USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Hanover > History of the town of Hanover, Massachusetts, with family genealogies > Part 14
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The company's organization fell into what President Cleveland called "innocuous desuetude," in 1851 or there about.
It had, during its half century of existence, three armories. The first stood on Gun-House Hill, near the residence of the late Robert Sylvester.
The second armory stood at the Centre, "in the rear of the meeting house on one corner of the old burial ground" (Barry) which was first used in 1806, Albert Smith being captain. In 1819, while Elisha Barrel, Jr. was captain, the commonwealth erected the third and last armory near the Centre.
The captains of the company during its existence were : Benjamin Whitman. William Thomas. Albert Smith.
Joseph Brooks, Jr.
Edward Jacobs. James House.
Elisha Barrell, Jr.
Daniel Barstow, Jr.
Edward Curtis.
James Brooks.
Levi Curtis.
Benjamin N. Curtis.
Elias W. Pratt.
Charles Brooks.
William Morse.
Duncan T. Stoddard.
Isaac H. Haskins.
The Hanover artillery company's service was not all performed at home. From July 1 to Sept. 6, 1814, (68 days) under Lieut. Elisha Barrell, Jr., a detachment of it was on duty at Scituate Harbor and the whole company was for a month, September 19 to October 19, 1814. at Plymouth.
From the pay-roll of the company we gather the following names of officers and members of the company in 1814.
Capt. Edward F. Jacobs. Sergt. Stephen Jacobs.
Lieut. Elisha Barrell, Jr.
Sergt. Levi Curtis.
Lieut. Edward Curtis.
Sergt. Stephen Curtis.
Sergt. Amos Dunbar.
Corp. Calvin D. Wilder.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
Corp. Reuben Curtis. Corp. Oren Josselyn.
Corp. Elisha Barrell.
Luther Turner. Eleazer Josselyn.
Musicians. Gideon Perry. Levi Perry.
Matrosses.
John Clapp.
Nathaniel Farrow.
Luther Curtis.
Lewis Gross.
Robert Curtis.
Charles Bailey, Jr.
Elisha Magoun.
Joseph Brooks, Jr.
Ozias Whiting.
Benjamin C. Pratt.
Benjamin S. Munroe.
Barker Wing.
Joseph Sylvester.
Piam Damon.
Justus Whiting.
John Curtis.
John Jones, Jr.
Joshua Stetson.
Cyrus White. Melzar Curtis.
Benjamin Bowker.
Job Curtis.
Lemuel Curtis.
John Gross.
Joseph Damon.
Gideon Studley, Jr.
Benjamin H. Clark.
Nathaniel Curtis.
Elias Magoun.
Gad Bailey. Allen Clapp.
Capt. Jesse Reed organized an independent infantry company, which was disbanded, after an existence of a few years.
The Hanover Rifle Company was formed about 1816. It was: comprised of men from Scituate, Marshfield, Pembroke, and Han- son as well as from this town. Its first captain was Elijah Hay- ward, followed by Hosea Whitman, William Josselyn, Nathan Dwelley, Samuel Bennett, and others. It was "removed to Han- son." It formed part of the Second regt., first Brig., 5th Division of the Massachusetts militia. The uniform of the company was unique ; coat and trousers green, a felt cap with long green plume. The arms and equipment of each man were kept at his own home .. The company never saw service, except on parade and at musters. It had a band of its own, consisting of two fifes, two tenor, drums, one bass-drum, a clarionet, and bugle. Barry gives an in- teresting account of the presentation to the company by the ladies. of a beautiful standard with the speech, very stirring and patriotic,. made by Miss Eliza Stetson, when she presented the standard.
The war of 1812 gave rise to but little action in Hanover be- yond that already related. There were various votes passed, relative to the pay of troops sent out, providing for powder, etc.
David T. Joyce.
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HISTORY OF HANOVER.
"The town, in a set of resolutions, gave its views on the war to the public through "publication in the republican newspapers in Bos- ton," the republican party of that day being the predecessor of the democratic party to-day.
The committees of safety during the war were as follows:
1812-Turner Stetson, Albert Smith, Aaron Hobart, Jr., Joshua Mann, Reuben Curtis, Lemuel Dwelley, and Snow Curtis. 1814- Aaron Hobart, Jr., Isaiah Wing, Elijah Hayward, John B. Bar- stow, and Benjamin Stockbridge.
