Ohio History Journal

THE TAMMANY SOCIETY IN OHIO.

 

 

SAMUEL W. WILLIAMS.

 

 

ORIGIN AND HISTORY.

The Tammany Society was organized in the City of New

York in the year 1789, and was designed to counteract the com-

bined influence of the Federalists and the Society of Cincinnati.

The latter was looked upon as a species of aristocracy and hos-

tile to democratic institutions. Fears were entertained that its

members might consolidate power in their own hands, though

they were certainly as loyal to the infant republic as were their

opponents. That society was established to promote the mutual

friendship of those who were associated together as chief actors

in the American revolution, and to perpetuate the remembrance

of their efforts to secure the independence of the United States.

General Knox and Baron Steuben were its earliest promoters;

and as such men as Washington, Lincoln, Nathaniel Greene,

Arthur St. Clair, Moultrie, Gates, and Alexander Hamilton were

its officers, no fears needed to have been entertained of their

patriotism and loyalty.

As the Society of Cincinnati sprang from the officers of the

army, so the Tammany Society sprang from the people. The

credit for its foundation is due to a citizen of Irish extraction,

William Mooney by name, who belonged to the Whig school of

politics, and was one of the "Sons of Liberty," or "Liberty

Boys," as the rebels and rebel sympathizers were called, as dis-

tinguished from the Tories. After the war he was an uphols-

terer in New York city-first on Nassau street, afterward on

Maiden Lane, and then on Chatham street. He finally became

keeper of the Alms House, in which office he died. Mooney was

not a man of high position in the community, nor did this society

at first attract men of influence and standing. It soon gained

favor, however, and many rising politicians were glad to be-

(349)

• 1
 

350       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

come members. It has been thought that Aaron Burr was the

leading spirit of the new order, and was its real founder. Cer-

tain it is that he was on terms of intimacy with Mooney, and

owed him large bills for upholstery; but he does not seem to

have become an open member, though he may have been a coun-

selor and confidant.

The organization was first called the "St. Tammany So-

ciety, or Independent Order of Liberty."  This name was de-

rived from an Indian chieftain who was held in the highest

repute by the earlier American Colonists. He belonged to the

tribe of Delawares, and was famous for his wisdom, prudence,

virtue, hospitality and humanity. He was distinguished no less

for his endurance in the chase than for his bravery in battle.

He was known to the white settlers as Tameud or Tameneud;

and in 1776, when Major George Morgan was sent from Prince-

ton to treat with the Western Indians, they admired hill so

much that they conferred upon him the name of their great war-

rior, knowing no greater honor to bestow. Many legends gath-

ered around the history of Tameneud, and by the superstitious

he was supposed to have had communion and intercourse with

the Great Spirit. Indeed, there was a tradition that he had per-

sonal conflicts with the Evil One; and the story goes that in one

of these, which lasted for several days, our own Sandusky plains

were despoiled of their timber by his Satanic Majesty, in his

efforts to escape the blows of the dusky saint. His appellation

of "Saint" is said to have originated with John Trumbull, the

author of "McFingall," to ridicule the propensity of the people

for calling their social clubs after St. George, St. Andrew, St.

David, and other foreign saints, in this new land of liberty. The

title took; and "Saint Tammany" was inscribed by the Pennsyl-

vania troops upon their revolutionary banners in opposition to

those of the royal line, which bore the name of their patron

saint, the hero of the dragon, "Saint George" of Cappadocia.

The society in the second year of its existence dropped the

title, "Independent Order of Liberty"; and instead it was pro-

posed to substitute "Order of St. Columbus."  Here was still

a hankering after the word "Saint."  But to this suggestion it

was replied that Columbus was a foreign adventurer, and repre-

• 2
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.     351

 

sented foreign ideas, while they were Americans.  Not long

after the appellation of "Saint" was omitted from the name,

and when the society was incorporated by the State of New

York in 1805, it was designated as "The Tammany Society,

or Columbian Order."

Though it admitted all ranks to membership, only native

born citizens were eligible to its offices. It soon attracted to its

membership such men as Josiah Ogden Hoffman, Cadwallader

C. Colden, John and Robert Swartwout, Benjamin Romaine,

Stephen Allen, John D. Broome, Daniel D. Tompkins, and others

of political note. Its affairs were managed by the most astute

and capable politicians, and it was thus able to capture the

shrewdest found outside of its own organization.  The chief

power was confined to a small circle, however; for though it was

democratic in its principles, it was eminently aristocratic in its

practices. To its inner councils only a trusted few were ad-

mitted. They constituted its advisers and directors; they dic-

tated its policy, prescribed its action, and were "'a wheel within

a wheel," giving motion to all its machinery. Thus the power

was retained in the hands of a "ring"-and Tammany has been

essentially a ring in all of its political maneuvers. The most

capable politicians of any party have been members of Tam-

many; and it is no small compliment to say that when Tam-

many smiled, victory was certain, when it frowned, defeat was

sure.

