USA > Maine > History of the Fourth Maine battery, light artillery, in the civil war, 1861-65; containing a brief account of its services compiled from diaries of its members and other sources. Also personal sketches of many of its members and an account of its reunions from 1882 to 1905 > Part 14
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
He and a partner owned a mine at lowa Hill and employed two watchmen. One morning they found that gold had been taken from the flume, and suspecting one of the watchmen. they agreed to watch at night and find out. During the night Silas was shot by one of the watchmen, dying almost instantly.
Information sent to his mother and sister in Maine, stated that it was supposed that he detected the watchman in the theft and, to save himself. he shot Silas. Public opinion was against the man and he left the place. Silas left a wife in California and a mother and sister at the old home in Vienna, Maine. He died January 16th, 1874.
ARTIFICER MARK HARVILLE. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
Mark Harville was born in Madison, Maine, October 6th, 18.11. He attended the district schools and in a few years moved to Skowhegan, and at the age of seventeen he began
156
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
blacksmithing, serving an apprenticeship of three years to J. P. Varney of that town. When the apprenticeship was completed, he immediately enlisted in 1864 at Skowhegan, and went to Augusta for a stay of one night before going to Portland, where a stop of several days was made. From Portland, the next move was to Galloup's Island, where a transport was secured direct to City Point. Mr. Harville remained there two nights and then joined the Battery, which was at Hatche's Run, in front of Petersburg. During the remainder of the war, he was with the Battery and acted as artificer or blacksmith. At the close of the service he came home and was mustered out June 17th, 1865. at Augusta, Maine. Soon after he came to Skow- hegan. He has been West several times, but after all prefers the grand old State of Maine. His occupation has always been that of a blacksmith and does that work at the present time.
DANIEL O. DEARBORN. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
The son of Hiram and Hannah E. Dearborn, was born Feb- ruary 18th, 1840, at Vienna, Me. He attended the district and high school of his native town, and at the age of fourteen began his business career in a country store at Waterville, Mc. Prior to coming to Everett in 1873. he owned a store in Readfield, Me., for one year, and at New Sharon, Me., for seven years. He is the oldest active grocer and provision dealer in the city, having been in trade here for twenty-three years. He employs six clerks and runs four teams, and does a business of sixty thousand dollars a year.
In 1861 Mr. Dearborn enlisted in the 4th Maine Battery and served his country faithfully for three years, not being absent from his country for a day during his enlistment. He was one of our Assessors in 1889 and 18oo. Ile was a member of the Common Council in 1804. and was appointed by Mayor Hen- derson in 1800 as Assessor for two years, which term he is now serving. He is a member of the G. A. R. and Grand Army Club of Massachusetts, Masonic Fraternity of A. O. U. A., Pilgrim Fathers, Pine Tree State Club and Glendon Club. November 25th, 1865. he married Ruth J. Whittier (sister of
157
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
Sandy) and daughter of Cyrus S. and Hilda Whittier of Vienna, Me. They have three daughters and reside at No. 19 Summer street, Everett, where they will be glad to meet all the com- rades of the old 4th Battery.
OLIVER W. WELCH. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
Oliver W. Welch was born in Canaan, Somerset county, Maine, November 13th, 1842. Educated in common schools. At fourteen years of age he engaged with Major Wyman of Skowhegan, to learn the trade of manufacturing shovel handles. At the end of two years he hired with Mr. Daniel Marston of Mt. Vernon, Kennebec county, Maine, remaining there until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion.
After discharge from United States service, he again engaged in the shovel handle business with Mr. Holman Johnson at Wayne. On December 23d, 1865, was married to Miss Sarah Raymond of Fayette, Maine. Continued with Mr. Johnson twenty years. Eight years of this period conducted evenings and spare time a barber shop. In 1888 engaged with Mr. George W. Russell as foreman of his shovel handle works at Wilton, Franklin county, Maine, to which place the family was moved, that an advanced course in the schools might be taken by the children. At the end of two years, returned to Wayne to a farm previously purchased, since which time has been engaged in tilling the soil.
