Veteran Recalls His Battle Experiences of 65 Years Ago

The Marietta Daily Times, April 7, 1930, Section 1, page 12

Goes Back To Stirring Days of ‘61

Of the many hundreds of men who returned to Washington county to take up their places of abode at the close of the Civil War barely eighty are living today and each year sees the thinning ranks of the men who wore the blue gradually closing against the relentless adversary that knows not ultimate defeat.

Nearly 65 years have come and gone since the fall of the Confederate cause at Appomatox and the sturdy troopers who came back to civil life at that time largely have done their part in this world’s program of events. Scattered about the countryside today the wavering lines are slow to form at the bugle’s call and the surviving comrades largely are living out a peaceful existence made possible by a grateful nation that they risked all to preserve.

Will Miss Something

Many and interesting would be the life stories of these men and future generations to whom their recital will be denied will miss something that has made for a grand and glorious experience among Americans of today. History will record in a general way the stirring times that made of the sixties of the last century one of the outstanding decades in this country’s life, but the personal touch gained about the campfires where men of the Grand Army have been the central figures will be missing and no pen picture, however elaborately it may be drawn, can replace it.

In a general way these war veterans have spoken “the same language” and much that has been told by one of them can be related by another, and for that reason The Times publishes in this connection a brief biographical sketch of the experience of Capt. James R. Hyler of Reno. Captain Hyler is one of Ohio’s representative Civil War veterans. He is a native Ohioan. He spent more than four years with the colors. He participated in many of the decisive battles of the war, and he carries through his declining years the scars of two severe wounds that he sustained in action.

Amid Familiar Scenes

Captain Hyler and his good wife – each nearing the four score milestone of life – are living in ease and comfort in their attractive home at Reno. There, on the banks of the Little Muskingum river, they look out upon scenes long dear to them and reminiscent of their years of activity in the community, and their hospitable latchstring constantly is out to any and all who are so fortunate as to have their friendship.

This venerable couple are natives of Morgan county. Captain Hyler was born at Stockport and Mrs. Hyler was born at Hooksburg. There they lived at the beginning of the year 1861, and from there the former went forward as one of the 75,000 men who volunteered in response to Lincoln’s first call.

James R. Hyler – “Jimmie” as his boyhood friends knew him – was employed in the oil fields at Burning Springs, [West] Va., when Fort Sumter was fired upon – the shot that precipitated four long and bloody years of hostility.

Oil Country Forsaken

“Over night the oil country was forsaken and we all hurried to war,” is the way Captain Hyler tells about it today. He came to Marietta along with scores of others and here he signed the roll as a 90-day soldier “to help put down the rebellion.” With his comrades he was sent to Columbus to the state military camp and there he was inducted into the service. He was assigned to general duty and was sent to Grafton, [West] Va., to help guard the railroad bridges.

Before the 90-day enlistment had expired the people realized what was in store, and the rolls were opened for all who would re-enlist “for three years or the duration of the war.” Private Hyler was among the first to sign and he was accepted as a member of Company H of the 25^th Ohio Infantry – one of the Buckeye regiments that was to carve its name permanently into the war annals of the nation.

Regiment Sent South

His first enlistment was on May 20, 1861. His second one was on June 26^th of the same year. Following preliminary training at Fort Hayes at Columbus, he was sent South with his regiment, Colonel James A. Jones commanding. A few months later the commanding officer was transferred and was replaced by Colonel William P. Richardson of Marietta, who was destined to win lasting fame for his command and for his native city.

Assigned to the Army of the Potomac the 25^th Ohio was one of the commands sent against Stonewall Jackson in the Virginia valley country and that meant activity from the first. Quickly seasoned by an active campaign of fighting this regiment never was spared and in the parlance of more modern warfare it would have been classed among the “shock troop” divisions of the Union.

Receives First Fire

At Cheat Mountain on September 12 and 13, 1861, the regiment was given its baptism of fire. Then followed Greenbrier, Camp Allegheny, Huntersville, Monterey, McDowell, Cross Keys, Freeman’s Ford, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Hagerstown, Fort Wagner, Honey Hill, Deveaux Neck and Gregory’s Landing, Charleston and Swift Creek.

An imposing list of battles that, and they constituted more than three years of fighting that were full of action at every turn. Captain Hyler was wounded at Chancellorsville and again at Gettysburg, in the latter action so severely that he was sent to a hospital or rather to several hospitals for some months.

Three Terrible Days

“We had three terrible days at Gettysburg,” said Captain Hyler. “On the first day we were in General Barlow’s division and were sent against Longstreet. We had moved by forced march from Hagerstown, Maryland, and were sent into action almost as we finished that 25-mile hike. It was hot stuff there and we knew that we were facing the pride of General Lee’s great army.

“On the second day we fought at the Roundtops still in Barlow’s army and the fighting was desperate. We knew it was a critical situation and the men were told that we must stop the Confederates or the way to Washington was open to them.

On the third day of the fight our forces held the high ground more than a mile from our first day’s position, and there it was that the Pickett charge was launched. The 25^th was in the thick of things and there is where I was wounded. That night, after I had been carried to an emergency hospital, the word was passed along that we were winning and that Lee and his army had turned back in the direction of Chambersburg and the South.”

Personal Experiences

Captain Hyler recalls many of his personal experiences in the war. Cross Keys, he declares, was the bitterest fight in which he participated. It was one of the main battles in the long valley campaign, and the Union army was confronted by Stonewall Jackson’s troops. “There was one time that we gave Jackson’s forces a real licking,” he remarked.

After receiving his wound at Gettysburg, and his long hospital period, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He rejoined his regiment in South Carolina, then was detailed home as an enlistment officer. He was assigned to duty in Washington, Morgan and Muskingum counties. He secured a number of recruits here and took them South to his command. It is one of the saddest war experiences that of nearly a dozen young men whom he enlisted in this territory, not a single one lived to return home.

He quietly observed his 87^th birthday on January 14^th of this year. Mrs. Hyler is two years younger.

Silver Grays Prepare For Any Service

The Marietta Daily Times, May 14, 1917

Organization of the Marietta Silver Grays, a company of Civil War veterans and other men of mature years who have enrolled for a military company, is proceeding apace. The organization has offered its services to President Wilson and Governor Cox and the latter has been asked to properly equip and uniform the Grays.