The object of the society, as expressed in its constitution,

was to "connect in the indissoluble bonds of patriotic friendship

citizens of known attachment to the political rights of human

nature and to the liberties of this country." The society early

espoused democratic principles, and of course antagonized Ham-

ilton and the Federalists. In 1800 Purr and Jefferson were both

candidates for the presidency. Only the year before, the Feder-

alists had carried the State of New York; this year Tammany

went in strong for Burr and secured the State for him, thus

producing a tie in the electoral college between Burr and Jeffer-

son. Through the influence of the latter, branch societies of

Tammany  were established in all or most of the original states,

but its headquarters were in New York. Here its meetings were

• 3
 

352       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

first held in Barden's City Tavern on Broadway; then in Mant-

ling's "Long Room" in an old wooden building on the corner of

Nassau and Spruce streets, where the Tract house now stands-

a place contemptuously called "The Pig-pen.'

The first Tammany Hall was built in 1811, where the office

of THE SUN now stands, corner of Frankfort and Nassau

streets. It was a plain brick building, three stories high, with a

steep roof. Subsequently a fourth story was added, and the roof

built flat. The cornerstone was laid on Monday, the 13th of

May in that year, with imposing ceremonies, by the Grand

Sachem, Clarkson Crolins. In this hall the Sons of Tammany

met for nearly fifty years, and vacated it only in 1860 to occupy

larger quarters farther up town. This was the scene of many

a wrangle, and witnessed many a stormy debate. Here candi-

dates were made and unmade; elections were determined, tickets

nominated, votes arranged for, and spoils of office distributed in

advance among the faithful.

In promotion to place, Tammany was once almost omnipo-

tent; it put down one man and set up another. Of late years

its power has somewhat waned, though it is still an important

factor in state, and especially city, elections. Tweed was a heavy

weight for it to carry. Mozart and Irving Hall compelled it to

divide its honors, and the breach between rival factions was

not entirely healed; but as it survived the feuds of the anti-Ma-

sons, the Know-Nothings, the Old Hunkers and Barn-burners,

the Hards and the Softs, we are not yet ready to pronounce its

funeral oration. Its later movements indicate a strong vitality,

even with Croker at a distance.

In the constitution of the society, there was preserved a

little Indian sentiment, and a few of the Indian characteristics.

Thus it was divided into as many tribes as there were states,

and each of the state tribes was named after some animal. New

York was the Eagle tribe; New Hampshire, the Otter; Massa-

chusetts, the Panther; Rhode Island, the Beaver; Connecticut,

the Bear; New Jersey, the Tortoise; Pennsylvania, the Rattle-

snake; Delaware, the Tiger; Maryland, the Fox; Virginia, the

Deer; North Carolina, the Buffalo; South Carolina, the Rac-

• 4
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.          353

coon; and Georgia, the Wolf. We fail to see the significance of

some of these names, though there is a reason for calling Michi-

gan the Wolverine State and Wisconsin the Badger State.

When a member was initiated into the society, he indicated

what tribe he would join. In public parades, each of the tribes

carried its own banner, preceded by its own sachem. The halls

of the several branches were called "wigwams," and their calen-

dar began with the "Year of Discovery," 1492, when Columbus

first set his foot on American soil. Their year also began with

the 12th of October, which was denominated the month of

"Traveling"; and the successive months thereafter were named

"Beavers, Games, Colds, Snows, Worms, Plants, Flowers,

Heats, Horns, Fishes, and Corn."

 

 

INTRODUCTION INTO THE STATE.

The first wigwam of the Tammany Society in the State of

Ohio was established at Chillicothe, on a dispensation sent from

the Grand Sachem of Pennsylvania to Thomas Lloyd, empow-

ering him to build it. Mr. Lloyd called together a few of the

citizens known to be of the same political principles as himself,

and duly initiated them into the mysteries of the order, agree-

ably with the constitution thereof. We give the names of those

who, with Mr. Lloyd, founded the first wigwam of the Ohio

tribe, as several of them are well known in our state history:-

Thomas Scott, John Hamm, William Williams, Samuel Swear-

ingen, David Kinkead, William S. Hutt, Nimrod Hutt, Carlos A.

Norton, Samuel Williams, John Hutt, John Thompson, Joseph

S. Collins, John Wiley, John Wood, James T. Crockwell, John

Pickens, Edward Scott and Benjamin Hough. After organiza-

tion the order increased rapidly and included among its members

Thomas Worthington, Edward Tiffin, Ethan Allen Brown, Winn

Winship, Preslay Morris, Jesse Spencer, and others of the high-

est standing in society and leaders of public opinion both in

State and National politics.

The dispensation granted for the purpose of erecting the

new wigwam runs as follows:-

 

Vol. XXII-23.

• 5
 

354        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

"In the name of the Spirit of Tammany, to you, Health and Pros-

perity :-Sago, sago, sago.

"To THOMAS LLOYD at Chillicothe in the State of Ohio:

"I, Michael Leib, Grand Sachem of the Tammany Society, or Co-

lumbian Order, No. One, in the State of Pennsylvania, do by these pres-

ents, in pursuance of the power in me vested by the Constitution, and in

conformity to a resolve of the said society passed on the fourth day of

the month of Colds in the year of Discovery Three Hundred and eighteen

[January 4, 1810], authorize and empower you, the said Thomas Lloyd,

to build up and open a Wigwam at Chillicothe, in the State of Ohio, to

be governed by our Tammanial Constitutions, and to be invested with all

the same and equal powers and privileges of initiating sons of freedom

into this illustrious Order, and to grant dispensations for extending the

chain of amity throughout your State.