SERGEANT LESTER HOLWAY. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
I am living in the town of Fairfield on the farm that my grandfather settled on in early days. He and grandmother were the first couple married in the town. My life, with the exception of two years in Nebraska and three years in the war, has been spent on the old homestead.
I enlisted under Mathew B. Coffin and went to Augusta, and was promoted to Corporal in the 6th detachment. In 1863
158
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
was promoted to Sergeant of the 5th and took Will Friend's place, serving with the 5th until discharged. I was not away from the Battery a single day during the three years. I am a member of the G. A. R., also of the 1. O. O. F. and the Grange. Am at the present time serving the fourth year in succession as one of the Selectmen of the town.
My family consists of my wife and one son (living) 19 years old. At the present time he is with me.
ORDERLY SERGEANT JUDSON AMES. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL, NOTES.
Early days spent on a farm and in addition to attending the common school attended a few terms at the Foxcroft Academy. At sixteen came to Angusta and was employed in the factory of the Angusta Shovel Company until the fall of 1861, when I enlisted among the first for the 4th Battery. Upon organization of the Battery was appointed Corporal in Sergeant Bangs' detachment. and January Ist, 1863. promoted to Sergeant of the 3d detachment in place of Sergeant Williams, who was pro- moted Quartermaster Sergeant. December 21st, 1864, was promoted First Sergeant, and in March was recommended for commission as Second Lieutenant, but before commission arrived the war closed. During three and a half years' service was off duty only two days on account of sickness. After close of the war was employed in a paper mill at Lisbon, Me., for about three years, and in 1868 entered the service of the National Telegraph Company, with headquarters at Portland, Me. In January, 1870, removed to New York City and after a few months in the city entered the employment of the A. & P. Tel. Co., and until 1888 was engaged in the construction depart- ment of different telegraph and telephone companies in New York State. living most of the time at Albany, but for short periods was at Buffalo, Poughkeepsie and Kingston. From 1888 to IGO4 was with the Bell Telephone Company at Montreal as superintendent of construction in Montreal and vicinity. Now living at Foxcroft.
159
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
GEORGE BLAKE.
BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
Have been engaged in farming a good part of the time since my discharge from the Battery, though I did a little soldiering after that, serving three years, from April, 1867, to April, 1870, in "K" Company, 3Ist and 22d United States Infantry, in Dakota. Have also worked at various occupations at different times in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Spent one winter in Florida, one summer in Black Hills, D. T., and the remainder of the time my address has been Mt. Vernon, Maine.
JOHN FOSS. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
John Foss was born in Skowhegan, Maine, in July, 1837. Ilis parents were John and Hannah Grant Foss, honest, indus- trious and worthy people, who, with true patriotism, sent five of their six sous to fight for their country, the sixth being pre- vented from going only by the fact that he was a mere boy and could in no way get into the service.
Mr. Foss entered the service at the age of twenty-four years and served the three years for which he enlisted without a fur- lough, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of that time.
He was in all the engagements in which the Battery took part during his connection with it, extending from the battle of Cedar Mountain to the siege of Petersburg. He was one of the first men musterel into the Battery.
Since the war he has resided on a farm in Harmony, Me., and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. He has been married twice, and has three grown-up children.
JAMES F. CHANEY. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
A descendant of the ninth generation from John Cheney, who settled at Newburyport. Mass., in 1630, was born at Pishon's Ferry, Clinton, Me., February 22, 1845.
160
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
He enlisted in the Battery December, 1861, but owing to circumstances beyond his control, was a member of it at that time only one day. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the 24th Maine Regiment, was a member of it but twelve days when he enlisted for three years, once more into the Battery, and after being mustered into the service and obliged to stay in Camp Distribution at Alexandria for five months, he finally joined the Battery in March, 1863, then encamped at Harper's Ferry.
From this time on until the close of the war he was never absent from it, was never sick or wounded while in the service, and served most of the time as driver but part of the time as cannoneer in the fifth detachment.
In 1867 he entered Colby University and continued his studies there for two years, then entered Bowdoin College and gradu- ated there in the class of '71 with the degree of A. B., and later received that of .1. M.
