The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-01
LENCOLN'S GIFT.
Mrs. Frank McKenna's Medal-The Trials of
Refugee in 1861.

Mrs. Frank McKenna's NIedal-The Trials of
Refugee in 1861.
Pittsburg Dispatch.
Mrs. Frank McKenna, of Oakland. is the
proud possessor of a silver and gold medal,
which was presented to her by Abraham Lincoln
over twenty four years ago.
1t is Of silver, massive in make and in the
form of a Maltese cross. The center of the cross
is cut out in q circle just large enough to admit
United States $40 gold coin of the date of 1861.
On the upper arm of the cross are the words
presented to Sarah G.. Ford, by Abraham Lin
coin" and on the lower arm, president of the
United States, at Washington, April a 1851
The side arms OF the cross are beautifully en-
graved with national symbols and the whole is
slung from silver chain and loop at the top.
John Ford, tie father of Mrs. McKenna, was
a soldier in the Mexican war, and afterward he
settled in Petersburg, Va, and married there,
entering into the booksellers trade. He thrved
in business and stood high in the community.
In May, 1861, it can readily understood that the
spirit of rebellion was rampant through Vir-
ginia, and notably in Petersburg and vicinity.
Any man living there known to entertain Union
sentiments was in danger of losing his prop
erty and perhaps his life, and hence the utter
ance of such sentiments invariably brought pun
ishment
1t was on the I'd of May that the news Of
the attack on the massachusetts, Sixth Regiment
was made known in Petersburg. Mr. Ford was
returning from his place of business and heard
the news on the street, and learning that fifteen
or sixteen of the mob had been killed, he re-
marked. IF | had been there [ would have killed
fifteen or sixteen hundred of them" and he was
overheard, and the remark, much magnifed,
was taken to the leading rebels.
Mr.. Ford went on his way to business, and
thought no more of it until returning that night
to his home, when he WAS accosted by crowd
of citizens who informed him that they were a
vigilance committee instructed to catechise him
as to his sentiments. He informed them that
he was unconscious of any act against the state
or country, and did not fear an investigation.
After consultation among the leaders, the
spokesman propounded the following questions:
IF our slaves should rise against their masters
in this community, should you fight with the
slaves or with their masters"
He answered. "Gentlemen, [ am surprised
at your question. l am a loyal and true hearted
citizen Of Petersburg and this State | have
lived with you several years, and all | have or
hope to have is with you; and, should a slave
insurrection occur here, you will find me fore
most in defending you and the citizens Of Pc
tersburg against them"
This answer was satisfactory, and they
were about to move On, when some of the crowd
erie:
''Hes black Republican-hang him. He
said he'd kill 500 Southern men if he was in
Baltimore"
He was asked If he had said these words, and
ne could not deny them, and then the crowd
bowling for his life. closed in around him, and
but for the darkness he would have been muir
dered then and there. Being a high official in
the Masonic fraternity, some friends managed
to steal him IN house and out through side
entrance and back toward the suburbs, while
the rabble rushed around furiously, clamoring
for his blood. One of his friends owned tomb
in The cemetery near oy, and, unlocking it,
he thrust the hunted man into the doorway.
locked it again and left him alone with the skel-
etons of past generations for his company
The mob howled up and down through every
street and in all possible places where "a man
could be In hiding, but never thought of the
tomb. The heroisla Of his little daughter
showed itself, for none of his people dared go
was then not quite seven years old, and
very bright. knowing her papa was in
the graveyard with the nasty cofins," as
she expressed it. and that no one dared 60 near
him, she would steal food from the table and
hide it about her little dress and go to the tomb
ostensibly to pick flowers, and watching her
opportunity, would steal up to the grating which
showed glimpses of the decaying collins, which
would ordinarily terrify child, and pass in to
her father such as she had. In this manner Mr..
Ford managed to live in the tomb for three days
and nights, while his friends set about getting
him out of the city. At 3 o'clock the following
Monday morning the train was toleave for Rich
mond At an earlier hour Mr. Fords protector
and friend like Belshazzar of old at the mouth
of the lions den for righteous Daniel stood to
deliver him from the charnel house. While his
friend went for his little daughter Mrs. Ford
was South on a visit at the time. and never met
depot There they all met az ain, and as some
of the employees of the company personal
friends, they had difficulty in securing pas
sage, and when the train rolled out of the depot
it took him. pennilesS, without his wife,
refugee from his home because he loved the
Union.
Arriving in Richmond, he found ne could not
get through without passport from Governor
Letcher, and lie called upon the Governor to OBJ
tain it. After close questioning he was given
pass and sent on his way rejoicing that he was
free to speak his mind, even though it cost him
the savings Of lifetime.
Arrived in Washington he called at once on
Secretary of War Cameron, to whom he related
his story and asked for a leutenancy in the
army.
Mr. Cameron being impressed with the honor
able and courageous course of Mr. Ford said to
him, mo, my noble sir; a lieutenancy is not
enough for you. Wait a few days until the
arrangements can be made. and then you shall
receive more honorable appointment
He gave Mr. Ford note to President Lincoln,
and with his little daughter he called at the
told over his story and Mr. Lin
coin had taken the child on his
lap while listening. When Mr.. Ford arrived at
800 of them" the child spoke up, shaking her
diminutive feet. and said. Yes, an nd till ff-
teen sousands Of dem, so / would" AT this out
burst of patriotism Mr.. Lincoln laughed aloud,
and Stroklng the chllds mead, SAID
my pretty child, you good little Union
girl" and, turning to Mr.. Ford, he continued
Bring her here tomorrow evening and she shall
have something rice to remember your hardships
and trials by" On the following day Mr. Ford
received commission captain in the army.
and his little daughter received tLis beautiful
cross and medal combined
About year after receiving his commission
Mr. Ford died while acting as recruiting officer
at Philadelphia and his child, now the mother of
four fine children, was taken into her uncle's
family. The relic and many others, including a
family Bible from which the names had to be
erased to save it from confscation, We're kept by
the uncle, who recently died, and whose execc-
tors returned them to their rightful owner
He Would Smoke 1t on Sunday.
Buffalo Courier
Buffalo man who recently made trip to
| New York, tells the following story on himself:
! ta.,sI &C