Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Nancy Jane Duncan - Female Rebel Spy

June of 1862 saw a marked change in policy how Union authorities in Kentucky dealt with Confederate sympathizers. On May 27, 1862, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton appointed Brigadier General Jeremiah T. Boyle as the new military commander of Kentucky. Boyle assumed his position on June 1, 1862. His predecessors had followed more conciliatory measures whereas Boyle believed “There are many so-called Union men in Kentucky who still cling to a hope of reconciliation and believe in a policy of leniency. I believe in subjugation--complete subjugation by hard and vigorous dealing with traitors and treason. Any other policy I beg to say in my opinion will be ruinous to us in Kentucky.” 

Brigadier General Jeremiah T. Boyle
Source: Wikipedia

After James A. Garfield's departure in early spring of 1862, Colonel Jonathan Cranor had taken command of the Union troops in Eastern Kentucky. After the Battle of Middle Creek, Garfield had implemented a policy of kindness. Before he left the Big Sandy Valley, Garfield instructed Cranor to see to the protection of citizens' rights and persons. He stressed that, "While all force and rebellion against the Government must promptly be put down, it must also be remembered that the people in this valley are to live together as fellow-citizens and neighbors after the war is over. All that we can do to inaugurate peace and concord among them while the army is here should be done." However, Cranor believed in sterner methods and found in Boyle a commander who was much more aligned with his own personal views. Thus began a series of arrests that would continue throughout the summer of 1862.

Although the majority of detainees were men, Boyle also began targeting suspected rebel women who showed their loyalty to the Confederate cause either as vocal supporters, spies, smugglers, guerrillas, or even as soldiers. While military authorities discounted women's activities at first as insignificant they soon began to realize the potential damage these women could cause. Up to this point, women had taken full advantage of the code of chivalry that called for women to be protected and cherished which generally shielded them from closer scrutiny and arrest.  Incarcerating women was considered barbarous and publicly condemned by many. However, a defiant Boyle declared, "The women think they will rule Kentucky but I will show them they can't do it while I am military governor." 

Cynthia Stewart was the wife of Johnson County attorney James E. Stewart who was a political prisoner at Camp Chase since his arrest shortly after the Battle of Middle Creek. She was living in Catlettsburg when Union authorities began monitoring her letters she was writing to her husband for any contraband news. It angered her that her private correspondence would be exposed so publicly and read by so many, to the point that she felt like giving up writing letters altogether. On July 2, 1862, Cynthia noted in one of her letters that, "there was a lady arrested here & sent to prison this week  I did not know her  sent to Louisville." 

The lady in question was Nancy Jane Duncan who first appeared in Eastern Kentucky on June 5, 1862, when she traveled up the Ohio River on board the Steamer Izetta and landed at Catlettsburg. According to the porter of the boat, "she had Seven heavy trunks on board, three of which were unloaded or put off here with her, and the other four were by her direction put off at Ceredo."

Gallipolis Journal, June 5, 1862

According to local informants, Mrs. Duncan passed through Catlettsburg, "pretending that she was trying to get to Carter county. Her movements excited suspicion at the time. She had several trunks very heavily laden with what is pretty well understood to be arms for the guerrillas in Morgan county." Provost Marshal Captain Matchett, 40th OVI, noted, "None of this baggage was inspected that I know of ~ It is very probably that the trunks contained Revolvers and Gun Caps and Cartridges."

It wasn't an unreasonable assumption, considering that other women had smuggled similar contraband across enemy lines. Women found creative ways to accomplish their objective, including concealing articles in coffins. It is unknown who the intended recipients of Nancy Jane Duncan's trunks were. As a note of interest, just a few miles above Ceredo, at Holderby's Landing, lived Sarah J. Stewart, wife of James Stewart, who had two sons in the Confederate army. At some point, Mrs. Stewart and her friend Mrs. Miller had gone through the lines into Kentucky, at Catlettsburg, in order to secure medicine to be sent by sympathizers into "Dixie." Both women were arrested as spies and held for some time, pending investigation. It was only through the efforts of a family friend, Dr. J. D. Kincaid, that the women were released. 

Nancy Jane Duncan did not linger at Catlettsburg. According to Provost Marshal Matchett she was closely watched after she left town with the remaining three trunks, "and her conduct was such as to satisfy people of her mission." The most likely mode of travel would have been one of the steamboats that plied up and down the Big Sandy River. The first stop on her journey was Cassville, in Wayne County, Virginia (now West Virginia), a small town situated right across the river from Louisa, Kentucky, a Union strong hold. At Cassville, she met and was welcomed by the families of James Stone, David Mitchell and Washington Ratliff. She boarded with James Stone whose wife Nancy maintained a hotel in town. Stone was a merchant and had come under suspicion of being a Southern sympathizer very early on in the War. Nancy Jane Duncan may have been a relative. (Stone was the s/o Ezekiel Stone & Edith Elizabeth Duncan) 

His close neighbors were David Mitchell, who operated a saddler shop, and Washington Ratliff who owned a small farm. While at Cassville, Nancy Jane Duncan seemed to have struck up friendships with James Stone's daughter Miss Edea Stone, as well as Miss Marey Mitchell, David Mitchells daughter and Miss Nancy Ann Ratliff, Washington Ratliff's daughter.  It is unclear how much time Nancy Jane Duncan spent in Cassville. Still carrying one or more of her heavy trunks, it is very likely that she enlisted the help of a trusted companion to convey them to Morgan County either by wagon or pack mule. Considering the circumstances, it was a dangerous mission to travel alone, especially as a woman. When she left town, she crossed the Big Sandy River by ferry and into Louisa. 

Nancy Jane Duncan did not remain in town any longer than necessary in order to avoid drawing too much attention to her person and was soon on her way to Morgan County. The most logical way for her to travel would have been on the road to Blaine, which is present-day KY Rt. 32. However, her presence did not escape the attention of Union authorities who may have been alerted about her in advance. She later noted, "they followed Me from Louisa to take My bagig but as they Dideant overtake Me the first Day they turned back." Her journey would have taken her past the house of Claibourne Swetnam, another well-known Confederate sympathizer, where she may have spent the night. Over the years Swetnam welcomed many travelers in his home, which would also include CSA General Humphrey Marshall just nine months later. 

Claibourne Swetnam House, Blaine, Kentucky
Source: Marlitta H. Perkins Collection
From Blaine, Nancy Jane Dunan's route continued on the main road to West Liberty, passing by Sagraves Mill to the junction with the Paintsville road. A few miles further another road forked off, leading through a mountain gap (near present-day Isonville) and up Newcombe Creek. A small bridle path leading from Kendall Branch connected Newcombe with the Middle Fork of Little Sandy River. It was somewhere in this area where Wood Lawn post office was located and where Nancy Jane Duncan's contact person William Green resided. Wood Lawn's post-master was Lewis Kendall whose brother Jesse, the former post-master, was now serving in the Confederate Army. 

Morgan County Postmasters, 1850s and 1860s
William Green was, in all likelihood, William Wellington Green, Sr. His wife was Sarah "Sallie" Hutchinson. William's grandmother was Jael Ellen Duncan before she married Samuel Stallard II. Again, it is possible that Nancy Jane Duncan was related to her host. She addressed him as "brother" but it may not have been meant literally but more figuratively, as in "brother in arms." 

If Nancy Jane Duncan was, indeed, carrying military supplies in her trunks as was suspected, it stands to reason that they may have been intended for Fields' Company of Partisan Rangers. At the time of her visit to the Middle Fork/Newcombe Creek area, the unit was in the early stages of formation in Morgan and Carter Counties. The commander was William Jason Fields (b. 1819, s/o James Anderson Fields & Elizabeth Maness) who was serving his fourth term as Carter County sheriff when the Civil War began. He subsequently joined the 5th KY Infantry (CS) and served as 2nd Lieutenant of Company G. After resigning his commission in 1862, he returned to Eastern Kentucky and began recruiting Fields' Rangers. His 1st cousin Preston Fields (son of William Jason Fields (1790) and Anna Creech (1801)) would serve in Fields' Rangers. He was married to William W. and Sallie Green's daughter Minerva since January 15, 1860.  

Other family members of William W. Green had ties to Fields' unit as well. William's sister Almeda was married to John Wesley Sparks, who, with his brother Hugh Sparks, served under Fields. Two of William Wellington Green's nephews, William M. and Francis Marion Green, sons of Robert Kilgore Green, were also members. 

