B
THE OMAHA. SUNDAY BEE: AUGUST 7, 1910.
TKI.ECRAHH AND IUE ARMY
jVPart of th Great Work of Which
) Little it Known.
, LOUIS KORTY ONE OF THE VETS
Served His Coaatry at the Key,
Did Edward Rmwilr aad
Other Now Paesed
Beyond.
Electricity was a comparatively new In
vention back In the sixties, and the part
played by military telegraphers In the war
for preservation of the union forms a highly
Interesting; phase of rebellion history. One
by ona civil war wire operators have paused
away In death, until only a scattering; rem
nant of this once lntre;ild army wing re
mains. For years two noted telegraphers of
the war time era were-active In Omaha af
fairs the late Edward Hocewater, founder
and editor of The Bee. and Louis . Korty,
now living here In retirement, but formerly
superintendent of telegraph for the Union
laclflc railway.
History tells of tho keen Interest 11-esl-
dent Lincoln took In the telegraph, and II
was his custom to linger around the wires
In Washington so that he might obtain
news from tn firing line at first hand and
with as little delay as possible. Thus II
came about that the martyred chief execu
tlve built up chummy relations with the
operators, and many a close range story of
the great Lincoln has been contributed to
history by men who handled the keys In
war times. These telegraphers, of course.
were on duty at various places over the
country, and whether In Washington or on
the field, they came In close contact with
the men who were behind tha guns, either
literally or figuratively.
Only a fr'evr Left.
Mr. Korty, m. Id-mannered, old gentleman,
now in the afternoon of a busy and event
ful Ufa, Is ona of Omaha's most Inter
esting- characters. The passing of the late
Edward Kosewater, leaves Mr. Korty the
sole survivor hereabouts of war telegraphy
history. There are a few others scattered
hero and there about the country, but like
ail others who took part In the civil war,
the ranks are thinning at an, appall-n,
pace, and today tha men who saw military
telegraph service back In the sixties are
very, very few.
In fact, survivors of any branch of serv
ice in the civil war are comparatively
scarce, official figures recently sent out
rrom Washington, D. C point out tha fact
that the civil war pension rolls are being
reduced by a dally average of ninety
f.jju'.rs which simply means that an aver-
of ninety veterans each day pass awa
In death. With the ranks already thin by
the encroachment of years, at the average
rate of ninety per day throughout th
country as an aggregate. It will not be long
until further discussion of the pension ques
tion will cease.
It Is therefore Interesting to note that
Mr. Korty Is a well preserved and agile
unostentatious as to his wai
deeds, he Is, nevertheless, a most Interest-'
ing conversationalist when In reminiscent
mood, and the younger generations add to
their store of historic knowledge by as-
aoclatlon with this likable old veteran.
Mr. Korty was not only tn the United
States military telegraph corps during the
civil war, but for some time after Its close
oontlnued In the service, restoring the tele
graph system in the south to a condition of
effectiveness. This accomplished, Mr.
Korty entered the railway telegraph work
snd attained considerable prominence. He
was in 1881 appointed assistant auperln
tendehVof the telegraph; of the Union Pa
clfio road and became - superintendent In
1887, holding thla position continuously un.
til his retirement In 1908.
Some Inside Information.
A diary kept by Mr. Korty during the
war gives much Inside Information as to
the "working of the military telegraph ser
vice, anu tne many stirring Incidents he
went through. He served In the DepuTf
rnent of Tennessee, Mississippi and the
aPult, and was operator at the headquar
ters of General C. C. Waahburns and Gen
erai in. j. t. Dana at Memphis, and his
Kuiiviues iook mm tnrough the country
.most fiercely contested. At the close of
hostilities there emalned for the corps the
re-establishment of service. In this he ao-
tlvely assisted, administering the oath of
Allegiance to many southern telegraphers
who were willing to work for the govern-
t mem ana wno were not politically dis
qualified. . .
jne rebuilding of the line between isig
, Black, river and Jackson, Miss., was uffdor
the supervision of Samuel Cochrane, assist
ant superintendent of military telegraph at
vicKsourg. and when sickness forced his
Withdrawal, Mr. Korty took up the work,
v. construction nartien. -h ... r-
Sorty, were mostly made up of colored
troops, and proceeded with mule pack tralr
finding only an occasional pole to mark
the route of the old service, many of the
llnra being strung from tree to troe. Tlie
rauroaa track, almost obliterated, bore
mute testimony to the struggle and iwv
ages the country had witnessed when tha
armies or Grant and Sherman disputed
thpsa of Pemborton and Johnson for con-
trol. Strangling parties of Confederates,
cither ignorant or unmindful of the sur
render, resisted the Invasion of the con-
iriies, ueierminca to leave no
Yankees on southern soil.
Aoout this time Mr. Korty was ordered
to return to Jackson from Vlcksburg and
mado the trip on horseback and with only
ona companion, a captain In a New York
regiment. The trip was hasardous, and
their officers in camp marveled at their
courage In undertaking to traverse a coun
try In rested by guerrillas and wandering
robbers, without escort and with a trail
mai cuuiu scurceiy oe caned a road, so
broken and neglected was It. blocked by
fallen trees and cut by gullies and ditches.
