USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Historic days in Cumberland County, New Jersey, 1855-1865 : political and war time reminiscences > Part 11
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
IHISTORIC DAYS
course, prevented the New Jersey soldiers from voting in the field, as it was impossible for them to be furloughed as a body to go to their respective voting precincts at home. To save themselves from too much criticism of their dis- graceful action in the passage of these resolutions, they pre- fixed them with a preamble declaring it to be unconstitu- tional to allow an absent elector to cast his vote. And thus it came to pass that while the soldiers of other States were casting their ballots in the field at the Presidential election, the 50.000 sons of New Jersey who were baring their breasts to the shot and sliell of the Confederates were denied the privilege of a choice as to who should govern the land for which they were offering their blood and their lives.
An illustration of the notorious character of the Legis- lature of 1864 was given the very day of its organization when William Kelley, of Essex County, a pot-house Demo- cratic politician, was chosen doorkeeper of the Ladies' Gal- lery of the House of Assembly over John Lawrence, of Gloucester County, by a strict party vote of 39 to 20. Law- rence was a brave New Jersey soldier who had lost both legs at the battle of Roanoke Island. North Carolina, in 1862, while a private in Company B. Ninth New Jersey. He had borne his sufferings heroically, this good Union soldier and Jersey Blue, but the Democrats had no use for him. So on his two artificial limbs he hobbled back to his home in Gloucester County, to tell the story of the unpatriotic conduct of the partisans at Trenton. who, out of love for the spoils of office, refused the paltry place of doorkeeper to a man who had periled life and limbs in order that they might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
The first number of a straight-out Republican news- paper in the town of Millville was issued January 9, 1864. In speaking of the new journal the Bridgeton Chronicle said: "We have received the first number of the Millville Republican, published at Millville by John W. Newlin & Co. It is a very neat paper, especially devoted to the advo-
PROMINENT CITIZENS-1-1-1-65
Percival Nichols Charles R. Elmer Dr. Robert W. Elmer Henry B. Lupton
Hon. Edward Maylin Hon. Ebenezer Hall
Adrian Bateman Robert DuBois David McBride James B. Ferguson
159
HISTORIC DAYS
cacy of the Union cause. We wish it abundant success and welcome its editors into the fraternity."
Mr. Newlin had come to Cumberland County from West Chester, Pennsylvania, to edit the new paper, which was to thereafter strike sturdy blows for the Union cause, and the Republican party. In the vigor of early manhood. with fine personal appearance, and unusual talent as a writer and public speaker, Mr. Newlin at once took a leading part in the political movements of the Republicans of Cumberland County. His editorials were crisp; his speeches went to the core of the opposition. so much so that his services on the stump were in demand at each recurring election for many years.
About the middle of June a letter was received in Bridgeton from the pen of Lieutenant Edward M. DuBois, with particulars of the death of M. Bloomfield Holmes, be- loved son of Alfred Holmes, of Hopewell Township. The letter said: "He was gallantly leading his company (K, Twelfth New Jersey), in the crossing of the Chickahominy at Mechanicsville by our army on the third day of June, when he was struck on the leg by a shell. Upon consulta- tion by the surgeons amputation was pronounced impracti- cable. He lingered until next day, being able in an interval of consciousness to give direction as to his effects, and send messages of love to his family. The boys of the company buried him with more care than any colonel has received who has died here. Sergeant Holmes commanded Company K since the 6th of May and led it into all the fights with the greatest coolness and bravery. In one thing he was con- spicuous, that amid all the temptations of camp life he never swerved from the strict path of a consistent Christianity."
The crowning glory of the soldier's life was told in the last sentence of the letter. and it is to this day a precious legacy to the relatives and friends who remember the splen- did Christian soldier. the young, manly, brave officer, Bloon1- field Holmes, whose early death brought sorrow and tears
(160)
PROMINENT CITIZENS-1861-1865
George F. Nixon
Hon. James H. Nixon
John W. Newlin John S. Mitchell
Franklin F. Westcott
(161)
162
HISTORIC DAYS
to the country folk of his boyhood home, in the loyal town - ship of Hopewell.
The body of David Yearicks, Corporal Company F. Third New Jersey ( Cumberland Greys). was brought to Bridgeton, June 13, and buried the next day. Corporal Yearicks was wounded on the 8th day of May in action near Spottsylvania. His arm was amputated. but he died a few days later, only a brief season previous to the ex- piration of his term of enlistment. Mr. Yearicks was a young man highly esteemed, with a large circle of friends. He was a good soldier. His death brought great grief to a devoted wife. Mrs. Kate Yearicks, and many relatives and friends.
