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HONORABLE MENTION - 425


several months, resigning August 11; 1864; Dr. Charles R. Pierce, enlisting as surgeon of the 76th 0. V. I., January 9, 1862, and after faithful service, both in camp and field, at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Milliken's Bend, Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, dying in the service, January 29, 1863; Dr. C. F. H. Biggs father of Akron's well-known boiler-maker, Lester M. Biggs), entering the army as hospital steward of the Second Ohio Cavalry, in August, 1861, accompanying the regiment in its various operations in Missouri and the Indian Territory, as elsewhere detailed; on account of excess of that class of officers, mustered out in September, 1862; immediately re-enlisted as private, though performing the duties of assistant surgeon for several months in 1864, in Cavalry Corps Hospital at City Point, Va., appointed assistant surgeon 4th Ohio Cavalry, in November, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn.; mustered out with regiment at close of the war.


JUDGE SAMUEL C. WILLIAMSON.—born in Randolph, Portage county, Ohio, August 18, 1837 ; in 1854 entered preparatory school at Hudson, graduating from Western Reserve College in 1860 ; April, 1861, enlisted in 19th 0. V. I., serving three months; Oct., 1861, enlisted in 18th U. S. I., serving as sergeant till wounded at battle of Stone River, in May, 1863. After several months leave of absence was promoted to second lieutenant and sent to Detroit and Grand Rapids as mustering and disbursing officer ; subsequently promoted to first lieutenant, and ordered on duty in the Provost Marshal General's Department, serving in Missouri till closing of office ; then as post adjutant and inspecting officer at Benton Barracks and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as assistant commissioner of musters till January, 1867, when he was commissioned captain of 42d U. S. I., and stationed at Hart's Island and Madison Barracks, N. Y., until consolidation of regiment with the 6th, when he was placed on waiting orders and returned home. Here he completed his law studies with Tibbals & McKinney, being admitted to the bar in 1870. In October, 1875, he was elected Probate Judge of Summit county, and re-elected in 1878, serving six years. At the close of his second term, being in failing health, he visited New Mexico, where he died March 27, 1883, his remains now reposing in the G. A. R. lot in Glendale Cemetery. Judge Williamson never married.


Milton C. Wilcox, son of Curtis C. Wilcox, Esq., of 216 Union street, enlisted as private in the 104th 0. V. I., July 24, 1862; promoted to regimental hospital steward August 30, 1862; discharged at Knoxville, Tenn., February 20, 1864, to accept position of hospital steward in regular army; in April, 1864, appointed aide-de-camp and private secretary to Governor William G. Brownlow, of Tennessee, with the title of colonel; after the close of the war taking an active part in adjusting the civil affairs of that State to the new order of things, particularly interesting himself in educational matters, and is now a prominent and influential citizen of that State.


426 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


THE MILITIA DURING THE WAR.


Under the act of April 14, 1863, for the reorganization of the militia of Ohio, besides the independent companies, battalions and regiments heretofore spoken of, the entire State was duly districted, organized and drilled, preparatory to performing local, State or National military duty, should their services be called into requisition. We have no proper data for giving the rosters of the several companies thus organized and maintained in Summit county during the war, ready to take part in the great struggle, if called upon (and many of whose members did do valiant service as volunteer soldiers under the several calls for troops), but the original officers, for the companies, elected in July, 1863, as far as reported, were as follows:


BATH, District No. 1: Henry Mack, captain, William Davis, Jr., first lieutenant, B. M. Noble, second lieutenant.


BOSTON, No. 1: Joseph Drake, captain, Leander Beers, first lieutenant, Daniel R. Tilden, second lieutenant; No. 2, L. F. Cargould, captain, E. S. Haskill, first lieutenant, James Edgerly, second lieutenant.


COPLEY, No. 1: David Parker, captain, William Medsker, first lieutenant, George W. Weeks, second lieutenant; No. 2, John Francisco, captain, Hiram King, first lieutenant, Jonathan Delong, second lieutenant.


COVENTRY, No. 1: Wm. B. Doyle, captain, Edward H. Viers, first lieutenant, Hiram B. Housell, second lieutenant; No. 2, Jacob Hoffman, captain, Peter Stine, first lieutenant, Jacob Warner, second lieutenant.


CUYAHOGA FALLS: William H. Hinde, captain, H. C. Lockwood, first lieutenant, George A. Waite, second lieutenant.


FRANKLIN, No. 1: Samuel Wolf, captain, Oscar E. Brownell, first lieutenant, Isaac Dailey, second lieutenant; No. 2, Lewis Wagoner, captain, L. J. Wagoner, first lieutenant, Timothy Sullivan, second lieutenant.


GREEN, No. 1: William Y. Royer, captain, John J. Marsh, first lieutenant, E. J. Semler, second lieutenant; No. 2, John F. Helm, captain, Benjamin Chisnell, first lieutenant, Jonathan Foster, second lieutenant.


HUDSON, No. 1: Rollin Bosworth, captain, Z. R. Trowbridge, first lieutenant, James H. Seymour, second lieutenant; No. 2, Carroll Cutler, captain, H. J. Bell, first lieutenant, William Wilder, second lieutenant.


MIDDLEBURY: M. J. Housell, captain, T. S. Jones, first lieutenant, Thomas H. Peckham, second lieutenant.


NORTHAMPTON, No. 1: John C. Johnston, captain, F. L. Harrington, first lieutenant, George Chart, second lieutenant; No. 2, James R. Brown, captain, Andrew J. Bean, first lieutenant, Norton R. Hardy, second lieutenant.


NORTON, No. 1: Peter Hunsicker, captain, William Betz, first lieutenant, D . J. Waltz, second lieutenant; No. 2, J. B. Jones, captain, Aaron Betz, first lieutenant, Alexander A. Mentzer, second lieutenant.


NORTHFIELD, No. 1: Albert Bliss, captain, J. H. Clark, first lieutenant, J. B. Gallie, second lieutenant.


LATER MILITARY AFFAIRS - 427


PORTAGE, No. 1: Josiah J. Wright, captain, Stephen J. Horn, rst lieutenant, Augustus T. Brownless, second lieutenant; No. 2, Charles Miller, captain, Romas Halter, first lieutenant, Richard F. Palmer, second lieutenant; No. 4, Vincent Nowatany, captain, E. M. Hastings, first lieutenant, William Weston, second lieutenant.


RICHFIELD: Hiram Hart, captain, B. H. Rouse, first lieutenant, oseph Churchill, second lieutenant.


SPRINGFIELD, No. 1: David W. Martin, captain, Cyrus Yerrick, first lieutenant, John M. Fisher, second lieutenant; No. 2, S. L. Stall, captain, G. W. Fulkerson, first lieutenant, William A. McClelland, second lieutenant.


STOW.: Hiram Gaylord, captain, J. A. Gross, first lieutenant, Loten Hartle, second lieutenant.


TALLMADGE: Norman S. Keller, captain, C. H. Sackett, first lieutenant, L. H. Ashmun, second lieutenant.


TWINSBURG, No. 1: D. W. Richardson, captain, Chauncey Lane, first lieutenant, Alfred Ledsham, second lieutenant; No. 2, Josiah Oviatt, captain, E. C. Herrick, first lieutenant, William Chamberlin, second lieutenant.


MODERN MILITARY OPERATIONS.


Allusion has been made elsewhere to the early military operations of Akron and Summit county, special mention having been made of the " Summit Guards," organized in the latter thirties, and maintained for several years, under the auspices of the late Gen. Philo Chamberlin, Arad Kent and other enterprising young business men of ancient Akron. In addition to a brief history of nearly every regiment in which citizens of Akron so gallantly served their country during the late war, including the independent companies of the Ohio National Guard, who rendered their country such invaluable service for one hundred days in the Summer of 1864, it is proper that the later and present military status of the city and county should receive a passing notice in this chapter. The companies forming the 54th Battalion 0. N. G., as did all similar organizations throughout the State, partaking of the general feeling of the people, that they had had a sufficiency of military display, soon after the war lapsed into a condition of innocuous desuetude," and the whole militia system of the State being apparently about to fall into a general state of inefficiency and dilapidation, the independent companies in question were, a a year or two later, honorably discharged. A few years later, however, realizing the importance of having conveniently at hand an efficient number of thoroughly drilled soldiers to quell any disturbances that might arise in any portion of the State, and to prevent invasion from without, the Legislature, on the 18th day of April, 1870, passed "An act to organize and regulate an independent militia," providing that "for the purpose of creating greater efficiency in the military system in counties having cities or towns with a larger population than three thousand, it shall be lawful for any members of the enrolled militia to embody and organize themselves into independent companies, battalions, squadrons, regiments and batteries, in manner and form and subject to the provisions and restrictions hereafter prescribed; provided that such organizations shall be of no charge or expense whatever to the State."


