USA > New Hampshire > History of the Twelfth regiment, New Hampshire volunteers in the war of the rebellion > Part 60
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90
George W. Aikins and James E. Randlett were mustered in as musicians, though the latter never acted as such, his place being filled by George W. Pitman.
The first man to enlist in this company was Sylvester J. Gale, of Gilmanton. This was at a town meeting, holden at the "Corner" (so called), August 9, 1862, to see if the town would pay a bounty for vol- unteers, or stand a draft. Patriotic speeches were made by Thomas Cogswell, Jonathan T. Coffin, John M. Durgin, and others, and the town voted to pay each volunteer the sum of two hundred dollars.
George E. Place, Ira Flanders, and John C. Baker enlisted the same day, expecting then to go in the Eleventh Regiment. Two days later a similar meeting was holden at Barnstead Centre, at which a bounty of three hundred dollars was voted for volunteers, enlisting and mustered into the United States service before September 1, 1862.
Melvin J. Jenkins, Horace Edgerly, Henry H. Emerson, Benjamin F. Chesley, and David Sackett enlisted at the same meeting as the first in Company B to enlist for the regiment.
Samuel G. Berry, William A. Jenkins, Thomas J. Proctor, Hazen Wheeler, Horace N. Colbath, and Joel and Abram Clark were some of the prominent citizens that were present at the meeting.
* See page 485.
509
New Hampshire Volunteers.
GEORGE W. AIKINS.
This high-minded patriot was " tall and straight as an Indian." and from his high cheek. bones, straight, black hair, and dark complexion, one would be led to think that some of that blood flowed in his veins. At any rate it was good blood, and his qualities of head and heart were far beyond the average. He was the son of Nathaniel E. and Nancy (Foss) Aikins, and was born in Barnstead, March 24, 1841.
IIis grandfather, John Aikins, Jr., was a soldier of 1812, and his great-grandfather, of the same name, was a Revolutionary pensioner. lle was at the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
A day or two before he died he said to his father: " I always thought it was my duty to go and help put down this rebellion, and I went ; and it is all right." He enlisted to go in the Eighth Regiment, but being under age he yielded to his father's wishes and waited.
He was naturally sober-minded, and said little but thought much, especially upon moral questions, always favoring justice and humanity .*
BVT. COL. THOMAS E. BARKER.
This brave officer, who has the honor of commanding the regiment longer than any other, was born in Canterbury, March 13, 1839. ITis father, Gardner T., was a soldier of ISI2 ; and his mother, whose maiden name was Martha W. Iluntoon, was a lineal descend- ent of soldiers distinguished in the War of the Revolution. They had five children of whom Thomas E. is the youngest.
First enlisted May 13, 1861, in Company B, Second New Hampshire Volunteers. His company was armed with Sharp's rifles and was known as " The Goodwin Rifles," and was drilled as skirmishers by Capt., afterwards Maj. Gen., S. G. Griffin. They led Heath's division at First Bull Run, where Barker and about fifty others were taken prisoners. Hle was confined in Libby, Old Parish, and Salisbury prisons for two, five, and three months, respectively. After his exchange he enlisted again in the Twelfth Regiment and was chosen captain of Company B, that he had mainly recruited, enlisting over eighty men. He was with the regiment all the time, except for two months while recovering from wound in leg at Chancellorsville, and in all its engagements but Gettysburg, rejoining and taking command of it there on the morning of the 4th. From this time; except at Point Lookout, until the end the regiment was most of the time under his command, leading it against the foe in every battle, except at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.
He was married June IS, 1863, while at home on furlough recovering from his wound, to E. Florence Whittredge, of Lynnfield, Mass. Their children are, William E., Florence M., and Blanche M. Ilis wife was the first National President of the Woman's Relief Corps, and has always been an active worker therein. Her brother, Myron, was in Fiftieth Massachusetts.
Since the war he has been engaged most of the time in the wholesale grocery business in Boston, Mass., being for many years connected with the firm of Wadley. Jones & Co., and their successors, he being one of them under the firm name of Andrews, Barker & Bunton.
Among the many positions of honor and trust that he has held since the war are the following : Representative of the city of Maklen, Mass., for two years, being member and chairman of several important committees ; trustee and treasurer of Soldiers' Home for the State, holling the latter office still ; a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, and of several orders, clubs, and lodges, among which is that of the Loyal Legion.
Starting as he did as a poor farmer's boy, with only a common school education to assist him, he has made for himself a record that he can review with self-congratulation, and of which his children and posterity will read about and listen to with commingled feeling of pleasure and pride.
