DARING ESCAPE ATTEMPTED!

The Woodward News – Friday, May 10, 1895.

PRISONERS HILL AND HEFFEN SHOT DEAD BY OFFICERS.

Finding of the Coroner’s Inquest.

Details of the Occurrence.

This historian of events in Woodward county will mark Saturday, May 4th, as epochal. On that day occurred one of the most daring attempts to break jail, followed by the most swift and terrible results ever recorded anywhere.

In the county jail on that date were John Hill, George Waddell, Harry Heffner and Arthur Marsh. The first two names were confined on a charge of assisting three comrades to break jail here on the night of March 20th, which was successfully done by holding up Guards Norvell and Gholston at the point of winchesters and compelling them to release Curly George, Tom Yoas and E. Lahr, confined on charges of cattle stealing. Prisoners Heffen and Marsh were confined on other charges and were not considered dangerous characters.

About half past one o’clock on the afternoon of May 4th, Master Fred Wiggins, galloped wildly down Main street shouting “the prisoners are and shooting the guards.”

Sheriff Odem was at once in the saddle and almost before the successful jail breakers were across the railroad track north of town, he had covered the intervening half miles between the post office and the jail building and after making a hasty inquiry at the latter place, was off after the escaping prisoners.

It seems the Guards Robt. Norvell and John Gholston were again in charge. Heffen, who was of slender form had succeeded in detaching the bail from a slop bucket in the cell corridor and by dextrously working his arm through the grating succeeded in getting the key from the top of the cell house where it was laid after locking the prisoners in after the midday meal. With the key in his possession he unlocked the outer door, got a shot gun used by the guards and compelled Guard Norvell to open the combination locks which confined Hill and Waddell. The drop on Norvell as gotten by Heffen slipping in stocking feet until he gained possession of the gun as narrated.

Prisoner Marsh refused to leave the jail, but Heffen joined his fate to the others. It seems that Waddell also protested against making the attempt, but was over-ruled by the more daring Hill. The three men, Hill, Waddell and Heffen then armed themselves with the guards’ winchesters and revolvers and after firing several shots at Guard John Gholston, who was outside the jail while the escape was being made from the cell houses, they ran northward toward the Canadian river, hoping, doubtless, to reach the thickets and hills beyond and so make good their excape from the steel gratings.

Sheriff Odem then arrived on the scene, but being armed only with a revolver, was compelled to keep out of range of the winchesters in the hands of the three, who fired occasional shots at him as they ran toward the river.

The alarm given, the town soon brought assistance to the sheriff. Step by step the prisoners retreated toward the hills and before the arrival of the deputies they waded across the purling currents of the North Canadian, and sought refuge in the undergrowth of Jack Britton’s home.

About this time Deputies Ben Wolfarth, Ben Pior and U. S. Marshal Eugene Hall had joined Sheriff Odem and a fierce fight began with the prisoners which resulted in the death of Hill and Heffen and the re-capture of Waddell.

Early in the fight the left arm of brave Ben Wolfarth was shattered and he was brought to town by Allan Thompson, where he could receive immediate surgical treatment. The arm was found to be so badly splintered by the ball that it was necessary to amputate it above the elbow joint.

Deputy Pior narrowly escaped instant death by his horse rearing with him. The shot which otherwise would have have pierced his breast was received by the horse, which staggered and fell dead just as Pior emptied his repeater at Hill, who fired the shot.

After the surrender of Waddell, the bodies of Hill and Heffen were brought into town by Geo. Ruttman’s team and placed in the rear room of the Probate Judge’s office, where they were viewed by hundered of citizens.

Coroner Workman at once empaneled a jurycomposed of the following gentlemen:

W. G. Reynolds, foreman, J. M. Cavin, W. E. Herring, J. C. Cain, A. J. Overstreet, R. S. Oats, J. T. Pearson, T. G. Fleming, T. H. Campbell, W. P. Cochran, J. W. Shumate, J. H. McIntyre.

The verdict rendered is withheld from the public, but the substance of same is that Hill and Heffen met death by shots of officers of the law while resisting arrest.

Their remains were interred in the cemetery on Sunday, May 5th, by the officers, relatives of Hill being present.

In addition to the deputies above names, a number of citizens joined in the pursuit, among whom were Jack Love, Ranger Sullivan, of Amarillo, Texas, Roland Clark, Temple Houston, and others.

County Attorney B. B. Smith is entitled to credit for the active manner in which he notified men and sent them to the assistance of Sheriff Odem.

At the court house, where the jail is located, are the offices of County Clerk Doran and County Superintendent Miss Bertha McPherson. They narrowly escaped several of the shots fired, one of which penetrated the County Clerk’s desk, within a few inches of where he was sitting.

The prisoner, Waddell, is now kept in irons. The guards maintain a strict watch and it is believed that any attacking party would meet such a hot reception it it would be impossible to make another delivery.

Public sentiment universally commends Sheriff Odem and his deputies for their bravery and prompt action in the premises.

LATER–

Since the above was placed in type an order has been issued from the office of J. D. F. Jennings commanding the officers to take Waddell to Guthrie for safe keeping. Waddell asked protection here, as he feared mob violence, and the expense of maintaining a heavy force of guards is the only reason gives for the order.

In obedience thereto, Officers Arnold and Allen, accompanied by County Commissioner Jno. Ruttman, left yesterday for Guthrie with Waddell. No further trouble is apprehended here.

The Civil War Diary of John L. Holcomb

Civil War Diary of John L. Holcomb.

[Inside Cover]

John L. Holcomb Co. D

30th Regt. O.V.V.I

Residence near Porters

ville, Perry Co., Ohio

[Title Page]

PERPETUAL DIARY.

If anyone should

find this diary please

return it to me for it

is ____ ___ to me.

John L. Holcomb. Co D

30th O.V.V.I. 2nd ____

2nd Division __ 19th __

[First entry is for 1/1/1865, though he began writing in the diary in May 1864.]

JANUARY 1 1865

Sun

This morning by day

light we were on the

move Marched 18 miles

& Camped 4 miles from

Savannah Crossed the Big

& Little Ogeechee Rivers

Weather very cold

2.

Mon

This morning we mov

ed through the southern

part of the City & Camp

ed a short distance

south of town Weather

is getting warmer

Marched 8 miles

3.

Tues

Weather warmer & bea

utiful Nothing to attract our

attention In our old

Camp south of town

JANUARY

4.

Wednes

Went to the City & a

poor place it is Nothing

to attract ones (my)

attention Am lonely

No news from home

to chee[r] my lonly [sic] heart

5.

Thurs

Nothing going on every

thing is quiet The weather

cool & beautiful This is a

dry & solitary place no

mail nor word from

home to cheer ones lon

liness

6.

Fri

Still the same old

cmp how long will we

stay here Weather cool

Visit town every day

for the purpose seeing the place

JANUARY

7.

Sat

Quite a stir in town

the 15th A.C. was reviewed

quite a charming scene

The boys made a very

good appearance Weather

cool & windy.

8.

Sun

Nothing going on worth

mentioning Left the Hosp

ital came to the Co do not

like the idea but it cann

ot be helped Weather warm

No news from home

9.

Mon

Today am out a work

ing on the fortifications

Weather cold stormy

a miserable day Still

no news from those most dear

JANUARY

10.

Tues

Am writing for the Qu

artermaster Weather cold

with heavy rain Showers

Still no word from

home & kind friends

Am lonly [sic]

11.

Wednes

Still writing for the

Quartermaster Wea

ther very cold got throu

gh writing & went to

town. Am lonly [sic]

12.

Thurs.

Inspection to day Went to

town & returned in the even

ing Weather moderate Kill

patrick’s Cavalry were reviewed

quite a grand sight

JANUARY

13.

Fri

Working on the fortifica

tions of Savannah slipped

off & went to town & stayed

until noon then came

back & went to dinner Weat

her beautiful have orders

to move in the morning

14.

Sat

This morning at 7 A M

we left Camp passed th

rough Savannah marched

6 miles & Camped near

Fort Thunderbolt on River

Weather warm & beautiful

Not very well this evening

15.

Sun

Stayed in Camp all day &

at night went down to the

landing & loaded the Boat wi

th wagons Weather cool &

windy Makes one Shiver

JANUARY

16.

Mon

Weather cool & windy

Are detached to load

the Ambulances on the B

oats At 2 P M we left Fort

Thunderbolt & arrived at

Beaufort S. C. about 8 P.

M. distance 70 miles.

17.

Tues

Are in the famous St

ate of South Carolina

Weather cool Am still

in Beaufort which is

a nice little place if

the niggers we out

Reported Capture of Ft. ___

18.

Wednes

Nothing transpired wo

rth mentioning Weather

moderate moved out

of town 3/4 of a mile

JANUARY

19

Thurs.

This morning we star

ted for Camp a distance

of two miles Weather cool

drizzly rain No indication

of a move the probabil

ity is that we will stay

here several days

20.

Fri

Weather cold & rainy

& not likely of it changing soon

Rations very slim nothing

to eat but coffee but our

duty is very light Am lo

nsome no news from home

to cheer my lonly [sic] heart.

21.

Sat

Still raining & no signs

of it quitting Nothing has

transpired worth mentioning

to day. Still no news from home

All we do is attend roll call & eat & sleep

JANUARY.

22.

