Trivia 2-9-17 Member Two Society

[Trivia Master]

Who made this gun?
What ammunittion did it use?
How many casualties were caused by it?
Where is it now?

credit: @GELongstreet

 

[Reb]

1. Made at the Athen's foundry in 1862. Developed by John Gilleland, a
house builder and private in a home guard
company dubbed the "Mitchell Thunderbolts."
2. It used two 6 pound iron solid shot balls attached by a chain
3. Casualties MAY include a cow, a corn field, and a chimney
4. It is located on the grounds of the Athens City Hall
at the corner of College and Hancock
Avenues in Athens, Georgia

http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/athenscannon.html

 

[Stony]

1. John Gilleland - was cast at the Athens Steam Company in 1862 .
2. The cannon was designed to shoot simultaneously two cannonballs connected with a chain to "mow down the enemy somewhat as a scythe cuts wheat".
3. Zero human casualties.
4. Currently, the cannon is on display on the front lawn of the City Hall of Athens, Georgia.
source- wiki

 

[adisciu9]

Inventor-John Gilleland; Cast by Athens Steam Co
Chain shot
One cow
Athens City Hall pointing Northward

 

[Brenal]

1. Designed by John Gilleland the famous Double Barrel Cannon, was cast at the Athens Steam Company in 1862.

2.The gun was designed to fire Chain Shot.

3.The only verifiable casualty was 1 cow whilst the gun was being tested on April 22 1862.( However,
James W. Camak claimed in an article in the Magazine of Antique Firearms, reprinted in the July 1915 Confederate Veteran, that the Cannon was used by Lumpkin's Artillery when they repelled Stoneman's Raiders at Barbers Creek on August 2, 1864. The cannon was loaded with canister. The Athens papers did not describe this action in any detail. They were going to press and a thousand murderous Yankees attempting to cross the Oconee did not warrant holding the presses.

Two other articles making this assertion have appeared in the Confederate Veteran, the latest by Donald B. Parr, Jr. in 1990. Parr contends that the Double Barrel Cannon was placed in the bottom tier of cannon and, following a four shell barrage, both barrels were discharged simultaneously dispersing the Yankees. The August 10, 1864, Southern Banner reported four shells being fired but made no mention of the Double Barrel Cannon or canister being used. The Banner also reported a Yankee Lieutenant killed and four men wounded. When the Yankees came to Athens in 1865 they took no chances and spiked the Cannon. )

4. Today it stands on the lawn of the City Hall in Athens, Georgia


http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Athen's_Double_Barrel_Cannon

 

[JohnW.]

Who made it = John Gilleland
Ammo used = two balls linked by a chain
Casualties = ZERO human, 1 cow, 1 chimney, and many trees...used as a signal gun after that to warn of Union troop approach.
Where is it now = Front lawn of City Hall in Athens, Georgia

 

[jekct1212]

A dentist from Athens Georgia designed this to shoot chain shot, I believe only the two gunners were killed

Edit - You're correct that the ammunition was chain shot.

There are sources indicating that the inventor was a dentist, but you would have needed to give his name. You also would have needed to state where the cannon is currently located.

I could find no source to verify that the gunners were killed.

Hoosier

 

[MajGenl.Meade]

The correct answer to "How many casualties were caused by it?" seems to be zero, although unsubstantiated claims are mentioned in the following quoted article and so FWIW I offer those:

One of Athen's most prized possessions, the famous Double Barrel Cannon, was (1a) cast at the Athens Steam Company in 1862 and (4) today stands on the lawn of the City Hall in Athens, Georgia. The Athens Steam Company was renamed the Athens Foundry and Machine Works in December 1863 and most reports name the Foundry as the site of manufacture. The Cannon is a double six-pounder, cast in one piece, with a three degree divergence from the parallel between the barrels. Each barrel has its own touch hole so it can be fired independent of the other and a common touch hole in the center is designed to fire both barrels simultaneously.

The idea was to connect (2) two cannon balls with a chain and mow the enemy down like a scythe cuts wheat. The gun is four feet eight and one-half inches long, the bore is three and thirteen-hundredths inches and the gun weighs about thirteen hundred pounds.

(1b) The gun was designed by John Gilleland who has been identified as a local house builder and mechanic, a Jackson County dentist, a private in Mitchell's Thunderbolts and as an employee of Cook's Armory. The Cannon was financed by a $350 subscription raised by 36 interested citizens and the casting was supervised by Thomas Bailey.