While in Morgan County, Nancy Jane Duncan was able to briefly reunite with her daughters Lisey and Louisa who were living temporarily with William Green and his family. She found the girls, "all Well and harty and Doing Well." It was her hope to take them home with her on her next trip to Kentucky three months later. After visiting for a short while with her children and the Greens, Nancy Jane Duncan took her leave and returned to Catlettsburg, where she arrived on Saturday evening, June 28, 1862. It appears that she had a pre-arranged meeting with someone in town that may have been related to her business in Kentucky. She later mentioned that she was successful in meeting the appointment.

The following morning, after writing a letter to her friends in Cassville, Nancy Jane Duncan attended church services in Catlettsburg. Afterwards, she spent the afternoon writing a letter to William Green in Morgan County. She then took the letters to the post office and deposited them. Her plan was to leave Catlettsburg by boat that same evening in direction Cincinnati/Louisville. "A moment before she started she was surrounded at her hotel by several well known Sympathizers and was conversing rapidly ~" Matchett's spies were nearby, but "Only a few broken sentences however were overheard by my unsuspicicious eaves dropper - and, not enough to amount to prooff against her."

Matchett's trip to the post office, however, proved to be more successful. Her letters were retrieved and opened. Combined with several reports he had received about Nancy Jane Duncan's activities, Matchett felt confident that he had enough evidence to arrest her before she would be able to board a steam boat and leave town. 

Nancy Jane Duncan's letter to Morgan County, Kentucky

Nancy Jane Duncan's letter to Cassville, Virginia

The next morning, Monday, June 30, 1862, Nancy Jane Duncan was sent off to Louisville as a prisoner. In his letter to Louisville Provost Marshal Lt. Colonel Henry Dent, Matchett stated, "Being at a loss for proper instruction I send for your apprehension Mrs Nancy Jane Duncan to gather with two letters written by her and dropped in the Post Office of this place yesterday evening and by me extracted therefrom and opened. All thes(e) things however taken in connection with several reports not necessary to detail here and those letters taken from the P.O., which she acknowledges she wrote - and which I herewith forward to you justifies me I think in apprehending her, and pursuing the course I have taken."

Her arrest was mentioned in a number of papers, including the Louisville Daily Democrat, July 10, 1862 and the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, July 12, 1862.

At this point, due to the lack of records, we lose track of Nancy Jane Duncan. The earliest prison record, Louisville Prison Register No. 1, begins in November of 1862. Names of citizens who were arrested were excluded from the register and kept separately and have not been located. 

Louisville Prison Register No. 1
At first, some female prisoners were put up in hotels, under guard. Others were taken to Barracks No. 2, a facility which normally served as a camp for paroled US soldiers. It was located on Main between Seventh and Eighth Streets. Due to the increase in numbers of female prisoners, General Boyle issued instructions on July 1, 1862, to the Provost Marshals throughout Kentucky "to fit up quarters for the imprisonment of such disloyal females" as they might find it necessary to arrest. 

Accordingly, Union authorities in Louisville took over a large house, situated between 12th and 13th Streets, at the corner of 13th and Broadway, and converted it into a military prison for women. It was within walking distance of the regular Military Prison, the Refugee Home, the Crittenden US General Hospital and a few blocks from the L & N. Railroad Depot.

The two-story building was described as a "good dwelling-house, well ventilated and dry." The grounds surrounding the house were spacious and shaded with fruit and ornamental trees. The women were allowed the full freedom of the grounds which were enclosed by a fence. The gate was guarded by a sentry on duty at that post. The women were supplied army rations, "yet prepared in such a manner as to render them palatable even to the delicate." The rooms were modestly furnished and contained on an average three double beds. The quarters were considered "airy, comfortable, and healthy." The sick were taken care of in two of the rooms in the back part of the building. In some cases, the incarcerated women were accompanied by their children. 

1865 map of Louisville. Red shaded area indicates the general
vicinity where the Female Military Prison was located. 
Map Source: LOC

Barracks near Crittenden US General Hospital, Broadway and 15th
Source: Historic Photos of Louisville Kentucky and Environs

In general, women prisoners were given several choices, depending on the severity of the charges:
- take the oath of allegiance and return home
- be jailed
- be exiled to Confederate lines, not to return for the duration of the war
- be released north of the Ohio River, not to return for the duration of the war

In absence of any type of records, it is difficult to determine which choice Nancy Jane Duncan made or what fate she and her children met. Her true identity has remained a mystery as she he may have operated under an assumed name. It is possible that further research may yet uncover a direct family connection between her and the Stone as well as the Green families. This is an on-going project and family researchers are encouraged to contact me with any additional information that may shed more light on Nancy Jane Duncan or the families she was involved with. 


Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, January/July 2023. Copyright © 2023. All Rights Reserved.
 

Links of Interest
Source: LOC

Source: Eastern Kentucky and the Civil War




Saturday, January 28, 2023

The Ruin of Cassville - History of a Virginia Bordertown during the Civil War

 At the time of its creation Cassville was located in Wayne County, Virginia. Today, the town is part of West Virginia and is known as Fort Gay. It was laid out on a 15 acre parcel of land that is situated at the Forks of Big Sandy. After the state won a lawsuit against the original land owners in 1847, the property was turned over to Frederick Moore, a well-to-do merchant in Wayne County who had come to the area from Philadelphia about 1815. He lived in the first house below the proposed town of Cassville. 

Frederick Moore
Image: Collection of author
Moore divided the land into lots and streets. Most of the streets were named after US presidents, with the exception of Front Street which faced the river and Wayne Street which was the direct route from the ferry landing in Cassville to Trout's Hill, the county seat. The ferry, operated by George R. Miller, connected Cassville with Louisa, the county seat of Lawrence County, Kentucky, and landed at the end of Main Street. 
Plat Map of Cassville, Virginia, Sept. 2, 1856

The first lots in Cassville were sold in 1850. Lot No. 1 with the Ferry House was first owned by Minville Thompson. 

Lot No. 2 was bought by John Ferguson, Sr. in 1851. In 1852, William Ferguson, Sr. purchased the neighboring Lot No. 3. Both Ferguson lots were listed with "enclosed buildings." The same year, John Ferguson sold Lot No. 2 to William Ferguson, noting "house and lot where they (John and wife Margaretha) now live." By 1879, Lots No. 1, 2 and 3 were known as the old Henry Property. 

In 1851, James Ferguson purchased lot No. 4 from Moore, "laid out for Ferguson, upon which he has erected buildings." By 1854, the lot had reverted back to Moore who in turn sold it to John Bromley. 

Elias "Aly" Thompson lived on lot No. 5. A store building was fronting Wayne Street. On the back part of the lot was Thompson's home which became known as "Aly Thompson's House." Thompson also owned neighboring Lot No. 6.

No. 7 was known as the "Mitchel lot", likely named after David Mitchell & wife Melvina, who ran a saddler shop.

In 1854, Frederick Moore sold Lots No. 9 & 10 to James Stone. He also owned Lot No. 11. Stone was a merchant. Based on the records, he operated his store on Lot No. 9. This lot was later known as the "grocery lot." His wife Nancy ran a hotel on Lot No. 10. Their residence was on Lot No. 11. In addition to being a businessman, Stone held the office of judge in 1861. In October of 1861, his name appeared on a list of suspected Confederate sympathizers.

Lots No. 15 & 16 were purchased by William Vinson from Frederick Moore. The exact date is unknown since Moore failed to make a deed (an oversight that was corrected in 1873 by his widow Permelia). 

Permelia VanHorn Moore
Image: Collection of author

Some of the remaining lots still owned by Moore had in all likelihood houses, stores, etc. built on them and may have been rented out. Based on the 1860 Cassville, Virginia census, Lot No. 6 may have been where Martin Frasher, a merchant, kept his store. Lot No. 12 was most likely occupied by Washington Ratliff who was a direct neighbor of James Stone. Lot 13 and/or 14 may have been the location of Stephen M. Marcum's blacksmith shop. He also worked as a gunsmith. Martin Coffman was the town's carpenter. It is not clear where his business may have been located but it was near the business section on Wayne Street. Harmon Loar, a prolific businessman, also called Cassville home. His business dealings included shipping agricultural products for area farmers to markets on the Ohio River via the Big Sandy. In return, many of the area families relied on Harmon's suppliers for many of the farm tools and luxury items they needed. So far, the exact location of the homes of these Cassville residents remains unknown.