For its committee of safety during the Revolution as well as this later war, Hanover selected its more prominent and substantial citizens.
Among the writer's papers is one headed thus: "Pay Roll of a Company of Infantry stationed at the Fortification Plymouth Harbour, commanded by Lieut. Eben Simmons of the Volunteers of the United States for the month of February." In the roll are: Eben Simmons, Lieut. John Howard, Private.
Levi Curtis, Sergt.
John Munroe, Private.
John Ramsdell, Jr., Corpl.
John Osborne, Private.
Daniel Bishop, Private.
John Perry, Private.
Clement Bates, Private.
William Rand, Private.
Jesse Boileau, Private.
Barth'l Ramsdill, Private.
Thomas Baker, Private.
Elisha C. Stetson, Private.
David Clarke, Private.
Nath'l Stetson, Jr., Private.
Joseph Cole, Private.
Eben S. Thomas, Private.
Abiah Daman, Private. John Walker, Private.
Jeremiah Bates died the third of March, suddenly, being well the same morning.
(signed) EBENEZER SIMMONS,
Lieut. Commander.
This is certified as correct at Boston, April 9, 1813, by Nat Freeman, Maj. and Dist. Pay.
Letters addressed to Lieut. Simmons at the Gurnet and dated as late as September 29, 1813, are also found, showing the term of his troops to expire October, 1813. The following letter dated August 26, 1813, is interesting. It is addressed, Capt. Simmons, Fort Gurnet, and reads :
"The collector of customs for the Port of Plymouth informs Capt. Simmons, Commandant of the Fort, that suspicious circum- stances this morning occur relative to boats without and near this harbour-the arrival of this ship that came in to-day makes the
Jermiah Bates, Musician.
John Oldham, Private.
15℃
MILITARY HISTORY.
appearances more suspicious-I therefore suggest that you will be guarded and vigilant and, at any rate, if an attempt should be- made to cut out this ship, you will prevent her being got out by all the means in your power."
Given at the Custom House this twenty-sixth day of August, 1813.
JAMES WARREN, Dept. Coll."
A letter to Lieut. Simmons from "William Brown, Contractor's: Agent," dated March 21, 1813, shows the sort of stores which were furnished the troops at that time. 212 lbs. fresh beef, 6 bbls. salt beef, 1 bbl. mess pork, 8 bbls. rye flour, 1 box soap, 1 box candles, 1 bbl. vinegar, 1 bbl. whiskey.
Lieut. Simmons' orders, on retiring from the fort, were received. from Brig. Gen. F. H. Cushing, Commanding.
HANOVER IN THE CIVIL WAR.
In the year 1860, about 85 per cent. of the legal voters of Han- over cast their vote for the electors of Abraham Lincoln for President. During the succeeding conflict few towns filled their quotas as promptly. After it had provided for the last call made: by the President, it had a surplus of about twenty-five men in the service.
At the outset, the available men in Hanover between the ages. of eighteen and forty-five (the government limit), numbered not over two hundred and seventy-five. Of this number, one hundred and sixty-nine (61 4-10 per cent.) enlisted.
The first concerted action of the town was taken at a citizen's meeting held in April, 1861, when a committee was chosen to confer with citizens of other towns as to the proper course to be pursued in view of the hostilities which had then been begun.
Oren Josselyn, Jedediah Dwelley, and Robert H. Studley were selectmen. That year the town paid "drilling, $320, and for uni- forms (14) for the Union guards, $250; for dependents of soldiers in the United States service from this town, $868; making a total military outlay for the year of $1440, of which $834 was due to be repaid by the state. This was on a total assessment of $777,332, and with a tax rate of $5.70 per thousand.
The first call for troops was made by the President in April, 1861. This was for three months' men. Six men in Hanover re- sponded, viz: Frank Corbin, William B. Harlow, Hosea Dwelley, Patrick Hurley, George C. Dwelley, and William C. Bates, the first man to enlist from this town being Frank Corbin.
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HISTORY OF HANOVER.