He commanded a brigade a while in the fall of '61, and one of the regiments under his command was the Second New Hampshire, in whose ranks he had once marched as cor- poral. While at Old Parish prison, New Orleans, he was held for some time as hostage for seventeen privateers held by our government for execution.
* See incident, page 371.
510
History of the Twelfth Regiment
Since the above was written, Colonel Barker has been mustered into the service of a higher life where all take rank by merit and none by title.
lle died, after months of illness, at his residence in Malden, Mass., December 17, 1896, and none of the few who still remain of the " grand, old Twelfth " will learn the sad intelligence but with deepest feelings of sorrow and regret. Few knew him better. as a soldier and a man, than the writer of this sketch, and he can truthfully say that those loved him most who knew him best. for it was only those who got a glimpse behind the screen of his native modesty and saw the true nobility of the man as he appeared on the higher plane of moral excellence, that could fully appreciate him. But none less than he would want ought said of himself that would lead the reader to believe that he was, or ever had a thought that he was any better, or even quite as good as many of the men whom he had the honor to command. And in nothing more than this did he show his real worth as a soldier and a man.
" But from high joys he ever bent an ear The bugles of a higher cause to hear : And with unstinted measure all he gave The Union and the Flag he loved to save. Sweet Freedom claimed him as her own. and now
She lays her crown upon his sleeping brow."
JOHN BLAKE.
Here is the fifer by transfer of Company F, though an enlisted member of Company B, as he looked nearly forty years ago. The fifth of the ten children, equally divided, of Timothy and Sally (Emerson) Blake, and born in Epsom, February 8, 1822. His father was in the War of 1812, and his grandfather, Christopher, was in the Revolution. Married Mary J., daughter of Aaron Buzzell. of Gilford, February 3, 1845, and had by her George F., Mar- garet R., and Mary E.
lle was one of the best fifers in the army. In a company of many players, high and clear above them all could be heard the inspiring notes of his fife. When others had to give out as " winded," he was nearly as fresh as when he first began. without once taking the fife from his lips.
He was naturally kind and free hearted and from this fatherly kindness, as well as from the fact that he was older than most of his comrades, he gained among them the honored name of " Uncle John." lle was present as musician at several battles and always ready to do whatever duty was required of him. though shells and bullets were making music instead of his fife. Ile is still living with his good wife in Barnstead where he has resided for many years. Occupation, a farmer.
NEWELL A. BROWN.
Son of Jonathan and Mary Aun (Clough) Brown. born in Gilmanton, June 12, 1844 ; and died of lung fever at Potomac Creek, Va .. December 23. 1862.
llis brother, Henry C. (another of a family of ten children). was a sergeant in Company G. New Hampshire lleavy Artillery : his father a captain in the State Militia, command- ing for years the noted First Light Infantry Company that was often called out as a special attraction on public occasions; while both of his great-grandfathers, Jonathan Brown and Capt. Jeremiah Clough, were in the Revolutionary War, the former dying in the army about 1778, and the latter (who was one of the first settlers of Canterbury, keeper of the Garrison House and leader of scouting expeditions against the Indians) at the age of sixty-five commanded a company in Colonel Poor's regiment to protect the State coast againt the landing of the enemy.
He was also a direct descendent of Nathaniel and Mary Wait, parents of Meshech Weare, and in the collateral lines, distinctly traced to common ancestors, are found a long list of statesmen, patriots, and poets including Josiah Bartlett, General Prescott, Webster. Cass, Morrill, Emerson, Lowell, Whittier, and many others.
5II
New Hampshire Volunteers.
G. BK. D. 6-0.
GEORGE W. AIKINS,
DB. B. L. 5-1I . BUT. COL. THOMAS E. BARKER.
B. B. L. 6-0. JOHN BLAKE.
B. I. L. 5-9. NEWELL A. BROWN.
512
History of the Twelfth Regiment
Hle manifested an enterprising ambition and ardent desire for knowledge, unusual musical talent, and a very genial and social disposition ; and his untimely death cut short a promising life of usefulness. Captain Barker wrote of him : " Newell was ever faithful to God and his country." Lieutenant Durgin wrote : " He was a good boy and soldier, and has fallen in the morning of life to the defence of his country."
JOSEPH N. BUNKER.
This brave soldier lived through many battles to fall at last in the dreadful charge of Cold HIarbor. He thought he should be killed in that battle, and so expressed himself to John Watson just before he made his last advance against the enemy, and gave to him his watch to be sent home.