"I have to recommend to you an attachment to and uniformity with

your elder brothers in your language, ceremonies and laws, a sacred re-

membrance of the cement, and a burial of the tomahawk.

"Given under my hand this fourth day of the month of Snows, in

the year of Discovery, Three hundred and eighteen [Feb. 4, 1810.]

"M. LEIB, Grand Sachem.

"Attest: JOHN L. BAKER, Secretary."

 

At the time of granting this dispensation, Dr. Leib was

United States Senator from Pennsylvania.

The society in Ohio drew to itself attention from the char-

acter and influence of the men composing it, and being a secret

organization it was very cautious in the admission of new mem-

bers. It was provided in the Constitution that if any person

wished to unite with the society, he must signify his desire in a

letter, and be recommended by two members. In that case the

Grand Sachem appointed a committee of three other members

to make all needful inquiries into the morals and political senti-

ments of the applicant, and to report at the next meeting. If

the report was favorable, the society proceeded to ballot for the

candidate; and if, on counting the ballots, it was found that

there were two black balls to every sixteen white ones, the

Grand Sachem pronounced him not elected. But if otherwise,

he was declared elected, and was eligible to be admitted the

same evening.    If any member elect did not claim     his right

within six months, he was not admitted without a new vote in

his favor.

• 6
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.    355

 

If any person was wrongfully rejected on account of false-

hoods maliciously circulated, or through any mistake in the com-

mittee reporting, he might be brought again to the notice of the

society and balloted for anew; but one who in the judgment of

the society was rejected was rejected on good, clear and satis-

factory evidence could never be balloted for a second time.

In matters political the society made itself felt at the public

elections in towns where a wigwam was established, but else-

where in the State it does not seem to have had much influence.

Partisan rancor was as bitter then as now, and the issues that

divided the Republicans and Federalists were as sharply defined

as any of later days. It is amusing to read in the journals of

the period the charges and rejoinders of political opponents;

and if we may believe half that was said, we must come to the

conclusion that

"Corruption boiled and bubbled

Till it o'erran the stew,"

as it erst did in Vienna. Those who quote with admiration the

good old days when men were honest should read the papers.

The society was accused, perhaps justly, of holding secret

caucuses and deciding what was to be done in the ensuing elec-

tions. In this they only imitated their elder brothers in New

York and elsewhere. They used circulars and employed run-

ners, had their heelers at all the polls, kept up a system of

espionage, and conducted an extensive correspondence. In the

general election of 1810, their candidate for governor was

Thomas Worthington. In the opposition was Return J. Meigs.

Both were worthy citizens, and both deserved well of the people.

Charges of corruption were freely brought against the candi-

dates on both tickets by their opponents. Mr. Meigs was de-

nounced as a Federalist, even by men who had sustained him

in a previous political contest as a Republican. He had received

three years before a majority of the popular vote for governor,

but was debarred from assuming office on account of an alleged

incapacity-he had not been a resident of the State, as required

by law, four years next preceding his election. Possibly the

voters of Ohio now generally deemed this a mere technicality;

• 7
 

356       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

for he was elected, by a decisive vote over his popular opponent.

The canvass of the State was a heated one, and there was no

end of crimination and recrimination. Governor Meigs made a

gallant and patriotic executive, and his services in the war with

England received from the general government substantial rec-

ognition.

So bitter were the animosities between the two leading

parties that members of the same religious communion some-

times became alienated, while one portion endeavored to disfel-

lowship the other. A notable instance of this occurred at Chilli-

cothe, the headquarters of the Tammany Society in Ohio. Being

the seat of government, the contentions of political partisans

were unstinted.  Many aspirants for official position resided

there, and mutual jealousies begot mutual strife. In the Metho-

dist Church the leading spirit in 1811 was a Federalist. He was

a genuine ascetic, and had gathered about him a coterie of

kindred spirits who dominated both the spiritual and temporal

concerns of the pastoral charge to which they belonged. Even

the preacher was under their influence, and what they dictated

was the law which he was bound to execute. Like Diotrephes

in the New Testament, they desired in all things "to have the

pre-eminence." These men can not be charged with ungodliness

or lack of piety, but their zeal ran away with their judgment.

They were particularly opposed to their Tammany brethren,

against whom they entertained strong prejudices on account of

their political preferences. It was not contrary to church order

and discipline, however, to vote the Tammany ticket, and the

Tammany brethren could not be called to an account on that

ground. But an occasion came at last. In this year, 1811, the so-

ciety celebrated its anniversary with a parades a "long talk" by

Governor Tiffin the Grand Sachem, and a banquet. Immediately

an accusation was laid against the Tammany Methodists by some

of the Federalist clique, for violating the rules of the church and

for sinful practices; and a committee was appointed by the

preacher having charge of the circuit embracing Chillicothe, to

examine into and try the case. Whether through accident or

design the persons appointed on the trial committee were men

• 8
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.          357

 

whose prejudice against the Tammany Society was known to be

unrelenting.