Great preparations were on foot in Bridgeton early in May with a view of furnishing articles and supplies for a fair to be held in Philadelphia in June, the proceeds of which were for the aid of the soldiers and sailors, the wounded and suffering of the army and navy. Governor Parker appointed the following as a committee to look after the representation of Cumberland County at the fair: Dr. William S. Bowen, Robert C. Nichols, Miss Harriet F. Stratton and Miss Anna Brewster.
The committee met and selected the following as aids : Dr. Joseph C. Kirby, Captain James R. Hoagland, Lieuten- ant James J. Reeves, Miss Hannah S. Elmer, Miss Belle Howey, Miss Carrie Buck, Miss Sallie H. Buck.
Later the homes of the ladies wliose names are attached were selected as depositories for articles to be sent to the fair from Bridgeton and other towns of the county: Miss Harriet F. Stratton. Commerce and Atlantic streets; Miss Anna Brewster, West Commerce street : Miss Carrie Buck, foot Laurel street: Miss Sallie H. Buck, West Commerce street ; Miss Belle Howey, Commerce and Atlantic streets.
Aids to these committees were appointed in Millville and the townships, and when May 25th had arrived, the date
163
IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
when contributions should be all in, Cumberland County had made a great record for patriotism, which the United States Sanitary Commission in Philadelphia acknowledged with thanks.
Fair hands indeed were those which gathered Cum- berland's offerings for the relief of the heroic soldiery at the front. Notable in this good work with her patriotic sisters was Miss Belle Howey, stately, beautiful, with a soul replete with tenderness for the work to which she gave a willing heart and hand. Miss Howey came of one of the best New Jersey families. Captain Frank Howey, a brother, served in the war for the Union, and was after- ward elected to Congress.
During the year '64 two drafts for soldiers were made to fill the county's quota under the President's last call of 500.000 men to close the gaps in the depleted columns of the Army of the Potomac and the other national armies because of the death, wounds, disability and termination of enlistments of many three-year regiments. The men who were drafted, as a rule, either went themselves or promptly furnishd substitutes. Persons who desired to escape army service all at once became decrepit and unfit, putting up all sorts of physical ailments for exemptions. Among the drafted men were several persons of prominence in the community, notably Hon. John T. Nixon, Charles C. Gross- cup, of Grosseup llall fame; Dr. Oliver S. Belden and others.
Previous to the adjournment of the Legislature in the spring of 1864 an act for the incorporation of the townships of Bridgeton and Cohansey into a municipality to be known as the city of Bridgeton, passed both Houses of the Legis- lature, was signed by Governor Parker and became a law. The enacting clause of the bill declared that it should take effect the following year. March 1. 1865. This was a great forward movement for the people of the town of Bridgeton.
164
HISTORIC DAYS
but it was accomplished in the face of much prejudice. even so good a citizen as Judge Elmer deeming it unnecessary and unwise. The Judge's opinion was that it would be bet- ter to keep the town in borough form rather than take a step which in the end meant increased expenditures and increased taxes. Publie sentiment, however, was favorable to the act of incorporation on the ground that the separate township government on the two banks of the Cohansey was not up to the spirit of the times, and that consolidation and a greater Bridgeton was needed.
June 7. 1864. at Baltimore. Abraham Lincoln, of Illi- nois, was renominated for President of the United States, with Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, as Vice-President. The National Republican Convention did wisely in again selecting Mr. Lincoln as its Presidential candidate, but the nomination of Andrew Johnson for the Vice-Presidency was a political error which the lamented death of the President brought prominently to view. Johnson retarded the work of reconstruction and was a failure at a critical period of the nation's history.
The Democratic National Convention met in Chicago. and nominated General George B. MeClellan. of New York. for President, with George H. Pendleton, of Ohio, for Vice- President.
With the making of the nominations the great Presi- dential campaign of 1864. the most exciting. momentous and decisive political campaign in American history, opened -a canvass of bitterness unparalleled, fought with that "weapon firmer set, and better than the bayonet. the bal- lot!" While the contest waged the battalions in the field rested on their arms-the Confederates hoping for a re- versal of Mr. Lincoln's policy-the Federals trusting in the patriotic North for a reindorsement of the administra- tion at Washington and a vote of confidence in the officers and soldiers of the republic who had by their heroism and sufferings brought victory to the flag on many bloody fields.
