USA > Maine > History of the Seventh Maine Light Battery, volunteers in the great rebellion also, personal sketches of a large number of members, portraits, illustrations and poems > Part 9
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JAMES B. MASON.
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JAMES B. MASON.
Was born at Hebron, Me., July 9, 1841, and enlisted from South Woodstock, Me., Dec. 18, 1863. He was injured while in camp at Washington by the kick of a horse, and was in hospitals at Washington, D. C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Augusta, Me. ; for the injury, he receives a pension of $12.00 per month. He was mustered out June 10, 1865. He married Sophia F. Cotton in January, 1860, and had six children, viz. : William G., born April 14, 1861; Lizzie G., born Aug. 22, 1863 ; James L., born Oct. 10, 1865 (died Nov. 1, 1865) ; James L., 2d, born Oct. 1, 1866 ; Charles H., born July 31, 1876; Forest L., born Dec. 14, 1881. He has resided since the war in Oxford and Androscoggin Counties, Maine, his present residence being at Mechanic Falls, where he is president of the Maine Beekeepers' Association. He has no political preference, and in his religious belief is a Second Advent. He publishes a monthly journal known as the Beekeepers' Advance and Poultry Men's Journal.
Comrade Mason gives the following sketch of his army life : "After being injured by the kick of a horse, I was sent to the hospital in Washington, and from there, with three or four hundred others, to the Distribution Hospital at Philadelphia. From there one hundred and fifty Maine soldiers were put in charge of an officer and ordered to Augusta, Me. On reaching New York the officer received a telegram to put us in charge of an officer who was going through to Montpelier, Vt., with in- structions to leave us at Springfield, Mass., while he returned to
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SEVENTH MAINE BATTERY.
Philadelphia for another crew that had come on, and all join us at Springfield. AArriving at Springfield in the night we were ordered to change cars, which we did; and soon after, to our surprise, found ourselves on the way to Montpelier with a squad of Vermont men. We at once hunted up the officer ; but finding him in an unsuitable condition to do anything, we had to keep on, being unable to hear from our telegram sent to the Governor of Maine, and soon found ourselves at Montpelier, where we were unloaded and separated from the Vermont men who were with us, there being three hundred of them and one hundred and fifty of us. Here the fact that we were Maine soldiers, carried there by mistake, soon became known, and having no accommodations for us, we were in a bad fix. They, however, did the best they could for us, and began to furlough us home as fast as possible. The first forty, myself among the number, were started the next morning ; and having no transportation, and only one or two of us any money, we were at our wit's end as to how we should get to Boston. We must go; so when the train came along we piled on board. When the Conductor came along, the first one having no ticket received a 'blessing,' the rest he began to upbraid ; when all forty of us rose to our feet, and the order was given, ' Throw out a skirmish line and we will flank hin.' Upon this he left the car and locked us in. and we were not troubled again until we arrived in Boston, where we got three rousing cheers and a free lunch, and were soon after provided with transporta- tion for home."
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ISAAC J. MARBLE.
Was born in Brownville, Me., March 23, 1839, from which place he enlisted as a private in the Battery, Sept. 5, 1864, har- ing previously served in Co. C, Twenty-second Maine Infantry, his first enlistment being Sept. 12, 1862. During his first service he was in the Battle of Irish Bend, April 14, 1863, and at Port Hud- sou June 11th and June 14th of the same year. In the Battery he was Cannoneer in fourth detachment from the time he joined it before Petersburgh until mustered out, June 12, 1865. He married Miss JJoann Bigelow, June 19, 1867. Had one child, Win. W., now aged 23 years. He received an accidental injury (an axe wound) April 5, 1865, near Berksville Junction, Va., for which he receives a pension of $6.00 per month. His residence has always been at Brownville, Me. In politics he is a Repub- liran, with no religious preference. He is a member of the Grand Army.
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ALONZO B. MERRILL.
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ALONZO B. MERRILL.