The Cannon was taken out on the Newton Bridge Road in April 1862, for test firing. The test was, to say the least, spectacular if unsuccessful.

According to reports one ball left the muzzle before the other and the two balls pursued an erratic circular course plowing up an acre of ground, destroying a corn field and mowing down some saplings before the chain broke.

The balls then adopted separate courses, (3a) one killing a cow and the other demolishing the chimney on a log cabin. The observers scattered in fear of their lives.

Some reports claimed (3b) two or three spectators were killed by the firing. The reports of the deaths have not been substantiated. The Watchman promptly reported the test an unqualified success.

The Cannon was then sent, at Gilleland's insistence, to the Augusta Arsenal for further tests. Colonel Rains, arsenal commandant, tested the gun and reported it a failure for the purpose intended. Colonel Rains had tested a similar weapon at Governor's Island in 1855 with the same results.

Gilleland, however, was still of the opinion that the gun was a perfect success and engaged in a heated correspondence with the Confederate Secretary of War. Gilleland contended the Cannon had been fired successfully and James W. Camak reports one successful shot. Camak also stated that the Cannon was very effective if both barrels were loaded with canister or grape shot and fired simultaneously.

Further persistence proving futile Gilleland then approached Governor Brown in an attempt to interest the state in his gun. Brown declined to provide money for further experiments and the Cannon was returned to Athens.

According to Legend the Cannon was placed in front of the Town Hall as a signal gun and loaded with blank shot. Dr. Moore was appointed master of the Cannon and was to fire the blanks on the approach of any Yankees. The women and children were to gather in the Town Hall and the men were to form a circle around the Hall and sell their lives dearly.

One Sunday morning the women and children were in church and the men napping at home when some boys fired the gun. Pandemonium resulted, the churches broke up, the women ran screaming into the streets and the men went running through the town in their underwear. When the dust settled the Town Hall was packed full of men and the women were pounding on the door trying to get in.

The truth behind the legend is no more complimentary to Athens than the legend. The July 27, 1864, Watchman reported that a rumor of three or four thousand Yankees at High Shoals on July 23 quickly grew to thirty or forty thousand Yankees. The Banner of the same date reported the Yankees, several thousand strong, to be in Monroe. The cannons were fired, the bells rung and the companies for local defense assembled. The Watchman reported males of all ages in place ready to defend Athens. The Banner reported a few defections.

Private correspondents, however, were not so kind. Mrs. Marcellus Stanley in private letters reported "some of our men were so scared ... that they ran off". Mrs. Stanley also describes men running through town to the train depot barefoot, coatless and hatless followed by women, with their corsets and stockings in hand, attempting to fasten their dresses. The Yankees did not materialize and the military stood down after agreeing upon a signal for reassembling.

The Sunday peace was broken at 11 AM next morning by the firing of three cannon, at the Town Hall, disrupting church services. The Banner reported the citizens as "retiring to their homes with order and decorum" and the military units as assembling "with a promptness highly creditable." Julia Pope Moss recorded in the margin of her Bible, "Everyone left (Church) in a great state of excitement," but she did not report any widespread panic. According to Colonel Young the signal guns were fired under a misapprehension of orders. The Watchman exhorted the citizens to "KEEP COOL!" and promised that Colonel Young would give the signal when danger approaches. No mention was made of the Double Barrel Cannon having a part in these events.

James W. Camak claimed in an article in the Magazine of Antique Firearms, reprinted in the July 1915 Confederate Veteran, that the Cannon was used by Lumpkin's Artillery when they repelled Stoneman's Raiders at Barbers Creek on August 2, 1864. The cannon was loaded with canister. The Athens papers did not describe this action in any detail. They were going to press and a thousand murderous Yankees attempting to cross the Oconee did not warrant holding the presses.

Two other articles making this assertion have appeared in the Confederate Veteran, the latest by Donald B. Parr, Jr. in 1990. Parr contends that the Double Barrel Cannon was placed in the bottom tier of cannon and, following a four shell barrage, both barrels were discharged simultaneously dispersing the Yankees. The August 10, 1864, Southern Banner reported four shells being fired but made no mention of the Double Barrel Cannon or canister being used. The Banner also reported (4c) a Yankee Lieutenant killed and four men wounded. When the Yankees came to Athens in 1865 they took no chances and spiked the Cannon.

The Cannon disappeared about 1891 and reappeared in 1895 or 1898.
http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Athen's_Double_Barrel_Cannon

 

[kholland]

It was forged in the city of Athens, Georgia (where it stands in front of City Hall) from a design by John Gilleland. He was a private in a home guard unit called the Mitchel Thunderbolts, a unit made up of elderly men too old for active duty.


