Sisters, and, a part of the time, by his affectionate, but now lonely wife, and died as stated above.

We forbear expressing any opinion on the matters of which the deceased is charged, content and believing from the character he has maintained in the state, and especially in the vicinity of his residence-where he has always been known as a kind and conscientious man and neighbor, charitable and sympathetic to the poor and unfortunate-that his last, dying words, uttered in the full possession of his mental faculties, and with a full realization of his situation, the awfully solemn rites performed at his own request, and when expecting every passing mement would be his last-should have their full effect, as we doubt not they will, upon every unbiased heart. A friend who was present, at his death, has furnished us with the following:

"At three o'clock P. M. yesterday, Mr. Fitch became conscious that he could not live, and talked calmly and firmly of his approaching death. He desired that Mr. Frink might be present, to consult about his worldly matters. Prosecuting Attorney Stewart and Doctors Rice and Pitcher arrived about ten o'clock. An examination and consultation was had and the opinion expressed that he could not survive the night. Mr. S. went to the bedside of the dying man when he (F.) enquired, 'What is to be done now?' and said 'I shall die a martyr to liberty.' Soon after, he remarked that he put his trust in God, and desired that he might be baptised. He received the solemn rite at the hand of one of the Sisters of Charity; and whilst in the midst of the ceremony, while committing his soul to his God, he declared his entire innocence of the crimes of which he was charged-said he had never violated the laws of his country-that he had simply expressed his opinions, as he supposed he had a right to do, and thought it not just that he should be punished.

"Mr. Fitch then called his wife to him, bid her good bye, saying, 'Farewell! it is hard to part with the only being I ever loved;' and then bidding adieu to other friends around him, closed his eyes for a moment. Recovering again, he exclaimed, 'There is poor dear little Amanda-I had nearly forgotten her -remember me to her. I dread to die with this charge resting upon me. Will not the truth come out and my character be vindicated?' Being assured by Mr. Frink that his character should be vindicated, he expressed himself prepared to die; and taking the hand of his wife, and pressing it to his lips, he said, 'Amanda, it is hard to part-I die of a broken heart?' And fell back in death!"

His remains will be taken to the cars at half past four this afternoon, and thence to his former residence for interment.

William M. Gunn, another one of the prisoners on trial in the "Railroad Conspiracy Case," died yesterday.

The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. G. L. Foster, and was listened to by an immense throng and the corpse was followed to Mount Evergreen Cemetery by nearly one hundred vehicles containing sympathizing friends. The following is the final chapter in the tragedy, as recorded in the Jackson Citizen of August 27, 1857:

Early on Monday morning, an universal sadness was thrown over our community, by the announcement, by telegraph, of the death of Abel F. Fitch, one of the unfortunate victims of the jealousy and malice of the Central Railroad monopoly. It was known, for several days that Mr. Fitch was severely ill, but the universal wish for his recovery was so great and anxious that no one seemed to harbor the thought that he must die. His situation, that of a man of standing, dragged from his home, upon the complaint of a set of miserable vagabonds; incarcerated in a loathsome prison, and bearing the taunts. and jeers of almost the entire press of the Unionarraigned at a civil tribunal where neither mercy nor justice was accorded him, seemed hard and grinding in the extreme; and all eyes were looking anxiously to the time when a jury of his countrymen would pronounce him guiltless of the crimes charged against him, and urged, not by desires for the public good, but by revenge, backed by an enormous pile of gold. But an all-wise providence had decreed that death should rescue him from the hands of those who were seeking his ruin, and on Monday morning, at about three o'clock, at the age of forty-three years he breathed his last,-worn out by his cares and trials, and as he himself declares,-"of a broken heart."

As might have been expected, the news ran like wildfire the length and breadth of the county. Arrangements were made to have his funeral attended in this village on Tuesday (yesterday), eleven o'clock A. M.

The body having been brought to his late residence at Michigan Center, on Monday night, was escorted to this village on Tuesday morning, by a

funeral procession of near a half mile in length. Besides the corpse and mourners, there were upwards of fifty carriages and teams from all parts of the county, bearing at least three hundred persons. This large concourse was swelled at the church to at least one thousand persons by those arriving from more remote sections, and the friends of Mr. Fitch in this village.

