Beat the Drum. . .

Don't forget: Genealogy Workshop: "Find Your Patriot" begins Saturday April 18, 9-11 at the Research Library Lawrenceville. It's not too late to know what part your ancestor played in America250. Call 908-208-2372 for information.

The following newspaper article was published in the South Kansas Tribune (Independence, Kansas), Wednesday, April 10, 1889, pg. 2

From The Olney (Ills.) Republican.

How the News of the Firing on Fort Sumpter was Received at Lawrenceville—

It set Dan Grass’ Enthusiasm on Fire.

“Vincennes Truth: A representative of Truth was engaged in conversation with Mr. S.R. Jackman, the well known furniture dealer in this city, recently when the name of the late Col. Dan Grass was mentioned. Mr. Jackman was a native of Lawrence county, or at least spent his early life within her borders, and much of her early history is known to him.

“I remember Dan Grass well,” said he. “I believe he raised the first volunteer company in the State of Illinois at the outbreak of the War. I remember the day Fort Sumter was fired upon. Court was in session at Lawrenceville, and I was on a jury. In those days court drew an enormous crowd of people to the little town. When the news came that Fort Sumpter had been fired upon, pandemonium reigned and court had to adjourn. In a few minutes, there was a dickens of a racket out in the street, and looking out who should we see, but Dan Grass with a drum tied to his anatomy, beating it furiously and calling for volunteers. It was no time till he had more than a hundred men enlisted and he at once telegraphed the service of himself and men to the governor. Pending the receipt of orders, Grass drilled his men and had them in presentable shape when the word came to move.”

“Many of the older citizens of Lawrence county will recall this fiery patriot. The company that he led from Lawrenceville has some survivors there. The ladies of the village were enthusiastic in assisting their brave soldiery and made and presented the company a stand of colors, the presentation speech being made by Miss Sophia Myers, now Mrs. H.S. Badollet, of this city.”

"We are happy to state that the Colonel is still in the flesh and active, and as thoroughly loyal as in ’61, when he rallied the first company in Southern Illinois for the three months service. He says that he fought in twenty-five battles, but that the hardest time he had was, with the rebels of Lawrence county."