Long detours were necessitated by the con
dition of the roads. The country through
which they traveled was literally a vast
burying ground, and over much of it the
oaptalu had fought In many battles and
foraged for many a meal, assisting tha
wte: potatoes as they "started from the
ground."
A Oven tare y Mooallgai.
Mr." -Korty recalls vividly tha moonlight
night thsy reached the battleground where
Grant and Pemberton fought. Pemberlon
being forced back to Vlcksburg. In every
direction were evidences of the struggle;
bleached bones of horses gleamed In the
nioonugni, ana row after row of rude
headboards marked the places where both
blue and gray had side by side found peace.
This ws too much for even so stanch a
courage as that of Mr. Korty and the
captain. Hurrying on, they had lust eu-
tutd a little woodland when they were
surrounded by a band of eight , or ten
guerillas. One of them seised the bridle
of Mr. Korty'a mount, but the horse was
high-spirited and unmanageable and broke
from' his grasp. The captain was having
a battle all to himself, using both of his
revolvers against his outnumbering foes,
und putting two of them out of commission!
JF Mr. Korty's horse had bolted, carrying him
ill unwillingly out of the fight; when he
regained control of It he was relieved to
itjr the captain's call.
Dashing up Champion hill they picketed
hi-lr horses, constructed a rude breast
uoik. and prepared to give as good an lm
taliwu of Grant s methods of resisting at-
tack as their numbers would permit. The
confederates found they were ready for
right, and, Hire Socrates Snooks, decided
that "valor's best part was discretion,"
departed, leaving them to proceed to Clin
ton without further molestation.
Clearing the harbor of Mobile of the
obstructions placed there by the confed
erates fell to the lot of the telegraph
service. Several members of the corps took
a plan of tine location of the torpedoes,
a small steamer, and sank In the harbor
1X cans containing 100 pounds of gunpowder
each, "k he csns were connected with a
battery on board the steamer. This method,
whllo not without hasard, effectively
cleared1 the harbor.
Among the telegrapher who took part
In these campaigns were Z. P. Hotchklsa,
B. H. Upham, C. B. Smith, A. L. Rob
inson, I. A. Sherman, O. R. Penn and
J. R. Frank.
Leaving these stirring scenes, Mr. Korty
turned to the west, and to a more peace
ful. If scarcely less stieiiuou occupation,
that of building up a system of telegraph
communication, which, with Its great rail
road, was Instrumental In no Inconsiderable
degree In furthering the development of
commercial prestige In the western empire,
that stands as one of the monumental vic
tories of peace mado possible by the heroic
work of these men and othert of their kind.
Mystery in Murder
oi Chicago Dentist
CHICAGO, Aug. 6 No tangible clue had
bten discovered today by tha poden tend
liiC to identify the man who list night
met Dr. M." F. Michales, a dei.tlst. and
hoi him down a short distance Cram li s
home. Neighbors have told conflicting
stories of seeing one man talking to the
doctor Just before tho shooting end of
seeing two men running away following
the shot.
A well-dressed woman, all agree, had
visited the dentist's office a ; minutes
before, and her Identity la belrg sought. A
sold watch and (1X0 were fo.iral on the
body.
Mrs. Michales. who was In Fairmont,
Ind., with her daughters, Misses Ruth Mar
jory and May, was expected to return
here today.
- mi '
a4r '
"Round in
Bogey!
Now for a glass of sparkling, refreshing, invigorating
FANTAZ
It drives away fatigue
It's pure, wholesome, delicious.
It's the golfer's favorite drink.
At all fountains and in bottles, 5c
THE T. F. MEMMEN CO., Lincoln, Neb,
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(16)
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Mng fitted for and devoted to the
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of select mental cases, requiring
for a time watchful care and ape-
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4 sk. 1 11 SkSkSinMMWw nw vhb. mmw.m. .. . . S' 1 I I IE
4 1 uunuuttitu of I He SlSltKS Cr I He HOLT CK0SS. CHARTERED 1855. Tm n .III 1 i i A
w b -m i i i i i i i c ill . us w a b s -if-i
i ' i - i. w f t w w v rxfc - i it ' w - 1 1 i i iv iv j'i'ji
Z , TN choosing a School for your daughter, what are the main considemtions? The educational advantasm. I l . li It I J liB l! li 1 W i !
, k I Mi l. r -
E. M K , l i, I I I I 1 I I 1 I 1 I i -.1 III I III lh u n I Mil si i la I I
7. .,.. 2WWUO. and of educator, generalfy. On. the rTeTo which ZZZiZJr A II if 'ILkHi Ml I 1H II U
F3 J$ X "fli ;tk 4 tfk
J a r
Wth J III)
- THE DIRECTRESS, BOX II NOTRE DAME, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA
Ve4H , VifhVtll
CORDOCTED BT THE SISTERS CF THE HOLY CROSS. CHARTERED 1855.
