USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Norwich memorial; the annals of Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, in the great rebellion of 1861-65 > Part 17
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
Few excelled him in the earnestness and unselfish devo- tion which so eminently characterized him. A whole- hearted consecration to others' good, made his career beautiful and his death glorious. While in the strength of his young manhood, God permitted him to die, and his death adds another to the list of heroes whose memory and example are the nation's heritage.
Who dares tell us that such lives are brief, for
" We live in deeds, not years ; in thought, not breaths ; In feelings, not in figures on a dial, We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."
JOHN McCALL, Captain Company K, Eighth Regiment. In the summer of 1861, when the government called for three hundred thousand men to array themselves under the national flag to crush the rebellion, among those who nobly responded to the summons was John McCall, of Yantic.
235
" THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
He enlisted as a private in Company D, of the Eighth Regiment. At the election of non-commissioned officers for the company, he was chosen a Sergeant, and acted as such during the first few months after the regiment had been mustered into service. The death of Lieutenant Charles A. Breed, and the promotion of Captain Ward to be Major, opened the door for the advancement of young McCall, and he was first appointed Second, then First Lieu- tenant of his company.
Skillful as an officer, faithful in the discharge of his du- ties, and intrepid on the battle-field, he won the con- fidence of his superior officers, and was subsequently pro- moted to the Captaincy of Company K, in which posi- tion he remained until his decease.
He served under General Burnside during his North Car- olina campaign, and participated in the battles of Roanoke Island, Fort Macon, and Newbern ; and when the troops who had so nobly sustained the Stars and Stripes on the soil of North Carolina were called North to aid in driving the rebels from Pennsylvania and Maryland, the Eighth Connecticut came with them, and Captain McCall, ever ready to endure the privations, and share the perils of the battle-field, was again distinguished for his coolness and courage, in the sanguinary conflicts of South Mountain and Antietam.
At the last-named battle, he was severely wounded by a minie-ball in the thigh, and being unable to leave the field with the regiment in its retreat, was taken prisoner, but immediately paroled. He was soon after exchanged, and, as soon as recovery permitted, again took command of his company.
He was at Fredericksburg under General Burnside, - cool, cheerful, ready for any duty, At the siege of Suffolk, he was one of the band of two hundred who crossed the
236
THE NORWICHI MEMORIAL.
Nansemond in broad day-light, stormed Fort Huger, and held it in the face of ten thousand rebels, - one of the neat- est little achievements of the war. Captain McCall was ordered, with Company K of the Eighth, to take and hold the rifle pits commanding the approach to the fort. He was the first man to reach the land, and his part was strictly and gallantly performed.
He was under General Butler in his expedition up the James River for the capture of Richmond. In the bloody conflicts that took place between the Union and the rebel troops on the banks of that stream, the Eighth Regiment was placed in the front of the battle, and the family of Captain McCall received a letter from him, dated but a day or two before he was shot, saying, that though many of his comrades had been wounded or killed in the successive struggles, that he had escaped all injury. The next intelli- gence received by his father, was a telegram, stating that his gallant boy was dead.
At five o'clock on Saturday morning, May 14, the enemy had broken the flank of Brooks' division. There was a severe fire along the whole line, the men lying down and firing, Captain McCall in a sitting position. The fatal bul- let passed through his heart. He rose to his feet, saying, " I shall be dead in a minute," and fell backwards dead.
The loss of this gallant comrade and able officer was severely felt by the brave old regiment. He was a general favorite with the officers and men, " a prompt, bold, enter- prising officer - a soldier by nature. He was stern and harsh when he believed it to be his duty, but in his usual conduct he was generous, just, and noble. As a compan- ion he was frank, genial, and lively, as a friend, manly and true-hearted." Few of our young men who have offered their lives on the altar of their country, leave a more un- sullied reputation for honor, bravery, and patriotism than
John Wball
237
"THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
John McCall. Brought home for burial, his grave lies near those of his lamented comrades-in-arms, Lieutenants Wait, Goddard, and Breed, in our beautiful cemetery along the banks of the Yantic. The Mayor and Board of Common Council attended in a body at his funeral service, and put on record this public testimonial to his character and pa- triotic devotion : -
" Resolved, That in the death of this gallant and truly meri- torious officer, this community has lost one of its brightest orna- ments, the regiment to which he belonged, an able, skillful, and courageous officer, ready at all times to share the dangers and privations of the battle-field, and to offer up his life on his coun- try's altar." I. T. W.