Below is a list of veterans who have enrolled in the new company, with the regiments in which they served in the Civil War and their ages, as well as the pledge of military service they have taken.

List of Veterans

We the undersigned Civil War veterans agree to form a military organization to be known as "The Marietta Silver Grays" and adopt rules and regulations for the proper government of such organization, elect officers and tender our services to the Governor of Ohio and to the President of the United States, to serve in any military service that they may see fit to call on us to perform, and request the Governor to properly equip and uniform the members of said organization. Said term to serve to be for one year or during the war with Germany.

Benjamin Bragg, 1st Lieut., Co. B, O.V.V.I; 76.

L. J. Cutter, Co. B, 77th O.V.V.I; 72.

John B. Erwin, Co. G and Co. I, 83 Indiana V.V.I; 78.

W. H. Styer, H Battery 1st Ohio Vol. Artillery; 73.

Daniel Espensheat, Co. B, 9th Ohio Vol. Cavalry; 74.

James Hyler, Co. H, 25th Ohio Vol. Infantry; 74.

L. P. Judd, Co. H, 36th O.V.I.; 79.

A. D. Kemp, Co. G, 36th O.V.I.; 76.

Capt. J. G. Barker, Co. A, 36th O.V.I.; 82.

Jerry Swain, Co. H, 116th O.V.I.; 72.

Isaac Ward, Co. H and J, 77th O.V.I.; 74.

W. W. Mickle, Co. I, 116th O.V.I.; 73.

Charles A. Miller, Co. H, 7th Ohio Vol. Cavalry; 75.

John Newton Riley, Co. H, 7th Ohio Cavalry; 74.

Jack Kinsman, Co. D, 78th Illinois Vol. Infantry; 70.

J. W. Taylor, Co. C, 18th O.V.I.; 70.

W. W. Savage, Co. F, 4th Virginia Vol. Infantry; 73.

Converse Flanders, Co. K, 148th O.V.I.

M. F. Gilman, Co. K, 42 Mass. Vol. Infantry; 72.

Samuel King, Co. I, 5th Ohio Vol. Cavalry; 69.

Wellington Brabham, Co. H, 1st Ohio Vol. Cav.; 72.

John S. Beach, Co. C, 2nd U. S. Infantry; 72.

Minor M. Dye, Co. K, 175th O.V.I.

Amor Wright, Co. F, 2nd W. Va. Cavalry.

Charles Newton, Co. K, 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery; 75.

William W. Hanna, Co. F, 36th O.V.I.; 76.

Edward Miller, Co. C, 2nd O.V.I.; 77.

James A. Gilchrist, 138 Pennsylvania Signal Corps; 75.

James Dilley, Co. G, 10th O.V.I.; 84.

C. W. Kaneff, 7th Ohio Cavalry; 5.

Theobald Wagner, 1st W. Va. Light Artillery; 78.

G. W. Harvey, Co. C, 36th Ohio Veteran Vol. Infantry; 76.

W. H. Thorniley, 77th Ohio Veteran Vol. Infantry; 75.

George W. Bonnell, Co. I, 179th Ohio Veteran Vol Infantry; 75.

J. J. Hollister; 66.

H. L. Sibley, Co. B, 116th O.V.I.; 81.

S. L. Grosvenor, Co. B, 36th O.V.I.

Recruits Sign Up

We, the undersigned citizens of Marietta, Ohio, Washington County, sixty-five years of age and over, agree to join the organization known as "The Marietta Silver Grays" and do any military duty allotted to them and be a part of the organization. Term of service to be for one year or during the war with Germany. We further agree to assist in the election of officers and obey all orders and summons from the Governor of Ohio or the President of the United States and the officers of the organization.

D. B. Torpy, merchant and banker; 71.

Jacob Gephart, shoe merchant; 76.

John H. Riley, lawyer; 66.

C. R. Stevens, organ maker; 69.

R. B. Davis, painter; 66.

Arnold Neader, shoe maker; 66.

R. N. Cole, farmer; 77.

J. H. McGregor, farmer; 66.

I. E. McVey, ex-city clerk; 67.

W. H. Leeper, lawyer; 67.

A. L. Smith, lawyer; 67.

Charles H. Turner, merchant; 72.

The Marietta Daily Times, May 17, 1917:

Confederate Veteran Joins Silver Grays

Lieutenant Benjamin Bragg, though his sight is almost gone, has been hustling about town and has secured 28 new recruits for The Marietta Silver Grays. This brings the list up to 77. Among the Civil War Veterans he has secured Albert N. Dyar, of Co. E., 66th Georgia C. W. A., 83 years of age, thus proving again that this is a united people. The new recruiting list is as follows:

Veterans

Theodore F. Davis, 83 Indiana Vol. Infantry; 72.

Major Jewett Palmer, Major 36th Ohio Infantry; 77.

J. N. Hill, Co. I, 36th O.V.I.; 74.

M. Pitts, Co. H, First Cavalry; 68.

F. A. Young, Co. F, 89th O.V.I.; 70.

James W. Swords, Co. A, 36th O.V.I.; 74.

Ezra Mankins, Co. K, 148th OV.I.; 75.

R. L. Curtis, 2nd W. Va. Cavalry; 81.

T. J. Mellor, Co. A, 148th OV.I.; 81.

R. M. Fisby, Co. H, 122 O.V.I. & Cav., 129 O.V.I.; 75.

Adam Landsittle, Co. K, 18th O.V.I.; 79.

Henry Schockley, Co. A, 36th O.V.I.

Charles Bell, Co. D, 9th Ohio Vol. Cavalry; 73.

Henry Bacher, Co. F, 39th OV.I.; 78.

Frederick Schlicher, Co. D, 77th O.V.I.; 76.

L. McCammon, Co. K, 148th O.V.I.; 77.

John R. Sheets, Co. F, 77th Ohio Veteran Vol. Inf.; 71

James F. Briggs, Co. D, 174th O.V.I.; 77.

Albert N. Dyar, Co. E, 66th Georgia, C.S.A.; 83.

William O. Hale, Co. C, 36th O.V.I.; 69.

