Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1886-05-06
Written for the Ledger
WAR "REMINISCENCES.
No. a.


4 1860 the Union party erected
all pole on the square in Mexico
md had bell placed at the top, on
which was painted "And Everett"
md from the pole waved the flag of
he United States. Bell and Everett
we're badly beaten at the election but
he flag still waved a proud defiance
% the successful party as we'll as to
he other defeated parties. As the
war spirit increased the Union flag
was considered standing reminder
10 those who were of the opinion
that the Confederacy was the only !
good government on earth, that Union |
was not yet destroyed, and in an hour
of excitement it was determined by
q few persons to tear it down. The
friends of the defeated candidates
made strong resistance but the flag
came down after some black eyes
and sore heads had been made On
both sides. Colonel, now Judge,
Krekel's regiment, mostly Germans,
passed going West, and saw the flag
waving from the railroad. On their
return next day the flag was gone
and they chose to believe it had
been torn down by the rebels. The
train was stopped and the soldiers
charged the town with orders from
the Colonel to shoot everything that
ran. A regiment of soldiers dashing
into the village at double quick
struck terror into the bravest hearts,
and scene of CONSERVATION ensued
that battles description. Men fled in
all directions women and children
dashed into the nearest houses, mer-
chants hurriedly closed their doors.
VIM. Lockridge was having his horse
shod preparatory to starting south.
He mounted and endeavored to make
his escape but fell mortally wounded.
Garland Surber had wagon load of
peaches and was driving along the
street when the firing began. His
horses became frightened and at
tempted to run. This attracted the
attention of the soldiers, who fired at
and fatally wounded him. The cool
bravery of Mayor Ringo only saved
the further loss of life and very pos
sibly the town from being very badly
damaged. The mayor instead of
flying from danger rushed to meet
the soldiers, seized the colonel by
the arm and compelled him to listen
to an explanation of the absence OF
the flag, which had been re-lettered
and was then ready to be hoisted tc
its old place. When the officers com
prOmised the matter the firing ceased
and much sorrow was manifested fol-
the result of their acts, especially fol
the death of Surber-a Union man
In this, as in many other occurrences
of sad results, there were some anus
ling incidents. When the shooting
commenced Jonathan Kemper wa;
ljust approaching the square with al
OK team and a wagon load of water
melons. He quickly turned his team
and started for home, eight miles
northwest. The whip fell first upor
one, then upon the other steer, ant
at every blow Kemper shouted back
"Brock! Riley! Brock! Riley!' anc
the speed of Black Squirrel or Mos
Rose would not have counted time OF
that race. Six miles from town h,
was met by old Uncle Jack Goatley
who knew nothing of the matter
Hold on, Jonathan; what's tn
news?'' Amidst the rafting o
wheels came the reply, "Ail deat
but me, Uncle Jack. Brock! Riley
Brock! Riley!" the whip making tn
emphasis. Henry Williams and Sila
Dobyns both started for Judge Gun
ningham's at about the speed o
Artist. Williams quickly left hi
comrade far in the rear and alway
boasted that he found new ford O.
Beaver Dam and delivered the new
to Cunningham twenty nine minute
before Dobyns got there. Anon
the fugitives was o negro name
Norris, who was a very strong secet
sionist, aud he took the same rout
as the other two but started a fe
, minutes later. In his fight Dohyn
, looked hack and saw Norris, and, uc
VI Z" ~ 'ifF fsi'
. tine soldiers. inistook him for one {
, the Federals in pursuit and straine
every nerve 10 reach place of saf
= ty, but his breath grew short, h
limbs failed aud making a virtue, f
: he thought, of Necessity he wheele
:, around and shouted, Il surrender
Norris went by like q steam engit
and yelled back, "God bless yoI
soul, massy, 1 don't Dir. Dohyl
breathed a thank God and wished
could run like that negro or Hen,
Williams. PAX.
It Missouri State Sunday School Associ
ti0H.
The Sunday school superintendent
of Missouri, with one or more del
gates, are cordially invited to after
Z the state convention, 10 he held