Sun

Still the word is rain rain

Inspection & General review ins

pection in the forenoon & review

in the afternoon This is a m

iserable place but no signs

of getting a better place Still

no news from home.

23.

Mon

Still it rains but there

is indications of it clearing

up Were on Division this

after noon near town

a distance of two miles

Still no mail from home

24.

Tues

This went to work

on the roads a distance

of three miles worked

until night & then retur

ned to Camp hungry

JANUARY.

25.

Wedny

Working the roads today

loading timber for bridgi

ng the same place we

were yesterday Weather

cold & windy returned

to Camp about sundown

26.

Thurs

Weather cold enough

to freeze the devil was out

on detail & nearly froze

Writing nearly all day to Miss M–

Still no mail from home.

27.

Fri

This morning at nine

A M we left Camp marche

d five miles west & are 8 mi

les from Beaufort Weather

cold & windy Five letters

from Mollie

JANUARY.

28.

Sat

Weather cold as jupiter

Am enjoying my time

in writing wrote two

letters Northing to do & nothing

to interest one except to

write but can hardly keep from freezing

29.

Sun

Inspection & General

review inspection in

the morning & review in

the evening Employ

my leisure moments in

writing Sent a letter by

Yakey William

30.

Mon

This morning at 7 o clo

ck we started marched

16 miles & Camped near

Naeotaling Station bearly [sic]

_____ – feet sore

JANUARY.

31.

Tues.

Nothing transpired during

the day Am still at Neotal

Station No indications of a mo

ve to day but is the suppos

ition is we will move in

the morning Rest is needed

for I am weary from

yesterdays march This

part of S. C. from Beaufort

here is low & Swampy

FEBRUARY.

1.

Wednes

This morning at 7 A M

we started on our march

marched 15 miles & Camped

after dark feet sore & tired

no indications of Johnies

yet the houses are all

being burnt along the road

2.

Thurs

This morning at half past

six we started on our

march about noon we

came on the rebs marched

18 miles Skirmished consi

derable line of the boys were

wounded feet awful sore

3.

Fri

No more to day The 3″

Brig drove the rebs from Du

ck Creek & the Mill Weat

her rainy Out nearly all

day foraging got plenty to eat

FEBRUARY.

4.

Sat

Raining this morning

Weather warm Leave

at twelve oclock start

at 12 & march 10 miles

got in Camp about

dusk And am picketing

Feet sore from march

5.

Sun

This morning by sunrise

we were on the move

Marched 19 miles & Ca

mped about three in the after

noon Are moving in a

northern direction Weath

er warmer & beautiful

6.

Mon

This morning we chew

eight days rations. Left Camp

about noon marched eight

miles & Camped about sundo

wn are seven miles from RR

FEBRURARY.

7.

Tues

This morning early

we were on the move

reached Kamburg Station

about noon Camped about

one mile from the Station

Rained all night &

nearly all day

8.

Wednes

By sunrise we were called

in line to go & tear up the

Rail road went about five

miles worked a short time

& returned marched 10 miles

Weather cool feet very sore

are blistered

9.

Thurs

This morning by day light

were on the move march

ed 10 miles & Camped near

the Adisto River Weather

Cold & windy Feet awful sore

10.

Fri

Early this morning were

on the move Crossed Adisto

& waded through the sw

amps up to our knees

marched two miles

Weather warm & beaut

iful The rebs left last nig’t

11.

Sat

This morning at ei

ght A M were on the m

over marched fourteen

miles & Camped at three

in the afternoon W

eather warm & beautiful

Feet well blistered

12.

Sun

Left Camp early Crossed

the South Adisto River

in the afternoon & waded

a Swamp up to my ne

ck The rebs let out marched six miles

FEBRUARY.

13.

Mon

This morning early we

were on the move Left

Orangeburg to our right

Marched fifteen miles & Ca

mped about sundown Feet

very well from the wet

ting I got yesterday [illegible]

14.

Tues

Left Camp early mar

ched 16 miles & Camped ne

ar Sandy Run Post office

Rained in the after

noon & evening

15.

Wednes             Reming all day

Left Camp early marched

ten miles Camped about

three miles from Columbia

& on the South bank of the

Congaree River Working the road

16.

Thurs

Last night the rebs ga

ve us a shelling that

threw them close but

did not hit any one of

us Marched ten miles

Crossed the [space] River

Skirmished with the

rebs one ball ___ ___

17.

Fri

This morning our men

crossed Broad River & entered

Columbia Late in the eve

ning we marched through

the City & Camped close

to town Marched five

miles Weather windy

18.

Sat

Last night nearly all of

the City was laid in ash

es the work of drunken men

Tearing up RR Marched

two miles Weather pleasant

19.

Sun

Marched twelve miles

to tear up RR an on

guard in the evening

return to Camp

Nothing going on worth

mentioning Weather

pleasant

20.

Mon

This morning early we left

the smoking ruins of Colum

bia & are marching in a nort

ern direction marched 18 m

iles & Camped about dusk

beautiful weather for mar

ching
21.

Tues

Started early marched

9 miles Camped after

dark A hard days march

Weather beautiful

22.

Wednes

By daylight we were

on the line of march cross

ed the Wateree River ma

rched ten miles & Camp

ed near the town of Way

nesboro [Winnsboro] About 25 miles from

the State line Weather ___

23.

Thurs

Left Camp about noon

marched through Wa

ynesboro Camped about

dusk Marched 12 mi

les over the ___ th

rough the brush & rain

24.

Fri

This was a very disagree

able day Marched 18 miles

through the wind & rain

Camped about 9 P M Passe

d close to Camden

25.

Sat

Start early march 20

miles & Camp about dus

k by the side of Lynch

Creek Left the Div 8 m

iles in the near[?] Rained

all night (Thunder showers

) Severe marching

26.

Sun

Left Camp early mar

ched six miles up the

creek & back again ma

rched 11 miles & Camped

on the same ground

we did last night All

to satisfy an officer

27.

Mon

This morning went for

aging marched six miles

& arrived safely in Camp

in the evening at Lyn

ches Creek

28

Tues

Nothing going on am

still lying by the side

of Lynches Creek Cann

ot cross on account of

high water The pioneers

are bridging the stream

29.

During this month

I have been in skir

mishes & marching near

ly every day through

all kinds of weather & en

countered almost every

difficulty in an enemy

Country receiving no

news from home & hav

ing marched five

hundred miles all in

one month

MARCH.

1.

Wednes

This evening we cross L

ynches Creek & march

about one miles & som [sic]

Camp Weather heavy

with rain

2.

Thurs

Left Camp in the evening

marched 8 miles & Camp

ed about nine P. M. Weat

her cloudy Nothing trans

[p]ired during the day worth

mentioning Camped near

Black Creek Manchester Co

3.

Fri

Left Camp about sunrise

marched 20 miles & Camped ab

out sundown Crossed Black

Creek in the morning A

very hard days march

MARCH.

4.

Sat

Left Camp about 8 A M

Crossed Palmens Creek passed

through Cheraw the Co seat

of Manchester & Camped near

town marched ten miles

Camped about dusk & not

far from the Pedee [sic] River

5.

Sun

Left Camp in the evenin

g marched through town

crossed Pedee River Mar

ched three miles & cam

ped after dark On Divis

ion Guard Nothing in

teresting to relate

6.

Mon

Went foraging retur

ned in the afternoon

no news to relate stay

here all day the rebs

are coming in by numbers

MARCH.

7.

Tues

Left Camp about noon

marched twelve miles

& camped marched very

fast Are about 1 m

iles from North Carolina

commenced to rain

about 10 P M

8.

Wednes

Start about 7 A M ma

rched like the very old

scratch marched 14 mil

es & camped about no

on raining like it was

never going to stop an

awful disagreeable day

Are in N. C.

9.

Thurs

This was the most disa

greeable I have seen since I

came in the service Rained ha

rd all day Marched 19 miles

& Camped after dark

MARCH.

10.

Fri

Left Camp in the even

ing marched three mi

les through swamps &

then come back nearly

where we started from

This part of N.C. is very

low & swampy

11.

Sat

Left Camp early marched

through swamp & creek

Rock Fish creek was

the largest camped about

nine P M Marched fifteen

miles The first time on

Guard at a house

12.

Sun

Left Camp early marche

d to Fayetteville a distan

ce of eight miles Weat

her warm Commu

nications are opened

MARCH.

13.

Mon

Are in Camp to day

& about 1/2 miles from

Fayetteville Weather wa

rm & beautiful Wrote

two letters one home

& one to Mollie.

Nothing else of note

14.

Tues

Left Camp about eight

A M marched to Pedee

River & stayed until in

the after noon Crossed

the River in the even

ing marched one mile

from the River & Camped

marched 9 miles

15.

Wednes

Left Camp & went to the

River to Covell — Returne

d & found the Div. gone Mar

ched 10 miles through sw

amps & rain & camped__

MARCH.

16.

Thurs

Raining very hard through

the day & night Crossed

Black River in the fore

noon Marched 10 miles

& Camped about dusk

Are about twenty five

miles from Goldsboro

17.

Fri

Left Camp about six

A. M. marched slow

& camped bout [sic] three

in the afternoon

marched 8 miles

Weather warm & beau

tiful Great every sear__

18.

Sat

Left Camp very early mar

ched twelve miles & camped

Weather warm & beautiful

Walked a large swamp

which was very disagreeable

MARCH.

19.