J. H. McGill, Co. H, 6th W. Va. Cavalry; 72.

Charles Coffman, Co. K, 148th O.V.I.; 79.

B. D. Reppert, First Virginia Light Artillery; 77.

Capt. B. B. Stone, Co. D, 92nd O.V.I., 75.

Recruits

John Bennet, Marietta, 67.

J. B. West, Marietta, 75.

John Haas, Marietta, 65.

John S. Ritter, Marietta, 80.

The Marietta Daily Times, May 28, 1917:

Plan Great Patriotic Celebration

The Marietta Silver Grays are going to be the guests of honor at a mammoth patriotic celebration to be held Sunday afternoon, June 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. A great program is being planned by the local committee. This committee was asked by the leaders of the Silver Grays to assist the in planning an organization meeting for their company. Preliminary plans were so spontaneously received by the citizens that it was decided to make the meeting a community celebration honoring in a big way these living Veterans who did their "bit" in '61.

Some surprises are in store, but the committee announces today that Chaplain George E. T. Stevenson of the United States Navy will make the opening prayer and that the Venerable J. H. Dodshon, Archdeacon of Ohio, will pronounce the benediction. Rev. C. C. Creegan will be chairman. H. C. Bayliss will eulogize the Silver Grays, and Rev. E. A. Coil and the Hon. A. D. Follett will make patriotic addresses.

Company "B" of the National Guard will attend in a body as will doubtless all the affiliated patriotic organizations, all of which have been invited.

High officers in the Army and Navy have consented to attend and all local and county officials connected with present war plans have been invited to seats of honor on the platform.

Beautiful programs have been printed as souvenirs of the occasion.

Coming as it does just before the Registration Day, this occasion will go down in history as the greatest patriotic meeting ever held in Southeastern Ohio.

The Marietta Daily Times, June 1, 1917:

Use Historic Table

An old pine table, which was used at Camp Tupper in 1861 to write up recruits for Civil War, is being used by Company B in their sub-station to recruit men to bring the company up to war strength.

This table was formerly owned by Lieut. Ben Bragg, and he presented it to the G.A.R. The G.A.R. loaned it to Company B for recruiting purposes.

Ladies Turned Soldiers

 The Marietta Register, June 3, 1864

A member of the company of Captain Knowles hired one John ____ of Union Township as a substitute for the 100 days' service, who received a few dollars advance, when he took himself home - terribly afflicted - had the rheumatism so badly that he could scarcely walk!

Two ladies determined to arrest him and send him to his company. They dressed in some soldier-clothes, left or sent home by brothers in the army, put on black hats, blacked their upper lips, with also a touch upon their chins. One took a gun, the other a pistol, and about dark in the evening marched to the home of said John. They took him prisoner. He made all manner of excuses and complaints, but the soldiers were "under orders" to take him to Marietta. 

They started, one on each side of the prisoner - the father and mother following. One of the soldiers slipped and fell, but jumping up moved all forward at a quicker march. They came down about a mile, when the mother plead hard for John, and the soldiers finally agreed to let him off it he would give security to be at his post in Marietta at 9 o'clock next morning.

He did so, and before daylight was on his way to Marietta. However, he was finally refused as a substitute and permitted to go home to his mother - where he threatened what terrible things he would do if the soldiers should come again! The soldiers who arrested him, he says, were certainly drunk, as they could not walk like sober soldiers!

The Honored Dead

The Marietta Register, April 11, 1872

Gen. Benjamin D. Fearing of Harmar, writing to his father, Capt. Henry Fearing, under date of March 10th, sends the following list of Soldiers of Washington County buried in the National Cemetery near Marietta, Georgia. Gen. Fearing says, "There are ten thousand and ninety-four soldiers buried here. These have been gathered from the battle-fields of Sherman's advance on Atlanta. From the banks of Costamanta, at Reesooka, to the banks of the Flint, at Jonesboro, below Atlanta, they have been carefully searched out and brought to this point. There are 114 Regiments from Ohio represented, by 1726 known and 29 unknown soldiers." Those from Washington County are:

Royal Fogle, Co. E, 92d O.

Adam Pitzer, E, 92d O.

Francis Davis, F, 92d O.

Jesse Craft, I. 92d O.

J. Porter, A, 39th O.

Daniel Lye, A, 39th O.

Enos J. Marshall, A, 36th O.

Jesse Johnston, A, 39th O.

J. Colgrove, A, 39th O.

David Dunn, A, 39th O.

B. F. Yardley, B, 39th O.

Thomas Richards, B, 39th O.

A. Parker, B, 39th O.

George Moore, B, 39th O.

A. P. McFarland, B, 39th O.

M. A. Smith, C, 39th O.

George J. Bennett, C, 39th, O.

Fred Cullison, C, 39th O.

N. D. Holland, C, 39th O.

George Drake, E, 39th O.

James Courtney, E, 39th O.

John C. Guthonel, C, 39th, O.

Daniel Hollgardner, E, 39th O.

B. Fouch, E, 36th O.

Frank Redman, E. 39th O.

J. Painter, E, 39th O.

A. Mimshotts, F, 39th O.

Peter Brown, F, 39th O.

S. Arnett, G, 39th O.

W. W. McCown, H, 39th O.

John V. Drake, H, 39th O.

B. F. Kilgore, I, 39th O.

S. A. Kelley, I, 39th O.

H. W. Knowles, K, 39th O.

Barney Heins, K, 39th O.

M. V. Chambers, K, 39th O.

Samuel Jennings, K, 39th O.

J. B. Shepherd, D, 39th O.

William Bush, D, 39th O.

Columbus Griffin, A, 63d O.

David Hines, B, 63d, O.

E. B. Seikel, B, 63d O.

Mathias Riley, B, 63 O.

David Weaver, B, 63d, O.

Eethel Heaton, C, 63d O.

Joseph Fitch, C, 63d O.

Phillip Findling, C, 63d O.

Phillip Schriver, C, 63d O.

Henry H. Smith, D, 63d O.

L. S. Sells, D, 63d, O.

I. W. Green, D, 63d, O

James Donaldson, D, 63d O

Sylvanus Burlingame, D, 63d O.

Charles Henderson, D, 63d O.