During the year 1861, in response to other calls, 35 men enlisted for three years, viz :-
Lucius Barker
John F. Larkum
Bradley S. Bryant
Samuel Keene
George W. Bates
James H. Perry
John Brainard
Joseph F. Stetson
James E. Damon
James E. Stetson
Charles Damon
George E. Smith
Bailey D. Damon
Michael H. Sullivan
Samuel Hollis
John W. Nelson
Cyrus C. Holmes
Eugene Whiting
Thomas B. Holmes
John T. Davis
George W. Jackman
Charles A. Howland
George H. Josselyn
Josiah F. Perry
John Larkum
Marcus M. Leavitt
Luther L. Lucas
Lebbeus Stockbridge
Warren R. Spurr
Joseph C. Wilder
Daniel Sullivan
Wm. B. Stoddard
William T. Walker
W. S. Gurney
Jeremiah Looby
During the year 1862, 55 residents of Hanover enlisted, 27 for three years and 28 for nine months.
For Three Years:
Spencer Binney
Albert E. Bates
Benjamin Curtis
Francis H. Fish
George C. Dwelley
William H. Bates
Charles L. Tower
Lyman Russell
L. B. Sylvester
Otis B. Oakman
Reuben Stetson
Joshua E. Bates
Gad J. Bailey
Lewis Josselyn
Edmund Phillips Hiram B. Bonney
F. T. Sheldon
George R. Josselyn
George B. Oldham
Eli C. Josselyn Melzar C. Bailey
Henry C. Gardner
Turner Stetson
William Phillips
Levi C. Brooks
For Nine Months :
Alonzo Howland Leander Torrey Joseph Vinal
Arthur Shepherd
Marcus P. Russell
Henry A. Whiting William T. Stetson Lieut. N. S. Oakman
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MILITARY HISTORY.
Albert G. Mann
Phineas P. Peterson
Howard F. Mann
William H. H. Vining
Patrick Greene
George M. Curtis
Walter N. Beal
Edwin J. Bates
Zenas M. Bisbee Francis Lambert
Robert Mitchel
William Church, Jr.
Allen F. Bonney
Thomas B. Whiting
Oren T. Whiting
Benjamin B. Poole
Judson Studley
George H. Stephens
Truman E. Niles
Robert S. Church
William E. Thompson
James Tangney
The following is a list of persons, not residents of Hanover, who enlisted for the quota of the town, December 12, 1862, as- signed to the 1st Mass. regiment, and to serve for the term of three years.
William Smith
Malcolm McDonald
Francis Butler
James Day
William Carley
Harman Vogle
Rowland McGilvery
Charles Sweet
William Alexander
Patrick McCarty
Christopher Butler
William Morrison
Daniel Morris James King
Up to July, 1863, the quotas of Massachusetts under the several calls of the President, were readily filled by volunteers. At that time an imperative draft was ordered, with the under- standing that no credits should be given for volunteers. The number drafted from Hanover was forty-four. Of these thirty- four were exempted from various causes and ten were held to service, all of whom paid the commutation of three hundred dollars.
October 17th, 1863, the President issued a call for 300,000 volunteers.
Feb. 1st, 1864, the President issued another call for 200,000 volunteers, and on March 14th, 1864, still another, for 200,000 more to serve for three years, and in the last of these calls, it was ordered that, if the number (700,000) were not furnished on or before a given date, then a draft be enforced to supply the deficiency.
The quota of Hanover under these several calls was fifty-one. In filling this quota credits were given for those who were drafted in July and paid commutation; for all volunteers enlisted after July 1st, 1863; for re-enlisted men, and for substitutes furnished
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HISTORY OF HANOVER.
by enrolled men of the town. We give below the names of the volunteers from Hanover.
Martin C. Thayer
George Sturtevant
Joseph D. Thomas
Charles L. Tower
D. M. Peterson
Reuben Stetson
Calvin S. Bailey
Charles Howland
George H. Stephens
Charles Robinson
Everett N. Mann
Noah Freeman
F. A. Stoddard
Horace S. Tower
C. Stoddard
Nathaniel Cushing
S. H. Goodrich
Samuel Hollis
Perez S. Goodrich
Howard F. Mann
N. S. Oakman
W. Church, Jr.
John B. Wilder
Joseph E. Wilder
G. W. Woodward
Joseph F. Stetson
R. M. Sturtevant
John W. Nelson
The following persons, not residents of the town, were enlisted and placed to the credit of a quota of Hanover, under the above calls :
Second Cavalry.