On September 7, 1855, the first Post Office in town opened and was named Fort Gay. The first postmaster was William Ferguson who held the office until March 12, 1857. He was replaced by Richard F. Vinson who served until July 29, 1857. Andrew Eves was the next postmaster who served for two years until August 4, 1859 when George F. Ratliff took over the office. He was replaced by Ezekiel Stone on November 28, 1859, who was postmaster until February 3, 1860 when the post-office was discontinued. Ezekiel Stone may have been either the father or son of James Stone, so it is very likely that the post office was located either in his store or hotel.

When the Civil War began, active recruiting began almost immediately after the first shots were fired at Fort Sumpter. The political climate in Cassville and the town's immediate neighborhood was overwhelmingly Southern. There were some Union supporters such as Frederick Moore whose son Laban T. Moore was a lawyer and politician who represented Kentucky in the Thirty-sixth Congress until March 1861. He helped raise the first Union infantry regiment in the Big Sandy Valley, the 14th Kentucky Infantry, and served as the regiment's first Colonel.  

William Vinson, the oldest son of James Vinson, was an extensive farmer and saw log dealer. When the Civil War began, it was said that, "he with alacrity flew to the standard of his country, and gave valuable assistance in filling the ranks of the 14th KY, and while not able to do personal service in the field, he was a good loyal Union man until the war closed." It was not uncommon, however, that political divisions existed even within communities and even families. Vinson's younger brother Lazarus "Lace" Vinson joined the Southern cause and served in Swan's Battalion. Stephen M. Marcum's son Thomas Damron Marcum joined the 14th Kentucky Infantry and soon rose to the rank of Captain of Company K, while another son, William W. Marcum, joined the 8th VA Cavalry. Stephen M. Marcum's cousin Jack Marcum also joined the Confederates and soon managed to make a notorious reputation for himself.

One of the earliest Wayne County units was the Fairview Rifles, commanded by James M. Cornes, which later became Co. K, 8th Virginia Cavalry (CS). One of the Fairview Rifles members was Cassville resident James F. Anderson, a timberman who boarded with Harmon Loar. Anderson later became Captain of Company K, 16th VA Cavalry. 

A number of area residents joined the 8th Virginia Cavalry (CS): Thomas Short (s/o Nora/Nary); Ezekiel Stone, Moses and William M. Stone (s/o James); William M. Marcum (s/o Stephen M.); Lewis and Nathan H. Frasher (sons of John L.); John Walker.

In no time at all Cassville became a hotbed of activity. Some of the recruits made forays into Kentucky which at the time was neutral. An eyewitness recalled how in May of 1861, a small party of rebels on recruiting duty were encamped at Cassville. "Every day for about a week a squad of six to ten would come over to Louisa, mounted, and ride through the principal streets of the town. They were in citizen's clothing. At other times we would see one or two around town on foot. They did not appear to be armed, unless with sidearms." 

In the summer of 1861, it was reported that several mails had been robbed in the counties along the Kentucky and Virginia line, "by men, who came from Virginia, across the line, for that purpose." One such incident took place on Wednesday, August 21, 1861, when the mail from Louisa to Warfield, via Cassville (VA), was robbed. Nathan Holt, a wealthy Wayne Co. VA farmer and one of the first local constables, was the mail contractor. The mail boy, his 17 year old son Bernard P. Holt, had left Warfield at 6 o'clock in the morning with the mail and was travelling on the Virginia side of the Big Sandy River toward Cassville. About 5 o'clock in the evening, when within 1 1/2 miles of town, Bernard noticed two men, Alex. Vinson and John Walker, on the roadside waiting for him. The boy was knocked off his horse by Vinson and Walker who swore that they were going to have that Lincoln mail. Bernard Holt engaged in a fight with Walker while Vinson cut the mailbag and took out and destroyed all the mail matter, and then took the horse from the boy. Both men left together

Bernard P. Holt alerted the citizens who made pursuit and captured Vinson about three miles from the place of the robbery. He was brought back to Cassville, and had a hearing before Justice James Stone, who held him over for further trial. Vinson was then put in the custody of Constable Bow, who summoned two citizens as guards to watch Vinson through the night. He however made his escape before morning. The Sandy Valley Advocate noted, "He and Walker are now at large. From what we can learn, all the officers were secessionists, as well as the guard, and therefore do not wonder at the escape of the prisoner."

In early September 1861, two companies of the Fifth Virginia Infantry, under the command of Major Ralph Olmstead, came to Cassville and remained for some two or three weeks, recruiting up Tug River. On September 28, 1861, according to John Frew Stewart, "When on their return, Major Olmstead bringing up the rear, they stopped at the Fred Moore, Sr., house, the first below Cassville. He did not dismount but talked to someone on the porch of the house, when he was shot by the enemy from the graveyard point opposite the house. The ball entered his head back of one ear, coming out just above the eye. He fell from his horse dead." Lieutenant Baisden was mortally wounded and succumbed to his wounds five hours later.

On October 15, 1861, Co. E, 5th WV Infantry was ordered to Cassville, mainly due to the incidents that had occurred there during the previous month. The men encamped in town on October 16. On October 19, they proceeded to Bromley Ridge and attacked a body of 40 rebels at John Jarrell, Sr.'s homeplace, killing nine, taking nine prisoners and nine guns. From there, the men continued scouting the upper part of Wayne for another two weeks.

In the fall of 1861, Jack Marcum began recruiting men from Wayne County as well as Lawrence County, Kentucky. He was able to assemble a group of nearly 100 men and began terrorizing Unionists along the Big Sandy River. On December 16, 1861, in consequence of rumors that a superior number of Confederates under Gen. Humphrey Marshall were advancing upon Louisa from Prestonsburg, the 14th KY Infantry retreated from their camp in Louisa and went to Catlettsburg. After the departure of the regiment, Jack Marcum paid Louisa a visit and rode through town accompanied by only one man, "in broad day light, and no one attempting to take him."

The 14th Kentucky returned to Louisa on December 21, 1861. The following morning, shots were fired from Cassville at the men who were encamped at Camp Wallace. Captain Means noted, "Five of my men were fired on from the Va. side of the river. They were on the Ky side [in the] morning "nobody hurt". five shots were fired - none of my men were armed." 

On December 26th, after finally receiving their guns and equipment, the remaining companies of the 14th Kentucky left Louisa for the mouth of George's Creek to join Garfield's main force on their way to meet Humphrey Marshall's troops. This left Louisa in a vulnerable position. 150 tons of army food were still stored by the river, ready for transportation, but only three companies of infantry were left to protect them. 

J. D. Stubbs related in a letter to Garfield that, “we have intercepted letters which Lead us to believe this place will be attacked from the Virginia side within a day or Two  I think that there is a great probability of it  we have been ___ the past 2 days and the most reliable Letters think a dash will be made Since our Supplies there must be at least 150 Tons here on the Bank of the River.” Captain Barber's men, 42nd OVI, were encamped just beyond the town limits. Shortly before sunset, a messenger arrived with the news that an attack was expected by a force of 300 men under Jack Marcum. 50 men of Barber's company went down to the river to assist in guarding the government stores but the expected attack was not made and the men spent a miserable night in the courthouse. 

On December 29, 1861, Booker Johnson, a private in Co. F, 14th Kentucky Infantry, was shot at Cassville. The bullet ripped through his right shoulder and left side. George W. Kirk was standing within six feet of Johnson when he was shot. Kirk noted that he pulled a piece of blouse from the wound. Johnson survived the attack. Just one day later, on Dec. 30th, 1861, Jack Marcum came within three miles of the Union lines and murdered a Union man in his own home. 

Garfield detailed Captain Thomas D. Marcum of the 14th Kentucky Infantry to lead scouting parties and encountered Jack Marcum on occasion. Despite the fact that both men were related, “Jack and Thomas have exchanged shots a good many times; both are dreaded by the opposite party," according to Lt. Col. Sheldon, 42d OVI.

In March 1862, after Colonel Garfield's Campaign against Humphrey Marshall was successfully concluded, Colonel Jonathan Cranor, 40th OVI, became the ranking Union commander in the Big Sandy Valley. His style of managing the district differed considerably from Garfield's who believed in conciliatory policies when dealing with the local population. Cranor preferred handling rebels with a firm hand which made him quickly unpopular. 