JOHN W. BENTLEY, Acting Master U. S. N., died at his residence in Norwich, May 27, 1864, after an illness of little more than a week. He received his appointment as Acting Master in the Navy soon after the war broke out, and con- tinued in active service till his death. He was one of the officers of the " Wabash," Admiral Dupont's flag-ship, at the capture of Port Royal. Appointed to the command of the " Banshee," a captured blockade runner, just placed in com- mission, he was preparing to put to sea, when his fatal illness came upon him. He was a brave and skillful officer, and in whatever duty he was engaged, always secured the approval and commendation of his superiors. He was a genial, kind hearted man, and made friends wherever he was; indeed few men had so extensive a circle of acquaint- ance, and among them all, so many warm, earnest friends.
E. BENJAMIN CULVER, Adjutant Eighteenth Regiment, was the only son of Benjamin and Adelaide Culver ; born in the city of New York, October 27, 1840.
During his school and business life he became well known here, and by those most intimately acquainted with him, he was esteemed as a young man of more than ordi-
16
238
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
nary excellence and promise. One of his early instructors speaks of him as "the peacemaker," while his teacher in Norwich, with whom he spent nearly a year and a half, mentions his marked truthfulness of character.
His personal appearance gave all the impression of youth- ful manliness. Generous in his feelings, self-possessed in his manners, young Culver was the favorite of a large circle of friends. ,
As a clerk in the store of Lee & Osgood, he has left the reputation of rare fidelity and skill. Energetic and quick to learn, he mastered the business, and gave promise of great success. Between himself and his employers a warm attachment existed, broken only by his early death. His admirable business qualities, as well as personal worth, had attained for him a position not often reached by those as young as he.
When the Eighteenth Regiment was forming, the duty of entering his country's service came to him with new force. Seeking the advice of friends and parents, he finally regis- tered his conviction of what was duty, by enlisting. The purest of motives prompted him in this act, for it was when his earthly prospects were brightest that he entered the army, and his parents knew that at pecuniary sacrifice he remained in the service. He was moreover an only son, tenderly beloved, and relinquished more than many in leav- ing father and mother at his country's call.
In August, 1862, he left Norwich with the Eighteenth Regiment, commanded by Col. William G. Ely. While stationed at Baltimore, Culver was detailed to act as clerk at the headquarters of General Schenck, Commandant of the Middle Department. His executive ability secured him the appointment, and so valuable were his services con- sidered by the General, that he was retained some time after his promotion to the Adjutancy of the regiment. While in
-
239
" THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
this position, in one of his letters he speaks of his dissatis- faction with such labor. Though it was safer and more lucrative than a soldier's service, still he said it was not for this kind of work he enlisted. He was eager to engage in active campaigning - to meet the hardships and brave the perils of the field.
He rejoined his regiment just after the unfortunate battle of Winchester, June 14-15, 1863, when the Colonel and a large proportion of the officers and men were taken prison- ers. His first letter, dated at Maryland Heights, spoke of "a disconsolate band " he had succeeded in gathering to- gether, - the remnants of the splendid regiment which had left Norwich less than a year previous. He furnished to anxious friends the first reliable account of the casualties of that action. Entering upon the duties of Adjutant, he proved himself at once a most efficient officer.
In April, 1864, he returned home on a furlough, and many remember with deep interest that last visit. The campaign of the spring was about to open, and the indications were that there would be hard fighting. The earnestness with which Culver spoke of the increased perils showed his full appreciation of his own exposure, when he returned. Com- ing events appeared to have wrought an unusual thought- fulness. And though he spoke calmly and with hope, it was with a half betrayed impression that this would prove his final visit with Norwich friends.
At the last interview with his parents, his mother re- marked : "You look care-worn, but I do not ask you to resign." He replied : " I could not be induced so to do ; for, dear mother, calmly and deliberately I give my service and my life if necessary, for my country."
When he returned to his regiment, the army of the Shen- andoah, of which it formed a part, had started upon its long and tedious campaign. At New Market, Va., occurred the
240
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
first engagement with the rebels. In this the Eighteenth Regiment participated, losing fifty-six in killed, wounded, and missing. The report of this battle was the last Adju- tant Culver lived to make. Retreating to Cedar Creek, Va., the army rested several days, and was reorganized under General Hunter, who relieved General Sigel.
