1, 1863, or the alternate of a draft on that date caused a flutter of wonder and consternation among certain classes. Says Editor Schoonover: "We know that there were in this county 820 persons reported fit for duty.' According to the adjutant-general's report, Story County's quota is only 298, and we are credited with 259. We are informed by the drafting commissioner that we have sent 320 volunteers to the army, and it was so reported to the governor, yet thirty-four men are required to fill out her quota." This proved to be an error as was supposed, and no draft was made.
A year later, however, another demand was made on Story for sixty-four men to meet another call of the President, and a draft was to take place January, 5, 1864, if the quota was not filled before. The time was afterward extended to March 10. In the quiet humor of another's* words: " This announcement caused great consternation among the home guards, and a regular epidemic appeared to have at once broken out all over the county among those who had heretofore been considered in good health. Doctors were in great demand, and they reaped a rich harvest. Nearly everybody turned agent and tried to prevail on his neighbor to enlist. Great was the running to and fro, and finally only twenty (eighteen, more exactly) were wanting to make out the required number. The draft was ordered, and that number of our patriotic citizens were drafted. Some of the unlucky ones submitted to it gracefully, and some who had the funds hired substitutes. This ordeal having passed, quiet reigned and people became more healthy."
"January 1, 1863, is the commencement of the year of Jubilee," says the Reveille of that date. "On this Day Old Abe's proclamation takes effect, and thousands of loyal men in the South will be found enrolled in the grand army of the Union and Freedom. The shackles will fall from the manacled limbs of thousands of now voiceless maidens. There is nothing in either ancient or modern history, save only the proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia, who liberated the Jewish prisoners who repaired to Jerusalem again to help rebuild the house of the Lord, that will compare with the event of this Day." An emancipation meeting was held that Day at the court-house, with overflowing doors. E. G. Day was made chairman, and F. D. Thompson, secretary, while eloquent speeches were made by Rev. Hankins, Lieut. D. P. Ballard and L. Q. Hoggatt, Esq. ; and appropriate resolutions, prepared by T. J. Ross, R. D. Coldren, L. Q. Hoggatt, A. H. Ingersoll and I. Walker, were adopted.
During 1863 Union war meetings were numerous all over the county. Letters from the field were frequent and full of interest and patriotism. The common appearance of such terms as " copperhead " and " abolitionist," showed the intensity of feeling, yet with all of this Story agitated for a railway. News of the army vote was a matter of great interest. Occasional return of the army " boys " were times of pleasure. The new editorial advocate of the Union-John M. Brainard-succeeded Mr. Schoonover, who volunteered. Recruiting officers were abroad. In December, 1863, the board of supervisors decreed that each volunteer from that time on should receive $100, or if married, $150, while soldiers' families were all voted $100. After the war this was still further augmented, so that all together there was paid out of the county treasury to soldiers' widows and orphans over $46,000.
The year 1864 came, and with it a railroad, daily papers, telegraph and the like. News from the field brought accounts of great casualties for Story county. All eyes were turned on Richmond. In October the Nevada Guards
*Col. John Scott.