History of the city of Nashua, N.H., Part 53

Author: Parker, Edward Everett, 1842- ed; Reinheimer, H., & Co
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Nashua, N.H., Telegraph Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 652

USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Nashua > History of the city of Nashua, N.H. > Part 53

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Mr. Woods was united in marriage Nov. 17, 1865, with Jennie F. McIntire, daughter of Jonathan and Louisa (Marshall) McIntire of Lyndeboro, N. H. Mrs. Woods died at Houston, Tex., while on her way to California in search of health, Dec. 26, 1894. Two sons were born of this marriage: Ernest Stanley, born April 9, 1871 ; Arthur Roy, born April 9, 1881.

CHARLES W. STEVENS.

Gen. Charles W. Stevens was born at Cavendish, Vt., Nov. 18, 1844. He is a son of John L. and Sarah M. (Emerson) Stevens. His childhood was spent in his na- tive place and at Francestown. He came to Nashua with his parents in 1850, where he has since resided.

General Stevens was educated in the public schools of Nashua, at the academy at Francestown and at Bryant & Stratton's business college in Boston, graduating at the

latter place. His occupation is that of a stonemason and contractor; he controls quarries in Nashua and Milford, having formed the Stevens Granite company at the latter place and holds the position of president and general manager. Many prominent public and private buildings in the state, together with bridges and monuments attest his skill and practical knowledge in his chosen line of work. He is a director in the Nashua Building and Loan association, the Nashua Boot and Shoe Manufacturing company and the board of trade.

He served his country a year during the Civil War as quartermaster sergeant of company H, First New Hamp- shire cavalry, and since then has given two years as a non-commissioned officer on the staff of the Second regi- ment, New Hampshire national guard, and two years on Gov. Hiram A. Tuttle's staff as quartermaster-general. General Stevens has represented his ward in the common council and in the legislature, 1885, and was five years a member of the board of education. In 1888 he was chair- man of the Republican city committee and he has been several times urged to stand as a candidate for mayor. Gov. David H. Goodell appointed him on the board of managers of the Soldiers' Home at Tilton in 1889, and upon the expiration of his term he was reappointed by Governor Tuttle. In 1894 hê was elected state senator from the twentieth district for 1895 and 1896 and served his constituents with fidelity and credit to himself. He attends the Pilgrim Congregational church, and is a director in the society ; is a member of Rising Sun lodge, A. F. and A. M., Granite lodge, I. O. O. F., Nashua lodge, K. of P., City Guards club and New Hampshire club. He is also a member of John G. Foster post, G. A. R., which he served as commander and on several public occasions as chief marshal.

General Stevens was united in marriage June 29, 1868, with Lizzie Butterfield, daughter of David C. and Mary F. (Heimmingway) Butterfield of Nashua. Three sons have been born of their marriage: Charles B., born Dec. 6,

CHARLES W. STEVENS.

1869, died as the result of an accident, July 1, 1882 ; Fred L., born July 9, 1872, died Aug. 3, 1873; Everett M., born Aug. 9, 1878.

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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.

DAVID WADSWORTH.

Capt. David Wadsworth, son of David and Caroline E. (Metcalf) Wadsworth, was born in Worcester, Mass., Feb. 4, 1838. At an early age his parents removed to Vermont. He was educated in the common schools of Cambridgeboro' and Richford, in that state, and at Crosby's Literary institution in Nashua, and during his early manhood was employed as a lockmaker. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted as a private in Company F., Third regi- ment, New Hamp- shire volunteers, and shortly after- wards was pro- moted to sergeant. His prompt and efficient perform- ance of his duties soon attracted the attention of his superior officer and won for him, Nov. 16, 1862, a commission as sec- ond lieutenant. In the engage- ments that fol- lowed he was con- spicuous as a brave officer, and, May 16, 1863, was ad- vanced to first lieutenant. April 16, 1864, in recog- nition of merito- rious service in the line of duty he was promoted to a cap- taincy. Captain Wadsworth was honorably dis- charged Sept. 28, 1864. He partici- pated with his regiment - which has a record for gallantry among the first in the state -in the bat- tles of Elba island, Port Royal, Bluff- ton, Jehasse, James Island, Secession- ville, Pocotalige, Stone inlet, Morris island, Fort Wagner, Drury's Bluff, where he was slightly wounded, Wier Bottom, Petersburg, Hatchor's and Deep Bottom. Re- turning to the avocations of peace he worked at his trade as a locksmith with the Nashua Lock company. Captain Wadsworth represented Ward Seven in the legislature in 1875 and 1876 and was chairman of the committee on accounts. In 1877 he was appointed deputy sheriff and superintendent of the Hillsborough county jail at Man- chester, which position he continues to hold with credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of the people. The