On May 27, equipped for rapid marching, the regiment, with the army, advanced with little opposition until arriving in the vicinity of Piedmont, June 5, 1864. A battle here ensued, resulting after severe and protracted fighting, in the total rout of the enemy, and the capture of 1500 pris- oners. Among the first mortally wounded on our side was Adjutant Culver. While engaged with the regiment in one of the earliest charges made that day, he was struck by a piece of shell, and fell from his horse.
Removed at once to the hospital, he died the following day, June 6, 1864. He had fought his last fight, and re- ceived his death-wound while joining in the charge which brought victory to our arms. What he had said he was willing to do, he was by the providence of God permitted to do, in thus cheerfully laying down his life for his country.
So the youth whom fond parents had watched as he de- veloped into all that was noble and pure, fell bravely fighting for our liberties and our land. One more name his death adds to the roll of heroes, whose generous self-sacrifice sanctifies the cause. An earnest Christian, a faithful clerk, a devoted patriot, he has left behind the record of a noble life.
His firmly outlined integrity, united with his quiet en- thusiasm, had won him a high position in the esteem of many here, and long will his memory be cherished by friends and citizens in Norwich. In an epoch of great events he acted a noble part, and sincerely and bravely performed his every duty.
241
" THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
Recalling his faithfulness in all things committed to him here, I think of the promise which is the inheritance of such servants, made by -
" That monarch whose 'well done' confers a more than mortal fame."
WILLIAM A. BERRY, Captain Company , Second Ar- tillery, New York. He was an Englishman, who had re- cently settled in Greeneville, and who, sharing with our citizens in the patriotic enthusiasm awakened by the war, was among the first to enlist in Captain Chester's company, in which he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He served with credit through the three months' campaign. He again offered his service to the government, by enlisting in a company that was raised by Thomas Maguire, for the regiment of Colonel Colt (the Fifth). When the latter threw up his interest in it, owing to some misunderstand- ing, Maguire carried most of his command, including Berry, with him, and was accepted in the Second Regiment Artil- lery, Maguire receiving the commission of Captain, and Berry that of Lieutenant. The regiment was a long time confined to garrison duty at Washington, where Berry was promoted to Captain, his friend Maguire having been made Major. He was a brave soldier, rather noted for his cool- ness, and was regarded with no ordinary esteem by those who knew him best.
In the early part of the summer of 1864, the regiment was called to the front, and participated in one of the battles near Petersburg, June 18, 1864, where Captain Berry was killed. He was interred on the battle-field, but subsequently, in No- vember, 1864, his remains were brought to Norwich by his friend and comrade-in-arms, Lieutenant Thomas Scott, and buried in Yantic Cemetery. Berry made an excellent sol- dier, having previously served several years in the British army ; and though a comparative stranger here, left be- behind him the record of a true devotion to his adopted
242
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
country. There were not a few who, coming to us from other lands, were among the foremost to offer their services in behalf of a country they had learned to love with all that affection which we sometimes think can be cherished by only those to the manor born.
Young Berry's history is one which has for us a peculiar interest, for it is the record of one who stood for our de- fense ; and with a patriotism, which made him seem as if always of us, he went forth to battle for our own and his chosen country, and in thus doing, fell in the cause that was materially aided by just such generous devotion as he evinced.
JAMES R. NICKELS, Captain Company I, Fourteenth Regiment, was born in the town of Cherryfield, Maine, July 14th, 1843. Left an orphan at an early age, he removed to Norwich, to reside with an aunt, and that most picturesque and beautiful of New England cities was thenceforward his home. Here he made hosts of friends among the young lads of his age, and here was laid the foundation of a friend- ship toward young Nickels by the writer, that grew with his growth, and which makes him feel this brief memorial to be a most paltry tribute to one of the most generous and noble hearts that ever beat. Completing his school studies, Nickels entered the crockery store of R. M. Haven, and became a member of his family. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Captain Harland's Company of the Third Connecticut Regiment, with which he passed creditably through the three months' campaign, being particularly re- marked for his coolness at the first Bull Run, where his company was one of the few from Connecticut which suf- fered any casualties.
Returning home at the close of the campaign, he resumed his former avocation, devoting his spare time to the study of military tactics. His patriotism and adaptation to a
243
" THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
military career were such, however, that he could not re- main quietly at home, but on the President's call for 50,000 men, in May, 1862, he again enlisted as a private in Com- pany E of the Fourteenth. He was speedily made First Sergeant, and left the State as such, August 23d, 1862. In less than four weeks he passed with his regiment through the bloody fight of Antietam.
