During the winter of 1859, his health being somewhat improved, he went to Tiffin, Ohio, and commenced the study of the law. He remained here two winters. In the spring of 1860, being in indifferent health, he returned to his home in Mecca, Ohio, where he pursued his studies privately for some months. After which he went to Warren, and studied law with Forrist and Burnett until the breaking out of the rebellion.
On the 19th day of April, 1861, deeming it his duty to serve his country, he enlisted in Asper's company, the first organized in the county. He was soon after made orderly-sergeant. When the three years' organization was made, he was unanimously chosen a lieutenant by a vote of his company.
He served honorably during the campaign in Western Virginia, taking an active part in the affair of Cross Lanes, sharing the fortunes of the detachment under Major Casement.
Among the first promotions that were made in November, 1861, he was remembered by the authorities, and appointed a first-lieutenant. He accompanied the regiment to Eastern Virginia, where he joined the expedition to Romney and Blue's Gap.
While at Patterson's Creek he felt it his duty to resign his commission, on account of a personal difficulty with Colonel Tyler. He therefore left the regiment early in February, with the regrets of the entire command.
He was not long permitted to remain at home, for his former services were acknowledged by giving him a commission as captain in the Eighty-fourth Regiment, which was being organized for three months' service. This position being accepted, he proceeded with his regiment to Cumberland, Maryland. Soon after its arrival he was made provost-marshal and commandant of the post. In this position he won an enviable reputation. Among his first orders was one against the use and sale of intoxicating liquors, which he proceeded to enforce in an effectual manner; and thus materially aided in maintaining order and quiet at the post.
After nearly five months' service, when the regiment was mustered out, he was appointed colonel, for the purpose of reorganizing it for three years' service. He immediately entered upon this task; but owing to the number of regiments at that time being organized in Northern Ohio, he was but partially successful. The regiment being finally consolidated with the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio, he returned to his home.
He soon after entered the law-school at Ann Arbor, Michigan; and after a year and a half spent at this university, he graduated, with the degree of L. L. B. Soon after, he returned home, married, and commenced the practice of his profession at Youngstown, Ohio.
LIEUTENANT HENRY Z. EATON.
Lieutenant Eaton entered the service as a private, but on the three years' organization was made a second-lieutenant. He was with the regiment constantly during the campaign in Western Virginia, and always at his post. He took an important part in the Cross Lanes affair, and in the march of Major Casement's detachment.
He now went to the East with the regiment, when Colonel Tyler being given a brigade, he was assigned to his staff as aid-de-camp. He held this position at the battle of Winchester; and no one in the army did better service. He was constantly in the saddle, riding fearlessly in the heat of the battle, a fair mark for the rebels. During the engagement his horse was wounded. He was mentioned in official reports for gallant conduct. He soon after took part in the battle of Port Republic, where he added much to his already well-earned reputation for courage and other soldierly qualities. He now followed the regiment to Alexandria, where he returned to his company and to the front of Pope's army, where he was at the battle of Cedar Mountain, in which he was severely wounded. He soon after returned to his home, and finally resigned, on account of disability from wounds.
LIEUTENANT A. H. DAY.
A. H. Day was a lieutenant in company F, in which capacity he accompanied the regiment in Western and Eastern Virginia, taking part in the battles of Winchester and Port Republic, in both of which he did good service. In the latter he was severely wounded in the shoulder, by reason of which he was soon after compelled to resign.
LIEUTENANT WILLIAM D. SHEPHERD.
William D. Shepherd entered the service as a private in company D. He was soon after made a sergeant, and at Camp Dennison, orderly. He followed the fortunes of his company through the wilds of Western Virginia till the affair at Cross Lanes, where he showed great gallantry. He went with his company to Charleston, where, in the absence of Lieutenant Weed, he took command. During this time the company was detailed to guard a party who were engaged in erecting a telegraph line from Point Pleasant to Gauley Bridge. In this service he gave good satisfaction to all concerned in the undertaking.
He now remained with his command until a few days before the battle of Winchester, when he was compelled to leave the field on account of inflammation in one of his eyes. It had become very painful long before he would consent to go to the rear. A fever soon following, he was completely prostrated. He now went to his home, where he was engaged in the recruiting service. He returned to his regiment late in the summer, and having been promoted to first-lieutenant, was immediately made adjutant. He served with the regiment in this capacity until after the affair at Dumfries, when he was compelled to resign on account of ill-health.
After his return home he did great service in recruiting. In the winter of 1863-4 he canvassed Lake and Geanga counties, and was the means of enlisting a large number of men. On these occasions he made speeches, of which any public speaker might well be proud.