Sun

Left Camp in the after

noon marched about six

miles then we were order

ed to reinforce the left

Marched all night & arriv

ed on the left about sunrise

where the fighting was the day

Marched 20

20.

Mon

Had a short rest then

were ordered on the skirm

ish line had a long mar

ch through the swamps

the skirmishing commenc

ed about 2 P.M. the balls

shaved me close but none

hit me Marched 10

21.

Tues

Got lost last night &

laid down & slept till

morning marched 6 m

iles during the day Raining

very hard Heavy fighting

MARCH

22.

Wednes

The rebs lit out last

night we followed them

to [space] then returned

& started away march

towards Goldsboro Marched

18 miles The rain is

over & the weather warm

23.

Thurs

Left Camp early march

ed six miles & Camped

about ten A. M. & about

two miles from the Ne

rise River Weather __

& windy very windy

24.

Fri

This morning we st

art for Goldsboro marched

through town in style

Camped about two m

iles from town Marched 10

MARCH

25.

Sat

Am employed all day

in making me a litt

le house d–as shanty

The Campaign is at

last ended & now we

will be allowed a little

rest Weather warm & beautiful

26.

Sun

Finish my shanty

then intended to wri

te to the dear ones at home

but no P—st ho on

picket Cannot write

to day Weather warm

on through the day

27.

Mon

[rest of page blank.]

MARCH.

31

Fri

The last five days

nothing has transpired

worth mentioning

The weather has been

warm with a occa

sional shower of rain

[Whole of APRIL blank.]

[Diary actually begins here in May 1864.]

MAY.

9.

Monday

Left home & arrived at

Columbus in the afternoon.

Nothing occurred during the

day of any interest.

10.

Tuesday

Wrote a few lines to Miss M.S.

Left Columbus in the afternoon

Rained during the day & snowed

at night. Nothing occurred during

the day

11.

Wednes

Arrived at Cincinnatti in the

morning Snowing & very cold

in the morning in the afternoon

warm Changed cars at Seymour

In Indiana

12.

Thurs

Arrived at Jeffersonville crossed

the river passed through Louisville

& quartered in Taylors barracks

In Kentucky

13.

Friday

Wrote a few lines to Miss H. D.

Left Louisville in the afternoon

Nothing occurred during the day

14.

Sat

On the cars nearly all day

Arrived at Nashville in

the evening Nothing transp

ired during this days m

arch Louisville to Nashville

185 miles. In Tenn

15.

Sun

Wrote two letters during the

day one to Julia Skinner &

one to Miss M. S. Nothing has

transpired during the day

16.

Mon

Nothing going on every thing

quiet I feel solitary & lon

some[sic] Left Nashville in the

evening Wrote a letter to B. M.

Holcomb

17.

Tues

Arrived at Chattanooga in the

afternoon. Rained during the

day. Every thing quiet & nothing

transpired during the day

Not very well severe headache

& pain in breast Nashville

to Chatanooga [sic] 146 miles

18.

Wednes

Nothing occurred during the

day Moved out of town & encamp

ed in the fields Not very well

have a very bad cold & sick at stom

ach

19.

Thurs

Left the Regt this evening

Regt going on cars & I with

the ambulances am about five

miles from the town

Nothing has happened dur

ing this day

Marched five miles In Georgia

20.

Fri

Marched all day very

warm Nothing has tran

spired during the day

Marched twenty miles

& encamped for the ni

ght Passe[d] Reingold in the

afternoon

21.

Sat

Marched all day having trav

eled thirteen miles Very warm

& sultry Nothing transpired

during the day Passed Tammel

Hill & Dalton

22.

Sun

Marched all day very warm &

sultry traveled sixteen miles

Passed over the battle ground

Resaca[?], came through Cal

houn & encamped eight miles

from town

23.

Mon

Marched all day & encamped

near Kingston during the day

very warm & sultry Wrote a lett

er to Miss M. C. Nothing has

transpired during this day

travel, marched 18 miles

Passed through Adairsville battle

site[?]

24.

Tues

Left Kingston early in the

morning marched all day through

the hot sun & encamped at ___

after having made a very disagree

able march

25.

Wednes

Marched all day & nearly

all night stopped a short

time & had a short sleep

Nothing transpired during

this days march Heavy

skirmishing on the left

26.

Thurs

Started early in the morn

ing came to the Regt[?] fou

d the boys all well marched

a mile beyond Dallas Georgia

Heavy skirmishing with

the enemy during the morning

From Kingston to Dallas

40 miles Heavy figh

ting all day our division held

the same position they did

last night All is going on

well None hurt from

our Regt

Recd letter May _

27.

[No entry.]

28.

Sat

Heavy skirmishing all

day the rebs made a char

ge at four O clock in which they

were repulsed with great

slaughter

29.

Sun

Heavy skirmishing all day

the rebs made a charge at 11

Oclock P.M. lasting 30 minutes

in which they were repulsed

with great loss T. White was killed

30.

Mon

Nothing had transpired during

the day except skirmishing

Went to the Division hospital

a distance of ten miles

31.

Tues

Marched ten miles during

the day Skirmishing all

day All is going on well

We moved to the rear

in the evening

Wrote a letter to E Holcomb

JUNE.

1.

Wednes

Marched 8 miles through

a broiling sun we now occu

py the center Skirmishing

is continued All is going

well We fell back on the

left & the enemy followed us

2.

Thurs

Nothing has transpired

during the day except ski

irmishing there was some

fighting at the left but

not enough to attract attention

Found the 97th boys Heavy

rain storms

3.

Frid

Nothing occurred during

the day except skirmishing

Rain storms in the afternoon

& night Over to the 97th to

see the boys

4.

Sat

Skirmishing is still kept

up by both armies raining

all day & all night Wrote

to Miss Cornelia Reed &

Miss May Shipton Nothing

else of any note. Enemy even

ended during the night

5.

Sun

Nothing has transpired duri

ng the day of any note Enemy

gone & we are following them

marched six miles found

an old friend Jno. Emory

6.

Mon

Marched ten miles very

warm & sultry Passed through

Ac[k]worth & encamped a mile from

town Recd two letters one from

May Shipton & Julia Skinner

7.

Tues

Nothing has transpired

during the day all is

quiet along the lines

We are resting to

day Thirty four miles to

Atlanta

8.

Wednes

Nothing going on every

quiet Wrote a letter to ___

Cousin Joseph Parker came

to see me quite an un

expected visitor very glad

to see him

9.

Thurs

Nothing going on every

thing quiet the boys are

lying around & sleeping Went

over to the 78th found all

of the Deaver town boys

10.

Friday

Broke Camp at six in the

morning Marched six miles

to Big Shanty Station found

the enemy Slight skirm

ishing in the evening Rain

storms through the day

11.

Sat

Nothing has transpired of any

note slight skirmishing during

the day Raining the greater portion

of the time Wrote a letter to H. Trout[?]

12.

Sunday

Skirmishing is kept up by

both armies. Raining all

day & all night which is

enough to give any man

the blues

13.

Mon

Moved from our former position

& now occupy the extreme left

marched two miles Rained

all day cold in the evening

not very well skirmishing

all day nothing has occurred

of any note during the day

14.

Tues

Heavy Skirmishing all day

very cool at night Had

a very hard shake of the Ag__

Wrote a letter to Nathan Skinner

& one to Julia S. & recd two one

from B. M. Holcomb & N. Skinner

15.

Wednesday

The whole line advanced

half a mile capturing two tho

usand prisoners & we losing but

slightly in killed or wounded

Not very well

16.

Thurs

Moved at 11 oclock A M

marched one mile & was in

line all day Samuel Be

aty of Co B killed. Nothing

of any note occurred of any

note during the day

17.

Fri

Heavy Skirmishing & can

nonading all day Rain

ing in the afternoon

Nothing serious have occur

red during this day Wrote

a letter to El Holcomb

18.

Sat

Raining all day & all

night which makes one feel

under the weather Skirmishing

& cannonading is kept up all

day Wrote letters to May Shipton

19.

Sun

The enemy evacuated their

front works We left our pos

ition & followed them

about one mile Rained

the greater portion of the time

Heavy Cannonading all day

Heavy musketry on the left

20.

Mon

Raining almost constan

tly Heavy Cannonading

& musketry around the whole

lines especially on the right

the enemy makes but a feeble

reply

21.

Tues

Raining all day & all

night Heavy Cannonading &

musketry from our side

Nothing of much interes[t] has

occurred to my knowledge

22.

Wednes

Heavy Cannonading in

the afternoon heavy pic

ket firing during the day

The enemy shelling us

in the afternoon but doing

but slight injury Wrote

a letter to Amos Parker

23.

Thurs

Heavy artillery firing

in the afternoon Picket

firing still going on

Enemy is shelling us in

the afternoon. Employed

most of the time in writing

24.

Friday

Heavy Picket firing

two of Co E killed & two w

ounded E cannonading

during the day Wrote a letter

to B.M. Holcomb

25.

Sat

Very warm & sultry wh

ich makes one feel unpleas

ant Heavy Cannonading

& picket firing from both

sides

26.

Sun

Nothing important trans

pired during this day Skirm

ishing Occasionally Artillery &

picket firing from both si

des Moved three miles to our

right at 8 P M & rested for

the night Very warm & sultry

27.

Mon

Our Div moved one mile to our

right Charged at 9 A M gained

the enemy’s rifle pits but were

compelled to fall back ___

Div lost severely 30th especially

28.

