USA > New Hampshire > History of the Twelfth regiment, New Hampshire volunteers in the war of the rebellion > Part 66
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CAPT. RICHARD W. MUSGROVE.
This worthy officer was born in Bristol, November 21, 1840. His parents, James and Ann (Donker) Musgrove, were both natives of London, Eng., and his father was a cabin boy on a British man of war, in the War of 1812. When he enlisted he was fitting himself for college at Tilton Academy, but like so many others he left his books for the ranks of war.
In the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Wapping Heights, and was with the regiment until he was discharged to accept a commission as first lien- tenant of Company I. First United States Volunteer Infantry. Ile was immediately sent with his company to the western frontier where he did efficient service against the Indians, being engaged in several skirmishes, and was promoted to captain.
Married December 23, 1869, to Henrietta M. Guild, of Newport, by whom he has six children (four girls and two boys), of whom he may well be proud. His wife and children all have rare gifts as players or singers and are well known throughout that section of the state where they have given many concerts as the " Musgrove family." The names of his children are Isadore M., Frank A., Carrie E., Mary D)., Anna B., and Eugene R.
lle carried the state colors for a day or two afterthe battle of Gettysburg. Ilis brother, Abbott C., was in the One Hundred Fifteenth New York, and was color-bearer at the battle of Deep Bottom, where he was mortally wounded, but lived long enough to send a message home in which he said : " Tell my friends that I die happy, and die for my country."
After the war Captain Musgrove started the Bristol Enterprise, a newspaper which, under his judicious and discreet management, has grown to beone of the best county papers of the state. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1885, and senator in 1891, and had the honor of introducing in that body a resolution for a revision of the war records of the state which was so badly needed. lle was town clerk for several years ; has been president of the board of trustees of Minot-Sleeper library ; was six years on the public school board ; and has been for a long time recording steward of the official board of the Methodist church of Bristol.
CORP. ALBERT D. NELSON.
The oldest of three brothers all of whom enlisted in this company and were killed or wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville. Albert was first wounded in the head by a piece of shell and his brother, Dan, was mortally wounded while helping him from the field. Just before his brother was shot down they were wondering what had become of their
589
New Hampshire Volunteers.
B. B. I .. 5-7. LIEUT. BRADBURY M. MORRILL.
B. B. L. 5-43 .
CAPT. RICHARD W. MUSGROVE.
B. D. I .. 5-43. CORP. ALBERT D. NELSON.
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History of the Twelfth Regiment
brother, Major, and upon turning round found him close beside them, also wounded, but not so seriously but he took hold to assist Dan to get Albert off the field ; but had hardly done so when the former received his death wound, living but a short time.
The parents of these brothers, and five other children (one a boy), were Stephen and Louisa (Prescott) Nelson, of Bristol, and the subject of this sketch was born there, Janu- ary 21, 1840, and died while at home on a sick furlough, of chronic diarrhea, contracted in the service. llis great-grandfather, Stephen, was one of the first settlers in the town of Sutton, and afterward moved to Salisbury, where his, Albert's, father was born.
lle rejoined the regiment at Point Lookout, Md., in the fall or winter of 1864, but it is not certain whether he ever participated in any other battle. lle was never married.
lle was a young man of exemplary habits and his sad and untimely death, so soon after his brother's, on the field was deeply felt by his parents. Their strange and interest- ing experience about the death of Dan was related to the author many years after the war .*
DAN P. NELSON.
This brother of the last was born in Bristol, November 12. 1838, and killed while re- treating near the "Chancellor llouse," at the battle of Chancellorsville, Va. (see preceding sketch).
lle was still living when his brothers left him, as he begged them to do to avoid being taken prisoners, for they could do him no good and the enemy was close upon them. Thus he was left to die alone, although surrounded by the mad whirl of battle. lle was wounded through the back and bowels, the ball coming so nearly out in front that little more than the skin covered it. He, as believed, was in the battle of Fredericksburg.
MAJOR J. NELSON.
This younger brother of the two last was born in Bristol, March 14, 1841, and was married, July 19, 1867, to Susie M. Samler, of North Harrington, N. J., by whom he has one son, William S.
Ile was not discharged until the end of the war, and his record as a soldier and a citi- zen is understood to be a good one.
In Fredericksburg and in Chancellorsville, where he was slightly wounded. (See sketch of his brother, Albert D.) Nothing more can be written of his battle record for want of data, except that he served faithfully to the end of the war. participating, it is believed, in several other battles.
SERGT. LUTHIER 11. PARKER.
Of the one hundred and eighty names that make up the roll of honor for the regiment, few can be found more worthy the page of history than the one who heads this sketch.
lle was one of the seven children of Isaac T. and Mary M. (Fowler) Parker, and was born in Itill, July 24, 1840. lle labored, before enlisting, upon his father's farm, and none left the town of Hill. for the war, with a better personal record than he.
Ile was in Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and fell, wounded in the knee, at Gettys- burg, which resulted in his death about three weeks later (see roster).
Ile was never married, but from one to whom he intended to be, had not cruel fate prevented, was obtained the picture engraved for this sketch, and which was taken of him, of course, before enlistment. The reader now will look upon his pleasant, manly counte- nance with renewed interest.
One of his comrades says of him : " A splendid man ;" another says. " a good soldier, always cheerful and ready," to which a third adds, " sensible, modest, and level headed, qualified to act in any capacity required." Such were the noble lives that the slaveholders rebellion cost this nation.
* See page 350, et seq.
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New Hampshire Volunteers.
B. D. L. 5-43. DAN P. NELSON.
B. D. L. 5-63. MAJOR J. NELSON.
LB. BK. L. 5-93. SERGT. LUTHER H. PARKER.
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History of the Twelfth Regiment
CORP. ITIRAM C. PHILBRICK.
Here again is one of the old guard, who went, staid, and returned with his regiment. Born the son of Richard and Nancy (Pratt) Philbrick, in Plymouth, June 14, 1840. Aug- ust 16, 1862; the next day after enlisting, he married a Miss Harvey, of Plymouth. Their only children, Hiram C., Jr., and Edward H., both died while their father was absent from home in the west. The oldest, a graduate of New Hampton Academy, gave promise of much usefulness.
In all the battles and marches of the regiment, except Wapping Heights, and the march from Gettysburg to Warrington. Wounded several times, narrowly escaping death from shot and shells at Chancellorsville, where his knapsack and equipments were cut from him, and his gun stock broke upon his shoulder; at Gettysburg by explosion of shell and a minie ball, which he still carries in him ; and in front of Petersburg by being knocked senseless by a piece of log split off by the enemy's guns.
Of the courage and endurance of this soldier, posterity may something judge by his record, but they can never be fully understood or appreciated.
SAMUEL II. ROBERTS.
Ilere you can look upon the picture of a inere child as he looked with a soklier's over- coat and cap on, three days after his enlistment : the school boy's scarf across his shoulders, though contrasting strangely with his uniform, is in pleasing harmony with his child-like countenance.
He was born in Boston. Mass., Iune 28, 1819, being on the baby side of his teens, when the war commenced, and nearly a year (? ) younger than any other member of the regi- ment. No wonder that a rebel soldier whom he hailed when on picket, one day in front of Petersburg, answered back : " Go home, kid, and nurse your mother. "
Parents, John M. and Sarah C. (Stickney) Roberts. Brother, Thomas E. L., of the Twenty-sixth Maine, was killed in the service.
In all the engagements of the regiment, after joining it at Point Lookout; wounded at Cold Harbor ; and one of the foremost in the race for Richmond. Married, October 20, 1868, to Mary F. Griffin, of Charlestown, Mass. Children, John H., Mary, Thomas S., Emeline C., Sarah C., Samuel II., Jr., Gertrude, Thomas, and Elizabeth M. Inheriting the resolute will and restless spirit of his father, who long rode upon the billowy sea, he ran away from school to enlist among strangers in the rugged ranks of war, at an age when inost boys would have been timid, even of the sombre shades of night.
