Saturday, June 16, 2012

George Hight Virginia Militia.

HIGHT, GEORGE.Rockbridge, Dec. 3, 1832. Born in King and Queen, 1755. Removed while young to Amherst. In January, 1776, volunteered in Botetourt against the Cherokees, and marched under Capt. Gilmore to Crowd's Ferry, now Pattonsburg, thence to Long Island on Holston, where he remained till about 3,000 men had assembled under Col. Christian. They marched for  four weeks into the Indian country, destroyed five towns, and were discharged at Long Island. Enlisted in Rockbridge, Aug. 14, 1777, in Col. George Baylor's Light Dragoons to serve during the war.

In October, joined the regiment at Fredericksburg, remaining there five or six weeks, then marching to Reading, Pa., where he was inoculated for the smallpox. In February 1778, the troop marched to the Raritan, and next month to Valley Forge. Here the Fourth Troop, to which he belonged, commanded by Capt. Cadwallader Jones, was employed by Gen. Morgan in preventing the people of the county from furnishing supplies to the enemy and in watching the movements of the latter. In the action at Monmouth, affiant was under the immediate command of Maj. Clough, of Lee's division.  The regiment then proceeded to Hackensack, remaining there five or six weeks, then moving up the river. Sept. 23, it was surprised by Gen. Gray while asleep in barns. No quarter was given except to the Fourth Troop, all of whom were made prisoners, except affiant and John Walker, who escaped by getting in among the enemy. Col. Baylor was wounded and Maj. Clough was killed.

Next day affiant joined the remnant of the regiment and wintered at Frederick, Md. In the spring they were joined by the Fourth Troop, now exchanged, and by some new recruits. Col. William Washington now took command, and they returned to New Jersey, again being employed in watching the enemy and preventing trading with him. Near the close of 1780, they marched south, arriving near Charleston, S. C, in March, 1780. Shortly after, learning that Tarleton was on his way from Savannah to Charleston, Washington whipped him, taking sixteen prisoners, including a colonel and a doctor. But later, Washington was surprised and defeated at Alonk's Corner. The attack was so sudden that although the horses were saddled and bridled, there was not time to mount.  Affiant was captured and after being dragged about with the army of Cornwallis some ten daj's, was put into a prison ship till after the surrender of Charleston.

He was then placed in the barracks, there, but this being  inconvenient to the British, he was again put on board a prison ship and confined till about August, when he was exchanged at Jamestown, Va. At Malvern Hills he found Capt. Cadwallader Jones, and was sent on to Maj. Call of Washington's regiment, who was recruiting in Orange, Albemarle, and Goochland.  After the surrender of Cornwallis he was discharged in South Carolina, in the fall of 1782. Bartlett Fitzgerald, a comrade, certifies that in Grey's surprise Hight was cut down and left as dead.

NOTE; There is a pension application made in Rockbridge County VA on 17 Feb 1840 by Lovia Hight, age 79, widow of George Hight who died 21 Aug 1837. Included with her application are pages from a family record stating that George Hight was born 3 July 1755 and married Lovia Lunsford on 24 May 1782 and giving dates of births of their children. (HeritageQuest Online has the file under the name George High.)

Friday, June 15, 2012

Captain & Major Foxhall A. Dangerfield.

Foxhall A. Dangerfield was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, at "Westwood," February 8th, 1839. He was descended from distinguished colonial ancestors, his father and mother being cousins, were both grandchildren of Richard Parker, Judge of the General Court of the Colony of Virginia, and later of the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia.

He was the youngest son of eleven children, and removed with his parents to Bath county at an early age ; was educated in most part at the semi-military school of George P. Terrill and at Lewisburg Academy, studied law in the office of his brother-in-law in California, from which State he returned home to defend his native State in the John Brown raid. Later he studied at the law school now Washingon and Lee University.

In 1861 the law class disbanded, and after taking his legal examination at Staunton, he joined the cavalry company commanded by Capl. A. T. Richards of Bath county, and in 1862. at the reorganization, was elected captain of that company, which was soon after transferred to Ashby's command, as a company of the Seventeenth Battalion, which afterwards was merged into the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry.

Captain Dangerfield participated in all the engagements of his regiment except when absent from wounds or imprisonments. He was wounded at Orange Court House August 2nd. 1862. receiving a severe sabre wound and taken prisoner to the Old Capitol, Washington. Being soon exchanged, and before his wound was healed, he was again in command of his company.

Laurel Brigade, Company G.

Capt. Foxhall A. Dangerfield, wounded at Orange Court House, August 2nd, 1862; sabre cut on head and shot in left shoulder and captured. Wounded at Upperville, June, 1863, at Baltimore and Ohio roundhouse; near New Creek, in 1864, and near Amelia Springs, April 5, 1865 ; living at Lexington, Ky.  Death January 5, 1913.