William A. Groves, D, 63d O.

M. C. Lowry, E, 39th O.

Ephraim Swank, E, 39th O.

Jacob Welch, F, 39th O.

Thompson Rose, F, 39th O.

Joseph Henry, F, 39th O.

J. M. Wilson, G, 39th O.

Francis Frost, G, 39th O.

H. H. Balcom, G, 39th O.

Solomon Spilter, H, 39th O.

Shadrack O'Connor, H, 39th O.

John T. Hartman, I, 63d O.

G. T. Gooding, I, 63d O.

John Jaggart, I, 63d O.

J. W. Lemmon, I, 63d O.

John Richie, I, 63d O.

Aaron Shoog, K, 63d O.

Asa Kelley, K, 63d O.

L. D. House, K, 63d O.

Joseph Harshberger, K, 63d O.

I. McKee, A, 1st Lt. Art.

T. B. Martingale, C, 1st Lt. Art.

H. C. Gurney, C, 1st Lt. Art.

Willard Bomes, C, 1st Lt. Art.

H. Gilbert, C, 1st Lt. Art.

John Shellhorn, D, 1st Lt. Art.

Andrew A. Poe, D, 1st Lt. Art.

Daniel Davidson, Sec. G, 1st Bat.

Robert Fox, Sec. H, 6th Bat.

Henry Woods, Sec I, 1st Bat.

W. B. Schnelleley, Co. B, 1st Cav.

A. Vandyke, Co. B, 1st Cav.

R. R. Vermillion, D, 1st Cav.

R. W. Maxon, L. 1st Cav.

Craig Bracken, H, 1st Cav.

John Smith, M, 1st Cav.

F. Redinger, F, 7th Cav.

W. Hanna, Co. __, 63d O.

Gen. Fearing says, "If there were other companies from Washington County in Sherman's advance on Atlanta, I can find out for any one interested where members were buried."

The Marietta Intelligencer, April 3, 1861

To the Public Generally

Justice to myself demands that I should be heard by the public at large in justification of myself against the unjust accusation of James S. Stowe, as I have heard he has charged against me before boatmen at New Orleans, and all along the Mississippi, and in our own community it has been published in the newspapers, and James S. Stowe, in answer to my letter to him of the 15th of March, says that he charges me with being the cause of his being cut loose, fired upon, and driven away from the landing at Lake Providence and other places below.

Now to show that James S. Stowe, to screen himself from his long known difficulties at Lake Providence, has taken this methods of shifting it on to me, whom he calls his neighbor. But we will let the community who cut him loose and fired at him, speak for themselves below.

S. M. Devol

[Simeon Manchester Devol, 1800-1876]

To Whom It May Concern

This is to certify that the cause of Mr. James Stowe being moved from Providence Landing, was not in consequence of any report made by S. M. Devol, Esq. - but was caused by remarks made against the institution of Slavery, at this landing for a number of years past, all of which can be proved by various individuals, among whom is the Town Marshal. Mr. James Stowe was moved from this landing previous to Mr. Devol's arrival here.

Providence, La., Feb. 27, 1861.

A. C. Jamison, Constable

A. W. Green

H. Stein

J. P. Gentry

W. M. Shaw, Prop'r of Wharf Boat

John W. Graves

*     *     *

James S. Stowe (1806-1895)

Note: James S. Stowe began flat-boating in 1829 and was very successful in the business, carrying a variety of goods including flour, meat, lard, beans, and butter. All along the river he had a reputation for being a “sharp but honest dealer.” His anti-slavery views were also well known. In the months leading up to the Civil War, Northerners were often threatened when traveling in the South. Stowe was a victim of this hostility while on the Mississippi River at Lake Providence, Louisiana, in 1860. His boat was tied up at the shore when news was received that South Carolina had seceded from the Union. That night Stowe, who did not carry a gun, was shot at and his tow line was cut. He was told by an angry mob that “no Lincoln abolitionists could land at their shores” and was given until four o’clock to leave. (Sources: History of Washington County, Ohio, H. Z. Williams & Bro, 1881; “Old Time Flatboatmen,” The Marietta Daily Leader, January 17, 1904)

Chewing Tobacco Has Been "Staff of Life" for 108 Year Old John B. Bane

The Marietta Daily Times, April 12, 1948

By Roberta S. Burson, Times Staff Writer

Chewing tobacco may be considered a bad habit, but for John B. Bane of Wade, Ohio, it has been a "staff of life" for about 108 years.

The Civil War veteran, Washington County's oldest resident and one of the country's few remaining Civil War veterans, chuckled about his life-long habit during an interview Friday.

"I've been chewin' since I was just a small lad," he said, a puckish smile crossing his silver-bearded face.

"My grandfather held me on his knee and let me such his plug tobacco to make me puke," he went on in a strong voice. "Why, I was such a poor, sickly child I could hardly stand alone."

He wagged his white head and a half-smile tugged at his mouth, half hidden by a white mustache. "I have used tobacco ever since."

Lives With Daughter

Fully clothed, lying propped up on an old-type brass bed in the living room of the small cottage overlooking the Ohio River which he occupies with his daughter, Mrs. Lilly Hess, the kindly-faced old gentleman presented a character study which might have fit a prophet.

Blue eyes, dimmed by age yet possessing an amazing keenness, peered out from beetling eyebrows and from beneath a dark, heavy melton cap. Light and dark shadows, playing from windows on either side of the bed, touched his cheeks which were a little hollow, lending mysterious beauty to the almost ageless qualities of his handsome, well-preserved features.

"Yes, I was in the Civil War," he said slowly. "I was a blacksmith by trade, but since last November I've been in bed mostly. Legs played out on me."

Recalls Old, Old Memories

His kindly face mirrored a thousand memories that occurred more than 86 years ago. "I went out as a substitute during the Civil War for my stepdaddy and foreman, Jim Connor. I was about 17-18 years old. Was with the 38th regiment here at Newell's Run, working as a hostler. Took care of 12 head of horses."

He spread his hands, made huge by years of blacksmithing. "I didn't have much time to fool around. Had to be ready so's I could take hay anytime it was wanted to the horses. I had to carry the hay in my arms."

