The year 1811 marks the practical passing of regiments as
distinguished by their counties. One or two commissions were issued in
1812, but 1810 marked the beginning of the new system and it was well
developed during 1811.
William McFarland was unanimously elected major of the First
Battalion, First Regiment, of Jefferson County, on November 17. 1810,
but when the return of the election was made attention was called to
the fact that the new battalion was wholly within the limits of the
new county which was expected to be formed at the next session of the
General Assembly and of which the county seat was to be Madison. The
commission was issued January 1, but a more perfect organization of
the militia of Jefferson County early in 1811 resulted in McFarland
being elected to a higher position. Under date of November 23, Major
Bartholomew sent notice that in the early spring David Hilless was
elected a captain, Richard Tolbot a lieutenant and Enoch McCarty and
Jesse Gray ensigns in the First Battalion, First Regiment, of
Jefferson County. They were commissioned January 1, 1811. Commissions
were issued March 7 to Elisha Golway, James Arbuckle, Samuel Carr and
Perry Green Magner as captains, and to Lewis Goley, Williss Stucker,
James Robb, John Francis Siebenthal, John Fields, Samuel Alexander and
William Dolson as ensigns. On February 23 William McFarland was
unanimously elected lieutenant-colonel commanding, and he was
commissioned on March 15. Samuel Smock and David Helms were elected
majors and a new company was established in the lower part of the
county, of which the officers were Captain Thomas Mclntire, Lieutenant
Josiah Blanking- ship and Ensign George Nevill. They were commissioned
the same day. The promotion of Captain Smock caused a vacancy in his
company, which was filled May 1 by the election of Captain Benjamin
Miller, Lieutenant William Sullivan and Ensign William McClelland.
William Watson was elected lieutenant in Captain Vawter's company and
William Vawter and George Craig were commissioned captains May 28.
Harrison County experienced some trouble in its regiment during the
year. George T. Pope resigned his commission as first lieutenant of a
rifle company and Richard McMahon was appointed to succeed him. On
June 5, Lieutenant McMahon wrote to Governor Harrison from Corydon as
follows:
"I expect you will not be a little surprised at a second application
for a commotion for me as first lieutenant of the Corydon Rifle
Company. I am well aprlesed, Sir, of the many perplexities and
difficulty's you have to incaunter respectin the Militia of your Relm,
and verry sorry that I should be one to trouble you. I was last spring
provoke to destroy my commotion under a determination never to bear a
nother but finding myself Imposed on by a mallltious lyor who
Indeavoerd to destroy the friendship existing between me and a man who
I thought my best friend, the difference being settled to the
satisfaction of both partys and being strongly soliscyted by the
Company generally to continue to serve them, I thought I would be out
of my duty as a man who wishes to serve his Cuntrey to refuse. I feel
myself under a constraint to beg your Exeellenceys pardon and do hope
for forgiveness as to a further explanation I hope to be able to give
you full satisfaction on our first personal interview.
"Your most obedient and humble servant,
"RICHARD McMAHON."
The plea was effective, for the commission was issued June 20, and the
same day George Pope was appointed second lieutenant.
The rifle company declined to give 'Captain Spencer up.
Lieutenant-Colonel Paddock reported the condition of affairs to the
Governor. Captain Spencer was elected a field officer of the regiment
and resigned his captaincy, but when the election for a new captain
was over, it was found he had been again chosen, and he continued to
fill the two offices. Thomas Berry was appointed a captain March 26
and a new company was received, of which the officers were Captain
Hiram Boone, Lieutenant George Wooster and Ensign George McIntosh.
Captain Rodman moved from the territory and Henry Duval was elected to
succeed him, while Charles Bushey was elected to the command of the
company formerly commanded by Captain Michael Smith. Two new companies
which were accepted had as officers Captain Zachariah Lindley.
Lieutenant James MacVay and Ensign Charles Battey; and Captain Andrew
House, Lieutenant John Goldsby and Ensign John Carter. At this time
there were five companies in the First Battalion, exclusive of the
rifle company, and permission was asked to raise two more companies
and an additional rifle company.
Dearborn County organized in May. On the 25th of that month James Dill
was elected lieutenant-colonel commanding and Samuel Pulton was
elected major of the First Battalion and Enoch Smith major of the
Second. Four days before, commissions were issued to Captain Justus S.
Sertwell, Lieutenant Noyes Canfield, Ensign Daniel Bordinan,
Lieutenant Enoch Blasdell and Ensign Charles Stevens.
Clark County had several changes and on April 5 commissions were
issued to William Patrick, John McCoy, William Montgomery and James
Bigger as captains, John Jenkins, John Herrod, Henry Socles and John
Chunn as lieutenants, and to Thomas Jacobs, Joseph Carr, Joseph Bowers
and Joseph Stillwell as ensigns. Major John Owens resigned on June 12
and Captain Robert Robertson was promoted to fill the vacancy. Captain
John Thompson died and Waller Taylor was elected to succeed him, while
George Twilley was elected lieutenant and Joseph Stroud ensign. On
June 1, Joseph Montgomery was commissioned captain, John Waller
lieutenant and Leander Depin ensign in the Second Battalion of the
Second Regiment of Knox County. George Wallice, Jr., was appointed
second lieutenant of the Vincennes Dragoons on September 9, as John
McCandless resigned.
County regiments are referred to but three other times in the
territorial records. Robert Robertson was commissioned as colonel
commanding the Clark County regiment on April 13, 1812, and this
commission seems to have been the last so issued. On March
previous, a new rifle company was accepted which had been organized in
Harrison County. The officers were Captain John Tipton, First
Lieutenant Samuel Flanagan, Second Lieutenant Jacob Zenor and Ensign
Philip Bell. On March 16, 1812, a commission was issued to Frederick
Shoults as a captain in Franklin County.
Many other commissions were issued, but under the new order of
affairs. The General Assembly created the rank of colonel by a law
passed December 19, 1811, but before this was done a report of the
strength of the militia was made to the general government. It showed
a total strength of 4,100. The population under the census of 1810 was
24,520 and the organization of the militia was thorough. There was one
adjutant-general, three quartermasters, three sergeant- majors, three
quartermaster-sergeants and four drum and file-majors. In field
officers there were eight lieutenant- colonels and sixteen majors. The
line consisted of sixty-three captains, 126 lieutenants and ensigns,
193 sergeants, twenty- three musicians and 3,630 of the rank and file.
Other officers assigned brought the total to 4,160. The equipment
consisted of fourteen swords, 130 muskets, 1,109 rifles, thirty
fusees, ten bayonets and 1,396 pouches and horns.
The new epoch in the militia of Indiana Territory not only included
the change to the system of numbering regiments in consecutive order
and the departure from the more cumbersome method of denoting them by
their counties, but it was the beginning of the terms of active
service which characterized the latter portion of the days of the
Territory. The system inaugurated during the year grew during the last
territorial days and the first days of statehood until an enrolled and
organized militia of over 50,000 members was the result. The year was
not important in actual events, but it was marked by the incipient
movement of the Indian war which followed during the next few years.
Tecumseh had been active in his efforts to unite the tribes against
the whites, and his efforts were ably seconded by his brother, the
Prophet. General Harrison was empowered by Congress with authority to
call out the militia, and in 1811 he marched against the town of the
Prophet and totally defeated the Indians in the battle of Tippecanoe.
Many conferences were held with the Indians previous to the campaign
against them, and during 1810, among the confidential messengers sent
to the Indians by the Governor were Francis Vigo, Toussaint Dubois,
Joseph Barren, Pierre La- plante, John Conner, M. Brouillette and
William Prince, all of whom were officers in the militia. The last
message was sent to them through Captain Walter Wilson, but the
British Indian agent encouraged the Indians and the war resulted.
Governor Harrison had called out 250 regular troops under command of
Colonel Boyd, about sixty volunteers from Kentucky and 600 of the
territorial militia, and with this force of 960 men he moved from
Vincennes September 26, 1811, up the Wabash to Ft. Harrison, which he
built. When the army arrived before the Prophet's town, encampment was
made for the night, but before daybreak the Indians made the attack,
which resulted in their overwhelming defeat.
The militia was well represented in the campaign. Four companies were
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Luke Decker, and other officers from
the militia were Major Noah Purcell; Daniel Sullivan, lieutenant and
acting adjutant; William Reed, sergeant-major; James Smith,
quartermaster; and Dr. Edward Scull, surgeon. The militia companies
were commanded by Captain Spier Spencer, Captain Frederick Guiger,
Captain Scott, Captain Jacob Warrick, Captain John Norris, Captain
William Hargrove, Captain Wilkins and Captain Walter Wilson. Captain
Benjamin Parke commanded a company of dragoons, and his first
lieutenant was Thomas Emerson and his second George Wallace. In
Captain Wilson's company the other officers were Lieutenant B. V.
Beckes and Ensign Joseph Macomb. After Captain Spencer was killed, his
company of mounted riflemen was commanded by Captain Dubois. Colonel
Joseph Bartholomew served under Colonel Boyd, of the regular forces,
and rendered good service.