105
IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
At a meeting of citizens of Bridgeton great prepara- tions were made for the celebration of the Fourth of July. 1864. An elaborate program was mapped out, and the following gentlemen appointed a committee of arrange- ments : Joseph H. Elmer. Robert DuBois. James R. Hoag- land, Edmund R. Elmer, Eden M. Hood, Charles D. Bur- roughs, Providence Ludlam. Robert W. Elmer, Charles E. Mulford, Edwin Ware, Robert B. Potter.
The members of Company F. "Cumberland Greys," Third New Jersey, who had served three years, but did not re-enlist, had returned home a few days previous to the Fourth, so it was decided that in addition to the other pa- triotic exercises a reception and dinner should be given to the returned soldiers.
At sunrise on the morning of the Fourth the old cannon which had figured in so many previous celebrations was brought out and a National salute fired. The day was fair -the sun shone brightly-the sidewalks were packed with thousands of men, women and children. Farmers from the country districts came to town in large numbers to take part in the festivities. Business places and private resi- dences were gay with bunting. The old wooden bridge over the Cohansey River at Commerce Street, was beauti- fully decorated with evergreen. A triumphal arch erected above the roadway of the structure was adorned with flags and flowers, forming a beautiful design in the words "Wel- come Home."
At To o'clock a parade formed in front of the Davis House on Commerce Street, headed by Lewis H. Dowdney, marshal: James R. Hoagland and Samuel T. DuBois, as- sistant marshals. The Bridgeton Cornet Band and the Lanrel Hill Fife and Drum Corps furnished music, patriotic and inspiring. A remnant of the "Greys." two officers and twenty-eight muskets strong. occupied the place of honor in the procession, under command of Captain Charles F. Salkeld. The veterans marched splendidly to the great ad- miration of the vast crowds of onlookers. Preceding the "Greys" was an omnibus containing members of the com-
HISTORIC DAY'S
pany who were unable to march because of wounds and other disabilities.
Corporal John Royal. at the head of the veteran sol- diers, stood erect and manly, holding with a firm grip the beautiful silk colors which the ladies of Bridgeton had pre- sented to the "Greys" that bright May day in '61 the eve of their departure for the seat of war. John Royal was tlie senior color corporal of the gallant Third New Jersey. He had carried the regimental colors through many bloody engagements, and was a proud man that glorious Fourth of July, 1864, when the original flag of the "Cumberland Greys" was given to his hands. It was a splendid flag, bright with the tri-colors, glorious with its canopy of stars. On its broad stripes the names of the principal battles in which the company had been engaged from Bull Run to Cold Harbor were emblazoned in letters of shining gold. As the returned soldiers passed, the fair sex, of whom the local papers said there had never before been such a turn- out, waved their handkerchiefs in salute, while the citizens rent the air with round after round of cheers.
Appended is a list of the brave soldiers who partici- pated in the celebration and reception that day :
Charles F. Salkeld, captain ; former Lieutenant Samuel T. DuBois, then a captain; Joseph R. Woodruff, Michael H. Swing, James W. Murphy, Thomas M. Woodruff, James B. Woodruff, John Royal, Charles L. Davis, William H. Williams, Clarence J. Mulford, Jonathan H. Facemire, David W. Fry. Robert Glaspey, John C. Garrison, Horace E. Loper, Reuben Brooks, Charles T. Jordan, Davis B. Loder. Daniel R. Parvin, Alexander Sayre, Walter S. Wil- liams, Robert M. Vansant, Levi J. Harker, Furman Cam- bloss, Joab C. Lore. Daniel Doyle, David P. Clark, Charles McAllister, Henry Marts.
The following members of the "Greys" were not pres- ent at the reception because of their having re-enlisted for another term of three years. They served the country with great loyalty, returning after the surrender at Appomattox. in 1865:
(1titi)
MINE KUM, Ya. VOL. 28
SPOT/SYLVANIA CHNS May &CASHE TAVSRUEGA2ANA
-
FLAG OF THE " CUMBERLAND GREYS " Company F, Third New Jersey Regiment Inf. Vols. John Royal, Color Bearer 1-01-1-64 (167
HISTORIC DAYS
Bowman H. Buck, David B. Husted. Alexander M. Parvin. Joseph Clayton. William Painter, Adolph Bergen, Thomas Cottrell, William H. Nagle, Jonathan Fadely, Rich- ard C. Levick, Henry L. Seymour, Henry B. Stockton. The latter. Comrade Stockton, was killed in action near Spott- sylvania, Va., after re-enlistment.