In the early summer of 1862, there were rumors or threats of the burning of Cassville, as revealed in a letter by a female Confederate spy who arrived at Cassville by boat with three heavy trunks, suspected of containing weapons and ammunition. She spent some pleasant time with like-minded friends in town before continuing on her journey into Eastern Kentucky. After her return to Catlettsburg on June 29th 1862, she addressed a letter to "to Miss Marey Mitchell  Miss Edea Stone  Mis Nancy Ann Ratiliff and all the young laidies and Mared [married] ladies and People in Jenerall of Cassvill VA." She wrote, "Deare friends fore as people of Virginia I leave here said and all her people I must call you all friends ... I will bee Back up here in About three Months  I think then I Will have some time  I hope that Nothing has happend to you all thare  I herd that they was A going to burn the town But I hope they Will Not  I Will leave here this morning or to Morrow Morning  I expect I Will let you here from Me at gaine at My Next Post ... fare Well  May godes Love Peace and grace Rest With you all and Keep you from harm  My undieing Love fore the people of Virginia"

Whatever plans may have been in place for the destruction of Cassville, it is quite possible that they originated with Colonel Cranor - or at the very least, he was blamed for them. Shortly after July 18, 1862, when Cranor moved his troops and headquarters from Prestonsburg to Louisa, Kentucky, rumors of an assassination plot against Cranor surfaced. A man named Aldridge was overheard in Cassville making threats against Cranor. According to witnesses, Aldridge devised a plan to assassinate him and, together with James Smith, bought a gun for that very purpose. He hung about the hillsides, watching for Cranor, with the intention of shooting him the first time he came out with his regiment on dress parade. Aldridge's plans, however, never materialized, quite possibly because a large scale Confederate invasion of Kentucky was looming over the state. Cranor would soon have his hands full. Chances are he would be attending to business rather than attending dress parades. 

Humphrey Marshall's troops were at the SW Virginia border, once more threatening the Big Sandy Valley. It was feared he would invade Eastern Kentucky and move toward the Ohio River. By August 2, 1862, Cranor believed that a raid into Southeast Kentucky by Jenkins' cavalry and others was imminent. 

As the situation unfolded, it seems to have stimulated Confederate enlistments in Wayne County and around Cassville. Milton J. Ferguson was recruiting for the 16th Virginia Cavalry. Cassville area men who joined were Ezekiel Stone, (s/o James), with the rank of Sergeant Major; James S. Parks and his sons James and Macajah; Robert Harrison Parks (brother of James S.) and his son Thomas; Lewis Frasher, (s/o John L.) and his uncle Elias Frasher; William Dyer, with the rank of sergeant; William Wellman (s/o James) and his cousins Oliver and William Wellman. 

After the Confederate invasion of Kentucky was in full force, the situation in the Big Sandy Valley became unsustainable for Cranor and his men. On September 18, 1862, he was forced to move his troops from Louisa to Catlettsburg. A trooper in McLaughlin's Squadron reported that the unit's relocation from Louisa was necessary because the town was in danger of being surrounded by Marshall's forces. For the next two months, the Big Sandy Valley was virtually swept clean of Union troops. 

According to reports, by October 19, 1862, the rebels were, "in possession of the portion of Northeast Kentucky embracing the counties of Greenup, Carter, Lawrence, and others to the southward as far as Pike, and are committing depredations upon the property and outrages upon the persons of loyal citizens which call for prompt repression. The forces alluded to--mostly guerrillas--are not understood to be large, not exceeding 500 or 600 at most. Another force of about the same strength, said to belong to Floyd's command, is reported to be at the salt-works on the Big Sandy River above Louisa." 

Colonel Cranor did not return to the Big Sandy Valley with his command until November 14, 1862, when they arrived at Catlettsburg. Cranor wasted no time and moved most of his men to Louisa by November 19, 1862. The 84th Indiana Infantry did not join Cranor's troops until a month later. On December 14, 1862, after traveling the Sandy River pike on the Virginia side, the regiment arrived in the vicinity of Cassville at 8 o'clock in the evening. One of the soldiers noted, "the men, worn out by the forced march, and thinking of dropping down by the roadside caught sight of camp fires of the 40th Ohio, about a mile ahead. The band struck up "Hail Columbia," and in a few moments the boys of the 40th were swarming from their bunks to the bank on the opposite side of the river. As soon as the 84th was identified, it was welcomed with roaring cheers from the camp across the river, who graced it the more warmly as their force was thought to be too weak for the place it garrisoned. Col. Cranor of the 40th, who commanded the Brigade, entertained the field officers and held a jubilee at headquarters. Orders came to the 84th to go into temporary camp until morning and, as fence rails were plenty, a few minutes sufficed to illuminate the camp and to prepare supper."

84th Indiana Infantry, Company C
Source: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The next morning, like a herd of foundered horses, the men of the 84th were out limping about camp, performing the usual morning duties and surveying the strange country about them. At the head of the regiment was the little town of Cassville, Virginia." "... it was occupied principally by secesh families ... Cranor gave orders for all to leave except two families," noted another soldier.

"At six o'clock in the morning after our arrival at this God-forsaken portion of America, an order was read to the citizens giving them two hours to vacate the town and move beyond our lines. One family that had furnished a volunteer for the Union army, and a widow with a large family of small children, were the only ones allowed to remain." One can only speculate as to who these two families were that were spared. Stephen M. Marcum's family seems like a logical choice since his son was a captain in the 14th Kentucky and was serving in the Atlanta Campaign during this time. Widow Nary Short may have been the second person whose home was spared from destruction.  

By eight o'clock the town was uninhabited. Then commenced the work of destruction. Cranor "ordered the soldiers to demolish the houses, which was done in double quick." "Every vacated house was torn down except a few reserved for hospital use." "The lumber was used in building bunks, laying floors in tents, etc., etc. At ten o'clock the town was in ruins and the soldiers cosily quartered in a comfortable camp."

New Castle Courier, March 3, 1871

As it turned out, Cassville's destruction was Cranor's last hurrah. He resigned from the 40th OVI on February 5, 1863, on account of disability and accepted a position as Military Claim Agent for the State of Ohio on April 29, 1863. 

The damage Cranor inflicted on the town seems to have been thorough. An 1864 map of Louisa, created by Lt. Col. J. H. Simpson, Corps of Engineers, US, and dated July 1864 to June 1865, shows no trace of Cassville whatsoever, aside for the ferry landing and Wayne Street.

 Lt. Col. J. H. Simpson's map 

With the exception of James Stone, not much is known about the displaced Cassville families. Stone eventually ended up in Catlettsburg by 1864, from where he sold his Cassville lots No. 9 & 10 to William Bartram. Afterwards, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio for some time before returning to Cassville after the war. 

In 1864, the town began slowly to struggle back on its feet. The IRS Tax Lists for 1864-1866 show that the first business to return to Cassville were Moore & Rowe in May of 1864, who partnered in a manufacturing business. In November 1864, Bromley & Wellman began working as butchers of cattle until July 1865, when John L. Frasher took over the job.  

In July 1865, Thomas D. Marcum went into the retail business under the name T.D. Marcum & Co. In August 1865, Z. C. Vinson opened a second retail business in Cassville and David Mitchell returned to operate a manufacturing business, most likely his saddle shop. 1865 also saw the return of Harmon and Peter Loar.

In January 1866, Samuel Short, Jr. bought Lot No. 22, built a two-story dwelling house and opened a retail business. In March 1866, William Bartram established a hotel and in May 1866, Perry, Arnold & Co. opened a retail business. After giving up butchering in 1865, John H. Bromley went into the lumber business in July 1866. In November 1866, Workman & Co. began selling liquor and James Stone finally returned and opened a second hotel in Cassville. Also still in business were T. D. Marcum & Co., Z. C. Vinson and John L. Frasher. 

Despite the progress that had been made, peace did not come easily, especially for Unionists or those who were serving in some official capacity for the new state government of West Virginia. On March 23, 1866, John W. Holt, Assessor of District 2 in Wayne County, wrote a letter to West Virginia Governor Boreman, calling for troops because of continued unrest in town. He noted, "I live and keep my office in Cassville and it is with extreme difficulty and under great danger and hard threats that I am getting along. My entire neighborhood is Reb with the exception of old Squire Bartram and his boys one of which is our high Sheriff and other Capt. Dave which is our Deputy Sheriff. ...We have been beat by mobs and shot at on the streets and desire to help ourselves....We must have from 25 to 50 men here in Cassville or else we must get out of here. This is the landing place for all the lumber men that comes down Tug River. Them big buck Rebbells comes down in time of high water sometimes by the dozens from Logan Co. & from Pike Co. Ky with their __ buckled around them "hurrawing" for Jeff Davis, cussing the government, cursing Union men & then we have to get out. Sir, I frequently see men come in here who are indicted for murder in Kentucky defying any body ... Sir a few days ago they gathered in here and raised a riot with our high Sheriff and fell on him with clubs & weights & tried to kill him and his brother. His brother ran into my house for protection. They stoned my window, knocked two panels out of my door & like to killed my little child. ... If you see fit to protect us send the commitions immediately the men can be raised in a few days ... Sir we have plenty of arms which belongs to the state that can be gathered up."

