HISTORY OF
ORANGE COUNTY

CHAPTER 7

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED

The county of Orange had but little if any to do with wars prior to that with Mexico, in 1846 - 47. The county, or rather the territory now comprising the county, contained a few settlers at the time of the war of 1812 - 15, and what was done will be found, so far as known, in another chapter of this volume. After that, for the greater portion of time until the last war, militia organizations existed in the county and annual or other musters were held. As early as 1818, while the present Orange County was attached to Washington County, Zachariah Lindley and John McVey were Captains of militia companies. In 1817 the Thirteenth Regiment, Indiana Mililia, was organized in Orange County, with the following officers: Zachariah Lindley, Colonel; John Pinnick, Lieutenant Colonel; J. G. Clendenin, Major; Jacob Condra, William Brooks, John Rigney, Peter Benjamin, Samuel Dougherty, John Scott, Daniel Weathers, John Hill, William Blair and Ezekiel Riley, Captains. Lindley remained Colonel for five or six years or longer. After this the militia organizations can not be traced. Many of the leading men of the county were at some time commissioned officers. J. G. Clendenin, and perhaps others, was commissioned Brigadier-General. In later years the organization of the county militia was merely nominal, and the musters were little better than farces, owing, doubtless, to the prevailing sense of security from danger from enemies.

ORANGE COUNTY IN THE MEXICAN WAR

The war with Mexico in 1846 - 47 brought out more than a full company from Orange County. On the 13th of May, 1846, President Polk called for volunteers, and soon afterward in response to this William A. Bowles, Trustin B. Kinder, William T. Spicely, John Murray and others, began the formation of a company in the county. The organization was completed some time in June, and the following officers were elected: William A. Bowles, Captain; T. B. Kinder, First Lieutenant; W. T. Spicely, Second Lieutenant; John Murray, Third Lieutenant. Soon after this the company assembled at Paoli to march to New Albany, where the Second Regiment, to which they were assigned, was being organized. The boys in bright new uniforms were drawn up in front of the residence of the Captain, and were there presented with a beautiful banner in behalf of the county by one of the Doughertys, it is said Capt. Bowles replied in a short eloquent speech, pledging the lives of his company for the preservation of the national flag. Lieut. Kinder, a talented young lawyer, delivered a speech of considerable length and of great strength. He declared that he would leave his bones to bleach on the sunny plains of Mexico rather than see his country's flag dishonored and trailed in the dust. Lieut. Spicely also delivered a speech to the same effect. The company, then, in wagons and on horseback, started for New Albany, being escorted some distance from town by the brass band of Paoli, and a large delegation of sorrowing relatives and friends, some of whom continued on to New Albany. The Company became B, of the Second Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and at New Albany Capt. Bowles was promoted to the Colonelcy of the regiment, and was succeeded as Captain of Company B, by T. B. Kinder. In July the regiment started for Mexico. An account of the service of this regiment will be found in another part of this volume. The roll of the company at the date of muster-in cannot be given. The following is the roll June 23, 1847, at the time of muster-out: William T. Spicely, Captain; John Murray, First Lieutenant; John Gullett, Second Lieutenant; D. S. Lewis, Third Lieutenant; John Hungate, Augustus G. Brooks, James H. Vandeveer, and Abner Dougherty, Sergeants; Eli McDonald, Albert Mayfield, Christian P. Leatherman and Christopher C. Shore, Corporals. Privates - David A. Apple, John Allen, John R. Allen, William Burks, James Blackburn, John Brown, Robert W. Bolton, Thornton Burgess, William Cook, Patrick Cosgrove, Martin Cutsinger, James Cobble, Alexander Conklin, G. Dougherty, Abe Dover, Epaulette Dufriend, James Dooley, Irwin Drake, Charles Edwards, Henry Edwards, Martin Gobble, Daniel Hulmstutter, John Hulmstutter, Samuel Harris, Samuel Hostetler, B. N. Hostetler, H. B. Hawkins, William Henson, Edward W. Hollowell, Nelson Johnson, Squire Kesterson, Joshua Y. Lewis, John R. McGhee, Elihu McDonald, Elias F. Moyer, James Moyer, William Morgan, Francis N. Noblitt, James M. Pinnick, Elijah Pinnick, Josephus Pounds, Jonathan Palmer, Elisha Pruett, Jacob Quinlan, Hiram Russell, W. J. Shelton, William Scarlett, John A. Smith, Eli Stalcup, Oliver M. Throop, Angel Tillery, George H. Tyler, Samuel VanCamp and Benjamin Walker. The following were kilIed at Buena Vista: Capt. T. B. Kinder, John T. Hardin, Joseph Lafferty, Arthur Massey, David McDonald, John Shultz and Joseph H. Harrison. The following died of wounds or disease: James H. Edwards, James H. Smith, David W. Johnson, Wesley Edwards, John Robertson, Benjamin Taylor, William Goldsmith. The following were discharged, probably for disability: William Warren, Robert Dougherty, Henry Harrison, Joab Burt, Enos Evans, Alexander Keith, Harvey Morris, Clement McDonald and John P. McDonald. At the battle of Buena Vista Capt. Kinder was dangerously wounded, and was placed in ambulance which started for the rear, hut was upset in one of the many ravines on the battle-field. Here the wounded Captain was killed by the Mexican Lancers. His body was brought to Paoli where it was publicly received by a large assemblage at the court house, and was then conveyed to Indianapolis, the former home of the young soldier, for interment, being also publicly received by a large throng of citzens at Orleans on the way. John T. Hardin was killed by a spent ball just as the battle was over. Another company of this regiment was partly raised in Orange County, an account of which will be found in Part V.

PUBLIC SENTIMENT IN 1860 - 61

A strong political sentiment prevailed in Orange County for one or more years next prior to the Rebellion of 1861 - 63. The citizens were aware of the differences which bitterly divided the North and the South, and took sides according to their education, sympathy, location or conscientious belief. The great majority of the people of the county stoutly denounced any interference whatever on the part of the North with the institution of slavery, many Republicans being of that opinion. The sprinkling of Abolitionists was ridiculed without stint. It was soon developed that many of the citizens believed in the right of secession - believed that the Union was simply a convenient confederacy and that each State was sovereign and could withdraw at will when her citizens deemed that by so doing she was bettering her condition. On the other hand the great majority of all parties in the county was opposed to a dissolution of the Union. As soon as the Southern States, led by South Carolina, began to enact ordinances of secession and make preparations to set up a separate government, the question of the constitutional right of coercion became for a time the all-absorbing topic. In November, 1860, the able editor of the American Eagle, H. Comingore, said through his paper:

"It does appear to us that our Southern neighbors are acting rather hastily - notwithstanding they have great cause for complaint. They should wait and see what course Lincoln intends to pursue. If it is his determination to carry out the ultra-Republican doctrines against the South, it will then be time enough for them to take steps for a separation of the Union."

This was perhaps the prevailing sentiment in the county. The majority of the citizens were of Southern origin, had relatives and pecuniary interests in the South, believed in State sovereignty, the right of secession and the right of slavery, and had for years opposed that Northern faction which had advocated the abolition of slavery. In this view they were highly determined and conscientious. The Eagle of December 27, 1860, said:

"We are satisfied that the citizens of South Carolina have acted rather hastily in passing their secession ordinance. They should have waited the action of the efforts now making in Congress to secure the rights of the Southern States."

The paper, as an exponent of the views of many in the county, broached and discussed the subject as to what Indiana, particularly the southern portion, should do in the dilemma - whether she should go with the South in case of a dissolution of the Union, or remain with the North. On the 17th of January, 1861, a large mass meeting of the citizens was held at Paoli to consider the state of the country. Theodore Stackhouse was made President of the meeting; John H. Campbell and David Hudelson, Vice Presidents: J. N. Riley, John Frazer and H. Comingore, Secretaries. Prayer was offered by Rev. J. B. Ramsdell, and the following committee was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting: J. B. Buskirk, Dr. J. A. Ritter, John Frazer, Jonathan Lindley, W. Proctor, Rev. Ramsdell, William Holaday, N. Willis, W. F. Mavity, John A. Lane, W. W. Wells and S. Foster. While this committee were preparing their report, patriotic speeches were delivered by Rev. Ramsdell, A. J. Simpson, T. Stackhouse, D. S. Huffstutter, Dr. S. Dill. F. Wilson, M. S. Mavity. et. al. The sentiments of the orators were loyalty to the Government, and the fervent hope that the Union might be preserved with the rights of all factions undisturbed. The resolutions prepared by the committee were read and unanimously adopted by the representatives of all political factions of the county. They recommended that the Crittenden Resolutions be adopted as the basis upon which all differences might be amicably adjusted; affirmed that the laws and the Constitution must be sustained and enforced, and favored a State Couvention to determine wbat course Indiana should pursue. Great enthusiasm and harmony prevailed. A similar meeting was held at Livonia, and was largely attended. On the 15th of February, 1861. a similar meeting was held at French Lick, a large crowd assembling from many miles in all directions. Rev. Samuel G. Hamilton was President, and A. J. Rhodes, Secretary. Resolutions were reported by W. A. Bowles, David Livingood and Reuben Cox, Committee, stating that this was a white man's government, regretting the severance of the Union, and hoping that it might be restored; opposing the coercion of the Southern States, and expressing sympathy for the South in the perversion of the Constitution by the President of the United States. The meeting was strongly divided over these resolutions, and a warm discussion ensued. Soon after this Mr. Bowles challenged any person in the county to publicly debate with him the question of the right of slavery from a Bible standpoint, he to affirm. So far as known, the challenge was not accepted.

THE COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES

The news of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter created great excitement in the county, and brought out expressions of all shades of opinion from ultra-Abolitionism to ultra-Secession. Many of the citizens were unfavorable to coercion, and so stated. Others were for immediate war. Some were in doubt as to the best course to pursue. All or nearly all were opposed to a permanent dissolution of the Union. Many opposed any interference with slavery. Some thought the South right; others the North. A revolution in opinion was undergoing. The crisis in political opinion had been reached, but still many hesitated, not wishing to make a mistake on so vital a question. Soon a decided stand was made in favor of the raising of volunteers for the preservation of the Union. Steps were immediately taken to raise a company of home guards at Paoli, and perhaps elsewhere, to insure the security of life and property at home. On the 25th of April, the Eagle said: "We have contended from the start against a civil war, and shall continue to advocate that policy to the end. If the South should make an attempt to invade the North, we will be found as ready as any man to repel the invasion." The same issue also said: "We are opposed to war being made upon the Southern States by the North, and we are just as strongly opposed to the South making war upon the Northern States. "We sincerely hope and trust that it may not be necessary to use force on either side." The same issue said: "On Tuesday an American flag with the word Union, and each State represented by a star was put up on the public square. It is a neat flag and pole, to which nobody will object." The issue of May 2, said: "A number of our young men have joined a company of horsemen at Bedford to go into the service of the State." L. B. Cogswell and A. Ebling were Captains of the home guards at Paoli - one of a horse company and the other of a foot company. Night watches were instituted at Paoli and Orleans to be in readiness for any emergency which might threaten the towns or citizens

THE FIRST VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WAR

It is said that the first troops from Orange County to get into the United States service went south about the middle of May and joined a loyal Kentucky regiment. Their names and numbers cannot be given. The first considerable number of men who left the county for the service was raised in the vicinity of Orleans, and left for Cincinnati to join the United States service about the 20th of June. There were twenty-five or thirty of them, under the command of Thomas N. Davis. A number of them returned when it was found difficult to get into satisfactory regiments. Those who remained there were Hugh Langford, Alfred Smith, E. H. Talbot, J. K. McPherson, John Hall, John A. Lee, John Donavan, W. H. H. Wright, C. A. Smith, 0. W. Harrison, H. B. Martin, Gilbert Heart, J. H. Nitsman, Samuel R. Tegarden, R. E. Marygoes, W. C. Fitts, J. M. Waldrip, Christian Clayton and J. F. Gotzell. What became of these men cannot be stated definitely

UNION MASS MEETINGS

On the 15th of May, after the citizens had had time to deliberate since the fall of Fort Sumter, an enormous Union meeting of the citizens of Orange and Washington Counties was held at Livonia. William R. Wible was made Chairman, and E. P. Huston, Secretary. John L Morrison spoke for over an hour with the most fiery loyalty. Revs. McCann, Hutchinson and Barr followed him in addresses of like loyalty and eloquence. The Committee on Resolutions, A. McPheeters, William Guthrie. W. F. Patton and E. L. Stalker, reported a long series, expressing the determination to stand by the old flag, declaring that no State had the right to secede - that Such an act was treason, asserting that the South was responsible for the war, approving the prompt and decisive action of the Government, and, the arming of the militia, and expressing gratification at the quick response from the loyal States to the call for volunteers. This was one of the strongest and most loyal meetings of the war.