Tues

Marched one mile & went

into camp & are now lying

in reserve The enemy Char

ged our works on our right

but were severely repulsed

Skirmishing & artillery firing

still going on Rced a letter B. M. H

29.

Wednes

Nothing going on except skir

mishing & artillery firing

Very warm & sultry Wrote a

letter to B. M. Holcomb The enem

y Charged our lines on the ri

ght at one A M in which

they were defeated

30.

Thurs

Writing most of the tim

e wrote a letter to Elijah Holc

& one to M. Shipton Skirm

ishing & artillery firing still

kept up by both parties

JULY.

1.

Friday

Very warm & sultry Sk

irmishing & artillery firing

still going on am employ

ing most of my time in wri

ting Cousin L. Holcomb

& Jno Underwood came & pai

d me a visit

2.

Sat

Broke Camp at four A M

marched 9 miles through a

scorching sun & now occupy

the extreme right had

several fine showers in the

evening which cooled the

air skirmishing & artillery firing

still going on

3.

Sun

Marched & charged one

mile drove the enemy

losing five men one

killed four wounded The

charge was made at 2 P M

4.

Mon

Marched one mile toward

the right & now ly [sic] in reserve

for the 16th A C which made

a charge & repulsed the enemy

after dark moved out & built

breast works very warm

& sultry

5.

Tues

Left our works in the morn

ing marched 8 miles to our

right & are now lying in

reserve for Battery Hul

ich [?] is on an eminence

from which we can see the

river & Atlanta very warm & ___

6.

Wednes

We are on the same em

inence we were yesterday

Skirmishing & artillery firing

still kept up Very warm

& sultry

7.

Thurs

Skirmishing & artillery

firing still kept up by

both parties moved 1 mile

& took a new position the enemy

shelled us considerable in

the evening. Very warm &

sultry. Reced two letter M S. & E H

8.

Friday

Skirmishing & artillery

firing still going on

Moved two miles furth

er to the left & now ly [sic] in

reserve Very warm &

sultry

9.

Sat

Skirmishing & occasionaly [sic]

artillery firing still kept up

by both parties Moved 1 miles

& are now on the line Very

warm & sultry

10.

Sun

Enemy gone across the

Chattahoochee River & we are

expecting every moment to

leave for some other front

Very warm & sultry with

showers in the afternoon

Went to see an old friend but failed

11.

Mon

Moved four miles towar

ds our right & are now

lying back on our dign

ities Very warm & sult

ry with showers in the after

noon Wrote a letter to Cl H

& recd two one J Skinner B H

12.

Tues

Very hot & sultry with sho

wers in the afternoon. Wrote

two letter J S & Nathan Skinner

Moved at 5 P M & marched

11 miles & encamped at 11 P M

13.

Wednes

Started at 2 A M passed M

arietta at daylight marched 8

miles & rested during the hot

of the day at 4 P M we started

again & marched 4 miles & cam

ped Very hot & sultry

14.

Thurs

No news of our starting this

morn. Wrote a letter to M

Shipton. Marched at three

P. M marched three miles

& camped. Very hot & sultry

severe thunder storm in evening

15.

Friday

Nothing has transpired

during this day We are

encamped on the south side

of the Chattahoochee Very hot &

sultry

16.

Sat

Nothing has transpired

of much note during the

day Very hot & sultry

with showers in the after

noon Wrote a letter to B M

Holcomb

17.

Sunday

At 7 A M We started

on our march towards

Atlanta marched very

slow for it was hot & sultry

encamped at about 4 P M

after having marched 7 miles

18.

Mon

Started at five A M

tolerable cool & we marched

very hard all day marched

20 miles Our Brigade tore

up the RR east of Decatur

19.

Tues

Started at 6 A M marc

hed 18 miles & tore up the

RR slight skirmishing

with the enemy Arrived

at Decatur about 7 P M

very warm & sultry

20.

Wednes

Started at 6 A M marc

hed to the front one mile

distant On the skirmi

sh line all day Came ve

ry near getting shot March

ed about three miles Very

hot & sultry

21.

Thurs

Our Brig lying in reserve

The enemy charged our right

& our men the left in which

the rebs were repulsed with

heavy loss Rain in the evening

22.

Friday

This morning we advan

ced 1/2 mile & occupied the

first line of rebel works the

rebs charged our lines at

two P M commencing on

the left & we were repulsed

twice but gained our line in

the evening

23.

Sat

All quiet along the lines

except skirmishing & occasion

al cannonading but expecting

every minute to be attacked

they did not come We oc

cupy the same house we

did yesterday Cool at night & wa

rm in the day

24.

Sun

Nothing going on except

skirmishing & cannonad

ing the rebs do not feel incl

ined to attack us Cool in

the evening & warm during

the day

25.

Mon

Cannonading & skirmis

hing still kept up by

both armies. Nothing else

of importance has occurred

during the day very warm

& sultry

26.

Tues

Cannonading & skirmishing

still kept up by both armies

very warm & sultry with

showers in evening Reced

five letters & wrote one

Expecting every minute

for the rebs to charge

27.

Wednes

Started for the right at

4 A M marched 10 miles &

camped at 12 P M the rebs

charged the 10th A C & were

repulsed

28.

Thurs

Started at 5 A M marched

3 miles formed the lines &

at twelve oclock the rebs

charged our lines the fight

lasted 3 hours & fifteen min

utes in which they were

repulsed with great slaughter

29.

Nothing of importance occurred

to day Skirmishing & artillery

still kept up by both parties

Today unusual quietness preva

ils the men engaged in bury

ing the dead very warm & su

ltry with slight shower in eve

30.

Sat

Early in the morning our

Regt went on skirmish artil

lery firing & skirmishing continu

ed by both parties. Very warm

& sultry Wrote a letter & recd one

31.

Sun

Returned from on picket

very warm & sultry with

thunder storms in the after

noon Rebs & our men still

shooting at each other We

are now in the mud & water

like a lot of hogs I wish

I was at home about this

time sitting in a comfortab

le house or by a good & lively

girl in a nice parlor

AUGUST.

1.

Mon

Nothing going on except

artillery & picket shooting

very warm & sultry

with showers during

the day Not very well

& considerably out of

humor

2.

Tues

Skirmishing & artillery

___ing still going on

& neither party accompli

shing much very warm

& sultry with showers am

employing most of the day in writing

3.

Wednes

We advanced our lines

about 1/2 mile we moved

up to our new positions

in the evening skirmishing

& cannonading very warm & cloudy [?]

4.

Thurs

In the evening our men

charged the rebs skirmish

ing & drove them from

their pits & gaining cons

iderable advantage. Very

warm & sultry with sho

wers Not very well.

5.

Friday

Nothing going on except

skirmishing & occasional

cannonading The enemy

still holding their line

of works Very warm &

sultry Recd a letter from

Mollie.

6.

Sat

Cannonading & picket firing

is the principle occurence

of the day Very hot & sultry

the enemy determined to

hold Atlanta

7.

Sun

Cannonading & skirmish

ing the momentously occu

rence of the day Very

warm & sultry. Am gett

ing along very well The

Johnas are shooting very

close to us. our squad

8.

Mon

Cannonading & skirmish

ing the principal occure

nce of the day. Very warm

& sultry with showers

Am getting along fine

but the Johnas shoot

close.

9.

Tues

Cannonading & skirmish

ing the principal occur

rence of the day. Warm &

sultry with showers. The

Johnas shooting very close this

evening

10.

Wednes

We moved to the first Brig

ade this morning. Enemy going

on with Cannonading &

picket firing the principal

occurrence of the day Very

warm & sultry. Jno is all

right

11.

Thurs

Moved again this P M

about one hundred yds. Can

nonading & picket shooting

the principal occurrence

of the day Very warm & su

ltry Wrote to Mollie

12.

Frid

Moved our chebang to

day again we are doing our

own moving. Cannonading & pi

cket firing Very warm

& sultry

13.

Sat

This day we did not move

our chebang. Skirmishing &

Cannonading the principal

occurrence of the day Am

very lazy to day for the wea

ther is very hot & sultry

The skirmishers charged & captured a lot of Joh

14.

Sun

Skirmishing & Cannona

ding the principal occurre

nce of the day. Very warm

& sultry. Occupying my

leisure time in writing

We are still in our old

position

15.

Mon

The Johnas & our men

still pecking away at

each other but do no par

ticular damage Very hot

& sultry

16.

Tues

The Johnas & our boys

are not shooting very

much to day by mutu

al consent they are not

shooting Very sultry

with showers. Jno is

all right

17.

Wednes

The skirmishers & cann

onaders still peppering away

at each other The weather

extremely hot & sultry

Very lazy lying aroun

d & sleeping during my

leisure hours

18.

Thurs

Skirmishing & artillery

firing still continuous

very warm &  sultry wi

th showers Nothing of

much importance to day

19.

Fri

The same old thing

picket & artillery firing

Very warm through the

day & cool in the evening

raining a large portion

of the day & night

20.

Sat

Am getting tired of he

aring shooting for it is

kept up almost continuou

sly. Very warm & rain

ing a little considera

ble I am lounging aroun

d idle the l___ f____

21.

Sun

Skirmishing & artillery

firing is an every day’s

occurrence very warm

through the day & cool at

night

22.