Was born in Oldtown, Me., Feb. 9, 1838, and enlisted as a private from Holden, Me., Nov. 1, 1863. Prior to this enlist- ment he served in Co. I, Ninth Maine Volunteers, into which he enlisted for three years, Aug. 1, 1861. Was taken prisoner at Fernandina, Fla., April 7, 1862. He was in the following rebel prisons : Tallahassee and Chattahoochee, Fla., Columbus and Macon, Ga., and Libby, Va., from which latter prison he was paroled by Dick Turner, Dec. 23, 1862, and taken to Washington, D. C., where he was in the hospital about five weeks. Being pro- nounced unfit for further service, weighing only 110 pounds, he was discharged in January, 1863, and returned home. In the fall of 1863, having recruited his health, he began recruiting for the Battery under Lieut. Staples ; but when he arrived at Augusta, the last of December, the Battery was full and there was no chance for him to go. Anxious to join this organization, however. he suc- ceeded in buying out a young member, Wm. L. Twitchell, by pay- ing him $30.00. The last named soon after secured another place : so that both went, and became firm friends during the whole service, neither of them being away from the Battery or off ser- viee, in hospital or on furlough, until mustered out at Angusta, June 23, 1865. He married Miss Nettie Adams of Bangor, Me., Sept. 18, 1869. Has one child, Fred A., born Oct. 14, 1878. He has resided since the war at Greenbush and Bangor, Me., and Cambridge, Mass. Has been postmaster and selectman at Green -. bush. His present residence is Bangor, where he has for years been a great sufferer from paralysis, caused from the fever and ague while a prisoner, and for which he now receives a pension of $12.00 per month. He returns himself a " full blooded Repub- lican," and says that up to this time he has not canght on to any particular religious belief. He has been a member of the Grand Army since 1868.
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GARDINER F. McDANIEL.
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GARDINER F. MCDANIEL.
Was born in Somerville, Me., Dec. 19, 1840, and enlisted from Augusta, Me., as a private in the Battery, Dec. 1, 1863. He formerly served in the Third Maine Infantry. In all his ser- vice he was engaged in the following battles : Bull Run, York- town, North Anna River, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburgh, Burnside's Mine, Pegram Farm and Petersburgh, April 2, 1865. He was in the hospital at City Point, Va., a short time, by reason of sickness, in 1864. Was mustered out June 23, 1865., He married Adelina A. Salsbury Dec. 24, 1863. Hlas had three children : Mary E., now 26 years old; Maud, 18 years old; and Mattie, born Feb. 5, 1872 (died Oct. 23, 1886). He receives a pension of $8.00 per month, for malarial poisoning. Has resided since the war at Augusta, Me. Is a Republican in politics, a Free Baptist in religious belief, and a member of the Grand Army.
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SAMUEL W. NASH.
Was born in Jefferson, Me., July 4, 1840. First enlisted, Sept. 10, 1862, from Jefferson, where he was engaged in farming, in Co. F, Twenty-first Maine Regiment, from which service he was mustered out August 25, 1863. He afterwards re-enlisted in the Battery, Sept. 1, 1861, and served until his muster out at Augusta, June 21, 1865. He married Mrs. Lucy A. Jones, June 14, 1868. Has had three children : Albert W., aged 19; Walter E. aged 17; and Celeste R., aged 15. His residence since the war has been at Newcastle and Jefferson, Me., the latter place being his present home. In politics he is a Democrat, and in his religious belief a Baptist. He is a member of Harlow Dunbar Post, Department of Maine. Receives a pension of $8.00 per month, for malarial poisoning.
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DANIEL F. OAKES.