Twelve members had been transferred to Hancock's Veteran Reserve Corps and to other regiments, in which they finished their three years' enlistment. Thirty-two mem- bers were discharged from service prior to the termination of their enlistment period, owing to wounds and disabilities. Seventeen members were killed on the field, and died of wounds and disease.
Captain James W. H. Stickney, who commanded the company at its organization in Bridgeton, was later pro- moted to the position of major, which he filled with distin- guished ability.
Magnificent record of a gallant hundred who, going at the first call of an imperiled country, rendered invalu- able service, to the great honor of the patriotic county of Cumberland.
As the veterans marched amid applause and cheers the vacant places in the depleted ranks of the splendid com- pany were more and more apparent. The erect forms of Randolph. Pew. Bacon, Clark, Crandol, Fogg, Jackson, Johnson, Keen. Nichols, Sheppard, Stockton, Thompson, Thornard. Tyler. Yearicks and Wolf, were not in the visible line. They had joined the invisible. The blood and tears of earthly suffering had been exchanged for the peace of that glorious land in the house not made with hands eternal in the heavens.
"Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight. Nor time's remorseless doom, Can dim one ray of holy light That gilds your glorious tomb."
At the Grove on West Commerce street the exercises were opened by an eloquent prayer from the lips of Rev.
(16%)
1
WAR TIME PICTURES-ING-16
Group Company F " Cumberland Greys " , Third N. J. Reg. Inf. Vols. Francis Albin Reuben Brooks Joab C. Lore
Bowman H. Buck
Levi J. Harker
William G. Howell
David B. Husted
Thomas P. Coles
11691
17C
HISTORIC DAYS
Henry M. Stuart, rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
ITon. John T. Nixon addressed the large assemblage which had gathered in his usual magnetic manner. The oration by Paul T. Jones was a masterpiece. He welcomed the braves to whom he had presented the flag in the early spring of '61. in one of the most patriotic, pathetic and eloquent speeches ever delivered in South Jersey. At one moment the eyes of his auditors would be dim with tears; at another the trees of the grove reverberated with the plaudits of his hearers, to whom he recounted the story of the heroic deeds of the veterans who had added new glory to the flag and the republican institutions which treason had sought to destroy.
Captain Charles F. Salkeld, of stalwart, soldierly ap- pearance, whose bravery had been tested on many hotly contested fields, whom the men loved as they loved their own souls, addressed the audience in an exhaustive and elo- quent review of the company's history as follows :
Fellowe Citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen :
"In the name and on the behalf of this organization, lately designated as Company F, Third New Jersey Regi- ment Volunteers, but more familiarly known to you as the 'Cumberland Greys,' I return you their sincere and heart- felt thanks for this welcome greeting, which you have this day extended them, upon their arrival among you after an absence of over three years at the seat of war, most of which time has been spent 'mid scenes of danger, toil, hardship and privation.
"Your efforts, ladies of the Aid Society, to conduce to our comfort, pleasure and gratification. upon this memorable occasion, previous to our departure from home, and during our absence, are deeply and thoroughly appreciated. and will ever be gratefully remembered and cherished by the recipi- ents ; never for an instant have the many favors so grate- fully bestowed upon us by you been forgotten, even amid scenes of the utmost peril. On the contrary, we know from our own observation that many an arm has been nerved to strike a heavier blow in defence of those rights and privi-
171
IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
leges bequested us by our ancestors and for which we have been battling when thoughts of home, friends and all those who were there laboring to minister to our comfort while in camp, upon the battlefield, or in the hospitals-would rise prominently before us.
"The soldier, when about to engage in a hand-to-hand conflict with the enemy, very naturally reverts his thoughts to scenes far distant, and very different from those by which he is at the moment surrounded, and as visions of the happy home, and the dear ones he has left behind, present them- selves before him, he is animated to more daring and valor- ous deeds, that he may perform his part in subduing the enemy, so that he may sooner be enabled to return to enjoy those benefits and blessings so dearly prized by him. While in active campaign he is peculiarly situated. His lot compels him for the time to withdraw himself from all gentle society. or from all that tends to refine or elevate him in the social scale. His constant and daily comrades are the rougher, sterner sex, therefore some degree of allowance should be made if his manners are not as cultivated or polished as some of the male devotees of fashion, who enamour cities and towns. His heart is warm, impulsive. generous and easily impressed by kindness: a letter, a gift. or a kind message makes a deep and sensible effect upon him, and if his emula- tion be excited and his ambition rewarded, he will smile at danger, and shrink from no foe.