From 1871 to 1875 he was engaged in the lumber business at Brunswick, Me., from '75 to '78 farming in Florida, from '79 to '83 mining and prospecting in Colorado, and since that in the coal business at Brunswick, Me. The first two business attempts were failures, the third successful, and the last moder- ately so. He has served as Selvetman, School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, etc., but has never held other public office.
Ilis first wife was Lucy A. Small of Bowdoin, who died in 1888. By her he has two boys and two girls now living. His present wife is Georgiana Frye. They have a pleasant home on the banks of the Androscoggin, where any old comrade of the Battery will always find the latch string out and a kindly greeting and hearty welcome on the inside.
JOHN MARLOR. BIOGRAPHY AND PERSONAL NOTES.
I was born in England and came to the United States when a child with my parents, who settled in Ohio, and some years after removed to Massachusetts.
I was visiting with a soldier friend who had just seen service in a Maine regiment and who was staying in Portland, when we
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65. 16I
decided to enlist. We got separated in the camp at Portland and I never saw him afterwards. He died, as others did before him, in the service of his country.
After leaving camp at Portland we were sent to Galloup's Island, Boston Harbor, and after remaining there a few days we were ordered on board the steamer Ashland, bound for City Point, Virginia, and after a rough passage we finally landed safely.
After resting a few days I with some others was assigned to do duty with the 4th Maine Battery, stationed in front of Petersburg.
Before proceeding with my story I wish to relate an incident which occurred to me at City Point, wherein I lost my shirt, and this is the way I lost it. After landing from the steamer in which we had been packed like so many sardines, I thought I would do a little washing on my own account, as the govern- ment didn't furnish washerwomen at that time, at least not to the high privates. My washing was not a large one, only a shirt, the job was done quickly, and as our stay here was limited I had to have that shirt dry some way or other. It was a beau- tiful day. the sun shone brightly, its rays falling on the side of a wooden building used as a prison for the Johnnies, and it occurred to me that that would be an excellent place to dry it.
I carried my washing over to the place and proceeded to pin it up against the building, being very careful to stretch out the arins so that it might dry altogether. I stepped back a few paces to admire my work, when, in an instant and in less time than it takes me to tell it. my shirt, the only spare shirt I had. was snatched through the cracks in the boards inside the prison before I could get there to save it, yet I was not over eight feet away from it. My comrades laughed at me and some of them being of an inquiring mind, wanted to know if there were any spirits around. I told them there was, but they were inside the prison.
I was never able to understand how it went through such a silall aperture as a crack between two boards which was not over half an inch wide.
Our time expired and we were hurried up to the front, and it was dark when we reached our quarters. We spent the first night in a shanty that had been used as a cook house. After
II
162
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
eating our rations, I with a comrade stepped outside to get a view of our surroundings. As I stood looking around me, the scene reminded nic of a display of fireworks on the Fourth of July, with the addition of iron and lead being mixed up with it in this display. I must confess that it made me think of home and those I left behind. I called my comrade's attention to the fact that we were going to receive a warm reception from our friends across the line. He replied it looked very much that way, and as he wiped his eye so that he could see clearer, he said, "By gracious, I wish I was in my father's barn." "Well," said I, "what good would that do you?" "Well," he replied, "I should darn soon be in the house with my mother." It was no joke for him, he was in dead earnest, but I have laughed over that episode a good many times.
I was assigned to the third section, sixth detachment, in charge of Sergeant Lester Holway, the next day, and became a part of the Battery, ready to do my duty in obeying all orders emanating from my superior officers.
In the course of time I was detailed for guard duty, and here occurred an incident in which the Orderly Sergeant, Judson Ames, became an interested party. I was on the third relief, it was cold and I didn't have any overcoat. Somehow or other the government or the contractor didn't make good connections with our Quartermaster Sergeant and I couldn't get one at pres- ent. Anyway, I stated to the Orderly Sergeant the predicament I was in, and he said that I might take his. I accepted his offer and thanked him. The next day I returned his coat, and when I was leaving his tent he said : "Marlor, I don't know when the Quartermaster Sergeant will receive those overcoats, but you can keep mine if you will let me draw the one you are entitled to." "Well," I said to myself, "one coat is as good as another," and I agreed to his proposition. In the course of three or four weeks I saw the Orderly Sergeant walking around with a brand new overcoat on, and it began to dawn on me then that the Orderly Sergeant had got the laugh on me, for I really think Judson must have drawn that coat I had when he first enlisted. No reflection on Judson, bless his soul, but he showed that he had an eye for business.