It should be added. that small and young as he was, he carried a musket, except for a short time he acted as " marker," not only to the close of the war, but until his final discharge in December following. That he was brave and daring the reader will not doubt, for such are not born to pale at the cannon's flash, or tremble at its roar. Where will you match him?
CORP. LOUIS ROWE.
This brave and faithful sollier died a few years ago of wounds in right shoulder and left hand from the same ball at the battle of Chancellorsville. Though he lived for many years after the war, he was always an invalid, the ball gradually working downward into his vitals, resulting as above.
lle was born in Gentilly, Canada East, in 1834. He was the son of Louis and Lucy Rowe, and was a wheelwright by occupation.
Besides Chancellorsville, he was in Fredericksburg and Drury's Bluff, and though un- able would have followed the flag through other battles had the doctor allowed him to do So.
Ile married Phoebe Sanborn for his first wife, and one child by her, Nellie E., died young. His second marriage to Sarah Merrill, of Bristol, occurred Angust 31, 1872. Their children were Ellie E., Louis E., Anna L. (deceased), and Charles D.
Ile acted as assistant quartermaster after being obliged to leave the ranks and con-
593
New Hampshire Volunteers.
B. B. D. 5-73. CORP. HIRAM C. PHILBRICK.
B. L. L. 5-3. SAMUEL H. ROBERTS.
DHI. DB. L. 5-7. CORP. LOUIS ROWE.
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History of the Twelfth Regiment
tinued as such, being useful and faithful in the service, until the end of the war. Any surviving veteran of Company D will always be glad to speak a word in praise of Louis Rowe, for they will remember him as one of the kindest and most conscientious of men and bravest of soldiers. Peace to his honored ashes.
BENJAMIN F. SANBORN.
Another of the brave youths may be seen here who laid down their lives for their country on the field of Chancellorsville.
Ile was the son of James G. and Abigail Sanborn, and was born September 16, 1812. Ilis father enlisted in the War of 1812.
lle was with the regiment at Fredericksburg and bravely faced the enemy's shells from St. Marye's Heights.
He told Charles Foss (see sketch) and others that he should be killed in the next battle. The fatal bullet struck him in the neck severing the jugular vein. IIe was learn- ing the blacksmith's trade when he enlisted and was known as an honest and industrious young man.
OSCAR P. SANBORN.
Son of John S. and Lavina Sanborn, and born in Sanboruton, November 24, 1843. llis father served in the Fifteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, and both his grandfathers, Abijah and Benjamin, who were brothers, were in War of 1812.
Hle was in Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and severely wounded in last named battle, laming him for life, by a stiff ankle "equivalent to the loss of a foot," as his pension certificate says.
Married first to Clara Ann Clisby ; second to Anna C., daughter of Smith Morrill, of Sanbornton. Chillren by second wife, Theodore M., Ernest C., Winfred P., Ramond V., and Maria C .; children by first wife, Sarah J. and Katy Il.
This soldier, though discharged, as he enlisted, a private, ranks high. Trustful where- ever placed, and brave to meet any danger, he can truthfully be called good among the best in the ranks of war, so far as fate permitted him to go, and his character and reputa- tion as a man and citizen are in unison with his record as a soldier.
SERGT. WILLIAM H. SANBORN.
Col. Daniel Sanborn, and Ilarriet Ladd, who became his wife, had nine children, and one of his two boys, William 11., was born October 4, 1838. lle spent his youthful years upon a farm and after enlisting served faithfully his country until the end of the war, fight- ing bravely on almost every battle-field of the regiment. But the hardships that he en- dured probably laid the foundation of the disease, consumption, of which he died many years ago.