John H. Pratt
George W. Argyle
Louis Colas Henry Wilson
Cornelius Murphy
John Rogers Thomas Wilson
Third Heavy Artillery. Matthew H. Sheldon George Conklin
Richard Monroe
Second Infantry. Henry Johnson
Fifteenth Infantry.
Alexander Spicer
Eleventh Infantry.
George Graham Sixteenth Unattached Heavy Artillery.
F. B. Boardman
Thirtieth Infantry.
Forrest B. Nichols
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MILITARY HISTORY.
Under the call of the President, dated July 18, 1864, Charles H. Damon enlisted for three years, twenty-seven citizens of the town enlisted for one year's service; and, in addition to these, the State furnished three from the States in rebellion, and eight were recruited in Boston and placed to the credit of this town. Follow- ing is a list of those who enlisted for one year, as above: James Gallagher Edward S. Turner
Melzar C. Bailey
Spenser Binney
Thomas D. Brooks
Samuel F. Buffum
George M. Curtis
Francis Chamberlin
Joseph T. Ellis
Joseph S. Dwelley
Minot H. Hayden
Benjamin Finney
Joseph M. Henderson
Henry W. Howland
William H. H. Vining
Elmer J. Turner
Henry T. Winslow
Oren T. Whiting
John Stetson
Henry Wright
Elisha W. Ford
Albert T. Smith
Thomas Delay
Joseph Vining
Peleg S. Sturtevant
Henry D. Lovis
Ferrin Willis
In addition to all these, the town was credited on the last two calls with seventeen men in the naval service of the United States. As but a portion of these were actual residents of Hanover, we give only the names of such residents, with the names of the vessels to which they were attached :
Zavan Phillips, 3 years, Kearsarge. John McEnroe, 3 years, Vermont.
Anthony McEnroe, 1 year, Ethan Allen.
Frederic Curtis, 1 year, Congress. William G. Cushing, 1 year, Niphon.
William H. Stewart, Chaplain, Steamer Clara Dutton.
Robert E. Barstow, 3 years, State of Georgia.
Julian E. Bates, 3 years, Canandagua.
Hugh Nott, 3 years, Paymaster; Memphis, Tenn. E. P. Stetson, 1 year, Helen Clifton.
Sullivan, 1 year, Ethan Allen.
Early in May, 1861, a company of Hanover men was organized with headquarters at the Four Corners. These men formed a part of Co. G, of the 18th regiment. About the same time, a company was formed in Rockland, which was largely composed of men from this town. This company became Co. G, of the 12th regiment. Both companies during the entire war were with the army of the Potomac. Their losses were severe.
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HISTORY OF HANOVER.
At the battle of Antietam, of the 325 men of the 12th regt. who went into the battle but 112 came out unscathed. At the second battle of Bull Run, the 18th regt. with the same number of men suffered nearly as much; and at Fredericksburg the 18th won the especial commendation of Adj. Gen. Schouler.
In July and August, 1862, the President called for 600,000 men. Hanover's proportion of this number was 46, which was one fourth of all its remaining able-bodied men. But one meet- ing was required to raise this number and, at that meeting, fifty- two patriotic, determined men at once enlisted, thirty for nine months and twenty-two for three years. Then, as always when Hanover men understood the need, there was no hesitancy in answering it.' The 9 months' men were mostly attached to the third and forty-third regiments, but the three years' men, to Com- pany K, 38th regt. The latter company went to Louisiana where the climate proved more fatal than the fighting.
In 1863, twenty-eight citizens enlisted on the quota of the town for three years and twenty-seven for one year. The latter served principally at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor and the former joined old regiments in the field. Eleven recruits for three years were obtained elsewhere. This year the government performed an act of long-delayed justice and gave credit for men enlisted in the navy. Hanover was thus credited with 17 addi- tional men, most of whom were its own citizens. Among them were men on the "Kearsarge," the "Cumberland" and the "Con- gress." The latter ship, in her last and most famous battle with the Merrimac in Hampton Roads, was commanded by Joseph Barker Smith, a son of Rear-Admiral Smith, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this book.
Those who enlisted prior to August, 1862 did so without receiv- ing bounty. After that a bounty was paid. During the war the town paid, in round numbers, a total for bounties of $25,000; and in aid of soldier's families, $12,860. The state refunded a greater part of the latter sum. The disposition of the national, state, and municipal governments toward the soldiers of the Rebellion has, up to the present date, some 40 years since the declaration of peace, been most generous and considerate. No nation in his- tory has ever shown such consideration for its defenders. The United States has, in this instance at least, proven false the old adage that Republics are ungrateful.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
Those Who Were Killed in Service.
Levi C. Brooks, killed at the battle of Cane River. Benjamin Curtis, killed at the battle of Antietam.
Marcus M. Leavitt, killed at Vicksburg.
John W. Nelson, killed at the Wilderness. John B. Wilder, killed on picket duty. Joseph E. Wilder, killed at Sabine Cross Roads.
Died in the Service.
Albert E. Bates
Calvin E. Ellis
Joshua E. Bates
Winfield S. Gurney
Spencer Binney
George R. Josselyn
Hiram V. Bonney
John Larkum
Calvin S. Bailey
Arthur Shepard
John H. Cary
Joseph D. Thomas
Loammi B. Sylvester
Ferrin Willis
Francis A. Stoddard
George Woodward
William Church, Jr.
The unreturned lie at rest in seven states of the South.
The Grand Army of the Republic.
The war between the States, called sometimes "The Rebellion," and sometimes "The Civil War," was officially declared closed, August 30, 1865.
During its course of over four years, more than 1,980,000 men, on both sides, were killed, wounded or "missed."
A desire among the soldiers of the Northern army to perpetuate the recollection of their sufferings, to aid each other in peace as they had co-operated in war, and to strengthen the feeling of loy- alty and fealty to their reunited country, brought about a move- ment for association, which culminated in 1866, in the Grand Army of the Republic, coming into existence in Illinois.
This spirit of reunion and brotherhood reached Hanover in 1869, when Post No. 83 was organized and called the Joseph E. Wilder Post. The ceremony of opening the organization took place at the Town hall, April 29, 1869, under the direction of Col. James L. Bates and Capt. Charles W. Hastings, both of Weymouth.
The charter members of the Post were: Capt. George B. Oldham Morton V. Bonney
Charles L. Tower
William S. Sherman
John D. Gardner
Lewis S. Josselyn
John G. Knight
Lebbeus Stockbridge
Rufus M. Sturtevant
Peleg S. Sturtevant
164
HISTORY OF HANOVER.
More than one-half of these are now (Feb. 3, 1906), living, and the war has been over for almost 41 years.
During the existence of the Post, over eighty members have been upon its rolls.
The present officers of the Post are: Horace S. Tower, commander.
Samuel A. Henderson, senior vice commander.
Lyman Russell, junior vice commander. Morton V. Bonney, adjutant.
Rodolphus C. Waterman, quartermaster.
Samuel F. Buffum, chaplain. Rufus M. Sturtevant, surgeon.
Lewis Josselyn, officer of the day.
Joseph F. Stetson, officer of the guard. Frank Corbin, quartermaster's sergeant. Peleg S. Sturtevant, color bearer.
Henry A. Farrar, bugler.
Oren T. Whiting, delegate.
The other members of the Post (1906) are:
John G. Knight
Nathan Howard
Samuel Hollis' Thomas Delay
Charles D. Barnard
Turner Stetson
Thomas D. Brooks
Martin S. Poppy
George M. Curtis
Isaac N. Bishop
Joseph Vining
Warren Fuller
Associate Members.
Hon. Jedediah Dwelley
Eben C. Waterman
Rev. William H. Brooks, (dec'd)
Fred B. Hall
Rev. Andrew Read
Edward A. Bowker
Rev. Melvin S. Nash
John W. Everson
Past Commanders are :
George B. Oldham, (dec'd)
Dr. Woodbridge R. Howes (dec'd)
Morton V. Bonney Lewis Josselyn
John G. Knight, (dec'd)
Oren T. Whiting
Rufus M. Sturtevant
Horace S. Tower
Rodolphus C. Waterman
Morton V. Bonney, out of the 38 years of this Post's existence, has held the office of adjutant 34 years.
Each year the Post decorates with flowers the graves of about 125 soldiers, 100 at the cemetery at the Center, and 25 at Union ceme- tery, Assinippi. They are assisted by the Woman's Relief Corps, and the Sons of Veterans.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
The post bears the name of Joseph E. Wilder. He was the son of Isaac M. Wilder, and was born at Hanover Four Corners, April 24, 1839. He was the second of three children. His mother was Lucinda, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Bass) Eels of Hanover, who married Isaac M. Wilder, Februray 5, 1834.