The sermon was preached at the Congregational church, which was filled to overflowing, many persons being obliged to stand at the doors and windows. The services were opened by Rev. E. H. Hamlin, who read appropriate passages from the Scriptures, after which a most touching, sympathetic, child-like and fervent prayer was addressed to the throne of grace, by the venerable Dr. Comstock, of Marshall, which for simplicity of language and depth of feeling was never surpassed. The sermon by Rev. G. L. Foster, from the text found in Job, tenth chapter and part of the twenty-second verse,-"without any order" was a well written, talented production, extraordinarily well adapted to the occasion, and one which seemed to be highly acceptable to all. After the sermon, Prof. Fairfield, of the Michigan Central College, followed in a prayer full of eloquence and emotion, commending the bereaved family and friends to the mercies of the Saviour, and the vindication of the reputation of the deceased, to the "hands of the great Jehovah, who doeth all things well."

The exercises at the church being concluded, the immense concourse marched in procession to the grave yard to witness the final interment of the earthly remains of one whom all loved and respected. This sad rite performed, the sorrowing friends. returned to their homes, and sympathizing spectators dispersed.

Although a deep, abiding, and heart felt resentment to the probable cause of his untimely death was everywhere seen, yet all passed off with the solemnity and propriety which the circumstances attending this event were well calculated to inspire. Last Tuesday will be long remembered by the citizens of Jackson county,-and as a stranger treads the avenues of our beautiful cemetery, the grave of A. F. Fitch will be shown him as a memento of one of the most exciting criminal cases that ever occurred in our country.

A beautiful marble monument stands over the grave of Captain Fitch, and the story is still told of the wickedness of his taking off.

Of the principal actors in this scheme of perjury, Gay, the alleged accomplice, who fathered the confession, died in prison, a victim of the same loathsome treatment that killed Fitch, and two of his companions. Greene and Williams. Henry Phelps went to Texas and was murdered in a brawl. Wescott died of delirium tremens, and Wooliver died in an Illinois prison, where he was serving a term for highway robbery. The railroad company paid large sums of money to other parties, and the demands for hush money were no small part of its expenses. Judge Wing was retired from the bench at the next election, and Lawyer Stewart was defeated for congress by the votes of the indignant citizens of Jackson county.

THE GROWTH OF THE CITY.

The

During the decade of the fifties the growth of the city was phenomenal. new business blocks and numerous residences that were built equaled that of the preceding twenty years. Its business growth was equally great, and it had become the greatest wheat and wool market in central Michigan. It had gained an additional railroad connection with the south, had good stage lines in every direction, a plank road to Eaton Rapids, over which the trade of Eaton county was brought to its doors, and everything pointed to a metropolitan development. It had begun to develop manufacturing industries that added greatly to its stability and progress, and the impetus then gained has never been lost, but have continued to increase its prestige and importance.

VILLAGE OF JACKSON IN 1854.

Meeting Houses, 6; Clergymen, 6; Physicians, II; Dentists, 3; Lawyers, 12; Public Schools, 2;

Select Schools, 4; Insurance Offices, 2; Dry Goods` Stores, 17; Clothing Stores, 8; Drug Stores, 4; Bock Stores, I; Hat & Cap Stores, 1; Boot & Shoe Stores, 5; Hardware Stores, 3; Tin & Stove Stores, I; Grocery Stores, 14; Millinery Rooms, 3; Printing Offices, 2; Harness Shops, 3; Brokers' Offices, 2; Glove & Mitten Factory, 1; Hotels, 6; Ware Houses, 2; Livery Stables, 2; Furniture Ware

Rooms, 4; Flouring Mills, 2; Saw Mills, 1; Furnaces, 3; Lumber Yards, 2; Tanneries, I; Breweries, 1; Saloons, 3; Confectionery Stores, 1; Black Smith Shops, 7; Wagon & Carriage Shops, 3; Machine Shops, I; Paint Shops, 1; Jewelry Shops, 4. Wool. Total number of pounds bought in this village of farmers, up to August 1, 152,000; Sumner & Bennett, 56,000; Whitwell & Co., 34,000; Pool & Co., 20,000; Reynolds, 15,000. Balance, smaller lots. There is considerable held back by farmers, who have been misled by those newspaper articles which held out the promise of last year's prices. These men find themselves sold, but their wool on hand.Citizen,

The years 1852 to 1860 were a period of continued political excitement in Jackson. The presidential and state campaign of 1852 was a warm and exciting one, and the trend of political success was largely in favor of the increasing anti-slavery sentiment of the

country. The repeal of the celebrated "compromise measure" and the beginning of the Kansas-Nebraska controversy took a strong hold upon public sentiment, and effected a strong revolution in political sentiment. The formation of the new Republican party added to the interest and excitement, and made the contest too bitter, and in some respects too personal, to be creditable. The result of the election in 1852 and 1854 showed a great revolution in public sentiment, and in 1856 the city voted against the Democratic party for the first time in sixteen years. The campaign of 1860 was noted for its heat and furor, equal to that of 1840. Jackson contributed liberally to the vote which made Abraham Lincoln President, and, with the rest of the country, calmly waited for results which seemed to overwhelm the country with a deep and undefined fear of an impending catastrophe. But the spirit of the masses was one of true loyalty to the Union and the constitution.