Was born in Exeter. Me., May 8, 1836, and enlisted as a private in the Battery from Eddington, Me., in December, 1863, being at that time a millman and married. He served during the remainder of the war, and was mustered out at Augusta, June 21, 1865. Was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Fairfax Court House, Cold Harbor, and the battles before Petersburgh. Was in the hospital at Augusta, in Feb- mary, 1864, and in Winthrop Hall. He married Miss Ruth F. Smith, Sept. 2, 1860. Has had the following children : Elmer F., born June 15, 1861 (died March 21, 1883) ; Henry S., born Ang. 18, 1864; Georgie W., born Mar. 28, 1867 (died Jan. 1, 1882) ; Florence F., born Aug. 13, 1869; Annie E., born Jan: 28, 1872; and Lillian M., born Nov. 11, 1876. His residence since the war has been at Winthrop, Me., where he now resides. Is a Democrat in politics, and in his religious belief an Advent.
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JOHN GATCHELL PREBLE.
Was born in Gardiner, Me., April 24, 1848, and enlisted from Gilead, Me., as a private, Dec. 16, 1863, it being his first enlistment. He served with the Battery through all its service, being in every engagement into which it was called, and was mustered out at Augusta, June 21, 1865. He was twice married : . first, to Emma M. Hurd, Dec. 25, 1871, who died Jan. 1, 1879 : and second, to Mrs. Elvira A. Frost, who survives him. Had two children : Gertrude I., aged 17: and Nell F., aged 6. He resided since the war at Gilead, Bethel and North Woodstock, Me., where he died Oct. 31, 1890, from an abscess on the liver. In politics he was a Republican, and of the Protestant faith.
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SIMON PIPER, JR.
Was born in Starks, Me., March 12, 1832, and enlisted from Weld. Me., as a private in the Battery, in December, 1863. He was with the Battery during all its service, except one week in the field hospital, being slightly wounded in April, 1864, while on drill at Camp Berry, and was discharged June 5, 1865. He married Miss Ellen M. Snell, Jan. 1, 1854. Has had six children, viz. : Calvin, aged 35; Mary A., aged 33; Nora J .. aged 31 : Ida E., aged 29; Bert aud Bertha (twins), aged 28. He has resided since the war at Weld, Smithfield, Starks, Fair- field, and Brunswick, Me., the latter being his present home. Ile receives a pension of $8.00 per month for rupture on the right side. In politics he is a Republican, and in his religious belief a Methodist.
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DAVID RUSSELL PIERCE.
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DAVID RUSSELL PIERCE.
Was born in Lexington, Me., Feb. 4, 1848, and enlisted from South Norridgewock, Me., as a private in the Battery, Sept. 13, 1864, being at that time a student and only 16 years of age. He served during the remainder of the war, being with the Battery in all its final engagements before Petersburgh, and was mustered out at Augusta, June 22, 1865. He married Miss Lucie A. Burnham of Kennebunk, Me., Nov. 19, 1872. They have no children. He remained in Maine after his discharge until 1867, when he went to California, where he remained three years, during which he was engaged in teaching and the study of law, and was admitted to practice in the District Court for the County of Sierra, Cal. Returned to Maine in 1870, and entered the office with Stephen D. Lindsay, Esq., at Norridgewock, where he remained till 1872, when he again engaged in teaching at Kenne- bunk, and in 1876 was elected Master of the Grammar School at Great Falls, N. H. Continued in this school until March, 1881, when he resigned to accept a position on the Boston Commercial Bulletin. Remained in Boston, engaged in newspaper work, until August, 1887, when he returned to Great Falls and entered into partnership with his brother, William S., in the practice of law, where he now resides. He joined Littlefield Post No. 8, G. A. R., at Great Falls in 1877, and was Commander of that Post in 1881; took a transfer and joined John A. Andrew Post No. 15, of Boston, Mass., of which he was Commander in 1886. Was Assistant Adjutant-General of the Department of New Hamp- shire in 1879, and a member of the Council of Administration in 1880. Was an Alternate to the National Encampment at Indian- apolis in 1880, and a Delegate to the National Encampment at Boston in 1890. . He is at present the Judge-Advocate of the Department of New Hampshire. In politics he is a Republican, and in his religious belief a Congregationalist.
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CHARLES O. RANDALL.