Governor Harrison, in his report of the battle, says: "Colonel Joseph
Bartholomew, a very valuable officer, commanded, under Colonel Boyd,
the militia infantry. He was wounded early in the action and his
service lost to me. Lieutenant-Colonel Decker, who commanded the
battalion of infantry on the right of the rear line, preserved his
command in good order. He was. however, but partially attacked.
Several of the militia companies were in no wise inferior to the
regulars. Spencer's, Guiger's and Warrick's maintained their posts
amid a monstrous carnage; as, indeed, did Robb's, after it was posted
on the left flank. Its loss of men (seventeen killed and wounded) and
its keeping its ground are sufficient evidence of its firmness.
Wilson's and Scott's companies charged with the regular troops and
proved themselves worthy of so doing. Norris's company also behaved
well. Hargrove's and Wilkins's companies were placed in a situation
where they had no opportunity of distinguishing themselves, or I am
satisfied they would have done so. This was the case with the squadron
of dragoons also. After Major Daviess had received his wound, knowing
it to be mortal, I promoted Captain Parke to the majority, than whom
there is no better officer. My two aides-de-camp, Majors Hurst and
Taylor, afforded me the most essential aid, as well in the action as
throughout the campaign."
The loss in the engagement was thirty-seven killed and 151 wounded,
and of the latter twenty-five died of their wounds. Among those killed
or mortally wounded were Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daviess, Colonel
Abraham Owen, Captain W. C. Baen, Captain Jacob Warrick, Captain Spier
Spencer, Lieutenant Richard McMahon, Lieutenant Thomas Berry, Colonel
Isaac White and Thomas Randolph. Among the wounded were
Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bartholomew, Lieutenant-Colonel Luke Decker,
Dr. Edward Scull, Adjutant James Hunter, Lieutenant George P. Peters,
Lieutenant George Gooding, Ensign Henry Burchstead, Captain John
Norris and Captain Frederick Guiger.
The war of 1812, commenced in June, again called the militia into
active duty. An Indian outbreak and attack on a settlement on the
Wabash about thirty-five miles above Vincennes called out a portion of
the militia of Knox County. One company of rangers was authorized by
Congress to be raised in Indiana, under the call for 30,000 men.
During the spring and summer, block houses were built on the frontier
of Indiana, and one at Brookville was commanded by Lieutenant
Breckenridge, one on Tanners Creek by Captain Blasdiell, and one on
Laughrey by Captain James McGuire. The slaughter of "Pigeon Boost
settlement," in what is now Scott County, in which twenty-two persons
were killed, called into service a portion of the Clark County militia
under Major John McCoy and Captain Devault. This was in September, and
the latter officer overtook the Indians in their flight and killed
one.
All the campaigns against Indian villages were participated in by
Indiana soldiers, but as a territorial organization the militia does
not appear. When Governor Harrison assumed command of the army in
1812, it was provided that it was to consist of regular troops,
rangers and militia from Kentucky and Ohio and 3,000 men from
Pennsylvania and Virginia. Some Indiana companies accompanied General
Harrison as far as what is now Piqua, Ohio, but the threatening
actions of the Indians on the frontier of Indiana caused them to hurry
back for the protection of their homes. Many remained with the
expedition as individuals, and early in the war companies were raised
by Captains Russell, Perry and Modrell, while Captain Beckes raised a
company of scouts.
During the winter of 181.2-13, Indiana companies participated in the
campaigns against the Indians by General Hopkins, and terrible
privations and sufferings from the cold weather are recorded. An
expedition under Colonel Joseph Bartholomew was sent out in June,
1813, to punish Indians who were hostile and who were lurking in
villages on the west fork of the White River.
The war made the progress of the Territory necessarily slow. Governor
Harrison resigned in 1812 to take the military command assigned him,
and Thomas Posey, who was appointed Governor to succeed him, did not
arrive until May 25. 1813. In the interval John Gibson, Secretary,
served as acting Governor, and under his administration the capital
was removed to Corydon in December of 1812.
The actual declaration of war with Great Britain had made a nation of
warriors. A protest against the militia being the only ones to serve
was sent to the Governor under date of August 21, 1812. It begins: "We
the undersigned wish to shew your Excellency that we are willing to
obey any of your calls and to defend our country at any time when
called upon in time for us to make ready for to turn out and leave
home."
During the war Indiana furnished one general officer, five staff
officers, eighteen field officers, five noncommissioned staff
officers, sixty-seven captains, 132 subaltern officers, and 410
noncommissioned officers, with fourteen musicians and 2,592 privates.
Many more volunteered for service than the government could accept,
and it was out of the question to equip those who presented
themselves. This was soon known, and the later volunteers appeared
fully armed and equipped at their own expense. This caused a
tremendous revival of military spirit and the militia profited by it.
The extraordinary increase in the population of the Territory made it
a difficult matter to enable the militia to keep pace with the growing
population, but it was successfully done and the organization was
preserved. It was in 1815 that the great increase commenced.
In 1814, at the close of the war with Great Britain, a report of the
militia of the Territory was made which showed an aggregate strength
of 5,010. In the commissioned and noncommissioned staffs there was one
adjutant-general, eight adjutants, seven quartermasters, five
paymasters, four surgeons, three surgeons' mates, six sergeant-majors,
four quartermaster-sergeants and six drum-majors. The infantry report
showed seven lieutenant-colonels, eighteen majors, eighty-seven
captains, 179 lieutenants and ensigns, 325 sergeants, seventy
musicians and 4,281 rank and file.
It was in the same year and at Corydon on January 3 that the act of
general reorganization of the militia was passed. The age limit of
those subject to duty, under this act, was from eighteen to 45, and it
was also required that on muster and parade days the major and
brigadier-generals should "wear a French military hat, blue cloth
coat, turned up, with buff or scarlet, with gold epaulets, white small
clothes or buff, also boots and spurs." The commander-in-chief was
authorized to appoint two aides-de-camp, to have the rank of colonel.
It was also provided that the adjutant-general and the
quartermaster-general should have the rank of colonel, and the pay of
the adjutant-general was fixed at 25 per annum in time of peace
and 50 per annum in time of war.
It was provided that sixty men should constitute a company, or, in
case of necessity, from forty to eighty, rank and file; two to seven
companies should form a battalion; two battalions should constitute a
regiment; two to eight regiments a brigade, and two to four brigades a
division. Officers were required to serve five years. Ferrymen on post
roads, ministers who were licensed to preach, and those who had
conscientious scruples against military duty were exempted from
serving. Musters were appointed for Saturdays in April and September.
The First Brigade was assigned to Knox, Sullivan and Daviess counties;
the Second to Gibson, Posey, Warrick, Perry and Pike counties, and
these two brigades formed the First Division. The regimental divisions
for the First Brigade were made at Vincennes and for the Second at the
Gibson County courthouse in February, 1817. The Third Brigade was made
up of Harrison and Clark counties, and the Fourth of Orange,
Washington and Jackson counties. These two brigades formed the Second
Division, and the regimental divisions were made at Anthony Liver's
house for the Third Brigade, and at Salem for the Fourth. The Fifth
Brigade was formed of Jefferson, Jennings, Switzerland and Dearborn
counties, and the Sixth Brigade of Franklin and Wayne counties. These
brigades formed the Third Division, and the regimental division for
the Fifth Brigade was made at Switzerland, and at Connersville for the
Sixth.
During this period from 1810 to the beginning of the State government,
there were changes among the general officers in consequence of the
change of governors and commanders- in-chief. The calling of the
militia into service caused many appointments in 1812. On July 12 of
that year William Jones was appointed assistant quartermaster for the
militia in service and Daniel Sullivan was commissioned
adjutant-general and brigade major to the militia in service. General
W. Johnson was appointed judge advocate to the troops in Indiana and
Captain Benjamin Park and John D. Hay were appointed aides-de-camp, on
September 6. To the latter was given the rank of captain. The
following day Dr. Robert Allison was appointed surgeon's mate to the
militia in service, and four days later Ensign Davis Floyd was made
deputy quartermaster-general for the troops in Indiana. Toussaint
Dubois was commissioned as major on September 26, and to him was
assigned the command of spies. General W. Johnson was appointed an
aide-de-camp to the commander-in-chief on October 3, and he was given
the rank of captain, while eighteen days later Charles Smith was
commissioned lieutenant and adjutant-general pro tern and brigade
major. William Prince was made captain on November 16, but his rank
dated from October 16.
Earl in 1813, on January 14, Lieutenant Daniel Sullivan was
commissioned a colonel and appointed adjutant-general. His letter of
application was dated at Vincennes, December 26, 1812, and reads:
"Dear Sir-I have been Informed that the office of Adjutant-General has
been vacated by Colonel Smalls resignation. It is. Sir, with the
utmost diffidence that I offer myself as a candidate for that
important office, being well assured that there are many better
qualified then myself. I have but little hopes of success but should
you think proper to confer the appointment on me, rest assured, Sir,
that I would endeavor to deserve the preference that you would give. I
am, Sir. with respect and esteem,
"Your Humble Servant,
"D. SULLIVAN."