In the fall of 1864 he raised a company for the National Guard, which he commanded in the one hundred days' service. Returning to his home, he was appointed a quartermaster, with the rank of captain, and assigned to a division in the Twenty-third Army Corps.
His promotion was won in the field, and therefore honorable. His commission as second-lieutenant bears the date of November 25th, 1861; and that of first-lieutenant early in the following year.
Every one who has fallen in company with Lieutenant Shepherd will remember him as a genial friend and profitable companion. His frankness and courtesy have made him many friends. To know him, is to esteem him. I doubt whether he has an enemy in the world. He has always been a warm supporter of the Government, although not an American citizen by birth, having been born in Canada.
LIEUTENANT E. HUDSON BAKER.
Lieutenant Baker entered the service in Company C. He remained with the regiment during its entire campaign in Western Virginia, doing good service. At the affair at Cross Lanes, he was particularly conspicuous for gallantry. He now took command of the company, which he held during the remainder of his term of service. He was in the battle of Winchester, where he commanded his company with great credit to himself. As an officer, he was very popular with his command; as a companion, he was sociable and benevolent. He was finally compelled to resign from ill-health, but much against his wishes. He desired to remain until the close of his regular term of service, and then return with his old comrades; but his increasing debility would not admit.
LIEUTENANT RALPH LOCKWOOD.
Lieutenant Ralph Lockwood entered the regiment, on its first organization, in Company E. He served creditably through the Western Virginia campaign, taking part in the skirmish at Cross Lanes, and the battles of Winchester and Port Republic. In these battles he was distinguished for personal courage. By constant exposure, he contracted a rheumatic difficulty, which finally compelled him to resign, at a time when his services were much needed in the regiment.
LIEUTENANT T. T. SWEENEY.
Lieutenant T. T. Sweeney entered the service in Company B. He saw much service in Western Virginia, and was in every respect a gallant officer. At Cross Lanes, he made an honorable record. Soon after this skirmish, he resigned his commission, and returned to his home in Cleveland, Ohio.
LIEUTENANT EDWARD W. FITCH.
Lieutenant Fitch entered the service in Company I. He served faithfully until after the skirmish of Cross Lanes, in which he bore a gallant part. While at Charleston, he resigned his commission, and returned to his home.
LIEUTENANT A. J. WILLIAMS.
Lieutenant Williams came into the regiment as second-lieutenant of Company D, which position he filled with much credit till after the affair at Cross Lanes, when he resigned his commission. At the time the above skirmish took place he was sick, and therefore did not take part in it. Previous to this he had toiled on with his company, through all its terrible marches and dreary bivouacks; and for this is entitled to the gratitude of the country.
OUR DEAD.
COLONEL WILLIAM R. CREIGHTON AND LIEUT.-COLONEL ORRIN J. CRANE.
Colonel William R. Creighton was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in June, 1837. At the age of ten years, he entered a shoe-store, where he remained for two years; after which he entered a commercial college, where he remained for six months. But these pursuits were not to his liking—he had no taste for accounts. We next find him, at the age of thirteen years, in the job-office of McMillin, in Pittsburgh, where he remained for four years, completing his apprenticeship. The year following, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the Herald office, where he remained till the fall of 1860, with the exception of one winter spent in a job-office in Chicago.
He united with the fire companies of both Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and was an active and zealous member. In 1858, he joined the military organization known as the Cleveland Light Guards, and soon after became a sergeant, and a lieutenant. He advanced in rank without any effort—it was a matter of course.
When the rebellion broke out, his love of adventure would not permit him to remain at home; but he immediately set himself at work organizing a company, which was completed in a few days, and, on the 22d day of April, marched to Camp Taylor. He immediately commenced drilling his company, and with such success, that it took the lead of all then in camp.
At this time his military genius shone so conspicuously that he was looked on by all as the future leader of the regiment.
All will remember with what skill and pride he led the regiment in its first march. It was on a beautiful Sabbath morning; and as the young soldier, with a proud step, took his position at the head of the column, every eye was turned upon him in admiration; one could see in the countenances of the men, a willingness to follow such a leader amid the hail and thunder of battle. Before reaching Camp Dennison, this admiration warmed into a determination to place him in a position when, at no distant day, he could be made available as the commander of the regiment. Therefore, on its arrival at camp, he was elected lieutenant-colonel, a position which he did not seek, nor intimate to any that he desired. Very many were desirous of making him colonel.