Was born in Bangor, Me., Sept. 24, 1829, from which place he enlisted in the Battery in December, 1863, as a private, having served prior to this enlistment in Co. HI, Sixth Maine Regiment, where he was in the seven days' fight at Williamsburg, and in the battle at Chickahominy. He was wounded on the 12th day of June, 1864, at Spottsylvania, while engaged with the Battery, by a piece of shell, which took away one side of his cheek and his jaw; Henry Fall being killed, and Wm. Bean wounded, about the same time. He was treated in the field hos- pital, and sent from there to the hospital at Alexandria, and was discharged in March, 1865. At the time of his enlistment he was a millman. Was married in 1854 to Mary F. Huze. Has had five children : four boys and one girl. His residence since the war has been at Orono, Me. Ile receives a pension of $18.00 per month on account of his wounds. In politics he is a Republi- can, and in his religious belief a Universalist.
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THOMAS J. ROWE.
Was born in Gilead, Me., Aug. 21, 1831, and enlisted in the Battery as a private from Gilead, where he was then engaged in farming, Dec. 16, 1863. He served with the Battery during most of its service, being in the City Point Hospital at one time on account of sickness. He married Miss Mary E. Aldrich, Jan. 23, 1860. Has had children, as follows : Herbert E., born April 8, 1861 ; Hattie F., born May 15, 1863; Charles A., born Oct. 20, 1867 ; Sadie E., born Dec. 17, 1875; and Harry E., born April 13. 1880. He has lived since the war at Chesterfield, Me., and at Lynn. Mass .. the latter city being his present home. In polities he is a " Republican every day," and a Protestant in his religious belief.
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CHARLES VIRGIN RICHARDS.
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CHARLES VIRGIN RICHARDS.
Was born in Winthrop, Me., June 28, 1841, and enlisted from Wayne, Me., as a private in the Battery, Aug. 31, 1864, joining this organization before Petersburgh, and serving until mustered out with the same. July 21, 1865, at Augusta. He was in all the battles at the Siege of Petersburgh. through the winter of 1864-5. and was injured in the drum of right ear, at Farm- ville, Va., while firing a salute on the death of President Lincoln. He married Miss Jennie Swan of Skowhegan, Me., June 30, 1807. Has lived at Skowhegan since the war. His occupation was a mechanic ; but being obliged to change it. on account of rheumatisin, he commenced the study of dentistry Jan. 1, 1874, which profession he has since successfully followed. In politics he is a Republican. and in his religious belief a Methodist. He is a member of Russell Post No. 96, G. A. R .. Department of Maine. Receives a pension of $10.00 per month for injury to right ear.
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JAMES ARTHUR ROBERTS.
Comrade Roberts was born in Waterboro, York County, Me., March 8, 1847, and at the time of his enlistment was a student, preparing for college and residing at Waterboro. He joined the Battery as a recruit in the fall of 1864, and served until the final muster out at Augusta, June 21, 1865, being engaged in all the battles before Petersburgh during its seige. After returning from the war he completed his course of study, entered Bowdoin College, and graduated from that institution in 1870. He then chose the legal profession, studied, was admitted to the bar and has been in active practice since 1876, at Buffalo, N. Y., where he now resides, being a member of the well-known law firm of Roberts, Becker, Messer & Orcutt. He married : first, Miss Minnie Pineo of Calais, Me., June, 1871; and second, Martha Dresser of Auburn, Me., Dec. 11, 1884. Has two children, viz. : Joseph HI .. now 16 years of age; and Minnie A., now 8 years of age. He was a member of the New York Assembly in 1879 and 1880, and was unanimously nominated for a third term, but declined the nomination. He is at present a Park Commissioner of the city of Buffalo. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious belief a Protestant, though not a member of any church organization. He is a member of Bedwell Wilkeson Post, No. 9, at Buffalo, N. Y.
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GEORGE F. SUMNER.