He served only until September 10 following, when General W. Johnson
was appointed to the office with the rank of colonel. Colonel
Johnson's term was short, for on February 24, 1814, Waller Taylor was
appointed to the office and given the rank of colonel. He served until
September 17 following, when Allen B. Thorn was appointed and served
until Indiana passed into statehood.
Nathaniel Claypoole was appointed an aide-de-camp on February 15,
1813. and June 17, 1815, Benjamin Park was appointed first
aide-de-camp and Robert A. New second. Both were given the rank of
colonel.
The cavalry received much attention in this period, as it was of
greatness in following the Indians. Joseph Hamilton Daviess was
commissioned as major or dragoons on September 20, 1811, and
subsequently rendered important service. Daviess County was named
after him. On the same day commissions were issued to George Hunt as
lieutenant - colonel, Smith Hunt as major and to Benson Miner as
captain, John Plummer as lieutenant and Baltzer Sybrook as ensign of a
rifle company. It is not given to what regiment they were assigned and
none of the officers named appear in the records other than this one
time. After Major Bartholomew's death, Captain Benjamin Park was
promoted and his commission as major of dragoons was issued November
6, 1813. On May 14 of the following year William Prince was appointed
a captain in the cavalry. Ten days later William M. Owens was
commissioned as second lieutenant and John Weathers as cornet.
Special companies were organized for active service, but all do not
appear in the official records. In 1813, on March 27, Pierre Andre's
company of rangers was accepted, and two days later William Dunn's
company was accepted. April 5 following, William Hargrove's company
was accepted. Pierre Andre was appointed captain of mounted volunteers
on July 21, 1815, to serve six months. His other officers were
Lieutenant Francis Mallet and Ensign Robert Ash. The commissions of
all were dated June 10. The same day a company commanded by Captain
Hyacinth Lassell was accepted for six months' service. It was a
company of mounted volunteers and the remaining officers were
Lieutenant Pierre Laplante and Ensign John Myers. The commissions of
the officers dated from June 30.
The First Regiment appears for the first time under that designation
on September 22, 1810, when commissions were issued to Captain
Benjamin Park, First Lieutenant Thomas Emerson, Second Lieutenant John
McCandless and Cornet John Balthus as officers of a troop of horse
assigned to the regiment.
The regiment grew from the Knox County regiment and Colonel Ephraim
Jordan, of the First Regiment of Knox County, was the first colonel of
the First Regiment of Indiana. His election as colonel was unanimous.
Under date of April 25. 1812, the officers of the First Battalion sent
a written request to the Governor that Ephraim Jordan should be
appointed colonel, Thomas Scott lieutenant - colonel, and Wilson
Lagore major of their battalion. The officers of the Second Battalion
concurred in the request as to Colonel Jordan on May 13, and the
commissions of the officers named were issued June 1. Colonel Jordan
served until July 7,1814, when Lieutenant - Colonel Scott succeeded
him.
Dr. Edmund Scull was appointed surgeon of the regiment June 4, 1812,
and the first major of the First Battalion was Wilson Lagore.
commissioned June 1,1812, who was formerly a captain in the regiment.
He served until October 6, 1814, when Captain Benjamin V. Beckes
succeeded him. The first major of the Second Battalion was Joseph
Ledgerwood, who served until September 25, 1812. On that date Captain
William Bruce was appointed major of the battalion, and he served
until October 24,1814, when Andrew Wilkins was commissioned. Daniel
Connor was commissioned a major on August 11, 1815, but the records do
not state to which battalion he was assigned.
The Vincennes Light Infantry, a noted organization of the early days,
was attached to the First Regiment. The line officers and dates of
commissions were:
CAPTAINS.
1810 -
October 10 - Wilson Lngore, to rank from May 6.
November 14 - William Rodsman and Robert Burge.
1811 -
July 22 - Francis Boyer.
1812 -
May 7 - Henry McGee.
August 14 - Pierre Andre.
1814 -
February 3 - Francis Mallet.
April 24 - Ambroise Mallet.
September 13 - Samuel Hogg and Robert Hay.
October 6 - James Jenkins.
October 24 - Ashbury Alexander.
1815 -
January 21 - Charles Polk.
August 11 - Thomas Shepard, Thomas Black, William Perry, William
Purcell, General W. Johnston, Infantry; Benjamin Park, cavalry.
October 21 - Ovid Hunt, Jesse Hadden, Barnet Holllngsworth and Abraham
Roadarmell.
1816 -
August 7 - Samuel Coleman.
LIEUTENANTS.
1810 -
October 10 - Robert Buntln, Jr., and Jonathan Purcell, Jr.
November 14 - Alexander Little and James Myers.
1811 -
July 22 - Ambrose Mallet.
1812 -
May 16 - George R. C. Sullivan.
August 18 - Hyacinth Laselle.
September 25 - William Wallice.
1814 -
February 3 - Laurlent Bruellet and Jesse Hadden.
April 24 - Lewis Denoyen.
September 13 - William Gamble, Abraham Roadarmell and John Stringer.
October 24 - Robert Brenton.
1816 -
January 21 - Samuel Chambers, Pierre Broulett, vice L. Broulett,
resigned.
August 11 - Joseph Thomas, Smith Hansbury, James Braudy, Ellsha
Keller, John Culberson and James Jordan.
October 21 - William Baker, Jacob Pancake, John Moor.
1816 -
August 7 - Andrew Brooks.
ENSIGNS.
1810 -
October 10 - Henry McGee.
November 14 - William Reddick, William Pitt, Elijah Wright.
1811 -
July 22 - Lewis Denoyer.
1812 -
May 16 - John Moore.
August 18 - Francois Mallet.
September 25 - Ephraim Thompson. 1
813 -
March 16 - John Walton.
1814 -
February 3 - Pierre Bruellet, James Lisman, John Flint, William
Collins and Samuel Chambers.
April 24 - Pierre Gamlin.
September 13 - James Jordan, Friend Spears, Jeremiah Gregory and John
Bush.
October 24 - James Walker and Thomas Stone.
1815 -
January 21 - William Watson and Francois Creley.
August 11 - Andrew Westfall, Abijah Thomas, John Fielding, Brice
McWelcher. Alexander West, John Reel and Melchel Richervllle.
October 21 - John Bradford, John Keina, Charles Mitchell.
1816 -
August 7 - James Cunningham.
The Second Regiment was originally the Clark County regiment and as
such it was under the command of Colonel Robert Robertson. It was one
of the most complete regiments in the service, and included many
special organizations, one of which was the only artillery company
mentioned in the territorial records.
Colonel Robertson resigned his commission on account of indisposition,
and Major Joseph Bartholomew was elected to succeed him and was
commissioned colonel October 21, 1811. He seems to have served until
March 30, 1814, when Joel Combs was commissioned colonel. Rezen Redman
was lieutenant - colonel and was commissioned as such June 10, 1813.
The first major of the regiment who appears was William Montgomery, to
whom the commission was issued April 4, 1812, and eleven days later,
John McCoy was commissioned major. Josiah Baker became major of the
First Battalion on May 2, 1814.
The staff appointments were made September 19, 1811, and Joseph Brown
was appointed adjutant, Joseph Clark quartermaster and Chapman
Deneslow sergeant - major. A general request from the officers that a
muster master be appointed was complied with in the appointment, on
October 30,1811, of Isaac Shelby. He was also made inspector.
The cavalry was a well organized and important branch of the Second
Regiment. The first reference to this branch is on September 19, 1811,
when commissions were issued to John Thompson as first lieutenant,
Henry Botorffi as second lieutenant and Mordecai Swainey as cornet of
a troop of horse. A volunteer mounted rifle company was received into
the regiment on August 22, 1812, of which the officers were Captain
John B. Pittman, First Lieutenant Henry Giles, Second Lieutenant John
Owens and Ensign Davis Floyd. On Sept. 22. 1815, Alexander Buckner was
commissioned a captain of dragoons, John Weathers a first lieutenant
and Samuel McCampbell cornet. The organization was completed on
January 25, 1816, when John Coons was appointed a lieutenant. John
Gibson was made captain and Edward Norris and Isaac Scribner ensigns.
Rifle companies were numerous. On September 6, 1S13, Joseph Stilwell
was commissioned a first lieutenant, James Robinson a second
lieutenant, and Absalom Carr an ensign in one company. September
22,1815, was a day for commissions in these organizations. Absalom
Carr had risen to a lieutenancy and was so commissioned that day,
while John Denny was made ensign. The same day Daniel Peyton was
commissioned captain, James Weir a lieutenant and James Blizard an
ensign of another rifle company. On June 1,1816, John Carr was
commissioned as captain of a rifle company.
The only mention of artillery in the territorial records is in
connection with the Second Regiment, as June 1,1816, commissions were
issued to John M. Lemon as first lieutenant, William Nailor as second
lieutenant and Henry Hopkins as ensign of artillery.
Line officers appointed during this epoch were:
CAPTAINS.
