Carl P. & Mark Henry Sisler. .

Carl Powers Sisler.

Birth: Jun. 1, 1892, Nebraska.
Death: Mar. 12, 1956,

Wife's: Lucille J Wiedetz Sisler (1904 - 1965), Clara L. Sisler (1896 - 1931).

Inscription: Iowa, Bglr Co K 53 Inf, 6 Division, World War I.

Burial: Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois.

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SISLER, CARL P. (4)

Bugler, Co. K, 53d Inf.. 6th Div.. U. S. Regulars. Born June 1, 1892. Son of Chas. Edw. and Lizzie Breed Sisler. Entered service May 1. 1918. at Crookston, Minn. Promoted Aug., 1918, to Bugler. Battles: Argonne Forest. Verdun. Army of Occupation. In trenches from Sept. 10 until Armistice. Home address. Ohio, Ohio Twp.




Mark Henry Sisler.

Birth: 1889.
Death: 1965.

Burial: Union Cemetery, Ohio, Bureau County, llinois.


 
 


SISLER, MARK HENRY (5)

Corporal, Co. 54, 5th Repl. Reg. Born July 8. 1889. Son of Chas. Edw. and Lizzie Breed Sisler. Entered service May 27. 1918. at Camp Gordon, Ga. Promoted July 17. 1918. to Corporal. Wounded at battle of Argonne, Oct. 4, 1918 (bul'et through lung.  Battles: Eight days in Argonne Forest, Sept. 27-Oct. 4, 1918. Discharged January, 1920. Home address. Ohio, Ohio Twp.

Samuel T. Craig, Iowa.

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Samuel Thomas Craig

Birth: Mar. 22, 1835.
Death: Mar. 17, 1902.

Parents: Thomas Craig (1803 - 1882), Mary Elizabeth Welsh Craig (1811 - 1903).

Wife: Helen Blanche Higgins Craig (1849 - 1925).

Children: Charles Craig (1875 - 1879).

Burial: Oakview Cemetery, Albia, Monroe County, Iowa.

Iowa First Cavalry, Regimental History.

 
Samuel T. Craig was born March 22d, 1835, in Corydon, Harrison county, Indiana. His parents, Dr. Thomas and Mary E. Craig, emigrated to Waveland, Montgomery county, Indiana, while he was a mere child, where he received a common school education and learned the carriage making trade with N. Glover. He emigrated with his parents to Albia, Monroe county, Iowa, in the spring of 1855, being in his twentieth year. He manufactured the first buggy made in Monroe county, Iowa.

In the spring of 1858 he and his brother David traveled overland in an open buggy to St. Paul, Minnesota, there being no railroad west of the Mississippi river except a short line from Burlington to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and the city of Minneapolis was but a village.

He was one of the unfortunate gold hunters during the Pike s Peak excitement in 1859-60. He returned home to Albia, Iowa, in the fall of 1860, with a view of returning to the gold fields early in the spring of 1861. The late war of the rebellion of 61, and the call of President Lincoln for Volunteers to defend the National flag, changed his base of action, and at the fall of Fort Sumter declared his intentions to defend the Government.

He enlisted as private of Company H, First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, June 13th, 1861. Was promoted after about two years 1 service to orderly sergeant, thence to Second Lieutenant, thence to First Lieutenant all in same company and regiment.

He served on staff of Colonel J. M. Glover, commanding Second Brigade Cavalry Division, for nearly a year. Was first in the city at the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas, and captured several prisoners. Served on staffs of General Cyrus Bussey, Carr and Davidson, at Little Hock, Arkansas, and on staffs of Generals E. D. Osband and B. S. Roberts, commanding cavalry division at Memphis, Tennessee. Participated in nearly all the engagements with the enemy west of the Mississippi river, including Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Little Rock, Prairie DeAnue, Poison Springs, Camden, near Marks Mill, Saline River, et al. Was mustered out of service while under the command of General Custer, at Austin, Texas, February 15th, 1866 having served four years, eight months and three days.

He cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, republican candidate for President ; also voted for Lincoln and Grant twice, Hayes, Garfield. Blaine and Harrison for same office. Was a consistent republican as well as a prohibitionist. Was elected county auditor on the republican ticket in 1869, 71, 73 and 75, four consecutive terms, serving eight years. He has since been engaged in the mercantile business at Albia, Iowa. Married May 17th, 1870, to Miss Helen B. Higgins, from Chardron, Ohio, and had sons, Samuel T. and Charles H., and daughters, Helen and Laura, and are members of the Christian Church.

George Love, Tennessee.

Second Tennessee C. S. A. Cavalry, Regiment al History.



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George Love, son of James F. and Maria Love, was born October i8th, 1835, in Sumner County, Tennessee, five miles north of Gallatin. He was raised on the farm, and educated at the Wallace School- house, near his father's residence.

When about eighteen years old he commenced business as a clerk for William Moore, who kept a family grocery at Gallatin. After clerking for Mr. Moore for about two years, he was next a clerk in Parker & Holder's dry goods house for about three years. He went from Gallatin to Nashville in 1858, and did business there for John Ramage & Son {boot and shoe business) until the breaking out of the late war.

George Love entered the Confederate service as Second Lieutenant in Captain H. B. Boude"s company, which, on the 19th of October, 1 86 1, became Company A of the Seventh Battalion of Tennessee Cavalry. He served as second lieutenant under Captain Boude  until after the battle of Shiloh.

Near Fulton, Mississippi, on the 12th of June, 1862, Boude's and Tyree's companies were consolidated, and William T. Rickman was made captain, and the subject of this sketch was made first lieutenant of this consolidated company, which, at the same time and place, became Company D of the Second Tennessee Cavalry.

After passing through many hard-fought battles, always doing his full duty. Lieutenant Love fell, mortally wounded, while so daringly breasting the missiles of death at Fort Pillow on the 12th of April, 1864. Being rather retiring and unassuming, though generous, kind, and obliging, he had won many friends, and, therefore, he was much missed and greatly lamented, not only by his own company, but all of the regiment.

I take the following from the Manuscript Notes of Colonel Barteau:

"A singular instance of a premonition of death occurred in the case of Lieutenant Love. As an officer, he was popular with his men, and always calm and fearless at the post of duty. Li the morning he called several of his company around him and told them, in a quiet manner, that he should be killed that day. He gave directions for the disposal, among the command, of his horse and little posses sions, arranged for the payment of his small debts, and wrote a farewell letter to his orphan sister, living at Gallatin, Tennessee. 

"He led his company on, and at eleven o'clock was laid low by a canister shot from one of the enemy's guns. We buried him the next morning. His memory lives in the hearts of all his surviving comrades, and the regiment could boast of no braver soldier or better man."

Alonzo B. Searing, New Jersey.

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Alonzo Bryant Searing.

Birth: Jun. 26, 1844, Mill Brook, Morris County, New Jersey.
Death: Jun. 14, 1932, Dover, Morris County, New Jersey.

Parents: Samuel Johnson Searing (1809 - 1890), Elizabeth C. Bryant Searing (1810 - 1895).

Burial: Millbrook Methodist Cemetery, Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey.

New Jersey Eleventh Infantry, Regimental History.

Page 360, Alonzo B. Searing enlisted in Company E, Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, August 18th, 1862, and was, at the time of his entrance into the service, eighteen years of age. He was with the regiment during its entire term of service, being present at its muster-out, June 6th, 1865. Searing, like many others in the regiment, became a soldier when quite young, and the effective fighting element of the army was composed of just such men, the great bulk of them serving in the three-years volunteers of 1861 and 1862. At Gettysburg the two men on his immediate right were mortally wounded, while he escaped with a slight ankle wound. Searing was a faithful, brave and efficient soldier. Since the close of the war he has served five years in the National Guard of New Jersey. He now resides at Dover, New Jersey.

Page 69, A soldier sometimes has a premonition of coming death. Such was the case with Sergeant Daniel Bender, of Company H. Just previous to the battle, in a conversation with A. B. Searing, of
Company E, he said that he had a presentiment that he would not live to see the end of the coming battle. His presentiment proved too true, for a bullet, passing through the visor of his cap, pierced his brain.

One year afterward, when bivouacking upon the battle-field of Chancellorsville, just before the battle of the Wilderness, among many ghastly relics picked up was a skull, the cap still upon it, and upon the visor was stamped " D. Bender, Co. H, 11th N. J. Vols." A. B. Searing, of Company E, cut the visor off and brought it home with him.

Henry Edwin Hayes

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Henry Edwin Hayes.

Birth: 1840.
Death: Unknown.

Father; Jhon "John" S. Hayes., ( 1814-1901 ).
Mother: Julia Short Hayes, ( 1819-1880 ).

Brother and Sisters: Albert W., William, Luther P., Lucy I., Ann E., Cordelia A., Cordelia L., Mary F., and Eva A. Hayes

Wife: Abbie C. Hayes.

Children: Non recorded.

Burial: Unknown.

New York Tenth Cavalry Regimental History.

Henry Edwin Hayes was born in Livingston County, New York, in 1840. Three years afterward his parents removed to Cortland County, where he resided until his enlistment, in August, 1861. At this time he was attending school at Cincinnatus Academy, and had but one more term to complete the graduating course. He was the first among the students of this institution to offer his services to the country, after the call for volunteers following the first Bull Bun disaster. A short time after arriving at the Elmira rendezvous he was appointed acting adjutant by Colonel Lemmon.

This position he held for a few days, and then returned to Cortland County on recruiting service, preparatory to receiving a commission. On arriving at Elmira with his second installment of recruits, he found the Regiment fully organized and officered, and himself assigned to a position as quartermaster-sergeant on the non-commissioned staff. This position he held until the battalion organization was discontinued. In June, 1863, he was commissioned first lieutenant in Company I. Although not possessing a rugged constitution, he participated in all the engagements, marches, and duties of the Regiment up to the time of his illness, and the loss of an eye, in May, 1864, which resulted in his discharge for disability in the following August. In the spring of 1865 he went West, and took up the profession of teaching. In 1869 he received a tempting offer from a New York publishing house, which he accepted, and returned to the East. He has been connected with the old and extensive publishing house of D. Appleton & Co. since 1873, and is now manager of their educational department.

New York State Records.

HAYES, HENRY E.—Age, 21 years. Enlisted, August 31, 1861, at McGrawville; mustered in as sergeant, Co. A, September 27, 1861, to serve three years; appointed battalion quartermaster sergeant, November 25,1861; company quarter-master sergeant, June 24,1862; first sergeant, 1862; wounded at Middleburg, Va., June 19, 1863; mustered in as second lieutenant, Co. I, to date June 19, 1863; resigned, August 1, 1864, per Special Order No. 256, Adjutant General's Office. Commissioned second lieutenant, July 27, 1868, with rank from June 19, 1863, vice Boyd, killed; First lieutenant, June 14, 1864, with rank from May 25, 1864.

Milford N. Bullock, New York..

New York Thirty-Fourth, Infantry, Regimental History.

 

Battle of Antietam.

 

Milford N. Bullock, of Company K, was found dead on the field after the battle. The position in which he was lying indicated the painful circumstances of his death. He was lying on his back, his rifle by his side. The ramrod of his gun was in his hand, the lower end against the trigger of the gun, and the muzzle of the gun at his head. It appeared at the time that the wound he had received had not been sufficient to cause instant death ; but, being in mortal agony, he had contrived to end his sufferings by taking his own life. He had placed the gun by his side, the muzzle at his head, and by means of the ramrod had succeeded in discharging it.

The circumstances were all so painful, that his comrades, at the suggestion of Captain Northup, agreed that they would not mention them in their letters home. But now, after forty years, there is no harm in referring to them. Young Bullock was from Stratford, Herkimer County, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His courage, his fidelity to duty were always unquestioned. His grave is not at home among his kindred, but far away, like that of so many others. He sleeps among the many unknown dead, in the great National cemetery at Antietam ; but we have never walked down those beautiful shaded aisles without feeling that we were again very near to our beloved comrade of those far-off days.

New York Stat Records.

BULLOCK, MILFORD N — Age, 19 years. Enlisted, May 1,1861, at Stratford, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co.K, June 15, 1861; killed, September 17, 1862, at Antietam, Md.

Jesse Benson, New York.

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Jesse Benson.

Birth: Jun. 18, 1839
Death: Feb. 1, 1916.

Wife: Mary Jenkins Benson (1844 - 1893).

Children: Daniel J. Benson (1869 - 1869).

Burial: Mount Pleasant Cemetery, West Shelby, Orleans County, New York.

New York 151st., Infantry Co. A.

BENSON, JESSE Born June I8, 1839, at Royalton, N. Y.: son of ; Judson and Roxena Benson ; farmer and teacher. Unlisted August 13, 1862, at Ridgeway, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. A, October 22, 1862; was the first man  of the regiment to be wounded in line of battle. He was taken to the field hospital at Mine Run, whore his right arm was amputated, and later carried to a log house and placed upon a bedstead with only the cord for a mattress. The following day was placed in an ambulance, remaining there five days. Was two nights on the ground and one day in a ear on his way to the hospital in Alexandria, Va.. where he was discharged for disability, February 8, 1864. Married Mary Jenkins, November 1864; has two sons.

Mr. Benson's pursuits have been teaching and farming, he resides in Shelby, N. Y., where he has held offices of Justice of the peace, excise commissioner, Collector of taxes, three terms, and U. S. Census Enumerator, three terms.

Christian & Simon Streit, Connecticut.

Regimental History of the Ninth Connecticut Infantry.

 

Christian Streit.
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STREIT, LIEUT. CHRISTIAN, born in Germany, May 21, 1822; served in the German army; came to the United States, and finally settled in New Haven. He was an accomplished musician, was a member of the New Haven City Band and of other organizations of the kind. He served with the Second Connecticut regiment early in the war, and when that regiment's period of service had expired, he organized a band for the Ninth regiment. He enlisted in the Ninth as leader of the band, Sept. 14, 1861, and was mustered Oct. 4. He was promoted to be second lieutenant of Company F, July 3, 1864, and was transferred to Company B, of the Ninth battalion, Oct. 12, that year. He was mustered out Aug. 3, 1865. Lieut. Streit died Nov. 12, 1880, leaving a wife and seven children.

His brother, Simon Streit, also served with the band of the Ninth, being honorably discharged Sept. 17, 1862. He reenlisted as a private of Company B., June, 1864, was promoted to corporal that month, and was transferred to Company A, Ninth battalion Oct. 12, 1864. He was mustered out Aug. 3, 1865. After the war, Simon enlisted, Aug., 1866, in the regular army and was assigned to Company K, Seventeenth U. S. Infantry, which became, in Dec, 1866, Company K, of the Twenty-sixth infantry. He was appointed principal musician of the regiment, Feb. 1, 1869, was transferred to the non-commissioned staff of the Tenth U. S. Infantry, March 3, 1869, and was honorably discharged Aug. 18, that year. He is now a member of the New Haven police force.

Alvin H. Graff, New Jesery.

I was unable to find any personal information on him, but I know some one is looking into this line. I hope this information well help.
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Fourth New Jersey, National Guard Infantry, Spanish American War.

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Alvin H. Graff, Captain. Residence, Jersey City, N. J.

Enrolled at Jersey City, N. J., May 2. 1898, by Colonel E. A. Campbell.

Mustered in at Sea Sirt. N. J., May 14, 1898, by Captain W. C. Buttler, U. S. A.

Enrolled as Regimental Adjutant 1st N. J. V. I., May 2. 1898.

Appointed acting Assistant Adjutant General 1st Brigade, 1st Division 2nd Army Corps, per G. O. No. 2, Headquarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, dated May 23, 1898. Relieved June 6, 1898, by assignment of Captain Miller as Assistant Adjutant General.

Mustered out November 9, 1898.

Mustered in as 1st Lieutenant 4th N. J. V. I., November 10. 1898, and assigned to Company " D."

Detailed as Acting Adjutant 4th N. J. V. I., per S. O. No. 77- dated Novemser 23, 1898.

On special duty at Athens, Ga., January 9 to 17, 1899.

Relieved as Acting Regimental Adjutant per S. O. No. 21, Headquarters 4th N. J. V. I., dated February 1, 1899.

Mustered out to accept promotion February 5, 1899.

Mustered in as Captain Company " M" 4th N. J. V. I., February 6, 1899, and assumed command same day.

$5.83 to be deducted on this roll.

Lyman Parcher, Ohio.

Ohio 101st., Infantry Regimental History.

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CAPTAIN LYMAN PARCHER Enrolled and mustered as First Lieutenant, July 24, 1862, at Columbus. Promoted to Captain, November 15, 1862. Resigned at Murfreesboro', Tenn., February 26, 1863, on account of wounds received in Battle of Pea Ridge, Mo., March 7, 1862. Afterwards raised a Company in the i79th Ohio; was commissioned Captain, and served to the end of the war.
Died at Marysville, Mo., August 28, 1893.

Burial: Miriam Cemetery, Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri.

History of Nodaway County Missouri, Polk Township.

 

CPTAIN LYMAN PARCHER,

farmer, section A 19. This popular citizen is a native of Ohio, and was born in Crawford County, January 18, 1835. His father, Samuel, was among the early settlers of Northeastern Ohio. Lyman was educated and reared in the Buckeye State. In 1856, he came to Iowa, remained a short time, returned to Ohio, and came to Iowa again in 1857. At the breaking out of the rebellion, he was among the first to tender his services to the Union cause, enlisting, in 1861, in the Fourth Iowa Infantry, as second lieutenant of Company H. He was severely wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge, and, after recuperating in the hospital, secured a recruiting officer's commission, and organized Company E, of the One Hundred and First Ohio, and, as captain of this company, yet undrilled, participated at the engagements of Knob's Gap, Stone River, and other battles.

In 1863, he was obliged to leave the service, on account of his wound, and, after convalescing, in 1864, he recruited Company B, of the One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio, and with them participated at the last battle of Nashville. He served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. In 1866, in company with others, Captain Parcher engaged in the manufacturing of wagon material at Bucyrus, Ohio. In this industry he continued until 1868, when he sold out. In January, 1869, he was appointed mail agent on the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne Railroad, between Crestline and Chicago, which position he held until the spring of 187 1, when he resigned, and came to Iowa, locating in Adams County.

There he resided until the spring of 1872, when he took up his abode where he now resides. His estate consists of ninety acres, adjoining the corporate limits of Maryville, on which is situated a residence, indicating comfort and prosperity. He is also owner of valuable town property, besides land in Adams County, Iowa. The captain manifests a live interest in the progress of Nodaway County, and takes an active part in all enterprises that will further its developments. In 1878, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace. He is numbered among Nodaway's most substantial men. In 1867, Miss Mary F. Tunison, a native of Springfield, Illinois, became his wife. They have five children by this union : Fred, Josephine, Charles L., Edmond K. and Jessie M. He is a Master Mason. 

Battle of Buzzard Roost.

The Battle of Buzzard Roost, will be told by Major Samuel Hymer and William Tyson, who participated in the battle.  These accounts were written in a book  by Isaac Henry Clay Royse, called The History of 115 regiment Illinois volunteers Infantry, published in 1900.  His book can be read on line.
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COMPANY D AT BUZZARD ROOST.

By Major Samuel Hymer.

Major Samuel Hymer.
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Soon after the regiment came to Tunnel Hill in July, 1864, Company D was assigned to guard a bridge at Buzzard Roost Gap, a little more than half way from Tunnel Hill to Dalton. At that time there were no fortifications in the place and the company was kept busy for some time making- log" breastworks for their defense. In August a company of engineers arrived and with the aid of Company D built a very substantial blockhouse. The company occupied a row of tents on the bank of the creek near the blockhouse, being ready to enter that stronghold in case of need. The company had three miles of railroad to patrol and keep open, which, with other duties, kept them very busy day and night. Frequent raids were made by Confederate cavalry and the company occasionally had slight skirmishes with them, without loss, however. On one occasion a horse was killed and its rebel rider severely wounded.

General Wheeler came in the valley some time in September with quite a force of cavalry and attacked Dalton, but the garrison, making stout defense, held them in check until the arrival of General Steedman with a force from Chattanooga.  After General Hood left Atlanta on his raid on the North the country about Buzzard Roost was constantly filled with rebel scouts so that we were compelled to be always on the alert expecting an attack.

As my account of Hood's attack on our blockhouse is given in substance in the body of the history, it is not necessary to repeat it here, but an incident is worth mentioning. Squire Bechtol of Company D was illiterate, but proved to be the smartest man in the company. When the blockhouse was captured he lay on the ground groaning and appearing to be badly wounded, and would not let anyone touch him, so he was left there with the wounded and after the rebels were gone with the prisoners, he managed to come to, having only feigned injury.

After the surrender we were taken to General Bate's headquarters, where we were asked many questions. The next morning after the capture a detail from Company D buried the dead. The wounded were taken to a house nearby and left there to make the most of their condition, while the rebel army moved on.

We were fairly well treated by our captors and recognition made of our gallant defense, being permitted to retain our side arms and most of our personal effects. The company went on a tour through the Confederacy, via Selma and Montgomery, Ala., to Milieu, where Lieutenant Jones and myself were separated from the enlisted men. By special exchange fifteen of the men were sent North and the others left to take their chances in Andersonville and other prisons. Lieutenant Jones and I, with other officers were sent to Camp Sorghum, near Cloumbia. There we met Captain Hanon and Lieutenant Gore of Company A. As Sherman approached we were taken to Charlotte, North Carolina, seventy-five men being put in each box-car. At Charlotte many prisoners made their escape, the guards not being any longer careful to prevent it. I preferred to wait a little longer and be exchanged, which occurred soon after, and Lieutenant Jones and I came to Annapolis, Md. After a visit home we were ordered to Benton's Barracks, near St. Louis, where we met the remnant of Company D, which had been exchanged at Vicksburg, and were soon after discharged.

THE ATTACK ON THE BLOCK HOUSE.
By William Tyson.



William Tyson.

On October 13, 1864, Hood's army of nearly forty thousand came to the blockhouse. It was a beautiful day and we had been very busy all of the forenoon fixing up winter quarters, as we expected to remain there all winter. We borrowed a yoke of oxen and a cart to do our hauling with and as Anson Underhill was an expert at driving, we put him in charge of the team. We were getting along nicely until about noon, when we saw some men ride up on top of the hill, about a quarter of a mile south of us. At that distance we could not make out whether they were friends or foes, but surmised that they were rebels, and every fellow broke for the blockhouse. Captain Hymer said, "Give them a few shots and we will find out who they are." Four or five others of the company and I stepped out about thirty feet in front of the blockhouse, raised our guns and fired.

We had hardly more than discharged our pieces, when out of the woods to our right a volley from the rebel guns rang, and the balls came flying thick and fast all around us. We broke for the blockhouse on the double quick. About this time Anson Underbill drove up with the team and Captain Hymer called to him to come in. Anson said, "Wait until I unhitch the oxen", and he stayed out there as unconcernedly as though there was nothing the matter, unhitched the team, took off the yoke, turned them loose and came inside. The rebels opened fire on us with musketry and artillery. One hundred and thirty-three cannon balls were fired at the fort ; yet, this little band of Spartans held the rebels in check for ten hours, when they were finally forced to surrender.

Along about nine o'clock at night the firing had ceased on both sides, and everything had become perfectly quiet. The moon was almost full, and was just be- ginning to shine around the spur of Rocky Face Ridge and lighten things up, when the rebels were seen approaching by the way of the bridge. The sentry on that side of the block house halted them and asked them what they wanted. They replied that they wanted us to surrender. Sergt. Andrew Jacoby and Robert Stewart went out and met them on the bridge, and wanted to know who they were. One of them answered that he was General Bate's aide-de-camp and wanted us to surrender. He took Jacoby and showed him the men lying along side the railroad embankment with lumber to cross the ditch on, and sharpened rails to 1 stop up the port holes with, and told him if we did not surrender they intended to charge on us and set fire to the fort and burn it down. The sergeant came back and reported to Captain Hymer what they had seen, when Captain Hymer went out and held a consultation, and agreed on the terms of surrender.

In this engagement five were killed, six wounded and thirty-seven taken prisoners. Nathan Jones was shot through the forehead with a musket ball. Joseph Boyd had his left arm torn off at the shoulder with a cannon ball ; he lived an hour or more after he was shot, making a pitiful noise all this time and begging for some one to shoot him and put him out of his misery. Fielden Loe had has head blown off with a cannon ball. John Parish had his left arm shot off with a cannon ball, between the elbow and wrist, and was badly bruised on the left side with a piece of timber. William Dixon had the flesh all torn off the inside of his left leg above the knee by a cannon ball ; his body was warm the next morning when we went to the blockhouse to bury him. Patman Zimmerman, two others whose names I have forgotten, and myself were detailed the next morning to bury the dead.

We dug a grave about six feet square just south of the road in a nice blue-grass plat, then carried them out and laid them in it, side by side, wrapped their blankets around them and covered them up. They have all been taken up since then and removed to the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, and are buried in Section K.

We never knew how many we killed of the rebels ; some said thirty-five, while others said we did some very wild shooting; that we shot away over them. We marched out of the blockhouse about ten o'clock at night. The moon was shining very brightly and the first thing I noticed was the cannon balls which had struck the fort and bounded back.  There was at least a good two-horse wagon load of them lying around on the ground. The southeast corner of the fort was all torn into splinters from top to bottom. We were soon surrounded by the rebel guards and a howling mob of Confederate soldiers.

They would ask us, "What regiment do you'ns belong to?" We told them we belonged to the 115th Illinois. "Well, we thought you'ns were Illinois boys. You just fit like hell." They wanted to trade us out of everything we had. I had on a brand new hat that had been sent to me from home; along came a Johnny and said, "You've got a pretty good hat. I guess we'll trade," and with that he jerked it off my head and slapped his on in place of it. I afterwards learned that he took it off a Union prisoner at Misionary Ridge about a year before. It was all full of holes, and the rim hung down in my eyes. I think I must have had on the poorest hat in Hood's army.

Truman Head " California Joe".

I became interested in Truman Head while researching the men or the 23rd., Pa., infantry.  I found a small paragraph while going through its regimental history.  The story will be in the second half of this page.

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Truman Head " California Joe".

by Floyd D. P. Øydegaard

The newspapers stated that Truman Head was born in Philadelphia (actually Otsego, New York; the newspapers had it wrong, as usual), about 1820, (Truman lied about his age when he joined the 1st USSS), and after falling in love with a fair damsel and being "forced" to never see her again, (by her father!), Truman headed for California to find his fortune in the gold that flowed in every stream. He was very lucky in making a few good claims and donated $50,000 of it to The Philadelphia Old Soldiers Home (so the newspapers stated). He was "farsighted" enough to be the first one of Company C to purchase a Sharps Rifle. His exploits and his aim became legendary with that Sharps. The Union needed heroes and they made fantastic articles and his image would be etched in every weekly publication. However he was discharged do to his actual age, although they said he was having trouble with his eyes (must have seen him with specticles, something one avoided in the 19th century! Also being over 40 was a sure sign that one had to be a little senile).  

The Muster records for Truman Head state; Age 42 years, height 5 feet 7 inches with light complexion, L.B. eyes D.B. hair, born in Otsego, N.Y. with occupation as Hunter. He enlisted Sept. 14, 1861 at Washington DC by C.H. Hosmer (2Lt.), for 3 years and was discharged Nov. 3, 1862. 

On Aug. 26, 1861 he was on "Company Muster-in Roll" at Detroit, Mich. as private, in Capt. Duesler's Co., Berdan's Sharp Shooters. Next "outstanding" entry states; Sept & Oct 1862 Absent Sick, Clifburn(sic) Hosp. Washington, Due him $14.00 from 2 Auditous(?) roll.
Cliffburne USA General Hospital at District of Columbia verifies his presence.

Co. C Muster Roll shows date of Dec 31, 1862 with remarks that he has been "Dischgd Nov 3/62." The final notation has these notes; Truman Head, Priv., Co. C. 1 Reg't U.S.S.Shooters, age 42 years, (never aged a day?) Appears on Co. Muster-out Roll, dated W Petersburg VA, Aug 20, 1864 with last paid to Nov 3, 1863. Remarks state "Dischg'd Nov 3/63 Washington D.C. by order Gen Martindale. Dischg'd on Surg. Cent of Dis Nov 4/62. See off...." here it was torn and lost.

The last bit of information was his discharge paper; "Army of The United States Certificate of Disability For Discharge. Private Truman Head of Lieut Jas. H. Baker Company "C" of the 1st Regiment of United States Sharpshooters was enlisted by Capt Duesler of the 1st Regiment of U.S.S.S. at New York City on the 4th day of September 1861, to serve 3 years; he was born in Otsego Co. in the state of New York is 52 years of age, (lied about ten years!), 5 feet 7 inches high, Light complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, and by occupation when enlisted a Hunter. 

"During the last two months the soldier has been unfit for duty at Cliffburne Genl' Hospital October 3, 1862 Surgeon U.S. Vols in charge. I certify, that I have carefully examined the said Truman Head of Lieut Baker's Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of 'Senility and Impaired Vision.' Discharged this fourth day of November 1862, at Washington D.C. by Henry Bryans, Surgeon U.S. Vols in charge."

NOTE: This Is not the same California Joe that rode as a scout for General Custer during the Indian Wars. Although they have similar characteristics, Custer's man was Moses Milner. Unlike Truman, Moses was a story teller.

Pennsylvania Twenty Third Infantry, Regimental History.

Page 133, George Peiper of B Company, Twenty-third Pennsylvania, states that one day while on picket along Warwick Creek, " California Joe," of Berdan's sharpshooters came to the reserve picket and wanted to know if they needed his services. The lieutenant took him out to the line and located one of the "Johnnies " who had been very troublesome, he having wounded several of the men. In a few minutes Joe fired and brought down the Reb. On his way back, one of the members of Company C was induced to hang his cap three hundred yards away in a tree in order to test the accuracy of Joe's aim. When the cap was brought in, it was found that the bullet had struck the letter " C " squarely in the center. Joe was a most wonderful shot and whenever he was around the "Johnnies" kept well under cover.

Truman Head.

Birth: 1809, New York.
Death: Nov. 24, 1875, San Francisco, San Francisco County, California.

Joe returned to California and became a customs inspector in San Francisco.

Burial: San Francisco National Cemetery, San Francisco, San Francisco County, California.

Men who were Sutlers.

A sutler or victualer is a civilian merchant who sells provisions to an army in the field, in camp, or in quarters. Sutlers sold wares from the back of a wagon or a temporary tent, traveling with an army or to remote military outposts.Sutler's wagons were associated with the military while chuck wagons served a similar purpose for civilian wagon trains and outposts.

These merchants often followed the armies of the American Revolution and the American Civil War to try to sell their merchandise to the soldiers. Generally, the sutlers built their stores within the limits of an army post or just off the defense line, and first needed to receive a license from the Commander prior to construction; they were, by extension, also subject to his regulations.

Sutlers, frequently the only local suppliers of non-military goods, often developed monopolies on simple commodities like tobacco, coffee, or sugar and rose to powerful stature. Since government-issued coinage was scarce during the Civil War, sutlers often conducted transactions using a particular type of Civil War token known as a sutler token.

Sutlers played a major role in the recreation of army men between 1865 and 1890. Sutlers' stores outside of military posts were usually also open to non-military travelers and offered gambling, drinking, and prostitution.

In modern use, sutler often describes businesses that provide period uniforms and supplies to reenactors, especially to American Civil War reenactors. These businesses often play the part of historical sutlers while selling modern-day goods at reenactments.
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Authors note.  In my research I found that when a Sutler got a contract with a regiment he would have to enter his name on the regiment roster roll, and for the most part would be a civilian / Soldier.

This means that he would have to follow all military Law. If a Sutler was caught doing any crime  he could be court martial. If found guilty, he could loss his contract, and be forbidden to have any contracts with any other regiments in the United States Army.  

Some could say that their great-great-great grandfather was in the war but at less he didn't have to fight. One would think a Sutler would be safe job to have, and no danger to face.  That's not quite true, even though the Sutler tent or wagon was outside a post or miles behind a camp, these were some times over ran by the enemy.  Many Sutler were taken as prisoners and some were shot.

As for not fighting if one saw the enemy coming and shooting ever thing in their path would he run or fight?

Even though a Sutlers name is on the roster if injured by accident or in a fight he would not received a pension.

All the names listed here were all referred to as Sutlers, but keep in mind a Quarter Master was a type of Sutlers.  You may have to do a little research to find out if he was a civilian  or Military man.
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They are confined in the Libby prison at Richmond.

R. C. Eveleth, sutler, seventeenth Regiment New York Volunteers.
William Westawary, sutler, Fifth Regiment Michigan Volunteers.
R. E. Parker, sutler, Second Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers.
J. W. Laughlin, sutler's department, Second Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers.
W. Kern, sutler's department, Fifty-fifth Regiment New York Volunteers.
G. Mills and C. E. Gildersleve, sutler's clerks, Seventeenth Regiment New York Volunteers.
C. B. Mann, sutler's clerk, Eighteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.
Samuel May, sutler's clerk, Twentieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.
William Phillips, sutler's clerk, Fifth Regiment Michigan Volunteers.
G. R. Salisbury and William O. Chapin, sutler's clerks, Fourth Regiment Vermont Volunteers.
L. G. Parkhurst and E. B. Fisher, sutler's clerks, Second Regiment Vermont Volunteers.
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D. C. BUELL.

GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,

Numbers 23. In Camp, June 11, 1862.  It has been satisfactorily shown that W. G. Semple, sutler of the second Kentucky Regiment, contrary, to law, arranged with Wagon-master S. Hudson for the transportation of sutler's goods in government wagons from Hamburg Landing to the camps of this army, in consideration for which the wagon-master was to receive $10 per load, which stores were discovered in the process of transportation. In another case the goods of a sutler were found in process of transportation in Government wagons, but without the knowledge of the wagon-master.  The captured stores in both cases are directed to be forfeited, and will be turned over to the medical director for use of the sick and wounded. In the first case the sutler and wagon-master will be forthwith dismissed from their places, the wagon-master forfeiting whatever pay, not exceeding &100, that may be due him; and in the second case the wagon-master, for neglecting his duty, will be discharged, and the teamsters will forfeit whatever pay, not exceeding &25 each, that may be due them.  It is also shown that Shultze and Stewart, sutlers of Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, engaged Wagon-master Wayman to haul goods for them, agreeing to pay the wagon-master $25 a load, and that one load was hauled under this contract. Wagon-master Wayman will in consequence forfeit whatever pay may be due him, not exceeding $100, and be discharged from the service. Sutlers Shultze and Stewart not belonging to this command the disposition to be made of them is left to the general commanding the army to which the Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers belongs. By command of Major-General Buell: JAMES B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant-General, Chief of Staff.
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Prisons of War.

Camp Douglas, had a sutler, store.
Camp Morton, had a sutler, store.
Johnson Island, had no sutler store.
Camp Chase, had a sutler, store..
Alton Penitentiary, had a sutler, store.
Fort McHenry, no Sutler,. store.
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Being held as Prisoners of war.

Joseph Albert Doane, sutler, Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers.
Edward C. Johnston, assistant sutler, Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers.
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A Sutler selling spirits.

I further, as a duty, must report the sutler, Jesse H. Crane, appointed by Government, as a duty, must report the sutler, Jesse H. Crane, appointed by Government, as selling whisky without stint, contrary to act of Congress, which says, "A sutler shall not see intoxicating spirits." He is also reported by many as selling revolvers to the Indians.
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List of articles which sutlers may be permitted to sell to prisoners of war.
Respectfully submitted for the approval of the Secretary of War, and approved.

Tobacco, cigars, pipes, snuff, steel pens, paper, envelopes, lead pencils, pen knives,   postage stamps, buttons, take, thread, sewing cotton, pins and needles, handkerchiefs, suspenders, socks, underclothes, caps, shoes, towels, looking glasses, brushes, combs, clothes brooms, pocket knives, scissors. Groceries: Crushed sugar, syrup, family soap, butter, lard, smoked beef, beef tongues, bologna sausage, corn-meal, nutmegs, pepper, mustard, table salt, salt fish, crackers, cheese, pickles, sauces,
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C. S. MILITARY PRISON, Richmond, January 23, 1863.
Captain W. S. WINDER, Assistant Adjutant-General.  SIR: I wish to report a matter which I should have mentioned before but for a press of other business. With the batch of prisoners sent off by flag of truce on the 11th instant a sutler named Marcus McNeil, from New York, went off under the name of Turner, a prisoner of war, the latter remaining in his (McN. s) place. I did not discover it until the prisoners had left and then it was made known by a deserter who moreover stated that McNeil had paid Turner a sum of money for so doing. Upon searching Turner the sum of $196 was found upon his person and he acknowledged that it had been paid to him for the purchase stated above. Will you please inform me what disposition shall be made of the money?
I am, sir, your obedient servant, THOMAS P. TURNER, Captain, Commanding.
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Camp Chase?

Assistant quartermaster; N. B. Maple, post sutler.
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Jenkins, B. H. . Feb. 5, 1862 Alexandria, Va. . Being a spy and with having recently been a sutler in rebel army. .
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A court Case.

L. M. Simanoe; I live a mile and a half northeast of Brice's Cross-Roads, in Tishomingo County, Miss; I am clerk for the sutler of the One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers.
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A Sutler dies fighting.

Mr. A. Alexander, a citizen of Memphis and sutler in by battery, was bravely fighting the rebels notwithstanding his age (over 50 years). He is reported to have been killed during the fight and afterward seen dead, still holding in his hand the musket he used so well. He leaves a destitute widow with two small children. He was a poor, but honest man.
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Numbers 241. Report of Lieutenant Colonel William G. Le Duc, Chief Quartermaster, Eleventh Army Corps.

On the 29th of April, I caused to be arrested one Bensinger, a sutler (of the Eighty-second Ohio, I believe), for selling whisky in camp, and found him guilty, and fined him $100, and to be driven from the camp.
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HDQRS. SECOND REG'T TEXAS MOUNTED RIFLES, Mesilla, December 14, 1861

I have paid out of the above amount the following sums, viz: $500 was claimed by Lieutenant Plummer, acting assistant quartermaster, U.S. Army, as private funds, which I refunded him. Four hundred and eleven dollars paid Samuel J. Jones, sutler at Fort Fillmore, for corn delivered the quartermaster, U.S. Army, and not paid for by the United States.
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W. L. McDONALD,
Sutler of Twenty-sixth New Jersey Vols., Washington, D. C.

Mr. W. L. McDonald, sutler of the Twenty-sixth New Jersey Volunteers, called on me this morning with a parole in which he was pledged to effect the exchange of S. J. Anderson, on parole in New York, for himself within thirty-five days or to return to Richmond. His parole is January 19 [1863]. As you have already made provision for the exchange of sutlers and their employees I told Mr. McDonald it was unnecessary that he should make a special exchange, and that he might consider himself exchanged unless he hears further from me. Mr. Anderson was arrested in August, 1861, by order of the Secretary of State and sent to Fort Lafayette from whence he was paroled.
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SALISBURY, N. C., March 27, 1865.

. I went first to Mr. J. A. Bowen's (sutler) house, where Major Griswold was staying, and not finding Major Griswold that I went to the Asylum Prison and found him forming his command.
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HEADQUARTERS, Camp Douglas, September 29, 1862.
Colonel W. HOFFMAN,  Commissary-General of Prisoners, Detroit, Mich.

COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of 26th and 27th instant, also letter to W. W. Lester, post sutler, with your indorsement. I have sent all the prisoners of war here off to-day to Cairo and will be able to make you the returns you direct immediately. Thirty-nine prisoners were received from Corinth yesterday; some included in the batch sent away to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH H. TUCKER, Colonel Sixty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Commanding Post.
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Memoranda of Various Political Arrests-From Reports of Confederate Commissioners.

J. Allison Eyster. -He is a Pennsylvania and a resident of Chambersburg. He is a wealthy merchant, well known in Baltimore; addicted sometimes to intemperance. He voted for Lincoln, but declares that he was entirely opposed to the war. He acted as a sutler in some sort to Patterson's army, selling it a large amount of goods on account of which there is till due to him he says about $11,000, to collect which he says he followed that army into Virginia, where he was arrested at the instance of his connection, Jonas Chamberlin, of Frederick County, whose affidavit is herewith returned. Chamberlin says that Eyster came to his house very drunk, and came into Virginia in a drunken frolic under Patterson's pass. I see no reason to detain Eyster unless as a hostage for the safety of our people who are in the hands of the enemy.
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Honorable ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE.

SIR: I wish to procure an exchange for my brother, Hugh Watson. He was captured on the Fanny in Pamlico Sound, N. C., near four months ago. He was acting as sutler to the Twentieth Indiana Regiment Foot Volunteers. I simply want the release of a state (Confederate) prisoner on a parole to exchange himself for my brother, a prisoner of like position, if one can be found, or a non-combatant that you will release. Very respectfully, yours, W. S. WATSON.
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B. H. Jenkins was arrested February 5, 1862, at Alexandria, Va., by an agent of the Government charged with being a spy and having recently been in the rebel army acting as sutler and contractor. By order of the Secretary of State dated February 5, 1862, Jenkins was placed in the custody of the provost - marshal of Washington. The report of L. C. Baker, a Government agent who examined the person and papers taken from Jenkins, shows that Jenkins ha with him at the time of his arrest passes issued by both civil and military officers of the rebel government; also order for cars to transport lumber. After his arrest Jenkins admitted that he voted for the ordinance of secession in Virginia, and voluntarily stated that he was interested in a sutlership in the Confederate army at Manassas Junction up to October last. The said B. H. Jenkins remained in custody at the Old Capitol Prison in Washington February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
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J. W. Reynolds and A. Ostrander, quarter master and sutler of the Seventy - ninth New York Regiment, were arrested at New York by U. S. Marshal Murray by order of General Porter November 12, 1861. Information of the arrest having been received by the Secretary of State he by order dated November 13, 1861, directed Marshal Murray to place them in Fort Lafayette. They were charged with stealing fourteen boxes of military clothing belonging to the United States. No further action in regard to them was taken by the Department of State.
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J. C. CLARK, Captain, Fourth Artillery, Commanding Post.

The post sutler, Judge Carter, has contracted to furnish for the post, if needed, 3,000 bushels oats, 90 tons hay, 15 tons straw, and 1,000 cords wood, and states that he is willing to increase the amounts of the several articles to the requirements of the pot. Will you please reply early for the information of the sulter?

Charles "Charley" E. Smallwood, Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania Twenty-Third Infantry Regimental History.

Charles E. Smallwood, private, mustered in September 6, 1861, for 3 years.  Transferred to the 82nd P. V., September 14, 1864; Veteran.  Mustered out with company July 13, 1865; Veteran.

Page. 142.  At Marye s Heights, when the skirmishers of the Twenty third Pennsylvania advanced through the fog, to feel the enemy, the orders were upon receiving fire, to fall back a short distance to a slight depression in the ground, lay down and await the orders to charge. The Rebs opened a severe fire as they neared the stone wall and one of the men wounded was Charley Smallwood, of Company G. To get out of range of the fire, he crawled over to a house that stood on the edge of the road, it being occupied by Confederate sharpshooters, he was taken prisoner and turned over to the trenches in the sunken road, the Mississippians telling him how they would annihilate the Yanks when they came on the charge. Here he was left until the assault, and as our line swept into the sunken road, the Johnnies broke and he found he was among his own people. Company G was rejoiced to know that Charley was recaptured. After recovering from his wound he came back and remained until the end of the war.

Thomas D. Marbaker, New Jersey.

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Thomas D. Marbaker.

Birth: Between 1846- 1848
Death: 1923, Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey.

Wife: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Booz Marbaker.
Married on December 24, 1873 Delaware, Hunterdon, New Jersey.

Burial: Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey.

Eleventh New Jersey Infantry Regimental History.

 

Thomas D. Marbaker, the Regimental Historian, was born August 23d, 1846, on the Musconetcong Mountains, Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He left school at eleven years of age, commencing at that date to earn his own living. He entered the service July 19th, 1862, as a private in Company E, before be was sixteen years of age. Marbaker was a type of hundreds of young men whose exceedingly youthful appearance frequently stood in the way of that advancement to which their bravery, efficiency and endurance entitled them.

He was made Corporal August 20th, 1863, and Sergeant November 1st, 1863. Sergeant Marbaker was severely wounded at Chancellorsville, but left the hospital and rejoined the regiment on its march to Gettysburg. The Adjutant, discovering that he was in the ranks marching with a running wound, advised him to at once get in an ambulance, but Marbaker, with a pluck and endurance that was surprising, remained with his company and stood shoulder to shoulder with his comrades in the great conflict at Gettysburg. He was mustered out with the regiment June 6th, 1865.

Marbaker's run for life.

On the evening of the 17th a strong picket detail was sent out from the brigade to relieve those already posted. The picket-line ran northward from the main line until it reached two negro, cabins connected with the Landron estate and within sight of the line of works that we had thrown up near the Brown house. Then it turned eastward. Late in the afternoon of the 17th, Sergeant Marbaker, of Company E, with six men from various companies, relieved a lieutenant and six men at the angle-post, situated at one of the cabins.

Explicit orders were given not to fire unless the enemy made an attack, and not to disturb them if they attempted to form a picket-line. Just before dark it was noticed that they were collecting behind our abandoned works near the Brown house. Thinking they were only forming a few picket-posts no shots were fired at them. Suddenly an attack was made upon our picket-line to the left, which attracted our attention. Upon turning again toward the Brown house a heavy skirmish-line was found advancing from behind the line of works.

The pickets to the left were driven in, and those in the vicinity of the cabins, seeing a strong force advancing, fell back to the main line. Only Marbaker remained, sheltered by the chimney. It was either the risk of being shot or certain capture. To escape he must necessarily run up hill, exposed to the fire of a hundred guns. Several times he stepped out preparatory to a run, but the whizzing bullets would quickly send him to cover again.

At last, when the enemy had advanced to within less than a hundred yards of him, the dread of rebel prisons prevailed and he made a dash for liberty. Immediately the rebel skirmish-line opened upon him, and though the bullets whistled pretty lively, providentially, he escaped injury. I will not say that he out ran the bullets, but I do know that it would have taken a pretty fast horse to have beaten him up the hill. 

Philip Souder Holmes & His Squirrel.

Philip Souder Holmes.

 

Birth: 1835, New Jersey.

Death: Unknown.

 

Wife: Ameline or Amelina Staples Holmes.

Married May 1-12, 1855, Prospect, Waldo, Maine.

 

Children: Sarah S., Amelina or Ameline, and Frank H. Holmes.

 

Burial: Unknown.

 

 

Maine Twenty-Sixth Infantry, Regimental History.

Philip S. Holmes, Private, Residence Stockton, age 27, married, mustered In October 11, 1862.  Wounded at Irish Bend, April 14, 1863, company mustered out August 17, 1863.

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Philip Souder Holmes.

.
Born in Dennisville, Cape May County, New Jersey, March 11th, 1835 At the age of twelve years began to follow the sea ; was in the South American and West India trade; came to Stockton, or as it was then called, South Prospect, Maine, about the year 1853, in the schooner "Northern Eagle," with Captain J F Groce from Norfolk, Virginia. Made six voyages to the Grand Banks, and after returning married Ameline Staples; have had three children, two girls and a boy, (lost one girl when about seven years old) Was in South America when the war broke out ; came home to Stockton and enlisted in the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, Company K, as a private.

Philip Souder Holmes Tells of His Squirrel.

 I had a fox squirrel caught at the battle of Irish Bend. The " Queen of the West," a rebel gunboat, threw a shot which struck a tree and knocked a nest of young squirrels out ; I got one and put it in my haversack, and I always carried him with me. I had him at Port Hudson and when lying in the trenches in the day time he would go off and be gone for some time but on the firing of a gun he would come back on the run and dive for the old haversack. Before long the squirrel had become so tame that it would go the full length of the regimental line, jumping from shoulder to shoulder of the men, but it always came back and crept into my knapsack to sleep.

In this way it followed me all through my service in the army and when I was wounded at Irish Bend the squirrel was found tucked snugly in the breast of my coat and it refused to leave me even at the- hospital. I brought him home and he was given the full run of the farm and would go off into the woods and fields but always returned at meal times and to sleep. And where did it sleep but in the old haversack which was kept hung up on the corner of the chimney-place, filled with paper.

One day, in cleaning house, Mrs. Holmes neglected to hang the haversack back in its place, and when the squirrel found it was gone it, too, disappeared but was afterwards found snugly tucked in my old knapsack at the bottom of a barrel in a shed and beneath a lot of papers as well. The haversack was returned to its place and the squirrel slept in that the remainder of his life. This wasn't for long, as one day he was missed and never returned. I think some one shot him.

Thomas Milton Hightower.

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Thomas Milton Hightower.

Birth: Sep. 11, 1834, Georgia.
Death: Apr. 23, 1910, Polk County, Georgia.

Parents: Elias Dorsey Hightower (1808 - 1892), Mary Ann Peek Hightower (1813 - 1887).

Wife: Lucelia E Darden Hightower (1844 - 1912).

Children: Fannie R Hightower Borders (1865 - 1933), Archie J Hightower (1867 - 1873).

Siblings: William Henry Hightower (1832 - 1898). 2 Lt. Vincent Marion Hightower (1836 - 1920). Martha Ann Hightower Carter (1841 - 1910). Nancy Ann Elizabeth Hightower Moore (1843 - 1930). Elias Green Hightower (1850 - 1852). John Dorsey Hightower (1853 - 1921). Daniel Newman Hightower (1855 - 1896).

Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Cedartown, Polk County, Georgia.

Doles-Cook Brigade.

Cedartown Guards Co. D., Twenty-First Regiment, Georgia.

HIGHTOWER, THOMAS M.

Private. June 27. 1861. Promoted Junior Second Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant and First Lieutenant. Surrendered at Appomattox, Va. Living in Cedartown, Ga.

Royal Ordway.

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Royal Ordway.

Birth: Feb. 6, 1832, Vershire, Orange County, Vermont.
Death: Jan. 30, 1915, Vermont.

Wife: Ann B Hall Ordway (1843 - 1893).

Children: May Ada Ordway (1869 - 1892), Fraddie C., Wife Linda A Rowell, Frank Eugene Ordway.
 .

Burial: Cheney Cemetery, Washington, Orange County, Vermont.

Vermont Thirteenth Infantry, Regimental History.

 

MILITARY SERVICE.

Age: 30, credited to Middlesex, VT

Unit: 13th VT INF

Service: enlisted 8/25/62, mustered in 10/10/62, Pvt, Co. B, 13th VT INF, mustered out. 7/21/63.

Royal Ordway, born in Vershire, Vt., enlisted from Middlesex. He was 30 years old, medium size, dark complexion and black hair. He was a carpenter by trade. He was an able-bodied man and a faithful soldier. For a time he acted as Company cook. His residence is Washington, Vt., where he has lived most of the time since the war.

Robert K. Reese or Reece, Ohio.

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Robert K. Reese or Reece.

Birth: January 3, 1832.
Death: July 2, 1916.

Wife: Ann Reece or Reese, ( 1850-1893 ).

Burial: Big Darby Cemetery, Plain City, Madison County, Ohio.

Ohio First Cavalry, Regimental History.

Robert K. Reese or Reece, First Ohio Cavalry, Co. K., First Lieutenant
, age 29, enlisted September 1, 1861, for 3 years.  Appointed Q. M. Sergeant from Sergeant; promoted to First Lieutenant to date December 14, 1864.  Mustered out with company September 13, 1865; Veteran.

George Chester Beckford.

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George Chester Beckford.

Birth: 1834, Rhode Island.
Death: unknown, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Wife: Minerva (Cook) Beckford.
Married January 9, 1853, Johnston, Providence, R. I.

Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Seventh Infantry, Regimental History. 

 

George C. Beckford, residence Providence, enlisted August 7, 1862, mustered in September 4, 1862; transferred to company I., Company I., Transferred from company D., February 1, 1865; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Alexandria, Virginia.

Pages 279-80., It was a custom of the cooks late at night to visit the well just outside the stockade entrance and fill their camp kettles for the next morning's coffee. It chanced on a certain bright moonlight night the well-known and popular comrade George C. Beckford, who at that time was cook for an officers' mess, went out with his kettle at the weird hour of eleven p. m. Near the top of the slope up from the well were some scattered graves. Now just as this man had raised his filled kettle to the well flooring he chanced to glance toward the graves, and there he saw or thought he saw a ghost looking over one of the wooden headboards. As he had been a sailor, this was too much for him. He dropped his kettle, rushed back to the fort and to his quarters, threw himself upon his bunk, drew his blanket over his head and never again went outside the fort after dark. But there is another side to George C. Beckford.

In the Spring of 1862 he arrived in Liverpool after a three years' voyage. Pinning a small flag, the "Stars and Stripes," to his collar, he went ashore and made his way to one of the haunts of seafaring men. On entering he was greeted with a jeering reference to the colors he wore. His indignation was at once aroused, and, sailor-like, he was ready to resent the insult. "Hold on, shipmate," exclaimed the keeper, "I see you are not posted. The United States have all gone to pieces. They are fighting each other and the flag you carry is a thing of the past." He took the flag from his collar and sat down and cried. All at once an impulse seized him, and, holding the sacred emblem aloft in both his hands, meanwhile steadfastly gazing thereon, he apostrophized it: "Under your folds I was born. As a boy I grew to manhood beneath your protection. I have traveled the world over and have never for a moment had but one thought concerning you. If need be I will die for you !" He returned at once to his ship, settled his accounts and next day sailed for New York. During the esuing three eventful years he never faltered

Punishment In The Rhode Island Seventh Infantry.

Punishment was infrequent in the Seventh but occasionally it was necessary.  Bodily discomfort that did not infringe the laws of health was the chief penalty.  The precise from was various.  Confinement in the guardhouse was the most harmless and the most common.

The most brutal was tying a man up by his thumbs so he was obliged to stand tiptoe.  Sometime this punishment would be
terminated by a superior officer.

Another from of punishment was the knapsack drill, standing on a barrel in some conspicuous place, and the performance of camp drudgery.

One of the most aggravating forms of punishments was the digging of a specified number holes in the ground, the depth and breadth of a spade.  Each was to be filled before the next was commenced, and no rest was permitted except for a meal.

One punishment was mounting offenders astride a horizontal rail, supported twelve or fifteen feet from the ground by trees or post, this Punishment was known as "Riding Black Horse Cavalry."

But no matter what the punishment was a sentry was assigned in seeing the punishment was carried out.

 

"Riding Black Horse Cavalry."

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Colonel Charles G. Otis. .

The Maine Bugle, Volume 1, January 1894.

CHARLES G. OTIS.

Colonel Charles G. Otis, formerly of Yonkers, died at his residence, 131 Pacific street, in Brooklyn, N. Y., on Monday, Aug. 7, 1893. He had been confined to the house since last December.

Colonel Otis was born 62 years ago, in Troy. When the war broke out. he organized a regiment of cavalry there and became its colonel, serving throughout the war. He was once captured and spent several months in Libby prison before being released by exchange. History mentions that he and his troops entered a small town down South, and he registered at the hotel as "the first Yank in town."

After the war, Colonel Otis joined his cousins, Charles R. and Norton P. Otis, in the manufacture of elevators, and was an agent of the Elevator Company at the time of his death. He had been in Canada during much of the last two years, attending to contracts for elevators, and several years previous he spent in Buenos Ayres.

His wife died about three years ago. Two sons and four daughters survive him. Two of the daughters are married, being the wives of Cecil R. Thomas of Brooklyn.

Birth: 1832, New York.
Death: 1993.

Wife: Frances E. Otis.

Children: Frances J, Helen J., Carrie, Joseph H., and Charles W. Otis.

Burial: Unknown.

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Daniel E. Burbank, New Hampshire.

Picture taken 1861.
Push to enlarge.

Daniel E. Burbank.

Birth: 1841
Death: Aug. 3, 1920.

Father: Daniel W. Burbank.
Mother: Annie W. Burbank.

Wife: Ann or Anna H. White Burbank.
Married December 22, 1864, Keene, Cheshire County, N. H.


Children: Charles E. Burbank and Fanny E. Burbank.

Burial: Fitzwilliam Village Cemetery, Fitzwilliam, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.

New Hampshire State Records.

Daniel E. Burbank, Second New Hampshire infantry, Co. A., born Fitzwilliam; age 19; residence Fitzwilliam; enlisted April 30, 1861, for 3 months, was not mustered in; re-enlisted May 22, 1861, for 3 years; mustered in May 31, 1861.  Wounded and captured May 5, 1862, at Williamsburg, Virginia; released May 17, 1862; discharged Mat 22, 1862.  Post office address Worcester, Massachusetts.
Received a pension.