Among those arraigned for trial was Governor Tiffin, who

was at the same time a local preacher. Seven or eight others

were also brought to trial, and the principal crime alleged against

them was "Idolatry"-a crime expressly forbidden by the word

of God. The specification under this head was, "In being mem-

bers of a society designated by the name of a heathen, and cele-

brating the anniversary of an Indian chief, Tammany, on the

13th day of May last!"   How the specification justified the

charge, or how the testimony proved it, we can not tell, but the

committee decided that an act of idolatry had been committed,

and the result was that the offending members were expelled

from the communion of the Church! To such a length did polit-

ical differences carry good men. It is pleasing to know that a

higher ecclesiastical authority reversed the decision of the com-

mittee which tried the case, and restored the expelled members

to the Church. For the sake of peace several of the Tammany

members then quietly withdrew from that order, or ceased to at-

tend its meetings; but they did not give up their principles, and

continued to vote the Tammany ticket so long as the society had

an existence.

ORGANIZATION AND METHODS.

The officers of the society consisted of a Grand Sachem who

acted as president, and as many sachems as there were states

in the Union; who, exclusive of the Grand Sachem, formed a

council and appointed one of their number as "Father" of the

council; a secretary and a treasurer. These officers were elected

annually by ballot on the first Wednesday in May. In addition,

there were appointed to serve for three months two introducing

and one initiating sagamore, and a Wiskinki who acted as door-

keeper. The duties of the Grand Sachem were such as usually

pertain to the office of a president; and in case of an application

from any number of citizens, not less than the number of States

in the Union, for permission to build up for themselves a Wig-

wam, it was his duty, with the consent of a majority of the

Council, to grant a dispensation for that purpose.

• 9
 

358       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

The word sachem, in the Indian language from which we

have adopted it, signifies "old man," senator or councilor. Saga-

more designated a tribal chief of secondary rank, and Wis-

kinki means a servant or attendant. As such these terms were

employed in Tammanial history.

When the society held its sessions, after the Grand Sachem

had called the members to order, the secretary opened the busi-

ness of the meeting by repeating the following invocation to the

Great Spirit, the members all standing: "The sun having, by

command of the Great Spirit who rules and reigns the monarch

of the world, retired from our horizon, and having finished the

private cares of the day, the Sons of Tammany, assembled by

special agreement in this their great wigwam to deliberate upon

the state of their affairs, having formed the grand chain of union

[by standing in a circle] in peace and brotherly love, implore

the Great Spirit to preserve amongst them that harmony and

decorum worthy brothers of their Order." Then giving a signal

with a tomahawk, each member stamped with his left foot once,

resumed his seat, and the business proceeded.

After the work of the evening was concluded, and an ad-

journment ordered, the secretary dismissed the society with

these words: "Having finished the deliberations of the wig-

wam, and again formed the grand chain of union, the Sons of

Tammany implore the protection of the Great Spirit until he

shall next favor them with a meeting; and the Grand Sachem is

pleased to allow every brother to retire to his own wigwam,

severally to give his attendance at this, our Great Wigwam, on

the [first] Wednesday of the month of -- , year of Discovery,

three hundred and -  ."

The "state of their affairs" upon which the society was ac-

customed to debate was not of matters solely connected with

their own order. Questions of public interest were discussed,

and speeches were made by the members upon the attitude of the

government toward foreign powers, internal improvements, do-

mestic manufactures, tariff, tax, and the interminable subject of

finance and banking. As some index of the sentiments enter-

tained by the Tammany Society in the first decade of the century

• 10
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.               359

 

we give the following resolutions which were considered in one

of their meetings:

"Resolved, That we view with sensations of heartfelt pleasure the

rapid progress and improvement made by the United States in domestic

manufacture, and the flattering prospect before us that at no distant period

this Nation [they spelled nation with a capital N] will become in the

fullest sense of the word really independent.

"Resolved, That we will give every encouragement and support in

our power to the manufacturers of our own country, and will also dis-

courage by precept and example the purchase, use or wear of any article

that is not the growth, produce or manufacture of the United States.

"Resolved, That at the approaching anniversary of our National inde-

pendence, each member of this Society shall appear dressed in clothing

altogether the growth and manufacture of the United States, and in the

making and trimming of which no one article or part whatsoever shall be

of foreign importation."

In this last particular the society resolved to copy after the

example of Washington who was inaugurated as president in

homespun clothes. Many of the fathers of the republic followed

the same fashion, and the members of Tammany at that period

were, during their childhood and youth, their contemporaries.

From them they learned patriotism; some of them had formed

their personal acquaintance; and the lessons taught them by the

venerable Revolutionary fathers were not lost on them or their

children.

The mode of initiation into the society was simple, and the

ceremonies were, according to our apprehension, somewhat

childish. On the evening appointed, the Grand Sachem presid-

ing over the Wigwam, directed the Introducing Sagamores to

bring the candidate in. They accordingly went to an ante-room

for that purpose, and having brought him to the door of the

Wigwam, one of them put to him this question: "Will you

give us your solemn promise to support the constitution, reputa-

tion and harmony of this society, and to preserve inviolably all

its secrets?"  On receiving an answer in the affirmative, the

other Sagamore then gave three loud raps upon the door, which

were repeated on the inside by the Wiskinki, and the door was

opened. The first Sagamore gave the sign and passwords and all

• 11
 

360       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

three entered. The Wiskinki thereupon announced to the so-

ciety, "A stranger"; upon which all the members arose to their

feet, and remained standing, with the exception of the Grand

Sachem, until the ceremonies of initiation were completed.