1811 -
July 26 - John Buckner Plttman, vice Robert Robertson, promoted.
September 16 - William Kelly and Tobias Miller.
1812 -
April 2 - Jacob Pierceall, Joel Combs and John Blair.
October 19 - John Owens.
October 27 - Charles Matthews, Francis Jeffries, John Blizzant and
John Ferries.
1813 -
January 25 - John Prather.
June 10 - William Gano Gulick.
August 16 - Samuel Huston.
September 6 - Samuel Patterson.
1814 -
February 11 - Morris Morris.
April 21 - Samuel Work and John Carr.
May 12 - Josiah Eaken.
July 2 - Robert A. New.
December 6 - Absalom Little.
1815 -
September 22 - James Lemon.
1816 -
May 31 - Willis E. Brown.
June 1 - John Conor, Abraham Kimberlin, James Downs and Richard Green.
LIEUTENANTS.
1811 -
July 26 - John Haris, vice Thomas Chappie, resigned.
September 16 - Philip Boyer.
1812 -
January 28 - William Owens, vice Joseph Clark, resigned.
April 27 - Samuel Walsh.
April 2 - Christley Bridgewater.
October 10 - William Lewis.
October 27 - John Carr, James Downs and John F. Ross.
1813 -
January 25 - Samuel McGllntock and William G. Gulick.
June 10 - Abraham Kimberlin.
August 16 - Benoni Wood.
September 6 - Joseph Carr.
1814 -
February 14 - John Bayer.
April 21 - John Crocket and James Weer.
May 12 - Jeremiah Jacob.
1816 -
April 4 - Daniel Dean.
June 7 - Nathaniel Scribner.
July 22 - Thomas Jacob and Daniel Dean.
September 22 - John Carr, Daniel Dean and Richard Green.
1816 -
May 31 - Joseph Lowery.
June 1 - Daniel Williams, John Williams, Henry Giles, James Johnston,
Alexander Young and Elnathan Jennings.
ENSIGNS.
1811 -
July 26 - Joseph Gibson, vice William Plttman, resigned.
September 16 - Daniel Stark.
1812 -
April 27 - James Ruly.
April 2 - Joseph Linn and Henry Coller.
October 19 - William Cllne and Neely Beem.
October 27 - Martin Huckelberry.
1813 -
January 6 - John Crockett.
January 25 - Samuel Patterson.
June 10 - Daniel Peyton.
August 18 - James Johnston.
September 6 - Jarris Fordyce and John Hamilton.
1814 -
April 21 - Abraham Hecthorn, John Carr and Robert Cunningham.
July 2 - William H. Twilley.
1815 -
July 22 - William Lemon and Henry Giles.
September 22 - Jesse Combs and James Fisher.
1816 -
May 31 - Daniel Kelzer.
June 1 - Isaac Kimberlin, Joseph Robertson, John Coons, John Cummins,
Thomas Acres and William Riddle.
The Third Regiment was formed originally from the Dearborn County
organization, of which James Dill was lieutenant - colonel, Samuel
Fulton major of the First Battalion and Enoch Smith major of the
Second. Colonel Dill was greatly troubled by the election of officers
in his regiment who were not permanently located in the districts.
Under date of September 5, 1811, in a letter enclosing the results of
election to Governor Harrison, Colonel Dill says: "Although every
exertion has been made to give general notice and although I expressly
notified the people that unless they elected persons permanently
located within the districts for which they are elected, they would
not be commissioned, yet they have, in two or three instances, elected
persons not six months in the Territory and therefore not eligible by
law. But they have also elected some who have no fixed abode anywhere.
Under such circumstances it is impossible that the militia can arrive
at anything, for one of these fellows is scarce commissioned until he
is off and then a new one must be had in his place Add to this that he
disregards the orders of his superior officers, for if he fails of
attending muster or neglects his duty in any other way, the moment yon
talk of punishing him he quits the Territory and treats your court
martial with contempt. Under such circumstances I am really at a loss
how to act." He enclosed the results of election in Log Lick district,
Arnold's district, Laughrey district and White Water district.
Colonel Dill was a man of prominence, and his influence was eagerly
sought to advance appointments when the war of 1812 commenced. In one
letter to Governor Harrison, he advocates the appointment of Major
Piatt, as follows: "If I recollect right, you are personally
acquainted with Major Robert Piatt, a gentleman who formerly commanded
the militia of this county. If not personally acquainted with him you
know him by character. He has a wish to enter the service of his
country should war be (as it already appears to be) determined on; and
knowing of none whose recommendations will be more likely to procure
him a decent appointment than yours, he solicits your aid for that
purpose. His views, I believe, go no higher than the rank of major,
and 1 am of opinion few applicants will do greater credit to that rank
than he will. If, sir, your own knowledge of him is sufficient to
warrant your recommendation of him, or if the knowledge or wishes of
others will have weight with you, I think there are few who will more
highly deserve your exertions in their favor than Major Piatt."
In the same letter, Colonel Dill urges the appointment of a Mr. Thomas
Lawrence to a position in the service and of Captain Vane as brigadier
- general in the Indiana service. A few lines he devotes to his own
application for an appointment in which he says, "I trust that
anything you may have thought proper to say in my favor has been
forwarded long since. If I succeed, 'tis well; if not, it can not be
helped."
The field officers of the Third Regiment were elected January 25,1812.
Lieutenant - Colonel Dill was unanimously chosen colonel and seventeen
votes were cast for him. The officers who voted for him were Majors
Pulton and Smith, Captains Justus Sertwell, W. Spencer, James McGuire,
Allen, Decker Crozier, and Robert Breckenridge, Lieutenants William
Caldwell, James Allen, Daniel Aiken, John Jackson, William D. Smith
and Enoch Blazdell, Ensigns Jacob Blazdell, Thomas Gordon and Spencer
Wiley.
For lieutenant - colonel, Majors Smith and Fulton were opposing
candidates, but Major Smith was elected by ten votes to Major Fulton's
five. The promotion of Major Smith caused a vacancy for which Captains
Decker Crozier and John Pur - cell were candidates. Captain
Crozier was elected by a majority of one vote, having received six
votes to five for Captain Purcell. The commissions were issued to
Colonel James Dill, Lieutenant - Colonel Enoch Smith and Major Decker
Crozier on March 17, 1812.
The command of the regiment changed on January 31, 1814, as on that
date Decker Crozier was commissioned colonel, and on March 1 following
a commission was issued to Samuel Fulton. The record does not state to
what he was appointed, but it was probably as lieutenant - colonel of
the regiment, as he had served many years as major. George Nichols was
commissioned major of the First Battalion on the July 13 following,
and May 25, 1816, John Alexander was appointed to the same place.
There was again a change in command on May 29, 1816, when Kezin Redman
was commissioned as colonel commanding.
The regiment had both a rifle company and a troop of cavalry attached
to it, as commissions were issued on February 12, 1813, to William
Spencer as captain, Thomas Davis as lieutenant and John Paine as
ensign of a rifle company. They took their rank from April 4, 1812.
Robert Ross was commissioned as lieutenant of a rifle company on June
4, 1813.
The cavalry appears in 1815, as on August 19 commissions were issued
to Thomas D. King as captain, Jacob Dennis as first lieutenant, David
Finloy as second lieutenant and Mahlen Brown as cornet of a troop.
The line officers as commissioned before the end of the Territory
were:
CAPTAINS.
1811 -
December 10 - Charles Campbell, William Spencer and Decker
Crozier. 1812 -
April 13 - John Purcell.
1813 -
February 12 - John Jackson, William Ross, to rank from April 4, 1812.
June 4 - Stephen Johnston Paine, Spencer Wiley and George Nicholls.
July 6 - Enoch Blazdell.
August 2 - Thomas Tate, vice Enoch Blazdell, resigned.
1814 -
January 7 - William Truesdel, William Caldwell and Claiborne Allen.
August 16 - James McGuire, Charles B. Cannon, William White and John
Daniels.
September 3 - Charles B. Cannon. William White and John McGuire..
1815 -
August 19 - James McCalllster.
September 1 - John Alexander.
1816 -
April 24 - Abel C. Pepper.
May 10 - James Hamilton.
May 25 - James Hamilton and Thomas Covlngton.
LIEUTENANTS.
1811 -
December 10 - William Caldwell, Daniel Aikens, William Truesdell, John
M. Dorsey and John Jackson.
1812 -
April 13 - John Sparks.
1813 -
February 12 - Henry Wnllieb and Nathan Brinton, to rank from
April 4, 1812.
June 4 - Charles E. Cannon, William Webb and Erasmus Powell.
July 6 - Thomas Tate.
August 2 - Elijah Walden, vice Thomas Tate, promoted.
1814 -
January 7 - John Fenton and Timothy Davis.
July 13 - Davis P. Shook.
August - James Cnnadny and Thomas Burk.
September 3 - Thomas Burk and James Conaway.
1815 -
September 1 - Nathan C. Brace and William Byrne.
1816 -
April 24 - Joel Decowsey and James Sherdon.
May 10 - John Hamilton.
May 25 - John Hamilton, Johnston Watts and Uriah Martin.
August 30 - George Watson.
ENSIGNS.
1811 -
Dec. 10 - Stephen I. Paine, Thomas Gordon, Jeremiah Murphy, John
Fenton and William Rlcketts. 1812 -
April 13 - Thomas M. Breckenrldge.
1813 -
February 12 - William Bills, to rank from April 4, 1812; John Goodwin;
James Chlsen, To rank from January 19, 1813.
June 4 - William Flake and Thomas Breckenrldge.
July 6 - James Green.
July 14 - Timothy Davis.
August 2 - James Rand, vice James Green, resigned; Obfldlah Stevens,
vice James Chlsen, resigned.
1814 -
January 7 - James Weaver and John Settles.
August 16 - William Weathers, John McCreany and James McKittrick.
September 3 - William Weathers and James McKittrick.
1816 -
October 7 - Jacob Connoway.
1816 -
April 24 - Shadrach Wathmay and James Powell.
May 25 - Jordan Rice and Peter Brenton.
The Fourth Regiment first appears in July, 1811, when John Millburn
and Stephen Mapes were appointed captains. The appointment of Captain
Mapes was in response to a numerously signed petition dated May 5,
1811. This petition is:
"To the honorable excellency of William H. Harrison Governor of
Indiany territory greeting
"We the people do nommenate and work your honorable Body to apoynt
Stephen Mapes as a rnilleatary capton of this Company which you have
presented befour you may It please Your exllence we labour under A
verry great disadvantage on the account of our appoyntted place for
nillitery exercise Which Is a grate distance from us and we can have a
company from the month of honey creek to the mouth of deer creek which
dos not exceed twenty miles. Sir we measurably submit our capassity
Into your All merciful protection hoping your exelence will remove the
yoakes from of our wearied necks so no more but subscribes ourselves
your humble pertishoners And Free republicans."
The regiment was largely from what are now Gibson and Warrick
counties, and the first mention of a field officer is of Lieutenant -
Colonel Waller Wilson, who was commissioned April 21. The colonel
commanding, Robert M. Evans, received his commission one week later,
and Hugh McGary was appointed a major on July 4 following.
In a letter to Governor Posey which was written at Jeffersonville on
August 9, 1813, Colonel Bunt mentions the resignation of Lieutenant -
Colonel Wilson and says that he refuses to serve longer. He refers to
Major Robb of the First Battalion as the senior major and recommends
that he be promoted. In the event this recommendation is accepted, he
names Captain Millbourn for major of the Second Battalion and Captain
John Johnston for major of the First Battalion. There was no change in
the field officers until April 14, 1814, when William Hargrove was
commissioned as colonel commanding and John Smith was made major of
the Second Battalion. On October 24 following, John Johnston was
appointed major of the First Battalion.
According to the records there was but one special organization, a
rifle company, for which commissions were issued April 22, 1812, to
Captain Benjamin Beckes, First Lieutenant John Marshall, Second
Lieutenant Ashbury Alexander and Ensign William Gamble.
The line officers commissioned were:
CAPTAINS.
1811 -
July 11 - John Milburn.
July 16 - Stephen Mapes.
July 26 - Squire Patterson.
September 16 - Shubel York.
September 19 - John Johnson, vice Brlnton, resigned.
1812 -
February 3 - James Smith.
March 5 - Richard Quinley, Robert Barnaby, Caleb Newman and Henry
Fullenwider.
April 25 - Henry Mills.
May 7 - Thomas Mun.
May 21 - Elias Barker and Charles Simmons.
June 4 - Lewis Harman.
July 4 - Samuel Kennedy.
1813 -
May 25 - William Barker.
June 15 - John Waller.
August 16 - Uriah "Winchell, Lewis Tacket and Josiah Elkins.
1814 -
April 14 - James Stewart, Miles Armstrong and Thomas Alcorn.
June 24 - Michael Carmack.
October 24 - William Scales and Adam Hope.
1815 -
June 17 - James Russell.
1816 -
May 29 - Peter Jones and William Casey.
LIEUTENANTS.
1811 -
July 26 - Charles Thorn.
September 16 - Isaac Montgomery and Samuel Kennedy.
September 19 - George Teverbaugh.
1812 -
February 3 - Lewis Harmon.
March 5 - John Russell, Temple C. Ryan, Robert Bartley, William
Wright, James Wooteu, Isaac Halman and Isaac Roth.
May 21 - David Broomfleld and William Nelson.
June 4 - Samuel Anderson and James Stewart.
July 4 - Alexander Mills.
August 27 - Ratcliff Boone.
November 5 - William Black, vice Daniel Grass, resigned.
1813 -
May 25 - John Basleton and Thomas Alcorn.
June 15 - Thomas S. House and Miles Armstrong.
August 16 - John Carson and John B. Stinson.
November 7 - Samuel Hogue, Hazel Putnam and Patrick Calvert.
1814 -
April 14 - Levie Jourdan, James Kennedy, James Montgomery andHenry
Edwards.
October 24 - Zakariah Skelton and Alexander McDaniel.
1815 -
June 17 - Sebastian Catf.
1816 -
May 29 - Charles Jones, William Stillwell, John Wllklns, James McCrary
and John Drew.
ENSIGNS.
1811 -
July 26 - Joshua Thorn.
September 16 - Isaac Fleener and Thomas Montgomery.
September - Joseph Macon.
1812 -
February 3 - Zachariah Lucas.
March 5 - Stephen Phlpps, Abraham Watts, Baxter Sparks and James
Kiddle.
May 21 - William Holbrook and Henry Edmunds.
June 4 - Thomas Montgomery and Thomas Alcorn.
August 4 - Jesse Wells.
August 27 - John Lance.
November 5 - Thomas Tobln and Randall Wilson.
November 20 - William Cummins.
1813 -
May 25 - James Montgomery.
June 15 - Peter Jones.
August 16 - William Worthlngton, Daniel McLaughlln, George Linkzwiler
and William Cummins.
November 7 - Jesse Thomas.
1814 -
April 14 - Zacharlah Lucas and George Huntstnger.
June 24 - David Mllburn.
October 24 - Daniel McDowel and Thomas Pride.
1815 -
June 17 - John Catt. 1816 -
May 29 - Robert Durley, Alex Downey and Nathan Colvln.
The Fifth Regiment grew from the Harrison County regiment, which was
commanded by Lieutenant - Colonel Joseph Paddocks, and it took its new
number well organized and equipped. The last report of the regiment as
the Harrison County organization showed its strength to be about 700.
This report mentions a rifle company attached to the regiment, of
which the officers were Captain John Tipton, First Lieutenant Samuel
Flanegan, Second Lieutenant Jacob Zenor and Ensign Phillip Bell. Three
of these officers afterwards became field officers. Many members of
the regiment served in the Indian campaigns, and among those killed
and wounded were many of those enrolled.
The Fifth Regiment was located in the territory formerly occupied by
the battalion of the Harrison County regiment which was commanded by
Major Beck. Eight companies were laid off in 1812, although a few
commissions were issued previous to that date in anticipation of the
formation of the regiment. These companies were commanded by Captains
Bucy, Lindley, House, Burge, Boyse, Beck, Devault and Hoggatt.
The election of field officers resulted in the choice of Joseph
Paddocks for colonel and Paul French for lieutenant - colonel,
and they were commissioned November 6, 1812. On the May 24 previous to
this date, Captain John Tipton of the rifle company was promoted to
major of the regiment and his rise was rapid. Colonel French did not
serve long, for on June 4, 1813, Major Tipton was commissioned
lieutenant - colonel, as Colonel French had resigned. He served
thus until April 22, 1814. when he was commissioned as colonel.
The vacancy caused by Major French's election as lieutenant - colonel
was filled by the commissioning, on February 27, 1813, of Hiram C.
Boone as major. The vacancy caused by the election of Major Tipton as
lieutenant - colonel was filled by the appointment, on June 4, 1813,
of John Depauw as major. Later in the year, on September 6, Jacob
Zenor was appointed major of the Third Battalion.
The regiment had its share of special organizations. The first
commissions issued in the regiment were on July 26, 1811, to the
officers of a light infantry company, who were Captain Richard M.
Heth, Lieutenant Joseph Denbo and Ensign Abraham Watson. The second
record of commissions is to a rifle company on April 16, 1812, and the
officers were Captain John Rice, First Lieutenant William Pill and
Second Lieutenant Elijah Wright. The election of Major Tipton caused a
vacancy in his rifle company, which was filled on May 24, the same day
he was commissioned as major, by the election of Jacob Zenor as
captain, Pierce Chamberlin as first lieutenant and Thomas Clark as
second lieutenant. The year of 1813 was marked by commissions issued
on June 4 to John Bell as captain of n rifle company, on June 8 to
William Cunningham as second lieutenant of a rifle company, and on
September 6 to Samuel Flanagan as captain of a rifle company. Still
another one was organized on July 19, 1816, of which the officers were
Captain Milo R. Davis, Lieutenant Gillis McBean and Ensign George C.