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an idea of how our people met the treacherous spring of the secession serpent, and how gloriously they responded to the defense of their country:

FORT SUMTER FIRED UPON.-A meeting of the citizens of Jackson, without distinction of party, was called at Jackson Hall, Monday evening, April 15th, to consider the state of the Union, and give expression to the public feeling in reference thereto.

Meeting was called to order by Eugene Pringle, Esq., and on motion James C. Wood was called to

1

the chair. Hon. M. Shoemaker, C. W. Penny, J. O. Gunnison and Hon. P. B. Loomis were made vicepresidents, and Melville McGee and Chas. S. Ismon, secretaries. A committee of five, consisting of Amos Root, H. C. Mead, Eugene Pringle, H. H. Vandercook and John L. Mitchell, were appointed to present resolutions. The resolutions were then read and received with applause. Several patriotic songs were sung, including the "Star Spangled Banner," by Mr. Budington, assisted by the "National." At the close the chair proposed six cheers for the Union and the enforcement of the laws. They were given by the whole audience with a will.

An account printed in the Citizen says:

Never in the history of our city was there seen a public assembly equal to that of Monday night. The notice was brief, yet Jackson's immense hall was packed to overflowing. The speech of Hon. J. C. Wood was an able and noble effort. He was followed by Mr. Levi Gregg in a calm, deliberate and telling speech, full of good sense and patriotic sentiment. After the resolutions were read, Hon. M. Shoemaker made some remarks which called out the warmest applause of the vast audience. During his remarks a tramping was heard upon the stairs, and the Jackson Grays pushed their way through the dense crowd and formed, in front of the platform. They were received with immense cheers. Governor Blair was sent for and soon appeared, when the cheering was again renewed. Captain Withington then read a resolution which had that evening been adopted by the company, unanimously tendering their services to the governor and through him to the general government. Governor Blair then read a telegram from Washington, calling upon him for one regiment of volunteers. He then addressed Captain Withington, accepting the proffer, and then addressed the Grays and the audience in a most eloquent and fervid speech. Judge Avery, of Saratoga, New York, was next called out, and made a splendid effort. He was followed by Rev. John Monteith, who blended the Christian and the patriotic in a peculiarly telling manner. P. B. Loomis and F. Livermore, Esq., were called out and made brief speeches, after which some patriotic songs were sung by a glee club, and the meeting adjourned.

In the same paper appears the message of Governor Blair, calling for ten companies of volunteers.

April 25th. Gov. Blair left for Detroit yesterday, to arrange for mustering the various companies of the First Regiment into the United States service. The company in this city are ready and anxiously waiting for orders to march.

Rev. J. Montieth preached the farewell sermon to the Grays, after which each member of the Company was presented with a Bible, by the Rev. Mr. Abbott.

April 29th. Yesterday being the day set for the departure of the Grays, the greatest excitement prevailed throughout the day. In the morning people from the country began to flock in and at noon the streets were crowded; at nine o'clock the company met at the Armory, and after forming and drilling a short time. Captain Withington presented to each man, as a donation from our citizens, the following articles which had been donated and prepared principally by the ladies of the city and vicinity: Two woollen shirts, two pairs of stockings, a pincushion, paper of needles and a little sack containing a supply of buttons, thread, etc., for which appropriate and hearty thanks were returned by all. Rev. Mr. Montieth also presented Captain Withington a purse of one hundred dollars, the proceeds of the contribution of the Congregational church Sunday evening, to be kept and used as a fund for the general benefit of all in any case of sickness or other extremity they may be called to endure. After dinner the knapsacks were packed and all things got ready for the march. The fire department turned out in full force to escort the Grays to the cars, and formed in the street in front of the Armory.

The following is a correct list of the officers of the company: Capt. W. H. Withington, First Lieut. E. B. Griffith, Second Lieut. G. C. Lyon, Orderly Sergeant Newton Haight, Second Sergeant F. Sharpsteen, Third Sergeant E. Pomeroy, Fourth Sergeant M. Webster, First Corporal Geo. W. Bullock, Second Corporal J. B. Kennedy, Third Corporal Marcus Grant, Fourth Corporal D. C. Welling.

They were accompanied on the train by the band, by Rev. J. Montieth, their chaplain, by the governor, and by many of our first citizens, who could not be restrained from seeing them safely landed in Detroit.