The two Sagamores then advanced, with the candidate be-

tween them, a certain distance, where they were met by the Ini-

tiating Sagamore who approached from a table by the side of

the Grand Sachem, holding an uplifted tomahawk. With a

menacing voice and a stern countenance, and brandishing his

weapon as if aiming a blow at the stranger, he cried out "Sago,

sago, ailo." The following colloquy was then had:

Initiating Sagamore. "Does this man love freedom?"

Introducing Sagamore. "Et-hoh" [yes], in a guttural voice.

Init. Sag. "Can he bear fortune and adversity like a true

born American?"

Introd. Sag. "Et-hoh."

Init. Sag. "Will he unbury the tomahawk hid under this

our great wigwam before his country's good requires it?"

Introd. Sag. "Raugh-taw" [no].

Init. Sag. "Advance."

Thereupon the candidate led by the two Sagamores ap-

proached to within a short distance from the table, when the

initiating sagamore thus addressed the Grand Sachen: "This

stranger has given us full assurance of his sincere intention to

support the constitution, harmony and reputation of this so-

ciety."

Grand Sachem. "Initiate him, brother."

One of the Introducing Sagamores now placed on the head

of the candidate a cap of liberty made of red velvet or flannel,

and the initiating sagamore turned to him and said: "Friend,

the favorable report given us of your character and intentions

has recommended you to the acceptance of this society. There-

fore, bearing this cap of liberty, you will diligently attend while

I repeat to you the solemn obligation which cements our grand

chain of union. What is your name?"

Candidate. "A. B." (giving his name).

Sagamore. "Repeat after me: 'I, A. B., do most solemnly

• 12
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.          361

 

declare that I am not a member of any other Tammany society

in the State of Ohio; also, that I will support the constitution

and laws, reputation and harmony of this society, and preserve

inviolably all its secrets. For my sincerity in this, I call to wit-

ness the guardian genius of Freedom, my country's truth and

justice, and these my countrymen, friends and brethren; and

finally for my true performance of this, I pledge my most sacred

honor.' "

This done, the Sagamore resumed: "It now remains for me

to disclose to you the sign and grip, without the knowledge of

which you can not gain admittance into this or any other Wig-

wam established upon the same principles. First, when you

come to the door of a wigwam, which is kept by an officer whom

we term Wiskinki, you will give three loud and distinct raps,

which will be answered from within. The door will then be

opened, when, laying your left hand on your left breast, you will

say, 'Liberty is our life.' The Wiskinki responds, 'May you

ever enjoy it,' and you will then be allowed to enter. You will

know a brother by your shaking each other with the left hand,

forming this grip," showing him the grip by holding the hand

something like a reversed J.

Turning to the members of the society, the Sagamore asked,

"Are you willing to lose this brother?" To this they all re-

sponded, "Raugh-taw." Then the Sagamore again addressed the

new member thus: "I now pronounce you a Son of Tammany,

a member of the Columbian Order; and may you in peace and

harmony ever enjoy so honorable a station. You are our brother,

and the Grand Sachem will congratulate you on behalf of the

society." He was then conducted to the Grand Sachem who

rose from his seat and took him by the hand, saying, "I con-

gratulate you, brother, as a member of the Tammany Society or

Columbian Order." The cap of liberty was now removed from

his head, the society formed a "chain" by standing in a circle

around the room, and on a signal by the initiating sagamore, each

member stamped three times with his left foot.

The ceremony was concluded by the members resuming

their seats, and the new member affixing his name to the Consti-

tution, which was enrolled on parchment or a large sheet of

• 13
 

362       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

heavy paper, and paying the required fee to the secretary. This

fee was never less than two dollars, nor more than ten.

 

 

ITS ANNIVERSARIES, AND SENTIMENTS.

The Tammany Society celebrated its anniversaries on the

12th day of May, or on the day following if the 12th fell on

Sunday, this being regarded as the birthday of their patron saint.

The festivities usually consisted of a parade, a "long talk" de-

livered by one of the members, and a banquet. On the morning

of that day the society met at their wigwam where they were

formed into a marching procession by one of the sagamores.

At the head of the column was placed a brother lifting the cap

of liberty on a wand, and immediately in his rear was the Grand

Sachem, attended by the secretary bearing a scroll. Behind

these officers marched a sagamore bearing the calumet. The

other sagamore who acted as marshal had for his badge of office

a brandished tomahawk.

Following the officers enumerated marched the members of

the society divided into their several tribes, beginning with New

Hampshire, and so proceeding from East to South and West.

At the time when the order flourished in this State, Maine had

not been admitted into the Union. Each tribe was headed by

its own sachem, bearing the tribal flag. These flags were of

white silk, usually about a yard square, with simply the name of

the State painted or gilded upon it. The wiskinki brought up

the rear of the procession, bearing a large wooden key, gilt.

Upon arriving at the place of celebration, the "council fire"

was kindled, and the society "danced" around it. If the place

where the long talk was to be delivered was a public hall, the

dance was omitted. The Grand Sachem presided, assisted by

the Father of the Council. To the banquet none were admitted

except members, and at its conclusion they returned to their

wigwam where they were dismissed with the usual formula.