He rubbed his bearded chin thoughtfully. "Daggone. I believe I've forgot the name of my commanding officer entirely," he said regretfully. "I was 21 years old when I got out of the war. After that I went home and took up blacksmithing again." His face lighted. "I did blacksmithing ever since I was big enough and strong enough to life a hammer to an anvil. His voice seemed to swell with pride as he added, "I expect I've been as good a blacksmith as ever worked. Made hundreds of pounds of horseshoe nails."

His voice softening, he spoke of his mother, Lucy Tice Weaver Bane Connor, who bore him three months after the death of her husband, Dr. Jim Bane, which occurred on a ferry boat as he was en route home from a medical case.

Born in Virginia

"I was born in Virginia," he continued. "When I was about two months old I was brought to Noble County by my grandfather, George Tice, a farmer and trader. We lived on what was known as Demmy's Run, near Lebanon. Lived there 19 years. The rest of the time I've lived here in this county."

A wistful note crept into his voice. "I never was out of the county to do a day's work that I know of. Hobbies? Play?" He scoffed. "I never had a chance to learn to play. I never got to go to school, but I learned a lot in the war. If I had the chance I would have been a doctor or a preacher - I don't know which." He sighed and added in a low tone, "I never got away from home to learn anything in the world. I never go to any elections. Voted about once."

Referring to World Wars I and II, and to the general strife prevailing throughout the world today, the old blacksmith voiced his opinion of the situation brought about by the actions of people in six short words: "I call it just plain hoggishness."

Has Thirty-Four Grandchildren

In reference to his own life, Mr. Bane spoke briefly of his first wife, Sarah Catherine Bowersock, who has been dead 44 years, and of his second wife, who is also dead. With the aid of his daughter he counted 34 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a number of great-great grandchildren - descendants of his four daughters and one son.

As for his philosophy of life and reasons for his longevity, the old smithy who was born the year Martin Van Buren was defeated for the office of presidency of the U.S. by William Henry Harrison, Whig candidate from Ohio, and his running mate, John Tyler, both of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too" fame, gave a thoughtful and sincere reply. "I always charged myself to live as near right as I could," he said slowly. "Christian ways and everything else. I don't know that I've told anyone a lie, or done any mean act of any kind." A reverent note tinged his voice. "My mother raised me like that."

Has Never Worn Glasses

Healthy to an unbelievable degree, the more-than-a-century-old man can boast of having never worn glasses and to having four of his own teeth. He chuckled as he displayed them. "I can eat pretty near anything that comes before me, and I drink lots of coffee," he said.

Looking ahead to the future and to his birthday which comes on July 1, the Civil War veteran who has outlived 25 presidents of the United States, who has seen the abolition of slavery, the annexation of Texas and Oregon, the advent of the railway, automobile, and airplane, and who has lived through the Civil War, the War with Mexico, World Wars I and II and other conflicts - offers a challenge to the months and years ahead.

"I feel fine down to my legs," he said. "There are so many things I want to do, if my legs would just let me."

He sat up in bed and gave a hearty handshake. "One of these days they may be stronger. I'll be 109 years old come July 1. come around and visit me then, and," he smiled slyly, "you can bring me a new pair of trousers for my birthday - size 32-34."

The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1948:

Oldest Resident In This Section Dies at Home

John B. Bane, Civil War Veteran and oldest resident of this section of Ohio, died early Monday morning at his home at Wade at the age of 109.

Mr. Bane was born July 1, 1839, in Virginia and was brought to Ohio when he was quite young. He lived in Noble County in his early life. He had also lived in Pennsylvania and in West Virginia before moving to Beverly where he lived until about 12 years ago when he moved to Wade. He was a blacksmith in his active life.

Mr. Bane's wife, Mrs. Mary Bowersock Bane, died in 1904. Son and daughter are Edward Bane of St. Clairsville and Mrs. Lillie Hess of Wade. There are 34 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a number of great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Doudna and McClure's. Burial will be in Beverly cemetery.

Unfortunate Killing of Mr. Jacob Cram

The Marietta Republican, August 6, 1863

We deeply regret to announce the unfortunate killing of Mr. Jacob Cram, a well known and worthy citizen of this place, by a Sergeant of the 8th Michigan Cavalry, near the late battle field at Buffington's Island, on Monday, the 20th ult.

Mr. Cram went from here as Captain of an Independent Cavalry Squad, his company being a part of the first expedition sent from here in pursuit of Morgan. The battle of Sunday morning at Buffington, coming on, he became very much excited and at length exhibited plainly signs of partial derangement, to which he has at times been subject. In the condition he then was, it was found impossible to persuade him to retreat with the rest of the forces; and he was consequently taken prisoner by the rebels. His unfortunate condition being evident, the rebels are supposed to have released him, first taking his arms and horse. He remained in the vicinity until the next day (Monday), when the Union forces, probably suspecting him to be a spy, who was feigning craziness, also took him prisoner.

The efforts made by the Union soldiers to confine Mr. Cram were naturally resisted by him. He was accordingly mounted on a horse, behind the Sergeant who afterwards shot him. Watching his opportunity, Mr. Cram hit this man on the head with a club, knocking him senseless. Upon recovering, the Sergeant instantly drew his revolver and shot Mr. Cram through the breast, the ball passing, as is supposed, between the lobes of the lungs. The startled horse ran away, but after going a short distance Mr. Cram fell to the ground and died. After being stripped of his money, watch, and a portion of his clothes, his remained were wrapped in a blanket and buried.

For some days his family and friends here were in a state of uncertainty as to his fate. Search was at length made, and on Saturday last his grave was found, the body disinterred and brought home. On Sunday afternoon last he was buried from the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. A. T. Nye, in this place. Mr. Cram leaves a widow and three children, with many relations and friends, to mourn his loss.

We have no hesitation in saying that the killing of Mr. Cram was an outrageous murder, which should be officially investigated.