During the stay of the regiment at Camp Dennison, he took no active part, seldom being seen on drill, or on duty of any kind. When the regiment was about leaving, however, he took command, Colonel Tyler having gone to Virginia in advance of the starting of the regiment. Previous to the movement, every thing had been arranged in perfect order; but this arrangement was partially defeated by the indecent haste of a captain. An unutterable look of scorn and contempt settled upon the features of Creighton; but not a word passed his lips. He never entirely forgave that officer for this act of disobedience of orders, till his death, when all feelings of animosity gave way to regrets for his loss; for, outside of a disposition to criticise the conduct of his superiors, he was a brave as well as competent officer.
Arriving at Clarksburg, he turned over the command to Colonel Tyler; but on arriving at Glenville, he again assumed command, which he held until reaching Cross Lanes; in the mean time, drilling the regiment daily when in camp. During this time it improved rapidly; in fact, it acquired, during this short interval, most of the proficiency it possessed.
On the march back to Cross Lanes from Twenty-mile Creek, he was with the advance, in command of the skirmishers. During the affair which succeeded, at the above place, he bore himself creditably. During the retreat, his horse fell with him: seizing the holsters, he started on foot through the underbrush, but soon after saw his horse coming after him at full speed. He again mounted; but in a short time his horse again fell, when, for the second time, he abandoned him; but he was soon joined by his faithful "Johnny," and this time the devoted horse carried its gallant rider safely to Gauley Bridge.
This misfortune to the regiment completely unmanned him. Meeting a comrade on the retreat, who was not in the engagement, he burst into tears, and, grasping his hand, in choked utterances related the story of their encounter.
While the regiment remained at Charleston, Creighton was in command, and was untiring in his efforts to advance his command in both drill and discipline; and I doubt whether any regiment in the field made more rapid progress towards perfection. It seemed to emulate its leader, who was ever at his post.
When an order came for five hundred picked men from the regiment to report to General Benham for duty, in the pursuit of Floyd, he was chosen to command the detachment. On arriving at Benham's headquarters, he was given the advance, and, for several days, was separated from Floyd's camp by a range of mountains only. He was finally given a brigade, although only a lieutenant-colonel, and ordered across a range of mountains to the rear of the enemy; but for some reason no attack was made, and soon after, half of the command was ordered back.
During the pursuit of Floyd, he travelled on foot at the head of his regiment. When the rebel army was likely to be overtaken, Benham remarked to him, that "he depended on him to rout the enemy," and gave him the post of honor; but when the firing became rapid, his regiment was ordered to the front, where a part of it was engaged in skirmishing, while the balance were smoking their pipes and engaging in sports, almost under the guns of the enemy, Creighton enjoying the fun as well as any in the command.
The detachment returned, after fifteen days' absence, without the loss of a man, save one injured by the accidental discharge of a gun.
The regiment now went to the East, where, soon after, Tyler was given a brigade, and Creighton again commanded the regiment.
At the battle of Winchester, which followed soon after, his was the first regiment in the famous charge of the Third brigade, for which it acquired such renown. He disagreed with the commanding officer as to the manner of making the charge, preferring to deploy before advancing, than to charge a battery in close column. But throwing all personal feelings and preferences aside, he dashed forward, and finally deployed his regiment within eighty yards of the enemy's line of battle, and under a terrible fire of both musketry and artillery. His horse being shot from under him, he seized a musket, and engaged in the strife, firing rapidly till near the close of the battle, when he was compelled to cease for the purpose of executing some order.
On the return of the command to New Market, after the pursuit of Jackson to near Harrisonburg, the company tents were ordered to be delivered up; whereupon Creighton was very indignant, and, in connection with other officers, sent in his resignation. They were ordered to report to General Shields the next morning. Accordingly, dressed in their "best," they reported. They were received with all the politeness that pompous general knew how to assume, with an invitation to be seated. The general informed them that their resignations would not be accepted; but remarked, that, "if they desired it, he would have their names stricken from the army rolls in disgrace." This witticism rather amused Creighton than otherwise, and he returned to camp with a much better opinion of the general than he was possessed of before making his visit.
He now commanded the regiment in its march to Fredericksburg, sharing with his men the hardships attending the toilsome march; and when, a few days after, the regiment returned to the Valley, he did much to cheer the men in that discouraging march.
At Front Royal he remained with his regiment during a heavy storm, to which it was exposed without tents, disdaining to seek shelter and comfort while his men were thus exposed.