Spencer. On January 3 of 1814, Daniel Bell was appointed second
lieutenant and Noah Mathena an ensign in a rifle company, and on March
4, 1815, Samuel Pfrimmer was appointed an ensign. One of the companies
had a new captain on June 29, 1816, when Isaac Perree was appointed,
and the same day Charles Walker was appointed lieutenant.
It was to officers of this regiment and on July 27, 1816, that the
last military commissions under the territorial government were
issued.
The officers commissioned during the territorial period were:
CAPTAINS.
1812 -
May 24 - John Hughes. April 4 - Willis Stucker.
October 25 - George Copley.
1813 -
February 18 - John Senor.
February 27 - John Wright and George Mclntosh.
June 4 - Thomas Denny, vice House, resigned, and Absalom Sargent.
August 2 - George French, vice Zachariah Lindley, resigned.
August 13 - Samuel Ledgerwood.
November 11 - Noah Wright.
1815 -
March 4 - Benjamin Bogard and John W. Ogden.
March 22 - Ebenezer Morgan.
September 12 - John Lopp.
1816 -
June 29 - Beverly B. Boston, Edward Pennington and Isaac Edwards.
July 30 - Gilbert Bud and James Totten.
July 27 - Jesse Shields.
LIEUTENANTS.
1812 -
May 24 - Israel Butt.
April 4 - Andrew Storm.
October 25 - Thomas Rose.
1813 -
February 27 - William McMahon antl Stephen T. Beeman.
June 4 - James McKinny and Joseph Shields.
August 2 - John McVey, vice James McCoy, resigned.
September 6 - Benjamin Shields.
November 11 - Jesse Durham, Edward C. Hunter and Samuel Harris.
1814 -
June 1 - James Tatton.
September 13 - James W. Gather.
1815 -
March 4 - Daniel Bell and Henry Rice.
March 22 - Beverly Morgan.
September 12 - Anthony Windle, Edward McCurry, William Bennet
and Frederick Moaser. 1816 -
June 29 - Joshua Matthena, Patrick Flannagan and Isaac Darnell.
July 30 - West Sampson and Thomas Watson.
July 27 - Samuel Watson.
ENSIGNS.
1812 -
May 24 - Andrew Lopp.
October 25 - Joseph Nayall.
1813 -
February 27 - John Stewart and William Mclntlre.
June 4 - Elijah Veach, Richardson Hencely and John Rlgney.
August 2 - Jesse Fulton, vice Charles Bailey.
November 11 - John Carter, John Marrs and George Wlman.
1814 -
March 19 - Jeremiah Hunter.
June 1 - James Watson and Jnmes Edwards.
September 13 - George Oatman.
1815 -
March 4 - Thomas Roberts and Elijah Veach.
March 22 - Joseph Barkshear.
September 12 - Abram Wiseman, James Evans and William May.
1816 -
June 29 - John Mclntire, Mason French and William Ingram.
July 30 - Jeremiah Jenkins.
July 27 - Henry Purcell.
The Sixth Regiment was in the southeastern part of the State and what
is now Switzerland, Jefferson and Clark counties. The headquarters
were at Jeffersonville, and among the early officers was Luke
Oboussier, who was one of the original Swiss settlers of Vevay.
The regimental officers were appointed January 28, 1812, and William
McFarland was made colonel, David Hillis lieutenant - colonel, and
John Vawter major. On June 9, 1813, Major Vawter was promoted to be
lieutenant - colonel and Elisha Golay was appointed major of the First
Battalion and Willis Stucker major of the Second. David McKay
succeeded Major Golay on October 14,1815.
Colonel McFarland closes his letter of recommendation* for commissions
by saying, "The foregoing being respectfully submitted, your
Excellency by issuing your commissions, if approved, will much promote
the service; and with high and proper considerations of respect I have
the honor to be much your Excellency's obedient and humble servant."
The line officers commissioned were:
CAPTAINS.
1811 -
September 10 - Jesse Fagate.
December 16 - James McCay and Jacob Rhode*.
1812 -
May 24 - Henry Salliers.
1813 -
February 26 - Samuel Alexander.
June 9 - John F. Selbenthal, Richard Hopkins, William Vawter,
George Campbell, Edward Maxwell and William Nicholas. September 10 -
Christopher Harrison.
1814 -
January 3 - David McCay.
June 24 - Jacob Rhodes.
September 13 - Williamson Dunn.
1815 -
May 18 - John Paul of Peter.
September 1 - Jeter Ryker. James Stott and James Burns.
October 14 - Green B. Field and Franklin Perry.
November 4 - John Francis Slbbenthal, Walter Clark, Robert Gotten and
Ezeklel Petty.
1816 -
February 17 - Joseph Howard.
LIEUTENANTS.
1811 -
September 10 - John Francis Seibenthal, Henry Salyers and Daniel
Hickman.
December 16 - John Wilson.
1812 -
May 24 - John Lanum.
1813 -
March 13 - Samuel Ryker.
June 9 - Luke Oboussier, Abraham Long, John Crothers, Franklin Perry
and John Field.
August 2 - William McCullough.
September 10 - Patrick Wilson and William C. Bramwell.
September 26 - Felix Monroe.
1814 -
January 3 - Abraham McCay.
September 13 - Edward R. Maxwell.
1815 -
March 7 - William Johnston.
September 1 - James Ross, John McCrody, Robert B. Mitchell, William
Harbert, James Green and James B. Mitchell.
October 14 - Stephen Gudgel.
November 4 - Shuman Craig, Samuel Hollis, John Stapleton and Samuel
Searcy.
1816 -
January 30 - James Allison.
February 17 - Robert McKay.
ENSIGNS.
1811 -
September 10 - John Lanham, Edward Turner and Caleb Coudry.
December 16 - Samuel Burnet.
1812 -
May 24 - Robert McCak.
1813 -
February 26 - David Stacker.
March 13 - David McCay.
June 9 - Er. Cox, William C. Bramwell, William Chambers, William D.
HcCullough, John Gudgell and Felix Monroe.
August 2 - William Wales and John M. Johnson.
September 10 - Thomas T. Stribling.
September 26 - Thomas Arbuckle.
1814 -
January 3 - William Johnson.
January 31 - Charles Munroe and Alexander Lewis.
1815 -
March 7 - Joseph Howard.
September 1 - Henry St. Clalr, George Bennefield, John Diction, John
Howes and Isaac Crawford.
November 4 - Thornton Violet, William Scott, William Keith and Peter
Lowstrotter.
1816 -
January 30 - William P. Brown.
February 17 - Thomas OneaL
May 10 - Thomas Gilliland.
The Seventh Regiment was organized in Franklin County on March
23,1811, and in the original organization there were eight companies.
The field officers elected were James Noble as lieutenant - colonel,
Stanhope Royster as major of the First Battalion and Stephen C.
Stephens major of the Second Battalion. Commissions were issued to
these officers on April 22,1811, but when the law providing for
colonels to command regiments became effective the field officers
resigned and a new election was held. James Noble was elected colonel,
Stanhope Royster lieutenant - colonel and Samuel Arnett major. They
were so commissioned on June 17, 1812. The vote for major of the
Second Battalion was a tie between Captain Benjamin Sailor and Robert
Hanna, sheriff of the county. Colonel Noble strongly urged the
appointment of Captain Sailor, and, while there is no record of the
commission having been issued to him, it is probable he was so
appointed, as Robert Hanna was soon after appointed a captain.
A portion of the regiment was ordered out in 1812 to protect the
settlement of Franklin, and in a letter to Governor Harrison, after he
had submitted his report, Colonel Noble says: "It gives me great
satisfaction that you are pleased with the line of conduct that J have
pursued in ordering out a portion of my command (in the militia) to
guard the settlement of Franklin and that your orders have been
executed to your satisfaction. I hope, sir, that your orders to me
will always be obeyed and executed on the shortest notice. Your
conduct as Governor of the Territory and as commander - in chief of
the militia towards the citizens generally and especially those in
Franklin meets their warmest approbation and will at all times lay
them under obligations of gratitude to you; and the respect and
attention which you are justly entitled to from the officers of the
Seventh Regiment will always be found, in uniting with you in
protecting our Territory."
There appears in the record the notice of a commission issued to
Samuel Smock as colonel of the Seventh Regiment on September 18,1813,
and again on March 16,1816, of a commission to James Noble as colonel.
The resignation of Colonel Noble to the Governor bears date of
February 12,1814, and in the letter tendering the resignation he
states that Lieutenant - Colonel Royster was elected colonel and that
John Shank was elected major of the Second Battalion. There is no
record of a commission as colonel having been issued to Lieutenant -
Colonel Royster, and John Shank was not commissioned as major until
May 25,1816. In the course of his letter of resignation, Colonel Noble
says, "I have no news worth relating. The people on this quarter are
sickly and on the Miami die very fast."