428 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


It will thus be seen, by the italicized proviso, that so far as the public, for whose benefit these organizations were to be maintained, was concerned, the new system was to be parsimoniously economical. The act did provide, however, that such companies might have the use of the public arms of the State, on giving a properly secured bond, in double the value thereof, for the return of the same, on demand of the governor or adjutant general; that in addition to regular members, "contributing members" not to exceed 150, or 45 per cent. of the voting population, might be enrolled; not less than three days of public parade and drill to be performed each year, with yearly encampment of not less than three days and to be subject to the call of the governor to repel invasions, or the sheriff or mayor to suppress riots, etc., to be paid by the State in the former case, and by the county or city in the latter, one dollar for each day, and a like sum for each night while thus on duty. Under this law each company had to uniform itself, provide its own armory, fuel, lights, etc., in return, each active and contributing member being exempt from jury duty and work on the public highways during continuance of membership, and every active member serving five years to be thereafter exempt from military duty in time of peace.


PORTER ZOUAVES.—Under the inspiration of Mr. Henry Porter, an ex-soldier of the late war, eighteen men, about one-half of whom were veteran soldiers, and the remainder a younger class of men without military experience, met in the room of the Akron City Band, on Howard street, on Friday evening, October 15, 1875, for the purpose of organizing a military company under the law in question, Captain T. D. McGillicuddy acting as chairman of the meeting. Fifteen names were enrolled at that meeting, each of whom was appointed a committee to solicit recruits, and at the second meeting, held in the rooms of the G. A. R., October 22, twenty new names were reported, making 35 in all—veterans and ." kids" in about equal numbers. At this second meeting a preliminary organization was effected, with Emmett F. Taggart as president; Edgar W. Cubbison, secretary, and Ernest F. Pfleuger, treasurer.


"VETS" VERSUS "KIDS."—The third meeting was held at Rentschler's Hall, Market street, on the evening of November 1, 1875. In the meantime differences had arisen and the officers

elected at the previous meeting, and several others, voluntarily withdrew, new officers being elected as follows: Michael W. Santry, president; Samuel D. Blocker, secretary; and Charles M.

Henry, treasurer, with Henry Porter as drill master, Alvin T. Hawn, assistant drill master, the company assuming the title of Porter Zouaves.


THE " BIERCE CADETS."—About this time Gen: Lucius V. Bierce, became actively interested in the organization, and in addition to his experienced military counsels, rendered the company such pecuniary assistance in the way of paying hall rent and other expenses, that, by a nearly unanimous vote, the company assumed the name of "Bierce Cadets," and under that title was

organized, November 13, 1875, with Michael W. Santry as captain; James K. Polk Sours, first lieutenant, and Charles E. Carter, second lieutenant, to whom commissions were issued by Governor Thomas L. Young, December 8, 1875, Col. Adams Emerson, about


BIERCE CADETS, CITY GUARD, ETC. - 429


this time succeeding Mr. Henry Porter, as drill master, under whose training the cadets, though nearly all young men, averaging only about 22 years of age, attaining a commendable state of proficiency..


"AKRON CITY GUARD."— Meantime, the withdrawing members, and others, mostly veterans of the late war, at a meeting held at Pendleton’s Hall, on Howard street, on the evening of November 4, 1875, effected a preliminary organization, with 37 names enrolled, by the election of Emmett F. Taggart as president; Edgar W. Cubbison as secretary, and Ernest F. Pfleuger as treasurer. November 18, fourteen names were added to the roll-51 in all—and on the evening of November 12, the company elected military officers as follows: David W. Thomas, captain; Alexander G. Maynes, first lieutenant; T. D. McGillicuddy, second lieutenant,. and the title of "Akron City Guard" was unanimously adopted.. At a meeting held December 4, 1875, 52 members signed the musmiter roll, formally enlisting in the military services of the State for five years, as follows:


We, the undersigned, citizens of Akron, Summit county, Ohio, hereby acknowledge that we have enlisted as volunteer soldiers in the service of the-State of Ohio, to defend her borders and repel or prevent invasion; to prevent and suppress riots and insurrections; to maintain the honor and integrity of our State, and sustain the civil authorities whenever and wherever we may be called to duty, within the intent of the act aforesaid, and for these purposes, as well as to sustain our own good name and credit, and to reserve and secure a just immunity from ordinary militia service, we have-signed this enrollment, and now pledge ourselves to the State, and to each other, that we will diligently strive to secure the greatest practicable correctness and efficiency in drill and discipline, and that we will perform our duty faithfully, for a period of five years, unless sooner discharged by competent authority, and we hereby petition to be organized as a company of infantry,. 0. N. G. M."


Fifty-two names, with their respective ages at that time, were attached to the foregoing application, as follows: D. W. Thomas, 34; A. G. Maynes, 40; T. D. McGillicuddy, 40; L. H. Walcott, 37; Louis Fischer, 22; M. W. Cramer, 22; F. G. Harrington, 26; F. 0. DeLong, 23; Alfred F. Koons, 25; Avery K. Spicer, 35; S. C. Wilson, 30; George M. Clause, 26; George P. Brodt, 25; E. F. Taggart, 29; J. W. Kolb, 25; H. H. Bickel, 27; H. C. Peck, 28; E. W. Weise, 31; G. R. Smetts, 22; R. 0. Church, 25; D. L. Pursell, 30; J. Beckhardt, 27;: Andrew C. Getz, 32: John M. Roberston, 27; George Mitten, 40;. George W. Kummer, 24; Amos Brown, 34; William Markwalder,. 30; Jacob Markwalder, 27; Charles H. Miller, 32; T. F. Homer, 30;: A. H. Vordeman, 37; William Pence, 45; William Barrett, 25; Aaron J. Hart, 32; S. C. Haines, 28; Charles W. McCune, 38; G. A, Reichler, 30; E. A. Stoffer, 26; Charles Yost, 35; Francis A. Allen, 33; D. C. Smith, 36; Martin Shank, 28; M. H. Smith, 35; Allen Walker, 35; I. H. Allyn, 24; Thomas M. Schlabach, 35; William Richards, 23; J. J. Foust, 25; J. W. Hillier, 28; Henry Cruse, -; FrankGrafton, 25.. Average age, 30.


PERMANENT ORGANIZATION.


Some technical informalities in the previous organization of of the company having been discovered, on the evening of January 3, 1876, a new election was had, resulting as follows; D. W. Thomas, captain; T. D. McGillicuddy, first lieutenant, (Lieutenant. Maynes declining a re-election); Richard P. Marvin, Jr., second lieutenant; W. A. Noble, seeretary, and J. Beckhardt, treasurer.


430 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


Both the Bierce Cadets and the City Guard were reasonably prosperous, considering the limited encouragement extended by the city and State authorities and the many expedients, besides the revenue from contributing members, that had to be resorted td in raising the wherewithal to pay their current expenses.


A TASTE OF ACTIVE SERVICE.—In the early Spring of 1876, a strike among the coal miners of the Tuscarawas Valley necessitated the calling out of several companies of the Ohio National Guard of the vicinage to quell the riotous proceedings among the strikers. The Akron City Guard-having meantime been provided with new Springfield breech-loading rifles—by order of Capt. Thomas, assembled at their armory at 7:30 A. M. on Tuesday morning, May 16, 1876, in response to the following official requisition:


SHERIFF'S OFFICE, SUMMIT COUNTY,

AKRON, Ohio, May 16, 1876.


To Capt. D. W. Thomas, Akron, Ohio :


You are hereby ordered to report your full command, "The Akron City Guard," to me, before 12 o'clock N., on the 16th day of May, A. D., 1876, at the Franklin Coal Mines, in Franklin township, Summit county, Ohio, to aid the civil authorities in suppressing threatened violence and supporting the laws in Summit county.


L. J. MCMURRAY,

Sheriff of Summit County, Ohio.