It fired two six pound cannonballs connected by about 10 feet of chain ( boy, that ammunition chest would have to be huge !). After three test firings the only "casualties" were some saplings and an unwary cow.

It remained in front of the City Hall until August 2, 1864, when it was hauled out of town to the hills by Barber Creek upon the approach of Brig. Gen. George Stoneman and his Union troops. The double barrel cannon was positioned on a ridge along with several other conventional cannons. Both barrels were loaded with canister shot. The homeguard units were heavily out numbered, but as the Union troops approached the Athens homeguard fired a four shell barrage including the double barrel cannon. Against such stiff resistance the Union troops withdrew. Casualty figures were unknown.

 

[Tennessee_Mountainman]

Who made this gun? - John Gilleland

What ammunition did it use? - Six pound balls, linked by a chain

How many casualties were caused by it? - 1 (A cow)

Where is it now? - Athens, GA

 

[DBF]

The double barrel cannon was made in Athens, GA at the Athens Steam Company in 1862 (later renamed Athens Foundry & Machine Works in December 1863) and was the design of John Gilleland. It used a chain shot ammunition - 2 - 6 pound cannon balls connected by roughly 10' of chain. It looks like due to its' poor performance in testing, (mostly getting it to fire together and at the intended target) - it was never adopted by the Confederate army, but was used on Aug. 2, 1864 with other cannons to stop the Union army from entering Athens, GA but no recorded casualties are mentioned, although I did find 1 article that stated a cow was killed during testing. The 2nd reference does mention that the paper "The Southern Banner, reported on Aug. 10, 1864 4 shells being fired but made no mention of the Double Barrel Cannon or canister being used. The "Banner" also reported a Yankee Lieutenant killed and 4 men wounded, but since they did not mention the double barrel cannon - I don't know how the Union men were hurt. So the only evidence I could find for sure was the cow. It is located on the corner of Hancock & College Avenues, Athens, GA at the Town Hall where it still points north toward the Yankees "just in case".
http://www.americancivilwarstory.com/double-barrel-cannon.html
http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Athen's_Double_Barrel_Cannon

 

[1stMN]

Designed by John Gilleland
Ammunition: Chain shot
Casualties: 2-3 spectators (unconfirmed), several young trees, a cornfield, and a cow.
Located: Athens, GA

 

[Pavel]

athens double barreled cannon.
Gilleland tried to promote his invention to the Confederate States Army's arsenal in Augusta, Georgia, where it was found unfit for its purpose. He continued to try to promote his invention to other military leaders around Augusta, but failed to interest anyone. Finally his contraption was used as a signal gun in Athens to warn against advancing Yankees.

On 27 July 1864, the cannon was fired after a report was heard of several thousand Union soldiers approaching Monroe, Georgia. However, this report turned out to be false. The cannon disappeared in 1891 and was found again ten years later.

caused 1237

Edit - Pavel, the correct answers to all four parts of the question can be found in the link that you indicated. Unfortunately, the rules of the game state that a link can be used to support your answer, but cannot BE your answer.

In order to get credit for a correct response, you need to state your answer to the question (or your answers to all parts of the question, when the question contains multiple parts) in your own words. After that, you can supply a link to support your response.

You're getting closer. Keep trying.

Hoosier

 

[ErnieMac]

Who made this gun? John Gilleland
What ammunittion did it use? Chain shot (Two 6-pound balls connected by 10 feet of chain).
How many casualties were caused by it? One cow.
Where is it now? In front of the Athens, Georgia, City Hall.
http://www.americancivilwarstory.com/double-barrel-cannon.html

 

[Copperhead-mi]

1. The cannon designed by John Gilleland, was built by the Athens Steam Company, Athens Georgia
2. The Athens Double Barrel Cannon used both 6 lb. balls and canister
3. Allegedly the cannon killed one cow and "two or three spectators" during a test firing, and during its use to repel Stoneman's Raiders, one "Yankee Lt. killed and four men wounded."
4. Athens City Hall


"The Cannon was taken out on the Newton Bridge Road in April 1862, for test firing. The test was, to say the least, spectacular if unsuccessful.
"According to reports one ball left the muzzle before the other and the two balls pursued an erratic circular course plowing up an acre of ground, destroying a corn field and mowing down some saplings before the chain broke.
"The balls then adopted separate courses, one killing a cow and the other demolishing the chimney on a log cabin. The observers scattered in fear of their lives.
Some reports claimed two or three spectators were killed by the firing. The reports of the deaths have not been substantiated. The Watchman promptly reported the test an unqualified success."