Joseph E. Wilder was a student at Amherst college in the class of 1863, at the breaking out of the Rebellion. He enlisted, No- vember 20th, 1861, in Company D, 31st Regiment, Massachusetts Vol. Infantry. He served three years, and again enlisted as Quartermaster Sergeant, February 11, 1864. He was killed, while in charge of a wagon train on the Red River expedition under Gen. Banks, at Sabine Cross roads, Louisiana, April 8, 1864.
Since its organization, the Post has distributed several thousand dollars in charitable offerings to soldiers and their families. This is symbolized by a part of the motto of the Grand Army of the Republic, which sets forth its characteristics : "Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty."
The Post has had many milestones in its pathway down the years and left its mark, not only upon the material side of the town's history, but upon its sentimental side as well.
As evidence of the last, may we be permitted to mention the real spirit of brotherly love it has always shown, its loving-kindness in all charitable ways, without bickering and without jealousy, the true loyal, manly type of its membership, the faithfulness its mem- bers have always shown to all its duties and to all public trusts ? Hanover is justly proud of its veterans of the G. A. R.
The more material marks of its existence, beside the annual dec -. oration of its comrades' graves are the Soldiers' monument and its decorations, and the headquarters the Town has set aside for it in the Town hall. No public occasion when Hanover displays those things of which she is proud ever occurs without the presence and aid of Joseph E. Wilder Post, No. 83, of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The Post has twice been the recipient of colors. First, in May 30th, 1870, when the ladies of the town presented the Post a beau- tiful silk flag costing $65.00. The presentation was made by Miss Lucy W. Stockbridge, and Commander George B. Oldham accepted it for the Post.
Sixteen years later, May 31, 1886, the "Little Workers" of South Hanover, on the lawn just east of the Centre Church, presented an- other silk flag to the Post. The presentation was made by Miss Laura E. Oldham, a daughter of Captain (and late commander)
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HISTORY OF HANOVER.
George B. Oldham. She was ten years of age at the time. Com- mander Rodolphus C. Waterman gracefully accepted the colors.
It is interesting to note the membership of the "Little Workers" and their ages at the time :
Laura E. Oldham, 10
Annie Mann, 13
Ethel P. Stetson, 10
Lucy M. Poole, 13
Gertrude W. Poole, 14
Edith W. Stockbridge, 13
Delia A. Studley, 14
Katie Pope, 12
Nannie G. Bailey, 13
Fannie M. Crocker, 10
Winifred E. Bates, 13
An annual appropriation for the Grand Army of $75.00 is made by the Town.
In 1894, the Town hall was enlarged. A "Memorial hall" was set apart and finished as a home for the Joseph E. Wilder Post 83, Grand Army of the Republic. There the Post hold its meetings. The room is decorated with pictures of scenes in the Civil War, por- traits of Generals and others connected with that stormy time. A platform, with the chairs for the officers and the colors, stands at the east side of the room.
It is the expressed desire of members of the Post that especial mention be made of certain of its members.
Nelson Lowell, who died in 1905, was a stable-sergeant in the Ninth Massachusetts Battery of Artillery. At the battle of Gettysburg, that battery was sacrificed to give other artillery time to get into action. The Ninth checked the rebel advance long enough to serve the purpose, but at terrible loss.
His captain, John Bigelow, in a letter dated July 14, 1896, writes, " *
* * at Gettysburg, the faithful stable-sergeant, learning that his battery was suffering heavy losses in battle, came to me from his position of safety, where he had been detailed, and begged to be allowed to take part with his comrades * * I placed him in charge of a detachment and, when all his own men and horses had been shot, seemingly bearing a charmed life, he served as cannoneer with other detachments, whilc any were left; then, amid a shower of bullets, he helped "right" one of Lieut. Milton's overturned pieces and finally was held by his wounded horse among the enemy, until our lines advanced."
Joseph F. Stetson went through the entire war in the army of the Potomac, from May 7, 1861 to June 27, 1865. At Gravelly Run, while marching to Appomattox, ten days before Lee's surrender, he was shot through the body. Word went home that "Joe Frank"
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MILITARY HISTORY.
was dead and, April 3, 1865, the bell was tolled for him at the Four Corners.
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