At Fredericksburg, where fourteen out of eighteen offi- cers were killed or wounded, Nickels escaped with his clothes riddled with bullets. December 20th, 1862, he was com- missioned Second Lieutenant of Company I, and in less than a month, January 19th, 1863, promoted to be First Lieutenant of Company K. That year he passed unscathed through the engagements of Chancellorsville, Antietam, and Bristoe Station. On the 5th of November he was commis- sioned Captain of Company I. In the campaign of 1864 he was with the regiment in the terrible carnage of the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, the numerous minor engage- ments on the North and South Anna River, and at Cold Harbor. In the latter battle he commanded the regiment and led it in a brilliant charge, for which he was highly complimented by his brigade commander - the fearless Colonel Smyth.
Through the constant fighting and perilous picket duty of that summer, in front of Petersburg, Nickels was ever at the post of duty, but never was scratched. But his hitherto uninterrupted career of success was terminated August 27th, 1864, in the struggle for the possession of the Weldon Railroad, known as the battle of Ream's Station. Here he was severely wounded in the leg, and left on the field, where he was stripped by the rebels, who left him, not dreaming that he would survive the night. During the night his casualty was reported to the regiment, when Adjutant Hincks, and Privates Goff and Rigney, sought him out on
244
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
the abandoned field, and bore him through the darkness eight miles into our lines. Such was the love he inspired, and such the devotion of the brave boys who risked their lives for him. Taken to City Point, he was removed to Ar- mory Square Hospital, at Washington, where, after linger- ing six months, he died, February 20th, 1865. Many times his prospects of recovery were deemed very fair, but the long confinement at last broke down his constitution - and with his faithful aunt and brother by his bedside, he quietly pined away, saying to his aunt, who told him of his situa- tion, and pointed him to Christ, "It is all right with me."
Connecticut lost no nobler son in the war, - a genial com- panion, a thorough officer, always remarkable for his knowl- edge of and attention to his duties ; loved and respected by his brother officers and men. He had won high enco- miums from his superiors of all grades, and bid fair in time to have acquired more than a local reputation. His perfect coolness under fire, and his cheerfulness and freedom from despondency or irritability during his long and weary con- finement to a hospital bed, show the prominent traits in his character, - intrepidity, trustfulness, and amiability.
Into twenty-one short years Captain Nickels crowded a life-time of noble deeds, and dying he left no enemy but mourning friends among his soldier comrades, his school- mates, and his townsmen. It was granted to him to live long enough to see the impending triumph of his country's cause, and to leave an untarnished name -
" And so he laid his laurels down at his great Captain's feet."
THE LOST IN OTHER THAN CONNECTICUT REGIMENTS.
DOUGLAS R. BUSHNELL, Major Thirteenth Regiment, Ill. Vols. Killed in action at Chattanooga.
PETER L. HYDE, Lieutenant Twenty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Vols. Killed at Arkansas Post.
245
" THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES,
"THE LEAST IN RANK, BUT NOT IN HONOR."
DAVID C. CASE, Third Regiment C. V. Killed by a can- non ball at Bull-Run, July 21, 1861. Age 26. He was the son of Dea. Samuel Case of Norwich Town, and the first soldier from Norwich killed in the War of the Rebellion.
JOSEPH STOKES, Second Regiment C. V. Died in hos- pital, July 25, 1861.
THOMAS D. HUNTINGTON, Eighth Regiment C. V. Son of Benjamin Huntington, Norwich Town. He enlisted September 21, 1861, and went into camp at Hartford, where he was taken sick. He returned home, and died eight days after being mustered into service, September 29, 1861.
ERASTUS D. VERGASON, Tenth Regiment C. V. Killed in the battle of Roanoke Island, February 8, 1862. He was a farmer. Age 27.
PATRICK MARO, Tenth Regiment C. V. Killed in the capture of Newbern, N. C., March 14, 1862. He was a mechanic. Age 18.
DANIEL H. BROWN, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died of disease at New Orleans, May 14, 1862. Age 43. By trade a mechanic.
WILLIAM HUTCHINS, Eleventh Regiment C. V. Died of disease, June 14, 1862. Age 20.
JAMES MONINGHAM, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died of disease at Vicksburg, Miss., July 21, 1862. He was a la- borer. Age 33.
JOHN KERLEY, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died on the transport, July 24, 1862. Age 18.
JOHN P. KEHR, U. S. N. Died of disease at Vicksburg, July 30, 1862.
ALEXANDER S. AVERY, Sergeant, Fifth Regiment C. V.
246
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
Killed in the battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, I862.