In their public celebrations the members were not clad in

uniform, but all were required to wear a buck-tail on their hats.

It was with reference to this peculiar badge that some of the

Pennsylvania troops during the late civil war were denominated

• 14
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.                363

 

"Bucktails"; and Fitz Greene Halleck commemorates them in

one of his humorous effusions:

 

"There's a barrel of porter at Tammany Hall,

And the Bucktails are swigging it all the night long;

In the time of my boyhood 'twas pleasant to call

For a seat and cigar 'mid the jovial throng."

The Tammany Society heartily espoused the Republican

cause, and had no sympathy with the members of the "Hartford

Convention." Hence they co-operated with Mr. Madison in his

administration of the government, and gave him their cordial

support. In the war with Great Britain they furnished a large

quota of troops for the defence of the Western frontiers, and

favored the protection of the manufacturing interests of the

country as against that power. Many of them carried their senti-

ments into practice, and made use of domestic goods only for

their clothing. In one of their public anniversaries at Pittsburgh

it is mentioned with pride by the society there established, that of

those who sat down to dinner-a company of two hundred-

more than half were entirely clad in homespun fabrics! When

Governor Tiffin was Grand Sachem of the order in Ohio, he

addressed the following letter by direction of the society to

the President.  Carlos A. Norton was chairman of the com-

mittee appointed to prepare it, but as the report is in the Gov-

ernor's own handwriting, he probably wrote it himself with-

out suggestion or help from others:

 

"CHILLICOTHE, June 14th, 1811.

"To JAMES MADISON, President of the United States,

 

"SIR:-

"The Tammany Society, or Columbian Order of Wigwam No. 1,

whence the other four branches in the State of Ohio have originated,

unanimously request leave to address you at the present momentous crisis

of our public affairs. They have not been indifferent spectators of the

trying and difficult scenes through which you have had to pass as execu-

tive of the National government. The unjust and destructive edicts passed

by the two great belligerent powers of Europe against our neutral com-

merce and rights; the repeated insulting aggressions committed on our

coasts, and even in our own waters; the diplomatic finesse practised by

• 15
 

364        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

accredited ministers, and the apologists for such outrages in our own

country, have all tended to make your situation peculiarly embarrassing;

but this numerous society of democratic Republicans have viewed with the

sincerest pleasure the promptness with which you have met pacific over-

tures, the firmness with which you have contended for the rights of your

countrymen, and the forbearance which the spirit and genius of our

government dictated.

"Judging from the past they are impelled to express their entire con-

fidence in, and reliance upon, your wisdom, firmness and patriotism as

Executive of the United States in this trying season; and they are firmly

determined to support with their lives and fortunes such necessary meas-

ures as the government of their country may adopt for the preservation of

their rights and liberties, and the promotion of the National welfare.

"Signed in behalf of the Society,

"EDWARD TIFFIN,

"Grand Sachem."

 

To this patriotic and eloquent letter, the President returned

the following answer:

"WASHINGTON, June 23, 1811.

"SIR:-

"I have received the letter of the 14th instant which you have ad-

dressed to me, in the name of the Tammany Society of Wigwam No. 1 in

the State of Ohio.

"The circumstances in our national situation, to which you refer,

could not but render it peculiarly embarrassing to those entrusted with

the national rights and interests. Whilst justice, however, continues to

be the basis of our policy, and the great body of our fellow citizens re-

main firm in sentiments and determinations such as are expressed by the

Society of which you are the organ, our country will be found adequate

to every trial to which it may be exposed. The approbation which the

society bestows on the share I have had in the public transactions, and

its confidence in my further efforts for the public good, are entitled to my

thankful acknowledgments; to which I add a tender of my respects and

my friendly wishes.

"JAMES MADISON.

"EDWARD TIFFIN, ESQ.,

"Grand Sachem."

 

The Governor in his letter makes mention of four ad-

ditional wigwams in the State, but there were soon added three

others, making in all eight. Besides the parent organization at

Chillicothe, wigwams were built up in Zanesville, Cincinnati,

Xenia, Lancaster, Warren, Hamilton and New Boston (Cham-

• 16
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.           365

 

paign County). As a matter of local interest we give the names

of those who signed the petition for a dispensation to erect one

in Cincinnati. The petition, dated September 25, 1810, was

written by Daniel Symmes, and is signed by himself, Hugh

Moore, Elias Glover, Thomas Rawlins, Thomas Henderson,

John O'Ferrall, Jacob Felter, Leonard Sayre, James Matson,

John Riddle, C. Walker, John Shally, James Conn, Jacob

Fowble, James Silvers, Stephen Wood and John Cleves Symmes.

The matter was acted on in the council of Sachems, and a dis-

pensation was accordingly granted to the first petitioner, January

16, 1811. How large a membership the Order had in Cincinnati,

we do not know, nor are we informed whether any of its records

are still preserved. From the names attached to the petition it

may be inferred that some success attended its establishment,

especially as Messrs. Symmes, Glover and Moore traveled all

the way to Chillicothe, probably on horseback, for the purpose

of being initiated.