Some changes of membership having-meantime occurred, 45 of the 48 members then on the muster roll enthusiastically responded, as follows: Capt. D. W. Thomas; first lieutenant, T. D. McGillicuddy; second lieutenant, Richard P. Marvin, Jr.; first sergeant, E. F. Taggart; second sergeant, T. F: Homer; third sergeant, E. A. Stouffer; fourth sergeant, L. H. Walcutt; fifth sergeant, T. M. Schlabach; first corporal, Amos Brown; second corporal, J. W. ,Hillier; third corporal, A. C. Getz; fourth corporal, A. H. Vordeman; fifth corporal, F. G. Harrington; sixth corporal, I. H. Allyn; seventh corporal, H. Mealy; eighth corporal, William Pence, and privates F. W. Baker, A. A. Bartlett, G. M. Clause, F. 0. De Long, J. J. Foust, L. F. Fischer, Z. S. Fralick, Frank Grafton, William Hawk, A. J. Hart, A. F. Koons, J. W. Kolb, G. W. Kummer, John Limric, William Markwalter, Charles Miller, Samuel McCoy, H. C. Peck, D. L. Pursell, William Richards, George R. Smetts, M. H. Smith, M. Shank, A. K. Spicer, D. C. Smith, George Shenkel, L. Stair, S. C. Wilson, and Charles Yost, all the other members being absent from town except one, who was dismissed from the company for failure to report for duty as ordered.


A THIRTY DAYS' CAMPAIGN.—Donning their accouterments, and receiving from Sergeant Taggart twenty rounds copper-shelled cartridges each, the company marched to the Union depot, where amid the cheers of a multitude of friends, it embarked on the C., A. & C. for the Franklin coal chutes, eight miles south of Akron, reaching its destination at 11:30 A. M. A detail of eight men was stationed at the chutes, and the balance of the men marched to the mine, a mile and a half to the eastward, around which, under the name of "Camp Thomas," a cordon of sentinels were posted and regular army discipline maintained for the period of 32 days.


Though there was much bad blood, many dire threatenings, and some hostile and savage demonstrations, on the part of the


A THIRTY DAYS' COAL-MINE CAMPAIGN - 431


striking miners, both towards the new men that were introduced to work the mine, as well as towards the soldiers themselves, fortunately there were no serious collisions and no special damage to either person or property.


The nearest approach to a fatal conflict was during the second week of the campaign. Sheriff McMurray having received what he regarded as reliable information that a force of some 250 strikers were intending to overpower the Guard, on a given night, and drive out the new men who had gone to work in the mines, mounted a fleet horse and, a la Sheridan, rapidly rode from Akron down to Franklin town, eight miles away, to notify Capt. Thomas of the anticipated raid. A strong picket line was established, with instructions to shoot, to kill, whoever might attempt to force the lines. During the night, there was a rapid discharge of fire-arms from the neighboring thicket, and two men came running towards the camp, but happily obeyed the order to halt, before being fired upon by the pickets, and, being marched into camp, at the point of the bayonet, proved to be one of the new miners, who had ventured outside the line, accompanied by a friend, who were being chased by the strikers, but fortunately for themselves, the strikers kept at a wholesome distance from the picket line.


SUNDAY VISITORS TO CAMP THOMAS.—During their stay in Camp Thomas the brave soldier boys received frequent visits from home friends—especially on Sundays—" armed and equipped" with every variety of toothsome family edibles to sweeten the plain and wholesome, but somewhat monotonous, rations prepared by the company cook, in the improvised camp kitchen, alias the mine mule shed; the first Sunday in camp bringing some 300 visitors, men and women, and second Sunday about 500, including the Akron City Band.


Notwithstanding the strict military discipline maintained, and in spite of much rainy and disagreeable weather, the boys managed to enjoy themselves hugely, but want of space forbids the repetition, here, of the many pranks that were practiced upon each other, and the many novel pastime expedients that were resorted to.


AT SILVER CREEK MINE, ALSO.—On May 31 Sheriff McMurray ordered Captain Thomas to withdraw from the Franklin mine all of his command, except one commissioned officer, one sergeant, three corporals and twenty privates, which was accordingly done, leaving Lieutenant Richard P. Marvin, Jr., in command of the men retained in Camp Thomas.


Meanwhile the Mount Vernon Guard, in charge of the Silver Creek Mine in Wayne County, had themselves become so "restive" that Adjutant General Wikoff deemed it' advisable to order them home, but not wishing to leave the mine unprotected, issued the following order:


ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 7, 1876.


Captain D. W. Thomas, Akron, Ohio:


Send an officer and twenty men of your command to report to the Sheriff of Wayne county, at Silver Creek Nine, to relieve Captain Wood's company on duty there, under order of said Sheriff.


By order of the Governor.


A. T. WIKOFF,


Adjutant General of Ohio.


432 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


The men who had recently been withdrawn from the Franklin mine, in command of Lieutenant McGillicuddy reported at the Silver Creek mine, and were formally placed in charge thereof by Sheriff Jacob R. Bawman, on the evening of June 8, the detachment being received in military style by a detachment of the Mount Vernon Guard, whom they were about to relieve.


CAPT. TIMOTHY D. McGILLICUDDY,—born in Louisville, Ky., December 1,1835; moved with parents to Cleveland, where he graduated from Central High school in 1854; in 1856, went to Hannibal, Mo., and engaged in railroading; in April, 1861, enlisted in Co. B, Marion Battalion, LT. S. Reserve Corps, and elected first lieutenant; served under Gen. Nat. Lyon, in all engagements in Missouri, from the capture of Camp Jackson, May 10, to the surrender of Lexington, September 9, 1861; organizing another company was commissioned captain of Co. K., 5th M. V. I., October 5, 1861; was with the Army of the Tennessee, from the capture of Fort Henry to the fall of Savannah; was sick with typhoid fever at Corinth, Miss., from June to October, 1862, and severely wounded in an engagement with Roddy's rebel cavalry, March 23,1864; commanded regiment on the March to the Sea; mustered out at Savannah, January 1, 1865;, at close of war, settled in Akron; November 13, 1867, was married to Miss Frances L. Carter, only daughter of Dr. Israel E. and Mary (Williamson) Carter, who has borne him one child—Kate Leora; is a charter member of Buckley Post, G. A. R.; Post Commander, 1873 to 1879; assistant quartermaster general, 1875; junior vice department commander, 1876; judge advocate general, 1879; assistant adjutant general 1880, district mustering officer, 1882; district inspector 1884, '85, delegate to national encampments, 1870-75, 1883-85-86.


THE MINERS' WAR ENDED.-Both the mines in question having at length been supplied with new operatives or the return of the old ones, the strike was at length declared off, Lieutenant Marvin's detachment being formally withdrawn from the Franklin mine, by Sheriff McMurray, June 18, Lieutenant McGillicuddy's command being relieved from further duty at Silver Creek two days later, by the following complimentary order from Sheriff Bawman:


WOOSTER, OHIO, June 20, 1876.


Lieut. T. D. McGillicuddy, Commanding Akron City Guard, Silver Creek Wayne County, Ohio:


Grateful for faithful services, but your services being no longer required, you and your command will consider yourselves released from further duty, from and after this date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


JACOB R. BAWMAN,

Sheriff of Wayne County, Ohio.


"SKIRMISHING" FOR THEIR PAY.—Having been ordered out by State authority, the guard, of course, looked to the State to pay them for the services they had thus rendered. Considerable


SEEKING REGIMENTAL HONORS - 433


correspondence ensued between Captain Thomas and Attorney General Wikoff, the outcome of which was the receipt of the following "wet blanket" from the latter officer by Captain Thomas:


COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 14, 1876.


Captain D. W Thomas:


Sir:—I find it impossible to pay your company in advance of an approriation by the General Assembly. I therefore return all the papers to you mail, to-day. Very respectfully,


A. T. WIKOFF,

Adjutant General.


To say that the boys were indignant would be drawing it very mild, indeed, many of them having given up their own more lucreative work, in the very busiest season of the year, to attend to the business of the public at one dollar for each day and a like sum for each night of service, and very properly feeling that the pittance thus faithfully earned ought to be promptly paid. But Lieutenant "Dick" Marvin seems to have been adequate to the situation, for, after visiting the Governor and Adjutant General at Columbus, and certain interested parties in Cleveland, the money was forthcoming, and on the evening of July 24, 1876, the men were paid off, amounting in the aggregate to $2,700.


ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE A REGIMENT.


Up to this time the two companies—the "Bierce Cadets" and the "City Guard,"—had pursued a course of friendly rivalry, and though, as their name implies, the former were composed of a younger class of men, they were, under the skillful training of Col. Adams Emerson, rapidly perfecting themselves in drill and military tactics, both companies taking a prominent part in one of the most imposing civico-military demonstrations ever witnessed in Akron, the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence, July 4, 1876. As there were now six thrifty independent military companies in this immediate vicinity, it was, on consultation, deemed expedient to organize a regiment, and papers for that purpose were duly prepared and forwarded to Columbus, by Capt. Thomas, and on July 10, 1876, an order was issued at State Headquarters, for the organization of the Ninth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, to be composed of the following companies: Akron City Guard, as Company A; Bierce Cadets, as Company B; Cuyahoga Falls Light Guard, as Company C; Wadsworth Light Guard, as Company D; Orrville Guard, as Company E; West Salem Guard, as Company F.


The adjutant general's order also called for a convention of delegates from the several companies named, to be held in the armory of the Akron City Guard, on July 14, to put in nominaantion candidates for field officers.


BIERCE CADETS PUT IN A DEMURRER.-Though the arrangement of the companies was satisfactory to all of the others, a remonstrance was interposed by the Bierce Cadets, who, by virtue of priority of organization, claimed that the Cadets were entitled to the post of honor—the right of the regiment—and consequently to the letter A, in the organization of the regiment, the Guard claiming the first position by reason of the previous military


28


434 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


experience of the majority of its officers and members, and its late rendition of valuable service to the State as above set forth.


THE ORDER FOR A REGIMENT REVOKED.—SO warm was the discussion over the matter by the two companies, and their respective friends, and such a pressure, pro and con, was brought to bear upon the adjutant general on the subject, that on the day set for the convention that officer revoked the order for the formation of a regiment, and the project was for the time being dropped.


THE QUESTION SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION.—The members of both companies, still being desirous of regimental relations, finally agreed to submit the matter in dispute to three arbitrators, the City Guard choosing Captain Arthur L. Conger, the Cadets choosing Robert S. Paul, Esq., and those two selecting Major Ulysses L. Marvin.


The Board of Arbitrators, after hearing the statements and claims of the two companies and arguments, pro and con, decided that the order of precedence in the formation of a regimental line, did not depend upon the letter of the company, but upon the seniority of the commander, and consequently affirmed the action of the adjutant general in giving to the Guard the letter A in the order for the organization of the Ninth Regiment, 0. N. G.


Under the supposition that this decision would entitle them to the right of the regiment, when on duty, the Cadets acquiesced therein, and the Ninth Regiment was duly organized, March 1,

under a new order issued from State Headquarters February 21, 1877, with David W. Thomas, of Company A, as colonel; D. Mitchell, of Company F, as lieutenant-colonel; W. Randall, of Company D, as major, and Dr. W. C. Jacobs, of Akron, as surgeon. The elevation of Captain Thomas to the colonelcy, and his selection, in turn, of Lieutenant McGillicuddy as regimental adjutant, provided for the promotion of Second Lieutenant Richard P. Marvin, Jr., to the captaincy, Sergeant Emmett F. Taggart, as first lieutenant, and private Henry H. Brown as second lieutenant of Company A.


TROUBLE IN THE CAMP.


Matters and things moved along harmoniously until the occurrence of of the first Regimental Encampment, which commenced on the 2nd day of October, 1877, at Fountain Park, in the city of Akron, the regiment also volunteering to do guard duty for the Summit County Agricultural Society's Annual Fair, then being held on the same grounds. Having established company and regimental headquarters in convenient localities, and organized the guard in accordance with military usage, at the proper time the several companies were ordered on regimental dress parade, not only for practice in military tactics for their own benefit, but also for the gratification of the assembled thousands who were in attendance upon the fair. Captain M. W. Santry, of the Bierce Cadets, reporting with his command upon the parade ground, was ordered, by Adjutant McGillicuddy, in accordance with instructions from Colonel Thomas, to take position on the left of the regiment. Thereupon Captain Santry ordered his company to "about face," and marched back to company headquarters. Colrionel Thomas then, through Sergeant-Major Albert A. Bartlett, ordered Captain Santry to report at once on the parade grounds.


THE CADETS DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED - 435


Instead of reporting with his company, however, he presented himself in person with the inquiry: "Colonel, do you wish to see me?" "No, sir!" replied Colonel Thomas, "Consider yourself under arrest!"


Returning to company headquarters, First Lieutenant J. K. P. Sours being officer of the guard for the day, Captain Santry directed Second Lieutenant Charles E. Carter to march the Cadets to their armory, which was accordingly done.


DISMISSED FOR INSUBORDINATION. — The action of Captain Santry and his command, being duly reported to State Headquarter', by Col. Thomas, statements and explanations on both sides were submitted to the governor and adjutant general, Captain. Santry claiming, as may be inferred from the occurrences of the year before, as stated above, that the Bierce Cadets being the first company organized, and himself the senior captain of the regianment, he and his company were entitled to the post of honor—the right of the regiment—and that on being ordered to the left he was justified in declining to accept the position. Adjutant General Charles W. Karr, without attempting to pass upon the question of the military propriety or impropriety of Col. Thomas' order, placing the Bierce Cadets upon the left of the regiment, lint withstanding the seniority of the company and its commander, held that the order having, been given it should have been obeyed by Capt. Santry, leaving the question at issue to be adjudicated by higher military authority on appeal, and issued the final order in the premises as follows:


ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

COLUMBUS, 0., November, 21, 1877.


Special Orders No. 271.


I. It appearing, by official reports, that during the encampment of the Ninth Regiment of Infantry 0. N. G., held at Akron, Company B. of said regriiment marched out of camp to its armory, against, and in violation of the orders of the Colonel commanding the regiment, and the reason for such action, as stated in writing, by the captain of said company, having received due consideration, and it being found that such action, by said company, was without sufficient cause to warrant it, but that such action was mutinous and a breach of discipline which cannot be overlooked without manifest injury to the service, said company is hereby disbanded, and all its officers and enlisted men discharged from the service of the State.


II. First Lieutenant Sours having taken no part in the action of the company, as above recited, is hereby honorably discharged from the service of the State, and he is hereby directed to take charge of all arms and other State property now in use by this company, subject to such further instructions as he may receive from this office.


III. Col. D. W. Thomas is hereby charged with the promulgation of this order to the regiment.


By order of the Governor.


CHAS. W. CARR, Adjutant General.


SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF COMPANY A.


The space at our command will not permit a minute detail of either regimental or company operations in the intervening years, but it may be generally stated that amid the inevitable vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity incident to local military life, the Akron City Guard has ever held the highest rank, both in local social circles and among the military authorities of the State. Ever ready to aid in all civic displays, like the Fourth of July,


436 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


Decoration Day, etc.. the Guard has taken a just pride in maintaining its superiority of discipline and drill, on parade at home and at the annual encampments, and has also held itself in readiness to respond to all calls for the maintenance of the peace, both at home and in distant portions of the State. During the railroad riots of July, 1877, in which Pittsburg was so great a sufferer, the 0. N. G., of Zanesville, Circleville, Mount Vernon and Springfield were ordered to report along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio, in the central portion of the State, and Akron to hold itself in readiness to act, on a moment's notice, wherever its services might be needed.


THE NINTH MERGED IN THE EIGHTH.


In August, 1878, by reason of the depletion of several of the companies of the two regiments, by discharges, removals and otherwise, the Eighth and Ninth Regiments of the Ohio National Guard were consolidated, under the title of the Eighth; Company A, of the Ninth becoming Company B of the Eighth. The companies composing the regiment being as follows: Homeworth, Company D; Alliance, Company E; Waynesburg, Company Beach City, Company G; Wadsworth, Company H; Canton, Company I; Medina, Company K. Col. David W. Thomas, by virtue of his rank, became the colonel of the Eighth, with Hiram Reed as lieuritenant colonel and George R. Gyger as major, the regimental staff selected by Col. Thomas, being William C. Jacobs, Akron, surgeon; Thomas J. Reed, Massillon, assistant surgeon; T. D. McGillicuddy, Akron, adjutant; Joseph A. Meyer, Canton, quartermaster; John C. Kauffman, Orrville, chaplain. Col. Thomas tendering his resignation, Capt. Arthur L. Conger was elected to the colonelcy of the regiment, July 25, 1881, Lieutenant Emmett F. Taggart being appointed as his adjutant, the present regimental organization (September, 1891) being: George R. Gyger, Alliance, colonel; C. V. Hard, Wooster, lieutenant colonel; Emmett F. Taggart, Akron, major; Charles W. F. Dick, Akron, junior major; Albert A. Bartlett, Akron, adjutant; Emmer C. Farquhar, Damascus, surgeon; James Taggart, Wooster, quartermaster; John C. Kauffman, chaplain; Alexander W. Maynes, sergeant major; Richard Lewis, drum major; William R. Palmer, leader. The regiment is now (1891) composed of the following companies: Co. A, Bucyrus; Co. B,. Akron ; Co. C, Polk; Co. D, Wooster; Co. E, East Palestine; Co. F, Massillon; Co. G, Wadsworth; Co. H, Upper Sandusky; Eighth Regiment Band, Akron.