On March 9, 1867 the Fort Gay Post Office was re-established, with George W. Adkins as postmaster. By June 1868, the situation in and around Cassville remained unstable. Lt. Col. S.W. Crawford, 2nd US Infantry recommended that a company should be stationed at Cassville because "the whole complexion of things is very different from that existing in the interior of West Virginia."   

Accordingly, on July 4, 1868, Company B, 2nd US Infantry, under the command of Captain Francis E. Lacey, marched from their post at Guyandotte via Wayne Court House, to Cassville, where they arrived on July 5, at 11 o'clock in the morning. During the following four months, Lacey and his men remained at Cassville and played the role of peacekeepers. Their assignment ended in October 1868. 

Peace eventually returned to Cassville and wounds began to heal. Over time the town began to flourish until the 1880s when it was visited by several fires. In May 1883, ten houses were burned. Less than a year later, in February 1884, arson destroyed two hotels, three business houses and several residences. In October 1888, Samuel Short's two-story dwelling house went up in flames.

173 years later, little is left of Frederick Moore's vision of Cassville. Gone are the ferry and river boats, the hotels and businesses. Only a few of the older buildings remain, keeping the memory of a bygone era alive for just a little while longer.

Empty lot in former Cassville
Image by author, November 2022
Old home in former Cassville
Image by author, November 2022

A special thank you goes to Angel Thompson whose knowledge of local Cassville/Fort Gay history has been of tremendous help. 

Links of Interest



Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, January 2023. Copyright © 2023, All Rights Reserved.

Friday, December 30, 2022

The Big Sandy Valley on the Eve of the 1862 Confederate Invasion of Kentucky

On June 20, 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg replaced Beauregard as commander of the Confederate Army of Mississippi, later renamed the Army of Tennessee. He devised a plan to shift the focus of the war in the Western Theater by invading Kentucky. This became known as the Confederate Heartland Offensive, the Kentucky Campaign and the Confederate Invasion of Kentucky. Once in the state, Bragg planned to combine forces with Lieutenant General Edmund Kirby Smith's forces and move against Buell's Army of the Ohio. 

On August 15, 1862, the first Confederate troops under Scott entered Kentucky near Monticello. The following day, Heth's column passed through Big Creek Gap while Kirby Smith moved through Rogers' Gap. On August 17, Stevenson's division arrived in front of Cumberland Gap which was occupied by federal forces under command of General George W. Morgan. On the evening of the same day, Kirby Smith struck Morgan's line of communications at Barboursville and Cumberland Ford, effectively isolating Cumberland Gap from the outside world. General Humphrey Marshall was still in Abingdon, Virginia, but expected to cross the border into Kentucky at any given time.

Preceding these movements were reports of increased activity and "a general uprising for the invasion of Kentucky all along the Virginia border." During the first week of August, the Pike County home guards encountered Confederate troops under Moore, Witcher, Menifee and Harmon on three occasions. Citizens were robbed and killed and stores plundered. Eventually, the Home Guards were  driven from Piketon. A few days later, a small group of rebels made their way to Prestonsburg and burned some US Government supplies and stole a number of horses from the citizens. On August 16, 1862, according to historian Damian C. Beach, Confederate cavalry repulsed and defeated a unit of Home Guards near Warfield, Lawrence County.  

Marshall finally entered Kentucky on August 19, 1862, through Pound Gap. As the situation in Kentucky quickly became unraveled,  rumors were rife. According to newspapers reports, "There is said to be no doubt but that the Confederates intend to take possession of the Big Sandy region, drive the Federal force out, and carry the war to the Ohio border." 

A letter from Camp McClure in Louisa, Kentucky, clearly illustrates the impending danger that Eastern Kentucky was facing during those days of uncertainty in August of 1862. Written by a soldier to the Cincinnati Commercial, it was re-published by the Louisville Courier-Journal on August 21, 1862.

Lower Big Sandy Valley
Map by Campbell & Barlow, ca. 1861

Upper Big Sandy Valley
Map by Campbell & Barlow, ca. 1861
Library of Congress

THE SITUATION IN NORTHEASTERN KENTUCKY.

Camp McClure, Louisa, KY., Aug. 16.

A word in reference to the excitement in Eastern Kentucky, caused by the threats of the secesh to "wipe us out in the Sandy Valley, and follow it up by the invasion of Ohio." Is there reason to fear the execution of these threats? I will give a little of what we know of their proceedings, and let you judge.

A few days since, fifty of the 4th Virginia V. L., in charge of their Major, were recruiting, seventy miles above here, on Tug Fork, and while leisurely eating dinner, disarmed, were fired upon by two hundred mounted rebels. ** They seized their arms, and fought for half an hour, when the Major, with two privates, fell, mortally wounded. By this time the little party, being nearly surrounded and overpowered by numbers, saw their doom if they did not fight their way out. So, with one determined effort, most of them made their escape, leaving but few taken prisoners. Being rapidly pursued, they scattered, every one for his own safety. In the course of a few days, twenty-six of them had wandered into our camp, bringing one severely wounded.

The 200 guerrillas are the companies that so terrified that part of Kentucky by stealing and murdering before we drove them out last winter, and have long deserved the fate Strutton met in this last affair. He was Captain of one of the companies, and was not only killed, but the "Devil of the Mountains," Witcher, Captain of the other company, was severely, and though to be dangerously wounded.

At about the time of this engagement two or three other rebel companies came down the other fork of Sandy to Piketon, took possession of the town, not, however, without some considerable resistance from the Home Guards, who gave them a war on reception from the bushes, killing and wounding several; but their number was so small they were compelled to retreat to the rocks and caves. They were not satisfied with the appropriation of everything, belonging to Union citizens, but had the daring impudence to come down to Prestonsburg and burn all the provisions we had not yet moved from there. The loss was but small, as the stuff had been condemned.

The guerrillas are making great efforts at recruiting men, but secure many by telling them they will be sent to Richmond if they don't enlist, and that they will not be allowed to stay at home as long as they can carry a gun.

Captain Ford *, of the Home Guards, above Piketon, has just arrived with the news that Col. Williams's regiment of 700 mounted men had also crossed the mountain, and have now taken up quarters in Piketon, not, however, without first giving him a call, and that too with a volley of musketry which told him and his squad to skedaddle for their lines. The Captain was exposed to a perfect shower of bullets for one-fourth of a mile, some of them hitting his horse and saddle, but leaving him unhurt. What became of the rest of his men is yet unknown. The Captain is confident, from the number he saw and from the most reliable information, that there is at least one full regiment of mounted rebels.

This is not all. It is believed, and most reliable accounts lead to the conclusion, that these are only the advanced scouts of Humphrey Marshall's expected large army, with which he has so violently threatened Eastern Kentucky.

They are now committing more desperate outrages than ever. Beyond the mountains, every man that does not join the army is sent off as a prisoner, and his family driven from whatever possession they have, which is confiscated to "Southern rights." Capt. Ford saw a party of these poor, unfortunate, home-robbed families that had crossed the mountains, seeking a place to keep from starving to death.

The efforts made to penetrate Kentucky through Cumberland Gap and Pound Gap simultaneously only go to verify their threats of the conquest of Kentucky and the invasion of Ohio. Any one acquainted with the geography of the country through Eastern Kentucky well knows that the Sandy Valley is one of the best natural inlets from Dixie to the Northern States, and that the rebels want no better place than the mountains and hills at the head of Big Sandy to gather and conceal a strength sufficient to annihilate us, and make a march into Ohio in less than three days.