Sergeant Holway's term of service expired, he was glad he was going home, and to tell the truth we were sorry we could
163
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
not go with him. Jared Bates was our next Sergeant, a good man, none better, but Jared did not know all that was going on in his section, and it wasn't best he should on this occasion, because he might have taken a notion to make it interesting for those concerned. This transaction is where I with others got an idea in our heads that the Commissary Sergeant wasn't deal- ing out pork enough to us, and after considering the matter over very carefully. we decided that somebody must make a raid on the pork barrel which the Commissary Sergeant kept outside of his quarters. The matter was arranged and lots were drawn to see who should perform the service. The lot fell to me, but I always thought it was fixed so that I should get it, on account of my youth, I being the youngest member in that tent. Well, the time came for the excursion to be made. It was some time after taps had sounded, and darker than Egypt. I stepped outside the tent, with my heart in iny mouth, and started for the barrel. I found it, reached inside of it and took the first piece I came to, about fifteen pounds I should think, concealed it under my overcoat and made my way back to the tent, where I was received with open arms. The pork was divided equally amongst us and for a few weeks we had pork enough. I don't think the Commissary Sergeant ever missed it; if he did he kept mum about it. These last two incidents occurred while the Battery was in fortification No. 10. just to the left of Fort Steadman, the caisson and horses being in the rear of these two forts. We remained here till after Thanks- giving, when we were ordered to take our position further down to the left in front of the cemetery and Fort Mahone on the rebel side, and while we remained here the Johenies made it quite interesting for us, and we returned the compliment whenever the occasion required. The powers that be didn't think they had placed is just where they wanted to, so we were ordered still further to the left, one section taking position in one fort and the other section in another further down the line to the loft. The Battery was split, one section in charge of the Cap- tain and First Lieutenant, the other in charge of the newly made Second Lieutenant, an old veteran, but I have forgotten his name. It was here we remained in winter quarters, the section in charge of the Second Lieutenant being supported by the 11th New Hampshire Volunteers. Winter passed away, April came,
16.
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
and with it orders for an advance all along the line. The skirm- ishers commenced the battle before daylight and before noon the fight was won, the siege of Petersburg was over, and with it went Richmond, the curtain fell, and the war was over.
The next orders were to go to City Point, turn the guns over to the proper authorities and report at Washington. It was at City Point that we received the news of Lincoln's death, and after remaining a few days the march to Washington was com- menced. We crossed the James River, followed the river up to Richmond, passed through the city we had longed to see, and went on our way rejoicing. We next came to Fredericksburg, a place quite familiar to some of the older members of the Bat- tery, from having had some experience there during the earlier years of the war. We passed on and finally canie to camp with the artillery brigade at the foot of Fairfax Seminary, just out- side of Alexandria. We remained here till after the grand review in Washington, when we were ordered home to Augusta to be discharged.
We left Washington and proceeded by rail to Baltimore and then to Philadelphia, where we arrived on Sunday morning, about as hungry a lot of boys as could be found. We were taken charge of by those ladies whose purpose it was to see that no soldier passed through that city without being provided with a good square meal. We appreciated the kindness shown to us and have no fear or doubt but what the recording angel gave them credit for it. After a short rest we pushed on through New Jersey and into New York, where we marched on to the steamer bound for Stonington, Conn. On our arrival there we boarded the Shore Line train bound for Boston. After our arrival the I'ne of march was again taken up and we reported at the barracks on Beach street, a place we didn't fall in love with. The authorities didn't consult our taste, however, so we made the best of it, and the next afternoon we boarded one of the Kennebec steamers bound for Augusta. A happier lot of human beings couldn't be found than those who marched aboard that boat that afternoon.