THE GARFIELD OBSEQUIES.—On the occasion of the melancholy but imposing funeral ceremonial, in honor of the murdered President, James A. Garfield, September 19, 1881, Company B was present in full force, and was given the post of honor, in guarding the Catafalque, beneath the beautiful canopy of which rested the honored remains, and preventing the multitude from trespassing upon the large platform reserved for members of the cabinet, and other distinguished civil and military gentlemen in attendance, and also in the procession, between Monumental Park and the cemetery, the fine military bearing of the company eliciting general complimentary remark.


EXECUTIONS AT WOOSTER AND ASHLAND.—December 30, 1880, on the occasion of the hanging of John Callahan, for the murder of John Torney, at the Wayne county fair, October 3, 1879, Company


DOUBLE EXECUTION-EXCITING EPISODE - 437


B, by request of Sheriff Stouffer, together with the Wadsworth Guard, were present to maintain order, receiving the highest encomiums of the people of Wooster for their soldierly bearing and the manner in which they discharged the duties of the occasion; the execution taking place in the corridor of the jail.


The double execution of George Andrew Horn and William Henry Gribben, for the murder of Harry Williams on the morning of March 24, 1883, toconanstructionshland, May 16, 1884. The construction of the jail was such that the gallows had to be erected in a stockade inclosure upon the outside. As the day of execution approached reports, came to the ears of the civil authorities of an intention on the part of contiguous city and village roughs and of the rural populace, to witness the hanging, in spite of the law against public executions.


To uphold the laW, and preserve order, Sheriff Isaac Gates invoked the aid of the military, nine companies, by order of the Governor, responding to his call, as follows: Company B, Akron Guard, first lieutenant, W. A. Noble, commanding, 37 men; Company C, Youngstown Guard, 45 men; Company D, Wooster City Guard, 50 men; Company E, East Palestine Grays, 44 men; Company F, Beach City Blues, 35 men; and the Wadsworth Guard, 27 men, of the Eighth Regiment; Kirby Light Guard, Second Regiment, Upper Sand usky, 41 men; Richwood Guard, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment, 32 men; men the Ashland Guard, Company D, Seveententh Regiment, 46 men; total 356 men. The entire force was commanded by Col. A. L. Conger, of the Eighth, ably assisted by Lieut. Col. Finger and Major Gyger, and their faithful subordinates, among the most efficient of whom without disparagement to others, was Akron's one-armed veteran, Sergeant-Major, Albert A Bartlett.


THE CROWD MASSING Fo,clockFRAY.-" Between the hourso,clocko'clock in the forenoon and two o'clock in the afternoon," read the sentences, but Sheriff Gates concluded that, in view of threatened trouble, an early execution would be desirable, for as early as nine o'clock, and before the preliminary exercises had been completed on the inside, the court house square was surrounded by an excited crowd of at least 10,000 people, many of them of the roughest element of Ashland and surrounding counties. The jail and court house were located on the public square, containing about three acres of land, which was surrounded by an iron picket fence, on the inside of which, on every side, the soldiers were stationed, to keep the crowd fromonpproaching the jail, or the stockade oa the west side, which was about thirty feet from the sidewalk. As the privileged spectators—largely in excess of the legal allowance—were admitted to the stockade, about 9:30, the crowd, before boisterous and threatening, became furious, claiming as good a right to witness the execution as those who were being admitted to the inclosure


Earlier in the morning, a squad of soldiers had discovered, stowed away in a box car at the depot, a gang of nineteen roughs from a neighboring county, with a liberal supply of ropes, chains,

grappling-hooks, etc., evidently intended to be used in tearing down the stockade and making the ghastly scene public, capturing the entire gang and their outfit and turning them over to the civil

authorities. Shout after shout, and yell after yell, were raised:


438 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


"Down with the fence! Down with the stockade! " etc. Chains and ropes were thrown over the iron pickets, and attempts made to tear down the fence; revolvers were brandished and fired, rocks and other missiles were hurled at the soldiers and against the stockade, several of the officers and men being quite severely injured thereby, but bravely standing their ground and keeping the mob at bay, at the point of their swords and bayonets, resulting in many bloody fingers and other flesh wounds to the foremost of their assailants.


The fence on the south side of the square was at length torn down, and the detached iron pickets used as offensive weapons by the whisky-infuriated mob. Col. Conger now gave the order t load, which was instantly obeyed all along the line, the colonel personally passing between the soldiers and the rioters, and proclaiming in a calm but loud voice, that if their riotous demonstrations did not cease at once he should give the order to fire; that this was positively the last warning, and that if any were killed or they alone would be responsible. This served, for a time to diminish the turbulence, and to cause the peaceably dispo portion of the crowd to withdraw, but the more desperate ma several subsequent attacks upon the soldiers, though they bray withstood the temptation to fire, even without orders, and on intimation, about 11 o'clock, that the execution was over, t demonstration in a measure ceased, though after the guard h been partially withdrawn, several boards were wrenched from stockade, giving the crowd a view of the gallows on which two murderers had expiated their crime, all afterwards quiet falling into line to view the remains of the dead malefactor which, enclosed in plain and inexpensive coffins, had been place in the yard outside of the jail, for the gratification of a morbid public curiosity. All of the soldiers participating in the affair were highly commended by the Ashland civil authorities, Company B receiving especial mention for the bravery of its men and the coolness of its officers, while Col. Conger was justly praised on every hand, not only for his undaunted courage in facing the blood-thirsty mob, but especially for his forbearance, under the most trying and exasperating provocation, thus preventing the great destruction of life which the order to fire upon his assailants would have involved.


ANNUAL ENCAMPMENTS.


Company B has always borne a conspicuous part in the annual encampments of the regiment, as follows: 1877, October 2-5, at Fountain Park, Akron, already alluded to; 1878, at Myers' Lake, near Canton; 1879, (brigade) at Rocky River, near Cleveland, three regiments and two battalions, in command of Col. Thomas, of the Eighth, the ranking colonel of the brigade; 1880, at Gaylord's Grove, near Cuyahoga Falls; 1881, at Peninsula; 1882, encampment ordered to be held at Minerva City was abandoned on account of severe illness of the wife of Col. Conger; 1883, on Fair Grounds at Canal Dover; 1884, (brigade) at Woodland Heights, Cleveland; 1885, Myers' Lake, near Canton; 1886, (brigade) at Mount Vernon; 1887, at Galion; 1888, with entire force of Ohio National Guard in State encampment at Columbus; 1889, encampment ommitted on account of attendance at inauguration of


COMPANY " B " AMONG THE VERY BEST - 439


President Harrison on March 4 of that year; 1890, encampment in Massillon; 1891, at Myers' Lake, near Canton.


The Sixth Battery, with hired teams for the haulage of its guns and other encampment paraphernalia, marched the entire distance from Akron to Camp J. H. Wade, at Rocky River, in 1879, creating no little surprise and enthusiasm among the farmers and villagers along the route by their warm like appearance and soldierly bearing. Speaking of this encampment, the Cleveland Herald said: " Col. D. W. Thomas, the popular commander of the Eighth Regiment, has everything arranged neatly at his headquarters, and will courteously receive and entertain visitors;" the Leader saying: "Company B, of the Eighth, under command of Captain Brown, is one of the best drilled companies of the brigade, their, turn at Erie street being greeted with loud applause."


RADICAL CHANGE OF MATERIEL.—It will be remembered that in the beginning, in 1875, the majority of the members of the Akron City Guard were old soldiers-veterans of the late war-the average age being 30 years, no applicant being at that time received under 21 years of age. Gradually a change has been effected in the materiel of the company; the veterans have nearly all voluntarily retired, and today-nearly one-half of the members of the company being under twenty-one, at the time of enlistment —the average age is less than 22, about the average of the soldiers who fought our battles, and won our splendid victories in the late war. The morale of the corps is now, also, most excellent, and its ranks will doubtless be kept filled with the very best young blood of the, in all respects-military as well as industrial and commercial—Tip-Top City of Ohio.


OTHER POINTS OF EXCELLENCE.—The company maintains a rifle corps,which in its target practice, holds unquestioned supremacy over all other teams it has come in contact with, since its organization over twelve year ago, and the company tomiday divides with the Wooster City Guard the honor of being the best drilled and most.efficient in the Eighth Regiment—each company having its points of superiority, and the rivalry between the two companies, though spirited, being perfectly friendly.


INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE.—Company B has at various times had the advantage of having, as drill masters, gentlemen who were trained soldiers. The first of these, outside of the organization itself, was Lieutenant E. M. Weaver, Jr., Second U.S. Artillery, then, from 1877 to 1880, on detail as military instructor at Western Reserve College, a most excellent drill-master and disciplinarian. In the Fall of 1877, through the efforts of Captain Dick, Lieutenant Alfred B. Sharpe, 22d U. S. Infantry, then giving military instruction at Wooster University, made weekly visits to Akron, for the purpose of drilling Company B. A thorough gentleman, as well as soldier, both by his correct bearing, his intelligent and comprehensive lectures, and his thorough discipline, he imbued all of the officers and members of the company with his own true military spirit, and the cessation of his visits, in July, 1888, left the company, in point of excellence of drill, and acquaintance with the varied duties incident to active military service, equal to the very best in the State, a pre-eminence which under Captain Bryan's skillful handling it still maintains.


440 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


FREDERICK C. BRYAN,—son of Judge Constant and Susan (Barnum) Bryan ; born in Cleveland, July 16, 1858 ; educated in Akron Public schools and Western Reserve College, graduating with degree of A. B., in 1878 ; reading law with father, and in office of Attorney General Jacob A. Kohler, was graduated from Cincinnati Law College, with the degree of L L. B., in 1881 ; working as reporter on Akron DAILY BEACON in 1879, '80, and on Sunday Gazette 1881-83, in June of the latter year, in connection with his brother, Isaac Jennings Bryan, purchased the latter paper, of which he was manager and editor-in-chief until Apri1, 1885, continuing at the same time the study and practice of the law. Since 1885, in connection with Dayton A. Doyle, Esq., he has been in continuous practice. July 31, 1883, enlisted in the Akron City Guard, Company B., 8th Infantry, 0. N. G.; appointed First Sergeant August 12, 1885 ; commissioned First Lieutenant, June 30, 1886, and Captain, April 17, 1888 ; was first secretary of Akron Board of Elections in 1889, U. S. Census Enumerator for the City of Akron, for 1890, and Law Instructor in Buchtel College in 1891.


PRESENT ROSTER OF COMPANY B.


Captain, Fred. C. Bryan; first lieutenant, George H. T. Dunn; second lieutenant, George C. Conger; sergeants, Fred. H. O'Brien, Newell L. Tibbals, Fred. H. Cole, Arthur E. Limric, Harry B. Dodge; quartermaster sergeant, Charles E. Gostlin; corporals, Harry J. Spindle, Emery F. Morrison, James F. Donovan, George W. Alden, Harrison D. Cole, Arthur J. Durant, Frederick W. Wolf; musician, Reeves A. Lodwick ; wagoner, Samuel E. Bell ; privates, Edwin G. Acker, Frank P. Allen, Frank C. Botzum, Clifford D. Burnham, Lawrence Clark, Harry W. Cleveland, Arthur J. Cogswell, John Diehl, Amil E. Gammeter, Harry C. Gammeter, William H. Griffiths, Arthur Hall, George L. Harter, Edwin P. Hulse, James H. Jackson, Llewellyn W. Jones, Harold E. Joy, Albert Kimpflin, Warren A. Kohler, Harry L'Hommedieu, Arthur Linney, James R. Mays, Harry McCune, William Means, George Memmer, Walter H. Montenyohl, Frank C. Palmer, Edward B. Reed, Archer L. Root, Edward S. Rose, Arthur E. Royer, William F. Walters, George E. Warner, Richard M. Webber, Fred. Woods, Samuel Woods, Herbert A. Zimmerman.


FULL LIST OF OFFICERS FROM BEGINNING.


CAPTAIN:-David W. Thomas, elected November 12, 1875; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., March 19, 1877; Henry H. Brown, July 23, 1877; W. Acker Noble, December, 2, 1884; Charles W. F. Dicks, May 19, 1886; Fred C. Bryan, April 10, 18§8.


FIRST LIEUTENANT.—Alexander G. Maynes, November 12,1875; T. D. McGillicuddy, January 3, 18764 Emmett F. Taggart, April 4, 1877; Edward A. Stouffer, September 13, 1881; W. Acker Noble, July 7, 1883; Albert A. Bartlett, December 2, 1881; Charles W. F.


THE SIXTH OHIO BATTERY - 441


Dick, November 3, 1885; Fred C. Bryan, May 19, 1886; Ira I. Morrison, April 10, 1888; George H. T. Dunn, 1890, Lieut. Ira I. Morrison, having been promoted to inspector of rifle practice on Col. Gyger's staff.


SECOND LIEUTENANT:—T. D. McGillicuddy, November 12, 1875; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., January 3, 1876; Henry H. Brown, May 7, 1877; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., July 23, 1877; Edward A. Stouffer, January 21, 1878; W. Acker Noble, September 13,1881; Frank Allen, July 31, 1883; Albert A. Bartlett, May 27, 1884; Hubert C. Peck, December 2, 1884; Ira I. Morrison, November 11, 1885; William A. Gostlin, April 10,.1888; George C. Conger, May 17, 1891.


FIRST SERGEANT:—J. B. Collins, A. G. Maynes, E. F. Taggart, E. A. Stouffer, George W. Kummer, Amos Brown, W. A. Noble, J. K. P. Sours, H. C. Peck, John B. Benn, F. C. Bryan, Wm. A. Gostlin, George Dunn, Fred H. O'Brien.


INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HARRISON.


Company B, 45 members strong, were present at the inauguration of President Benjamin Harrison, on Monday, March 4, 1889, in which they bore a conspicuous part, a portion of the boys also attending the inauguration ball.


On the eve of their departure for Washington, Capt. Bryan received the following letter from Col. Gyger, which speaks for itself:


ALLIANCE, OHIO, February 26, 1889.


The Colonel Commanding desires to compliment Company B, upon their excellent condition, as shown by the report of the inspector of February 7, 1889, made by Col. C. V. Hard.


The officers and members have cause to be proud of their organization. It stands foremost among the model military companies or the State, and is a credit to the city of Akron, the Eighth Regiment, and the Ohio National Guard.


Very respectfully,


To Capt. F. C, Bryan, 

Com'd'g Company B., Akron, Ohio.  Col.


GEO. R. GYGER,

Eighth Regt. 0. N. G.


Company B was also honored with an invitation to participate in the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of President George Washington, at New York, April 30, 1889, but because of their having so recently helped to inaugurate the new president, they were obliged to decline the honor.


SIXTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY.


The Sixth Battery, Ohio National Guard, of which body Akron is so justly proud, was organized November 27, 1877, with sixty members, the commissioned officers being: Joseph C. Ewart, captain; Thomas F. Wildes, first lieutenant; John H. Campbell, second lieutenant, Captain Ewart by unanimous choice of the battery holding that position until elected major of regi. meat, August 20, 1891; First Lieutenant James D. Chandler at that time being promoted to the captaincy.


FIRST REGIMENT LIGHT ARTILLERY 0. N. G.—In 1886, regimental relations were established with seven other batteries in different portions of the State, under the above title, and is the only Light Artillery Regiment in the State, or even in the United States, excepting those connected with the Regular Army. The


442 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


alphabetical order of the eight batteries comprising the regime is as follows: A, Cleveland; B, Cincinnati; C, Zanesville; Toledo; E, Springfield; F, Akron; G, Marietta; H,' Columbu Louis Smithnight, of Cleveland, is colonel of the regiment.


JOSEPH C. EWART,—son of Robert L. and Martha (Lemmon) Ewart, born in Springfield, March 25, 1841 ; educated in Springfield district schools and Akron High school ; August, 1861, enlisted in 29th regiment 0. V. I. ; discharged for disability, April, 1862 ; re-enlisted August 1862, in 45th 0. V. I., served to July 1, 1865, and mustered out with regiment ; after war, worked one year at sash making, etc., with the Weary Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Co.; then nine years in shipping department of Aultman, Miller & Co. ; in 1875, with Henry E. Merrill, commenced the manufacture of roofing tile, the pioneer works of its class in the United States ; in 1882, bought out Mr. Merrill and later associated with himself, Mr. Charles E. Howland, under the firm name of J. C. Ewart & Co., greatly enlarging their works, and now doing a large and profitable business. Mr. Ewart is also interested in several other industrial enterprises, being president of the Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Co., (works at Independence) present capital $100,000. March 30, 1881, Mr. Ewart was married, to Mrs. Helena E. Phillips, who died November 16, 1887 ; was again married, April 23, 1890, to Miss Flora B. Cook, of Akron. Since the war, Mr. Ewart has taken great interest in local military a ffai having, in 1877, organized the Six Battery, Light Artillery, now Butte F., First Regiment Light Artillery N. G., of which he held the position of Captain from its organization until his promotion to the position of Major of the regiment, August 1891, which office he still holds.