All we want is more force, especially cavalry, and we will wipe them out so effectually that they never again will want to avenge their defeats at Ivy Mountain, Middle Creek, and Pound Gap. Col. Cranor, having been in this part of Kentucky ever since he led the gallant charge at the battle of Middle Creek, is well acquainted with the hills, roads, and creeks, and the people from here to the mountains. His fighting qualities and good generalship make him well prepared to take command of whatever force is sent here. This is an important item, as our success or defeat depends to a very great extent on a perfect knowledge of the geography of the battle ground. To fight these skulking rascals considerable marching  must be done - of this we had experience enough to know we might have accomplished tenfold more had we had a more intimate knowledge of the country.

-Cor. Cin. Com.


Notes

* Pike County Home Guard Captain William Ford later enrolled as Captain in the 39th Kentucky Infantry (US), Company B, on September 2, 1862. He was 41 years old. He died on November 24, 1864, of dysentery, at Lexington, Kentucky.

** This engagement is known as the Battle of Beech Creek and took place on August 6, 1862.


Links of Interest

Excellent article by Randall Osborne, Pike County Historical Society

While on a mission which had previously seen them trek across McDowell and Wyoming counties in West Virginia, a group of Confederate soldiers from Virginia, led by Lieutenant Colonel Vinson A. Witcher, making up the 34th battalion under his command, encountered and clashed with a portion of the 4th West Virginia Union regiment under Major Hall, resulting in a battle. The two groups confronted each other near the Cannaday farm on Beech Creek in what was then Logan County, West Virginia but is now considered Mingo County. During the battle, Witcher's right hand man, the 34th battalion's Major William Straton, was severely wounded in both his right arm and his chest, though he later recovered and was able to rejoin the Confederate army.

By Brandon Ray Kirk

On the 6th of August, 1862, Major Hall, with a force of forty-eight men, at Beach Creek, near Logan Court House, encountered 200 Confederated mounted infantry, under Colonel Stratton and Major Witcher. The fight was a stubborn one, Major Hall and two enlisted men were killed and twelve wounded. Of the Confederates, Major Witcher was killed; upon the death of their commander the Confederates retreated. In the death of Major Hall, the 4th Regiment suffered a great loss. He was a graduate of West Point, was young, brave, and of course well qualified for all the duties of a soldier.

Union Civil War Pass for Mrs. G. Vincent, Camp McClure, Louisa, from July 21, 1862 to August 1, 1862.


Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, December 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

An Incident Most Unpleasant - New Year's Eve 1863 in Louisa

Throughout the Civil War, Louisa, the county seat of Lawrence County, Kentucky, remained a Union strong-hold and served as base of operations for the military in the Big Sandy Valley. In November of 1862, the town was designated as Headquarters of the District of Eastern Kentucky which comprised the counties of Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, Lawrence, Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, and Pike. The military had taken possession of public buildings to house headquarters, provost marshal's office, commissary, hospital, guardhouse, stables &c. 

Louisa, ca. 1906

In 1860, Louisa was a small town with a population of 258. With the influx of the military, the town was also occupied by many civilians, mostly family members of the soldiers, which caused the population to increase to more than twice its normal number. In some instances, mostly officers, boarded with civilians. It was tight quarters in Louisa but over time the citizens had adjusted to the nearly constant presence of soldiers in their midst. The relationship between military and civil society remained in general peaceful but was not without challenges from time to time. 

On December 31, 1863, the following troops, under command of Col. George W. Gallup, 14th Kentucky Infantry, were stationed at Louisa:

- 14th Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. Orlando Brown, Jr.

- 39th Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. David A. Mims.

It was New Year's Eve and much to the delight of the troops, Major Cook, the paymaster, had made his appearance. A paycheck meant that the soldiers were able to provide for their families, settle their accounts and have some extra pocket change when needed. New recruits also received their bounty (one month's pay in advance, normally paid at muster) and premium due to them. With their pockets full of money, the men celebrated the New Year and, at least temporarily, forgot about the hardships they had endured as of late. The winter of 1863/1864 was especially harsh. The mercury had dropped to zero degrees and the Big Sandy was frozen solid. There were instances of merriment that went overboard and the men, "loved too well to look upon the wine when it is red, and giveth its color in the cup."  A few cases of drunkenness were recorded and the offending parties arrested and punished.

Some of the soldiers were mulling about town when 20 year old Mary Rebecca Layne encountered three of them on Main Cross Street, opposite from the courthouse. As the group was approaching her, she looked at one of them, who then smacked his lips and said "he would like to have a kiss or words to that affect." By 1860s standards, such forward behavior toward a woman in public was frowned upon as vulgar and insulting and certainly considered unbecoming of a soldier and a gentleman. 

Undoubtedly, Mary R. Layne was shocked by the gesture but continued on her way, undeterred, a short distance until she reached the post office. While passing the three soldiers, she quickly slipped inside. Upon entering, she noticed that the soldiers had stopped in front of the building. As luck would have it, an acquaintance, Charley Duncan, a private in the 14th Kentucky Infantry, happened to be in the post office. Mary called on him to ascertain the name of the soldier who had insulted her. Meanwhile, the three soldiers had entered the post office but left rather quickly when they noticed Mary R. Layne talking to Duncan and walked toward the (I.B.) Hutchinson & Carter store nearby. She later testified that, "Charley followed them and Charley told me afterward that the name of the soldier who had insulted me, was George Martin or that was the name of the man I had pointed out whose name I requested him to obtain."

Mary Rebecca Layne was the daughter of Floyd P. "Dock" Shannon and Elizabeth O'Rourk. Her husband was James Calvin (or better known as JC) Layne, son of Judge Lindsey Layne and Adeline "Edy" Meade. His father and brother Moses Layne famously cast the only two votes for Lincoln in Floyd County in the 1860 presidential elections. 

James Calvin Layne

At the time of the incident, Mary Rebecca and JC were still considered newly-weds. The couple was married on February 5, 1863, at Dock Shannon's house in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The ceremony was performed by I. B. Hutchinson, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisa. Incidentally, he was also part owner of the store Hutchinson & Carter in 1863. 

Mary R. Layne was not going to let the matter rest. On January 4, 1864, she went to see Provost Marshal Lieutenant Joseph D. Powers (Co. K, 39th Kentucky Infantry) at his office in Louisa and filed a formal complaint against Martin. An arrest most likely followed. 

Mary R. Layne's testimony

"Provost Marshal's Office
Louisa, Ky. Jan. 4 1864

This day Mary R. Layne personally appeared before me and made the following statement on oath in case of George Martin, charged with insulting the said Mary R. Layne on the street at Louisa Ky.
On Thursday evening last Dec 31st I was going down street and met three soldiers not far from the Post Office. I looked at one of them, and he smacked his lips and said he would like to have a kiss or words to that affect. I went on a few steps, and turned about and went in to the P. O. passing the said three soldiers as I went into the house, they stopped and I called to to Charley Duncan and the three soldiers came in. I told Charley Duncan to ascertain who the soldier was, that had insulted me. the soldiers left and went toward J. B. Hutchinsons store. Charley followed them and Charley told me afterward that the name of the soldier who had insulted me, was George Martin or that was the name of the man I had pointed out whose name I requested him to obtain. and I saw Charly talking to the same soldier who had insulted me, and whom I had pointed out to Charly.
Given under my hand the day above written
Mary R Layne 

I certify that the above Statement was made before me upon oath at Louisa Ky. on the day above written
J. D. Powers Lt.
& Prov Mar D E Ky"

George Martin was a private in Co. F, 39th Kentucky Infantry. He was one of the regiment's new recruits who had enlisted on August 8, 1863 and mustered in August 30, 1863. Before enlisting in the Union Army, Martin had seen previous military service in the Confederate Army.  He was mustered in as private in Captain Adam Martin's Company (later Co. F), Benjamin Caudill's 13th Kentucky Cavalry, on October 14, 1862. By April 30, 1863, George Martin was absent without leave and never came back. As it turned out, Martin also had a wife, Cynthia Caroline Frasure, and four children. The couple had been married since 1855. 

39th Kentucky Infantry (US)
Service Record

13th Kentucky Cavalry (CSA)
Service Record 
Charles "Charley" Duncan who came to Mary R. Layne's rescue was 20 years old and a native of Covington, Kentucky. An engineer in civilian life, he served as a private in Company E, 14th Kentucky Infantry.
14th Kentucky Infantry (US)
Service Record
The matter was referred to Department Commander Colonel George W. Gallup who ordered George Martin to be reprimanded and then returned to duty. 
Martin continued to serve with the 39th Kentucky Infantry but was absent without leave from October 1864 to January 19, 1865. He was finally mustered out with the regiment on September 15, 1865, at Louisville.