TWO HOURS FROM CHICAGO. TWO MILES FROM SOUTH BEND, IND.
in cnoosing a fccnooi lor your daughter, what are the main consideration!? The educational advantages,
of course, with reference not only to tbc mental but to the physical and moral training, as well, are of first importance
The cost of such education, location of the inst. tntinn .nv mnm.. .f . i ' i ""P"nce,
Parents particularly who appreciate th i advanUges pi an educational institution from all these standpoint
to investigate St. Mary's College and Academy, Notre Dame, Ind.
An institution with a record of over a half century of constant growth and successful effort.
.nrf.r ' .I"' pnysicauy ana educationally, in th esteem of its many thousands of graduates
and of educators generally. One the graduates of which scattered through. th. itu- c...: -j raau..
and their moral virtues.
z&Zs&r"- or ia buiiueM -VespudthTorth
LOCATION IDEAL
Et. Mary's is but two hours' rids
from Chleag-o, and only a few minutes
from ETouth Bend. Ind.
The location Is particularly advanta
geous for an Institution of this character.
High up on the main pathway, stand
ing; where the eye sweeps over forest
and valley and nodding- fields of grain,
one cannot help but reel that nature
Is here at her best.
There Is the picturesque St. Joseph
River, winding Its silvery way In tha
aisia-ce, ana nearer by St. Mary's beau-
e Lake Marian.
tiful artificial lake
CLCVATiM SURROUNDINGS
The groundi are spacious and
artistically laid out
'Midst such Inspiring surround
ings, pupils are aided during the
most critical period of their lives
In the development of those high
er qualities which mark the woman
f true refinement and culture.
The discipline, too, while aot
harsh or severe; Is such as to as
sist In the building of , character,
exerting an uplifting Influence
which Is In evidence In after life.
The
PHYSICAL TRAININB
grounds are Drovided with
ry and Tennis Courts. Qolf Links, etc.
Boating In the artificial lake, skating
In winter, walking jaunts and other
rorms of out-door exercise afford ample
draining recreation and physical
There la a completely equipped gym
nasium for physical culture, amateur
theatricals, dancing, ate
u8J MryL d.oe not overlook the fsct
that the basis for mental and moral
health la physical health.
-4 s' ,wfti4 -rfNT . .dB
C 'BL . ,
in..: . .
COUNSCS
Primary C.irx Kmbraoea three years
of elementary work.
Preparatory Coarse Pupils are well
S rounded In the essentials of Grammar,
eography, Arithmetic. U. 8. History, Civil
Government, Physiology. Etymology,
Composition and Letter Writing, etc.
Acadeutle Coarse Corresponds to the
standard high school course. -
Collegiate Course Studies Include
Logic. Philosophy, Analytical Geometry,
Calculus, Astronomy, Advanced Botany,
Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Zoology,
Geology, Political Economy, History,
Rhetoric. Literature, Latin, Greek, French,
German, Spanish, etc
AIDS TO INSTRUCTION
Pupils In the various departments are
aided In their work by having access to a
most complete library a special library of
reference books for each department by
the best authors and recognised authori
ties; large collections of mlneraloglcal.
botanical, soologloal and geological speci
mens for Departments of Natural History:
Physical and Chemical Laboratories, etc.;
besides the prlvllefces of attending Lecture
Courses (many noted speakers appearing
throughout the year), participating In
the meetings of Literary Societies, etc.
Th
DK6RKKS CONFERRED.
following de
Mary's College and Academy:
.. ia?'. c' Course. " B. A."; English Course,
B. A. ; History and Economics, "Ph. B"S
General Science. " B. &"; Biology. B. S.HZ
Pharmacy. "Ph. C," "Ph. G."
uegrees and Diplomas which graduates are
axary s are alwa
awarded at St.
r V . Br almrawa kUkl.
prised, because of the recognised standing of
the Institution and the efficiency and thor-
ougnness or Its work. ,
While a Cathollo Institution, members of
all denominations are welcomed and ac
corded equal privileges at St. Mary's. No
attempt Is ever made to enforce religious
convictions upon non-Catholics. All pupils
are. however taught to appreciate religious
principles and moral worth.
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
OWB HTLB BAST.
Famts who h.. sUo bo to .duct., and who wish
to si's th.m tha (rat .dr.nUir. of Notre Dan
UDlr.ralty. will bo interast.d to le.ra tost Ht. Marr's
i.SEiL0". w.?'. of .,b OalToraltr. which .nobles
Mvtaora to Tl.lt th.lr atatera.
VISITORS CORDIALLY INVITED.
rerents are urged to make a itn..i
yocuon oi oi. Mary s uollega and
Motre uame. ind. illustrated
in-
tre Dame. Ind. Illustrated Cataloa-ua i
terms, etc., may be had by addressing
THE DIRECTRESS, BOX 01 NOTRE DAME, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA