendered by the brave commander. Thus commenced the long-drawn-out Civil war.

"Slow to resolve, be swift to Do!
Teach ye the False, how fights the True!"

On Monday, April 15th, President Lincoln issued this famous proclamation to the people of the country:

"Whercas, The laws of the United States have for some time past, and are now opposed and the execution thereof obstructed, in the states of South Carolina, Alabama. Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals; now therefore, I. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United .States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, have thought to call forth the militia of the several states of the Union to the number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress said combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed.

"The details for this subject will be immediately communicated to the State authorities through the war department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and to aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Union and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first services assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to re-possess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the object aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the combinations aforesaid to disperse and retire peaceablv to their respective abodes, within twenty days from this date.

"Deeming the present condition of public affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. The senators and representatives are, therefore, summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at twelve o'clock noon on Thursday the fourth day of July next,' then and there to consider and determine such measures as in their wisdom the public safety and interest may seem to demand.

"In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

"Done at the city of Washington, the tifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. and of the independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.

"By the President.
"Abraham Lincoln.

"W. H. Seward.
Secretary of State."

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to crush the South - no nor did ten times that number suffice, but the work of raising men under the numerous calls - 75,000, 200,000, 300,000, 500,000 and other calls - was pushed forward in order to raise a sufficient force to put down the Rebellion. Iowa furnished more than seventy thousand men, from tirst to last, in the civil conflict.

Coming now to the history made in that war by the people of Sac county, it should be stated that when Fort Sumter was fired upon in April. 1861, the population in this county was only two hundred and forty-six persons. At the end of the war it had only reached a few more than three hundred, hence it could not be expected that many soldiers could be mustered from Sac county in defense of the flag of the Union.

During the civil conflict Sac county did all in her power to furnish volunteers and care for soldiers' families while such men were fighting at the front in the Southland. The minutes of the board of county supervisors in 1863 notes this: "Ordered, that Sarah E. Cory be allowed the sum of fourteen dollars out of the volunteers fund."

Another order in December of the same year reads: "Ordered that the board offer seventy-five dollars each to any four men who shall volunteer in the United States service, by January 5, ]864."'

Other such entries include the following: That "Thirteen dollars be allowed from the volunteer's fund of Sac county to the wife of William Allen, a soldier's wife, who has four children to care for." This was protested by M. S. Lee, member of the board, on the ground that Mr. Allen was not accredited to Sac county by the military records of the department.

In 1864 the war was beginning to be more frightful and serious than at any time before that. In January of that year, the board made this entry: "Ordered that the county offer three hundred dollars to any four men who shall volunteer under the last call of President Lincoln for more troops."

In February, 1864, it was raised to three hundred dollars for any single man who would enlist in the Union army from Sac county.

The great war ended on April 9, 1865, and in August of the same year, thinking well of the valiant serxices rendered by Sac county soldiers, the board of supervisors made this resolution: "Ordered that Sac county pay the sum of three hundred dollars to each soldier volunteer accredited to this county who has not already received a bounty for his enlistment. With this was the following patriotic resolution: "Therefore be it resolved that the prayer of certain petitioners in Sac county. Iowa, be granted with the following expression of sentiment, viz: First, that three hundred dollars bounty be allowed to each soldier who served in said military service from Sac county. Iowa, as so accredited, in putting down the Rebellion - that is, he who really enlisted from Sac county. Second, that the board shall be the judges of who shall receive said bounty when sufficient evidence is produced. Third, that said bounty shall be paid in the shape of orders drawn on the volunteer fund of said county and delivered after being drawn and shall draw interest from their dates at the rate of ten per cent, per annum until paid."

In September, 1865, it is shown that it was "Ordered that James P. Kromer and James Shelmerdine each be paid three hundred dollars bounty."

The last of such entries appears to be that of October, 1865, when William Cory was allowed three hundred dollars bounty from the volunteer's fund of Sac county.