"During the prevalence of this present unhappy Civil War the Federal soldier has established a reputation which is world-wide. No troops have ever been compelled to make greater sacrifices, undergo more severe and trying efforts. than those composing the rank and file of the Army of the Potomac. Yet they willingly, gladly, aye cheerfully sub- mit to all these discomforts, face danger and death in every form, for the preservation of our Union and Constitution. as they were handed down to them by their forefathers. You ladies have done much to ameliorate their condition, and you have a powerful influence, which. if rightly exer- cised. tends greatly towards developing those characteristics
HISTORK DAYS
which shoukl, and if you will but foster, cherish and assist to develop these traits, you will learn of still more glorious achievements being performed by our armies.
"All of us from the day of leaving this place, followed by your prayers and blessings, have been looking forward, eagerly and anxiously, to the time when we should be per- mitted, if spared, to return again to the county which sent us forth as her first representatives in the Army of our Na- tion. Many of us this day see our fond wishes consum- mated, but alas, these sable badges we see. remind us that our circle has been narrowed, and that death has been busy among us. We would that all our comrades, who, three years since, left their homes and friends to obey their coun- try's call. were with us to participate in the festivities of to-day, but an all-wise Providence has deemed proper that it should be otherwise, and while we have been preserved, we must not forget the fact that the remains of nearly a score of our former companions in arms lie mouldering near the banks of the Potomac, the Chickahominy, the James, the Antietam, the Rappahannock and the Po. The so-called sacred soil of Virginia should seem doubly sacred now by reason of the blood of our heroes, who rest in their silent graves beneath it.
"The record described on this banner will tell you how well, how nobly, those departed ones. as well as their sur- vivors, performed their obligations to their country; upon all those bloody fields have they faithfully defended the flag of their nation, never once allowing it to fall into the cnemy's hands. A sacred and important trust assigned to them, but one honestly and truly performed.
""Attired in these same soiled and tattered uniforms in which you behold them, with the others of their regiment. have they gallantly confronted their foes face to face, caus- ing them during the last three days even of their service to fly from their cold and glistening bayonets, and though the air was hot and thick with screaming shells, and whist- ling bullets, bravely did they ascend the heights of Cold Harbor, the enemy retreating from their steady firm ad-
(172)
WAR TIME PICTURES 1-01-1-64
Group Company F (" Cumberland Greys " , Third N. J. Reg. Ini. Vols. James B. Woodruff Joseph R. Woodruff William Mulford
James G. Westcott
Charles T. Jordan Clarence J. Mulford Aaron Allen
.173
17.4
HISTORIC DAYS
vance ; and in all the engagements now recorded as a portion of our national history have they courageously performed their part, as the transcripts of the company will readily show. The fields of Gaines' Hill. Bull Run, Fredericksburg Salem Heights, South Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg. Mine Run, Wilderness. Spottsylvania and others will attest to their coolness, bravery and intrepidity. Many of them bear about their persons the best and most convincing proofs confirming a soldier's undaunted courage, scars received in battle while in line of their duty. Proud, indeed. should you be, my comrades, of these wounds, those maimed, disfigured limbs ; you came by them honorably and risked your life for them, and they will be the boast and pride of your chil- dren and your children's children, in after years, when re- ferring to you, mentioning the services you rendered in endeavoring to suppress this gigantic rebellion. And it will be your own boast as time shall come upon you apace to exhibit those blemishes and relate portions of your own experience, which occurred while you were connected with the Army of the Potomac.
"It may not be inappropriate at this time to give a sum- mary of the history of this company from the date of its muster into the United States service, three years ago, to the present time. It left this place May 27th, 1861, fully officered and with ninety-eight enlisted men. Two other officers and four recruits were afterwards added. making the total number belonging to the company one hundred and seven : of that number, two officers have been promoted to other commands, two discharged and one mustered out with the company. Eighteen men have died and been killed in action, thirty-two have been discharged, the majority from wounds, the others from disability. Eighteen have been transferred, a portion to the Veteran Reserve Corps. others to the Navy, some to other regiments from New Jer- sey, by reason of re-enlistments. Four have been dropped from the company rolls as deserters, and thirty mustered out on account of expiration of their term of service. At Gaines' Hill, two years since. the company went into action
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.