The men were now very destitute of clothing, especially shoes; but when ordered, he moved to Columbia Bridge, followed by one hundred men barefooted. He now went personally to General Shields, but was coldly received by that general, being subjected to insulting remarks. He came back to his regiment with that same unutterable expression of contempt stamped upon his features, which all will remember who served with him in the field; and getting his men in column, closed in mass, made a speech. Said he: "I am unable to procure shoes or other comforts for you; but I will follow these generals until there is not a man left in the regiment. Forward, company H!" And he did follow them to Port Republic, where his words came near proving true.
At this battle his bravery and daring were observed by every one. He made repeated charges with his regiment, the line being as correct as on dress-parade. After one of these charges, the enemy's cavalry came dashing towards his regiment, and dispositions were immediately made for forming a square; but the enemy wisely wheeled, and charged another regiment. The colonel of this regiment, being unable to get his men in position, shouted in a stentorian voice: "Men of the ——th, look at the Seventh Ohio; and d—n you, weep!"
In this battle the regiment made five charges, under the leadership of Creighton; and each time driving the enemy.
After the battle was over, and the regiment on the retreat, seeing a wounded captain lying almost within the enemy's lines, he rode up to his company, and pointing to where he was lying, said: "Do you see your captain over yonder? Now, go for him!" They did go for him, and succeeded in bringing him from the field in safety.
Only a few were missing from the regiment in this action, although the list of killed and wounded was fearful.
We next find Creighton at the battle of Cedar Mountain, where a small division fought the whole of Jackson's army on ground of his own choosing. Creighton handled his regiment with a dexterity that told fearfully on the ranks of the enemy. He was finally severely wounded, and compelled to leave the field. In doing so, he kept his face to the foe, saying that "no rebel ever saw his back in battle; and never would." He was taken to Washington, where the bullet was extracted from his side, which was an exceedingly painful operation. Soon after this he came to his home; but while still carrying his arm in a sling, he reported to his regiment.
While at home the battle of Antietam was fought, which was the only one in which he failed to participate. Soon after his return, the affair at Dumfries occurred, where, through his ingenuity and skill, Hampton's cavalry command was defeated by a mere handful of men. For this he was publicly thanked by Generals Slocum and Geary.
He now took part in the battle of Chancellorsville, where he won new laurels. It is said that being ordered by General Hooker to fall back, he refused to do so until able to bring Knapp's Battery safely to the rear; for which disobedience of orders he was recommended for promotion. This battery was from his native city, and in it he had many friends.
Next he was at Gettysburg, where he fought with his accustomed valor.
We now find him at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, in "Hooker's battle above the clouds," where the victory was so suddenly and unexpectedly won, that scarcely sufficient time intervened in which to display valor. It was simply a race for the top of the mountain on the part of our men; and a corresponding race on the part of the rebels for the foot of the mountain on the opposite side.
After this battle came the pursuit of Bragg. His rear-guard was overtaken at Ringgold, Georgia, where it was securely posted on the top of Taylor's Ridge—a naked eminence. It was madness to undertake to drive them from this hill, without the use of artillery to cover the assault; but in the excitement of the moment the order was given. In this assault Creighton commanded a brigade. Forming his command, he made a speech. "Boys," said he, "we are ordered to take that hill. I want to see you walk right up it." After this characteristic speech, he led his men up the hill. It soon became impossible to advance against the terrible fire by which they were met; he, therefore, led them into a ravine, but the rebels poured such a fire into it from all sides, that the command was driven back. Reaching a fence, Creighton stopped, and facing the foe, waited for his command to reach the opposite side. While in this position he fell, pierced through the body with a rifle bullet. His last words were: "Oh, my dear wife!" and he expired almost immediately. The brigade now fell rapidly back, carrying the remains of its idolized commander with it.
Lieutenant-Colonel Orrin J. Crane was born in Troy, New York, in the year 1829. At three years of age his parents moved to their native State, Vermont. Soon after, his father died, leaving but limited means for the support and education of his children. His mother was a Christian woman, and devoted to her children. From her he received his first lessons of life; and a worthy teacher he had. He cherished his mother with the utmost affection, dwelling upon her goodness with almost child-like simplicity. It was touching to listen to the words of love and confidence falling for her, from the lips of the sturdy warrior, who braved the battle-fire without a tremor.
In early youth he went to live with an uncle, and in about 1852 came with him to Conneaut, Ohio, where he employed himself in mechanical labor. He spent one year on the Isthmus, and after his return went to Cleveland, where he engaged in the occupation of a ship-carpenter, following this trade till the fall of Sumter. While in Cleveland he associated himself with a military organization.