Ile was born in Barnstead, October 27, 1826, and was the son of John E. and Eliza (Nutter) Bunker. In most of the battles, as believed, until his death. Sick and in the hospital a while, it seems, after the Gettysburg campaign, and was with George Aikins and took care of him when he died.
lle was a farmer by occupation when he enlisted, and a brother is now living on the old homestead.
CORP. BARON F. S. BURPEE.
Son of Joseph and Zilphig (Flanders) Burpee, being the youngest but one of twelve children, and was born in Boscawen, August 5, 1836.
Ilis grandfather, Nathaniel Burpee, was a soldier of the Revolution, and was present when Washington took command under the historic oak that is still standing at Cam- bridge, Mass. He lived to the age of ninety-two, and his son, father of Baron, lived to be ninety-three ; and it may be stated here, to show that this soldier has not only good but lasting blood in his veins, that his grandfather, Aaron Flanders, came within four of having had one hundred birthdays. Yet of nine sisters, seven of whom lived to adult age, only one is now living, but his two brothers still survive.
In Fredericksburg. and severely wounded in right knee and captured at Chancellors- ville, where he remained ten days upon the fiekl before he was paroled and sent across the river into our lines ; he rejoined the regiment at Point Lookout, Md., the next ['all.
Married Jenette E., daughter of Amos Eastman, of Roxbury, Vt .. in 1866. Children, Inez, Leon, and another, Engene, who died in infancy. He first enlisted in the Sixth Massachusetts ; but, after remaining in camp a while, was ordered home. Occupation, a machinist, and worked in shop most of the time since the war. Moved to Florida in 1877, his wife dying about two years later. lle deserves praise as man and soldier.
SOLOMON CLARK.
This soldier is the third of the six children ( all boys ) of Solomon and Sarah ( Daniels ) Clark, and was born in Barnstead. May 2, 1817. lle left the regiment, because of sickness, at Warrington, Va., November 17. 1862, and was never with it afterward. He was sent first to Georgetown, Va., where he had the typhoid fever, thence to Philadelphia, Pa., and while on his way from there to Convalescent Camp, Alexandria, Va, he was so severely injured by a railroad accident that he was soon discharged from the service, and has been an invalid ever since.
Married his first wife, Louisa P., daughter of Nathaniel JJones, of Barnstead, April 1841. Children, John A., Ellen E., Victoria, Maria D., Eliza A., Calvin D., Miles II. (deceased ), Cyrus F., Lura D., and Emily L.
Married second wife, Anna Jones, June 6. 1888. Though his service was short. yet, but for his ill fortune. he would doubtless have proved himself the worthy grandson of the Revolutionary hero, John Clark, who served through the whole seven years' struggle for our independence.
513
New Hampshire Volunteers.
B. L. L. 5-93. JOSEPH N. BUNKER.
B. LB. L. 5-S.
CORP. BARON F. S. BURPEE.
D. D. D. 6-1. SOLOMON CLARK.
33
514
History of the Twelfth Regiment
ERI COOK.
This soldier, the youngest of the four children ( all boys ) of James and Mercy ( Wentworth ) Cook, was born in Milton, June 21, 1823. His wife, with whom he is still living, was married to him December 27, 1846; and of their three children, Martha Jane, Herman, and Lorenzo D., the oldest and youngest are dead. His wife, Lavina, is daughter of Ezra IIill, of Alton.
He had ancestors in the Revolution and had brothers in the Union Army. Discharged early in the service for disease contracted at Arlington Heights, Va., * and which has more or less disabled him, in his occupation as a farmer, ever since, rendering him nearly help- less for many years.
JOSEPHI T. COTTON.
March 8, 1836, this soldier first opened his eyes to the light in the town of Gilmanton. He was the son of John and Betsy (Smith) Cotton, and his early days were spent upon a farm, where he worked, when able, until his death, August 24, 1878.
lle was married to Sarah, daughter of Charles Varney, of Gilmanton, by whom he had one son, whose name, as the author is informed. is Fred or Frederick, and who lives with his mother on the homestead place in Gilmanton.
He was, as believed, in the battle of Fredericksburg, and was wounded severely in left leg at Chancellorsville. After this he was in hospital thirteen months, and then discharged.
A good, brave soldier, a kind neighbor, and a true-hearted man.
BVT. LIEUT. DAVID S. DOCKHAM.
Son of David E. and Louisa G. ( Allen ) Dockham ; born October 16, 1834. Brother of Joseph E. ( see sketch ), and also of Orren S., of the Eighth Regiment, and New Hampshire Cavalry. On detached duty at brigade commissary department until after Gettysburg, hence with the regiment, through all to the end. Ile was with the team that hauled rations to the regiment one night, on the battle-field of Fredericksburg and exposed to the enemy's shells. t Never seriously wounded, but was hit by a spent bullet on the arm at siege of Petersburg, and a minie ball pierced his foot at Cold Harbor.