May 16th, 1861. At a meeting of the home guard, Silver Grays of this city, C. W. Penny was elected chairman and M. Shoemaker, secretary. On motion of Col. Berry, a committee of six was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, to report at a future meeting. A. V. Berry, George A. Baldwin, J. A. Robinson, J. C. Wood, L. J. Burr and William

Norris were appointed said committee On motion of Mr. Livermore, it was resolved that we proceed viva voce to the election of officers; the following officers were unanimously elected: Captain A. V. Berry; first lieutenant, M. Shoemaker; second lieutenant, C. W. Penny; first sergeant, J. C. Wood; second sergeant, M. A. McNaughton; third sergeant, J. A. Robinson; fourth sergeant, F. M. Foster; first corporal, William Norris; second corporal, James McKee; third corporal, J. D. Videto; fourth corporal, L. J. Burr; standard bearer, S. W. Stowell; drum major, E. Knapp.

The following resolutions were then adopted: RESOLVED, That A. V. Berry, J. C. Wood and M. A. McNaughton, be appointed a committee to procure a flag staff.

RESOLVED, That S. W. Stowell, F. M. Foster and F. Livermore be appointed a committee to confer with the Jackson Grays for the purpose of procuring the use of their Armory. On motion, the meeting adjourned till Tuesday evening next, at eight P. M. May 29th, 1861. At a meeting held last evening, at the law office of George Proudfit, Esq., a volunteer rifle company was organized and designated as the Ellsworth Rifles, in honor of the late Colonel Ellsworth, composed entirely of young men of this city, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five; the meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the captain for drill in the Armory of the Jackson Grays or such other place as shall be selected.

The following is a list of the officers elected: Captain, George Proudfit; first lieutenant, A. M. Tinker; second lieutenant, J. P. Dunning; third lieutenant, G. H. Wolcott; first sergeant, F. John

son.

June 15, 1861. At a meeting of the Jackson Gray Reserve last evening the following non-commissioned officers were appointed: First sergeant, R. Stephenson; second sergeant, W. H. Haight; third sergeant, C. V. DeLand; fourth sergeant, F. A. McArthur; first corporal, H. E. Bowser; second corporal, J. H. Pilcher; third corporal, J. R. Everard; fourth corporal, Chris. Rath. The company will hereafter meet every Friday evening for drill.

Sept. 5th, 1861. Dr. Shaw has filled up his cavalry company, and they have gone to Grand Rapids to join the Kellogg regiment. He has a good company, and we believe they will represent our county creditably.

Dr. Tunnicliff, surgeon of the Michigan First Regiment, desires us to thank the ladies of this city for their donation of one hundred and twenty-two hospital towels, and serveral other articles of great

value to them. The Doctor thinks (and so do we) that the ladies of Jackson are incomparable in all respects, but particularly so in the grace of charity, industry and patriotism. May they long continue in well doing.

The Jackson Gray's Silver Cornet Band have been accepted as the Regimental Band of the First Michigan Regiment.

D. B. Hibbard & Company are purchasing horses in this city for the Army of the United States. There are six recruiting offices in this city in full blast.

Capt. Withington was wounded and captured while in the discharge of his duties at Manassas or Bull Run.

The Citizen of September 12, 1861, contains extracts from two letters from Capt. Withington. The first, dated August 14th, says, "I read, play chess and wait on the wounded, having especial care of Col. Wilcox." The second bears date August 28th; he says: "I enjoy excellent health. George Parker, Company K, died yesterday morning. This is the fourth death out of our regiment at this hospital, and poor Lieutenant Casey died at Charlottesville."

Sept. 23. Jackson Blair Cadets took their departure for Fort Wayne, commanded by Captain George Proudfit, First Lieutenant R. S. Cheney, Second Lieutenant Wm. Minor for the 8th Regi

ment.

Sept. 24th. The Jackson County Rifles took their departure for Fort Wayne, to form a part of the Ninth Regiment, Captain Charles V. De Land, First Lieutenant Joseph H. Lott, Second Lieutenant J. Curtiss Purdy in command.

Sept. 26th. The Kellogg Rangers left this city. last week for Grand Rapids-Captain J. H. Shaw, First Lieutenant M. M. Lattimer, Second Lieutenant C. E. Brown. The company consists of one hundred and seven men.

Nov. 4th. SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.-A large number of ladies met at Jackson Hall. The meeting was called to order by Rev. J. Monteith. An organization being perfected, the officers were elected as follows: President, Mrs. P. J. Avery; vice-president, Mrs. F. Livermore; secretary, Mrs. L. Kassick; executive committee, Mrs. George Thurber, Mrs. Dwight