He entered the service as first-lieutenant in Captain Creighton's company; and on his promotion, was made captain. He early devoted himself to the instruction of his company; and it can be said that it lost nothing of the efficiency it acquired under the leadership of Creighton.
After the regiment entered the field, his services were invaluable. I doubt if the entire army contains an officer who has performed more service, in the same length of time, than Crane. If a bridge was to be constructed, or a road repaired, he was sent for to superintend it. If the commissary department became reduced, he was the one to procure supplies. No undertaking was too arduous for his iron-will to brave. There was no fear of starvation while the sturdy Crane was present. All relied on him with the utmost confidence, and no one was ever disappointed in him.
At the affair of Cross Lanes, where he first came under fire, he was more than a hero; he seemed possessed of attributes of a higher nature. He moved amid that sheet of flame, as if possessed of a soul in communion with a higher power. He inspired his men with true courage. They stood like a wall, and fell back only when ordered by their leader, then dashed through the strong line of the enemy with a bravery which was truly sublime. The enemy, although five to one, hesitated, swayed backward, and finally fled, so severely punished, that for the time they did not pursue. In that long march, over the mountains to Gauley Bridge, he was still the proud leader.
After his arrival at the above place, he was sent out to the front, up New River, where he rendered valuable service.
He was in every march and skirmish in both Western and Eastern Virginia, until, we find the regiment at the battle of Winchester. In this engagement he showed the same indomitable and true courage. He held his men to the work of carnage so fearfully, that the enemy's slain almost equalled his command.
We now find him in every battle in which his regiment was engaged in the East. Port Republic, Cedar Mountain (where he was slightly wounded), Antietam, Dumfries, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. In all of these he led his command, and the dead of the enemy left on the field before it attest how well he led it.
At the battle of Antietam, he commanded the regiment, and during the latter part of the engagement, a brigade.
Before the regiment left for the West, he was made lieutenant-colonel; a position which his ability and long, as well as faithful, service of his country rendered him eminently qualified to fill.
Arriving in the West, he commanded the regiment in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, where he added new laurels to his already imperishable name. At fatal Ringgold, he again commanded the regiment. He led it up the steep ascent, where the whistling of bullets made the air musical; and where men dropped so quietly that they were scarcely missed, except in the thinned ranks of the command. The regiment had not recovered from the shock produced by the announcement of the death of Creighton, when the noble Crane, on whom all hearts were centred in the fearful peril of that hour, fell at the feet of his devoted comrades, pierced through the forehead by a rifle bullet. He spoke not a word—his strong heart ceased to beat; and his soul took its flight from its blood-red tenement, and from the confusion of battle, to the land of patriot spirits. He fell so far in the advance, that his men were driven back before possessing themselves of his body,—but soon after it was recovered.
The sketches of Creighton and Crane now lie in the same path.
After the bodies of the fallen braves had been laid side by side, the remaining few of a once full regiment gathered around and mourned,—the silence alone being broken by the tears and sobs of a band of warriors, grieving for the loss of their chieftains. Was such a scene ever witnessed? Those forms, now cold and bloody, had often led them on the field of carnage, to victory and glory; under their leadership the regiment had been made immortal; and now, in all their pride, and glory, and chivalry, they had gone down to rise no more. No wonder, then, that their brave followers paid their last tribute to all that was mortal of their renowned leaders. It seemed to these mourners, in their loss the regiment itself was blotted out—that it would no more be known and honored—that its sun had forever set. But no, many a brave heart, that stood in that circle, was to be made a sacrifice to his country; many more hearts were to be left crushed and bleeding for the loved ones fallen in battle. When the last tear had been shed, and the last vow made over these fallen braves, the regiment moved away in profound silence.
While this scene was being enacted afar off among the hills of Georgia, the peaceful valleys of Ohio were echoing with the lamentations of friends at home. The hearts of the people of the Western Reserve were bound by the strong ties of kin and friendship to this gallant regiment, which had but just made its great sacrifice, and they were all in mourning. When the news came of this great disaster, it could not be believed; the friends of the fallen would not give them up. And it was not until a dispatch was received that their bodies were on the way home, that it was generally believed. At last, when the people realized that the sad news was indeed true, meetings were called by the representatives of all branches of trade and industry. Resolutions of respect were passed, and preparations made to receive the dead, on their arrival, in a becoming manner.
When General Hooker learned of the death of Creighton and Crane, he raised both hands, in surprise and grief, exclaiming, "My God! are they dead? Two braver men never lived!"