PRESENT STATUS OF BATTERY F.—For nearly fourteen years both as an independent organization, and in its regimental relations, Battery F has maintained a high standard of military of efficiency, and in point of drill and facility of action, is unsurpassed by any other similar body in the State. Ever ready to aid in all public demonstrations, its occasional calls upon the public in th way of patronizing their festivals for the replenishment of their finances, are liberally responded to, though still, besides the large amount of time given to routine duty and to public and private drills, parades, encampments, etc., the members are subjected to quite heavy cash expenses, the State allowance for the care and repair of guns and other military paraphernalia, being but $200 per year while the county pays the rent of armory, only.


The present headquarters of Battery F is as Columbia Ha immediately south of the City Building, on Main street, the present outfit consisting of two three-inch bronze guns, and two three-inch rifle steel guns, with ammunition carriages, harness, saddles, etc., to match.


The present organization of the Battery (August, 1891) is as follows: Captain, James D. Chandler; surgeon, Henry M. Fisher;


THE GERMAN GUARDS - 443


senior second lieutenant, Julius N. Baxter; junior second lieutenant, John W. Payne; sergeants, Peter Pfeifer, Clarence F. Ames, G. T. Casey, G. F. W. Clause; quartermaster sergeant, Alfred J. Pine; corporals, Ervin M. Capron, J. G. Dague, Eli Hutz, William Irvin, W. E. Crissick, Geo. W. Stein; trumpeters, Toni Werne, George H. Stanton, William A. Kellam, Frank C. Sprankle; privates, Turner Alexander, Alvin Alexander, Morris Binesderfer, Mandes Baughman, Ralph C. Brandon, Frank R. Brown, Harry S. Brandon, William Belke, William A. Cochran, William Crawford, Frank M. Cass, William H. Collar, A. C. Clark, Thomas H. Datcher, William A. Dickson, Charles C. Dorsey, Brace W. Duley, U. S. Englehardt, Daniel W. Fasig, Monroe Fasig, Ira A. Fouse, George Falk, Daniel Gossett, Urias Gorman, Clarence M. Hill, Enoch T. Jones, John P. Kimberk, Philip Koch, L. H. Klopfenstein, Lucas Libis, Stephen Libis, Frank A. Limbert, William McNeal, James D. Morton, John P. Nickol, Daniel A Roberts, Peter Schweitzer, Charles A. Sentemore, John Seegar, Ezra M. Scott, George F. Shook, William F. Wyatt, Grafton S. Whittier, R. F. Whittlesey, Alfred Wegmiller, George A. Weidley. Total, 66.


BATTERY F AT THE CENTENNIAL.


In the grand military display at the centennial celebration of the inauguration of President George Washington, held in the city of New York, on April 30, 1889, Battery F elicited warm commendation from both the managers of the celebration, and the press of New York city, as well as of the people who witnessed its splendid tactical maneuvers and military evolutions.


GERMAN GUARDS—COMPANY BUCHTEL.


This company, organized June 15, 1883, started with a membership of about twenty-five men, increasing its number to forty-five by January 1, 1884, and at present numbers sixty uniformed men. It is an independent company, composed entirely of men who were honorably discharged from the German army, part of them being in active service during the Franco-German war of 1870-71.


American citizenship is a prerequisite to admission to membership in the company, which is also a beneficiary society, as well as a military organization, aiding its members in time of sickness, and their families in case of death.


The uniform of the company is that of the German Army, and was imported from Germany, imparting a very imposing appearance to the company when on parade. The company is armed with the Brown gun—a breech-loading needle rifle—funds for the purchase of uniforms and arms being raised by popular subscription, Hon. John R. Buchtel being the largest contributor, his original donation being $500, in consideration of which the name of "Company Buchtel" was unanimously adopted.


The German Guards, composed of the most highly respected and patriotic citizens of Akron, have always taken part in all the important civic and military displays in Akron, since their organization, eliciting the very highest encomiums for their perfection of drill, accuracy of movement and soldierly bearing. The officers from the beginning have been as follows: Paul E. Werner,


444 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


captain; Hans Otto Beck, first lieutenant; Henry Klages, second lieutenant; sergeants, Carl Schoenduve and Gustave A. Groesel; surgeon, L. S. Ebright.


BUCHTEL COLLEGE CADETS.


In 1886, under the auspices of the Professors Charles S. Howe and Tracy L. Jeffords, and through the liberality of Hon. John R. Buchtel and Messrs. Ferd. and Adolph Schumacher, a full company, consisting entirely of college students was organized uniformed, armed and thoroughly drilled in military tactics. This splendid company, with Alexander W. Maynes as its first captain, became not only a credit to the college, but the pride of our citizens, appearing in public on memorial days and on several festive occasions; a squad of twenty on Commencement Day, 1887, escorting President Buchtel from his house to the College, and, in his invalid chair, carrying him up three flights of stairs to the chapel, on his offer to contribute $1,000 towards the building of the Crouse gymnasium, if they would do so. By reason of changes in the faculty and among the students, the military feature not being included in the curriculum, the organization has been in a comatose condition since 1889, without any immediate promise of revivification.


AKRON'S MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS.


From an early day Akron has been noted for the excellence of its musical organizations, both vocal and instrumental. It is not now ascertainable just when the first instrumental band was ,organized here, though it was certainly more than half a century ago, and to the late Henry S. Abbey, Akron's pioneer jeweler, must be awarded the honor of being its pioneer band director, also.


THE AKRON BRASS BAND.—This band, under the lead of Mr. Abbey, led the jollification festivities on the occasion of the erection of the new county of Summit, in March, 1840, and on the following Fourth of July competed in friendly rivalry with the superb band accompanying Cleveland's crack military company -then as now the "Cleveland Grays"—as guests of the Summit Guards, the BEACON in its account of the visit saying of the two bands:


On the evening of the 3rd, the Cleveland and Akron Bands gave a concert, at their quarters, where the elite of our village and the neighborhood did not fail to be present and enjoy the sweet and enlivening strains, made doubly so by the coolness and stillness of the evening.


A month later, August 5, 1840, at the celebration of the completion of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, the Akron band was very highly complimented by the many distinguished visitors from abroad, for its excellent music in leading the procession and during the after festivities of the day and evening.


In referring to a concert about to be given by the band, about this time, the BEACON editorially said:


All who can be moved by concord of sweet sounds will certainly be there. Let us all turn out, young and old, and give them a benefit. They deserve it for their perseverence in getting up a band which is a credit to our town, and should therefore be liberally encouraged by our citizens.


AKRON’S MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS - 445


REORGANIZATION.—Finding that his business cares precluded his longer acting as its leader, Mr. Abbey, about 1848, turned the organization over to Mr. George Laurie, a book seller and stationer, who reorganized and somewhat enlarged the band, though Mr. Abbey contined his membership therewith for several years thereafter. Mr. Laurie, a few years later, was succeeded as leader by Mr. Horace B. Horton, inventor of the Melopean, then being quite -largely manufactured by himself and the late Bradbury T. Blodgett, the business being continued, in later years, by Ira Rose, James F. Scott,' Horton Wright, John W. Baker and others.


CUTTER’S QUADRILLE BAND.-In the meantime, about 1845, Mr. Morrill T. Cutter, Akron,s veteran shoe merchant, had organized a Quadrille Band, of from six to ten members, which for fifteen years was in almost constant demand, in furnishing music for quadrille and other social parties, festivals, etc., in Akron and neighboring villages and towns, and attained more than a local reputation, as being one of the best equipped and most thoroughly trained quadrille bands in Northern Ohio.


KEATING’S ORCHESTRA.—John Keating, a most skillful musician, a few years later became the leader of an orchestra that for a number of years, and until failing health compelled Mr. Keating,s relinquishment of the leadership thereof, was justly the delight of terpsichorean circles.


MARBLE’S BRASS BAND.—About 1860, Prof. Dustin Marble, who had settled in Akron for the purpose of giving musical instruction and organizing bands, orchestras, etc., became the leader of the Akron band, and from thenceforth for nearly twenty years,. though many changes of membership occurred, Marble’s band sustained almost a National reputation, as one of the best musical organizations in the country, the Professor, though severing his connection with the band several years ago, still giving musical instruction whenever his services are called into requisition.