CHARLES H. POTTER, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died of disease at Baton Rouge, La., August 10, 1862. He was a machinist by trade. Age 24.
PATRICK WELDON, Sergeant, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died at New Orleans, August 14, 1862. Age 34.
JAMES MURPHY, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died August 16, 1862, at New Orleans. Age 19.
JAMES McVAY, Fourteenth Regiment C. V. Fell out of the ranks on the march to Antietam and died of exhaus- tion at Rockville, Md., September 9, 1862. Age 42.
DAVID M. FORD, Eleventh Regiment C. V. Killed in the battle at Antietam, September 17, 1862. Age 20.
JOHN C. HOLWELL, Eleventh Regiment C. V. Killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. Age 40.
EZRA M. LOOMIS, Eleventh Regiment C. V. Died of wounds received at Antietam, September 19, 1862.
HENRY P. YERRINGTON, Fourteenth Regiment C. V. Died of wounds received at Antietam, September 21, 1872. Age 25.
HENRY M. SCHOFIELD, Eleventh Regiment C. V. He was a young man of much promise, enlisted in the First Regiment, April 22, 1861. Died of wounds received at Antietam, September 28, 1862.
JOHN W. WOOD, Eleventh Regiment C. V. Died of wounds received at Antietam, September 1862. Age 23.
EDWARD DORCEY, Corporal, Fourteenth Regiment C. V. Died of wounds received at Antietam, October 8, 1862.
JOHN SIMPSON, Sergeant, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died of disease at New Orleans, October 8, 1862. Age 27.
HORATIO BURDICK, Eighteenth Regiment C. V. Died at Fort McHenry, October 19, 1862. Age 30.
247
" THE UNRETURNING BRAVE."
THEODORE A. FANNING, Eighth Regiment C. V. Died of wounds received at Antietam, October 19, 1862. Age 24. FERDINAND VOLKMAN, Sixth Regiment C. V. Died at Beaufort, S. C., October 21, 1862. Age 36.
DAVID BLACK, Thirteenth Regiment C. V. Killed in the battle of Georgia Landing, La., October 27, 1862. Age 38.
HENRY C. FANNING, Eighth Regiment C. V. Died of wounds received at Antietam, October 28, 1862. Age 18. JOHN MEANY, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died at New Orleans, November 12, 1862.
CHARLES H. BECKWITH, Eighteenth Regiment, C. V. Served in the three months' campaign. Died of disease at Norwich, December 1, 1862. Age 22.
MICHAEL CARVER, Corporal, First Regiment Cavalry C. V. Killed in action at Stafford Court House, Va., Jan- uary 3, 1863. Age 18.
DANIEL WILBUR, Eighteenth Regiment C. V. Accident- ally shot while on guard duty at Fort Howard, Baltimore, Md., January 5, 1863. Age 19.
CHARLES BURDICK, Tenth Regiment C. V. Son of Evan Burdick of Norwich. Died in the hospital at Newbern, N. C., January 16, 1863. Age 19.
JOSIAH L. D. OTIS, Fourteenth Regiment C. V. Wounded at Fredericksburg, and died after extreme suffer- ing in a hospital at Washington, D. C., February 10, 1863. He was a physician by profession, and enlisted in the com- pany of Captain James B. Coit. At his death was 41 years of age.
WILLIAM R. ALLYN, Fourteenth Regiment C. V. Died at Falmouth, March 9, 1863. He was a farmer by occupa- tion. Age 18.
JOHN McSORLEY, Ninth Regiment C. V. Died at New Orleans, April 18, 1863. Age 35.
JAMES TORRANCE, Sergeant, Thirteenth Regiment C. V.
248
THE NORWICH MEMORIAL.
Killed at Port Hudson, Louisiana, May 24, 1863. He was the youngest son of a widowed mother, born November 29, 1841, near Edinburgh, Scotland. He possessed in a high degree the qualities of self-reliance and integrity which characterize so generally the Scotch. With a bright earn- est face, a manly form, those who observed him in the Sab- bath-school class, or in the workshop, were attracted by his appearance. At the first call of the Government for troops, he promptly responded, and went out in Captain Harland's company of the Third Regiment, and was in the battle of Bull Run. Returning with the regiment, he was not con- tented to remain at home. His heart was in the cause, and he longed once more to enroll himself among the country's defenders. Though his mother sought to retain him by her side, reminding him that she was now dependent upon her boys, he still seemed to think it was her duty to give him up, and his to go.
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.