Three Faces Of The 21st., Virginia Infantry Co. F.

Push pictures to enlarge.
Captains. R. Milton Cary, enlisted Apl. 21, 1861 ; promoted colonel of 30th Va. Regt. of Infantry June
15, 1861 ; and was ordered in 1862 to Belona Arsenal to supervise the making of cannon for the
army and navy. In 1865 he was ordered to Goldsboro, N. C, and surrendered with Johnston's army.
Richard H. Cunningham, Jr., enlisted Apl. 21, 1861; as second lieutenant; first lietuenant May 1, 1861;
captain May 16, 1861; elected lieutenant colonel of the 21st Va. Regt. Apl. 1862; killed at Cedar Run,
Aug. 9, 1862.




William H. Morgan, enlisted June 1861, as adjutant of the 21st Va. Regt; elected captain of F., Company Apl. 1862; killed at Cedar Run Aug. 9, 1862.






                               


Reuben J. Jordan, enlisted Apl. 21, 1861; promoted second lieutenant 1863; and captain in 1864; wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864; and at Fort Steadman Mch. 25, 1865.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Pliny Fisk Gammell, New Hampshire.

Push to enlarge.
Pliny Fisk Gammell, son of Samuel and Achsah (Curtice) Gammell, was born in Hillsborough, N. H., February 21, 1842, and that portion of his life up to the time of his enlistment was spent on his father's farm. He received his education from the district schools of his native town.

In the fall of i86i,he determined to enter the service, and on October 25 of that year enlisted as a private in Company A, Seventh New Hampshire, and re-enlisted February 27, 1864. He was wounded July 18, 1863, in the second assault on Fort Wagner, on Morris Island, S. C, and participated in all the engagements of his regiment and company. He was promoted to corporal December 17, 1864, and was discharged July 20, 1865, with the regiment.  Since his return home he has followed the occupation of machinist, and resides in Lowell, Mass.

1880 census, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachestts.

Pliny Fisk Gammell, born 1843, age 37, occuption machinist.
Lydia, wife, age 31, occuption keeping house.
Lydia Davis, Mother-in-law, age 73.
Martha P. Davis, Sister-in-law, age 34, occuption student.

Pliny F. Gammell and Lydia Amelia Davis, were married June 21, 1871, Lowell, Massachestts.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Therron A. Farr.

CAPTAIN THERON A. FARR.

One of the men who well represented the character of the regiment was Theron A. Farr of Littleton. He was strong of physique, cool and intrepid in danger, not seeking hazards, but manfully meeting his duty, whatever the sendee to which it called him, quiet and unostentatious in demeanor, without reproach in habit and character, and faithful to the end. It was because the backbone of the organization was made up of such men that the Fifth New Hampshire Infantry was able to make a record in the War of the Rebellion which will give it a rank among the famous fighting regiments of the world.

Theron A. Farr was a farmer in Littleton at the breaking out of the war. His parents were Gilman and Philena A. Farr. He was born at that place, Dec. 29, 1839, and there he has always resided. His wife is a daughter of the late Marquis L. Goold, a prominent citizen of Littleton. They have two promising sons, Walter H., and Henry M. Mr. Farr's first enlistment was April 23, 1861, and for three months. Under this enlistment he remained some time at Portsmouth and its vicinity in various lines of duty. Without being sent out of the state, he was discharged with a large number of his comrades, who were not re-enlisted into the Second Regiment. Sept. 30, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Fifth, and reenlisted as a veteran March 20, 1864, having then the rank of sergeant. Nov. 4, 1864, he was commissioned lieutenant, and Ma} r 1, 1865, was commissioned captain, but was mustered out June 29, as lieutenant. He won his promotion by hard work and faithful service. His abilities were not of the flashy kind but solid, like the granite among which his kindred have for generations dwelt, delved and built that good name which is better than riches. Capt. Farr is a wellpreserved man in the prime of a well ordered life, a useful citizen in community, and trusted among men of affairs and in official stations.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

I lost James Thompson, 2nd., Kansas Cavalry.

The title says it all, I had a gentleman by the name of Charlie Pate, who had some information on James Thompson, of the 2nd., Kansas Cavalry, and wanted it added to the post.  The only problem was I couldn't find the post and when I asked him to go back and find it so I would know were I could post his information.  Well he wrote back and give a laugh and said he couldn't find it again.  Will now what to do, I could just for get it but that would be a waste of his time that took him to look up the information.  And I know some one would like the information.There is a important lesson to learn here.