Ile was married to Eliza Connor, of Laconia, and had by her one child, who died in infancy. A blacksmith before the war and after when able to work. lle was a good and brave soldier, never leaving the ranks, even for a furlough, until the end of the war.
CORP. GEORGE M. SARGENT.
The above named soldier was born in llill, March 6, 1845, and is the son of Joseph C. and Stative (Austin) Sargent, of Northfield. His father's family consisted of five boys and four girls ; George being the youngest son. Ezekiel Willey, his grandfather on his mother's side, is said to have been in the Revolutionary War.
Ile says he was in nearly all battles, except Chancellorsville, when he was sick with fever. Though he shows a sergeant's strips, the correct record of his promotion makes him rank as above.
Married October 18, 1868, to Adeline E. Putney, of Hebron, by whom he had two children, Lilla M. and Blanche E. A farmer and machinist.
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New Hampshire Volunteers.
B. B. L. 5-53. BENJAMIN F. SANBORN.
Bk. B. D. 5-10. OSCAR P. SANBORN.
B. B. L. 5-93 .
SERGT. WILLIAM H. SANBORN.
LB. B. L. 5-43. CORP. GEORGE M. SARGENT.
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History of the Twelfth Regiment
ANDREW J. SMALL.
This rugged and ready soldier, one of the most able and willing of his company, was born in Canterbury, June 24, 1830, and is the son of Jeremiah and Hannah Young Small, his mother being the daughter of Eld. Young, of Canterbury, and his grandfather, John Small, being on the roll of 1812. Married Calista W. Howe, of Henniker (deceased), Sep- tember 30, 1852; and Sarah E. Teaney, of Belmont, April 39, 1883. Children, by first wife, Eva G., Allie E., and Charles W.
In all the battles and skirmishes of the regiment, except Chancellorsville and Wap- ping Heights. Severely injured by concussion of shell at Gettysburg. the explosion of which stripped him of his equipments and part of his clothes, and leaving him for some time senseless on the field. A good soldier and generous hearted man.
CORP. CHARLES G. SMITII.
Born in Moultonborough in the year 1831, and was the son of Charles G. and Emma E .. Smith.
He was in the battle of Fredericksburg and mortally wounded at Chancellorsville, liv- ing about one month (see roster). He was probably struck by a solid shot or piece of shell as one of his knees was shattered in pieces. His brother, David R., who served in the same company, died some years ago. Much pains have been taken to find more of the family record of this soldier, especially as he was mortally wounded on the field of battle, and his name appears as it should on the roll of honor.
SERGT. SAMUEL B. SWAIN.
Born in Sanbornton, August 7, 1832, and is the son of Caleb and Sarah P. (Bryant) Swain. He was wounded in hip by piece of shell at Gettysburg. Both his grandfathers, Hezekiah Swain and Robert Bryant, were in the Revolution.
Married June 18, 1862, to Olive J. Gilman (no children ).
Ile was also in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chaneellorsville, and served until the end of the war. Much more to his credit might be said of him if all of his record was known.
WARREN TUCKER.
Posterity can here look upon the pictured face of an honest man and brave soldier as he looked thirty years ago when he wore the Union blue. He is the youngest of the six children of William and Sally ( Nutter) Tueker, and first saw the light in Alexandria, where he now resides, October 3, 1840. One of his four brothers, William, was killed on the picket line in front of Petersburg, while serving in the Seventh New Hampshire Vol- unteers, June 18, 1864, and his grandfather was a pensioner of 1812. When Gettysburg was fought, he was suffering from wound received at Chaneellorsville, but he was in all other battles of his regiment to Cold Harbor, where he was again so severely wounded that he was discharged a few months later. Bernice E. Pike, daughter of Jonathan K., of Hebron, became his wife, December 1, 1868, and is the mother of Everett W., their only eluld.
He is now as diligent at the plow as he was reliant with his musket when Putnam, like him, left the former to rust in the furrow, while he used the latter in defense of his country on fields furrowed by shot and shell.