That the order did not spread more widely throughout the

State may be accounted for, partially, by the triumph of the Re-

publican principles, and especially by the breaking out of hos-

tilities with Great Britain. This was a matter of deep concern

at the time, and party politics became lost in patriotism. Be-

sides, it was expensive to keep up the organization; and, as there

was no State charter incorporating the society, there was noth-

ing to conjoin the members except questions of public economy;

and these could just as easily be advocated and voted for outside

of a secret society or party as in it. Ohio soil did not then

seem congenial to "rings," whatever it may have been since;

there were but few whippers-in of voters to carry the polls, and

the spoils of office were not given as a reward for the dirty work

of roughs and bullies. There was corruption enough, but it

developed itself in other forms. Graft is not a new thing in

Ohio.

To show the state of feeling which existed between the

Federalists and the democratic Republicans of Ohio, we give

an extract from a letter written by the builder of the Xenia

wigwam, Jacob Smith, to the parent Wigwam, No. 1, at Chilli-

cothe. His letter is dated March 23, 1811. He says: "A few

• 17
 

366       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

of the Sons of Columbia met at Xenia and kindled a fire in our

own wigwam, but we are not as yet completely organized. Great

threats are thrown out against us by the enemies of Columbia,

and they go so far as to say that they will tar and feather all

of us at our next meeting. But we shall not desist from as-

sembling on account of threats like these."

In an address to the branch society at Zanesville, the Chilli-

cothe Wigwam says: "Brothers, these times are full of danger.

We have sat longer around our council fire than you have, and

we will tell you our minds freely. We will not say, beware of the

Federalists; for you know them of old. But we will say, be-

ware of wolves in sheep's clothing; beware of pretended Repub-

licans who act in the dark, who are really Federalists, but have

not the courage or policy to avow it. The intrigues of such

characters have bred much confusion.   They say they are

staunch Republicans; they speak well of the general govern-

ment; they praise and flatter many of our public characters;

"honey flows from their lips, but deceit dwells on their tongues.'

Brothers, you little dream of the hypocrisy and insatiable am-

bition which lie lurking under the gravity of their long beards

and robes."

And then, after cautioning their younger brethren not to

admit as members those of whom there was any doubt, the

address thus continues: "Let us all show, by the correctness of

our conduct, the purity of our hearts. Can an impure fountain

send forth pure waters? If our institution be fraught with dis-

organization and licentiousness, can we be good husbands, fath-

ers and brothers, and patriotic citizens? Or rather, would not

every action of ours prove us to be incendiaries, defamers of

merit, and destitute of private and public virtue? Let us all re-

member that the tree will be judged by its fruit."

These words, though written early in the nineteeth century,

and addressed to a Republican club, are timely for our citi-

zens of today. Let us heed the counsels of old.

 

POLITICAL PRINCIPLES.

Still further to illustrate the sentiments and style of our

citizens a century ago, we quote some of the toasts and addresses

• 18
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.            367

given at the banquet of the Society in Pittsburgh and Chillicothe

from 1807 to 1811. It may be well to remark that in their anni-

versaries and banquets, wines and liquors were strictly forbid-

den, nor was the smoking of cigars or pipes allowed in their wig-

wams, though the calumet was one of their symbols. In morals

the Tammany Society in this State was exemplary, and proved

that ethical considerations can be carried into politics. We

believe this order was the first "Temperance" party in Ohio

without making temperance the sole object of its existence or

mentioning it in its platform of principles. But to the toasts,

drunk in cold water.

"The Embargo and Non-Intercourse Act:-Measures which

if persevered in will secure to all nations the freedom of the

great waters, and respect for their flags."-Song, "O'er the

ocean that rolls his wild waves from afar." [Pittsburgh, 1808.]

"The Constitution of the Seventeen Tribes:-The late ac-

quittal of a traitor proved to have been guilty of conspiring

against our peace and happiness, is a convincing proof that the

aristocratic leaven of two-thirds should be abolished."  [Pitts-

burgh, 1808.]

This was radical democracy with a vengeance!

"The United States:-May their boundaries be the oceans

and eternity their deviation."  [Pittsburgh, 1807.]

"The Union:-Whenever its safety is menaced by a foreign

or domestic foe, the warriors of the backwoods will be the

first in unfurling the banner of liberty, and foremost in the

ranks on the day of battle"-Tune, "Kentucky Volunteers."

[Chillicothe, 1811.]

"The American Canoe-men :-Their country is proud to ac-

knowledge them her sons. Her friends will respect, her enemies

will dread them." Tune, "Columbia's sons, arise." [Pittsburgh,

1809.]

The American canoe-men with Commodore Perry on Lake

Erie, just a century ago, well justified this sentiment, and proved

its truth.

"No Separation of the Tribes:-Divide and conquer is the

maxim of despots. He that would break the grand chain of our

union is a foe and a traitor to his country." [Pittsburgh, 1809.]

• 19
 

368       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

"Domestic Manufactures:-A free people to be really inde-

pendent should manufacture their own clothing as well as make

their own laws."   Tune, "The Dusty Miller."     [Chillicothe,

1811.]

"The Friends of Liberty in Every Clime:-As brethren of

the same sentiments we embrace them, and as free citizens of

the republic we give them a hearty welcome to our soil." Song,

"Well met, fellow free men."   [Pittsburgh, 1808.]

As the country was but sparsely populated, though there

was a continual flow of settlers from the older States to the

Great West, emigrants from   abroad were specially welcomed.