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, November 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Monday, October 3, 2022

Dr. William Smith Kouns - "Rank Rebel Now and Forever"

When the Civil War broke out, an overwhelming number of Greenup County men rallied around the Union flag.  On October 24, 1861, a Union recruiting camp, named Camp Swigert, was established just east of Greenupsburg, near Fulton Landing.  It was estimated that at least 800 Greenup County men joined the Union Army during the war. However, there was a small but vocal faction in Greenup who supported the Southern Confederacy. Most of these men were mere sympathizers who provided means and support to further their cause, but a small number actually served in the Confederate Army. In 1864, Judge Seaton stated in report to John Boyle, Adjutant General of Kentucky, that a total of 23 men from Greenup had joined the rebellion. Among these 23 was Dr. William S. Kouns.

William Smith Kouns was born on July 26, 1817, in Greenup County, Kentucky. He was the son of John C. Kouns and Elizabeth Betsy Smith. During the War of 1812, his father served as Major in the First Kentucky Infantry and was General Andrew Jackson's escort at New Orleans.  John C. Kouns was a man of prominence in Greenup.  In 1822, he was granted a tavern license for his home on Water Street (now Waterfront Street). In all likelihood this was the Kouns-Womack House. It still survives and is located at 602 Waterfront Street. It was here where William S. Kouns grew up and reached adulthood.


Kouns-Womack House

In 1827, Major Kouns moved his tavern business from his home and built the Kouns House in Greenup which stood west of the Waterfront Street district in the immediate vicinity of the steamboat landing. It soon became a well-known tavern and hostelry that welcomed steamboat travelers.

 

Ceredo Crescent, Aug. 7, 1858

The Kouns House also served as a meeting place for politicians and lawyers who came by river to Greenup during the session of the circuit court. Much of the community’s social life was centered around the Kouns House. Citizens attended banquets and dances and, until 1867, Masonic balls were hosted here. After being in business for close to 150 years, the building was finally torn down in the 1970s.

Image from Greenup Women's Club:  
"Come With Us and Re-Discover Historic, Old Greenup, Kentucky"
Courtesy Bill Hughes, Greenup County Library


In 1845, Kouns and his wife donated the parcel of land where the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was built.

Ever the businessman, John C. Kouns became involved in the iron industry, together with his brother Jacob. In 1834, the Kouns brothers built Oakland Furnace, a stone stacked charcoal furnace, with air blast machinery powered by steam. It was located on Chadwicks Creek, two miles west of US 23 at KY Rt. 538, in present-day Boyd County, Kentucky.  In 1838, Oakland Furnace produced 600 tons of iron which was shipped in pigs by river boat. Oakland Furnace stopped production by 1849.

In 1857, the Kouns-Winn family owned the franchise of a steam ferry that operated between Greenupsburg and Haverhill, Ohio, with Major Kouns and Joshua Oakers as ferry keepers.

Major Kouns was also a slave holder. He resisted to free them until the very last days of slavery - four adults and three children - when federal law effectively forced slave holders to emancipate their slaves on December 6, 1865.

Aside from his business interests, Major Kouns held various public offices. From 1828-1831, and again from 1850-1857, John C. Kouns represented Greenup County in the Kentucky State Legislature. From 1836 to 1837, he served as Greenup County Sheriff.

Given his family’s background and prominent standing in the community, William S. Kouns grew up in rather favored circumstances. His parents had the means to provide their children with a good education. It can be reasonably assumed that he and his siblings received their basic education at Greenup Classical Academy which was located only a few blocks from their home, at the corner of Harrison & Perry in Greenupsburg. Kouns subsequently attended Louisville Medical Institute from where he graduated in 1841.  


Illinois State Journal, Oct. 8, 1841



After his graduation, Kouns married Caroline A. VanBibber on October 21, 1841 and settled in Greenupsburg. In 1847, the Kentucky State Register listed Dr. William S. Kouns as one of three physicians in town. 

In order to accommodate his growing family, Dr. Kouns built a house on Laurel Street in 1856. The weather-boarded residence which is still in existence, is especially notable for its octagonal shape. It is thought that Dr. Kouns' idea to built an octagonal house may have been inspired by Orson S. Fowler's “A House for All or the Gravel Wall and the Octagonal Mode of Building”, published first in 1848. This type of home was advertised as being more healthful for its inhabitants through opportunities for increased sunlight and ventilation. Such attributes may have appealed to Dr. Kouns.


Dr. William Kouns House

Shortly before the beginning of the Civil War, Kentucky reorganized the Commonwealth’s militia. In 1860 and early 1861, officers were appointed and a variety of units were organized across Kentucky. In January of 1861, Dr. William S. Kouns answered the call and began raising members for a state guard company. By January 24th, 32 volunteers had signed up.  By February 5th, Kouns’ company had grown to 42 members. The goal was to organize officially on February 22, 1861, however, the company was not commissioned until March 16, 1861.  Kouns was elected Captain, and his officers were James L. Warring, 1st Lieutenant; J. Henry Blake, 2nd Lieutenant; and John P. Twyford, Brevet 2nd Lieutenant.

The next step was to obtain arms for the company. Discussing his plans with Wm. C. Ireland and Kentucky state senator Henry M. Rust, Kouns implored both men to seek the governor’s assistance.

“We want 50 of the latest and best Rifles of the longest range, “he wrote, “and one six or eight or twelve pounder cannon.”  

He pointed out that, “a combination of Rifles and Artillery is what our company prefer … all are oppossed to Muskats and old US Rifles.” 

Kouns strongly felt that a well-armed company was necessary, “to put us at an Equal footing with any enemy that may oppose us, “and to protect Greenupsburg, the county seat, and its records." 

He was also of the opinion that if the Ohio River was to become the boundary line during the war, "it may be necessary to fend off bands of Robbers and other lawless gangs from either side of the river for we will not be secure from the hungry furnace hands that will be thrown out of employment in the iron region.”

As the war progressed, it became apparent that the majority of Kentucky’s state guard companies were aligning themselves with the South. It did not take long before members of Kouns’ company became aware of their captain’s southern sympathies - a view that was not shared by all. On May 7, 1861, 2nd Lieutenant J. Henry Blake noted, 

“He has made himself obnoxious by his Secession advocacy defending it above board & openly & then again his character has Never been fair & without reproach.  The facts are these, had he one Spark of Manliness about him he would resign a position, that can Never prove Satisfactory pleasant or profitable again.” 

He added, “I make this statement not to reflect upon Dr Kouns as he is a Bro Mason - only to organize for our defence a Company that will do some good  feeling confident the Doctors Never Will - I want a Co too of good Sound true Union Men that Wont flinch when the day of trial comes… Im Satisfied An Underhand game is being played with our Company to bind Myself with a Secesionparty in Any way. I firmly will oppose it Even to the Sacrifice of My life. I wish to serve My Country in Any Capacity if found Worthy & only My Country. No other flag will I fight Under …”

Blake, whose father John Blake was the former owner of Hecla Furnace in Lawrence County, Ohio,  subsequently resigned and served as 1st Lieutenant in the newly formed Greenup County Home Guard company commanded by Captain Louis D. Rose.

It was not until June 6, 1861, when Kouns’ men finally received a shipment of 60 muskets. On August 3, it was noted that the Greenup State Guards, “had an unusual large number of their members in Greenupsburg drilling and nearly all of them left their muskets in the Captains Store.” 

Three weeks after the final statewide elections in which Unionists won control of the state legislature, Kouns’ State Guard company went into camp on James L. Waring’s farm which was situated along the Ohio River, below Little Sandy River. From August 26 to August 30, 1861, the men drilled and received instructions such as the use of firearms. 

On September 2, 1861, the former Southern Rights Party, now styled the Peace Party, held a “mass meeting” in Greenupsburg during court days. The meeting took place in the court house and was chaired by Dr. Kouns’ father. The objective was to elect delegates for an upcoming convention. However, it may have also been a last attempt to sway public opinion in favor of Secession as well as an opportunity to sign up potential recruits for Confederate service.

Just two days later, on September 4, 1861, Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk ordered a Confederate invasion of Columbus, Kentucky which violated the state’s neutrality status and therefore, sealed the fate of Kentucky's future. In response, Union troops seized Paducah and Smithland. On September 7, 1861, the Kentucky Legislature voted 77 - 20 to hoist the US flag over the Capitol. On September 18, 1861, Kentucky’s neutrality officially ended when the State Legislature passed an act to create a military force in Kentucky.  Almost simultaneously, a Confederate recruiting camp was established on the May farm, just north of Prestonsburg in Floyd County, Kentucky, which would soon draw thousands of potential recruits from all parts of Kentucky.