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New Hampshire Volunteers.
II. Bk. D. 5-9. ANDREW J. SMALL.
B. DB. L. 5-83. CORP. CHARLES G. SMITII.
LB. B. L. 5-83. SERGT. SAMUEL B. SWAIN.
LB. R. L. 5-7- WARREN TUCKER.
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History of the Twelfth Regiment
GEORGE W. TWOMBLY.
Was born in Gilmanton, November 13, 1833, and is the son of John and Abigail (Clifford) Twombly who had nine children, five boys and four girls.
Married to Harriet Shaw, of Laconia, December, 1859, by whom he had seven chil- dren, Alice M., Ora E., John L., Herbert G., Valma R., Len C., and Florence R. Grand- father, Jeremiah Clifford, in War of 1812. He was in Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and wounded in last named battle by musket ball through the left wrist. Ilis record as a man and a soldier is good. A shoemaker before the war, a wheelwright since discharge.
JOHN C. TWOMBLY.
This soldier, father of the last, was born in Loudon, December 16, 18I8. Ile was the son of Paul and Sarah ( Weeks) Twombly, and his grandfather, Leonard Weeks, fought at the battle of Bunker Hill and was all through the Revolution, being wounded at the battle of Lexington.
The subject of this sketch was married to Abigail Clifford, in JJune, 1837, and was married the second time to Sarah E. Plummer, of Ipswich, Mass. He had two sons and three brothers in the late war. George W., as above, and Joseph C., in the Fourth New Hampshire. Two of his brothers, William and IFiram S., making five brothers and sons in the Twelfth Regiment, and Samuel K., in the cavalry.
ASA WITHAM.
Parents, Asa and Avis (Brown) Witham, who had fourteen children and all of their sons were in the army as follows : John B. Witham, fifer in the Eighth New Hampshire (who had three sons in the service) ; Asa ; Jacob, Seventh New Hampshire ; Joseph, Fifth New Hampshire; Peletiah, First Massachusetts Cavalry; Leonard O., Maine regiment ; James II., Thirteenth New Hampshire ; and Bradbury B., Ninth New Hampshire. Their grandfather, Peletiah, served in the Revolution; and their father was a soldier of 1812; making four generations and thirteen in number, that have been in their country's service.
Married, April 4, 1849, to Mary D. Fox, of Hardwick, Vt. ; two daughters, Sarah E. and Laura A. In Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, where he fought unflinchingly, until ramming down his last cartridge and fixing bayonet, he turned ready to meet the enemy, already in his rear, had they attempted to take him prisoner.
For many years he has been a soldier of the Cross, and in many times and places de- fending the Christian faith, as a licensed Free Will Baptist preacher. Ile is believed to be still living, and is as ready to fight for the cause of his master in the pulpit, as he was to fight for his country on the battle-field.
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New Hampshire Volunteers.
B. DB. D. 5-52 . GEORGE W. TWOMBLY.
B. Bk. D. 5-74. JOIIN C. TWOMBLY.
B. G. L. 5-10. ASA WITHAM.
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History of the Twelfth Regiment
COMPANY E.
This company was raised almost entirely in the county of Grafton, the town of Holderness furnishing more than twice as many as any other town, or about forty men, and New Hampton nearly twenty. Rumney, Bridgewater. Ellsworth, and Plymouth, contributed about ten each, and ten other men came from about as many other towns. Orlando W. Keyes, afterward commissioned first lieutenant, enlisted most of the men from Holderness, and a few others.
William H. Russell, of Plymouth, at a public meeting holden at that place, August 11, 1862, offered twenty-five dollars for the first four men that would enlist from that town under the call of the President, July, 1862, and Hiram C. Philbrick, Henry R. Harvey, Cephas R. Crawford, and one other enlisted on that day and were the first to enlist in this com- pany. Several men enlisted by Henry W. Blair, afterward lieutenant- colonel of the Fifteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, were intending to go in Company E of this regiment, but soon after went in the Fifteenth as nine months' men.
At a later meeting held at Holderness. now Ashland Village, the com- pany was organized and the following men elected as commissioned and non-commissioned officers : Captain, Nathaniel Shackford; first lieu- tenant, Orlando W. Keyes : second lieutenant, Andrew J. Huntoon. The subordinate officers were Jeremiah S. Dinsmore, Hiram S. Wood- man, Albert C. Emerson, William J. Howe, and James M. Meade, as sergeants : Samuel T. Cheney. Cephas R. Crawford, James H. Baker, Olof L. Jewett, Hezekiah M. Swain, George D. Cross, George K. Hughes, and Edward L. Shepard, as corporals. James S. Baker and Harrison M. Busiel were selected as musicians.
After being organized as above, the company rendezvoused, like the others. at Camp Belknap, Concord, and on the fifth day of September, 1862. was mustered as a company into the United States service.
A few of the original enlisting papers of this company were lost from the adjutant-general's office way back at the time of the war, and there- fore they, as well as a few in Company H, will not be given by letters under the pictures, except as they are remembered by those living.
601
New Hampshire Volunteers.
CALVIN M. ANDREWS.
This soldier, a brother of George W., of Company G, was the son of Ensley G. and Nancy (Allard) Andrews, and boru in Centre Harbor, May 10, 1838. He was married to Annette 11. Dunn. of Plymouth. February 11, 1858. Chihlren by whom are Inez A. (died in infancy), Cora V .. George A .. and Fanny R.
lle was taken sick and left regiment at Warrington, Va., on the march to Falmouth. Recovering his health, he enlisted again in New Hampshire Heavy Artillery and served in same till the close of the war. (See roster.)
Farmer before enlistment and leather finisher since discharge from the service. Ilis comrades and neighbors speak of him as a good soldier and worthy citizen.
GEORGE M. ANNABLE.
Little is known of the birth and pareutage of this higher type of manhood and true Christian, except he was born in Canada East, in 1835, his father and family moving into the states some time after. At the age of seven, then weighing only forty pounds, he went to live with Capt. Parker Howe. of Holderness, where he remained most of the time until his enlistment, and is remembered by the family as a " good boy and a good Christian." Ile was in the battle of Fredericksburg. although taken prisoner before on the march to Falmouth. but soon exchanged.
He died from the effects of measles, closing his own eyes, and lay dead on his cot with his fingers on his eye lids, and a beautiful smile on his countenance ; a complete victory of the Christian soldier over a worse than rebel foe.
LIEUT. ALBERT W. BACHELER.
This officer, son of Rev. Otis K. and Catherine E. (Palner) Bacheler, first saw the light in the city of Balasore. India ; his father being then and for a long time a missionary there, where, with the able assistance of his wife. he has done a great work in the field of Chris- tian civilization. Born of parents thus devoted to the good of mankind, it is not strange that the son. as soon as old enough, should shut his eyes to the bright prospect before him and, looking within, see it his duty to offer his services, and life, if need be, in the cause of his country and humanity. This he did by enlisting as private in Company E, while pre- paring for college at New Hampton. He was promoted to corporal, sergeant, and first lieutenant ; and was actually present and took part with gun and sword, in every battle and skirmish that the regiment was engaged in. except the charge at Cold ITarbor, where he was on detail in the provost guard. but exposed to the enemy's fire. He was wounded slightly at Chancellorsville, and also at Gettysburg, where, on the retreat, he stopped under a heavy fire and took from the death grasp of Sergeant Howe a piece of the state colors, which he now has in his possession .* lle was captured on the picket line November 17, 1864, but escaped from Libby prison in company with a comrade, and after a thrilling ex- perience of several days, succeeded in reaching our lines in about three weeks from the time he left them.t With the exception of this, and a few days detail, above referred to, he was never absent from the regiment during its whole service.
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