Our arrival in Augusta was received with joy. It was a great ovation, the coming home from the front of the boys who took part in the great struggle for the Union. After the greet- ing was over, the line of march was again taken up for the last
165
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
time, and we proceeded to the campground close by the State House.
After we arrived in camp the roll was called and we were dismissed, to go where we thought best. Some went to their homes, others preferred to stay around the camp and city, till they went out of the service for good.
The next thing was the making out of the muster rolls and pay rolls. The Orderly Sergeant detailed myself and two others to assist him. The task, as I remember, was a monotonous one, but after a week's time was spent over them, we furnished them to the satisfaction of the proper authorities.
Just before we were mustered out we were photographed in the rear of the State House. I have one of those pictures in iny possession now, and I often look at it as it hangs in a frame on the wall. The faces are familiar, but the names, I am sorry to say, a great many of them have passed from my memory.
The day we had been looking for so long came, the day we were to sever our connection with the government had arrived, the 17th day of June, when Paymaster Robie paid us off and mustered us out of the service. We were discharged and the curtain fell on the final scene of which we were a part, never to be gathered together again as a whole.
With these incidents and facts which I have outlined my con- nection with the Battery closes. I hope they will be of some assistance to the committee who have this matter in charge, at least I think one of the committee will be interested, as he played a leading part in the Battery movements and who will recall to memory the incident which he and I played together. I should be glad indeed to see him, and others, but iny physical condition is such that I can't travel any great distance.
166
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
BY COMRADE BLAKE, MT. VERNON, ME.
Dear comrades of the old Fourth Maine, Remember, you enlisted The great Rebellion to put down, Alone and unassisted.
You went down south and tramped about, And tried it for a "spell," And though you did not quite succeed, You heard a "rebel yell."
And then, ah! then, you had a taste Of stern war's bitter fruits. And thought it might be just as well To have a few recruits.
But as the weeks and months went by, You called for more and more, And "On to Richmond!" was the cry, Way down to sixty-four.
Although you had them "on the run." Each day brought something new. For when you were not chasing them, Why, they were cha-ing you!
And thus with turn and turn about. Quite busy did they keep you. A new contingent to the front, We boys went down to help you.
You all remember well. I know, How next the fun begin, When at Germania Ford we crossed The river Rapidan.
With General Grant to show the way, The still persistent "Yank" Sought out the rebel front one day. The next we tried their flank.
But let us dank them as we would, By right or left the same, Their gallant leader always stood Between us and our game.
167
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
And let us stop a moment here, A tribute just to give. Foi braver men have never died, And braver do not live,
Than those who fought against us there, Outnumbered as they were, 'Those men who marched and fought on foot, And those who wore the spur.
But to the story to return : Through all that long campaign, Among the sturdy "boys in blue," Marched on the old Fourth Maine.
Down through the bloody Wilderness, And Spottsylvania passed, Cold Harbor tried them once again. There, too, they held us fast.
Yet there, once more, their flank we sought, And moving past their right, We started off for Petersburg. And beat them out of sight.
There, too, again, by slight delay. Unlooked for, unforeseen, The "chance of war" has had its sway, And not what might have been.
Could those men in advance have known, How near they were to winning. They might have made that one last charge. And sent the Johnnies spinning.
When tired out, and beaten back. For morning light they waited. And then made ready to attack, With courage unabated.
They found, although the end seemed near, It was not yet to be. They found awaiting them once more The valiant hosts of Lec.
168
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
Oh! but we may not tell it all. Indeed, 'twere vain to try. Enough that mien by thousands fall, And men by thousands die.
'Tis part of history to-day, And those who care to read May find the Southern's valor matched By still as brave a deed.
And through the long and deadly siege, With carnage all abounding. All those who cared to listen heard The Fourth Maine guns still pounding.
And now, dear comrades, as our guns Have long since ceased their clamor, And as the tired cannoneer Has laid aside the rammer,
We all admit the time is past For bluster and for boasting. To tell the simple truth at last. "Twas give and get a roasting.
Let others boast whate'er they may, When ordered to unlimber, We tried the order to obey. And seldom "took to timber."
"Tis true, we never lost a gun, Nor had a prisoner taken : For though we never "saved the day," We always "saved our bacon."
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.