COMPANIES OF HOME GUARDS

Soon after this H. T. Braxtan issued a call for about thirty volunteers for the company of Capt. Sheeks, then forming at Mitchell. About this time, also, a rifle company was organized at Paoli, and uniforms were obtained. In several places throughout the county hickory poles were erected, up which were run the stars and stripes, usually amid loyal cheers. The parties were uniting to preserve the Union. Early in June a large meeting of all parties was held at Paoli, where appropriate resolutions were adopted expressing sorrow for the death of Senator Douglas. In June two companies of home guards (afterward the Indiana Legion) were organized in Orange County, and mustered into service - one company being at Orleans and the other at Orangeville. The officers of the Orangeville Company were: John A. Ritter, Captain; Theodore Stackhouse. First Lieutenant; Thomas B. Ware. Second Lieutenant. The Orleans Company was officered as follows: William T. Spicely, Captain; Charles Jenkins, First Lieutenant; Arthur W. Gray, Second Lieutenant. Both companies were mustered into the State service June 26.

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT

During the latter part of June and the early part of July, from the home guards or militia organizations, two full companies were raised in the county for the Twenty-fourth Regiment which rendezvoused at Vincennes, under Col. A. P. Hovey. One company was mainly raised in and around Orleans, and the other in and around Paoli, though men were secured from all portions of the county. W. T. Spicely led the movement at Orleans, and Solomon Dill at Paoli. War meetings were held at these two towns and at Valeene, Chambersburg, Orangeville, French Lick and elsewhere. At these meetings orators would inflame the patriotism of the young men, in fiery and eloquent addresses, and beautiful ladies would pass the fatal enlistment-roll around. At Orleans about fifty of the old citizens pledged themselves to care for the families of volunteers in the company of Capt. Spicely. Great interest was felt throughout the county for the companies of Capts. Spicely and Dill. In the short space of a week and a half or two weeks, both companies were raised and fully organized. The officers of the company at Orleans were W. T. Spicely, Captain; Charles S. Jenkins, First Lieutenant; A. W. Gray, Second Lieutenant; and the officers of the Paoli Company were Solomon Dill, Captain; John W. Tucker, First Lieutenant; S. H. Southwick, Second Lieutenant. Capt. Spicely’s company left Orleans for Vincennes, July 10, 1861, and was given a public and touching farewell by the citizens. Good advice was given the boys in public addresses, and responses were made by members of the company. Two or three days later Capt. Dill's company left Paoli for Vincennes, going via Orleans and Mitchell. A large crowd of town and country folk assembled on the public square at Paoli to see the boys off. The occasion though enthusiastic was sober and sorrowful. Ah, it was hard to see the dear boys go. There were brothers and fathers and husbands and sons there - some going away forever, brave, valient, beloved, to die amid the cypress or magnolia swamps of the "Sunny South," or perhaps to return with empty sleeves or broken constitutions. Good-byes and kisses were exchanged amid bitter tears and passionate embraces, and with colors flying and drums beating, away the company went. The American Eagle of July 18 said "No county in the State made up two companies of volunteers and sent them into camp in a shorter time than our county did. From the best information we can get, over 300 men have volunteered from our county."

SKETCH OF THE REGIMENT

Capt. Spicely's company became G of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, and Capt. Dill's, Company B of the same regiment. Both companies were mustered into the three years' service on the 31st of July, 1861, and with their regiment started for St. Louis, Mo., on the 19th of August. The regiment joined Gen. Fremont's forces and moved into the interior of Missouri, where it remained until February, 1862, when it joined the troops at Fort Donelson. It reached Paducah one day after the surrender of Fort Donelson, thence moved to Fort Henry, and later moved with Gen. Grant's army to Pittsburg Landing. At the battle of Shiloh it was hotly engaged, losing many officers and men including its Major, John Gerber. Col. Hovey having been promoted Brigadier-General, he was succeeded by W. T. Spicely, of Orleans. This was May 14, 1862. In May and June the regiment participated in the siege of Corinth and after the evacuation moved to Memphis, and in July to Helena, Ark., where it remained during the succeeding winter, participating in sundry expeditions. In the spring of 1863 it joined Grant's army and moved with Hovey' s division of the Thirteenth Corps, in the campaign against Vicksburg, engaging in all the battles and skirmishes, including the battles of Port Gibson and Champion Hills. In the latter battle it distinguished itself for its daring charges on the enemy. It was actively engaged in the trenches before Vicksburg during the siege from May 19 to July 4. After this in August it moved to New Orleans by boat. In the fall of 1863 it did duty at New Iberia, La., and later at Algiers, near New Orleans, where January 1, 1864, it "veteranized," and soon afterward was granted a furlough. During the year 1864, the regiment occupied various points in Louisiana, and while at Morganza in December was consolidated with the Sixty-seventh Regiment, the new organization retaining the designation of the Twenty-fourth Regiment. In January, 1865, it moved to Barrancos, Fla., remaining there until the movement againt Mobile in April, in which it participated. fighting near Blakely, assaulting the enemy several times and first placing the Federal colors upon the rebel works. After this it moved to Selma, Ala., and thence to Galveston, Tex. On the 16th of July, 1865, it was reorganized as a battalion of five companies. The other five companies, consisting of the older soldiers, were mustered out of the service and sent home, being publicly received at Indianapolis. The battalion remained in the service until early in 1866.

COMPANIES FOR THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT

The American Eagle of August 15, 1861, said: "H. L. Williams and others are now engaged in getting up a third company for the war. The officers of the company will not be elected until after it is made up. We understand that half of the company is ready." At this time also, Lieut. Wheeler, of Bartholomew County called for recruits in Orange County. By the 25th of August the company of Capt. Williams lacked only about fifteen men of being full, and at this time the officers were elected as follows: H. L. Williams, Captain; T. D. Potter, First Lieutenant; William Leonard, Second Lieutenant. Soon after this the remainder of men necessary were obtained, and on the 31st of August the company left the county for New Albany to join thc Thirty-eighth Regiment. Wheeler's company was quickly formed, and the following officers were elected: W. C. Wheeler, Captain; George W. Webb, First Lieutenant; John P. Southern, Second Lieutenant. Wheeler's company became A of the Thirty-eighth Regiment, and Williams' company I of the same. They left the county about the same time, and were mostly mustered in on the 17th and 18th of September, 1861. Sixteen or eighteen men joined Company I later, and were mustered in October 4.

SERVICE OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT

The Thirty-eighth Regiment, to which these companies were assigned, entered the three years' service, and on the 21st of September, 1861. moved to Elizabethtown, Ky. The fall and winter were passed at Camps Nevin and Wood, on Barren and Green Rivers, In February, 1862, it moved with Buell's army against Bowling Green and Nashville, reaching the latter place March 6. On the 25th it moved to Franklin, thence to Columbia, thence to Shelbyville, and while at this point moved several times against Morgan's cavalry. On the 13th of May the regiment skirmished the enemy near Rogersville. On the 29th of May it moved toward Chattanooga, arriving on June 7, then returned to Shelbyville, and soon moved to Stevenson, and to Decherd, where it remained from August 17 to the crossing of the Tennessee River by Bragg. then fell back to Nashville, and later to Louisville. It participated in the campaign through Kentucky, and fought gallantly at Perryville, losing twenty-seven killed, 123 wounded and seven prisoners. On the 2d of November it moved to Bowling Green, where it was placed with the First Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps. Early in December it moved to Nashville, and later to near Murfreesboro, where, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the 1st and 2d of January, 1863, it participated in the galling battle of Stone River, losing fourteen killed and eighty-six wounded. It camped at Murfreesboro, and later moved toward Chattanooga, skirmishing hotly at Hoover's Gap, losing one killed and fifteen wounded. On the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, it was desperately engaged at bloody Chickamauga, losing nine men killed, fifty-nine wounded and forty-two missing. It then returned to Chattanooga, but late in November took part in the engagements of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. The winter was passed at Rossville, Ga., and at Chattanooga; and at the former place the regiment "veteranized" December 28. 1863, and January 3, 1864, started home on "veteran furlough" reaching Indianapolis on the 9th with 360 men and officers. Late in February it took the field at Chattanooga, thence moved to Tyner's Station in March and Graysville in April. On May 7 it started on the Atlanta campaign, and participated in all the engagements on that famous march, losing a total of 103 men, killed, wounded and missing. At Jonesboro, the regiment carried the rebel works in a charge. The color-bearer was shot as he planted the colors inside the rebel works, and Lieut. Redding seized them and carried them through the day. Early in October it moved after Hood as far as Gaylesville, Ala., and in November started on the "march to the sea." On the 5th of February, 1865, it started from Savannah northward through the Carolinas, participating in all the battles of note as at Bentonville. Later it moved to Raleigh and, after Johnson's surrender, to Richmond and on to Washington. It was then transferred to Louisville, Ky., and after a time was mustered out July 15, 1865. Indianapolis was reached July 18, with about 600 men, where the boys were given a public reception by Gov. Morton and others. They were then discharged.

THE FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT

In September and October, 1861, Dr. J. A. Ritter, William Charles and others raised a company for the Forty-ninth Regiment. The following became the officers: John A. Ritter, Captain; William Charles, First Lieutenant; Elijah T. Pinnick, Second Lieutenant. Late in September, 1861, the company moved to Jeffersonville, where it became Company G of the Forty-ninth Regiment. It was mustered into the service November 21 and on the 11th of December marched with its regiment into Kentucky. the regimental colonel being John W. Ray. A camp of instruction at Bardstown was occupied on the 13th. January 12, 1862, the regiment started for Cumberland Ford, arriving February 15, and remaining until June. Here the regiment suffered terribly from the ravages of disease. March 14, part of the regiment skirmished at Big Creek Gap and assisted in trying to take the Gap, but failed. June 18 it occupied Cumberland Gap, the day after the evacuation by the rebels. Here the regiment remained until September 17, and then moved northward toward the Ohio River subsisting mainly on green corn. After sixteen days of marching it reached Greenupsburg, Ky., and October 3 marched to Oak Hill, Ohio. Here it was refitted and then marched into West Virginia on the Kanawha. It then returned and embarked for Memphis, arriving November 30. December 19, it embarked for Vicksburg. reaching Chickasaw Bayou December 26, and engaging in the destructive five-days' battle which followed, losing forty-six men killed and wounded. The movement proving a failure, the troops were removed to Milliken's Bend early in January, 1863, and thence moved against Arkansas Post, the Forty-ninth assisting in the reduction. It returned to Young's Point, assisted in digging the canal, remained until April 2, then started with Grant's army for the rear of Vicksburg, fighting May 1 at Port Gibson. May 16 at Champion Hills, May 17 at Black River Bridge, May 22 in the bloody assault on the works about Vicksburg, and assisting in the siege of the last named city. After the surrender the regiment moved to Jackson and took part in the seven-days' fight there. It returned to Vicksburg, and August 10 embarked for Port Hudson, thence moved to New Orleans, and was there assigned to the Department of the Gulf. It participated in the expedition up the Teche, going as far as Opelousas. It then returned to New Orleans, and December 10 embarked on transports for Decroe's Point, Tex., arriving on the 14th. It then moved to Indianola, and February 3, 1864, one hundred and sixty seven men and four officers re-enlisted. In March the regiment moved to Matagorda Island, and April 19 embarked for Alexandria, La. to re-enforce Bank's army. It skirmished with the enemy until May 13 and then moved to New Orleans, and soon afterward (early in July) coming home on "veteran furlough." After this it moved to Lexington, Ky., and September 7, 1865, to Louisville, where on the 13th of the same month was mustered out of service. The next day it reached Indianapolis with 261 men and 17 officers and was soon discharged.

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT

In September and October the enlistment of men in the county was rapidly pushed. Cyrus L. Dunham had been commissioned Colonel of the Fiftieth Regiment to be raised at Seymour. Col Dunham was a strong Democrat, and aided by John Hungate and others succeeded in raising a full company. mostly in the western part of the county, the men coming largely from the Democratic party. War meetings were held under the stimulus of fiery speeches, and soon the requisite number of men were secured. The men were mustered in as Company F of the Fiftieth Regimnent on the 1st of October, and on the 1st and 5th of November, 1861, with the following officers: John Hungate, Captain; B. F. McClintock, First Lieutenant: Isaac A. Craig. Second Lieutenant. The regiment moved into Kentucky late in 1861 The regimental sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume.