For Secessionists the writing was on the wall - the time to act was now.  During the night of September 29, 1861, a group of "some 25 men" reportedly assembled "clandestinely” in the vicinity of Greenupsburg.  By all indications these were mostly members of Kouns’ State Guard company. A plan was forged to proceed to Grayson, Carter County, for the purpose of seizing the arms of the local Home Guards and then making off to the Confederate camp at Prestonsburg. The intended place of rendezvous was Landsdowne Hall, which was situated about one mile west of Grayson. The owner, Dr. Andrew Jackson Landsdowne, was described as “a leading disunion spirit” who aided the South by providing food and shelter to prospective recruits for the Confederate Army who were on their way to Prestonsburg.


Before departing Greenup, Kouns addressed a letter to Governor Beriah Magoffin, handing in his resignation as State Guard Captain.


Greenupsburgh Ky

Sept 30/ 61

Hon Baria Magoffin

Gov: of the State of Ky

Sir the Company of the State Guards that I had had the Honor to Command has been reduced to but (17) seventeen Members some have Vol: in the Federal Army & Some have gone to parts unknown. I have Caused the Arms to be given up to the County Judges for safe keeping. I now ask to resign My Comission in Said Company & the Company to be disbanded

W. S. Kouns


However, the best laid plans often go awry. While Kouns’ group was making their way from Greenup to Grayson on September 30, 1861, they were promptly spotted by some local citizens who sent for help. Colonel Sebastian Eifort, commander of the Carter County Home Guards, received timely information of their designs and deemed the evidence sufficient for active measures. Captain McGuire’s company was called out and assembled in arms. Additionally, Eifort sent word to Captain William C. Stewart of the Jefferson Home Guards in Lewis County, asking for relief. It was not long before Stewart was on hand, “with a band of devoted men.”


McGuire’s and Stewart’s companies proceeded to Landsdowne Hall where Kouns’ men had arrived earlier and were now partaking of dinner. Soon the house was surrounded and during the ensuing fight, two men were killed, one wounded, four escaped and the rest were captured. The majority of the prisoners were citizens of Greenup County. Daniel Martin, who was severely wounded in the neck and, believing that he was in a dying condition, confessed that his party were on their way to a secession camp at Prestonsburg under command of John S. Williams …”further, that a plan had been agreed upon by the secessionists in the eastern part of the State, including the counties of Mason, Fleming,  Lewis, Bath, Rowan, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, and others, to assemble near Prestonburg, organize and drill, to be met there by reinforcements from Virginia, and move with a large force to seize Maysville.”


Cincinnati Daily Press, Oct. 4, 1861

It may be noted, that at least three of the men who were present at Landsdowne’s that night - Benjamin J. McComas, William A. Womack and John McCoy - had attended the Greenup County peace party meeting on September 2, 1861. Unlike Womack and McCoy, who were captured, McComas escaped and joined the Confederate Army at Prestonsburg.

The incident caused a panic among Union citizens along the Ohio River. When word of the affair reached Maysville, William H. Wadsworth rallied 1000 men who were ready to embark on a steamboat when word reached them that relief was not needed. At Greenup it was reported, that, "a secession army had taken possession of Grayson on that morning...and that they were marching for the Ohio river, "in force" - supposed to be bound for Ashland or Greenupsburg...to seize arms, steal horses &tc &tc and arrest and carry off prominent Union men." About 200 Home Guard & Union men assembled in Greenupsburg, put out pickets and took Kouns’ State Guard Guns which were still located in his store and distributed them.

Just like Benjamin J. McComas, Kouns managed to evade capture and, according to plan, made his way to Prestonsburg. He enlisted in Co. E, 5th KY Mounted Infantry as 1st Lieutenant and was sworn into the Confederate service on October 24, 1861.


Compiled Service Records, 5th KY Mounted Infantry (CS)

William S. Kouns participated in the Battle at Ivy Mountain on November 8, 1861, during which Senator Henry M. Rust was mortally wounded. After the battle, Kouns followed Colonel John S. Williams’ troops into Virginia where he remained until the beginning of December 1861. “I was then with the Confederate army,” Kouns stated, “left it since and returned home under the proclamation of General Nelson.” 

Kouns’ return to Greenupsburg on December 5, 1861, did not go unnoticed. A Union soldier at Camp Swigert noted, “The camp has been somewhat in a fever today, occasioned by the above circumstances connected with the sudden return of a notorious secession lieutenant (Dr. Kouns), who left this county some months ago to join the rebel army.” Kouns was immediately taken into custody but soon released upon taking the oath of allegiance. 

Two weeks later, about December 19, 1861, Col. Lindsey of the 22nd Kentucky Infantry ordered Kouns to be arrested and brought into camp. According to the charges, Kouns, “was connected with a nefarious scheme to take possession of some State Guard guns and ship them south some time ago.” Kouns remained under arrest until December 22, 1861, when he was sent under guard by steamboat down the Ohio River to Louisville, “where, doubtless, he will have fair justice meeted out to him...”

Dr. Kouns’ incarceration did not last very long - by February 6, 1862, he had returned home to Greenupsburg, and was giving a deposition in William C. Ireland’s office in regard to Judge William, H. “Harry” Burns, judge of the 11th District. His statement was to be used before the General Assembly of Kentucky, in a proceeding to remove Burns from office for disloyalty. Kouns acknowledged that he knew Burns and that he, “never saw him in the Confederate army until after the fight at West Liberty and that at Ivy Mountain. After that I saw him in the Confederate army. He was acting as quartermaster, doing such business as pertains to that office, and I suppose that he held the office, though he was called Judge Burns, and not by military title. I first saw him, as stated, in Virginia with the army, and afterwards I traveled with him in the Confederate army, he acting in the capacity I have stated.”

Thereafter, for all intent and purposes, Dr. William Kouns’ direct involvement in military matters during the Civil War seemed to have ended. However, his political views remained unchanged. When Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, it caused a great deal of indignation among Kentuckians. In an attempt to take advantage of the situation, a movement was soon underway to reorganize the secession party of Kentucky under the name of Democracy. It basically continued the same tactics the Peace Party pursued during late summer of 1861. Highly critical of President Lincoln’s policies, it sought to overturn Union majorities. A state convention, which was not supported by the Democratic Legislature of Kentucky, was called for, to be held on February 18, 1863, at Frankfort for the purpose of, "preparing the Kentucky Mind for revolt against the Union."

Various meetings were held throughout the state in order to elect delegates for the upcoming convention. The Democracy of Greenup held their meeting on February 14, 1863, at the county courthouse, presided over by Judge James Bryan.  Dr. William S. Kouns as well as his father Major John C. Kouns were among the attendees who were subsequently appointed as delegates to represent Greenup County. 

Four days later, the convention assembled in Frankfort at the Metropolitan Hall, having been refused the use of the legislative hall. Soon a federal force under command of Colonel Samuel A. Gilbert, 44th OVI, appeared and surrounded the building. Gilbert then read Military Order No. 3, to the effect that information had been received that a large number of rebel spies and emissaries were present. Names were taken, further business arrested, and the convention dispersed.   

On February 22, 1864, Greenup County Judge John Seaton noted that Kouns, “was a Capt. of a Company State Guards before he left - was Rebel capt. or officer a short time - under bonds in Covington and a rank rebel now & forever.”

Nothing further was seen or heard from Dr. Kouns for the remainder of the Civil War. By all appearances, he had turned, once more, to more ordinary pursuits. The U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists from 1864 to 1866 show that he was operating a drugstore. It was situated in a frame building on Harrison Street, next to the bank, across the street from the county clerk’s office and courthouse in Greenupsburg.  


1864 IRS Tax Assessment List, Kentucky, Div. 20, Dist. 4
In 1870, a meeting was held in the Greenupsburg Methodist church, addressing the evils of dancing and playing cards. As a result, Dr. William S. Kouns and family withdrew their membership. They converted to Catholicism and built an altar in their home, where a priest from Ironton, Ohio, was holding services for the family. On December 16, 1888, Dr. William S. Kouns passed away in his 71st year. His remains were interred at Riverview Cemetery in Greenup, Kentucky. 

 

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, September/October 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.