"James W. Camak claimed in an article in the Magazine of Antique Firearms, reprinted in the July 1915 Confederate Veteran, that the Cannon was used by Lumpkin's Artillery when they repelled Stoneman's Raiders at Barbers Creek on August 2, 1864. The cannon was loaded with canister. The Athens papers did not describe this action in any detail. They were going to press and a thousand murderous Yankees attempting to cross the Oconee did not warrant holding the presses.
"Two other articles making this assertion have appeared in the Confederate Veteran, the latest by Donald B. Parr, Jr. in 1990. Parr contends that the Double Barrel Cannon was placed in the bottom tier of cannon and, following a four shell barrage, both barrels were discharged simultaneously dispersing the Yankees. The August 10, 1864, Southern Banner reported four shells being fired but made no mention of the Double Barrel Cannon or canister being used. The Banner also reported a Yankee Lieutenant killed and four men wounded. When the Yankees came to Athens in 1865 they took no chances and spiked the Cannon."
Source: Athens Double Barrel Cannon

Edit - Response failed to mention chain.

Hoosier

 

[William G Hendry]

designed by john gilleland and cast by the Athens steam company, 2 six pound cannon balls connected by ten feet of chain, it is at the town hall in Athens Georgia , only casualtie was a one cow . AmericanCivilWarStory.com

 

[Wallyfish]

Who - John Gilleland
Ammunition type - two 6 pound cannon balls connected by a metal chain roughly 10' long
# Casualties - zero humans but a cow was claimed to been killed in a test firing
Where - Athens Georgia


From Wikipedia
This concept dates from 1642 and Florentine gun maker Antonio Petrini. He cast the first cannon intended to fire simultaneously from side-by-side barrels two balls linked by a chain, intended to scythe down enemy soldiers like standing wheat when it reached them. The operative word, however, was "simultaneously." For the rig to work, the powder behind each round shot had to ignite at the same instant, which, of course, rarely happened.

http://www.americancivilwarstory.com/double-barrel-cannon.html

http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Athen's_Double_Barrel_Cannon

 

[FarawayFriend]

There are some "alternative facts" given in the articles about the World's only double barreled cannon.
Every part of my reply is backed by one of the three articles quoted at the end of my reply.

1) It was designed by John Gilleland and cast in the Athens Steam Company, later named Athens Foundry and Machine Company

2) It was a double six pounder. The balls were connected by a chain.

3) Casualties inflicted by this cannon: one killed, two wounded in a skirmish between the Athens Home Guard and Federal cavalry, the so-called Battle of Jack's Creek. "The cannon itself was used outside of Athens by the Athens Home Guard against Federal Cavalry. The casualties from this skirmish for both sides were one killed and two wounded" - See more at: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1630#sthash.ItGZlgqx.dpuf
The place of the skirmish, better known as the "Battle" of Jack's Creek, is currently covered by GA 316 - See more at: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1630#sthash.ItGZlgqx.dpuf

Additionally, two or three spectators were reportedly killed during testing, but these reports are not substantiated

4) It now stands on the north angle of the lawn of the City Hall, College Ave, corner Hancock St ,Athens, Georgia,

http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Athen's_Double_Barrel_Cannon

http://civilwarwiki.net/wiki/Athens_Double-Barrelled_Cannon

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1630

 

[lelliott19]

Oh wow!!!! Here's a Q that's near and dear! The Athens, Ga. Double Barrel Cannon

1. Cast in 1862 at the Athens (Ga) Steam Company (Athens Foundry and Machine Works.) Designed by John Gilleland (local house builder, mechanic, and dentist,) he was an employee of Cook's Armory at the time.
2. Supposedly two six pound cannon balls joined together with a chain fired via a single touch hole. Or alternately, the barrels could each be loaded with six pound shells (not connected with a chain) and fired separately .
3. No human ones verified - but one cow and one chimney along with a corn field and some saplings were destroyed during testing. Some reports of the test firing report several people killed, but this has "never been substantiated."
4. City Hall, Athens, Ga
http://www.aboutnorthgeorgia.com/ang/Athen's_Double_Barrel_Cannon

 

[MRB1863]

John Gilleland
Two balls linked by a chain
No humans, but a cow on its third firing
Front lawn of the City Hall of Athens, Georgia