BABCOCK’S BAND.-Next in order comes Babcock,s Band, organized in the middle sixties under the leadership of Prof. Worden Babcock, and which had a highly prosperous career of some ten years. After an absence of three or four years, returning to Akron Mr. Babcock reorganized his band about 1881, which, in 1883, enlisted under the militia laws of the State, as a part of the Ohio National Guard, under the legal title of the


EIGHTH REGIMENT BAND.—Mr. Babcock was succeeded the same year in the leadership by Prof. Charles E. York, a very competent musician, who continued as its conductor until his removal from the city, in the spring of 1888, when Mr. William R. Palmer was elected as its leader.


The Eighth Regiment Band has at present 29 names upon its muster roll, the organization receiving the same allowance from the State, and being subject to the same laws, and entitled to the same benefits as other companies and members of the Ohio National Guard, its present officers and members being as follows: William R. Palmer, leader; Richard Lewis, drum major; S. Sam Miller, quartermaster; George Davis, Grant Kirn, Samuel E. Dice and' Charles A. Wilhelm, sergeants; Alphonso Kimpffin, president; Edmund Hartz, vice president; George G. Smith, secretary; Grant Kim, treasurer; George Davis, Grant Kirn and Charles A. Wilhelm,


446 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


trustees; Charles Austgen, Marshall Caine, James Flower, August E. Freund, John C. Funk, Joseph Goldsmith, Jacob Hartz, John Hartz, Leroy Henry, John Keatz, Charles W. Lantz, Sidney Morey, Bruce Miller, Cyrus L. Manderbach, Frank Nolt Joseph Palmer, Adam Rank, William H. Shoke, William Worth ington, Herbert A. Zimmerman.


THE GREAT WESTERN BAND.-TWENTY-FIVE MEN. —For man years a very proficient and popular organization, was consolidated with the Eighth Regiment Band in September 1891, with George L. Humphrey, as band master and William Palmer as his assistant, thus proving one of the strongest music bodies in Ohio or elsewhere.


Other musical organizations of the city, are now (September 1891), briefly as follows:


THE TURNER BAND, 25 men, Levi Pinn, drum major; John Kolla, leader; Frank Voke, president; Frank Cox, treasurer an business manager; THE METROPOLITAN BAND 10 to 12 men, Sidne Morey, director; Andrew Fritz, leader; SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, five to twenty men, George L. Humphrey, leader; NORTH HILL BAND, 1 men, Charles W. Lantz, leader and director; LANTZ'S ORCHESTRA, five to fourteen men, Charles W. Lantz, leader; MUSTILL'S ORCHESTRA, five to ten men, Sidney Morey, director; ITALIAN ORCHESTRA, five to eight men, Hiram L. Morey, leader; EDWARDS' ORCHESTRA, five t eight men, William H. Brady, leader; Thomas Edwards prompter; ROMAN ORCHESTRA, two to six men, Joseph A. Rivello leader.


CHAPTER XVIII.


ANCIENT AND MODERN AKRON CONTRASTED—EARLY' BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL STATUS — WHAT HORACE GREELEY THOUGHT OF US IN 1843 —GREELEY A TRUE PROPHET—THE BOOM THAT CAME TO STAY—FROM VILLAGE TO CITY—ENLARGING OUR BORDERS — AKRON'S WATER SUPPLY— IMMENSE CEREAL OPERATIONS—A TRULY "LIVE DUTCHMAN "—THE OAT MEAL INDUSTRY—AN IMMENSE PLANT—TERRIBLE CALAMITY — SPEEDY RECOVERY THEREFROM — OTHER MILLING OPERATIONS — LOCO-FOCO MATCHES—FIRST MADE BY THE WRITER, IN 1838—MODUS OPERANDI—THE LOCO-FOCO PARTY, WHY SO CALLED—THE BARBER MATCH COMPANY— THE LARGEST OF ITS CLASS IN THE WORLD—HEAVY MINING MACHINERY, STOVES, ETC.—REAPERS AND MOWERS FOR THE MILLION—KNIVES AND SICKLES—RUBBER GOODS, PAPER-MAKING, ETC.—LEADING THE WORLD IN SEWER PIPE AND STONEWARE—A WONDERFUL INDUSTRIAL EXHIBIT.


ANCIENT AKRON.


THE origin and early history of Akron, its growth, successes reverses, etc., were pretty fully given in the earlier chapters of this work. Though from the beginning it had fully maintained its standing as one of the most enterprising and prosperous inland villages in Ohio, its population in 1860, as shown by the census of That year, was only 3,520 souls.


WHAT HORACE GREELEY SAID OF Us.—In 1843, after a personal visit to Akron, Horace Greeley, in publishing a description of the town in the New York Tribune said: " This place, with a population of 2,500, has five woolen factories, an extensive blast furnace, a machine shop, a card manufactory, nine dry goods stores and about as many other stores, two weekly newspapers, four large flouring mills, a court house, four churches and two more being erected. The present water-power, including the surplus water of sixteen locks on two canals, is adequate to impelling sixty-two runs of stones. Besides this, there is considerable water-power and manufacturing at the small village of Middlebury, only a mile and a half east, on the canal, and destined to form a portion of the same city."


OTHER EARLY STATISTICS.—Four years later, Howe's History Ohio says of Akron: " Its population in 1827 was about 600 [less than 400 in fact]; in 1840, the number of inhabitants was 1,664, since which time it is estimated to have doubled. It has eight churches, twenty stores, ten groceries, four drug stores, two book stores, four woolen factories, two blast furnaces, three cupola furnaces, one carding machine manufactory, five flouring mills, one insurance company, one bank, two newspaper offices, and a great variety of mechanical establishments."

During the next ten years, there were many changes-an increase in some departments and a falling off in others—the increase in population being quite rapid, the census of 1850 placing it at 3,254, a gain of nearly one hundred per cent. in the ten ears, the gain from 1850 to 1860 being but 266, an increase of a raction less than eight per cent., the census of that year placing t at 3,520.


MODERN AKRON - 449


But, in the early sixties, "a change came o'er the spirit of our earns." Increased railroad facilities, and the increased activity yen to commerce, manufactures, agriculture, etc., by the War, nought a decided " boom " to Akron, the results and magnitude of hich are briefly attempted below:


Akron remained an incorporated town, or village, until Janu, 1865, an enumeration taken by Recorder Henry Ward Inger11, reported on the 14th day of December, 1864, showing the umber of inhabitants of the village to have been 5,066, an crease of 1,546 in four years. By resolution of the Council, opted December 25th, 1864, the State officials were requested advance the village to a city of the second class, which was accordingly done by Governor John Brough, Secretary of State William Henry Smith and Auditor of State James N. Goodman,. January 21, 1865.


CITY ORGANIZATION.—The newly constituted City of Akron as divided into three wards, the first election on Monday, April 3„ 1865, resulting in the choice of James Mathews as Mayor, and the lowing councilmen: First ward, Charles W. Bonstedt, one ar, and George W. Crouse, two years; Second ward, John E. ell, one year, and Henry W. Howe, two years; Third ward, J. ark Alexander, one year, Lewis Miller, two years; Lewis Miller, organization, being elected president of the Council, and Jere-'all A. Long, clerk. One-half of the councilmen being elected r one year only, at the election in April, 1866, John J. Wagoner cceeded Mr. Bonstedt in the First ward, Joshua H. Collins, Mr. 11 in the Second, and George Sechrist, Mr. Alexander in the hird.


HORACE GREELEY A TRUE PROPHET.—September 6, 1865, by on of county commissioners, the territory lying north of Exchange street, between the original east line of the corporation bout on the present line of Fir street) and the then west line of Middlebury township (at the junction of East Market and Middlebury streets) was duly annexed to the city of Akron.


By the authority of an ordinance passed by the council of the village of Middlebury, August 24, 1871, and a like ordinance passed by the city council of Akron, February 5, 1872, the question of annexation was submitted to the legal voters of the two corporations, on the first Monday of April, 1872, resulting as follows: Akron, for annexation, 1.,042; against, 6. Middlebury for,140; against,. 26. By resolution of each council respectively, commissioners were appointed to arrange the terms of annexation as follows: Akron, George W. Crouse, William T. Allen, and David L. King: Middlebury, Mendal Jewett, Frank Adams, and George F. Kent.


Terms mutually satisfactory to the joint commission being agreed to; ordinances of approval were duly passed by Middlebury, April 19, and by Akron, April 24, 1872, and the annexation was complete. May 27, 1872, the Middlebury accession was designated,. by ordinance, as the Sixth ward--wards Four and Five having been created by ordinance passed March 9, 1871.


SUBSEQUENT ACCESSIONS.—By ordinance passed October 28, 1872, a small section of territory lying south of East Exchange street, and between the two original corporations of Akron and Middlebury was formally annexed to the city.


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