General Butterfield, chief of staff, gave orders to remove the bodies to the rear. They were conveyed to Chattanooga by Sergeant Tisdell, where they were met by Quartermaster Loomis, and privates Wetzel, Shepherd, and Meigs. General Slocum testified his appreciation of their worth, by accompanying their bodies as far as Tullahoma. When the news reached him of their death, his grief was so profound, that the stern veteran burst into tears.
They were taken to Nashville to be embalmed. But little, however, could be done for Creighton, as he had bled inwardly; his body was therefore put into a metallic case. Crane's body was embalmed, and placed in a plain, but neat coffin, till it should arrive in Cleveland and be transferred to a burial case. Dr. Newbury, of the Sanitary Commission, rendered much service in this work, after which he accompanied the remains to Louisville. From this place they were forwarded to Cincinnati by train, where they were met by the special escort from Cleveland, consisting of Colonel Hayward, Lieutenant-Colonel J. T. Sterling, Lieutenant-Colonel Frazee, Captain Baird, Captain Molyneaux, Captain De Forest, Captain Wiseman, Surgeon Cushing, and Quartermaster Chapin.
On Sunday morning the train dashed into Cleveland, and stopped at the foot of Superior-street. Two hearses were in waiting. One for Colonel Creighton, drawn by four white horses; the other for Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, drawn by four black horses. Each was draped by American flags and the usual insignia of mourning.
The remains of Colonel Creighton were now removed from the car to the hearse, and conveyed to the residence of Mrs. Creighton, on Bolivar-street. The remains of Lieutenant-Colonel Crane remained under guard, till the return of the escort, when they were taken to the residence of the widow.
This bright Sabbath will long be remembered. But a few short Sabbaths before, the coffined dead left the city of their homes, possessed of life and hope: looking forward with pride and happiness to the termination of an honorable career in the service of their country. And often in their night vigils, over the dying embers of their picket-fires, had they conversed on the subject, passing the long night in dreams never to be realized. The remaining few of your followers have, indeed, long since returned; and although the hearts and feet of these brave warriors were heavy with the tramp of weary months, yet your slumber was not disturbed. Long years shall roll away, in which war's tumult and carnage shall cease; but you shall only be known among men by your good deeds left behind, and perpetuated in the hearts of your countrymen.
On the 7th of December the bodies of Creighton and Crane were brought from the residences of their families and taken to the Council Hall, for the purpose of lying in state, to be seen by the public. The same hearses were used as on the arrival of the bodies from the South.
The Council Hall was elegantly and appropriately decorated. In the centre, within the railing, a handsome canopy had been placed, with roof of national flags, draped with mourning emblems, suspended from the ceiling, and trailing at the corners to the ground. Wreaths, loops, and festoons of black and white edged the canopy. On the inside, from the centre, hung a large pendant of mourning emblems, beneath which was the bier on which lay the bodies of the gallant dead.
On the president's desk, at the head of the hall, were portraits of Colonel Creighton and Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, draped in mourning; and against the wall, behind the place of the president's seat, was a life-size portrait of Colonel Creighton, also draped in mourning. Above this portrait was this inscription, in black letters on white ground:
The windows were hung with black, and the gaslights threw a dim, solemn light over the mournful scene.
The bodies were placed in handsome burial-cases, and the covers removed, so that they could be seen through the glass fronts. As we have before mentioned, the body of Colonel Creighton, from the wounds having bled inwardly, was so much changed, previously to reaching Nashville, that it was impossible to properly embalm it; and therefore did not present a natural appearance. That of Lieutenant-Colonel Crane was in good preservation, and could easily be recognized.
The bodies were guarded by a detachment of members of the old Seventh, who formed the guard of honor.
The following account of the funeral services is from the Cleveland Herald of the 9th of December.
"The sad pageant is over. A sorrowing people have paid their tribute of affection and regret over the remains of the dead heroes. The brave leaders of the glorious but ill-fated Seventh sleep in their quiet tomb.
"Tuesday, the 8th, was a bright and beautiful day. Its clear sky and pleasant atmosphere were strangely similar to that bright Sunday in May, two years and a half ago, when the Seventh Regiment marched out of Cleveland on its way to the battle-fields where it was destined to win such renown. The unclouded sun shed a halo of glory on all that was left of the brave men who led the old Seventh in many a fight; but who now were to be laid away in the silent and peaceful tomb.