Thomas M. Breckenridge was commissioned as major on March 16,1816. The
regiment was well supplied with special organizations. The officers of
the first rifle company mentioned were commissioned September 10,1811,
and were Captain Elliott Hardon, Lieutenant Thomas Carter and Ensign
Lewis Johnson. On June 17,1814, Larkin Sims was appointed a captain of
a like company, and on March I, 1814, William Bell and Robert Wicoff
were appointed ensigns. Henry Jinkinson was commissioned captain and
George Williams ensign of another company on July 13 of the same year,
and on February 14. 1815, John Allen was appointed lieutenant. A
company of light infantry was accepted on July 30, 1816, of which the
officers were Captain David Oliver, Lieutenant Bethuell F. Morris and
Ensign Henry A. Reed.
The cavalry appears first in 1815, and there seems to have been an
error in issuing the commissions, as those issued on August 19 were to
Captain George L. Mordoc, First Lieutenant John Stevenson, Second
Lieutenant John Winshel and Cornet Artima D. Wodworth. On the December
27 following, commissions were issued to Captain George L. Mordock,
First Lieutenant John Stephenson, Second Lieutenant William P. Surent
and Cornet John Munshel. Under 1816 and on May 23 appears the record
of commissions to John Winchell as second lieutenant and Artemus D.
Woodworth as cornet in the troop, but two days later commissions were
issued to John Winchell as first lieutenant, Artimas D. Woodworth as
second lieutenant and Riley Woodworth as cornet. The other officers of
the regiment were:
CAPTAINS.
1811 -
April 22 - Benjamin Smith, Samuel Arnett, John Gun, Benjamin Sailer,
William Templeton, Samuel Lee and Thomas Brown.
September 10 - Abraham Hlckman and William Huff.
December 16 - Zachariah Glover.
1812 -
April 13 - Nathaniel Hindon.
June 17 - Frederick Shoultz, John Brlsue and Nathaniel Allarcage.
1813 -
February 8 - Robert Swan.
February 18 - Robert Hanna.
July 8 - Thomas Brown.
September 10 - Nixson Oliver.
November 20 - William Vardaman.
1814 -
March 1 - Conrad Sailor, James McGlnnls and Bazel Gater.
March 12 - Thomas Breckinrldge.
October 7 - Thomas Clark, vice Nixon Oliver, resigned.
1816 -
February 14 - Andrew Shirk, John Miller, Charles Wllldrldge and Isaac
Wilson.
1816 -
March 16 - William Arnold.
May 25 - Robert Wykoff.
LIEUTENANTS.
1811 -
April 22 - John W. Dorsey, James Jones, William George, Charles
Royster, Robert Swan, Bazll Gater, William Wilson and John Clinton.
September 10 - Richard Williams.
December 16 - James Leviston.
1812 -
April 13 - John Winchel.
June 17 - James Brlseu.
1813 -
July 8 - Matthew Brown, Samuel Tappln, John Miller and William
Glidewell.
September 10 - Charles Wllldrldge.
November 20 - John Wilson and James Wilson.
1814 -
January 7 - William Cartright
March 1 - George Rudisell, John Vanblarlcum, James Robertson and
Thomas Breckinrldge. March 12 - Robert P. Wicoff.
1815 -
February 14 - Samuel Shirk, Joseph Barter and Daniel McNeal. 1816 -
March 16 - Timothy Allison.
May 25 - Elijah Eades.
ENSIGNS.
1811 -
April 22 - Joseph D. Clements, Robert Adams, Robert Royster, William
Hainly. William Norrls, George Rudisel, George Gilman and Norrls
Williams.
December 16 - William Noble.
1812 -
April 13 - David Gable, William Ramsey, John Coffe and James McGinnes.
May 24 - William Morgan.
June 17 - Nathaniel Winchell.
1813 -
February 15 - James Wilson.
July 8 - John Maple, George W. Wood, John Ward and John Brown.
August 2 - John Norris.
September 10 - Robert T. Taylor.
September 26 - Andrew Shirk.
November 20 - David Noble and John Hughes.
1814 -
March 1 - George W. Millls, Thomas Sailor and Aaron Richardson.
March 12 - Elijah Edes.
1815 -
February 14 - William Harper, James Trusler and Jacob Hossett.
1816 -
March 16 - Thomas Williams.
May 25 - Joshua Hinesley, John Hackelman and Caleb Keeler.
The history of the Eighth Regiment is not complete, as many
commissions were issued in blank and no reports made as to how they
were filled out. The headquarters of the regiment were in Wayne
County, and the official records show a few commissions issued in
1811, when there follows an interval of two years. There is no record
of the commissioning of Colonel G. Hunt, but under date of August 11,
1813, he made a detailed report of the regiment to Governor Posey.
In the same letter he reports having ordered out the company commanded
by Captain William Holman, and says the action "Grew out of repeated
calls from the frontiers, and the time of one company being about to
expire and the Indians still continuing to plunder houses and other
property and having killed one man, determined to call a board of
officers for council to adopt some plan to quiet the minds of the
citizens and for the safety of the county. The inhabitants were still
flying in all directions and sacrificing their property. In this state
of things the council resolved that it was expedient that the colonel
order out an additional company."
Arrangements were under way for the regiments commanded by Colonel
Dill and Colonel Noble to join with Colonel Hunt's for a muster at
which Governor Posey was to be present.
Colonel Hunt's report shows that he was elected colonel, to rank from
January 25, 1812, William Scare lieutenant - colonel, to rank
from the same date, S. Hunt major, to rank from January 3, 1812, and
L. Brown major, to rank from January 25, 1812. The staff consisted of
Adjutant John Turner, who ranked from 1811, and Captain John Parlow.
The captains reported and date of ranks were: William Whitehead,
January 8, 1812; Richard Lewis, January 25, 1812; Enos Butler, January
17,1812; John Ireland, September 25, 1812; John Walker, captain of a
rifle company, to rank from February 2, 1813.
The lieutenants mentioned in the report were: William Hunt, February
29, 1814; William Price, September 25, 1811; Robert Galbraith, August
3, 1812; John Hart, February 2, 1813; Hugh Bailey, January 17,1812.
The ensigns were James Warren, February 2,1813;'Absalom Harvey, August
13,1812; James Lindley, September 20, 1812. He also nominated John
Patterson for captain, Joseph Lewis and David Canady for lieutenants,
and Joseph Spencer, Joel Ferguson and Runnels Fielder for ensigns.
The official records show a change in commanding officers on June
3,1814, when Lieutenant - Colonel William Scarce was promoted, and on
December 9 following John Turner was appointed a major. Blank
commissions for all companies "compleat" were issued September
20,1811, and the official records of commissions issued are:
CAPTAINS.
1811 -
September 20 - William Whitehead, James Shaw, Richard Lewis.
1812 -
April 13 - John Ireland.
1813 -
February 3 - John Walker.
September 6 - John Patterson.
1814 -
July 29 - Joseph Lewis.
1815 -
February 4 - William Hunt.
June 7 - Joseph Spencer, Isaac Beasou, Pleasant Harris.
September 25 - Asa Terro.
LIEUTENANTS.
1811 -
September 20 - William Hunt, John Montgomery and Charles Morgan.
1812 -
April 13 - Robert Galbreath.
1813 -
February 3 - John Hart.
September 6 - David Canady and Joseph Lewis.
1814 -
July 29 - John Leary.
September 13 - Isaac Meek.
1816 -
February 4 - Noah Fouts.
June 7 - John Miers, Thomas Ray, William Burk, Isaac Meek.
September 25 - Greenbury Cornelius.
ENSIGNS.
1811 -
September 20 - Jonathan Gilbert and Jesse Garret.
1812 -
April 13 - John Smith and Absalom Harvey.
1813 -
February 3 - James Warm.
September 6 - Runnels Fielden, Joel Ferguson and Joseph Spencer.
1814 -
June 14 - Pleasant Harris, Thomas Wisehart, Robert T. Taylor, David
Noble, David Carr and John Carr.
July 29 - Richard G. Pares, Jesse Elston and James Bedwell.
September 13 - Reynold Fielden.
1815 -
February 4 - Noah Fouts.
June 7 - Joseph Little, John Bratton and Drury Ball.
September 25 - William Dunbar, Jesse Buzan and Thomas McCarty.
The Ninth Regiment was one of the best organized of the later
regiments. Its headquarters were at Jeffersonville, and John Depauw
was the first colonel and was commissioned as such on January 10,
1814. There is no record as to the lieutenant - colonel, but the
regiment was so large that it was divided into three battalions.
William Hoggatt was commissioned major of the First on January 24,
1814, and Alexander Little as major of the Third on the February 8
following. Jesse Roberts was the first major of the Second and was
commissioned March 7 next. During 1816 the changes in battalion
commanders caused the appointment of Samuel Melroy as major of the
Third on January 1, and, on March 23 next, of Jesse Durham as major of
the same battalion. The same day Absalom Sergeant was commissioned
major of the Second. Amos Hornblower was paymaster, James Gregory
quartermaster, and Jacob Bunta adjutant.
The regiment was well supplied with special organizations, for a rifle
company, of which the officers were Captain Noah Wright, Lieutenant
Elijah Wright and Ensign George Holesapple, was accepted February
8,1814, and soon after the organization of the regiment. On April 28,
1815, an independent company was attached to the regiment, of which
the officers were Captain John Parker, Lieutenant Isaac Scott and
Ensign James Shoemaker.
The other officers of the regiment were:
CAPTAINS.
1814 -
January 10 - Thomas Denny, Samuel Huston, George French, Absalom
Sargeant. John Beck, Henry Dewalt, Charles Busey and John Royce.
January 24 - Jeremiah Rankin and Samuel Marrs.
February 8 - Clift Glazebrook, Jesse Roberts, William Kennedy and
Jesse Durham.
March 7 - John Maxwell.
August 10 - John Milroy.
September 17 - William Reed.
1815 -
July 22 - Valentine Baker.
1816 -
January 26 - William Herron.
March 28 - John B. Clark.
May 10 - John Craig, William Flin, Mordecal Reddicks,
William Case, Lewis Roberts, Absalom Fields and James McKlnney.
June 29 - Andrew House and David Heddrlcks.
LIEUTENANTS.
1814 -
January 10 - Thomas Pitts.
January 24 - Dennis Callehan and John Cunningham.
February 8 - John Storm. John Maxwell, John Cox, James
McKinney, Dory Catlln, John Robertson, George Hattabaugh and Samuel
Young.
March 7 - Joseph Maxwell and John Gaskins.
September 17 - Valentine Baker and John Craig.
1815 -
July 22 - John Pew.
1816 -
May 10 - Richard Bene, Matthew Flln, John Sweney, Thomas
Irons,
Johnson Vest, Thomas Young, Joseph Scott, Roger Thompson. June
29 - George House and William Elrod.
ENSIGNS.
1814 -
January 10 - John Cooley.
January 24 - John Morris and John Marrs.
February 8 - Joseph Maxwell, Jesse Fulton, John Rlgney.
Samuel Catlin, Richard Beem, Thomas Thompson, Joseph Young, William
Cline and John Carter.
March 7 - Harvey Flndley.
September 17 - Joshua Taylor and Isaac Rogers.
1816 -
March 23 - John \Volflngton and John G. Henderson.
May 10 - Miller Wlatt, Stephen S. Walsh, John Vandever,
James Woodard, Samuel Vest, William Henderson, Martin Wilson and Moses
Holman.
The Tenth Regiment was probably organized in Warrick County, as its
first colonel commanding, Hugh McGarey, lived in that county. The
field officers of the regiment were the first ones commissioned, and
they were appointed January 20, 1814. The officers were Colonel Hugh
McGarey, Lieutenant - Colonel Guillielmus Wiggins,
Major Samuel Connor, commanding the First Battalion, and Major Thomas
E. Castleberry, commanding the Second. On the September 13 following,
Major Castleberry became colonel commanding and James Duckworth was
appointed major, to succeed him.
The record of organization is incomplete, but as far as known the
officers were:
CAPTAINS.
1814 -
January 20 - Ratllff Boone, Ellas Altizer and William
Buck.
June 24 - John B. Stinson, Seth Hargravps and George
McHenry.
October 10 - Adam Young and William Cummlng.
December 27 - William Ross.
1815 -
February 4 - Thomas GIvens.
March 11 - John Crunk.
1816 -
May 4 - John Lout and Joseph A. Barnett.
LIEUTENANTS.
1814 -
January 20 - James Hammlns and John Lout.
June 24 - Thomas Duckworth, Daniel Miller, John
French and John Mnrrs.
October 10 - John Hndden and Benjamin Keeth.
December 27 - Martin Stutevll. 1816 -
March 11 - John Carson and Henry Edmond. 1816 -
May 4 - John Luel, John Hall and William Blevlns.
ENSIGNS.
1814 -
January 20 - John Luce and John Morton.
June 24 - William Skelton, Charles Jones and William
Elliott.
September 13 - Timothy Downan.
October 10 - William Stone, Timothy Downing, Julius Gipson
and William Todd.
December 27 - William Spencer and William Weatherholt
1815 -
March 11 - William Butler.
1816 -
May 4 - John Hathway.
The Eleventh was one of the best organized of the later territorial
regiments and probably drew the most of its members from those living
in Franklin County. Its first colonel was William Helm, who was
commissioned April 29, 1814. Major Lews Johnston, of the First
Battalion, was appointed the same day. Thomas Brown was appointed
major on June 3 following, and Allen Crister was appointed major on
March 4, 1815.
The regiment numbered several special organizations in its body, and
early in its existence, on August 9, 1814, a rifle company was
accepted, of which the officers were Captain William Morgan,
Lieutenant John Vance and Ensign John Reed. Samuel Lee was appointed
an ensign in the rifle company on May 12, 1815. Two more rifle
companies were organized and both were accepted on June 29, 1816. The
officers of the first were Captain John Vance, Lieutenant Thomas Reed
and Ensign John White. The officers of the other one were Captain
Joseph Caldwell, Lieutenant William McGeorge and Ensign William
Jackson.
Among the line officers of the regiment was Edgehill Burnside, who
first appears as ensign and later was promoted to a captaincy, and who
was the father of General A. E. Burnside, of Civil War fame.
The other officers of the regiment were:
CAPTAINS.
1814 -
April 29 - Daniel Heaton.
June 3 - Robert Swan, Abraham Neighbours, Peter Winchell
and Samuel Ely.
August 9 - Benjamin Elliot and Thomas Carter.
October 22 - Robert Hannah.
1816 -
February 4 - John W. Lee.
March 4 - James Alexander and George Ish.
May 12 - Daniel Conner.
September 20 - Edgehill Bumside.
September 22 - David Carr. 1816 -
March 16 - Adiun Rymnn.
June 29 - Thomas Trusler.
LIEUTENANTS.
1814 -
April 29 - William Webb and Noah Beacham.
June 3 - Matthew Brown, William Glidewell, Samuel Hanna
and James Minor.
August 9 - John Lee and Charles Davis.
September 17 - John Ward.
1816 -
February 4 - Thomas Walters and Joseph McCormack.
March 4 - Richard Thornberry and Wllll.im Willltz.
September 20 - Bird Stiles.
September 22 - Andrew Penticost and Henry Edmunds.
1816 -
March 16 - William Manly.
June 29 - Isaac Llmpus.
August 21 - Calvin B. Howe and John H. Newland.
ENSIGNS.
1814 -
April 29 - Forest Webb and Thomas Yowell.
August 9 - Philip Bradshaw and Rezen Davis.
September 17 - Edgehill Burnside.
October 22 - Nathaniel Winchel, vice Robert T. Taylor,
resigned.
1815 -
March 4 - John Sutherland and Asa Dawson.
May 12 - Thomas Trusler and Isaac Miller.
September 20 - Lina Maddan.
September 22 - William Brown.
1816 -
March 16 - Archibald Morron.
June 29 - Abraham Boyes.
August 21 - Jeremiah Wood and Samuel Lennen.
The Twelfth Regiment was young when Indiana passed from the
territorial stage to that of statehood. Colonel Samuel Connor, Major
Ratliff Boone, who commanded the First Battalion, and Major William
Black, who commanded the Second, were commissioned October 21, 1895.
The only other commissions issued before the State government
commenced were on March 14, 1816. Joseph Springer and Elias Roberts
were made captains, Samuel Eslick and Stephen McDaniel lieutenants,
and John Cassady, Michael House and William Weatherholt ensigns.
The Thirteenth Regiment was organized in the last six months of the
existence of Indiana Territory. The first commission was issued to
Jesse Roberts as colonel commanding on February 20, 1816. The majors
were appointed June 29 and William Reed was assigned to the command of
the First Battalion and Joseph Pennick of the Second.
The other officers were:
CAPTAINS.
1816 -
April 20 - Alexander Walker, Samuel Lewis, Ell Newlin,
Thomas Coplin and William Farria.
May 20 - William Redman, Pleasant Parks, James Fldler,
Robert Stott and Joseph W. Doak.
June 29 - Daniel Freeman, Daniel Weathers and Peter
Bengannln.
LIEUTENANTS.
1816 -
April 20 - James Gisten, Reuben Kllgore, George Wolfinton,
Charlea Vandeyeer and William Pennick.
May 20 - Joseph Scott, Samuel Shield, Marquis Knight,
James Laughin and Will C. Green.
June 29 - John Eastrldge, Daniel Crowman and Joseph McGru
ENSIGNS.
1816 -
April 20 - John McKlnney, Will Crawford, Joseph Hazlewood
and Richard Kerley.
May 20 - John Cook, Benjamin Pinkley, Wase Glover, Charles
Bayley and Coonrod Gross.
June 29 - Samuel Mathis and Isaac Stallcup.
Source: A History of the National Guard of Indiana, from the Beginning
of the Militia System in 1787 to the Present Time, Including the
Services of Indiana Troops in the War with Spain
By William D. Pratt Published by W.D. Pratt, printer, 1901