Married April 14, 1874, to Mary E., daughter of llon. George M. Herring, of Farin- ington ; and Grace M., George II., Allyn K., and Mary E., are living blessings of a happy union, who have reason to be proud of their parentage.
After his marriage, he was clerk for his father-in-law, who was United States Inter- nal Revenne Assessor, by Lincoln's appointment, until the office was discontinued and then was in company with him in the mercantile business until Mr. Herring's death. For some years he has been an overseer in one of the cotton mills, in Manchester, where he now resides. The picture of him here seen was taken soon after enlistment.
Of the incidents that happened to him, or came under his observation, he relates the following :
He had but just left his tent, to go to the "sink " one night, in front of Petersburg, when a shell struck and demolished it. One day, during the siege, he saw one of four euchre players jump and throw a fuse shell, that had struck close by them, over the breastworks before it exploded. At another time a tree, that Colonel Barker had been leaning against, became the target of a rebel bullet, that could not have found its way there, a few seconds before, except through the colonel's body. But more strange and sadly tragic was the death of a drummer boy, who was killed aud buried by a coehorn mortar shell falling directly into a " gopher-hole " that he had just dug, and got into, to protect himself from minie bullets. Little did he think, when excavating it, that he was digging his own grave.
* See page 27.
t See page 46.
515
New Hampshire Volunteers.
L
G. R. S. 5-II. ERI COOK.
B. D. L. 5-9.
JOSEPH T. COTTON.
B. B. D. 5-S. BVT. LIEUT. DAVID S. DOCKHAM.
516
History of the Twelfth Regiment
CORP. JOSEPH E. DOCKIJAM.
O, cruel and relentless death ! For love and mercy plead in vain for thy forbearance. llearts as well as pictures had been exchanged, when this fair youth, just stepping upon the stage of manhood, bade adieu to his betrothed, and, listening to the call of duty, enlisted in his country's cause. You see him pictured here just as he looked after having donned his new uniform in Concord, and his countenance, so sadly thoughtful, reminds one that the fate that awaited him might even then have been casting its shadow over his mind.
Born in Gilmanton, August 24, 1841. and a brother of David S. ( see sketch ). In battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, receiving his death wound in the latter. He lived several days (see roster).
CHARLES W. DOW.
Short was the military career of this young man, who had legally been such for little more than a year, when disease, more to be feared, even in war, than the shots of the enemy, early claimed him as her victim, and he died, like so many of his comrades, a martyr to the cause that he volunteered to defend.
Son of Jacob and Sarah ( Swain ) Dow, and was born in Gilmanton, July 12, 1840, being the youngest of three children. According to the family record, he died of typhoid fever, December 19, - 18th by the army record -1862. Though not permitted to serve his country on the battle-field. he none the less gave his life for her perpetuity.
CAPT. JOHN M. DURGIN.
This brave and patriotic officer and citizen was born in Thornton, February 11, 1812, and died in Haverhill, Mass., June 26, 1887. He was the son of Capt. Francis and Maria Grace ( Ayer ) Durgin.
Receiving an academic education he early entered the ministry, being ordained as a Free Will Baptist preacher, at the age of twenty-one, and continued to labor as such, except when in the army, until within a few years of his death.
He married Harriet R. Thayer, of Gray, Me., who died April 13, 1868. Their children, Maria A., Harriet T., Mary L., John M., and De Wit C., are now all living, except John M., who was a member of Company F, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, and mortally wounded in the attack upon Fort Wagner. Ilis second wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Coffin, of Gil- manton, died soon after her husband. From Concord to Chaucellorsville, Va., he carried a sword as first lieutenant of Company B. In this battle he was very severely and, as supposed, mortally wounded, and left for dead upon the field, where, but for the Masonic sign of distress to a Confederate officer, his body would soon have been buried beneath the soil. That sign brought water, and, as he always claimed, saved his life. A minie ball had passed directly through him, between the lower lobe of the left lung and the diaphragm, which, but for an empty stomach, it must have perforated. Within six months after he was reported dead, he reported himself for duty, and rejoined the regiment at Point Lookout. Being still unfit for camp or field, he was sent back to Concord on recruiting service ; and afterward transferred to the Invalid Corps, where he served to the end of the war. He was a man of strong, positive traits of character, which, backed by the untiring energy of a bilious, nervous temperament, made him more or less distinguished in whatever place he was called to act ; and he had been a member of the Constitutional Convention of Massa- chusetts and of the general court of New Hampshire before the war.