Was born in Camden, Me., July 28, 18441. He enlisted in the Battery Dec. 28, 1863, being at that time a farmer, residing at Union, Me. This was his second enlistment, having been a member of the Twentieth Maine Infantry prior to this service. He was in the battles of the Wilderness. Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburgh and Pegram Farm. Was a short time in the hospital at Washington, D. C .. in March, 1864, and was mustered out with the Battery at Augusta, June 21, 1865. He married Miss S. E. Spencer, at Cuba, Missouri, Feb. 8, 1868. Has by her three children, viz. : Lottie 1., Jennie C., and Clara B. Has' resided at Cuba and at Springfield, Mo., where he now resides. In politics he is a Republican, and in his religion a Methodist.
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WILLIAM EDGAR STEVENS.
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WILLIAM EDGAR STEVENS.
Was born at Presque Isle, Me., Sept. 23, 1845, and enlisted from Unity, Me., Dec. 12, 1863, as a private in the Battery. in which he served until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Augusta, June 21, 1865, having been in all the battles in which the Battery was engaged. He was never wounded by the enemy; but Sergt. Quimby's horse took his head for a hay-stack one night while he was asleep, at Spottsylvania, and came near eating it up. He married twice : first. Betsey A. Brann. Sept. 9, 1866 : and second, Rachie P. Foster, May 24, 1876. Has had one child, Minnie. J .. born July 22, 1867. He has resided since the war at Albion, Unity, North Vassalboro and Lisbon Falls, Me., the latter place being his home. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, of which order he is a Past Grand; has been S. W. of a lodge of Master Masons. and Regent and Secretary of a Council of Royal Areanum, and is also a member of Berry Post, No. 10. G. A. R., Department of Maine, In politics he is a Republican "with a big R." and in his religious belief a Universalist. He receives a pension of $17.00 per month for partial deafness of both ears and for piles.
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WINFIELD S. STARBIRD.
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WINFIELD S. STARBIRD.
Was born in Woodstock, Me., March 11, 1847, and enlisted from Summer, Me., Sept. 13, 1864, joining the Battery at Fort Welch, before Petersburgh, where he served during the remainder of the war. engaging in the final battles, and was discharged at Augusta, June 23, 1865. He was injured while on mounted drill at Fort Hell, and was sent to the depot field hospital, where he was kept for four weeks. for treatment. He married Emeline Roberts of Greenwood. Me., Nov. 26, 1871. Has had four children, viz. : Rose E., born Oct. 5, 1872; Alfred A., born July 15, 1875 ; Loring R., born July 9. 1878 : Abbie A .. born Oct. 3, 1886. His residence since the war has been at Paris and Bnck- field, Me., his present home being at South Paris, Me. He re- ceives a pension of 86.00 per month for injury to back and hip and chronic diarrhea. He has held no offices, because he says, .. We have enough men down here to hold all the offices, that are good for nothing else." In politics he is a Republican, and a Methodist in his religious belief. He is a member of the Grand Army.
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JOHN THOMAS SAVAGE.
JOHN THOMAS SAVAGE.
Was born in Shefford, Que., April 16, 1842, and enlisted as a private in the Battery from Portland, Me., October 5, 1864, be- ing at that time a carpenter and unmarried. He joined the Bat- tery in the field before Petersburgh, and was with it continually from that time until mustered out at Augusta, June 25, 1865. Ile was in all the final engagements into which the Battery was called, and was never excused from duty during his whole service. He married Miss S. S. J. Wallace, May 8, 1866, at Granby, Que. Has seven children, viz. : Alfred E., aged 24; Percy A., aged 21 : Bruce W., aged 19 : May, aged 16; Carl R., aged 14; Kenneth, aged 12 ; and Reginald, aged 10. He has resided in Canada since the war until 1866, when he moved to Rockford, Ill., where he has since resided. He is a charter member of G. L. Nevins Post, No. 1, at Rockford, organized in 1866, and also a member of the Eastern Veteran Association at Rockford. In polities he is a Republican, and a Methodist in his religious belief. Of his his- tory he says : " I have been remarkably successful in business, have as fine a family as the sun shines upon, and I think I am happier than the average of mortals."