THE FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT

In January and February, 1862, another company was raised, mostly in Orange County, by W. R. Reeves, Mereda McDonald, John Vestal, W. T. Cloud, and others, the men coming mainly from in and around Orleans. The men were at first designed for the Fifty-second Regiment, but later became Company K. of the Fifty-third, and were officered as follows: Wiley R. Reeves, Captain; Mereda McDonald, First Lieutenant; Wiliam T. Cloud, Second Lieutenant. About two-thirds of this company, or perhaps. three-fourths, were raised in Orange County. The men were mustered in February 24, 1862, and the regiment under Col. Walter T. Gresham, moved from New Albany to Indianapolis, where it did guard duty at Camp Morton until March 15, when it moved to St. Louis, thence to Savannah. Tenn.. and on April 15 joined the army moving toward Corinth. After the evacuation of Corinth it moved to La Grange, thence made expeditions to Holly Springs and elsewhere, then moved to Memphis, and in September to Bolivar, and then toward Corinth, and October 15, fought at Hatchie, where it crossed the bridge on fire and charged the rebel lines. It marched with Gen. Grant's army into Mississippi, then returned to Moscow, Tenn., and soon marched to Memphis. In April, 1863, it moved with the Third Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps to Young's Point, thence to Grand Gulf, thence returned to Young's Point and Chickasaw Bluffs, and joined the army besieging Vicksburg. Here it bore an honorable part, and after the surrender moved to Jackson and participated in the movements there. It then returned to Vicksburg. thence moved to Natchez where it remained three months. In September it moved with the Seventeenth Army Corps into Louisiana, capturing a fort and damaging the enemy. It returned to Vicksburg and remained there until February, 1864, when it moved on the Meridian campaign. At Hebron 388 men "veteranized." After "veteran furlough" it went to Vicksburg, and June 6 joined Sherman's forces at Ackworth, Ga., and then participated in the subsequent engagements of the Atlanta campaign. June 27 it assaulted the enemy at Kenesaw Mountain; July 5 it fought at Nickajack Creek; July 20 it fought at Peach Tree Creek, and July 22 before Atlanta bore an honorable and conspicuous part. It suffered severely at Atlanta- - its Colonel, Jones, being killed. It pursued Hood, and later marched to the sea. It then marched northward through the Carolinas, and after Johnson's surrender, moved to Raleigh. Richmond, thence to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out July 21, 1865. It then marched to Indianapolis and was publicly received July 25 by Gov. Morton and other State officers, and by Maj.-Gen. Sherman who was present. It was then discharged and the boys came trooping home.

THE FIFTY-NINTH REGIMENT

During the late fall of 1861 and the early winter of 1861 - 62 about half of a company was raised in the vicinity of Valeene and Chambersburg by W. H. Wellman, Thomas Riley, James N. Murphy, William Churchill and others for the Fifty-ninth Regiment, which rendezvoused at Gosport., Ind. The men were mustered in at Gosport, December 2, 1861; February 13, 1862, the regiment moved to New Albany. During its term of service it participated in the following movements: Siege of New Madrid, Mo., the capture of 5,000 prisoners at Tiptonville, expedition to Fort Pillow, siege of and skirmishes around Corinth and pursuit of the enemy, expedition to Ripley; battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862; pursuit of Price to Hatchie; sundry expeditions --one to Yazoo River in March, 1863, the Vicksburg campaign, fighting at Forty Hills, Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Big Black River, and the bloody assaults on the fortifications of Vicksburg, where it suffered severely, losing 126 men, killed and wounded; in September, 1863, moved up the river; fought at Mission Ridge, November 25; veteranized at Huntsville, Ala., January 1, 1864; enjoyed the veteran furlough; took the field again April, 1864; did guard and provost duty in Tennessee until November, 1864, and then marched with Sherman to the sea, and then through the Carolinas, and finally to Washington City. It was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 17, 1865. It was pnblicly received at at Indianapolis, July 18, and was then discharged.

THE SIXTY-SIXTH REGIMENT

But little effort was made during the spring and early summer of 1862 to raise volunteers for the war. The call of July, 1862, for 300,000 men for nine months, and the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 men for nine months, stimulated new enlistments, and war meetings were held throughout the county. The draft threatened for September, and afterwards fixed for October 6, together with offers of bounty was sufficient to bring out the troops. In July and August a little more than two full companies were raised for the Sixty-sixth Regiment, which rendezvoused at New Albany. Company D, except about seven men, was wholly from Orange County, and was officered as follows: John W. Payne, Captain; John Millis, First Lieutenant; James M. Hobson, Second Lieutenant. All of Company E, except about ten men, was raised in Orange County, the officers being: F. C. Bivins, Captain; Shadrach B. A. Conder, First Lieutenant; William Maple, Second Lieutenant. There were fifteen from the county in Company A, twelve in Company B, and a few in other companies. The men were all mustered in August 19, and the same evening the regiment, yet incomplete, marched southward to oppose Kirby Smith who had invaded Kentucky. It moved to Lexington, and on the 23d of August marched to Richmond, Ky., where on the 30th, it participated in that disastrous engagement, losing the greater portion captured. The men were paroled, sent to Indianapolis, and soon rendezvoused again at New Albany. The remainder of the regiment reached Louisville September 10. The entire regiment, November 18, was transferred to Indianapolis, was duly declared exchanged, and December 10 again took the field at Corinth. Here it remained a part of the First Brigade of Dodge's Division until August 18, 1863, when it moved to Collierville, where Companies B, C. D, E, G and I engaged the enemy October 11, 1863. It reached Pulaski Tenn., November 11, where it remained until the spring of 1864, and then with the Second Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps started April 29 for Chattanooga to join Sherman at Dalton, Ga. It then participated in the Atlanta campaign, fighting at Resaca, Lay's Ferry, Rome Cross Roads, Dallas, Kenesaw, before Atlanta (July 22) and Jonesboro. At Eastport it was transferred to the Fifteenth Army Corps. It reached Rome, Ga., September 27, and from November 15 to December 21 marched across Georgia to Savannah. It then moved through the Carolinas, and after Johnson's surrender reached Washington City May 24, 1865. Here it was mustered out June 3 and sent to Indianapolis, arriving June 12, and all except the recruits were discharged. The recruits were transferred to the Fifty-Ninth Regiment, and were mustered out July 17, 1865, at Louisville.

RECRUITING IN THE AUTUMN OF 1862

Early in September, 1862, about a dozen men left the county as recruits for Company A, of the Thirty-eighth Regiment. In August a dozen men joined Company G of the Forty-ninth, and a few Company K, of the same regiment. About fifteen joined Company F, of the Fiftieth Regiment, in September and October. The work of enlistment was well done, and at the time of the draft of October 6, 1862, only two townships - Greenfield and Jackson - were deficient, while the other townships, almost all, had a surplus, so that Orange County was in reality ahead of her quota. A few men from the county went into the Fourth Cavalry (Seventy-seventh Regiment), and a few more entered the Eighty-first Regiment, all prior to the draft of October.

THE NINETY-THIRD REGIMENT

Almost an entire company was raised for the Ninety-second Regiment in the vicinity of Newton Stewart, but really became H of the Ninety third, with the following officers: William T. Swift, Captain; John W Parks, First Lieutenant; Wesley Shoulders, Second Lieutenant. The men were mustered in at Madison, August 20, 1862, and on the 9th of November moved to Cairo, Ill., thence to Memphis, thence to near Oxford, Miss. Late in December, it moved to La Grange, Tenn., thence to Corinth, thence to near Memphis, where it did guard duty. About the middle of March, 1863, it sailed to Helena, and then to Duckport, La. It then participated in the movement on Vicksburg. Its first fight was at Jackson, Miss., where it lost 3 killed and 7 wounded. It moved back toward Vicksburg, and in assaults on that place lost 3 killed and 14 wounded. It then moved in the expedition to prevent Gen. Johnston from assisting the enemy in Vicksburg, but returned upon the surrender of the latter place. It then participated in the investment of Jackson, losing one killed and three wounded. After various movements it skirmished the enemy October 17, near Brownsville, Miss. It remained at Vicksburg, Memphis and other points, skirmishing several times, until May, 1864. On the lst of June it started on the Gun Town expedition, and encountered the enemy at Brice's Cross Roads. After a hot fight. the regiment was driven rapidly back, with the loss of 13 killed, 56 wounded and 184 prisoners. The remainder of the regiment reached Memphis June 12. July 15, another fight was had at Harrisburg, Miss., where the enemy was repulsed, and on the way back to Memphis several skirmishes ensued. It then moved up the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, to Little Santa Fe, Kan., thence moved to St. Louis, thence (November 14) to Nashville, Tenn. Here on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, it participated in the battle of Nashville. It joined the pursuit, and later selected winter quarters at Eastport, Miss. Early in February, 1865, it went by water to Dauphin Island, Ala., thence to Danby's Mills, thence to Spanish Fort, in the investment of which it was actively engaged. Early in April it moved to Fort Blakely, which was carried by storm. On the 20th, Montgomery, Ala. was reached. It moved to Selma, thence to Gainesville, at which place it was ordered home. It was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., August 10, 1865, and August 11 was given a public reception at Indianopolis. Companies I and K remained with the recruits in the service until October, 1865.

THE DRAFT OF OCTOBER - 1862

By the 19th of September, 1862, the status of Orange County was as follows: Total militia, 1,453; total volunteers, 1,023: total exempts, 313; total conscientiously opposed to bearing arms, 19; total volunteers in the service. 992; total subject to draft, 1,121. James W. Webb was Draft Commissioner; S. H. Glenn, Provost Marshal, and E. D. Laughlin. Surgeon. On the 20th of September, 1862. Jackson Township was deficient fifteen men, and Greenfield five, but as they were permitted to continue voluteering until the day of the draft, October 6, it is probable that Greenfield at least cleared herself and probably Jackson also. At least but very few, if any, were drafted in the county on this occasion. It will be seen that up to this time the county had furnished more than a regiment of men for the war, and about 1000 men were then in the service. Orange County need not be ashamed of that record.

DISLOYAL SENTIMENTS IN 1863

After the draft of October, 1862, only a few men left the county for the field until the summer of 1863. A few men - half a dozen - entered the Eighty-first Regiment. There were no calls for troops, and the county and Country settled down to await events. From the commencement of the war more or less disloyalty prevailed in the county. Treasonable secret societies had been organized, and a feeling of insecurity had been slowly created. As time passed the sentiment became more and more bitter until neighbors became estranged and fights more or less bloody occurred. Public meetings were often disturbed, and more than one church society was hopelessly divided on questions of politics. The year 1863 was dark in the county. Numerous desertions from the army made the outlook dark to those who favored the continuence of the war. Letters urging the soldier-boys to desert were written from the county, and no doubt often accomplished their object as concealment from arrest was solemnly promised. The following is an extract from one of these letters:

"I would love to see you, and if you will take my advice, I can see you, and that is this - desert and leave the army for there is no honor in it. Now, I do hate for any of my connection to fight to free the negroes. I would rather they would desert and go to the South. Just come home and I will see that you sha'n't he caught, for there are plenty of Copperheads here, and they wont let them take you. I want you to write to your cousin and tell me when you dare to leave the army and I will have a place fixed for you to hide in. Be sure you come without fail."

This letter and others of a similar character were severely denounced by the editor of the American Eagle. He brought forward the strong point that by such letters friends and relatives were advising their loved ones to violate a law that would cause them to be shot, in case of their arrest. Many deserters, however, came to the county and were concealed. About the middle of June, 1863, a squad of soldiers arrested three deserters in the southwestern part of the county, but on the way to camp one escaped. The enrolling officers in June were threatened. It was evident that the treasonable societies were armed and that they regularly drilled under competent leaders. The commission of crime became frequent. It was evident that the county was over-run with criminals - probably refugees from the South. The gathered crops of, in most cases, strong union men, were occasionally burned. Men of this class were warned, in threatening letters, to leave the county. The better class of citizens of the county of all political, opinions lamented these acts and denounced the perpetrators, and took active steps for their arrest and conviction.