I get around a thousand request for information or to give information each year, and out of these numbers 25, out of 100, will give the title of the post.  Over the years I have noted ( To give the title of the post or I may not be able to help you.)  I have around 50,000, surnames at this site and to give a name out of the blue, well you can imagin the problem this causes.  Always tell the person your asking  for information from or giving giving information too just were you got or seen the information.

Below is the information Mr. Pate and I put together on James Thompson.

James Thompson, Private, 2nd., Kansas Cavalry, Company K., Private, enlisted November 12, 1861, mustered the same.  Prisoner of war, captured at Poison Springs, Arkansas, April 18, 1864.  Died at Fort Tyler, Texas, 1864.

Charlie Pate, gives these information: 

Mr. Segelquist, here is an addition to your list of 2nd Kansas POWs. According to the Co K Descriptive Book in the National Archives, James Thompson was captured at the battle of Poison Springs, AR, on 4/18/1864. He died in the POW camp near Tyler, TX, on 2/28/1865.

The Descriptive Book entry on Thompson reads: "Missing in Action (wounded & taken prisoner) at Poison Springs, Ark. April 17, 1864. Died in Rebel Prison near Tyler, Texas, Feb 28, 1865 of Scurvy. Final Statements furnished (to his widow) July 30th 1865. Last paid by Maj. Culver to June 30,'63. Clothing $23.00 from 30 Jun 63. Furnished horse & equip from Jun 30 '63 to Apr 18th
1864."

                      

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Four Sheriffs From Kansas, Wabaunsee Co.

William Treu was a Wabaunsee county boy, born on the farm, October 16, 1865. Received good educational advantages, but preferred life on the farm, where he remained until elected sheritT of Wabaunsee county in 1891 Was reelected two years later and at the close of his second term again returned to the farm, but this time in Texas, in the Beaumont oil fields, but before Mr. Treu could reap the benefit of  his lucky investment he died on June 8, 1900, aged 34 years, 7 months and 22 days. Before going to Texas he was married to Miss Kate Little, a son being born to this union. Deceased was a young man of  sterling worth and by his gentlemanly deportment had secured for himself a warm place in the hearts of the people.

S. E. Hull Was born in Marion county, Ohio, on February 4, 1842. Was united in marriage to Miss Pheribee Martin, on December 27, 1866.  Came to Kansas in the fall of 1877, locating- on the farm he now owns, near Eskridge. On May 9, 1861, enlisted as a musician in Co. C, 26th Ohio Infantry, reenlisting in January, 1864. Participated in engagements at Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Franklin, and thence to Texas, where he was mustered out at Victoria, in October, 1865, having served 4 years, 6 months, and 7 days.  Mr. Hull was nine times elected trustee of Wilmington township and served the people two years as sheriff, showing himself to be a capable and efficient officer, having, during his term, been put to the most rigid tests by some of the slickest prisoners ever confined in the Alma jail.  As a band leader he has few equals and no superior the Alma Volunteer, band furnishing an excellent example of what can be accomplished by skill, untiring energy, and persistent application. In June, 1901, Mr. Hull took charge of the New Commercial House in Alma and by his tact, good judgment, and genial manner has made his hotel one of the popular stopping places on the line of the Rock Island.
H. J.Palenske Was born September 10, 1860, in Richardson county, Kansas, now known as Wabaunsee county. Received a common school education. Was raised on a farm till he was 17 years old, He then came to Alma and worked a year for Kinne & Kerans, again returning to the farm for one year, after which he returned to town and held a position in the store of F. C. Simon, dealer in general merchandise, for two years. On March 20, 1891, Herman again returned to the farm. The following fall Mr. Palenske was elected sheriff of Wabaunsee county, entering upon the duties of this office January 11, 1902. At the close of his term he was reelected, giving the people four years of honest and efficient service as sheriff.

Mr. Palenske was united in marriage to Miss Marion Ross, of Mission creek, on February 3, 1892.  Since the close of his second term of office as sheriff, Mr. Palenske has resided on his farm, one mile south of Alma, where contentment reigns in a happy home.

Frederick J. Frey was born June 6, 1864, at Davenport, Iowa. Received the benefits of an excellent system of schools, supplementing a good common school education with a course at Davenport Academy. Came to Kansas in 1878, and on April 15, 1896, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kolde, to which union three children were born: Adelaide, Theresa, and Frank. Mr. Frey has served the people of Newbury towns! ip one terra as trustee and has been constable since he was old enough to vote, his excellent work in that office pointing him out as the right man for the office of sheriff of Wabaunsee county to which important office he was elected in 1899. Mr. Frey has proven himself a capable official. His metal has more than once been subjected to the crucial tests essential to secure a verdict of approval. He has served the people truly and well, and they seldom fail to mete out to the faithful that reward to which they are justly entitled.