  

Fourth of July

 The Marietta Register, July 8, 1864

The Fourth of July passed off very quietly in Marietta, even the shooting of fire-crackers by the boys was not in the usual profusion. At 9 o'clock A.M., the children, parents and friends assembled on the Commons above Putnam Street and, to the music of Major Payne's Martial Band, marched to the College Grounds, where exercises were held. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Battelle and addresses by L. H. Sargent of Cincinnati, who is known as "Sunday School Sargent," and by A. E. Chamberlain, President of the Cincinnati branch of the U.S. Christian Commission. Music, refreshments, and a social time were then the order. For this entertainment, the children are indebted to D. P. Bosworth, R. P. Iams, and perhaps others.

 

Phillip D. O'Neal

The Marietta Register, June 10, 1869

Phillip D. O'Neal [Philip Duncan O'Neal], the subject of this sketch, died at his home in Belpre, May 26, 1869, aged 38 years, 1 month, and 18 days. His history is one of peculiar interest. Although not a member of any church, yet he was one of her strongest defenders and would never suffer an attack upon her without speaking in her defense. He contributed liberally of his means to benevolent purposes.

He was a son of Joseph and Emma [Eunice] O'Neal. Born April 8, 1831. Married December 6, 1858. One year previous to his marriage, he built a store-house in Belpre and commenced business, which continued for three years. Afterwards sold out and built the steamboat T. S. Conley during the summer and fall of 1859. From this time on he met with many difficulties which few men would endure, but being a man of great perseverance and strong nerve, he was able to withstand what few men could do. For four years and two months he was absent from his family.

Many instances might be related to show his power of endurance. On one occasion, when his boat was tied to shore in a bayou, two very large trees fell across it and came very near sinking it. During the war, he was conscripted by the Confederate authorities, but being of a quick and comprehensive mind, soon found favor with the officers and was placed in charge of the sick and wounded soldiers. After this he was placed in command of a steamboat, which position he held for some time, but on account of his Union proclivities, they thought it not safe to continue him in this position.

In February 1864, he received an appointment from the Confederate Government to buy supplies and pay for them in cotton. In this way he had more liberty and, taking advantage of it, came to Natchez, then in possession of the Union army. Here he got passes to come North, sold 1,000 dollars Confederate money for $100 in greenbacks; with this he came home, arriving there February 24, 1864, after an absence of over four years. He remained at home only one week and reported back again to his superior officer.

In 1865, the Confederate Government owed him $65,000, which he invested in cotton and sugar. During the Banks expedition, our Government destroyed 100 hogsheads of his sugar. He also lost during the war, 50 bales of cotton at Natchez. At one time he sent $20,000 worth of cotton to New York, which was burned up in a commission house.

In the spring of 1866, he came home again, and in the fall bought the steamboat Rattler, loaded her with produce and started for Red River. When on the Mississippi River, the boat was sunk with her entire cargo - less $8,000. Then he went to New Orleans, where he had another small boat; run her during the winter. He collected on some of his old claims $2,000, which he deposited in the First National Bank of New Orleans for safe keeping until he should start home.

On Tuesday he was to start home and intended to draw his money on Monday. Saturday the Bank broke, and he lost his $2,000. This was his hardest stroke, yet he stood it without a murmur. He came home again to his family and for one year he did no business, but in the fall of 1868, bought the store of E. E. Cunningham, which he prosecuted with all the vigor of his younger days, up to the time of his last sickness. He did a good business and was liked by everybody. On the morning of May 26, 1869, he closed the labor of life.

E. E. C.

 

Was Original of "Lorena"

Marietta Daily Journal, March 5, 1917

Mrs. Martha Ellen Johnson, widow of the late Judge William W. Johnson, whose death occurred at the home of C. E. Tresch of Second Street, Saturday, was widely known throughout this section as the heroine of the original poem, "Lorena." This song came into existence about the year 1858, and at that time created quite a sensation in the musical circles of the West. The music had a peculiar charm, the words were singularly touching and the whole poem suggested a story back of it. It was composed by a Rev. H D. L. Webster, who at the time of the happenings of his story occupied a pulpit in Zanesville, where Mrs. Johnson, then Miss Blocksom, lived. 

The poem created such a sensation when it appeared in print that the name Lorena at once became familiar. Many things were named after the title of this touching ballad, the most familiar of which was the old steamer, "Lorena," which for many years plied the waters of hte Ohio and Muskingum rivers.

*     *     *     *     *

Marietta Daily Journal, March 3, 1917

Mrs. Martha Ellen Johnson

Mrs. Johnson was called from our midst to the spiritual life this morning at 7:25. She was born at Zanesville, Ohio, December 8th, 1828, the daughter of Judge and Mrs. William Blocksom - married October 26, 1854, to William W. Johnson, a promising young lawyer of Ironton, Ohio, where they lived until Judge Johnson was elected to the Supreme Court of Ohio, and served eight years, when ill health overtook him. He died March 2nd, 1887, and was Chief Justice of Ohio at that time and acknowledged one of the ablest jurists of the state.

Mrs. Johnson for years was blind and bore her affliction with a forbearance which proved her Christian faith, endearing herself to her friends by her ever-present cheerfulness. 

Services will be held at her late residence, 325 Second Street, at 3 o'clock Sunday, after which her remains will be taken to Ironton, Ohio, to rest beside those of her husband and two sons.

[More about "Lorena": http://civilwarlibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/06/cwl-lorena.html]

Civil War Veteran Taken

The Marietta Daily Times, July 15, 1938

Samuel Ferguson Feldner, 92, one of the last Civil War veterans in Washington County, died at his home in Matamoras on Thursday. His death followed a collapse due to exhaustion which he suffered on June 30 while attending the reunion of Civil War veterans at Gettysburg, Pa., in the national encampment held on the site of the battlefield on the anniversary dates of the famous battle of the war. He was taken to Gettysburg Hospital and later brought to Matamoras.

Mr. Feldner was born at Lower Salem on August 6, 1845, and spent his earlier life on a farm in Salem Township. He enlisted in the Civil War and served in the famous old 63rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a member of Company G. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Feldner went to the Middle West and lived for a number of years at Topeka, Kansas, where he served as a member of the police department. He also engaged in farming. He returned to Washington County in later years, and for the past nine years lived at Matamoras.

Mr. Feldner was twice married. His first wife, Mrs. Diana Lindamood Feldner, whom he married on November 28, 1868, died a number of years ago. Surviving this marriage are a son and a daughter, John W. Feldner of Topeka, Kansas, and Mrs. Grace D. Cook of Ogallala, Nebraska. Three children are deceased. There are four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

On August 14, 1926, Mr. Feldner married Miss Martha Loman of Matamoras and she survives. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Church of Matamoras.

Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church in Matamoras on Sunday at 2 p.m. with Rev. H. D. Gilbert, Rev. A. H. Giuliano and Rev. I. T. Spencer, ministers of Matamoras, to conduct the services. Matamoras Post No. 378, American Legion, will pay military honors in Matamoras cemetery.

  

Celebration at Newport

The Marietta Register, July 12, 1866

As a slight shower had fallen in the morning, the original design of a basket picnic in a neighboring grove was laid aside, and the people assembled in the Baptist church of the village. Here the oration of the day was delivered by Rev. J. W. Hamilton, the minister of the Methodist charge at this place. The address of Mr. H. showed much thought and preparation and was spoken with an earnestness and animation which fixed the attention of his audience. His style displays much force and energy, and he bids fair to rise to a prominent position in his field of labor.

The regular toasts of the day then ensued, the first of which was: "Our Literary Institutions in the loyal states - their patriotic teachings have been demonstrated in the intelligent members which they have given to the service of their country." The remarks of the Professor were very instructive, but were so far prolonged as to render them rather tedious. 

By this time the sun and breeze had dissipated the remaining traces of the morning shower and the entire assembly repaired to the grove near the Methodist church, where an excellent dinner was enjoyed by all. The after-dinner toasts were then taken up:

"The loyal ministry - true indices to the duties of real citizenship, love to God, love to man, patriotic devotion to our common country." The response was made by Rev. C. D. Battelle, whose remarks were brief but appropriate.

A sentiment expressive of gratitude to the soldiers of the township was introduced with some remarks by George C. Shipman and replied to, in behalf of the soldiers, by Hon. James B. Greene. I regret that I cannot give the words of the toast.

"The fallen sons of Newport: Lewis Nine, Edgerton, Battelle, Greenwood, J. R. Newport, Hall, Gutshaw, Wetzel, Davis, Hill, Seevers, Mathers, Van Wey, Gates, McPeek, and others - let their memories be kept green in the hearts of a grateful people."

This toast was received in silence, save the song "Sleeping for the Flag," which was beautifully rendered by a group of young ladies.

To the volunteer toast, "Our Fathers and Mothers; green be the graves of our sires, honored the gray hairs in our midst today," response was made by T. W. Ewart, in which he spoke highly of those who had formed the early settlements of the vicinity.

The following sentiment was given by a West Virginian: "West Virginia, a proud bulwark against treason and rebellion; no longer the club foot of the Old Dominion, a wide road to prosperity opens before her." Response by Rev. Charles Buckman, also a native of that state.

Rev. Allen Darrow being called for, made some remarks of a patriotic character.

We must not forget to express our commendation of the singing which was excellent. Altogether the affair passed off quite pleasantly. The general arrangements were good and were carried out quite as accurately as could be expected in view of interference of rain, etc. The day will be long remembered by those who participated in its enjoyments as an entertaining and profitable occasion.

H.R.E.
Newport, July 9, 1866. 

Decoration Day

The Marietta Register, May 27, 1869

By Lieut. Col. John J. Nevin

"The 30th of May is hereby designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers the graves of our comrades who died in defence of their country, with the hope that it will be observed from year to year by all the people." - Extract from Gen. Logan's Order No. 11, Headquarters G.A.R., May 5, 1868.

I.

 Let us gather to the ground,

Our soldiers' graves around,

And strew each lonely mound

With the choicest flowers of spring;

And the spirits of the brave,

O'er the land they died to save,

Shall keep watch while we these offerings bring,

And when we forget their valor

Gave our liberty new birth,

May their ungrateful country

Perish from the face of earth.

CHORUS.

We'll gather to the ground,

Our soldiers graves around,

And deck each lonely mound

With the fairest flower o'er,

And the land they died to save

Still shall honor thus her brave,

And forget them never more.

II.

Oh then, on bended knee,

Let us mingle silently

The pale anemone

And the dark blue violet,

And the fragrant flow'rs of May,

With forget-me-nots and bay,

And garlands of spring beauties wet;

And their pure breath shall ascend,

Like a prayer, like a prayer,

That our land may find hearts as true,

As those that moulder there.

III.

And year by year we'll come,

When the flowers are in bloom,

And we'll deck each hero's tomb

On this "Decoration Day";

Till all the South and North

Shall link it with the Fourth,

Twin holidays and holy days for aye;

Yes the Fourth and this new May day

Through all the coming years;

That we'll keep with loyal glee,

But this with patriot tears.

The Colored Settlements in Washington County

The Register-Leader, October 7, 1913

To the Editor of the Register-Leader:

Dear Sir - Being called to Cutler last year to deliver the Memorial Day address, I was deeply interested to find certain racial conditions whose like I had never seen before. Side by side with an excellent class of white citizens there were an almost equal number of self-respecting, well-dressed, intelligent colored citizens who seemed to be received on terms of social equality by the white people, at least as far as they would have been received had they possessed the same personal qualities without their dark complexion. 

Of the excellent band which furnished music for the occasion, the leader and ten of the fifteen players were negroes. An elderly colored gentleman was called upon for a brief address, which he made admirably. I found that he had been a teacher for more than a generation, now retired in good circumstances upon his farm. In conversation he was of quiet voice and thoughtful, interesting speech, and he evidently had the deep respect of all.  One or two colored people sang in the choir, and in a general conversation with a group of men at the railway station it was a negro who made off hand, the remark showing widest information. 

A tall, young colored man, Mr. Esau Harris, a highly respected teacher in that district, agreed, at my request, to furnish me some account of the origin of these interesting settlements of his people.  He has just done so, and I am sure many of your readers will be glad of this interesting and important piece of history.

Very truly yours,

Augustine S. Carman.

Cutler, O., Oct. 1, 1913.

S. Carman, Marietta, Ohio.

My Dear Sir - As you know, some time ago I promised you I would write you a short sketch concerning the history of the colored population in the west end of Washington county. I will begin by saying that the history of the different settlements is much the same. Some of the settlers were slaves that had been set free by their Virginia and West Virginia masters and emigrated to Ohio. Some were free colored persons who lived in the hills of West Virginia and came also to Ohio. It is a fact that the freeborn persons and those who had been slaves were somewhat antagonistic to each other at first. In all probability this was caused by the conditions that they had been subject to while still in West Virginia.

The free persons, by having their liberty and the freedom of their hills, had come to look down upon their less fortunate brethren who were slaves.  The free persons always pointed with pride to the fact that some of their ancestors had fought under General George Washington and that none of them or their ancestors were slaves. Now this may seem strange, nevertheless they spoke the truth, for although they were of mixed blood and undoubtedly were part negro, they were free and their slave ancestry was so far removed that the fact had been forgotten.

They had mixed with Indians and after the war of the Revolution, two or three British soldiers had settled and married among them, so as a natural consequence they had come to consider themselves as something distinct and apart from the slaves around them. And this is what caused the slow fusion of the two factions after emigrating to Ohio.

A case worthy of attention among the "Hill People" concerning the uncertainty of their ancestry was brought by one of them who presented himself at an election in West Virginia for the purpose of voting. He was refused and brought suit in court. He won his case, as the only ancestor of his whose blood could be proven was an Englishman by birth and a naturalized citizen of the United States. Always after this he voted and was "white." His brothers and sisters were "colored."  He also emigrated to Ohio and was known as colored, but a brother of his was pressed into a white regiment during the Civil War, regardless of his protests.

The colored population today that is here are descendants of former slaves and those "Hill People" that I have above mentioned. And the spirit of independence that you see manifested today is no more noticeable than that which marked the demeanor of the early pioneers. Indeed, I do not believe that the colored people here are as assertive as their ancestors were. I do not believe that they would now willingly violate a law, no difference how unjust, but all of those early settlers were active workers for the "Underground Railroad," and most of them would not have hesitated to sacrifice a slave hunter's life had they thought it necessary for their or a slave's safety.  As an example, two slave owners barely escaped being burned to death in a tobacco drying house two miles west of Cutler. While they were searching above, the entrance was fired below, and they only escaped by breaking through the roof. One of them was injured by a fall in reaching the ground. 

The colored people were aided and abetted in their violation of the fugitive slave law by most of their white neighbors. The most noted family of white people who were active in running slaves through to Canada were emigrants from Ireland. Their home was an underground railway station through which scores of slaves passed to liberty. They were the family of Smith and were the ancestors of several prominent persons of that name now living in Washington county. Another prominent underground worker was one William Heald, who was daring as well as active, he having on occasions taken slaves in broad daylight.

The early pioneers were by family names as follows:  Carr, Cook, Cousins, Dalton, Dickinson, Evans, Field, Kennedy, Sawyer, Simpson, Singer, Tate, Male, Norris, Tucker, Wilkinson, Still, Harris, Ramsey, Goins.  There are possibly other names that I cannot recall at the present time. The first settlement was to the south of what is now Cutler village. The families were Cook, Dalton, Kennedy, Tucker and others.

The second settlement was west and southwest from Cutler, in fact making two settlements, although they were settled about the same time. Probably persons coming at the same time would settle at different points.

Now there was a reason for these colored persons settling here; the reason was this:  Douglas Putnam owned or controlled large tracts of land at this place and he was always a firm friend to the colored people.  He was willing to and did sell land to every colored man that applied to him. His terms were always liberal and he was just in all his dealings with them, and for two generations Douglas Putnam's name was a familiar one among the colored people of the west end of Washington county. 

The early colored pioneer were mostly farmers, although some were mechanics. The Simpson family were noted for their skill in wagon building. They were a family of carpenters, generally speaking, but building wagons was their specialty. The Carrs were also carpenters. Aside from a few blacksmiths and shoemakers, the balance of the men were farmers. If they did not own farms of their own, they either rented or worked for others (generally white people) as farm hands.

There were some champion workers among them whose ability to accomplish a large amount of work in one day has been recounted by the people up to the present day. A prominent name among them was Azariah Norman, who was noted for his great strength and his ability to cut as much wheat with a cradle in one day as two men could bind up. I was told personally by an old gentleman, James King by name, that he always bound as much wheat as any man could cut until he bound after Mr. Norman. Mr. King was the father of C. C. King, lately of this county, now of Oklahoma. In those days they put one dozen sheaves together for a shock. Mr. King said Norman could cut 160 shocks from sunrise to sunset. 

It seems that the farm hands of that day were quite willing to work a full day. Another man, Edmund Coursey, was a noted corn cutter. There was a settlement of Friends (Quakers) near, that always made it a point, if possible, to have "Ed" cut corn for them, and so great was his prowess in cutting and shocking that they were quite willing to pay him one-third more per day than anyone else, either colored or white.

Thus you see, even in this early day the white and colored people here were beginning to understand one another and to have a mutual understanding as to their relations toward each other.  When the whites hired colored men to work for them, they never objected to eating at the same table with them and worked side by side as if they had both belonged to the same race. By so doing the whites showed by their actions that they respected the colored people and in turn they were respected and loved by the colored people, and be it said to the everlasting credit of both, as two different races they have never had any trouble.  While both races have had trouble among themselves, the two races have always had peace between themselves.

While the Civil War was in progress the enlistment among the colored people was as large in proportion to numbers as among the whites. Some few colored men were enlisted in white regiments at the early stage of the war. The balance enlisted in colored regiments later in the struggle.  Edmund Coursey, whom I have before mentioned, died in the service; also Azariah Norman received wounds from which he never fully recovered, dying soon after his term of enlistment had expired after the close of the war. There were several who left for the front who never came back, among them being an uncle of mine. 

This, I believe, is as near the history of our people here as I can give. The older generations are all gone. The only one now left is Thomas Still, living near Vincent, Ohio. He is now eighty-seven years of age and a veteran of the Civil War. He could have furnished you with more of our history than I can, but I have been unable to see him in regards to it. I thank you for your kindly interest in my people very much and only wish that others of your race felt the same toward us, then I am sure we would be rid of the vexing Race Problem. Trusting this may prove satisfactory, I am as ever,

Yours truly,

Esau Harris.

Cutler, O.