There were no large ocean steamers, and sailing vessels were

sometimes several weeks in making the trip from Belfast to

Philadelphia. The consequence was that passengers were often

deterred from encountering the perils and delays of the voyage.

Still, there was a continual influx of persons from the British

isles, and very many Irish and Scotch-Irish families purchased

lands in Pennsylvania. Their influence already began to be felt

in the communities where they settled. They were generally re-

ligious people, with Calvinistic views.

"The State of Ohio:-Only eight years old last November.

Her citizens are distinguished for virtue, industry, and enter-

prise; schools and manufactures flourish; the roads over the

mountains are filled with droves of her cattle, and the Mississippi

is covered with her produce wafting to market. How     much

superior are these blessings to the ambitions and wars, the pomp

and desolation which spread over Europe!"    Tune, "O'er the

hills and far awa'."  [Chillicothe, 1811.]

We next give an extract from Governor Tiffin's "long talk"

before the Society in the year 1811. After mentioning the bless-

ings secured to the American people by the achievements of the

Revolutionary fathers, the Governor goes on to say:

 

"Yet our principles and our practices have been misrepresented, mis-

erably misrepresented. An honorable Order of people have been indis-

criminately abused as a set of beings unfit to enjoy the common elements

of air and water not denied to the most inferior part of organic living

matter by the great and glorious Author of universal existence; and our

practices have been described as fit only for infernals. But while our sym-

• 20
 

The Tammany Society in Ohio.                  369

 

pathies have been excited toward the ignorant and deluded authors of

these persecutions, it has been a distinguished trait in our character as a

people that when we were reviled we reviled not again.

"When the great and glorious Author of our blessed and benign

religion came upon His errand of love to man, we all remember the treat-

ment He received, the life He lived, the death He died, and the blessings

such life and such death procured for even the authors of His sufferings

and His sorrows.   We pretend not to such sacred views as these;

we only mention them to show how far political may keep pace with relig-

gious fanaticism; and how far ignorance and prejudice may go towards

dethroning reason, and suffering all the angry and turbulent passions to

usurp its seat. We doubt not but time and a proper development of our

principles and practice will dispel the gloom so artfully attempted to be

cast over the mind, and that the mantle of charity will be thrown over

conduct manifested under the influence of a mistaken and a misdirected

zeal . .

"The Tammany Society, or Columbian Order, was not, nor is yet

known as an order of people anywhere upon earth, but in the highly

favored land of Columbia. Here it was first created and divided into

tribes under a common head, and inspired by a common spirit. We are

democratic Republicans in heart and practice. We are, as our Constitu-

tion expresses it, united in the indissoluble bonds of patriotic friendship,

and no one obtains a place among us who has not a well-known attach-

ment to the political rights of human nature and the liberties of this

country. This indeed is our offence; but in this we glory. Privileged

orders, aristocratical distinctions, and whoever or whatever has a tendency

to injure or destroy the constitution or union of the States, we will, we

do oppose.

"We support the Republican administration of the Union. We wish

State rights to be kept inviolate, and the good people of this country to

enjoy to the latest generations those civil and religious rights which nature

and nature's God designed for their enjoyment. Measures, not men, we

admire; measures, not men, we support.  Whenever men desert those

democratic Republican principles dear to us, we desert them. And those

men who support those principles are supported by us, let them be called

by what.name they may.....

"To be therefore a good democratic Republican; to be obedient to

the laws; to fulfill the various duties of our stations as brothers and

friends, is the same thing as to be a member of the Tammany Society,

or Columbian Order. If we fail in these respects we are liable to expul-

sion from the wigwam; but if we continue to fulfill our various duties as

Christians and as men, we hope erelong to be translated to that wigwam

where the Great Spirit will be as a council fire, emitting light and love to

every son of Saint Tammany: where that friendship and love begun on

earth will be happily perfected in heaven, and where we will rejoice to

embrace in our patriotic and philanthropic arms the whole human family."

Vol. XXII --24

• 21
 

370       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications. But enough. These sentiments show the temper of the Republicans of that day, and contrast strangely with the views entertained by the Tammanyites of New York in our own times. We have omitted all social and personal toasts, but of course "the fair" were not forgotten. Tammany was as loyal to the sex as it was to the country. The Tammany Society in Ohio did not survive the dissolu- tion of the old democratic Republican party. After the over- throw of the Federalists, and the "era of good feeling" suc- ceeded the animosities of the campaign in which James Monroe was chosen to the presidency, there was no longer any need of this political organization, and without formal vote the society became dissolved. The members naturally drifted into other parties, as their preferences led them,-some into the Whig and some into the Democratic ranks. Those who favored a high protective tariff and a National bank voted with the Whigs, while those who opposed both, or believed in States' rights, and followed Andrew Jackson as their leader, became Democrats. In the West the memory of Tammany speedily died out. There are many who never knew that it had "a local habitation and a name" outside of New York; yet in Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and some other States it once had an active exist- ence. Like the generations of men parties rise and fall. Death puts an end to old enmities and bickerings; but new occasions arise, and some now living may see both the Democratic and Republican parties of to-day replaced by other parties with new names to-morrow. Great truths, however, as embodied in the platforms of these parties, will not perish.

• 22