"The bright day opened on a city of mourners. People gathered on the streets, waiting for the hour for the funeral. Business was unthought of, even the latest news by telegraph, exciting as it was, and calculated to stir the pulse with triumphant joy, failed to engross the attention. Men spoke of the dead heroes, of their first departure for the war, of their terrible battles and bloody sacrifices; and of that last fearful struggle on the hill at Ringgold, where the gallant leaders laid down their lives for their country, amid their dead and wounded comrades.
"From every flag-staff the national colors hung at half-mast, and signs of mourning were everywhere visible. As the hour set for the commencement of the solemn exercises drew near, business was entirely suspended throughout the city. The stores were closed, the Federal, State, and city offices shut their doors, and a Sabbath-like stillness reigned over the city. Soon came the tramp of armed men, the mournful wail of bugles, and the funeral roll of the drums, as the troops moved up to take part in the funeral procession.
"The bodies had remained in the Council Hall over-night, guarded by the old comrades of the gallant dead. The families and relatives were in the mayor's office, waiting for the hour of moving the procession. At half past ten o'clock the bodies were removed from the Council Hall and placed in hearses which were draped with the national colors, looped up with mourning emblems.
"The pall-bearers were as follows: For Colonel Creighton—Colonel Senter, Colonel Whittlesey, Major Mygatt, Lieutenant-Colonel Asper, Major Seymour, Captain McIlrath, Captain Ransom, Captain Stratton. For Lieutenant-Colonel Crane—Lieutenant-Colonel Goddard, Lieutenant-Colonel Sterling, Major Palmer, Captain Drummond, Captain Douglass, Captain Wilson, Captain Standart, Captain Hill.
"The burial-cases were the best that money could buy. On one was the following inscription:
Col. W. R. Creighton,
7th O. V. I,
In his 27th year.
Killed at the Battle of Ringgold,
Nov. 27th, 1863.
"On the other was the inscription:
Lieut.-Col. O. J. Crane,
Fell at the Battle of Ringgold,
Nov. 27th, 1863.
"On each coffin was laid a handsome wreath of immortelles, with the sword of the dead officer.
"The Twenty-ninth Volunteer Militia were drawn up in line each side of the way between the Council Hall and the Stone Church, and the mournful cortege passed through the lane so formed, Leland's Band playing a dirge. The hearse was followed by the mourners in carriages—Governor Brough, Surgeon McClurg, of the United States Military Hospital, the City Council, and City and County Officers, all wearing crape badges.
"Thousands of people lined the way, and crowded around the church with the hope of getting in; but there was not a sound from them, as the procession passed on to the church. And such perfect order and decorum we never before saw in such a vast concourse.
IN THE CHURCH.
"At the church—as indeed throughout the whole of the obsequies—the most perfect arrangements had been made, and were carried out. The reading-desk was draped with flags and crape. Directly in front was a stand with an elegant bouquet of flowers, and below this another stand, draped with national colors, on which rested the two coffins, side by side.
"The silk banner of the Seventh, presented by the city after Cross Lanes, and bearing the names of several battles, was displayed against the reading-desk. It was pierced and rent by showers of bullets and shell in many a hard-fought battle.
"The families and relatives of the deceased were placed in the seats immediately in front of the bodies. On either side of the coffins sat the pallbearers. Directly behind the mourners sat about a dozen or more of the members of the old Cleveland Light Guard, the company commanded by Colonel Creighton before the war, and of which Lieutenant-Colonel Crane was a member. They wore crape badges, and had with them the company flag, draped in mourning.
"Near the reading-desk were seated Governor Brough, Surgeon McClurg, and other invited guests, the committees, city council, city officers, county officers, the clergy of the city and neighborhood, members of the old Seventh, members of the old Cleveland Light Guard, soldiers from the Military Hospital, members of the Typographical Union, ship-carpenters, and other friends of the deceased. The body of the church was packed tightly with citizens, of whom the greater part were ladies, preference being given to them in the selection of seats. The Twenty-ninth Regiment stood in the aisles.
"During the entry of the procession to the church, the organ played a voluntary suitable to the occasion. At half-past eleven o'clock the funeral ceremonies in the church commenced with an invocation of the Divine blessing by Rev. S. W. Adams, of the First Baptist Church, who afterwards read appropriate passages of Scripture.
