Hunter's Rock

From the Gallipolis Daily Tribune 1923

Located Near Centerville is Historical Spot of Civil War Days

Squirrel Hunters Rock

A short time ago Mr. J.W. Johnson of the Circleville Democrat-Watchman, made a little incursion into Gallia County sight-seeing. He printed some notes of travel and in them we find this interesting allusion:

    Now let me go back to Centerville for a moment. Just before you enter that interesting village which has been placed on the map, largely through the initiative and enterprise of a pioneer and highly esteemed Yankee, long since gathered to his fathers, by name, L. Beman and kept on the map by the shrewd business acumen of a worthy son the Hon. Matthew Beman, village banker and proprietor of a Jersey stock farm—I repeat, just before you enter the village from the west, to the left and topping the hill, you may see a ledge of considerable proportions. The great stone, overlooking the highway has an interesting history.
     During the Civil War one John Morgan took a notion to pay Ohio a visit and being supposed to cross the river at or near Gallipolis, the home guards with their squirrel rifles, began mobilization, one division making its stand upon and behind the prominence shown in the picture (not included) and which, after a lapse of sixty years is as conspicuous and frowning as in the days of the Rebellion.
     I had a father in that company and I can see today, in my imagination, the old long-barreled, squirrel rifle with pouch and powder horn to match on his sturdy shoulders, as he marched away in defense of Jackson county homes and property. And as my imagination continues to function, I note his return after a few days, not having met the enemy while absent, only to meet a detachment of Morgan in his own dooryard and already in possession of two of the best horses, saddles and bridles on the farm, very hungry and commanding my mother to prepare food for them, and which she did until the household supplies were exhausted.
     I have often wondered, had the “Squirrel Hunter” soldiers been unfortunate enough to have met Morgan’s veterans and attacked them upon that occasion, how many of them would have been left to relate the story of that attempted defense.

Photo #1 of "Hunter's Rock"

Photo #2 of "Hunter's Rock"

[Point of interest: The Squirrel Hunters were organized in 1862 for one month’s service. Morgan did not come through until 1863. It could be surmised that many of the original Squirrel Hunters came forward again when Morgan approached.]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune, 1923