From year to year the needy soldiers have been cared for by the county, as well as by the general government. In 1910 the "relief fund" for soldiers in Sac county amounted to one thousand seven hundred and three dollars.

According to the state census reports of 1905, the classified list of Union soldiers residing in Sac county at that date is as follows: Total number soldiers in county 176; number who enlisted in Iowa regiments 53; number in Illinois regiments 45; number in Wisconsin regiments 21; number in Indiana regiments 10; number in Ohio regiments 10.

VETERANS IN 1884

From a list published in the Sac Sun in 1884, the following appears to have been the correct list of Civil war veterans drawing pensions in Sac county, given by towns:

Odebolt
H. W. Vandermark
B. F. Stearns
Mart Shelley
John D. Evans
George W. Johnson
widow of comrade McKinney
Cornelius Shea
Arthur H. Montgomery
George Long
William F. Bettis
Jacob Meyer
Catherine (widow of comrade) Mummy
John H. Scott
Asa B. Smith
Charles R. Dingman
Owen K. Boort
John Guilford
John W. Savage
James Level
Hiram B. Smith
Marsh Duane
Simeon Bowker
James M. Stratton

Sac City
Farnsworth Cobb
A. M. Cory
Denziel Clark
William E. Cooper
Joseph K. Staton
Henry W. Shumake
Byron Hovey
Charles W. Hammond
Harman A. Jones
Alexander Watterson
Catherine (widow of comrade) O'Shea
John T. Wallen
Johanna (widow of comrade) King
William L. Reed
Eli Haradon
Sarah B. (widow of comrade) Grimes
Francis M. Rother
David Ross McClosky
James E. Armstrong
Truman Churchill

Wall Lake
Adam Hoxender
Wallace Bedford
George Blass
Horace B. Allen
Nathan Allen
William Johnston

Early
James Magclin
Clarrissa (widow of comrade) McClure
James Shelmerdine

Fletcher (now Lake View)
Charles Potts

Grant City
Orin C. Crandall

Total number, fifty-eight; total amount received monthly as pension, $476.33.

SAC COUNTY'S FIRST CAMP FIRE

In September, 1884, there occurred a splendid old soldiers' Grand Army camptire in the beautiful grove of the late Judge Eugene Criss, a half mile to the east of Sac City, lasting three days and over. It was participated in by many adjoining towns and cities, and thousands of comrades attended, besides as many more civilians. The grounds were in excellent condition and at their entrance there stood several brazen cannon ready to belch forth on a moment's warning. The program commenced on Tuesday morning, when cannon boomed and musketry was heard up and down the Coon valley, as it had been on Southern battle fields in the Civil-war period. The night was made noisy throughout the entire hours, the "boys" who had worn the blue were in evidence on every hand, in and out of town, with guns and without. It rained during the night, but that made no difference, the old veterans were not afraid of the elements, but kept thinking of other nights of rain and storm, far from home and friends, in a real enemy's land.

On the second day there was a great sham battle enacted and successfully fought between the North and South. This was on the Sac county fair grounds. The Union forces were in command of "General" P. H. Hankins, and the rebel forces were under command of "Lieut.-General" D. Carskaddon. The following is a pen picture of the engagement by the editor of the Sac Sun James X. Miller, who was a veteran and took part in the battle:

"Finding the fire from the fort too hot for the skirmishers General Hankins ordered up the reserve commanded by 'Brigadier-Generals' Webster and Goldsmith (assumed titles). They presented a fine appearance as they marched in solid phalanx across the open field, flags and banners streaming and the band playing inspiring strains under a fearful fire from the rebels, who could be seen mustering their clans for the final conflict. Halting within a hundred yards of the fort, the order to charge was given and with fixed bayonets the bovs sprang forward with wild cheers. But within twenty yards of the fort the fire became ton hot for mortal men to endure, and for once thev wavered, then halted, and finally fled, while the rebels poured out over the breast-works in pursuit. It seemed as if the day was lost, but it was only for a moment. By the superhuman effort of its officers, the line was halted and again formed for a second charge. It seemed like certain death to face the fierce fire from the fort, but it was death or capture to remain. The ammunition was almost exhausted and nothing remained but to charge. "General" Rother was ordered with bis commantl on the left, which he proceeded to do with great success. Again the order to charge was given, and the boys sprang forward with a wild cheer, answered from the rebel fort with a yell of defiance, and a fire that told of deadly effect upon the advancing foe. Not a shot was fired by the Union forces, until they sprang upon the breastworks, when they poured forth a volley with such terrible results that the gray coats turned and ran for their lives, leaving their dead and wounded. Alice Post captured the flag and Company E took the staff. Cheer after cheer rent the air and the victory was complete. General Carskaddon and all his staff were captured, with three thousand men, the balance of his force escaping across the Cedar river, the Union forces being too much exhausted to follow them. It was a glorious victory and settled the fates of the invading army, which only two days before had come flushed with high hopes of a conquest."

Following the battle, dress parade was held by Commander Hankins and the camp was formally disbanded. Most of the veterans departed by train or otherwise, and the night passed in peace and quietude. The next day the tents were struck, the flags furled and the camp (which was called Camp Eugene Criss (after him who owned the land) resumed the normal state. The old veterans of the Civil \Var returned to their homes refreshed and inspired by the stirring scenes and each resolved that so long as life lasted the memory of the great conflict should not pass away.

The commands that participated in this reunion of soldiers, and who
fought the sham battle, included the following, with some others:
Sac City Post No. 284
Jeff C. Davis Post No. 44 of Carroll
Allee Post No. 113 of Manson
Sons of Veterans Post No. 111, Scranton
Lander Post No. 156, Lake City
Col. Goodrich Post No. 117, Odebolt
McPherson Post No. 33, Manning
C. C. Washburn Post No. 282, Grant City
N. P. Wright Post No. 291, Glidden
Bud Hazen Post No. 237, Luck Valley
Belle Post, Kingsley
John T. Compton Post, Churdan
Opedyke Post No. 322, Rockwell City
Company E, Iowa National Guards, Carroll

In 1886 a second reunion and campfire was held by the soldiers of this section at Sac City, at which almost five hundred veterans were in attendance. Among the features of the occasion was the hanging of a spy and the drumming out of camp of a supposed hog thief. Gen. Josiah Given, of Des Moines, was one of the prominent speakers. A sham battle was also fought this year, as on the former occasion. The gate receipts were about nine hundred dollars. Colonel Temple presented his famous "Union Spy," assisted by local talent. It was by all odds the finest event of all at that reunion. Among the persons who took part as actors and actresses in this play may be recalled the names of home-folk as follows: Messrs. Parker, Hart, Goldsmith, Derby and Mrs. Nutter, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Derby, Miss Lola Early and Charlie Woodward.

A camptire was held at Wall Lake in February, 1887, and, notwithstanding the fact that the mercury was twenty-two degrees below zero, the soldiers assembled from Sac City, Wall Lake, Lake City and Odebolt and, with the assistance of the ladies, had a most enjoyable occasion. A good supper was prepared by the ladies and the company listened to a rousing speech from Captain Head, of Jefferson.

A great soldiers' reunion for all northwestern Iowa was held at Sac City in lune, 1890, which brought its thousands of old veterans here.

SOLDIERS' MONUMENTS

Among the beautiful soldiers' monuments in Sac county is the one at Sac City in Monumental square, opposite the court house, erected by a one-mill tax provided for by law in 1892. It was built at an expense of three thousand four hundred and seventy-two dollars, and dedicated November 21, 1894, when it was unveiled in the presence of a large throng of people from all parts of this and adjoining counties. Hon. Philip Schaller acted as presiding officer of the day. The cord which held the draping of the statute was unloosened bv little Miss Emily Needham of Lake View. Chairman A. B. Smith, of Odebolt, presented the monument to the county, and was replied to by County Supervisor M. E. Wright. I. A. Cory, who fifed on the same spot in 1861 to recruit volunteers, was called out and played again the stirring music he had played thirty-four years before. The speaker of the day was Hon. George D. Perkins, member of Congress and editor of the Sioux City Journal, who made a long, telling and well-received oration. During his remarks he stated, "Sac county was a babe in the arms of Iowa when the Civil War broke out. It was little then that you could give. The federal census only gave you two hundred and forty-seven population in i860, and of course not many could be expected from so few, but you sent some, even under the early calls and Sac county is thereby credited with ten or a dozen altogether. But after the war many soldiers returned and sought homes and fought here as pioneers. Iowa and Sac county owes to them a debt of gratitude. You have put up this monument here for the Union soldiers; a tribute to the defenders, in the name of the soldier citizenship of Sac county for the republic. In this broad spirit you dedicate your work and in this spirit it is to be remembered of you while its foundations endure."

So large was the throng in attendance that the opera hall wnuld not hold the people and the Presbyterian church was used for an overflow place, and there Mr. Perkins spoke for a short time, as well as seveial others, including Reverend Whitfield, Chairman Charles Early and others. Campfires were held at the Methodist Episcopal church in the evening and also at the Baptist Institute chapel, W. ]. Dixon presiding at the former and W. H. Hart at the latter.

This monument was erected by contractors Woods, McNeely & Company of Marshalltown, Iowa, from Barre granite, and the bronze statue was by the world-famous Maurice J. Powers of New York. The Hon. George D. Perkins secured through Congress four five-ton condemned cannon, which defend each of the four corners of the park, now so attractive to the passersby. The monument consists of four bases and the entire structure is nineteen feet high, with the volunteer infantrymen in bronze surmounting the granite shaft and spacious bases. The weight of the monument is thirty-two tons.

The corner-stone was laid with Masonic rites, August 5, 1892. The Iowa State Band and several drum corps were present. Addresses were made by W. H. Hart of Sac City, and pioneer E. Criss served as officer of the day. Many articles were deposited in the corner-stone.

The names of every soldier who served from Sac county in the Civil War has been inscribed upon this monument, except "Chan" Browning, Laws and John Bugr, and this list is as follows:

George C. Browning, Company D, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, died February
28, 1864
William Cory, Company H, Tenth Iowa Infantry, died June 6, 1886
Harvey W. Cory, Company H, Tenth Iowa Infantry
Thaddeus A. Grey, Company C, Eighth Iowa Infantry
John Alexander, Second Battery of Light Artillery, died February 19, 1908
J. W. Tiberghien, Company H, Eighth Iowa Infantry
Henry C. Hubbard, Company A, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, died
January 2, 1863
James Shelmerdine, Company A, Twenty-sixth Infantry
James Kromer, Company A, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry
George W. Birch, Company A, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, died December 19, 1881
Wiliam G. Wine, Company I, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry
Hugh Cory, Company K, Seventh Iowa Cavalry
C. W. Tuffs, Company B, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, died November 10, 1876
George W. Porter, Company L, Fourth Iowa Cavalry
John Duncan, Company L, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, died October 15, 1903
W. R. Nevin, Company M, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, died September 17, 1896
Jeremiah Bugr, Company E, Sixth Iowa Cavalry
J. O. Tuffs, Company D, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, died June 21, 1903

On the sides of the base of the monument are the words "Shiloh," "Gettysburg," "Vicksburg,"' and "Winchester," while on the one side of the shaft is the inscription, "Erected by the Citizens of Sac County, Iowa, to the Memory of Her Soldier Heroes of the Civil War. Dedicated November 21, 1894."

Another fine monument to the heroes of the Rebellion is that erected in the new addition of Oakland cemetery, which is described in the city chapter of this work.

INSPECTION OF THE IOWA SOLDIERS' HOME

Under appointment, Hon. Phil Schaller of Sac City, in 1906, inspected the Soldiers' Home, at Marshalltown. and in his report he gives the following as the daily allowance for food stuffs at that state institution: 355 pounds of beef; 300 pounds of mess pork, bacon or sausage, or 380 pounds of pork loin, or 350 pounds of ham, along with 40 pounds of sugar, 200 pounds of flour, 20 pounds of coffee, two pounds of tea, five bushels of potatoes, 160 gallons of milk, 40 pounds of butter, and twn bushels of beans and pickles and other relishes.

THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

In the spring of 1898 war was declared against the government of Spain, and President William McKinley issued the following proclamation:

"Whereas, a joint resolution of Congress was approved on the twentieth day of April, 1898, entitled 'Joint resolution for the recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba, and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect,' and

"Whereas, by an act of Congress entitled 'An act to provide for temporarily increasing the military establishments of the United States in time of war and for other purposes,' approved April 22, 1898, the President was authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the United States:

"Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth volunteers to the aggregate number of one hundred and twenty-five thousand in order to carry into effect the purpose of said resolution; the same to be apportioned, as far as practicable, among the several states and territories and the District of Columbia, according to population, and to serve two years, unless sooner discharged. The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities through the war department.

"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

"Done at the City of Washington, this twenty-third day of April, A. D. 1898, and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second.

(Seal)

"By the President: William McKinley

"John Sherman
"Secretary of State"

At the date of this war Sac county had two thousand two hundred and
ninety-nine men subject to military duty, and many were only too eager to
participate in the war with Spain, but owing to the fact that the number of
men required to suppress the Spaniards in their attempt to hold Cuba in
enslavement and tyrany was so limited only a few were permitted to enlist
from Sac county. Among such were those of the Forty-second Regiment,
who had been citizens of this county at one time or another, or were at the
date of the war, namely:

Samnel B. Culp of Company C
Daniel S. Spangler, Company D
Harry S. Blackman, Company H
David C. Conner, Company I
B. Hutcheson, Company B
Eugene R. Allen, Company C
Richard M. Schoonmaker, Company D
Claude G. Bennick, Company M
Roy S. Parker
Gib Mason

COMPANY M, IOWA NATIONAL GUARD

In the summer of 1900 Company M, Iowa National Guard was organized at Sac City, and in June, 1901, a fine armory was provided for them, but in a few years things changed about and the company was disbanded and organized at Cherokee. The armory was later used for a tobacco warehouse and finally destroyed by fire.

Upon the return of the Spanish-American soldiers to Iowa, the Sac Sun had the following editorial on that event:

'"The Fifty-first Iowa Regiment reached Council Bluffs on Monday last (November, 1898) and a royal welcome was accorded them by a vast multitude that had assembled from all western Iowa. At the parade were seen Governor Shaw and his staff, and many prominent lowans, a dozen bands of music, with the officers and men of the Fifty-first Regiment in full uniform. At the formal ceremony of welcome, Hon. John N. Baldwin, of Council Bluffs, presided. Governor Shaw addressed the throng, as did Congressman Hull, Fred White, Lafayette Young, Judge McPherson and Mavor Jennings of Council Bluff's. The 'boys' were given a big dinner and then took the train for Des Moines and other southern Iowa points. There were only eight companies that took part in the parade and ceremonies; the others, including the Council Bluffs company, arrived later in the dav and were enthusiastically welcomed. As the train reached the towns, namely, Council Bluffs, Villisca, Glenwood, Knoxville, Shenandoah, Oskaloosa, Creston, Bedford, Corning, Red Oak, formal greetings were accorded them. But the best of all was having the privilege of embracing friends at home and sitting at home with loved ones. There are homes in Iowa in which the return of the brave boys call up fresh sorrow for some soldier lads whole life was yielded in his country's cause; but happily these sorrowing homes are fewer than could have been expected when the call for troops was made. Iowa soldiers return to civil life crowned with honors, filled with patriotic zeal, and no doubt glad to resume the vocations they pursued ])efore their enlistment."