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BENJAMIN F. SNOW.
Was born in Atkinson, Me., Oct. 5, 1826. He enlisted Sept. 20, 1864, being at that time a farmer, residing at Brown- ville, Me., and joined the Battery before Petersburgh, where he served during the remainder of its service. Was mustered out at Augusta, June 21, 1865. He married Rath D. Harris, Jan. 15, 1851. Had by her six children, viz. : Henry, Kate, Charles, Nellie, Amanda and Agnes. Resided at Brownville, Me., until the fall of 1868, when he moved to Big Lake, Sherburne county, Minn., where he now resides. They had one child, Minnie, born after moving to Minnesota, who died at the age of three years. He is now (December. 1891) sixty-five years old. His wife is living, aged sixty years. They have six children and eighteen grand-children living. He held the office of county surveyor of Sherburne county twelve years. and has also hell various town offices. The following is the record of his battles as reported in his own language : " In front of Petersburgh and in battle with Old Kicker, Feb. 10, 1865. Complete victory on my part : Kicker surrendered." In politics he is a Republican, and in his religious belief an Advent Christian. He is a member of Sedgwick Post No. 52, G. A. R., Department of Minnesota.
SAMUEL TAYLOR.
Was born in Poland, Me., Sept. 5, 1841, from which place he enlisted as a private, Sept. 15, 1864. and joined the Battery in the field. He was single at time of enlistment and by occupation a farmer. Was with the Battery in the battles before Petersburgh. and served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Au- gusta, June 21, 1865. He married Olive J. Knight, July 3, 1865. Has always resided at Poland. In politics he is a Republican.
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WILLIAM L. TWITCHELL.
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WILLIAM L. TWITCHELL.
Was born in Bethel, Me., Ang. 17, 1844, from which place he enlisted in the Battery in December. 1863, as a private. He was among the 150 selected from a much larger number recruited for this service ; and being offered $30.00 for his place, he sold it to A. B. Merrill, and returned home to Bethel, his parents feeling that they could not spare him. But even then he was bound to go with his brother Albert, who was a member of the Battery ; and returning to Augusta, he somehow secured a place, for some cause made vacant, and was mustered in. He served during the whole service of the Battery, was never absent on fur- lough or by reason of sickness, nor was he ever off duty from any cause. On the return march from Farmville, at the close of hostilities, he became heated by over-marching in the hot sun :. and though he did not give up, but returned and was mustered out with the Battery in June, 1865, he gradually failed, and in spite of all that was done to save him, he died at his home in Bethel. July 7. 1867. He received a pension, early granted to him on account of the injury received in the service, which was transferred to his mother after his demise. In politics he was a
.. Republican, and a Liberal in his religious belief.
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AUSTIN F. TWITCHELL.
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AUSTIN F. TWITCHELL.
Was born in Bethel, Me., April 13, 1845, from which place he re-enlisted. as a private in the Battery, in the fall of 1863, having served prior to this enlistment in the Fourth Maine Battery, in which he enlisted December 16, 1861, and was discharged March 7, 1863, for disability. He was in the following engage- ments with the Fourth Battery, viz. : Second Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Harper's Ferry, Fairfax Court House, Rappahannock Station, Pope's Retreat and Antietam. Was in all the engage- ments of the Seventh Battery, and was mustered out finally at Angusta, June 21, 1865: He has been twice married : first, to Miss Anna. L. McCalla, in March, 1866 (and who died in March, 1875) ; second. to Miss Sarah O'Donnell, of Portland, in Decen- ber, 1879, by whom he has five children living, viz. : Frank Q .. aged 12; Fred S., aged 9; Margie L., aged 7 ; Blanche J., aged 3 : and Philip C., aged 1. He resided at Bethel and at Auburn a short time after the war, but for many years has resided in Portland, his present home. He is a member of the Grand Army, a Liberal in his religious sentiments, with no political preference. He now receives a pension of $12.00 per month for injury to the spine.
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