THE RAID OF THE REBEL CAPT. HINES

Some time in May. 1863, a portion of the rebel Gen. Morgan's command, numbering about sixty men, under Capt. Thomas H. Hines, crossed into Indiana from Kentucky, about eighteen miles above Cannelton, and started northward toward Paoli, to pick up as many fresh horses as possible, and otherwise do damage to the country. For some distance he managed to pass himself and men off as Union Federal troops sent out to arrest deserters, and had no difficulty in exchanging his broken-down horses for fresh and strong ones, giving vouchers upon the Federal authorities at Indianapolis for the difference between the value of the horses. On the second day out, however, his actual character and mission became known, and the news of his raid spread like a prairie fire throughout southern Indiana, and armed and resolute men assembled to pursue him, oppose him and capture him. He moved rapidly over the country, protecting his flanks by scouts thrown out. Valeene was reached on the second day, and here some unsuccessful opposition was met from the citizens. They moved on toward Paoli, but upon arriving within sight of the town and learning that preparations had been made to give them a warm reception, made a detour to the west and passed around the town, taking horses as they went, and upon reaching a point live or six miles northeast of the town, encountered about fifteen armed citizens who were on their way to protect Paoli, and who were captured and plundered. Two others met soon afterward were likewise treated, and one showing opposition was shot and mortally wounded. The rebels now concluded it was time for them to be getting back to Kentucky, and accordingly started southeastwardly toward the Ohio River at a rapid rate. They passed through southwest Washington County, near Hardinsbarg and Fredericksburg. Becoming aware that they were being pursued by a large force of minute men, they pressed on with all haste toward Blue River Island, where boats were to be ready for their crossing. This was prevented, however, by the activity of the pursuit, and nearly all the enemy were captured on the island, Capt. Hines and a few others only escaping. A few were killed and wounded. As soon as the presence of the enemy became known in Orange County, great excitement prevailed, and prompt steps were taken to repel the intruder. About 100 men were immediately assembled and started in pursuit. These men of Orange County were the first to cross to the island and demand the surrender of Hines and his command.

THE RAID OF THE REBEL GEN. MORGAN

In July the county was again thrown into intense excitement by the news that the rebel Gen. Morgan was marching upon Paoli with a large force, plundering and burning as he went. Two companies of minute men were hastily organized, and July 10 were mustered into the State's service. They became Companies E and I of the One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment, and were officered as follows: Company E - - Thomas N. Collins, Captain; Samuel Ryan, First Lieutenant; Samuel Hostetler, Second Lieutenant. Company I - Solomon Moore. Captain; William J. Johnson, First Lieutenant; William E. Scott, Second Lieutenant. The regiment, under Col. Hiram F. Braxtan, moved from Mitchell to Seymour; thence to North Vernon, which place it held against Morgan's forces. It then moved to Sunman's Station, and soon afterward to Indianapolis, where, July 17, it was mustered out of the service, Morgan having left the State.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT

Under the six months' call of June 15, 1863, the county furnished very few if any men. Under the call of October, 1863, about one hundred men were raised for the Thirteenth Cavalry (One Hundred and Thirty first Regiment), sixty of them being in Company F, the officers being: William P. Coffin, Captain; James Jones, First Lieutenant; S. M. Stockslager, Second Lieutenant. The most of the Orange County men were mustered in in January, 1864. The regiment was fully completed in April, 1864, and under Col. Johnson left Indianapolis on the 30th for Nashville, Tenn., dismounted and with infantry arms. The last of May it went to Huntsville, Ala., and in this vicinity skirmished several times with the enemy. The most of the regiment went to Louisville in October, to draw arms and horses. Before this could be done the regiment was ordered to Paducab, to assist in repelling Gen. Forest, and upon its return was fully equipped as a cavalry organization. It then reported at Nashville, and soon was ordered to Lavergne to watch Hood. Here they were cut off on the line of retreat, and then reported to Gen. Rousseau, under whom they fought at Overall's Creek, Wilkinson's Pike and twelve different skirmishes, losing an aggregate of sixty-five men killed and wounded, and two missing. Only about half of the regiment was in these movements, though the other half was at the battle of Nashville in December. Soon after this the men were re-armed and remounted. February 11, 1865, the regiment embarked for New Orleans, but disembarked at Vicksburg, but later continued on to New Orleans. It then moved to Mobile Bay and participated in the movements on Mobile. On the 17th of April it started northward, reaching Columbus May 22, and then soon moved to Macon, in the vicinity of which it took charge of enormous quantities of stores, etc. June 6 it returned to Columbus, and remained there until late in the fall, when it marched to Vicksburg, and was there mustered out November iS. It was publicly received at Indianapolis, November 25.

RECRUITING EARLY IN 1864

Under the three calls of February, March and April, 1864, for an aggregate of nearly 500,000 men, about twenty-five volunteers were sent to Company B, and as many more to Company G, of the Twenty-fourth Regiment. About a dozen were sent to Company F, of the Fifty-ninth, and about twenty to Companies A and I of the Thirty-eighth Regiment. About a dozen were sent to the Sixty-sixth Regiment, and probably more than twenty to various other regiments. Thirty-five men raised in the county were assigned to Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment, 100 days' service, the officers being: John R. Freed, Captain; E. Patrick, First Lieutenant; J. S. Harrold, Second Lieutenant. These men were mustered into the service May 26, 1864, and were sent with their regiment to Tennessee, where they principally did guard duty during the term of service.

VOLUNTEERING, DRAFTING, RECRUITING, ETC.,
LATE IN 1864 AND EARLY IN 1865

In September, 1864, about ten men were sent into the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment. These were raised under the call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men for one, two and three years. The enlistment of men was very slow. The county’s strength had been fully tested during the early years of the war, and the people remaining were willing to let the law take its course, trusting that the draft would strike others than their loved ones. In October, 1864, quite a heavy draft occurred throughout the county, the exact number being unknown, but probably over 100. After the draft those drafted were given an opportunity of redeeming themselves by volunteering, which many no doubt did. The quota was thus nearly or quite filled. Under the last call of the war for volunteers (December 19, 1864, for 300,000 men for three years) but little effort was made to raise men until it was seen that the Rebellion was tottering on the bloody brink of the "last ditch." Then there was quite a rush, especially by the stay-at-homes, to get into the army in order to share in the honor and glory. About thirty men in January and February, 1865, entered the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, about twenty entered the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, and over 100 men drafted, volunteers or substitutes, entered the Fifty-third Regiment from October, 1864, to March, 1865. The men under the call of December 19, 1864, were not raised without a third draft for the county in March, 1865, but by the 14th of April, 1865, when all efforts to raise volunteers in the State were abandoned, the county had a surplus over all former calls of sixty-one men. The result in the county under the calls of February, March and July, 1864, and the responses to the draft of October, 1864, prior to January 1, 1865, is shown by the following table:

[Column Headings:

A - Quota under call of Feb 1, 1864
B - Quota under call of Mar 14, 1864
C - Quota under call of Jul 18, 1964
D & E - Credits by voluntary enlistments
D - New Recruits
E - Verterans
F - Credits by draft
G - Total Credits by enlistments and draft
H - One Year
I - Two Years
J - Three Years
K - Surplus ]

The enlistments from December 19, 1864, to January 1, 1865, under the call of the former date have been counted in this table. The number is not known, but was not probably as many as the surplus above shown of 100 men. The county managed in some way at each call for men to fill her quota. If it could not be done by volunteering, it was done by hiring white or colored substitutes, or tbrough the draft. From January 1, 1865, to April 14, 1865, at which last date efforts to raise troops in the State were abandoned, the following table shows the result:

[Column Headings:

A - Second Enrollment
B - Quote under call of Dec 19, 1864
C - Surplus - Dec 19, 1864
D - Total of quotas and deficiencies
E & F - Credits by voluntary enlistments
E - New Recruits
F - Veterans
G - Credits by draft
H - Total Credits by enlistments and draft
I - One year
J - Two years
K - Three years
L - Surplus ]

SUMMARY OF MEN FURNISHED BY THE COUNTY

It is impossible to give the exact number of men furnished by the county for the war, but the approximate number can be given. On the 19th of September, 1862, the county was credited with having furnished 1,023 volunteers for the war. As she afterward filled all her quotas, either by voluntary enlistments or by draft, the approximate number of men furnished can be found. Her quota under the June call of 1863, was not less than fifty men, and her quota under the October call of 1863 was 186 men. All these were furnished. Her quota under the call of February, 1864, was 236; under the call of March, 1864, was 94 and under the call of July, 1864, was 250. Under these three calls aggregating 580 men, the county actually furnished 680 men or a surplus of 100. Her quota under the last call of the war, December 19, 1864, was 136, but this number was reduced by surpluses to 79 men, which the county furnished together with a surplus of 61. It is also certain that the county furnished at least 150 men for the war who were not placed to her credit, but left and entered regiments and companies raised elsewhere. Adding the numbers 1,023, 50, 186, 680, 79, 61 and 150, the grand total of 2,229 is obtained as the approximate credits of the county. Of course each man has been counted as often as he enlisted, which in some cases was three times. This is an excellent showing for the county.

COUNTY BOUNTY AND RELIEF

As early as July 8, 1861, the County Commissioners were called upon to make an appropriation out of the County Treasury for the support of soldiers’ families, and the following is the action taken: "Whereas, sundry petitions having been presented asking an appropriation by the Board from the county treasury, for the benefit of the families of those who have or may volunteer in the service of the United States as soldiers to be applied as necessity may require: it is the opinion of the Board upon due consideration, that there is no law authorizing such an appropriation, therefore the Board has no authority to make such appropriation, and this cause is dismissed." This action seems to have been annulled, as in September 9, 1861. the Township Trustees were directed to obtain the names of all families likely to suffer from the absence of husband, father, etc., in the army, and to report the same to the County Board. On the 23d of September, the Board appointed for each civil township one person to superintend the distribution of relief fund to needy soldiers’ families. The following were these appointments: Paoli Township, Hiram Trueblood; Northeast, George Trimble; Orleans, Thomas B. Walker; Orangeville, John A. Ritter; Northwest, Lilies D. Lafferty; French Lick, W. W. McCracken; Jackson, James N. Marlett; Greenfield, John B. Kendall; Southeast, William Holaday; Stampers Creek, William Gilliland. These Superintendents were directed to furnish needed articles to the soldier’ famailies, and report the same to the County Board. Prior to June, 1862, there was thus paid out $433.91. This good work was continued as needs required during the war, and for several years afterward. The table below will show the total amount thus paid out.

So far as can be learned, the first bounty offered by the county for volunteers was under the October call, 1863, for 186 men. December 25, 1863, the County Board "Ordered, that the Auditor of Orange County issue as extra bounty, an order on the Treasurer of said county for the sum of $100, payable one year after date, with interest from date, to each volunteer, not exceeding 186, who shall be accepted and sworn in as a soldier in the service of the United States, and be credited to Orange County upon the call for 300,000 men, now made by the President of the United States, to assist in suppressing the present Rebellion: Provided, however, that said Auditor shall not issue said orders until said volunteers shall produce and file in this office, the certificate of his Captain or Colonel, that said volunteer has been so accepted, sworn in and entered the service in good faith." The following table taken from the Adjutant General’s Reports exhibits the bounty and relief paid by the county:

OPPOSITION TO THE CONTINUANCE OF THE WAR

During the latter part of the war a strong sentiment in opposition to its continuance was developed in the county. This sentiment came from the best classes of people, was conscientious, earnest, and was due to the close relations with the South, whence such people had come. Many residents of the county had been born and raised in the South, were familiar with her customs and laws, respected her institutions, and had a warmer love for her interests, naturally so, than for those of the North. It is then no wonder that they should show warmer interests for Southern people than for Northern people. This state of affairs led during the latter part of the war to the opposition mentioned. The conspiracy whose avowed object was the separation of the Northwestern States from the Union, if not actual assistance to the South, took a strong hold on Orange County, principally through the influence of one of the most prominent, intelligent and magnetic of the resident Southern sympathizers. This able man, Dr. William A Bowles, who had often represented the county in the State Legislature, became, it is said, a Major-General in the secret order of the Sons of Liberty or Knights of the Golden Circle, in which organization he wielded a powerful influence. In 1864 he, with other leaders in different parts of the State, was arrested and taken to Indianapolis and was there tried for certain public acts and was sentenced to death. The sentence was approved, the day of execution fixed and preparations were made to carry the sentence into effect, when, through the earnest solicitations of Gov. Morton and other prominent men, the sentence was commuted to imprisonment in the Ohio Penitentiary at Columbus. After a time he was pardoned and sent home.

SOLDIERS’ AND LADIES’ SOCIETIES

No definite statement can be made concerning the amount of relief furnished by ladies’ or soldiers’ aid societies. That several societies of this kind were organized in the county is certain, as is also the fact that supplies of bandages, lints, clothing, dried fruits, provisions, etc., were sent to the hospitals and to the camps of the home boys. The facts in detail cannot be given, however, as no record was kept. Such a society was organized at Paoli and another at Orleans, and likely several were organized in the country at populous localities.

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