But it was in the pulpit or on the rostrum that he was best known and appreciated ; for nature had moulded him for an orator. Ile had been a zealons advocate of the cause of freedom against the encroachments of slavery; and when the war broke out, ex- changed the shepard's crook for the sword, because he believed he could serve God best, by
517
New Hampshire Volunteers.
Bk. Bk. L. 5-7. CORP. JOSEPH E. DOCKHAM.
G. B. L. 5-7.
CHARLES W. DOW.
R. B. L. 5-113. CAPT. JOHN M. DURGIN.
518
History of the Twelfth Regiment
serving his country first. Ile was emotional and enthusiastic ; and with a stump or stone for a pulpit, he would frequently, when the occasion allowed, deliver short, impromptu sermons to the "boys, " by whom he was called " the fighting parson. " Brave, open- hearted, and generous, his friends increased with his years ; and few have fallen from the ranks of the Twelfth whose loss has been more deeply felt. Christian patriot, rest in peace, for thou hast thy reward.
LIEUT. HORACE EDGERLY.
The only son of Reuben and Sabrina ( MeDaniels ) Edgerly was born in Barnstead, November 19, 1832. He has two sisters living, one older and one younger than himself. lle worked upon a farm before enlistment ; and since discharge, no steady employment, but worked some at farming and carpentering. Residence at " Iron Works."
Married, January 12. 1871, Julia A. Leighton, daughter of John and Rebecca Lougee, of Barnstead, and the former wife of James C. Leighton ( see sketch ).
Iu battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, severely wounded in right leg by grape shot, which disabled him from further active service. He was taken prisoner because of wound, at Chancellorsville, and remained twelve days on the field, when he was paroled, and taken under flag of truce, across the river, into our lines. Returning, as soon as able, from a furlough home, he rejoined the regiment in October, 1864, and in February next was sent to Concord on recruiting service, and remained there until discharged. True to his duty, he was a brave soldier, and is an esteemed veteran.
ASAHIEL G. FLANDERS.
lIere he is ; look at him, for he is the youngest original member of the regiment, so far as the author has been able to ascertain.
lle is one of the four children of Rufus L. and Mary J. ( Haskell ) Flanders, and the family Bible shows him to have been born in Gilmanton, February 28, 1847, making him fifteen years, five months, and fourteen days of age when he enlisted. llis only brother, John P., served three years in a Maine Regiment, and then for some time in the regular army. In all the battles until Cold llarbor, where he was wounded in finger, on the day before the charge. He was wounded slightly, picking the bullet from his leg himself, and his overcoat pierced with bullets at Chancellorsville. Ile helped tear down and restretch the telegraph wire at Drury's Bluff .*
Married Lizzie E., daughter of Andrew Riggs, of Gloucester, Mass., February 6, 1869. Children, Jennie M. and Rufus L.
IIis business, except when fighting the " rebs," has been to till the soil of his native town, where he still resides.
LIEUT. RUFUS E. GALE.
Light first dawned upon this officer in the town of Gilmanton, May 1, 1832, where he grew into robust manhood on his father's farm, and continued to till the same until his enlistment. The names of his parents were Stephen and Betsey S. ( Dudley ) Gale.
In battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Swift Creek, Relay House, Drury's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, and capture of Richmond. Wounded at Chancellorsville, in elbow and side, but returned to regiment at Point Lookout, October, 1863. Sick, from the effects of sunstroke, sometime after the battle of Drury's Bluff, and then on court-martial duty until the next November, when he rejoined his regiment and remained with it till the end of the war, coming home with it as adjutant (see roster ). He was stabbed in left arm by one of the "subs, " at Point Lookout, Md.t
Since the war, and for many years, he has been engaged, in company with his brother, in the hardware trade at Penacook.
lle was married, February 14, 1856, to Mary E., daughter of John F. Nelson, of Gil- manton, and sister of Edwin Nelson ( see sketch ).
ยท See page 182. t See page 157.
519
New Hampshire Volunteers.
G. B. I .. 5-II. LIEUT. IIORACE EDGERLY.
B. B. L. 5-64.
ASAHEL G. FLANDERS.
B. B. L. 6-0. LIEUT. RUFUS E. GALE.
.
520
History of the Twelfth Regiment
SERGT. SYLVESTER J. GALE.
Ilere is a good picture, taken several years after the war, of the first man from Gilman- ton, as believed, to enlist under the call for 300,000 more for three years, or the war.
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.