"The choir then sang the Ninetieth Psalm:
"Rev. Adam Crooks, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, then made the following address, at the request of the family of the late Colonel Creighton:
"'To-day we are in the solemn presence of inexorable death. We are impressedly reminded that dust we are, and unto dust we must return; that "death is the mighty leveller of us all;" that "the tall, the wise, the heroic dead must lie as low as ours." Two lifeless heroes are before us—
We would do well to pray with the hero of other days: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Before us are two more rich offerings which the State of Ohio and Cleveland have laid upon our country's altar! They were preceded by Wheeler, Lantry, Pickands, Mahan, Vail, and others. We are here to mourn, to honor, and to bury the noble dead! They were the pride of our city and of Northern Ohio. Brave and honored representatives of a brave and honored constituency! Of one thousand eight hundred soldiers who have filled the ranks of the Seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but little over a hundred now report for duty. Many of them sleep in patriots' and heroes' graves. Most of the remainder bear on their persons honorable marks of their patriotism and bravery. In honoring the representative, we honor the constituency.
"'But general remarks are not appropriate from me. At the request of the stricken widow and relatives of Colonel Creighton, I come to utter a few words of condolence, sympathy, and comfort, in this hour, to them and to us all, of deep affliction. Brother Foot will speak in behalf of the relatives of Lieutenant-Colonel Crane.
"'Colonel William R. Creighton was born in the City of Pittsburgh, in the year 1836 or 1837—the records are not in this city. In early childhood he was bereft of a father. He was baptized by the Rev. Bishop Uphold, now bishop of Indiana, of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
"'In his early teens, he served in the employ of Mr. A——, in an extensive shoe establishment. Subsequently, he chose the occupation of a printer, and spent three years in making himself master of his trade. Eight years ago he came to this city—was four years in the office of the Cleveland Herald. Also some six months in the City of Chicago. At the time of enlistment, he was in the employ of Mr. Nevans of this city. Early in life, he gave evidence that the tendencies of his nature were strongly military.
"'This was evinced by his connection with companies for drill in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and this city. When the bloody drama of this dreadful war was inaugurated, he was lieutenant of the 'Cleveland Light Guard.' He was not willing that the fair and majestic superstructure, reared by the superior skill, patient labor, and heroic suffering of our honored fathers—resting its deep foundations in the inalienability of the natural rights of all men, and in which the most indigent son of toil stands before the law the equal peer of merchant princes—should be torn down by perjured traitors and sworn enemies of mankind; not willing that these traitors and enemies should bury beneath the magnificent ruins of this superstructure our strength, and greatness, and safety, and peace, and very liberties; not willing that this young, yet powerful republic, should be so dismembered and disintegrated as to tempt the rapacity, and be an easy prey of the weakest of adverse powers; not willing that the principle, that 'Capital shall own labor,' the non-capitalled be the chattel of the rich, should rule all over this continent—that labor should be at once unremunerative and the badge of infamy, that thus there should be eternal antagonism between the indigent and the affluent, developing in intestine broils and civil feuds,—nor that the sun of liberty should go down upon an entire hemisphere, to rise not again for many generations; not willing that the forum, pulpit, and press should all be enslaved, and intelligence among the masses be rendered contraband; in brief, not willing that our Paradise should be converted into a Pandemonium.
"'Hence, no sooner had the news reached us of the assault upon Fort Sumter, and the call of the President for seventy-five thousand volunteers to rush to the defence of the life of the republic, than, with all the ardor of his earnest nature, Colonel William R. Creighton threw his all upon his country's altar, and appealed to his associates and compeers to do likewise.
"'His success in securing enlistments was commensurate with his zeal and known military skill. In a few days he was captain of a full company—the first enlisted in this city—which afterwards became Company A of the immortal Seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the morning of the 3d of May, 1861, a beautiful Sabbath morning in the spring, emblem of life, youth, and beauty, this regiment started for the field of conflict, glory, and of death. And now, on a clear, serene Sabbath of the December of 1863, the dying month of the year, the first Sabbath of the month, and in the morning, after many hard-fought battles, the brave colonel and lieutenant-colonel of the gallant Seventh came back to say to us, in the mute silence of death, 'We have done what we could.' In terms and strains of true eloquence you will soon be told by Brother Peck, how bravely the colonel led the charges at Cross Lanes, Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain (not at Antietam, for he was at home wounded), Dumfries, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, and fatal Ringgold,—and how he loved his brave command, and how they idolized him. But I will not anticipate, nor need I attempt encomium. His deeds praise him beyond the capacity of all human eloquence.
"'Of his social and manly qualities, one who knew him well is permitted to speak, in a letter of Christian sympathy, addressed to his widow—for the 2d of May, 1861, three days before leaving with his command, he was united in wedlock with Eleanor L. Quirk, of this city. In a letter, such as described above, the Rev. Mr. Brown, former pastor of Westminster Church, and for some months chaplain of the Seventh Regiment, says: