Historical records of the town of Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut;, Part 42

Author: Gold, Theodore Sedgwick, 1818-1906, ed
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: [Hartford, Conn.] The Case, Lockwood & Brainard company
Number of Pages: 594


USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Cornwall > Historical records of the town of Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut; > Part 42


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48


Cothren's Woodbury, Vol. 3, page 367: "Married Gen. Ethan Allen of Cornwall and Mary Bronson of Roxbury, June 23, 1762." Kilbourn's "Litchfield Biography," page 9: " Maj. Heber Allen, brother of Gen. Ethan Allen, was the first town clerk of Poultney, Vermont, until his death, April 10, 1782, aged 38 years. Assisted in the struggle for the independence of the United States." From Report of National Society D. A. R., October 11, 1898, to October 1I, 1900, page 259. Ira Allen (born April 25, 1751) ; Andrews' "New Britain Memorial," page 132, says: "Rev. John Smalley. D.D., was son of Benjamin and his second wife, Mary. Benjamin Smalley's first wife was Lydia Allen, an aunt of Col. Ethan Allen." Dr. Smalley was recommended to New Britain Church "from the Church in Cornwall, Rev. Hezekiah Gold pastor, and was ordained at the gathering of the Church April 19, 1758."


MARSH.


ISAAC MARSH d. Jan. 29, 1879; Mrs. Isaac Marsh d. Nov. 10, 1890.


CYRUS WILLIAM MARSH d. Dec. 15, 1899; came from Goshen with his wife Elisabeth Florilla Polly about 1865. Was a carpenter, and located at the village of Cornwall.


Four children:


Charles Cyrus Marsh, m. Inez. Studley, '90. He is carpenter and undertaker. Has two children, Marion L. and Emily E. William, out West.


Mary, m. W. L. Millard, S. Canaan.


Harriet, m. John Curtiss.


SKIFF.


DR. FRANCIS; b. in (Ellsworth) Sharon, 1866; son of Giles and Lucy M. Skiff; educated at Amenia Seminary and Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass .; began study of medicine under the late Dr. Charles H. Shears of Sharon, and graduated at Medical College, New York University, in 1887; served in hospital on Ward's Island as substitute for several months; began practice at West Cornwall July 12, 1887; in 1889 he took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic, also in Homeopathic Medical College ; returned to West Cornwall in May and remained till April 30, 1891, when he m. Jennie Brewer of New York City and removed to Falls Village as successor to Dr. D. M. Wilcox. He


451


LEWIS.


still retains much practice in Cornwall among his old friends. While in Cornwall represented the town in the General Assembly . in 1891.


KELLOGG.


FREDERICK KELLOGG; d. Aug. 14, 1891. THEODORE KELLOGG; d. Jan. 29, 1903.


PHILO M., son of Theodore Kellogg, m. Mary E. Chipman, Jan. 12, 1897. He was chosen town clerk in '86, and still holds the office (1904). In '86 represented the town in the General Assembly, and was member of Constitutional Convention in 1902. He is member of school board, and has been continuously for many years.


SWIFT.


JABEZ SWIFT, of Kent, Conn., had children :


Jilsah. Elisha. Job. Seth.


Gen. Heman.


GEN. HEMAN lived in Cornwall, and is buried in South Cemetery. Some descendants live at Cornwall Bridge.


REV. JOB SWIFT, D.D., m. Mary Ann, dau. of Benjamin Sedgwick of Cornwall, and was father of Benjamin Swift, U. S. Senator from Vermont.


LEWIS.


I. ENS. NEHEMIAH LEWIS, JR., a revolutionary soldier ; b. at Farmington, Dec. 18, 1737; d. Cornwall, 1808. He m. (1) Oct. 5, 1749, Rhoda Swift, of Cornwall, (2) Dec. 31, 1767, Esther Lyman, at Goshen. He and his wife were members of the Goshen church, and the family moved to Cornwall about the time of his death.


Children:


William " of Cornwall" in deed of half a house, 1779.


Elisha, m. Sally Marsh. Morey, d. ae. 6. Harry. Miles, by second wife, m. a Swift.


4


452


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


2. WILLIAM LEWIS; m. Sarah Ann Calhoun of Cornwall.


Children:


Philo, d. 1803.


John Calhoun, b. Dec. 19, 1805, bap. June 23, 1807, moved to Plymouth and became speaker of the Legislature.


Philo, b. Dec. 11, 1805, m. Eleanor Swift, and their daughter Eleanor m. Gov. H. B. Bigelow.


Tabitha Clark, b. March 1, 1807, m. Alpheus Beers.


William, b. Jan. 28, 1810, d. March 5 of that year.


Saralı Ann, b. Nov. 18, 1814, m. Rev. Mr. Seward .*


Joseph Miles, b. Dec. 8, 1817, and his twin brother, Henry Gould, for nine years mayor of New Haven.


William Lewis was a merchant and postmaster at Cornwall Bridge, and the present railroad station occupies the site of his red house. He removed to Meriden, and thence to New Haven.


HENRY GOULD LEWIS (Yale Law School, 1844), as mayor of New Haven, was originator of its sewerage system; was clerk of superior and supreme courts, and a chief mover in building Derby Railroad.


WHITNEY.


JOSEPH LORENZO WHITNEY, "Honest Joe Whitney," was b. in Otis, Mass., the son of Paul and Rebecca Desire ( Freeman) Whitney. He m. Elizabeth Moulton, dau. of Jabez and Betsey (Marvin) Swift, of Ellsworth, who d. Dec. 29, '68. A part of his youth was spent on a whaling voyage, and a portion of his middle life as a miner in the West, but most of his days were passed at Cornwall in the practice of his trade as a stone mason. He commanded universal respect, and his venerable form was for a long series of years seen in the moderator's chair at elections until June 16, 1892, when he suddenly expired on the day for voting on the proposed constitution of the state, at the age of 83. He had six children :


Sarah Elizabeth, m. William S. Palmer, New Milford. Frederick, d. in infancy. Mary Jane, lib. of the Cornwall Library. Kate Lucredia, m. Almon L. Miner of Cornwall, d. April 22, 1901. Joseph Ernest, d. in infancy.


* NOTE. - Rev. Edwin D. Seward, Yale '38. They had five daughters and one son. He was a Home Missionary, salary of $400 a year, and, as a classmate knowing his honest worth, at my suggestion the ladies of Cornwall, who knew their necessities, responded with a mis- sionary box that surely carried a blessing, for it was cheerfully given.


453


DIBBLE.


ERNEST, youngest son, prepared for college at the Rockville High School ; Yale 1882. As an undergraduate he was an editor of the Yale Record and Yale Literary Magazine and the volume of college poems entitled "Elm Leaves." In college vacations he also was occupied in the issue of the Cornwall Star. Upon gradu- ating he taught a year in Elmira and Albany, N. Y., and then re- turned to Yale as instructor in English literature. Health giving way, he removed to Colorado Springs in 1890, where he spent his remaining days in literary work, contributing to periodicals and publishing " Pictures and Poems of Pike's Peak " and " Legends of the Pike's Peak Region." He d. Feb. 25, 1893, leaving a widow, Sarah Prince, dau. of Jonathan and Mary ( Hinds) Turner, and a daughter Margaret Ernest.


MINER - JOHNSON.


DARIUS MINER came from N. L. Co., and owned and occupied the old parsonage and farm of Rev. Hezekiah Gold at Cornwall Center, and was a thrifty farmer.


PALMER JOHNSON m. Mary, dau. of Darius, and succeeded to the farm. She d. April 13, 1903, ae. 87. He d. some thirty years before. Her son Darius built a new house in the old loca- tion. He d. 1898; dau. Mary d. January, 1903. Another dau., Mrs. Harriet Peck, succeeds to the farm. She has a dau., Mrs. Seth M. Taylor, and a little granddaughter.


DIBBLE.


ISRAEL DIBBLE was born in Cornwall, in 1742. At the age of sixteen he commenced serving with the colonial troops in the French and Indian war. At its conclusion he returned to his home in Cornwall, where he resided until the breaking-out of the Revolution.


Leaving his wife and two sons in a partly-finished house he was building at the time, he joined the Continental Army. At the battle of White Plains he was severely wounded, and left on the field as one of the dead. He survived, however, and when his wounds permitted, again joined his regiment.


He was with the troops under Washington throughout the


454


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


winter at Valley Forge, and remained with the army until the close of the war. Suffering from the effects of the wounds he had received, and enfeebled in health, he returned to his home in Corn- wall.


He subsequently went to reside with his son Seth, and continued to reside with him until his death, Oct. 4, 1824.


SETH DIBBLE, son of the revolutionary patriot, Israel, was born in Cornwall, and when a boy was bound out as an apprentice. Failing health caused him to return home, where he lived with and cared for his mother and father, after the latter returned from the Revolution.


He m. Diana, only daughter of Frederick Augustine Crowner and Hannah Bradford (Sherwood) Crowner. Her first husband a Sherwood. Her descent is traced from Gov. Bradford of Mass.


Seth Dibble held many important offices in the town, and was at one time one of its largest land owners. He d. in 1836, leav- ing a widow and ten children.


NICKERSON.


ORSON NICKERSON, son of Archilaus, was born in Sharon, Nov. 11, '29. The family trace descent from Wm. Nickerson, who came from England to Cape Cod in 1630. Orson Nickerson m. Julia M., youngest daughter of Seth Dibble (b. Oct. 6, '30), Jan. 17, '47, and settled on the old farm.


Children:


Helen J., b. April 21, '49, m. John A. Page, May 5, '74. Has one daughter, Lulu W., m., Oct. 18, 1902, Ransom F. Smith, Jr. Mr. Page d. Aug. 21, '81. She has been a successful school teacher for many years.


Emily A., b. Nov. 29, '52; m. Myron Hallock, June 20, '85; re- sided first in New Milford, later in Cornwall; she d. July 29, 90. She was also a successful teacher.


LEONARD J. NICKERSON ; b. Oct. 23, '57; m. Alice J. New, Sept. 16, '96. Studied law with Judge Arthur J. Warner, and was admitted to the bar April, '82; member of House of Repre- sentatives, '83; has an excellent law library, and enjoys an ex- tensive practice at the bar. In town matters, member of Board of Education, a subject in which he is much interested.


455


HEWITT, JOHNSON, AND IVES.


COCHRANE.


JAMES COCHRANE (d. Oct. 8, '97), with wife Mary Ann Houston (d. Sept. 19, '98), and one child, came from Ireland in 1840, and after a short residence in Goshen came to Cornwall.


Children:


Houston, m. Julia Green. d. June 13, 1889. Has three children:


Minnie.


Robert, mn. Helena Bates, Oct. 28. 1903. Julia, m. Dr. Joseph Robinson, Jan. 16, 1901.


ROBERT N. m. Elisabeth Carter from Canada.


Five children:


Jennie, m. - Gregory.


Nelly, m. England.


Dell Pratt, m. Edward Oviatt.


Agnes, m. Dr. John W. Ives, lives at W. C.


JAMES A. m. Harriet Wheaton.


Children:


George W.


Jessie, m. Miner Rogers.


MARY ANN m. James Wilson ; has seven children.


MATTIE m. Ed. Amundsen ; she d. 1901 ; five children.


ELLEN remained with parents.


ROBERT N. represented the town '73; James A. '79; George W., son of James A., 1902. Robert N. was town clerk one term, and town treasurer when he removed to Bantam, 1902.


HEWITT, JOHNSON, AND IVES.


CYRUS HEWITT and wife, EUNICE AVERY HEWITT, had four children.


WM. H. H. HEWITT m. Catherine, dau. of Hon. John R. Har- rison of Cornwall. Has children and resides in New Haven.


MARY E. HEWITT m. John Wagner. Have children and re- side in Australia.


DESIRE HEWITT m. Samuel J. B. Johnson.


Children:


Eunice M., m. Henry H. Ives of Goshen.


Mary Josephine, m. Rev. Oscar Garland McIntyre.


CHARLOTTE HEWITT m. Hon. Thomas Sanford of Redding, Conn., and have children.


456


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


1


HENRY H. IVES and EUNICE MI. HEWITT.


Two children:


Harrison Hewitt Ives.


John Wagner Ives, M.D., Yale, 1900. Dr. Ives m. Agnes Coch- rane, and is practicing medicine in Cornwall.


MALLINSON.


MR. JOSEPH MALLINSON came from West Melton, Yorkshire, England, in 1856, leaving his wife, with one child, who came over two years later. He first resided on Cream Hill, and worked at making shears, but later removed to West Cornwall, and, under the firm name of J. Mallinson & Co., with various partners, has continued there the business of manufacturing nickel-plated and japanned steel shears and scissors, with some other kinds of hard- ware. The buildings are ample, water power permanent and abundant, and the business has been always successful. Mr. John Wood, from the vicinity of New York, was partner for many years. Mrs. Wood d. Dec. 5, 1891, and son John E. Wood d. Jan. 22, 1888. Mr. Wood and sons have returned to New York. Mr. Mallinson has children :


Walter, m. Letitia Thompson.


Children:


Joseph, Walter, Jr., George B., Abraham, Martha, Keith, Lester. Mary J., mn. James Ferris. One child: Lewis. Harriet, m. John Weir. Three children:


Beatrice. Harold.


Sarah, d. 1902; m. Ist, Mr. Meeker; 2d, Charles Rayner.


Children: Joseph. Jenny. Sarah.


BECK AND VOLMILLER.


1


GEORGE C. BECK and wife and GEORGE VOLMILLER and wife came from Germany about fifty years ago, and to West Cornwall in 1859. Wife of Beck, Barbara A., d. 1897. These families were related, and hence are treated together. At first they worked for Mr. Gardner, in his shear shop at West Cornwall, but


457


FRITZ.


later purchased the property and continued the business under the name of The Union Shear Co.


Mr. Volmiller d. April 27, 1880. George Hughes m. Mary, dau. of George Volmiller, and had charge of the business till he removed to Bridgeport in 1889. When Mr. Hughes left, Mr. Beck on account of age retired from active labors, and the shop . was sold Nov. 30, 1903.


Mr. G. Volmiller had children :


Frederick, Emma, and Laura, who d. young.


Mary, m. George Hughes. Son, Frederick George, Yale, B.P., I900. Carrie, m. T. Fenn. She d. in '97, leaving one dau., Violette. Dora, m. Earl Stevens ; two children.


George C. Beck had three children :


Chas. F., d. '87. George H., m. Edna Dean, 1902. Mary, m. Thomas Fenn, 2d wife, 1902.


MEMMOTT.


MR. WILLIAM MEMMOTT and wife came from England in 1862, with five children :


Emma, d. on passage. William, Jr. Joseplı. Martha. Rosa.


They came to West Cornwall in '63, and Mr. Memmott was employed in shear factory. Wm., Jr., was killed in collision on Housatonic R. R. In '67 family removed to southern part of the state. Mrs. M. d. Aug., '65, and Wm. d. July, '92.


Joseph returned to Cornwall in '79 and m. Mary Miller.


Children: Charles. Catharine. Dorothy.


FRITZ.


JOHN PETER FRITZ and wife came from Germany about 1855; d. Oct. 28, 1894, ae. 68 years. Wife Anna Mary d. Oct. 30, 1886, ae. 60 years.


His son GEORGE J. succeeds him as miller ; m. Alice Lankton of Hartford.


458


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


Oldest daughter, MARY, m. Frank Reed, and d. 1902, leav- ing five daughters.


SOPHIA m. Gould W. Hart, and lives in Brooklyn, N. Y.


LOUISA m. - Trieshman ; lives in Torrington.


JOHN m .; lives in Newport, R. I.


WILLIAM F. d. in California Feb. 22, '94 ; ae. 24 years.


COOK.


MARTIN COOK and wife came from Germany about 1855.


Children:


George, m. and lives in S. Windham.


Kate, m. and lives in Scotland.


Mary, m. and lives in Willimantic.


John lives with mother in S. Windham.


Charles died from accident.


Martin was killed by the fall of a building.


YUTZLER.


ADAM YUTZLER and wife came from Germany in '56, bring- ing one child, Frederick W. Came to W. Cornwall in '60, where he followed his trade as a tailor till his death in . Children:


Fred W., m. Margaret Carter.


Children : Arlington. Joseph. Florence. Harry.


Henry, m. Myers, lives in Norfolk; has two children. Anna, m. Frank Hallett, Bridgeport.


Children: Carric. Cora.


Francis. Herbert. Ruth.


Clara.


Fred. W., represented town in 1895.


THOMPSON.


JOHN THOMPSON came from the north of Ireland, County Derry, with his wife, Margaret Houston, sister of Mrs. James Cochrane, and four children :


Margaret. Letitia. Ellen. James.


KAHLER. 459


And later had:


George. Mattie. Robert. Andrew. Emma. Rebecca.


He worked out as a farmer till about 1880; then purchased the farm on Cream Hill owned by the late Albert Hart; d. Feb. 2, 1897, and his widow is now living in Bridgeport, enjoying a well- earned rest, with her unmarried daughters.


LETITIA m. Walter Mallinson.


JAMES m. Alida Ingraham ; lives in Norfolk ; three children.


REBECCA m. Arthur Smith, Bridgeport ; one son.


GEORGE m.


ROBERT m. Kate Hurlburt ; one son ; lives in Bridgeport.


ANDREW m. ; three children ; with Adams Express, New Haven.


MATTIE m. Abraham Lincoln Welty, Nov. 26, 1903.


LISTMAN.


CHARLES LISTMAN and wife came from Germany in '63; related to Volmiller. They lost two children in infancy, one of them drowned in the Housatonic. Mrs. L. d. Oct., 1902.


GUSTAVE m. Agnes Koenig. He is sec. Y. M. C. A., Winsted.


KAHLER.


HENRY KAHLER and wife came from Germany in 1858. They have lost five children. Two survive.


EDWARD m. Ryals ; lives in Bridgeport.


HENRY lives in W. Cornwall.


Mr. K. d. 1900; Mrs. K. d. 1897.


These are all good stock, and raised good Christian families, industrious and frugal, supporters of church, Sabbath-school, and Christian Endeavor.


Other recent comers, many of whom have become landholders; we name Richter, Stratman, Rhenburg, Murray, Hanson, Sand- meyer, Rebstock, Swanson, and Adams.


-


460


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


DEDICATION OF SEDGWICK MONUMENT AND HOWITZER.


PROGRAM .- MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 30, 1900 .- AT CORNWALL HOLLOW, CONNECTICUT.


Teams will be in readiness at West Cornwall station to trans- port visitors to Cornwall Hollow, six miles distant, on arrival of trains at 9.15 A. M. and IO A. M.


The Governor and his staff will be present.


On arrival of procession at the cemetery at II A. M .:


Decoration of soldiers' graves.


Prayer, Rev. W. C. Ferris.


Address of welcome and presentation of the monument and howitzer to the town by T. S. Gold, president of the day.


Unveiling of the monument, Miss Clara B. Sedgwick.


Reception on behalf of the town by Hon. David L. Smith, chairman of the board of selectmen.


12 M., lunch.


1 P. M., reading of letters and poems.


Addresses by His Excellency George E. Lounsbury, Hon. E. J. Hill, members of the 6th Army Corps, representatives of the G. A. R., and others.


Exercises to close at 3.30 P. M., in time for the 5.10 train at West Cornwall.


The Citizens Band of Winsted will furnish music.


A general invitation is extended to all citizens to unite in this service.


THEODORE SEDGWICK GOLD,


Chairman of Committee of Arrangements.


JOHN R. SEDGWICK, MINER P. ROGERS, JOHN R. HARRISON,


Marshals.


-----


--


MONUMENT MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN SEDGWICK DEDICATED MAY 30, 1900.


461


MAJ .- GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK.


MAJ .- GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK .*


MEMORIAL DAY, 1900.


DEDICATION OF HOWITZER AND MONUMENT IN MEMORY OF GEN. SEDGWICK.


The program was carried out successfully.


Gen. Lawrence, who took down the flag at surrender of Rich- mond, exhibited it, and, at the close of a short address at the grave, tore off a strip and left it in my charge as a sacred relic.


The executive of the state, with his staff, officers, and privates who had served with Sedgwick, and delegations from various parts of the state, honored the occasion, while Litchfield county showed its living patriotism in memory of its dead heroes.


We have no copies of the addresses of Gov. George E. Louns- bury, Hon. E. J. Hill, and others. Some of the letters were read, and the poems.


The speaking was only closed by time required by guests to reach the trains.


PRESENTATION BY T. S. GOLD.


Your Excellency, members of the 6th Corps, members of the Grand Army of the Republic, and fellow citizens, accept our wel- come this day.


It is now nearly two years since the plan of securing a piece of ordnance from the U. S. government to be placed here in honor of Maj .- Gen. John Sedgwick was presented by me to our Congress- man Hon. E. J. Hill. This met with a hearty response from Mr. . Hill, and from the late Gen. Flagler, who had such matters in charge, and the hearts and hands of citizens of Connecticut have been opened so freely that this day we are permitted to assemble here and complete this labor of love and consecration.


We rejoice with you that in the darkest night of our national life, when eternal death was imminent, Divine Providence raised up noble defenders of our flag, emblematic of the nation's life, even


* NOTE. - For funeral sermon. preached by Rev. Chas. Wetherly see Appendix. Memorial Day, 1892, see Appendix.


462


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


to the giving of their lives that the nation might live. Remember that in honoring the dead we also honor the survivors of that conflict.


We wish to embrace in this, our tribute to General Sedgwick, all those even of humbler rank who showed their patriotism and valor in that supreme hour of national peril, counting no sacrifice too dear, and that the noblest end of life is to fill a soldier's grave.


My age and all the circumstances of my life entitle me to the privilege I enjoy today, in these exercises. I have felt myself bound by a sacred trust of friendship, as well as of patriotism, to assist in the work for which you are here assembled: to bear our testimony to the valor and patriotism of the gallant Sedgwick and his brave associates.


Now, in behalf of the United States government and citizens of Connecticut, I present this howitzer and monument to the town of Cornwall. Guard this offering as a memorial of patriotism, and as a beacon of inspiration to all who shall visit this sacred shrine. Let no vandal hand ever mar its grace and beauty. May our children's children to the latest generations, as they gather around this consecrated spot, get an inspiration to noble service, the duty of every citizen.


Remember Lexington and Bunker Hill. Remember that Ethan Allen and John Brown trod these hills, and that freedom was in the air they breathed. May we follow in their footsteps when- ever our liberty is imperiled. ,


This was followed by a hearty response in acceptance of the trust by Hon. David L. Smith, first selectman of Cornwall.


LETTERS.


Executive Mansion, Washington, May 24, 1900.


MY DEAR SIR:


Acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 22d instant, I beg leave to express the President's regret that engagements already made will preclude him from accepting your very kind invitation for the 30th instant.


Assuring you of the President's appreciation of your thoughtfulness and courtesy, believe me,


Very truly yours, GEO. B. CORTELYOU, Secretary to the President.


MR. THEODORE S. GOLD,


West Cornwall, Conn.


463


MAJ .- GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK.


1203 N Street, Washington, D. C., May 26, 1900.


DEAR MR. GOLD :


I send, by express to your address, a Greek Cross for the grave of our dear Gen. Sedgwick. Will you be so kind as to place it thereon, as I am unable to do it myself. .


Very sincerely, ROSA WRIGHT SMITH.


" The daughter of the Sixth Corps."


Extract from a letter from Gen. Fitzhugh Lee dated Jan. IO, 1900:


Department of the Province of Havana and Pinar del Rio, Quemados de Marianao, Cuba. To MRS. W. W. WELCH :


In my life of Gen. Lee, published by Appleton & Co., New York, in the " Great Commanders " series, page 334, you will see what I had to say about Gen. Sedgwick. Very truly yours,


FITZHUGH LEE.


" At his death he had two mourners, his friend and his foe. With Lee and others who had served with him before the war he was a great favorite, he was so true, so faithful in all of life's relations. In his death the Union cause lost an Army."


Wilkesbarre, Pa., February 5, 1900.


MY DEAR MRS. WELCH :


I have just received and read the biographical sketch of my long lamented old commander and it brings back a flood of pleasant and sad memories. His warm friend Prof. Kendrick first introduced me to Col. Sedgwick in Willard's Hotel, Washington, D. C., and immediately thereafter he applied to the War Department for me to report to him. From that time he took a personal interest in me, and I at once formed a strong affection for him which has lasted all these years. He was a lovable man in a hundred ways. His kindness to young men was one of his benevolent traits of character. He tolerated their light hearted- ness and often frivolous behavior, seeming to remember his own care- less youth. He was repaid by the most loyal service and respect with affection. Under the folds of the Sixth Corps flag, which was glorified by the Cross, the poor defenseless and unhappy rebels sought shelter and safety and were fed and comforted. When McMahon was remon- strated with by Senator Covode of Pennsylvania for protecting the rebels (Gen. Sedgwick was absent) McMahon told Covode that the General waged deadly war with armed foes, but not with helpless women and children. I have always compared him to Marshal du Guesclin of France in the 14th century, who exhorted his soldiers on his dying bed to remember that the poor, the women and children and clergy, should not be considered as enemies.


COL. E. B. BEAUMONT.


1


464


HISTORY OF CORNWALL.


MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN SEDGWICK.


" To fall on the battle-line," This was his fate; But it gave a pure shrine To his birthplace and state.


" His soul had departed " ? Oh! no- it still stays To cheer the faint-hearted With hope-given rays.


That " hush " 'mong the men As he fell in their sight - It seem'd to their ken A hush of the night.


But a curtain was lifted, And then 'gan to dawn A hope for our country Which ne'er was withdrawn.


The name we now cherish As high on the roll Of honor, affection, and Grandeur of soul


Is- Gen'l John Sedgwick; A halo now shines And encircles this valley, Its mountains, and pines.


This halo will crown With its glory and sheen The hills of dear Cornwall, And make them a scene


Where pilgrims and patriots Gather, and hold In memory sacred Its valley and wold.


- Elizabeth Sedgwick L'aill.


1


MAJ .- GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK. 465


THE GRAVEYARD IN CORNWALL, WHERE IS BURIED GENERAL JOHN SEDGWICK, AS SEEN SOME THIRTY YEARS AGO.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.