Apple River Fort Event--August 3

[Robert Braun]

Yes... this is late notice, but Site Manager Susan Gordy has asked for any available OLRHS members to consider attending the August 3 event, with the official program running from 1-4 p.m. Here's the official commentary:

When Life's Sun is Set- Funeral customs of 1832
1 - 4 p.m.
A nearby neighbor has died and the settlers of Apple River have gathered to mourn the loss. Experience mourning customs of the 1830s and bear witness to a funeral of a lost comrade.

If memory serves, this event covers the death of a fellow who was killed when a makeshift lead cannon blew up...either during or shortly after the BHW.

Apple River Fort is located on the east side of Elizabeth, IL off of U. S. 20. If arriving duing business hours, please park yopur car and walk into the site. For more information, please call [phone].

[Greg Carter]

Bob,

I will see if I can get the time for this one.

GMC

[Rusty Ayers]

I'm a possible, too.

[Cliff Krainik]

Who You Will be Mourning.

I believe the gentlemen whom Susan Gordy is referring to is JOHN GRAY.

"Once news of the Battle of Bad Axe reached the lead mining district, the people there reacted with joy and relief. In the Apple River Settlement, the people decided to celebrate the victory by firing their lead cannon. They loaded the cannon to the muzzle and touched it off, whereupon the weapon burst, killing a soldier standing nearby."

Mansberger and Stratton "Perfectly Panic Struck" THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE APPLE RIVER FORT (JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS) p. 10 - citing - Kett, H.F and Company, HISTORY OF JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS, 1878.

images.andale.com/f2/116/104/7566189/1027111671010_BHWelizGRAVE.jpg [/img]

[Robert Braun]

Where is this stone located, Cliff?


Bob.

[Cliff Krainik]

The stone marker for John Gray's grave is in the Elizabeth Cemetery, Elizabeth, Illinois.

Cliff

[Marge Smith]

I think they will be doing the death of Heber Morris a neighbor who died a year later. He died broke, owing money to John McDonald so there was no money for a pine box. Supposedly he had no near relations but Nathaniel Morris must have been some relation. But they all got together to auction off Heber's possessions. I think he was living over the hill and digging with John McDonald. I don't know if Susan has the objects available to her. We'll see ....

[Robert Braun]

Hello, betsymaid... and thanks for this info.

Do you work or volunteer at ARF? Will we see you August 3?

Is Susan going to do the auction as well? That would be interesting; it should also be well explained-- as an auction so soon after interment will almost certainly be seen by some modern visitors as insensitive.

r.

[Greg Carter]

I don't suppose we would be so fortunate as to be able to see a record of his effects would we?

GMC

[Marge Smith]

I have and am doing much research on the Apple River Fort. I don't have the slightest clue what Susan will do but wanted to give you an alternative to Gray who was I assume part of the big Gray family in Galena.

Question: what was in a provision packet? They were being sent from Galena all over the mining area, but not to Apple River.

[Robert Braun]

Betsymaid, you pose an interesting question. My search of Whitney's for both "provisons" and "packet" was unsuccessful... as I suspect it was for you.

How was the term used in the context of your readings?

At first blush, I am inclined to think that a "packet" may be a reference to a light, fast steamer or other water transport. That may suggest why such provisions were not distributed to Apple River... no easy water transportation nearby.

Apple River's provisions generally came by wagon, which you are already aware.

Let's discuss.... Bob.

[Marge Smith]

These are food packets going to different forts and the Army. Some are being charged to the U.S. Government.

[Robert Braun]

It would be interesting to know the context of the term "packet" which you have found.

There are several references in Whitney to provisions being sent by wagon train from Galena to the interior of the Mineral District, and to Fort Hamilton. However, the term "packet" does not appear to be used in relation to these trains. Rather the provisions were packed in barrels or boxes, and generally itemized in accordance with the standard army fare authorized by Congress: pork, flour, and "small rations" of soap, candles and vinegar.

[Marge Smith]

Re: Packets. I misspoke, they are called rations when I get further into it. It is interesting that the U.S. is paying for the following: 58 Rations for the use of the Indians, 3 bbls p pork and 4 bbls flour to Blue River, 6 bbls pork and 9 bbls flour to Gratiots Grove and finally 5 lbs tobacco for Indians - this was on June 16, 1832 And then again on June 18th there is 210 lbs (of what?) furnish for use of troops charged to the State of Illinois

Thank you for your help.

[Robert Braun]

OK... this is getting interesting!

The rations all appear to be sent to support militia garrisons or troops. For example, the probable reason pork and flour is being sent to Blue River is that there is a fort there--Jones' Fort. The amounts sent are similar to rations sent to the fort at Cassville, commanded by Captain Glendower Morgan Price.

Likewise, there is a stockade at Gratiot's Grove. I suspect the rations are for the garrison there, probably commanded by either Beon Gratiot or Berry.

The tobacco is likely earmarked for native allies organized into a company commanded by Col. WIlliam "Billy" Hamilton.

Fascinating discussion! r.