Mon

Bang goes the cannon

& pop goes the musket

nearly all of the time

The weather moderate

cool at night Nothing new

transpiring to day

23.

Tues

The same old time mus

ket & cannon firing the

principal occurrence of

the day The boys still poppi

ng away at the Johnies Very

warm through the day &

cool at night One man of G reg

iment ___

24.

Wednes

Nothing new has trans

pired of much note dur

ing the day picket firing

& cannonading still continues

Very warm & sultry

25.

Thurs

The same thing to day

picket & cannon shooting

It is fun to see De Graf sho

oting at the Johnies skir

mish pits. Am very lazy

for it is very warm

to day Good night Sallie

26.

Fri

Our men are preparing

to leave. Skirmishing & artille

ry firing Still goes on We left

our fortifications at 11 P M m

arched all night Very wear

y & need sleep Am very

sleepy indeed.

27.

Sat

Marched 10 miles

This morning still finds

us on our line of march rain

ing this morning very weary

& sleepy. We stopped at 11 A M &

built breast works will stop for the

night

28.

Sun

Started this morning at 8 A M

marched four miles very wa

rm & sultry our fellows get

in line & go to building works

& tearing up the R R Nothi

ng has transpired of much

note during the day

29.

Mon

No indications of a move

very warm & sultry. Went

after water & got a lot of nice

grapes had corn for supper

The __ Vets are mustered

out a very jovial set

30.

Tues

Marched 12 miles

Started this morning at 7

A M left the R R (West Point

& Montgomery) & are making

for the Macon & Atlanta

R R Was sick last night

31.

Wednes

This morning the men

are in line & have a good

line of works thrown up

Skirmishing is going on

quite lively more so tha

n yesterday. Went the other

side of Clint River & got

my provision sack feel

tired from the effect

of yesterdays march

Indications of a charge

from the appearance of the

Johnies at two P M they

came charging pell mell

the fight lasted 1 1/2 hours

in which the Johnies

were repulsed with

great slaughter our loss

slight our men are all

right Very warm thro

ugh the day & cool at night.

SEPTEMBER

1.

Thurs

The Union Army pressing

the rebs flanks more or

less fighting all day At 4 1/2

P. M. the Cumberland Army

Charged the rebs fortificati

ons & drove them with great

slaughter Very warm.

2.

Fri

This morning the John

ies are gone & we are follo

wing them we followed

them 4 miles & found

them entrenched they attac

ked the 1st Div & were rep

ulsed we are lying in reserve

3.

Sat

The Armies are skir

mishing with each other

It is raining like blaz

es Still on the reserve

line

4.

Sun

Nothing has transpired of

much note during the day

Cannonading & picket is

kept up by both parties

Still on the reserve line

Very warm with showers

5.

Mon

Indications of a move to the

rear at 3 P. M. we marched

to the rear line of works & at 11

oclock we started on our m

arch marched four miles &

camped one mile west of Jon

esborough Not very well today

6.

Tues

No indications of a move

feels a little inclined to shoot

a little there is not much

danger of the_ or coming Feel

considerable better to day

7.

Wednes

This morning at 7 A

M we started on our m

arch marched 8 miles &

camped five miles from

Eastport & twelve miles

from Atlanta I feel wor

se this evening

8.

Fri

This morning at 8

oclock we started on our

march passed through East Point

& camped about one miles

north near the R R

Marched 6 miles & cam

ped about 11 A M In camp

9.

Sat

This morning we fired

a place & put up our Shan

ty. We have not heard the

sound of guns to day which

is a new thing to us.

10.

Sun

This does not appear like

Sunday to me the men

are all at work clearing

up Camp & we are at wor

k a clearing of a place for

the hospital.

11.

Mon

Nothing going on except

the incidents of Camp

life working &c we are

still at work on a

small scale

12.

Tues

[Blank]

19.

[Written in nice script.]

John L. Holcomb.

Howard Holcomb.

Mary Holcomb.

OCTOBER.

1

Sat

We are still enjoying

our rest which is greatly

needed by as all we are

enjoying ourselves finely

nothing scarcely to do &

plenty to eat such as we

get but we get no mail

2.

Sun

This morning I went

with the Regt on picket

for the purpose of giving

information if there sho

uld be a move Rained

very hard during the night

3.

Mon

Have orders to leave & exp

ect every moment to have to

start on another Campaign

the news comes that we w

ill not move until morn

4.

Tues

Now comes the marching

again we bane East Pt this

morning at eight A M &

start towards Atlanta

but do not go through the

place, very much disappoin

ted Marched 10 miles today

5.

Wednes

This morning at 6 A M

we started on our march

Crossed the Chattahoochie in

the forenoon & camped 1 mi

le from Marietta after marc

hing 16 miles

6.

Thurs

This morning at 5 A M we

started for the Div which is

4 miles from here passed

through Marietta this m

orning Raining very hard

7.

Fri

This morning the rain

has ceased & we (three of us)

go to Marietta for rations

a distance of three miles

& get back at dinner

time a very beautiful

day Cannonading toward Atlanta

8.

Sat

Nothing occurred during the

forenoon at 5 P M we started

on our march passed thr

ough Marietta after dark

& encamped north of Kin

nesau [Kennesaw] Mt & near Big Shanty

Station about 12 oclock March 10 miles

9.

Sun

This day we spent most

of our time in idlness

this evening we moved

about three hundred yds

Haven’t heard from home

10.

Mon

This morning we mov

ed to the Regt & fired our

hospital in order & about

noon we were ordered to

move in rear of Brig fired

up again & in the evening we star

ted on our march & encamped

near Allind Mt; at 1 AM marched 10 [upside down above previous line]

11.

Tues

This morning at sunrise

we were on the move

passed Allind & crossed

the Eliwah River passed thro

ugh Cartersville & camped

about two miles from Ki

ngston marched 16 miles

12.

Wednes

At eight o’clock A M we were

on our march again pass

ed Kingston & marched 14 m

iles & encamped about midn

ight & are now within one

mile of H. R. Hine

13.

Thurs

At five P. M. we started

on our march traveled

twelve miles & camped

about two A M the march

was slow & wearisome not

much sleep to night we

are now on our road to Res

acca [Resaca, Georgia]

14.

Fri

This morning by day

light we are again on

the move marched all

day & camped shortly after

dark near Calhoun

Marched 18 miles. Have

mutton for Supper

15.

Sat

Before daylight this morn

ing we are on the move

passed through Calhoun

Resacca & Snake Gap

Marched 15 miles Skirmish

to day

16.

Sun

This morning by sunri

se we are on the move

slight skirmish thro

ugh the day but does not

amount to much mar

ched 12 miles & camped

about 3 P M five miles from [nothing else written]

17.

Mon

This evening at 5 P M

we were on the move

marched till near mid

night & encamped near

Fayette after marching

five miles over a mou

ntain & rough roads

18.

Tues

Early this morning we

were on the move m

arched twelve miles & ca

mped about three miles

from Summerville

19.

Wednes

We did not move very

early this morning marc

hed 6 miles through a very

rough country Camped

very late 8 about three

miles from Somerville [sic] & [blank after]

20.

Thurs

This morning by sun

rise we were on the

move marched 23 mi

les & camped shortly

after dark & near

Gaylesville & are in Ala

once more

21.

Fri

This morning we were on

the move by sunrise passed

through Gaylesville & encam

ped about noon mar

ched seven miles

22.

Sat

Nothing going on we

are resting to day

& it is greatly needed

for the boys are very

tired from their long

& wearisome marches

23.

Sun

We are still lying on

our ears expecting every

hour to move am pass

ing my leisure moments

in writing to the folks

at home

24.

Mon

This morning about

11 A M we started on anot

her march ten miles & camp

ed about dark we are men

after old Wheeler

25.

Tues

This morning by sunri

se we were on the move

marched ten miles

had a slight skirmish

with the Johnies & started

on our return marched

fifteen miles

26.

Wedne

This morning we star

t for Camp which

place we arrive about

3 P M in the evening marc

hed 17 miles We went

within 7 miles of Gadsen

in [rest of line blank]

27.

Thurs

We are back to our old

camping place & taking

a quiet rest rained

during the night but the

rain is over & the day is bea

utiful

28.

Fri

Nothing going on all qu

iet & nothing to interest

or amuse ourselves with

Strong indications of our

move shortly & I dont

care how soon

29.

Sat

By sunrise we left our

Camp on Little River Cross

ed the Chattooga passed Cedar

Bluffs crossed the Coosa

marched 7 miles & cam

ped for the night A very

beautiful day

30.

Sun

Started tolerable early

marched all day & camped

about dusk marched 18 m

iles & are 21 miles from Rome

Ga yet

31.

Mon

This morning by sunrise

we were on the move

marched 8 miles to Cave

Springs where we will

rest for the day arrived

here about noon The

weather is warm & beau

tiful. Cave Springs is a

neat little Town about 14

miles from Rome

We are in Ga again

in the pine forests of

Georgia

NOVEMBER.

1.

Tues

Left Cave Springs

in the morning mar

ched 10 miles to Cedar

town & camped for the

night. Rained all nigh

t Mail came & two

letters for Leew.

2.

Wednes

This morning it is

cold & raining the cold

rains of November are

upon us marched 10 m

iles & camped 4 miles

from Varwert [can't find on map] No news

of importance

3.

Thurs

This morning by sun

rise we were on the move

marched all day through

a cold drizzling rain

Marched 20 miles

4.

Fri

By the dawn of day

we were on the move

marched 13 miles & cam

ped at Powder Springs

Cold & dreary rain &

snow

5.

Sat

Left Powder Springs

early this morning Pass

ed the Battle ground where

our Brig charged the rebs

on the 3rd of July. Crossed

Nickrjack Creek & struck

the R Road near Winings S

tation m 13

6.

Sun

Nothing going on to attract

ones attention we are lying

here expecting to move shortly

The weather is cool with rain

7

Mon

Still in our old & solit

ary place Nothing to amuse

or attract the attention of a

solitary Soldier The weather

is cool considerable of rain

& plenty of mud. Expecting

every moment to leave for the C

8.

Tues

The cold & chilling winds &

rain of November are pressing

us sharply. Am employing

my time in writing to

the friends at home. Dur

ing the evening a heavy rain

fell in which we need a we

_ing

9.

Wednes

The rain is over at last

& no one is sorry Indication

of a move Nothing to break

the monotony of Camp life

except writing

10.

Thurs

This morning I recd my

money the first time I have

been paid for ten months

This morning by sunrise

on the march again mar

ched ten miles to Turners Fer

ry Passed the old battle ground of the

4 of July

11.

Fri

Nothing here to attract

the attention of a soldier

We are lying close to the

Chattahoochee River only a

few miles from where we were

on the 7th of last July The

weather is warm & beautiful

12.

Sat

The weather is beautiful

through the day & cool at

night. This is a lonly [sic] &

solitary place Mail came

& a letter from my best friend

13.

Sun

Still in our old & sol

itary camp

14.

Mon

Crossed the Chattahoochee

this morning & are nearly

to light out at any mom

ent At five P M we star

ted on our march mar

ched two miles & Camped

a short distance from Atlan

ta

15.

Tues

This morning bid adieu

to Atlanta marched 17 m

iles & camped about 7 mi

les north of Lovejoy Station

Am about played out; Sick

16.

Wednes

By daylight we were on the

move marched 18 miles & cam

ped about three P. M. Passed

through McDonough a small

village about 15 miles from

Macon Are in a country w

here there is plenty of everything

17.

Thurs

To day we are in rear of

the Corps did not start until

in the afternoon marched 13

miles & camped about

midnight Have plenty

of good things to eat I feel

jolly as an old Coon

18.

Fri

The day is beautiful &

we are in Camp by 3 P

M We are near Jacksonv

ille Marched 8 miles whi

ch was a nice little walk

19.

Sat

Last night it rained &

to day it is miserable mar

ching Passed through Oc

mulgee Crossed the Ocmu

lgee River & Camped towar

ds evening after marching

18 miles over a very rough

road

20.

Sun

Miserable marching it is

raining & the roads are

very heavy Marched 15

miles & camped about

five miles south of

Hillsboro & near the

placed where Stoneman was

captured

21.

Mon

Rained all night & ne

arly all day Marched 12 mile

s. Passed through Clinton This

is a miserable day march

the roads are awful

22.

Tues

This morning early we left

the old Church & marched to

Gordon a distance of 12 miles

& camped after dark the

weather is very cold with

snow The first Div had

a fight with the rebs near

Macon

23.

Wednes

This morning we left Gor

don & marched about five

miles south where we Cam

ped for the remainder of the

day & the night Weather cool

serene The Brigade is behin

d & probably cut off by the rebs

24.

Thurs

We left our Camp march

ed to Irwinton a distance

of 7 miles where the Brig

joined us The weather

beautifu[l]

25.

Fri

Left Irwinton early this

morning & marched to

Oc___ River where

we camped for the night

Skirmishing across the

River we are in the swam

ps of Ga weather beautiful

15 miles

26.

Sat

Were in Camp all

day & at dusk we started

on our march Crossed the

Ocomee River & camp

ed a short distance

beyond Marched 3 miles

Weather warm & beautiful

27.

Sun

The weather is warm

& beautiful Marched 12 miles

& camped near Ocomee

Station The pine forests

are the principal attraction

28.

Mon

Left Camp about noon mar

ched 15 miles & Camped after

dark Weather warm &

beautiful Were troubled

considerable in crossing

the swamps which went

very bad

29.

Tues

The day was beautiful &

we marched all day & cam

ped after dark having m

arched 20 miles Nothing to

attract ones attention except

the beautiful pine forests

30.

Wednes

Still in the pine forests

& swamps of Ga Marched

15 miles & camped near

Somerville Weather warm

& beautiful

DECEMBER.

1.

Thurs

Left Camp early & march

ed all day marched 20 m

iles & Camped about sundo

wn the day was beautiful

& the march a severe one

The Country is thinly sett

led & the land level & swampy

2.

Fri

The weather is warm

& beautiful Marched 12 m

iles & Camped about dusk

Are still in the pine

forests & swamps of Ga

Still marching west

of the Ogeechee River

3.

Sat

Left Camp early ma

rched three miles & cam

ped The Swamps are

detaining us Weather

beautiful & health good

4.

Sun

Left Camp early march

ed 14 miles & camped at

Statesboro Bullock Co Ga

The foragers & the 70th O T I

had a skirmish with

the Johnies Got my toe

mashed by the wagon

5.

Mon

Left Camp early marched

all day & got in Camped after

dark marched 18 miles

Weather warm & beautif

ul Foot very sore from

the bruise Still in the

pine forests & swamps

6.

Tues

Left Camp Early m

arched 1 1/4 miles & camped

for the present day & nig

ht Are10 miles from

the Ogeechee River Foot better

7.

Wednes

The weather is warm &

accompanied with rain

showers Marched 12 miles

& camped for the night

My Big Toe is getting almo

st well again The Coun

try is getting more level & __

8.

Thurs

The rain is over the

sky clear & beautiful

Marched 12 miles & cam

ped near Bryan C. H House

& near Connonchee River

Swamps are very comm

on Water black & unhealthy

9.

Fri

Crossed the Connonche

& Camped about 1/2 mile

from the River Marched

2 miles Left in the after

noon

10.

Sat

The weather is cool & w

indy Recrossed the Connon

chee marched down the

west bank of the river Cross

ed the Ogeechee Marched 16

miles & camped 10 miles

from Savannah

11.

Sun

Are lying in reserve

of the Corps The weather

is very cold & windy The

Country is level & swa

mpy Picket firing & occ

asional Cannonading is

the principal occurrence of

the day

12.

Mon

The weather is very

cool & windy This eving

we left camp & marched

5 miles & camped about 10

P M Are going on the rt flank

13.

Tues

This morning by sunr

ise we were on the move

marched 11 miles & at 4

P M our Div Charged &

took Fort McAlister the Ch

arge lasted about five min

utes I was struck on the leg by

a spent lode

14.

Wednes

Nothing going on worth

mentioning there has

been no regular fight to

day. Are busy with the

wounded & sick This

camp is a beautiful

place about 3 miles above

the fort

15.

Thurs

The weather is warm

& beautiful. The boats

are running up and

down the River Occasion

al Cannonading in the distance

16.

Fri

[Rest of December is blank]

CASH ACCOUNT. — JANUARY.

Letters  Rec’d    Written

2              3

Owe [Eraser marks]

Owe

William McCall of Dea

vertown Morgan Co Ohio

$2.00

$17.00

Thomas Elmore of Co

A indebted to John L H

olcomb $17.00 dollars Borrow

ed money.

$2.50

John W. More indebted

to John L. Holcomb two

dollars & fifty center for

knife Co. D

Nolistine Co D indebted to

John L Holmomb 55 cts

John Riley Co D indebted

to J L Holcomb $5.00 dollars

[Seems that J.L.H. kept a record of letter received and written on the accounting pages at the end of the journal.]

CASH ACCOUNT. — FEBRUARY.

Letters      Rec’d      Written

4               11

CASH ACCOUNT. — MARCH.

Rec’d      Written

4               2

10              1

4

CASH ACCOUNT. — APRIL.

[Page Blank]

CASH ACCOUNT. — May.

Letter written

Miss M S May 10th 1864

Miss Hat D 11th 1864

Miss J Skinner 15th

Miss M S 15th

Mr B M Holcomb 16th

Miss M S 23rd

Letters recd

Miss May S 26th

Written

Miss R Williams 28th

Eph Holcomb 31st

Letter Written eight

Recd one

CASH ACCOUNT. — JUNE.

Letter Written

Miss Cornelia Reed 4th

Miss May Shipton 4th

Recd 6th

Mrs Julia Skinner

Miss May Shipton

Written

Mr Harvey Trout 11th

Mr Nathan Skinner 14th

Mrs J Skinner 14th

Recd

Mrs J Skinner 14th

Mr B M Holcomb 14th

Mr B M Holcomb 28th

Written

Mr B M Holcomb 24th

Amos Parker 22nd

B M Holcomb 29th

E Holcomb 30th

May Shipton 30th

May Shipton 18th

CASH ACCOUNT. — JULY.

[Rec'd]

May Shipton 7th

El Holcomb 7th

Julia Skinner 11th

B M Holcomb 11th

[Written]

El Holcomb 11th

May Shipton 14th

B M Holcomb 16th

Nate Skinner 18th [Date Rec'd]

Eph Holcomb 26th [ Date Written]

[Rec'd]

El Re_ed 26th

Cn Re_ed 26th

Eph Holcomb 26th

J Skinner 26th

M Shipton 26th

B M Holcomb 30th

May Shipton [W]

CASH ACCOUNT. — SEPTEMBER.

Julia Skinner 2nd [W]

B M Holcomb 5th [W]

M. Shipton 4th [R]

El Holcomb 8th [W]

M Shipton 11th [W]

Amos Parker 12th [R]

All__ Forsythe 14th [W]

Cornelia Reed 16 [W]

B M Holcomb 16th [R]

B M Holcomb 18th [W]

Julia Skinner 23rd [W]

May Shipton 24th [W]

May Shipton 21st [R]

Julia Holcomb 21st [R]

El Holcomb 26 [W]

N Skinner 28 [W]

CASH ACCOUNT. — SEPTEMBER.

B M Holcomb 10th [W]

M Shipton 8th [W]

El Holcomb 13th [W]

B M Holcomb 28th [R]

M Shipton 13th [R]

E Holcomb 13th [R]

M Shipton 16th [W]

N Skinner 14th [W]

E Holcomb 18th [W]

A Parker 18th [W]

N Skinner 18th [R]

B Holcomb 20th [R] 23rd [W]

N Skinner 25th [W]

CASH ACCOUNT. — OCTOBER.

Julia Skinner 12th [R]

M Shipton 12th [R]

M Shipton 18th [R]

C Reed 18th [R]

J Skinner 18th [R]

M Shipton 18th [W]

M Shipton 23d [W]

E Holcomb 23d [W]

B M Holcomb 27th [R]

CASH ACCOUNT. — NOVEMBER.

Julia Skinner 6th [W]

B M Holcomb 7th [W]

J Skinner 2nd [R]

__ McCall 2nd [R]

Oscar Williams 8th [W]

Mollie Shipton 8th [W]

M Shipton _th [R]

E Holcomb 8th [R]

CASH ACCOUNT. — DECEMBER.

Rec’d      Written

4               7

CASH ACCOUNT. — SUMMARY.

Rec’d      Written

JANUARY.          2               9

FEBRUARY.         4               11

MARCH.

APRIL

MAY.                     1              8

JUNE.                   5               12

JULY                     11              5

AUGUST.              5              11

SEPTEMBER       6              5

OCTOBER.          6              3

NOVEMBER.       4              4

DECEMBER.        4              7

[Back Page]

The following persons

are indebted to me J

L Holcomb for borrowed m

oney

Wm Dugenberry C D 25 cts

Thomas Elmore Co A  $17.00

John W More  Co D  $2.50cts

Joseph Alton Co D $1.00

Wm. Notestine Co D 55 cts

Jno Riley Co D $5.00

Owe Jno Riley Co D 40 cts

Owe Wm Whitmer Co D $23.00

Owe Wm McCall Ohio $2.00

[End of Transcription]

Homicide Near Tangier

The Woodward Bulletin – May 10, 1907

Word has been received in Woodward Friday night that a man named Tom Strobe had been killed by W.E. Scott, and Coroner Pierson went out Saturday morning to hold an inquest.

The coroner empaneled a jury consisting of George M. Cruson, L.B. Coombs, F.I. Pike, C.R. Clark, Henry G. Schmidt, and J.A. Epley, and heard the evidence in the case which was substantially as follows:

Strobe and Tom Irvin had been to town and the former had taken on a big load of bad whiskey, so that he was in a very quarrelsome mood.

When they reached Irvin’s home Stobe became angered and attacked Irvin first with a knife and after woods [sic] with a club, but was induced to go on home.

He next appeared at the home of Mr. Scott. No one was at home but Mrs. Scott and Strobe staggered against the door causing it to open. Mrs. Scott asked what was the matter and Strobe replied by asking for Scott. Being told that he was out in the field, said he would go home and get a gun.

As soon as he had gone Mrs. Scott took her child and went out to where her husband, and W. B. Matthis and Clarance DeLate who were going through to Beaver county, were hunting and told them what Strobe had said.

They returned to the house and as they neared the barn saw Strobe peering in at the window. He had a pistol in his hands. The party remained behind the barn till Strobe left when they went into the house. De Late went accross [sic] the road to catch a horse, and while he was out Strobe returned, apparently unarmed. Scott said if he has not got his gun let him in and we will overpower him and tie him till he sobers up. Matthis stepped to the door to open it, when he saw Strobe draw his gun. Scott shoved a charge of buckshot into the barrel of his gun, a winchester pump gun, and stepped to one side to cover the door when Strobe saw him and fired. Scott then fired the charge of buckshot, and continued to shoot till the gun was empty. Strobe walked about 50 feet and fell dead.

The jury returned a verdict of justifiable homicide.

Mr. Scott is a man of good standing in his community, and while the shooting is deplorable, it was in no sense his fault.

Jail Delivery.

Woodward News – March 22, 1895.

Three Men Heavily Armed Rife up to the Jail, Capture the Guards, and Liberate the Prisoners.

As we go to press, we open the forms to announce the boldest act yet peptrated in Woodward. About 9 o’clock Wednesday night, three men rode up to the jail and covered guards John Gholston and Bob Norvell with three ugly, long winchesters and forced them to unlock the cells and liberate Tom Yoas, Curly George, Ed Lahr, and Henry Smith. The two former were hastily provided with arms and horses, and taking the disarmed guards with them as far as the railroad track, the five men rode off with pleasant good byes and the officers returned to town and rised the alarm. The jail is situated at the extreme west side of town and the whole affair was over so quickly that no one could have interfered. Sheriff Odem and deputies John Gholston, Ben Gholston, and Ben Wolfarth immediately started in pursuit, and speculation is rife as to the results, as the escaped men and their friends are dead shots and will resist capture. Smith did not try to escape, and Lahr who was serving a thirty day’s sentence which expired yesterday, is not wanted. The probable effect of the delivery will be the keeping of prisoners hereafter in Wellington or Wichita.

Charley Parker Shot.

Woodward News – March 15, 1895.

Sam Nay came to town Tuesday and gave the following account of the shooting of Charley Parker in the northwest part of this county last Monday. Sheriff Lot Ravencraft, of Clarke county, Kansas, accompanied by Curly Bill and Sam Nay, were endeavoring to capture Charley Parker, who is accused of stealing cattle. Parker took shelter in the house of a man named Murphy and the officers surrounded the house and ordered him to surrender. He replied with a shot from his winchester, which killed Curly Bill’s horse. The officers returned the fire, and the result is that Parker now lies wounded in the shoulder, though the wound is not considered dangerous.

Jewell’s Escape and Speedy Capture.

The Jeffersonian – December 29, 1894

Oliver P. Jewell, condemned to be hanged here on the 9th day of February, for the murder of James McGwinn and Robert Hurd, escaped from the county jail last Saturday night about 6:30 o’clock. He effected his escape through a hole wide enough to get his body through, which had been pryed [sic] open with the iron ventilation pipe of the cell which was in one corner of the cage. After getting into the corridor, he cut his way through the main partition between the jail and disctrict court room, which permitted him free access to the open air and liberty. But it seems that that liberty was not to be enjoyed long, as subsequent events show.

In the jail was Henry Smith, indicted for assault with a deadly weapon, who witnessed all Jewell’s maneuvres [sic] of escape, and who tried every available means to acquaint the probate judge of the fact, by a written message, but his good intentions were frustrated by his note miscarrying. Henry Smith realized that his efforts had been checkmated by some unforeseen event, and concluded to do the next best things, and that was to deliver the message to Judge Jennings in person. To do this and to allay any suspicion of treachery from the murderer, Smith had to promise to accompany him in flight from justice. After they both got from the jail Smith told Jewell that he needed a pair of shoes and had to go down town and get some friend of his to go and purchase him a pair. He told Jewell to go down to the race track, lay low and wait for him. As soon as Henry was out of sight he ran like a deer and gave the alarm of Jewell’s escape to Sheriff Love, who immediately pressed every available man into service to hunt the fugitive. Couriers were dispatched in every direction to acquaint the settlers that Jewell had escaped and look out for him. Henry Smith put the posse on the right trail — to the south.

A little after daybreak Sunday morning a man knocked at the door of James Hastings house, who lives at the mouth of Big Turkey in Day county, thirty-five miles south of this city, and asked for breakfast. Mr. Hastings told him to enter the house and that he could be accommodated with breakfast, at the same time asking the early visitor why he was coatless and bare headed. It was Oliver P. Jewell, and told Mr. Hastings that he had arrived the night before at Woodward on a freight train and had lost his hat on the cars, and his coat had been given to the brakeman on the train as his fare from Alva to Woodward. He said, too, that he was on his way to his cousin’s, ten miles further south. Mr. Hastings, not having heard of Jewell’s escape, credited the story as true, gave the fugitive his breakfast and bade him a God’s speed on his journey. After Jewell had gone about an hour Pink West, who lives on North Persimmon, dashed up to the door of Mr. Hasting’s house and told him of the prisoner’s escape. “Your man eat breakfast here about an hour ago and can’t be four miles from here,” said Hastings, pointing to the south. West waited to hear no more and dashed off southward. About six miles from Hasting’s he ascended an eminence on the road and saw Jewell walking slowly along the main road toward Trail creek. He turned his horse’s head westward and formed a circle around the murderer and approached him from the south. A six shooter made Jewell’s hands go up. West commanded him to about-face and started him on a march back to Woodward. They hadn’t gone far before they met V. M. Funkhauser, of this city, and Wm. Black, of the South Canadian, who were hot on the fugitive’s trail. A wagon was soon procured and the four started for this city. They arrived here at 1:25 a. m. Monday morning and turned the captive over to the proper authorities. Mr. Pink West in his ride to capture the murderer killed a fine horse.