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

The first post of the Grand Army of the Republic in Sac county was that organized at Odebolt, No. 117, in the fall of 1882 - at least that seems to be the opinion of the few surviving comrades in the county today. Its number indicates that Odebolt was first to form a post here. The history of this post runs as follows:

At Odebolt, Col. Goodrich Post No. 117 was organized December 22, 1882, by Col. C. G. Wright, of Denison, Iowa, with the following charter membership:

W. W. Stanfield
H. W. Stratton
D. H. Waterman
D. Lesher
W. E. Mill
J. Austin
William Graham
H. H. Bangs
H. W. Vandermark
Henry Keck
J. W. Burnside
Asa B. Smith
D. W. Flack
George Conant
M. D. Fox
Oscar Draper
N. Kenady
H. Hovender
J. M. Stratton
F. F. Webster
S. Bowker
W. H. Hess

This post has carried on its muster rolls one hundred and eight veterans of the Civil War. At one time it was the strongest post in Sac county, and there is only one old soldier in the vicinity of Odebolt who has not joined this post. It has been reduced by removals and deaths until only eleven now remain. Twenty-four are buried in the Odebolt cemetery. Soon the last soldier of that terrible conflict who settled in Odebolt will have answered the last call!

In passing it should be stated that the first elective officers of this post of Grand Army men were as follows:
D. W. Flack, commander
W. W. Stanfield, senior vice-commander
J. W. Burnside, junior vice-commander
William Graham, adjutant

The officers in February, 1914, are:
W. H. Hess, commander
L. Olney, senior vice-commander
W. H. Mitt, junior vice-commander
M. D. Fox, adjutant

Probably the second post to organize in the county was the one at Grant City, known as No. 282, which for years was a strong post, but, its numbers having been cut down by death and removals, the charter was given up and what few soldiers there are left in that vicinity attend meetings and belong to the Lake City Post in Calhoun county.

Gen. W. T. Sherman Post No. 284 at Sac City, was originally organized under the name of Sac Post No. 284, and retained that name until the death of General Sherman, and in 1891 was changed, by order of the state department, as will be observed by the following record:

"Cedar Rapids, lowa, March 11, 1891

"Special Order No. 113 (series of 1890-91)

"Post No. 284, Department of Iowa, G. A. R., having made the first and earliest claim to assume the name of Gen. W. T. Sherman, which the death of that eminent and esteemed commander made possible to do so, and having by vote of said post duly certified to these headquarters adopted such name of Gen. W. T. Sherman in lieu of 'Sac,' by which it has since been known, such change in name is hereby approved and the said post will hereafter be enrolled and known as the Gen. W. T. Sherman Post No. 284, Department of Iowa, G. A. R.

"M. P. Mills
"Officially signed: Deputy Commander

"Charles J. Longley
"Assistant Adjutant-General"

In 1889, through the generosity of D. Carr Early, this post was provided with an eighty-dollar historical record book, which was large, well ruled and planned to last many years. It was made the subject of a lengthy set of resolutions. The book contains the history and record of the post from first to last.

By public subscription and a stock company, known as the Gen. W. T. Sherman Hall Association, organized in July, 1891, with Phil Schaller as its president and Sidney Smith its secretary, the present beautiful post hall that adorns the west side of the city park, known as Monumental park, was erected of brick at a considerable expense. It is the home of this post and here the Grand Army, the Sons of Veterans and Woman's Relief Corps have always met since its construction. It is well furnished, and its walls are embellished with flags, banners and charters of the several orders.