DAVID WADSWORTH.

same promptness, care and conscientious performancee of duties which he exhibited in his career as a soldier in the War of the Rebellion have characterized his record in civil life since the war. As superintendent of the county jail he has shown in a marked degree, those qualities of mind, which are everywhere acknowledged as necessary adjuncts to success in any and all undertakings in life, whether the results involved are of little or great conse- quence, and which are especially desirable and requisite in such a position as this. By good judgment, a thor- ough knowledge of human nature, and a careful con- sideration of the equities of all af- fairs coming under his supervision and management, he has succeeded in obtaining the reputation of be- ing one of the most successful managers ever in charge of the in- stitution.

As a citizen of Nashua, Captain Wadsworth was known as a genial companionable gentleman, who was ever ready to assist a friend, and to respond to the calls of charity, whether public or private, and al- ways willing to do whatever lay in his power to ad- vance the city's in- terests; and since removing to Man- chester he has abundantly sus- tained this repu- tation. During his residence in Man-

chester he has rep- resented Ward Six of that city, 1893 and 1894, in the legislature, being chairman of the committee on county affairs, and has been active in many things that pertain to good citizenship. He is a member of John G. Foster post, G. A. R. of this city, and attends the Baptist church.

Captain Wadsworth was united in marriage Jan. 5, 1860, with Sarah A. Moore, daughter of Laban Moore of Nashua, who died June 10, 1866, His second marriage, January, 1875, was with Mrs. Mary E. Buel, daughter of Benjamin and Elvira (Duntley) Lund of Milford. One child, the wife of Carl W. Anderson of Manchester, was born of their marriage.

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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.

ELBERT WHEELER.

Gen. Elbert Wheeler was born at Concord, Mass., Sept. 18, 1849. Hle is a son of Edwin and Mary ( Rice ) Wheeler and a descendant on the paternal side of George Wheeler, who came to this country early in the seventeenth cen- tury and settled at Concord, Mass., where he died in 1687. The descent is William, born in England; William, 1665 ; Francis, 1698; Noah, 1750; Cyrus, 1786; Edwin, 1817; Elbert, 1849. His great-great-grandfather on the maternal side, Joseph Smith, who died in 1803, was a cap- tain in the militia, or minute men, and participated in the engagement at Concord, April 19, 1775.

General Wheel- er was educated in the public schools of his native place and at the United States military academy at West Point, where he was graduated in the class of 1875. His assignment in the regular army, a lieutenancy, was to the First United States artillery. He was stationed first at West Point, then at Fort Adams, R. I., Fort Sill, I. T., and later at Washing- ton. Resigning from the army in 1877, he went into business at Laco- nia, and during his residence there organized a mili- tary company, the Belknaprifles, and was commissioned as its captain. This was when the New Hampshire national guard was in an embryo condition, and the initiative work that he performed in drilling and disciplining his_command- between which and the Nashua City guards, commanded by Capt. E. J. Copp, afterwards promoted to colonel, there was a spirit of generous rivalry-till it had a wide reputation for efficiency, and, with the Nashua company, created enthusiasm throughout the state and made possi- ble our present efficient brigade. General Wheeler re- moved from Laconia to Nashua in 1881, just previous to which time the service he had rendered was recognized

ELBERT WHEELER.

by the state authorities, by an appointment and commis- sion as inspector-general, with the rank of brigadier-gen- eral, which commission he resigned in 1891, greatly to the regret of those with whom he had been associated in the line of duty, and all who believe in maintaining a creditable military organization. No one man who has been in the service of the state since the Civil War has done more or better service in encouraging and maintaining a military spirit in young men and making the New Hampshire na- tional guard first among the similar bodies of the country. He is treasurer of several water sup- ply companies and the Wheeler Re- flector company, with office in Bos- ton and residence in Nashua. He is a member of the First Congrega- tional church and treasurer of the New Hampshire club. General Wheeler is the owner of a beauti- ful summer resi- dence at Nane- pashemet, Mass., where he passes the summer months. He is a member of the Eastern Yacht club. At home, in Nashua, he is an active and inter- ested participator in society affairs. He is a member of the Fortnightly Club, a frequent and valued con- tributor to its pro- grammes. He was a member of the board of education from 1885 to 1887. As a citizen, Gen- eral Wheeler en- joys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens, by whom he is recog. nized as an honorable and upright man whose word is as good as his bond. He belongs to the Young Men's Chris- tian association, in which he takes a deep interest, having expended freely of his time, money and talents in assist- ing it in its philanthropic work. He is also recognized as an interesting and capable public speaker.

General Wheeler was united in marriage June 22, 1875, with Clara M. Roby, daughter of Luther A. and Eliza (Campbell) Roby of Nashua. (For ancestors see sketch of her father.) No children.

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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.

NASHUA IN THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-65.

BY ELBERT WHEELER.

T HE OBJECT in view in the few pages allotted to this subject, is not to set forth a detailed account of the four years' struggle, its causes, campaigns or battles, or even to present a connected historical statement of the corps, brigades or regiments in which Nashua organi- zations or men served. These are at our command in regimental histories and other publications. Even if the space were available, the time within which it is urged the work must be completed, prevents more than a very imperfect outline of the record that should be made. History requires extensive research. It cannot be hurriedly written and accomplish even approximate justice towards the great majority of participants.

On the fifteenth day of October, 1889, the city of Nashua dedicated with impressive ceremony a monument bearing this inscription :-

A tribute to the men of Nashua, who served their country on land or sea during the War of the Rebellion, and aided in preserving the integrity of the Federal Union, A. D. 1861-1865. Erected by the City of Nashua, A. D. 1889.

Thus briefly shall generations to come be reminded of the patriotic service which Nashua's sons rendered their country in her hour of supremest need.

We can inscribe but few of the many deeds equally deserv- ing of record, and our chief regret shall be that the limitations imposed upon us operate so largely to prevent that honorable mention which is as justly due to "the man behind the gun," "the unsung hero of the war," as to his more distinguished com- mander. Each participant would command our honor, if history, as he personally saw it, were set before us. Who that reads can appreciate, even faintly, what army service really meant, with its first decision to sever the delicate home ties and enlist, followed by the unromantic and tedious round of drill, weary march in mud SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. or dust, guard and picket duty in cold or rain, loss of sleep, home anxieties, skirmish and battle, to say nothing of sickness, prison, wounds or death? Men have ever tried to preserve in history a picture which shall make clear the doings of their time, but only the original actors who really lived then, have understood the deeds recorded. The full story must remain forever untold until omniscience reveals it.

Immediately following the attack upon Fort Sumter, President Lincoln issued his call April 15. 1861, for 75,000 men for three months, to suppress the Rebellion. Quick response was made throughout the North. New Hampshire's quota was one regiment. Nashua's citizens, regardless

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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.

of party, rallied at a most enthusiastic meeting, over which the mayor, Col. George Bowers, presided. Patriotic addresses were made, and resolutions adopted urging the state to immediately place all its militia upon a service basis, and pledging the support of the city in aid of the families of men who would enlist. Entire unanimity was manifested in favor of maintaining the integrity of the Union. Enlistments were called for. Patriotic citizens rapidly responded, volunteering for military service as a public duty. Nashua's quota was soon filled, and assigned to the First regiment, Col. Mason W. Tappan. Aaron F. Stevens, then lieutenant-colonel of the First regiment, N. H. volunteer militia, having tendered his services to Governor Goodwin in any capacity in which he might be required, was commissioned major. George Y. Sawyer was made sergeant-major, and Albert Lull, quartermaster-sergeant. Company E, composed almost entirely of Nashua men, was mustered in May 2, organized as follows: Captain, Richard O. Greenleaf; first lieutenant, William F. Greeley ; second lieutenant, John W. Thompson; first sergeant, Major A. Shaw; sergeants, David P. Ricker, Oliver M. Sawyer and Franklin L. Woods; corporals, William H. Barnes, James McManus, Matthew Sullivan and Irving G. Wilkins.

The company was sworn in, in a body, at City Hall, the oath of allegiance being administered by Aaron W. Sawyer.

Niagara Fire Engine company, No. 5, Capt. Augustus S. Edgerly, voted unanimously to enlist, and was organized as company F, as follows: Captain, Augustus S. Edgerly; first lieutenant, George W. Handley; second lieutenant, George W. Whipple; first sergeant, Orlando Lawrence; sergeants, Daniel B. Newhall, Henry Blodgett and Henry C. Williams; corporals, Dana W. King, Henry M. Mills, George W. Thompson, second, and Francis Morse.

This company was mustered in May 3. Each aggregated eighty-two officers and men. Their uniforms were gray, coats of the claw-hammer style, their muskets the old percussion smooth-bores.

It is proper here to remark that at the end of this chapter is given the individual record of all men credited to Nashua, either by birth, residence (then and now) or otherwise, as far as has been ascertained, who served during the Rebellion. It has been deemed just to omit those who were credited to Nashua only as "substitutes," and who shortly afterwards deserted; also those who were neither born in or residents of Nashua, and who deserted before reaching the seat of war. These men were generally "bounty-jumpers," and our city should not be credited, or rather discredited by them. Perhaps some other names might properly be stricken out, but with this explanation only the two classes named are thus omitted.

This record is compiled mainly from the "Register of Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire," so carefully prepared by Maj .- Gen. Augustus D. Ayling, adjutant-general, and published in 1895. It does not claim to be absolutely complete, especially as to natives or residents of the state serving in other than organizations from New Hampshire, neither can it be supposed to bear full record of veterans from other states, who have since become residents of our state and city. It is, however, the most complete and accurate publication of this character yet issued by any state, and reflects exceeding great credit upon him, who, previous to his appointment as adjutant-general in 1879, was for many years a resident of our city.

Public interest in war measures during these latter days of April, 1861, manifested itself in many ways. The Pennichuck bank offered and loaned the state $20,000 for carrying on the war. The ladies of Nashua gave a levee in City Hall April 25 for the benefit of the soldiers. Company E attended, marching into the hall amid great enthusiasm, escorted by thirty-four young ladies wearing scarfs of the stars and stripes. Alvin Beard, editor of The Telegraph, presided. Patriotic songs were sung, and speeches were made by C. R. Morrison, Rev. M. W. Willis, Dr. Edward Spalding, Maj. A. H. Dunlap, Rev. J. O. Skinner, Dr. F. B. Ayer and Fred Coggin. "Pounce," the faithful dog who was with his master, Capt. John G. Foster, U. S. A., throughout the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and bore honorable scars there received, was presented, with cheers for his gallant. owner. Col. Joseph Greeley, A. P. Hughes, and Dr. Edward Spalding were appointed a committee to raise funds for buying revolvers and other supplies for the volunteers.

The Granite State cadets voted to tender their services to the governor, and active measures were set on foot to organize another rifle company in the city.

Gen. George Stark, commanding the Third brigade, Second division, N. H. volunteer militia, was, May 2, assigned to the command of the troops at Fort Constitution, Portsmouth.

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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.

Col. John H. Gage was assigned to command of Camp Union at Concord, where the First regiment was being organized.

Gen. Israel Hunt organized a company of men forty-five years of age and upward, called the Home Guard, for such service as should be required of them.

To return to companies E and F, they joined their regiment at Camp Union, where organization was speedily effected. May 25 they left Concord with the benediction of mingled encouragements, prayers and tears of multitudes of friends, who could but be moved by the departure of those deemed their best and bravest. These were repeated at Manchester and Nashua. Ovations, too, were accorded them at Worcester, and in New York (where the Sons of New Hampshire presented them a stand of colors), also in Philadelphia, where the Soldiers' Aid society gave the regiment a collation. They arrived in Washington May 28, were reviewed by President Lincoln and General Scott, and complimented upon their superior equipment.

It is recorded that the first uniformed New Hampshire soldier to reach Washington, was Private W. H. D. Cochrane of company H, who was sent by Colonel Tappan in advance of the regiment to arrange with the N. H. Congressional delegation for its reception and entertainment.

It went into Camp Cameron at "Kalorama," and took up the necessary round of drill and camp duty. Two weeks later it was assigned to a brigade under Col. Charles P. Stone, and marched to Rockville, Md., where Camp Lincoln was formed. Evidence was here given of the thoughtful care of the lady friends at home, who sent havelocks and other articles of comfort, which were gratefully acknowledged.

Illustrating the intense interest felt in every event incidental to the first days of the war, the daily papers of June 8 mention seeing a piece of the rebel flag pulled down by the lamented Colonel Ellsworth at Alexandria, just before he was shot, sent home by Corp. Henry M. Johnson of company E.

June 15 Major Stevens with five companions, including company E, Captain Greenleaf, was sent to Conrad's Ferry for picket duty, and here first received the enemy's fire, but without loss. At Point of Rocks, Md., July 21, five men of company E (while off duty) were captured by the enemy, and remained prisoners nearly a year before being released. The regiment performed guard and other duty at various points upon the upper Potomac, until its three months' term of enlistment expired, when it returned, reaching Concord Aug. 5, where it was mustered out Aug. 9.

The next day the Nashua companies returned home, and were given a public reception under the auspices of the city government and fire department, in which the citizens generally joined. Col. Thomas G. Banks was chief marshal, followed by the Brookline band, Granite State cadets under Captain Bowers, fire department under Isaac Eaton, chief engineer, and Governor's Horse guards, company B, Capt. J. H. Gage, with the ex-mayors, clergy and city government, all escorting the returned soldiers. Amid the ringing of bells and firing of salutes, the procession marched up Pearl to Main street, thence to the grove of Zebediah Shattuck, at the end of North Elm street, where a collation was served, and where appropriate addresses were made, after which return was made to City Hall, where all were dismissed. Captain Edgerly was presented a sword by his company, and in parting with them gave each man his thanks and a farewell grasp of the hand.

The record of the regiment is brief. It did no fighting, but faithfully served wherever placed, and furnished an invaluable training and discipline to its members, which was afterwards made useful. Nashua men numbered one hundred and thirty-seven out of the eight hundred and sixteen in the regiment, and ninety-four of them, or sixty-nine per cent., re-enlisted in other organizations. Their names appear in nearly every other New Hampshire regiment, and many of them gained enviable record. No less than twenty-seven of these were given commissions. Further illustrating the patriotic spirit actuating these first volunteers, is noted the fact that but one Nashua soldier in this regiment is recorded as a deserter, and he shortly after re-enlisted and served throughout the war.

SECOND REGIMENT.

The enlistments at President Lincoln's call for three months' men were largely in excess of the number required for the First regiment, and were being assigned to the Second regiment, under

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HISTORY OF NASHUA, N. H.

command of Col. Thomas P. Pierce, later a resident of Nashua, when orders were received from the War department to send no more troops except upon enlistment for three years. Nearly all the men then enlisted for three years, and the regiment was soon filled. Colonel Pierce resigned, and Col. Gilman Marston of Exeter succeeded to its command. It left camp at Portsmouth, June 21, receiving great ovations at Boston and New York, and arriving in Washington, June 23, where it was assigned to a brigade commanded by Col. A. E. Burnside, of the Second Rhode Island. Nashua had no distinctive company in the regiment, but was represented during the war by about sixty men in the various companies.

We can but briefly review their service. Continued drill and rigid discipline was their portion, when not actively campaigning. Their brigade opened the fight at the first battle of Bull Run, July 21, so disastrous to the union forces. They shared in more than a score of hard-fought engagements, including the second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862, where ten out of twenty-one officers of the regiment were either killed or wounded, including two from Nashua, Lieut. Sylvester Rogers, killed, and Lieut. Andrew G. Bracy, wounded. Feb. 26, 1863, the regiment was practically furloughed for three months, being ordered to Concord, N. H., during which it was handsomely entertained, and men were allowed to spend much time at their homes. It returned in time to well perform its part at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, where it sustained a loss in killed, wounded and missing, of more than three-fifths of those engaged. July 26 it was brigaded with the Fifth and Twelfth New Hampshire, under command of Gen. Gilman Marston, and established the great prison camp at Point Lookout, Md., where it remained until Apr. 8, 1864. It completed its original three years' service with the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1-8. On the ninth the men who had not re-enlisted set out for Concord, N. H., where they arrived on the seventeenth, and were discharged on the twenty-first. The regimental organization was continued, with accessions made to the men who re-enlisted, and the regiment continued to do most excellent service on the lower Potomac and James until the end of the war, and was mustered out of the United States service, Dec. 19, 1865. Dec. 25 it was given a reception in Concord, and on the following day the regiment was paid off and discharged.

THIRD REGIMENT.

In August, 1861, New Hampshire raised its second regiment of three years men, and organized the Third infantry, commanded by Col. Enoch Q. Fellows of Sandwich, who had been for a time a cadet at West Point, but was not a graduate. Company F was composed almost entirely of Nashua men under Capt. James F. Randlett, with Charles S. Burnham, first lieutenant, and Henry A. Marsh, second lieutenant. Its non-commissioned officers were: First sergeant, George Stearns; sergeants, Horatio T. Moore, Thomas Nottage, Jr., King H. Flanders and David Wadsworth, Jr .; corporals, Zeri S. Sager, Eugene J. Button, Joseph E. Farmer, Joseph Ackerman, James E. McCoy, George H. Gay, Wesley T. Harris and Ross C. Duffy. The uniforms were of regulation cut, but gray cloth ; the arms the Enfield rifle. Their organization and drills previous to joining the regiment, were in the armory in the upper story of the City Hall.

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History of the city of Nashua, N.H., Part 53

Author: Parker, Edward Everett, 1842- ed; Reinheimer, H., & Co Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Nashua, N.H., Telegraph Publishing Company Number of Pages: 652

Author: Parker, Edward Everett, 1842- ed; Reinheimer, H., & Co
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Nashua, N.H., Telegraph Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 652