When captured Jewell offered not the least particle of resistance, but grinned as if he had done something to be commended for when he was ordered to throw up his hands. He said he kept the main road and didn’t think he would be followed.

In giving credit where credit is due in this matter, that fellow in the jail, Henry Smith, should not be forgotten, nor the important part played by him in this man’s apprehension. It should be recollected the information he gave, voluntarily, too, was the indirect instrument of Jewell’s capture. Immediate action was taken by Sheriff Love, hence the speedy apprehension of one of the most brutal murderers who ever breathed.

Jewell Murder Case

The Jeffersonian – December 22, 1894

In our last week’s issue we were compelled for want of space and time receiving the verdict of the jury too late for full comment.

This is one of the most atrocious crimes ever committed in cold blood in Oklahoma. The perpetratorof this foul deed, Oliver P. Jewell, came from Effingham, Illinois, about the first of September last — he had been in Woodward county about sixty days at the time he committed the awful crime of double murder, killing James McGwinn and the bright and beautiful little boy, Robert Hurd, of 12 years of age. This unparalleled fiend committed this crime on the 29th day of October, 1894, in a canyon, twelve miles southeast of Woodward, in this county. he went to Wm. Jones’ house, where he had been stopping for about one month, where he was arrested on Wednesday following and was brought to Woodward, had a preliminary examination, was bound over to answer action of grand jury at meeting of district court, which began on December 4th. Jewell was indicted arraigned, plead not guilty, was tried and found guilty of murder in the first degree and sentenced to be hanged on 9th February, 1895.

The people of Woodward county can well be proud of our County Att’y, who spared no pains to ferret out the evidence, and at time of trial was ready to push business to a termination, and when the case was ready to go to the jury, in his closing speech to the jury, made such strong appeals that several times the jurymen and many others shed tears. It is said by those who heard the arguments of the counsel to the jury that County Attorney Smith made one of the strongest legal and convincing arguments, chaining the circumst’al evidence together so closely that it was so inseparably bound that it was impregnable from any source, and equaled any they had ever heard. Mr. Smith has made many warm friends for the energetic, masterly manner in which he handled this important case of so much value to the people of Woodward county, and in fact for Oklahoma Territory in favor of law and order.

County Attorney Smith was ably assisted by Judge J. D. F. Jennings and Hon. D. P. Marum. Mr. Marum opened the argument in the case to the jury and made a well-timed and logical argument, this being his first argument in a murder trial. He acquitted himself with great credit. Judge Jennings made no arhument in the case but aided by his long experience in the practices of law in criminal matters. The defendant, Oliver P. Jewell, was by defended that genius of young attorneys Hon. R. J. Ray, and suffice it to say every inch of advantage ground was contested by both sides.

In this case there is a profitable lesson for wrong doers, that is, crime will be speedily punished if committed in the jurisdiction of the officers of Woodward county, and if all county officers in Oklahoma will do likewise crime lessens daily and law and order will reign supreme.

Time for the Action of Officers.

The Jeffersonian – July 28, 1894.

We despise the idea of using the columns of this paper as a medium of complaint, and have always strictly refrained from doing so except at times when we were compelled to do so by the welfare and safety of our citizens being in jeopardy. Of late there has been constant complaint made against a certain crowd of fellows for keeping the East End in a continual disturbance from dark until near dawn by their hideous yells and the discharge of firearms. This “fogging” up the town, as they have wittingly dubbed it, may be exceedingly funny for the culprits guilty of it, but to those who go to their beds at the customary hour, it is a perfect source of annoyance and worry. The timid women are frightened, and wonder and question if a bullet, cause by the promiscuous discharge of guns will destroy one of their lives or pierce the body of one of their children. We do not know to whome to attach the blame for the non-apprehension of these would be toughs, but someone is responsible for it and shall be held accountable for the destruction of any life or property. Such lawlessness should not be for one moment tolerated. These young men should stop and ralize that the wild days of the “woolly west” are over, and should settle down and assist their neighbors in the upbuilding of society and be a credit to the community in which they live. We are sure these yound men would not do so if they could sum up the consequences of their foolish and unwise practices.

The Opening.

The Woodward Jeffersonian – September 23, 1893. C.M. Hall, Editor & Publisher.

Woodward the principal points for Texans,

Kansans Coloradians and Missourians.

One Thousand People on The Ground When The Train Arrives.

Countless Numbers Fall From The Train in all Kinds of Shape

Ye Editor Twelfth Man on the Ground

The Texas Cow Pony Wins The Day.

The long looked for 16th day of September, 1893, dawned just as hundreds and thousands of days had dawned before but to one hundred-thousand people it was the most eventful day of the nineteenth century.

At the line twenty miles south of Woodward, with the rising of the sun appeared one of the most interesting scenes that the eyes of man ever gazed upon, and we doubt not that it was the most interesting crowd of human beings that ever gathered for a like purpose and with only one object in view.

As daylight began to approach one could smell the fragrance of the frying sowbelly and sniff the essence of the boiling coffee can which was gently wafted ‘neath one’s nasal appendage by a cool Texas breeze and gave evidence that a hasty breakfast was being prepared and embodied the too true words of a calm before a storm.

As old “Sol” gradually mounted his celestial road in the skyes, [sic] more active became the movements of the boomers along the line and the faithful cow-pony, which was tethered near the master’s bunk, was brought forth and tenderly fed, for fear that an overdose might endanger his speed while crossing the sand plains to the promised goal. After his limited meal had been partaken of he was led up and down the road for exercise after which he submitted to being saddled and briddled [sic] preparatory for the race.

As high noon approached, mounted soldiers patrolled the lines lest in the excitement parties might be crowded over and result in a general break-away. At half-past eleven, up and down the line for a distance of seven miles, mounted men stood with their horses abreast, anxiously awaiting the pistol shot which would send them speeding onward in quest of homes in an unknown land.

At 11:59 a uniformed trooper appeared in the center of the throng and riding our fifty yards in advance carefully gazed at his watch until it ticked the sixtieth second when bang whent [sic] his revolver and away went the crowd.

For a moment it seems as though the heavens were rent asunder, but after a moment’s hesitation on the part of the horses, they plunged forward under whip and spur to go whither their masters directed.

After the mighty caravan of hosemen had passed from view the wagons, buggies and other vehicles pressed forward as rapidly as their horses could travel.

The first man to arrive in Woodward proper, was David Jones, one of the good men from the Panhandle of Texas, whose horse had more wind that the average newspaperman.

The next exciting event was the race between Robert Mosley, a cowboy and Conductor Morgan, of the Santa Fe, who both claim to have “got there” first on the quarter adjoining the townsite on the east.

About five minutes after the three above named horsemen arrived, nine more hard riders appeared on the brow of the hill south of town and came down the home-stretch like Nancy Hanks on the “quarter-turn.” Three minutes more passed before the main body came in sight, but when they did come, the stampede of the bison or a cyclone from the south-west was imaginary in comparison with it. About 700 horsemen came over the hill together and they lost no time in tumbling from their horses to the coveted little lots 25×150.

After the excitement had somewhat subsided the festive bronco was allowed to meander around the domain which had but a few moments before elevated his master and endowed him with the title of “land owner”, while the master comfortably stretched himself upon the green sward to await the coming of the train, and for it he had not long to wait, for around the curve, downgrade, came the iron horse like a thousand howling demons were after it. It ran to the center of the townsite before it began to slow up, and here is where the horsemen got face value for their long ride, for the tumbling that the passengers indulged in to reach the ground was far superior to anything ever witnessed in Barnum & Bailey’s circus.

Some fellow would make a run for a lot, when a cow boy would let out a yell, that that lot was taken when he would trot on down the line to be baffled again and again until he would reach the limit and have to begin over again. Cooler parties, however, would walk leisurely from the car, carry their baggage on their shoulder, step off the required distance for a lot and comfortably settle down to business.

A general survey around the city had disclosed the fact that the population is composed chiefly of Texans, Kansans, Missourians, and Coloradians, and a more genial, clever class of people can not be found between the foaming billows of the Atlantic and the tranquil sleepy waters of the broad Pacific.

Ye editor had the pleasure of being the twelfth man to reach the future metropolis of the great county of “N”, and although we feel proud of our achievement, our not over-strong physical being was somewhat shattered in the race.

To the Tex. pony must be awarded the credit of winning the best of the race both for claims and town lots, and the thoroughbred must acknowledge their supremacy in a twenty mile race.

Miss Celia McCarty, of Canadian, Tex., made the run in one hour and fifteen minutes and succeeded in getting a lot on Main Street, near the public square.

Vas Stickley, and old Virginian-Texan, of Canadian, Tex., captured a quarter-section adjoining the city on the west side.

Update on the Murderer Jewell.

The Advocate – February 1, 1895.

O. P. Jewell the double murderer who was sentenced to hang on the 9th day of this month was taken to the Leavenworth Kansas Penetentiary to day for safe keeping until the supreme court can pass upon the appeal for new trial. We predict that he will get a new hearing;  At all events the people of Woodward county is not done paying costs for that worthless vagabond.