This post had for its charter members:
Harlow J. Baxter, private in Company K, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry
Hayman A. Jones, private in Company D, Fifth Iowa Infantry
Thomas B. Mansfield, private in Company E, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry
John T. Watson, corporal in Company I, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry
Phil Schaller, sergeant in Company E, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry
David W. Graff, private in Company L, Second Illinois Cavalry
Charles E. Lane, private in Company C, Twentyfirst Iowa Infantry
Charles D. Goldsmith, private in Company I, Fiftysixth New York Infantry
David W. Moffatt, private in Company B. Twelfth Illinois Infantry
Gilbert Wilcox, private in Company C, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry
Chauncey Kester, private in Company F, Eighth New York Artillery
Frank Pillond, private in Company E, Second Iowa Cavalry
George M. Parker, private in Company H, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry
Henry Schanck, corporal in Company F, Twelfth Illinois Infantry
James N. Miller, private in Company A, Twelfth West Virginia Infantry
Preston H. Hankins, private in Company D, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry
John Butler, corporal in Company D, Second Iowa Cavalry
Alexander Watterson, private in Company D, Fourth Vermont Infantry
Frederick Seitz, private in Company D, Twentieth Iowa Infantry
Aurelius Barney, private in Companv D, Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry
William E. Cooper, private in Company K, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry
James A. Sawyer, private in Company D, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infantry
Cassius E. Hankins, private in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Infantry
James W. McClosky, corporal in Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry

The first officers elected in this post included the following comrades:
P. H. Hankins, post commander
J. L. Watson, senior vice-commander
H. A. Jones, junior vice-commander
George M. Parker, adjutant
Phil Schaller, quartermaster
C. E. Lane, chaplain
H. C. Graff, ofificer of the day
H. J. Baxter, officer of the guard
D. W. Graff, quartermaster sergeant
C. E. Hankins, sergeant major

The post was organized at the Knights of Pythias hall and were then taken to the old Hendrickson house, for "an elegant banquet," as they had told their wives and lady friends. The ladies were there in waiting and when the dining hall was opened they found only this bill of fare in waiting for them; Tin-plates, hard-tack, sow-belly, beans, hominy, coffee without milk or cream. After this "feast," all enjoyed a genuine soldier's dance.

The post at Sac City now has a membership of thirty-six old Civil-War
soldiers. There have been enrolled at different dates one hundred and fifty seven-soldiers' names on the books of this post. The officers in 1914 are as
follows:
M. C. Haradon, commander
George Matson, senior vice-commander
Perry Myrick, junior vice-commander
W. H. Johnson, adjutant
D. M. Belt, quartermaster
Hugh Cory, sergeant
B. C. Hovey, chaplain
N. B. Toole, officer of the day
J. Sawyer, officer of guard

At Schaller, there was a post known as W. D. Price No. 392, organized either in 1885 or 1886, and at one time had eighteen members on its rolls, but it has decreased to six and only three of these reside in Schaller. They still hold a charter, having paid up their per capita to the state department.

There is also a small post at Early, and one at Wall Lake, all of which are feeling the touch of time's hand, and ere long must surrender their charter, or unite with the largest post now in the county, the Sac City post above named and described.

SONS OF VETERANS

Many years ago it appeared to the sons and grandsons of soldiers of the Civil War, living in Sac City, that it would be wise to form a camp of that country-wide organization, The Sons of Veterans, and it was accomplished forthwith. In 1911 the camp had a membership of almost thirty sons and grandsons of the "boys in blue" who fought from '61 to '65 in order to preserve intact the Union. Meetings are held at Gen. W. T. Sherman post room of the Grand Army of the Republic in Monumental square, in the heart of the city. But a few years more and the last Civil War soldier will be gone, and it is highly proper that these, their offspring, shall perpetuate the loyalty and patriotism their brave sires possessed. But for some reason, the younger generation does not fully interest themselves in such matters, and this camp has virtually suspended operations, which is to he greatly regretted.

Chapter XII Military History of the County History of Sac County, Iowa 1914

Chapter XII
Military History of the County
History of Sac County, Iowa
1914